Chapter 38: Misguided Ghosts
"We are just misguided ghosts, travelling endlessly..."
Someone else was in the infirmary.
No, seriously.
Nex took a long drag, clicking his tongue at the familiar chill. The whiff of alcohol wrinkled his nose. No surprise there.
And then the rest came.
Flowers, baby blue, and some sort of coffee coupled with steamed meat. And sweet, sugary Valean bagels. Definitely those. Huh. His partner was here, while the rest of his team was missing, judging by the absence of their heartbeats in the room. They were probably still asleep.
"I know you're awake, sleepyhead," Weiss said, giggling as something thumped over wood. She probably placed the tray of food on the cabinet. "You're not that good at pretending to be asleep."
Ugh. Sleep. Class.
Need she remind him?
The only consolation he had was the fact that the week was the semester's last. One last hurrah before the glorious break. And here he was, in a bed, nursing a set of barbecued lungs and a bad case of sunburn. But still, it was effectively legalized cutting of classes. Probably the best thing in Beacon since government-sponsored fees and free food slash lodging.
"Zzzzzzz..." Nex said, rolling his eyes. His lids were still closed, but it was the thought that counted. "Zzzzz... I'm totally asleep, Miss Schnee... Zzzzzzz..."
Weiss hummed, the grin on her face definitely audible. "I see. Then you wouldn't object if I do this."
Something pressed into the foam, sinking one side of the bed. Warmth loomed over his chest, strands of what was probably vanilla-scented hair tickling his nose. Something familiar and silken-smooth locked with his lips. Heat pooled over his stomach. Just like their first time and the dozen times after.
She was kissing him.
Here in the infirmary. Alone while the nurse was probably off somewhere else.
Oh, what the hell, right?
Something about the situation strummed all the right chords. His brain was definitely melting into a puddle of goo, even as he licked her upper lip. Begging for entrance with no ID. She shivered and grabbed his arm, even as she nibbled on his lower lip. The floodgates opened. His tongue burst into the dam, twisting around hers. It was wet and warm and moist, her teeth hard, especially since she just so happened to taste like salt and butter.
Valean bagels. Or was it croissants?
Evidently, someone got an early bite.
Weiss huffed, her hot breath stroking his chin. "We shouldn't be doing this, Mr Shade. It's inappropriate."
Nex smirked, peering through half-opened lids. "Then I guess I should wake up. Before you do something even more inappropriate."
Weiss pulled away, plopping down beside him. "It's before we do something even more inappropriate."
Admittedly, she had a point. It took two people to share a kiss. Among other things. But then again, he was just an innocent, injured huntsman lying on a bed. There was no way even Pareidolia could have predicted a huntress would assault him. While he was oh-so helpless and vulnerable. A terrible tragedy, one fit to be chronicled in a book somewhere. Probably one entitled The Adventures of Miss Schnee and Mr Shade.
Or maybe even Artificer.
But, well, that one was already half-taken.
"Nope. I was asleep," Nex said, humming. "It's all on you, Miss Schnee."
Weiss smiled, her ponytail brushing his arm. "Whatever makes you sleep better, Mr Shade."
His partner was already dressed in her school uniform. Probably because it was a school day. A Monday, to be exact. Not that Grimm Studies and Dust Theory would be missed. It was easy enough to figure out the latter. Hrunting and Vigilance was already an application of everything on the course outline, and much, much more.
Grimm Studies could go fuck itself. Professor Poop handed out homework, but he never collected. A waste of time. Come to think of it, their teacher never did give exams.
How exactly was Professor Poop going to grade them?
"Care to open your mouth?" Weiss said, a spoon trapped between her index and her thumb. Soup, probably. Chicken, judging from the scent. "You're not seriously going back to sleep, are you?"
Nex blinked, snapping his lids open. "Nope. Just a bit tired."
The spoon slipped into his mouth, the broth actually chicken. No surprise there.
