Chapter 16: Confessions
I don't own RWBY. I only own my OC, Opallios. All other mentioned franchises and OC's belong to their respective owners.
(March 14, 2020) So with the Corona Virus keeping me indoors and having my university classes move online, this gives me a lot of unexpected free time to write again.
For some reason with OpenOffice 4.1.7 (the current version I used at the time of writing) it seems to have gotten rid of the English Dictionary or something and basically 98% of the text is considered wrong. Any time I go to add an English Dictionary it causes the software to crash immediately and remove the dictionary. I tried to look for online sources but nothing really seems to provide an answer. Is this a common problem for other OpenOffice users? If there is anyone who can provide me with a solution to this I would be very grateful. In the meantime I'll be using Microsoft Word until a new version of OpenOffice fixes the problem so there may be a slight format change.
Let's get started!
My eyes fluttered open, and it looked like I was kept in an inn of sorts. I grimaced as I tried to sit up.
"Hey, easy! You just woke up." It was the voice of my Master.
"What happened?" I looked down at myself. "Why my midsection covered in bandages?"
"Well, first things first, we are back in town. You got blindsided by that Ursa Major. Your armor and what little aura you have took most of the damage, but your back has scars. Speaking of which, that needs to get repaired. Your potions are really useful for speeding up your recovery. Since I had to carry you back to town, you most likely would not have survived if it wasn't for your potions. Needless to say you're extremely lucky."
It took me a minute to absorb all this information. "How long have I been out?"
"Only a couple of days. So you still have time to go to Beacon. However, I'll talk with Ozpin to give you an extension on your entrance exam. I've also talked with the Mayor about the Mission, we've been compensated appropriately." I slowly nodded. "I don't recommend rigorous exercise for another week, but that might be unavoidable. Having seen your potions' effects firsthand, I don't think you have anything to worry."
"Cool. So does this mean I pass?"
"Of course, so now you no longer need to call me Master." He smirked. "Do you even remember my name?" I paused. I genuinely tried to remember my Master's name. He laughed. "It has been a long time. It's Arthur Quill."
"When do we head back, Arthur?"
"I'm going to give you another day to rest. That way you should be almost back to 100%." I agreed with his reasoning.
During our trip back, my mind kept going back to that strange vision. I think the fire was supposed to represent Cinder, but I don't even know if she has the Fall Maiden's powers. The lightning most likely represents me, but what does the rain represent? Maybe guilt? It seems like that is a possibility, but which one of us is guilty? For what reason? Then there was the crack in the ground which swallowed me. What does that mean? Same goes for the tree? It can represent life, but in what context?
"Huh?"
Arthur was walking backwards looking at me. "I asked if you're okay. I get that you're usually quiet, but you had that look on your face that tells me that something's wrong."
"Sorry, got some things to sort out."
"Like your girlfriend?"
I groaned. "She's not my girlfriend." I felt my face turn red. "But I do need to talk to her. I haven't seen her for a long time, and I nearly died. I need to make sure she's okay."
Arthur grinned. "Well, knowing you, you'll figure it out. Just wanted you to get out of that brooding state you're in."
It got to about midday when we made it back to Arthur's home. Arthur went to Vale to give my damaged clothes/armor to Sarthrall, so I was in my room. I stared at my Scroll for what seemed like an eternity. I took a deep breath and called Cinder. After a few moments, she actually picked up.
"Opals? Are you okay? What's wrong?" A mixture of relief and concern was present.
"Cinder, I need to talk to you. Dress in something casual, and please meet me at these coordinates." There was a pause at the other end.
"Alright, I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Thanks."
It didn't take me too long to get to the rendezvous, but I still had to take my time due to my back injuries. Luckily I had a spare outfit to wear. When I got there, Cinder wasn't here. I wasn't able to feel her aura, so I decided to sit near the lake and look out into the water. I didn't know how long I was staring out there for, but I did feel her aura getting closer. I stood up and turned around to face her. I lack women's fashion terminology; however, the best way I could describe her outfit would be: a dark, almost blood red open-collared shirt; over that was a fire-like orange jacket of sorts with a couple of buttons hiding the blood-red shirt, among other things that I tried not to stare at; she had a simple gray belt that was holding a black skirt that reached past her knees; a pair of equally black socks that may or may not went past her skirt; and finally a pair of black and red-orange tinted heels.
