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I cradled my head in my nice warm human hand as the headache grew, "Watts. I do not think you're my father."
"Not from what I heard." I hated it when he was like this, all smug knowing something I didn't.
"Well."
"Well what?" I rolled my eye as he raised his mustache.
"Why would I think of you as a father figure?"
"Isn't it obvious," He was a genius, didn't mean he was capable of understanding people, "From what I could gather from Qrow-"
"Who I never had a full conversation with," I cut in, determined to tear down his whole thought process, or I could just push him off the roof.
"Pyrrha, the ghost in your head directly linked to your emotions and thoughts, said you think of me the same way she thought of her father." I closed my eye as I knew this was a stupid conversation. I don't remember if Pyrrha said that, but it wouldn't be out of character for us to spill each other's secrets. However-
"Watts, you realize I think of you as a male role model that taught me things a father would because the only other options were a man I turned into a corpse, a twelve foot tall man who I can't hold a conversation with, and worst of all Tyrian. All you did was teach me to shave," I kept moving in closer every time I listed something until I got within an inch of his mustache.
"Preposterous... you don't even shave your mus-"
"My legs, Watts." He rubbed the back of his neck as he thought it over. I would never let him forget this. He really placed himself into a spot that would make great blackmail later.
"Then I was mistaken," I could tell he was gritting his teeth behind that mustache in embarrassment. But it brought endless joy to my emotionless state... Which brings me to my next thought.
"Now this tendril-"
"I can't remove it without killing you," he already answered it without me having to ask the question, "I'm sure Salem planted it there to keep you in line."
"So she controls my emotional state, and on a whim I could go into a frenzy of loving pop music and bubblegum." That was something to think about. And something I hoped never happened.
"She has control over your emotions, not your thoughts." That was a plus. I could still control my thoughts, but thoughts are fed by emotions. I wouldn't be able to think properly or just as likely I would think too properly without them.
"So I please her and I get my emotions back. Great deal," I glared at him as I pushed us apart. There was a stake I hadn't even considered. What if I failed now? She'd probably kill me so then there would be nothing to worry about forever after that. Watts just stood there not speaking clearly wanting me to get all my thoughts out into the open.
"Then we continue with the plan… Watts, where is the Winter Maiden?"
"No clue." No, that would be too easy.
"You don't know where Penny is? I thought you had control of her."
"I said I had Penny under control. Not that I could telepathically force her to do whatever I want." He twirled his hand next to his head as he said that.
"Well I'm about to telepathically throw you off the roof if you don't come up with something soon!" Oh look she left rage unlocked! This will be useful.
"Oh yes, because I have to come up with a solution to everything! It wouldn't hurt for the rest of you ingrates to actually do something for once!" Why was he so intent on pushing my buttons?
"Hey, don't talk to your daughter like that!"
"Would you stop that! All I've done since Salem hired me was put out one fire after another, literally in plenty of your cases!" He was determined to get at me now. How many fires had I started in his lab? How many times did he use me for his own gain? Why was he the only one of them I can talk to?
"You act like I never helped you! Remember all those failed experiments? Like the Faunus hybrids or the clockwork soldiers!? Every time one of the test subjects broke out of your lab it was up to me to put them down, right before I would take the fall for their escape!" I grinned as I had him.
"Oh all the experiments that Salem had me create, to test your strength, escaped? Color me surprised."
"N-No... we spent weeks working on th-"
"Yes, and wasn't it convenient that you were able to perform recon on the enemies you would soon be pitted against? Face it, she wanted you trained like a dog," there was no anger or hate in his eyes, just a clear apathy for my existence, "I was just the one feeding you treats."
Of course he wasn't my friend. I could already fight when Tyrian abducted me, but I lacked the intelligence needed for any of the finer plans. Salem just threw me at one of the most intelligent men in the world to see if I could chip some of the paint off his intelligence to take with me. There was no emotion behind it... and Watts knew that. I am sick and tired of being used by them! But I couldn't help being distracted as the assault on Monstra began. Salem made it break through the hard light barrier while I was rescuing Watts and Atlas had decided that they wanted to waste time now on attacking it.
