Crimson

Chapter 9

By

Grevin Hades

Yang sighed to herself as she shifted slightly in the tall grass, her eyes never leaving the camp. She had been able to move silently around in the cover taking note of all the people there and just where Jaune was in the tents. She had gotten the scent of the woman with the rabbit ears and easily had picked up the stink from the man. Part of her wished to just go in and take back Jaune and to rip those interlopers into little bits. However, she knew that if she were to do that, things would only become worse. Jaune would easily hate her for it, even if it was to bring him home. She could tell that the thought of death repulsed him and drive him from anyone who caused it.

Secondly it would cause more knights to appear and that could only spell trouble for their brood. They didn't need any more attention at this time and a group of knights out on a mission gone missing would bring more than an ample amount of attention. Still…the temptation to take action was there but she trusted Ruby and lie in wait.

She let out a quiet sigh as her mind began to wander first to the young man in the camp and then to her pack mate back in the manor. When she had approached the camp, she could smell his blood throughout the area, it was fresh and laced with the scent of fear…he was scared…he feared Nora. The energetic girl had let herself become overcome by instinct and as a result she had inadvertently caused her love to be injured and to become afraid of her. There was no doubt in the blonde's mind that her friend was back at the manor mentally beating herself for the accident.

She felt herself continue to grow impatient. She had to watch this group throughout the day and only intervene if and when they began to pack up camp…they weren't. Yes they patrolled, they moved about but they weren't moving…perhaps Jaune was so injured that they didn't want to risk moving him…did they really hurt him that much?

Yes Ruby and the others feed from him a bit and there was no doubt he wasn't sleeping well but he did eat…so one out of three wasn't bad right? There was no doubt that he was stressed and worried about his family too…perhaps they did need to reevaluate their tactics on getting him to relax around them so he would be more willing to give them what they wanted. She would need to talk to Ruby about their actions.

Snapping her focus back to the task at hand she used her superior vision to peer into the camp doing a quick headcount. It looked like they were changing out watch, the knight in charge, a cute short haired brunette opened up one tent and appeared to be yelling into it before stepping away and moving towards what Yang suspected was her personal tent. Moments later out stepped the tall red headed man who carried himself with and air of arrogance. A typical knight. She wouldn't mind gutting him if given the chance.

Shaking her head she continued to scan the camp noting that the rabbit knight was still in her tent which left the mage left unaccounted for. Frowning, Yang knew that a mage, unless completely foolish, wouldn't wander from their camp so she had to be in the last remaining tent…the same one Jaune was in. "She better not touch what doesn't belong to her."

*Jaune*

He was in pain…his side was burning, and he felt sore. Breathing even felt difficult. He tried to move but his muscles screamed at him making him grunt in pain, but it only came out as a weak wheeze. He heard movement nearby and a cool touch to his forehead followed by a gentle voice. "Shh, breathe, relax and breathe. You're alright."

He struggled to open his eyes finding them to have an incredible weight to them making him grimace before giving up and turning his head slightly another wheeze escaping him "W…w…"

The hand brushed over his cheek and down to his chest, moving with quick, precision movements, checking him for further injury. "Don't try to speak. Your body is healing and the medicine is helping but you've been through a lot. "

He felt her pull away only to quickly return and place a hand on his cheek making him turn his head where he then felt the edge of a cup or bowl press to his lips. "Here, drink. Some water will help your parched throat. "

The cool liquid felt like heaven washing over his lips and into his mouth and he found himself drinking faster than he expected which caused him to allow a few drops to slide into his wind pipe forcing him into a coughing fit. After a few moments he laid back taking a deep breath and clearing his throat once more, his throat no longer feeling like sandpaper. "Th…thank you."

"You're welcome…tell me…how are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by a cart…but alive. I think I have you to thank for that too."

"Indeed you do, but for now save the thanking for another time. I have questions, do you feel up to answering them?"

"Who am I to deny you an answer?"

He heard her stifle a small giggle. "Well, you don't have to if you don't wish but I am curious about many things."

Jaune nodded in understanding as he again tried to open his eyes. "Ask away."

