Chapter 5: Eros Intimas
Enjoy a little outing with Jaune and Weiss! Salem's introspection! Jaune makes a friend!
He felt nothing upon their deaths. No despair, no hopelessness, even as the ashes wrapped around the miniature tornado, lives snuffed out without a care about the ramifications. The darkness inside him calmed slowly, the pain flashing through his nervous system subsiding as he walked from the alley. He caught sight of Tyrian there, a controlling hand on Weiss' shoulder, keeping her from fleeing, the man's smile manic, a sensation of ill ease coming from the girl.
"She attempted to call the authorities... so I have stopped her, Young Master." The man's voice was like a smooth honeyed tone, as his eyes met his own, a mania within them that he could understand.
'Seize the advantage. Take what should be taken...Accept. Accommodate. Alter.'
He looked at Weiss, whose eyes were looking at him, a whimper from her lips. "You really shouldn't have been so rough. I trust her. She's just a girl who needs a friend, Tyrian." The look in those blue eyes was confused and hesitant, even as the man's hand pulled from her shoulder.
"Weiss... Let's go someplace. I'd like to get to know you better." Fear entered those eyes, a balm to the aches within his body. There was terror that came like a torrent through her body, the eyes looking up at him, about to tear up.
"Please, I really..." She sounded confused, understandable in the situation that she was in. Who wouldn't be confused if they had such an unpleasant encounter?
"You misunderstand." He said to her, knowing that this would have to be handled gently.
'Mama would be proud of me... Making such a pretty friend.'
The girl shivered a little. "I just want to spend some time with you. Get to know you a little better, in the way that a friend would."
A confused expression, a flicker of a gaze going to Tyrian, who smiled in his usual manner, the girl shying towards him, in search of comfort, security. A few delicate steps she took before her eyes met his own. There was fear in those eyes. Fear, doubt, confusion."Promise me that you won't... do bad things?" She whispered, her voice a trembling whisper.
"I'd be a bad friend if I did." He believed in making sure that he would have the friendship of his friends. His mother had always told him that he would be the best friend that would be there for someone.
"I'm... I'm sorry, I never really had a friend."
She looked at him, a look that was confused, her eyes watery, as her blue eyes looked at him. "But..."
Her voice was delicate, frail. There was understanding, even though she did not know it herself, within that voice, even as she brushed a hand over the skirt that she wore, straightening it out. "But..."
Hesitation. He could see it in her manner of standing. He felt the burning suddenly in his lungs, as he inhaled slowly. A cloying, sickening burn, inhaling pure aerosolized flame. "How about we go for a cup of coffee?" He suggested the crinkling of her nose enough to show that she did not much care for a drink like that. "Or something else. I don't know, I'm not that good with people."
Her eyes looked at him, her brow furrowing for an instant as if she wanted to make a comment, before her mind snapped to the situation at hand. "You..." She was starting to open up a little, her eyes meeting his own with a delicateness to the gaze, as Tyrian made a small bow.
"I will allow the two of you to go on a date in peace, Young Master Jaune." The man's eyes spoke a different tune from the words he used, out of the sight of Weiss' line of vision, the caution in them enough.
"Young people should be with young people, after all."
As Tyrian retreated, moving into the shadows like one of the Mistralian shinobi, he wondered briefly about the man's talent in such an area, before he met Weiss' eyes.
"Your... boss?" Her eyes looked at him, confused. "The man who berated you."
"My father." She sounded so sad, the emotions inside her like a maelstrom of darkness, rising to him, even as he entered her personal space, his hand laying upon her shoulder. She did not flinch back, lips making a small subtle motion.
'Perfect.'
"He shouldn't talk to you like that. You're a very beautiful young woman. You must hear that a lot, though." The way that she leaned against him, her eyes looking up at him with a silent plea in them, the fear slowly receding as she could feel his genuine feelings. She was a pretty young woman, she was beautiful.
"I'm... I'm trying to get away. I don't know why I'm telling you this, but..." She paused, laying a hand on his chest. It was small and pale, delicate, the scar standing out on her face, still raw and rough-looking.
"Did he cause that scar?" He asked, the girl freezing up. He could sense the emotions inside her.
Fear. Revulsion. Anger.
It showed not on her face, yet he could feel them, as her hand balled itself into a fist.
"I was stupid." Her voice was dry and bitter, as her gaze aimed down. She felt angry, he could feel it.
