Please read Author's notes.
[Part-1]
{Southern Park, Camelot}
Mercury Black, after joining Cinder always held back. It was unreasonable given the field he plays at where a single mistake could result- well in one's death.
However, in the same manner of speaking, one must hide trump cards for future use. However, Mercury did not expect to use it so soon and against his partner for all that.
Both of them have yet to attack, their semblance or stands, prepared for anything. Mercury didn't want to haste into anything.
Semblance depended on six things, which in easy words should be called statistics. In order they are-
Destructive Power, Speed, Range, Persistence, Precision, and Development Potential.
No matter the type of semblance, every single one of it surrounds those six stats. The question is, how strong is Emerald's semblance, in what way should Mercury attack?
Mercury wasn't worried about his semblance's speed, he was damn sure he is the fastest, in terms of destructive power? Better keep a level above Emerald. Range? He could easily surround Emerald and attack, however, in reality, he was a close-range fighter, his speed is the reason he could be within the close or safe range.
Here lied the main problem that openly denied him making the first move- four factors.
What is Emerald's true ability? It has to be something to do with illusions he was damn sure of it, but now, exactly what kind or form of illusions are we talking about? How would that affect him? What exactly is her range of ability? How long can the ability persist? What exactly is her precision?
Normally had it been just a spar, Mercury wouldn't have thought so deeply about this, but this wasn't a spar- his life was on the line.
Emerald wasn't moving as well.
Fuck it! All out it is.
Zap!
Blink of an eye and Mercury was right in front of Emerald, and his stand was with him too.
Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don! Don!
Mercury's semblance, his stand rained a barrage of attacks on Emerald's stand without stopping.
Mercury was faster, he would win.
Caw! Caw!
Mercury blinked hard. Twice.
Emerald…was no longer there…
What?
When did Emerald activate her semblance's ability? Was it this strong?
No- wait- now that Emerald has taken out her true form of semblance, it must mean, Mercury is already under Emerald's illusion?
Shit.
This is bad, from what Mercury had gathered enough intel about everyone who he had been working with- the surface knowledge is basically, Emerald's semblance affects all the five senses of a person. In simple terms, all of his senses are overridden with illusion.
However-
The best way to break through an illusion would be the sensation of pain coursing through the body, the pain would put enough shock in my brain to rewire everything back to normal.
Mercury bit his lip as hard as possible, making sure the blood pours out and he feels the pain- however,
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Mercury did feel the pain, but the blood leaking from his lips have now turned into a fountain of blood, which didn't stop.
"W-what the hell? What's going on?"
Crack!
Mercury's eyes widen in disbelief, his gaze switched, he could see cracks forming in his arms and legs.
"What the-?"
Spill!
Blood flew out endlessly, Mercury's mind was getting hazy, the pain was becoming unbearable and more and more cracks were forming on his body, his consciousness was getting hazy.
So, this is Emerald Sustrai's semblance's true potential.
Emerald watched Mercury, from a meter of distance away, frothing from his mouth as he laid unconscious.
Fool.
Just because Emerald used simple illusions didn't mean that's only what her semblance does. Hallucinations were the basic semblance, a pretender if one will. Originally, Hallucinations would affect the five senses of a person, falling in Emerald's trap- however, something of that level wouldn't work on Mercury.
Emerald knew that.
Her true semblance, her stand, For Your Entertainment, does not just affect the senses but also affects the mind of the person to the point that anything that they do, could physically affect them and when an Illusion is placed on the mind rather than senses, even the body and soul would accept the current situation as the truth.
Emerald won.
She took few steps forward; he was out cold.
What now?
"Huh?"
It happened in an instant.
DON!
Like a shotgun was launched. Emerald felt her skull rattle; however, it wasn't her that was hit- but her stand. This was one of the greatest disadvantages of having a stand-in-based semblance, which is any damage directed at the stand would redirect back to its user.
And damn it hurts like hell!
What the fuck happen? What was going on? Wasn't Mercury unconscious?
Emerald looked up, her body was still shaking, Mercury's stand and launched a direct attack on her stand.
Mercury slowly got up; he wasn't damaged physically however his soul had taken damage.
That's the true ability of Emerald's semblance, it does not show signs of physical damage, however, the soul takes that in its place.
"If it was…someone else Emerald, someone else, hell, even Cinder she would have fallen for the trick…however, not me…you shouldn't underestimate me!"
ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
"Guh!" Emerald felt her ribs taking damage, her chest…it felt like shattering, even if she wasn't the one taking the hits, the transferred pain was more than enough to have anyone lesser unconscious and broken.
She can't keep up, with Mercury, he had to be steady or slow-paced for her to relaunch her attack…however it would seem that Mercury had already figured that out.
DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON!
"Guuuuuuuuuh!" Emerald's body, broke down as she fell on her knees, her senses could not keep up with Mercury's speed and precision, and each attack felt like a shotgun blast, she isn't too good in the aura department after all.
She calls back her stand, it's pointless, it would seem that Mercury had seen through her ability, and defeating him…now, for her current self is impossible.
Then why bother?
The natural course would always be the strong kill the weak. That's how she was forced to learn in the streets, that's how it would be now.