"What is your name? Here you've been in my tent and I don't even know your name."

He felt a small smile come to his lips. "S-so sorry for my rude behavior…It's Jaune…Jaune Arc."

"I'm Weiss. It's nice to properly meet you Mr. Arc. If I may ask, what brought you out this far into the forest to be chased by not only a Werewolf but also a Vampire?"

Jaune sighed and turned his head away shifting slightly in his cot. "I was trying to escape them…they…they think I'm their property…sort of."

Weiss blinked before sitting back and resting her hands on her lap a small frown coming to her lips. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's a brood…a strong brood. I stumbled upon them while trying to take my family's good to market. I lost my horse and a storm blew in so I sought shelter. I found them and they took me in…but I didn't realize the danger until it was too late."

He shifted and quietly put a hand on his neck. "Before I could realize it, I had been taken…fed on…violated and told that I would be helping them gain something they wanted desperately."

"Jaune…what was it they wanted from you?"

"Children…they wanted me to give them children…"

Weiss could only cringe as she felt her heart go out to him. It was well known that when a monster goes into a mating drive, little will stop them from taking what they want…which also frightened her. That could mean they will attack without mercy if they think their mate is being kept from them. "T…they wanted to mate with you?"

He shuddered slightly but nodded. "They wanted families. They kept professing feelings for me…acting like they wanted more than just my…you know…"

Weiss reached out and lightly rubbed his shoulder. "I'm sorry Jaune. Don't worry, you're free from their hold now."

Jaune sighed and shook his head. "I don't think you're quite right on that…they seemed very intent on what they wanted. You should be on guard…or just leave me…"

The mage frowned and shook her head. "We went to the trouble of saving you, why would we abandon you now?"

Jaune managed to open his eyes a small bit and looked over at her, his fear showing so strong that it made her take pause. "If they know I'm here…which they do, you're lives are at risk. If you leave me…they will leave you alone. If you try to take me away, if you keep me here, if you risk your safety for me…they will attack you, they will kill you and they will feast on your remains…you must escape now."

Weiss frowned and grit her teeth a bit as she shook her head. "We're stronger than you think. We can keep you safe till day light without issue. It's almost sun up now, you've made it most of the night. Another day or so and you'll be well enough to travel. We can handle this."

Jaune frowned as he looked down. "Don't be arrogant. I've had more experience with these gir…monsters…they won't hesitate. I don't want your deaths to be because of me."

*SMACK!*

Jaunes head snapped to the side, his cheek burning red from the impact of her hand. He turned back to look at her wincing at the pure anger coming from her. "Don't you dare assume we are as useless as children. We are knights of Atlas and have worked harder in a day than you have over a year. We fear no monsters and will prevail against any threat! Don't assume we'd die so easily."

Jaune let a small sigh escape him as he closed his eyes once more. "My apologies…I simply worry for your safety."

Weiss smiled softly as she let herself relax. "I understand your concern and it is appreciated…but for now, let us worry about you."

A small smile came to his lips as he relaxed further into the cot. "…alright…just be careful."

She rolled her eyes as she got up on her feet and moved to the entrance of the tent. "Typical boy…in any other circumstance it might be cute."

Weiss exited the tent and stretched a bit while doing her best to hold in a yawn. She looked towards the east noting the small rays of light beginning to peak through from the horizon making her smile. The she caught a whiff of an amazing smell, something that was a gift from the gods themselves. Something that many considered to be their very life blood. Coffee.

She sighed as she moved past the small table set up to hold their mugs, taking one that is pure ceramic white and moved to the percolating pot resting above the fire. "Thank the gods for the gift I'm receiving."

A deep voice spoke up from her side making her glance over with a small jump. "Thank me instead, I just woke up and needed to have something to get me awake for my shift."

She smiled a bit and nodded as she set the pot back down and took hold of her mug in both hands. "In that case, thank you Cardin."

He gave a small rueful smile but nodded. "Of course, but shouldn't you be asleep right now? As far as I know you haven't had any rest at all yet. A mage is no good if they can't properly concentrate due to lack of sleep."

