Chapter Nineteen
Dirt crumbled and shifted beneath her tiny and weary feet. She nearly collapsed within the entrance, but she caught her abused body upon the entryway. Her chest was heaving and thumping like thunder. Ashe could hardly see where she was going. Not only was her vision a blur, but a rat's nest she called for hair was covering her eyes.
She could still smell something delicious.
Turning up her nose to the ceiling, it sniffles quietly. Her stomach growled in response. Fueled by hunger, the tiny girl stumbles along toward the source of the aroma. Hobbling along the wall with a dagger clenched in hand, the young girl enters a back room. The kitchen was warm, and it smelled so good. Within the center was an island made of wood. A stool was beside it.
Approaching the seat, Ashe used what little strength she had to struggle and climb. Straddling the stool, she found her prize. On the center piece was a woven basket, a mountain of rolls within. A nice golden color with a shine of butter. Just the aroma alone was intoxicating.
She was so hungry.
Leaning onto the counter, a tiny hand reaches out to take a roll. Before her fingers could reach the soft and fluffy treat, a silver object smacks onto her fingers. Wincing, Ashe pulls them back and shakes the pain away. With round eyes, Ashe finds a woman at the stove, back toward her. A fluffy, brown squirrel's tail curled and relaxed.
The woman appeared to be busy stirring something within a huge pot. With a twitch of the nose, Ashe tries once more for the fluffiness. Her dulled and glossed over eyes flicker between the woman and the rolls. Slowly and hesitantly, her fingers nearly touch the rolls. Once more, a silver object slaps onto the back of her hand.
A soft whimper hides within her mouth. Pulling it back, a red mark throbs upon her hand. Bringing the hand to her lips, Ashe nurses it to the best of her abilities. The woman never even turned around, but her tail was flickering, like it was agitated. The young girl was growing agitated as well. Her stomach hurt, it was empty and eating away at itself. With an angry sniff, Ashe goes for broke.
Lunging forward with all her might, she reaches for the basket this time. Tiny hands yank it in her direction and buries her face into the cloudy goodness. Pain erupts from the back of her head in a metallic thunk.
"By the gods! What kind of arse doesn't know when to quit? You're a persistent bastard, I'll give you that." Finally turning around, the woman finds Ashe retreating from the stool. Rolls scattered upon the kitchen counter. "Got a runner, do we? Still wet behind the ears, if you think you can pull a fast one on me."
With what little strength her legs had, Ashe raced toward the entryway. Little feet patting upon the ground before a ladle beams her upon the side of the head. She collapses onto the ground in a muffled cry. With the woman's approach, Ashe crawls into a corner of the kitchen. Huddling under a sink.
The woman's brown pants approach the sink, "You can't hide from a chef in their own kitchen. Now lemme get a good lookin' at ya. Who's the wise as—" Black eyes find a frightful and desperate shade of honey staring back at her. While the woman had a forest green sweater and a beige apron, her hair was a dark brown with white mixed in age. It's pulled in a ponytail and wrapped over her shoulder. She also had a matching forest green hat with a yellow flower on it.
She paused in thought at the sight of Ashe, if only for a moment. "Well, look at you. You be lookin' like something that ol rat found in the dumpster and threw in my blender. Again. Still owe him a right whoopin' for it, I do." For the most part, it rang true.
The woman found Ashe huddled under the sink with her tiny fingers wrapped around a dagger. It was pointed outward and quivering. The dirty and grime coated dress was now in tatters and torn to shreds. There was also splotches of blood dyed into it. With all the dirt and blood on her face, it was difficult to see the bruises forming. There was only one clean object upon the tiny girl.
A fluffy and warm roll between her teeth, dwarfing most of Ashe's lower face. There was also a high-pitched growl from her throat. It was cuter than it was frightening. Though it didn't help matters when her stomach roared.
"Put that pointy thing away before you hurt yourself. Though that might be a wee late, lookin' the way you do. If you're hungry, all you had to do was ask. C'mon then, get out from there." The woman reaches out to assist Ashe, but she retreats further and presses up against the wall. The woman sighs and rolls her eyes in annoyance. "That's how it's going to be? I know exactly how to tempt a pup like you. I'd say don't move, but eh." She raises to her feet, "We both know you aren't goin' anywhere."
Ashe watches those legs intently before they disappear. Waiting for a moment, she sets down her dagger and devours onto the roll with both hands. It's been so long since she's had food. Even if it was just bread, the roll was tasty. It wasn't long before she completely devoured it all. Raising her fingers, she licks the butter from the tips of her dirty fingers.
She's still hungry.
Suddenly her nose twitches. Perking up slightly, her nose turns toward the air and sniffles. She can smell something tasty. There's a sound of something crackling over on the stove. It was an amazing aroma for her clogged senses. Not a moment longer and the sizzling begins to cease. When brown pants appear toward the sink once more, Ashe clutches her dagger.
A plate is suddenly set upon the ground with a spoon. There upon the porcelain was a fluffy yellow cloud of delicious goodness. The woman takes a few steps back before sitting upon the ground. Her back resting upon the wooden counter. "There ya go, something quick and tasty. You're lookin like you haven't had a decent meal in who knows when. Go on then, eat up. On the house, it is."
Ashe was hesitant. Dull eyes looking between the plate and cook. She at least remained unmoving, if not just watching. A long and fluffy tail waving about lazily. Ashe's stomach was in so much pain. It demanded more, and the tempting aroma was making it worse. A small tendril of drool was upon her lips.
Food.
The need for survival outweighed her reasoning. Slowly, she inched forward at a cautious pace. Ashe kept her eyes trained on the woman before her. Not once did she ever move from her spot. Finally finding herself at the plate, Ashe gives it a curious glance, and notices something gooey covering the fluffiness. With her dirty fingers, she takes a piece of the yellow cloud and brings it to her mouth for a taste test.
