KINDRED SPIRITS
I don't know if I can ever be used to the peaceful days that I tend to spend with my team and my friends, like now in the library. Every fiber in my being is tensed and uneasy, but the very idea of living a life this... free... is liberating. I would prefer it if I start now, but this last contract binds me from doing so. After this… last mission, I can be free.
"Hmmmm… all right, all right! Yang Xiao Long, prepare your kingdom for battle!"
Ruby gripped the cards in her hands, as she points her finger at Yang. One can feel the intensity between the two sisters even from where I'm standing. They seem really into the board game Ruby decided to bring up this morning. Weiss on the other hand, looks completely lost, while Blake is obviously distracted… more than usual.
"Pretty sneaky sis, but you just activated my trap card! If I roll a seven or higher, fatal feather will slice your fleet in two!"
Yang and Ruby glared at each other so hard that one can practically see sparks coming out of their eyes. I stood there in silence, spectating, amused at how the four's personality can look so dysfunctional, yet still mesh together so perfectly, till I felt a slight nudge on the side of my stomach. I looked back to see Pyrrha, holding on to the comic that Jaune was reading just moments ago. She slowly glanced at my team, then hers before she waved at me with her hands. I knelt down right beside her, curious to know what she wants to say. Pyrrha beckoned me to come closer, so I did, then she quickly wrapped her hands around my ear and whispered.
"So? Have you told Yang yet?"
I pulled back my head, and gave her a smug look. Shocked, Pyrrha herself pulled away and straightened her back. It seems she came into this conversation thinking she would have the upper hand and rattle me, but no, Ezra is not so easily shaken. I waved my finger at her, to which she responded by lending me her ear.
"Forget about me and Yang. How're you progressing with vomit boy over there?"
Me and Pyrrha both glanced at Jaune, who's bleeding from his nose after reading a couple of pages from the book she switched his comic with. Pyrrha blushed for a second, then turned her head towards me.
"D-don't worry about me, clearly you and Yang are closer to being a couple than me and J-j-j-j. How did you know about Jaune anyways!?"
I giggled at the fact that she couldn't even say Jaune's name out of embarrassment. Normally, I would deflect the situation and let it simmer down, brush it off, but I can't just ignore Pyrrha's attack, so I decided to go on the offensive.
"Bah! Well, it's pretty obvious from where WE'RE standing. Except for Jaune, apparently. As for Yang. We'll get there when we get there. Sides' it's not like we've said anything about how we feel about each other… I don't even know if she's just flirting with me, but I digress. Anyways. Jaune? Wow, I mean I like Jaune, he's sincere and kind, but Jaune?"
Pyrrha pouted at my insults at Jaune. She furrowed her brows, and responded with an angry voice, but in the interest of keeping this conversation private, she did so with a whisper.
"Hey, Jaune may be… Jaune, but he has a lot of good things going for him. He's a natural born leader, extremely talented, and has limitless potential… he just doesn't know it yet."
I covered my mouth, trying to hide my laughter. I looked back at Pyrrha and bowed my head a couple of times as a sign of apology. Though hearing Pyrrha describe Jaune in such a positive light is astonishing. It's not that I doubt her. Jaune may very well be the man she describe her to be and frankly it doesn't matter. What really interest me is how she came to that conclusion, so I press on.
"You sound more like his mother than a potential lover. So how's that going for you? I mean you keep asking me about me and Yang that's it's only fair that I ask back, right? You think Jaune will go to the dance with you at least?
Pyrrha slowly pulled back. Her eyes that are usually very stoic, dropped as her brows loosened. She took a deep breath then placed both her hands on her knees, seemingly lost in thought as she looked up at Jaune, who had given up reading the textbook she handed to him in favor of fawning over Weiss. I can almost feel the ache in her heart after seeing this. I closed my eyes and looked down, then quickly stood up and wrapped my arms around her shoulders and playfully shook her side to side.
"You'll be alright. I mean, if it makes you feel any better, I probably won't be able to make it to the dance myself."
I whispered. She looked at me confused, to which I reply with a huge grin, urging her to not ask any questions about my upcoming absence. I'd like to avoid lying to more people if I have to, especially the ones I'm planning to spend the next couple years with. Surprised however, Pyrrha ignored the signal I was trying to give her, and asked anyways. But before she could pry any further, Sun Wukong came along.
"Sup losers."
I let go of Pyrrha's shoulders, waved at Sun and the guy next to him, who I assume is his teammate Neptune. The two exchanged pleasantries with me and my team, before Neptune made his way to Weiss.
"I don't believe I've caught your name, snow angel."
