"Get your foot out my face, Jaune." Weiss demanded as she tried to wiggle from beneath the pile. With a sheepish smile, he complied and helped Pyrrha and Ren from beneath Nora, who seemed incredibly unbalanced. Ruby and Blake were trying pull Yang's head from the trunk of a tree and do it without laughing, so far they've failed the latter. "How did you even get in there?" Blake grunted. Yang could could only speak in jumbled phrases with the wood muffling her voice. "I think she said she doesn't know, just get her out." Velvet translated as she held Coco's hair while she vomited in the bushes.
Catalaya watched from the side, trying and failing to stifle her laughter. Weiss gave her a glare but couldn't hold it when that smile was directed at her. "You alright?" She asked the taller girl. Cat walked towards Weiss, "Shouldn't I be asking you that same question?" She hepled Weiss to her feet and dusted her shoulders of dirt. "Weiss!" Ruby shouted, "Come help!" With a sigh, Weiss walked over to the rest of her team to try and remove the blonde buffoon from the tree. Together, Yang was yanked from the tree with nothing more than a mild headache and some splinters in her hair.
After everyone was situated Catalaya adressed the group, "Where we're going, there are specific rules. In order to keep from getting killed, you gave to follow 'em." She activated her armor, "Before that, you need to dress the part." With that she gestured for then to follow her through the woods. During the journey, the taskforce saw some some pretty strange creatures. From a herd of eight-legged deer to two headed mountain lion and even birds with no eyes. It wasn't long till they reached the edge of a hill that gave perfect view to a bustling city.
"That is Acrofort, one of two tradeposts in this land. People come from it's four corners to trade pretty much everything from food to furs." She started walking down the hill, "Tradeposts mean there will be many different races present, which makes my job a lot easier." Velvet asked, "It won't make us stand out as much, right?" "Indeed. While we're here, we will need to get you all some clothing and better weapons."
"Are you kidding?" Nora asked, "Our weapons are fine."
"No they aren't," she turned to look at her her, "The beings here, especially the most dangerous ones, can't be taken down by bullets. Some only magic, others enchanted weapons, can kill them. Do not fret." She lead them to the edge of the city, "I know a place that can help." The outer perimeter was guarded by a 80 foot wall with frequent gaurd patrols and archers at the top, before they got to the gate Catalaya said, "Try not to look anyone in the eye. And most important, never stare. Staring is either a challenge or some kind of mating ritual around here."
The guards came and inspected the group. Catalaya and them spoke in a strange language for a minute before she gestured to the humans behind her. The head guard nodded and spoke, "I apologize. I did not realize you didn't speak my language." "It's no bother." Coco said. "How do you know ours, if you don't mind me asking?" The laughed heartily, "With a tradepost so large, many different people come, including the odd group of humans, to know their languages is a requirement not just for the merchants." Coco nodded as Cat spoke,"We would like to request entry to Acrofort." The guard turned to her, "Of course, Miss. I'm assuming it is their first time here?" "You are indeed right."
"Then they will first need passports and IDs if you intend to travel after." "Understood. Lead on sir."
The guards took them to a small building beside the gates. It was sparce of people as Sir Mahomatt dropped them off, "Afterwards you will be given entry. Enjoy uour visit in Acrofort." Cat smiled, "We will, thank you." She walked up to a desk in the middle of the room and hit a small bell on the counter, "I'll be right there." Came from the back in a gravely voice. An old man came from a door to the side and was locking it when Cat said, "You know it is rude to leave customers waiting, George." The old man perked and turned the group, a wide grin took hjs face when his eyes found Cat, "My goodness, well if it isn't the little wolfling." He set his papers on the counter, "Come give an old man a hug."
Cat laughed as she did just that. She helped him back to his seat. "How long has it been?" "Much too long, George." She went back to Weiss' side, "I see your group is in need of identification." Catalaya nodded, "Well let me get set up then." He pulled sone parchment from a drawer and took out a fountain pen and began writing after ten minutes he was finished and handed them to Cat who passed them out to the group, "How did you know our names?" Ruby asked. "George here is a psychic." Cat said as she took her parchment and read it over. She smiled when she saw that he had written in her current name before her official title.
