Disclaimer: Here we go.
Blake could feel the frown tugging at her lips despite trying valiantly not to be offended or disappointed. When she'd come up with the idea, she'd acknowledged that it might not be as well received as she hoped. Still, she'd thought it would at least go over well enough that the Snow Spirit wasn't tempted to laugh in her face. The situation being what it was, though, that looked like it was very close to being a reality.
"Oh, don't pout," Weiss said, though the hints of laughter hiding in her tone did nothing to improve the Black Cat's mood. "They're just a little scared-"
"But I wasn't trying to scare them." Her ears drooped with her shoulders. "At least, not this time."
"The elves are a hardy bunch. They'll come around."
The condolence did little to soothe her embarrassment, heat rising in her cheeks as golden eyes scanned the street, which was mostly cleared out now. While she had expected shock and surprise at revealing her gift to Christmas Town, she hadn't expected to send every creature scurrying for the nearest door. She could see some of them peeking out through the windows but none dared enter the street again, at least not while the cluster of spiders was still struggling through the snow. They were smaller ones, able to make the journey lining the pockets of Blake's coat, but while their size didn't mean they were sucked into the ankle deep snow covering the streets of Christmas Town, it did slow them down considerably. Given how much the denizens of Christmas Town enjoyed hanging strings of lights and garland from every surface, the Black Cat had thought they would appreciate the little creatures, seeing as their webs were just as enchanting to her.
It belatedly occurred to her that nothing in the white plane had eight legs, though, so it was probably a little strange for her to suddenly have a hundred or so of the creatures pouring from her pockets with no warning.
The light touch on her elbow brought her gaze around to meeting calm, blue eyes dazzling with amusement. "For what it's worth, I think it was very thoughtful of you."
Her ears twitched. "You're just saying that."
"You brought them because you thought they could help decorate, right?" Weiss laughed, pointing towards a handful of the cluster that managed to find their way to a streetlamp and were already getting to work covering it in a dazzling pattern that caught the lightly falling snow. "They're doing just that. Is there anything I can do to make their stay more comfortable?"
"They... probably won't like staying outside all the time." Her ears lifted as did her spirits. Perhaps, in time, the woman would be proven right and the elves would come to accept their eight legged helpers with the same cheer they showed the polar bears. "Somewhere dark and warm would be nice."
"I think I know just the place. I can show you." The Snow Spirit held out her hand, her smile widening slightly. "In fact, I think it's long past time that I do."
Time. The simple word had a whole new meaning to the Queen of Halloween now. A handful of weeks ago, time was like a marsh she waded through every day, the sludge climbing higher and making each day worse, a constant reminder than she would need to continue bearing it if she didn't want to be drug under. However, her chance encounter with Weiss had completely altered her perception. There weren't enough hours in the day for all the things she wanted to do, yearned to do- there was a never-ending, open ended list sitting on the desk in her study that served as a testament of all she wished to accomplish. It wasn't a matter of energy or motivation anymore; those she had in spades. The Mayor reported to her just the other day that they were at least a month ahead of their schedule, and rather than bargaining for the time away from Halloween Town until she was needed again, Blake encouraged him to add more to the schedule. She wanted the next time they crossed into the mortals' plane to be bigger, better, so that she could hopefully give her companion the best showing of what made them so necessary for the Humans.
Slipping her hand into Weiss', Blake allowed a smile to grace her lips, setting aside her embarrassment over the not-so-great reveal of her present to Christmas Town. If the Snow Spirit wasn't concerned about it, then she would put her faith in the woman, just as she never worried when the flurry of snowflakes engulfed her, whisking her away to some other part of the town. It wasn't quite like jumping through shadows but that didn't matter; it felt just as secure, just as soothing. When the swirling snowflakes finally died down, she opened her eyes to find Weiss before her, the two standing before the large building at the town's center, in front of the tallest tree. It wasn't much of a surprise, of course, but there was still excitement stirring in her chest as the twenty-foot-tall doors began to swing open and allow them entrance.