Mercury was standing in front of her.
This was the end.
At the finishing line, she did not have the strength to keep up with her partner, why did she want to fight Mercury? Why did she do this by herself? Why didn't she report this to Tyrian or Cinder or even Nikola Watts when he asked her?
Whatever. This does not bother her anymore.
"Just get this over with…"
Emerald's last words were spoken.
Anything to get this over quickly, anything to just end it…she isn't even sure why…
However-
Mercury slowly picked her up, arm by her waist and the other by her shoulder, action that greatly surprised her.
"Come on, let's just rest at the bench there, you took a good amount of toll on me, I rather not fight you again."
Emerald narrowed her eyes- what exactly is Mercury planning now? Why the sudden sympathy?
This might be a good chance; she could use her ability-
"Emerald, I just want to talk, please let's not fight? I really…really don't want to fight you, again."
Emerald relented.
Allowing him to do whatever he needs to; she would hear him out and listen to what he has to speak for himself.
Mercury helped Emerald sitting her down on a nearby bench, her head was still rattled, after all, she knew she wasn't a tank, but this didn't mean, she couldn't take a beating…
Well, it would seem like she can't and that was pretty embarrassing for her, she is someone who believes in the rule of survival of the fittest.
"Emerald…I know this all…seems weird and wrong, but…would you be willing to hear me out, just this once?"
Emerald's eyes went up, gazing upon the setting sun, she muttered something, something that Mercury didn't quite catch on to.
"What was that Emerald?"
"Who are you?"
"Huh?"
"Who is Mercury Black?"
[Part-2]
"Who is Mercury Black?"
Isn't that a great question?
"What do you mean, Emerald?"
Emerald's glare hardens even more, even gritting through the pain, she spoke, "You want me to believe you? What exactly should I believe? Who should I believe? Mercury- The assassin, who works for Cinder and her cause? Or the Mercury who I am witnessing? Which is the real one?"
Mercury immediately did not answer, instead opted to question her.
"What about you, Emerald? If you knew I was going behind Cinder's back, why didn't you rat me out? Why didn't you inform Tyrian or Cinder immediately?"
Emerald's gaze was now switched to Mercury's.
A good question indeed.
"I…don't know…I don't know why I did that, I just found myself…unable to speak to anyone about this. Even attacking you? I…didn't know what was it that I wanted…ever since joining Cinder, I…I…I…lie to myself every day that she cares for me, even a little but she does. But in reality, we…we both know we are just pawns in her game…I just…I am so lost…my emotions are all jagged up."
Mercury's eyes were still on the sky which was losing its color, turning black…
"Hm. Eurus Black."
Emerald looked at Mercury, confused.
"Who?"
"Eurus Black, my mother, the sole person in my life who comforted me, who made me realize that I…I was worth something, that I wasn't my father's tool. Heh. Father, what bullshit…he wasn't even mostly there, and when he was, it was torture for both of us, there was only so much my mother could take my father's beatings when I had to step in. I…didn't…I really didn't want anything to happen to the only source of my comfort, the only person who cared for me."
"Why? Why did your father, tortured you…?"
Something caught in Emerald's throat, she shouldn't have asked this form of a question, she could see Mercury's eyes hidden by his hair.
"My father…Marcus Black, that wasn't even his real name, no one knows what his real name was, but the only thing he desired was for me to be born with a semblance that would suit his needs. I did not have that. His work was done…he…that day he just decided to end me, because I was useless, that I was unfit for anything…that I was unfit for Heaven or whatever the hell he meant- he chopped off my legs, I…I was about to die when my mother interfered."
Emerald was quiet, she could see the single drop of a tear falling through Mercury's cheeks.
"My sweet little boy, my Mercury, you are not your father…you never will be because you are so much, so much better than him. So much better than the hooligans of the underworld. You have turned into a better person than your father could ever hope for- I have just one wish son, do not be like him, help others, that's what your semblance is for. Run for them. Run towards them."
Mercury's mother's smile didn't fade.
"Run, Mercury, Run."
"Run, Mercury, Run. That's what I have been doing, Run, to save others…my mother's semblance, was just short distance teleport, however, in her ending moments, her semblance became strong enough to teleport me to a farther distance."
Emerald's eyes widen in realization.
"That time…when we met you half-dead, you…you didn't kill your father?"
Mercury left a mirthless chuckle.
"Kill my father? Don't joke about that Emerald, my father is one of the strongest Semblance users to ever live, he massacred a village of warriors without losing much of his aura just to show me, and tell me that I and my mother were nothing more than pebbles to him."
"Then, why did you join Cinder? What was the whole point?"
"I…realized what kind of person Cinder was, she was just as bad as my father, she just wanted destruction which would only benefit her. My mother's last wish was…that I become someone who is not my father, who is better than him. I could tell…whatever, Cinder had planned, it was not good."
Emerald understood the implications.
"That's why, you lied about killing your father, your injuries just proved to her that you did indeed kill him, you put up a good front, a strong lie. You made sure she failed in every step she took, you made sure that whatever occurred, Cinder fall would not succeed."
Emerald smirked,
"You are like Ephialtes, the Spartan from Mistral, who betrayed, Leonidas, during the war."