"You're not stupid. Don't call yourself stupid." He said the brittle smile on her face enough. He leaned closer, feeling the urge to, as he placed his lips close to her ear. "He is wrong for treating you like that. If I have a daughter... She would be the princess of my life." There was a soft sound in her throat that was like a choked sob, as she pressed against him, a gentle hand against his stomach.
"I'm... I'm sorry." She said, her body shrinking back, seemingly realizing just how intimate that gesture had been. She looked like the floor had been torn away from under her, a delicate look on her features akin to a princess who had been told that she would be working at the green grocer's because the king had gone bankrupt.
Apologizing to anyone should be hard for her, yet she allowed it to slip so easily from her lips. "You don't need to apologize... So how about we get you something to drink? Friends can talk about stuff together, can't they?" She nodded, his arm wrapping around her shoulder, pulling her closer. Loneliness and darkness swirled inside her, a bright little sparkle, a flame inside her lit up.
"Y-yes. F-friends." There seemed to be some confidence in her now, as he guided her along, her body slowly easing to fall into step with him. "Can... Can I call you Jaune?"
He smiled brightly at her. 'Mama was right too... A girl knows just what she wants...'
"Of course, Weiss." Her eyes warmed slightly, even as the veneer of control slipped and he could see what lurked below that surface mask. Desperation, hope and a little slice of craving.
'A way into the heart, to tear open that chest of silver and gold and to enrich yourself... With a single word, you can change her fate...'
"T-thank you." Her voice stuttered, even as she pressed against him. A squeeze he gave her, the soft little sigh that she gave being something that surprised him. "I'm... There's so much I have to do."
As they entered the local Sundollars store, he caught sight of the reflection in the window of the two of them. Him, tall and blonde, with her, smaller and pale-white blonde, her expression warmer than before. It was as if the ice princess had melted slightly.
"No matter what it is... You'll make do." There was a faint brush of his fingers over her shoulder, even as some of the people gave them a look.
"Is that..."
Someone said, even as they got in line with the other customers. Weiss looked distinctly uncomfortable as people stared at the pair of them, his hand giving her a comforting squeeze. "Miss Schnee? Can I have your autograph?"
Someone asked her, Weiss shivering for a moment, his attention going to the young woman who had come up with a pen and a piece of paper. "Listen, I don't think that this is the girl you'll be wanting to talk to." He interrupted, before Weiss could speak. Her hand was half-raised as if to take the pen.
"But... I loved her performance in the Valeosseum. I just want an autograph..." The young woman was obviously taken aback, even as he looked down at Weiss.
"I'm sure that my girlfriend would love to sign your... whatever, but I don't think that she's the person you think she is. If she's some... famous actor or what-not, don't you think that she'd have bodyguards?" He noticed that Weiss seemed to press against him like a frightened child, the fear that she emanated enough to clue him in that she was not comfortable in this situation. There was enough to make the world feel like a colder place, a prospect that was not entirely without merit, from the sensations that he felt.
"Well..." The young woman said, doubt showing on her face.
"She's just a fan, as far as I know. I mean, I don't listen to most of her stuff because she wants to have some 'me' time, but really, do you want to cause a scene just because you've met an ardent fan?" The young woman nodded in understanding, an apologetic smile on her face.
"I'm sorry, I just... I just thought that..." Weiss gave a shy little smile. He could feel her heartbeat get a little slower. She was relaxing a little in his presence.
"It's really okay... I... I like hearing her sing. She sounds amazing." The young woman nodded as Weiss spoke those words, confidence in them.
"I got her latest album, it was so passionate. A young princess, captive by the evil lover... Ah, it makes me feel like I've got my own..." As the line moved up a little, Weiss seemed to grow a little more comfortable around him, giving him a hesitant smile. It made her eyes stand out, like a brilliant set of gemstones set within an alabaster face.
"It makes me wonder... What would Weiss Schnee do?" The question Weiss asked aloud was enough to spur his mind, as he squeezed her shoulder.
"She'd undoubtedly be surrounded by bodyguards, kept away from the public. Sipping expensive champagne whilst lording over the people." The stereotypical image of the rich and famous came to his mind, speaking such things. He could feel her emotions, the close contact enough for him to feel them.
"Not like you. You're a girl whose smile can light up a room."
He felt the darkness inside her writhe, yet a spark of light blinding once more, as she looked up at him. Eyes were filled with some weird emotion, even as she seemed to stop breathing.
"You two must've been together for a while." The young woman said. Jaune looked at Weiss, who blushed deeply.