Her eyes light up, the next thing Ashe knows, she's scooping up a handful and bringing it to her mouth. It was just so warm in her empty belly. A nice soft texture for her dry mouth, and the gooeyness was so delicious. Not even a few seconds later, and the plate was empty. The hunger was still there, Ashe raised the plate and began to lick for any crumbs she could. She wants more. It's been so long since she's had a warm meal.
When was the last time Ashe had one?
She can't remember.
Droplets pitter and patter upon the porcelain.
Ashe's small and weary body shivers and quakes, trying to remember her last homemade meal. The plate drops from between her fingers and rolls along the ground. The reddening of her nose sniffles with two tiny fists rubbing onto her watery eyes. Mama was the last person to ever cook for her, and that was so long ago. She can't even remember what her last meal was.
Sinking down onto her bottom, Ashe cried her little heart out. She's just a little girl, she's scared and alone. Ashe wants to go home, but she doesn't know how or where. What was Mama's name? What's her last name? She doesn't know. How would anyone be able to help her? The loneliness is all she knows; it's corrupting and erasing all of her memories.
"Oy, what did you go on and start crying for? Those were some damn good eggs and cheese; I'll tell you what."
Ashe hiccupped in her wail, palms rubbing onto her sore eyes. "Mama…" She misses her so much. Helping around the house with chores, being read stories, eating all the tasty snacks, and taking naps with Mama. She's so lonely.
She wants her mother.
The woman's features soften with a sigh, "Look here pup, I don't know if you can fully understand what I am going to say, but ta hell with it. I'm not your mum, and I'm not gonna pretend. What I am, is a chef. Damn mighty good one, I'd toot my own horn if I could."
Ashe whimpers, watching the woman slowly stand to her feet and taking a roll into hand. "All I can offer you is a warm meal and some mighty fine company, but you need to ask for it. I don't like food thieves and I'm not a mind reader. Thank the gods for that, because when people open their mouths to speak, they are rot bastards around here. I can't imagine how much of an asshole they are on the inside; I tell ya."
The woman's lips quirk upward, the cries coming to a slow stall. Though Ashe was a sniffling mess, black splotches of grime trailing down her cheeks. Crouching down, she extends the roll toward Ashe. "So, come on out from there. Let's get you cleaned up, and I'll make you somethin' warm and tasty. Don't think I've ever seen someone lick my plate clean like that. One hell of a compliment, it is."
Staring down at the roll, Ashe's mind was a whirl of thoughts. But it was nothing difficult, she was just a tiny child. All she knows, is that someone is offering her a warm meal. The woman hasn't chased her off either. Looking into those warm black eyes, both hands extend, slowly and cautiously. Ashe's fingers flinch upon touching the roll and retreat.
Yet the woman didn't move.
With a last push, Ashe timidly takes the roll and brings it up to her mouth. Munching happily while keeping a cautious eye on the woman. "Atta girl, wasn't so hard now was it?" This time an open hand is held toward Ashe, "C'mon then, let's get you cleaned up. I just mopped my floors, and I rather you not get them dirtier than you have already."
Half-way done with the roll, Ashe reaches out with a hand and tenderly places it upon the woman's palm. It was warm and sturdy. Calloused with scars along her fingers from knives. She helps Ashe to rise from under the sink. "Right then, do you have a name?"
Softly nodding, Ashe munches on the remaining roll in gusto. Mumbling out with a mouthful, "…Ashe…"
The squirrel tail flickers in agitation, "Right, I'll have to do something about talking with your mouthful. Kids these days, no respect for food." She then walks Ashe over toward a large sink before filling it up with warm water. "You can call me whatever meets your fancy."
Staring up at the woman, Ashe looks around the kitchen with wide and curious eyes. Finishing the roll, she licks her fingers once more and finds a silver ladle upon the countertop. Her brow furrows at the reminder of being smacked on the hand and head. "…Slappy…"
"Come again?"
Ashe points a finger toward the woman with a soft nod, "Slappy."
The now nicknamed Slappy stares down at Ashe before bursting into a hearty laughter. "Slappy?! Ain't no one called me that before in my life. I like you, get along fine we will." Ashe's nose twitched in confusion.
The world begins to shake, but it goes unnoticed by Slappy. Even her younger self, ignores the thunderous quaking.
In a panic, a new set of eyes part open in a desperate gasp of air. The ceiling of the room spins and whirls into a fog. Her body is warm and stuffy. Clutching onto her blanket, a cold and soft hand forces Ashe's face to turn a different direction.
Weiss is there to greet her, a face twisted into a worrisome frown. "Ashe? What's wrong? You were sleeping and then you started crying."
She started crying? Her own fingers brush against her cheeks. They were indeed wet with moisture pooling around her eyes. Looking around the room for a moment, it is dark with only the moonlight illuminating. Weiss was also in pajamas and blinking away sleep. "What time is it?"
Weiss's cold hand tightens and forces Ashe's gaze back, "That's not important. We need to talk, and you're not getting out of this."
That's never a good sign, but when she pauses to think about it. It's something that any normal person would ask. "Nn…What about?"
"Don't play dumb. You know exactly what we need to talk about." Weiss takes a seat at the edge of Ashe's bed, rubbing away the weariness from her face. "What happened? Don't lie to me either. I went on that boat, and there's no way your injuries and that event are a coincidence."
Ashe just stared at Weiss, "You…you saw?"
"That's what I said. It was…messy."
Puckering her lips, her nose sniffles quietly into the night. Raising her good hand, it covers over her weary eyes. "My failure…you saw it." Once more, she failed. Fairy failed. They couldn't protect the hostages. Didn't even try. Disgraceful. They all died, just like her.
