"Yang… We have a lot to talk about."
The phrase was followed by a long moment of silence. Yang stared into the woman's violet eyes, her mind making the connection instantly, yet she refused to believe it.
Weiss looked from one to the other, having not even the slightest idea of what was transpiring, but knowing it was better to not interrupt. Qrow seemed uncomfortable with the situation, but he kept his gaze focused on Cinder, who was still trying to regain her senses on the ground.
Before anything could be said, the sound of a pair of footsteps and a cane hitting the ground reached them. Ozpin appeared beside Qrow, his eyes fixed on Cinder. Glynda followed close behind him, gripping her wand tightly, ready for any sign of trouble.
"How interesting." The headmaster said casually. "I don't quite know who you are, but you've caused some trouble already, haven't you?" His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Qrow, help me get her to our cells. Fill me in on the way."
Qrow nodded and stepped near Cinder, gripping her by the arm without warning. She didn't protest at all, letting herself be dragged up. There was no sign of emotion in her face; it was like she had shut down completely.
The scythe-wielding Huntsman led her away, and Ozpin and Glynda followed him. Weiss watched them go silently, glaring furiously at Cinder's back. When they were gone from her sight, she looked back at Yang.
"I'm going to check on Blake and Ruby." She said softly. "…Be safe…"
"Thanks, Weiss." The blonde replied, not even looking at her friend.
Weiss gave the stranger one last careful glance, then walked towards the school.
Even now that they were alone, neither could muster the will to speak up. The stranger's face reflected many feelings: sadness, frustration, fear. Yang, on her part, was in too much shock to talk.
"Do you…" The swordswoman finally said. "Do you know who I am?"
"Raven. Yeah." Yang muttered. "I… I always dreamed of this day… The day I got to meet my mother." Her eyes flashed red for a split second. "Why am I not happy?"
"You're angry, I understand. Let me explain-"
"Why did you leave me?!" The blonde interrupted, her hands curling into fists without her noticing.
Raven flinched. She had survived years of hardship and isolation. She had faced swarms of Grimm, the vilest of men, and came out unharmed. Yet nothing had prepared her for this – her own daughter's ire.
"I had to leave. I didn't want to, but someone had to." She said, knowing that explanation would never be acceptable. "I wanted so badly to be with you, but we're talking about the lives of thousands of innocent people. It was never a choice, Yang."
"Don't say my name. Y-you have n-no right-" Yang paused, too shaky to speak properly.
Raven saw the glimmering of tears and reached a hand forward, only for Yang to step back, then turn around and take off in a sprint, not saying another word. Her mother closed her eyes, finding the sight too painful to look at.
Weiss stood near the doorway to the infirmary room, feeling helpless for one of the few times in her life. Blake was lying down on one of the beds, her face constantly contorting into grimaces as the pain of her wounds flared through her body. Meanwhile, Ruby was almost a blur as she paced around the room, not uttering a single word.
After what felt like a century, the heiress's nerve broke and she got in her partner's way and held her by the shoulders. Ruby squirmed, trying to break free from her grip as if her life depended on it, but Weiss held firm.
"Ruby." She called worriedly. "Ruby, you dolt, just stop!"
The redhead looked at her, her body slowly coming to a halt. At the same time, tears flooded her eyes. Without thought or consideration, Weiss embraced her, laying a hand on the back of her head comfortingly. Ruby buried her face on her partner's shoulder and sobbed quietly.
"It's okay, Ruby." Weiss whispered, feeling very inadequate for the task of comforting her leader. She didn't know if crying was good or bad – she had never been in such a position before. "It's okay. I'm here. Blake's here. You just need to stay calm."
Ruby's crying didn't intensify, so Weiss assumed she at least hadn't done anything wrong. The heiress continued to hold her partner, shooting Blake a discreet look as the faunus tried to hide her pain.
Finally, Yang entered the room, visibly shaking and with tears trailing down her cheeks. One look at Ruby, though, and she wiped them off and took her from Weiss' arms to hold in her own.
The heiress sighed in relief and gave Blake a shaky smile, but the faunus was in too much pain to reply in any way whatsoever.
"She'll be okay, right?" Yang asked worriedly.