Weiss shovelled more soup into him—a vacuum cleaner on hunger strike. The bagels followed, gone in an instant. By the end of it all, he was ready to go back to sleep. But it was doubtful his current nurse would allow him.
Nurse Weiss, even.
Huh.
That was a nice thought. He should totally get injured more often.
"Why did you do it?" Weiss said, placing the spoon back on the tray. A grey one. It probably came straight from the cafeteria. "You didn't have to do it."
Why was she even asking?
Weiss Schnee did not have as much aura as him. Not since their first match and the dozen times after and certainly not now. That shot would have cremated her alive. Turned her into ashes. And he would have lost yet again—just like his mom.
The answer was obvious, as irrational as it was.
"I guess you're the gift that keeps on giving," Nex said, staring into the pale blue. She was the ocean, while he was the boat, buoyed by the tides of fate. "Please. Don't make me continue this speech."
Weiss chuckled, her fingers brushing his wrist—the one with a lot of needles. "I was scared, you know."
"Don't be," Nex said, smiling. "I'm not going anywhere."
Not even all his skeletons could have dragged him away from her.
The Artificer managed to stay anonymous for years.
Surely, it could stay like it always did.
Weiss breathed a sigh, her shoulders sagging. "You can't see the future. Anyone can die in our line of work."
Finally. His partner said it.
But still, he should have been the one saying that. Somewhere along the line, she must have learned to say it as well. If only they could stay like they were. Just two students, arguing about studying or some other shit—the simple, golden days.
"I want you to promise me something," Weiss said, frowning. "You're not allowed to refuse."
Whatever it was, it must have been serious. There was that look in her eyes.
Weiss Schnee. A huntress on a mission.
"What?" Nex said, quirking an eyebrow. "This isn't about—"
Her index pressed on his lips, her trimmed nail poking the tip of his nose.
"Promise me," Weiss said, lifting her finger. "If it comes down to a choice between us, you'll choose yourself."
And were those words not familiar?
His mother asked the same thing, a long time ago. It was derivative. But the meaning still held. Survival. The centerpiece of his life ever since Amariss Shade passed away. Perhaps it was her legacy. Or maybe not.
Surely, his mother must have had a greater purpose.
And... maybe, just maybe—his mother's purpose was already right in front of him.
Staring at him with pale blue eyes.
There was probably a reason why Qrow Branwen was the only one who came back from their last mission.
Whatever that mission really was.
"I can't promise that," Nex said, clicking his tongue. Not anymore. "Forgive me if I refuse you, Miss Schnee."
Weiss scowled. "This isn't a joke."
Nex grinned. "I'm not joking. At least, not this time. What brought this on, anyway?"
What happened to her?
Where was the stubborn, idealistic woman who insisted on risking their lives just to save some people she barely even knew?
Students who gossiped at her back, mocking the ice queen and the heiress while she ate and studied alone. The woman who just so happened to be his partner. Alone in the world while she sang for thousands of people. Anthems of her isolation and loneliness. Mirror Mirror was a bit on the nose, but Weiss Schnee was never really the type for convoluted, philosophical metaphors, or even puns.
"Last time it was Ruby," Weiss said, squeezing his hand. "And this time, it's you."
Well, Ruby Rose did do something similar. Only it was a jar of sap instead of a stray bullhead.
"Well, what can I say?" Nex said, chuckling, even as the needles pricked his throat. "I guess we both have a flair for the dramatic."
Weiss rolled her eyes, even as she smiled and brushed his wrist. "There's no convincing you, is there?"
Nex grinned. "Nope. You'll have to make do with your stupid, stupid dolt, Miss Schnee."
Stupid was something his brain agreed with. It was irrational. Even Pareidolia was chiming in. His own semblance kicking him in the nuts every time he opened his mouth.
Nexus Shade was an edge lord, an anonymous thief, and an analyst. A damn good one. Pareidolia reflected that. His brain reflected that. Down to his thoughts, even. He was most definitely not a psychiatrist, or even a sterling paragon of virtue.