"I guess you are nothing more than my trainer... and I nothing more than a dog. But what dog can't help but love it's master?" I didn't meet his eyes as I moved away from him. I walked over to a ledge to jump but when my body refused I sat down letting my legs dangle. What was I doing with my life? Was I just some lap dog for Salem? Was that what Ozpin wanted for Pyrrha? Was there any point to my suffering? Would I die if I jumped off this roof? Would anyone mourn me if I did?
I can't even cry.
Watts and I always had this contentious relationship but there was a respect underneath it. Well at least from my side... I doubt he respects me. He always jabbed at me calling me a failure, or how I was a screw up. I guess that was just his pride as a trainer getting to him as his pet hadn't performed to his standard. I didn't dare look back. I guess I got my pride from him as well...
Although I think for once he was speechless, or he was just too busy working to care what I thought. That was all that mattered to him. His work... and how it was stolen away from him by Ironwood. I always wondered what that work was. I knew it was important, but I guess I just never asked for any of the details. I should probably let him ramble about it... that will get his spirits up. I'm sure he'd like to take everything apart just to see how it ticks.
Then it started to snow. It never snowed in Atlas. The shield around it made sure of that...
"The environment controls must have gone offline when the attack started," Watts mused to himself, it always seemed he knew what was going on, "The temperature is going to keep dropping."
Now he's going to ask for me to create a fire for him. Always a pansy. Well he did grow up in lux- He placed his coat on my shoulders. Why? I could create an endless amount of flames. I could, given the motivation and chance, burn this entire kingdom down. I turned back to him expecting to see the shivering form of a man too far out of his element. But he was just prying a panel off of the central heating vent for himself. More like he was trying to pry it off, he wasn't getting very far. More noodle than man.
"Heh heheheh," I let out a gentle chuckle, barely drawing his attention.
"Not all of us are graced with magical powers, Cinder. Some of us have to do things the hard way."
"And the coat?" I quirked my eyebrow as he remained focused on the heater.
"It's wool, I'd rather not get it dirty." It was a nice coat... I always tried to stitch one like it for him. Yet every time I tried it kept coming out wrong and now it has just been collecting dust for years at this point. He always had to do things alone. I always had to...
"Watts?"
"If you want another lecture, save it for another time. I'd rather spend my time trying not to freeze."
"Why do you hate Atlas? And Ironwood?" He stopped. After a few seconds he breathed out and simply shook his head.
"When it came down to it he refused my genius and chose that fat-imbecile's invention over mine." He was talking about Penny's father. I hope he realized that he was talking about Penny. She was a technological marvel for sure, being nearly human in every way; even mimicking a soul close enough that it was irrelevant whether it was real or fake. I doubt he'd like the comparison.
"I mean she is impressive... but you created so much-"
"That wasn't enough!" He was shouting, he always said only savages shouted, "He wanted newer and better inventions constantly. And when Pietro presented that macabre aura siphon I never got another chance to prove how much more valuable I was! James just became obsessed with creating the perfect robot soldier."
"Aura siphon-"
"Yes. His greatest invention wasn't that machine; she was just parts hastily thrown together. No, it was the ability to give her aura that got him credit." That made sense, her soul is what sets her apart from the rest of the machines, "You should have seen the number of test subjects they sucked the life out of before he perfected it."
"Wait, what?"
"You didn't really think they got it in one did you? No. Ironwood's killing machine was just the first stable one they were able to make. I'm convinced the only reason they haven't begun to mass produce her is because they are too worried about the number of souls they would be burning through finding people compatible of donating 'stable aura'." That was disconcerting… I needed to console him.
"You can't beat yourself up for loosing against that-"
"I'm not. I'm angry they wasted so much time on that vanity project when mine was a much better alternative!" Oh this can't be good. Yet he didn't continue... maybe he realized they were both evil geniuses. Or maybe he wanted to make sure I was following along.
"What kind of alternative?"
"I proposed a mandatory augmentation of the human military forces," Oh gods, "Instead of wasting the souls of men to build machines, we should have used machines to build better men! I was going to create the next army of clockwork soldiers powered by humans!"
"That's a bit-"
"Extreme? Yes, it was entirely. But Ironwood wasn't against the idea of rebuilding his men into machines, he was against the idea that we would hard-wire their minds into the Paladin control system." And there it was. The reason it was shot down. I wanted to shake my head but I'm sure he would be offended if I did.
