#Blake seems to be the only one that's on board with this being a fairytale

[bridgyrose]

I think a fun little nod that we've started to get in vol 9 is just how little the girls have really been told and how much they assumed they were told about this whole mission their on. And it becomes especially more apparent as Weiss tries to reason her way out of the Ever After with logic, or trying to explain that where they are couldnt possibly be part of a story, even though the events they're going through are playing out just like the story they all read. And I think a lot of that come back to the point when they were told that fairy tales were real.

They've seen magic and the maidens that wield it, they've watched Salem's story to see how she came to be and what Ozpin had been hiding, those stories that these characters have been connected to have been shown as true... but these girls, just like a lot of us, have failed to realize that there are stories they've been told that are much more real than they expected. They assumed that like with fables, the stories are true but only parts of them are really what happened, which may be the case since even we havent seen the full stories of The Girl in the Tower and The Four Maidens play out, but The Girl Who Fell Through the World is going to be the story that shows them that their world is hiding a lot more than what they're actually seeing. That there is more truth to a lot of these stories than they expected.

Which means, we're probably going to end up with a fairy tale that'll give them the answers to stopping Salem once they start accepting what this world is trying to show them.

[moodyvalentinestories]

Direction – Two | Hunt x HWU MC (Danielle)

Summary: Thomas and Danielle have a conversation. Nobody dies, surprisingly. There are tears, though.

Words: 1800+

Notes: Fair warning: I'm really embracing the Hollywood U level of insanity/ridiculousness for this fic. Because I'm living for all the over-the-top drama and stereotypical villains right about now and you'll just have to deal with it. We’re not her for logic, we’re here for entertainment, henny.

❥ Masterlist

Thomas had been surprised when the address Mr Blake had given him had turned out to be an apartment building in a not-so-glamourous part of town. Though Danielle had graduated not long ago, she wasn’t poor by any means. She’d accomplished much more than seemed possible during her time at Hollywood U; had been a part of – and even produced – multiple high-profile projects, and earned what Thomas assumed must have been a great sum of money, and yet… she lived here.

It wasn’t a terrible neighbourhood – rather close to the university and, consequently, not far from his own house – and the building looked clean and well taken care of. Still, Thomas would have expected… something flashier. Or at least something bigger.

His surprise was even bigger when Danielle let him into her apartment. It was a studio, and while not tiny, it certainly didn’t offer a lot of space. The furniture – and especially the kitchen area – looked somewhat out of place, being very clearly more expensive than someone who would normally live in such a space could ever afford.

But Thomas wasn’t here to judge her choice of home or her taste in interior decorating. So he took his eyes off the Permanent Wound poster above her desk and turned to her. “Why did you do it? Are you that desperate to work with me? Because—”

“You think I want to work with you?” she exclaimed, followed by a shrill laugh. “You’re insane. I’ve seen you work. You’re a right bastard of a director, and I’d take Phelps over you any day.”

That statement hurt his pride much more than he cared to admit. Phelps certainly was not a better director than he was! How dare she even insinuate that? “Then why aren’t you pestering him to come back to the film?”

“Because—” She took a deep breath and shook her head, seemingly changing her mind. “Would you like some tea?”

“No, I would like to know what the hell you aren’t telling me!”

She nodded. “Tea, then. Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”

Danielle walked over to the kitchen area. Thomas didn’t sit down but followed her instead. “Miss Allen, I do not have the time—”

“I lied to you, okay?” she said, sounding choked, and when she turned around Thomas could see the tears in her eyes. “I lied. There was no fight.”

“Then wh—”

“Sit. Please?”

And she looked so young then, so vulnerable, so much like the green freshman who had her first paycheck taken away by a soulless industry giant, that Thomas couldn’t help relenting. He nodded, told her, “Earl Grey, if you have any,” and made his way over to the couch. He watched her slowly compose herself as she prepared the tea, and by the time she walked over with two cups – one black and unsweetened, one with milk and sugar – she seemed to have calmed down. She set the milk-less tea on the coffee table and handed Thomas the other cup before sitting down on the chair across from him.

“Did I tell you how I take my tea?”

She shook her head. “Centaurus Lost. You’d have coffee in the early mornings, then switch to tea around noon.”

Thomas almost dropped his cup at that. Centaurus Lost. He’d nearly forgotten. “Are there pictures from the set, too?”

Danielle bit her lip, then nodded hesitantly. “Viktor doesn’t have them, though.”

“Do you have them?” he inquired.

She looked at the floor, then nodded again. “They’re safe, I promise. I never gave anything to him. Or anyone else, for that matter.”

Thomas took a sip of his tea, contemplating how to get any information out of her without making her cry again. Something was wrong, he could tell, and perhaps he had judged her prematurely. Perhaps she really wasn’t at fault. Perhaps he should withhold judgement until he heard what she had to say. If she had to say anything, that was.

“You said you lied,” he ventured.

She swallowed hard. “I did.”

“About Phelps?”

Danielle closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. “He didn’t quit. He was fired.”

“That makes no sense whatsoever. Why—”

“It will in a moment,” she sighed. “They – or I suppose I should say Viktor – never actually wanted me in the film. He just wanted me to bring people in.”

Thomas groaned as the pieces began falling into place. “Because you have pull with all the people he doesn’t.”

She nodded sadly. “I got Zoe and Chris on board. Even managed to get Holly in to write the script. The only person he wanted that I couldn’t – wouldn’t – get him was…”

“Me,” he finished. “You never even came to ask me.”

“Because I knew you would say no,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, absolutely. But I would have also told you to stay away from Montmartre.”

Danielle raised an eyebrow. “Gee, thanks. You don’t think I realised at that point that I’ve made a mistake? But I’d already signed the contract.”

“Fair enough,” Thomas conceded. It wasn’t like he could tell her she could have come to him for help. “So, at some point, Phelps comes in.”

“Yes, because we did need a director, and he’s done good enough work for Viktor in the past. Not who he had wanted, but better than no one, I suppose.”

He didn’t ask why Montmartre would have wanted him. Or Holly Chang, or Chris Winters, or Zoe Rodriguez. It was quite obvious – a show of power. Now that the hierarchy of the Silver Circle had been destroyed, he could have it all. Thomas should have known that it wouldn’t be long until a new problem would emerge.

What he didn’t quite understand, however, was how Montmartre had come to be in possession of that photograph. And, most certainly, others as well. The most logical explanation would have been that Danielle had been blackmailed first. If her time at the university was any indication, there was plenty of blackmail material to be found about her. And though Thomas didn’t want to believe she would throw him under the bus like that—

“Oh, hell no,” she said, interrupting his train of thought. “I cannot believe you would even think that I could – do you really think so little of me?”

Thomas raised an eyebrow. “What am I supposed to think? Clearly, he has something on you, and who could blame you—”

“Oh, fuck you, Thomas,” she snarled and got up from her chair, nearly knocking it over. She walked to her desk to retrieve something from her purse and returned with her wallet a few seconds later, slamming it on the coffee table. “His stupid niece found this.”

“Your wallet?” Thomas asked. Now he was really confused. What did her wallet have to do with any of this?

“Open it.”

“Why—”

“Just open it,” she snapped.

He picked up the small leather purse and unfolded it, only to see that picture from the Fairytale Kingdom Formal he’d been sent in the ID window. “So he had a picture of us dancing. He’s got to have more; he wouldn’t risk being reported over so little proof.”

She nodded. “Slide it out.”

Thomas did as she told him and nearly gasped when he saw the photo behind it. It was from the same night, only a few hours later, and it appeared that he was kissing her. “This never happened.”

“Yes, it did. You found me in the rain, after my fight with Bianca, and we danced, and—”

“I remember,” he interrupted her. Of course he did. That was not a night he would forget, though he did bury the memory all the way in the back of his mind. “But I never kissed you. I would never!”

Danielle took the wallet from his hands and looked at the photo for a while before saying, “No, but I would.”

“You didn’t. I think I would remember.”

She rolled her eyes. “And I’d think you’d remember that it was just your cheek – no matter what it looks like in the photo.”

He did remember that. He also remembered repeatedly touching his cheek on the way home and wondering why the hell he had allowed her to do that. He asked himself that same question now – but there was no use dwelling on it. “Does he have any more?”

“Some from Sundance. The one May Gordon’s published before. They’re not bad on their own, but…”

“Damn it, Danielle! You should have told me as soon as you knew he had them!”

“Told you what? That I’ve ruined your life? That I’m exactly as stupid as you always said I was? No thanks. It’s not like it would have changed anything.” She sniffed. “I’m sorry. I am. I wish I’d never kept those stupid pictures. I should have just burnt them or something.”

Thomas was not prepared for how much he disagreed with that notion. Though, logically, it would be better if those pictures didn’t exist, he didn’t want them to be gone. The Fairytale Kingdom Formal that particular year had been the only one he’d ever even remotely enjoyed. Still… “Why didn’t you? Why keep them in your wallet?”

