This story may be my own original story, but RWBY, the characters and everything else is owned by Rooster Teeth and created by late Monty Oum(1981-2015). And even though it's 2 years, since your passing. We all still miss you Monty.
RWBY Volume 6, Chapter 9
Poisoned
HALLWAY
Sitting on the floor of the hallway, her arms around her legs, Yang's eyes are wide in shock. She is shaking and staring at the door opposite of her, hearing someone talking.
"This is bad."
"...Yeah. This is very bad."
"One of our own is down, two are barely recovering...and another just left. They really are preparing to break us apart."
"Exactly. Which is why, we need to do something."
Yang stares at both her hands, which are covered in dried blood
"We just can't charge in and rescue him, Ruby."
"I know." Ruby said. "Which is why, we need to put it, to a vote."
Under Yang's collar, a fainting red light is blinking.
"Tomorrow." Ruby said. "We vote on whether or not, we launch an assault on the last stronghold, here in Vacuo. In addition, a search and rescue. All those available will need to vote. And whatever we choose...will be final."
"And what about Yang?"
Yang shakily looks back at the door and looks at the shadows, knowing they're looking at her.
"I don't know." Ruby answered. "But we need her vote, as well. And if we do attack...she's not coming with us. After what they did to hurt her...I think she may have lost her will to fight."
Hearing a sigh, Yang lowers her head and stares at the ground.
"Should we let her know, then?"
"...Yeah." Ruby answered.
Yang then hears the doorknob turning, and the door opens. She looks back up and sees Ruby, with Qrow behind her.
"How much did you hear?" Ruby asked.
"...Enough." Yang said. "How is-"
"Fine." Qrow answered. "But we'll need to get her back to Atlas, as soon as possible. Otherwise..."
Yang slowly stands up and grabs her arm, staring at the ground.
"Can...can I have a few minutes, alone?"
Ruby nods, turns to Qrow and they begin to walk away.
"We will need your vote, tomorrow." Qrow said, before walking.
Yang doesn't watch the two walk away, instead looking inside the room. Seeing someone lying in a bed, Yang slowly walks inside and closes the door. She then backs up and slides down the door, sitting on the ground. Sniffling, Yang does her best to contain her emotions. But after a few seconds, her whimpering slowly turns to soft sobbing, tears falling down her face.
"I'm sorry." She softly said. "I'm so sorry."
FLASHBACK - SOLIS
Blake back-flips, trying to avoid an attack by Tyrian. Taking out Gambol Shroud, she sees Nora launching into the air, aiming Magnhild at the villain, who dodges from the attack, as she struck the ground. Blake quickly turns his head, and she sees Torchwick, about 20 feet away, walking towards a building. She turns back to Ren, who stops next to her.
"Go." Ren said. "We'll handle him."
Blake nods before running towards Torchwick. Ren then sees Nora land hit the ground, next to him. He helps her up and they have their weapons ready. Tyrian begins laughing maniacally, before charging.
MAYOR'S OFFICE
Ilia sits down, with her arms behind her head. Ruby, Jaune and Octavius are nearby, looking at a map of Vacuo. Red dots are shown on the map.
"Base on what Ilia has told us...there are at least 5 strongholds nearby Vacuo." Ruby said. "And we already destroyed one. So we take these out, and Vacuo, along with the nearby villages, including Solis, will be safe for now. And with Pyrrha, Sun, Neon, and Neptune already on their way to smallest stronghold, we'll only have 3 to worry about."
"This doesn't make sense, though." Jaune said. "From what you said, Atlas had over 20, near the Kingdom. Why would Torchwick only put 5?"
"That's a good question." Ruby said, before turning to Ilia. "I suppose, you could tell us why."
Ilia shrugs. "No idea. Torchwick and I aren't exactly best buddies, like his inner circle are."
The sound of a boom is heard nearby, which causes Ilia to quickly stand up. Ruby and Jaune get there weapons ready.
"What was that?" Octavius asked.
Ruby turns to Octavius. "Stay in your office. Keep yourself hidden."
Octavius walks into his office, while the trio run outside.
As Jaune, Ruby and Ilia exit the building, they see Blake blasted backwards, crashing onto the nearby wall. She falls and struggles to get up. Qrow lands nearby and helps Blake up. Ruby turns and sees Torchwick, who has his can raised. And behind him, are several Dark Seekers.
"Well, well, well." Torchwick said. "Little Red. And Qrow Branwen." His face then turns to anger, when he looks at Ilia. "And a traitor, to our cause."
"Technically...I never approved of your cause." Ilia said. "I just stood in the sidelines, and watched."
Torchwick turns his head and nods. The Dark Seekers begin to run and surround Ilia, Ruby, Blake and Jaune, who all have their weapons ready. The nearby civilians of Solis begin to run away.
OUTSIDE SOLIS
Yang stares at the Scroll, showing Ruby and the others. Cinder, holding the Scroll, smiles and stops the live feed. Putting the Scroll away, she stands up and looks at Aiden, who is staring at the ground.
"You may go." Cinder said. "But...not a word. Join in the fight, as well. You need them to still trust you, after all."
Aiden looks at Yang, before he slowly walks away. Cinder turns back to Yang and returns to crouch in front of her.
"He was very easy to manipulate, you know." She said. "Just threaten someone who he loves...and he listens to me." Cinder takes a look at Yang's metal arm. "Impressive piece of technology, Atlas tech. Never got to see it, up close, until now."
Cinder then raises her left hand, and proceeds to take off the long glove, she wore. Yang looks surprised to see not a human arm. But a black metal one.
Cinder wiggles her robotic fingers. "You, Schnee and Rose aren't the only ones with a prosthetic. I guess you could thank the older Schnee girl, for taking my arm away. At least she was kind enough, to give me this replacement."
