Warped Metal Chapter 4: What Is Owed, a rwby fanfic

Chapter 4: What Is "Owed"

Reviews:

blaiseingfire: How did you feel about being right? Lol! Anyway, will Jaune ever find out if Saphron lived or not? Maybe~! But That's for future me to decided, for now, let's just leave her fate ambiguous!

Eat The Path: Inject this into your veins! Here's more for you!

Gilgamesh50: Thank you!

NotKaladin: Jaune is gonna get fucked trust me! Just you wait, I have a literal list of shit to put him through... speaking of which, just in case, please read the warning!

neo117ifuckinghatentr: Good, it was supposed to be diabolical and here is more!

GothSimba: Here's more!

merendinoemiliano: Glad you like the chapter, hope you... can tolerate this one, and Happy new year!

WinoKino: More Trauma is here! and I mean a helluva lot more! Trust me, we'll get a look at how Jaune developed with Cinder as an influence later down the line. As he'll be clearly affected by the horrible event that happens in this chapter,

WARNING:

A PART OF THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS GRAPHICH DEPECTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT! IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE READING THAT PART OF THIS CHAPTER, I WILL BE WARNING YOU BEFORE YOU READ IT SO THAT YOU CAN SKIP IT!

ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE SKIP THE PART IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE!

XXX

Jaune sat slouched against the outside wall of the small inn, his body aching from days of constant travel. His gaze lazily followed the townsfolk as they passed by, their faces a mix of curiosity and indifference. Despite the calm atmosphere, Jaune's sharp eyes remained vigilant, scanning the streets for any sign of trouble. He wasn't taking any chances—not after what he and Cinder had discovered.

There were people looking for them.

At first, the idea of being hunted terrified Jaune. But over time, that fear had been replaced by something colder, something harder—a resolve to survive, no matter what it took. The most recent encounter still lingered in his mind.

Just a few days ago, a strange man had approached them during their travels. His sharp suit and smooth words made him stand out immediately, and his insistence that they "come along quietly" had only raised their suspicions. He claimed they had "potential," that their "talents" had caught the attention of his employer.

The man didn't realize his mistake until it was too late.

Jaune and Cinder had dealt with him swiftly. It wasn't difficult. Cinder's flames had taken care of most of it, but Jaune had delivered the final blow. He still remembered the sound of the man's last gasping breath, the way his body crumpled to the ground. It wasn't the first time Jaune had taken a life since they'd left their old lives behind, and it wouldn't be the last.

Jaune had changed a lot in the years since that fateful day in the forest. He wasn't the naïve boy who dreamed of being a Huntsman anymore. That part of him had been burned away—along with the treehouse and the memories tied to it.

Now, at fourteen years old, Jaune was unrecognizable from the wide-eyed kid he used to be. He had hit a growth spurt recently, and while he wasn't towering yet, he stood taller and carried himself with confidence—or perhaps a wariness—that made him seem older than his years. His once-round face had sharpened with maturity, his jawline more defined, and his body had grown lean and strong from years of constant travel, fighting, and survival. His muscles weren't bulky or over-exaggerated, but they were there—subtle, firm, and honed for practical use.

His hair, now longer than it had ever been, fell in uneven strands across his forehead, nearly covering his cobalt-blue eyes. He occasionally brushed it back absentmindedly, a habit born out of practicality rather than vanity.

Gone were the Pumpkin Pete hoodie and jeans that had once defined his boyish innocence. His clothing now reflected his new life.

Jaune's appearance had completely transformed over the years. Gone was the boyish charm of his childhood, replaced with the hardened look of someone who had grown up far too quickly. He now wore a black long-sleeve gambeson that hugged his lean, muscular frame, providing both comfort and flexibility. Over it rested a dull golden Roman-style cuirass, subtly designed to resemble the contours of a warrior's chest muscles. The armor, though worn and scratched from countless encounters, still carried an air of strength and purpose.

His forearms were protected by matching dull gold arm guards, simple but sturdy, and his hands were adorned with black fingerless gloves. His pants, black and reinforced for durability, were covered by shin and knee armor crafted in the same dull golden hue as the rest of his armor. Each piece fit him perfectly, designed to move with his body rather than hinder him.

The final touch to his ensemble was a pair of dark brown leather boots, fitted with buckles to secure them tightly around his legs. The carefree sneakers of his childhood were long gone, replaced by footwear built for the rugged demands of their journey.

Strapped to his side was a sheathed gladius, its design as striking as it was functional. The guard and pommel of the sword shared the same dull golden finish as his armor, while the handle was a pristine white, providing a stark contrast. The blade itself, when drawn, gleamed with a brilliance that hinted at the care Jaune gave it, the polished steel always reflecting light with an almost mirror-like quality.

The sheath of the gladius, at first glance, appeared ordinary. But with the press of a concealed trigger, it would morph and unfold into a scutum shield—a rectangular, black shield adorned with two golden crescent shapes positioned back-to-back, taking up nearly the entire face of the shield. It was a weapon and defense in one, a testament to Jaune's growing skill and ingenuity.

As Jaune stood outside the inn, the quiet streets of the small town around him, he kept a watchful eye on the people passing by. His stance was relaxed, but his sharp gaze betrayed his readiness for anything. Every step, every glance, every stranger was assessed with caution. After years of evading those who hunted them, he had learned that danger could strike at any moment.