Danielle smiled ruefully. “Because I’m sentimental. Why do you think I still live here?”

“Still? Is this…?”

She nodded. “The apartment I moved into when I decided to live off-campus. Yeah. I never could part with it. And it’s not like I need more space right now. I spend most of my time on set, anyway.”

“You’ll have to part with it someday. The building might be demolished, or even just sold.”

“Oh, it was sold. To me.”

Thomas blinked. “You bought this whole building because you wanted to keep your old apartment?”

“I told you I’m sentimental,” she shrugged. “Besides, it’s a gold mine. I mean, so close to campus? And not a complete dump? It’s perfect.”

They were quiet for a while, unsure what else there was to be said. Thomas knew he would have to comply with Viktor’s demands for the time being, and Danielle seemed incredibly reluctant to speak – likely for fear of upsetting him in any way. Eventually, he broke the silence.

“You said you had photos from the set of Centaurus Lost…”

She looked up at him wide-eyed. “I… I do. And… some others, too.”

“Can I see them?”

He wasn’t sure what drove him to ask. But, surely, it would be good to know what else could get out there… that was the only reason. He just wanted to know if there was anything else that could ever be used against him. Maybe he’d even make her destroy everything. He knew he wouldn’t, though. Because Thomas, too, had a sentimental side.

Tags: @lilyoffandoms​ @trappedinfandoms​ @flyawayboo​ @oneemofungirl​ @alleksa16​ @silversparrow02​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ @alj4890​ 

[dargeereads]

COCKY HERO CLUB

Release Date: May 17, 2020

Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward are excited to bring you the Cocky Hero Club: original works from various authors inspired by Keeland and Ward's New York Times bestselling Cocky Bastard series.

COCKY DUKE

BY ANNABELLE ANDERS

Mrs. Ambrosia Bloomington, now a widow, is ready to start a new life amongst Mayfair elites without the overarching reach of her late husband, Mr. Harrison Bloomington.  With her trunks loaded safely onto her own private carriage, she’s ready to face the world as an independent woman in Regency London.

She does not, however, bargain for cocksure Frenchman, Mr. Charles Cochran Bateman coming along and turning her very ordinary journey into the adventure of a lifetime.

She does not bargain for his laughter, his enthusiasm, nor his Joie de vie.

And blast and fiddlesticks, she certainly is not expecting to experience the sparks that charge the air between them.

And, it seems, apparently, neither is he…

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MOTHER CLUCKER

BY CAT JOHNSON

They say opposites attract, but in this case, they might just combust . . .

HEATHER

Hermosa Beach seems to be the place for throwing together unlikely opposites.

My rooster Rowdy and his new crush, Pixy the goat.

Me and the obnoxiously cocky cowboy from Texas . . .

But unlike Rowdy and Pixy, there’s no way I’m going to fall for David Strickland.

Nope. Not gonna happen. I could never be with a man so completely opposed to everything I believe . . . no matter how hot he is.

DAVID

There couldn’t be two people more different than the beautiful little tree hugger and rooster rescuer Heather and me.

We can’t agree on anything, except that we disagree on everything—some times more heatedly than other times. And believe me, things are starting to heat up between us, in more ways than one.

She's the last thing I expected to find at an animal shelter in California. But now I found her, I have no intention of letting her go.

I just have to get her on board with that plan.

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SECRET KEEPER BY CHRISTOPHER HARLAN

She was the fruit of a forbidden tree, but nothing in this world was going to stop me from tasting her.

My name is Dylan Murphy, and I work for the rich and powerful of an exclusive Manhattan building. Graham Morgan was my first boss, but soon after I was working with some of the most famous entrepreneurs, business moguls, and movie stars in the city. They trusted me because I always followed the cardinal rules:

Never betray secrets. And never, under any circumstance, get personally involved.

I’d never dreamed of violating my professional mantra.

Not until she walked past me.

The look we exchanged that night set my body on fire, and I knew right then and there that no matter the consequences, she was going to be mine. But she was one of them—off limits and out of my league, but she was the kind of woman who I was willing to risk everything for.

I keep other people’s secrets for a living, but the biggest secret of all might be my own.

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COCKY CAPTAIN

BY ELLIE MASTERS

Ex-fighter pilot, Logan Reid, is exactly the kind of man I despise. He’s a cocky jet jock, a former Navy Blue Angel, and full of all the arrogance that comes with being the best of the best.

I’m an ex-Zoomie, an Air Force tanker pilot. The rivalry between our sister services is nothing compared to that between fighter jocks and tanker pilots. We’re bitter rivals and I’m low-man (woman) on the totem pole

The last thing I need is to spend six hours at thirty-five thousand feet locked in a cockpit with the cocky captain. But I have no choice. I’m his co-pilot, and we’re taking the CEO of Montague Enterprises, and his family, on a mini-vacation to the Grand Caymans.

We have three days on the ground before we fly back.

Three long days in paradise and he wants to spend them all with me.

I have a thing for fighter pilots.

It isn’t animosity, exactly, but rather a deep-seated dislike. They get all the glory while the rest of us sit at the butt end of their jokes and wither beneath their ridicule.

I hate fighter pilots. There, I said it. I hate the arrogant pricks with a passion.

But after one look into those magnetic eyes, and the devastating wink which follows, I’m thinking of throwing caution to the wind. What harm can come from some innocent flirting? Besides, it’s not as if my job is at risk.

I’m not prepared for the air to sizzle when he’s close.

I’m not ready for our explosive chemistry when he touches my skin.

I’m not equipped for the fallout when our three days come to an end.

And I never expected to fall in love.

But all good things come to an end.

I wasn’t prepared when I walked away.

And I wasn’t ready for what came next.

He’s arrogant.

He’s cocky.

He’s determined to get what he wants.

And he’s refuses  to let this end.

He’s fighting for a forever…with me.

But, I’m not ready for our beginning.

He’s arrogant enough to prove me wrong.

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SEXY SUIT

BY J.H. CROIX

When I met Ryan, I might’ve been trying to break into his basement.

It was for a good cause. I swear. Also, my dog broke in first.

Ryan Blake is jaw-dropping handsome, wealthy & cocky. Not quite my type. By some miracle, he doesn’t call the police on me when he catches me trying to rescue my dog. He even fetches a doctor for me. Don’t ask why.

I don’t figure I’ll see him again. Then, I do. Then, he kisses me. Once. Twice. Is three times the charm? To be honest, I swooned at the first kiss.

All swooning aside, we are seriously opposites. I wear cowboy boots and skirts. He wears suits and ties. He’s all New York City. I’m a Southern girl looking for a new start. We even talk at different speeds.

The list of things I don’t expect from Ryan is long. I don’t expect him to think twice about me. I don’t expect him to nearly bring me to my knees with a look. I don’t expect him to be so much more than I ever imagined.

I absolutely don’t expect to fall for him. So hard I’m skidding sideways just to catch my balance.

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WICKED BEDMATE BY JENIKA SNOW

Getting fired and humiliated in front of everyone at my newly acquired secretarial job at Morgan Financial Holdings wasn’t how I’d seen my day going.

And then chaos—or maybe luck—ensured.

I was set up on a blind date, shocked that my former boss was giving me a month’s severance, and had the perfect interview lined up.

Maybe things were looking up for me after all.

And although finding a man should have been on the bottom of my to-to list, I couldn’t get Jason—the uber sexy blind date—out of my head. Sexy and confident—or maybe arrogant—he had me yearning for more with just a smoldering look and a smirk of his lips.

But when a night of drinking leads to getting in bed with him and having the wildest, most intense night of my life, I didn’t know if I should ask to see him again, or do the good old walk of shame.

And it’s when I walk into my interview the next day and come face-to-face with my prospective employer that the reality of my situation sinks in.

Because there, sitting across from me with that devilish smile on his face, that knowing expression of what we’d done the night before, is the one and only Jason, my supposedly one-night stand.

Looked like my humiliation wasn’t over just yet.

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LUCKY BASTARD BY KAYLEE RYAN

Emma

When my best friend Aubrey asked me to tag along to an event with her, I never could have imagined that it would be the day that my life changed forever.

He’s arrogant and demanding and doesn’t take a hint. Landon Barker, the quarterback for the Hermosa Beach Trojans, is a player on and off of the field. He’s got his sights set on me as his next play, but I see right through him. Aubrey says I’m overreacting, that I should give him a chance. What she doesn’t realize is men like Landon don’t fall for the girl next door. That’s not reality. She got her fairytale, although it was a long road. Not all of us are that lucky.

Landon

She’s a friend of our new kicking coach’s wife. When I ask Chance for her number, he tells me I have to find a way to get it myself.

Nothing when it comes to Emma has been easy. She’s the first woman ever to turn me down, and that won’t do. However, as time passes, it’s about more than that. It’s about her smile, her laugh, and just spending time with her. She thinks I’m a player, and she’s right. What she doesn’t know is that I play to win, and her heart is the ultimate trophy.