Cinder then proceeds to grab Yang by her throat, above the metal collar, she's wearing. She then lifts Yang up, as the latter struggles to breathe and tries to pry herself free, to no success.
"I am going to tell you, what exactly is going to happen." Cinder said, tightening her grip. "I'm going to let you go. And you will run to your friends. Your sister. And your precious wife. But...with Tyrian, she may not be, for long."
Yang's eyes go wide, in shock. Cinder then proceeds to release Yang, who falls to the ground and starts to regain her breathing. Cinder then crouches down, grabs Yang's collar, and slides it over the metal one.
"You will not tell anyone, about what occurred here. And believe me, when I say this: I will know, if you told anyone. So...if you listen to what I say, and you obey, then I won't have the people you loved, killed. But if you don't...I'll ensure that they all suffer slow, painful deaths. Understand?"
Yang, shaking in fear, just stares at Cinder, who gets mad.
"Say it!" Cinder exclaims.
"Yes!" Yang yells.
Cinder stands up and forces Yang to stand as well.
"Good. Now then...I suggest you run. Or you may be too late."
Yang slowly begins to back away from Cinder, before turning and running inside Solis. As Cinder turns and walks the other way, she suddenly stops and smiles.
"I was wondering, when you would show yourself."
Cinder turns back and looks at Winter, her sword ready.
"You're not getting away, this time." Winter said, preparing to fight.
Cinder then takes out her swords and readies herself. "Prove it, then."
INSIDE SOLIS
Ruby flies into the air, and freezes several Seekers with ice, while Qrow swipes his sword at the frozen enemies. Ilia watches as a few Seekers surround her. Torchwick watches.
"You do know, what we do with traitors. Right?" Torchwick asked.
Ilia then prepares herself, and dodges several attacks from the Seekers, while landing a few herself. As she fights, she takes out her weapon swiping her whip around at the remaining Seekers. She also notices Aiden, who stops and looks at the whole fight. Ilia then kicks a body, which flies at Torchwick, who ducks, growls and fires from his cane. Ilia uses her whip to block the attack. She then sees Blake, Gambol Shroud ready, running past her.
"He's mine!" Blake yells.
Blake begins to attack Torchwick. The two dodge and land several blows at each other. Blake even uses her Semblance, creating a shadow clone. But Torchwick manages to gain the upper hand, before landing a blow that sends Blake landing on the ground. Torchwick suddenly looks up, and dodges two swords, which stick to the ground. Blake lifts her head and sees Shay, who dislodges her swords and has them ready.
"You've came to wrong village, scum." Shay said. "Take your so-called army, and leave."
"You think, you're just going to order me around, just because you can?" Torchwick said. "I don't think so."
He then turns his head, and sees Ren and Nora hit the ground hard. He also sees Tyrian land in front of them, giggling maniacally.
"Good." Torchwick said, taking out his Scroll. "Going exactly as planned."
He presses a button, and just stands there. The Dark Seekers then begin to stop fighting, and runs away, only leaving Torchwick and Tyrian. Ruby looks confused, until she looks up and her eyes go wide.
"Geists." She said.
Everyone looks up and a few ghostly-like Grimm, hovering above Solis. Blake lowers her head and sees Yang, who had arrived and sees the Geists in the air. Torchwick sees Yang, smiles, and just snaps his fingers. One Geist roars and flies down, until it phases into a big rock. The rock then begins floating in the air and suddenly launches towards Yang. She manages to dodge a few attacks, but the rock then manages to strike her many times, before one powerful blows sends her to a wall.
"Yang!" Blake yells, before running.
Blake is stopped, by the sounds of multiple roars. She looks up and sees all the Geists all come down, phasing into multiple objects, from rocks to tools to many other items. They all rise up and begins flying towards everyone, with the latter group trying their best to fight. Ruby tries to fly up, only to be met by a large boulder that pins her to the ground. And no matter, how hard she tries, she can't free herself.
Yang watches as her teammates desperately fight the Geist-possessed objects, clutching her left arm. That's when she sees two feet next to her. She lifts her head and sees Tyrian, who just smiles.
"What's wrong, Blondie?" He asked. "Showing a moment of weakness?"
Yang struggles to stand up, but eventually does and starts to back away, her face full of fear. Tyrian then chuckles evilly.
"Afraid of me, huh?" Tyrians said. "Well, then. Perhaps you'll make a fine addition, to my kill list."
Tyrian's wrist blades then detach and he charges. Yang tries to dodge most of his attacks, but Tyrian manages to get her. First, her left arm, then the side of her waist, then her right cheek. Yang then decides to punch with her robot arm. Tyrian catches her punch and tightly grasps her hand. Yang tries to free herself, but can't. Tyrian then smiles and raises his foot. Then he proceeds to stomp on Yang's left leg, a cracking noise being heard. Yang screams in pain, before Tyrian releases her, making Yang fall to her knees.
The objects then suddenly fall to the ground, and the Geists phase out of them, before flying away. Ruby is able to get the boulder off of her and she stands up. She turns and sees Tyrian grabbing Yang by her hair and forcing her to lift her head, Yang groaning in pain. Blake tries to run to her, only to be met by Jaune's arm, stopping her.
"Don't even think about it!" Tyrian yells. "One more move, and I kill her, right here. Now, then...drop your weapons." His scorpion tail then wraps around Yang's neck, with a metallic stinger attached to the end, and pointing at where her heart is. "Unless you want her to get stung."
Blake growls.
"Blake!" Yang said. "Do what he says! Please!"
"You heard her." Torchwick said, smiling. "If you want your precious wife to live, Kitten...then drop your weapons. Now! All of you!"
Jaune is the first, sheathing his sword and place it and his shield to the ground. Everyone else then begin to do the same, until Blake is the last one to do so.
