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Three weeks ago...

For the first time in what felt like years I was actually happy. Sure, the day prior I had been sent on what was essentially a beer run. But today I had woken up in bed with Pyrrha…'s ghost, who is currently possessing Cinder. I didn't care. She could have possessed anyone and I would feel this way. Well, not Nora… I don't think I could survive that. Ren would either poison my next meal or Nora's body would crush every bone in mine. I'd also lose her as a friend… Then as suddenly as my thoughts were sluggish Pyrrha shot up. She looked confused and had a mixture of emotions on her face as she inspected her body. I want to say I knew something was wrong.

That was until her neck cracked as it locked right on to me. I would say that was the most terrifying part but when I looked into her eye I only found amber glowing back at me. When it began to burn her left arm grew back thanks to a shadowy Grimm. She wasted no time complaining about it before dismissing my initial thoughts.

I didn't even have time to jump for my sword when she grabbed me, dragging me up a wall. I didn't have time to feel terror as tears began streaming down the side of her face. Why was she crying? She wasn't the one getting strangled. This is what I get. Whenever I'm happy it always gets taken away in an instant. I can't believe I fell for it, they probably studied Pyrrha's schedule and life at Beacon to use her better. Then when Cinder was injured she faked it so I wouldn't kill her. I am always getting used, hell I should have asked more questions instead of healing and sleeping with her. But no, stupid horny little Jaune. Then when the hands grip loosened I saw her eye flicker between green and amber… Was Pyrrha really in there?

Before long she wasn't even choking me allowing me to drop to the ground. The arm began receding as she crumpled to the ground clutching her side. Cinder wouldn't have hesitated to kill me… but Pyrrha would. I held out hope for a second that she was really in there.

But when Pyrrha confirmed that she was not the only one in there I couldn't help but feel every ounce of dread pouring out of me in a second. Of course she was. It's almost like there was no such thing as consequence free magic. But that still meant Pyrrha was in there… I had to reassure her. If I didn't there is no telling how she'd feel without a little help, probably panic. But as I approached her, the expression present on her face was blank. Almost like she was having a conversation with herself… Oh gods. Did we get another Oscar?

I leant down and began hugging her. Even if these moments were short and I didn't have much time with her it was still good that I valued it while I could. This time we would take all the time together we could before I lost her again. But with Cinder in there I don't think we'll get the happy ending I hoped for and I know at the very least I got another day with Pyrrha. That alone was worth the world.

But Ozpin was always a clown bastard, giving us half the truth or more specifically only little kernels of it at a time. He was adamant that Pyrrha was in control for now, it was the later part that I was worried about. Even after dinner I watched as Pyrrha wandered, I just followed her from a distance. I felt like the world's worst stalker keeping an eye on her, but her conversation with Oscar kind of eased my conscience.

She was still Pyrrha in there, the Invincible Girl that hated the title. But as I listened to her confessing about how she didn't really care who she was fighting in the tournaments I knew it was really her. She had never told us but I sort of knew after all the training she hated that we thought so much of her. She would much rather be just another huntress in the crowd than the shining example for righteousness and virtue. I was glad that hadn't changed, but it didn't matter she was still those to me.

She was the ideal, whether she liked it or not. It wasn't just because she was strong, no it was because she was kind, gentle, forgiving, and sure she was strong enough to help but she was more importantly righteous enough to know when to. That's what made her special, not some flimsy tournaments. Her ideals made the ideal. I need to live up to those. I need to-

"Jaune?" I shook myself out of my daze as Pyrrha confronted me outside her room. I was worried about what she would ask of me. Cinder was still in there so it made every conversation we had all the more tense.

"Uh, Yeah! Yes. Me. Do you need anything?" Smooth as a cactus Arc. But Pyrrha just raised her hand to her mouth as she tried to stifle a little giggle. It may not be her face but it was most definitely her smile. Then the smile died down and our eyes lost connection as she began to gaze at the ground.

"I am in need of a few favors…" She trailed off as she clearly didn't want to ask.

"Oh, I guess I have plenty to pay back-"

"Not really… But the ones I need are bigger than those anyway." I doubt it. Unlocking my aura the first day, allowing me to stay at Beacon even though I cheated my way in, training me so I wouldn't end up flunking out, believing in me as a leader the list could go on.