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COCKSURE ACE BY K WEBSTER

I’m a fighter.

At least that’s what my daddy always told me.

It’s in our blood.

Hard work, hustle, and a little Hennessey is the Reid motto.

He taught me to fight for everything I wanted in life.

Take down those who threaten the dream.

My dream is to marry the perfect man.

That man is my father’s best friend and I won’t stop until I have him.

And at Daddy’s wedding in Costa Rica, I plan to make that dream finally come true.

Then, my life will be smooth sailing.

Until a chance flight with an arrogant pilot throws me off course. 

Literally. 

Camilo’s decisions affect my future, and I can’t allow anything—not even a cocksure, ridiculously hot idiot—to stand in my way.

Problem is, he fights back.

Every battle I’ve won in life, he shoots down and exposes me for the fraud I am.

Trapped in paradise with my devilishly handsome nemesis seems like one of the seven circles of Hell…and, boy, is it getting hot around here. 

He’ll strip me of my armor.

Remind me of my past.

Force me to rethink my future.

And help me live in the moment.

Will he steal my heart too?

One thing’s for sure.

This girl won’t give up without a fight.

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CLUTCH PLAYER BY NIKKI ASH

Harper

I fell in love when I was sixteen. Landon was my entire world and I thought he would be my forever. But I was young and dumb, and with one error in judgement, I destroyed any chance of a future we could’ve had together, along with our hearts.

Twelve years later and I’m going through the motions of life, but not actually living. Which is why I let my friends, Bridget and Simon, set me up on a blind date. Turns out, it’s not so blind after all. Because the man sitting in front of me is the same man who’s held onto my heart all these years.

Landon

They call me a Clutch Player because I’m good under pressure and quick on my feet. I was also quick to fall in love. The first time it was with baseball, the second was with Harper. And for a short time I had them both.

Until I lost Harper and all I had left was baseball.

For years, I focused on my career. I had accepted that baseball was my one true love.

Until I saw her again. I never imagined we’d ever get a second chance, but now that she’s sitting right across from me, I know there’s no way in hell I’m going to let her go again.

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SEXY SCOUNDREL BY RAISA GREYWOOD

Carlina Perez is in way over her head. Unexpectedly jobless and fostering an exotic pet with an insatiable appetite, this pastry chef needs a new gig faster than she can whip up a batch of scones.  But when she’s tapped to serve as the personal chef to a haughty tabloid regular, she only considers the job out of sheer desperation. After all, Giorgio Acardi may be filthy rich and intoxicatingly handsome, but he’s also a first class scoundrel.

Giorgio Acardi has it all:  money, fame, an endless string of beautiful companions, and the respect of his colleagues and rivals. From the outside looking in, his life is perfect. So perfect, in fact, that he’s even got his eye on a new personal chef. She’s talented and gorgeous, and it shouldn’t make a difference whether she hates him or not as long as she does the job. But there’s something about Carlina that Giorgio just can’t resist, and he hasn’t enjoyed success by backing down from a challenge.

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[nezzfiction]

ENMY Chapter 58 - This Will Be The Day

Chapter Synopsis: A week after Atlas faced the brink of ruin, the Kingdom begins to recover. But there is no rest for the weary as Team RNJR joins up with Team CFVY to reach Weiss. Likewise, Cinder and Team ENMY put their own agenda into motion, starting the first steps to dismantle the very nation they helped save. And between the noise, Blake, Ilia, Adam, and Raven sneak their way into Atlas. A day of days is ready to unfold.

Series Synopsis: Team RWBY is disbanded, and Yang must find herself new allies. For her, that might very well be yesterday’s enemies. Joining up with the likes of Emerald, Mercury, and Neo, the four will comprise Team Enemy(ENMY).

Links to read the series: Ao3 or FF.net

Or hit the jump below

.

This Will Be The Day

.

Your world needs a great defender.

Your world’s in the way of harm.

You want a romantic life,

A fairytale that’s full of charm.

Beware that the light is fading.

Beware if the dark returns.

This world’s unforgiving, even brilliant lights will cease to burn.

Legends scatter.

Day and night will sever.

Hope and peace are lost forever.

.

.

As the elevator traveled deeper and deeper into the earth, Team RNJR could hardly hide the nervousness growing in their stomachs.

“My bad about the wait time, fellas,” Coco said back at them. “It took some string pulling and forging a few Schnee signatures before I could get you guys down here. Plus, it isn’t as easy anymore without the princess’s all-powerful stamp of approval.”

“Coco…” Velvet leaned next to her.

“I know. These elevator rides bring out the worst in conversations. You’d think with all the funding that goes into this place, they’d think to put on some good elevator music.”

The two glanced to their teammates. Fox and Yatsuhashi seemed completely content with leaning their backs against the wall in total silence. In contrast, Nora was acting extremely fidgety, while Ren was failing to stop her leg from bouncing up and down. Jaune had his full attention stolen away by his scroll. Ruby kept staring all around her, as if she could see through the walls.

Coco gave a resignating sigh.

I think this is the first time I’m actually starting to miss, moneybags.

While the long elevator ride continued, Ruby covered her mouth as she whispered to Ren.

“Hey...! What do you think?”

As he pretended to be busy with Nora, he whispered back.

“The presence is similar to the Tower of Tamonten. Although, I cannot find any trace of your Uncle’s or the ‘old one’s Aura here. It is possible any trace of the immortal has been erased in the base’s repurposing. Nonetheless, I sense a great power dwelling here.”

“Cerberus. That’s what they call it, but Weiss told me it only got its name after Hades took it over.”

“Indeed. If the texts we found at Vytal are to be believed, this facility originally held a different moniker.”

“‘The Well of Meer’…” Ruby muttered thoughtfully. “What do you think, Jaune? ……. Jaune?”

“Huh?”

“Whatcha lookin’ at? Oh.”

A video clip recorded a week ago, played on Jaune’s scroll. It was uploaded by a random citizen, during the recent Grimm attack. In it, they could see Team ENMY cutting through swaths of the dark creatures by the scores. And of course, Penny and Cinder were with them as well. The Fall Maiden may have cut her hair, but Team RNJR recognized her immediately.

“How can she do this, Ruby? How can Yang fight alongside her? After meeting Emerald and Mercury, I can kind of get it—but Cinder?”

“I don’t know,” Ruby frowned. “I wish I had a clear answer, but I just don’t know. The Yang I know would never do anything like this, but…”

Ruby lapsed into silence.

“…She might not be the Yang we know anymore,” Jaune finished the thought. “I don’t want to believe it, but she’s changed so much, probably a lot more than we last saw her. I wonder if there’s anything left of the person we knew.”

Ruby wanted to respond, but couldn’t find the right words.

Did Yang have her reasons? But what reasons could those be? Emerald, Mercury, and Neo, had their moral greys, but Cinder could only be described as evil.

Ruby had seen the woman murder one of their closest friends in front of her eyes. Could Yang really look past such a thing? The more she thought about it, the more the image of her sister clouded. Maybe Jaune was right. Maybe the Yang they knew was gone.

She continued watching the video, and saw a constellation bloom from the Spring Maiden’s fist.

Ruby couldn’t help but think what might happen if they meet again. Would they be able to talk? Would they fight immediately? And if they did, would she be strong enough to contend with her sister’s newfound power?

She struggled over it, but as if to blast away some of the negative thoughts, the video zoomed up on Penny gliding through the air.

Ruby didn’t know if it was really her, or if they just reconstructed some replica. But with all her heart, she wanted it to be Penny so bad that it ached. Time and experience told her to doubt her wish had come true.

Even so, she held out hope. At the same time, she decided to hold out hope for Yang as well.

And looked forward to the future where they might meet once again.

…

*Ding*

“For the love of—Finally!” Coco exasperated, as the elevator doors opened.

Through the halls and past at least a dozen security checks, the group arrived at the room where Weiss and Winter were kept.

Upon entering, they saw the two Schnees lying unconscious, side by side in separate beds. Sitting at the foot of the patients was Ironwood and a pair of elderly men Ruby had never seen before.

“I don’t care what projects you have going! You will dedicate every time and resource to reviving Weiss this instant!”

“It’s out of my control,” the smaller of the two replied. “The Board of Directors are prioritizing the restoration of the Aegis System. I’m not even supposed to be here right now.”

“Like I give a damn what those fools that want to take over my company want! YOU are employed by the Schnee Dust Company first and foremost, and as MY employee, you will treat my heir!”

“I am sorry about your daughter, Jacques. But for all intents and purposes, she is in no immediate danger. On the other hand, Atlas can come under attack at any moment. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.”

“Polendina! Polendina, you get back here!”

As the small lab professor walked past the group of newcomers, Jacques Schnee followed. The dense smell of alcohol lingered as the latter passed. The CEO of the S.D.C. spared Coco and her team one disgusted glance before ignoring them completely.