"Excellent." Torchwick said. "Now then. Allow me to say my words, if you don't mind."
He then proceeds to walk around, as he talks.
"I was originally going to come here and merely destroy this village, and have you witness what you couldn't save. But...Cinder gave me a better idea. So here's my proposition. One of you...will come with me...and I spare this village...for now, of course."
"You're insane!" Blake growls.
"I've been called worst." Torchwick said, his face angry. "Now, then...I am expecting someone to step forward, and come with us. And whoever does...well, let's just say that he or she will not be treaty very badly."
"Well, what if we don't want to go with you?" Nora said, anger in her face.
Torchwick angrilly sighs. "Then you will leave me, no choice. If no one volunteers, then we'll kill her instead." He looks at Yang, who's air is being constricted by Tyrian's tail tightening her. Blake's eyes go wide in shock.
"Snapping her neck, would make it easy and fast. But, I think a large dose of Tyrian's poison would be slower and more painful. I would give her, about a day or two, before she loses her battle."
Tyrian's stinger moves closer to Yang's skin, to the point where the tip touches the skin.
"Stop!" Blake yells, who collapses to her knees. " Stop! Please! Don't!"
Torchwick then proceeds to walk towards Blake, walking past Jaune, who just stands there. He looks at Ruby, who is very angry. He then uses his cane, to make Blake, face full of fear, looking at him.
"Are you volunteering?" He asked.
Blake swipes his cane away, and lowers her head, shaking.
"Well...that's too bad." Torchwick said. "Well, if nobody else-"
"I'll go."
Torchwick smiles and turns to look at Jaune.
"If I go with you...you let Yang go." Jaune said.
Torchwick chuckles. "Somehow, Cinder knew it would be you."
"Release Yang." Jaune said.
Torchwick turns and nods at Tyrian, who groans in annoyance. He unwraps his tail and she falls to the ground. Torchwick then takes out a collar.
"Put this on."
"Jaune!"
Jaune turns to Ren and Nora, who have worried looks.
"What are you doing?" Nora asked.
"It's okay." Jaune said. "I'll be alright."
He then turns back and takes the collar, putting it on. He watches as his own Aura depletes.
"Good." Torchwick said.
A dark portal then appears near them. Torchwick then grabs Jaune and pushes him towards the portal. Tyrian walk towards the two, as they near the portal.
Torchwick then looks at Blake. "You may want to attend to her. Make sure, she doesn't die of blood loss."
Blake grabs Gambol Shroud, sheathes it, and run towards Yang. As she crouches down, she hears the sound of sobbing from Yang, who has her hands in front of her face. Anger in her face, she looks at Torchwick, who put Jaune through the portal, before walking in, himself. Blake yells and takes out Gambol Shroud, charging towards Tyrian.
"Blake! No!" Ren yells.
Blake jumps and prepares to strike. But Tyrian dodges her attack, and she stabs the ground. Tyrian the wraps his tail around Blake's neck, and lifts her to the ground. He then proceeds to slam Blake on the ground several times, before throwing her down. Blake's aura depletes, as she tries to get up. And when she does, she gasps and her eyes's go wide. She looks down and sees the metal stinger tip, stabbing her through her abdomen. Tyrian begins to chuckle evilly, before pulling the stinger out. Blake falls to her knees and rests her hands on the ground. She then begins to cough violently, and her breathing becomes difficult. And instead of blood coming out of her mouth, a purple liquid comes out with every cough. Tyrian the swipes his tail, and hits Blake, knocking her out, before walking into the portal, which disappears afterwards.
Yang, having witnessed this, begins yelling. She then gets up and, despite her limp, she manages to reach Blake, and lies next to her. She just stares in shock as Blake is unconsciously coughing up more purple liquid from her mouth. Ruby falls to her knees and shockingly stares at what just occurred, having been unable to do anything.
THE NEXT MORNING - CONCERT HALL
The sounds of a dramatized, female voice is heard. As many people sit on their seats of the concert hall, they all watch as Weiss stands in the center of the stage, two spotlights hitting her, as her long notes is almost done. As she sings her song, Cyan sits nearby, her head lowered, and her leg shaking.
"Miss Marcus."
Cyan turns to see Lucas, who is sitting next to her.
"You're doing the leg thing, again." He said.
Cyan stops her leg from shaking.
"Sorry." She said. "Forgot, that was happening."
"You just need to focus on Miss Schnee." Lucas said. "Events like these, tend to help calm one's mind. And that is definitely what you need."
"I know." Cyan said. "I'll do my best."
The two watch the rest of Weiss' song in silent, for the next couple minutes, until she reaches her last lines.
"...I won't give up. I...will...rise again!"
The audience begin clapping their hands, as Weiss smiles and bows to the crowd. She then sees Cyan and Lucas, and then to Whitley, who stands from a balcony seat, and doing a slow clap. She sighs, before she turns and exits the stage.
MINUTES LATER - BANQUET HALL
Weiss stands next to a waiter, who holds a flat plate with glasses of champagne. She takes a glass, smiles and nods at the waiter, who nods back and walks away. She takes a few sips, as she looks at the people who are casually talking to each other.
"Enjoying the party?"
Weiss turns and sees Ironwood, who holds a glass of champagne.
"I am." Weiss answered. "After all...I am the one, who set this whole charity event. Seeing everyone just smiling, and not worrying about what may happen, if we lose this war. That gives me hope."
"That may be, Miss Schnee." Ironwood said. "But you know that this will be a temporary thing. They'll begin worrying again."
"Until then...we just enjoy the happiness." Weiss said, before taking a sip of her drink. She then turns back to Ironwood. "You didn't just want to chat. You have something else to say."
"Not here." Ironwood answered. "Follow me outside."