Without hesitation, Weiss gave him her name. The disparity on how she treats Jaune and Neptune made me feel really sympathetic at the now fuming Jaune. It's not like he's doing anything wrong, or stupid, he's just madly in love with Weiss. Unfortunately, Weiss doesn't feel the same way about him- that much is obvious, but the real tragedy here is…
"You going to be okay over there?"
I crossed my arms, as I leaned against the bookshelf behind me. I glanced at Pyrrha, who looked like she was in pain while she watched Jaune get jealous of Weiss, flirting with Neptune so easily. Pyrrha looked down, trying to hide her frustrations, taking a couple seconds before she finally answered.
"Y-yeah."
It feels a bit odd seeing the unshakable Pyrrha, reduced into something fragile, like she could crumble in any second. I guess, as strong as she is, Pyrrha is still very human. That, oddly enough gives me comfort. So much so that for some unfathomable reason, made want to answer her honestly despite my earlier resistance.
"Yang and I are doing alright. I… uh… there's a couple of things I need to figure out, especially after all this shenanigans with the White Fang, the crime happening around Vale, and my family. To be honest, I'm not really sure I'm feeling the butterflies you're probably thinking about when you look at the two of us, or if this is just a side effect of experiencing… legitimate happiness and freedom from my situation."
Hearing what I have to say, Pyrrha looked up at me.
"Ezra…"
It's clear that she's concerned about me now too, the same way my Yang is concerned about me.
"Yup, a lot to figure out. Don't get me wrong, Yang to me is..."
I glanced at Yang, who coincidentally looked back at me with her cards flashing towards my way. She wore a sneaky smile that foreshadowed how she's going to utterly destroy Ruby's forces in the game they're playing.
"Special. She's the reason why I want to become a better student, a better huntsman, a better person."
Pyrrha smiled with me, as I so casually explain to her what Yang meant to me, as if Yang herself wasn't a few feet away from us. Thankfully, she's too distracted to hear our whispers.
"Does she now all this?"
She asked.
"I don't know. Every time I tell her something sincere like this, she brushes it off, thinking I'm flirting with her just for the sake of flirting. I mean, in a way, I am. In a way, it's also because I don't know how tell her how I really feel about her."
Pyrrha giggled.
"That last part. 'Makes two of us."
I guess it does. To my surprise, Pyrrha looked at me with a smile, with her hand extended, urging me to grab it. I looked at her with my mouth wide open, confused, till I finally figured out what her gesture meant. I laughed and held her hand, as we both rejoiced in the fact that, even though the context of our situation are different, our feelings are the same. Kindred spirits, we are in our problems. Placed in a situation where our romantic interest may never blossom because of the circumstances that surrounds the two of us. Pyrrha in watching Jaune fall in love with another woman, and me, held back by the threat of the people I work for and the profession I currently dwell in.
It was at this point that the distracted Blake, decided to bow out of the game, and walk off of the library. The concern in Yang, Ruby, and Weiss's sigh is apparent, and how can they not be concerned? After all that's happened with the faunus and Torchwick here in Vale. Yang, once more looked back at me, but I cringed immediately the instant I realized that me and Pyrrha were still holding hands.
"…"
Yang instantly gritted her teeth, as her eyes began to turn red. Me and Pyrrha immediately pulled our hands back after seeing this. Without even so much as blinking, she slammed the cards in her hand against the table, knocking a few of the game's pieces down.
"I'll see if Blake is doing okay."
I sighed and scratched the back of my head. I moved over to where she's sitting and gently pushed her down her chair before she could stand up. I leaned against her ear, with my chin almost touching her shoulder, and whispered.
"I'll talk to you later about it alright? I promise it's not what you think."
After hearing what I said, she slowly calmed down and picked her cards back up. I raised my head and smiled at the rest of the people still sitting down in the library, as I massaged Yang's shoulders.
"Well that's Blake for you! I'll go make sure she's okay! You guys keep can keep playing, I know! Maybe Weiss can let Jaune play a turn!"
I walk backwards with a huge grin and waved at everyone as I leave, but not before glancing at Yang, who I know was still looking at me. I exaggerated the movement of my lips, hoping that she could read them without everyone else hearing what I wanted to tell her.
"Talk later, kay?"
Yang took a deep breath, then nodded unenthusiastically as she shrugged her shoulders. I can't really tell if she's doing so because she's tired of me dodging her questions, or because she's more interested in the game, or a combination of both. Nevertheless, I let it go and began searching for Blake. I went all over campus, scouring the places she could have been in, but had little luck in finding her. A couple hours had passed before I even realized it, and I was seriously contemplating on giving up. Thankfully, I didn't, because on the farthest room on the empty hallway where classes are usually held stood Blake, with Professor Ozpin.