Blake fell into step beside her companion as they entered the large hall, a bit surprised to see it so... stark. Given how heavily decorated the rest of Christmas Town was, she expected the interior of the home would match, but it seemed more like the snow covered hills surrounding the town- cold and plain. It wasn't a horrible decorating choice, just... a bit surprising.
"This is where you live?"
"It... is." A shadow passed over the woman's face before she continued. "My Father has lived in this house since the beginning. As each of us came to be, we claimed different wings. Winter took the north wing and Whitley, my brother, took the south. I have the west." She pointed towards an archway, steering them towards it. "Unfortunately, there's only one door. I typically use the window in my quarters but I thought you might appreciate the proper way, at least the first time."
"I don't see why-" Her ears flicked as a rush of cold air sped past her, a prelude to Winter appearing before them, her gaze just as sharp as the first time the Black Cat had seen her. "Never mind."
"Weiss. You've decided to visit, I see." The woman was even more curt than their first meeting, absolutely bristling with frosty anger. "So good to see you again."
"Do you really have to act like this every time I return?" The Snow Spirit seemed only slightly exasperated by the greeting.
She'd mentioned in passing how her father had taken to avoiding her while her sister seemed intent on confronting her at every turn; what these meetings produced- aside from frustration- had never been explained and the Black Cat hadn't prodded out of respect, and a wish not to upset the woman. Although it wasn't her place to interfere, Blake very gently set her hand just above the small of her companion's back, a silent show of support. She wouldn't outright invite King Cold's ire for Weiss' sake but she would do whatever was in her power to let the woman know she wasn't intimidated by her family's brusque nature.
"Considering that only amounts to, what, once or twice a week now, I think it should hardly register that it happens at all." Winter stalked forward, hands clasped behind her back. Her movements were stiff, either from the freezing cold surrounding her or the things flashing in her eyes, Blake couldn't be sure. Either way, the Queen of Halloween remained unwavering, ready to defend herself if need be. She almost wished it would come to that; confrontation was a part of fear, of the terror she so often spread, and far easier to deal with than watching someone treading the line between concern and respect and being forced to guess on which side each comment fell. "But while we're on the subject, are you planning on sticking around this time? We're almost into the height of the Season-"
"And I will be remaining in Christmas Town more often until its passed." The Snow Spirit cut in smoothly, unconcerned with her sister's sharpness. "However, seeing as Father removed me from my duties this year, I hardly see how that's any consequence."
"It's the principle of the matter, Weiss." The wind settled as Winter raised both arms, gesturing all around them, to the stark white interior of the home and the decorated streets they'd just left. "This is our time of year to serve our purpose. This is where you're supposed to be."
"And what purpose do I serve now?" The woman met her sibling's gaze evenly. "Father insists that the joy I bring isn't necessary- that I am not needed for the Season to proceed smoothly." She shook her head, turning towards the archway she'd indicated earlier. "You've managed before without me, so I don't see what changed."
Blake made to follow but couldn't help shooting the elder sibling a look that was equal parts reproachful and pleading. She might be the visitor and- if the incident earlier was any indication- she likely didn't have a full grasp of Christmas Town, all the nuances that came with the mortal understanding of things like joy and cheer. But, she'd seen her fair share of fights and arguments sparked by misunderstandings, and she recognized when pride prevented sense. All she could hope to do was encourage the North Wind to say what she truly wanted to instead of hiding behind poorly constructed criticisms.
Evidently, something got through.
"Wait." Weiss stopped and turned, expression kept carefully blank despite the conflicting emotions shining in those beautiful blue eyes. Whether or not her sibling could decipher them, Blake certainly could and had to fight the impulse to do what she could to soothe them. "I... I don't think there's enough snow for this year."
"Father was rather adamant that I'd created enough weeks ago," the Snow Spirit said, apparently unimpressed with the assessment.
"He's wrong." The severe line of Winter's shoulders relaxed as her lips pulled into a frown. "He obviously thought he could trick you into coming back to us willingly, but I can tell that something's not right in the mortal realm. The clouds are too heavy and they're not bending to my will as they should. In some areas, my presence is too strong and, others, too weak; the effects are beginning to show. The world is out of balance."
