Man, getting back into the swing of work (and writing) after the holidays is always so hard. Every chapter takes about an hour longer than it normally would to write, mostly due to me being easily distracted by YouTube and stuff.

Chapter 5

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Dear Ruby,

Things have been hectic since returning to Mistral. On an enthusiastic walk around the more rural parts of the country, we happened upon a house burning down and a boy who had lost his legs alone in the wilderness. Cinder agreed to take him on and look after him (although she complained a little, I'm sure it was just for show), and now he's going to live with us as well.

His name is Mercury and he's a little odd. He laughs a lot and makes fun of everyone, and never looks sad. I'm worried he's forcing it as a coping mechanism but I don't know how to approach him about it, and Cinder is… let's just say she's got other things to think on. She's been in a bit of a mood lately.

We'll be starting at Haven soon. I'll tell you all about it and include some pictures with my next letter. Cinder says "hi" – okay, she doesn't, but she would if she wasn't so busy with other things. I hope things work out well your new weapon.

Your friend,

Jaune.

.

Cinder stood with crossed arms and an irritated scowl, looking out the window of the shop as she tapped her foot on the floor. Her every mannerism was designed to make it clear just how little she wanted to be there.

Emerald noticed, as she always did, with the attention of someone who knew her continued survival depended on it. The green-haired girl stood within reach of Cinder more as a display of submission than anything, and because whenever she clung to Jaune because he was kinder, Cinder's teeth would begin to grind together.

And Jaune, not quite oblivious but used to it all, stood apart from them, a huge smile on his face, clapping his hands as the curtain drew back and Mercury Black cautiously stepped out on his new prosthetic legs. The shopkeeper – a professional doctor-slash-engineer – helped him with each step, steadying the young man's body with both hands.

"You're doing it!" Jaune cheered. "You're doing it, Mercury. You're walking!"

"I… I am…" The silver-haired man smiled boyishly, not quite meeting Jaune's eyes. He kept looking down at the floor, further away now than it had been for the last two weeks. Ever since he lost his legs. "I'm walking. I'm…" His voice choked up. "I'm walking."

"Tch…" Cinder clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes.

Jaune ignored it. He stepped up and took the doctor's place – but Mercury didn't need it. The man was able to take steps on his own, cautious at first but then with growing confidence. Even then, he didn't push Jaune away.

He'd grown used to him.

When Cinder acquiesced to Mercury coming with them, she'd made it clear he was Jaune's responsibility. Every bit of it. Jaune had been the one made to carry him until they could reach a village and get him a wheelchair, and then Jaune had been the one to push that. He'd been the one to help Mercury to and from the bathroom until he could do it on his own, both to use the toilet and to take a bath.

It had been designed in Cinder's head as a way to wear Jaune down so he'd realise Mercury was more effort than he was worth but, of course, her idiot of a brother had proven himself too good for his world. He'd done everything. Not only washing him, but urging him to eat, talking with him about what happened, and even begging – on his knees – for Cinder to use some of their wealth to purchase Mercury legs.

He's still useless though, she thought. Even if he can learn to fight, he has no Semblance. Why can't Jaune see that? Anyone can be taught to fight – anyone. There's nothing that will make him unique other than his disability. And even that isn't anything special.

It was all just a waste of time in her mind. Cinder sighed again, as she was blanked by just about everyone. The doctor found her lack of interest as a sign to not talk to her, and Jaune and Mercury were too focused on one another. Her eyes sharpened as she caught Mercury's eyes look to Jaune when her brother wasn't looking.

Mockery, she could have accepted. Subtle manipulative greed as well. The emotion she saw in the man's eyes as he looked on her brother was far worse, however.

Longing.

A hiss escaped between gritted teeth as Mercury smiled awkwardly but genuinely at her brother, and as the cripple's hands gripped Jaune's elbow to steady himself. Beside her, Emerald nervously slid along the wall to put distance between them.

"Enough!" Cinder spat. "This is taking too long. They work, so let's pay and go! You're taking forever."

"What? But sis, you spend more time than this buying shoes—"

"That's irrelevant!"

"I don't think it is…" Jaune sighed. "Are you happy with them, Mercury? Don't be afraid to say if you're not. We can stay and try more while Cinder and Emerald do whatever it is they need to do."