Mercury chucked.
"Leonidas was an honorable man, someone I aspire to be, Ephialtes, on the other hand, was a traitor, and please Emerald do not compare someone like a legendary warrior of history to Cinder, you would give me a stomach ache."
Both of them shared a small laugh.
Mercury continued,
"I just, perhaps it was how I raised? Even in all that pain and torture, my mother was my silver light, that as long as she was there, I would survive, that I would make it past. Even with her gone, she, my mother is immortalized in my heart and nothing would change that fact. I am not someone who would be consumed by the darkness of the world…even though I am a part of it, I will never- let the light disappear."
Emerald was in awe. However, she knew better.
"That's awfully naïve of you to think that the world could be made a better place. Have you truly seen the world? Have you seen what it does? You should know better, surviving in this place, would always require you to follow someone strong. to be a bitch of someone strong, for your own gain and protection, no matter how much humiliating it must be, no matter how much disgusting the feeling must be. No matter the treatment you receive, you need to gut it in, in order to survive."
Emerald waited for Mercury's response. She waited few more seconds, then minutes. When finally, she couldn't take it and screamed herself.
"Reply back to me! Don't you understand what you are doing is nothing but plain suicide? Did you not see who Cinder takes orders from? She is the fucking Grimm Queen, we can't do anything against the likes of them, what's the point?! Why are you being an idiot and stupid- taking such drastic actions."
"Hmmm…Hahahahahahaha…hahahahaha….."
"…W-w-w-w-what's so funny?! Is death funny to you?! Do you really don't want to live!"
"Emerald…The Grimm Queen is not a threat to us."
"…...What?"
[Part-3]
Emerald just knew that Mercury must have finally lost it. Her semblance must have affected his mind or he was just born without a functioning brain.
Does Mercury not know, what are the rules of nature?
The weak must always obey the strong regardless of any circumstances in order for them to live in this world. That thought is the sole reason why to this day Emerald has survived. If someone won't take care of you, then you have to do everything in power, even something to the point of morally questionable, even if at the end of the day you end up hating yourself.
All must be done to survive, to open your eyes the next day and continue to survive. As long as the person could live.
So, why is Mercury acting like this? Does he not fear at all? Does he have enough strength? No. That can't be it.
"Mercury, did you seriously lose it? Are you telling me that you have what it takes to beat the Grimm Queen? Have you finally lost it?"
Mercury's smirk didn't leave, he looked at her with conviction.
"Do you really think, this Grimm Queen is this almighty and powerful?"
Emerald looked flabbergasted. Was Mercury Black this dumb? Did he lose his brain with his legs?
"What are you on? Are you high on something? Do you snort dust?"
Mercury clicked on his head.
"Think, Emerald, think. This Grimm Queen? If she had so much freedom over Grimm, then why use humans in the first place? Why even bother with people who would end up making mistakes? Why take so long to take over humanity? Why can't she go out of her way to take the Maidens for herself? Why can't she just launch a massive Grimm attack here in Camelot? Does this not seem weird to you? Someone who claims to be the Grimm Queen and people following her blindly?"
Emerald was about to answer, but nothing came- she was stuck.
"What that Grimm Queen has is, charisma and words of manipulation, appearance, and control over the ignorant and fools- she knows the working of a human mind better than the most as such she could manipulate anyone with to do her bidding. Think about it Emerald, this Grimm Queen isn't all-powerful and strong and I am willing to bet she isn't even a Grimm Queen, she is just someone who just happens to have an ability to control a few Grimm, that's all."
Emerald contemplated what Mercury said.
It was true and weird indeed.
"…It…it doesn't make any sense! What's going on?!"
Mercury raised his finger.
"I have a few theories…possibly, the first one is, she isn't movable, that is- she can't leave wherever she is and launch an attack using the Grimm. The second one, she can't control a lot of Grimm to form an army and attack. The third one might be, there might be others like her who control Grimm and she could be found out if she launches an attack which could thwart her plans…the last one, is…a bit of a stretch, but I think, I think she is afraid of someone…"
Emerald blinked.
"She…the Grimm Queen is afraid of someone?"
Mercury nodded, "I could be gravely wrong, I am just taking a stretch here…but, let's just assume, assume that the Grimm Queen once in the past launched a frontal attack using Grimm, however- there was someone who was strong enough to push her back. There was someone who defeated her and forced her to retreat- which if I am to assume, still lives among us, to this day. Due to which the Grimm Queen needs something against this person, whom she cannot physically or mentally defeat."
This…
This was indeed a stretch for Emerald. However, the portions were making sense, was foolish? Maybe? But the core understanding remained, assuming the Grimm Queen lived for so long why didn't she conquered Remnant? What was stopping her?
However, that…isn't the main question here, the main question is…
What to do now?
What is the purpose of her actions now?
"I know that look."
Emerald winced, her gaze staring at the sky.
"Emerald, I will be honest with you…I do not know what my path here leads to, however, I will not allow Cinder to commit any form of atrocity, I…promised my mother, I promised myself that, I will be better than my father ever was. That's why I won't blame you or hate you for whatever decision you would make."
Emerald kept quiet, it was usually her bickering with Mercury, throwing insults around, and probably a little bit of bullying here and there, but she did indeed come to care for Mercury.
