Chapter 13: The Easiest Hello
You know I don't own RWBY.
(November 14, 2018)
I don't think I did any writing or Chapter updates this year. I mean, besides the last Chapter. I know I said that I would update this story later, but there are a couple of things I want to put into context. (Not that I don't think anybody cares at this point, but I feel I need to talk about it).
So for the longest time, I thought I needed additional characters for this story to be good or something. This was back when this story was initially published, and since then I've used ideas only to drag them out, and a lot of Chapters actually were written during a peak interest in something, so that doesn't really help the cohesion at all.
That being said, I will be canceling the SYOC stuff; however, for the individuals who have given me characters, I will implement them in the story, but probably as a one-off Chapter or something. I also need to update my other AN in my older Chapters to try and keep this up to date.
I'm sorry for breaking this promise, but I feel like I can improve the quality of the story the less characters I have to work with.
The other major thing that I wanted to address was RWBY and how this fic is affected.
Bear in mind that the ENDING OF VOLUME TWO was all I had to work with. Now we're on Volume Six. I do not know how much of that will be affecting this story, but it will have an impact nonetheless.
So I'm going to dedicate the next couple of Chapters to show a different perspective.
Why is it so difficult to find her? I need some help, but I can only find a few people. I frowned. She isn't going to be pleased, but taking a Maiden by myself will be suicide. Perhaps Junior can give me some information to possible candidates.
X-X-X
Hmm... not really a whole lot of interesting people here. Junior wasn't talking very much. Maybe I should just-
"I told you already I don't dance, but I will stay here longer if you want. I really don't care."
I glanced at a couple of young men around their late teens or early twenties sitting at the edge of the bar. One of them had rather long hair clearly excited while the other was dark-skinned and had curly hair. His disinterest present. The former then dashed up the stairs while the latter stayed behind. For what purpose was unknown. He didn't seem to notice me as he found a darker corner of the bar and just sat in the booth with his back towards me. His posture was lax, but for some reason he felt on alert. He also gave me a sense that he was different. I couldn't put my finger on it. It's better than nothing. He looks malleable. That means he can be useful. His friend not so much. I thought it would be amusing to sneak up on him, and as soon as the music died down, I made my move. He still hasn't registered my presence even though I was sitting nearby. Let's see what his reactions are like. I smiled.
"Seems to me like you're not enjoying yourself." He flinched at. As he made eye-contact with me, he paled. I frowned, but not so much that he could see it. Why such a look of dread? It's as if he knows of me. Something to reflect upon later. Walking towards him, "What is someone such as yourself doing in a place like this? You seem to be a little young to be here." As I was able to get a better look at him, the thing that stuck out to me most were his brown eyes. They were telling me that he was nervous, but – rather annoyingly - they were clearly hiding something.
"I was here working for my boss to deliver some packages. One of them happened to be given to Junior." he responded.
Odd. I don't think he's the criminal type. I don't want to be wrong about him "What about your friend?" I could see that he felt uneasy.
"He would help me carry them since I wasn't strong enough." he replied rather plainly. I decided to increase my teasing factor.
"You seem like you can carry your own weight for someone as young and handsome as you are." His face clearly reddened.
"I'm only 19 and I'm training to go to Beacon in a couple of years; and I'm not handsome."
He hasn't attended Beacon? At his age. He doesn't look like much of a fighter. I laughed. He looked at me with slight confusion, which made me laugh even more. "You are certainly an interesting individual. Why do you want to become a Huntsman?"
"I want to protect those I care about and to give hope to those who have none. If I can also become stronger as a result I will take it."
Ah, the answer that every bright-eyed child gives. Playing along would be my best option. "Your cause is understandable, but what about those who will take away what hope others have? What do you do about them?"
"I will give them a second chance at redemption." That got me to raise an eyebrow. "I believe everyone, no matter how evil they are or what they have done, is a good person from the day they are born. Those who become evil do so when an event occurs that changes how they view their beliefs. I want to give those who have done wrong a chance to make things right. If they refuse, then I will have no choice but to do everything in my power to stop them. My reasoning may seem childish, but I stand by them."