George winked at her when he saw her feelings toward Weiss. She turned a deep crimson when he said telepathically, "I wish you a long life of love." He chuckled, "Once you get your head out 'ya ass, anyhow." She glared at the old man before huffing and leading the group back to the gates. "What was that about?" Weiss asked as she walked along side Cat. "Nothing." She showed her pass to the next group of gaurds, as did the others, "First we head to the nearest clothes stall, the stuff we find there should help you guys stick out less." Yang scoffed, "And you don't stick out?"
"In your home, where I'm most surely above the average height and more, of course I'd stick out" She gestured the people around them, "But here, I'm just me." She walked the group through a few stores, explained cultures and introduced them to a few others. At the moment, the were at a small produce stand, and were treated to the sight of a blonde haired fairy. An actual, honest to goodness fairy. She wore a teal blue dress that frayed from the waist down, it shimmered brightly in the sunlight, a pearl necklace and hazel eyes completed the ensemble. "This is Anya," she turned to Anya, "Anya these are my companions." Anya nodded with a bright smile, ''Tis nice ta meet you all. How do ya folks know dis 'ere trouble maker?" Cat rolled her eyes, "Were doing a mission, per se." Coco answered.
Anya nodded, "I see. Well, how's a 'bout buying somet'in to snack on 'em roads? I's gots some real nice stuff for ya." She held out a round blue and yellow, spiked item from a shelf. "That's a Tundra Sprout. It's like a slightly bitter yam." Cat explained, "Great with poultry and soups." She pointed to another shelf and Anya handed her a red cubed object with black stripes. "'N dis 'ere is a Fujipaw. Dis fruit a sweet one, gots lots a 'nergy an' magical healin'." Catalaya nodded, "I know I've had to use it more than I can recount." She turned to Anya, "We'll take about 12 standard packs." Anya nodded as she began picking up and filling some sacks. "Trade?" Cat nodded.
"Twelve is alot isn't?" Nora asked. "Trust me, you'll thank me later." Cat rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small box. How she was able to hold all these items in such a small bag was mystery to the group. Anya placed the packs on the counter and let Catalaya look over them before she unlatched the box and pulled out an emerald, a black peice of bark and a red diamond. Anya smiled and traded the items for the packs before nodding and handling another customer. Cat began walking in the direction of a large building as Ruby popped up, "Why'd you give her that stuff? They seem pretty useless, exept for the emerald."
"They're magical items. All together worth eight grand in your home." Ruby's jaw dropped.
"What do we do now?" Coco asked. "You stay quiet, and don't look anyone in the eye while I get some things." "What do-" Catalaya gave her a dangerous look before walking into the building, it smelled like something died in there but was as clean as a hospital room. "What are you doing here, Phantom Beast?" A low voice growled out as the group stopped at the front door. Jaune almost reached for his weapon before Ren stopped him. "I'm here to do business, Marques. Would you turn away a loyal customer?" The room grew darker as the voice seemed to get angrier.
"If it is you, I don't care." Smoke came spilling into the aisle, "Leave before you regret it." Catalaya laughed darkly before speaking in a voice laced with darkness, "Do you really wish to repeat those events? I can easily finish what I started." The smoke stopped moving and retreated warily to the back of the store as the lanterns ignited. Catalaya motioned for the group to follow as she moved to the center of the room. The same smoke sat bundled together, snapping at the intruders before one look sent them twisting and writhing. From within came a gray skinned man with red eyes and wings of the darkest black, scars running up and down their length. "How can I service you today, creature?" He spat with polite venom.
"It would do you well to speak kindly to the one who spared your life, my friend." The man's eye twitched. "I am simply here to make a few purchases. No more no less." With a nod Marques sent his smoke to grab items of clothing from different stacks with a murderous look on his face. "Um," Nora said, "who is that?" Catalaya sighed, "Marques."
Weiss came to her right, "I thought you said he was a friend?" Cat laughed, "We are as close to friends as the sun is to the moon. No one can be friends with a Fallen." At the groups confused looks she explained. "A Fallen is literally a fallen angel. Cast from the heavens for commiting grave digressions. He was cast because he killed seven of his fellow angels."