"Sure, anything." I smiled making sure she could see it. I would be willing to do anything for her. But her reserved sigh drew something out that made me regret those words.

"I-If… if she… If Cinder ever takes back over, o-or overpowers me, or I turn into her-" She stuttered her way through it, but the tears forming from her eye were the most important thing I could see, "I-I need you to make sure… J-Jaune I need you to stop u-her. Stop her."

"Pyrrha I don't-"

"Jaune," She placed her hand on my shoulder as she made eye contact locking me into place, "I need you to promise…"

I didn't want to say it but deep down I knew I had to. I had already made that promise with myself, I would kill Cinder. But now- it was a million times worse. I wouldn't just be killing her. I would be killing the woman I loved… I could feel the light die from my soul as I answered, "I promise when the time comes I will take care of her."

We sat there in an uncomfortable silence for several seconds. I knew what I had just promised and she knew as well. But the only thing I could think about was how I hoped Pyrrha would win against Cinder. That thought only ended when Pyrrha began rubbing the back of her head, she said favors…

"And the other favors?" Her eye danced around as this one had to be more frivolous than the last.

"I sort of promised Cinder… that she'd be able to take control on a walk." She'd be touching her fingers together if she had two hands.

"Sure, I'll go on a walk with Cinder." I nearly spit that out. I hated her in the past so what was a little walk between mortal enemies.

"Good, I'm sure she'll be glad for the company…" Was that a lie? "Or not. But either way I'm glad you're coming."

Her cheery demeanor at the moment was a facade, she was very clearly terrified she just didn't want me to worry. That wouldn't stop me. With the more serious topic done she had begun shifting in her robe, she was clearly uncomfortable. I wasn't really surprised. She had been through the worst, or her body had at least so she no doubt needed a shower. Much less the need to inspect her body to figure how different it is from her former one.

"It's been a while, do you need a bath?" Her eye widened as she thought about it.

"Probably… but I don't exactly have any clean clothes… or pajamas…" that was something I could remedy.

"I'll get you something… maybe the others have something they can lend you." I mused to myself as I thought about it. She just nodded allowing me to lead her to the baths. Luckily Cinder was asleep otherwise this could have been awkward. She began her bath as I went to get her clothes. Yet when I arrived in the main hall everyone was waiting for me…

"We need to talk…" Ruby was the one that started it, and I knew it was going to end poorly if I didn't steer this properly. It did save me the time of waking them and asking for underwear… I need to phrase that better.

"About what?"

"You know what," Qrow was holding up the rear but he was still there giving me the death glare.

"I do, I just want to know what you think." I was on the defensive, I knew what they were about to say. I also knew if they said it, then they wouldn't be able to take it back. None of them wanted to say it, but Yang proved to be the strongest on her team.

"If Cinder is still in there… then we can't risk-"

"I know! But we have a chance-"

"That's all we ever have! You want to risk lives to play house with a terrorist!" Weiss was more forceful, she didn't like the idea. Sure they were all glad when Pyrrha returned but with several outbursts from Cinder the mood was shattered as they realized what had to be done. They had begun to lose hope.

"Even if this one is a long shot, we still have to take it. Just for a little while..." The mixture of hope and uncertainty was plastered across all their faces, "None of you have even considered what Ozpin said, if they're stuck together then there is always a chance that Pyrrha can turn Cinder good."

"Or Cinder could turn her bad," Nora looked down as she was glad to have Pyrrha back but she was terrified what would happen to her. I didn't know how to respond.

"Ye-yeah… she could…" I knew Pyrrha was a caring person but I don't know how damaged Cinder was. Or if Pyrrha could convince Cinder to trust us… We would need to convince her…

"Alright. That sounds like the end. Stay here. I'll… solve this," Qrow didn't look happy and the way he said it reeked of enough alcohol to kill her alone… But I couldn't. I stepped in the way blocking him.

"Wait. What do we really know about Cinder?"

"She's a mix of evil and psychotic, now move." Qrow may not want to do it but he'd rather spare us from it. I didn't budge as we came eye to eye, he may only be a few inches taller than me but he definitely wasn't as broad.