"We've... We've met each other briefly. His... His guardian along with... Well, he ran into me and I was... less than polite." Admitting that seemed to make her worry, her eyes looking up at him. Playing at being her boyfriend wasn't that hard. He had seen plenty of drama's to know that the rhyme and song would go in a certain way.
"And..." Her eyes went to his hoodie, her fingers brushing something off his shoulder. "Well..." She flushed, looking up at him. "He got me out of a bad spot with my father."
"She was looking gloomy, so I broke her out of her tower and now we're at Sundollars, getting something to drink." The young woman smiled, even as she brushed a hand through her purplish hair.
"Aww, isn't that sweet?" Weiss nodded in agreement, looking at him. She had some talent for acting, even as she took a deep breath, looking at him with warmer eyes.
"I'll settle for a tea though." She said, giving him a smile. He searched around for his wallet, pulling it out and then getting a ten Lien chip. Her grateful smile was enough, as she looked uncertain.
"A tea for the princess." He said, even as he stage-whispered immediately afterwards. "My mama thinks I'm her prince... so I guess that makes you my princess."The laugh that she gave was much more natural than before, even as the purple-haired young woman smiled.
"You're lucky to know each other. Can't find a decent date worth their salt in these parts of the Kingdom." The sigh was enough, as the two of them were at the register.
"I'd like a cappuccino, please. And for..." He looked at Weiss, who straightened her shoulders, her face a queenly mask.
"I shall take your honeyed mint tea, with a side of your finest muffin." Her gaze looked at him, the look of a woman who was used to commanding others around. "He will take one as well. White chocolate for me." The clerk at the register nodded, even as Jaune pulled out another ten Lien chip, handing it over.
"I'll take a dark chocolate muffin." He smiled a little at Weiss, even as the clerk noted that down.
"I'll need to know what name to call out..." He glanced at Weiss, who stepped forth confidently.
"Winter." It fit her. She was as cold in appearance as the season, with the wonderful brush of something that could be called warmth inside her depths.
"Jaune." He added, even as Weiss looked at him, moving from him a little.
"Alright, it'll be out in... a few minutes. We here at Sundollars wish you a pleasant stay. The wireless connection number is one-three-three-seven. Sundollars, open twenty-four-seven." The practised line was nearly a drone as he steered Weiss towards a comfortable-looking wooden chair, his gaze watching the young woman who'd approached them walk back to the man who was escorting her, dressed in a suit that looked like it had a badge at the front, starting to talk about something to the man, the look on her face something queer, and he dismissed them out of hand immediately.
"You should loosen up your hair a little." He said, his mind going to his sisters. Saphron always wore her hair loose, she hated having it done up in a formal sense, since it detracted from her 'obvious Sapphic Look', as she'd so elegantly put it. She looked at him, opening her mouth as if to object before she gave it some thought.
"You may be right... I wouldn't want to be confused with Weiss Schnee, right?" She said, a smile coming to his lip. She slowly undid the band that kept the hair in its tie, the ornament that was attached to it put away in one of her pockets, allowing her hair to be as loose as it could be.
"My mama has beautiful long hair as well. So does my sister, but her wife isn't sure whether that is due to laziness or not." He smiled at her, feeling the warmth go through her, the interest in her blue eyes shining through.
"So... friends... I've never had a friend." She said, her hesitant look appearing to be genuine. A roll of negative emotions seemed to lurk beyond the hesitant look, the emotions far fiercer than he had thought.
"Me neither. Growing up with seven sisters... Alas, the joys of learning how to do makeup and model dresses." The giggle that she gave was genuine, amusement and warmth blossoming inside her, something inside him telling him that she should feel the despair rather than the positive feelings, a moment of a shifting perspective.
Her hair was loose, yet it was firmly held by his hand, her lips against his own, weak and futile struggles, even as she tried to fight, tried to show that fire and the negativity just overwhelming it. A guttural sound from her throat, a bird whose cage was shattered, her body broken beyond repair. There was no beauty, no sensuality... Just a slaking of desires. Eyes that had been hopeful once, now dull and lifeless.
'The taking... break her. Twist her. Make her enjoy the feelings...'
The whisper of traitorous thoughts was there, even as he saw the light in her eyes fade, the desperation coming to her as she tried to keep at him, her legs barely functional, even as she tried to crawl to him as he drew away. Her voice, elegant and beautiful at a time, shrieked for him to stay, to not leave her, to please... to please be her friend and love her.