"Then I guess I just have to become even stronger," Weiss said, flashing him a smile. "Powerful enough to protect everyone around me."
Nope. Power meant nothing if her opponent simply shot her in the back. The way Roman Torchwick did. It was shameful. Cowardly, even. But he would have definitely done the same if he was in his fellow thief's shoes.
"That's not your problem," Nex said, coughing. "You need more awareness."
Battlefield awareness did not happen in a single day, after all. There was a stark difference between pointless spars in the ring and fights with actual stakes. The first one elicited a yawn, while the second one sent the red pumping. But then again, he probably saw too much of the second one already.
"I am aware. If I was powerful enough to defeat dozens at once," Weiss whispered, "then I couldn't have been blindsided. You wouldn't be hurt."
Admittedly, she had a point. Her glyphs were powerful, but being overwhelmed was still a very real possibility. Especially since she was also protecting Blake—stuck halfway between defense and offense. And despite the fact that the White Fang goons were probably green, bullets were still an excellent equalizer. Numbers and explosions, even more so.
"I guess you're right," Nex said. No point in arguing with her. "And I definitely have to step up my game."
If he was going to throw around his shield, then he might as well go all the way. His brain spat out a lot of ideas. Some more upgrades to his weapon—preferably his shield.
Time to flex the old, engineering muscles. It had been months since he last touched something mechanical. Well, school was making him busy. Beacon was the real shit, even if it had teachers like Professor Poop.
"Oh?" Weiss said, leaning against his arm. Her breath stroked his nose. Definitely coffee and croissants. "Your game, Mr Shade?"
Nex smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Worried, Miss Schnee?"
"Should I be?" Weiss said, her eyes peering into his. A huntress marking her territory. Or even their territory. "You're my stupid dolt."
"Nope. You're my Weiss-angel," Nex said, meeting her eyes. It was probably corny. But still, it was the thought that counted. "Or something."
Weiss smirked, her nose poking his. "Corny. But oh well. If it's from you, then I guess I can live with it."
Great.
She leaned down, pecking his lips.
"I have to go," Weiss said, squeezing his hand. She pulled away. The air-conditioned breeze sent pinpricks through his palm. "See you at lunch?"
Nex quirked an eyebrow. "Lunch? I can eat on my own, you know."
Considering that Beacon had its own nurse, he could probably make do without Nurse Weiss. Not that it was unappreciated. No. Of course not. If she wanted to, then far be it from him to stop her.
"I'd be a bad girlfriend if I neglected my boyfriend," Weiss said, winking. She beamed and parked a hand on her waist. "Right, Mr Shade?"
Then she was gone.
And he was alone.
Nex stared at the white-washed ceiling, fiddling with the wires in his wrist. He wanted to stand up, but the damn catheter would have definitely ripped.
It was probably the first time he landed in a hospital bed. Or at least, a proper one. Nursing his injuries alone in the darkness of his flat was gruelling, but it was definitely useful in learning first aid. But still, this was definitely the first time he was injured for someone else.
Purposely, even.
Oh well, oh well.
His lids drifted shut. He shuddered, salt stinging the corners of his eyes. Two trails of warmth dripped down his clammy cheeks.
Was he really crying?
Fuck.
No.
No.
Nexus Shade did not cry.
He was an edge lord.
Not a frail, squishy person.
Or at least, in theory, as darkness swam and drowned the world.
When sleep came, so did the fires of ancient cosmic destiny.
Sulphur razed his lips, ash and dust squeezing his lungs—some sort of hellish mixture straight out of Atlas Primary's lab. Amber eyes blinked, flirting with the darkness. The red eyes followed. Feathers burst into black. A maelstrom surged—storm, earth, and fire gnashing against the walls.
The walls. Familiar. Towering. Stark white against shadowy black, bracing against a tide of blood and ink.
Wet hitched in his throat. Red. Fingers groped at his neck, the cloying warmth stuck. Flushed hot. Drowning. Drowning in slow motion as jaws of fire swallowed the beating sky.
