.
Black and White
.
I can't change who I love.
I can't ask you to return my feelings.
But if you did feel the same way,
…
Would it hurt you so much to show it?
.
.
"…"
At the top of a Tower, in the night that cast shadows never-ending, Weiss stared at the back of a fluttering caped figure. Their visage stood stoic against the breeze and the ever-dark horizon. She couldn't have known, couldn't have imagined it back then. Only now, did it seem obvious.
"It's you, isn't it?" Weiss barely whispered.
"…It's meee, who?"
"You're her. The voice that helped me after I ate the poisoned apple. The one who protected me while I slept. And then, you helped me again when Ruby came to wake me up. That was you."
The mysterious figure showed no signs of turning around. Her white hood hid her expression and features.
"Oh. Yeah, that was me," the voice answered.
Weiss paused for a moment.
"…You're Ruby's mother."
"Ahaha~ What gave it away?"
"Why can't anyone find you? Why hide yourself?"
"That's a little bit of an ask. Besides, even if I told you, you wouldn't remember anyway~"
The sudden realization took Weiss by surprise.
That's right! After I woke up, why couldn't I remember you?!"
"That is kind of how dreams work…"
"But! Ruby misses you! She wants to meet you! And… Yang. She feels the same way, I'm sure."
"Oh. Yes, well," Summer's shoulders shifted uncomfortably. "I'm glad to hear that."
Weiss could only continue to stare at Summer's blurring figure. Something told her if she came too close, the woman would disappear into nothing but petals in the wind.
What a beautiful voice, Weiss thought.
It dissipated into the air like moonlight. It filled the void, and then dissipated as quickly as it came. A fleeting nature that didn't seem real…
"Is there no way of letting us know where you are?" Weiss asked.
"Ah. You don't need to worry about that. People will remember where I went off to soon enough. Actually, if anyone finds me too early, it's instant game over for Remnant!"
"What?! What do you mean?"
"Oops. Looks like we're out of time! Tell my daughters I miss them! Not that you'll remember anyway!"
"WAIT! HEY!"
…
…
"WEEEIIIISSSSS!"
"What do you want, Ruby?! I was in the middle of a very important discussion with—!" Weiss jolted awake violently in a hospital bed. "…Where are we?"
"Told you I could wake her up," Ruby puffed her chest out. "Now, free my prisoners!"
"Fine!" Mercury conceded and pushed the units he captured from his side of the board game to Ruby's.
"You, too, Coco! I did it without a kiss this time!"
"It was worth a shot," the girl with sunglasses muttered, returning her captured pieces as well. "Welcome back to the world of the waking—again."
"…Someone care to explain to me WHAT exactly is going on?!"
As Weiss scanned the room, she could see rows of hospital beds set to opposite sides. While a couple of patients crowded around Ruby's to play a board game, the others were filled with more than familiar faces.
"Oh, hey. Morning, Weiss," Jaune waved with a bandaged arm.
"Um, good morning~" Pyrrha joined, while in the middle of feeding Jaune a sliced apple.
"What?"
"Oh, yeah. Pyrrha's alive," Ruby added as an afterthought.
"What?!"
"Hello, again~"
"I said, PYRRHA'S ALIVE!" Ruby shouted at the top of her lungs. "Oh, wait. You were just surprised, not that you didn't hear me. Yeah. Yang and Cinder brought her back to life."
"WHAT?!"
"I said…"
"She heard you!" Emerald shouted from the other bed, immediately regretting her decision. "No more yelling. It's making my head ring."
"Should I ask the nurse for more morphine?" Mercury offered.
"She won't let me have anymore."
"I can say it's for me and hook you up."
"God, yes, do it. What's it gonna cost me?"
"Your fruit jello."
"Done. Get her ass in here."
"—So, glad all of you are so energetic after yesterday's dramatic affairs," a sultry voice permeated the room, and drew everyone's focus.
"Cinder!" Emerald brightened as the young woman stopped at the foot of her bed.
"No more morphine."
"Booo!"
Cinder continued to walk between the patients before stopping at Weiss. A single, amber eye focused on her fellow Maiden. The one previously lost in battle was replaced with a rather dignified-looking eyepatch.
"You and I have important matters to discuss, Weiss Schnee," she clasped her hands behind her in an authoritative manner.
"…I suppose so," Weiss worded warily. "You haven't killed us yet. There must be a reason. Do you want to use me as some sort of political pawn?"
"Actually—"
"I refuse."
Tensions rose immediately, like rising tides. A silence thickened the air.
Cinder gave Weiss a considerate pause, allowing the patient some time to reflect on her next words carefully. Besides suddenly waking in a hospital bed, surrounded by allies and enemies alike, along with a resurrected Pyrrha—Cinder understood it would be enough to make anyone a little…unbalanced.