A rather naive mindset to be honest. Despite this, I needed some kind of progress to happen, and I didn't feel like searching for more pawns this week. Should I give him my number? I mean, the Scroll isn't technically mine, but perhaps I can start molding him as soon as possible. I looked him over one more time. Yes. As I pulled out my Scroll, I gestured him to do the same, much to his surprise. He rather hurriedly handed it to me as if to not make me made or something. I looked through his bio. Besides his rather unique name, everything else was standard. Strange that his Semblance isn't listed. I would have to ask him about it later. I placed my temporary number in his contacts before handing Opallios back his Scroll. His eyes followed me as I got up to leave. I decided to tease him one last time.
"You'll find my number in there. You decide what you want to do with it." I playfully winked at him and his jaw dropped. Oh yeah, he's my pawn.
I remembered the day he called me. I hammed it up and he sounded like a school boy over the phone. I even convinced him to meet at a cafe. He even showed up right on time. So punctually is a trait he has. I tried to have him start the conversation. He decided to look over the menu for a third time. Oh great he can't talk to me. He will get out of this state of mind whether he wants to or not. I stopped myself. Breathe. With people like him, you need to start slow. He somehow was still looking over the menu. Time to tease him.
"What's the matter? Tongue-tied?"
"Wha? N-No! I'm just lost in my thoughts." Oh you set yourself up for that.
"Are they about me?" His face turned red and I laughed. "You're so cute when you're flustered." His whole face was red.
"Very funny." He said with mock hurt, despite his smile. "You have a nice laugh."
Okay that's new. I decided to play the innocent schoolgirl card. "You think so?" He nodded. "T-Thanks." He was putty in my hands. We sat in silence. I needed to bring the subject to something. "You mentioned in the call that you wanted to talk?"
"Yeah." he said as while scratching the back of his head.
"About what?"
"Anything. Small talk, the deeper questions. Just anything."
What on Remnant does he mean by deeper questions? Is he even capable of that? Starting something simple should be fine.
"What do you think of the Grimm?" He looked at me blankly. I snapped my fingers to bring him back to reality.
"I'm sorry, what?" Seriously? What clogged up your mind so quickly? You should be asking that yourself.
"I asked you what do you think of the Grimm? Do you think they can be stopped?"
He was about to answer when his food arrived. He offered me half of his uneaten food, but I declined, albeit a bit rude since I wanted to get a move on.
He drank some water before speaking. "In answer to your question, I do not think it is possible to for the Grimm to be stopped."
Does he actually think that? "I'm surprised. You are the first person I have met who has gave me that answer." Technically that's not true, but there he doesn't need to know that. It is still an unheard of answer. He went into extreme detail about how he thinks the Grimm were an extension of humanity's negative emotions, how it can apply to Grimm development, and why he thinks they can't be stopped. He even talked about how he thought Dust could be a finite resource and how that affects Remnant. The way he talked about it seemed like he believed this for a while, it was actually really fascinating.
"In other words, I believe the Grimm will eventually have complete control over Remnant." He finally finished his thoughts.
We will. She will spare us. No, She won't. Where did that come from?
"So, you think we are fighting a hopeless battle? Then why do you think we try to become Huntsmen? Why do you want to become one?" I was invested in this discussion.
"I think we try to become Huntsmen in order to try and protect the people of this world. I wanted to become a Huntsman because I was unable to protect my family and my closest friends back home. I was able to come to Vale to see if I could protect others. I do not want what happened to me to happen to others, even if they don't deserve it. Everyone deserves a second chance."
"I see." Actually I don't, but he doesn't need to know that.
It seemed I was able to get through to him. Perhaps a little too much. At least he was filling in the blanks left by his Scroll. I sighed in relief. "Well then, you have given me something to think about Opallios."
"You can call me Opals if you want." He was interested in his feet at the moment.
Okay, that's actually cute. His soul will belong to Her.
"Well Opals like I said, I have something to think about. I appreciated this 'date'." I just love teasing him. "I think I really enjoy spending time with you." You will lose him.