Ironwood and Weiss walk towards the entrance of the banquet hall. When they do, they make sure that no one is around, before speaking.
"Okay." Weiss said. "Be honest with me."
Ironwood sighs, before talking. "I'm afraid things went bad, during Miss Rose's mission."
Weiss clenches her fists. "Is she dead?" She asked, with her voice breaking.
"No. She's okay. And she's not hurt. But...they were attacked last night. Torchwick and some of his soldiers. And in the process...your friend, Miss Belladonna, is currently under medical care. Severely Poisoned, based on Miss Rose's report."
"...Tyrian."
Ironwood nods. "Miss Xiao Long is also currently incapacitated, emotionally. Hasn't said a word, since last night. Chances are, that she received some mental trauma. She's also been treated for some blade cuts, a slight neck injury, and a broken leg."
Weiss, taking this in, sits down in a nearby bench.
"My god." Weiss said.
"And that's not all." Ironwood said. "Torchwick has also taken Mr. Arc hostage.
"What?" Weiss said, eyes wide.
"He went willingly." Ironwood said. "If he hadn't, then Miss Xiao Long would be dead. Mr. Arc has been with them, since last night. And I can't say exactly, what his current state is. But they wouldn't just kill him, right away. He should be alive. But they're planning a rescue mission, at this moment. Don't worry, Miss Schnee. They're going to get him back."
"I know that part." Weiss said. "Jaune's strong. But even he has limits, given what he endured, this past year."
"The deaths of Miss Neopolitan. His parents and sister." Ironwood said.
"I just hope, they rescue him, on time." Weiss said. She then stands up. "Thank you for telling me."
Ironwood nods to him. "I felt like, you had the right to know. I must make my leave. Do hope you enjoy your day, Miss Schnee.
Weiss nods, as Ironwood walks away. She then slows her breathing down, and regains her smile, before walking back inside the banquet hall.
SOLIS - HALLWAY
Ruby, her arms crossed, rests her back on the wall, across from the door she's looking at. The fainting sounds of sobbing can be heard. She turns to her left, and looks at Pyrrha, who is sitting, resting on the wall. Her arms around her legs, her eyes are red, from crying.
"I know what you're thinking, Pyrrha." Ruby said. "But you can't blame Yang, for what happened. You should be blaming me."
Pyrrha lifts her head and looks at Ruby.
"I said that we were prepared, for any attacks that could've happened. But, we weren't for last night's. And because of that...Blake is down. Yang is emotionally damaged. And Jaune got taken. It's all my fault, Pyrrha."
Pyrrha just lowers her head. She is silent, for a few seconds, before talking.
"I understand, Ruby." She said. "Why he chose to go with them. Yang would've died. Blake would be devastated. And you...well, I don't know what you would've done."
"...I would've killed them." Ruby said, anger in her voice. "All of them. Slowly...and painfully."
"...And that's what I'll do, if they kill him." Pyrrha said.
"We'll get him back, Pyrrha." Ruby said. "I promise you that."
"...I just hope, we get him back on time." Pyrrha said, before standing up. "Let me know, when we're ready."
Ruby watches as Pyrrha walks down the hallway, staring at the ground. She then turns her head and looks at the door. Balancing herself, she then goes to the door, opening it. Entering the room and closing the door, she is looking at the scene. Blake lies on a bed, unconscious, and bandages around her abdomen. Her head slightly moves as she mumbles. And sitting next to the bed was Yang. Her left leg is wrapped in a split, and her face has stitches from Tyrian's attack. She sadly watches Blake, her hand holding her lover's, tightly.
Ruby grabs a chair, and places it next to Yang. She sits down and looks at Blake, her world now more audible.
"It's my fault...it's all my fault...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."
Ruby notices that tears fall down Blake's face, before her sad face goes blank, and she falls back unconscious.
"She's been like that."
Ruby turns and looks at Yang, her own tears falling.
"Since last night." Yang said. "She's been letting out her guilt. Violet. Coco. Everything that she's felt guilty for, since this whole thing started."
Yang wipes her tears away, and proceeds to stare at the ground.
"What happened, Yang?" Ruby said. "Last night. You weren't acting like you were ready to fight. I saw the fear in your eyes. How you were trying to avoid Tyrian. And the look on your face, after Blake was stung."
Yang clenches her fists.
"And Qrow mentioned, that your Aura hasn't been recovering, since the attack. It's still depleted, as of now."
"Please stop." Yang whispers.
"Yang!" Ruby exclaims. "Let me finish. Ozpin once told me, that severe mental trauma affects your Aura, in a way that it takes longer to recover. And given what you have...if that's the real reason why, you shouldn't just keep that from us."
Yang nods. "I know. But Blake...I wanted to make sure, she's being taken care of, first. That's all I care about, right now. But...I also need to focus on my friends, too. You're going to rescue Jaune. Am I right?"
Ruby nods. "Yes. We're leaving in an hour. His last known location is a ruined city, about 30 miles from here. We're going there, first."
Yang turns and looks at Ruby. "I'm going with you."
Ruby looks surprised at what Yang said.
"I may not want to fight, due to my Aura. But Jaune is with them, because of me. I just want to make it right, by helping to get him back."
"But what about your leg?" Ruby asked.
"I can walk fine." Yang said. "Just going to have a little limp. But I can handle it."
"And what about Blake?" Ruby asked.
A knock on the door is heard. The sisters turn around to see the door open. Velvet enters the room, looking at the two.
"Velvet?" Ruby said.
"Probably the last person, you thought of, huh?" Velvet asked.
"She volunteered to watch over Blake, while we head out." Yang said.
"Are you sure, that's wise?"
"It's okay." Velvet answered. "I'll make sure Blake remains stable, until you get back. It's the least, I can do."
Ruby looks at Yang, who nods.