"I will choose to overlook that just now," the Fall Maiden waved off. "First, let me say I would never dream of making you a pawn. You're far too powerful and individualistic for me to control, and you would prove a better asset if you acted independently. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. At this point in time, it is more imperative that you reactivate the Aegis System."
"…What?"
"The giant force field covering the city, providing safe sanctuary to Atlas' citizens. I'm sure you've heard of it."
"Rrgh!"
Cinder's sleight aside, Weiss asserted the powers of the Winter Maiden. And found to her surprise, she still had access to the Tower's defense capabilities.
"After gaining full control of the Tower, I granted you the same administrative authority you once held— below my own, of course," the woman answered Weiss' question for her. Cinder then, tapped on her electronic ear piece and spoke into it. "How is their response, General?"
The radio cracked.
"Alliance forces are retreating. Your bluff seems to have worked."
"And now, to make the lie—truth. That will be all, Trafalgar. I will see you and Ironwood within the hour."
Cinder tapped the comms off and peered deeply into Weiss. She pulled a nearby chair to sit in, folding her legs over in a professional manner. If the devil themselves wanted to make a deal, Weiss surely thought it would start something like this.
"Despite any personal animosities you may have towards me, I only hold you in the highest esteems. You were truly a worthy opponent. And it is my hope, you will make an even keener ally."
"…"
"Upon being named Queen of Atlas," Cinder emphasized with a gratuitous smile, "I publicly expressed your importance to this nation. And in the backstage, rumors of a Dual Matriarchy have been circulated. The public only awaits your formal acceptance."
Weiss couldn't stop the surprise from showing on her face. Cinder had just suggested they co-ruled Atlas together. Paranoia took rein over her thoughts. She had to figure there was some sort of scheme to it.
Just as Weiss was about to argue or search for the hidden agenda, the leader of the Kingdom leaned forward.
"Surely, you've realized, Weiss Schnee. This is no time to reignite the civil power struggle between us. Although, I could clearly have you erased should you refuse. Finding a suitable replacement, much less controlling the Winter Maiden's Inheritance, would prove more trouble than its worth."
Cinder's smile was so sharp, it could cut glass.
"No. Together, you and I can lead Atlas to a more promising future. You're smart, formidable, and resolved. I have no doubt you would have made an excellent regent for this Kingdom, had I not intervened. But united," she knotted her hands together. "We could be the unstoppable force and the immovable object. Accomplish things only you and I could dream, if done alone."
Cinder gestured to herself, "As Queen".
Then, to Weiss. "And, Queen."
The Fall Maiden watched the gears turning rapidly in the other's head.
"Take your time to digest this information. Think on it, consult your confidants. I await your answer with bated expectation."
"…" Weiss closed her eyes solemnly. "As if I have an actual choice in the matter."
"Hm. I understand the doubts you hold, but in time, you will see I am true to my word. Because deep down, in your heart of practical hearts you know the same truth I do." Her tone went even. "You and I are essential to the Kingdom of Atlas—completely ingrained and irreplaceable."
"…"
"Besides," Cinder added with a wave. "Having you as a puppet would be such a waste. No, I need to put you to work as soon as possible. The Great War resumes, my fellow Queen. I expect you to report for duty in two days and no later."
"I…" Weiss gripped her bedsheets tightly. "…will think on it."
Without waiting further response, Cinder tossed Weiss a white signet ring she specially prepared. It matched Cinder's own char black on her index finger. The ring bore the Schnee family crest embedded with the Fall family's insignia. Its significance was not lost on Weiss.
With her business concluded, Cinder stood and strode out of the hospital ward. Her attention already focused on another call on her ear piece.
Once she was gone, the Winter Maiden gazed down at the piece of jewelry. Her mind trying to absorb the symbol and the weight it carried.
"Unbelievable…" she muttered dishearteningly. "Must she always act like she knows everything?"
""Pretty much."" Emerald and Mercury answered.
"At least we're not dead," Coco commented.
"Unbelievable," Weiss continued to mutter, burying her head in her knees. "This is disgraceful."
"Yeah. You should be grateful," Mercury said.
"No, Merc. She said disgraceful. With a 'dissss'," Ruby corrected.
"Oh. You can make out the difference in that?"
"Weiss does this all the time when she gets embarrassed or really emotional."
"Ruby! Why are you acting so friendly with them?!" Weiss scolded. "Team ENMY corrupted this Kingdom, started a battle between Atlas and the Alliance, and placed a complete sociopath as ruler!"
"Hey!" Emerald took offense. "This Kingdom was already fucked up before we got here, so! Boom!"
"Boom!" Mercury echoed.