"I'm sure you would have succeeded, but then again I'm glad you didn't-"
"Oh I succeeded, the prototype I created was a resounding success... although Ironwood disapproved of her... alcoholism." What was he talking about? Did he come up with a way to manufacture Qrow on demand?
"You turned a person into a machine and you were surprised when she didn't want to live anymore? Watts I'm surprised you didn't realize that would happen."
"No, she was an alcoholic long before the surgery. Something about the horrors of war. Either way she out performed nearly all of the huntsmen and huntresses in every category. And she was only a soldier." What the hell did Watts create? Plus only a soldier was cutting it the wrong way.
"So let me get this straight- You managed to create a system that would produce warriors better than fully trained huntsmen and huntresses, and you were hurt that they chose to keep that industry alive while building experimental, possibly immortal robots?" Summing up his entire speech was getting far past the point but I felt it necessary.
"That is a fair summation of events, yes." I wasn't even angry, that was just impressive. He had managed something that so many wanted. The only question begged to be asked was the one ringing in my ears.
"And the prototype?"
"What about her?"
"I assume she went mad and went on a rampage in that hulking body of hers."
"No, she was just a prototype. I never got to the stage where I would put them in paladins. To my knowledge after my 'accident' they shelved her. Give me enough time and I'm sure I could track her down. Though I'm not sure how she would react to being reactivated after a decade." Watts was truly the arsenic of Remnant. Sure he was useful but leave him alone and he'd kill a small town over the course of several weeks. But with enough time we were both cheered up enough to look at each other again.
We may not be friends but we certainly weren't enemies. It was nice enough... But we would eventually need to get back to work. I shook my head before I asked the damning question.
"If you can't control Penny, then how is she under control?" He sighed as he put his head in his hands.
"I implanted a virus in her, you dimwit. She's on a set path now. At least she should be. As much I hate to admit it, there seems to be some part of her capable of resisting. Regardless, it's only the matter of time before her mechanical body succumbs to the virus. She'll open the vault, then she'll destroy herself and our little Penny problem will be done."
"Watts! Do you know what you've done!" No she couldn't! I can't let my friend die! Not again... who was I kidding. She wasn't my friend and if I tried to help them then I'm sure they'd attack me on sight. I may as well claim the maiden power before she croaks... maybe I can get her soul in the transfer as well. Though I may not be able to support three, "I can't claim her power if she's dead!"
"You know it's impressive that you haven't realized this yet but I don't work for you." I shot up as I narrowed my eye. I could kill him. I wanted to. I could pick him up and throw him off the roof like he was nothing... But then I'd be alone and he'd be unable to help me. He was one of the most intelligent men in the world, surely he'd be able to stop her...
"But you're smart enough to take her apart and get me to her soul right?" He recoiled as I said that.
"Possibly. But that would require us to find her first." I had that part covered.
"If I know her, and I'm sure I learned plenty about them in my time as their pet, then she'll seek out her friends." It was an obvious answer.
"Yes, but can you find them?"
"Of course, they'll be in the only safe place left in Atlas." He arched his eyebrows as he didn't know where I was leading him. But if I was right they were going to be at Schnee manor. But his question was wrong. It wasn't could I find them, it was could I face them?
I don't know if I was right but Schnee manor looked deserted. That was fine by me. It made it easier to sneak through the halls even in half a suit of armor. Though I had no idea if they were even here, or if this mansion was large enough to hide them. I would retrieve Penny and take her to where I told Watts to wait. Told is a strong word.
But as I skulked through the icy halls I couldn't help but understand Weiss. It was frigid in here and I doubt it was because the power went out. And it felt more like the glass unicorn than I'd like to admit. All devoid of life and love. Sure there were pictures of the family all over but none of them really said 'happy' more 'forced to sit here for this.' She was rich but alone...
Were all the elite like this? Watts was one of them and I've never so much as heard of a family in the past. Granted that is probably because he's an arrogant jerk but still not so much as a whisper about parents or cousins in Mantle. It seemed like every important person to Atlas came from somewhere else. Hell the only thing I knew for sure was that Ironwood came from parts unknown, went to Beacon and claimed a high ranking position in the military before he was made Headmaster by Ozpin. He wasn't a born aristocrat and had to learn how to maneuver that landscape in the process. But Weiss was raised in it.