"Okay." Ruby said. "Follow me, then."
The two get up and Ruby walks to the door. Yang lowers her head towards Blake and kisses her forehead.
"I'll be back." She said. "I promise."
Yang then joins with Ruby, and they leave the room. Velvet proceeds to sit down and looks at Blake, some anger in her face. She then proceeds to grab one of Blake's sleeves and pulls it up. Grabbing her wrist, Velvet twists it around, showing the multiple scars on Blake's wrists. Velvet's anger dissipates as she lowers her head, and stares at the ground.
"I'm sorry."
Velvet lifts her head, and sees Blake unconsciously mumbling again.
"I deserve to die. I deserve it. For everything, I've done. For all those, who I got killed. I...I..."
Blake falls back asleep, as Velvet watches. The latter sighs, stands up and rests her hands on a nearby table.
ATLAS - BANQUET HALL
"Hi, Weiss."
Weiss suddenly lifts her head, surprised by who spoke to her. She turns her head to see Penny, wearing a green and orange dress.
"I interrupted a deep thought. Didn't I?" Penny asked. "I can see it, in your eyes."
"Oh, not at all." Weiss said, smiling. "How are you, Penny?"
"Doing fine." Penny answered. "Father decided to attend the concert. It was joyous to see him finally leaving his home."
"That's good." Weiss said. "I just...I just wish my father was here, as well. But he's too busy in Vale. I'll see him in a couple days, anyways. But I'll worry about that, later. Are you enjoying the event, Penny?"
"Absolutely." Penny answered. "Events like these, always raises peoples' spirits up. And you sang beautifully, at the concert. I wonder if that's why Ruby chose to be with you."
"It's one of the reasons." Weiss said.
"Is that so?"
Weiss and Penny both turn to see Whitley, smiling.
"I apologize for interrupting." He said. "I couldn't help, but overhear your conversation."
Penny notices the anger in Weiss' face.
"Penny." Weiss said. "Go. Now."
Penny begins to walk away, joining Ironwood near the paintings.
"Sir?" She asked.
Ironwood stops his talking and looks at Penny.
"You may want to see this."
The two both watch the Schnee siblings, who are unaware that they're being watched.
"What do you want, Whitley?" Weiss asked. "And make it quick."
"Dear sister." Whitley said. "Why do you so desire to get rid of me?"
"You know why." Weiss said. "Now spit it out."
Whitley walks around Weiss and picks up a champagne glass and looks a it.
"Why all this, Weiss?" He asked, before setting the glass down. "Why the concert? The banquet? What is the whole point in any of this?"
"The people of Atlas have been living in a state of worry." Weiss answered. "Ever since the city was attacked."
"Now, THAT could've been avoided, if you and your friends had just left Atlas, and settled somewhere else." Whitley said.
Weiss quickly turns to Whitley. "What?"
"Think about it, Weiss." Whitley said. "Every city, you and the others go to...every place that you swore to protect...they eventually get attacked. And the blame is put on to you guys. You want to know why? Because Torchwick knows that you all care about the people. And that killing them, would bring you all down, emotionally. That's why he attacks everything and everyone, that crossed your paths."
"They attacked Atlas, because they want to spread fear. And bring the Grimm to the city." Weiss said. "If you're here to say, that every bad thing that's happened to us and everyone else, is our fault...then those words have fallen into deaf ears."
"That may be." Whitley said. "But even you must admit, that it does make some sense."
Weiss begins to get mad and begins to walk towards Whitley, stopping only about a foot from him.
"I could not care, about what you believe. Or what you want to say. I stand by with what I said. Everything we've done, to protect Atlas and the entire world. Live were lost, to ensure that we continue fighting. And we will, until the end."
"...Lives lost." Whitley said. "Are you including that Violet girl? Or Miss Adel?"
Weiss tightly clenches her fists.
"Surely, their sacrifices must've been beneficial to your cause. Well...perhaps everyone else's. You, on the other hand, just simply gave up. And all because of losing a leg."
That's when Weiss suddenly grab Whitley by his dress shirt and pushes him to the wall, shattering a framed picture. Everyone present hears the glass shattering and sees the situation.
"I warned you, Whitley!" Weiss said, now with anger in her voice. "I warned you...many...many times. The only reason, why I only gave you warnings, is because you are family."
Weiss the releases her grip, allowing Whitley to straighten his short. The pieces of glass fall to the floor.
"But this is the last straw." Weiss said. "I gave you chance after chance! But not anymore. You have until tomorrow afternoon, to pack up all your stuff. I'll arrange for a driver to take you away."
"You think, you can just kick me out of my own home?" Whitley exclaims angrily.
"Actually I can." Weiss said. "As head of the Schnee Dust Company, I own many licenses to various places all over Atlas. And that includes the mansion as well. Therefore, it is my home. And I am saying, that I am kicking you out. And don't make me have the guards force you out."
Whitley angrily stares at Weiss, before scoffing as he walks away. "Well congrats, sister. You're in the first stages of becoming Father's old self."
Weiss' face turns shocked, as Whitley smiles and head towards the entrance of the banquet hall. But the doors suddenly are closed, two Glyphs showing on them. Whitley suddenly turns around and sees a Glyph on the ground. And that's when the Glyph releases a white Beowolf Grimm. Some of the guests begins to scream at the summon. The Beowolf then roars and charges at the scared Whitley, who falls to the ground. The summon leaps into the air and prepares to strike. But an arrow to the head pushes it to the ground, and it disappears. Everyone turns to see Cyan, holding her bow and walking towards Whitley, offering her hand. Whitley grunts and takes it, being helped up. But Cyan doesn't release her grip. Instead, she tightens it.
"Just remember." Cyan said. "You caused this to happen. And because of that, you ended up being saved by a Faunus."
