RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 29: Dawn of A New Recovery
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
Cinder rested in agony, her left eye covered by bandages. Her left arm… nothing but a stump and wrapped in bandages just as is her eye. She had been recovering in Salem's abode but she hasn't been herself since. The raw fear she remembered feeling. The agony and the words… those cold words Vernage/Lily swore to her.
No one will save her in their next fight. No one she knew will beg for mercy to spare her. No one will stop the Saint from punishing her. Cinder had committed a great sin, and sinners are punished for it. She shakingly pressed her right hand against her covered eye, seething in humiliation, fear, and pain.
Compared to Vernage, she held no speed like her who had trained to match Evol. No immersion by gorging herself into the deep network of magic. No extensive history of combat that spanned years by each life. Ozpin was one thing but Vernage was older than him. Older than Salem.
She was nothing but an infant crawling her first steps just as Vernage said. Yet even with now fully acquiring the full power of the Fall Maiden and the Nebula System thanks to Evol, she was not even close to making any dent towards even making a scratch on the Saint. Much like her and Salem, Lily was Vernage's charge, their lives connected one way or another. If death took them both, Vernage's life moved to the next rebirth and grew up with more knowledge and experience. She has all the time in the world to live, die, reborn, repeat. A cycle of life in order to kill Evol and ensure humanity is safe from such adversaries.
The chamber doors opened, making her raise her head to notice her Queen. Cinder remained still in her seat whereas her followers respectively took their seats.
It had been a few days since the Fall of Beacon but alas, some matters had to change given Evol's movements had been taken. The snake had said about his next phase which is no doubt a sign Evol will shed his skin again for another form.
"Cinder… While it pleases me that you have become a full Maiden… I also admit I'm ashamed. You failed not only to take the relic from Ozpin, but now you're practically a broken doll at this point." Salem shook her head with disappointment.
Cinder lowered her head in shame.
Emerald's eyes softened. It was no thanks to the Saint who possessed the former Faust commander that Cinder was like this. Being augmented and possessed by a powerful royal member older than Salem gave way to the reasons.
"What… do you think we should do?" Emerald spoke for Cinder, earning a glance from the latter.
"What 'she'll' do, is recover first. Once Cinder is healed enough, I'll replace that lost limb and help her train how to fully use the Maiden's power… But everything else is on her hands."
"And the two faced woman?" The mention of Vernage and Lily created brief silence.
"She matters not. Though if she does come into contact? Unless you can truly defeat her without my help? It is best to just ignore her and continue with our objection." Salem ordered, much to Cinder's dismay. "After all, you had seen what she did to you, Cinder. Let it be a lesson. To the rest of you as well."
Hazel was still, his eyes never faltering. His opinion on Vernage was neutral at best. The Saint of a kingdom lost in time but kept living one life after another, losing faith in the gods that she sees humanity as the blessing to protect from those who deceive them, to kill them, to eradicate them. Those like Evol.
Tyrian knew of the former Faust Commander's fight. Oh he had nearly succeeded before but given a so-called Saint has mentored the girl with great lengths, the girl was equal to the snake as per Vernage's wishes.
Not to mention the word they received about Adam Taurus. While he survived the Fall, much like Cinder. He too was almost on death's door. Luckily he was rescued and recovering much faster than Cinder was. He was an interesting asset for them, so as long as he and the White Fang stays aligned with them? Salem doesn't need to do much else.
Salem steepled her hands together, her mind shifting gears. Vernage had nearly killed Cinder and her words were directed firmly that any encounter again is Cinder's last breath. Any who dare threatens the life of humanity. Kill Cinder. Kill those who follow after. For the sake of humanity's future and prosperity.
That was one problem she hated. Vernage possessed Lily who in turn is a Faust agent. She may have defected but she had her evolved Semblance to search… and hunt. Vernage is a Saint with great influence whereas Lily was a machine with purpose.
They had to rework their plans to make sure they don't draw in the attention of Lily's or Evol's anymore. Because if they continue this, Salem may have to try another plan she didn't want to do. All they could do now is lay low and hide within the shadows until their time has come once more.
'I'll play your games, old friend…' Salem mentally seethed. 'If you wish to kill Cinder on such opportunities… do your worst.'
For when there is a saint, there is the witch to go against all that is good.
XXX
It has been a month now since the Fall of Beacon alongside the fall of the CCT Tower within Vale. Global communications has been brought down as now only a small set of signal service for each kingdom remained, making the world a much more scarier place for all.