"I'm quite aware of what Father was attempting." The woman acknowledged, pressing her lips into a thin line. "And although I'm loathe to concede defeat, I will try to offset the discrepancy without rousing his suspicion, but that's all I can promise."
"Even knowing what this could mean, you still refuse to budge." Winter shook her head, slightly incredulous. "Our kind have always been stubborn but you've never had the heart to defy him like this before."
"That is true; I used to be too afraid." Weiss turned a little grin on Blake, reaching out for the Black Cat's hand, which was provided quickly. "I suppose my experiences in the other plane have given me a bit of courage."
"I wish I understood the appeal you find in this... Halloween Town." Her gaze flicked to the Black Cat. "No offense."
"None taken," Blake replied, grateful for an excuse to express her dislike for the conversation. Despite how sincere the words sounded, her expression was pinched into one of mild annoyance, ears laying back enough to express her displeasure. She wouldn't start a fight for her companion's sake but neither would she pretend like one wasn't brewing.
"I don't think everyone is meant to cross the planes, honestly," the Snow Spirit said, her voice a little wistful, as if recalling some memory from long ago. "But I've found the perfect guide and I enjoy her company." She paused, lowering her voice slightly, nearly too soft to be heard. "I simply don't see why my happiness must be sacrificed for the sake of his pride."
The cold siblings regarded each other before the elder nodded and turned, making to leave the way she'd come. "I'm not asking for that. I want you to be happy, Weiss, but don't sacrifice your duties for it."
"I am more than capable of balancing my personal pursuits and my responsibilities." The Snow Spirit watched her sister's departure with a small, sad frown on her lips. "If that's where your concern lies, air your grievances with Father; he's stopped listening to me."
"Perhaps I shall." The cold wind began to whip violently, surrounding the other woman as her expression turned thoughtful. "But it won't do any good until you get through to him. It's time you put your courage to use."
When they were alone in the entry hall once more, Weiss attempt to walk away like nothing had happened but stopped short when the Black Cat quickly slipped an arm around her waist, drawing the woman's smaller frame against hers. There was a brief moment when the Snow Spirit stiffened, refusing to return the embrace that quickly enveloped her, but she melted quickly, leaning back and tilting her head until their eyes could meet.
Many words ran through the Queen's head- assurances and promises, with a soft yet firm voice- but she didn't say anything, at least not yet. Instead, she bent her head down, allowing their lips to come together gently. She smiled as Weiss turned in her arms while a flurry of snowflakes appeared, the light drops of them touching her skin nearly pulling a laugh from deep in her chest. Slim fingers grabbed onto the lapel of her suit, pulling her down more insistently as the Snow Spirit lifted herself up, seeming suddenly desperate for the affection Blake was more than willing to give.
When they parted, Weiss was disinclined to move away, instead tucking her head beneath the Black Cat's chin and allowing herself to be held even as her form shifted, the snowflakes dancing around them on the wind seamlessly merging with her body. Unlike when they touched in Halloween Town, the Snow Spirit was as cold as the substance she commanded, her temperature dropping lower despite how easily she molded into Blake's embrace.
This was only her second exposure to the other Spirits who ruled over Christmas Town and the Queen of Halloween found herself hard pressed to think of the others in a favorable light. While the situation was vastly different than in her own plane, she couldn't imagine being so needlessly cruel to anyone. Even Adam didn't warrant more than a firm hand when he got especially difficult and it was his very actions that often brought about those times.
"Once the Holiday Season passes, they'll be different. It's a very stressful time for them."
"And for you," she said, nuzzling into snow white locks. It might not ever be said aloud but Blake was no fool; the Snow Spirit wasn't ready to simply fade into the background, her powers unused and her place unimportant, and being relegated to powerlessness was almost as painful a wound as a mortal might expected from a dagger through their heart. The Black Cat did everything within her imagination to distract her- to make the time they spent together pleasant for both of them- but she'd worried about what Weiss refused to tell her. "This is hurting you."
"Of course it is. Imagine if you were forced to remain in Halloween Town during your one night to cross into the mortal plane; imagine being held back like you didn't matter."