Weiss gave Ashe a soft look, "What do you mean, failure?"
Her voice was a quivering whisper, "I let them die…All of them. I was overconfident. Thought I could complete my objective and leave them alone. Another bad decision, resulting in everyone's death. I'm not meant to be a leader. Let alone a huntress." She wasn't and that night only further proved her point.
And his.
Slim fingers wrap around her own, prying her hand from her eyes. Exposing the watery eyes to Weiss. "Calm down and take a deep breath. Good, start from the beginning."
Drawing strength from Weiss's hand, Ashe closes her eyes for rest. "Do you…remember the movie night we had a few weeks ago?"
"Yes, what about it?"
"That night, after everyone went their separate ways…" Ashe gives a firm squeeze with a deep breath. "I was attacked in my room."
The temperature dropped dramatically within her dorm. Weiss squeezed firmly with a strained clench of her teeth. "What?"
Ashe adverted her gaze, "I let my guard down. I had become complacent. Forgetting that I am still being hunted. I'm lucky he wasn't interested in killing me, because he could have if he wanted to."
"Who?" Weiss's grip was cold and rigid.
"My…guardian?" She isn't quite sure what to call him. "He was my mentor, taught me how to survive and fight. Trained me."
"What did he want?"
With a shrug, "I'm not sure. He crippled me with a shot to the kidney and threw me against the bookshelf." Weiss's eyes flickered into glaciers. "Then he scolded me and gave me a warning."
"What did he warn you about?"
Ashe's face scrunched up in thought, "I…I don't know. He wasn't very forth coming with it. Just that someone is looking for me." With a twitch of her nose, she glances out the window. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's outside listening."
Turning to stare at the windows, Weiss quickly rises and throws them open. She scans the surrounding area repeatedly. She doesn't know what she's looking for, just something out of the ordinary. "Don't bother. If he doesn't want to be found, you won't find him. Only if he lets you. Trust me."
With a scowl, Weiss slams them shut and retakes her bedside. "That doesn't explain where you've been every night. I know for a fact, that you've been going out and disappearing. You haven't been sleeping, it's obvious and your grades are dropping. Where are you going?"
When Weiss takes her spot, Ashe's hand instinctively reaches out to pinch onto her pajamas to hold. "Like I said, he didn't mention who, so I've been looking into it. I have nothing to go on, so I've been doing my own investigating. These past few weeks; I haven't had any leads. Until my last outing, I finally had a clue. Possibly."
Weiss just stares, making Ashe take a breath to continue, "Junior had a lead for me, but nothing comes for free. I do a job for him and he tells me what he knows. It was supposed to be a simple job…"
"Tell me everything that happened that night."
And she did. Ashe told her everything that happened. From her meeting with Junior till Fairy took over. The memories after are hazy, but Ashe was careful about mentioning anything about her other half. That's not something Weiss needs to know.
Weiss stared off to the side with a neutral expression. Silence reigned over after the tale. Ashe couldn't make out what Weiss was thinking, but those eyes were flickering in thought. It wasn't difficult to make out she was having a conversation within herself. Then she finally spoke, "Why didn't you come to me, or anyone else about this?"
Ashe looked down, "How? How was I supposed to ask for help? Who would believe me? And what would anyone even do to help me?" A knot forms in her stomach, "How could anyone help me, when they don't even know a thing about me?"
"And who's fault is that?!" Weiss roared toward Ashe with her eyes alit, causing the faunus to startle within the sheets, "I have tried, over and over to get you to talk about yourself, but you always shut me out. How can I, or anyone, help you when you don't even let me in?!"
"Because you wouldn't understand."
"How do you know that?!" Weiss leans forward with an angry scowl, staring down Ashe with cascading hair. "Are you Weiss Schnee? How do you know what I can or can't understand? How can you possibly understand my mind, better than myself? Stop hiding from me. Stop shutting me out." Her hands clench into fists, "I'm not stupid. What is the real reason? Don't lie to me."
Why does Ashe keep shutting her out? Because Weiss wouldn't understand. They lived in their own separate worlds. Weiss hasn't lived or meddled in the dark. What does she know? It's not like Ashe hasn't confided in people before. She has, even if it's a number Ashe can count on one hand. She's strong, she's survived this far on her own. Her own strength has carried her just fine.
That didn't stop her good forearm from covering her eyes, "I'm afraid…of being betrayed…again…and again." Because no matter who she confides in, they always use her. Turn on her. Leave her. Ashe knows, that time always betrays. No matter what she does, she can't keep her cruel fate at bay. In the end, she will be alone.
"You know, I can relate to that." Weiss clasped her hands within her lap. "I've told you before, I was raised in a very political environment. No one looked at others and saw…people. Instead, all anyone saw were pawns. How can you use them to your advantage? What uses do they have? There was no one to confide in, because they could just as easily use it against you later. Believe me when I say, I understand."
Weiss's hand reaches out and rests atop Ashe's clutching onto her pajamas. "That doesn't mean you…we…have to shut everyone out. We just need to be more…picky. I want to know more about you. You just have to trust me and let me in."
Ashe bites onto her lower lip, her mouse ears wilt at the tips. She wants to trust in people, to lay her heart bare. What's left of it. But she's had too many bad experiences. Her stepfather manipulated her into nothing but a pawn. The two she considered to be closest to siblings, abandoned her and left her to rot. A sharp pain stabs at her heart. Remembrance that she's the reason Slappy is no longer here.
Weiss looked down toward Ashe, patiently and calmly. She knows the trust issues Ashe has. Because she herself has them. But being here at Beacon has allowed her to be more open. Weiss has been able to be herself, without being under scrutiny. Just looking within her eyes, it's easy to see the inner turmoil. Debating and weighing the choice within. The words are stuck in her throat, parted lips struggling to speak. Ashe wants to confide her past in Weiss, but she's afraid.