“Was that—”

“Yeah, short stuff. That was Weiss’s oh so loving father. Don’t know what pisses me off more. The fact that he never stops blaming us for screwing up Weiss’s protection, or that he acts like we lost him a company asset instead of an actual daughter. That’s family for you, I guess,” Coco spat bitterly.

As the full group crowded into the room, Ironwood stood to address them. Appearing shabby as ever, the former general still tried to straighten his coat somewhat.

“I suppose, I shouldn’t be surprised you’ve arrived, despite all the security measures in place.”

“What are you gonna do, Headmaster? You that cold, you’re gonna throw them out?” Coco challenged.

The man observed RNJR closely before turning to Winter and Weiss.

“I will be in Professor Polendina’s lab. Please, see me when you are finished. There are some things I’d like to discuss—with all of you.”

With a straightened back, the man was making his way through the door, when Ruby stopped him.

“Yang… She was the one, who did that to Winter?”

“………Were you not aware?”

Ruby shook her head.

“Weiss didn’t tell me anything about it. I only heard from Coco, when we got here.”

“She was probably trying to protect you.”

“But was it really—”

“I was there, Ruby. Yang Xiao Long tried to kill Winter and myself.” Ironwood stared coldly down at her. “She may be your sister and your former teammate, but this is the truth. You must accept it.” And swept past.

The shadows around Ruby’s memory of Yang grew darker and darker.

As if to bring her out of her stupor, Jaune gave her a reassuring pat on the back.

“Come on,” he said consolingly. “Weiss is waiting.”

He would be lying if he said he was unaffected by the news. His worst thoughts of Yang were being proven truer by the minute, but it was because of that, he knew he had to keep Ruby focused. There would be time to mull things over later. For now, they would see to the main reason for their journey.

Team RNJR and CFVY circled around Weiss’s bed. Her expression was peaceful. There were no wounds to speak of, or any signs to indicate anything wrong. She truly appeared to be asleep.

“Weiss,” Ruby murmured, as she took the girl’s hand in hers.

She was always surprised by them. Callused and worn from countless hours of training. But did nothing to diminish their length and beauty.

Or the relief their coolness brought to the touch.

As Ruby pressed Weiss’s fingers against her forehead, she felt something crack inside.

From the fissuring in her chest, what once was locked away started to pour out.

“I…I need you.”

She felt release.

“I need you so badly.”

Everything Ruby had pent up, all the pain and stress she kept at bay, rushed out.

“Please, wake up, Weiss. I missed you so much.”

…

…

“Ruby…”

“WEISS?!”

Ruby whipped her head, and saw the girl mumbling in her sleep. Everyone around matched her shocked expression.

“I’ll be damned,” Coco gave a surprised chuckle. “True love, huh? Then again, Vel is pretty good at waking me up too.”

“Coco!”

“I know, I know, not the time. But that’s the first, she’s ever responded to anything.”

Ruby tried for a few minutes to get more out of Weiss, but her former teammate only continued to slumber. It was then, that Ironwood, Professor Polendina, and a figure in giant mech armor burst into the room.

“We heard there was a reaction!” Hades shouted through his hissing helmet.

“Um—! I didn’t really do anything. She said my name. Wait, Coco?!”

At that moment, Velvet traced a pair of pistols for her and Coco to draw on Hades.

“It seems security is laxing, if you were able to sneak some weapons through,” Ironwood commented.

“Well, you know the girl scout rules. Always be prepared—to pop off on assholes who try to kill your friends.”

“Stand down. Even if Hades was currently a threat, weapons of that caliber would do nothing against his armor.”

“I wouldn’t underestimate the quality, if I were you.”

Without paying further attention to the gunpoint standoff, Hades stood before Ruby.

The two locked eyes, and although Ruby was entirely ready to attack him barehanded if need be, he left himself completely vulnerable to anything.

“I am the one responsible for Miss Schnee’s current state. My name is Hades.”

“You… did this to Weiss…”

“Yes. You may exact your revenge as you see fit. I will oblige without resistance. I only ask one thing.”

“…”

“Kori Schnee; her cousin. If you would please see her, I will surrender myself to your wishes.”

“Ruby! Don’t listen to this—” Coco started, but Ironwood stepped between her gun and Hades.

“I know how you feel about the man, but Atlas still needs him.”

“Like I give a damn! I thought you guys arrested him after what he did, and I still thought that was too good for what he really deserves! Guess, I have the opportunity to balance the books.”

“Stand down, Coco Adel!”

“No. Fucking. Chance.” The girl snarled. “But I think you will.”

With a deft movement, Fox closed the distance and drove his elbow into the man’s lower spine. Channeling his Aura through the strike released a compound effect that brought his target crashing to the floor.

Once Ironwood was out of the way, Coco raised her arm behind Hades and planted the nose of her gun against the back of his head.

“I only require a minute,” the man said, without turning around.

“You’ve had more time than you should’ve.”

“If I am allowed to speak my piece, I will remove this helmet willingly to allow yourself a better shot.”

“Don’t need it.”

“Coco,” Ruby interrupted.

The girl with the sunglasses paused.

“You can’t be serious about hearing him out.”

“I am.”

“…”

After thinking twice, and twice more over, Coco pulled her gun back.

The whole time, Hades and Ruby never broke eye contact.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me,” Ruby could barely keep her anger in check. “Tell me everything.”

At that, Hades explained the events leading to the present. The alliance with Salem. The original plans to capture Kori Schnee. The apples that caused their downfall. With every hiss and every word, regret dripped from each end.

When he finished, a tense silence filled the atmosphere.

“If this is Salem’s work, the likely cause must be Magical in nature,” Ren assessed. “It would explain how Atlas’s medical technology, is unable to do anything for her.”

Ruby nodded, having come to the same conclusion.

“And the Winter Maiden?” she asked. “Her cousin didn’t die?”

“No,” Hades replied. “With Ironwood and Professor Polendina’s help, we were able to rush her into stasis.”

“…”

Ruby leaned down to Weiss and brushed her bangs back. She then, planted a small kiss on her forehead.

“Just a little longer, Weiss.”

Her eyes hummed with a silver glow.

“I’m coming to get you.”

.

* * * * *

.

Lying on the Northern outskirts of Atlas, was a camp of mobile trailers and weathered buildings.

The so-called living quarters were initially constructed to barebone cost efficiency. Meaning, the companies spent as little money as possible to erect four walls and a roof for their Dust miners. Many of the buildings were ramshackle. A number of them seemed to be old cargo trucks and buses that had their wheels and engines removed, then cheaply converted into more living space.

Many of the Dust mining corporations thought it better to keep their employees as close to the mines as possible, despite the dangers. It cut down on travel time and tardiness. Not to mention the control aspect.

There was little around the mines that was not company owned. The meal stalls were regulated, transport fees from the camp to the city were ridiculously high, while the other way around was practically free. And the only real authority around were the private security guards, who outnumbered the actual police fifty to two at most sites.

These were the conditions Ilia, Blake, Raven, and Adam arrived to.

“So… This is where you guys will be staying,” Ilia led them through the camp.

“These conditions are terrible…” Blake said sadly.

“Yeah, considering this is one of the better ones.”

“We know,” Adam growled. “We’ve seen them before.”

“Right. You started the branch here and left. Still, don’t let all the grime fool you. It used to be a lot worse.”

“Was it?”

“Ease off, Adam. You’ll understand what I mean soon enough.”

“Just take us where we need to go.”

As Ilia led them past a few more trailers that had been long destroyed by weather or Grimm, they came upon a large, looming structure.

“Impressive,” Raven commented.

Crashed into the mountain before them was a freighter-type airship. Designed for moving cargo, it represented the larger models of aerial transports. The outside of its hull was covered in graffiti. It also didn’t pass notice, the number of White Fang symbols and Silbern Mafia paint tags on it.

The group entered, and discovered the workers had made the ship their home. To their surprise, there was actual air conditioning, working electronics, and even some entertainment. A section of the ship had been converted into a makeshift bar with a couple of pool tables.

“Very impressive,” Raven commented again.

“Yeah. It’s something,” Ilia grinned.

“A ship this size, just happened to crash into this mountain, so close to basecamp that the company let the workers keep it.”

“…”

“Quite a string of coincidences. Is there a story there?”

“Company says the airship had a faulty Dust Reactor, and since it cost more to remove it or take it apart, they decided to just leave it. Make the best of the situation, y’know?”

“And what’s the story they tell behind closed doors?”

“That certain members of Silbern and a two-bit smuggler sabotaged an air shipment.”

Ilia gave Blake a wink.

“And these characters outfitted the interior to this extent.”

“I think they had some cash to spare. One of them in particular, actually.”

As they passed the bar, Blake saw a framed photo of various mafioso striking exaggerated poses for the camera. Among them, were Ilia and two individuals, who could only be Coco and Velvet. Taking the center, surrounded by her overexcited comrades—and the only one not striking a pose—was a familiar silver-haired girl with sunglasses and a trench coat draped over her shoulders. In the background, was the burning airship they were currently on.