"We know she wants power, but that's all we know. That doesn't come from a happy and loving beginning," Qrow raised an eyebrow, was he associating her life with his own? That was the lead I needed, "What's to say she won't turn to our side if we… become that…"

"I doubt it. Some people are just born evil…" That was odd coming from Blake. But it was an even better point to step onto.

"Do you really believe that? I mean, aren't you proof that's not true? You changed from loner ex-terrorist to deeply caring friend," That may have come out slightly racist but it was needed, "My mom always told me, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet and none of us have even tried to meet her."

Silence.

I struck a nerve but with all the messed up things she's done I wasn't really surprised that they were so hesitant, "She just needs a chance... and if she fails then… I'll do it."

"Jaune-"

"I'm the one that wants to take the risk, I may as well be the one to suffer for it." The wary looks they shared drew the point across. This would likely kill me as well but if I'm the one taking the risk they don't need to suffer for it. But when they all began nodding Ruby was the one to speak up, like the collective thought came through her.

"Alright… we'll risk it. For now." With that I was ecstatic as I ran back to Pyrrha to tell her… until I thought it through… she doesn't need the burden. And I still need to get her some pajamas. I went back to the others only to find they had clearly dispersed and gone to bed… There goes my chance. The only clothes I had now were on my back… and this hoodie was fairly large… I better go clean it for her.

A little less than three weeks ago...

Since my walk with Cinder I hadn't felt much of anything towards her. I hated her once but now I saw her as some sort of child that hadn't been given the chance to act like one. It was sad, she clearly didn't have a childhood. And when she wandered off on the way to Saphron's I was terrified of what I would have to do. I began searching the streets expecting to find a building on fire. I was not expecting to find her talking to her mother under a statue of herself.

It wasn't Cinder that wandered off either, it was Pyrrha in a daze ending up at her old training grounds. That was relieving until Pyrrha's mom hugged me, "Promise you'll take care of her."

That still rang out in my head. I had promised Pyrrha that I would take care of her and now her mother asked me to as well. I knew I meant it differently than she wanted but the promise was already there, and I am a man of my word. But when Cinder abducted Oscar I began to fear the worst. We all broke apart as we began our search. I would have to do what I said.

We spent hours looking determined to find her but every back alley, bar, and den of thieves I searched ended up with no one having seen her. Had she taken him and fled? Had she been so determined to escape? Or was I just a fool to begin placing my trust in her to begin with?

Ren and Nora were beginning to suffer the effects of fatigue as we searched. They decided on coffee as I meandered my way into the courtyard with Pyrrha's statue. There she stood as triumphant as any other day… It wasn't like I would see this face again. It was beautiful, "I don't know if I can do this…"

"Jaune…" Nora and Ren arrived with the coffee. They didn't initially notice the statue, but when they did Nora's gasp was audible, "Pyrrha."

"Yeah… I found it yesterday with her… guy I don't think… I mean-"

"We can't trust Cinder…" I grit my teeth as Ren said that. He was right. She kept pulling away as we tried to pull her in close. But I knew we were getting through to her. Even if it was a little at a time, "But she is changing…"

"Yeah…" he was leaving me with the out, I couldn't take it… "I've been a selfish leader-"

"Jaune, no. You can't keep saying these things," Nora paused as she looked to Ren for approval, "We heard what you said at Haven... Jaune we love you. We can't lose you too."

"We chose to follow you… even in every longshot scheme that can only benefit you…" There it was, Ren deliberately added that. That just- Waitaminute!

"Wait you-"

"We want Pyrrha back but… if we can get Cinder the help she needs… I think it will have been worth the effort." Nora stood firm as she gave a half hearted smile. Ren nodded as she said it.

"You'll trust my judgement?" I didn't expect this. Hell I had to constantly convince myself that it was the right thing to do, trusting her at every turn was a risk in and of itself.

They looked at each other before nodding in unison, "Yeah. We trust our leader."

That was the most reaffirming thing anyone has done for me in weeks. I knew I had to do it but after looking for so long everyone regrouped at Saph's house. When we arrived there was a panic inside that sounded like Qrow. Ruby didn't wait as she charged in. We followed quickly after to hear Oscar had returned. We charged into the kitchen to dog pile on him.