How would Fairy react?
The thought terrifies her to no end. Would she lash out and take control? Would she do something behind her back? What harm would she bring? Fairy has always believed they don't need anyone. That relying on others is a weakness. That it makes them weak. They are strong alone.
Is it a chance worth taking?
Ashe doesn't know. A hand slides and caresses her cheek, forcing her gaze toward Weiss. There, she finds the heiress looking toward her softly. "What is it you want?"
What is it that she wants? That Ashe wants? Is she allowed that kind of luxury with something this important? Whether it is allowed or not, Ashe doesn't care. Not at this moment, there's only one thing that is screaming from the inside. With a quivering lip, a whisper calls out toward Weiss, "I'm tired…of being alone."
A thumb stroked at her cheek, instinctively leaning into it, "Then talk to me. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."
"Mm…"
"Let me get us something to drink, and then we can talk." It didn't take long for her to refill the empty cups with water from the bathroom sink. Weiss's tongue prefers filtered water, but she won't complain this time. She takes a seat near Ashe's head on the corner. Her hair pulled over one shoulder and out of the way. "We'll start with what woke me up. You were having a nightmare and crying, but there was one thing that stuck out. Who's Slappy?"
Ashe froze.
Her breath hitched and clogged within her throat. How does she know that name? Did she cry it out in her dream? Before a panic could sink in, a hand glides through her hair. Slightly damp from the sweat of her fever and stress. "Calm down, take it slow."
Letting the warmth course through, Ashe calms to manageable levels. Closing her eyes at the touch, eventually she was able speak. "Slappy…Slappy was a nickname for someone I made. She was a squirrel Faunus and she was special."
"Special?" That made Weiss twitch, "What did she look like?"
After a pause, Ashe tilts her head to glance over toward her hat. Weiss looks between the two before it clicks. Taking out the envelope, she hands it toward Ashe after opening it for her. Pulling out the photos, Ashe hesitantly pulls out the older photo. With a shaking hand, she holds it out.
Weiss slowly slips beside Ashe to get a better look, leaning up against her. Ashe couldn't help but let the weight shift her toward Weiss. It was mostly a normal photo. A faunus woman was at a stove, a silver ladle in hand, stirring a large pot on the stove. Simple brown pants, a long forest green sweater, a beige apron, and a bushy squirrel's tail. Her hat was interesting, green with a yellow flower sprouting and limp from the front. She had a grumpy expression while taking the photo from above.
Looking even closer at the photo, there was a figure partially hidden by the tail and behind a leg. Weiss leans even closer for a better look. It's a small girl, two mouse ears upon her head and dull colored honey eyes. Short ash colored hair and simple black pants and a shirt. "Is…that you?"
"Mm, the only photo in existence of me within the Fang. That I know of."
Weiss felt a small pang of hurt for Ashe, because she herself had plenty of photos. Even if they were from professionals during events, you can see how she aged. "What was she like?"
A fond and sad smile comes over Ashe, "She was…crude, blunt, hardheaded…and warm." Slappy was a unique Faunus, Ashe has never seen anyone come close. "You would think she was always cranky, but that's just how she was. I've only ever seen her angry a few times, and her words would make the strongest men cry."
"She seems…unique. What kind of relationship did you two have?" The way Ashe said this Slappy was special, put Weiss on edge. She didn't like it. It's a sudden revelation, that she really is the jealous type. Maybe she should work on that.
Some other time.
"It's…hard to describe. If I was to say it in one word…I'd say she was like my grandmother." Ashe's lips tug at the corner into a grin. "A grouchy and grumpy grandmother. After I joined the Fang, she was the one that cleaned me up. Clothed me, fed me, and tried to teach me things when she could. Slappy was also the one that made me take up drawing." Ashe lets out a hollow chuckle, "Though it wasn't for free. I was her errand girl. Taking meals to where they go and fetching ingredients. At least, when I wasn't training. She hated laziness."
"Ingredients?"
Ashe nodded, "Mm, she was the chef, fed everyone and made sure we never ran out of supplies." It was a wonder how she fed the whole pack. She really knew her way around the kitchen.
"What happened to her?"
Her throat turned dry. It was difficult to breath at the sudden lack of oxygen. A scene flashing before her eyes, Ashe clutches onto her head and drops the photo upon the bed. A ringing sounds through her ears, her mind swirling into a spiral. The smell of fresh blood, bodies littering the forest floor, large caravans flipped over and destroyed. The crackling of fire.
A whimper escapes from her throat, squeezing her eyes shut. Repress it. Throw it back where it belongs. She's not yet ready to face that reality. It will only consume her in grief again. Chains suddenly sprout from within her mind, screeching with rust and grinding against each other. Wrapping around the memory, it sucks back into the depths from wince it came.
It's suddenly gone.
Panting softly for breath, Ashe's fingers release from her hair timidly. A hand was resting upon her shoulder in worry. Forcing herself into a calm, Ashe opens her eyes slowly in a flutter.
Only to slam herself back against the headrest in terror.
Glowing honey eyes were staring directly at her. Straddling upon her waist was Fairy. She didn't need to scowl or snarl. Ashe already knew, Fairy was pissed. "What have you done?" Fairy pauses, going through their recent memories before her eyes widen in shock, only then does her face twist into a snarl. "You told her about Slappy?!" Her hand wraps around Ashe's throat in rage. "I told you! Never tell anyone about her!"
Ashe chokes out a breath, her own hand reaching up to claw at the offending appendage. Thankfully, Fairy's other hand was limp as well. A reflection of Ashe's injury. "I wanted to tell her."