Whitley looks confused, until Cyan moves her hair to show the scars, where her rabbit ears once existed. Whitley looks surprised, and quickly opens the doors, running out.
"Weiss!"
Cyan turns around and she sees Weiss lying on the ground. Penny quickly rushes and turns Weiss around. Blood is poured down Weiss' nose, and she is unconscious. Penny puts two fingers on her neck and feels a pulse.
"She's breathing." Penny said. "But we need to get her to the base's Medical Bay."
ROOM
Blake gasps she wakes up. She looks around to see an empty room, with only a window and the bed, she's sleeping on. Sitting up, she stands and walks to the door. When she reaches the doorknob and grasping, she is confused as she cannot open the door. She growls and pounds at the door.
"Hello?"
Blake waits a few seconds, only to find no answer. When she turns around, her eyes go wide. The bed that stood in the room is gone. And also is the window, too. She turns around and now all she sees is a white space around her. She begins to hear footsteps getting closer.
"WHO'S THERE?" She yells.
Only hearing the footsteps getting closer, and without Gambol Shroud, Blake raises her hands and gets ready to fight. That's when she feels a kick to her back, causing her to fall to her knees. She tries to get up, but she then hears the person talk.
"Hello, my darling."
Blake's eyes go wide in horror and she begins to shake. Slightly turning her head, she sees a pair of red and black shoes walking around her and stopping in front.
"Thought you'd never see me again, huh?"
Blake slowly raises her head to see the man who she killed years ago. His smile, matched with the Grimm mask on his face, makes her more scared.
"It's been a while, Blake." Adam Taurus said. "I guess, being afflicted with Tyrian's poison, finally got me to come back Always known to cause horrifying hallucinations."
Adam then grabs Blake by her throat and lifts her, raising her above him. He smiles.
"I may not be real, my love. But that doesn't mean, I can't hurt you."
Adam tightens her grip, causing Blake to choke, as she tries to free herself.
SOLIS - ROOM
The unconscious Blake begins to to choke loudly, grasping her throat and thrashing around. Velvet quickly stands up and tends to the latter. Knowing she can't do this alone, she yells.
"Help! Anyone! I need help!"
Blake begins to violently convulse, with Velvet holding her down.
"SOMEBODY HELP ME!"
The door suddenly opens. Sun and Neon enter the room and are surprised to see what's happening. Velvet quickly turns to them.
"Hold her down! NOW!"
The two quickly head to Blake and hold her down. Velvet then rushes to a drawer and opens it. She takes out a syringe and a bottle.
NIGHTMARE
Blake is thrown to the ground, as Adam takes out Wilt and aims the tip at her. He then uses the tip to lift Blake's head, from her chin, making her look at him.
"And as long as the poison remains in your system..."
Adam kicks Blake, causing her to lie on her back. He then raises Wilt.
"Guess you're stuck here, with me."
He then proceeds to stab Blake in one of her legs.
SOLIS - ROOM
Blake then begins to scream in agony. Neon covers her mouth, in order to contain the screaming.
"Hurry, Velvet!" Sun exclaims.
Velvet puts the needle into the bottle and extracts a clear liquid. After getting enough, she quickly goes to the bed, taps the needle, grabs Blake's arm and injects. Applying the medicine, the three wait a few more seconds. That's when Blake begins to slow her movements. And this continues until she stops moving and begins to sleep normal again. Velvet sighs in relief and looks at the two. "Thanks."
"Anytime." Sun said. "Neon and I will watch her, as well."
"No." Velvet answered. "I can keep an eye on her. I appreciate it, anyway."
"We weren't asking." Neon said. "Blake's our friend, too. And given what had just happened...we need to be here, if this repeats."
"...Okay, then." Velvet said.
Blake begins groaning and grunting, making Velvet turn to the latter. She then hears slight sobbing coming from Blake, who unconsciously covers her face with her hands. Velvet sighs.
"I have a feeling, she's in even more pain, then I am."
RUINED CITY
Ruby, Yang, Pyrrha, Ren and Nora exit the airship and look around the ruined city.
"Welcome to what used to be Solitude, people."
Ruby turns and sees Aiden, who is a few feet ahead.
"You know this place?" She asked.
Aiden turns to Ruby. "Somewhat."
"Alright." Ruby said. "I think we should split into groups of two. That way, we'll cover more ground. Pyrrha and I will go together. Ren, you go with Nora. And Yang will go to Aiden."
Yang looked a little surprised, but the nods and lowers her head, walking towards Aiden.
"Alright, guys." Ruby said. "Meet back here, in an hour."
The three group separate and they walk in different directions. As Yang stare the floor, while walking, she hears the almost silence that resides in the ruined city. She does this a few seconds, before speaking. Aiden notices that Yang is limping, as she walked.
"It's foolish to be walking, in your condition, you know." He said.
"...I'll be fine." Yang said. "Just couldn't stay in that room, for too long."
The two keep on walking for a few more seconds, before Yang speaks again.
"Who did she threaten?"
Aiden stops and looks at Yang, who also stopped.
"Who did Cinder threaten to kill, if you didn't listen to her?"
Aiden stares at Yang before answering. "Velvet."
Yang sighs. "Of course. I should've known. Now we're both in dire situations."
"Yes, we are." Aiden said. "But Cinder. Her main focus is to hurt Ruby. And to do that, she has to hurt you. And she will continue this plan, until Ruby gives in."
Aiden the takes out a piece of paper, and hands it to Yang. She, though hesitant, takes the paper.
"She said, not to read it, until we get back."
"Get back?" Yang asked, confused. She thinks for a few seconds, until she realizes. "You mean, she knows, we're here?"
Aiden nods. "The collar has a microphone, in which she can listen in on. She's known, since this morning. And she plans on attacking."
