Chapter 14: Memento Ignis
The web of Salem is woven tightly... Warnings: Salem is evil. I'm not sure whether that's a warning, but it is!
Jaune looked at his team as he sat on his bed. Ren and Nora sat on the bed together, the two of them looking at him with an expression of concern as Pyrrha sat on the bed with him.
"Well... It's like this..."
He knew that the secret with his powers would not last. They had seen him mend his arm, they had been witness to the sight of flesh distorting and twisting and being reshaped once more into an arm. His eyes held nervousness as the feelings of confidence slowly burned through him, the gentle smile on Pyrrha's face telling him enough.
He willed the fire and earth elements into his palm, holding it up. A small orb of water joined it after a moment, as the girls gave surprised sounds, Nora's eyes going wide. "Amazing! He's a wizard, Rennie! We should have him make us dove sandwiches!"
"I don't think he can do that, Nora..."
Ren's answer, like anything that the young man said, was muted and calm, collected in the fashion of being like one of the brakes on the hype machine that Nora seemed to be.
"It's more..."
The darkness inside him quivered and vibrated, as his eyes slowly started to sting. He could feel his body shivering, inhaling Pyrrha's scent as she was close. She was delicious, near and the thought of her body against his own.
"It's more like a feeling of power..."
He turned to Pyrrha, whose eyes looked fearful as she looked into his own. Her lips were very kissable, after all... She'd feel fear at the thought of him taking her like a ravenous beast that could only be slaked by the desires of the flesh.
"A touch of..."
The light flared inside the dark ocean, a current of flame surging through the darkness. The elements dismissed themselves through a lack of fuel, even with his eyes still looking into Pyrrha's. He felt a craving, an urge, his hand brushing over his body for a moment, sweat coating his body.
'Everything is so tiring...'
"Jaune?" He heard her speak, her eyes worried and a little fearful. He recognized that he'd started to lean towards her, that his hand was now on her thigh, closer to her body.
"Are you... alright?"
He shook his head. "I just had..." He shuddered. His mama would be upset if he voiced his thought to her that he'd wanted to take Pyrrha and fuck her like she was a needy whore and he had the cure of cock for her sluttish nature.
He thankfully didn't voice that aloud as her eyes were still concerned. "Does it drain your stamina?" The voice of Ren, ever the logical one, spoke up, the young man's legs crossed as he leaned forwards. "Do you have a headache? Hunger?"
"Rennie knows that stuff. I mean, Rennie is fabulous and stuff, so I never have tummy-aches."
The smile on Nora's face was enough that he chose to trust Ren.
"It's... I don't know, it's just a feeling of the power coming from within, the sensation and..." He bit his lower lip, thoughtful. "And I did feel... I did feel kind of better after I'd..." Ren looked concerned, with his gaze directed at him. It was a concern that went deeper. "After I'd kissed someone."
Pyrrha turned red, her gaze turned away. Ren looked a little confused, even as the young man pursed his lips together. "There have been stories about creatures that used life-force to sustain themselves..."
"I'm not a vampire."
He said, immediately. Thinking about mama, whose true features were as pale as the moon and her eyes as red and dark as blood in a damp dark cellar, he could feel the ocean swell.
He barely noticed the paling of his skin and the colour leeching from his eyes to blossom in a bright red state. He inhaled sharply once more, as he turned to Pyrrha.
'Now you are looking delicious...'
He moved, pressing her down against his bed. His breathing grew tenser, spikes of pain starting to come through his lungs, even as he felt his body ache and strain. His eyes looked into her own for an instant before his lips pressed against her in a languid kiss, her resistance little as it was, as she felt his tongue invade her mouth.
'The paragon defiled, a path chosen that is with the wiles, no respite for the damned upon this road, to cross the eternal flames of the castle's moat for a victory of bitterness and cruelty'
She didn't resist, as he drew up, the pain slowly starting to recede from his body, the feeling of her warmth making his suddenly frosty-feeling limbs twitch back into awareness and awakening to the strain that he had felt once before. A numbness, as he crawled on top of her, his lips still locked with her.
She was tender, she was weak, his hands slid down and he felt her breasts, round globes of flesh that were pliant, a moan stifled by his mouth as her hands wrapped around him, deepening the kiss. She was ready, and it had only taken a moment. She was a light in the dark ocean, bolstering the flame inside the depths of his own.
A hand on his shoulder and the feelings abated, even as his erection started to flag, Pyrrha's eyes widening as he broke the kiss, her cheeks flushed. "I'm... I'm sorry." He didn't feel sorry, yet he felt like he should apologize. He felt nothing at all at this moment.
Her breathing was rushed, even as Ren's hand laid on top of his shoulder, the numbness of emotions growing even more.
"It's affection that you crave. Several of the ancient folklore stories that I was told when I was younger dealing with a creature that saps the life energy from people around them through touch..."
Jaune sighed softly, as Ren's fingers left his shoulder. The guy was just too nice for him.
"It... I'm sorry Pyrrha, I just couldn't stop myself."
She tidied herself up a little, the blouse a little disarrayed, even as Nora's eyes seemed to pop out.
"He's an incubus! We'll be having tentacles violate us during our sleep-time, Rennie! Isn't that great!"
The excited squeal was something that made him blink, as he sighed.
"My... my mama gave me this gift."
He didn't want to lie to them, not like this. They were witness to a moment of weakness for him, a moment of tension where he had felt the need to do something bad to Pyrrha...
'I liked it...'
"Do you know the story of the Maidens?"
He got confirming nods from Pyrrha and Ren, Nora's expression a little confused at the reference. "Well..." He sighed.
"There is another story to that... The Maidens and the Witch."
He could see that Pyrrha seemed to be confused, as it didn't seem to be as popular a story.
"My mama told it to me when she taught me how to wield it..."
He spoke softly about the confrontation between the Maidens and the Witch, whose name he omitted. It felt wrong to speak it somehow, as the warmth inside him welled up. Pyrrha got more comfortable around him, wrapping an arm around him.
"And then, the castle collapsed and the sister maidens went away with the Wizard, Winter giving birth to a child..."
The story ended there, and he knew that they had listened and drawn their conclusion.
"It's... It's probably a power that is only able to be wielded by girls, but..."
He could see Ren's understanding look whilst Nora looked barely comprehending of what that meant. Pyrrha gasped.
"Is it... Is it killing you to use it?"
The concern on her face was real, even as he shook his head. He hoped not. He hadn't really tested it before...
"I don't think so... I mean... I've never really tested it, but mama said that it is... It is probably the most powerful thing aside from a Semblance..." He knew that they would keep the secret. It would be hard to hide from them...
"And... And I'm probably being hunted for having these powers. Mama said that there are people who would... hunt me."
The looks of understanding from Ren and Nora were strange, as Pyrrha seemed not to think.
"But... it's a gift to the world... Why would someone..." Ren's soft exhale was enough, as he straightened out, an expression that could be called annoyance flickering over his features.
"Because people want power. Nora has been..." The Mistralian youth paused, as if trying to select the right words. "We've been together for nearly twelve years now. We've had to travel through Anima alone, and a girl alone without a protector..." His face was bitter.
"That doesn't end well."
Jaune could imagine it. Nora was an energetic girl who had good features. She emanated that bright little spark of life that made his body feel tingly and warm, as her eyes looked at her best friend and somewhat-brother, if he'd gauged their relationship right. "But Rennie kept them at bay! No matter how much they offered for me, Rennie kept them all away..."
"You're my friend, Nora."
Jaune decided that they definitely were together-together, no matter what the two said. "I would never even dream of being without you."
"That's horrible..." Pyrrha said, her eyes concerned. "People would do that to a child?"
Nora's bright smile was at odds with what she felt on the inside. Something inside her was twisted and wound tight. "Sometimes, you have to see a few dicks when they're dragging you into an alley and you know that Rennie is still a little out of reach. It's common, especially if you're in Wind Path." The way that she spoke was light, as if it were just for going to the store for groceries. Pyrrha looked unnerved at that.
"Rennie has always kept me safe, the sweetheart. Rennie is the best."
Her delivery was so cheerful, as she looked at her best friend in the world, her partner... and he could feel the love that she felt for the young Mistralian man, who smiled, lacing his fingers through hers.
"I'll always be together with you. I promised."