“No way,” Blake muttered in disbelief.

“Wanna see something weirder?” Ilia appeared beside her.

The girl ordered a drink, and immediately raised it.

“To Weiss Schnee.”

““The Fairest of them all.””

The room responded with raised glasses.

While there were a few that didn’t, many of the patrons seemed to beam with an air of respect.

“A Schnee,” Adam cringed. “I can’t believe one of theirs is celebrated.”

“She did a lot to improve conditions around all the mines and refineries,” Ilia reasoned. “Not just the living quarters either. Better equipment, better hours, better pay.”

“Hmph.”

“And safer working environments, especially.”

“……Our people are still being enslaved, Ilia. Having a better pickaxe doesn’t change that fact. And one daughter of a major industry won’t change the Kingdom of Atlas, or save our people.”

“And where were you, Adam?”

“What?”

“Where were you, when your precious White Fang needed your help? When they needed reining in? How many of them begged me to take them to Vacuo, cause they did something stupid, like blow up a warehouse full of Dust, on your orders from across the damn world?”

“They did what they believed would help the cause.”

“Of course—the cause! Why would the great freedom fighter of the Faunus think any different?” Ilia exclaimed with fake grandiose. And then with a darker tone, “Or care that I had to drive an airship way over the weight limit once—cause there was a workers’ riot, that caused a bunch of miners’ limbs to be blown off?”

“…”

“Wait, you might be asking, ‘why didn’t I take them to the hospital instead’? You tell me, what doctors in Atlas would treat Faunus of the White Fang that were responsible for the riot? Who, by the way, have records of being your affiliates?”

“Ilia, that’s enough.”

“No, Blake. He needs to hear this. Your White Fang has people sacrificing themselves for your arrogant little cause. Faunus getting arrested and dropped down holes they can’t climb out of. Zealots strapping body bombs and picking fights too big for them to win. And do you think those caviar-eating scumbags at the top of the company food chain care? It doesn’t even leave a dent. I’m sure your White Fang are all proud and heroic in Mistral. But here? They’re nothing but radicals and thugs.”

“…”

“So, yeah.” Ilia ordered another drink. “To Weiss Schnee.” She knocked the drink back in one go. “She was actually changing this Kingdom.”

“While all you could do was try to destroy it.”

.

* * * * *

.

Ruby had long lost track of how much time passed.

The world around her dissolved and remade itself at a fickle whim. Fast-forward and rewound without rhyme or reason.

Before her was a pure-white castle.

Ruby could feel Weiss’s presence inside, but for all her efforts, she barely made a scratch in the door. She circled the estate for another entrance several times, but the door was always there, taunting her.

“I. Hate this place!”

“Yes. A sufficiently difficult puzzle, isn’t it?”

Ruby jumped, and prepared her scythe.

“No need for that, child. I mean you no harm,” Salem said to her.

The Witch then, strode up to the castle and knocked on the door. The resounding echo that followed was too loud for the small motion. It sent ripples through the land.

“I can understand your frustrations. Shall I lend you my assistance in recovering the girl?”

“…You were the one who put her there.”

“No, Ruby. Hades was the one responsible for that.”

“You ordered him to!”

“My order was completely different. The man is a liar, and is not meant to be trusted. I did not mean any harm to come to the little Snow White.”

“I…I can’t trust anything you say! You’re a liar!”

“My dear, sweet girl. Surely, you can read the nature of my words in this place. You know I have told no lies.”

What Salem said was indeed correct.

By some obscure property of the Never Realm, Ruby could sense the Witch had spoken no lies. It was a sensation she felt before, and now more than ever.

“No! You’re trying to trick me…!”

“Shall I open this castle, then? As a sign of good faith?”

Ruby hesitated.

“……Why would you do that?”

Salem smiled with an expression of a patient parent.

“I want to help you, Ruby Rose. You’ve been misguided by Ozpin, and led astray into thinking I am your enemy. I am not your enemy.”

Ruby shook her head, but each time was becoming harder to refuse. The more truth held in the Witch’s words, the more doubt sprouted in the girl’s perception.

“What do you want in return?”

“…Nothing, dear girl. I will take nothing in return for helping your friend. Only that you keep in mind the actions I took here today.”

“…”

“So? Shall I help set your friend free?”

Salem knocked on the door again, but this time, large cracks in the surface appeared. Ruby stared at the damage in shock. Her mind was racing now. All she needed to do was say, “yes”, and whatever curse Weiss was under, she would be free from immediately.

Ruby needed to speak only one word.

Just one lone word.

…

…

…

“Ah! It’s Ruby! The one that’s been attacking the front door was Ruby!”

What?!

“Oh no. I thought it was the usual Grimm. And Salem’s with her!”

WHAT?!

“This is your chance! You can wake up!”

But, how do I do that?!

“You have to break open the door first, and let her in.”

How am I supposed to do that?! I can’t move!

In the highest room of the castle, Weiss lay in a fancily decorated bed. At the same time, she argued with a voice without form.

“You don’t have to move. You can break it open without moving!”

What?

“USE YOUR SEMBLANCE!”

OH!

At that moment, a ghostly Jotunn burst from the castle like a cage that was too small for it. Rubble was sent flying in all directions, before freezing in time.

“Hey! CAREFUL!”

I’m sorry! YOU WERE YELLING AT ME!

“Oh, right. Sorry. I got a little excited.”

What do I do now?!

“See that woman there, beside Ruby?”

Yes!

“Kick her good!!!”

OKAY?!

According to Weiss’s will, the summoned Jotunn swung back its foot in preparation to punt Salem’s significantly tinier figure.

Just when the toe was about to make contact, the Witch scowled and disappeared through a portal.

“WHOA…” Ruby was dumbstruck by the appearance of the Grimm servant. She had seen Weiss’s summons before, but never something on this scale. Plus, it knocked a lot of the castle ruins near her, causing her to wonder if she should attack it or not.

Ruby! You’re here! Thank goodness! I’m so happy!

“She can’t hear you. You’re sleeping.”

I—I knew that! I was just thinking it!

No, Ruby! Don’t attack! It’s me, Weiss!

“She can’t hear you!”

What do I do?!

“Well…”

What?

*Ahem* “Well, first of all, convince her to stop attacking your Semblance.”

How do I do that? The Jotunn can’t talk!

“You have to do something.”

Hrrrggg!

“OoOoOohhhhh”

“This thing’s so creepy!” Ruby cried.

She said I was creepy!

“That’s cause you’re making the Jotunn moan at her!”

I don’t know. Oh!

The giant Jotunn threw up a peace sign and held it in front of Ruby.

“Two?”

Not the number, you dope!

“This is getting nowhere fast…”

Can’t YOU talk to her?!

“If I could, I would have already. She doesn’t meet the right conditions.”

What do I do?!

“Hm… I guess, you could…”

Taking the advice of the mysterious voice, Weiss commanded the Jotunn to write in very large letters on the ground: UPSTAIRS.

It took a minute, but Ruby eventually ran up the ruined castle to where the giant Grimm vigorously pointed to. There, she found Weiss asleep in her bed.

Okay, she’s here! What’s next?

“…”

Are you still there?

“Yeah.”

What’s the next step?

“…”

…Are you playing a prank on me?

“Nope.”

HOW DO I TELL HER TO DO THAT?! NO, WAIT! WHY IS THAT THE WAY TO WAKE ME UP?!

“There are other ways.”

What are they?!

“They’re very advanced, and I’m sure Glynda hasn’t found the time to teach her yet. This method is the simplest.”

Hrrrmmm….. How do I tell her?

“The same way as before, write it on the ground.”

…..nnnnnnooooOOOOOO!!!!!

“Haha—" *Pft*!

Don’t laugh!

“I’m sorry. You’re right. This is very serious.”

…

“…”

…

“*Snort!*”

Ugghhhhh….

In giant words on the ground, the Jotunn wrote: KISS ME.

“Wha? Um….” Ruby looked worriedly at the Grimm, then at the words, then back at the sleeping Weiss. “Kiss…you?”

The gruesome giant performed an awkward nod, which looked more like a bow since it had no neck.

“O…kay?” Ruby sighed. “The things I do for Weiss…”

…

…

NO, YOU DOLT! KISS ME! NOT MY SUMMONING!

“This…is… the most unromantic thing…EVER. Ahahaha!”

Even without form, Weiss could picture the owner of the voice clutching their sides.

Don’t just laugh! HELP ME!

After a few more minutes, and half a dozen other attempts, Weiss was able to miraculously communicate with Ruby.

The younger girl planted her lips on the sleeping princess. When she did, she instinctively channeled her Aura through the point of contact. Acting almost like a jumpstart, Weiss began to come to consciousness.

Her eyes slowly opened, as she felt Ruby’s energy course through her.

“Hi, Ruby.”

“Hey, Weiss.”

The heiress sat up, and the two shared another kiss for no reason but affection.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

They shared a dreamy gaze, while treasuring the moment, before Weiss remembered.