A plea given under duress of others. Another moment of intimacy. She was much more pliable. Much more docile. A broken bird whose wounds were scarring over, the eyes now a little less empty... yet the maelstrom of emotions enough to drown the world around them in darkness, every mark on her flawless skin like another symbol of her subjugation. Getting dressed afterwards and being kissed by her in a gentle, caring way, even as his mama's hand brushed over his cheek, Weiss stiffening, as the words, "Good job, Jaune." echoed through the air, capturing her lips with his own, even as she was there to witness this moment.
The vision evaporated as if it had been merely an illusion, showing her lightening face once more, the mingle of emotion enough to rile him up, her face showing worry. "Your nose is bleeding. Are you okay?"
He brushed his finger below his nose, feeling something wet and sticky and seeing the hand come away with blood smeared over the finger, a long streak that showed clearly that it was his lifeblood. She handed him a napkin, the Sundollars logo on it boldly there, her eyes a little worried.
He remembered a flash of pain, a moment where his mama had gouged out her jugular and fed him her blood. The taste of copper invaded his mouth again, even as he plugged his nose with the napkin, a soft grunt coming from his mouth as he felt the memories hit her.
His mama, naked, pressing her lips against him, the lack of air making him hit her as he struggled to breathe. The terror in her eyes, the cries for him not to leave her, to taste her blood and feel the power within... Undiluted power. Magical power, granted by her.
"Just a bit of a side-effect... I've had an intense session with my mama." He wasn't going to tell her so bluntly that he had made love to the woman who was like another mother to him, as she was not that close to him yet, neither being it her business to know.
"Exercise?" She questioned, her eyes still a little worried. He nodded. It did count as some exercise, even as there had been a lack of clothing. He felt more confident now, confident enough to nod at her question.
"A coffee and a tea and two muffins for Winter and Jaune!" The clerk called out, Jaune getting up and patting her shoulder. "We'll talk after I get our drinks." He smiled at her, her sudden ease with him unexplainable, even as the blush on her cheeks showed that she was embarrassed about something.
He bumped into someone then, a tall and leggy brunette, who stumbled slightly, the coffee beaker that she had in her hands nearly dropping to the ground. "Watch where you're going, moron." The woman hissed at him, fierce golden eyes looking at him, her fingers brushing the strands out of her face.
"Sorry, I wasn't looking properly." She sniffed disdainfully, the look on her face enough, as she carried her coffee towards an empty table.
He picked up his order, watching the woman that he'd nearly bumped into pull a Scroll out, fishing out a set of earbuds and then tucking them in carefully, before she started to dial a number, his hands holding the tray with the coffee, tea and muffins, the clerk nodding tiredly at him.
'I guess she's a businesswoman or something...' There was something odd about the woman that he'd bumped into, yet he dismissed it. It was as if he got the same feeling from her as he did with his Mama.
'A moment to seize her, to beguile her with powers as of yet unknown... to take her and bend her will, to reduce her from pride towards humbleness...' The words were like a whisper, even as his attention returned to Weiss, setting the tray in front of her and putting on a warm smile.
"One cup of tea and a muffin for the pretty princess."
She smiled at him, a genuine smile, without any sort of bluster. He glanced into the reflection, spotting a tall and lanky Faunus man half-leaning against one of the walls outside, his attention in his direction. 'So he didn't go off...'
It was comforting, in a fashion, to see that Tyrian was keeping an eye out. The woman looked up from her Scroll in the direction of the man, raising an eyebrow and got up, the cup left on the table for a while, the Scroll in her hands, a conversation that seemed to be held by the young woman solely.
'Oh well... I'm sure it's nothing.'
She languished on the divan for a while, allowing herself to recoup a fragment of her experiences of the last night... of the time that she serviced the young man who meant so much to her that she had shared with him the essence of her magic, the blood that flowed through her veins.
The moment where she had stolen his breath away in a languid, passionate kiss, she had realized her fault. The blood from her jugular flowed straight from the heart, tainted with the essence of immortality... if it worked as a panacea against her own mortality, then it would work for him... and it had paid off.
If it hadn't...
She could imagine the fight between her and Ozma would have gone down into legend. She would have torn the man apart simply for the fact that she had lost another love to the ravages of his machinations! She had not asked for immortality! What was the use for immortality if one had to watch one's loved ones perish?
The ministrations with how she had made love to her man, the acceptance of him, her loins aflame with the desires of the flesh once more as she had ridden him. The strangled little gasp before he erupted inside her with his hot seed, fertilizing the fields of her womanhood with his need...