It was sweet. He smiled without even intending to, knowing that these two were made for each other. "Jaune feels good. He cares for us like a family. Don't you?" The question was innocent, yet he could spot the warning signs in that line of questioning. It was a hunch that he had. A wrong answer would spoil Nora to him forever.
"We're a team. That means that you are all under my command and that you will be like family. I've got seven sisters... So I guess I can add a few more." The smile that he got back from her was real and genuine, even as she nudged Ren in his side.
"See? This is just like Masahiko and Ryuji's first confession scene! You liked that, didn't you?" Her partner turned red, even though the reference went over his head completely. He wasn't sure whether the girl had referenced something, yet Ren seemed to be flushed.
"It's not exactly like we're swearing fealty to a Lord, Nora..." The answer came, embarrassment showing through the usually emotionless voice. There was a redness on the guy's cheeks as he turned away, Nora's smile broadening.
"Everyone should like what they like..."
Pyrrha said diplomatically, even though she hid a little smile. "As long as... as long as it doesn't hurt someone." A knocking on the door came and he looked at the members of his team, his alertness rising. He could see Ren and Nora firm up, as he walked to the door, opening it just a crack.
Nerves were going through his body, the dark ocean already prepared with the vile filth within it covering the little bright flame of resistance. He knew that behind the door might be a person who would come after him, whose abilities might outstrip him... it never hurt to be prepared.
"Yes?" He asked, as the door was opened on a crack. Blue eyes looked at him, a tense posture.
"Ah, Weiss."
She idled a little, looking uncertain, her cheeks flushed. Her leg was raised a little, tapping against the ground. The student uniform was gone for a moment, her cheeks flushed.
"Jaune... I... I want to show you our room. Please... come with me."
She looked adorable with the flush on her cheeks, as he opened the door a little further, showing her the inside of their room. He caught sight of Pyrrha raising an eyebrow, before he smiled at her. "I'd love to... Is everything okay with your team, Weiss?" Her expression barely changed, as her gaze softened.
"It's... it's fine. Better... Thank you for... for..."
She stammered, even as he turned around.
"I'll just be a moment, guys. Weiss wants to show me her team's dorm room."
He got an excited grin from Nora and a thumbs up from her, as well as an 'We'll just get to know each other better, Jaune... Go and spend time with your friend' from Pyrrha, whilst Ren was already half-bent over one of the backpacks that contained whatever possessions that the two of them had brought.
He watched as she opened the door for him, watching team RWBY on their improvised bunk beds. He could see that Yang and the brunette girl were already talking, a book open on the bed in front of the blonde, who wore a short top that outlined her body.
"You!" Ruby said, pointing a finger at him. He grinned at her, holding his hands up in mock surrender.
"I come in peace! A princess has invited me to your bastion of solitude." A humoured snort came from Yang as she fixed her gaze onto the book, turning back to the subject at hand whilst her partner continued to read through her own book.
"I've got my eyes on you, buster!" The sweet look that Ruby gave him was just like the looks that his youngest sister gave him, even though they were only a few years apart in age.
"Oh, I will... So, this is the setup with your beds, right?"
Ruby nodded, climbing off her mounted bed and then doing a little twirl in front of them.
"Our beds! Fortresses! Castles! Bastions of femininity!"
The look on his face was unimpressed at that comment.
"The last time my sister called her bed a bastion of femininity, her fiancé came rolling out of it with a question whether she'd like to use lube or not for their next lovemaking session in full view of my dad..." That had gone over REALLY well with his father, who had been none too pleased to suddenly be introduced to the fact that one of his daughters had been batting for the other team. That it'd been her fiancé had been one of the first times that he'd seen the man actually ready to hit someone.
"So... Are you going to be having a fiancé rolling out of bed, Ruby?"
He teased, grinning at the red-faced girl as she looked at her sister with eyes that were desperately trying to convey some message. The blonde grinned, cracking her knuckles.
"Something I need to know about, Ruby?"
The smile was broad, even as Ruby took a few steps back. Weiss grabbed his hand, leading him to the bathroom.
"And this is the bathroom..."
She opened the door and he peered in. It looked like any other girl's bathroom, the heap of towels that'd been used in the morning already looking like they'd need to be hung out to dry properly. She pulled him in, shutting the door behind him and then pushed him against the wall.
"I'd..." She started, pressing her hand against his chest and feeling the flesh beneath. "I'd feared the worst. You're..." She bit her lower lip, as her other hand tugged at his shirt, taking a deep breath and then pushing herself up a little by her toes, pressing a kiss against his lips.
"You're important to me."
He knew that she felt the concern for a friend. "I'll always be your friend, Weiss..." Her fingers went down and brushed over his loins. The need rose, and he stiffened. Her cheeks turned crimson, her eyes looking up at him with a gaze that was warm. "I promise. What is between us..."
"Ah, Jaune..." Her voice was needy and desperate as her lips pressed against his own, his hand pulling her closer, her body pressed to the wall. She shuddered a little under the touch, yet her hands were already tugging on his pants. "There's condoms in the..."
*THERE IS SEX HERE! OH NO! THINK OF THE CHILDREN!*
Find it on Archive of our own! It's Weiss and Jaune being sexy. Needy Weiss wants fun.
*THERE WAS ADULT ENGAGEMENT HERE! OH NO! SARCASM!*
"That... That was amazing."
She whispered, her eyes looking up at him. He felt the power inside him, as his hand brushed through her hair. "I..." She hesitated once more, and he could sense that she was getting the courage.
"You needed it."
He said, voice confident. She smiled broadly, genuinely. "You just... needed a little bit of a friendly touch."
"Y-yes..." She mumbled, as her hands started on his pants, pulling them up. "We should... well, you should get out... I'm... I'm sorry for being needy but... But..." Fear in her eyes, as she looked with shrouded eyes full of hope and anxiety.
"I wanted it again."
It was a bitter admission, one that seemed to rankle her. He kissed her lips, bending down and keeping his lips locked to hers. Her mouth accepted his tongue, the low moan from her lips as an encouragement for him to keep going on. She craved his touch...
As he pulled away, those blue eyes looked with a little hint in their depths of true craving. "I... I should let you go, but... But I don't want to. I... I..." She was on the precipice, as she took a moment to compose herself to a standard that would fit... and she faltered.
"I'm not worthy of your love yet."
He said, the truth spoken. He hadn't trained to be a Huntsman. He had only received the transcripts, wrought with the aid of Selene. He was frail and weak, unable to take the hits that she could.
Her eyes desperately wanted to tell him that she didn't think it mattered, yet his finger pressed against her lips. They parted, suckling on it, her eyes looking at him. A flash of his hands grabbing her head and driving his manhood to the base into her mouth, those eyes slavishly staring at him with their depths filled with the desire for him, and it faded just as quickly, even as he took a deep breath. "I'm... I'm not..." He halted, a sadistic desire inside him welling up.
'Her resistance is weak... We could go for another go.'
The craving of her body was like a moth's attraction to a live flame. The darkness inside him smothered the little flame, as his fingers wrapped around her neck like the collar of a slave, where her place may be...
'A moment where the image of the proud Weiss shatters in the eyes of her friends...'
He shook the dark thoughts away. He was not going to betray his friend... She was such a pretty girl, after all. Her eyes looked at him, as she pressed her neck against his hands. He gripped her neck tightly, as his fingers then splayed out to brush over her neck. "I'm not good yet. I'm..." He smiled.
"I'm going to make lots of friends. We'll all survive to graduate." He felt lighter as he said that. His loins swelled once more, her gaze sliding down. Her lips opened and she placed a kiss on his abdomen, her nude body laid there, a small puddle of her juices there. "I'm going to make sure that you're going to live a long, happy life." He said, with more confidence. Her pulse started to race, as he could see the thoughts brimming in her mind like a disease that slid through her senses, her eyes looking at him.
Her lips pressed another kiss, a slow suckle against the fabric, the low moan from her lips as she did so, her hands brushing over his thighs. "You are such a wonderful friend." The girl's eyes looked at him, her tongue brushing over the outline of his groin.
"I..." She panted, as her eyes looked with indecisiveness and care, her trembling form giving him a tension, as she seemed to try to come to her senses. "I'm..." Those blue eyes needed guidance, a careful whisper in the ear... They were so afraid and so lost... desiring intimacy and care.