"Shit." Yang said. "Well, I can't do anything, with this fucking thing on. Ruby and them can handle themselves. We should just find any traces of Jaune, and regroup, if Cinder haven't already found them."
As Yang turns to walk, she hears a cracking noise, as she sets her foot down. Confused, she lowers her foot and lifts her foot. A small blackened skull, cracked in the middle, is shown. Yang loudly screams in shock and covers her found, horrified. She sees a burned doll next to the skeleton, realizing it's a little girl, dead. She turns to try to look away, but her eyes go wider in horror. A street, with skeletons and blackened bodies of many people lie in the street, and a stray dog runs down. Yang collapses to her knees and stares at the ground, horrified at what she's seen. Aiden, who stands nearby, sad in his face, turns to see Ruby and the others running towards him and Yang.
"What happened?" Ruby exclaims.
"We heard a scream, and saw you guys." Ren said.
Ruby turns to looks at Yang, on the ground and shaking. "Yang?"
"She just saw what remains of the people of Solitude. The ones that didn't make it in the attack." Aiden said.
"Attack?" Nora asked, worried.
Aiden deeply inhales, before explaining. "This was where I lived, before going to Atlas. It was a peaceful place. Barely any crimes. Everyone got along. That is, until a month ago. When Torchwick came."
Ruby looks surprised.
"He threatened to destroy this place, if he didn't receive a monthly boon of food, medicine and recruits to join the Dark Seekers. When the mayor of Solitude refused, Torchwick left, saying it's fine. At first, we thought everything was fine...until the night after. When they sent the dreadnought."
The others looks shocked.
"Me and a bunch of people, that I knew, decided to get as many people out of the city, before it was too late. We pulled people from their houses, and told them to head outside the walls. But the only main exit from the city was this one."
Aiden points at the street, where Yang had stared at, moments ago. Sighing, he walks and the others follow.
"762 of us managed to get to this street and avoided the gunfire and bombings that occurred. We were able to get out of the city. Torchwick never used the laser to make the ground shake. But, instead..."
Aiden stops and stares at the street. When the others catch up, they are shocked to see the remains of the people on the street.
"They dropped firebombs everywhere. And anyone who survived, they just shot them on sight."
Aiden crouches down, still staring,
"762 out of 5,000. That's all we were able to save."
Ruby crouches next to Yang and places her hand on her sister back, as the latter softly sobs. Pyrrha decides to crouch next to Aiden, and sees the tears forming.
"I should've grabbed more people. I should've dragged them."
The tears fall down Aiden's face.
"I should've gotten the kids out, first. I could've carried some."
"You did what you could." Pyrrha said. "If not for you, there wouldn't have been no survivors, at all. You saved as many as you can. Don't let the guilt overcome you. You have to focus on the present, in order to move on."
Aiden lowers her head, sniffling. After a few seconds, Pyrrha raises her hand, and places it on Aiden's shoulder, the latter lifting his head and nodding.
Ruby, watching the whole thing, lowers her head and looks at Yang. But what captures her eye, is a red blinking light, coming from Yang's collar. Confused, she carefully pulls down the collar and slightly sees the metal one under. Her eyes go wide.
"Isn't that very sweet of you!"
The entire group turn to see who spoke. Cinder, smiling, stands about 10 feet away, swords ready. Seeing the group getting ready to fight, Cinder sighs and sheathes her swords.
"We have some things to talk about."
ATLAS - MEDICAL ROOM
Weiss groans as she slowly opens her eyes, covering them from the light above her.
"You're awake."
Weiss turns her head, and sees Penny, who is sitting in a chair.
"Where am I?" Weiss asked.
"Alpha Base." Penny answered. "'In the Med Bay. You've been out, a couple hours."
"What happened?" Weiss asked again.
"You want the long version or the short version?" Penny asked.
"...Short." Weiss answered.
"Basically, you overused your Semblance, almost killed your brother, and passed out." Penny said.
Weiss sighs and slowly gets up, her back now on the wall.
"Whitley." She said. "He...he caused this incident."
"I am aware." Penny said. "I saw how shocked you were. And you should know that no one is faulting you, for what happened. They actually think, it's because of the trauma you have."
"Of course, they would." Weiss said, lowering her head. "Everyone thinks that. Ever since I left the squad. Well, they are right."
"But Ruby is more traumatized then you." Penny said. "Yang is about the same as well. Jaune. Blake. Velvet. Everyone else suffered trauma, because of this war. But they're still out there, fighting."
"I've always been told that my mind is very weak." Weiss said. "And therefore, I give into my trauma more easily. But I don't want that, anymore. That's why I've been training again. I want to go back out there. I'm sick of just being here, the whole time, while Ruby and the others are away."
"That's an ambitious goal." Penny said. "But the only way, you're going to accomplish it, is not to be alone. You can always ask for help. I, myself, am knowledgeable of PTSD and I know many ways to overcome it."
Weiss raises her eyebrow. "You...want to be my therapist, basically?"
Penny smiles. "Of course. I made a promise to Ruby, to help care for you, while she is away. And so far, I have no contributed to that help, yet. And I would like to...as your therapist. But only if it's okay with you, of course."
"I do appreciate the offer, Penny." Weiss said. "But I think, I'll need some time, before I make a decision."
Penny stands up and bows. "Than I will leave you to think about it. Doctor said, you should be back on your feet in a couple hours. Until then...bye, for now."
Penny walks around Weiss' bed and exit through the door. Weiss the turns to look out the window, before her face turns to sadness.
SOLITUDE CITY RUINS
Ruby angrily takes out Crimson Rose, while staring at the smiling Cinder, who has her arms raised up. Cinder looks at Yang, her eyes wide in shock.
"Where is he?" Ruby exclaims.
Cinder tilts her head. "Where is who?"