"Atlas is doomed," Weiss palmed her face. After a few more agonizing sighs and groans, she leaned back into the recline of her bed. "I suppose I have Yang Xiao Long to thank for all this…"
"Yeah! You do!"
"No, Merc," Ruby corrected him again. "She was being sarcastic."
"Really? I swear, I cannot get a beat on this girl."
"Nah," Emerald joined. "It's just that everything she says sounds so whiny and complainy, you just can't tell."
"Oh, that makes sense. Knew it couldn't have been me."
"And by the way, snow angel. You should be thanking Yang, for like, everything."
Weiss glared at Emerald, but stopped at Ruby tugging on her sleeve.
"You were asleep when they told us. Yang… she made sure the least amount of damage as possible was done."
"What?"
"You idiots were going to fight a war with the Alliance, anyway," Emerald elaborated. "Because we triggered the battle prematurely, everyone's plans got messed up. Both sides entered the battle looking for an excuse to leave it from the get-go. It's why all the soldiers retreated so quickly. DUH!"
"…"
"Yang also made a deal with Cinder," Ruby resumed. "Apparently, there were a bunch of conditions. One of them, was that Cinder would offer to rule Atlas with you."
"Yeah!" Emerald glared. "Yang was the one, who convinced Cinder you were too useful to kill. That she stood a better chance of defeating Salem with the current Winter Maiden alive. Cause of that, killing any of your little friends was also off the table. You're welcome!"
"…Unbelievable."
"I'm starting to think that word doesn't mean what she thinks it means," Mercury commented.
The door to the patient room opened again. This time, to a nurse-cosplaying Neo arriving with a bowl of ice cream.
"Nurse! I need morphine!" Emerald raised her hand. "These assholes are giving me a migraine!"
Neo only shoved more spoonfuls of ice cream into her mouth accompanied by a blank stare.
"Damn it, Neo! Get me Yang or something!"
"Heyo?"
Yang followed in after Neo.
"Yang, go steal me some morphine."
"Is that what the doctor prescribed?" Yang asked with a smirk.
"FUCK what the doctor prescribed! I'm your team leader, and I order you to steal me some pain pills!"
"Okay, okay. Take it easy, Em," she snickered. "I knew you'd want some anyway, so…" With a flick of her wrist, Yang materialized a bottle of pills and tossed it to Emerald. "Now, only take two every—aaaand she just downed the whole bottle. Kay, maybe some private sleepy time would be best. Neo?"
The petite girl nodded and began wheeling Emerald's bed out to a private room. Once they were gone, Mercury threw one of the game pieces at Yang to get her attention.
"Hey, so is the pharmacy closed, or do you have any more hospital presents?"
"Those were placebos, Merc. You didn't really think I was gonna give her a full bottle of painkillers, did ya?"
"I can dream."
"The dream's dead, buddy. Just gonna have to make due with classic R&R—or until Jaune gets his mojo back."
"Hey, miracle touch!" Mercury yelled over to the other bed. "How close till your Semblance is back online?"
"Not soon," Jaune replied flatly.
Mercury motioned for Yang to lean close for a whisper. "You think he's still mad I ate his cereal that one time?"
"Ohhhhh yeah. Totes."
After a small laugh, Yang turned to face Weiss.
"Weiss."
"Yang."
The Winter Maiden took one more glance about the room.
"…Where's Blake? I also don't see Qrow, Raven, or Adam here."
"Qrow's being held nearby." Yang shrugged. "He's fine, Ruby," she added after seeing worry in her little sister.
"As for Blake and Adam…"
.
X
.
(Yesterday, shortly after Pyrrha's revival)
"As much as I'd hate to break this tearful reunion," Cinder rolled her eye at the sight of Jaune weeping into Pyrrha's arms. "I believe we should start cleaning up this mess."
Yang took a cursory glance at the heavily injured bodies of her former teammates.
"Yeah. Also, I'm worried about Em and Merc."
"As am I."
"…"
"…? What?"
"Nothing. Just didn't expect you to come out and say it like that."
"Hmph. Enough of that," Cinder dismissed. "Raven's condition is also a point of concern."
"Neo did her job. Their fight ended the cleanest."
"Yes, but I doubt the replication of Ruby Rose's Magic will imprison her for long. We would do well to confirm her capture as soon as—"
The two Maidens jumped back at the sudden cascade of black miasma flooding the chamber.
"Blake?!" Yang shouted into the fog. "The fight's over! It won't be hard to put you down again, so let's give it a rest! Look, Pyrrha's alive! We should just…"
"NoO!" Blake's distorted voice grew with the mass of shadows. "It'S A TrIcK! pYRHhA'S DEaD!"
"Blake! Stop this now! Your Semblance is getting too close to them!"