"Let's get you in the shower, Weiss." He smiled, taking someone's towel and using it to mop up the fluids, lifting her up. "No matter what... I'm here." She let him move her, as he turned on the spray, her lips pressed against his own in a frenzied kiss, as her hair soaked.
"I love you."
Her voice whispered softly, lost in the rushing of water. He caressed her chin, looking into her eyes.
"Whenever you need comfort... I'm here." Her eyes widened, as she seemed to shock herself aware, her cheeks red. "No matter what... An Arc always stands with those he considers family... No matter what. No matter how. I'm here for you." Looking into her delicate eyes and then pressing a kiss to her lips, heedless of the spray.
Her emotions, indecision and loneliness, swirled around inside her as he kissed her, the dampness of his hair hardly an objection.
"And I never want to see you frown."
He stepped back, as she gave him a broad smile. Her eyes were less worried, as she licked her lips and winked. "Next time... Next time I'm... I'm going to do something nice for you. I swear... I swear, I'll study something... and... we can go out together?" She was such an adorable girl, as her eyes looked hesitantly.
"I'd love to."
He felt rejuvenated, as he straightened his clothes out a little and then stepped out of the bathroom, the other three girls giving him a look.
"Sooo... That was quite a scream she made." The blonde said, grinning broadly.
"You two are just friends, right?"
He looked at her, even as Ruby Rose appeared in his view. The urge to corrupt the girl, to bring her to her knees and to let her know the futility of her cause was rising, as her silver eyes looked into his own, the burning sensation growing ever stronger. "Is she okay? She didn't trip and hurt herself, did she? I heard... eh, a loud scream."
"She's fine. We just... had a quiet conversation together."
He had been listening to her whimper and moan. He could spot the brunette on her bed looking at him with a look that might be disgust, her eyes golden and... her whole body felt different, his head tilting to the side, looking with some focus.
'Hmm...'
"Wasn't quiet, buddy. The wall wasn't that thick... And little miss Schnee wasn't quiet."
Yang commented, his look at her conveying enough of his dissatisfaction with her comments. An impulse to break her, to show the blonde who the real owner of her body was, rose within him, as his gaze met those eyes, his face barely shifting in its expression, as he closed his eyes.
"We're friends. I'm sure that you would've done the same if you met one of your old friends."
The blonde's facial expression wasn't seen, yet he could hear her scoff.
"Nothing would happen. They weren't man enough for me anyways..."
The bitterness in her voice sounded like a regret that she felt, a plan already spinning into place, as he wondered briefly whether the girl would be up for a little challenge...
'Not yet. Weiss may be mine... But her team may run interference...'
He would keep what he owned, after all... Weiss was his friend. She was his.
She would feel close to her team... but she liked him. That much her whispered words conveyed. Her love was like a lost girl out in the forest, unable to come closer to the safe haven...
'She is such a princess...'
She was a princess. His mama had told him that he would be deserving of a princess at the least, as she cared for him and his needs...
Weiss emerged from the bathroom nearly a minute later, as the conversation had switched to a different topic.
"...happy with that you woke us up, I mean, Yang snores like you wouldn't believe, so I totally slept through my alarm clock." The girl was more at ease around him, even with Weiss coming up to him and giving him a hug. Her hair was still wet and he brushed his fingers through the locks, the happy smile on her lips enough, as he leaned closer.
'You're going to be a brilliant princess... I am so happy that you're my friend...'
"That's because you're going to be waking up sooner, dolt."
Weiss said, her voice soft and gentle, his hand gently brushing the strands of hair out of her face. She shuddered a little and he smiled. She was such a sensitive girl.
"You two make me sick... Go and be a couple elsewhere, you two."
Weiss' face twisted in an ugly manner before she composed herself, a hesitant glance at him before she turned to the blonde sister.
"Just because you cannot get a man to hold you doesn't mean that you should shovel manure on my friend! Have you ever kissed a boy? I bet not!"
Weiss' voice was irate as she near-shouted at Yang, Ruby's face turning worried. Yang shifted a little, as she looked a little offended.
"I-I've done plenty of that! I've even grabbed a guy's tackle box!"
There was no lie in her words, yet the truth was not unveiled either, as Weiss took a step towards the bunk bed that Yang was currently on, her eyes blazing.
"With or without paying for it, Xiao-Long?"
He saw her blanch and wondered what the story was behind that as she squared her shoulders.
"I don't know what your issue is, Schnee, but I don't like it if you're going to assume..."
He got in-between the two before Yang would come close.
"Now, let's not escalate this, alright..."
He said, as he stood in front of Weiss, facing the blonde who glared at him, or more precisely at Weiss. "You're a new team, I'm at a new team and I'm here just to visit." The blonde frowned at him, seemingly about to say something, before her sister's voice interrupted.
"He's just here to visit his friend! So... let's all calm down, shall we?"
He smiled at the silver-eyed girl, who smiled back at him.
"We're all new... and perhaps we're just... just a bit high-strung? We've barely been a team for a day, so..."
He nodded, giving Weiss a brush over her shoulder.
"She doesn't look so bad to me, Weiss..."
He turned to Yang, looking deep into the lilac eyes. Pride and strength, confidence and security laid within those eyes. The urge to destroy that confidence and pride, to make her whimper and moan and wish for him... to crave him, all rose within him.
"And I do apologize... I'm sorry for my friend's behaviour, she's... She's protective of her friends. She called my sisters a few nasty names... Well..." He turned to smile at her.
"She's much better than this. I trust her with my life."
She would be useful, one way or the other. He wondered briefly about his team, whether they would be willing to trust him with their lives... before he dismissed the thought. It was worthy of guessing about it, yet he had the feeling that they would trust him.
"Jaune... I..." Weiss cleared her throat, stepping past him and addressing the other girls on her team. "Sorry for snapping at you... I've... I've been under a lot of stress and... And..." Tears welled up from the girl's eyes. "I won't let you insult my friend. I'm sorry, but... He's my first friend."
Jaune smiled, as he looked at Weiss. Ruby perked up. "And he's my first friend too! Friend besties! Yay!" The enthusiasm was met with a smile, even as Yang grinned in return, seemingly accepting the apology.
"You're a beautiful princess, Weiss. No matter how much your father tries, he will never have a say in your life as long as I live."
The words came from the heart, as he knew that Weiss needed the affirmation. She turned crimson, her gaze cast down, his smile broadening.
"Sleep well, Weiss."
She smiled shyly, her head nodding, as she exhaled.
"Y-yes... Sleep well, Jaune."
The way that she spoke his name was so tender and caring, as his finger brushed over her cheek. He wanted to kiss her, yet it was not the time. Her cheeks were so red, even as he turned his gaze to Ruby.
"She's the best partner you can wish for, Ruby. I know we're not in full agreement..."
To be honest, he wanted to squash her and break her and torment her, to see those silver eyes grow dull, but the urges were squashed. "but please... I know you can be a great leader." The words were enough for Ruby to perk up slightly, a sign that he took note of. Someone poked his back.
"I changed my mind on you, blondie... You're alright."
The blonde said, as if it had been some sort of score that she was keeping that he was unaware of.
"I... thanks?" He looked at Ruby, who shrugged. "I should get back to... eh, my team. Good night, Ruby, Weiss, eh... Blake, was it?" The brunette gave a noncommittal sound that was reinforced by a 'Yes, her name is Blake and she's a silent girl' from Yang, and he finished the sentence with a "And miss Yang."
The grin on Yang's face broadened a little as her tongue slid over her lips. "Oh, Miss? Fancying a shot at this Yang for a bang, Mister blonde and Weiss?" The way that she pronounced Weiss was like 'Wise', her eyes daring him to fire back a response.
"If it's a shot you're offering, my friend already drank deep of it... Why should I settle for a shot of fire when I've got a bottle of Weiss right here?" The blonde's face showed a little confusion as she parsed his statement, giving a look to Weiss. "That's a 'No, I don't want to sleep with you.', if you need clarification."
It clicked and her face darkened, even as Ruby giggled. "He's the first one to say no, Yang! Weiss picks her friends well!" The flush on the girl's cheeks as Yang shook her head, her blonde locks swaying slowly.
"Pssht, as if I'd give it up to you."
He could see Weiss' eyes spit fire, as she seemed ready to comment on that it'd be a worthy thing, silencing her with a light touch.