No, they bloody well would not. Jaune was her brother and he would do as his big sister commanded. That was the way things had always been and it was damn well going to be the way things would stay. Cinder was half a second from pushing off the wall and grabbing him in a chokehold, and probably would have if Mercury asked to try more legs on. Wisely, the cripple chose otherwise.

"I'm good. This is… This is more than I ever expected. Thank you…"

"You're welcome."

Sure. Tell the idiot he was welcome to her money – their money, really, but Cinder had been the one to kill for it. Scoffing, she forced lien into the shopkeeper's hands and marched them out the shop. At least they could be done with the stupid wheelchair – and maybe now he had some independence, the cripple could stop clinging to Jaune.

"Enough of these petty distractions. Haven begins soon and we all need to be ready for it. Jaune, I expect you to train harder than anyone."

"What? Why me?"

"Because you've wasted time on other things." A scathing look at Mercury made it clear where she felt he'd been wasting his time. "You're going to be entering Haven a year before you should, and I won't accept you being weaker than anyone. That's why we shall be personally training together for the next two months."

"How is that any different from normal?"

Oh, he'd regret that.

/-/

Jaune regretted everything.

His sister had been ruthless over the past few weeks leading up to Haven. Training with her had always been agonising, but she'd usually let him have a rest once he started faltering. No longer. It was hour after hour, two or sometimes three times a day.

"The Grimm won't stop just because you're tired," she would say.

When he pointed out Cinder had put them on the side of the Grimm, she took that as his saying he was ready for round two and pushed him until he collapsed. Jaune knew he needed it since he'd be pretending to be a year older than he was in Haven, but he couldn't help but wonder if he'd not done something wrong.

"Sis… Cinder…" Hands on his knees, Jaune panted for air. "Are… Are you angry with me?"

"No."

Her answer was a little too immediate for his liking.

"I feel like you're angry."

"And I feel like you must be ready for round three if you're capable of spouting nonsense," she spat.

"No, no, no! I'm good!"

A distraction came in the form of their new housemate coming out with a tray of drinks. Mercury was taking every chance and excuse he could to walk – and Jaune didn't blame him. "Refreshments!" he said cheerfully. "Are you done? I brought drinks."

"Ahh. You're a lifesaver." Jaune took one.

Cinder did not. "We're training," she hissed. "What are you doing out here?"

"Isn't hydration an important part of training? I made one for you as well."

"I'm not thirsty."

Mercury shrugged. "I'll have it then. Man, you look exhausted," he said, squatting in front of Jaune with a grin. "But you're getting stronger, that's for sure. You're lasting way longer than you used to against her."

"You think?"

"Ye—"

"Leave the analysis and criticism to me!" Cinder said, stomping between them. "Jaune, you are my brother, and that means you need to be the second strongest person in Haven. Your life could very well depend on it. Leave Mercury to train with Emerald."

"You know, it could help him to train with more people," said Mercury. "Get a feel for different opponents. I bet there's a lot he could learn from fighting me and Em."

"That's not—"

"That does sound like a good idea, sis. It's not like I'm always going to be facing off against you."

Cinder's shoulders tensed. "I'm the strongest one here. You won't get better training than with me!"

"But it's still good to have some variety, isn't it? Besides, haven't you repeatedly been telling me how busy you are and how grateful I should be that you're wasting time to train me like this?" Those were the very words, though they made Cinder freeze for some reason. "If I train with Mercury and Emerald, you can get back to your work. It's win-win."

"Tch. You… Ngh…" Her eyes clenched shut. "Fine. Do what you want!"

Cinder stormed past Jaune, accidentally clipping Mercury with her knee on the way and sending him sprawling. Jaune was quick to help him up, and to apologise on Cinder's behalf since she obviously hadn't noticed she'd knocked him over.

"Sorry about her; Cinder is just really worried about Haven."

"Sure. Sure. It's cool." Mercury waved it off and scrambled to his feet. "So, you wanna train or are you too tired? I don't mind having a break if you need it after she put you through the wringer. We could go for a walk if you like. I know you like comics. How about we go to the comic store? Give you a chance to walk this off."

"I dunno." Jaune liked the idea, he liked it a lot. "I don't want to upset Cinder more than I already have."

"Ahhh, I'm sure Emerald will jump at the chance to keep her company."

Jaune wasn't sure. "You think? I didn't get the feeling they got along…"

"Nah, trust. While you've been spending time with Cinder, I've been talking to Em." Mercury learned in, winking. "And trust me, she likes Cinder a whole lot more than she gives off." He linked two fingers together. "Like peas in a pod, they are. And Em has been looking for an opportunity to spend some time with her."