Was this really the privileged upbringing I thought it was? She had complained once that she had feared her life would be claimed by the White Fang to prove a point. I don't doubt that Adam would relish the chance and idea... but that doesn't mean all Faunus were bad. I mean Blake proved that theory wrong. And she seems like less an outlier than Adam. Which begged the question- what was their relationship?
I knew they had one in the past but now Adam wanted Blake dead and she didn't think about him at all. Was that the proper way to live? Don't worry about the people that want to end yours, just focus on the people that want to be in it. Blake was doing that in spades, her and Yang were circling each other like sharks. It was like they were unsure of which of them would make the first move. Even if Blondie was a terrible flirt I knew Feral-Dumpster-Cat was going to be the one that made the real first move. But I'm sure Yang wasn't going to turn her down, she didn't have the luxury.
From what I could tell Yang's mother abandoned her and she's been hurt by it ever since. She's terrified that people will leave her behind... I would be too if everyone I ever cared about left me after I lost an arm. Yang has to keep pushing herself forward for fear of being left behind again. And sure it's worked so far but the heart can only take so much and unless she faces that then she's going to crack... just like me. It may take a lot longer than me if that sister of hers sticks around...
I tried and I tried to hate her but after so long I can't feel anything but numb when I thought of Ruby. Sure her speeches were long winded and a bit melodramatic but she made up for it in heart... I think. It just seems like every time she got in my way it was because she was the only one that actually cared. Back at Beacon she was the only one to climb that tower, at Haven she was the first one I tried to take out and she still managed to get up and annoy me. She wasn't trying to be a hero, she was just trying to do what she could... That was all Ruby knew, where it was inspiring others or helping people that needed it she wouldn't even hesitate to give it her all. That was what drew people to her. That is what drew Jaune...
Pyrrha loved him and Jaune loved her, but I was stuck awkwardly in the middle as they did all the things I told them not to. He was kind, compassionate and most of all willing to sacrifice himself for his friends... Though that may have been a bad thing in some eyes, I just hope he was willing to live for them. Yet he was all of those things to me as well, sure it may have taken him some time to acknowledge me but when he finally did I wasn't the evil witch that killed his first girlfriend, I was Cinder. The damaged girl in desperate need of an ounce of love. He gave it too, sure he mostly liked Pyrrha but it was like he was actively trying to make an effort not to alienate me. I may not have been part of their intimate moments, preferring to hide in the back of my head for those, but after... oh I craved the after part. Because it was all about warmth, just sitting there in each other's arms feeling comfortable if a little sticky.
I ruined that.
All for power.
Was it worth it?
Was it worth deep frying Oscar to gain a little more power?
Or should I have given up on that entirely and let myself live Pyrrha's life?
Could I truly call it my life? No, I would be forced to act in a way I detested. I mean sitting with them on the train? Helping children that aren't mine crossing the road? Or an orphan that needed to be taken back to her family? I didn't enjoy any of those things... They were all just events that happened that I was forced to be a part of because Pyrrha would have been mad otherwise. So I forced myself to feel all warm and fuzzy inside because she would cause trouble for me otherwise. That was the only reason. It wasn't because I desperately craved it more than I ever craved power. It was just so filling.
But getting this power would surely fill that void as well. I mean it had before, when I got the fall maiden power... hadn't it? I had felt full for the first time in a while, right? It wasn't that I immediately felt empty again after that, right? I had succeeded and for once I relished my victory. I had won and in that victory was a moment of relief... but it was just a moment wasn't it?
Surely Pyrrha had the same feelings, when she won her petty little tournaments. She had to have felt like she was on top of the world, where everything was brighter and she was the queen. That was it wasn't it. She did all that to feel like a champion, like a winner who had done whatever it took to achieve victory. It was the thrill of being better than someone it had to be. She had to feel the most alive when she was on top! I knew that wasn't the truth. Sure the first time she won there was pride, but the second? The third? Not so much. Why? She had it all! Money! Power! Loyal followers! Everything!
Why did I feel just like her right now? Why was she still infecting my mind? I had suppressed her and she was still chipping away at my psyche. It was like I was a toy for everyone that found me and I. HATE. IT. Was everything I ever did my own action or was someone acting as puppet master over my shoulder? I don't know anymore.
How long had I been staring at this painting of Weiss? I checked over my shoulders hoping that no one saw anything. Luckily the coast was clear as the staff was either dead or gone. I cared little... if I was wrong about this the worst thing I can do is crash in one of the beds for the night. Though the halls were becoming more and more presentable making me think that the staff was lazy and didn't really bother cleaning the places the Schnees never went.