She smirked as she took a sip and moved to sit on a nearby log. "Your concern is noted but don't worry, a little restlessness won't be enough to hinder my abilities."

He moved to a nearby tree and leaned against it while taking another sip from his cup. "If you say so. I still think we should have left him behind…three knights and a tired mage won't fair well against a brood."

She frowned at the tall soldier. "You assume they will attack. For all we know they may just simply let him go. The nature of a brood varies from case to case. There may be one or two that want him but if the rest don't they won't pursue. We simply must remain vigilant."

Cardin scoffed and turned away to look at the forest taking a quick scan of the perimeter. "You take this too lightly lady Weiss. I fear this is folly. I won't question orders but I am still concerned."

She nodded in understanding. "I know Cardin and I respect your opinion on the matter. Thank you for being candid about it with me."

He nodded silently and went back to his task of watching the perimeter. Weiss finished her cup of coffee and decided to not have another for the time being and instead decided to heed the guards concerns and get a few hours of rest.

*Ruby*

She smiled as she slipped on her old traveling garments from her younger years, the clothing fitting as well as it did in the old days. She had her white blouse accented by her black and red corset along with her slightly torn black leggings and red skirt. Her boots were knee high and fastened with buckles and over it all she wore a simple red cloak.

Taking a few moments to inspect herself in her mirror she felt a smile come to her lips. It had been far too long since she had gone out in this. It was always fun to move about the battlefield in such attire simply because of how eye catching it was. Enemy soldiers would spend so much time gawking at her outfit, they failed to see her coming in for the killing blow. She lightly fixed her hair blowing a stray strand away from her face and put on her best innocent smile which, if she was being honest with herself, looked far too convincing.

She took a small step back and put a bounce into her step tilting her head as she kept her small smile on her lips. "Hi! I'm Ruby, it's nice to meet you." She mentally sighed as the happy tone in her voice reminded her of times gone by.

Glancing over her shoulder she saw her door open and watched as Winter quietly walked in, her armor shining as it did before she had been captured, her sword sheathed at her side. Her hair was done up in a way that was clearly military, designed to keep it out of the field of view, not look fetching. Winter placed a hand on her chest a gave a small bow. "M'lady. I am prepared for the mission."

Ruby smirked and walked over to her bed where a rather sharp and dangerous looking scythe lay. "Are you certain Winter? There is a girl amongst the knights…a mage…with white hair and ice blue eyes."

Winter's eyes widened slightly but it was not missed by the ancient vampire. "So…you recognize that one? Is it who I suspect it is?"

Winter closed her eyes but nodded in conformation. "It most likely is. It is most likely my sister. Mistress, please, do we have to kill her?"

Ruby frowned as she picked up her scythe and ran her finger idly over the blade before looking back at the fallen knight. "Winter…I am not heartless. I know how much you care for her. However, I also must think of the needs of the brood. If our plan fails and we have to reveal ourselves…"

Winter shivered as a small tear escaped her eye and ran down her cheek. "I…I know…but it won't come to that…I promise you."

Ruby quietly sheathed her weapon against her back and strode over to the woman, her hand reaching out to touch her cheek. "I hope you're correct Winter, truly I do. I don't wish to end life if it can be helped, especially family. Know I will do all I can to keep from having to go that route."

Winter nodded as she leaned into the gentle touch. "Thank you mistress."

Ruby smiled softly and shook her head. "Now, now, you can't call me that once we leave the manor. Remember. I'm your apprentice. New to the world of knights, wide eyed and innocent."

Winter nodded as a more disciplined look came over her face. "Very well…come Ruby, we need to approach the camp at dusk in order to be successful in our task."

"Yes Ma'am."

*Dusk: The Forest*

Coco and Velvet both sat in the center of the camp starting a small fire so they could cook a small meal for their group. Cardin had gone back to sleep after his shift and Wiess had decided to bunk up in Coco's tent in order to avoid any jokes about sleeping with their guest. The rabbit faunus quietly stirred the simple stew in the pot over the fire while the knight commander idly poked the fire with a stick. "Well…at least we made it through the day Coco…that's something."