"Why can't you be friends?" Ruby asked with a childlike voice. "Because he killed someone I loved." Weiss gasped. "For that there is no forgiveness." She stopped talking when Marques entered the room. Bundles of clothing held within the smoke as it trailed slowly behind him. "Here. Now, will you leave me?" Cat took the bundles and split them between the groups bags. "Don't fret." She turned to the door, "I can't stay here any longer." With that Cat led the group out the store and back into the crowdes streets. They followed silently as she brought them to an inn. "We leave at dawn." She closed her door and the group split to theirs.
Weiss was given a room with Yang. In that room they reconvened after dinner to talk on the days events. "I've never seen her like that." Yang said, "I'm kind of worried." Weiss nodded in agreement, "There was a dark feeling around her when we were in that store. I could practically feel the hatred she has for that man." They lasped into a stifling silence and decided it was better to sleep than stew in it. It was not long after Weiss shut her eyes that she awoken by a sharp pulse of pain in her heart. Slowly, Weiss rose from the bed and ventured down the halls of the inn.
As she ventured further, out of the building and into the woodland, the pain only grew harsher. Yet, she pushed through, determined to find something, she didn't know what yet. Weiss emerged from the bush on a small clearing of gold and blue flowers to find what she sought.
Catalaya.
She stood in the field wielding her katana with an iron grip. She slashed and twirled with lethal precision. Her movements a dance of death as she hacked imaginary enemies to peices. When Catalaya stood in the moonlight was when Weiss saw it, tears. Cat was crying for some reason, blinking them away and slashing the air harder and faster. Weiss didn't even realize she was moving until she was right behind the other girl. Something within wanted her to comfort her, to take her pain as her own, wipe her tears, and save her from the darkness of her own mind.
Weiss slowly gripped the taller girls shoulders and held her tightly. Cat struggled weakly before she finally broke down. Her legs gave out and Weiss carefully lowered her to the ground. Cat's head rested on Weiss' chest, her hands gripped her shirt, and the tears flowed like a river. She gripped onto her as she bawled her eyes out, mumbling incoherent claims and apologies. Weiss rubbed her back soothingly and tried to calm her down, "It's alright, it's alright." Another sob. "Calm down. Tell me what's wrong if you can."
"Jinsé." Weiss' brow furrowed, she remembered from Catalaya's story that she has an elder brother with the same name. "What about him?" Catalaya took a deep breath, "He's the one that killed him." Weiss stopped moving for a second,That man killed her brother. Why?Cat kept speaking, "I used to shadow the clan's army, watch them train and battle with them. One day a group of fallen came to our borders, they came to speak to Father." Weiss waited for the girl to steady her breathing. "They requested he give them sanctuary, Father denied them until they gave him a sack of priceless gems. He automatically agreed."
Cat coughed harshly, "Marques was one of the group, him and his brother Arka led them through the gates. I was around 12 at the time, I didn't know the danger they posed, they were so nice." She scoffed, "Jinsé became close to Marques and I to Arko. I may have been young but I knew it when Jinsé fell for Marques, I could see it in his eyes. The same love I saw in Marques' eyes." She looked to the moon, "They kept their relationship a secret for 2 years, one I was glad to keep if it meant Jinsé was happy. Arka and I always played in a nearby field, running, sparing, and chasing each other. One day we ran too far and found Marques standing over Jinsé, Jinsé wasn't breathing. Marques held a bloody knife, sparking with magic. He was eating his flesh."
Weiss wanted nothing more to gag but instead gripped Catalaya tighter as she continued, "It was the moment I found my wolf. In a fit of rage I attacked him, I clawed at his wings, tore them open I would've ripped them off if not for my mother coming and containing me in a barrier. Guards held Marques as Father tried to heal Jinsé," she clenched her fist, "it didn't work. He had died. My mother's barrier dropped and I broke down, my father let out a mournful roar as him and mother held Jinsé's body close." Weiss rubbed Catalaya's back and cried at the story, "Marques' fellow Fallen took him to be punished far from my clan's borders. Even they would do no such thing. But that isn't why he hates me." Weiss was lost, "What happened?" She asked carefully.