"You're being goaded, Yang."
The voice of Blake interjected, and his attention went to the girl, even as he smiled. He could see her screaming, her throat raw as he clenched it shut.
'You dare to interrupt my work...'
The yukata that she wore would be the cloth with which she would be wiped down after he was done, her whimpering form submissive and cowed... never to interrupt him whilst his work was not yet done. She would beg, plead and whimper whenever he wished... as her sweet symphony of agony continued.
The dark thoughts were not visible on his face, as he kept the smile on his face. Something was off about the girl, a difference in the way that she seemed to hold herself.
'A little like Tyrian...'
"... Gutsy. I'll see you in the ring, blondie... See whether you can put your money where your mouth is..." He looked at her and couldn't resist. Her emotions were explosive and her temper was quick... Yet there was some care in her voice.
'The way to her is through exacerbation and destruction...'
"I'm not much of a fighter... But I do enjoy the sight of a hot blonde looking ready to take me down."
He smiled as he gave a light wave. "Now that your sister's looking to make me into her new pretzel, I better take my leave. Stay safe, Ruby... And I'll come and wake you at 8:15 tomorrow." He smiled at her, knowing that a good impression on her was paramount to keeping the balance in team RWBY. The silver-eyed girl smiled back at him, the shudder of his body carefully suppressed, even as he directed his gaze at Weiss, only a shifting of his eyes.
"She's going to be the best partner, Weiss... Sometimes... Sometimes you've got to go with the gut feeling... And I think that Ruby will be a great leader."
He could see it already...
He turned away, an expression of humour slipping on his face, as he could imagine the members of that team already turned...
A hero required strong friends, when strength was not enough to buy victory...
'Sometimes... Sometimes strength will need to be subordinate to those with the desire and power to lead...'
The dark ocean swallowed the fire inside, as he felt the urge rising once more, the door clicking shut. To anyone watching, the pale and almost translucent skin and the red irises would give the appearance of wickedness, as a smile curled on lips that had been set within a gentle and collegial smile before. Dark blood showed to rush through veins as he felt the power inside him come easily, the rejuvenation of his flesh somehow made realer than before... as the darkness inside him swelled, the skin turning healthy once more and the deep blue coming once more to the fore.
Pushing open the door, he was greeted by Pyrrha on the verge of getting into bed. "Sorry that it took a little bit, guys..." He smiled, knowing that it'd just been Weiss needing a little reinforcement... The girl knew what a wonderful friend she was to him...
"You should take a shower... I mean, you smell a little of sweat." Pyrrha commented, and he smiled. He glanced at Nora and Ren, who were currently laying out something that seemed like a game board with black and white stones.
"Ah, yes... Weiss wanted to... well, she needed a bit of a hug. Her team is..." He paused, trying to find the proper wording. "A little hard to get used to."
"Did you... Did you feel better once you... hugged her?" Pyrrha was evading the question, even though he glanced down and saw the marks on the front of his pants. Weiss had sucked on it and it'd left a wet spot there. The pink lipstick was... yeah, that was going to stain.
"It... it did." She looked away, and he sighed. "I don't want to... I mean, it's okay with her, she's... She's enjoying herself, or at least I think she did..."The words came easy, the web woven. He could see sympathy in the eyes of Ren and Nora, Pyrrha's green eyes almost warming up more... and they seemed to empathize.
'An easy way into their heart...'
The darkness wrapped around him, as the power gathered within him, a slow exhale coming from him. For a moment, his gaze looked at the pitiful little creatures, unable to touch that which had been a gift from the divine. Mere mortal shells who would never understand the greatness that they had... that... that he had? Was there a...
"Jaune?"
Pyrrha's voice, even as a hand touched him. A numbness spreading through him, an absence of emotion, even as he felt the power dim and collect, the raw emotions dimming to a background noise, his feelings numbing, even with his breathing coming raggedly.
"You're pale... You're... You're sweating and shivering and..." He gave a tired sound, as he turned around, his hand jerking his shirt off, a few buttons skittering into the room. He'd collect them later...
"The..." He swayed a little, light-headed, even as he wanted to claim her, to break her will and make her his, to let her dance like a puppet on a string and enjoy it, to make her moan, whimper and beg for his touch...
"The after-effects are... a little intense."
He felt the throbbing pain, as he looked at his chest, spotting the area around the heart. Blackened veins stood out against the skin around his heart, as he saw the flesh colour darkly again. "It's..."
'Not good.'
"It's definitely killing you..."
Ren spoke, as the young man removed his hand. Jaune could see the worry in his eyes, even as he chanced a smile.
"Eyes that fill with blood, blood vessels bursting and filling with blood..."
Fear welled up inside him before the darkness swallowed it. He would not be exposed, he would not break... He would...
"I'm not going to break my word... I'm..."
He could summon the flame. The whole room would be a charnel house of flame and power, heedless of the results. A freak Dust explosion, just like with Adrian...
'I should call Saphron... ask her...'
He felt helpless for a moment, even as he suddenly felt arms around him. "It's okay, Jaune... We're here for you. No matter what..."He heard Pyrrha's voice and a bitter sensation roamed through his body.
"I'm weak."
He said, a bitter tone to his voice. He knew that his failing laid there, as he felt Pyrrha hold him.
"Then we'll make you strong... Strong enough to weather your powers. When my Semblance activated... I was scared too..."
He could imagine her, afraid. Looking at her hands and wondering what they had done.
"We're here for you. Nora Valkyrie doesn't give up on her buddies." Nora said with determination, nudging Ren, who smiled at him. "Right Rennie? We're the besties who will be making our glorious leader happy!"
"I'm happy to be your friend and teammate, Jaune."
Ren said, as he bowed lightly in that Mistralian style. Jaune smiled. He felt that Ren was genuine in his affections.
"Thank you for believing in me... I'm..." He felt the dark currents through his body burn, as he coughed.
"I'm going to be your leader."
Weiss was a start... And his team would be the foundation. If one did not have strength...
One would have to use smarts.
"Now, how about you scrub his back, Pyrrha? I'm sure he'd love to hug you?" Nora grinned, as Pyrrha flushed. He smiled softly.
"I'm afraid I'd have to pass on that... It takes a little while to simmer down..." The burning flame inside him was growing stronger, even with the darkness inside him threatening to stifle it. Space opened up around the burning flame as colour returned to him...
And it clicked. The darkness was his power and the flame was his health...
He would need to guard the flame.
"If you need any help..."
Pyrrha was quick to offer, he noticed, as he smiled, receding the ocean.
"I've got... I've got a handle on it, I think."
He smiled at her. "You're so wonderful, Pyrrha..." The girl flushed red at his words, even as Nora prodded her in the ribs with a big grin.
He closed the door behind him, his Scroll in his hand. Pressing the button, he waited a moment for the call to connect, the face of his mama visible on the Scroll.
"Mama..."
He spoke her name gently, as her eyes met with his own. It wasn't wrong to ask for help, he knew... if you had a problem, you could always come to mama...
"Yes, my little prince?"
Her voice was light, even as he looked at the caring expression on her face... and the ugly bruises that stood out on her face, even as she looked at him with the sweetest of smiles. "What is the problem?"
"The power... It... it's making me look like... you." He smothered the flame and looked at her. A look on her face of pride and joy, her eyes shimmering with barely shed tears. It was early morning where she was, no doubt the time difference mattering somewhat.
"Am I... Am I wrong for wanting to have control, to... to be the leader? To..."
She smiled at him, understanding perfectly what he was thinking about. "You are my beautiful Jaune, my little princeling..." The woman paused a moment, as if to gather her thoughts. She looked all the more beautiful, as she looked at him, her eyes flashing a deep crimson and black.
"It is the right of royalty like us to rule over the lesser dregs of humanity... Assert your control, dominate them through words or strength..." A soft smile teased over her lips, as she looked oddly amused.
"Ensure that they have no way out aside from turning to you... A caring word, a shoulder to cry on... A back to hide behind..."
It was all so easy... The sympathy of his teammates he had, knowing that they were there to support him in his trials. Pyrrha was already behind him every step of the way and Nora and Ren had pulled open the bands around their heart and shown him the beauty of their soul, the wonderment of the light in their bright little sparks...