"Very well. Thank you for your time, Ms. Belladonna. If you ever need to talk to me, please don't hesitate to ask."
It wasn't clear what they were talking about, but based on the look on Blake's face and Ozpin's manner of speaking, I'd be willing to bet that he's trying to figure out Team RWBY's involvement in the recent Torchwick incidents. After all, Ozpin is still a huntsman.
"Ugh… you can come out now Ezra."
It would seem even I am not immune to Blake's incredible sense of hearing. I slowly turned the corner and greeted her with a smile.
"How long were listening in on us?"
She asked.
"I literally just got here."
Blake sighed. Annoyed, she turned around and began walking back to the dorms, completely ignoring me, leaving me with no choice but to run after her.
"Ezra, can I ask a personal question?"
Blake looked up at the night sky as we exited the building. We made our way through the garden that connected the classroom building through the dormitories, walking side by side with each other despite her leaving without me just a few moments ago.
"Shoot."
Again she sighed, and began speaking without ever losing sight of the stars above.
"Your past. I- Mountain Glenn huh? I know you mentioned it to us, but not as much detail as you did Yang, but… when you eventually ended up in Vale, did you do the kind of things the white fang are doing right now?"
True. After telling Yang about my past, I made it a point to tell the same thing to my team, but like Blake said, I didn't go into much detail as I did with Yang, but what I don't get is why Blake is asking me about the things I did in the past, and it's looking like there's only one way to find out.
"Sure. I guess you can call it that."
I put my hands in my pocket and gave her a smug look. Blake's weary eyes widened in shock. I can tell from the look in her face that she wasn't particularly fond of my answer, but the at same time, it didn't seem like she was too bothered about it too, considering how close she was walking beside me. But...
"Does it bother you?"
I ask, nevertheless.
"No. I guess deep down I knew, and I'm not mad or judging you or anything like that at all. Forgive me for asking, but I guess I was trying to see if I can find a way to justify the faunus in the White Fang. Maybe they're just in a situation where they have to be with Torchwick. Left with no choice. Fate has never been kind to the faunus, but what if the fate of those in the White Fang are worse than the other faunus? Worse than mine. If our situations were switched, would I be the one stealing dust from one shop to the next, working for a crime lord like Torchwick? And if they were in such a dilemma, would it be possible for them to find salvation? ... like you did."
Blake looked at me, embarrassed about what she had just said.
"I'm sorry. That was rude. Comparing you to criminals I mean."
On the contrary, hearing what she had to say made me want to laugh. I don't think what she said is rude, but rather, I find it satisfying that Blake thinks that I already am the person I am trying to be. It's very ironic if you think about it.
"Don't worry. You have no idea… Now come on, everyone's probably waiting for us in your room."
But still... Salvation, huh?
When we arrived at the girl's room, Weiss was already there, tapping her foot, aggravated.
"Where have you been?"
She points her finger at Blake and asks.
"Uh?"
Weiss grunts at Blake's answer.
"Lately you've been quiet, antisocial, and moody. Which I get is kind of your thing, but you've been doing it more than usual! Which quite frankly, is unacceptable! You made a promise to me, to all of us, that you would let us know if something was wrong!"
She stomped her way towards Blake with her finger still pointed at her.
"SO Blake Belladonna, what is wrong!?"
Left with no choice but to open up, Blake turned around, and sighed.
"I just don't understand how everyone can be so calm."
Ruby walked forward both curious and concerned at what Blake just said.
"You're still thinking about Torchwick?"
She asked.
"Torchwick, the White Fang, all of it! Something big is happening and no one is doing anything about it."
She's not wrong in what she said. In a way, no one is doing anything about it, mainly because Cinder had setup everything so perfectly that there's very little anyone can do. Her plans are so secure that not even my network of intel running within The Nest has anything to offer. Frankly even I'm curious. Dust robberies coupled with the information about the students of Beacon Cinder is asking for can only lead to one thing: that she's planning to hijack the Vytal Festival. I've come to the conclusion that she plans on winning the festival tournament to gain traction on some political gain in whatever country she's from, and she's using the White Fang as a form of propaganda to swing public opinion in her favor.
How? I have no idea, but that has to be it right? I mean, what else could be?
My thoughts delve deeper and deeper into the confines of my brain, desperately trying to scour every inch of it, trying to decipher what might Cinder be planning. Normally it matters not, but her operations are going in a bit too deep that it's slowly starting to creep into terrorism. Illegal my profession may be, but even I have lines I don't plan on crossing. There are people here in Vale I care about, and not just RWBY but my actual family as well… or what's left of it. If Cinder's plan really is that sinister, then can I really quit now? Is Blake's concern something I should look into?