The quiet creak of the inn's door drew his attention, and he turned his head to see Cinder stepping out into the sunlight.

She had changed just as much as he had over the years, though in Jaune's opinion, she had grown even more beautiful. She was taller now, standing with a confidence and poise that came from their years of survival and hard-fought victories. Her figure had become more defined, though she carried herself with the same quiet strength she always had.

Her short black hair, once jagged and unkempt, now had a soft curl to it, giving her a refined and almost regal appearance. Around her neck was a black choker, a simple accessory that concealed the scar left by the Madam—a cruel reminder of the past Cinder had endured. Though the scar was hidden, Jaune knew it was still there, a permanent mark of her pain and resilience.

Cinder wore a stunning dark red dress that clung elegantly to her frame, exuding both grace and subtle danger. The dress featured separated sleeves that hung loosely off her arms, connected to the main piece by delicate straps tied in a bow around her neck. The fabric shimmered faintly in the light, as though it were made from embers frozen in time. On her right hip, where the dress split to reveal her toned leg, sat a brooch that drew immediate attention. The brooch was a masterpiece of design—a black, rhombus-shaped gem nestled within an intricate gold frame. Surrounding it were several iridescent feathers, shifting between shades of blue and green with every movement, giving the piece an otherworldly allure.

Beneath the dress, she wore fitted black lace-up shorts that offered both modesty and practicality for their unpredictable lifestyle. Her feet were adorned with sleek black heeled shoes, their design understated yet sophisticated. Around her ankle was a delicate bracelet, each link adorned with black jewels shaped like lozenges, catching the light with a faint glimmer as she moved.

Her hands were another striking feature. Her fingernails were painted a dark crimson, matching her dress and adding a sharp contrast to her pale skin. But the most noticeable detail about her hands wasn't her nails—it was the golden ring she wore on her ring finger.

The promise ring.

Jaune had given it to her just a few months ago, a quiet but meaningful gesture of his devotion. The band was simple, yet elegant, a testament to the sincerity behind the gift. Every time Cinder looked at it, she was reminded of the boy who had stood by her side through everything.

In return, Cinder had given Jaune a ring of her own. Unlike hers, his was made of smooth black onyx glass, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. Instead of wearing it on his finger, Jaune kept it close to his heart, hanging from a thin black metal chain around his neck. It rested just beneath his armor, hidden from sight but always present. The ring was light, almost weightless, but its significance weighed heavily in his heart. It was a symbol of their bond—one forged through hardship, trust, and a shared determination to survive.

Cinder stood in the doorway of the inn, her amber eyes softening as she looked at Jaune with a small smile. "We've got the room for a week," she said, her voice calm but carrying a faint trace of excitement.

Jaune raised a brow at her, his expression equal parts skeptical and amused. "A week?" he repeated. "Are you sure we should be staying here that long? What if someone catches up to us?"

Cinder folded her arms and leaned against the doorframe, her smile unfaltering. "I don't think whoever's looking for us will find us that easily, this town is small, out of the way, and quiet, besides..." She tilted her head, her tone softening, "Aren't you tired? We've been running nonstop for weeks, it's been ages since we could just... relax, why don't we use this rare opportunity to finally have some time to ourselves, huh?"

Jaune blinked at her for a moment, her words sinking in. She wasn't wrong. It had been months since they stayed anywhere for more than a couple of nights, constantly on the move, looking over their shoulders, and barely catching their breath. The thought of a whole week without worrying about packing up or being hunted down sounded almost too good to be true.

A small smile crept across his face as he nodded slowly. "You're right, we could both use a break," he admitted.

Cinder's smile widened, her face lighting up with a rare moment of joy. She giggled softly, the sound like a melody Jaune didn't hear often enough. "Good," she said, stepping closer to him. "Now, let's head inside, I want to get some rest,"

Jaune chuckled, his smirk was playful. "It's only one in the afternoon," he teased, glancing up at the sunlit sky.

Cinder's smile morphed into a glare, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement. "We've been traveling for hours," she shot back, placing her hands on her hips. "And I want some much-needed sleep, thank you very much,"

Jaune picked up and adjusted the straps of his bag and then slung Cinder's pack over his shoulder. "Alright," he said with a smirk. "But we are waking up in time for dinner, no oversleeping this time," His voice carried a teasing tone, but there was a clear determination in his words.

Cinder glanced back at him with a playful smirk. "Whatever you say, boss," she teased, her tone dripping with mock compliance.

Jaune rolled his eyes, shaking his head but unable to hide the small smile on his face. The two of them stepped inside the inn, the soft creak of the wooden floorboards beneath their boots the only sound as they made their way up the staircase. The air inside the inn was warm and cozy, carrying the faint scent of polished wood and lavender.

Cinder led the way to their room, stopping in front of a plain wooden door marked with the number 7. She unlocked it with the key the innkeeper had given her and pushed the door open, revealing their modest accommodations.

Jaune stepped inside after her, setting their bags down by the door as he took in the room. It was simple but comfortable, the kind of space that felt inviting after weeks of rough travel and sleeping under the stars.

In the center of the room stood a single bed, neatly made with crisp white linens and a soft-looking gray comforter. On either side of the bed were matching nightstands, each topped with a small, brass lamp that cast a warm glow over the room.

In the corner, a small wooden desk sat with a black swivel chair tucked neatly underneath it. The desk looked well-used, with a few faint scratches on the surface, but it was functional. A small, rectangular mirror was mounted on the wall above it, reflecting the soft light from the lamps.