She smiled at me. "It's good to see you again. What do you think of my outfit?"
I didn't immediately respond as I really was captivated by her beauty. I managed to snap myself out of it, though. "How is it that you are so beautiful no matter what it is you wear?" She chuckled lightly.
"I see you approve." she looked past me and out towards the lake. "What is this place?"
I explained. "This lake is where I usually come by to clear my head and reflect on my life. If you follow me, there is something I want to show you." I lead her over to where the waterfall and my secret base was. I made a glance at Cinder and she seemed to be nervous for the entire trip, but when we got to the waterfall, her mood greatly improved.
"This is a beautiful spot, Opals." she said.
"I know." I said as I kept walking.
"Where are we going?" she asked me over the sound of the rushing torrent of water.
"Behind it, of course." I said as I climbed onto the ledge I used as a walkway. I reached my hand out towards her and I helped her climb up. "Be careful here as it is a bit slippery." she held my hand tighter in response and I lead her to the cave behind the falls.
As Opals led me to the open cave, I thought there wasn't anything else he could have surprised me with. Turns out I was wrong. The inside of the surprisingly large cavern was lit up by various torches and candles. Shadows danced along the walls and ceilings of the room. I looked around and there were tables with what looked like some of the bolts for his crossbow. I noticed that further in the back of the cavern was a miniature garden, and on the far left were some archery targets. However, right in the middle of the floor was a large rug that had bits of fire dust sewn into it.
"Welcome to my secret base." he announced. This was a really impressive area.
"How long has this been here?"
"Couple a' years. I discovered this cave on one of my alchemy trips, and I built most of the furniture you see in here. I use this place to test ingredients for possible potion or poisons, and practice said poisons on my bolts through the animals I would hunt. I like the sound of the waterfall while inside this cave, and this is a place where I go to meditate." he explained. He was silent and I used this time to take in the sound he was talking about.
"I have to admit, the sound is pleasant."
"I'm glad you think so too." he said with a smile. He gestured for me to sit down on the large rug. "Don't worry, the rug has fire dust sewn into it so it's always dry." He let go of my hand, taking his warmth with it, and sat down with his legs crossed and back hunched over. I sat down across from him in a similar position. I looked into his eyes and they seemed to be troubled, the light seemed to have dimmed. His facial expression was telling me he had something serious on his mind.
"Are you alright, Opals?" I asked him. He sighed.
"As you know, I had to leave with my teacher to go on a mission he got. It was a Grimm extermination mission. Long story short, the amount of Grimm was a lot more than what we were told."
"It seems like you made it out okay."
"Sort of." I got worried. "My armor got damaged in the fight." He took in a breath. His hands were shaking as he tried to lift up his shirt to reveal three long gashes along his back. Each one was three-finger lengths at its widest and went from his right shoulder down to his hip. "Ursa Major." He put his shirt back on, wincing slightly. "I woke up a few days later. Master told me that after he saw me fall, he went berserk and killed the rest of the Grimm. I was lucky to make it out of there alive." He chuckled before looking at me in my eyes. "The last thing that entered my mind before I collapsed was you." I paled. My body began to shake. Damn you, Salem! He seemed to have noticed my distress. "Cinder, what's wrong?" It was then I couldn't take it anymore.
"I'm so sorry, Opallios." I said softly. I averted my gaze from him.
"What are you apologizing for?" he asked me. I didn't say anything. "Cinder." he said in a voice I didn't think he was able of using as it made me look up at him. I looked at his face and I saw that he stern, yet concerned. "What's wrong?"
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. The guilt I was feeling burst out and tears began to fall. "I was trying to manipulate you. I thought you were just another mindless puppet I could control. I had plans I was working on to change things, which is why I was at the club. I needed information. When I saw you, I thought that if I could get you to join me I would use you to further my plans. I would get to know you until you trusted me and once my plan came to be, I would kill you since I would not need you. But as I spent more time with you, I began to see everything differently. You saw the world as something that is worth protecting, despite how dangerous it is. You knew that you could die at any given moment, that the world around you could come crashing down, but you showed me the beauty this world has. I began having a mental and emotional war within myself. It was then She contacted me."