Ruby hears a growl and raises her arm, stopping an angry Pyrrha, who stops moving. She turns to the girl
"Stand down." Ruby said, before lowering her arm and looking at Cinder. "Where is Juane?"
"...He's safe." Cinder said. "Might've gave him some new scars. But overall, he's okay. For now."
"I'll need to see him, for myself." Ruby said. "Just in case, you're lying."
"Don't believe me, huh?" Cinder asked. She then sighed and snapped her fingers. "Very well, then."
From behind Cinder, Hazel is carrying someone over his shoulder, while Watts follows. Pyrrha's eyes go wide, seeing the multiple cuts and bruises on the man's naked torso. Hazel the rudely drops Jaune to the ground. The ground have a mix of shock and anger, as they watch Jaune groan and slowly sits up.
"See?" Cinder said. "He's still breathing, isn't he?"
Ruby looks at Jaune, whose face has cuts and one swollen eyelid. He sees the group and gives a sad look.
"You want him back?" Cinder asked.
Ruby angrily looks at Cinder. "You're just going to give him, back to us? Just like that? Is this some sort of trick?"
"No tricks." Cinder answered. "We already had our fun, messing with the young Arc's mind." She places her hand on Jaune's shoulder, the latter beginning to shake in fear. "Roman would've had him killed, when he volunteered back in Solis. But I told him, to keep him alive, instead. I guess, you should thank me, then."
The group just stare at her, with anger.
"No? Fine, then. Take him. No one will stop you."
Cinder, Hazel and Watts begin to back away, leaving Jaune sitting on the ground. After they are at a certain distance, Ruby turns to Pyrrha and nods. Pyrrha then begins sprinting towards Jaune.
"Protect her." Ruby said.
Ren and Nora nod and run with Pyrrha.
"Aiden. Take Yang somewhere safe and keep her safe."
Aiden nods and helps Yang up, before helping her towards a nearby abandoned store. Ruby then walk towards the others, just as Pyrrha crouches in front of Jaune.
"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked, her voice cracking.
Jaune doesn't respond, only keeping his head lowered.
"Juane!" Pyrrha exclaims. "Jaune! Look at me! It's Pyrrha!"
Jaune is unresponsive again, for a few seconds, before he slowly raises his head, looking at Pyrrha, who now sees his bruised face. Pyrrha places her hand on the unbruised area of Juane's face.
"What did they do to you?"
Jaune sniffles out loud, tears falling down his face. He the reaches and holds Pyrrha's hand. Ruby turns to look at Cinder, whose smile grows wider. Ruby quickly turns back to see that Pyrrha is trying to move her hand, but Jaune's grip doesn't loosen.
"Jaune?" Pyrrha said, confused.
She then sees that Jaune's face quickly turns to anger. They are not prepared when Jaune screams and lunges forward, his hands wrapped around Pyrrha's neck. Pyrrha, in shock, tries to free from Jaune's tightening grip. Jaune's face is full of anger and he is growling.
"Jaune!" Nora yells, grabbing the latter. "Jaune! What are you doing?"
Jaune releases one hand, in order to punch Nora, sending her crashing onto Ren. Juane then continues strangling Pyrrha.
"J...Jaune..." Pyrrha tries to say.
Ruby moves to intervene, but is knocked back by a punch, sending her to the ground. When she looks back up, she sees Cinder, raising her sword. Ruby raises Crimson Rose, and both blades collide. As they struggle, Ruby sees Nora and Ren trying to dodge attacks from Watts and Hazel, who are trying to block them from Jaune and Pyrrha. Ruby then proceeds to kick Cinder back, before getting up. She attempts to run to Jaune, but Cinder stops in front of her and swipes her sword. The blade collides with Ruby's arm, surprisingly cutting her, and making the latter drop her sword. Ruby, in pain, turns back to Cinder, who prepares to attack, again.
Whoosh
Cinder turns around to see Jaune unconscious, and lying on the ground. Pyrrha is struggling to regain her breathing, couching violently. She then sees that Watts and Hazel, crashed onto a wall. Ruby is surprised, as something whooshes past Cinder, sending her to a burnt car, crashing into it.
"What?" Ruby said.
Shen then sees the person responsible for this surprise attack, stopping. The person, female, is wearing an all-black outfit, with a dark mask and hood. She also appears to be wearing devices around her arms and legs.
"Who are you?"
The person turns to look at Ruby.
"Neither enemy nor friend," She said, her voice distorted. "Just someone who came to help you, Ruby Rose."
Cinder groans as she gets up. When she sees the masked woman, she growls.
"You again."
Cinder runs to Hazel and Watts and turns back to Ruby.
"This isn't over."
A dark portal appears, and the trio dissapear behind it. Ren and Nora crouch in front of Pyrrha, who lost consiousness. The masked woman turns and looks at Jaune.
"Your friend." She said. "Whatever they did to him...made him want to hurt Miss Nikos. Might want to have him restraint, once you get back to Solis."
Before Ruby talks, the woman suddenly disappears, and a gust a wind past her. Ruby then turns to see Aiden, supporting Yang, when then come back. Yang looks shocked, upon seeing the aftermath.
"Yang!"
Yang turns to Ruby.
"Are you okay?"
Yang slowly nods, before Ruby goes to crouch to Jaune.
"What did they really do to you?" She asked.
END OF CHAPTER 9
Hey guys. I am extremely sorry if it's been a long while since the last chapter. Life got in the way, and I gained employment last month. Basically, life and work got in the way. But there you go. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The Next chapter will be titled "Truth", and a couple people will die in the next chapter and one character will abandon the group. Here's to hoping, what'll happen next.
Also, the beginning scene will be explained in either the next chapter or Chapter 11. Until then...go read my other stories. Alright! Bye!