Wow. He hadn't realised they were getting along so much. To be fair, he'd been busy taking care of Mercury while he was without legs, so maybe Em and his sister had started to get along more then. Jaune smiled happily. "That's great news! I'm so glad!"

"Hmhm. Yep. So, comics?"

"Sure!"

Cinder watched them leave laughing and joking from the kitchen window, and the mug of tea in her hand superheated and shattered, spraying hot liquid over her hand and the table. Emerald flinched but didn't dare react, even to brush away the hot droplets burning against her thigh.

The slightest movement might draw Cinder's ire.

"Things were better when it was just the two of us," Cinder hissed, more to herself than to Emerald. "Why did it have to change?"

Uh. Because you decided to kidnap me and then go after Mercury…? Emerald thought it, but she didn't dare say it. Not in a million years. You could have left me in Vale and it would have just been the two of you. This is your fault.

"It's Mercury's fault. Isn't it?"

"Yes," Emerald lied. "Yes, it is."

There was no sympathy. No empathy. If Mercury wanted to play with the fire that was competing with Cinder for her little brother's affections, then he could do so alone. And far, far away from her.

Cinder's eyes blazed.

Emerald began to sweat. "It… it might go away on its own," she hazarded. "You know, since his life has been uprooted. M—Maybe he's just clinging to Jaune because of that."

"Hm. It's still unsightly. He acts like he's Jaune's equal."

Unlike her, Cinder didn't have to say. Emerald knew her place and she knew she wasn't to think herself equal to either of them. Cinder had made that abundantly clear back in Vale. She was almost tempted to tell Cinder she should do the same with Mercury, if only because misery shared was misery halved.

"Spar with me," Cinder commanded. "I need to clear my head."

"Y—Yes, ma'am," Emerald said miserably. "I'd love to…"

Mercury, you absolute fucker!

/-/

It was less than a week before Haven was to officially start when Cinder received bad news. Their training had improved leaps and bounds, and Jaune liked to think he was ready for what was to come. Technically, they wouldn't be allowed to fail initiation since the headmaster of Haven was a traitor serving the same person Cinder (and he, technically) did, but they were still expected to ace it – if only to avoid suspicion.

Everything was going to plan.

But the plan changed without warning.

"They want to meet with us."

Jaune looked up from the food he was cooking, the vegetables and rice sizzling away in the wok. "Who does?" he asked. "The headmaster of Haven?"

"No. My – our – mistress. We have been summoned to discuss our plans with them."

The wooden spoon fell into the rice. "We? Both of us?"

"Yes. I told them I'd go and that that it would be enough but…" Cinder bit her lip. "Watts contacted me and said I was to bring you. It's an order. Salem wants to meet with you in person."

That was bad news. Jaune had been kept apart from things, and he knew Cinder had done that to protect him. Anyone else would have thought she was keeping him away to maintain power for herself, but he knew that wasn't the case. He was hesitant about their scheme, soft, and he was also bad at hiding his feelings.

"Mercury and Emerald as well…?" he asked, helplessly.

"No. They will stay. It's just us."

"So, it's me they want. If they wanted to meet the team, they'd invite everyone. This is about me."

Cinder sucked in a breath. "Yes. I figured out as much myself." A weak smile. "But I'm glad you saw through it." The smile faded. "I'm not sure what this is but we've been loyal. I've done what they want. There shouldn't be any danger."

Shouldn't be did not mean wouldn't be. There shouldn't have been any loneliness after being adopted, and yet there'd been that and more. Jaune picked up the spoon and started scraping at the rice that had stuck to the bottom of the wok.

"How will we get there?"

"We'll leave Mistral and fly via Bullhead. You'll need to watch your stomach."

"And when we're there? What should I do?"

"Trust me to do the talking." Her hand touched his back. Jaune wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a comforting or possessive thing, but both fit. Both eased, albeit in different ways. "I won't let them harm you. We've done everything she wanted of us so far. This is probably just to make sure everyone's plans are in order before we start Haven. It will be difficult for us to leave to meet with them during term time."

"Hmmm." He knew she was trying to keep him calm. He also knew she was panicking herself, which was why he forced himself to look and sound relaxed. Cinder would at least feel better if she thought he was okay. "Makes sense. I guess it's just a meet and greet. I'll stay quiet as best I can." He couldn't help himself. "But will you be okay?"