"Yeah, the nurses said there was no permanent injury." Weiss told. "But she'll be in bed for a week, just to make sure her Aura heals her properly."
"Well, that's one good thing." The blonde sighed. "Compared to everything else, at least."
Ruby retreated from Yang's hug, her shoulders still shaking and taking heavy breaths, but much calmer than before. She looked at each of her teammates silently, then shook her head.
"Okay. Cinder's evil." She stated, more to herself than anyone else. "Evil. Okay."
"That's putting it rather simply." Weiss said. "We have no idea who she actually is, right? Evil might not even make justice to-" She paused, realizing that was probably not the most sensible approach to the situation. "Cinder's evil."
"I always knew it." Yang muttered. "Should have trusted my sisterly instincts…"
Despite the severity of the matter, the three found a weird type of peace in their agreement – until Blake spoke up.
"She's… She's not evil."
"Blake, her friend almost maimed you. She's with the White Fang – and whatever view you have on it, we all know they're not good company." Yang pointed out.
"She's- She's not with them!" Blake winced, determined to get through the pain so she could finish what she had to say. "We – Cinder and I – we were going to stop that White Fang plan. She had every chance to get rid of me before it. Not evil."
"Wait, what?!" Her partner almost shouted, her eyes turning red in her anger. "You knew she was a criminal and you didn't tell us? Are you insane?! She was dating my little sister!"
"She's not-"
"I trusted you, Blake." Yang interrupted, her voice barely audible.
She turned to the door and walked away, dragging Ruby gently by the arm. The redhead looked back at Blake, and the look on her face – so hurt – cut even deeper than Yang's anger.
Blake looked at Weiss, searching for any sign of understanding, but the heiress betrayed no emotion.
"I'm sorry." The faunus muttered.
"I know." Weiss said quietly. "You'll be okay alone, right?"
"…Yes." Blake lied, not wanting to make her teammate even more miserable.
Weiss nodded coldly and walked away.
Blake closed her eyes, wishing she could just sleep and never wake up again.
"So, for how long have you known there was a dangerous criminal infiltrated in my school?"
Qrow answered Ozpin's pointed question with a wolfish grin, even as he shook Cinder a bit too forcefully in front of him. They entered an elevator up Ironwood's tower, where she would be held prisoner.
"Some time." He said. "Didn't know much, though. Raven isn't exactly the sharing type."
"Clearly she isn't." Glynda agreed bitterly, following them inside the elevator. "I thought she was dead."
"Well, it's supposed to be that way. Secret mission, you know?"
"Humph."
Cinder's eyes flashed with anger, her showing emotion for the first time since her capture. The way they were talking so nonchalantly while taking her to prison woke an old fury in her. She was Cinder Fall, not some lowly robber – she could burn them to a crisp with the flick of a wrist!
Somehow, Ozpin must have noticed her agitation, for he gripped her by the back of her clothing and lead her forward forcefully out of the elevator.
"Meet me back at Beacon." He ordered calmly. "I can handle her the rest of the way."
"Stay safe, sir." Glynda said, knowing better than to argue with her boss. He could be as stubborn as a mule when he wanted to.
Qrow stepped forward, but she held him before he could exit the elevator. His expression was of obvious displeasure as the door closed and they started to descend.
Almost as soon as they were alone, Cinder broke free from the headmaster's grasp and spun, bringing one open hand in a chop towards his neck. Then she winced and stepped back, holding her aching fingers. Ozpin brought his cane back down and smiled, as if he found her effort amusing.
"Please, Miss Fall, let's be civil here. You're tired, and I'm a skilled Huntsman." He requested. "Even at your best, you would have a hard time defeating me."
"You're awfully arrogant for a headmaster." She said bitterly.
"And you're awfully young for an assassin."
Her fingers still hurt, as if they had collided with something as heavy as metal. She looked towards his cane, taking into consideration how unusual it was that he carried it around everywhere when he was still young. A weapon disguised in plain sight, and he had the speed and skill to repel any of aggression from her. Resisting whatever he had planned for her would be futile.