"Oscar! We were so worried!"

"I'm sorry about what I said."

"Where were you?"

Everyone was speaking at once as we climbed out of the pile. Oscar just stood and dusted himself off as his new coat reminded me heavily of Ozpin. That was probably the point. But when he finished answering several questions one answer caught mine, "Cinder took me out to get new clothes… and candy."

"Cinder- don't you mean Pyrrha?" Weiss tried to correct him.

"No, Cinder had several questions and well, I had answers." Everyone was confused. We all thought she abducted him, not that she took him out for fun… or to keep him away from us while we cooled down.

"What kind of questions?" Nora asked first.

"Cinder's worried… Pyrrha and her are merging so quickly that they are both panicking at the thought." The looks we shared said it all. Pity. We pitied her at this point. Ruby got back up and headed into the living room, "I'm not really worried she'll attack. I don't think Cinder wants to hurt us anymore."

One week ago…

After knocking her out on the way to Atlas I couldn't help but feel bad for Cinder. It was her plan to begin with but for some reason when I hit her I couldn't help but try and catch her on the way down. Now though after a week of living in close quarters I was thoroughly annoyed by her. Cinder was terribly needy.

It wasn't even her constant need for attention that annoyed me. It was her flippant disregard for my being. I would make coffee for the morning briefings and she would just take it out of my hands before I could enjoy it. She would use all the hot water leaving me with an ice cold shower first thing in the morning. She was just so dynamically opposite Pyrrha. Every one of her waking thoughts was about how she could help other people. Giving Nora her desert. Making sure we all have our lunches packed. Doing everything in her power to help everyone but herself. That was also a problem wasn't it.

It was either a needy attention hound or totally focused on her job. Then sometimes it was a balance between the two. These times it was neither of them and both of them at the same time that made it so different to be with them. This middle ground personality is where we got the name Cydar from. It's both of them put together. Then the battle with FNKI.

Cinder went too far, sure, but Ironwood's reaction was to stick her in the aura siphon and take the maiden power. He didn't even hesitate as Harriet raced to get her spot in the pod. But I protested. Me and only me. None of the others, "I know she went too far but she didn't kill anyone!"

"When you're trying to say someone isn't too bad you shouldn't start with 'no one died'," That was surprisingly sound advice from Ironwood. I wonder if he follows it. I needed to make sure he understood where I was coming from.

"Pyrrha's still in there and Cinder hasn't exactly tried anything since-"

"She nearly killed Neon today!"

"Let's be honest," I glared at him thoroughly, "How many times has Neon almost been killed?"

"The number of times is irrelevant. I will not have some remorseless killer wandering the halls of my academy. I'm not Ozpin after all." That's odd, he trained Winter to have no emotions. She stood there with nothing on her face as she watched Cinder getting thrown into the pod. Why was this any different? Wait, that's the answer...

"She's not remorseless anymore, in fact I bet when she wakes up her first question will be about Neon." I knew I was right. She had changed a lot, I hoped. So this looked like it would be an acceptable plan. I just hoped he took the bait.

"You think-"

"No matter how unlikely that is, I find it acceptable. If her first question is about Neon Katt then we will delay the execution." Winter answered in place of Ironwood. Did she have faith in Cinder? Why? How?

"Specialist Schnee-"

"It's General, Consultant Ironwood." She was as curt as she was firm. It looked like the time for him to reclaim his seat was going to be soon.

"Very well." He grit his teeth as he took his leave. Then she turned to me as she continued.

"My sister informed me of your agreement… If Cinder doesn't follow through I expect you to. Understood." She had faith in me.

"Crystal." I didn't wait for her to continue as I rushed into the chamber. I was right about how Cinder felt. She had changed and that was a good thing. She was becoming someone better and I felt a twinge of pride knowing that as I walked her back to the dorm.

"So let me guess, Pyrrha made you promise to kill me if she lost control?" Cinder didn't even stop as she asked that. It was so far out of left field and it meant she was going to fight back when the time came. There was no point in lying to her.

"Yeah. I promised…"

"Good." That was even farther out as she didn't even react, just kept on walking. But when we arrived at the dorm to find everyone sitting around I knew something was up. Though the friendship speech was unexpected I think Cinder liked it as she didn't flee. But the remaining thought was filled when I asked Ruby.