She had taught him about women. Women led the family. They led the home. They cared for the children, loved their husband and they provided soothing when there was a need for such. The other women who soothed his needs would need to accept the wife's commands, no matter what.
He would be glorious... and she would make it so. Any of the futile distractions would be pushed aside so that his ascension might be smooth.
The tingle of magic being used, a simple cast of the elements of flame and wind, caught her eyes, even as she curiously glanced to the direction. 'And thus, he wields my strength...' Pride welled up inside her. He was truly something spectacular...
The Scroll rang, the caller ID showing the icon of Cinder, whose picture was her unusually serious face. She opened it up, as memories of her beloved Jaune came to her mind. "Yes?" She inquired, a little breathless for some reason, and her eyes noticed that her fingers had been in the process of brushing over one of her breasts.
"I have called to inform you that I have arrived in Vale and will be heading towards your current residence." The words from her follower made her realize the importance of the call. Cinder had stated that she would call, should she arrive in Vale.
"Have you obtained the prize?" She was sure that Cinder would have, given the way that the world seemed to work in her favour.
"Yes. I am currently located in some establishment, blending in with the locals." There was a faint sound in her throat that could be thought of as thoughtful murmurs if one listened properly. Cinder was a useful tool, useful for her youth and her experience, yet her methods often let her achieve such things through alienation.
The world was something that did not need more singular antagonists... It needed an encompassing divide between the people. Mistrust, hate and fear would work just as well as giving them a target... and Cinder most definitely had been someone who she held high hopes for. 'She would be the subtle side to my infiltration of Beacon...'
The thought rose to her mind about offering Cinder as one of the women for Jaune's needs, before it was cast aside.
From how she had experienced that moment earlier when their loins had met and he had erupted inside her with his need, he would only be used by the young maiden-to-be... the woman who had come to her with a request for power, which she had granted.
'At most, she would be used as a chamber servant... Fit to cleanse his rod with a cloth in anticipation for his wife or concubines.'
It was an entertaining thought. Seeing the haughty arrogance of Cinder be quashed through such actions, to see the beautiful young woman reduced to a mere servant whose duty it was to cleanse the young man's loins clean of the remnants of coupling.
It had not been as such when Ozma and herself had been young... It had been excitement. A creaky bed someplace in an inn, when he had dared to suggest that they try something a little more adventurous... The bindings holding her, even as he ran fingers over her, her body 'straining' against the bindings and then feeling him seize her... and she had accepted it.
The young blonde man who had come before her and declared his love and acceptance of her... Who had shared a bed with her, who would be the father of her daughters and sons, who would be a sorcerer beyond compare...
Things would go wrong if it was Cinder who was allowed to make inroads with her Jaune. "Are you planning on coming to the hotel?" She inquired, Cinder's voice a little muted. She could imagine what the woman was feeling, knowing well that the pride of the woman spoke volumes about how she reacted.
'Such a simple trick...'
There was enough time for her to personally guide Cinder towards obtaining the Fall Maiden's powers within her with some efficiency and control. It was a simple trick of control, after all... If her son could do so, why should Cinder have any difficulties? Ozma was one of the legendary heroes, after all...
"Of course, boss." She heard the response, the camera clicking on to show what appeared to be a restroom. "I'll be there after I finish my coffee, provided that some buffoons do not interfere. Tyrian is here to escort me, is he not?"
'I wonder what he is doing there...' The jibes between her minions and servants were accepted, as long as they did not interfere with the desires that she had for them. Their will, their individuality, all paled before the grand plan that she held. "By all means..." The words were vague, yet Cinder would take them as confirmation. It was enough, she knew. Tyrian would see Cinder to her, if he knew what was right.
'Why would he be close? I distinctly recall him being gone in order to guard my son.' The feelings inside her chest were starting to flare up again. "Your Highness?" Salem was drawn back to her Scroll by Cinder's questioning voice. "Do you have any instructions?"
"By all means, enjoy your 'mingling with the rabble'. We have to take the small pleasures of life as we do, right?" The polite disconnect of the call was as expected, even as Salem selected the number of Tyrian's Scroll on the Scroll, the call connecting immediately.
"What are you doing in Cinder's vicinity, Tyrian? I distinctly recall you being assigned to guard your charge." The words were a little angrier than she had intended, the heat of frustration filtering through into her voice.
The Faunus man gave a respectful hiss. "The young master is making friends, your grace. Allow me to take a picture for your eyes to bear witness." The call was put on hold for a moment and nearly thirty seconds later, a file popped up on the screen with a 'Do you wish to download this file?' mark on the screen.