"Tell me what? Ashe, what are you doing?"
"Who are you to decide such things on your own? There's a reason we don't talk about her, and you know it!"
Ashe's legs kicked and buckled under Fairy's weight. "Have you ever thought about what I wanted? Aren't we tired of being alone?"
"Who are you talking to? Ashe!"
Fairy growled and tightened her grip even further. Ashe choked for breath, barely able to wheeze. "We are stronger alone. You are only making us weaker. Look at us! This never would have happened if you hadn't become so lax. You are only speeding up the process."
Her laugh was hollow and dead, "Then shouldn't we just…enjoy what we have left? I'm already breaking."
"Ashe?!"
Crimson spread through Fairy's eyes like a virus, "I refuse! I will not give in to it! I will come out on top! It will not consume us! I will be unbreakable!"
Ashe's arm went lax and flopped onto the bed with a flutter of her eyes, "We can't fight it forever." Fairy roared into the room with unbridled fury. Before Ashe could pass out from Fairy's choke hold, a sharp pain smacks onto her cheek. Fairy's body sudden flickers out of existence.
Two hands grab onto her cheeks and force her gaze back toward Weiss. "Ashe! What is wrong with you?! Why is one of your eyes red?!"
Ashe stared at Weiss in shock and confusion. That's an expression she's never seen upon Weiss's face before. Her mouth was parted, eyes wide and confused, she didn't know what was going on. Ashe's hand raises and covers over her red eye. "I-I don't wa—"
"No! Don't you dare!" Both hands clench onto Ashe's top and lifts her slightly off the bed. "I just witnessed you talking to yourself, a conversation. You were choking and struggling against something I couldn't see. You almost passed out, and your eye turned red. What is going on?!" Weiss hunches over slightly, with a clench of her teeth. Yet, her expression softened into something different. "I'm…I'm scared." Her grip relaxes till her palms are leaning onto Ashe's chest. "Talk to me."
What is she supposed to do?
Where does she start? How would Weiss take her admitting, that she has something else in her. Would she still see her the same? Maybe Weiss will think she's some kind of freak, a monster. She's given Ashe a kind hand to hold onto, and she doesn't want her to take it away. That frightens her to the core. Turning away from Weiss, she finds the discarded photo upon the bed. How did Slappy get her to be in that photo again? She was deathly afraid of them.
"Oy, quit being such a wimpy mouse, and get that wee little butt on over here. You'll never grow if you can't face your fears. Just a camera it is, won't steal yer soul. Though, I don't know how comforting that is coming from me. People say I don't have one, hah-hah!"
Ashe couldn't help but snort at the memory in a fractured smile. That's right, Slappy would use Ashe's pride against her and always make a hearty joke afterwards. It put her tension at ease and worked like a charm. "I'll tell you, but not right now." Sunlight was beginning to pour through the window. "There's not enough time, and it's a long story."
Weiss heavily frowned, not liking the answer. "How do I know you'll tell me, and not just avoid the subject like you always do? You always say that, and then you never bring it up again."
"I promise."
Light blue eyes narrow with a soft frown, "I want more than that. Give me something, anything, so I know you're serious and truly mean it."
Ashe's mouth parts to answer, a voice whispers through her mind, 'You're making a mistake.'
'It's a chance I'll take.'
'You will regret this decision. Mark my words.'
The link cuts off, giving Ashe's mind a moment of clarity. With that small flame of courage, Ashe fights on. It felt like a guiding hand was giving her an extra push. "I-I…have a…split-personality."
Weiss stared at her, before flinching back in shock, "A what?" Surely, she did not just hear that correctly.
Ashe looked away in shame, perhaps this wasn't the best of ideas after all. Already that small flame was doused in an ocean of insecurity. "Split-personality."
Weiss blinked her eyes for a bit before tilting her head, "Is that all?"
"Eh?" Ashe's neck snapped up toward the heiress.
Her shoulders shrug with a furrowed brow. "I mean…I have a butler with like…seven personalities. So, what's the big deal if you have one? That's not so bad. I don't really see a problem with that."
Ashe couldn't help but stare toward Weiss, she had a finger twirling a strand of hair around. Was it really that simple? The acceptance of such an instability, like it was an everyday occurrence. She's not some kind of freak, or monster. Everyday she lived with the assumption that no one would ever accept her truth. That she did not belong, a thing.
The silent tears ran down her cheeks in spades.
Of course, Weiss went into a slight panic at the sight. Questioning Ashe on what's wrong, but when a soft smile tugs on the corner of the lips. The one good hand slowly reaches out and affectionately cups onto the side of Weiss's head. Pulling her in before a soft and warm object rubs onto the tip of her cold nose. Light blue eyes are open in shock, finding her nose being rubbed by Ashe's own. "Thank you."
Weiss suddenly jumped back and slammed against the opposite bed. Her once pale face now a bright scarlet. She was covering her nose in embarrassment. Ashe blind-sided her with that. Since when does that girl show any kind of affection? Weiss was not expecting that in the least, she was not mentally prepared for it.
A loud ring causes her heart to almost burst from her chest. Her scroll's alarm was blaring throughout the room. She all but leapt toward it like a life-savor. "I-I should go get classes. I still have breakfasts today, and I'll bring you some dresses to eat." Pausing at what she's said, Weiss covers her mouth. Steam threatened to whistle from her ears at this rate. She rushed out the door in a scarlet hue. "You know what I mean!"
Ashe stared at the door in wonder. That happened so fast, she's still trying to process exactly what Weiss meant. Her words were jumbled and a complete mess for some reason. Yet, it couldn't help but bring a silent chuckle. It felt like she could properly breath for the first time in her life. Something fresh and tranquil cleansing out her body, Ashe looks at her hand before clenching it into a fist, "How long were you hiding for?"