"Why did you guys do this?"

"Because she's earned a little faith… and I'm not surprised. About the whole Neon thing I mean. Really the only thing stopping Yang from doing the same is opportunity."

Two days ago…

Pyrrha was acting funny. Or more specifically she wasn't around to act anything at all, ever since the date she'd begun passing out for longer periods of time leaving Cinder to pick up the slack. The odd thing is Cinder just quietly waited in the dorm with little to no complaining. I mean sure she complained but it was more about wanting attention or needing us to get her something to do. It was far removed from her typical characteristics of arson and hatred fueled rampages, so we had made sure she had entertainment. Yet even with her scroll and the TV there was still something off.

Weiss had gone to see her before we took off for Schnee manor and I knew I needed to as well. When I arrived I found her in the same state that I had all week. She was sitting there staring out the window as 'The Man with Two Souls' was sitting completely read through cover to cover with annotations on the table. Cinder had wanted the book to get a better grasp on what's happening to her, since supposedly Ozpin wrote it in a former life. It did little to calm her, making her fear for her current predicament even worse. I shouldn't have gotten her that one, I should have got her the 'Farmer and the Wolf.' I couldn't, she would have chastised me for that… before sending Nora to get it. I was glad they were getting along. Then again Nora could get along with anyone, I'm just happy they both had a friend at the moment with whatever was happening between her and Ren. She didn't turn to me as she said hello, "Pyrrha's not here, loverboy."

"Uh, No. I came to see you."

"What, do you desire my body so much you can't even wait till Pyrrha returns? How brutish… Oh well, I leave it to you to tear off my clothing to have your way with me." She feigned like she was some helpless heroine when I knew she was one of the most powerful people on the planet. I was glad she was still so sarcastic. It made for a great counter to Pyrrha's unbelievable niceness. I grinned as she was easy to fluster after these sarcastic remarks.

"Okay." Her head immediately snapped from the window to me as a mixture of fear and blush formed on her face. It was a cute counter to her previous arrogance. She began sputtering as I approached, trying to talk her way out without actually saying anything. When I got to her I knelt down, coming to her eye level to say, "Kidding."

"Jerk!" She shoved me trying to knock me over. I barely budged as she didn't put much force in it. But my chuckle made her face brighten ever so slightly. Then she began to giggle along. Honestly. Cinder Fall, warrior, terrorist, killer and maiden was giggling like a child. It made me happy to see her able to be happy. When we finally calmed down I had to say.

"You probably heard from Weiss but we're going to a house party at Schnee manor tonight…" She resumed looking out the window as her eye glazed over.

"Yeah I heard... have... fun." I wanted to tell her that I could take her but she was strictly being kept here. They feared her but they wanted her placated long enough to figure if she is actually a threat. And if they found her to be one they didn't want her already upset when they went to end her.

"I'll talk to Winter while we're there and see if I can't get your freedom back." She turned back to me with an expectant look as she asked.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm sure the old you would have gone stir crazy in the last week. And since you haven't gone on a rampage I'd say you have earned it," I grinned as she averted her gaze once again.

"You're probably right. I should have broken out of here a long time ago..."

"I'm glad you didn't," her eye found its way back to mine. There was something in it for a few seconds before it dulled down. It didn't take long to move back to the window afterwards.

"Right, you'd have lost Pyrrha again…"

"I mean yeah, Pyrrha is the only reason you're here."

"I know," Cinder ground her teeth as she practically spit that out, "I'm only the vessel for your girlfriend. Nothing more. You would have killed me otherwise, you only spared me because she's in here."

"No that's not-"

"Really? So you would have let me tag along on your frivolous adventures without Pyrrha?" That wasn't entirely untrue, but it wasn't the reason anymore.

"...No. But-"

"Of course not. I was to be killed on sight!" That wasn't entirely untrue in the beginning, but it wasn't anymore.

"Look, things change-"

"Oh of course. I've changed so much, you all feel comfortable to act like we are friends. But in reality I'm still the same unknown stranger underneath, simply choosing to hide it because I'm just a hostage to the voice in my head!" Did she still feel like that? I knew she had changed but did she really think she hadn't? I need to tell her.