"IT's a LIE!"
A giant cat leapt at Pyrrha, when Jaune raise his shield. Blake's teeth engulfed his arm, sinking corruptive substance through his wound. The young man buckled in pain, but then glowed with an argent hue that flickered like a dying light bulb.
"Damn it!"
Yang catapulted forward, only for her punch to whiff through the smoke. Blake reappeared at a distance, her Semblance still billowing around her. Her expression twisted in anguish as she braced the sides of her head.
"It CaN'T be…! PyrHHa iS DeAD!"
"Blake! Get a grip—"
Cinder laid a hand on Yang's shoulder.
"It's meaningless trying to get through," the Fall Maiden stepped forward. "You're there, aren't you? I knew the moment I saw your pet project materialize your Grimoire. So, Blake Belladonna is to be your new vessel?"
Blake stopped rocking back and forth. She stepped out of the fog to reveal tattoos painted across her body. Dark cracks webbed her skin and the whites in her eyes were inked black.
"Is that surprise I detect in your voice, dearest Cinder?" Blake spoke with a different cadence. "Surely, you must have known this would happen, or did the infallible Cinder Fall make such a simple oversight?"
"Salem…" Cinder scowled. "I'm only too pleased you didn't choose Raven, as I had initially predicted."
"You do have a bad habit of overlooking the simple clues, after deciding on an obvious outcome."
"SALEM!" Yang roared.
The sudden rise in temperature made the chamber creak with pressure.
"Ah, yes, the Maiden of Spring. Are you absolutely sure you wish to act on this impulse? Your friends seem to be in awful vulnerable proximity." Blake looked to Ruby, Weiss, and Jaune still injured on the floor. "They ARE still in fact your friends, I presume? No matter how much you hide it or shun it—or earn their deepest ire, it does not bode well to deny it. This latest development just proves that. You cannot change who you love. Isn't that correct, Cinder?"
The two Maidens went silent, contemplating their next move. As if to make sure they didn't find such an alternative, Blake materialized the black tome from the previous battle. From its flipping pages, an unfamiliar emblem projected from it.
"Allow me to retreat with Adam and Raven, or there will be irreversible consequences."
"No deal," Yang answered.
"I must concur," Cinder added.
"There is no shame in acquiescing as small a defeat as this, following such a grand victory," Salem spoke amiably. "With my possession of Blake Belladonna, it would not take much to render this chamber inoperable. Not only that, but killing your friends would be a simple feat. It would require the sacrifice of this vessel, but… I do what I must," Salem revealed a sorrowful expression. "Meet my demands, Cinder. I will not ask again."
"…You may take Adam only."
"Tsk tsk tsk. Oh, dear. Contrary to what you believe, Raven is my willing accomplice. Even should you keep her, you would not be able to hold her. You know this."
Salem's words cut deep. Cinder bit so hard into her bottom lip that it bled freely. She wanted with everything to destroy the one standing in front of her, even it was just a proxy.
"—This changes nothing."
A calm strength swelled at her side.
"This changes nothing, Cinder," Yang repeated. "We'll find her again. And next time, we'll be ready—it just won't be today…"
"…" The Fall Maiden blinked slowly and sighed. "You are correct, Yang. We did not prepare for this particular outcome. One of her best cards has been revealed. There is a bigger game to be won."
"Yeah…"
The two Maidens eased their fighting stances.
"Leave," Cinder snarled. "Begone from my sight, Witch."
Blake gave a lighthearted chuckle.
"Do not be discouraged, young Cinder. I've just been playing this game longer than you have. Well, until we meet again. I bid you farewell, Maiden of Fall and Maiden of Spring."
With a bow, Blake disappeared into the shrinking sphere of smoke.
Upon recovering everyone, they found Raven and Adam gone.
A bitter taste of chagrin left in the back of their thoughts.
.
X
.
"…That's all I came here to say," Yang stood from her chair, after explaining the events that transpired after the battle.
"Yang," Weiss called out to her. Her brow knitted with conflicting thoughts. "I'm sorry I dishonored our duel."
"I think we're way past apologies now."
"But that is all I am sorry for."
"…"
"You caused all this. I understand why you did it. I don't blame you, but I will hold you accountable. This situation, the things you've set into motion, and the damage you've caused—they're also responsibilities of the victor. I can only wonder if a day doesn't come where you won't regret winning. I was prepared for the consequences and the burdens that came with it. Are you?"
They stared in tense silence for a moment, before Yang chuckled.
"Heh! You're trying way too hard to be the good loser, Weiss. All I did was whatever the hell I wanted. There's nothing to regret for me."
"…"
Just as Yang was making her way through the door, she stopped. Her expression etched in stone.