Cinder lowered her hands and looked away, declaring her surrender wordlessly. To her surprise, Ozpin didn't subdue her, but only stepped beside her while waving for her to follow. She paused for an instant, then went after him.
They were high up in the building – which she assumed was General Ironwood's center of operations in Vale – on a long circular hallway. The wall to the right was made solely of glass, allowing them to see the entirety of the city below.
"Have you ever thought about how many people are living their lives down there?" Ozpin asked casually. "Driving to their jobs, taking classes… Laughing, loving. It's easy to forget there are so many people besides us, and that their lives mean as much as our own."
"No. I've never thought about it." Cinder replied curtly, knowing very well that he was trying to make some sort of point. She might be outmatched in strength and energy, but she wouldn't allow herself to be outsmarted.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with that." The headmaster stated. "I just find the thought fascinating. And, perhaps, a bit disturbing. There is another truth, you see, buried beneath the wonders of this city."
He paused to look through the glass. Cinder stopped too, but kept her eyes trained on her feet, refusing to play along his game.
"Injustice, Miss Fall, is this world's ugliest truth." Ozpin said. "For every student, there is an illiterate. For every businessman, there is a beggar. For every Huntsman, there is a criminal." He paused. "I dearly wished it wasn't so. That one could be whoever they wanted, despite all circumstances. As it is, the flip of a coin at your birth might be all that decides the rest of your life."
Despite her best intentions, she found herself looking through the glass. Even from so high, she could make out the tiny specks of people in the streets, in the parks, moving from one place to another with no great worries on their minds.
"A coin flip. Mere luck." Ozpin looked at her. "Then again, some people believe there is no such thing as luck… Or that we make our own luck."
Cinder said nothing in response. After a moment, she turned her head to face him, her expression cold and distant.
"Are you ready to imprison me, now?" She asked.
"Hmm. Yes, I believe so." He said, and she couldn't tell if he was disappointed by her response to his monologue. "Do you promise to behave?"
"Yes, professor. I would hate to get detention." Cinder grinned.
Ozpin smiled too, then resumed to walk. In the reflection of the glass, he saw Cinder following behind him, looking down at the city somberly.
Glynda was rather quick to part ways with Qrow once they got to the school. Ever since his days as a student, when she taught him, they had had a… rocky relationship, which included several complaints about her not knowing what's doing and him being an arrogant pest. Because of that, he didn't complain at all when she left.
He was planning to see how his nieces were holding up. He didn't know exactly what Ruby's connection to Cinder Fall was (he had a good idea, but he refused to accept it as the truth), but Yang most certainly be either breaking down or breaking everything around her.
Most probably both, he thought.
Still, it wouldn't hurt to call Raven before searching for his nieces. He had enough experience to know not to dive blindly into nasty situations when it came to women.
He wasn't surprised when she didn't answer his call.
Qrow sighed and turned to search for the dorms, only to see Ruby and Yang walking nearby. They were almost glued to each other, and if he were asked which one looked worse, he wouldn't know how to answer.
"Hey!" He called, running to catch up to them. "Girls?"
They stopped walking and turned. Ruby's eyes strayed to his feet, while Yang glared at him sharply.
"So…" Qrow realized it maybe would have been better to stay away from the older sister. "Should I be your punching bag?"
"You knew, right?" Surprisingly enough, Yang's gaze softened, as if she had already burned through all her anger. "You knew about my mother all time."
"Yes, I did. I'm truly sorry, Yang." He said. "I never wanted her to go, but she insisted. You might not know it, but my sister is determined. She… She has a strong sense of duty. It took weeks to convince her to at least let me stay in contact with her."
Yang shrugged. She couldn't make sense of half his reasoning, but she was too tired, emotionally and physically, to interrogate him. That would be a task for another day – when her anger and energy were fully recharged.
Ruby looked up at her uncle, and his heart throbbed. Her eyes were always shining with joy and enthusiasm, no matter the circumstance, but now they were filled with sadness.
"Uncle?" She muttered. "Where are they keeping Cinder?"
"She's… She's in Ironwood's tower." He told.
"Can I see her?"
"I don't think that's a good idea, Little Red." Qrow said hesitantly, not wanting to hurt her feelings, but knowing it was for the best.