"That doesn't matter anymore. You're still our-"

"Oh gods. If you try to give me a speech about friendship I will vomit all over you," she won't listen to me right now will she? What can I do to prove it? Or will I even get a chance?

"Look-"

"Just go to your house party! I'll sit here and wait for you to come how belligerently drunk to bang your girlfriend who's stuck in my head. That's the only reason you tolerate me isn't it, to use my body?" The way she said that so matter of factually drove me up the wall. This was the side that Pyrrha was better at. Translating her feelings seemed to be one of Cinder's weaknesses. Anything I said would be held against me at this point… so it would be better to not say anything.

I stood up. She didn't even acknowledge me at this point, she just continued staring out the window. I couldn't leave her just yet. I needed to do something… even if it wasn't saying anything. She hadn't even made so much as a single move since she ended the conversation. I leaned in just above her head, it wasn't much but it always made me happy when I felt unloved, I planted a little kiss just above her hairline.

She didn't react, or I couldn't tell. Her left eye was covered by an eye patch, and that was the only one I could see. I should stay and tell her how glad we are she chose this new path or how she was a better person for it. That we were glad she was here. I couldn't say anything else, I just turned tail and ran. Why was I such a coward?

As I entered the doorway she made one last comment, "Goodbye Jaune."

I stopped dead in my tracks as she said that she wasn't one for goodbyes but neither was I. But I echoed something back to her, "Cinder… You know strangers are just friends you haven't met yet, right?"

She looked at me one last time confused and with that I left her.

Yesterday…

Barely passed dawn Ironwood reclaimed his spot as General and made us enemies of the kingdom. I could hardly blame him, Cinder had betrayed... all of us. She took the relic and even tried to get the Winter maiden. Penny told us she used Adam and Neo to distract them while she attempted to take the power. But when they got to her the Winter maiden attacked everyone and Winter was injured. We only arrived with barely enough time to pick up Penny as is.

We'd been on the run ever since ducking into a restaurant with the aid of the happy huntresses. Cinder was right they needed someone more creative to come up with names in Atlas… I felt empty. Not only had Cinder betrayed us but she went to the extreme. She just had to do it her way. I wonder what happened to Pyrrha. She's probably being repressed right now.

I can't believe I thought she changed! What were the chances someone like that would ever want to be anything other than a monster? She chose this and we were all suffering for it. Nora sat silently in a booth completely alone as she soullessly stared at the book… The book Cinder had been reading for the past week, The Man with Two Souls, she noticed the notes weren't all about the book; half were plans to destroy Atlas. Ruby was tapping her fingers against the table with the other one covering her eyes, I could still see the growing puddle on the table beneath her. They really held out hope that Cinder had changed, but the others… They were just pissed. They wanted revenge on her for what she did… Hell, we hadn't even heard from Qrow since we got here. Last we heard he was escorting Tyrian up to Atlas before radio silence.

At this point whatever the plan was, it was up to us to stop it. I just wish we had an idea of what was next. Or a plan. There was no one to heal and there was nothing that needed to be chopped so my use was practically null. It made little difference as the Happy Huntresses were scrambling to do the work of the army. But our pity party was cut short when Weiss muttered, "I don't fucking believe it…"

None of us even cared to chastise her about her language. We were more exhausted from the events that transpired before this. No one even wanted to ask before Weiss called out, "Jaune come look at this."

"Sure," I barely had the drive to get back up as I dragged my feet towards the white haired. Why did she want to talk? Did it really matter? I had to ask, "What?"

"Take a look at this," She handed me the scroll, revealing a report on the arson of a hotel. I read it slowly, The Glass Unicorn Burns Down. I wonder who did that. I rolled my eyes as I discovered Cinder's origin story.

"Okay… and?"

"Well the only suspect was-"

"Cinder, I know." Weiss looked confused as the others drew their attention towards us. When her confusion died down she shook her head.

"Well sort of. But back then she went by Sharcoal Montag," Weiss was really proud that she found out about that, "She was their maid and she disappeared after it burned down."

"We. Know." Nora didn't care as she kept her attention on the book.

