Chapter 23
Consequences of one's actions
Authors caution this chapter deals with some heavy subject material read at your own discretion.
Reese was now stirring and was slowly getting his memory back together and he remembered the attack from Tyrian and how he came close to losing the fight. Reese turned over to see his helmet and how half the visor is now damaged.
"If that wasn't angled I probably would have lost an eye." Reese says silently.
Reese got up from yangs bed and did his usual stretches to warm up his body for the day. When he left the room everyone's else's rooms are still closed.
"First one up as always Reese." He says.
Given that it was early in the morning Reese left the house to go for a run and to recover any equipment and intel from Tyrian's corpse, so Reese then finds his handgun on the ground about 100 yards from the house then he found the body burnt beyond identification.
"Well I need to find a box for him and burry him, No something else for you." Reese says.
As Reese was looking at Tyrian what he said still bothered him.
"You lost she will win." Reese remembers.
Reese found a box and cleaned up the site and took it to the cliff edge and tossed it glad to be rid of, now the sun was rising and he still didn't go on his run, Reese ran the usual route it started at the small hills just a mile from the house then it lead to town, where Reese didn't run on the road instead he did urban manuver skills (parkour), now the route for this is on the roof tops where it avoids windows so that no one could see him, next came the last leg the run through the forest, it was a three mile run back to the house.
On average it took Reese 58 minutes to do The Whole route, this time it took him 54 minutes this time.
"New record." Reese says.
As Reese got to the front door he could hear ruby silently crying.
"We'll looks like last nights events caught up to her." Reese says silently.
Now at this point reese could wait it out before he went back in, or two go in and get hit with questions. But his stomach answered for him.
GROWWWWL
"Dang it." Reese says.
Reese then entered and just as predicted Ruby ran right at him and held on. Reese looked down and saw she was crying uncontrollably.
"Why did I do that? How was I able to do it!" Ruby shouted thru tears.
Reese at that moment thought about the time he took his first tango out, the image is burned into his mind an officer of the law was in danger about to be harmed by a white fang operative about to strike the officer, then came BANG! BANG a slight pause then BANG! tango down, Reese then remembers all the therapy that he had to go through and the mind set that he had to learn about.
"I can't explain it Ruby, but you did it and we'll it will stick with you the rest of your life, and it doesn't get any easier." Reese says.
"How do you live with it?" She asks.
"Well i had to go to therapy and work it out in my mind, and continue to be with people and not dwell on it and just keep moving forward." He says.
"How?" She asks.
Reese then looks at Yang.
"Sorry honey what I'm about to discuss with your sister is classified." Reese says as he leaves with Ruby in tow.
Yang at this point was stunned but at a lost of words.
"What kind of information does he have that will help my sister?" She thought to herself.
For 20 minutes Reese and Ruby walked in silence not saying a word to each other, that was until they were far away from any known location.
"Where are we Reese?" She asks.
"Take a look around." He says.
Ruby looks around she didn't notice that she was on a hill not to far from her house but hidden from sight.
"Now how are you feeling?" Reese asks.
She looks at him with a sad look on her face.
"Your rembering it clearly are you?" He asks.
She nods.
"What did he do to you?" He asks.
"That monster hurt me." She says as she gripped her red cloak.
Reese was examining her body language and it was telling a lot of details, but it all pointed to an unspeakable crime, now the dots connected the monster took something of great value from Ruby.
"The monster took it. Right Ruby?" He asks.
Ruby's heart stopped she then turned paile her mind was in a storm.
"How did he figure that out so fast?" She thought.
Ruby didn't notice that she was on the ground and now shaking.
"What am I going to do Reese?" She asks.
"Confront it is the first step." He says.
"Then what?" She asks.
"One step at a time." He says back.
"By the way I overheard what you said to my sister, say something about a mind set?" She asks.
Reese then remembers last night the argument he had with Yang where she wanted to dispatch Tyrian herself.
"Well the mindset I was talking about is when it's ok to take an active threat out." He says.
"And that is?" She asks.
"Well, are they in a position to hurt innocent people? Do they have the ability to do it?" He says.
"Well I did the deed, am I in trouble?" She says with a worried look on her face.
"In any normal situation I would say yeah, but the monster was on a special list from atlas to dispatch him, so you're ok but we need to work on your mental health so you can live life again." He says.
"I don't think I can live again,I just keep seeing the same image in my head." She says as she holds her head.
Now Reese understood what she is going through even with all the help he got, he could still see the tangos he dispatched a long time ago.
"I get it, that's why I made a call." Reese says as he looks at his phone.