“Hey! You better not be watching!”

“What?”

“Sorry. Not you. The… huh? Who was that again?”

“Weiss, what are you talking about? Are you okay?”

“No. The… the one that was here. She…”

Weiss held her head and scrunched her face. She then, began looking about the roofless chamber.

“You mean, Salem?” Ruby asked.

“No. The other one…She was just here. Who was she again?”

“Weiss, we’re the only ones here.”

“Yeah, but… hm.”

“……Weiss?”

The heiress wore a sad expression, before turning to Ruby again.

“It’s fine. Let’s get out of here,” she said with a renewed smile.

“Yeah.”

Ruby knitted her fingers into the other’s hands.

“Let’s go.”

.

* * * * *

.

“Can we go now?”

“Soon, honey. You, Neo, and Mercury just wait in the car for a few more minutes. We’ll be back soon.”

“But you didn’t even crack the window open.”

“I didn’t? Oh, shit.”

“A little radio silence, while we concentrate?” Cinder’s voice came over the comms.

In the Western Sector, where the most affluent of Atlas’s high society gathered, Team ENMY and Cinder were currently commencing operations in Remnant’s largest resort and casino.

The sounds of slot machines and bright lights assaulted people’s senses on every floor. Rows of tables filled with those risking away their fortunes. The full spectrum of emotion, from ecstatic joy to crushing depression could be gleaned in every person.

And among the heavens and hells for gambling addicts, a sharp suited Mercury kept a lookout from the nearby bar. Likewise, Neo and Yang were playing around a craps table, while keeping an eye on some blast doors. Another good roll from the petite girl made everyone cheer and throw their hands in the air. In contrast to the surrounding elation, Yang could only force an awkward smile.

“If you keep cheating like that, you’ll draw attention,” she whispered through her teeth.

Neo only puffed her cheeks and threw the glass dice into the air again.

More cheers erupted from the patrons drowning on their tilted luck.

“Guys, hurry up. Neo might bankrupt this place, before you knock it over. But not before we get asked to leave.”

“We’re on it, Yang. It’s not hard to steal twenty different keycards, but it does take some time.”

As a pair of young women wearing cocktail dresses passed the craps table, Yang subtly flung a card to the one wearing green.

“Nineteen.”

Neo slipped a card into the red one’s hand.

Eighteen.

Emerald caught a card sliding across the floor from Mercury’s direction. Her partner nodded with recognition.

“Oh, my babies are growing up to be just like mommy.”

Cinder and Emerald continued to walk the casino floor.

Because the higher floors were reserved for long-time members and VIPs, the group had to “borrow” a few credentials to access them. And then, to get passed a number of redundant security measures, they had to lift a few IDs from various employees and workers. Many of the doors they needed to open required two separate keycards swiped simultaneously. As expected of a casino where countless amounts of lien were moved and inventoried, they spared no expense in their firewalls.

“Hey, do you think it’s true these games are rigged for the house?”

“They’d be stupid not to be,” Emerald replied.

“I only ask, cause I don’t know what’ll happen if they try to sharp Neo back. I wish we could just blow our way through to the top floor.”

“We require the casino to remain intact and functioning. What good would it do to cause a scene?” Cinder voiced.

“That’s why I said I wish.”

“Your obvious, knee-jerk reaction to resort to the blunt force method never ceases to amuse.”

“And your underhanded schemes never fail to make me sick to my stomach.”

“I think you just need a stronger stomach.”

“We got what we need,” Emerald interrupted. “You guys know the drill. If you see the signal, then you can wreck shop on the way up to us. Until then, be cool. We’ll probably be white noise as soon as we hit the higher levels.”

…

“I wish I could’ve went with Masa,” Mercury made an offhand complaint.

“You wanted to try infiltrating the Tower?” Yang asked back.

“Better than sitting at a bar…”

“Then, you should’ve came pretend gambling with us.”

“I hate gambling.”

Detecting the hint behind Mercury’s voice, Yang changed her tone.

“……Sounds like dad of the year stuff.”

“Yup.”

“Any other landmines I should look out for?”

“Well, at least there aren’t any prostit—Wait, never mind.”

“Heh, figures.”

“How mad would Cinder be, do you think, if we just tore this place apart without her signal?”

“I can tell you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“If you decide to start cracking heads open, you can tell her that I cracked the first one.”

“You’re a peach.”

“What are friends for? Besides, I think the pit boss is getting a little suspicious of Neo. He’s asked our dealer to switch out the dice four times, and giving her the stink eye. She might pick the first fight before you or me.”

…

Meanwhile, after swiping the corresponding key cards and gaining access to the higher floors, Cinder and Emerald rode the elevator up the skyscraper together. Through the windows, they could see the colorful lights of the city streets below. Despite a large-scale Grimm attack not too long ago, this portion of the Kingdom had gotten back on its feet rather quickly. One of the factors, likely due to the quantity and cheapness of manual labor.

“It’s beautiful,” Emerald spoke low. Then with a sour expression, “But knowing something ugly is deep down takes a lot away from it.”

“Was that comment perhaps, directed at me?”

“What? No. No! I didn’t!”

“Relax,” Cinder caressed Emerald’s cheek. “I was only teasing.”

“…”

“I must say, you look rather alluring yourself. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume you were some seductive thief in the middle of a heist. Is there any need for your Semblance if you look like this?”

Emerald only blushed silently.

The elevator doors opened, and their expressions became immediately tense.

“Clock’s running.”

“Tick tock~♪” Cinder said with a sultry song.

The two swiped their key cards at the same time, only meant to be used by casino personnel. The doors closed and took them further up. They were now going past the gambling floors, and entering levels for employees.

It would only be a matter of time before security realized what was going on, so the two had to make the most of their timeframe.

The doors opened once more, and this was the farthest they could get by the elevator alone. The pair stepped over the threshold and walked with a quickness in their step. Several workers turned heads, but none stopped them.

Three more floors.

“Hey! You can’t be up here!”

As a security officer approached, Emerald read his nametag and conjured a hallucination of a man they scouted beforehand.

“Keep your voice down, Arthur!” the illusion of the man’s superior officer appeared from around the corner, and moved close. “Mr. Venetus asked them to come personally. I’d rather you not call attention. Do you understand?”

“Uh! Yes, sir! But didn’t you have the day off? Also, why didn’t they go through the personal elevator?”

“Well…” the illusion leaned closer. “There was some other company heading in the other direction. And we all know how long these damn elevators take.”

The other officer nodded stiffly.

“Hey, you know that thing you asked about before?”

“You mean the day requests off?”

“Yeah. Put the paperwork through. You got the approval.”

“Seriously, sir?! Even during peak?”

“Well… yeah. Just don’t go around telling everyone, alright? I know you’ve been working hard, so take the vacation.”

“Thank you, sir!”

“And another thing, Arthur.”

“Yes, sir?”

“No more attention to these fine ladies, got it? Radio ahead to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Good man! Keep up the good work! I expect you back nice and rested after your vacation, you hear?”

“Yes, sir. Thank you so much, sir!”

The two continued on their way.

“Nice touch with the subtle deflect,” Cinder complimented. “How did you know about the time requested off?”

“Any employee at this level works harder than average, or is connected. Either way, they’re usually in constant contact with management, which means requests for different things. Not necessarily time off.”

“I’m impressed. You even convinced him to clear us to the next level.”

“You could tell he was the hardworking type, and just like any hardworking employee, they just want to be appreciated.”

“Hm. Have I mentioned how much I appreciate you?”

“Could stand to do it a little more, once in a while,” Emerald grinned.

They slid a few cards simultaneously. Passed through the next few doors.

One more hurdle.

Situated between them and their prize was the main control office. And none other than the Head of Security along with three henchmen came out to greet them. He was a large burly man, puffing his chest out with a shiny gold badge.

At the same time, Emerald cloaked the actual Cinder from their perception, while conjuring a stand-in copy.

“You two!” the man started, before Cinder dashed up to him, and struck his neck.

As he choked, unable to speak, Emerald activated her Semblance to create a duplicate.

“Where have you been?!” the doppelganger continued where the original left off. “Mr. Venetus had an appointment for you two an hour ago. Anyway, right this way.”

“Uh, sir? Weren’t you saying you were going to arrest them?”

“I made a mistake. I just remembered Mr. Venetus was expecting them, but I forgot since they were late. The rest of you can head on back, while I escort them to the office.”

“Oh, affirmative?”

As Cinder and Emerald were being led by the imaginary Head Officer, radios crackled on the henchmen’s waists.

“What are you guys doing?!”

“What do you mean? The Head just gave them the greenlight.”

“What the hell are you talking about?! We’ve got you on the camera feed! The one in the red dress knocked him out, while you guys just stood there and watched!”

“Huh?”

But as they turned, Cinder and Emerald had already disappeared through the casino owner’s door.