"How-"

"She let more than a few details slip," Ren was the one to continue as he sat on the opposite side of the room from Nora. The others looked like they wanted to question us thoroughly but we were far too dejected to get anything useful out of it. Weiss just shook her head one last time.

"Stop interrupting!" The room chilled as we annoyed her, "She disappeared before they could question her. But the only reason they knew she existed was because a huntsman filed a report about the owner of the hotel keeping her like a slave… They were beginning their investigation when the hotel burned down."

"So what?" Yang was the most furious and the temperature in the room rose as her anger did. She clearly didn't want this to continue.

"She's only wanted for questioning, and well; look," She raised the only picture of Cinder they had. A blurry photo of her in the background of a group photo carrying a tray far too large for her. But I could still make out her features, amber eyes, black hair, and a fiercely determined look, yet she looked barely more than skin and bones… Finally an explanation for her actions. She was terrified of being weak and used. But deep down we all knew she did it. Even if we had no confirmation we knew she burned down the hotel with those people still inside. I just hope the others didn't realize she killed them before burning it down, "She was being used-"

"Great so we have the dangerous psychopath's tragic backstory, it doesn't excuse her actions." Blake was never a fan of her to begin with but I think she was just anxious Adam was here. Cinder let slip that she thought they dated or something, like always she didn't care to ask.

"Doesn't it? I mean she-"

"Weiss, she chose to destroy. We can't just excuse it because she was our friend," Ruby was harsh but correct. She had dried her eyes at this point choosing to focus on what comes next, "We're all just mad we got burned when playing with fire."

"But what if that Grimm parasite is controlling her? What if she can't control herself-"

"The parasite came after she burned down the hotel…" More attention was drawn back to me. Weiss was desperately trying to keep a friend and explain away her actions but I knew there was little hope. Cinder didn't care enough to think about anyone other than herself. It felt like my ears were ringing when I thought that.

Or that was Ruby's scroll.

Today…

When we arrived at Schnee manor I had to be rushed up to heal Nora. But the first thing I saw wasn't her or even the dismembered body of Penny still chattering, it was Cinder. That would explain all the scorch marks in the halls. She was trying to hide her face in her knees clearly having heard me come in. But I couldn't even bring myself to acknowledge her while I healed Nora. Then it was confronting Cinder about everything she's ever done… Why was she here?

"Cinder…" I didn't know what to say but I didn't get the chance when she kept cutting me off until she turned to me with tears in her eye to say the one thing I never expected.

"I think I'm in love with you."

"What!"

…

…

…

At this rate I won't have to kill her, she'll die on her own.

…

…

…

"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've ever had..." Cinder… she... just wants to be loved… she sat in silence as her eye found its way to the floor as the slight smile began to fade. She was glad she got it off her chest but she was terrified of what would come next. I however could hardly stifle myself.

"Heh."

"What- Are you laughing? I nearly killed your friends and you're laughing!"

"HAHAHAHAHA!" My head launched back as my eyes watered. She had changed.

"I KILLED PYRRHA AND OSCAR! WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING!?" Now she was crying. But my laughter didn't even slow, it was actually hurting her to be laughed at like this. She cared enough to be hurt. Her tears began to flow as she was about to retreat into her head. I just dragged myself to sit with my back to the window. Through a teary eye she gazed at me.

"Because you only joined us because Pyrrha was in there," I tapped her forehead.

"...Why? Does every choice I made not-"

"But you chose to come back," Her eye grew as I said that, "I know you don't know this but... we were more hurt about you leaving than any betrayal. So I'm glad you came back… and I hope I'm not the only one."

"Wha… I don't-"

"One of the things my parents tried to instill in me was forgiveness. I was supposed to give it whenever the person earned it…and well you haven't, but I'm still going to give it anyway. Because that's what friends do." The soft grin I had countered her confused rumpled forehead and mildly agape mouth perfectly. She was cute when she wasn't hiding behind a fake mask.

"Jaune… I don't-I can't-I-I killed Oscar. There is nothing I can do to earn back your trust." Eh- Oh. OOOOHHH Right, Oscar. I forgot about that… Oh well.

"I know. It's hard to argue… I mean one of the best conversations I ever had with Ruby was her cutting me off with a bunch of No's. So I'm doing the same to you," her confusion was still there, "I'm not letting you give up just because it's sort of hard, you have to suffer along with us until you can say what you actually want."