Though with the young experiment, he has been staying with Yang and her family's home. He has promised to stay by her side and help with her recovery. And while she has been moving more, her silence still made him and her father still worried for the brawler.
Even Ruby has come to do things again as both her and the rider had done what they could do so far for now. Cody only wished he could do more to help his girlfriend, but with his own experiences? He knows she just needs more time, then sooner or later she'll be back to her pun loving, thrill seeker self again.
With a heft, he lifted up the large portions of logs he had cut up and brought them over to the side of the house as it was getting colder now and they needed warmth, just in case any power outages happen. He was given the heavy duty tasks by Taiyang, but he didn't mind as it was the least he could do to repay the Xiao Long for letting him stay with them all.
Rubbing his forehead with his arm, he looked up at the sky. It was quite peaceful out here in Patch. Though deep down he did worry about Lily, the children as well as the other friends he made. A frown of sadness forming as he remembered the death of Pyrrha that caused Ruby to do something and Lily to put an end to Cinder.
He just wished he could talk to Lily again, to know she and the kids were all doing okay.
He hasn't seen her after she fought Cinder. Traces of her presence were gone like a ghost. The place the former experimented children stayed in were still safe but they never told him where Lily went. All he remembered from that was the very young twins had not been seen either. He wasn't blind to remember how emotionally attached they were to her.
"Where did you go sis…" he lowered his head and shook his head. He needed to keep his mind away from the negative thoughts and focus on supporting.
"I gotta admit, you did great!" Taiyang said, making his presence known to the boy. "It'd take me another good month or two to get the rest of these all chopped up. Thanks for that!"
"It is the least I can do for you, sir." Cody nodded softly.
"Oh please, don't go with that. It's just 'Xiao Long'." The older man waved off, "It just makes me feel older when you do that…" He shivered from the nickname.
"S-Sorry… sir."
"Xiao Long." He repeated himself, "Sides, you're a guest, not some worker for me. No need to be so formal."
"R-Right." Cody nodded with embarrassment.
"Now, how about you come inside? Lunch is almost ready." The Xiao Long offered with a smile as he patted the boy's back before entering.
Cody rubbed his head with some shyness due to this new home setting and attitude. Ever since he came with Qrow here, to stay with Yang and help her, the young rider was worried he'd be the overprotective father type. Yet, upon him telling the Xiao Long about it all, he was fully accepted by him. Not even a question or worry about his past and the dealings he went through, just accepted him like any other person.
As Cody went inside, he made his way to Yang's room to tell her about lunch. Knowing that getting out of bed would do her some good at least. Once he reached it, he gave a few knocks to tell her that he's here.
"Yang it's me." Cody called. "Are you awake?"
"...come in…" She said softly. He felt his heart shrank from hearing it. Slowly, he opened the door enough to peek to notice Yang on her bed, her back pointed towards his direction.
"Your dad prepared lunch. Do you want to join me?"
"I… I'm not sure…" Yang responded softly, her head lowered as sitting on her lap was Cross-Z Dragon, attempting to comfort her alongside Zwei.
"You gotta eat Yang… You can't deny your body energy to work." He reminded her as he knew how unhealthy it was to ignore a meal. "…Please? I'm not going anywhere until you decide."
Yang was silent as her head lowered. She was still unresponsive after everything, and everyone was doing their best to help and give her space as well. But she still needed to be pushed a bit to get going, even if she doesn't want to.
The small dragon robot soon flew up as it bit down on her sleeve and began to pull, also wanting her to get up more so she can be with her family and heal more.
"H-Hey!" Yang got out, as the dragon kept pulling as Zwei joined in to push her off of the bed before she fell forward, causing Cody to catch her in his arms.
"You okay?" He asked as the brawler nodded softly, her face slightly red from the interaction of the fall. He helped her onto her feet, "Come on. I don't know about you but I'm starving!"
"O-Okay…" Yang nodded softly as she followed him by hand.
XXX
Grimm fell into ashes within the dirt path, their bodies being nothing while several were impaled by blades. The familiar large white katana gleamed under the setting sun while the hood of the very large jacket shrouded the face.
Peeking from the legs were the young twins 1931 and 1932. Their voices are still adjusting to speaking longer sentences due to their age. For the hooded person, the wind brushed against it, forcefully lowering it.
Lily's dim lilac eyes stared at the ashes.