He frowned. "Who contacted you?"
I had to word this carefully. "My superior is someone who is very powerful. She threatened me with your life, that if I decided to leave my path. It would end with your life. I had no idea that She would do this to you."
"You mean to tell me your superior has control over Grimm? She sounds incredibly powerful."
"She scares me. I wanted to try and stop Her, but I didn't want to lose the man I came to love." I began to sob. I didn't know how long I cried for, but I knew he would hate me. That he wouldn't want to see me again. He'll be angry. "I never wanted to hurt you. Falling in love with you placed you in so much danger, and She nearly killed you! For me to find out your last thoughts were of me, a woman who has toyed with your heart, it broke me! I don't want you to die because of me. I'm sorry for everything! For messing with you in the beginning. I do love you. I never want to lose you! Please forgive me. Please!" I crumpled to the floor in a heap. I probably looked pathetic. My tears were no doubt staining the rug. I just kept crying and crying, silently hoping for a response.
I didn't know what to say. So many emotions were happening at once. But, I do love her, and I knew she really means that she is sorry for everything. For her to say this, and to even be in this state. The guilt must be soul-crushing. I scooted my way over to her. I lifted her head for her to meet my gaze. Her bright orange eyes were red and puffy from crying. Their metaphorical fire seemed to be snuffed out, and I truly saw the guilt she was feeling. I gently rested my forehead on top of hers and her breathing hitched. I slowly moved my head so my chin rested on top of her head. She adjusted herself in order to bury her face in my chest. Her body was shaking and only held her close to me. Her dark hair was hiding her face as I gently stroked it. Small, muffled sniffles escaped her from time to time until they stopped five minutes later. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply before speaking.
"It's okay." I loosened my grip so she could look at me. She was in complete disbelief.
"What? How? Why?!"
"It wasn't your fault. If you continued to be the Cinder I thought you were, then you would have never told me any of this. But, from my understanding, you wanted to stop your boss. But you lack the power to do so. I may not like what you did, but you didn't have a choice. I don't care what happens to me. If this person is as powerful as you say she is, then us being together will be the best option for us." I rested my hands on her shoulders. "You are one of the few people I care about in this world. I have already lost so much in my life. I don't want to lose you too. This is why I have something that I need to tell you as well." I could tell that she wanted to say something. "It's a long story, but I think I should go get you something to drink. I'm going to head into Vale real quick to buy some water bottles. It'll be quick."
I wanted to say something, but he phased out. I looked out towards the cave entrance. He's forgiving me? I don't understand! What does he really know about me? Just what is he? I honestly could not imagine him ever forgiving me after everything I've done.
I came back a few minutes later to see Cinder let out a girlish yelp of surprise complete with a comedic fall onto her back. I chuckled at how funny it was. She puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.
"Don't scare me like that!" she said. I noticed her blushing and I laughed. I noticed she had a ghost of a smile as I handed her the water bottle. She seemed to be looking me over. Probably because my clothes are wet from me running through the waterfall. At least the tension was broken.
"Since you have told me your biggest secret, and after everything that has happened, I feel that I should return the favor."
"What are you even talking about?"
"What I am about to tell you will change your perceptive on me, and whether or not you believe me is for you to decide. If you want nothing more to do with me, even after your confession, then I understand."
"I'm not sure there is anything else you could tell me that would change my mind."
"If that is the case, then let me start from the beginning. My name is not Opallios Stone that is a name I came up with when I arrived on this world."
"What are you talking about?"