She pressed the mark without any further questions, an image of her Jaune seated at a table with a pretty young woman, her hair the colour of snow and what seemed to be brilliantly blue eyes.
'A beauty...'
The girl's smile was more radiant than the polite smiles that were given to people that were not found to be appealing. She could spot several of the tells of the young girl that sat there with her son, telling her a tale of interest.
To put it plainly... The girl enjoyed her son's presence. The look of her eyes, without the caution that she'd normally assume such a finely groomed girl to have, was open and she seemed to be involved with the communication with her son, a part where he arguably was worst at... But managed.
'I should instruct you in the proper crafting of speeches...' There was not much time on her hands... But with his charisma, he could wrap a woman around his finger and make her dance to his tune. Just like her... He was able to charm his way into the girl's heart.
"I have also spotted Cinder. She has bumped into the young Master due to her own errant thoughts. Any chance that I may tear into her a little? Just a little, nothing more than juuuuust a teensy little bleeding wound in her gut... Makes her feel a lot more human, right?" She frowned at the image. Cinder had called the young man a 'buffoon'. 'Oh... That's definitely a good reason to make you regret that choice of words, Cinder...'
"Escort her to me, Tyrian. Do not inform her of Jaune's existence." A tool was only as useful as the one who wielded it. Cinder Fall was, at the core, a woman who bore a grudge against the world. A selfish, prideful wench who would go to any length to secure power...
'She will not steal my Jaune. I will not let my prince and husband be stolen from me!' She was not even aware that she had already crowned him to be her heir in her mind, even as an irate sound came from her throat.
"As you wish, your grace. Nought a word shall emerge from my lips... The young Master would not be able to properly educate the Fall Maiden in her duties... So this lowly one shall not speak a word about the young Master." The connection faded immediately as Tyrian closed it down, a habit that he held, as wasting time was not productive to his manner of business.
Tyrian had faith in her. His disposition was erratic, yet his assassination skills were top notch. With the best of training that there was, she had groomed him into the right hand that would strike far and wide, together with Hazel... Whilst Doctor Watts ensured their technical supremacy. Cinder was a self-made orphan, coming to her for the power to enact the vengeance she craved...
And she could see the woman beguiling Jaune with sweet honeyed words, leeching the strength that she had granted him and taking it for her own. For an instant, she could see the woman already chained down, properly prepared... Weak and without any ability to move.
She would savour every last moment of that torment, even as the woman futilely railed against her fate... Caressing the face and cooing into her ear that she was going to be a great asset to the family... 'Perhaps amputating her arms and legs might be a good thing... If she goes and lays a hand on my Jaune, she won't be needing them... Who cares for the broodmare that is slaughtered after providing fine foals, right?'
If Cinder Fall dared to challenge her for the love of Jaune... She would find herself reduced to a mere infant, powerless and weak, fit only to be a toy for the use of her little prince. As a mother, why should she fail in her duties as a mother if the woman was unwilling... The little follower that Cinder had tagging along with her was a young woman as well, the powers could always be transferred to her...
Cinder was replaceable in the grand scheme of the world. Jaune was not, not anymore. Not after the sacrifice of her own powers, given gladly... It was a simple calculation of cost and benefit. She was far more invested in the young man who had given her a smattering of hope than the hurt little girl who had come to her in search of power.
It was an experience that she knew well. The knowledge that he trusted her, even though she had only been an influence in his life in the background. The need within him... It was a good need. A dark need that burned and writhed inside her as well.
If he wished to court the pale-haired girl, he would be free to. A young man required experience in the art of love, no matter the choice. Marriage was when one's vows were sworn... and no matter how the girl would end up, he would always return to his Mama. 'The children would bear beauty within them... Perhaps it is a proper thing to meet with the girl, should he wish to advance his bid for her hand.'
"Your Grace… There has been another request to the Atlesian database about the lady Selene." Anger burned inside her. 'People do not learn… Why do the mortals always think to know better?'
She looked at the picture on her Scroll once more, a smile on her lips as she saw the guileless look on the young man's face. 'Enjoy your freedom, my little prince…'
A flicker of desire surged through her, her mind already undressing her beautiful man, to show his vigour once more. It was a slow little process, as she would feel his hands around her, to hold and touch her… To let him slam his rod of pleasure into her and to hear his moans, like a man who craved her. A man who loved her, as much as she loved him. To feel how he took her like a thunderstorm, threw her like a hurricane and laughed and cried with her, whilst her tongue duelled with his own, whilst his words were tender and spoke of the love for one's... The love for... for her. She would accept nothing but his love.