"Yes. Trust in your big sister."

Jaune reached behind himself with one hand, grasping hers. "When do I not?"

"Hmph. When I tell you to abandon that cripple—"

"Don't call Mercury that. He's been through a lot."

"We've been through just as much," she grumbled. "And more. We dragged ourselves up from hell; he just dragged himself outside and let us fix all his problems. We're not the same and he doesn't deserve all the attention you're giving him."

"Is that what this is all about, Cinder? Jealousy?"

"No."

"Hmmm." Jaune pretended to believe her. It was cute. "How is Em getting on in training?"

"She isn't as good as you."

"How so?"

"Doesn't work as hard, doesn't get back up, doesn't push herself." Cinder listed the inequalities off with a sneer. "Her Semblance is all there is to her. But it's enough to make her invaluable for our plans."

"Ironically, Mercury's legs could make him useful as well. He can smuggle weapons into any setting since they're hidden in his prosthetics. That's useful."

"Hmph. Barely…"

"Haaa…" Jaune laughed as he took the wok off the heat and started portioning out the vegetable fried rice. "You really are possessive, aren't you?"

"I'm not," she hissed. "I just don't like the way he looks at you."

"How does he look at me?"

"Like you're the brother he wishes he had."

That was touching. Jaune kept that opinion to himself, however, knowing Cinder wouldn't want to hear it. "There's nothing wrong with that, is there? You said it yourself; I'm the brother he wishes he had. I'm not the brother he has; I'm the brother you have."

Cinder didn't respond, but he felt the hand on his back cling a little tighter, her nails digging into him possessively. Then her hand loosened and she stroked his shoulder before letting go and picking up one of the bowls.

"We'll be leaving tonight. Best you take some motion sickness pills and ready a suitcase. You won't need much, but at least one change of clothes will be a good idea – especially if you're going to puke on the ones we fly over in."

"I'm not that bad…"

/-/

Cinder held back his hair as vomit streamed out his mouth. It burned a hot path up his throat and seared its way from his stomach. The flight hadn't started bad, and he wasn't always one to lose chunks, but the moment they the sky turned purple and Grimm could be seen outside, the reality of the situation had struck.

He and Cinder were working with pure evil to hurt people.

It was that nausea which pushed him over the edge. The motion sickness was just a convenient excuse for how sick he felt knowing what they were doing.

"It's okay," Cinder said, stroking his back with her spare hand. "Better out than in."

It wouldn't be okay, though. These feelings weren't ones he could expel with a little retching. Even now, Grimm watched – Nevermore perched on the landing zone and Beowolves slinked by the doorway. Monsters that should have mindlessly attacked them by now, but which watched with human intellect.

"It'll be fine," she told him, lied to him. "Just take deep breaths."

"Ahem." A man with a moustache climbed out the cockpit of the Bullhead with a handkerchief held over his nose. "If your brother is quite done, Cinder, I'm sure our mistress would like to see you inside."

"Give us a moment to switch his top out. Salem won't want to meet him like this."

"Ugh. Quite. I'll go ahead and warn her of the delay." He turned away, but not before adding, "Make sure it doesn't take too long."

"That's Watts," she whispered in Jaune's ear. "I warned you about him."

"Ugh… You… You warned me about all of them."

"Remember those warnings, then. And let me do the talking."

It took a few minutes for him to empty his stomach, and the some more for Cinder to pull his top off him and pull another down, changing him outside in the cold air under the watchful gaze of Nevermore. When she pulled him into the black tower, he couldn't help but shiver at the inhuman cold of it. No normal person could live there without freezing to death. The lit torches on the walls didn't give off nearly enough warmth.

The hallways were messy too. Not cluttered but dusty, with only the path in the centre vaguely clean – and that by virtue of footsteps disturbing the dust. It was Jaune who kept their home in Mistral clean, nowadays with Emerald's help. Obviously, no one cared to do that here. He couldn't blame them. No amount of cleaning would make this feel any more like a home.

And then there was the Grimm, of course. Not many, not filling the halls, but here and there. Some he recognised but the most he saw he did not, particularly floating jelly-fish-like things with tendrils hanging below them. Jaune kept behind Cinder, who for once didn't drag him to walk beside her. Her shadow was safer here.