Or am I just so drunk on the idea of retirement that I'm racketing my brain for an excuse to just quit right now?
"Okay!"
Ruby raised her fist, and began doing other gestures while looking manic.
"All in favor of becoming the youngest Huntsman and Huntresses to single-handedly taking down a corrupt organization conspiring against the kingdom of Vale… say aye."
Yang pumps her fist enthusiastically and points at Blake.
"Yes! I love it when you're feisty!"
Weiss crossed her arms, looking amused at what Ruby said.
"Well, I supposed it could be fun."
Blake, Yang, and Weiss then shifted their gaze at me, awaiting my answer.
"Uh... Aye?"
Why not? Cinder's team is moving to Beacon in a couple of hours. Roman's operation is no longer needed, seeing as how we're moving on to phase 2, and even if he is captured, he has the means and the supporting cast to escape. Besides, being on the good guys' side might just give me a fresh new outlook on this mission that'll re-focus my commitment… or the wake up call I need to just call it quits right here. Unlikely.
"Only one of you said aye..."
Ruby pouted and complained.
Ignoring Ruby, Blake smiled enthusiastically for the first time in a long while.
"Alright then, we're in this together."
The four of them laughed together, excited that they're about to do something akin to what they're actually training to be: Huntresses. A part of me feels jealous, wishing that the tragedies of my past never happened, because the laughter and enthusiasm that they're experiencing right now, is something I'll never feel, maybe ever, partly because I was force to grow up early in my life. This laughter that's so pure and genuine that Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang are sharing with one another right now, came and passed me by, traded it away for a chance to live another day. Such is the life of a kid with three infants living on the streets.
"AH! I left my board game in the library!"
Ruby came storming out of the room, freaking out over her game. The four of us laughed at her, while we agreed to meet back up tomorrow. I waved my good-byes to Weiss and Blake, while I winked at Yang, urging her to follow me down the hallway, which she did. It's time for the 'talk' I promised her. Yang slowly closed the door behind her, as I slouched against the wall on the other side of the hallway, while she did the same on her side. A few seconds of silence passed as we stared at each, waiting for the other to say something. Till finally, I couldn't stand it no more, and began apologizing.
"Yang, I'm sorry I couldn't go to the dance. Trust me I really do want to take you out there but-"
She cut me off.
"It's fine, Ezra."
Yang crossed her arms and looked away with a pout on her face.
"I understand you're upset about that but..."
I stood closer, and slowly made my way towards her, but to my surprise, she pushed me away.
"That's not it, Ezra."
I can tell from the tone of her voice that she wanted to yell, but seeing as how the only thing separating us and both Team RWBY and JNPR are these thin walls, she opted to simmer down and simply whisper.
"Then what?"
She looked down, rubbing her forehead at the same time, opting to not answer my question. It was though she was waiting for me to tell her what was wrong, like it was my job to explain to myself why she's frustrated
"Is it Pyrrha?"
She took a deep breath, then lifted her head, still refusing to look at me. The anger in her face was obvious.
"Maybe."
Bingo.
"Yang. Pyrrha's… a friend alright? Just like you're her friend, and she to you. We're not involve with each other in the way you're thinking. I still like you more than any other woman. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, why won't you believe it?"
She growled and gritted teeth, and answered me back.
"It's because you say it all the time Ezra! You say it so casually that it doesn't feel legitimate anymore, never feels real! You say you want to be with me yet you walk away for hours on end, and not spend any time with me. You say I'm the most beautiful woman you've ever seen, yet you flirt with other women the same way you do with me! With Pyrrha no less! My friend. OUR friend!"
Yang raised her palm at my face, then walked off back into her room without so much as a glance. I followed her, but she quickly slammed the door on my face, knocking me down on the ground.
"I'm sorry..."
I laid there on the ground motionless, as I rolled my eyes back to see Pyrrha squatting down right beside me. It would seem she heard everything me and Yang talked about despite our attempt at keeping our voices down.
"It's fine."
I said with a smile on my face.
"It's really not your fault. I mean, I'm in a bind here. I have family to take care off, and not really enough time to follow through on what I've been telling Yang. She's right. I mean she's interpreting it wrong, but she's not far off the mark either. The worst part is she's taking our friendship the wrong way and it's making our complicated relationship even more… complicated."
Pyrrha placed her hand on my shoulder as soon as I got up. One can see the look of concern and guilt painted all over her face.
"Do you want me to talk to her?"
She offered, but I promptly refused.
"No. Thank you, but this seems like a 'me and Yang' problem than a 'you' problem."
With that, Pyrrha and I said our good nights and parted ways, but not before I looked back and saw that the girls' room wasn't closed all the way...