"You let my sister see her, or I'll make your face a little red." Yang threatened, mustering back some of her fierceness.
Qrow looked away, tapping his foot warily as he considered his next course of action. Either he let Ruby talk to Cinder, which he was certain would result in her getting hurt, or he refused and leave her feeling bad, possibly resulting in her growing bitter of him.
"You two are the most troublesome nieces a man could ask for." He said. "Come on, kiddos. Let's go before Ironwood gets there to irk us."
"So, you has anything interesting happened out there during the last month? I mean, besides you getting involved with a schoolgirl and breaking her heart. Well, I guess that last part was only today, huh? I am surprised, though, that you chose Red over any of the others. I figured the kitty was more your type, or even the Schnee – that rich, authority image doesn't get you worked up?
Cinder groaned, burying her face on her hands. When all that happened to her was her being imprisoned in a tight metal cage, she was relieved. Incarceration was something she could handle easily. It would have allow her time to think clearly, and maybe she could have convinced her captors that she should be released.
And then Roman discovered she was in the cage next to him, and he started talking. He would have never had the courage to taunt her when they were both free, but now, with both of them behind bars (figuratively. There were no bars in their cages, only a metal door), there seemed to be no end to his blabbering.
"For fuck's sake, Roman." She managed to say, hoping he would hear her through the metal. "I really don't need your shit right now."
"Ooh, watch that mouth." He chuckled. "Stressful day, isn't it? Don't worry, dear, we'll be great friends during our time of trouble. Eventually, I will be rescued, though, and you'll be alone. They're not going to free you, I suppose, considering how you betrayed us…"
The only thing stopping Cinder from trying to melt her way out of the cage was the fact that her escape would put an end to any chance of her being redeemed. For now, the only thing she could do was ignore Roman and wait for someone else to arrive.
"Why Red, though?" He started again. "She's pretty, I'll grant you that much. But her personality and… Ugh, unending cheerfulness… She's just too-" He paused. "Oh, hey. Footsteps!"
Oh, thank the heavens! Cinder screamed mentally, then realized footsteps might not be a good thing for her. Well, it's better than Roman's nonsense.
She was proven wrong when her cage door lowered, revealing Ruby standing in front of it. Her arms were crossed tightly, silver eyes glaring at her. Cinder gulped and shrunk in her seat.
"Ruby." She said quietly. "You… came to see me…?"
"Don't get so happy." The redhead warned, her tone of voice unnaturally bitter. "I'm not here for you. I… I want to know who you are. That's all." She closed her eyes for an instant, and when she opened them again, they were filled with cold anger. "And if you lie to me… I have my scythe right here. There's no one here to help you, and, sincerely, I don't think anyone would really want to stop me. Not even Torchwick, right?"
"Damn, Red." Roman whistled. "I take back everything I said about you."
Ruby didn't divert her gaze from Cinder. The raven-haired girl stared back for a few seconds, then looked away.
"I'm a… mercenary, I guess." She said. "I do… bad stuff, Ruby. Things you'd find abhorrent, so I'd rather not-"
"Say it. Tell me what you do." Ruby ordered.
"Theft, sabotage, infiltration…" Cinder paused. "Murder."
Ruby felt like walking away right then, not sure if she could her stomach could hold. One hand flew to her scythe, and she gripped it so tightly, her knuckle turned white. She took a deep breath, then spoke again.
"And all of that for money?"
"No. Not for the money." Cinder refuted immediately.
"Why, then?" Ruby asked, disgust creeping her voice. "Because you like it?"
"I don't like it!" The criminal exclaimed, jumping to her feet. "I just- I don't know why, okay? It's just what I do – what I did. I'm not that way anymore. Not since-"
"Shut. Up!" The redhead shouted back, tears emerging in her eyes. "You're horrible, Cinder! I can't believe I liked you! I can't…" Her shoulders dropped. "Did you ever actually like me? Or was that just a trick, too?"
"No…" Cinder whispered. "I would never do anything to hurt you, Ruby. I… I love-"
Before she could finish, Ruby slammed her fist against her cage, making its door rise back up, enclosing her in darkness. Cinder heard the flurry of footsteps fading away, and slowly, she dropped to the ground, touching her forehead to the cold floor and breaking into sobs.