"Who did you get?" Ruby asks.
"Come, she is waiting for you." Reese says as he walks away.
Ruby then followed Reese where they went back to the house, by this point the house was empty, everyone was at their jobs or huntsman duty's.
"So what are we doing here grabbing something before we go to meet her?" Ruby asks.
"Hello Ruby." Someone said,
Ruby then turns around and sees Winter standing right there in her house.
"Oh! Hi winter, let me get something for you." Ruby says in a panic.
"That won't be required, I'm just fine." Winter says.
Reese then leaned into ruby's ear and whispered.
"Be honest with her and don't be scared she wants you to succeed in life." Reese says.
"Ok so the rest of the house will be back by 6 right?" Winter asks.
"Yep your right so I'll be at my job." Reese says as he leaves.
"What about me?" Ruby asks.
"Your in therapy until winter clears you for duty, you don't have a job." Reese says as he leaves.
In reality Reese paid Winter for a month worth of therapy for Ruby that also included a hotel room, this was just business.
"So please take a seat Ruby." Winter says as she sits down with a pad ready to take notes.
Ruby then sits down on the recliner and talks about last nights events.
Meanwhile at the Patch swat branch.
Yang was wondering what's taking Reese and Ruby so long to get to the job.
"He is so late." Yang says.
"Why?" Blake says.
"Well he usually is here early even before me." Yang says.
"Well he probably forgot something." Weiss says.
"He never forgets something." Yang says as she looks down at her scroll.
Just the door opens and there stands Reese but no Ruby.
"Where is Ruby?" Weiss asks.
"She is with Winter right now." Reese says.
Weiss then jumps up and jogs to the door,but Reese stops her.
"Winter is here on official business she is helping out Ruby by sorting out her mind after last nights events." Reese says.
"How did she get here so fast?" Yang says.
"You think those super sonic jets we flew were the only two available?" Reese says.
"Will I be able to see her?" Weiss asks.
"Don't know when Winter has a goal or job she will stay on task until it's done." Reese says.
"Glad she is helping Ruby out I miss my old sister." Yang says.
"She is also here to help you." Reese says.
Yangs eyes then flickered to red, Reese just looked back unfazed.
"Why would I need help?" She asks.
The whole room went silent.
"It's what you said when you were about to dispatch Tyrian." Reese says calmly.
"What do you mean? He hurt my sister and probably did other horrible crimes." Yang says.
"Are you atlas military?" Reese asks.
"No." Yang says back.
"Well if you knew who was on the most wanted board I would say ya your right, but your a civilian and you don't have that authority." Reese says.
Yang then stopped and thought about it.
"If i did it what would you have done?" Yang asks.
Reese stayed silent he knew what he would have done but it's a hard call, so he turned to his desk and started writing up reports.
Yang then sat down at her desk and stared at her husband wondering what is going on in his head.
"That hot head could get you in trouble Yang that's why you need to learn the rules." Reese thought.
The answer to Yang if Reese could say it is look the other way but when he thought about it it made him very uncomfortable.
After the morning brief everyone went to their squad cars and began patrolling the streets.
On a normal day Yang and Reese would be talking to each other but this time they were content with being silent and it started to make Blake worried.
"I don't like this Weiss, I'm worried." Blake says.
"I get what your feeling but it's their fight and they need to resolve it them self's." Weiss says.
"They work so well together I don't want their marriage to end." Blake says as if she didn't hear what Weiss said.
"It's going to be fine let them think it out." Weiss says.
The rest of the day was still spent in silence, and for the job of the day, not much happened for team rwby, a call for investigation of a break in, another for public harassment (someone who ignored the restraining orders).
Now the day ends and as usual Reese held the door open for Yang but didn't look her in the eye, and on the way home Reese and Yang would ride side by side on their motorcycles, this time Yang went ahead and Reese just took his time.
At the house Yang entered the the dwelling first and barely noticed Ruby and Winter sitting in the living room, she then went up to her room where she locked the door and sat on her bed with her face in the pillow.
Back at the living room.
"Well our time is up miss Rose I'll be back tomorrow to continue, now I'll have to talk with your sister." Winter says.
Ruby then nods and heads outside to see the sun set and at the same time she saw the rest of her team arrive at the house.
"Hey guys how was work?" She asks.
"Not much happened, someone made a fool of themselves, and a break in not much else. How was your time with Winter?" Reese says.
"It was challenging to talk with her." Ruby says as she rubbed her arm.
"Technical talk, or opening up to her?" Reese asks.
"A little bit of both." Ruby says.