However, the question is what should she do now? What exactly to question, the loyalty towards Cinder or doing what is right?
Cinder had saved her. That's why she must choose loyalty.
Heh.
What a joke.
Who exactly is Emerald lying to?
The reality of her past was very clear to her. She was never someone that Cinder cared for, Emerald, just as her semblance lied to herself that Cinder had maybe, perhaps even a shred of consideration because she was the one who saved her.
That…was never the case, Cinder just happens to pick up Emerald, the reason? Simple. It was all because of Emerald's semblance, give the fact that she did not reveal the true extent and strength of her semblance, Emerald knew to Cinder, she is nothing more than a weapon…once the ammo is out, she would be replaced by a new one.
What exactly is Emerald fighting for?
Simple answer, survival. She needed to survive in this world, regardless of who she would eventually follow, and following Mercury? Would be suicidal, regardless of what he could do, a little mistake and he would die, taking her with him. Making everything till now, doing everything till now for survival pointless.
However,…what if…just what if…
Following, Mercury is exactly what she needed? What if this is the right choice? Would she continue to survive? Or will she die tomorrow?
It's compulsive gambling. High risks…but, are would the returns be high?
For the first time, Emerald couldn't make sure what the future could be. It was in chaos, predicting anything is futile.
So, what now?
Emerald sighed.
"What's the plan, Mercury?"
"…Huh?" Mercury blinked, perhaps he didn't hear her correctly, did her semblance worsen his hearing?
"What? Why are you looking me all funny? I asked, what's the plan? What do you want to do?"
"…Wait, Em…are you suggesting, that you would accompany me?"
"What? Do you want me to be grateful or something? Besides, if I don't look after you, who knows how much damage you would cause?"
There was perhaps a faintest of smile plastered in Mercury's face.
"Well, you would be glad to know, that I don't have any plan…"
The high expectations Emerald had for Mercury, suddenly just disappeared.
What?
"What?"
"What? I don't have a plan…not yet anyway…"
"What's the point then? We'll be screwed!"
"No…you see, as much as I hated my father, he did teach me just important enough stuff to make it in the underworld of the crime…the most important thing is right now, we are undercover, whatever I have done or whatever you are about to do with me are not known to anyone- anyone in Cinder's group. Assuming if she was smart enough to figure us out, she already would have- she is not a threat to us, and Tyrian? No offense but he seems to be one of the devoted types- his focus is all on whatever plan Cinder's Mistress has fabricated, and the problem is I do not know what plan it is…"
"There is something more coming in, isn't it?"
Mercury nodded-
"The most problematic person is- "
"Nikola Watts"
Emerald completed Mercury, who was impressed.
"So, you figured that out?"
"Yeah, I think…he's on to you as well…and I think he does not trusts anyone, he's-"
"Smart, I know that, as much as I hate to say it, Nikola Watts is good, he manipulated Cinder enough to take risks coming here…he's the person I'm most wary of."
Emerald nodded at that while passing off the package she was given to by Nikola Watts.
"Here, your…jumpsuit? Well, you asked for it and he gave it."
"Is that so? Well, that guy sure works fast."
Mercury took in the package, opened it up. The suit was clean, made with perfect materials as he requested- but he knew better than that.
"What's the matter?"
Emerald asked as she saw Mercury's glare on the suit as if he was searching for something and found it.
"Listen carefully Emerald, there…there is a chip impanated in here, it would activate the moment I wear this suit, I know of this tech, I have seen it before."
Emerald was surprised, Mercury was able to detect something so small, so quick? His assassin skills are no joke whatsoever.
"So, destroy it?"
Mercury scoffed lightly.
"Emerald, that's a rookie mistake, if I destroy this Nikola Watts would exactly know that something is wrong with me or I must be plotting something. However, once I wear it, the only thing that would pass through the chip would be audio. Whenever we talk, we have to talk about the mission or Cinder else, even a little bit of suspicion would sell us out."
"You can't just keep quiet like that, can you? What would you do then? Eventually, we would need some time to talk, even if you wouldn't wear this, chances are Cinder and Tyrian are chipped too."
Huh.
Emerald is smart too, what do you know?
"Yeah…but, let's just say, that there's an accident…you know? Can't blame me for that."
"Accident? Wait! The tournament?!"
"Indeed, just get into a fight, get beaten, and destroy the chip, that would be simple."
So, this is it then, Emerald looked at Mercury. Perhaps…perhaps she was a little bit excited for this…would…would her parents be proud?
"Wait, Emerald, where's Tyrian?"
Good question.
"I…don't know?"
{Buckingham Palace, Camelot}
Tyrian considered himself better than others. He considered himself the best among the followers of his Goddess. Even if he knew he wasn't the strongest, he was definitely the smartest and he would stop at nothing to earn his Goddess's love.
As such, he has now entered Buckingham Palace, stealthily of course. His plan was simple.
Step one- Assassinate Gabriel Pendragon, the current King of Camelot.
Step two- with the rucks caused due to the death of the most beloved King, there would be negativity flowed and Grimm would be attracted here and Camelot would be attacked by Grimm at an amount never before.