"Long before you even woke." Elder was crouched upon the bookshelf. The window opened behind him for a soft breeze. "Forget to look up, everyone does. Never gets old. Make sure she knows that." He hackled out a chuckle.
"Mm…What do you want?" He always had a reason for showing up when it wasn't for training. Rarely was it just a check up or social visit. That was only around Slappy.
"Hm-hm, had a night on the town, you did. Caused quite the ruckus, when did you become so sloppy?" Slowly with a crack of bones, he sits upon the bookshelf's edge.
Ashe scowled, "I wasn't sloppy."
"Hoh? So those people lived then?" Ashe's gaze turned cold. "That's what I thought. Get those emotions back under control, pup. Before you get even more people killed."
Her hand clenched into a fist, she wanted to talk back, but no words were forming. What could she even say? Nothing but cheap and pathetic excuses that not even she would believe. "What…do you want?"
Reaching into his sleeve, he pulls out a recent newspaper article for her to take. "Your stunt, gave your pursuers quite the lead."
Snatching it from his grasp, Ashe looks it over with a quick glance. "It's…just about a warehouse burning." That's all it was, just a photo of a warehouse on fire, it barely had a story.
Elder sighs before slowly standing upon the shelf. "You are still young and foolish indeed. Never finished your training. I'll give you a hint, read the story about the warehouse's history, and then look at it in the photo."
With a scowl, Ashe does as she's told. Reading over the short essay, it details that it was recently abandoned from a fishery going out of business. They built it themselves, but due to bad management, the company quickly folded. It was abandoned for roughly half a year.
It was then that she studied the photo more closely. The windows were shattered, and holes littered around the walls. The most noticeable feature was a massive crater on the side. You could drive a large truck through it if you wanted. Something broke in…
Squinting closer at the article, there were bricks littering the outside and scattered. Steel beams warped and pointing out.
She was wrong, "Something broke out. You know what happened, don't you?" No response, looking up, she finds herself alone within the room once more. Something is going on, and she's not in the loop. That's dangerous, extremely dangerous.
Before she could delver further, her door slams open in Weiss's return. A small paper sack and two coffees in hand. "Oh? When did you re-open the window?" The silence gave Weiss a moment of pause. Setting down the breakfast, she notices a newspaper article within her hand. Snatching it up, Weiss looks at the contents. "This is today's…Where did you get this?"
Ashe's eyes shift toward the window with a tight expression. "I told you…He was outside since the beginning. He said to look up next time."
Weiss's eyes turned cold and crumpled the article in her fist. That stings at her pride to be humiliated in such a way. Slamming the windows shut, she locks them and closes the curtains. "You're okay?"
"Mm, he just came to give me another warning."
"What did he say?" Weiss hands over a simple ham and cheese croissant.
"Say? Nothing worth mentioning. Just gave me this article and that my pursuers now have a lead." Ashe takes a small nibble. "I have no information, and something is happening in the shadows. I don't know what it is, but according to him, it concerns me. I don't like this at all."
"I'm glad we are in accordance then. That makes two of us." Ashe and Weiss startle toward the door, only to find Ozpin at the entrance with Professor Peach. Looking as if she just rolled out of bed, without changing her clothes from the day before. "Good morning, ladies."
Weiss expressed her greeting, Ashe on the other hand just started at Ozpin, on edge. He in return stared and gave Ashe a one-sided smile. Professor Peach was having none of it. With a groan, she forces her way through before stealing Ashe's untouched coffee. "Let's skip the dramatics and get on with it. Once again, it's too early for this shit."
The heiress scowled at Peach for stealing the coffee but didn't mention anything about it. She's already used to it from the day before.
"Very well then, let's start from the beginning. Shall we?" Ozpin pulls up a chair, "You had something to do with events that transpired the night before, didn't you?"
Peach continued to sip away at the coffee, though she looked lax, it was easy to tell she was listening. Weiss was surprised neither one tried to shoo her away, so she took a seat beside Ashe once more. At least she was more presentable in her academy outfit.
"Mm…It started when I was at a club looking for information." Ashe regaled her tale for the second time today. Even though it was more of an interrogation this time, it wasn't as difficult. Her mind was clearer of the events and better rehearsed compared to earlier. The food helped quite a bit as well. Ozpin listened and barely interrupted, only a question or two for more clarity.
Professor Peach on the other, gave her own commentary. She did give a compliment on how she handled the bald guard. Apparently, it was a slow and painful way to go. Ashe learned to ignore it, considering she wasn't asking any questions. It was a slight annoyance when she complained about how Ashe ruined her day at the end.
"I see…And you didn't get a clear view of the person that escaped?" Questioned Ozpin.
Ashe shook her head, "No. After my fight and injury, everything is a haze. I was more focused on making sure I survived and made it back."
"That's unfortunate, so all we have to go on is your statement." With a small pause, Ozpin collected his thoughts for a moment, "Tell me, Ms. Souris, why did you not come to me about this?"
She nibbles her inner cheek softly before speaking, "Would there have been a point? How would you help me? Locking me up in the academy? That won't help. I need to find a lead and figure out who's looking for me. Do you even know where to begin?"
Ozpin hums quietly, "Fair points, but I would have believed you. I hope you know that. I am here to help you. I am not your enemy." Professor Peach gave Ozpin a side glance with a frown.
Ashe softly nodded reluctantly, "Nn…My points from that day still stand. So, what happens now?"
"Now?" Ozpin crosses his legs casually, "Now, we figure out what to do with you. You're lucky that there is nothing to suspect or incriminate you. Officially."
"Unofficially?"
"The only people who know you were even there that night, are in this room." Ashe turned toward Peach. "Ideally, we plan to keep it that way, but things tend to spring up when you least expect them."