Somehow, Adam managed to look even more taciturn than ever as he guided Mercury and Emerald through the hallways of his hideout (as he had called it, refusing to give any more details). He had one hand on his katana's hilt, as if he expected to be assaulted.
Mercury had a cocky grin on his face, happy to finally see what this place was all about. Emerald, however, had a lifeless expression. She made no other action other than following Adam and avoiding collision with any passerby.
Finally, they stopped before a set of dark double doors. Adam looked at them over his shoulder.
"You're about to meet the head of the White Fang, so I recommend you keep quiet and let me do the talking. She won't be happy about Cinder's betrayal. If you as much as annoy her, well…" He shook his head. "Best of luck to you."
He opened the doors and walked in. Mercury and Emerald shared a worried glance, then followed.
To their surprise, they found themselves in a rather luxurious office. To the side were a couch and huge television, as well as a stand filled with the most diverse books. To the other side was a large window, with a vision to the entire city below. It would have been easy to mistake it for someone's home, if it weren't for the desk and chair posted right after the entrance.
A woman was sitting there, reading through a stack of papers absent-mindedly. She had dark hair that fell to the middle of her back and around her shoulders. Her eyes were a rich amber color, which send chills over Emerald's spine when they looked up at her.
The woman's eyes wandered from Emerald, to Mercury, and finally to Adam. They were sharp and dangerous – the three knew that she would notice even the smallest movement of a finger. She stood, not as tall as Adam, but commanding even more presence.
"Welcome back." She spoke, her voice strangely melodious. "I have heard of the White Fang's escapees spreading over the city already… The Force is in scrambles, trying to recapture them. They will never succeed, of course."
"Yes. I wasn't able to get all of them out. The window of time for our move was too narrow. I would say at least eighty percent are free, however." Adam told dutifully.
"A job well done." She gave him a little smirk, then looked at Emerald. "But… I have noticed there is a most important piece missing…"
Emerald gulped, gathering the courage to explain the situation. Before she could, Mercury spoke up, much to her surprise and gratitude.
"Cinder betrayed us. She grew attached to a student, and when the moment of truth arrived… She abandoned us." He said. "I take full responsibility for not taking action before her treason."
"Oh, well. She is a young woman, prone to fall victim to love." The woman shook her head sadly. "And she had such potential…" She walked by Emerald, taking slow steps around her, laying a soft touch on her shoulder. "It is admirable that you stayed loyal to me despite your colleague's leaving. You will be greatly rewarded."
"T-thank you, Miss…" Emerald stammered, desperately trying to deduce the woman's name.
"No Miss. I hate when people direct me with these titles… Call me Mira."
"Thank you, Mira."
The White Fang's leader walked back to her desk and waved them off. The three, even Adam, practically bolted out of the room.
Mira sat on the desk, a somber expression on her expression.
"Such potential…" She raised a hand in front of her face. A flame came to life, hovering above her palm. It burned in several different colors – from red, to yellow, to blue, to violet – then she closed her hand, making it fade instantly. "Extinguished."
END OF ACT I
...
Fuck it, there Acts now, okay? Okay? Okay. This was the first of three. It doesn't really matter, I just think it's cool to have Acts.
Anyway, I hope you guys don't mind the OC. She's the only OC in the whole story, so I'll be surprised if someone's actually bummed out by her inclusion, but hey, you never know.
And sorry for the vagueness of Raven stuff. Her story will be addressed fully, with details and all the care in the world. This just wasn't the chapter for that. Considering last chapter's cliffhanger, I understand if anybody's pissed off.
I'm super excited about your guys opinions on this chapter - particularly about Ozpin's little speech and Mira. And, you know what? Considering this is the end of Act I, I feel like I have to thank you all for being so supportive with the feedback. Whether it be constructive criticism or simple flattery, I love reading through it! And the only way for me to pay you back is by, well, writing more stuff, and then you can give even more feedback. It's a vicious cycle, and everybody wins!
Annoying-Torchwick-sized thanks to everyone who reviewed, followed and favorited Falling Roses Burn Brighter!
-Zeroan