"I am someone who is not of this world. When I told you I grew up outside the four kingdoms that was partially true. It is true I grew up outside the four kingdoms, but I am not from Remnant. Where I come from is a place called Earth. Earth is similar yet different from Remnant. On Earth we have no Grimm, no Dust, not as many flying vehicles as this world has, or weapons that are guns and swords. People like me do not have aura either. In fact, it is because I lack a natural resistance to dust is the reason why I wear this armor. As far as how I arrived here, a Lightning Dust crystal appeared at my house. Upon absorbing it, I was brought to this world. As far as where the crystal came from or how it even arrived on Earth remains a mystery to me. When I realized that I was no longer on Earth, I realized that I left my family and friends behind. They no doubt believe that I am dead." I paused to let that all sink in.
"That surely is a lot of information, but how do you know about Remnant, and me?"
I sighed. "This is where it gets complicated." I sipped on my water. "I have a belief in something called the multiple-earths theory or the infinite worlds theory. They basically mean that there are an infinite number of worlds with an infinite number of scenarios and possibilities. I also believe that every single piece of fiction that has ever been created – be it a movie, TV show, a video game, just anything – somewhere that world exists. In the case of this world, there are events yet to pass and I have no idea when they will happen, but you played a major role in these events." Cinder looked at me with wide eyes. "Unfortunately, I was taken from Earth before more information could be revealed. I had to go off of what knowledge I had of its characters and setting. When I arrived on Remnant, I was at Beacon Academy. I met Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch, and after I told them what I am telling you, they wanted me in their school. I had no combat experience at all, so I was given two-years to train myself before attending Beacon. I intended to make changes to what I considered to be 'canon' in this world, and there have been changes already made as my very presence affects everything. Am I making any sense?" Cinder nodded slowly.
"When we first met I was terrified of you. Since the only knowledge of you I had was you being evil, I had no idea if my time placement affected anything. Since I had no real proof of hostile intentions from our first encounter, I had to take measures to think you were not the person who I thought you were. I'm sure you understand why there were times I acted differently around you. So I decided to try and get to know you and maybe change you. So in a way I was manipulating you as you did me. And just like you, I began to fall in love with you. I have never had someone that I had fallen in love with before; I always thought that love would never come to me. I wanted to tell you everything before it was too late in-case I would never see you again. So after everything that has transpired today, you could say we were manipulating each other and we fell for each other as well. So Cinder Fall, do you still love me?"
As soon as he asked that, I practically slammed my lips against his. I didn't think he knew what he was doing, but I didn't care. All I wanted was to have him close to me. I had to break off to catch my breath. "Does that answer your question?" I giggled at him. His face was redder than my outfit. His response was at first a bunch of garble before he remembered to use his words.
"Y-yeah it does." he said with a smile on his face. I decided to ask him something.
"Hey, Opals?"
"Yeah?" he stuttered.
"Was that your first kiss?" He suddenly found the rug very interesting to stare at.
"I wasn't very good was I?" I chuckled at his flustered mood. Taking it slower was probably better for him. I wanted to have him lead in this time. We locked lips again and I ran my fingers through the many curls in his hair. I felt his hand wrap around my waist. It felt like forever before he broke it this time.
"Better?" he asked.
I tapped my chin in thought. "Better."
"So, what does this mean for us?" I rolled my eyes "Why do you ask questions that have obvious answers?"
"Hey, I'm just confirming. I can't assume everything." He jokingly said as we shared a tired laugh. He lay on his back staring up at the cave ceiling. I snuggled up next to him. As I let sleep take me, my heart and mind felt a sense a peace I thought I would never feel.
(March 16th, 2020) And with that, the Two-Year Training Arc comes to a close.
I did not expect this to get a large amount of attention. Frankly, I think it's undeserved, but that could be just my low self-confidence talking. I have read countless stories on this site that are so much more interesting and better written/paced and I feel like I am not deserving of you guys.
To realize that all of my set-backs, my rather jumbled writing style, how I am constantly adding stuff based on what my current outside interest is, that you stuck around until this point means more to me than you could ever know.
It is truly a humbling experience despite the amount of times I put myself down and the times I tell myself how much of a terrible writer I think I am.
Thank you all so much for putting up with all of my bullshit. For leaving both positive and negative reviews. I feel like I can only move forward from here.
This has been TheTriforceofAwesomeness and I will be back with Chapter 17; and beginning of The Four-Years at Beacon Arc.
Peace!