"That's correct." Ozpin spoke up once more, "I would advise on you staying within the academy at all times, but I highly doubt you will adhere to that."
Ashe's nose twitched, "Mm, I need to go back into town."
Weiss finally spoke up, "Not in that condition you aren't. You need to rest. The last thing you need to be doing is galvanizing out through the night into who knows what."
"As your primary physician, I second that." Ashe scowled, since when did Peach become her doctor? She never agreed to that.
Ozpin nodded, "Agreed."
What is this? When did it become a vote? They can't just dictate when she can and can't do. "I can't do that. I must go. If I don't, then the lead could become cold or disappear altogether." It's true. What if it's a person? Something could happen to them. If it's an object, who's to say someone won't make it disappear? The faster she investigates, the better chance she has.
Weiss was growing angry at Ashe's stubbornness. "Absolutely not. You are crippled and at a severe disadvantage. What happens if you get into a fight? You wouldn't even be able to protect yourself."
Ashe snorted, "You're underestimating me."
The heiress was interrupted by Peach before she could retort, "She's right. If there's a chance of a lead, it should be investigated as soon as possible. It can easily go cold, if it hasn't already." Chugging the remaining coffee, Peach slams it onto the bookshelf. "Am I correct in assuming that the source is a shady dealer?"
A nod confirms her suspicion.
Peach turns toward Ozpin, "Then it will have to be Ashe that goes. If it's someone else, we won't know who it is, and even if we did. There's no way they would open their lips to anyone but her. I advise a chaperone to at least confirm this lead."
A glint shines over Ozpin's spectacles, "Oh?"
The doctor nods, "We Professors are unable, because our schedules are completely booked. A student is too inexperienced and untrustworthy. Plus, they would more than likely make the situation worse. It's also a plus to have someone that has dabbled in shady dealings before."
"Who did you have in mind?" The headmaster already had a guess on who she was leading up to, but it was best to confirm it.
Peach sighed while mumbling out to the side, "She'll nag me about this later…But I think Miyako would be our best choice."
"Miyako?" Parroted Weiss in confusion. "She just runs a coffee shop and pastries, doesn't she?"
Both Ozpin and Professor Peach chuckled quietly, "Oh, you have no idea. Let's just say, you never want to get on her bad side. She's a cool beauty, but my wife will literally, beat your head in. Not even I test my luck, and I'm married to her."
Rising with a pop of his joints, Ozpin stretches out his back. "Very well then, run it by her, and inform me of her answer. If its favorable, then Ashe and Miyako can confirm her lead. In the meantime, continue as normal. Classes are about to start, so I suggest that certain people get a move on before they are late."
Checking her scroll for the time, Weiss scowls before shooting up onto her feet. "I'm going to be late! My apologies, but I must get going." Turning toward Ashe, "I'll bring you lunch later. Get some rest. I mean it."
"Mm." Not like she could really go anywhere right now. She highly doubts Junior would be up at this time. He should have already closed shop by now. The next moment, Weiss was gone and out the dorm without a second glance.
Both adults slowly begin to follow Weiss's lead, Peach looks over her shoulder for a moment. "Stay in bed and rest. You need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. If I get time, I'll redo your bandages. If not, make sure the whiny brat does during lunch. Last thing you need is an infection."
"Mm."
"On that note, I bid you farewell for now. I have Headmaster duties to attend." Ozpin offers a small, polite bow and heads on out.
Peach follows behind with a groan, "You mean sleeping on that new sofa of yours. When are you going to let me take a nap on it?" The door clicks behind her, leaving Ashe alone once more in the room.
The silence was a welcome scene. It allowed her mind to relax and unwind after the rush of the morning. She has barely been awake, and already so much has happened. Thankfully, the photograph was mostly hidden behind her blanket, so she doubts anyone besides Weiss knows it was there.
Packing away her things once more, Ashe keeps her hat nearby as insurance. Laying back in bed, she looks toward her injured arm. Ashe still can't feel it, but it is wrapped up nice and snug. With a sigh, the faunus sinks into her bed. Hopefully the injury has no lasting effects. Though, she doubts it will heal up anytime soon.
The next moment, Ashe is asleep.
It didn't last long. A loud slam forces her to groggily wake up with a rub of the eye. What is it with people waking her up all the time? "Put on your hat! Now!" With a yawn, Ashe peers over to find Weiss pressed up against the door with her arms spread. Barricading it. "Quick!"
A disgruntled banging thumps against the door. "Hey! What's the big idea?! I need my Mousey fix, and you can't stop me! Let me in, Ms. Fanny Pants!"
"F-Fanny Pants?! How dare you! I ought to give you a piece of my mind!"
"Yea, well, open the door and say it to my face! What's the matter?! Can't control your impure thoughts anymore, eh? You better not be corrupting my girl in there!"
Weiss flared red, up to the tips of her ears. Though Ashe couldn't tell if it was out of embarrassment or anger with how hard she clenched her teeth. "Put. On. Your. Hat. Now." Ashe wisely did as she's told.
"That's it! I'm huffin' and puffin' and breakin' down the do—" It's suddenly thrown open, courtesy of Weiss. "Why hello there! I see your clothes are still on, that's a good sign." Weiss looked ready to murder Nora. "Ashe~" Nora bounded over happily, though she wasn't the only one at the entrance. "How are you?" Both the entirety of team RWBY and JNPR followed in her wake.
"Nn, I've been better." Why are so many people bothering her when she's trying to rest?
Ruby popped from behind Nora with a jug raised above her head. "I brought the milk!" Nora gave Ruby a thumbs up.
Weiss stomped over in annoyance, "I've told you multiple times! She doesn't need milk, Ashe needs medicine and rest!"