"I enjoy your company as well." he paid for the food walked with me. I asked him if he needed to be somewhere, he said no and played it off as being chivalrous. Playing the innocent lover again, I locked my arm with his.
Wait, did he get taller? Why does his arm feel strong? It wasn't even that long ago! How has he changed this much!? I actually had to glance up at him, and yet he still gets red like a tomato. Has he really not been with a woman before? I smiled up at him. I eventually had to let him go, and he insisted that he goes the rest of the way with me. Only to blush a split second later.
"You are a very intriguing person Opals. I'm glad I met you." He seemed very confused at my statement.
"What could you possibly find intriguing in someone like me?"
Oh please tell me you're not going to be like that all of the time. Time to act. "Well: you make me laugh; you're smart; you have made me think of a life and other things differently; you're compassionate; considerate of others; and you're handsome. What isn't intriguing about you?" He mumbled something inaudible. "I can't imagine how a girl wouldn't fall for someone like you." He tried to see if I was lying, but I'm a very good liar. "I wouldn't mind being able to spend more time with you." So I can continue to mold you. He managed to respond that time. Time to start sealing the deal. I hugged him. I could practically feel the heat from his face. Oh this is too easy. "I hope I get to see you more often." I whispered rather suggestively in his ear before walking away having him basically wrapped around my finger. You won't keep him for long.
X-X-X
"I have a question, though. A hypothetical one" I asked him on what he called Valentine's Day.
"What is it?"
"Would you like it if we were boyfriend and girlfriend?" Face it. You can never love him. You gave up on love the moment you pledged your allegiance to Her.
X-X-X
It had been a while since I was in contact with Opallios. I wonder what She will think of him? I don't think he will cooperate, but he might not have a choice. He is a very sweet man. Wait! Why am I having those thoughts? I shook my head.
"He's just a pawn. Nothing more." Perhaps taking a shower will be clear my head.
I admit it did help. I looked at myself in the mirror, admiring myself. Most men would love to have a woman like me.
"No She won't. He will be by my side." What am I doing?
You know deep down you care about him. You are afraid of Her. Of what She will do to him. Of what She will do to you. She will take him away from you! You are Her pet! She won't let him near you.
I frowned. "What makes you so sure?"
Try all you might, you can't escape your bonds to Her. Only death awaits you if you betray Her. You have to make a choice. Him or Her.
"I will have him to myself!" I shouted. I blinked. My body trembled. I keep trying to tell you. You are afraid of losing him.
X-X-X
I think it'll be a good time to see how he fights. After arranging a meeting, he promised he would show up.
He caught me by surprise when he showed up out of nowhere. He still somehow landed between my breasts. Normally I would slit his throat for this, but I needed him alive. So I decided to tease him. He just eats that up. As I stood over him, he looked scared, but at the same time pleased. He seemed to get upset with himself as he mentioned something regarding time or whatever. I really didn't care. He still pulls surprises from nowhere as he not only wears a suit of armor, but isn't too bad with that crossbow of his. I don't know why he can't use a gun, but that didn't matter. His Semblance was also useful. The ability to completely counter against a fighting style is nothing to scoff at, unless you use multiple styles. The fact that he acknowledges it shows that he understands the limitations.
How many times do I have to tell you that you can't have him? He won't turn. You have to abuse his emotions. I don't know why this is so difficult for you.
"So what's the verdict?"
I must have spaced out. I told him that I believed he was telling the truth, but I reminded him to keep in contact with me. He made a suggestion to stay here for a while longer. I obliged. For a while, we didn't say anything. Just being with him, made me feel something I thought I buried long ago. Safety, like a genuine sense of peace.
He can't protect you. You can't even protect yourself.
I needed to block out these thoughts. I asked him why he chose to fight. His response was something I wouldn't have expected from anyone else but him. He talked about how he enjoyed the little things in life that people take for granted, and he finds it was those things worth protecting despite the dangers present. It was honestly really sweet. He seemed to like my eyes as well and mentioned something about the stars.