The knight commander scoffed a bit and frowned as she tossed the stick into the fire. "True but we all know that damned creatures are stronger at night, especially when the moon is as full as it is. We still need to be vigilant."

Velvet nodded quietly and lightly tapped the serving spoon on the pot before speaking quietly. "I know…I just want to keep my spirits up."

Coco frowned and looked down at her hands. "…Sorry…I didn't mean to…"

Velvet smiled and shook her head. "No-no, it's alright."

A quiet yawn coming from a nearby tent drew the twos attention away where they saw a still waking up Wiess scratching some sleep away from one eye. "Hmmm…. what's alright?"

Coco smirked a bit as she sat back and crossed her arms. "Oh, I'm bringing down spirits in the camp again. Just the usual being mean to Velvet."

Velvet smacked her friend on the shoulder shaking her head which prompted a laugh from the other two. "Coco you're not mean to me."

Weiss walked up the fire while lightly brushing out the wrinkles in her clothes while taking a slow sniff of the air. "Hmmm…something smells good. What did you make Velvet?"

"A simple vegetable and beef stew. It should keep you warm and full for a time."

Coco began to dish up the food into three bowls handing them out to the others before pausing and glancing back at the tent Cardin slept in and the one Jaune was recovering in. "So…should we get them a bowl as well?"

Wiess smirked and shook her head. "Not yet…lets eat then wake the two up. Boys always scarf down too much food, let us have our fill first."

"I knew I liked working with you."

The three continued to chat and eat even as the sun finally dipped below the horizon leaving the forest and campsite in a dim setting with just enough light to bathe the sky in several beautiful colors. Cardin had woken up minutes after the three finished their meal and was currently scarfing down his portion of the meal while Coco prepared another bowl for their guest. "Easy there tall, broad and dense. You eat it too fast you'll choke."

He smirked and looked over at her as he wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "You made this Coco?"

She quirked an eyebrow at the man. "I helped Velvet if that's what you mean?"

He smirked. "Oh, so she did most of the work, that's why I can stomach it."

She flipped him off and rose to her feet. "Oh shut it. You'd be lucky to have a meal prepared by me."

"Yeah if I was on death row. It'd be quick and painless."

"Asshole."

"Yep."

Velvet giggled at the exchange while Wiess hid her smirk behind her hand. However, the laughter did not last when Velvets ears twitched and she stood upright her hand going to her sword sheathed at her side. "Captain…"

Coco reacted instantly, the smile gone from her lips as she all but dropped the bowl of stew and whirled around hand drawing her own weapon eyes narrowed in the direction Velvet was looking. "What did you hear?"

Behind her Cardin drew his mace his eyes narrowing. "We already know what's coming, I want to know how many."

Velvets ears twitched as a small frown came to her lips. "One…no, two. Moving slow…holding small conversation. They don't sound hostile."

Wiess narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean? Could there be more survivors out here?"

A high-pitched voice called out from the distance answering her question for her. "The world grows dim and loses hope!"

Coco turned and looked at Wiess, both having the same thought. That was a code phrase. It was used by Atlas knights to identify themselves from potential enemies. Wiess responded immediately. "So the noble shall rise and light the beacon to lead the way!"

In moments two figures made their way out of the forest foliage, one a bit taller than the other but walking with a limp and leaning against the small form. "Thank goodness, we could use a little assistance. She's injured."

"It's just a sprained ankle!"

Weiss froze, she knew that voice. She felt a smile grow as her nervousness began to show. "W…wait…is that you W-winter?"

The figures paused. "Wiess?!"

The two figures increased their pace and in moments were within enough distance for the fire light to reveal them properly. Standing in her armor, covered with dirt, and leaning on the smaller of the two while clearly favoring one foot was the white-haired knight known as Winter Schnee. Her blue eyes showed fresh tears as a bright smile came to her face. "Well met sister!"

In an instant Wiess, Coco and Velvet were all out of the camp running to their comrade helping her hobble into the warmth of the fire, helping her settle down on a log. "Madam Schnee, It's an honor…where have you been all this time?"

Winter smiled softly and took her sisters hand before pulling her into a tight hug. "I've missed you."