Ashe mumbled out while rubbing her coming headache, "Not like you're helping matters either…"
Weiss snapped in her direction, "I heard that."
Yang approached and rubbed onto Ruby's head affectionately, forcing out a whine. "I dunno what you guys are talking about, but milk does wonders when you're sick. I mean, look at Ruby and I! We're as healthy as an Ox!"
"Uh…" Blake looked toward her in disbelief, "Yea…Are you sure about that?"
Yang smirks, placing her hands upon her hips and thrusting out her most generous bust toward Blake, "You tell me." Blake couldn't help but look away while covering her own modest chest. Must she always throw those puppies in their face?
Nora stares with a twitch of the eye, she suddenly leaps backwards toward Ruby. "Gimme dat!"
"No! This is mine! I need it!" Ruby and Nora squabble off toward the side, fighting over the jug of milk that was originally brought for Ashe.
Ren, Jaune and Pyrrha approach with sheepish chuckles. It was Ren that spoke up first after their greetings. "My apologies for us interrupting your needed rest, but we just wanted to check up on you."
Jaune nodded while leaning over to straighten out her blankets and fluff her pillow. "Yea, Nora made it sound like you were on death's door. I had a feeling she was exaggerating, but just wanted to make sure for myself." Ashe just stared at him, watching him act like a mother hen with an arched brow. He recoiled in surrender, "Ah, sorry. Form of habit when I would nurse my sisters."
Pyrrha softly smiled, giving Jaune a gentle hip bump. "Well, aren't you just the loving caretaker." She had a soft blush upon her cheeks. "I hope you'll give m—Us the same treatment if we fall ill."
Jaune rubbed onto the back of his head, "Me? Nah, I'm not really that good at it, but I'll make sure to take of you guys if you get sick. Though I would prefer if none of you did."
"Agreed, the less sick brats I have to deal with, the better." Everyone turns to find Peach at the door with a mug in hand, a water bottle in the other. "But I must ask, why are there so many people interrupting a sick and injured person when they should be resting? All of you, out. Now." Professor Peach had to do a double take, when she saw Nora and Ruby had thick milk mustaches upon their upper lips.
Pyrrha gives Ashe a soft pat upon the ankle under the blanket as everyone bids farewell and returns to the cafeteria for lunch. Weiss nearly dug her feet into the ground, but Professor Peach physically threw her out, promising to fill her in later.
When she feels like it.
Professor Peach hands over the water bottle for Ashe to take, "I heard back from Miyako. You're in luck, she doesn't mind closing a bit early today. Make sure you are dressed and ready to go when classes end. She will come and pick you up. Now let me see your arm so I can wash it and re-apply the bandages."
Grumbling, Ashe complies and shuffles to the edge of the bed. Professor Peach goes about her nursing routine with a surprising gentleness compared to her attitude. "You really screwed up your arm. This is going to take a while to heal. I'd get used to this routine if I were you." Thankfully, Peach had a professional touch. Making quick work of stripping the bandages, cleaning the burns and disinfecting before re-applying more bandages.
"All done, I'd suggest you get dressed. This way you'll be ready when she gets here. I don't know when she will." Approaching the door, Peach stops and turns back toward Ashe. Rubbing a hand through her messy hair, her head shakes. "Never mind. Be on your best behavior. I'd hate for her to bash your head in accidently." Ashe could only nod her head once before Peach stormed out the room.
She decided to heed her advice and get dressed. Thankfully, her clothing isn't too difficult to maneuver with only one good arm. Using some left-over bandages, she puts her arm in a sloppy sling. Ashe could use some alone time, and with all the people visiting her dorm lately, staying here wouldn't help.
Closing her door shut, Ashe strolls through the halls. Her fever has mostly relented, but still prominent. Passing by the classroom she's supposed to be attending, Ashe notices team RWBY through the narrow door window. They are sitting at the base level, looking bored out of their minds. At least Weiss was taking notes diligently.
During the class change, she slips into the battlegrounds. Finding a seat at the top of the bleachers, she peers down at the second years training and sparring under the watchful eye of Goodwitch. It was strange watching them fight. Perhaps she had her hopes up, but it was like watching the first years.
Boring.
Rising to her feet, Ashe retreats out of the stadium with a jingle of her bell. Bunny ears twitch at the sound and turn to find Ashe walking out the door. A beep signals a message on her scroll as the day draws to a close. An unknown number, telling her to meet at the bullhead loading bay. It could only be one person.
Miyako.
Confirming her suspicions was the woman. Ashe nearly did a double take. Miyako was wearing a three-piece suit. It was black and sleek, hugging at the generous curves. The woman was leaning along the wall with a silver cylinder object holstered on her belt. "That was quick."
"Mm, I was just roaming the halls. People kept barging into my room."
Pushing herself off the wall, Miyako reaches into her breast pocket and flicks out a pair of sunglasses. "Alright, we have some time, so how about we grab a bite to eat first."
Ashe nodded and followed her into an awaiting bullhead taxi. "I didn't know you were a huntress."
Miyako tugs down her shades while taking a seat, "Technically, yes, I am a huntress. I did graduate from here after all. But the lifestyle wasn't really for me."
The bullhead thrums to life, "Really? What kind of lifestyle did you have?"
Miyako crossed a leg and pushed her shades back up. Her arms crossed while twitching her head to toss a stray strand of hair back.
"Let's just say, I was a bit of a delinquent."
( A/ N )
My apologies! I didn't mean for this one to take so long in being released, but I've been swamped with work lately. I've also been working on some side projects, but I made sure to work on this as much as possible. Even if it was a few words a day.
The ball is finally starting to roll, and it's gonna be a fun one to write for a while. Hopefully, haha.
Let me know what you all think so far and leave a review if you'd be so kind. See you all next chapter!
Darth