Disclaimer: All characters belong to Rooster Teeth Productions
Edited by ToxicExotic
Love
"You know, you are going to make yourself bleed if you bite them any more."
Looking up from her Scroll, Blake saw her white-haired teammate approaching, a mug in each hand. Following the girl's gaze down to her mouth, she realized that she had subconsciously begun to chew on the edge of her fingers. It was something that had become a bad habit in the past few weeks, but with Salem's attack on Atlas she could hardly blame herself for being stressed.
"Isn't that what aura's for?" She replied and pulled her hand away from her mouth, accepting one of the mugs and breathing in the delicious smell of tea.
"Technically, I suppose," Weiss shrugged and sat down opposite her. "Though considering our reserves have been below half for nearly three weeks now, I don't think using it on your nibbled fingers would be a good use."
Switching to her aura meter, she saw that she was indeed barely above forty percent. Without a good night's rest and proper food, both of which were tough given the current situation, it was hard to properly recover her protective shield.
"A fair point."
"Mmm, I make them a lot."
A slight smile pulled at her lips as she took a sip of her tea. Despite how terrible Weiss was in the kitchen, Blake had to admit the girl was good at making drinks.
"So," Weiss ensconced herself into her seat and shrugged off her bolero, "Have you managed to reach Yang yet?"
Her smile faded, and she shook her head. "She's still out of range."
"I'm sure she's fine."
Despite her best attempt to be reassuring, Blake detected a hint of worry in the girl's tone.
"Hopefully," She breathed.
Looking down at her Scroll to the failed call, she felt a lump form in her throat. According to Fiona, she hadn't given the girl any missions outside of the city, so they had no idea why they had traveled outside of signal range.
"So what is going on with you two, anyway?" Weiss asked curiously.
"Huh?"
"Don't 'huh' me," Weiss rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her coffee and scowling in displeasure. "As if we haven't seen how you two act around each other."
"Oh. That," Blake mumbled. "I don't think this is the best time to talk about that."
Weiss shook her head and leaned forward. "We are teenagers in the middle of a war with an immortal witch from a civilization that existed before our own. A little normalcy is exactly what we all need right now. We can't let the fighting be all there is."
Blake supposed that was true. She'd already lived that life once, and it had led her to nothing but misery. But with her team, she'd managed to find happiness, and learned how to hope again. "You're starting to sound like Ruby, you know?"
They both looked over to the girl. For the first time in days, the reaper was finally asleep. Curled up next to Nora, she looked so young; far too young to be fighting a war.
"Unfortunately, she has begun to rub off on me," Weiss replied with fondness. "Also, I really need something to take my mind off of this… Well, Joanna said it was coffee, but I remain unconvinced."
"There's the Weiss I know," The former heiress waved her remark away and looked at her expectantly. "Fine," Blake sighed. "But you're going to be disappointed because there isn't much to say. I don't know what's happening with me and Yang."
"But you do like her?"
Blake hesitated for a moment. It was hard to deny that being around Yang felt different to being around anyone else. It was easy, the conversation flowed as easily as the rivers of Menagerie, and she frequently found her heart racing as a smile plastered itself on her face. But whenever she tried to think about it for longer, there were doubts there too. Something holding her back from truly accepting how she felt.
"I'm not sure," she said, her voice lacking any real conviction. "I think so, but…"
Her throat closed around the words, her mind hesitant to admit them for fear of how stupid they would sound to someone else. But maybe not to Weiss. After all, they were unfortunate enough to have experienced the same abuse in the past, so there was no doubt that Weiss too struggled with the same thoughts. Sure enough, looking up at her friend, she saw her waiting patiently, the calm look on her face showing she was unbothered by the silence, but open to it being broken.
It only took a few seconds under that gentle gaze for her hesitancy to pass.
"I'm not sure if I have feelings for her, or if it's still something to do with Adam."
Confusion wrote itself across Weiss' delicate features. "Why would it have something to do with him?"