Each new room I entered screamed excessive decadence, with sculptures or suits of armor. It was even more impressive that they managed to have what looked like a full suit of Mantle Soldier armor from the great war in the main room. A steel suit held what was considered to be the first mass produced and effective mecha shift weapon, a rifle that was also a sword. The armor was nothing special either; a breastplate that was well worn, greaves that covered up to the mid thigh, gauntlets that covered the forearms and hands, and a helmet that had at most a radio in it to receive orders. It looked like old armor but in stark contrast the under armor was what could be considered a more modern greatcoat. But I was no fool, I knew it had chain mail stitched into the lining of the coat. My attention was drawn back to the rifle; it was essentially a sword with a gun drilled into it, with a bolt barely sticking out of the handle so they could reload it. It hardly shifts though, with the grip folding into the stock being the only change.
Watts raved that they were just bayonets but he did agree they were the precursor to giant mecha scythes. All big and fancy things come from small places. But Mantle lost the war, why would anyone want this kind of reminder? It wasn't even clean armor, it was old and heavily worn like it had seen combat...
I moved in closer as I checked the symbol on the shoulders. One was the old Mantle symbol of course, a glass jar under the relic of creation. Something about it being one of the greatest inventions ever making them want to immortalize it. But the other shoulder was always meant for a personal symbol and this dull grey grey coat had a nice bright snowflake as present as it was on Weiss. These family crests were meant for a practical reason, to help identify bodies of nobles... But when so many grunts saw it they decided to make their own symbols.
These family crests were what helped popularize symbols. Everyone had one in some shape or form at this point, even Salem. Though people that don't get them passed down have to make new ones... I would have if that tattoo didn't just appear on my back. I still have no idea why. It had become more than just a symbol for the rich and powerful, it became a lineage that everyone could take pride in. Carrying on a tradition or making your own way.
But I get it, Weiss's great grand something or another fought in the war. The plaque at the base of the armor read Wilhelm protector of the mines. They were proud of that service to his kingdom so they displayed the armor... Of a terrible dictatorship... proudly displayed... out in the open... in the main room...
I wasn't in the main hall was I? That would explain all the books on the walls... I was in a library... I would have to question Weiss about this armor later. I won't get the chance will I? Don't think about that. Think about how you're all alone and no one will ever love you.
...
...
...
Gods, I needed therapy. I doubt I'd get it any time soon. Though my thoughts were interrupted by the large shattering of windows. Oh great, the only thing I could think lacking that much subtlety had to be the hound. Which meant my little escapade was right on the money, and I was suddenly on a much shorter clock. I had to dart out of the library at top speed to even have a chance at this point.
If I ran into anyone in the hallway I could always ask them for directions... Or torture them into telling. I rounded a corner allowing me to hear the loud clacking of heels on marble, I ducked in between a pillar and random vase. Not my best hiding spot but it was still more than nothing. The white woman passed, failing to notice me. Though it did leave me with another question.
Did Weiss get older again? She looked... different... curvier... not like a stick... like she wasn't stuffing her bra... or her hips weren't flat as hell. She reeked of Qrow's cologne... or was it alcohol. She probably wasn't Weiss, "I can't do this!"
Huh, I wonder who that was... No I don't. However I knew whatever she was running from had to do with me. Which gives me a direction down a large empty hall one way hall. With the door to the room remaining wide open. I shook my head, they made this too easy sometimes. I sauntered over to the door, "Ms. Penny you shouldn't risk mo- agghk!"
How effective is Watts at reprogramming this girl's mind? Probably really good if the man's screaming was any indication. I gently shut the door as I entered where I found what I was looking for, though she was in a state I wasn't exactly expecting. She was dangling a man by the fat folds on his neck... or she was trying to strangle him. Hats off to Watts.
"MuSt oPen THe VaUIt!" Her eyes kept flickering red as she spoke. Until she dropped the man, well threw him into the wall.
"Oh, it's just what I've always wanted. All wrapped up in a little bow." I didn't waste time throwing a fireball right into her chest. I don't know how she got injured but I was certain it was going to get worse when Watts gets his grubby little hands on her. She flew back into the bookshelf shattering into splitters before she planted her feet on the ground and rose to them in an unnatural fashion. She arched her back pushing off the wall with her head before straightening out entirely. She looked like a red eyed Zombie.