A familiar, pale-skinned girl stood before the tower, her eyes bleeding crimson. She brandished a sword and a staff, raising them against the tide and the river's end. Her tattered, white cloak blew in the darkness. The wind and the storm howled, golden vines twisting around her bloodstained arms.
The girl under the white hood growled. Her eyes blazed silver, blood and ink parting before thunder and ice—
"Nex," Blake said. Dub dub dub dub. Her heartbeat stood where his partner had been. Probably a few hours ago. "I'm sorry."
Nex snapped his lids open. That damn girl again, coupled with inconsistent sensations and images. Curse his overactive imagination. "For what?"
"This," Blake said, frowning. She was still dressed in her uniform. "All this."
Tactical retreats had their uses. But still, the ghost-ninja had a point. If they talked it out, then he could be attending classes.
Oh, wait.
It was actually a good thing then.
Well, relatively.
"It's fine," Nex said. He grinned. "At least I won't be attending more classes."
Blake chuckled, shaking her head. "You're a really positive person."
Positive?
Wow.
Truly, the ghost-ninja saw things very differently.
What was it about people mistaking him for someone else?
Ironwood and Weiss, saying he was talented. And now Blake, saying he was positive.
If only they knew better.
"Nope. Not really," Nex said, shifting on his pillow. "But it's great you invent whatever qualities I lack."
Certainly more than what he could invent himself.
"I'm serious. You always have something to lighten the air," Blake said, plopping down on one of the chairs. The ones reserved for whoever visited him, right beside his bed. "How did you..."
The ghost-ninja paused, amber eyes fixed on his wrist.
"What?" Nex said, quirking an eyebrow. "I can't read minds, Blake. You gotta speak up."
"How'd you end up together?" Blake said. "You don't hide it. She'd have known."
The ghost-ninja was definitely referring to his extra pair of ears. Well, Weiss did say something about them.
What was it again?
Right. Something about being more musically-inclined because of having two pairs of ears. Well, maybe there was an inkling of truth to it.
"I guess we're both loners," Nex said. Then they found each other. "Why do you hide yours then?"
Blake pressed her hands, taut over her skirted lap. "Why else?"
Why else, indeed. But there were other ways. One could not hide from themselves, after all.
"You want to be seen as who you are," Nex said. "Not as your extra pair of ears."
Blake nodded, her bow twitching. "Somehow, I knew you'd understand. Even if you think the White Fang is stupid."
To be fair, stupidity was relative. Somehow. It definitely was.
Right?
Shit.
Screw it.
"It kinda is. Come on, Blake," Nex said, heaving a sigh. "You left the White Fang for a reason."
Blake nodded, heaving a sigh of her own. "I can't agree with that."
"Can't?" Nex said. "So you just left?"
Blake scowled, her fingers crumpling her skirt. "They're just misguided."
Nex rolled his eyes. "Then un-misguide them."
"I can't," Blake said, her lips tightening. "I'm done."
The ghost-ninja was done. Just like he was with his father.
Well, maybe Qrow Branwen was misguided too?
Nope. Fat chance. Ten years was an awful long time to be misguided.
Was it really that hard to write a letter?
Or even send a message through the fucking scroll?
Ugh.
But there really was no point in thinking about any of it.
Again.
"Then make a choice," Nex said, sighing at the white-washed ceiling. "In binary, it's either a one or a zero. Is or isn't, B. Don't half-ass it."
The him about a year ago would be laughing in his face.
Don't half-ass it?
Great job, Nex.
Good job at being a huge, fucking hypocrite.
"Guys! We brought lunch!"
Ruby sprinted through the doorway, carrying two wooden baskets, one in each hand. Evidently, the cafeteria gave them takeout. Again.
Weiss strolled in, smiling as Ruby's hood fluttered right in her face.
The nurse should have scolded the silver-eyed girl. But then again, maybe the guy was off on his lunch break too.
Artificer Book 1: Ghosts [END]