"I understand Mom looks like she is the most stern person I have ever met, but she really does care, just give her a chance." Reese says.
Just then the door opens and Winter comes out rubbing her forehead with a hint of irritation.
"I tried to talk with Yang and she blocked me off." Winter says.
Now it was Reese's turn to rub his head.
"She must really be upset." Reese says.
"What are you going to do Reese?" Ruby asks.
"Well maybe I'll disappear for a few days." Reese says.
"What! your going to leave her?" All of team rwb says at the same time.
"No I'm not leaving her I'm giving her some space, to clear her head." Reese says.
"What about your job?" Weiss asks.
"I already called in the chief understands." Reese says.
"What are you planning?" Blake asks.
"My plan is to clear her head. she still wants to talk to me,but whatever I said to her is making her upset I know this because she will look at me but she gets mad." Reese says.
"And how do you know that?" Ruby asks.
"Because her scroll is connected to her health and in return Patty can look at that and tell me what's going on." Reese says.
Everyone was surprised to hear that part.
"So where are you going?" Weiss asks.
"Not far but close enough if something arises I can step in." Reese says.
Reese is about to leave then looks back.
"By the way keep this under wraps I don't want Yang to know." Reese says.
Everyone then nods and Reese puts on his helmet and rides off into the city.
Winter then turns to look at everyone.
"Well you guys are now watching ruby now take care of her, and remember ruby don't be afraid to talk to your team they will help you." Winter says as she walks off.
At that moment Tai then walked up and greeted everyone.
"Heyo, how is everyone's day? Let's cook some burgers." Tai says.
Some time later Winter was exploring Patch mainly because she never got to do anything off her free time except practice her violin or study the next tactical plan. Her wondering put her in the open marketplace.
The market was still busy even tho the sun was down it gave winter a chance to look around for a bit just then someone walked up to her.
"Greetings ma'am a gift to you." Said the lady.
Winter looked at the package and saw it was a white gold necklace.
"Oh thanks for you generosity but I'll have to decline, thank you tho." Winter says.
"It's a gift from your son." The jeweler says.
Winter then stops and looked back.
"What does he look like?" Winter asks.
"He had red eyes and hair that was dark red with black hair and he was really tall and fit." The jeweler says.
Winter then took the package and put it in her backpack.
"Thank you." Winter says.
"You're very lucky to have a son like that, he is waiting for you at the raman shop." The jeweler says.
"Thank you, I understand." Winter says as she starts walking.
After a few minutes she saw the motorcycle and the helmet that she knew belonged to her son and well he was waiting for her at the stall.
But instead of saying hello they both hugged each other and held on.
"Missed you son." Winter says.
"I missed you to I was worried after the attack something happened to you." Reese says.
After they sat down they both had a hard time ordering.
"I can't decide between the chicken or the steak strips." Reese says.
"You always liked steak, you always ordered it during your time at the facility." Winter says.
"Your right but Tai made grilled chicken for me one time and it was great thus my delema." Reese says.
The chef happened to walk past and overheard them.
"Might I suggest steak it tastes wonderfully, chicken isn't a good combination for raman flavor." Chef says.
"Ok I'll take the steak then." Reese says.
"I'll take the spicy special." Winter says.
That surprised Reese.
"I never knew you like spicy food mom." Reese says.
"I like some but not all. Powder spices, some peppers, that's all I can handle." Winter says.
The food was soon delivered and the conversation changed subjects.
"So what's your plan now son?" Winter asks.
"Well, lay low and wait for Yang to calm down." Reese says.
"That's it?" Winter asks.
"That's it." Reese says back.
"Well I was thinking, after we are done here, want to go out and dance again?" Winter asks.
Reese then realized that while winter is here on business she is also taking time to catch up with her son.
"Well sure, but I don't have any clothes to dance in" Reese says.
"Your armor will suit you for this time, you remember that it makes holograms right?" Winter says.
Reese then had a "duh" moment in his head.
They both left and went to the hotel where winter is staying, Winter then lead the way to her room and let Reese in so that he can wait.
"I'll be a few minutes." Winter say as she ducks into the bathroom.
Reese occupied his time by doing his armor diagnostics to see if something is wrong with it well aside from the visor damage, it was good now Reese then had the armor changed into a dance outfit that usually consisted of black shirt and pants with black shoes.
"Ready." Winter said.
Reese then turned around and saw that she was wearing a dark blue dress with short sleeves and a skirt that goes down to her knees.
"Let's go, I'm driving." Winter says.
After a few minutes they arrived at the venue.
"Sure hope the white fang doesn't make an appearance." Reese says half jokingly.