They were malleable, they were... present. Open to the changes he was to suggest. "And ensure that they cannot have any other option but to obey..." He finished for her, knowing her intent, the proud smile on her lips enough to warm his heart.
"Indeed. The minds of humans are so easily swayed... You should not concern yourself with such things...Yet" A thought seemed to occur to her, as her lips formed a truly beautiful smile. "But do spend time with your team."
"Who... Who hit you?"
He dared to ask the question, even as her eyes narrowed. Unpleasant feelings welled up inside him, a feeling of betrayal, as she took a deep breath and then exhaled softly, letting the breath escape her lips with a careful manner.
"Trust me... they will be rewarded for their grave injustice against myself."
The words calmed, as he looked at his reflection in the camera's image, Selene smiling at him.
"My prince... I love you." Her voice showed that love as she did, the little wave cluing him in to the conversation being over.
He looked at the shower and Selene's soft 'Good night' tingled his ears as he whispered a gentle good night back at her.
He had a shower to take and then... off to bed. A call made his Scroll vibrate, the image of Tyrian appearing, a picture that the man had proudly posed for showing up. He opened it up and answered, half-way naked already.
"Young master! I have some sort of... nay, I have a beseechment! Please, please, please... Do come to Vale! There is information that I have for you that cannot wait!"
The man's tone was frantic, almost pleading and yet infused with an insane joy. He glanced at his watch, spotting that it was nearly nine in the evening... Enough time for him to be able to do what he should and then get himself dressed.
"Is this about the initiation?"
The man's voice was a near-giggle. "Initiation? Perhaps a demonstration! No, no... perhaps more! Perhaps less! It is all the work of the mistress and her grace will make sure that this lowly Tyrian brings forth joy, yes, yes!"
A file was sent, showing a map towards someplace, with his coordinates uploaded to it.
"Please, master Jaune... Do please come, as swiftly as you can! This place, this time... this world! No, no... This is important! The mistress does not know yet... But she will! She may, but she will! She is the goddess!"
He smiled at the man's little rant. "She's mama." He said, the man giving a low hiss.
"She is her grace! Her kindness is like the stars upon the skies firmament, a touch of the divine to this world! She's the light... The darkness!" He knew that the man meant well, with his words a touch out of place.
"I'll be there soon."
He supposed that this could be the bonding experience between Pyrrha and himself. He shut the call down before hopping into the shower. He wasn't going to meet with Tyrian whilst smelling like he'd been sweating...
Saphron looked at the Scroll, the soft beep of the machinery around her like a background drone, the feeling inside her almost blunted. She knew that it was wrong, that it would be hard to think about but...
"No, Saphron! I won't allow it, moving with your girlfriend to a place like Argus!" Her father's face had been red and angry, his eyes fierce. Their mother stood at the side, her father's expression calmer. Terra had faced the fury of the man with her, with even less composure.
"You're not her owner, Mister Arc. I love her." The words were simple and she'd seen the man give Terra a look that promised little good. "I know that you may not understand..."
Terra had been a breath of fresh air. They had ran into each other at a party and had ended up in bed together at Terra's suite in the hotel. The trip to Vale to get over the break-up from her boyfriend had led to tender kisses, entirely too much alcohol and the best sex that she'd had in a while.
That they'd known each other for nearly four weeks and a bit was not an objection, it was love, it was passion and it was right. "I love her, dad." It was so easy to say, so right did it feel.
"I promise, I won't let her feel sad." Terra had sounded so convinced, and she'd put in the application to quit her daytime job that morning... They were going to Argus together, because she knew that her dad wouldn't understand.
He had looked ready to hurt Terra... And Terra had stood tall. A feeling of being protected had risen within her, once more allowing herself to labour through the hurt feelings. Terra was pregnant, she knew... and they were going to have a baby.
"I hate you, I fucking hate you so much, Jeremy!" She sat on the seat next to Terra's ex-boyfriend, who had deigned to show up. She hadn't had much affinity with the man, whose scruffy appearance was almost as much an eyesore as his constant comments about how she should try getting the gay out of her.
If she were to select a man to be her partner, she would at any rate, not pick a man who would comment on her breasts. Saphron Arc did not give herself up easily, although Terra had that effect on her. "It's going to be okay, Terra... Come on, push..." She didn't know what it was like giving birth. She could feel Jeremy at her side, looking at the little life that was to come forth once more.
Her father had not opted to place a visit, though she felt like it. She was... she was settling in. Terra had her moods, and Jeremy was around a little more now to take care of the things in preparation, but they had a good life... A new life to join them soon. She was so happy...
She had only quarrelled with Terra a few times, knowing that her partner was stressed and that she didn't mean it. The life of a housewife wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, so she'd tried to spice things up a little... A home-cooked meal, some costumes that'd just been the sweetest...
It hadn't been enough. She had been the housewife whilst Terra had been the husband... or the wife, she supposed. It had been her and Terra, just... not... family.
She had no friends in Argus. She only had Adel now... and even Adel was moving to Vale. Terra had been the one who brought her to the work parties as her partner...
'Did she ever call me her wife to her friends, or was that a lie too?'
The ringing of her Scroll came, as she noticed the caller ID. Dad hadn't been seen today, as he claimed that he had to help out someone with an important little thing, the same way of most of the man's apologies for a missed birthday... Something important, something Huntsman-like.
"Hey there Saph..."
Rouge Arc, her sister and the resident voice of occasional reason, appeared on her Scroll, her tired-looking face enough of an indicator. The room she was in was the one that Saphron knew best, as it'd been her own before she'd moved out.
"Hey there, big sis. I... I need to ask. You know medical stuff, right?"
The nightmare of last night had been... harrowing. She could see Selene Umbra struggling against her father, trying to keep him off her, sobbing and pleading.
The whimpers and groans of the woman had been etched into her mind, even as she could hear her father's grunting and groaning, the way that she'd been almost lucid throughout it, watching the happenings on the screen of the television as if it were a movie with a bad plot, watching as her father fucked a woman who wasn't her mother. She only barely woke to see a concerned nurse looking at her, the woman's face looking worn-out, hands quivering a little as she arranged the stuff.
After assuring the nurse that it'd all be okay and the nurse had given her something to help her sleep again, her gaze slid towards the program on the television, one of the late-night talk show hosts starting to go on about the current climate and 'dangerous thinkers' of the age.
She sank away into slumber again, her dreams offering no solace, as her mind spun yet another horrible dream for her. This time, it was not Selene Umbra struggling against her dad, but herself. It was horrible, yet she could not turn away. Every scream, every moan, every... every...
She woke up again, her head turning to the side of the bed and vomiting up all of last night's breakfast, the nurse coming to check out the noise, offering her a sympathetic look before starting to clean the floor up, spraying a little deodorant to get the smell out.
She hadn't slept since, and she felt like crap. The image of her father doing such a thing to an innocent woman... then the nightmare...
"I've got some knowledge... But if something is hurting, you should consult a medical specialist at the hospital. I can't magic my way over to Argus."
She knew her sister wouldn't be able to do that. As a psychologist, you didn't make bank until you had some tenure, some reputation...
"I saw a woman wince as she sat down, with two big bruises in her face, her eyes swollen..."
Saphron started. She wished for a moment that she could be as strong as Miss Umbra, as brave to just talk, rather than letting her know through a message of some sort.
"How was she acting?"
Rouge's face was concerned, as she bit her lower lip. She licked her lips afterwards.
"A little hesitant, looking around... Maybe a whimper every now and then?"
Saphron wasn't sure whether it would ever be something like that with the woman. "Business-like. We spoke. She was conversational, yet seemed to be so angry..." Rouge's face showed nothing, no clue or tell about her thoughts. "She's... She just winced and she broke down, giving me a hug. She cried."
"Sounds like domestic abuse... Has your... friend, gone to the hospital? The police?"
Saphron looked conflicted. She looked away.
'I can't tell her that it might've been done by dad...'
"She's decided to leave Argus, to go to Atlas." Rouge's face was still blank, as she thought. A hand brushed through her hair, the stylish curls making it look messy, even though Saphron wondered briefly when she'd changed her style.
'Her hairdresser must make a fortune...'
"Evading the place where she was assaulted... That sounds about right. Most trauma's from a partner are often avoided by avoiding the place where it happened, but... Your friend is a woman of means? Going to Atlas isn't cheap..."