"I drowned myself in training, slept in Jinsé's room and wouldn't leave the castle. Before they left, Arka came to see me, he wanted to make sure I was okay, I wasn't. I was barely in control of my wolf then, it was driving me insane with thoughts of revenge and bloodlust. When I saw his face I tried to get him to leave but he refused, "I won't leave my friend to suffer." He said to me. What a foolish mistake. He touched my shoulder and my wolf finally took over completely, it attacked him.Iattacked him, ripped him to shreds and I loved it." Weiss didn't stop soothing the continuously crying woman at that, in fact she held her closer, "Another Fallen had saw Arka's body and told Marques what happened, Marques was furious. He broke out and came for me, unfortunately I was ready." She coughed again, "I snatched him right out the sky and we fought for hours and hours. My wolf healed all wounds he inflicted, I reveled in watching him bleed so I kept going, kept taunting him and attacking him."
"I would've killed him if it weren't for the fact that he held Arka's necklace in his palm. I was surrounded by the memory of my best friend and I just couldn't kill him. I dropped him and told him to run before I changed my mind. He hesitated but did so when I growled at him one last time." Cat began to cry anew, much harder and louder this time. Weiss held her closer and whispered in her ear soothing words and reassurances. She was barely recognizable in this state, a sobbing mess, hair disarray, so vulnerable. Cat continued to cry for a long time and eventually cried herself to sleep. Her skin was paler from exhaustion and tears still stained her face as she held onto Weiss for dear life. Weiss carefully picked up the taller girl into her arms and used her magic to bring the katana floating along as she walked back to the inn.
She carried her to her room and gently placed her underneath the covers before slipping in beside her, allowing her to grip onto her shirt, her head on her shoulder as she slumbered. Weiss wrapped her arm around her side and held her close, breathing in the smell of pine and honey in her hair. As she fell asleep she had one final thought.
I promise you, I won't let anyone hurt you again, my little wolf.
The Next Morning
Yang Xiao Long may not have been the most responsible person, but when it came to her friends she was as protective as a mother bear, and three times as dangerous. So when she woke up that morning and Weiss wasn't in her bed nor was she eating breakfast with the group, to say she was worried was an understatement. Team RWBY was freaking out in worry for their friend. Blake went out into the streets to see if she could find her scent and Ruby asked patrons of the inn while Yang went looking through rooms. She was starting to get frustrated when the seventh room cane up empty, until a little boy covered with green scales came up to her. "Miss, are you alright?" Yang wanted to tell the kid off but stopped, "No, I can't find my friend." The little boy seemed sad for her, "I can help you find them. What does you friend look like?" He asked. Yang seemed skeptical but another pair of eyes wouldn't hurt. "She has silver hair, pale skin, and a scar over her eye."
The little boy perked up, "I've seen her before then." Yang whirled around, "How? When did you see her?" The boy jumped up and down, "She went outside last night in her pajamas. Then she came back after a long time with another girl in her arms and a floating sword at her side."Floating sword? Another girl?Yang thought. "What happened after that?" The boy grabbed her hand and led her to the third floor, "They went into the room at the end of the hall."Isn't that Catalaya's room?Yang asked internally, "Thank you very much, um?"
"Caden." Yang nodded, "Thank you Caden," she pulled a piece of chocolate from her pocket, "you can have this." Caden's eyes lit like christmas light while he thanked her and ran off.
Yang carefully walked down the hallway and approached the door. She leaned on the wood, no sound. She slowly opened the door with a small creak and peaked her head in. She found something so unexpected her jaw dropped. Cat was laying on Weiss' chest, head on her shoulder and hands fisted in her shirt, peacefully sleeping. Weiss was rubbing the top of her head slowly and soothingly as she held a book in her free hand reading with intense interest.
At the creak she looked up to see Yang with her jaw still hanging, she took a finger to her lips and shushed her before waving her into the room. "What the hell, Weiss? We've been looking for you for a hour, how long have you been here?" Weiss rolled her eyes before motioning for her to lower her voice, "Since late last night, Cat was having some...problems of sorts." The way she paused was a bit suspicious to Yang but she let her friend continue, "We talked a bit about her past and she cried herself to sleep so I brought her here and stayed just in case." As she said that, she continued petting Cat and flicked to another page in her book like the situation wasn't odd.