Directly across from the bed was a low shelf, and on top of it sat a small TV, the screen slightly smudged but serviceable. Next to the TV was a remote, placed neatly in the center of the shelf as if waiting for them.

Beside the shelf, a compact refrigerator hummed softly, its surface clean and unmarked. A small microwave rested on top of the fridge, its buttons worn from use.

"Not bad," Jaune said, nodding in approval as he glanced around the room. "Definitely beats sleeping on the ground,"

"Indeed it does," Cinder agreed with a faint smirk, her amber eyes glimmering with a hint of amusement.

Without another word, she moved toward the bed, her movements fluid and graceful, and with an almost childlike enthusiasm, she leaped onto the mattress. The bed creaked slightly under her weight, but Cinder didn't seem to care as she sprawled across it with an exaggerated sigh of contentment.

"Ohhh, this feels so good!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with a genuine smile. "It's been way too long since I've slept on a real bed, no rocks poking into my back, no damp ground... just soft, warm bliss,"

Jaune couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. Seeing Cinder like this—relaxed, happy, and carefree—was a rare sight, and it warmed his heart. "You act like it's been years," he teased gently, though deep down, he couldn't disagree.

"Well, it feels like it's been years," Cinder retorted with a smirk, stretching her arms above her head and letting her body sink deeper into the mattress.

Jaune laughed softly before stepping out of his boots and climbing onto the bed beside her. He flopped onto his back, his legs stretched out and his feet hanging over the edge. For a moment, he stared at the ceiling, the soft comfort of the bed easing the tension in his body.

Turning his head, Jaune looked over at Cinder, his smile softer now, carrying a warmth that went beyond words. "You were right," he admitted quietly. "This really does feel amazing."

Cinder turned her head to meet his gaze, her expression softening as her own smile lingered. "Told you," she said playfully, her voice quieter now.

The two of them lay there for a moment, their smiles mirroring each other as a comfortable silence settled between them. The faint light from the lamps cast a warm glow over the room, highlighting the ease and familiarity they shared.

Jaune shifted slightly, resting one arm behind his head as he continued to watch her. "You know," he said softly, his tone thoughtful, "it's nice seeing you like this."

Cinder tilted her head, her brow raising slightly. "Like what?" she asked, her tone curious.

"Happy..." Jaune replied simply. "I don't see it that often out on the road or working jobs,"

Cinder's smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes. But then she reached out and gave his arm a light shove, her smirk returning. "Don't get used to it," she said, her teasing tone masking the vulnerability behind her words. "I have a reputation to uphold now, you know,"

Jaune chuckled, shaking his head with a grin. "Right, the fearsome and mysterious Cinder! Heaven forbid anyone finds out you're capable of smiling like a normal person!"

Cinder rolled her eyes dramatically, but her laughter bubbled up, light and melodic, a sound that Jaune always found himself enjoying more than he'd ever admit. As the laughter faded, her gaze softened, and her voice dropped to a quieter, more sincere tone. "No one should know that I can be like this," she said, her bright amber eyes locking with his. "Because I only want you to see me like this, no one else,"

Jaune blinked, her words hitting him like a sudden gust of wind. His teasing smirk faltered, replaced by a softer expression. Her honesty caught him off guard, as it often did, but it warmed his chest in a way that words couldn't fully describe.

Cinder rarely let her guard down, and when she did, it was always with him. It was a privilege he didn't take lightly.

His smile grew as he continued to look at her, his blue eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and gratitude. Sure, he was just a teenager—young, brash, and prone to letting his emotions get the best of him—but there was one thing he was absolutely certain of: he loved Cinder.

How could he not?

She had been there for him when no one else was, guiding him, encouraging him, and pushing him to be what he wanted to be. When the world seemed to turn its back on him, she had stood by his side, unwavering. She had done so much for him over the years, more than he felt he deserved, and he knew deep down that he owed her everything.

"Now, take off your armor," Cinder said, snapping Jaune out of his thoughts. Her amber eyes softened as she added, "I want to get some rest, and I definitely don't want that cold piece of metal waking me up again."

Jaune chuckled, the sound light and teasing. "As you wish," he said with a playful grin, an unmistakable glint of mischief in his blue eyes.

Cinder rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. She knew exactly where he'd gotten that line. "Just get that armor off," she said, her tone amused but carrying the faintest edge of exasperation.

"Right away, my queen," Jaune quipped as he began unfastening the straps of his armor.

Cinder shook her head, still smiling. Despite everything they'd been through, moments like this reminded her of how much Jaune had grown—and yet, in some ways, he was still the same playful, kind-hearted boy she had met years ago.

Once Jaune had removed his armor and cuirass and set it carefully on the floor beside the bed, he slipped off his shin guards and laid down beside Cinder, sinking into the soft mattress with a contented sigh. Without hesitation, he pulled her close, his arms wrapping securely around her.

Cinder turned to face him, her own arms encircling his torso tightly, her fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt as though letting go might make him vanish. Her head rested against his chest, and she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat—a sound that had become her anchor in a world that often felt so uncertain.

"I love you, Jaune," Cinder whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with raw sincerity.

Jaune smiled, leaning down slightly to press a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I love you too, Cinder," he replied softly, his words carrying the same depth of emotion.