'She put you through university AND college, Rouge. We owe her both much...'
Selene Umbra had been there when she needed a woman to hold her. She had told her what she needed to hear and gave her comfort.
"She's rich, Rouge... Like, real rich."
Rouge's face showed her thoughts now, as she exhaled slowly. Her head turned to the side as she looked at her and then nodded once. "Guess she's lucky then... Now... Tell me what you're really going to talk about. It's about Terra, right?"
It was Rouge's little quirk, inquiring about things that she really had no right to know. It might be some sort of information, yet Rouge was an inquiring woman who didn't take a simple solution for the easiest.
"No, not..."
Rouge raised an eyebrow. "Alright, it's a little about Terra." She couldn't tell Rouge that dad might've beat a woman senseless and raped her... It was almost as if she'd seen it...Been in the room whilst it happened.
Her body felt heavier, as Rouge looked at her. "We're definitely done." She would imagine that it'd be the case with Terra, given that she's made herself clear. "I'm... I'm not sure whether I was more to her than some glorified nanny... Our marriage..."
'Partnership. You were never married. You might have called each other wife, but the ring was only a trinket...'
"Terra and I..."
Things had been good. Things had been... cool, in the bedroom, but it'd been good. She was crying again, even with Rouge looking at her. The dam of emotions burst, as she glanced at the clock, aware of the difficulty that she had. Dad would be around soon again, she guessed.
"You've been fighting more, right?"
Rouge hit the issue right on the nose, as her eyes sharpened. "Saph..." Her name was spoken just at the tone that Rouge often took when she was lecturing. "I've warned you..."
She knew that she wasn't blameless, but Terra had felt right. It had been right, it had been love and now it was pain.
"You're my sister."
That much was clear, as Rouge paused for a moment, gathering herself. "That means you've got the perks of the Rouge Sister Helper system. Jaune probably needs the same thing, since he's shacking up with a beautiful girl, but you're the one who needs it the most. If you see Terra... Try to avoid conflict. Times after the death of a child are always tough. Grief is a powerful thing and..."
She could remember how it felt, realizing that her baby no longer lived. Terra's angry words, working to bring her down even more. The pain inside her welling up like a bleeding wound, bringing her the pain that she felt now rushing through her system. She was not a mother...
"Trust in what you know."
Saphron firmed herself up. She looked at her Scroll and gathered her will.
"Miss Umbra said that she's got a house for me in Vale, to use for as long as I need."
The woman hadn't pulled the offer from her yet, still being the kind woman that had comforted her...
'She cares for us all... No woman would fund a university education just because she enjoys the presence of my little brother...'
It didn't make sense to her before, but ever since she had been with little Adrian, she had understood. The love that she felt for the little man had been enough to keep her going through the times where Terra had been distant, or when Jeremy took the little man away for his mandated hours of being a dad.
She'd ignored Terra being there as the chaperone, yet... the doubt came. "Rouge to Saphron... Come in, you little water barrier." She snorted at that, as she looked at her sister.
"Hush or I'll turn you gay. Dad'll beat you to a pulp if he finds out you're gay." The words slipped out and she turned pale, noticing how easy that had been.
If he had been capable of raping and beating a woman... What else? Rouge barked a laugh, clearly amused by the thought.
"Dad would never do that. Threaten boyfriends, sure... Be overprotective, of course. We're his daughters. He'd defend us."
She glanced away, even as she heard the door open and saw her dad come in. "Rouge, thanks... I was just worried for nothing, I guess... I've got to go visit Adrian's grave." Her father looked like he wanted to say something, yet he kept his peace. Her gaze looked him over, spotting the signals of his strength. The muscles were definitely something that filled the clothes out and the way that he carried himself was full of confidence...
A flash of the nightmare, a shudder that ran through her body as she imagined that man taking a helpless and defenceless woman who was near his own age, using her like a piece of meat to slake his desires...
"Hey there princess... Care to come on a trip with me."
She nearly said no, yet her face was a little conflicted, trying to muster herself for the trip. She shouldn't think about her dad like that, there might be an explanation for it... "S-sure... Goodnight, Rouge." Her older sister smiled, as she gave a light wave, smiling.
"Love ya, Saph... Love ya dad. Big psych lady goes for sleep! Night!"
The call cut off then, leaving her in the room with her father.
"You're going to be released today, so... I've been told that the car is waiting for you outside." The man said, his voice sounding annoyed.
"The woman sent me a message... I don't know how she got my Scroll number..."
Saphron shrugged. The fear inside her didn't abate, even though she knew that it might just be nightmares. "Jaune probably gave her the number... I mean, we can't call you whilst you're out in the world, so I guess..." She wasn't sure whether she'd believe it... but she could see her little brother do it. The boy was so gentle.
"Probably. She was able to call me, so I reckon..."
The man rubbed his chin, looking like he was mulling it over. She smelled his scent, the smell of cigarettes in his general body odour. She didn't like it when people smoked. Dad didn't like it either, or so he claimed.
"Ready to go, princess?"
Her father smiled at her and a flash of fear raced through her. Her eyes closed and she felt her stomach roil, her body shuddering. "I don't feel super today, dad..." She mumbled, feeling the bile well up once more. The image of her dad doing things to Miss Umbra came up again.
"It might be the medication wearing off, sweetheart..."
The man said, in order to offer comfort. She didn't feel so very comforted right as of this moment.
As she was helped into a new dress, the previous one having to be cut off her in order to treat her wounds, she looked at the reflection in the small hand mirror. Her face was still not made up and her eyes looked a little dazed.
'Must be the nightmare...'
As she emerged, she saw the car stand there with a man leaning against it. The man's size was prodigious, as he looked at her with a look that clearly was stoic. Not a bad-looking man, objectively speaking, yet the beard and the way that his hairy arms looked like they'd be able to tear through metal like it was tissue paper, the suit that he wore looking formal.
"Miss Umbra instructed me to drive you around until you left Argus, Miss Arc." There was a chilly look in the man's eyes, meeting her father's gaze. It was fairly clear that the man had been a bodyguard, or at the very least, affiliated with the woman known as Selene Umbra.
"Not going with her to Atlas, Mister Rainart?" Her father's tone was chilly, the man's face showing actual emotion as his gaze was fixated on her father. "I would imagine that the woman might have more pressing things than to bother with a father and a daughter..."
The feeling didn't go away, even as she tugged on her dad's arm a little, just like she'd done when she was younger. "Dad... Just... leave it, alright? If Miss Umbra made him drive us around, there's no problem..."
The man gave a short nod at her as he opened the car door for her. Her father's huff was enough, as the man's eyes met hers. She saw the look of sympathy in his eyes, the look of someone who knew more than he should.
"If he keeps his hands to himself..."
The theory might be real. Her dad... a rapist. He hadn't always been the best of dads, she'd known that. He was gone for long stretches of the year, known for taking discipline hard. Mom was kind, but dad... Dad had been so against her marrying Terra. He's made sure that Jaune didn't spend too much time on pursuits that were related to Huntsmen, rather ensuring that he got a firm spanking in order to discourage him.
She sat on the backseat of the car, giving a soft sigh as she felt her dad take the seat next to her. "Where to, Miss Arc?" The chauffeur asked, his voice soft and yet with that command of his tone that showed professionalism.
"The graveyard, please... I want to visit my former partner's baby."
She remembered Adrian. He had been kind and loving, a little bundle of joy that bore no similarity to her in the slightest... But he had been the apple of her eye and Terra's.
As she watched the trams move through Argus as they passed them by, the vehicle high-class enough to pass, she caught sight of the crowds. As they pulled into the parking space for the graveyard, she caught sight of the rows of stones that had been put there, a testament to those who had perished according to the ancient tradition.
She looked at the sight of the stones, noticing the visitors as she walked up to the gates. Melancholy fell over her as she saw the figure of her former partner stand there over a freshly-dug grave. "Dad..." She said, the man giving a soft sound. Mister Rainart, the chauffeur and driver for her time in Argus, fell into line silently, his voice suddenly speaking.
"We remember those who fall by a marker that is planted upon the soil in order to remind us of those who fell."
The words were ancient and had been spoken, the man's voice flat. She felt compelled to look at the man's face, even as the sunshine streamed down onto her, the sunny weather somehow making the dreary place look slightly more composed and friendly to the eyes.