The more he saw, the more he appreciated her keeping this from him in the past.

Cinder had never wanted to bring him here.

They eventually came to an open doorway, outside of which Watts was waiting alongside two other men. One was large and bulky, with tan skin and a beard. His eyes met Jaune's and he nodded imperceptibly. It was the kindest greeting he would receive in the Grimmlands, evidenced by how the other – a faunus with a manic grin – bent over at the waist to peer around Cinder at him.

"Who's this frightened little lamb, eh?" he asked, giggling. "A sacrifice for the goddess?"

Cinder's arm came between them. "My brother, Tyrian. I'll thank you to keep your distance. I wouldn't want Jaune to catch anything."

"Really? He could do with catching a spine by the looks of things. Hehehe. Big brother Tyrian could teach him a thing or—" A glass sword tickled his chin. "… two…" Rather than fear, the man looked down the weapon at Cinder with manic glee. "Oh? Eheheheh. Did I strike a nerve?"

"Ahem." Watts cleared his throat again. "Salem has been asked to wait long enough. Don't you think? It wouldn't be polite of us to make her wait any longer."

"Hahhh. You're right." Tyrian leaned back away from the blade. "You should be honoured, little brother. You're meeting the true goddess of Remnant – and the future ruler of the entire world. Isn't that exciting? I'm sure you'll be in awe of her." He waited, his smile creaking. "No words? Nothing to say?"

Jaune shook his head.

"Heh. The little lamb will be eaten alive here."

"I'll slay any wolves who would dare try," Cinder snapped, dismissing her weapon. "Including you, Tyrian. Make no mistake, his safety is more important than yours to me – and more important than Salem's plans as well."

Jaune tensed when the man's smile vanished. Cinder had said something dangerous, and she'd said it on purpose to draw the man's ire onto her. He didn't like that. Using her body as cover, he stepped closer and let his hand slide to the knife at his side. If he thrust around her, while Tyrian was distracted, he might be able to lodge it in his chest.

If he tried to attack Cinder, that was.

Tyrian's eyes flicked back and crinkled. "Maybe the lamb has some teeth after all. You should watch yours, Cinder. And your mouth."

"Salem knows there are limits to my loyalty. It's no secret to her or anyone that harming my brother will end any hope of us working together. But as long as he's safe, I'm happy to put my all to her service," she lied. "I believe she prefers that to your slavish devotion."

"If you're both done with this nonsense," Watts said. "Salem is still being made to wait. Hazel, lead the way. Before these two descend into another pointless squabble."

The huge man grunted and moved through the door, and Watts followed. Fear of being left behind or seen as late prompted the faunus to chase after them, and Cinder took a deep breath before doing the same. Jaune kept to her shadow.

"Hands off your weapon," she whispered.

"I was only going to attack if he tried anything on you."

Cinder smiled, but it was tense. "That's fine with him, but not her. Do nothing to her. You can't harm her. None of us can. It's best to bend the knee. For now," she whispered at the end.

The chamber they entered was vast, a hall spanning the size of a sports pitch, with tall pillars surrounding an open central space where a table lay. Beyond that, on raised stone steps, stood a single throne. Upon that throne, a woman who might once have been beautiful – but who now resembled a monster.

Pure white skin, black and red eyes, hideous veins that pulsed blood on her face. The woman looked sick, as if her body was in the process of dying but refused to take that final step. Her black dress covered most of her, and Jaune got the feeling that was a mercy, because the rest of her might have been as hideous as her face. There was no mistaking her connection to the Grimm.

"My trusted agents gather at last." Her voice was deep and raw. Her eyes scanned over them, and only briefly met Jaune's gaze. Her eyes narrowed, though Jaune had no idea as to why. Thankfully, they moved on. "Come," she urged. "Sit. I have gathered you all to put into motion our plans for the fate of Beacon and Vale. And, beyond that, the fate of Remnant itself."

Jaune waited for Cinder to sit at the table before taking the spot closest to her and trying to quietly shimmy his seat closer still. Tyrian was on his other side and he wanted as much distance as possible. Salem stood and descended the steps slowly, taking the seat between Watts and Cinder.

"There is work to be done by each of you in the coming days. I expect you all to deliver the results I demand. But, before that…" Her eyes met Jaune's once more. "I do believe introductions are in order. Don't you agree, Cinder…?"

Next Chapter: 21st January

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