For a moment, the world seemed to fade away. There were no worries, no dangers, no people chasing them—just the warmth of each other's embrace. It was a fleeting sense of peace, one they both desperately needed but rarely allowed themselves to indulge in.

Cinder's grip on him tightened slightly, her amber eyes closing as she tried to memorize the way his arms felt around her, the sound of his voice, and the warmth of his breath. She didn't want this moment to end.

Jaune held her just as tightly, his cheek resting against her hair. Her presence grounded him and reminded him why they kept pushing forward despite the hardships. She was his constant, his strength, and the one person who believed in him when no one else did.

Minutes passed in silence, their breathing steady and synchronized as they both began to drift off. The exhaustion of their journey, and the weight of their struggles, all seemed to melt away as sleep pulled them under.

XXX

Cinder's dreams were far from peaceful. They should have been a refuge, a place of joy and comfort where she could escape the harshness of reality, but they weren't. Instead, her subconscious betrayed her, dragging her back to the one place she never wanted to see again.

She was back in the Glass Unicorn.

The air was heavy with the suffocating scent of perfume and stale liquor, a smell she thought she'd left behind forever. The dim, flickering lights cast long shadows across the garish walls, and the distant sound of laughter—cruel, hollow laughter—echoed faintly in her ears.

Her heart raced as she looked around, the nightmare painfully vivid. It wasn't just a memory; it felt real. Too real. The cold, unyielding floor beneath her bare feet, the oppressive weight of the place pressing down on her—it was as if she had never escaped.

Some cruel god must have cursed her, must have delighted in her suffering, because this was the last place on Remnant she ever wanted to be. The Glass Unicorn was her prison, her torment, the symbol of everything she despised about her past.

She clenched her fists, trembling as waves of fear and anger crashed over her. She had worked so hard to escape this place, to bury it deep within the darkest recesses of her mind where it could never haunt her again. But here it was, forcing its way back into her consciousness, clawing its way into her dreams.

"No," she whispered, her voice shaking. "No, I'm not here. This isn't real. I'm free. I escaped."

"Oh, my dear, sweet Cinder… you could never escape me,"

The voice dripped with mockery and cruelty, its sickly sweet tone sending icy tendrils of dread spiraling down Cinder's spine.

Her body froze, and her breath caught in her throat—that voice.

That voice.

It was unmistakable, unforgettable, the one voice she had spent years trying to banish from her mind, the one voice she prayed she'd never hear again.

Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat feeling like it would shatter her ribcage. She couldn't move, couldn't think—she could barely even breathe. Slowly, trembling like a leaf caught in a violent storm, she turned around to face the source of her torment.

"Please…" she whispered, her voice shaking, barely audible. "Please don't let it be her!"

But deep down, she knew better. In this nightmare, there was no mercy. No reprieve.

As her eyes landed on the figure standing before her, Cinder's worst fears became a horrifying reality.

It was her.

The Madam.

She stood there, poised and pristine, just as Cinder remembered her. Her lips curled into a predatory smile, one that promised pain and suffering.

Those cold, calculating eyes bore into Cinder's very soul, pinning her in place like a butterfly on a collector's board. The Madam tilted her head slightly, her expression a mixture of amusement and disdain, as though she were a queen gazing upon an insolent subject.

"Did you really think you could run from me?" the Madam purred, her voice as smooth and venomous as a serpent's. "Did you honestly believe you were free?"

Cinder's knees threatened to buckle beneath her as she struggled to find her voice, to find some shred of strength within herself. But the Madam's presence was suffocating, like a heavy weight pressing down on her chest.

"You're not real," Cinder finally managed to choke out, her voice trembling. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms in a desperate attempt to ground herself. "This is just a dream... You're not here... You can't hurt me anymore!"

The Madam laughed, a cold, mocking sound that echoed through the halls of the Glass Unicorn. She then began to approach Cinder, like a predator slowly making its way to its prey. "Oh, my sweet girl, you still don't understand, do you? I don't need to be real to hurt you, I live in here now," She said, tapping a perfectly manicured finger against Cinder's temple, her smile widening. "You can't run from me, Cinder, You can't hide, and you can never, ever, escape~!"

Cinder staggered back, her heart pounding as the Madam's words sank in. Her surroundings seemed to warp and twist, the walls of the Glass Unicorn shifting closer, suffocating her. The air grew colder, heavier, as though the nightmare itself was conspiring to break her.

"You don't own me," Cinder spat, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and desperation. "Not anymore! I'm free! I escaped you, and I'll never go back! Never!"

"Oh, you'll come back, my dear," the Madam said, her voice a poisonous blend of amusement and mockery. Her smile was wide, her lips curling with cruel delight. "One way or another, you'll come back, and when you do, you'll be just like me... Why, you're already turning out to be just like me!"

Cinder's amber eyes burned with fury, her fists trembling at her sides. "I am nothing like you!" she spat, her voice dripping with venom.

The Madam's smile only widened, her arched brows lifting in mock surprise. "Oh? Is that so?" she purred, her tone condescending and sweet as if she were speaking to a child throwing a tantrum. "Then... what do you call this?"

Before Cinder could respond, the Madam's form began to shift. Her elegant gown melted away, her perfect features morphing and twisting until she was no longer the imposing figure from Cinder's past.

Standing before her now was Saphron Arc.

But this was not the Saphron Cinder remembered from the forest. No, this version was twisted—her expression dark and sinister. Her head was tilted slightly, and from the side of her skull where Jaune had struck her, blood poured freely, staining her golden hair and dripping down her neck. Her blue eyes, once warm and full of life, now gleamed with cold malice.