"I will protect you, should it come to blows. Your brother is a kind young man, he would have wanted me to."
The man's voice spoke with calm patience, her father's voice speaking up at those words.
"I am more than enough to defend my daughter, Mister Rainart."
The man's voice was tempered with anger and frustration, her father not having the patience for the conversation to continue. The bodyguard/driver merely nodded.
"I will simply assist. Grief can make one do terrible things."
The words sounded as if he had spoken them before, the curling of his voice like a siren's song. She felt safer, because the man seemed to know. The sunny weather was like a curse, as her mood plummeted.
The healing done in the period of time that she had been laid in the hospital had restored her body to a form of fitness that was inferior to the one that she felt. The scrapes below her clothing were still aching, as she looked at her ex-partner, standing there.
Terra glanced in her direction, the crunch of the path like a warning bell for her. Her eyes met hers for an instant and Saphron Arc stood still, taking a deep breath. The gravestone stood there, with the remains interred there... if there had been remains.
Terra nudged her former boyfriend, her... probably her current one. Terra had been fickle when the stress had built up. Anger roused itself within her. She hadn't wanted this. She would have stood there with Terra at the grave if it hadn't been for the breakup, it just wasn't fair.
Many people could ascribe to grief an irrationality, yet Saphron Arc only felt angry. Seeing her ex-wife stand there and nudge the man at her side, who had not even been there during the time that Adrian was growing up, like they were together again...
"Come to apologize, Saphron?" Terra's voice held a veneer of calm as she spoke, her eyes red. "You killed our baby." Her words were a statement of fact, even as Saphron felt the pain stabbed through her.
"You were nothing but a fun time, just... Just someone who I took a fancy to."
The pain that shot through her as she felt the tears come, remaining silent. "I didn't want this to happen, Terra." Her voice was pained, strangled with the pain that she felt. It had been her baby for a while, as she had carried him around and made sure that he was happy. He had been such a cute baby, the pride and joy of the family...
"Don't give me those lies, Saphron. Dust is volatile. I work with the stuff. What can a mere housewife who didn't even finish school do with Dust?"
That hurt. It hurt more than she knew how to deal with. She had worked her ass off to make sure that things were alright, even going so far as to cancel her attendance, all for Terra.
"I did it for you, Terra! You completed me, and... And I love you."
The pain in her heart was raw, yet a single expression of Terra's love could cure it. It would all be okay, if she would just... get that.
The disgust on her former partner's face was real, even as her former boyfriend spoke up. "You're disgusting..." The man's words hurt, his tone angry. "My son is dead thanks to you! Terra knows her stuff." She reeled from the words, even as she saw the look of anger on the man's face.
"Go away, Saphron... you're not wanted here. This is for family only."
Terra's words stung, as the tears came and her face twisted in that mask of pain as the hurt wrought itself through her system. The pain hurt her so much that she bent over.
"It's not my fault. I just did what you told me to. The case on the table, and you always pick it up before you go."
The words were repeated, Terra's eyes coolly looking at her. There was hate. There was rage. She was angry at her.
"And? It's still Dust, Saphron! You caused our baby to die!"
The condemnation, as Jeremy's temper seemed to fray, a bellow coming from his mouth as he shot forwards. A wall of a man was in front of her, catching the man in a broad grip and holding him in place.
"You killed my son! Damn you, woman! Don't you understand that you ruined Terra's life? You should just kill yourself to tell Adrian how sorry you are!"
The words were spoken in anger and grief, as the man started to sob, his words hitting her like a physical blow.
'It's not my fault... it's not! I'm... I'm not at fault.'
"It's going to be okay, princess..."
Her father's words weren't the comfort that she needed. She remembered Selene Umbra's moment, as she'd been the cool woman that merely needed a hug of comfort after what must've been a harrowing ordeal.
"You swore to love me when we made our vows... I guess that love didn't extend to caring for my child."
Terra's voice was logical and frustrated at the same time, the wall of flesh and muscle that restrained the man who had tried to hurt her because she'd... she'd just been stupid.
"He was... He was our child, Terra. You may have brought him into this world, but we were both responsible for him."
She could see a small teddy bear on the grave, the realisation dawning that she'd not brought anything for him... The doubt inside her, as she felt the blame well up inside her.
'Was I really wrong, leaving the case on the table?'
She tried to remember, yet she wasn't sure, she never knew what Terra really did with the Dust... She never really knew what Terra did at work... Did she ever know Terra at all?
Doubt flashed through her mind, knowing that the woman that she loved worked hard to keep the information flowing. The military was often on her case, though.
She looked past the man who'd become her chauffeur at Terra, seeing the glasses and that cool stare on her ex-partner's face. Terra was mad again, mad at her. She didn't like it when Terra got mad. It always ended in shouting.
She hurt more than she intended, as she looked sadly at her former wife and lover. The years had gone by so swiftly... Just a week ago, she was still in the living room, enjoying a quiet afternoon with her partner. Now it was all gone.
"I won't forgive you, Saphron."
The words were the death knell to her love, her heart tightening up and bleeding. The words hurt more than anything that she could ever hear from her beloved partner, as those eyes regarded her calmly.
"You killed my son."
On this sunny afternoon, Saphron Arc's heart broke thanks to Terra Cotta. Her tears did not stop, as her gaze went to the stone and then to Terra.
'I wasn't worth your consideration, was I? Was everything that you've said to me just a lie?'
She'd found out that her dad had probably raped a woman who had been kind to her family, that her former partner had accused her once more of killing her child...
'What's the use? Why did I... Why did I love you? Was I not good enough?'
"I'm going to sue you for everything that you've got, Saphron... Adrian... Adrian will be avenged." The dagger was driven in deeper, as a deep pain seared through her veins like venom. Her partner was going to take everything away... Everything, even...
"Oh." It was a simple word that she uttered, as the tears made tracks down her cheeks. She didn't know how she looked, just that Terra's venomous hateful glare met her eyes. Terra knew most things about their finances. She wasn't good at the management of the money...All she had been was just the nanny, who occasionally was enjoyed by the mistress of the house.
"Let me go, man... That bitch isn't in danger of getting hurt... I swear... The murderous cunt is just going to murder some other innocent kid when she's spreading her legs for the next dyke that struts along." The words stung, even though she knew that the man's words meant little... She was not someone who just did things with women!
'Stop it... Stop it...'
A whimper came from her throat, even as she wished that she had someone there to defend her, someone who she could trust. She was here between two camps of enemies, her father no longer the comforting influence at her side... but rather, a strange monster whose face was familiar.
"You're disgusting, Saphron..."
Terra's voice was like a blow to the heart. "Trying to show that you've got emotions... Don't you see that it's all your fault!? I hate you! I hate you more than you could ever believe... You took away my child. You cared for him, but you never were his mother." The words were spiteful and full of hate, the love that had once come from those lips now radiating the anger.
She felt like she was in a dark place, a very dark and wicked place. "Let's... go." She mumbled, her voice soft. "Goodbye, Miss Cotta." Her voice was a pitiful whimper. She was breaking, slowly.
Turning around was hard. She wanted to shout, she wanted to scream, yet she felt empty on the inside. Everything had been a lie, there had been only hate in the woman's words. It had all been a minor little twitch... Was it all for nothing? Was she just the woman that Terra wanted to care for the baby whilst she worked...
'Or did she lie all this time? Did her relationship with Jeremy ever end?'
She felt pain well up inside her, as she passed by her father. The man gave Terra a look of disapproval, and for a moment, Saphron wondered whether he would rape Terra. It was a thought that was anathema to her, previously, yet the pain inside her almost convinced her that it would be worth it.
'Was I... Was I wrong?'
She turned her gaze to the grave once more, only to see something flying at her, one of the metal candle-holders hitting her right in the face, pain flashing through her as she went down. A hand was there immediately to pull her up, the large man having been occupied with holding back Jeremy.
She looked at Terra's face, the vindication that she saw in those eyes, the distrust and the hate...
'When did you get good at throwing something, Terra?'
A deep breath, as her forehead started to bleed. The ornament had hit her straight in the forehead, and it hurt... The pain was like a wakeup call, as anger filled her.
'If you call me a murderer... If you blame me for the death of your son, so be it. It is not fair to blame me.'