"You matter to me." It wasn't much for a condolence, the Black Cat felt, but they were the only words that sprang to her tongue as she tightened her hold, wishing she could simply will the woman to believe them and she would.
"I feel the same for you, Blake, but this is... different."
"I understand. I just don't like not being able to do anything to help." She ran one hand through Weiss' hair, in a soothing gesture she'd seen in the mortal realm often enough. "In Halloween Town, I can command the very ground to split open or close and send any beast scurrying with a look, but here, I can't do anything."
The Snow Spirit hummed, leaning back enough to direct her into another kiss, hardly separating when it ended. "That's not true. You alone hold the power to make me smile, even during the coldest nights. That, I think, is something."
The words were set against her lips and she once again felt a blush rising in her cheeks. This time, she didn't try to fight against it, instead nuzzling her warmed cheek against the Weiss' pale one. "I suppose that is impressive in its own right."
They stood there a few moments more before Weiss pulled away, though she held firm to one of the Black Cat's hands. "Come. There's no use wasting any more time over this. Tomorrow, I will deal with my Father; tonight, let's enjoy ourselves."
"A simple request." Blake smiled, falling into step beside the Snow Spirit and running her thumb in soothing, nonsensical patterns against the back of the woman's hand.
The high arching walls, despite being mostly bare, still held a stark beauty in the architecture that she noticed wasn't too divorced from that of the buildings of her home, almost as if they were constructed by the same hand. However, who might've built Halloween Town had long since passed into obscurity; not even the not-quite-dead were particularly helpful when being questioned about the rule of the first Black Cat. Regardless of the similarities, the way the light from the moon and the multi-colored lights outside played across the walls and through the windows drew her golden eyed gaze all around, marveling at how- like her own home- that of the Christmas Town immortals seemed ready to accommodate far more than may ever exist at once.
When they both came to a set of wide double doors with a white snowflake etched across them, a flurry rushed past the duo to force the doors open, admitting them to the interior. This had to be Weiss' room, the snowflakes dancing through the air were proof enough, but what drew the Black Cat's attention were the little trinkets from her trips to Halloween Town on display. The jack-o-lantern glowing softly in the corner, an expertly crafted spider web in the corner of the ceiling, and the coffin that once held her necklace on the night stand all managed to stand out among the pristine decor without seeming garish.
Well, if she was being completely honest, the pumpkin did look more than a little ridiculous surrounded by so much white and light blue.
"Ah, that reminds me; I have something for you." Weiss waved a hand, a flurry shooting over to the desk and ferrying a present towards them. It had the black paper like before but sported a white ribbon this time, and it was a little more obvious what lay beneath. "Here."
"A book?" She guessed with a grin, unwrapping the present with little fanfare, though she was a bit surprised to read the title. "A Christmas Carol and Other Stories?"
"I... thought you might enjoy hearing about some of the stories of Christmas Town." The Snow Spirit nodded towards a couch by one of the windows, facing towards the rolling white hills surrounding the town. "I could read some to you, if you'd like."
"Sounds perfect."
They settled on the couch, though there was some disagreement as to their arrangement before Weiss finally relented and sat in the Black Cat's lap, providing Blake with the opportunity to both hold her companion and see the occasional pictures on the pages. Despite the Snow Spirit's assertions that the whole thing was just a means of reminding her of their differing heights, she settled her halfhearted protests and began reading from the book, the words almost lyrical as they delved into the mortal interpretations of Christmas Town- its meaning and its history.
They weren't like the tales she'd memorized centuries ago. Well, actually, the first one did hold some familiar earmarks- the foreboding imagery of a Poltergeist and the visage of Death- but the others were much more cheerful, and she recognized some as novelized versions of the songs chanted in the brightly lit streets. Still, the stories were interesting, even if they were invariably the same: a cold winter's night, snow falling down, mortals gathering close to enjoy each other's company and sometimes celebrating the birth of some ancient figure or another. Sometimes a complication would arise that kept family members apart- often referred to as 'loved ones', which brought to mind Qrow's odd comment about the mortal emotion.