Cinder took an instinctive step back, her breath catching in her throat. "No..." she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. "No, this isn't real..."

Saphron smiled, her lips curling into a smirk that mirrored the Madam's. "What's the matter, Cinder?" she asked, her tone laced with mockery and venom. "Don't recognize me? Or is it just too hard to look me in the eye after what you did?"

"I... I didn't...!" Cinder stammered, her voice trembling. She could feel her heart pounding against her ribs, her chest tightening as panic clawed at her.

"Oh, but you did," Saphron's voice taunted, her smile growing wider. "You lied to my brother, you made him believe I was dead, you told him it was his fault... and all for what? To keep him by your side?"

Cinder's hands flew to her ears as if blocking out the sound of Saphron's words would make them less true. "Stop it!" she begged, her voice desperate and broken. "Just... stop!"

But Saphron didn't stop. She took a step closer, her bloodied face twisting into a look of cruel delight. "What happens when Jaune finds out the truth, Cinder?" she asked, her tone mockingly sweet. "What happens when he realizes you've been lying to him all this time?"

"He won't!" Cinder cried, her voice shaking. "He won't find out!"

"Oh, won't he?" Saphron sneered. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sinister whisper. "He'll see you for what you really are, Cinder. A liar... A manipulator... A murderer... And when he does, he'll leave you!"

"No!" Cinder screamed, tears streaming down her face as she stumbled backward.

"Yes," Saphron hissed, her smirk widening into a grin of pure malice. "He'll leave you, Cinder, and then what will you be? Alone! You'll go back to being the scared, timid, weak little girl,"

Cinder fell to her knees, her body trembling as she buried her face in her hands. "Stop it," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "Please, stop it..."

But it wasn't just Saphron's laughter filling the air. The cruel symphony was joined by others—voices from Cinder's past, voices she thought she had silenced long ago. The Madam's chilling laughter overlapped with the sneering tones of her stepsisters, their sharp words cutting through the oppressive darkness. Rhodes's voice joined in too, laced with disappointment and betrayal.

"You'll never be good enough," one of her stepsisters sneered.

"She's just a broken little thing," the other added, their voices dripping with malice.

Rhodes's voice rang out next, cold and filled with judgment. "You're a killer, Cinder, you'll never be anything else,"

The laughter grew louder, a cacophony of cruelty that seemed to surround her, pressing down on her like a crushing weight.

And then, Saphron's voice cut through the noise, louder and sharper than the rest, as if she were the conductor of this orchestra of torment.

"When my brother finds out," Saphron sneered, stepping closer to Cinder, her bloodied face twisted into a cruel smile, "when he learns how you lied to him, how you manipulated him, he'll leave you, he'll walk away without looking back!"

"No!" Cinder shouted, her voice cracking as her hands flew to her ears, trying desperately to block out the words.

"He'll find someone better," Saphron continued, her tone mocking and venomous. "Someone not as broken, not as weak as you... You're like a glass vase, Cinder, so fragile~! So, shattered~! So worthless~!"

Tears streamed down Cinder's face as she trembled, her anger and despair bubbling to the surface. She glared at the fake Saphron, her amber eyes burning with defiance through the tears.

"No, he won't!" Cinder screamed, her voice raw and desperate. "He won't leave me! He loves me! He promised he'd never leave me!"

Saphron laughed, cold and hollow. "You really think a promise means anything? Do you really think a silly little ring is enough to keep him by your side? He'll see you for what you really are and then he'll leave,"

"NO!" Cinder's voice was almost a roar as she held up her hand, showing the promise ring Jaune had given her. The simple golden band glinted faintly in the dim light, a symbol of the love and trust they shared.

"Just look at this!" Cinder cried, her voice trembling with emotion. "This is proof that he loves me! That he'll always love me!"

The fake Saphron tilted her head, her smile widening as she chuckled darkly. "Oh, you stupid and naive little thing," she said mockingly. "A ring doesn't make you less of a monster, it doesn't erase what you've done, and it won't stop him from leaving you the moment he finds out the truth,"

Cinder's breath hitched as the words struck a deep, hidden fear within her. She clutched the ring tightly, as if holding it could protect her from the onslaught of doubt and guilt that threatened to consume her.

"You're wrong...!" Cinder whispered, her voice shaking. "You're wrong!"

But the fake Saphron's laughter only grew louder, the sound twisting and distorting until it was no longer just one voice. It was the Madam's laughter again, joined by Rhodes, her stepsisters, and countless others. The voices echoed in her mind, each one a dagger stabbing into her already fragile sense of self.

Cinder fell to her knees, clutching the ring to her chest as tears streamed down her face. "You're wrong!" she repeated her voice barely a whisper now. "He loves me! He loves me...!"

But even as she said the words, a small, insidious voice in the back of her mind whispered doubt.

What if they're right?

What if he finds out?

What if he leaves?

'NO!' Cinder's thoughts screamed, her mind a whirlwind of fury and desperation. 'I won't let him! I won't let him leave me! I've done everything for him! Sacrificed everything! He can't leave me, not after all I've done for him! After all the love I've given him! I won't allow it! Never! Never! Never!'