Vernage had been grieving after the Fall and she too felt the emotions from it. She felt such sadness she never felt again after Crystal's death. With the actions Cinder caused, she wanted nothing more than to crucify that woman for what she did. She wanted to kill her and show her who she was dealing with.
But… it would only lure her to her haunting deeds as a Faust agent. It was why she left Vale, leaving the refuge of the former experiments who were children under Indigo's and Coral's hands. The two were fellow Experiments her age and learned enough to watch over the younglings.
The twins with her originally cried and threw a fit; they held strong grips on her to stay with her. She wanted to say they will only get in her way, but Vernage's motherly teachings had only made her bring them with her. She held her hair to the wind and looked at the sunset.
In the end, she has brought them with her, even if this means she now has to be extremely careful and protective of the twins. But they did bring some light to her just as Vernage did, so it wasn't that bad for the Saint's vessel.
"Dark dogs… gone gone?" 1931 asked her.
Lily brushed her hand across their hair. "Gone."
They followed her close like a leech, their gaze staring at the path. Lily looked at her hand, slowly curling it into a fist. "Next time Cinder… next time we won't be merciful." She swore under her breath.
1932 gripped Lily's skirt and tugged a bit, earning her the attention of the young girl, "Hungry…" She said with a whimper as she rubbed her stomach.
Lily sighed heavily. She gently sheathed the large weapon over her back and picked up the two. She walked slightly before setting them by the tree. The former Faust agent turned around and reached into her bag.
Medical kits. Necessities for the twins. Clothes. The Box…
Her eyes lingered on Pandora's Box. The device Evol wants back but strangely he hasn't come for the box, yet. Something more to it she and Vernage don't realize. Taking a shallow breath, she found the wrapped meals. Just as she was about to present them, she paused.
"S-"
"Shh."
Lily stared at her surroundings, staring harshly. She withdrew the Virtuous Steel, slowly intending to throw it like a boomerang, the twins hid behind Lily in fear. "Whoever is there you have three seconds before youyou are bisected. One. Two!"
"W-Wait!"
Lily stopped before she could even throw the weapon. Coming out was surprisingly none other than Glynda Goodwich, holding up her hands in defense.
"I'm not here to cause any trouble with you, Lily." Glynda confessed, "I'm only here to talk…"
The twins clutched Lily tightly.
"What do you want?" She hissed. "You still harbor hate for the things I did in the past."
"As it should be, the past." Glynda shook her head, "I'll just cut to the chase… Is there any chance I can help with those kids you've kept hidden?"
"… Pardon?"
"Those children you and Cody helped give freedom to. I simply want to help them and give them proper adult supervision." Glynda explained herself, "Given everything that has happened… Even with your protection, they are all still children who need proper adult supervision to help them out. I want to do that in between rebuilding… what was destroyed at Beacon."
The former Faust Agent stared, glancing at the twins then at Glynda. "I had already given the children the support with two experiments I know… however." The woman perked up. "Someone has to make sure they do it correctly… so… I'm putting some faith in you."
Glynda was a bit surprised, yet she softened with a kind smile, knowing that Lily can indeed be thoughtful. The older huntress was worried it would become an argument between Lily's stubbornness to let anyone else close to the children. But seeing this and most likely the Fall of Beacon also gave way to letting her defenses against others who weren't herself and Cody, to be lowered for the sake of their safety.
"Thank you, Lily…" Glynda bowed her head, "I promise… I will do my best not only to give proper help and protection as you have done, but give them a future as well…" The huntress proclaimed, as this would mean that they can try to get used to others outside of Lily and Cody, and let them grow from it.
A growl earned their attention, allowing all eyes to drift to 1932 and 1931 whose faces became a red shade of embarrassment.
"Heh, let me help with the cooking, as payment for letting me help out." Glynda offered as the older huntress walked over to help start making a meal for the group.
XXX
Back in the Xiao Long household, Yang sat on the couch with Cody, the two blondes finding solace in each other's embrace. They sat together, Cody's arms providing the comfort and support that Yang needed after a bout of PTSD had gripped her.
Yang's breathing was heavy, and she was working to calm herself down from the attack. Cody did his best to assist. He held one of her hands gently in his, the other arm wrapped around her shoulders, holding her in a warm and reassuring hug. He moved his hand up and down her arm in a soothing rhythm.
This was something their doctor had warned them about, something Yang might have to deal with for a long time. PTSD took many forms, especially after the traumas they had experienced in battle. What had happened at Beacon had left deep scars on Yang, dampening her once-fiery spirit.