"I just… I can't help but notice they have a lot of similarities, is all," Blake admitted. "They're not entirely alike, but they're both angry and impulsive, both fight with all they have for what they believe in. Even their semblances are similar, and her eyes glow red like his semblance did."
She shook her head, knowing she probably sounded stupid.
"At her core, I know she's nothing like him. But I guess I'm just worried that the things that draw me to her are the things that drew me to him."
Returning her eyes to Weiss, she saw the girl quietly nodding along.
"I suppose it could be," The girl shrugged dismissively. "But is that really a bad thing?"
"Isn't it?"
"You have a type," Weiss reasoned. "Adam was a monster, but he doesn't represent everyone with those traits. Take Winter and my father for example. As much as she would hate me for saying it, they, too, are a lot alike. Except I know my sister always tries to do the right things and cares about me and my family."
"I know that," Blake agreed. "But I spent years with someone that made me scared every day that he would blow up at me about something. What if that happens with Yang?"
"I'll admit, Yang's anger is sometimes a problem," Weiss conceded, "But unlike him, she works on it, and is getting better at managing it. If this is something worrying you, then talk about it with her. I promise that, unlike Adam, she will listen to you. And that's the big difference. Adam only cared about what you meant to him, but Yang cares about you."
Blake knew that was true. As much as she acknowledged the similarities between the two, she also knew there were many more differences. Looking back on her relationship with Adam, she could barely remember an instance of him making her laugh. It was always a serious affair, more about their cause than them. Even when she would ask for them to do something that wasn't planning a raid or heist, she would often be met with a scowl and outright refusal.
But with Yang, it was different. Though that seriousness did exist, there were also moments of levity. She still remembered the night at the club a short while after arriving in Atlas. Originally, she had intended to go to Robyn's political rally, but Yang had instead insisted they take a night away. That after so many years of fighting, a night of fun and self care would be good for her. She'd agreed cautiously at first, not familiar with being surrounded by so many people, but it was hard to deny that it was one of the best nights of her life. Despite how it ended, she'd danced, laughed, drank, and even talked seriously with Yang about Ironwood's plans.
The memory of that night still burned brightly in her mind, and it had helped her get through some of the more hopeless moments since Salem's arrival.
"You're right," she nodded at her friend. "I guess I just need to get out of my own head."
"Hey," Weiss replied kindly. "You have a good reason to be there. What you went through was horrifying, and it is understandable that you would be cautious because of it, but don't let yourself miss out on things that could make you happy because of him. He doesn't get to win."
"I know," she smiled. "And thanks. For listening."
"You are welcome," Weiss returned the smile. "And my coffee is gone, so we both benefitted."
Chuckling as she watched Weiss push the mug aside, Blake sat back in her chair and thought about the conversation. Weiss was right that she shouldn't be letting her issue with Adam stop her from being happy, but was it still really wise to seek more than a friendship with Yang? She still wasn't sure. Even without the similarities that caused her concerns, there were more complications that they needed to overcome. The most pressing being the war that was separating them.
But maybe, after it was over, a conversation about the topic should be had.
"I'll buy you a proper one when we get out of this."
"I will hold you to that," Weiss sighed. "I am pretty sure I will be completely broke once this is over. And homeless."
"Sorry," Blake grimaced at the girl. "It can't be easy watching your home kingdom go through all this."
"It's not," there was sadness in Weiss' voice. "Atlas has its problems, both above and below, I will never deny that, but it is home; and it's filled with good people, many of whom tried to make the world better."
Weiss' chest rose as she took a deep breath and a confident smile pulled at her lips.
"But we are resilient. We survived the tundra, and thrived despite it. Whether Atlas falls or not, we will persevere."
"Now that sounds like Ruby," Blake grinned. "There's always hope."