Her amber eyes blazed, their intensity rivaling the inferno suddenly erupting around her. Flames burst forth from the walls of the Glass Unicorn, consuming the wretched place that had haunted her nightmares for so long. The fire spread rapidly, devouring the ornate furniture, the shimmering chandeliers, and every memory of torment that lingered within those walls.

"I won't let him leave me..." Cinder muttered aloud, her voice trembling with a mix of rage and resolve. Her hands balled into fists, glowing faintly with heat as her emotions fueled the growing blaze. "He promised me, and I'll make sure he keeps that promise!"

Her gaze snapped to Saphron, or the twisted version of her, still smirking with malice. Cinder's eyes burned brighter, like molten gold, her fury turning into something almost primal.

"He's mine!" Cinder seethed, her voice rising with every word. "Do you understand me?! Mine forever! Mine, and no one else's! He'll never leave me! He can't leave me! I won't allow it!"

The flames around her surged higher, roaring with her hatred and desperation. They consumed the walls of the Glass Unicorn, their light casting long, flickering shadows that danced in a cruel mockery of Cinder's anguish.

As the fire devoured more of the nightmare, Saphron's form began to shift. Her smirk melted away, her features morphing back into those of the Madam. But this time, the expression on the Madam's face wasn't one of mockery or cruelty.

It was pride.

"Wonderful," the Madam cooed, her voice smooth and sickeningly sweet, cutting through the roar of the flames like a knife. "You truly can't escape me, Cinder,"

Cinder froze as the Madam stepped closer, her graceful movements almost hypnotic. The flames seemed to recede slightly as the older woman approached, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Before Cinder could react, the Madam pulled her into a tight embrace. Cinder stiffened, her body trembling, but her mind was too clouded with anger and obsession to push away.

"You've finally embraced it," the Madam whispered, her voice dripping with approval. "You've embraced me."

Cinder's thoughts were a tangled mess, her hatred for the Madam clashing with the desperate promises she repeated in her mind. "Jaune is mine... He promised... I won't let him go... I can't let him go..."

The Madam's smile widened as she gently stroked Cinder's hair, her touch both soothing and suffocating. "Do you see now, my dear?" she purred. "You are not so different from me, you said it yourself—he's yours! So take him, take him by force if you must! Grab him by the neck, leash him, and never let him go,"

Cinder's breath hitched, her body trembling as the Madam's words seeped into her mind like poison.

"You've already done so much for him," the Madam continued, her tone almost motherly. "Why stop now? Ensure he stays by your side, forever, you've already proven you'll do whatever it takes,"

The flames around them flickered and danced, their heat a constant reminder of Cinder's power—and her rage.

"And should you ever need help," the Madam whispered, her voice soft and sinister, "do not forget... I'll always be here, watching, waiting,"

The Madam's embrace tightened for a moment before she pulled away, her eyes locking with Cinder's.

"Now," she said, her voice as commanding as it was coaxing, "Go and claim what's yours,"

The nightmare began to dissolve, the flames consuming the last remnants of the Glass Unicorn. But even as the dream faded, the Madam's words lingered in Cinder's mind, embedding themselves deep within her heart.

When Cinder finally jolted awake, gasping for air, her body was drenched in sweat. She instinctively reached for Jaune, her fingers trembling as they brushed against his sleeping form. His steady breathing was a small comfort, but the echoes of the Madam's voice refused to leave her.

Her amber eyes glistened with tears as she stared at the promise ring on her finger, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I'll never let him go," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "He's mine... forever,"

But even as she clung to him, the shadow of the Madam's presence lingered in her mind, a haunting reminder of the darkness that continued to creep into her soul.

She would make sure Jaune stayed by her side. No matter what it took, no matter the cost, she would ensure that he would be hers and hers alone. Her heart and mind burned with a singular obsession, fueled by love, fear, and the dark whispers of doubt planted deep within her soul.

But how?

How could she do it? How could she ensure that Jaune would never leave her? That he would never doubt her, never stray, never even think of being with anyone else?

Cinder sat in the darkness, the faint moonlight filtering through the window casting a soft glow on her face. Her amber eyes stared at Jaune's peaceful form, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath. She reached out, her fingers gently brushing a lock of his hair from his forehead.

"You're mine, Jaune," she whispered softly, her voice trembling with a mixture of affection and desperation. "You belong to me... forever,"

As Cinder sat beside Jaune, watching him as he slept, her amber eyes couldn't help but linger. He had grown so much over the years, transforming from the lanky boy she had first met into a strong, capable young man. The baby fat on his face had vanished, replaced by sharp, defined features that gave him a mature appearance. His jawline was more pronounced, his cheekbones higher, and the faint shadow of stubble sometimes dusted his chin, though he always kept himself neatly groomed.

Her gaze trailed down to his frame, and her chest tightened at the sight. His clothes hugged his form perfectly, highlighting the toned muscles that had developed from years of training and traveling together. His shoulders were broader, his chest strong and sturdy, and his arms looked as though they could protect her from anything. She admired the way he moved—graceful and confident, like a warrior who knew his purpose.

And then there were his eyes.

Those cobalt-blue eyes that had always captivated her, always drawn her in. She loved how they sparkled with life and warmth whenever he smiled at her, how they softened when they looked at her, how they lingered on her form just a little too long sometimes, betraying his thoughts. She loved how his smile made her stomach flip, how his laughter made her chest feel light, and how his very presence made her feel safe in a way no one else ever had.

Cinder couldn't deny it—she was utterly captivated by him.