The office was a grand testament to the fortune the man sitting at the desk had accumulated. Several artifacts and artworks sat like displays for a museum. Priceless relics that would rival the most prominent works in Vytal. A thick, but comfortable rug lined the floor, so luxurious, one could tell the quality through their shoes. And lining the walls were darkened fifteen-inch pieces of ballistic proof glass. While easy on the eyes, they were also capable of withstanding most any threat, Grimm or person.

“Larry?” the man behind the desk questioned. “What are you doing here? Who are they?”

Tailored in a stylish dark-blue suit that matched the highlights in his hair, was Mr. Venetus. Business titan and casino owner of Vegas.

Just when he was about to reach for a weapon, a violent force pulled on his tie like tightening a noose.

“Now, now, Mr. Venetus. There will be no need for that~” Cinder slowly decloaked from Emerald’s hallucination, while sitting on his desk. “You and I have something to discuss. A rather important matter concerning your business empire.”

“And…! Why should I talk with the likes of you…?! Will you kill me if I don’t?”

“If it comes to that.”

“I didn’t get to where I am falling for every threat tossed my way…!”

“No, I imagine not.”

There was a bang at the door, which Emerald destroyed the electronic lock to and began barricading.

“Let’s just have a nice chat first, shall we? A drink? I think you’ll need it.”

Cinder let go of the man’s tie, went to his personal drink collection, and carefully selected a certain bottle. She strutted back, placed the wine bottle with a resounding thud on the rich wooden table. And with a bit of showmanship, materialized two molten glass tumblers.

She eyed the wine’s label without really looking at it.

“Aschenglas. A good vintage.” Cinder started to pour. “Now, I’m no wine connoisseur, but I do believe they stopped production before the founding of Atlas, which means this may very well be the last to survive the older Mantle Monarchy days. Cheers.”

She clinked her glass against Venetus’s.

“If so, it makes for a very special gift.”

“You think it isn’t real?”

“I’d like to hear what you think.”

The owner swirled it before taking a drink. Cinder refilled his glass.

“Tastes real,” he answered after a time.

“That’s because it is.”

“…”

“How did you receive such a fine gift again?”

“I didn’t say.”

“Regale me.”

“……It was a thank you for placing a tall shipment to a certain company.”

“And what shipment and company would that be?”

“I don’t believe there’s any reason for me to disclose that.”

Cinder grinned and made her way to the windows. She began tapping on the thick glass.

“I understand you’ve renovated recently. Even made some impressive upgrades to your own office, since the Grimm attack. Only one week later, and your casino is already up and running. A bold move reopening so quickly, and far ahead of your competition.”

“It means so much to me to have the approval of… Who, exactly?”

“Approval?” Cinder ignored his question. “Far from it. Your business acumen is something inspired, to be sure, but Mr. Venetus… You rushed repairs to your castle without doing your due diligence. And that is a very careless thing.”

“…”

“A high-volume shipment, ordered on quick demand, at a price that simply can’t be beat.”

“…?”

“Sound familiar?”

The casino owner’s increasing unnerve was apparent.

“Now, what was that order again? Ah, yes. It was an order for quality reinforced glass, wasn’t it?” A fire lit behind Cinder’s words. “Provided and supplied, by a company called, Halftone Rime.”

She emphasized each syllable, as she scorched the letters into the desk with her nail.

“How do you—”

Cinder snapped her fingers, and the glass tumblers exploded with intense sharpness and heat.

Sweat gathered on Venetus’s brow, as truth began to don on him. He could hear the blood pumping through his body, as he stared at his hand embedded with crystalline shards.

“I simply must thank you for your patronage, Mr. Venetus. Gathering from what I’ve observed, you’ve put our glass to good use. It seems all the previously shattered windows panels have been replaced with our wares. You’ve also used our special ordered grade material to layer your own.”

At her words, the windows around them screamed with heat. The volume increasing as Cinder raised her hand like a conductor, before swiftly bringing it down to kill the music. Her eyes stoked with the light of the Fall Maiden.

“W-w-w-w-who are you?!” the owner could only stutter.

Cinder released an almost child-like laughter, as she waved her hands over the burn marks she made on the desk before.

The words: Halftone Rime, rearranged themselves into,

Heir of Mantle.

With burning letters.

“This is a very fine establishment, Venetus. I can appreciate how much time and effort went into building such a castle.”

“What do you want?!”

“I know a life’s work when I see it. But a moment’s weakness is all it takes to destroy everything one has built.”

“WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!”

“Isn’t it obvious, by now?”

The owner broke out into a colder sweat, if that was possible.

“Relax,” Cinder conjured two more tumbler glasses, and poured for both of them. “I would never dream of putting you out of employment. On the contrary, I’d like to hire you to run this business you’ve done for so long, in the manner as per usual. It’s the reason we kept the impact of our visit to such a minimum.”

She clinked the tumblers just like she had done before.

“Except this casino is mine now, as well as your company assets,” Cinder snickered. “Drink up, Venetus.”

“I think you need it.”

.

* * * * *

.

“You sure you don’t need it?”

“I’m fine, Ruby.”

“But you should have something! You just woke up!” the girl urged, trying to shove crackers in the other’s mouth.

“Now, that you mention it, I wonder when was the last time I had a real meal,” Weiss said curiously, immediately followed by her stomach growling.

“See?!”

“Ruby’s right, Weiss. You should have something to eat. It’ll go a long way to rebuilding your strength again.”

“…”

“What?”

“Nothing. I just hardly recognized it was you, who said that.”

“What?!” Jaune cried.

“I’ve never heard you give such sound advice before. Oh, don’t be upset. It was a compliment. But seeing how you’re acting now, I can see you really haven’t changed much.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“I’m not quite sure yet. But you should have really done something about that confidence problem by now.”

“Yeah…Guess the ice queen hasn’t changed much either.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing!”

At that moment, Team RNJR, Team CFVY, and Weiss reached Cerberus Tower’s exit.

“You sure you don’t want to stay another night?” Jaune asked.

“I’m just fine, thank you. The fact that I have an appetite means I’m healthy!”

“Princess is right about that,” Cinder joined. “Plus, I doubt you want to stick around that hole anyway. Your dad was about to show up. Hades kept asking Ruby to revive Kori, even though it didn’t work. That weird professor keeps asking to study a ‘silver eyed warrior’. And let’s not forget that bomb Ironwood dropped on you.”

“…Yes, Coco. Thank you very much. I’d almost forgotten,” Weiss sighed sarcastically.

With a deep breath, she felt the cold night air fill her lungs. She thought the stars looked brighter than usual. Maybe due to her prolonged slumber, the girl felt more alive than recent memory.

*Hakchoo*

She turned to Ruby, who had just sneezed.

Oh, that’s why.

Weiss took out a handkerchief and wiped Ruby’s nose.

“Coco?”

“Hm?”

“Thank you for everything. You did really great.”

“……..If you’re really grateful, you could totally just pay me with a sack of money right now.”

“Coco!”

“Easy, Vel. She knows I’m kidding. No, but seriously, we’ve been working on our own dime and—”

“COCO!”

“Proper remunerations will be prepared,” Weiss rolled her eyes. “On another topic, what happened, while I was asleep? I know about some things, but what happened with Silbern and the White Fang? Also, what’s the condition of Atlas and the Board of Directors?”

Her stomach growled again.

“……We can go over the details later, but I think priority goes to filling that belly.”

*Ahem*

Weiss cleared her throat.

“It just so happens I know the perfect place.”

.

* * * * *

.

“I know a place that serves snow crab…” Ilia answered Raven, whose eyes brightened slightly. “The menu can be pretty pricey, though. But the cook and the flavor are as legit as it gets.”

“Let’s go.”

“Your treat?”

“Didn’t we just pay you a small fortune to smuggle us into the country?”

“No, no you didn’t.”

“Cheeky brat. Fine.”

“Yes! Free meal!”

“Where is this place exactly?”

“It’s near the center of the city. The only place not too far from the slums or too close to the rich.”

“I don’t know…”

Ilia and Raven stared back at Blake.

“What’s eating you?” “What are you talking about?”

“Adam seems a bit depressed. I think we’ll both just stay at the camp. Get a lay of the land regarding the White Fang and this, Silbern Mafia situation. You two can enjoy yourselves without us.”

“…” “…”

“Ilia. What kind of tuna would be served at the place you’re taking us?”

“Oh, the best stuff—fresh from the water and onto your plate, fresh. Wait, Blake. Didn’t you have a thing for tuna?”

“A shame you’re not coming with us.”

“Tsk. Big shame…”

Blake’s pupils shrunk until they were the thinnest black slits. Her curiosity, attention, and desires were obviously piqued.

“…”

“…”

“…Just drag the pup with us,” Raven groaned.

“Let me go get him!” Blake replied immediately.

“Wait for us!”

.

* * * * *

.

“Wait up. How much cash flows through that casino on a daily basis?” Yang’s expression skewed with disbelief.

“Enough,” Cinder answered. “Well enough to suit my ambitions.”