"Accept Cinder's deal, Weiss. We don't have time to waste fighting you. I'd rather put my fist through Salem's face than yours. Blake needs my help, and so do both my moms. If you do anything to stop me again, I swear, I'll end you the next time. That's a promise."
As Yang moved into the hallway, she took a stuttering breath to settle her nerves.
"—Are you alright?" a concerned voice asked.
"Yeah. I'm good," Yang replied to the woman. "How's Qrow?"
"He's agreed to speak with you."
"About time. Hey, before you go in there, you should probably take it a little easy on her."
"Did you?"
"No, but we're not friends anymore. All love lost between us."
"…"
"See ya around." Yang passed.
"…Yes. Around," the other responded promptly, before entering the patient room.
The woman strode to Weiss' bed with spotless military form.
"Weiss."
In the wake of the visitor's curt greeting, Weiss froze still. Her already pale complexion grew paler. The sight alone made her heart stop beating.
"I see your recovery is proceeding well," the woman resumed. "Do you require anything? Water, medicine, I thought of bringing a get-well gift, but all I could think of was this."
She produced Myrtenaster from her back and laid it across Weiss' lap.
"Uh-buh-wuh!"
"…?" the woman tilted her head. "Have your injuries impaired your speech?"
"WINTER?!" Weiss screamed.
There, standing before the Weiss, was her sister, Winter Schnee.
"Yes. I've recovered from being bedridden," Winter's harsh expression softened into a smile. "I understand I've been asleep for some time. You must have been worried, even if you shouldn't have."
"BUT—! HOW?!"
"How do you think?"
Weiss blinked repeatedly with tears in her eyes. Her emotions had taken repeated heavy blows in the last hour alone. It was enough to offset anyone's reactions.
"Yang," she muttered. "She…?"
"Yes. She played a significant part in my recovery. On that note," Winter moved to her sister's bedside with an *ahem*.
A firm chop came down on the younger sister's head.
"OW!"
"You boob! What's this I hear about you severing relations with your comrade, attempting to kill her, all for the sake of avenging my injuries?"
"BUT! But—She tried to kill you!"
"It was war, Weiss. She and I stepped onto the battlefield knowing our lives could be forfeit at any given moment, or that we would have to take it. Do not bring your personal feelings into an outcome that is empty of any singular person's fault. If it was not Yang, it could have easily been another. Such is the nature of war."
"But…! But!" Weiss refused to listen. "I can't forgive her. I just… can't. Even if she did help you. She tried to kill you knowing exactly what it meant."
"Hm, this is true—" Winter nodded. "But also, only part of the whole."
"What do you mean?"
"I am saying Yang Xiao Long was indeed aware of the severity in her actions. But as I'm also familiar with, the Reaper Semblance does tend to skew one's perceptions and behaviors."
"Winter, what are you talking about?" Weiss asked.
"And from what I saw, the Battle of Dracul was the first instance Yang awakened its true nature. A rampant bloodthirst, followed by a knee-jerk response to releasing such aggression of newfound power. It is simply the way events unfolded, I suppose."
"Wait, I don't understand!"
"I witnessed something similar in the past. Tragedy tends to haunt the Branwen line. Not to say Yang Xiao Long is absolved of guilt. We must all bear the weight of our actions…" Winter flashed a deep sorrow at the thought. A deep memory played there. "But there is a pain, a suffering we will never understand. They are born thinking they are cursed—"
Winter rubbed her arm uncertainly.
"And sometimes, due to those around them—"
"—They may end up believing it."
.
X
.
"We're cursed, aren't we?"
"What? You just getting that now?" Qrow replied.
In the surprisingly luxurious cell made to confine preferentially treated prisoners, Yang and Qrow spoke at length. Rather than a cell, it resembled a penthouse suite at a five-star hotel. Accommodations included a lavish bed and furniture, a shelf full of books to read from, and even a television set. There was also a large window, though, extremely reinforced and inoperable.
But the only thing Qrow cared about was—
"Kid, tell me you brought something to drink with you."
"I did," Yang replied shortly.
"So?"
"So, you need to listen to what I have to say—sober."
"Goddamn it, Yang!" Qrow grasped at his disheveled hair. "Do you know what withdrawal does to a person? You think I'm in a real state of mind to listen to anything?!"
"Maybe not… Or maybe I just wanted you a bit tender for it."
"Taking sadist lessons from your new friend, I see."
"This is the cartoon version of what I had in mind. You can thank Cinder for that."
"…"
Yang could feel Qrow's Reaper Semblance reliving a thousand scenarios she could die. There was no way to block it out, no way to lose himself elsewhere. And she thought, this was probably the most vulnerable she'd seen him.
"You've been lying to Ruby her whole life."