But Cody knew Yang better than anyone. He understood that recovery would take time, but he had unwavering faith in her resilience. Just as he had overcome Faust's attacks on him, he believed Yang would bounce back. All he could do was be there for her, give her the space she needed, and offer a helping hand whenever she reached out for it.
"It's okay… I got you…" He spoke softly to Yang, to help her relax more.
"T-Than… thank you… C-Cody…" Yang whimpered from her attack, panting softly from the dreadful feeling it gave her.
"Hey... it's okay. I promised you, and I won't let you be alone," he reassured her with a soft smile. "Plus, I'm your boyfriend, no?"
"S-Since when?" Yang replied with a playful chuckle, though her voice trembled slightly.
"Cheeky," he chuckled in response, tightening his embrace around her. "I'm being serious, Yang. After everything you did for me, how could I not fall in love with you? You practically brought the light of the sun back into my life when I thought I'd never escape that dark pool of despair..."
"Cody..." Yang managed to say, her cheeks flushing as his words touched her heart deeply.
"I mean it Yang… I truly love you from the bottom of my heart." The young rider said, exposing his heart to the brawler who smiled and brought him into a loving kiss for them to share.
Though not too far off was Taiyang, not meaning to listen in, but couldn't help it. A smile on his face showing how happy he was for his daughter. He decided to move away, letting them have their piece and will talk to the young boy another day. For now, his daughter's happiness came first over anything else.
XXX
There were many nicknames Lily had gone by. Street rat. Tinkerer. Experiment. Killer. Murderer. Monster. Freak.
Machine.
It was those names that had occasionally come to her in her sleep, memories of her struggles growing up in the streets of Mistral. To nearly die and remain alive due to her mother figure Vernage. She was still a girl with her life treading between life and death. If Vernage were to leave her body, she wouldn't last the next few minutes and die.
Death was something she had grown accustomed to. It was why when people looked at her, they weren't staring into the eyes of a girl who murdered people for Evol or a girl doing the right thing for others. They were staring into a girl who hides her emotions. To hide her grief, anguish, and fear — A machine. Yes people are thankful for her during the requests she took in dealing with Grimm, but deep down, Lily still feels her hesitation gnawing at her. She wanted to prohibit her emotions to not break down for Vernage's sake given the Saint has been through enough. The Fall of Beacon was just another example of heartache and sadness. Emotions she was connected to given the inhabited soul within her.
"Mmngh…"
The murmurs of the two children caught Lily's attention, looking over to see the twins asleep together and closely, but their heads were next to Lily's legs, nuzzling against it like a pillow of comfort for them before they sigh with relief and smiles on their faces which made her gently pet their heads.
The bluenette pressed her head against the tree trunk, staring at the fragmented moon.
"Little flower… why must you punish yourself with such thoughts?" Vernage questioned, having had read her mind and worries. "You have those who care for you now."
"… at what costs." Lily bitterly answered. "It was only for a short time and look at what occurred. Salem's faction had cut off communications between kingdoms. That bitch tainted the very magic that doesn't belong to her. What good am I when destruction is but a curse to me."
"Lily… You also saved these children, you gave yourself a brother and wish to protect all of that, including those who used to see you as part of them. You are growing and improving. Don't dwell on such negativity…. You're better than that." Vernage consoled, sad seeing her little flower doubt and punished herself when she didn't need it.
"… Am I?" She bit her lip in conflict. All she wanted was to ensure Evol is dead. The bastard who lied to her. The bastard snake who killed Vernage, causing the woman to have her soul move to her to keep her alive.
"Lily…" Vernage called to her comfortingly, wanting to try and help her surrogate daughter.
"Maybe I am what the people sees me as… just a machine."
She gritted her teeth, wanting nothing more than to scream at the air. To curse at everything that was brought upon her. The anger towards Faust. Sadness towards the people who had called her many names. The hatred people give for everything she had done.
"Now don't you start with that, young lady." The saint's voice was scolding, unwilling to have her daughter see herself like that. "No machine would take these two twins under their wings and protect them after submitting to their affections. Do you not remember what Crystal had told you? You must see and think as the human being you are, to not think as a machine as Faust had made you to be."
Lily's heart still felt that pinch of pain, remembering Crystal's death. How much she regretted treating her before everything, and how much she wish she could take it back and try again.
Vernage already able to feel what Lily was feeling sighed. The girl needed a new change of perspective, something to help her shake off this negativity before it did any real harm.