Yang rubbed her neck awkwardly, "Well breakfast is on. Come down when you ready." Weiss nodded and began reading another page, still holding Cat close to her chest. Yang slowly left the room, closing the door behind her. She walked off in a daze back to her team. "We can't find them Ya-" She cut off Blake and Ruby with a raised hand. They looked at her confused when she tossed them her phone after flicking to a particular photo. The two looked down to find the same sight Yang had just witnessed.
Cat in bed with Weiss, still sleeping as Weiss pet her head and read a book. Ruby's jaw dropped and Blake's eyes were the size of saucers. They looked to Yang for confirmation, she nodded and Blake had to hold Ruby as she squeed in excitement. Rambling on about how she knew those two would get together and how cute they were together. She only stopped when the two in particular came down the stairs.
Weiss was wearing a white long sleeve tunic and brown pants along with a cow leather vest she had gotten from one of the bags of clothing Cat purchased for the group. Her regular outfit was much too dirty from everything else. She nodded at her team and quirked her brow at Blake's coy smile. Cat came down a minute later. She wore a black short sleeved tunic coveres by a grey vest accompanied by pants and a leather rancher's hat. She yawned and greeted team RWBY and grabbed her plate from the chef who knew of her need for raw meat after expending too much energy. She was given three raw T-Bone steaks, a baked potato and a tankard of orange juice. Weiss ate a plate of Ren's pancakes, some sausage and a smaller cup of Pyrrha's tea. After eating the group headed out of the trading town and into the woodland on some horses Cat purchased from a stable.
Ruby rode up front with Cat, Jaune and Coco discussing the finer points of their plan. Weiss rose in between Yang and Blake. The three rode in front of Yastu, Fox, and Velvet, but behind Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha. It was only a half day ride right into Troll territory. Four green skinned Troll gaurds stopped the group and checked their bags before letting them in. The group stationed their horses at the city stables, paying for their care and board. Catalaya led the posse right up to a large wood and clay manor, smiling and displaying her identification to the guards who hurriedly opened the door for the group. Muttering apologies for keeping them.
Cat walked through manor with a smile on her face, the rest however, looked at everything with as much awe and curiosity as a newborn doe. They walked right into a large, wood floored room. From behind a huge wooden door came largest Troll any of them had seen. He had large tusks growing from the side of his mouth, dark green skin and bright red hair shaved into a mohawk. The scalp pierced with numerous piercings signifying his rank and title. He wore black and brown leather held up over his burly figure by elven ropes and metal spike-like piercings. He had a multitude of black tattoos in his forearms and a war axe upon his back, the blade still stained with blood.
Catalaya smiled at the large being when he spoke in a gruff voice, "Well if it isn't my favorite Beast." He laughed, "I assume you and group are here on count on my message?" Cat nodded, "Indeed were are, sir." The large troll nodded then laughed, "Where are my manners," he stood stiff and tall, "I am Trezzahn. Cheiftain and ruler of this territory. Please, join us in our festivities." He winked at Jaune who went beet red as Pyrrha huffed. "We would be honored, sir." Catalaya said bowing to the Cheiftain. Trezzahn laughed a hearty laugh and lednthe group back out the manor, "Excellent!" He turned to the gathering of trolls, "Tonight we feast in the company of none other than the Black Flame!" He shouted, the crowd went wild welcoming and cheering for Cat who wore a sparce blush at the attention.
The crowd parted as the Cheiftain and Cat's group journeyed into the festivities. The city was abuzz with activity, some trolls played traditional music while others danced to the rhythm. Hunter and Warrior trolls drank heartily and traded stories of conquest, while their wives chased after their young children. The group split to see the different acts going on, enjoy the food, and play with some of the more adventurous children running wild.
Catalaya held Weiss' wrist and led her to one of the less crowded pub's. "You have got to try the drinks here." She said as she motioned for a server to bring two tankards of ale. Weiss had to use both hands to hold the huge mug and took a sip at Cat's encouragement. It wasn't bad she noted, it had a sweet taste to it. "What is this sweet taste?" She asked Catalaya after driinking another swig. Cat set down her mug, "Some of the local berries like blueberry and strawberry. As well as sunflower extract." Weiss nodded, "Its really good." Cat nodded and ordered a round of something called Steamed Blueberry Duck with a side of steamed asparagus.