Step three- with the ruckus caused, the maiden has to show herself! Immobilize her and force her to take out the relic and he would take it for his Goddess, himself, and not Cinder!
Step four….?
Step five- earn his Goddess's eternal love!
Simple and effective!
Tyrian looked around, through the back door he entered this place, and this place was damn big. As much as he hated to admit it, it was a beautiful…decorated place, images of Kings? The bright white and golden pillars, and a single throne, decorated with gold and designed in the shape of swords.
The throne room.
Someone was sitting on the throne as well.
Good. That must be the king, even before the king realizes, he would have assassinated him.
"Do you know where is the darkest place when you light up a torch?"
Tyrian stiffened.
A woman's voice…?
"No matter how strong Gabriel Pendragon's semblance is, he can cover up all of Camelot but not his own house, no matter what happens here, he would never know."
"Guh!" Tyrian screamed!
Something…something was tying him up, all around his body. He could not feel his nerves, he was being dragged!
"AAaah!"
Tossing and turned, stumbled…Tyrian was thrown right before the throne.
"Hello, Tyrian Callows, never expected an assassin to be here, in this palace…but there is a first time for everything, wouldn't you agree?"
Tyrian looked up.
This…person, this woman…this wasn't the king.
No, she's the Queen.
The woman leaned forward, the voice filled with seduction, the whisper of a demon, she looked at him.
"Tyrian Callows, would you like to work for me?"
[Part-4]
{Near the outskirts of Camelot}
Cinder Fall hated every moment of this. She was supposed to work here, get information regarding Summer Maiden and the Relic but nooooo!
She was now being dragged to meet Jaune Arc. Jaune fucking Arc, who meant absolutely nothing to her, a weak guy- who shouldn't even be here in the first place!
But, what does she hear? Jaune Arc stood up against The Tyrant! The Tyrant!
That must be some kind of joke or a mistake. The Jaune Arc she saw at Beacon was nothing more than a failure and here she faces the fact that suddenly he's someone with potential!? What sort of nonsense is that!? He's just a good dancer, he might as well work in a bar.
This is ridiculous.
"Are you fine Miss Fall?"
Cinder looked to her side.
Brynhild, Specialist Sigurd's girlfriend and she are just like Ruby Rose. Her personality matches her, looking at the bright side of everything. Cinder Fall hated people like her, she felt throwing up right at her sight.
And for the love of everything evil, why exactly was she walking beside her?
Cinder made sure to show her fake smile.
"Everything is just fine and please…just Cinder, Miss Fall, makes me feel old."
Brynhild smiled.
"Please call me Brynhild too."
Cinder smiled as best as she could. God, this was tedious work, faking to be good and kind…however, if she is to spend some time with this kinder harlot, she might as well take some information regarding his boyfriend.
"So, Brynhild, if you don't mind me asking…when did you know, you and he got together?"
Brynhild blushed like a teenage girl in love. She is a teenage girl in love! Dammit! Cinder's mind was running on fumes, the girl instead of replying was blushing and mumbling. Dammit, give a straight answer!
"Well, we have been dating for the last two years, but I've known Sigurd, my whole life…"
Ah, Cinder could see it in the girl's eyes. She worships her boyfriend as her savior. Someone she looks up to and would always be there if she faces any difficulty- this girl is the type Cinder despises the most.
Revolving around a man, someone who does not have the ability to stand up for herself. Within a short span of time, Cinder is already disgusted by her.
"Well…Sigurd…was there for me when no one was, where I was alone when there was no one for me, he was- it's kind of like a fairy tale you know? A handsome prince comes to your rescue when the princess is afraid and weak? Sigurd was that for me."
Ah. Cinder so the love, devotion, and adoration for the boyfriend in the girl's eyes. Right…now, this is downright disgusting. At first, to Cinder, she thought that Brynhild is nothing more than a girl in love but now…
Brynhild is a girl who is madly in love and that disgusts Cinder in ways she never thought before. Something about this girl was pricking her skin, making her hate even more, and maintaining her composure gets harder every second she walks with her.
She has to at the least insult her…or else Cinder's mind would just keep aching.
"So, you mean to say that you are not independent?" Cinder asked, however, her eyes were right in front, where Sigurd and Mereoleona were walking there was a good distance between them, not too far- however, not close enough for them to hear Cinder and Brynhild's conversation.
On the other hand, Brynhild looked confused, as if she did not understand the implications of Cinder's question.
"What…do you mean?"
"You know…not to offend you or anything (translation: cry you little bitch), but have you ever considered doing something without your boyfriend, that you are more than his girlfriend? That you want something in life?"
Brynhild thought for a moment, her smile came back with her reply-
"But- I like being his girlfriend and someday…maybe even wife, that…would be my goal."
It was official. Cinder Fall despised this girl now completely. What's with this girl's mentality? Does she seriously not want to achieve anything? Becoming a wife? The fuck kind of goal is that? What age is she living in…waiting for a man to save her? This girl has completely lost her sense of mind.
She is a disgrace to what Cinder Fall stands for. She is not strong. She is not independent. She is someone's whore.
"Brynhild, do you really have to demean yourself? You can be better than men you know? Stronger. Women don't need them; we need to save ourselves. We need our own strength, not someone else's. We need power, to do so."