"Yes," the former heiress nodded and stood up. "And, speaking of, I should get back to drawing out what I remember of the comman-"
Weiss was cut off as Blake Scroll began to ring. Reaching for it immediately in hopes that it was her partner, she was a little disappointed to see the name written across the screen.
"Fiona," she read to Weiss, seeing her disappointment reflected in the fencer's eyes. "I should take it."
"Have fun."
Giving the girl a nod as she turned and walked away, Blake quickly pressed answer and raised the device to her ear.
"Hey, Blake," The faunus' friendly voice came from the other side.
"Hey, Fiona," she breathed. "What's up?"
"You told me to call if I saw a girl with bright green hair?"
Blake sat up straight. It had been almost a week since she'd asked Fiona to keep an ear out for Emerald, but not a hair had been seen of her.
"She's in Mantle again?" Blake asked, already standing up from her chair.
"Someone who matches your description is," Fiona hummed. "She was seen near Craggy Park."
"Alone?"
"Mhm. And kinda upset. Had some choice words for Jet when she tried to help her."
"That's definitely her. Thanks Fiona, I'll head over now. Can you send me Jet's number too?"
"No problem, and be safe."
Hanging up the call and pulling her coat on, Blake gave Weiss a small wave before heading out. If Emerald was in Mantle alone, and as upset as Fiona said, then she needed to get to her fast.
Standing outside of the throne room, Emerald took a deep breath to calm her nerves. Being in Salem's presence was never easy. No matter her mood, the witch exuded an aura so menacing that she always spent the meeting trying her best not to shiver. How Tyrian had grown to love it, she would never know; but then again, the scorpion faunus was hardly the most stable of individuals.
"You coming, Em?" She heard Mercury call from her left.
Meeting his gunmetal grey eyes, she saw the same anxiousness in them. Though he hid it well, Emerald knew Mercury was just as scared of Salem as she was. And with the siege taking far longer than Salem had hoped, her temper had become a lot shorter.
"Yeah," she swallowed. Returning to his side, she took one last deep breath. "Let's go."
Just as she expected, the throne room was quiet as they stepped into it. The circular room was spacious, and like with every room in the Whale, large white bones jutted out from the ceiling and red and black walls. The only furniturings consisted of a pedestalled throne in the center of the room and a small table beside it. Kneeling on the steps below were the other member's of Salem's council, all except Tyrian, who sat gleefully beside the throne.
Stood behind the throne with her back turned to them all, Salem stared out over a projection of Atlas shrouded in orange mist. Her fingernails tapped ominously against the chessboard set up on her desk, and her head shifted slightly as they entered. The room turned frigid, and they both quickly got into position on the steps. Knelt next to Cinder, Emerald surveyed the woman's face and saw what she recognised to be annoyance in her golden eyes. Beside her was Neo, the tiny girl's head resting on her hand as if she was sitting in a boring lecture.
All was quiet for a moment, the only sound being the tapping of Salem's finger, until finally the woman's finger fell still. Emerald held her breath as the witch spoke.
"James' resistance is… surprising."
If Emerald wasn't mistaken, there was a hint of admiration in her voice as she watched an Atlas Airship take out a Flying Beringel in the distance.
"Though, ultimately futile."
The immortal turned around. Her form had always been just as unnerving as her demeanor. Dark red veins snaked across snow white skin, and blood red eyes swept over them. Her frame itself was tall and lean, covered by a slick black dress that showed off an alluring amount of skin around her chest. The black was accented by bone pauldrons on her shoulders; both littered with similar veins as the rest of her body.
From everything she had worked out, she knew Salem had not always looked like that, and it was plain to see that she was once a woman of considerable beauty, but all of that was gone. The creature that stood before her might have looked beautiful, but only the insane could ever see it as such. As such, she was unsurprised to see Tyrian look up at the woman as if she was the most radiant being in the world.
"The river will be finished by the end of the week, and James' defenses will crumble,'' she walked towards her throne, gently sliding her fingers through Tyrian's long hair as she passed him. "So, it is time we begin preparing for future plans."