"But I don't-"

"No."

"Jaune I can't-"

"Nope."

"If you say no one more-"

"Nada," Her hand found my throat. She wasn't trying to choke me, she just pulled me in. The kiss wasn't unexpected, granted it was different from Pyrrha… Oh gods. I'm never going to hear the end of this. But the warmth she gave off burned right before she pushed me away.

"I really want..." She looked away as she blushed… "I want to be loved. Now end it so you can get closure."

"Not a chance." She turned back to me as if she expected me to try and extort more out of her… She moved her hand to her back as if she was going to pull off her armor. I placed one of mine on hers, "I don't need anymore closure from you, but the others… they may not be as forgiving. I know Nora's gonna want an apology."

"I-I-I-I can't Jaune… Pyrrha's the one that apologizes. I don't-I can't..."

"Then… you'll have to learn. It's just two words after all…" I stood intent on dragging her downstairs to talk to the others, but she just remained where she was. The hesitance in her eye shouted for help. I offered her my hand...

I had to be a fool. There was no way they would ever really forgive me for what I did. I mean killing Pyrrha, sure- but I mean I technically brought her back so that one's even. But melting Oscar? No, I would have to pay for that. Should I run or face it?

It was a single hand away…

I closed my eye as I allowed my hand to find his. It felt like I was floating while my hand was being weighed down by a ton of bricks. I couldn't stop. I pushed that hand up until it was firmly planted in his. With it secured he wasted no time whisking me to my feet. Or off them for a split second, but when I opened it again I found myself staring at all three of the hairs on Jaune's chin. I had to tilt my head back to look at him properly, he just grinned as he asked, "Ready?"

"No. I'm terrified."

"Good, that means you care." My hand didn't leave his as he began to lead me out of the room. Nora was still in bed but at least she was dressed now… I could feel a tense conversation would be had as Ren watched us leave. When we exited the room I could hear him move to the bed. Please if anything happens today, let it be them making up.

Ren had been distant all their lives but now he was actively avoiding her. She was so alone which left her coming to me to confess things. I loved those conversations… she wasn't asking Pyrrha she was asking me. I was a confidant to her being a sexy woman that knew about relationships... she didn't need to know I'd never been in any real ones. Well until now. I had to get that back somehow.

Jaune didn't stop leading us through the halls until we ended up back in the foyer. He inspected all the scorch marks that marred the room before he turned to ask, "And you said you don't deserve a chance? Or did you think they didn't tell me?"

"It was in the heat of the moment! I only did it because Nora could have gotten more hurt," He arched his eyebrows as I said that, "I mean- he attacked first… n-no… No, it was the first thing."

"I know." That grin on his face had to be exhausting, but even if I had found it annoying days ago it was nothing but reassuring now. He didn't stop leading me until we reached the dining room, he motioned me in. He was leaving it up to me, I had to apologize and it had to be my choice. Otherwise it would have been worthless.

"Thank you," I didn't waste time, as I threw open the door far too fast. I have to do this. I marched in, coming face to face with Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Penny's disembodied head, Emerald, and Oscar, "I'm so- OSCAR!"

"AH! CINDER!" My mouth was agape as I stared at him. I turned him into charcoal. How is he still alive? I locked my head back onto Jaune as he raised his hands as if he didn't know. WAITAMINUTE!

"I BURNED YOU ALIVE! HOW ARE YOU HERE?!"

"I mean you setting me on fire before kicking me into a fire extinguisher is hardly burning me alive…"

"Huh- I did what now?" I didn't kill him. I didn't kill him! I DIDN'T KILL HIM! I DIDN'T KILL MY FRIEND!

"I mean it still hurt-" I didn't care anymore. Yang tried to get in the way but she was easy enough to dodge as I approached Oscar. Several gasps where had when I got to him, and he had so much fear on his face. I needed to make that disappear. How do people make me less afraid? Hugs, "Cinder stop-"

A big hug. This was the first time I gave a hug to any of them. It wasn't given to me and I didn't have to demand it. I got to give one, "I'm so glad I failed!"

"I am too..."

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I know Jaune's perspective is a bit out of nowhere but this was the plan since the beginning.