"MusT OpEN tHe vaULt!"
"Or you could just lie there and die!" The charred marks on her clothes showed she hadn't activated her aura. This fight wouldn't be much of one. Her body may be strong but her mind is gone. The obvious solution then. I pulled Milo off my back and readied myself, it would be funny to end her life a second time with the same weapon as last time. She charged and the blade found the perfect position. A single slash that felt like I was slicing through air was the deciding blow.
I hit her in the perfect place. Her neck.
Her head floated for a few seconds before dropping to the ground, when the eyes flickered back to green her voice box croaked out through a still mouth, "wHy?"
"To stop you." I had won. I had beaten her and gotten the power, it would now come to me. She would soon fall...
...
...
...
Why was her body still standing? I glanced back between the head with her eyes still focused on me while the body was just feeling around for where her head used to be. Of course they rebuilt her to survive having limbs chopped off, "Agh! You have got to be kidding me!"
"nO. I aM ComBAt REaDy!" She tried to throw a punch without realizing her body wasn't even facing me. I shook my head as I put the sword back and grabbed her body by the shoulders. If I couldn't get it the easy way then the hard way it would be! I threw her over my back onto the ground.
"You think this will stop me! You're nothing but a doll! You don't even have real emotions! You are nothing!" I mounted her body and began trying to crush what would have been her lungs, nothing but fire and flames. Trying to crush bits and pieces of her chest. The padding finally made sense, but it did little to slow me as I managed to crack a panel open over her make believe heart. Then I saw it, a bright ethereal green gem, glowing like it had no business existing. There it was. Her soul.
"Now, for my destiny," I pulled shadow hand back, preparing to stab it into the crystal to drain everything. Then I would be even more powerful! I would have it all! I would be completely and utterly alone.
"Don't..." I felt small hands wrap around my elbow. They felt weak, like a child or starving orphan, I could easily break her grasp. I couldn't look back, I had to keep going despite my feelings! They would only get in the way!
"I have to- I can't be weak anymore!"
"Please... Cinder... you're... most... powerful... I know... You... don't... afraid." I didn't want to meet her gaze but her voice was so shaky I couldn't tell what was wrong, she sounded faint and I hadn't caused it. I had to know, I turned my head as slowly as possible, first the eye patch met her then I did. Nora was covered in bandages and burns. She wasn't even standing, she had forced herself out of the bed onto the ground where she crawled to me. But the tears in her eyes were all I could see.
"W-wha-what happened? Nora, why are you- how did-" She looked like death. Had I done this to her? She could barely sit up as she kept all her strength in attempting to stop me. I got off Penny's body as I turned my attention to Nora. She needed it more anyway... even if Penny's chest was torn open. I took Nora's hand as I tried to figure out how I can help.
"I... got... hurt..." she croaked out weakly. The tears in her eyes weren't for me. She needed help, I needed to get her help. But the only help I had was Watts and he was just a man, not a healer. She needed Jaune and his magical healing touch semblance. I picked her up, finding she weighed less than a few pounds. Did she lose weight with the injuries? Is that how it worked?
"Nora-" I placed her back in the bed to kneel by her, "How do I help? I don't know what to do. I'm so-"
"It's... not... your... fault..." Her voice was weak, it wasn't full of life and light like usual, I hated seeing her like this, "My... own... dumb... fault..."
"What?" Her breathing was labored, but there was no way she was dumb enough to do this to herself, "Nora-"
"I... can... only... be... strong... and... break... stuff..."
"NO! THIS IS BULLSHIT! " She startled awake, and I may have made the butler as well, "Nora, you are anything but just strong! Nora you are the most kind, and considerate person I have ever met. And that's not a metaphor either, you are actually the kindest person I know. But beyond that, you're a loving and compassionate girl who does everything in her power to make everyone around her smile. I may be evil but every time you talked I felt my head hurt and my heart melt. I couldn't help but be glad whenever you were there to help me, and I know I'm not the only one. Sure you are strong but that's only the surface, because deep down... the only thing in your heart is love!"
Why was I such a bad person? Her eyes were glassy as I spoke but I couldn't even get a single smirk or tear or ounce of hope out. I was mute.