"…"
"Doesn't matter if she knew the truth. You pretended to be her Uncle and her teacher, and took every chance to run off when you thought you were getting too close. I don't even remember how many times, when things were going so nice for you guys, you suddenly had some 'Huntsman' business to take care of. But Ruby never blamed you. She did everything to grow into the daughter you could be proud of, while you were busy putting up your damn walls."
"What I did was to protect her!"
"Just like how mom lied to all of us?!"
Qrow was seething with rage. His usual control over his emotions was absent with his forced sobriety.
"I don't care if it's a low blow," Yang crossed her arms. "Can you actually say your lies were for the better, after learning that mom's been alive this whole time? You need to set things straight with Ruby. She deserves it… And I guess you do too, a little."
"Ruby doesn't need another father in her life. She has Tai."
"People can have two dads, Qrow! Stop trying to look for a way out of this."
"I guess thanks to you, I don't."
"…I said what I wanted. If you want to keep playing the stubborn old man, then that's that."
"…" Qrow turned a stern stare towards her niece. "So, you've stopped me from synchronizing with Oz. Again."
"Yeah," Yang frowned. "After seeing what happened with Blake, I can't help but think I made the right call."
"You don't understand. We need Oz."
"No, it's you who doesn't understand. Neither of you."
Something in Yang's demeanor pierced Qrow's physical form. She spoke to her Uncle, but also to the one taking residency in his body.
"I don't know what you've seen, and I don't pretend to. But you've lost all faith in people."
"…"
The red gleam in Yang's irises burned with anger.
"I've seen what this secret war between two immortals is doing. You'll never beat Salem. And now, it's longer up to you! It's the responsibility of the people who live in the here and now to decide what happens to our world!"
Yang grabbed Qrow by the collar.
"You guys have played your game for the last time. WE are gonna be the ones to end it." Yang shoved a flask into Qrow's chest. "Ruby's going to come around eventually. You better milk that for all its worth, cause you won't be getting any more."
She let go and breathed a long exhale to cool her anger.
"I am close friends with the Queen. Comes with a few perks. One of them being, the ability to force a stubborn old man to talk to his daughter, at least once."
"—What do you plan to do next?"
Yang narrowed her brow. The verdant green of another shone in her Uncle's soul.
"…I think you already know."
As Yang was about to leave, she caught the flask thrown at her. When she turned around, Qrow was massaging the bags under his eyelids, looking for a book to keep him occupied. She had second thoughts about keeping alcohol away from him, but banished the thought.
Yang left the facility, while gritting her teeth. Her hands dug into her pockets, while she made her moody brisk walk across the courtyard. She wanted to find Neo as soon as possible. Her partner always set her at ease, or at least made the bitter times more bearable.
...
"…I don't know if I'm in the mood for this right now. And shouldn't you be resting?"
"—I need to know."
Yang thought about refusing, before motioning to a nearby bench. The two then, sat under the chill Atlesian sky. They could see the slight rippling of the Aegis System's shield above. The sun shone through, like some beacon demanding truth in its plainest.
Yang hated it with something vitriol today.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Jaune asked after a time. "Why didn't you tell us you were trying to revive Pyrrha?"
"…"
"The things I said—"
"You meant them. They were the truth, and nothing changes that. It's fine. No hard feelings."
"Yang… Tell me why."
"You're a big boy, Jaune. Plus, I'm sure you spent a lot of time thinking about it already. Unless Pyrrha distracted you that much."
Jaune stared at her, but Yang only continued to look towards the sky, trying to get lost in the passing clouds. He drew a deep breath.
"You wanted to take the decision out of our hands," he finally said.
"…"
"You knew, if you told us the truth, we would've had to fight Weiss. We would've helped Cinder take over Atlas. A lot of people would have to…"
His voice trailed off at the sight of rising smoke. They came from crashed airships on the outskirts. It was only a couple days since the battle between Atlas and the Alliance took place. Wounds were still fresh from the war's visit to this Kingdom. The sight still burned vividly in the memory of its citizens—and those who fought.
"You wanted to spare us the guilt."
Yang remained silent, which all but confirmed Jaune's suspicions.
"Yang, I don't know how I can—I don't know what I can do."
"Why would you do anything?"
"…?"
"You're super off, by the way. I didn't tell you guys, 'cause it wouldn't have made a difference. And there's no way you would've fought Weiss, even for Pyrrha's sake. You'd have thought Cinder was lying in the first place."
"Yang…" Jaune could only respond, in the face of the obvious lie. "I wish there was some way—"
"You really want to owe me, Jaune?" Yang asked with a sting in her tone. "Don't ask me about this ever again. Just be happy Pyrrha's alive. Now, if we're done, I got things to do." She stood from the bench and began walking off.