Sitting on the stone throne, her hands came to rest on the arms.
"Hazel," she said with a vindictive smile. "Have you learned anything from my dear Ozpin?"
"The boy refuses to talk," Hazel grunted. "And Ozpin continues to hide away from me."
Salem hummed happily. "Hiding behind a child as always, I see. Nevermind, I trust you will break him soon enough."
"It'll be done."
Salem gave the large man a nod before turning her searing red eyes to Mercury. Despite their many disagreements, Emerald immediately felt a jolt of worry for him.
"Mercury," She cooed in a sweet tone. "With Arthur captured, I think it is time that we put your mind to use."
Emerald glanced at him, catching his grey eyes for a split second before he turned back to the witch.
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you and Tyrian to travel to Vacuo."
Another glance was exchanged between them, and, once again, Emerald saw her own worry reflected in his eyes. Of all the people to be alone with, Tyrian was undoubtedly on the bottom of everyone's list. The man was unhinged, and took great pleasure in killing anybody who looked at him funny. Neither friend nor foe mattered to him, only Salem's word.
"With their views on strength, you two will easily fit in. And as I understand it, they have recently been embroiled in a civil war, so exploit that to your advantage and make way for my arrival. But avoid Shade Academy. Theodore's loyalties to Ozpin run deeper than the headmasters of the other academies, and many survivors of Beacon and Haven now reside there."
"My father had ties to the underworld there," the boy said slowly. "I can still use those."
Salem hummed in approval. "Good, then you shall leave now."
"I will need time to pa-"
"But it is already done, my cutthroat friend," Tyrian smiled as he jumped to his feet and hopped down the steps. "Now come along. The desert awaits, and we are going to have…" He wrapped an arm around Mercury's shoulders and pulled him to his feet. "So. Much. Fun."
As the boy was dragged from the room, Emerald saw him give her a small wave goodbye. Giving him a weak smile and getting a nod in return before he disappeared from sight, she turned back to the woman in front of her, sad that she and Mercury would be apart for the first time in years.
"Cinder," the witch continued. "I would like you to return to Mantle. Continue coraling my forces-"
"Mantle?" Cinder cut her off, no small amount of annoyance in her voice. "But Mantle is already ours. Wouldn't my time be better spent freeing Watts, or capturing the andro- ARGH!"
The sharp gasp of pain that left Cinder drew every eye in the room, but nobody dared move to help. Dark black tendrils of smoke rose from Cinder's Grimm arm as the black flesh began to bubble and boil. Just looking at it was enough to make Emerald feel nauseous , but knowing the pain it was causing the woman she cared for hurt all the more.
"Arthur…" Salem stood from her throne and moved towards the woman, her red eyes glowing with restrained fury, "... is right where I need him to be. As is the android. And so will you be, once you return to Mantle and continue to draw in my forces for our final assault. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Mistress," Cinder hissed through clenched teeth and clutched her arm.
"Good," The smoke stopped and Salem turned away from her. "Then go. The final day of their resistance approaches, and I want no more delays."
Giving them all a small wave of her hand, the witch returned to her position behind the throne, stopping only to move a rook across the chessboard before her gaze settled back on the image of Atlas. Not needing to be told twice, Emerald quickly stood up and turned to check on Cinder's arm.
"Get off me!" The woman snarled and snatched her arm away as she raised to her feet.
"Sorry," she mumbled.
Flinching away as Cinder stormed off, Emerald was left looking at Neo, who merely chuckled silently to herself. Rolling her eyes at the mute, Emerald took off after her friend. As she caught up with the maiden's quick strides, she heard Cinder muttering angrily to herself under her breath.
"Mantle, Mantle Mantle," she spat venomously. "If she wants forces in Mantle, she'll bloody get them."
A shiver ran through Emerald. She hadn't seen the woman look so angry since Ruby had taken her arm and eye at Beacon.