'I won't let Ozma hurt you, my wonderful child…'
"Ensure that measures are taken to guard 'Selene' from being outed." Her voice was calm, even as her Scroll flickered with an incoming call, the name enough to inform her that it was Jaune. The illusion slipped into place immediately, the curiosity enough, even as she put on a warm expression. 'One shouldn't scare the potential partners away immediately…'
"Hey Mama, I was wondering… is it okay if I go to see a movie with a new friend of mine? I know that I've said that I'd only be out for a moment, but…" The pale-haired girl's face was uncomfortable, she could see as much, yet there was also a hint of something in those pale blue eyes that showed interest.
"Of course, Jaune." Her voice was soft, caring and maternal, knowing exactly how a young man felt at that point in time when he wished to impress one of his friends. "By all means, do enjoy yourself. I will be meeting with an associate of mine, and…" She paused for an instant, as she saw the burst blood vessels in his eyes, a sign that he had wielded the power that they wielded, a clear sign of it too.
"Please…" She looked at the girl, whose eyes showed some hesitation and curiosity, the smile that she had on as warm as she could muster, though there was no emotion that welled up inside her. "Do bring my darling boy home safe."
The girl shrank back a little, even as she could see Jaune's hand on the girl's shoulder. He had a good grip on her, yet… the girl seemed to yearn for his touch. She could see…
The lock on her door had been fixed there, no doorknob to be found there. It had been a punishment for daring to go outside, even as the servants coaxed through the food with a system that made it appear in her room. It had been futile, yet… It had been her life.
She had just slid into a comfortable gown when the first stirring inside her came, the window opened up and the smell of freedom coming from the outside. It was a smell that she could hardly stomach, so close to the feelings of freedom that she was bereft of due to her father's command…
The book laid on the table, one of her only companions. The loneliness inside her, as she stood upon the balcony, looking at the warriors who fought below, rugged men and women, forged by battle… Pinpricks and ants compared to her right now, she could scarcely make them out…
It was the only way. She would know otherwise and then, there would be nothing…
The door opened. A man smiled at her. Her anchor in this world.
Ozma
'A crutch… Something that she desperately craves yet does not admit to, even if it would benefit her…' A lonely girl that she could see so much of herself in, with the qualifications to be a prize for her child…
More than a notch on his bedpost. A girl who, if properly educated, would know what a diamond she has found upon her ring.
"I… I… He kind of took me against my will." The girl did not seem so resistant to the idea as it had happened, a remarkable sense of relief in her subtle intonation with her voice. "It… it is nice to be out, without…"
"I know what it is like, child. The constant pressure, the expectations… Bodyguards to come and watch over every moment…" It was expected. Tyrian and Hazel struck a perfect balance in that regard, the lithe Faunus and the sturdy giant of a man, both protecting her to the outside world. Cinder, an adopted daughter, Watts, a personal assistant.
"I'm… Thank you." Salem raised an eyebrow, looking at the girl as she thanked her for… something.
"Without him, I would be… I would be miserable. Thanks to…"
She smiled, the mask of the understanding mother slipping onto her face immediately. The girl looked like she had little in the way of motherly role models, so it would come to her to be 'understanding'.
Cinder had required incentives… Yet this girl…
"He is quite the darling, isn't he?" Her voice spoke softly, at a tone that would register well with the teenage girl. Jaune's face showed at the side of the camera's view, her attention fully on the girl, even as he merely watched.
"He… He wants to be my friend." The words sounded like she barely could believe it herself, as if it were merely a whimsy, a fancy that was to be repeated perhaps once or twice.
"Even I, at my age, am constantly surprised by him. Jaune… Have fun. Do... Do bring her over for some tea." She smiled, even as she shut the connection off. The girl and Jaune would be left to their devices for now, as she was sure that there would be little incident with him.
'I shall teach him about the little tricks of hiding Magic's influence… One would be able to see from his eyes that he is affected by the powers of the arcane.'
It was another thing for another day…
The door opened and admitted Cinder, the illusion around her features fading away with a mere flicker of the hand, her eyes looking at the arrogant 'Fall Maiden', who seemed to be a little aflutter with thoughts, her face showing somewhat genuine feelings… Which were all an act that Cinder put on, in order to attempt to fool her. She had seen it more than enough in her long life, well-practised in the manner herself, and thus she saw straight through the act.