Jaune was about to go after her, when the sound of breaking glass stopped him in his footsteps. Neo appeared from behind, holding the point of her parasol underneath his chin.
"I'll tell you the same thing I told Weiss," Yang said without turning around. "I don't regret anything. Not a single thing…"
Neo let Jaune go before following after her partner.
…I just feel everything.
.
X
.
"…Are you sure we should be allocating so much of our resources in the shorter term? I understand the intent, but with this plan, Atlas runs the risk of experiencing a depression some years down the line."
"To ensure Atlas exists to the end of this year, drastic measures must be taken," Cinder answered.
The Queen looked down the length of the table and saw no more opposition. She scanned the papers in front of her and swore she saw the letters run into another.
"That will be all for today, ladies and gentlemen. Any other matters will have to be tabled until tomorrow's discussions."
One of the members of the Board was about to object, when Trafalgar intervened.
"Her Majesty has only recently ascended to her position as sovereign. Before that, she took part in the defense of our home against the Alliance. I think it would do well not to tax her so heavily, so soon."
"I am well-acclimated to working under less than ideal conditions, General," Cinder responded.
"We know that very well, ma'am. What I said was not to undermine you. It was to emphasize that you are still human, and the fact that you are this Kingdom's leader means it lives and dies with you. Your fatigue is this nation's fatigue. Its health reflects your health. Therefore, it is paramount to prioritize your condition."
"…"
A smart one, this Trafalgar. He will prove extremely useful.
"Meeting adjourned," Cinder called the conference to an end.
When the members of the cabinet filtered out, Cinder turned down the lights. She stared at the windows pensively, not to the outside, but at her own transparent reflection. Her greatest battle took place two short days ago, yet there was only so little time to rest. As Raven taught her, the next battle was always waiting.
"—Should you really be out and about so early from the hospital?" Cinder heard Trafalgar's voice outside.
"I'm in fine health, General. I cannot rest easy, not when our Kingdom stands at such a crucial juncture," a familiar voice replied.
"Hmmm. Though I may not be in a position to say this myself, it would do well for you two to take the time you need to recover and avoid overwork. Much rests on both your shoulders."
"And what exactly would that imply?"
"Nothing, Miss Schnee. Only my hopes that the rumors of a second queen would be true."
"…That will be all, General."
With the end of their conversation, Weiss entered the conference room.
"He's a clever one, that Trafalgar," Cinder commented.
"My teacher is well-versed in adapting to new situations and acting accordingly."
"Do you think we should give him more responsibility, then?"
"'We'?"
"Yes, of course. Let us continue this charade of you possibly refusing my offer."
Weiss didn't rise to Cinder's bait but joined her in facing the window. The patient, who recently snuck out of the hospital, still had bandages peeking outside her dress. Compared to their talk a few hours ago, the Winter Maiden was much more composed and steady.
It seems the student demonstrates the same adaptiveness as her teacher, Cinder thought.
"I wish to know your reasons before going further," Weiss told her. "Clearly, you could force me into a subordinate role, but instead offer me a position of equal power. I understand you made a deal with Yang, but does it really compel you to such extents?"
"Would it ease you to be given a less integral role?" Cinder asked teasingly. Taking Weiss' silence as her answer, Cinder continued. "No, I thought not. To answer your question, only as an equal would you be able to draw out the fullest measure of my potential. The same can be said vice versa, of course."
"Your potential?"
"Indeed. Let me make one thing clear. While Yang may have suggested keeping you alive under my rule—it was my own decision to make you Queen." Cinder materialized a poor obsidian dagger and began sharpening it.
"…And why in the world would you ever think that to be a good idea?"
"Because I came to an epiphany after meeting Yang." Cinder heated the dagger to more refinement. "Opposition hones one's self, not only by her enemies' hands, but also her allies'. My growth would not be as extensive without the consulting perspectives of my confidants—especially in their disagreements."
Cinder handed Weiss the glass blade, still glowing hot.
"I have no need of subordinates who simply bend to my will. I require equals with abilities and principles different from my own, to provide balance and completeness in vision. Yin and Yang. Black and White."
Weiss took the hot knife and chilled it to complete form. She peered into the reflection in its blade.
"…I have a few conditions before accepting my position," Weiss said.
"I figured as much. Name them."
"You've taken control of my family's company during my absence. I want it returned. I also want you to relinquish your stranglehold on this Kingdom's economy."
"Easily done. You may keep your company. I've never possessed much of a business acumen, nor has money ever interested me. Such a false sense of wealth and power." Cinder examined her nails in thought. "You may oversee the economy going forward, but I expect you to support me as director of all affairs military. The S.D.C. will no longer own the Atlesian Fleet from the shadows."