"Neo," She barked. Checking behind her, Emerald saw the ice cream-styled girl happily following along. "Go and get the airship ready."
Skipping past them towards the hanger bay, the girl vanished from sight.
"Wait," Emerald was a little confused. "We're leaving now? Aren't we saying goodbye to Merc?"
"We are not going anywhere," Cinder scowled bitterly. "You are staying here."
Her confusion only grew. "Wh-What? But I can help."
Cinder ignored her, only continuing to head towards the hangar. Hastening her pace to get in front of her, Emerald held out a hand to stop her.
"Cinder, let me he-"
She heard the crack before she felt it.
The sound reverberated around the hall, bouncing off of bone and flesh as her head whipped to the side. Before a second had passed, a burning sensation quickly bloomed on her cheek, the feeling of a small fire blossoming from deep within her skin and traveling down her body bringing tears to her eyes.
It had been so long since Cinder had slapped her that she had forgotten what it felt like. Or even that it had happened at all. "How did I forget?" She thought to herself.
Raising a hand to her cheek, she slowly twisted back to face Cinder. The woman's gold eyes were filled with rage and glowing like headlights. Small flames burned in the corners as her maiden powers overflowed with rage.
"Help me?" Her voice was cold and cruel, just like the man whose wallet Emerald had stolen. "Like you helped me by blaming me for the failure at Haven? Or like you helped me by constantly getting in my way in Mantle?"
"I d-didn't me-"
"Ever since Vale, you have done nothing but get in my way, but I am tired of your neediness. I am not your mother, or your babysitter, and I am tired of acting like it. So you will stay here where you can't interfere."
With one last bitter glare, the woman shoved her way past the shell shocked girl, her shoulder colliding with Emerald's and sending her stumbling into the wall. Not feeling any particular desire to go after the woman, or stand up straight, she let herself slide down it instead until she was sat on a small lump of bone.
"What did I do?" She thought as she rubbed the tears from her eyes.
It wasn't the first time Cinder had snapped at her. It had happened a number of times before, usually when she was stressed or in the middle of something; but never had she said those kinds of things. They rang in her head as if still bouncing off the walls, and with each utterance of them, another tear fell down her cheeks.
Had she really meant what she said? Was she really acting? Playing a part to keep her loyal until she was no longer needed? Were Mercury, Hazel, and Blake right about Cinder not caring about her? She hadn't believed so, but as she sat there massaging her cheek, their words began to join Cinders.
"She doesn't care about you, Em!"
"They always need someone. Right up until you're no longer useful to them"
"Has she always treated you like that?"
Raising her hands to her ears, she tried her best to quiet them, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't block them out. They filled her mind, bringing back memories she didn't want brought back, and distorting other happier ones into something darker. It was all so loud. As more tears spilled down her cheeks, she felt her breathing become shallow and her chest tighten. Her hands felt clammy, and once again they had begun to shake. The smell of the Grimm Whale's flesh filled her nose, causing her head to spin as bile prickled at the back of her throat.
It was all too much. She needed air. She needed to be away from the whale, from Salem and everyone else to calm down and think. So, too worked up to care what Salem would say or think, she stood up on shaky legs and took off towards the second hangar bay, determined to get as much space from herself and everyone else as she could.
A/N
Hello there... Hopefully, I uploaded this at the right time today xD
So this chapter was really fun to write. I always love writing Weiss and Blake interactions. I wanted to show that even though Blake is no longer around Adam, the trauma of it still has an effect on her in some ways, and how hard that can be to move on from. I also wanted to show that Weiss has her own struggles in that area too.
Emerald's scene was tough to write though. I really wanted to show how much she cared for Mercury, and getting the abuse right (a weird thing to say) is kinda tough, and I would love to know how it felt to you guys. Also, I have never written Salem before, so let me know how it turns out.
Anyway, that's it from me. I hope you enjoyed, and the next chapter will be up next week :)