Wiess squirmed "Sister, you're hugging me to tightly, I'll break."

Winter released her right away a red hue coming to her cheeks. "Oh, my apologies. As to where I've been…I've been hunting vampires and training a new apprentice." She motioned to the girl standing still at the edge of the camp, hands clasped behind her as she rocked on her heels.

Wiess took a moment to inspect the newcomer taking into account her risqué outfit that could easily reveal a little too much of her form. She noted the red highlights in her dark hair, her unique looking eyes and the rather intimidating scythe strapped to her back. "…I see...How long have you been training her?"

Winter smirked and patted her sister on the shoulder. "Her name is Ruby, and she has been with me for a few months now. I found her hunting by herself, untrained and alone. She shows promise, so I decided to take her on and train her. When I return to proper society I'll enlist her in training proper."

Ruby waved and gave a bright smile while tilting her head to the side cutely. "Hello! It's nice to meet you all."

Winter waved her apprentice over. "Ruby, come be social, these three are friends of my sister so they are friends of ours."

While Ruby quietly made her way around the campfire Coco moved in closer and knelt down in a polite bow. "Madam Schnee, you were limping earlier, are you injured?"

Winter shook her head slightly. "It's only a small sprain. I will be alright in a day. What are you all doing out here?"

Wiess frowned and pointed a finger at her sister nose. "We're looking for you. You disappeared and didn't send your usual check ins. I was sent to look for you since I know your patterns."

"I apologize. We have been hunting a particular brood for some time and been away from regular villages."

Velvets ears perked. "A brood?"

Wiess frowned. "We think we may have stumbled upon one while here…we found a survivor."

Ruby frowned and leaned forward. "Wait, you found someone alive? What creatures were in that brood?"

Cardin popped his neck. "Why so curious about it short stack?"

Winter frowned and sent a small glare at the man. "Because we cleared out a brood not far from here about twenty-four hours prior. It's why I'm injured. " She looked at her sister "It was a small bunch of Vampires and Werewolves that we had tracked for weeks. They had killed many and kidnapped several…their intentions weren't clear until we arrived at their…nest."

Coco frowned as she reached into her pack and pulled out a rolled up bunch of bandage wrap and motioned for Winter to hold out her foot. "So…what did you discover?"

Winter winced as her boot was pulled from her foot and the cloth was wrapped around her ankle. "They were creating a kind of breeding ground. Women were being transformed into creatures of the night and captured men were locked in huts with them so when they awoke they would give into their new urges unhindered…they would give into their carnal and animalistic natures. First seduce their victims and in the midst of passion kill them. I believe they were attempting the ancient methods of creating a pure blood by having a child conceived while drinking the blood of the father."

Ruby shivered and ran her hands up and down her arms shaking her head. "It was awful. The cries of their victims as they were killed then the cries of the freshly changed as they realized what they had become."

Velvet move next to the girl and put an arm around her in an attempt to provide comfort. "That sounds truly awful."

Winter nodded as she began to slide her boot back on. "It was…and we put a stop to it. Unfortunately, there were no survivors."

Ruby perked up. "Well, we thought that, but you think you found one?"

Cardin snorted and turned away from the group to look out at the forest. "What was left of one. The kid damn near bled out."

Winter glanced at Ruby who's face showed a very slight shift before returning to it's façade. "I…see. So how did you find him?"

Weiss crossed her arms and shifted position on her seat. "More like he found us. Pure luck. He was being chased by a Werewolf and a Vampire. He must have seen our camp and called out to us…thankfully Velvet has the best ears in the knight's division. Otherwise he might be dead. We managed to fend them off and recover him before it was too late. He is resting in my tent at the moment."

Winter quirked an eyebrow at her sister as a small smirk came to her lips. "So you found a cute boy and already have him in your tent? You've grown Wiess."

The young mage began to sputter as the rest of the bunch chuckled as she turned bright red. "Wha-But-no! It's not! So what if he's cut-That's not funny!"

Winter giggled softly into her hand and shook her head. "Still easy to fluster though. Some things will never change."