Love. It seemed a prevalent enough theme for the mortals, especially when the Holiday Season was approaching or in full swing, and it also implied a deep connection between relatives or sometimes complete strangers. Learning the value of love during the Season was probably the biggest recurring plot point, aside from cherishing love earned or lost during that time, and Blake started wondering why the emotion seemed so absent from her own collection. Then again, love was shown to triumph time and time again, something that would make fear and terror considerably harder to spread. Qrow had likely learned about it the way he'd learned about the alcoholic drinks the Humans enjoyed but his disdain stuck with her.
At the end of one story, Weiss paused to cuddle closer, turning her head to brush a kiss against her jaw. "Something on your mind?"
"Do you think we can experience love the way mortals can?"
"What brought this on?" The Snow Spirit turned to look at her more easily, though there wasn't a hint of disapproval in her tone, just curiosity.
Then again, the woman was rather masterful at hiding her emotions when necessary, so Blake opted to tread carefully. "All of these stories talk about spreading love, cheer, and goodwill. Halloween Town may do the last two differently than the mortals or even here, but we still do them. I don't remember any stories about us 'loving' others, though. Do you..." She cringed as it occurred to her what she was about to ask which, in light of recent events, seemed a tad bit inappropriate. "I mean-"
"Blake." The Snow Spirit favored her with a smile, fragile though it was. "We may be the ones who are supposed to represent these things but... we don't always embody them. We inspire them in the mortals, though, and that's all that matters. Well, depending on who you ask, I suppose."
"I'm asking you," she said, leaning her head against Weiss'. "Do you think we can?"
For a moment, there was no answer forthcoming, and Blake worried she might've pressed too far. But then, she felt the woman suppress a chuckle. "Yes. I believe we can. Perhaps not in the exact same sense, but... I certainly think we can experience love in the way Humans so often write about it."
Her lips curled into a smile, tension she hadn't noticed mounting in her shoulders released with those words. While the fearsome Black Cat might not be willing to voice her suspicions quite yet, it was becoming harder and harder not to think that her interactions with Weiss differed from every other creature she'd met over the years. The warmth in her chest, the excitement and concern that always sparked whenever she did something for or with the woman, and most importantly the way her own existence had changed since meeting the Snow Spirit. Now that she had a firm idea of what 'love' meant in a mortal sense, she had to admit there was more than a passing resemblance between the emotion and what she felt, but addressing it would have to wait. Partly because she wanted to be sure but also because she wanted to be honest, first.
Considering her words carefully, Blake decided being blunt first would make the explanation much easier. "I don't like it when you get scared."
"... what?"
"Fear is part of who I am, what I represent; I can sense it in everyone, even you." The Queen of Halloween held her companion a bit tighter, a little concerned about what she was revealing. "I once believed, as everyone else does, that I'm incapable of feeling it myself, but I don't anymore... and I've come to realize that I don't really like scaring you, either."
"That certainly didn't seem to stop you from the corn maze fiasco." Weiss pointed out, though there was hardly any bite to the words. Blake waited a few moments, content to let her silence do the talking and biting back a laugh when the woman rolled her eyes. "But I suppose it wasn't the same sort of fear as I experienced upon first arriving in Halloween Town." Her lips pulled into a smile. "I had complete faith in you despite being chased by a hammer wielding maniac and nearly being cleaved in two by spinning chainsaws."
"And we did get them back." Her expression fell along with her ears, golden eyes looking down at the storybook still in Weiss' hands. "Anyway, that was different. Innocent, almost. It might be your trust in me that muted the unpleasantness, but when you're truly scared... I don't like it."
"Has that ever happened before?"
"No. I don't consider it a bad thing, though." Her lips tugged into a smile. "It just means you're special."
Weiss nodded slowly, rubbing their heads together in a way that was oddly soothing. "I suppose I can accept that." Quietly they sat, just absorbing the presence of the other, until the woman tentatively spoke, seeming to cautiously avoid any offense. "You... mentioned that you don't believe you're immune to fear anymore. May I ask what changed?"