And it wasn't one-sided.

Jaune had told her before, in moments when they were alone, that he felt the same way about her. He had once admitted how beautiful he thought she was, how her fiery amber eyes mesmerized him, and how her voice, even when she teased him, was like a melody he couldn't get out of his head.

They were both teenagers, filled with emotions and hormones that sometimes burned as brightly as the flames Cinder could conjure. They had stolen moments of intimacy—a kiss that lingered too long, hands exploring each other in the heat of the moment, heavy breaths mixing as their lips met in passionate, unspoken promises. Yet they had always stopped before crossing that final line. They knew the weight of their decisions, and the risks of what could happen if they gave in completely.

But suddenly, like a spark igniting a blaze, an idea struck Cinder. It came out of nowhere, but the moment it settled in her mind, it felt so obvious, so right.

I know how to make sure he'll stay by my side forever.

She looked at Jaune again, her heart pounding in her chest. She realized there was something she could give him, something only she could offer.

She would give herself to him—fully and completely.

Cinder's cheeks flushed as the thought took hold, but it didn't waver. She loved him. She wanted him. And she was certain he loved her just as much. If she gave herself to him, if they shared that bond, he would never leave her.

The idea filled her with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She knew Jaune wasn't the kind of boy to take such a thing lightly. He was honorable, kind, and thoughtful—always thinking about how his actions might affect others.

That was why she loved him so much.

But she also knew he wouldn't hesitate to accept her if she offered herself to him. She could see the way he looked at her sometimes, the way his gaze would drop to her lips or linger on the curve of her body when he thought she wasn't paying attention.

He wanted her. Just as much as she wanted him.

she would take him.

She would take him now.

(WARNING! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF UNCOMFORTABLE AS IT CONTAINS SEXUAL ASSAULT!)

She moved her right hand away from his head and had it trail down his chest slowly, and she then began unbuckling his gambeson, and opened it up, exposing his chest. Her eyes looked at his abs, which had an outline to them but were not as defined. She licked her lips, her body feeling hotter than before, and her hand trailed further down, without hesitation, she slipped her hand past Jaune's waistband of his pants and boxers.

She heard Jaune let out a shivering sigh, as his body shook slightly as her hand took hold of his cock. Cinder let out a soft giggle when she heard and felt Jaune's body shiver, feeling nothing but joy knowing that her touch had such an effect on his body.

Slowly, her hand began to move up and down, jerking him off slowly, and she could feel him slowly becoming harder and harder with each stroke. "You like this... I can feel it~!" Cinder said with a sweet yet amused tone, her smile getting wider. "Only I can do this for you, only I can make you feel this good~"

Jaune began to groan as Cinder continued her movements, and that's when Jaune's eyes began to open slowly. The first thing he felt was a foreign touch near his crotch, and as his vision began to clear that's when he saw Cinder with her hand down his pants. "C-Cinder?" Jaune asked, his tone confused and sounding in pain.

Hearing her name, Cinder turned to look at him, a smile on her face as her hand continued to jerk him off.

"C-Cinder what are y-you do-?"

However, Jaune's question was left unfinished as Cinder pressed her lips into his. She then broke the kiss with a giggle.

"Jaune, I want you," She told him as her hand moved faster.

Jaune winced, "A-Ah! Cinder! That hurts!" He muttered

"Shhh," Cinder said, "It'll feel better soon," She said.

Cinder then stopped and quickly unbuttoned his pants and pulled them down, exposing his lower half. Jaune was still clearly hard, and Cinder quickly went back to jerking him off, however, with how fast she was going, Jaune began to groan in pain.

"C-C-Cinder! Stop! It hurts!" Jaune groaned.

However, Cinder continued, not wanting to stop. As the pain continued around his dick, Jaune quickly stopped Cinder, grabbing her hands and pushing them away forcefully. Cinder was shocked that her hands were pushed away and she was forced to stop, as she looked at Jaune, who had a small glare on his face.

"Cinder, I-I told you it hurt," Jaune told her. "Why didn't you stop? What's gotten into you?"

Cinder's mind was a bubble of confusion, so many thoughts and emotions running around in her head, however, she quickly turned to frustration. "I thought you wanted this... wanted me!" She said.

Jaune turned to her with a confused expression, "I do, but-"

"Then why are you pushing me away!?" Cinder cried, cutting him off.

"Cinder-"

"NO!" Cinder cried.

Cinder then pounced on him and pinned him to the bed as she glared down at him. Her hands gripped Jaune's wrist, and subconsciously, she began to turn on her semblance. Cinder's grip tightened around Jaune's wrists, her nails digging into his skin. Her eyes blazed with a mixture of desire and anger as she straddled him, pinning him beneath her. "Why are you rejecting me?" she hissed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Don't you understand how much I want you, how much I need you?"

Jaune winced at the pain in his wrists but tried to keep his voice calm. "Cinder, please, I'm not rejecting you, I just... this isn't right, you're hurting me,"

For a moment, something flickered in Cinder's eyes - a flash of uncertainty, perhaps even shame. But it was quickly consumed by the inferno of her passion and desperation.

"I'll make it feel good," she whispered.

Cinder's kiss was forceful and forced her tongue into his mouth, as Jaune tried to free himself, however, the heat from Cinder's Semblance began to burn his wrists causing him to let out a painful groan, however, Cinder took this as pleasure.