"…Fine."
"We have other matters to sort, but for the time being—I take it you've accepted my offer?"
"Yes. We may come to terms," Weiss spoke evenly.
"Very well, then. I look forward to working with you, my White Queen." Cinder extended her hand.
There was only a brief delay before Weiss shook it. The Winter Maiden turned the glass dagger in her other hand and handed it to the other.
The Black Queen turned the weapon in a similar manner.
"Hm. Well-balanced."
.
X
.
Seeing Yang and Neo wrapped in each other's arms, sleeping soundly in the living room of the Mantle Mansion—Cinder decided to leave the two to their own.
As she wandered the vast estate, she entertained the idea of visiting Emerald and Mercury, but quickly dismissed it. They needed their rest and, although she reached a new level of transparency with them, exposing her loneliness was out of the question.
Deciding that sleep was the best option, she entered a private sector of the house. It was a place that held special meaning. A room Raven once stayed in…
…
"Now, this is a pleasant surprise," Cinder grinned.
"You really shouldn't wander around by yourself without any guards."
"I remember you saying something similar in the past."
She walked over and sat on the bed, close to Raven. Her old mentor gave a weary sigh.
"Your guard is down."
"I wasn't aware it needed to be ready. Or are we playing that kind of game?"
"You always had a bad habit of playing with fire."
"And you always had a habit of playing with pretty little sharp things. A taste your daughter seems to have acquired."
Raven scoffed at that.
"Will you be staying the night or..."
"Business, Cinder."
"Before pleasure?"
Raven took Cinder's chin and locked in her eyes.
"Take off your dress."
"No foreplay?"
Raven turned her around and forcefully untied the dress from behind. There, she saw a large scorch mark with the remnants of what was once a tattoo.
"You burned it…" Raven said half-impressed and half in disbelief.
"I had an idea what it was," Cinder answered. "It appeared after I took the Fall Maiden's Inheritance. Care to enlighten me?"
"It was Salem's mark. Proof you've used her Magic." Raven turned her around in anger. "You were lucky. You didn't know, but you would've been Salem's vessel if you didn't make that guess. It was still stupid to rely on her in the first place."
"If you were around, maybe it wouldn't have come to that," Cinder said with a slight hurt in her voice.
"Stop being so stubborn. How many times do I have to repeat myself? I did what was best for both of us. You will always live a better life without me!"
"And how many times have I told you, I never cared?! I wanted a life with you?!"
The two were about to exchange another string of angry words, when they realized they should be quieter.
"You never came to see me," Cinder said softly.
"I'm here now, aren't I?"
"You didn't come for me, when I was trapped in the Never Realm."
"…"
"You didn't come for me, after I was revived by your daughter."
"…"
"You didn't try to find me, when I returned to Atlas."
"…"
"Only at my most powerful, when I need you least, do you show yourself."
"…That's right."
Cinder's Aura materialized into falling ash. Her anger and sorrow surged, prompting its emergence.
"Why, Raven? Why didn't you come for me?!"
"I have no excuse."
"You love me! SO, WHY?!"
"I don't."
"You're lying!"
"You don't know anything! YOU'RE NOTHING, BUT A CHILD! I took advantage of you and made you dependent! I reciprocated something I shouldn't have, and that was a mistake!"
"You can't hide from what you truly feel."
"There's only one person I ever loved. And she wasn't you."
Seeing the pain cross Cinder's expression caused Raven to get up and fall into the nearest chair. The older woman felt an unbearable guilt by the time the words left her lips. Emotions always ran high when Cinder was involved—as well as a persistent headache. She said so many things she never meant. This girl Raven met as a child and raised into a young woman.
On her long personal list of reasons to hate herself, this was one of the more prominent.
"…I tried to find you," Raven admitted.
"I know."
"I tried to kill the previous Spring Maiden myself."
"I know."
The older woman stared at her wide-eyed.
"You knew I tried to save you?!"
"I knew," the Fall Maiden spoke with a bitterness. "I wanted to torture you a little. How does it feel to be on the receiving end?"
Raven scratched her head in frustration. When she was ready to yell more, Cinder straddled onto her lap.
"I can see it. You wish I loved another," Cinder bent down. "You think you aren't worth loving, because you're cursed. Broken, even."
"…"
"What a foolish sentiment." Cinder weaved her hands through Raven's hair, and then held her face in her palms. "Even if such a thing were true, I can't change who I love…"
She planted a teary kiss on the other's lips.
"I can't ask you to return my feelings. But if you did feel the same way…Would it hurt you so much to show it?" Cinder pleaded.
"…It would."
Raven pulled Cinder down by her wrist, and pressed her into the bed.
"It would."