"You scared me." She nodded gravely at the surprise that resulted from her words, the weight of the truth she'd failed to give voice dropping onto her harder than she'd expected. "After the maze, when you disappeared- I thought for certain that you were gone. I can't admit that in Halloween Town- and we can't mention it to anyone else, please- but... I felt it, just like any mortal."
"Please don't tell me you think this bodes ill for you." The Snow Spirit turned, setting aside the book to focus on her fully. The worry in her voice was nearly drowned out by a forceful sort of confidence, the type that someone would instill within their target by any means necessary. "You're still the Queen of Halloween, Master of Scares, and... um..."
"Demon of Night?"
"Yes, that." She laid a hand over Blake's. "I'll tell no one of this, but promise me that if this... upsets you-"
The Black Cat let out a brief chuckle, surprised at how quickly she could feel the weight sliding from her while looking into her companion's eyes. "Honestly, it doesn't really bother me. It might cause an uproar among the others but... I think it's easier to plan scares when I better understand how important timing can be, how to read the shifting levels from scared to terrified. I'm not afraid of being afraid. Just... go easy on me in the future."
It was slightly concerning how quickly Weiss' expression slid from fervent reassurance to downright wicked amusement. "Take it easy on you?" Her ears twitched as it occurred to her how poorly she might've worded that. However, before a correction could be uttered, the Snow Spirit laughed and shook her head. "We'll see. I wouldn't want to see your reputation suffer."
Picking up the book once more, they returned to delving into the stories, finishing about half of the pages by the time Blake had to leave. This time, they used the window, the Black Cat stepping out into the pre-dawn morning from the window ledge, where she was immediately caught by a flurry that ferried her down to the street. The duo walked, hand-in-hand, through the streets until they came to where the Queen of Halloween had released the spiders. Amazingly, evidence of the creatures' handiwork was everywhere, arcing webs frozen by snow into brilliant lattice works, some sporting the same glowing lights that decorated the rooftops. There was no sign where the spiders themselves had gotten to, though Blake suspected that her companion's assertion that the elves would warm to them was spot on, given how a few spiderwebs were now inside some of the windows.
Even though she really should be going, the Black Cat stood beside Weiss as the two basked in the strange blend of their traditions.
"Remind me to never doubt you again," she said softly, admiring how the rising sun's light caught on the frozen spiderwebs, making them gleam all the brighter. Weiss said nothing, though she did smirk in triumph while pressing into Blake's side. They watched the dawn in companionable silence, neither too concerned by the slight delay.
It was worth it.
Roman wanted very badly to object to everything Cinder had just said, but he was fully aware that doing so wouldn't be well received. Everyone else seemed rather excited about the whole plan- from the set-up to the payoff- but there was a niggling sensation at the back of his mind that warned how easily things could go very, very wrong. Thankfully, Neo was just as perceptive and less inclined to keep her thoughts to herself.
Predictably, the Flame wasn't enthused about being questioned, though. "Come now, I can't reveal the entire plot. Where would the fun be in that?" She shook her head, motioning towards all of them. "Each of you needs to be concerned only with your specific part. It'll be easier in the long run. If, for whatever reason, our beloved Queen doesn't take well to our scare, there'll be no one to blame but me."
"That seems suspiciously magnanimous of you," Junior said, though he averted his gaze almost instantly.
"I understand that trust is a fickle creature, but it is necessary in undertakings like this." She tapped an old, worn map of Halloween Town that was spread across the table, indicating the various spots she'd instructed for each of them to wait for their portion of the plot. "It will be important for each of you to know where the others are but, beyond that, it'll be best to keep the rest a secret. I wouldn't want anyone accidentally spilling the beans."
That, at least, was a legitimate concern. While the Black Cat had certainly increased her activity over the past several weeks, she'd also become rather invested in communicating with the monsters who prowled the streets. Sometimes, it was for new ideas or angles on scares for the next year, but just as often it was for more mundane things, like how they were, if they'd found anything interesting recently, and on occasion she'd ask their opinion of the Snow Spirit. There were murmurs, of course, debating whether a being from another plane of existence could join their town full time without suffering ill effects, but the Vampire didn't put much stock in those rumors. Not because he doubted that the thought had crossed Blake's mind- he wasn't that foolish- but rather because it seemed obvious that Weiss was just as much part of their daily lives now as any of the other creatures, titled or not.