Cinder didn't know why she was doing this, what would she gain from turning this girl- but whatever this is, the expression she is making, the love for someone, the dependence, Cinder Fall hates it greatly.
"I understand that. Many would say my thinking is wrong and that I should focus on my career…but is it wrong to have a career as a mother? Is it wrong to be wanting to be saved? From my point of view, I don't think so, I think everybody deserves a chance to be saved. There is nothing wrong with holding out for a hero, if anything…it shows that I have not given up hope. That I have not given up in the good present in the world- no matter what happens, it helps me, reminds me that I should never lower myself as the world perceives myself to be."
Unshakable determination and foundation. Cinder Fall planned to counter it, hundreds of callouts, throwbacks, insults- prepared and yet…yet all of them died in her throat- none of them made it past her lips.
She really wanted to counter this girl- whom she began to hate for no reason whatsoever.
No- Cinder knew the reason why she hates this girl, she does not want to admit it.
"Brynhild!" Cinder and Brynhild switched their glance towards Sigurd who was calling for them- well, his girlfriend.
Cinder came into view of what would be a village-based house? Ah! There is Jaune Arc…and he is with someone, two of them?
Blonde hair tied to a bun and gorgeous sea-green eyes…That's…that's the princess of Camelot, Artoria Pendragon, by the looks of it even Sigurd and his little group is surprised to see her.
What the hell is someone of stature doing with someone like Arc? What's going on?
The second person? She too was a beautiful girl, white hair- quiet long, beautiful red eyes, huh, she kind of looks like Salem if she didn't have any Grimm thing going for her.
"Mister Jaune!"
Brynhild screamed.
Ba-dump!
Cinder felt it in her chest, even though it was incomplete- her maiden powers, it was being resonated- like coming in contact with someone.
Ba-dump!
Cinder wanted to take a step back- but now Brynhild was dragging her, towards that place and the white-haired woman was staring at Cinder.
Cinder Fall exactly knew who this woman was.
The Summer Maiden
Sigurd sent Brynhild and her new friend Cinder ahead, he could see- Jaune Arc, Artoria Pendragon…was that the Summer Maiden, what's she doing here? And of course, Brynhild and Cinder enter Lancelot's abode home.
The man was not going to be happy with so many unwelcomed guests.
"What did you want to talk about Mereoleona?"
Mereoleona glared, she usually does not do something like this, she does not prefer to antagonize people, but now she was made- she was very much mad towards Sigurd.
"What the hell was that there?!"
Sigurd fixes his glasses as if he didn't quite understand what she meant.
"Whatever do you mean?"
Holding his collar tight Mereoleona glared at him,
"The questions you were asking El-Cinder, you were making her uncomfortable!"
"Oh, so her real name isn't even Cinder? That's a nice addition of information, Mereoleona."
If it was even possible Mereoleona's glare harden, her hands were getting hotter and yet Sigurd did not bulge.
"What is with you?! Why are you after her?! What has she done to you?! She just wants to live peacefully."
"Well…she can have she not lied consistently to us- she studies in Haven? Good lie- good lie, the report Headmaster Lionheart sent in the daily meeting said he did not allow anyone and suddenly out of nowhere, she gets permission?"
"Maybe she was the best they had…!"
"Oh, yeah? What about her transcripts? You were busy chatting, and I had Dr. Polendina hack into Haven's system, and guess what? Cinder Fall and two others who had joined with her have fake transcripts, something of that level of forgery could only be acceptable by the headmaster- to which I am even willing to bet that Lionheart is involved in this, Cinder Fall isn't who she claims to be Mereoleona, you should see that."
"W-What the fuck is wrong with you?! Why can't you let her live in peace? Has she done something to warrant your ire!"
"Heh- Mereoleona, you work for Atlas too, you should know that I have been in the presence of Winter Maiden far longer than anyone, both the old and new perhaps your past with her is clouding your senses but think and you will find the flame- she is the one who attacked Amber Autumn, and I am certain of it."
"This…intuition could all be a ruse! You could just have been mistaken, please, give her the benefit of doubt."
Once again, this time it was Mereoleona…however, she was used to seeing this doesn't mean that, her Faunus instincts did not scream.
Eyes as colder than winds of Atlas.
"You want me to give her a benefit of the doubt? That won't be required, if she is here for just the Tournament then nothing bad would happen, however, if she is not, which I am sure of it- then she just visited the wrong place, she cannot escape Camelot."
Sigurd swatted Mereoleona's hands away, fixing himself he stated-
"For your sake, let's just hope, Cinder Fall is the type of girl who you claim to be she is."
To which for the first time Mereoleona did not have an answer, she just…hoped that Cinder…Ella is the person who she used to be.
[Part-5]
{Few minutes before arriving at Lancelot's house}
Silence shrouded the trio.
Jaune was quiet. Artoria behind him was face-palming and the new addition Merlin? She didn't know what was going on.
"What's the matter, young boy? Are you surprised by this older sister? Are you perhaps in love with the fact that I am someone so heavenly! Don't worry, it's not that big of a deal, you can say that out you know."
Jaune turned around and gently held Merlin's hands.