Wiess pouted slightly as she turned to look away. Ruby turned to look at Velvet "So…is he going to survive?"

Velvet nodded while her ears bobbed cutely. "Yes, he will make a full recovery with more rest. It's why we haven't moved yet. Traveling with him in his condition would have been dangerous so we decided to stay here and brave one more night. We were concerned about the brood attacking to get their lost victim but it sounds like you took care of that for us."

Wiess grinned in agreement. "See, I knew everything would work out. Now we have found you and healed him up we can get back to civilization."

Winter closed her eyes and gave a small shake of her head. "I'm sorry to say that I cannot join you in that endeavor. There are still villainous creatures out there that I must deal with and until I do my task will not be complete."

Wiess scowled and shook her head. "No, that is not acceptable. You are injured and need to restock supplies. You must come back with us."

Winter shook her head once more a small smile on her lips. "Dear sister, I simply sprained my ankle, in a day's time I will be fine. As for supplies, Ruby and I stockpiled plenty of resources, food, and camping gear in a cave two days travel from here. We will be fine. I know you don't care for this kind of thing, let yourself go back to the mages school to complete your training."

Wiess opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by a high pitched voice. "Can I see him?"

Four heads snapped at the same time to look at the dark haired girl who had just spoken. Coco stood up and brushed off her pant leg a moment before crossing her arms. "You want to see the one we found? Why?"

Ruby blinked and shrugged slightly. "I'm curious mostly. Finding a survivor can be a rare thing from what I understand."

Wiess shook her head. "I don't know if that would be for the best. He is resting…he hasn't even eaten yet."

Ruby raised her hand. "Oh I'll take him some food. I feel a bit out of place here anyway since you seem to know one another."

Cardin scoffed once more shaking his head. "Kid if you're that interested in finding a boy you should join us and go to the city."

Velvet rolled her eyes as she got up and proceeded to dish up a fresh bowl of food for their guest. Ruby though rose to her feet and placed a hand on her hip, her grin growing. "And what makes you think I'm just some little girl? I may be small but I know my way around the bedsheets."

Coco let out a small whistle while Cardin turned and looked over his shoulder quirking an eyebrow at the girl. He shook his head and turned back laughing a bit. "Sure you do short stuff. I'm not getting baited into this conversation. Go on and give the guy some dinner."

Ruby simply grinned and turned to take the soup from Velvet who then pointed her to the correct tent. "He's in there. Just be gentle in waking him and all should be fine. He'll most likely welcome a fresh meal."

Ruby nodded as she all but skipped past, bowl in hand. "Well, wouldn't we all?"

Winter watched Ruby slip past the flap of the tent disappearing from view and took a small breath steadying herself for her next task. She needed to convince Wiess to not only leave by dawn but to also leave Jaune in her care. Given her sisters stubborn nature, this would be tricky. She turned and fixed her sister with a small smile while at the same time using her enhanced vision to look at Yang and Pyrrha who sat still in the tall grasses, waiting for her signal to either attack or to return to the manor.

She let her eyes shift and glance over the forms of each person there in the camp. She could practically smell the blood in each of them, Coco and Velvet smelling particularly good…and her sister…the craving for her, it was…unnatural. Shivering slightly her mind began to wander a bit thinking about how easily she could dispatch them…injure them enough to keep them from doing harm and then feeding from them…letting Ruby convert them. Would that really be so bad?

She looked at her Sister. It would be wonderful to have her with her, to be able to live day to day with her, to share with her. She was cute and she would be a great match with Jaune…mostly. As for the others, it was clear that Coco was an alpha, but not overly so and the other Velvet would make an excellent servant. The tall man though…he was not nearly as appetizing. Something wasn't quite right, it was if his blood stank.

She shook her head clearing her thoughts. What was she truly thinking? To curse her sister with this…this condition? It wouldn't be right. She deserved to live her life, find love, have a family of her own and be happy. She had no right to do anything to anyone. She looked back over at her sister now noting that despite the small frown on her lips from the teasing she still had a small glint of joy in her eyes which warmed her undead heart. "Wiess…the one you found? Does he have a name?"