"Well last time it was a freak coincidence, they probably had someone on the inside. Shall we?" Winter says as she extends her arm.
Reese loops his arm around hers and they both walk in.
When they both entered the place is wonderful, it had a relaxed environment and light soft talk and everyone was dressed to the nines.
"Reminds you of something?" Winter asks.
"Well there are two events that come to mind, the first being a mission where we had to extract an informant, and the second was a dance at beacon with Yang." Reese says.
"What about the one we went to?" Winter asks.
"That's a night club not a dance hall." Reese says.
"Right, now let's have fun and smile for the night." Winter says as she grabbed Reese's hand.
For a little bit of time they both went around and talked with people while the live band got ready.
"So your part of Patch psychology department?" Some woman asks Winter.
"Yes I help out those who work in the military or any service department." Winter says.
"And you do what?" The husband asks Reese.
"I work in R&D for a company that develops new next gen tec for first responders." Reese says.
The couple that is currently chatting with Winter and Reese seem to be confused at the story's that they made up.
"I beg your pardon Ms Winter your son doesn't look like you, I'm just having hard time believing it." The gentlemen says.
"He takes on more of his father than me it gets a lot of people." Winter says.
Reese was kinda now wishing the band was set up so he can get Winter out of this situation.
Just then someone made an announcement. "Lady's and gentlemen then band is set up and now you are all free to dance and socialize throughout the night."
"Thank goodness." Reese thought.
Reese then looked around and saw that everyone was getting into positions, at that moment Reese stood up and went to Winter's side, he slightly bowed and held out his hand.
"My I have this dance mother?" Reese asks.
Winter then held out her hand and held on.
"Yes my son, I would like to share this dance with you." Winter says while flashing a smile.
They both made their way to the dance floor and they took positions.
"What are we going to do?" Reese whispers.
"How about our special dance?" Winter says.
The dance she was referring to is the one they did when ironwood's men raided the hotel, but the difference is there are no weapons.
Music starts with every beat they both moved with precision, the spins that winter did graceful, with Reese staying in step with Winter, then they both spun in sync with each other where they met in the middle of the arc of the spin, and both of their hands met in the middle and they resumed their dance but they changed their foot pattern from a small square dance to a broad step of a waltz.
The dance was coming to a close but Reese knew the dance would end with a long dip but that is normally for couples who are in love not mother and son, so Reese opted for the next best thing.
On the next spin that Winter did Reese made sure that he tapped Winters arms to go to his neck, then Reese picked up Winter much to her surprise, and did one final spin then Reese keels down and puts Winter on his knee and they both stop and it was done.
"I was not expecting you to do that." Winter says after they left the floor for a moment.
"Well the dance everyone else was doing ended with a dip that is for Yang only." Reese says.
Winter nodded in understanding they had a special relationship but not as special as that is between Yang and Reese.
For the next several hours they conversed with people and did some more dancing (slow dance). Then they left right around 11:30 pm patch time to go home.
When they got back to the hotel where Winter is staying Reese was about to leave when winter stops him.
"Where do you think your going?" Winter asks.
"Back to the house I'm going to keep an eye out for trouble." Reese says.
"Oh No your not your going to stay here." Winter orders.
Just then Reese felt like a small shock went through him, he hadn't felt that in a long time since when Reese had his first time with Yang, Reese then turned around and saw that winter's eyes were glowing bright blue (an after effect from the program process).
But he didn't object. Instead he walked right beside her, when they got to the room Reese took the couch and Winter well grabbed the covers off the bed and sat right next to him.
"Stay." Winter said softly.
Reese didn't move but just leaned his head back and closed his eyes
Winter threw the cover over him and took a spot next to him.
"The only time I ever got to do this is when you were an infant." Winter said as she closed her eyes.
End.
File open.
Subject the after effect of Reese's reprogram.
While the reprogram of Reese's mind was a success it had some side effects.
He would listen to that one person or persons with absolute loyalty without objection.
That one person or persons giving the order when Reese looked right at them he would see their eyes would be glowing or have a terrifying energy to them.
Sometimes Reese at random would look around because he thought he heard someone calling his name out.
Aside from the night terrors he gets, sometimes when he sleeps he will see the person's face burning in his mind thus why when Reese sleeps his armor has to keep him asleep.
While there maybe other side effects one should note that Winter found a way to get Reese to do other jobs without sounding like an order, making the side effects not active, it's noted in the files that there is a space for winter but there is another spot we currently have no idea who occupies that spot, we do know that part of the brain is reserved for happiness.
File close.