"What's this? Are you so entranced that you wish to kiss my hands? Well normally I don't allow such atrocities, however, be grateful, I am giving you the pleasure of your lips meeting my…hands?"
Merlin was confused, Jaune had already left her palms…there were no kisses, instead she found some lien placed in them.
Holding Merlin's shoulders, Jaune spoke gently, "Please, get yourself checked up by a doctor. Your mental health might be deteriorating. You should stop this. Get some help."
Artoria couldn't help but snicker. Points for Jaune Arc in her book and Merlin's expression are a cherry on the top.
Jaune walked away, followed by Artoria and a depressed Merlin, no matter what kind of stuff Merlin spewed, it would seem Jaune wasn't really affected by it and insisted that she should check out a doctor.
This was fun and all when finally, they dawned near Lancelot's house, it was getting dark as well.
"Mister Jaune!"
Hm?
Jaune looked up, towards the voice that called his name.
Oh, it was Brynhild and Sigurd and Mereoleona too! However, it would seem Sigurd and Mereoleona were talking far at the back…there was someone else with Brynhild, a raven-haired girl? Where had Jaune seen that girl…? Oh! Back at Beacon, she with two of her teammates- the student from Beacon.
Huh?
From his peripheral, Jaune could see for some reason Merlin glaring at the Cinder girl. However, he paid no mind…no problem of his.
"Brynhild…what are you doing here?"
And so, the explanation montage began and holy shit does Brynhild could speak- damn, she should replace Port.
"I…am really flattered that you guys came to visit me." Sigurd and Mereoleona arrived as well, Mereoleona looked a bit sad and Sigurd had a stoic expression.
Hm, Jaune Arc could sense sadness and he does not like it.
Ding!
An idea, since so many peeps are here.
"Guys, please, all of you…came to visit me even though I didn't do something great, I would love if you all had dinner with me, here please."
Even before anyone could disagree, Jaune continued, "Please, just take it as thanks, I can do at least this much, right? You too, miss Cinder Fall, please, I request, you, all of you to join for the dinner."
Blonde noodle innocent smile.
Well damn. Saying no, now would be rude, won't it?
"You understand don't you…at least call her."
"I know, I know, but…you don't realize, it's a grudge that runs long, she won't forgive me."
"I don't get it, you have done enough, suffered enough…please, she too needs to understand…"
"Mash…"
"I'm back!"
Jaune entered the house, expecting Lancelot and Pitou however, he did find Lancelot talking to someone, Pitou wasn't exactly there…no, she was, she was just sitting at the corner.
A woman was talking to Lancelot…Jaune blinked, the woman looked exactly like Professor Goodwitch, except she did not have glasses and instead of blonde hair, she had lavender-colored, just like Lancelot- wait now does that Jaune looks properly, Lancelot does kind of looks a bit like Professor Goodwitch.
Lancelot on the other hand held a bland expression, he sent Jaune to train, and Jaune returned with a pack of other people in his house.
And one of them is the damn princess of Camelot!
"Dad…these people are…?" the lavender hair woman spoke; she too was confused looking at the mass of people conjured out of nowhere.
Wait…Jaune noticed, the woman called Lancelot…dad, could she be…?
"My name is Jaune Arc…and I am under Master Lancelot's tutelage and there are all…my friends…I just called them for dinner with me…"
Another explanation montage by Jaune Arc- it was all over the place.
A grim reminder that Jaune Arc should never, be a storyteller because he sucks at it.
A disastrous explanation later.
"Well, where are my manners? My name is…Mash du Lack, well, as you can see…I am Lancelot's daughter…"
"Master Lancelot's daughter? No offense, but you both kind of looks like brother and sister? I mean…so young?"
Mash gave a flirty giggle.
"Well, aren't you a charmer, no wonder you are dad's student?"
"Um…Miss Mash? Well, I don't wana be rude and all, but you look kind of similar to our combat teacher…"
"Glynda Goodwitch?"
Jaune blinked, "Yes?"
"Yeah, well…it might not seem like it, but she is my older sister you know? How's she doing…ever-present the stick in her arse? She must be a disciplinarian."
Jaune could only nod. He looked aside to see Lancelot's expression, he didn't speak, he kept a stoic face…but for some reason, Jaune could feel emotions…emotions of sadness and loneliness…even regret.
Huh…strange, why could he feel that…perhaps, for now, Jaune and Lancelot weren't close enough for the man to share his secrets.
Well, apart from that- it's time to entertain the guests!
Jaune Arc style!
Lancelot did not have a larger table, so he had to connect the dining one and the living one.
They all sat in a circle…more like a square.
Cinder had it worse, it was as if multiple people were staring at her as if her deepest secret were exposed. She had to get out of this place, why did she agree to this in the first one might be a mystery to her.
And it has been almost one hour! Where is that buffoon Arc! He just asked everyone's native place and just poof! Left, he said he would cook alone and no one to enter the kitchen, and Cinder…was starting to get uncomfortable with questions being asked to her- her fabricated story would fall apart if that Arc did not arrive with the damn food!
Where the hell-
Everyone in here sniffed, multiple times. Cinder herself too! The- the aroma!