She glanced to the tent then back at her sister. "Oh, well, yes. His name is Jaune."

Winter placed a hand on her chin looking down as if in thought. She closed her eyes a moment. "Hmm…that name does sound a bit familiar. Perhaps he was one of the ones taken from one of the villages we travelled through while hunting the brood."

Weiss shook her head "No, he told us he was taking his family wagon to sell goods when he was taken. I imagine he misses his family terribly."

Winter nodded. "True he must, which brings an idea to mind. Since my apprentice and I are better suited for this manner of travel, as the senior knight here, I am recommending that I take him back to his family while the rest of you return to the city."

Wiess shook her head right away which was expected. "No, are you crazy? What if there is remaining brood out there? They would be looking for revenge and for their escaped prey."

"No, I don't think that will be an issue. Ruby and I destroyed their nest which will force them to flee and regroup…if there were any survivors which I doubt. Ruby and I were thorough with separating heads from bodies. It will not be difficult to keep him alive with two of us and we can travel faster as a smaller group."

Wiess sighed with a hint of defeat in her voice. "And just when would you begin your travels with him?"

"I would intend to take him tonight, before dawn."

Coco's eyes went wide at that news. "What? You have barely arrived yourself and are injured as is he and you would intend to leave so quickly? What would cause you to take such haste?"

Winter knew she had to handle this delicately. "To be honest, I wouldn't leave camp. I'd give him another day's rest but would rather send you four on your way. Ruby and I would be perfectly fine keeping watch over him and you four could begin your trip back."

Coco crossed her arms while cocking her hip to one side while fixing her with an unreadable look. "But didn't you say you have supplies a day away from here. Wouldn't you need to get those before we leave?"

Winter smiled as warmly as she could at the captain. "I appreciate the concern, but Ruby can make the trek in quick time while I tend to Jaune. With her speed it would take her less than a day and in the mean time I could tend to him well enough. It is not as though I am incapable of doing anything. I just have a sprained ankle after all."

Coco nodded and moved to reply when a hand reached out and gripped her arm making her turn to see Velvet who had moved to stand next to her and was now staring at the tent that contained Ruby and Jaune with a narrowed gaze, her free hand sliding to the handle of her sword. "Quiet…"

Winter felt her stomach drop. Her ears…if Ruby were discussing anything with Jaune it could be very possible that she was hearing it right now. Blast that womans faunus heritage.

*Ruby and Jaune*

The brood master stepped into the dim lit tent and took a quick note of what she found. There she could see two large chests clearly filled with all manner of herbs and medicines as well as clothing. She also located the reason for her presence. Tucked under a few sheets was none other than Jaune. He was asleep, resting peacefully much to her joy. She let a small smile come to her lips as she stepped further inside and found a small stool to sit upon.

She sat down close to the blonde man and smiled softly down at him noting that the color had returned to his cheeks and he had a strong healthy heart beat. She reached out with a free hand and lightly moved a few hairs from his closed eyes so she could get a better look at his face. "Well…hello there handsome."

She reached out and gently ran a fingertip down his cheek smiling at the feeling of his stubble on her finger, he would need to shave soon. She glanced over her shoulder as a devious smirk came to her lips and she leaned down placing a soft light kiss on his lips. "A simple little guilty pleasure, forgive me Jaune."

As if responding to her words a small frown seemed to come over his face making her smile more. "I see, well, I'm not sorry." She pulled up the bowl of stew and cleared her throat a little louder attempting to wake him properly. She did her best to hide her voice as well hoping to keep him docile enough to eat before fully surprising him. "Ahem…wakey wakey, I have some food for you here. Just turn your head and I'll feed you."

"Mmm…hmm?" He raised his eyebrows as he began to stir turning his head slightly.

Ruby smirked and took a small spoonful of broth and blew on it to cool it before moving it to his lips. "Shhh, it's alright. Just relax and have some soup, it will help you feel better."

She began to gently feed him spoonful after spoonful, giving him time to chew and swallow all bits of vegetable all of which being done while he kept his eyes close. Finally after a few moments the bowl was empty and he was sitting back a small smile on his lips. "Thank you."