"Report." The word hung in the air, even as she straightened out. The corona of power wrapped around her, Cinder seating herself, as if she could be equal to her. She had not remarked upon it yet… But there was an order to their hierarchy. 'You are barely fit to lick our boot soles, Cinder.'
"My lady, I have obtained roughly half of the Fall Maiden's powers. I beseech you for clemency… The old crow came and interfered." Salem's temper did not explode. In another world, another realm, it would have, necessitating a change of venue.
"I see." Salem's voice was cool, calculating, the image that Cinder required to see, in order to gain more of her loyalty. It was the start of something, a beginning that came with the darkest of moments, even as a half-failure laid in front of them. Her mind worked through the plans, calculating the best methods to ensure that the Fall Maiden would be obtained.
"The plan is still as it has been. You will infiltrate Beacon Academy and are to look for the Fall Maiden, as she will undoubtedly be held there." Ozma always enjoyed keeping his toys close and personal, no matter the time.
"Understood, my lady. I will have our agent obtain more Dust post-haste." The words were the formal cut, yet she knew well that Cinder feared her internally. Her eyes spoke of it, her sweat reeked of it, the brief flutter of the fear inside her told her of it. 'You fear me... But the powers that I hold are such a lure that you are like the moth towards the flame...'
"See to it that you do." Salem's happiness was paramount. Her mind went to her darling child, the young man with whom she had shared a bed, who she had granted the blessing of her blood…
"You know well the price for failure." The paling of Cinder's skin was enough, as Salem moved up, the fingers touching Cinder's cheek for an instant, as the Grimm inside the young woman writhing at her touch, Cinder's pale face turning even paler.
"You will never grow in power, if you continue to fail me." Her voice was soft, almost regretful. The creature within Cinder screeched, even as she manipulated the darkness that created the Grimm, her eyes looking into the fearful eyes of Cinder. There was no sign of her arrogance left there... And she would know her place.
'Before my desires, yours will have to wilt... You are but a pawn on the board game, taken with an instant's notice. There is but one Queen...'
An image of herself appeared, bedecked in the gold and silver of a queen. 'One king...' Jaune's face appeared, a crown in the old style upon his head, the image of a dead Ozma laid at his feet, a savage smile on her own face, as she rubbed over the belly, swollen with their child. 'And pawns... And you are nothing but a single pawn, never to become a queen unless I desire it...'
"Please, I…"
The whimper was pleading enough yet Salem continued, as the Grimm swelled in size inside cinder's body, the power that it encapsulated enough for the young woman to recognize.
'Ozma…'
"Please, do better next time."The words were affable, perhaps even encouraging, yet Cinder's eyes were wide, as if she had just seen something terrifying.
Salem smiled, the smile encouraging, just what Cinder needed to feel the fear, her eyes promising the brutal end to her life. 'You will not get your hands on Jaune… No matter what…' "You wouldn't want to disappoint me, now would you, Cinder?"
A queen did not allow for a usurper to steal what was rightfully her sovereign possession.
"Y-yes, Lady Salem." The fear in the young woman's voice was real, even as she patted the girl's head as she had done before.
"Good… Let us see whether you can handle some more power…" The manner was less involved than with Jaune, only a brief cut on her finger and the dabbing of a bloody smear onto the pale flesh, the young woman's lips pressed together tightly, as the pain shot through her flesh like lightning, her body feeling familiar in its energy.
'Not like with Jaune… My man has the strength within him… He knows well that his Mama is always going to be there for him…'
Cinder was so weak, compared to some of the other women that she had encountered through her years… But she would have to do.
Prodigies were rare, after all… And not all were seduced to the darkness that she lived in.
Another chapter for Dies Irae. You may get the pitchforks out and the torches and threaten me with immolation…
Some people commented on the slurs used... Yeah, it's not exactly like Jaune is a beast of masculinity. He doesn't ooze manly charisma (yet). Weiss is not as assertive as she could be, due to not having her weapon, which would mean that she'd be down to hand-to-hand. Not exactly the best, if you're used to a fencing style and it would be pretty hard to fight off three young men as a rather slight woman. Yes, she is trained, she is pretty decent as far as stats go. Does that mean that she'd go on record as brutalizing civilians? I think not. She's confident when in a safe spot, with bodyguards and her weapon. Without? Not so much. Enjoy their moments together... Beacon is coming! A few chapters... Salem's got to have words with Jaune about his powers, teach a few lessons... And Weiss has to make a friend!
Next time... Making friends with Weiss! (Because the loneliest girl needs a friend!)
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