After the group’s “hostile” takeover of Casino Vegas, they left the gambler’s haven, more for Mercury’s benefit than anything else. Also because of a small incident on the floor, involving a certain petite psycho stabbing a cheating table dealer.

“Okay, I feel like I have to ask. What exactly are you going to do with all that coin?”

“Why, Yang—after spending so much quality time together, what do you think I will do with my newly acquired fortune?”

“I dunno. Some part of a weird scheme to take over Atlas? Own their majority stocks. Maybe, bribe the Kingdom into being ruled by you.”

“Huh. An insightful guess, considering you were joking.”

“Serious?”

“Listen closely, Yang. The lifeblood of Atlas is its treasury, or more accurately, it’s economy. Not the military, as many would have you believe. And sometimes, what defeats the most formidable of foes is not their weaknesses—but their strengths.”

In the wake of Cinder’s sinister smile, the ENMY went silent.

That is, until Mercury’s stomach let out a loud growl.

“I’m hungry.”

“Samesies~♪” Yang agreed.

“Hm,” Cinder pondered. “I do remember a fine dining place. It should still be operating.”

“Ugh. A place Cinder is recommending, huh?”

“You truly despise everything about me, don’t you?”

“Nah. Not everything.”

“…”

“…”

“…” Cinder sighed. “Very well. What aspect of me can you stan—”

“Just kidding,” Yang grinned like a troll.

“I hate everything about you.”

.

* * * * *

.

“Ugh. I hate how crowded this place is,” Coco complained.

“It can’t be helped…!” Weiss said, while being bumped around by the walls of bodies. “This is Atlas’s main road. All the best restaurants and shops are on this strip.”

“Really fighting the urge to start waving my gun here.”

“Just stay together. Ruby! Don’t let go of my hand!”

“I’m trying, Weiss~!”

.

* * * * *

.

“You know, if you wanted to signal the Mistral Armada to attack, now would be good,” Ilia struggled. “Or do that evil teleporting trick? I don’t have the moral high ground to say no to some evil teleporting.”

“You can thank Atlas technology that Blake or I can’t do that,” Raven replied.

“Great.” *Oomph* “Blake, you should hold my… Blake?”

Their group sandwiched together at the edge of the sidewalk, while they waited for the light to signal it safe to cross the street.

.

* * * * *

.

*Beep beep beep beep…*

“See, if we took Penny with us, she could probably hack that stupid light to let us cross faster.”

“How hungry are you, Merc?”

“I’m getting there…! Like, serious hangry pangs, Em. And you know what I’m like when I’m hangry.”

“You know what I get when that happens? I call them, Yangry pangs! Ey?”

““Yang…””

Even Neo and Cinder showed exaggerated disproval for Yang’s pun.

.

* * * * *

.

As the cars of Atlas’s busiest roads slowed to a stop, the street lights above switched. Pedestrians waiting on the curb rushed into the intersection all at once, like a flood gate being released.

In the rapid shuffling of feet and bodies, certain individuals found themselves separated from their respective groups.

“Uh, Weiss. I think we lost them.”

“Of course, we did…”

“Ilia? Raven?”

“Oh, come on. That pun’s clever. Guys? Guys?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

As the faceless tide of pedestrians moved through like a river—four figures stood stock still in contrast to that.

Not a single muscle or millimeter of motion between them, as they stared at one another.

Signals from the streetlights, the crowd’s footsteps, the engine roars of cars—everything seemed so far away at that moment.

For the first time in so long, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang met.

A fated reunion of Team RWBY.

[all-hallows-scream]

Book Recs for Autumn and Halloween !

So as a lot of you probably know, I love horror stories and Halloween-y books. I read them year round, like many of you probably do also, but when autumn rolls around I think we can all agree we need a few really good books for the season. In no particular order, these are a few of my personal favs!

1. Tithe by Holly Black

This book is one of my all time favorites, and as I’m sure you can tell, is all about faeries. I read this every year around October/September. It’s not necessarily a happy go lucky fairytale story. It’s dark and makes you fear the seelie court as well as wish you could visit it yourself. Black’s writing is absolutely beautiful as well, so that’s always a plus. I recommend every single book she’s ever written they’re all amazing and perfect for Halloween.

2. Slasher Girls & Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke

Okay so technically this isn’t written by Tucholke. This book was compiled by her. SG&MB is a collection of horror short stories by various other authors including Cat Winters, Danielle, Paige,  Megan Shepherd, Kendare Blake, and A.G. Howard. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked every single story in the book. And, to top it all off, they’re all inspired by other works such as The Birds, Alice in Wonderland, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. (”In the Forest Dark and Deep” is based off of Alice in Wonderland and is my personal favorite.)

3. The Diviners by Libba Bray

I have a lot of feelings about this book, and I’m not entirely sure how to put them in words. This book ... y’all ... it’s incredible. It’s set in 1920′s New York and is all about, you guessed it, Diviners. Specifically, a Diviner named Evie who is trying to help solve murders being done by a serial killer who ... uhhh ... happens to be a ghost brought back through a ouija board. Explaining that sounds a little bit cheesy but I swear on my grave this book is well worth the read. However! It is quite long. 578 pages to be exact. But again, so very worth it. And the third book is coming out October 3rd!

4. The Merciless and Survive the Night by Danielle Vega

Now .. truly I didn’t want to have two books by the same author on this list but both of these books are amazing and I couldn’t chose. The Merciless is like .. The Exorcist meets Mean Girls. It was very fun to read and stayed that way until the last few chapters where things started getting very intense and way creepy. Survive the Night is a rave underground gone horribly wrong when people start getting killed by someone or ... something? Both are very good and get very wild towards the end. In a good way, though!

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I’ve read this book a million times. However, I haven’t read it in a while so I think that’ll be one of my reads this month! The Night Circus is about a circus that appears without warning and is only open at night. Le Cirque des Rêves ; the circus of dreams. This circus is primarily created by our two main characters who are competing against each other; it’s a duel between the two magicians. That they’re completely unaware of.  Because of this duel, they create beautiful, amazing circus tents that could literally only exist in a dream. I’m horrible at describing this book, so please, read it and you’ll see what I mean! You might not be able to read it all in one sitting though. When I first read it I had to take breaks between chapters to “catch my breath” so to speak!

6. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

I think we all know what The Exorcist is. Hailed as a classic horror movie by many. Which I truthfully don’t understand because after reading the book, the movie seemed tame. This book scared the hell out of me. It was so incredibly creepy and I loved every second of it. The movie actually skipped one of my favorite book scenes which was a bit disappointing. I could not put the book down though, and honestly got chills a few times. I don’t think I need to explain any further why you should read it this Halloween!

7. Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Okay. This book is in fact more of a middle grade book. But the plus side of that is that it’s an easy read, as well as very well written and entertaining. It’s full of magic and kicking ass. The concept sounds silly; a magical skeleton detective with a twelve year old side kick who only just found out she can also do magic. It definitely sounds like a kids book. But it’s so incredibly funny and just good. I did start the series when I was about thirteen, so I might be biased, but I still reread the series to this day and enjoy every second of it! There are, I believe, 10 books in the series as well as four novellas, but reading just the first one is good enough to get your Halloween fix. I don’t even have the last two books. The only problem with this series is that you have to order it from Ireland because I believe only the first two books were released in the U.S.

8. My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

This book is just another demon possession story but it’s very entertaining. It’s set in the 80s and one night after a bad acid trip, Gretchen, Abby’s best friend, seems to get possessed. Things get wild from there as everyone but Abby abandons her, and then the tables turn as the demon seemingly flips a switch and makes Gretchen a perfect student, gaining everyone’s trust and affection,  making them turn their backs on Abby. It’s a wild ride from start to finish and you’ll probably hate everyone in the book at one point, but it’s a great read. And the cover looks like a campy 80s horror movie VHS art!

9. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

If you like Edgar Allan Poe, you’ll like this book. It includes steampunk, the plague, clubs, glitter, death ... what more could you ask for? Griffin states that she wanted to know more about the characters of Poe’s short story, and that’s where her story originated. A very good read, whether it’s Halloween or not!

10. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

I read this book a while ago but still stand by the fact that it was a great read. This book is about a boy named Cas who’s purpose on this Earth is to kill the undead aka ghost, demons, etc. When we meet Cas, his goal is to find Anna Dressed in Blood, a notorious ghost, and send her back to where she belongs. The issue is that she kills anyone who enters her house, wrapped up in the rage of her brutal murder. And of course, you probably guessed it, she let’s Cas live. It sounds a little cliche, but it’s a great seasonal read and if you’re looking for something easy to pick up one day, it’s perfect!

I wish I could include more books on this list but unfortunately, many of the ones I wanted to include I haven’t actually finished yet. They’re amazing, but I think before I decide to recommend them to people, I should finish them first! Hopefully next year I’ll have a lot of new books to recommend! Hope you enjoy this list!

What books do you think should be on here?