No emotion...
*CREEEE*
I looked up to see the door just as gently as I had closed it open. There I could see the gentle nudging of a white snout pushing the door open. It couldn't be... Salem's new pet? The Hound.
"Cin-der..." it knew I was there and it knew she was. The thing's head was already in the room. I can't let it hurt them, "...Cin-der?"
"Begone!"
"Cin-der..."
"Leave or I will make you!" It didn't stop. It's entire upper body was in the room when I stood. Fine. You die tonight! I stood and threw a fireball directly at its mouth. The hound would have to do without it's eyes... or nose.
*OHMN*
It ate the fireball. Oh alright. That's fine.
...
...
IT ATE THE FIREBALL! Not metaphorically it literally opened its mouth and swallowed the flame like it was nothing. Why did Salem create this thing again? Right to kill me if I ever went rogue and the parasite failed. Well the parasite is still intact so I hope she isn't paying much attention.
I couldn't waste time. I threw myself over the bed and flew right into the beast tackling it out of the room. Fire may not hurt it but metal sure would! Would you like to meet shield? I pulled it off my back as I spun around and slammed it into the creature's face. That may have distracted it but I needed to act faster than it. I just need to-
*THUMP*
The Hound swatted me away like a common house fly. I'll kill it!
"Pest..." the dull roar that the Hound produced caused a dread in everyone. It was meant to, but to me. It created rage. If fire doesn't work, I could always change... Or just use spite. I could tackle it again and slam it through everything in that general direction... I launched myself at it like a rocket again. This time I didn't stop, I kept pushing it.
It was like dragging a sack of potatoes that fervently didn't want to be dragged. Either way the first wall we went through caused the potatoes to shriek in pain. It tried to stop me by biting at my body. But when we hit the second wall it couldn't actually get anything around me, keeping it in a state of panic. He'd try to escape and then we'd hit a wall and he'd lose his chance.
If I keep going through walls at that rate the hound would be dust before it had a chance to counter attack. But like all things me. That didn't happen, we entered a large enough room that I couldn't reach the other wall before he slammed his fists into me. My hold was broken... along with all the spikes along his back. As he plummeted to the ground I was greeted by the worst sight imaginable, Ruby Rose. Our eyes met...
"Cinder!" My eye shot to the voice where I noticed Weiss. She was panicking for her family as the hound tried to get up. I kept myself in the air at a distance from them.
"What is this thing?!" Little boy Weiss called out as the hound began to climb the stairs.
"One of Salem's pet projects... literally in this case," Why was I presenting information with no chance of gain, "It's immune to fire. Guess what it is made to do."
With the panic on their faces I needed to act. But I knew something was coming from Ruby. Whether it be a plan or my death... I needed to get back to Nora regardless... but the two extra Weisses needed help. Fine. Ice! I didn't have as much control of the other elements but I was able to shoot beams of them out on command.
It was like a small blizzard trying to freeze the Hound from the outside in. It wasn't getting far when it took another step at them and it's paw snapped off. Like a piece of glass. I just needed to keep going. I would freeze it out-
*FWHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*
"Fire! That's my thing!" Alright. It may be able to survive the elements as a flame came cascading out of its throat. Then again this was Salem's creation, she knew all my abilities no matter how hard I tried to hide them. I didn't have anything to kill this thing. No trick up my sleeve, no nefarious plan, no nondescript trick. I was going to fail to protect people. Even if I was able to draw its attention to me instead of the Schnees I wasn't enough. I almost hoped Ruby fried us from the inside out... "RUBY USE THAT RIDICULOUS POWER OF YOURS!"
As light swelled around her I closed my eye. Chances are if this works I'll be as deep fried as the hound... Welp I lived a terrible life and did horrible things to people who didn't deserve it. All while spitting in the hands of people who are actually offering me help. If this wasn't a fate I deserved then I wanted to know what sort of sin I have to commit for a worse fate than begging for help from my most hated enemy... friend.
This light was hers after all.
Then there was ringing and the entire left side of my body felt like it was on fire. I didn't want to look but when the bright spot disappeared from my eye I had to open it and inspect my soon to be corpse... I felt the numbness in my shoulder where shadow hand was supposed to be. It wasn't as bad as the first time. Sure it hurt like my insides were on fire but the skin hadn't even broken so that was a plus. There was no one around me, they were all congratulating Ruby down below... good. She deserved it.