"Of course, after all you need your strength back."

He shook his head and half chuckled. "true…but I feel foolish being stuck in a bed while being fed by…which one are you again?"

Ruby smirked and leaned down placing her lips close to his ear while letting all attempts to hide her voice drop. "Why Jaune…I'm hurt you don't remember me. It hasn't even been a full two days." She then placed another soft kiss against his cheek with a small giggle.

His eyes snapped open and he inhaled to yell but a soft hand clamped down on his mouth with an iron grip silencing him. His heart raced as he breathed heavily through his nose while his eyes snapped about looking for ways to escape before finally locking onto Ruby's silver orbs. She gave him a wink and playful smile while tilting her head to the side. "Hello."

Jaune cried out as loud as he could but the force of her hand on his mouth allowed no sound to escape. He pulled his hands out of the sheets and grasped at her arm attempting to push her off but her unnatural strength was relentless. She reached out with her other hand and took hold of his wrist pushing it down while still leaning over him. "Shhh, shh, it's alright. It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you."

He continued to thrash a bit but she continued to speak softly to him and move her hand from his wrist to run her fingers through his hair. "Shh, shh, it's alright, breathe, just breathe. Settle now…you're alright."

Finally he began to relax and lay still under her hold, his eyes wide and his breath coming in still slightly rapid breaths. "I'm going to pull my hand away now Jaune. If you scream, if you yell I'll be forced to harm those nice knights outside this tent. I don't wish to do that but I will do what I must...so the choice is yours. Do you understand?"

"Mmmhmm." He nodded his head the best as he could which made her smile that much larger.

Ruby gently pulled her hand back and rested it in her lap as she sat back and stared at him. She watched him carefully as he eyed the tent flap then darted back to her. Finally after a few minutes of silence he spoke. "…Why..?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you here?"

Ruby smirked and reached out lightly touching his chest. "I told you before, you're my pet. You belong to me and my brood. I won't let you be taken from us. We care about you too much to let that happen."

He tried to pull away from her touch a scowl coming to his face. "Your brood nearly killed me. I was bleeding out."

She sighed and nodded while crossing her arms. "Yes, that is true. It is unfortunate that Nora fell to the effects of the phase of the moon which caused her to lose control. To be honest with you, she is extremely upset and worried for you. When you return she will most likely refuse to leave your side. You've made quite the impression on her."

"What makes you think I'll come back."

She lets out a small sigh. "I'm sorry, did I give the impression that you had a choice? It's like I said before Jaune, we own you. You belong to all of us and as such your place is by our side."

"I could still yell, and then it'd be you versus all of them…they have you out numbered."

Ruby rolled her eyes. "Intimidation tactics? Jaune you should know those won't work on me. I could dispatch all of them with ease but I'm not alone. Pyrrha is here…as is Yang…and Winter."

He deflated a bit a scowl forming. "Am I really that important to all of you to put forth such effort? It seems to be overkill."

She smirked and ran a tongue over her fang. "Never underestimate just how important you are to someone Jaune. Why do you think I am here myself? You mean quite a bit to us and clearly I don't wish to kill the knights otherwise you would be back at the manor by now. Now…be a dear and co-operate with me. Just tell the knights you're comfortable with Winter and I taking over your care and all will be well."

"And you'll let them live…no one has to die?"

She nodded. "I give you my word."

He hesitated. If he agreed the knights would be safe, if he didn't they could be killed. What about his freedom though…what about his family? When would he get the chance to run again? He gave it as much thought as he could before looking back over at her and opened his mouth to speak.

-To be continued.

Authors Notes:

Hey guys, how's it going? I hope this chapter finds you well. I apologize for the time it took to get this out but I can't balance everything as much as I'd like and money making activities have to take priority.

As always I really appreciate your thoughts and comments and I hope that you continue to show the love by commenting.

So what do you think? What is going to happen? Will Ruby's plan fail, will it succeed? Will the knights be safe or will Winter be forced to make a terrible choice? Will the rest be captured or killed? Post your thoughts.

As always thank you again. I hope you have a good day.

-Grev