She looked at Terra for a moment longer, as she was helped up by the tall giant of a man, recalling the words of Selene Umbra as she had felt the anger inside her rise.
'If I need anything...'
Miss Umbra might not like her much right now... But Jaune was still in the good books with the woman...
The last embers of love inside Saphron Arc's heart died at that point, for the woman who had been her partner for nearly three years. The death of a child had not managed to extinguish the flame that lit the torch of love with a burning passion, yet the words of a mother who had lost her child had.
One of the most loving Arc daughters felt a burden drop from her shoulders, as she looked into her ex-partner's eyes.
'You said that I feel no emotions, Terra?'
Let it not be said that a woman scorned is easy to dismiss, as Saphron Arc could only feel cold rage blossom inside her. She was a loving woman, a caring woman who gave her heart to someone once... But now there was a deep wound in her heart, her pain starting to swell.
'You're wrong...'
Saphron Arc leaned against the car, the car door held open for her. "Let's drive somewhere to get something to eat, Mister Rainart." The man merely inclined his head in response, the feeling of safety wrapping around her once more.
"As you wish, Miss Arc."
The man answered her question.
It would have to do. She threw a glance at the graveyard where her former wife and her lover stood, the two still standing at the grave. No matter what they would do to her...
She would get her pound of flesh from them.
Salem sat in the comfort of her seat as the woman in front of her looked a little antsy, her hands shivering with the shakes of withdrawal. "One single syringe to tide you over..." The syringe was in her hand, the addict looking at her with eyes that were hungry, the beneficent smile on her lips like a shark's.
"And the other seven for you when you've done as I have asked." It was like stealing candy from a child. The right cocktail of drugs in someone's system could do wonders for cooperation... It could heighten paranoia and fear, it could induce a form of slumber that was hard to wake from.
"Just... add it to the player, right? Feed to the headphones?" The addict said, even with the light shiver that went through her. Hollow and hungry eyes looked at the syringe, even as Salem smiled.
"Of course... I am quite displeased with the young lady... It would be... fitting." The small drive that contained the video feed of her suite would be enough. A discreet following of the young woman to ensure that the drive was delivered and the woman would do as was asked...
Addicts always knew where their next fix would be. The high-grade drug was synthesized especially for the finest of hits and highs... and she knew what dosages would induce the best of dreams. "I get... seven, right? Good, good... They've been checking the bottles more often, it's..."
Salem smiled. The nurse had caught her notice during the examination, so the plot had been easily hatched. A small sniff of the general air around her, a light little probe and there one had it... a drug that one could barely perceive. An addict was a handy tool...
Three hours later, she sat in a different location, watching a screen. The small glass of fruit juice in front of her was like a darling treat, the taste of alcohol soured to her refined palate for the moment. Circumstances had been tender, her whole flesh requiring a little longer to mend... It was all in the spirit of fairness. A suddenly mended Selene Umbra would only arouse suspicion...
The small camera that she'd had installed in a corner of the room recorded it perfectly. The sight of Saphron Arc's dreams being disturbed by the sudden addition of the interesting feed... The nurse on standby with something to ease the sleep. The girl had been left undisturbed by any other doctor and of course, she wouldn't mistrust a nurse.
The eyes fluttered open and minor horror showed on the girl's face as she saw her father raping 'Selene Umbra'. It was that half-lucid state between consciousness and dream, a twisted sense of joy welling up inside her as she saw the horror increase with every little bit. The sleep of the girl was ruined now... But the second plan would come into play.
The nurse gave the girl something for the ease of slumber, the signs of withdrawal already starting. The drug that she had handed to the woman was enough, as she knew that it would be time for the real event to start.
The shocked horror as the girl's imagination filled in the blanks, a minor loop of her own name, sampled from the time that she had spoken with the man in her suite, overlapping every utterance of her own...
Oh... The poor girl was having a nightmare.
'Such a pity... I will make sure that your days will not be filled with nightmares, girl...'
Whatever made Jaune happy made her happy. It was the duty of a mother to ensure that her son was sated in every regard...
'He's such a darling...'
The girl was really a kind soul. Her eyes were full of disbelief, even with the nurse clearing away the vomit. It would be time for her to deliver her part of the bargain and retrieve the drive...
'Such bothersome things...'
Two hours later, the nurse had found her once more, done with her little task. A good servant was a good servant, even if she currently was unattended.
"Do you... have it?" Salem smiled at the addict, the woman's eyes skittish. A hand held out a small green container with a label of 'Soup' on the front.
"Your soup, dear. Thank you for helping me." A cover, easily spoken. The nurse smiled, as she broadly grinned after receiving it. Salem knew that there would be no issues, yet.
The first shot of the drugs would send that smile into the grave. Not everyone got their first shot of pure drugs, after all... A simple mismatch of a failed batch, the purity too high for the body to bear... The girl would die with bliss... an easy death
Thirty minutes later, a small notification appeared on her Scroll that the nurse had expired. The second watcher had been sent to watch the hospital for 'strange happenings'.
'Smooth, easy... and nobody else will be able to link it to me.'
The syringes had been packed by a homeless man who had been easily beguiled with a few sweet words, the bandaged hands that she'd held up preventing her from easily putting the syringes in the container.
The wig had been a nice red colour, the accent Atlesian...
She never did things half-way.
Loose ends had to be snipped and she was one hell of a set of shears.
Looking at the schedule on her Scroll, she continued along to her next appointment.
Absinthe Moor was waiting for her.
Jaune looked at his Scroll again, watching the address ping and then nervously looking at Pyrrha. A look of certainty came to her face as she held her weapons. His sword and shield were there, the feeling of the new clothing still comfortable and without any issue with movement.
"It certainly looks abandoned..." The large warehouse looked dilapidated, the expression on Pyrrha's face showing a clear worry in her eyes at the sight of the place. She grabbed her weapons a little tighter, the conservative green sweater that she wore for the night's chill and the skirt that accentuated it being not a grand choice, yet fitting.
"Your... friend... He said he'd be waiting here, didn't he?"
She tried, her voice a little nervous. She was not as confident as she should be, but she didn't have to be. Tyrian could be trusted, he thought...
The door opened and the darkness loomed beyond. "Do come in, come in! I have a thing, a secret, a thought... And you will not be surprised, Young Master... No, no, no... You will not be surprised, and your lady either!"
He stepped in, watching the dark surroundings. A space had been cleared in the middle, ready for use for some purpose, the darkness looming. Pyrrha joined him. "A flash of light... A spark lit..." The voice of the man trailed around, seemingly coming from his right side.
His head turned, even with Pyrrha bringing her weapons up. The door slammed shut and the lock clicked shut. "One cannot interfere... no, no... The young master is here, the young master is here... But the mistress is not. Her grace will not see this, no... But there must be a reckoning! Loyalty is earned, not simply given!"
Lights activated with a dull buzz, as the space was illuminated. The man stood there, looking like he had just been out for a stroll, the scars on his upper body looking like they'd had a few added.
"Master Jaune... Miss... Teammate of Master Jaune... Allow me to introduce myself... Tyrian Callows, servant of the great and divine lady, Huntsman."
The flourishing bow was a sign, as the man's braided hair touched the ground.
"And now... It is time for you both to die, should you fail this test. Loyalty is not brought... No, no no... Loyalty is earned through blood! Live or die... The game is on!"
Darkness wrapped around him, as he straightened out.
'So, betrayal... No... A test of loyalty.'
The darkness around him felt not as frightening as it might have. He exhaled.
"We're going to beat him, Pyrrha. I'm not going to let a single man stand in my way."
The way that she exhaled with comfort, her whole body tensed up, was like the blood in the waters. The darkness inside his body churned and writhed like a live being.
"A noble sentiment, Master Jaune... Do realize that it might be you in the dust at the end, a cut along your throat... I do not go lightly on any who would dare stand in my path, no, no..."
The voice of the man came from close by, even as he could smell Pyrrha's scent. Darkness bubbled and oozed. The flame was smothered.
'Time to show the man that I am my mama's son.'
Sometimes, a servant would need to be beaten down to obey...
Another chapter, another Salem... Yeah. People like her nefariousness. She's pretty evil. Next chapter... Jaune/Pyrrha Versus Tyrian! The scorpion against the prince! (Who doesn't love their fairytale allusions, right?)