Weiss had to admit as she took another drink, the plate looked appetizing as Cat placed it in front of her. It was a whole roasted duck with steamed blueberry sauce covering it with what looked like rosemary spread atop it and a large pile of steamed asparagus seasoned with pepper. Warily Weiss ripped off a peice of duck, as there was no utensils, and bit into it.Oh my dust! This is delicious!She thought to herself as she dug in with new fervor. Cat smiled as she watched Weiss enjoy herself, leaving the stiff heiress behind for an overjoyed woman a bright, true smile on the paler girl's face.
Wiess packed the meal away and looked at Cat with wide bright, joyous eyes. Unexpectedly, Weiss let out a loud belch that had her blushing and covering her mouth when it caught the entire room's attention. It was silent for a second before the other patrons laughed loudly and praised her loud burp. A few came up and patted her on the back. One troll with a pale blue hair came up and spoke with her, "That was pretty damn amazing for a human as small as you." He chuckled at Weiss' progressing blush. He handed her anothwr tankard, "This is on me. I'm Rahjin and you are?" Cat nudged her to speak at her shyness, "Weiss."
The troll nodded, "That means White, correct?" Weiss nodded, "Well then it was a pleasure to you, White." A another male troll called out to Rahjin, "It seems as though my love needs me." He left with a chuckle as the smaller male troll hopped onto him and kissed his cheek, waving at the two girls as they left. Weiss was spoken to by a few more trolls, she was asked about life in Remnant, what it feels like being here, how she beacame friends with the Phantom Beast at her side and many more.
They were mostly interested in her silver hair saying she practically had hair of a Warrior troll. Cat dragged her out of the pub when a few trolls began making advances and brought her to a small stand with peices of wood on string as small bottles of paint made from berries and flora.
After purchasing two of each and two brushes she lef her to a table where the rest of team RWBY sat. "Hey, Weiss!" Ruby shouted as she played with a few troll kids, "This place is amazing!" Weiss chuckled, "Indeed it is. What have you been doing?" Ruby perked up and laughed as a particularly small troll climbed up her back and played with her hair.
"A few little ones asked me to play with them, so I did. They showed me a few games that were really fun, I met their parents who asked me alot of questions, and we ate lots of candy they import here from the elves."
Yang chuckled at the way Ruby smiled wide at the prospect of candy. Weiss gasped as she saw the bruise on Yang's cheek, "What happened to your face?"
Yang laughed happily, "Nora and I were chatting with some of the warriors and they were interested in our fighting styles, so they asked if we would spar. We agreed and Nora and I showed them just how strong we really are." She showed her bruise proudly, "Then we had a drinking contest. Nora won." She pointed to the giggling Nora who was dancing with Ren and a few trolls.
Blake shook her head and tossed her a cold pack of water for her face, "While these two were indulging in unhealthy amounts of candy and ale, I was with the local shaman. We chatted about books, medicine, and some of the local legends." Yang eyed her swaying pointedly, "And drank some more." Yang nodded proud then flinched when Blake flicked her cheek. "What about you two?" Ruby asked as she tickled one of the kids. "We went to a pub, had some drinks, ate some food." Weiss said as 12 year old female troll braided her long hair. "Yeah, and Weiss let out a massive burp."
Cat smirked at Weiss' indignant screeching. Her teammates laughed at her red face and talked some more about their adventures. Soon, the Cheiftain came out from another pub with his two youngest sons on his back and his eldest daughter at his side. "It is time for the ceremony." Everyone nodded and began drawing or writing on their piece of wood using the paint. "What are we doing?" Yang asked for the confused group of humans and faunus. "Take the paint and write one wish, it's a letter of sorts to their gods." They nodded in understanding and got to work. Coco had to get Velvet to help as she was much to drunk to do anything.