I felt a small poke in my sides, I opened my eyes to see his smiling face. What I would give to wake up and see that. To both of our surprise, I seemed to have fallen asleep. He offered to take me home after five more minutes. I wanted to savor this moment. He woke me up sometime later, and to my shock, carried me home. His short-ranged dashes felt like nothing as he held me in his arms. Time seemed to slow for me, and I finally gave in. This was something I could not deny any longer. I need someone like him. He will protect me. I need him. She will not take him from me. Before long we arrived at my temporary place of residence. When he landed, he winced, but he assured me he was okay. I had to make my choice between him or Her. I kissed him on the cheek and looked at his dumbfounded face. It was really something I needed. I closed the door behind him and locked it. I glanced out my window and just saw him disappear across the rooftops. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. My heart felt like it was going to burst. I remained steadfast in my decision.
Walking over to my sofa, the peace and quiet was a relief I desperately needed. It was nearly midnight, and I needed to rest. As I headed upstairs, I felt a chill go down my spine. I froze. No. Don't tell me.
I turned around, and a dark shadow loomed over me. I knew this feeling.
"You disappoint me, Cinder."
I needed to be strong, for Opals's sake and my own. "Salem."
"No longer referring to me by your titles? How interesting." I knew she wasn't actually here, but her presence was confirming my worst fears. "I have offered you power, influence, and yet, you set aside those for something so trivial as love?" She paused. "I was wondering why you were taking so long to do a simple recruiting mission, and now I know why. He is that important to you? It would be a shame if something were to happen to him."
"You will not touch him!" Salem tilted her head. "He is mine! I will not let you hurt him!"
Salem smiled, which wasn't very assuring. "Very well, I will make you a deal."
"What kind of deal could you possibly make?"
"A simple one. I will test the will of your 'lover'. If he passes, then I will leave you two alone. There are others who will follow my cause. You mention me to him before his test, and I will make sure you will remember why you should respect your elders."
I stood my ground. "What makes it so sure that you will keep your word?"
She scoffed. "Please, you have no idea as to how far my influence is. I would have killed him the moment he arrived. But, like you, I saw potential. One to be controlled. I've told you to never underestimate the power of allies. However, he is like most humans, tied to their beliefs and values and such."
"If you are so powerful, why not kill us?"
"I would rather watch you suffer slowly before I would kill you. It's more enjoyable that way. My offer stands. What will you do?"
"You already know my answer."
Salem smirked. "There was a reason as to why I picked you. It is a shame that I have to find a more suitable candidate. Remember this well, Cinder. He loses, you will pledge your full allegiance to me. I'll go easy on him." She dissipated.
I collapsed onto my knees. The feeling of warmth began to return to my body. I wanted to sit up, but my strength was failing.
"He has to make it. But there is a part of me that is afraid he will fail." I shook my head. "No, he will succeed. He is my ticket to happiness and peace." Wiping away my tears, I knew what I had to do in order to fully deal with this. It wasn't going to be easy, but I needed to do this. For the both of us.
(August 15th, 2019) Wow, it has been a long time. Sorry it has been so long. Had to finish up Community College and get ready for University. Also my 600+ Hours of Warframe on my Nintendo Switch PROBABLY has something to do with my lack of uploads.
There are a couple things I wanted to say. First and foremost, as I mentioned before I will be attending university. This will be in about a week at the time of writing this ending A/N; and I don't know if I can upload stuff.
Second, there are over 100 people following this story! That is insane! I am someone who isn't really confident in what I make. This tells me that over 100 of you decided to not only read my story out of the literal thousands that are out there, with my story not even being something original, and decided to stick around. That, to me, means that I have done something right. That there are people who care about what I write on this site. I am seriously reduced to tears every time I see that. So thank you all for showing your support.
As far as what I will be uploading next, I want to finish up this arc before attending to my other stories. I will try to not have the gap between Chapters be this long.
Thank you all so much for your patience throughout this story written by an ADD introverted, self-loathing, young man.
This has been TheTriforceofAwesomeness, and I will see you guys next time.
Peace!