My left leg felt like it was on fire but that wouldn't stop me from getting to my friend... I tried to stand, failing quickly only to be forced to lean on the railing for support. It would be a long way back. It took me all of a minute to get down one step. I could feel a few eyes on me but I didn't care. If they were going to cut me down then they earned it. But I've already made my decision... Ruby gets it when I die.
"Oh GODS!" Why was old lady Weiss shrieking now? I tried to track his eye line where I found he was glaring out a shattered window. That wasn't shattered when I closed my eye... Grimm are supposed to disintegrate or turn to stone when silver eyes did their thing... or if they're too strong it will just repel them while damaging their outside flesh. The hound's remaining hand appeared on the ledge. I can't let them see this.
I took out Milo as I stumbled over to the ledge while it was pulling itself up. He was struggling as much as I was. The only difference appeared to be which of us was armed. I raised that blade as high as I could before swiftly planting it in his forehead. I remember this one, Tyrian brought him in 3 years ago and Salem had been trying to break him since. I guess she finally succeeded. His head had popped about the ledge for just a second before the Grimm began to dissipate and he fell.
All eyes were wide as they just barely caught a glimpse of him. But with one glance at Ruby I knew the only part she saw was his eye. I wanted to reassure her... but with the burning in my throat it wasn't going to happen. She wouldn't accept it anyway. I could already feel shadow hand growing back. I dragged myself to my feet as the burning sensation began to die down. I left little time to rest as I leaned on the railing and pulled my way back up the stairs.
I don't know if they helped or if I blacked out on the way but in what felt like a blink I was suddenly back at the door. I pushed it open and found the man standing there inspecting Penny's head. He wasn't sure how she was still alive. I just turned to Nora as I shambled in. It was hard but I made it, I could tell her how much she mattered. I was barely able to cough out, "Nor-a"
"She's resting right now. It will be a while before she's... better." He wasn't afraid of me. I nodded, I needed to fill that time. The window was always an option... I dragged myself for what seemed like weeks before I came to the window... "I wouldn't recommend running. These types of situations require communication to remedy."
I wasn't going to run. I lent my back against the bookshelf and slid down it until my face was in my knees. I sat there, for what felt like hours. I knew Ruby and the others had been in previously but they were ignoring me, which suited me fine. I didn't have the voice to explain myself to them anyway. Not right now I was trying to get some rest before Salem arrived. She would kill me and Ruby would be the new maiden. I just hoped I got to thank Nora before then.
I stared out the window as much as possible and when the sun began to rise I felt something flutter in my chest. That was probably the parasite preparing to eat it's way out. Or I was just glad to see the sun one last time. The dawn was beautiful even if it was heavily covered by several buildings and a massive flash. Wait what! Had Ironwood managed to get a bomb on Monstra?
...
...
...
Was that particularly a bad thing? Gods no. It just bought me some more time. I put my head back on my knees as I waited. I was wrapped all around myself and yet I wasn't able to warm myself. Heh. I deserved that. I only snapped out of it when the door opened with a shout, "Nora!"
That voice was far too familiar... oh gods anyone but him. I don't think I can face him at this point... or ever again. Luckily he didn't even notice me as he went to work healing Nora. But the silence while he worked was palpable. He kept at it until the butler told him it was good enough. I hope he leaves and doesn't even acknowledge me... if he does what do I do? I have to accept my fate. If he makes the choice I won't stop him.
"Cinder…"
"Just do it Jaune." I didn't look at him. He deserved better. I could never be what he needed and if I tried I would drag him down to my level. He needs to accept Pyrrha is dead and I need to be put down.
"I-"
"Jaune. We both know I deserve it... so do what you've been planning since you picked us up."
"Cinder-"
"Look. She is gone and no matter what anyone does, I can't bring her back. So just take that shiny blade of yours and do what's right."
"I'm not-"
"Then you're a fool." I turned to him expecting anger, or hate, or fear. Even through the grime and darkness caking his face I knew it right in that moment, and I had to tell him before he got the chance, "I think I'm in love with you."
"What!" He was taken aback before he shook his head and said, "Right, Pyrrha's feelings. They aren't yours. You-"
"No, this one is all me... I think I love the love you guys share... It's not something I have ever had..."