The group finished writing at the same time and followed the crowd to were they would send the letters off into the sky. Each tied their wish to a part of a large lantern and watched with awe as the Cheiftain and his family cuts the ropes and sent the lanterns off into the sky. At Velvet's laugh, Weiss turned to her, "Weiss, you got a little something on your back." Weiss turned to find the young troll had fallen asleep on her back after braiding her hair, she hadn't even noticed. She followed the girls mother and allowed her to get the little monkey from her back and helped tuck the rest of the children in. Weiss was tired herself and dragged her team, with Catalaya's help to their room. Laying them down, Yang automatically grabbed onto both Blake and Ruby, holding close to her in a safe embrace.
Cat was on her way out the door when Weiss drunkenly grabbed her and brought her to side of the large cuddle pile. Cat didn't move as Weiss latched onto her waist, her head below her chin. She admired the way the little girl had done Weiss's hair into a multitude of long braids with pale blue beads on them. She lifted the covers over them and blew out the last remaining candle. Cat gripped Weiss a bit closer and breathed in the wonderful smell that is her scent. Cat smiled as she laid her head down,I promise to keep that beautiful smile on your face, my angel.
Back In Acrofort The Night Before
Gaurds responded to a distress call made by one of the local merchants. The merchant led them to a shop they knew was run by a Fallen. They sped through the store and right into a doctor who was trying to patch the man's back, which lacked wings. When asked Marques claimed he saw nothing of his attacker, that he was knocked out qnd when he awoke he was in immense pain and his wings were gone. But he was lying, the gaurds knew that. They left him in the care of the doctor as they searched the town for suspects. Marques didn't know his attacker, he didn't know their name but he knew exactly what they were here when they came for.
He was talking with a well known mercenary that he'd hired to kill the Phantom Beast that killed his younger brother. They were discussing the payment and how he wanted her killed when he heard the bell on his door ring. He excused himself, "The store is closed come back tomorrow." He said to the dim room. Instead of an understanding voice, the one that answeres was cold and angry. "Oh, this can't wait." It was definitely female he knew that much, but he didn't see anyone with his enhanced night vision. He was knocked back into the wall by a surprising force. He landed on the table the mercenary was sitting at.
He was discombobulated and his vision blurry. He vould only see a white blur standing before him. "He hired you to kill someone correct?" The feminine voice asked. The mercenary nodded quickly in fear. "Leave and forget my face before I kill you."
The mercenary ran out of the store like a bat out of hell. Marques tried to call him back before the figure stepped on his throat. She spoke again, "You've done enough to hurt her already, Marques." The figure picked him up the hair and tossed him into the aisles, knocking many stacks to the ground. "Who the hell are you?" Marques asked as he pulled himself up slowly.
"I'm no one special." He turned to have his vision still unclear, only showing a figure that was much smaller than him so he thought to rush her. He failed.
With a sudden blast of freezing air he was slammed into the adjacent wall. As she walked towards him ice formed beneath their feet, "I made her a promise that no will hurt her again. I intend to keep it." She summoned two golems of ice that held him above the ground. "Hurt her!?" He shouted, "She killed my brother! She deserves death!"
The woman sighed, "And you killed her brother, so I figure its even. And yet, dispite the fact that she spared you, you want to kill her." She conjured a thin rapier of pure ice and raised it over his back, "She'd be mad if I killed you. So this is going to have to do." With one quick, precise slice his left wing was gone and on the floor, he screamed with all his might.
The figure stepped in front of him and cupped his cheek, "Don't worry last one." He whimpered and begged but it was no use. His other wing was cut from his body as quick as the first. The golems dropped him and disappeared. The figure placed his wings in front of his face and set them a blaze, as Marques cries anew. "Don't bother telling anyone I was here, because I will find you and kill you. Just like she should've." The unknown attacker left the store and walked calmy down the dark cobblestone streets. Watching with morbid satisfaction as a pack of ice wolves ate the mercenary, before they too disappeared.
The sword disappeared and the person entered the inn, climbing the stairs, it opened the door to a room and washed the blood off using a nearby towel before tossing the towel into the fireplace. A groan came from behind her, "What are you doing?" They looked behind them, "Just adding some more wood to the fire." The woman nodded and welcome the person back under the covers. The woman gripped onto the person as they yawned, "Go back to sleep." The woman nodded, "Okay." They snuggled closer.
"Thank you for everything, Weiss."