She continued to kiss Jaune, before eventually breaking it and looking at Jaune with a lustful expression, however, she was quickly pushed off once again, landing on the other side of the bed, as Jaune quickly rubbed his wrist, wincing in pain as he looked at the burns.

Cinder got up and looked at Jaune with a glare, and as she did, Saphron's voice was heard in the back of her mind.

"He's finally seeing what you really are... he's going to leave you~" the echo sang with a sinister tone.

'No! No! No!' Cinder thought, her anger and desperation growing. 'I won't let him go! I won't let him leave me! He's mine!' She cried in her mind.

Cinder once again tackled him, but this time, she had pinned him to the floor of the Inn, and her hands glowed with her semblance as she wrapped her hands around his neck.

"I won't let you do this! I won't let you…! I won't let you deny us this!" Cinder cried.

With one hand still wrapped around his neck, slightly choking and burning Jaune as he began to gag in pain, she used her other hand to unlace her shorts, and once the side of them was untied, they slipped off.

Cinder then lowered her head, her mouth right next to Jaune's ear. "You owe me this much," Cinder growled in a low tone. "I've done so much for you… for us! I won't be denied becoming one,"

Cinder then guided Jaune's dick to the entrance of her pussy, and she could feel it poke her, and without hesitating, she plunged herself down on the hard fleshy rod, sending a jolt of pain through her body, as Jaune let out a groan, now a mix of pain and pleasure. Cinder didn't move for a moment, her entire body in pain, but soon, that changed into pleasure, and she began to move up and down while moaning in pleasure as she continued to choke Jaune, her semblance now deactivated, but her nails digging into his skin.

Jaune's mind raced, torn between the unwanted pleasure and the searing pain. He struggled to breathe, his vision blurring as Cinder's grip tightened. With what little strength he had left, he managed to choke out, "C-Cinder...! Stop...! Please...!"

But his words fell on deaf ears.

Cinder was lost in her own world of desperation and desire, her hips moving frantically as she sought her release. Tears streamed down her face, a mix of pleasure and anguish. "You're mine, Jaune," she panted between moans. "Only mine… Forever…"

As the lack of oxygen began to take its toll, Jaune's body betrayed him. Despite his mind's protests, he felt himself nearing climax. Cinder sensed it too, increasing her pace.

"J-Jaune! I-I love you! I Love you!" Cinder cried as she could feel herself reaching a breaking point. "I know you've wanted this as much as I have! Gods! I love you! I love you so much!"

Jaune didn't want this, his mind a mix of fear and confusion as he still felt himself beginning to cum. Tears began to stream down his face, as his confusion became fear, wondering why Cinder had done this and why he wasn't stopping her.

He could throw her off like he did before… so why wasn't he?

He wanted to free himself from what was happening, but he didn't want to hurt her in the process or enrage her even more than he did before.

But was she right? Did he want this? Is that why he wasn't stopping her anymore?

He... He did owe her a lot.

He owed her a debt since they saved him from the consequences of killing his sister.

She was right. She had done so much for him... She had taught him everything, she had believed in him, she had cared for him after what he did to Saphron, she had taken care of him for so long.

He owed her this much... he owed this to her.

'You need to be able to do some things for her after all she's done for you...' Jaune thought to himself.

As Cinder neared her climax, she tightened her grip on Jaune's neck, her nails digging deeper into his skin. "C-come on, Jaune! Give it to me!" she grunted, her voice a mix of lust and desperation.

The pain was unbearable, but Jaune was powerless to stop himself. His body betrayed him as he felt his climax building, a part of him that he couldn't control responding to the stimulation.

Jaune tried to say something but his words were cut short as he finally reached his breaking point. With a deep groan, he came inside her, his seed spilling within Cinder's depths. Cinder cried out in ecstasy, her own orgasm crashing over her as she rode out her pleasure atop Jaune.

The room fell silent save for their heavy breathing.

Cinder's grip on Jaune's neck lessened as she fell onto the blonde boy's chest, panting rapidly.

As Jaune lay there, his body trembling and his mind reeling, he struggled to process what had just happened. The weight of Cinder on his chest felt suffocating, her words echoing in his ears. He wanted to run, to scream, to fight back, but fear paralyzed him.

"I… I love you, Jaune," Cinder said softly as she nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck.

Jaune's mouth opened, yet nothing came out at first. For the first time since he had been traveling with Cinder since he had promised himself to her… he hesitated to say those three words that came easy to him not even hours ago. "I... I..." Jaune stammered, unable to form the words Cinder wanted to hear.

His silence hung heavy in the air.

Cinder lifted her head, her eyes searching Jaune's face. "Jaune?" she whispered, her voice quivering slightly. "Say it back, please... say you love me too..."

The words stuck in his throat, choking him as surely as Cinder's hands had moments ago. However, the fear that lingered in him, forced those words out. "I... I love you too, Cinder," Jaune replied, his voice quivering as well.

With those words and the exhaustion of her deed, sleep eventually took Cinder. However, Jaune lay there wide awake, unable to sleep and unable to move for an hour or so, before he fell asleep as well... praying that this was all just a bad dream.

XXX

So... how was this chapter?

I tried to write the last part as seriously as possible, as I didn't want to make the assault seem smutty in any way. Though I'm wondering how you guys think I handled it because it is my first time writing about such a serious act, please give me some honest reviews about it, and if I hear I handled it poorly, then I apologize, I don't ever mean to handle such a serious subject/matter poorly.