"Lily, pick up the children. I believe we should move somewhere that'll do us all some good."
"H-Huh?"
"If you continue this negativity the Grimm will only come to you. Do you want the two to be hurt by your carelessness?"
"N-No…"
"Then it would be best to move. I know a place we can go to that is very peaceful and will do you some good to get out of this mindset you're building yourself up on."
"… Fine." She had her technological construct that was made from her Semblance hover over the bag to carry while she hoisted up the two children but delicately. Unlike her the two were barely in the first stages of augmentation due to their age when they were in the facility.
Once done, Vernage took over to lead them off, knowing that the place she plans to bring them would do them some good, as well as get away from the anger and hatred of humans…. Vernage only hoped the Faunus in Menagerie will be better for her.
Come to think of it…
"Lily?"
"Yeah?"
"Which way is Menagerie?"
"…."
Vernage swore she heard her surrogate snicker in amusement.
That cheeky girl.
XXX
As the weeks go by, Cody continued to help around the house, as he was with Taiyang working on the older man's vehicle as he had it held up with ease.
And as for the Xiao Long, he was only fixing his brakes and brake fluid so it wasn't going to take too long. Though as the father did so, his mind did wander back to when Qrow brought in Yang and Ruby, as he was scared soullessly when they arrived, worried sick over them.
But once he learned that they will be okay, his relief washed over him like an ocean. Of course, when seeing Yang's missing limb, he knew this was going to be just as difficult as when he raised the girls on his own. Though he didn't expect Cody to come along with them.
He had heard some of the rantings that Qrow sent him about the boy, how much distrust the huntsman had for him as he was more protective to Yang than he was. And Taiyang had to admit, he too felt some worry and protectiveness over his Sunny Little Dragon. But when he started getting the messages from her? That slowly disappeared until he got the message from her about them now being a couple.
… okay maybe the protectiveness is still there.
But he now trusts the boy after seeing how much effort he was putting into helping Yang mentally, physically, and emotionally. The boy truly did care and loved his precious daughter, and as much as he wants to set some ground rules…. He'll humor the boy and only make sure that he doesn't break her heart, which is something he can tell well that'll never happen.
"Alright, I think I got it. Let me squeeze out of this spot and you can place it back down." Taiyang informed the ex-experiment.
With a nod from the younger blonde, Taiyang got out from under the car as Cody slowly placed it back down on the ground.
"Truly, thank you for that, kiddo. I thought I'd have to call in someone to help me out with it." Taiyang patted the boy's back.
"It's no big deal for me. As usual, its my payment for being able to stay here." Cody reassured the older man.
"Heh, fair enough. How about I treat ya to something that'll cool you off?" Taiyang offered to him.
"I'd like that very much, sir."
"Please no need for formalities." Taiyang chuckled, "Sides at this point you're close to being family now."
The Rider paused his steps and looked at Taiyang. "M-Me?" He didn't expect to hear it from the man. The guy who was Yang's father.
"But of course." The huntsman nodded, "Not only did you protect and help my daughter, but with how much she was gushing about you? It's obvious to me, that she wants to be by your side. Just don't go putting on a ring just yet, sport." He laughed heartily, slapping his back with appreciation. Though the pat didn't make Cody budge. When Yang said he was made different, she wasn't kidding given who he is.
"Not to mention… given how much she's slowly opening back up because you're here? It wouldn't be fair to judge you at all." Taiyang revealed, "She has told me as much as she can about you, from how you two met, to everything that nearly went on in Beacon."
"She really talked that much about me…?" He asked the father who nodded in response. "I-Including…"
Taiyang raised a hand to stop him from continuing. "Like I said, she only told me as much as she could. Regardless who your father was, I know that you are sure as hell are not like him whatsoever. Whoever your mother was… really made the right decision."
Cody smiled softly from hearing this as he nodded, "Yeah… she was… Just wish I knew more about her." All he remembered was she was an archaeologist within Faust but she had defected when she had him. As if her wish was what made her open her eyes. Her blessing.
"I'm sure there has to be something out there, she left for you. Just keep doing your best, kiddo." Taiyang smiled as a gentle pat on the shoulder, "This is just as much as your home, as it is Yangs. Feel free to stay here with her as long as you like."
Home…
One that he had earned without the lingering eyes or scent of Evol in the background. One where he was accepted and treated as the same as everyone else…. Just a normal young man here.
"… It feels nice to be home."
XXX