"Apologies everyone! I was trying a new technique in cooking; I have brought it!"
Jaune Arc came in, with a comically oversized tray and the food was finally here.
"Allow me to serve!" Jaune Arc bowed as he puts the first two plate in front of Sigurd and Brynhild.
"Königsberger klopse, Guten Appetit!"
Jaune Arc served with confidence- Königsberger Klopse, also known as Soßklopse, is an Atlas specialty of meatballs in a creamy white sauce with capers.
Sigurd looked skeptical; this can't be that good- however, the aroma was indeed intoxicating.
Both he and Brynhild took the first bite.
Sigurd opens his eyes, blinking once again he looks around. The place was dimly lighted- but he knew what the place was.
The kitchen. The kitchen in his house.
"Hm..Hm…HmHmHmHmHmmmmmHmmmmm" the tune of humming, the sent of dinner that his mother cooked, even if she was never in good condition, she always did cook up one dish.
The one that would be his favorite.
His mother arrived and little Sigurd enjoyed the dinner, with his mother…even if the worst comes, they would always have each other.
Drip!
Brynhild was always alone, bullied, weak, but she had something that others didn't have. Many didn't have the ability to endure as she did…and she had an ability.
Holding out for hope.
And hope did come in for her.
"Come on, come with me…Mama is making my favorite, you'll be safe, don't worry."
Yes, as long as she was with him. Everything would be fine.
Drip!
The place was silent. There was a lone tear that Sigurd instantly cleared, however, Brynhild on the other hand did not stop crying!
"So…..so….so…good!"
"And for the people from Mistral, Kokkinisto. Kali orexi!"
'Kokkinisto' translates as 'reddened' and is a way of cooking, where the meat is first browned and sealed, to remain juicy and then added to a tomato-based sauce, along with aromatic spices and herbs. Tender and juicy with the aromas and blends of cinnamon, clove, and fresh tomatoes!
The food looked so enticing that both Mereoleona and Cinder couldn't help but dig in.
They instantly realized why Brynhild held such expression.
The chaotic duo.
Mereoleona (Leona) and Cinderella (Ella).
The most problem caused around the orphanage? These two. Brats that never grow up and it didn't help that the Nurse of the orphanage always defended those two. For some reason, they were always her favorite, regardless of whatever the chaos they caused the Nurse would never blame them- only shower them with love.
Well, how to show two little devils as the nurse's favorite? Every Sunday night she would cook the special dish, not much…just enough for both of them
They were a chaotic duo but more than that…they were best of friends who loved each other. Who had trust in each other! Something that would never break.
Mereoleona had already completed half of the servings and Cinder wasn't behind either.
Heh. Brynhild was right, this is damn good! The best they ever had!
The remaining were Artoria, Merlin, Pitou, Mash, and Lancelot.
"And finally, for the people of Camelot. There you go. Sunday Roast! Please enjoy your meal!"
A Sunday roast is a traditional Camelot meal that is typically served on Sunday, consisting of roasted meat, roast potatoes, and accompaniments such as Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy, and condiments such as apple sauce, mint sauce, or redcurrant jelly.
Making the famous and traditional Camelot dish, serving it to the residents of Camelot…and made by an outsider?
Artoria did not hesitate to dig in. The rest? Followed her lead.
"Bother wait! Wait for me!"
"Come on now, Artoria keep up with me! If you want to be strong like me, you have to run like me! Have a big appetite like me! Come on, heard Mother is making our favorite dish!"
Yes, a tale of a happy family. Tale of siblings.
Food is unique, it could show emotions, never known before.
"You left White Fang and move forward, if you could take another step, I will help you."
"You will…?"
"Indeed…before that tell me your name…"
"Please…refer to me as…Pitou…"
Food is also a place that would, regardless of who you are would bring everyone closer. Just like a family.
"Papa! Papa!"
"Lance…come on, the children are calling, they would be cooking today!"
"Really, little Glynda and Mash would be cooking? Well~ Daddy is looking forward to it!"
The silence was presented on the table as the dishes were clean. Yet, no words were uttered- however, Jaune knew what exactly that they wanted.
"I'll get in the seconds."
""""""" Please do.""""""""
Jaune once again entered the kitchen, looking at his aura-induced hand.
"Heh. Aura is a funny thing."
"Bon Appétit."
Author's Notes-
Hello guys and my apologies for not posting in the given period of time. This will not happen again and I promise that! I forcefully had to procrastinate this as I happen to study for my ACCA.
I will continue to schedule publish from now on.
Also, from next chapter the tournament starts.
I did not mention before but my fic, would have character interaction, every character interacting with each other- having a clash of ideology.
Semblance Stats
Mercury Black-
Semblance- Don't stop me now (You will never be able to catch me!)
A Stand-in (Stand) based semblance
Destructive Power- B
Speed- EX
Range- B
Persistence- C
Precision- A
Development Potential- A
Emerald Sustrai
Semblance- For you Entertainment (Whatever you desire, it's in your mind!)
A Stand-in (Stand) based semblance
Destructive Power- E
Speed- B
Range- S
Persistence- S
Precision- A
Development Potential- EX
The ranks are ExSABCDEF
The next chapter will be, released on 25th of September