He was half surprised she hadn't visited the tavern in a couple of days; this was actually the emptiest it had been in a few nights. What with their Queen suddenly more active, many of the others had started coming around more often, playing games or engaging in harmless scares. Neo and Yang had almost gotten into yet another fight, though this one seemed a lot more playful than their past exchanges, which he could only attribute to Blake's generally good humor as of late.
No one seemed bored or idle anymore; it was as if the touch of the Snow Spirit had breathed new life into those who might've otherwise retired to the Sleep.
"Roman, Neo." Cinder suddenly called, demanding their attention as a smile spread across her lips. "Come. I think it best if you're the first to learn your assignments."
Reluctantly, he stood, crossing the distance while forcefully tapping his cane against the ground. He truly hadn't wanted any part of this mess after their impromptu trip to the other plane but now he was compelled, in part because the damned woman had wrestled his compliance from him in a moment of weakness and in part because he felt he owed both Blake and Weiss a good scare as recompense. That didn't mean he had to like it though.
The Vampire followed her up the busted staircase to the second floor, Neo just a step behind. He could feel her growing concern regarding what would be asked of them, sensing as he did that they would be hesitant about the task no matter what.
The moment they were sequestered in a rundown room, the Flame sat on the sole chair in the small space, crossed her legs, and smiled. "Now, I have considered your notable... unease with going along with this plan."
"Have you now?" He raised a brow, not buying the line for a second.
"But of course. That's why what I ask will be simple and straight forward." She leaned back, resting her arm on the back of the chair. "All you two must do is lure the Snow Spirit away from the cemetery."
"You're joking." He scowled, shaking his head slowly. "You can't possibly be serious."
"Oh, it's not going to be difficult. You two have a rapport with the woman; use that to your advantage." She tilted her head, black hair falling over her shoulder. "You needn't go far. Just over a street or two for a few minutes at most."
"You've lost your mind." He scoffed, tapping his cane against the floorboards to accentuate his point. "You can't separate them and expect things to go well. You heard Mercury and Emerald, did you not? Have you given a thought to how they'll react even if we manage to pull this off politely?" Roman threw his arms wide, chuckling at the sheer audacity. "I won't speak for the Living Scarecrow, but the others- those are monsters with some experience behind them, truly gifted in their roles, and they were nearly sent to their not-quite-deaths by the Snow Spirit's idea for reciprocation!"
"They embellished the tale, my friend." The Flame shrugged nonchalantly. "And, we have something else working in our favor." Her smile turned wicked once more, the razor sharp edge foreboding. "We'll suffer no reprisal from this, I assure you. Simply stick to the plan. Lead the woman away and you may wash your hands of the whole matter when you get the signal."
His gaze slid to Neo, her arms crossed over her stomach as she watched Cinder, weighing their options. There weren't many, though; even intentionally alerting Blake to the plot carried with it some dire consequences. Spoiling another's fun was never looked on favorably in Halloween Town and they couldn't quite prove that everything would go as horribly as they both suspected. Not to mention that it would be extremely rude to skip on the opportunity to repay the two for their gifts of candy canes, which Weiss had sent back with the Black Cat whenever she couldn't come visit herself.
"Fine. But I'll say it again, Cinder." He pointed his cane at her. "This won't end well."
The Vampire didn't like the look in those burning eyes, like she full well expected that to be the case.
Almost as if she hoped it would be.
Author's Note: The 'villains' are finally on the move. Hot damn, about time. You assholes were not supposed to take this long. Also, an edit from my beta, The Supreme One:
"It... is." A shadow passed over the woman's face before she continued. "My Father has lived in this house since the beginning. As each of us came to be, we claimed different wings. Winter took the north wing and Whitley, my brother, at least I think his name is Whitley, might be Wheatly, never bothered to ask. The little fuck has a shed in the back. I have the west."
I still maintain his name is Walter. No, you are not discouraging me of this.