Troubled Hearts: Those in our Thoughts

Long nights, that was what he remembered from his time in Beacon. Long nights training with Pyrrha, training to fight the evils of the world and right wrongs. Swordplay, Aura control, combat. And all of it was useless at this very moment, the woman sitting opposite of Jaune smiling in victory. He knew her, Cinder Fall her name, and she had him by the very noose he'd tied around his neck. You thought you were clever, thought you could keep her playing that awful act. And now you're stuck with a witch and her... desires. It wasn't all bad, Jaune had at least freed Pyrrha. Some.

"Thinking about anything interesting over there?" Cinder asked, toying with some ice in a glass. "You've been less vigorous since making our deal." The smile reminded him of the details of such a deal.

"Just wondering about what to do next." Not a lie, Jaune really was trying to figure out what to do to fight against Cinder's plans. If what she said was true, why not just do it? Why waste time on him?

The woman gave him a soft smile, something wholly unsettling to consider. "Don't worry about it, just... relax, enjoy the sights and experience. After all, what else could you be doing right now?"

"Well, I do have a job." They didn't really need him today, he'd likely just be sent back after getting there. "And then I need to talk to someone." Jaune suppressed a bit of a laugh at the thought.

Cinder frowned a little, tapping a finger impatiently as he spoke. Their food hadn't arrived yet and it was clear she wanted him to take this seriously. "And who is it you need to talk to? Remember, this is my day. It better not be-"

"It's not anything like that, I just... need to explain something is all," Jaune interrupted, trying to place some strength back in his stare. He hoped she would understand. "But, what about you? It seems strange to not just go ahead with your plan."

A clatter of plates interrupted them as the man from earlier shuffled toward them carrying steaming meals. He placed a burger down in front of Jaune, one of the gnarliest things he'd ever seen. But not nearly as bad as the soup that Cinder had in front of her. Or rather, the mass of cheese and broccoli that just so happened to have a slight soupy consistency. She grimaced at her meal, looking up at him with a faint glint of anger. Well, it's good for you at least. Jaune felt a slight pang of guilt at recommending such an awful concoction, even to this woman.

"Well love, this is... interesting for a special. But as to your question, I don't know." Cinder looked upward, the usual confidence gone as an almost innocent look took over her face. "To tell you the truth, I should be worried that I'm letting this all get out of hand. But I'm not."

"What do you mean? This was your plan, right?"

She looked back into his eyes, the same look of innocence there as she sighed outward. "It's not something I can discuss. How about something lighter?"

Jaune picked up his hefty sandwich, taking a large chunk out of it and stalling for thought. It came soon enough. "So what have you been doing when you're not... you know, the usual things someone like you gets up to?"

"Someone like me? I suppose I don't put the best foot forward, but that is still quite rude." Cinder smiled slightly, a hint of playfulness returning. "If you must know, we've been checking the wall for weakness. As much as I would love to do all the work, the darling pets out there must be restless."

What are you even doing here still? The thought was welcome, a check that his supposed sanity was still present. "So more work? Must be quite fun being you." It was crazy, she could probably kill him in a second. But he had to keep it up.

The reaction Jaune got wasn't the one he expected though. Cinder's smile faded and she went back to stirring the mess of a concoction, staring into it as though looking for answers. It wasn't an act as far as he could tell, the woman had no over-dramatized sighs or pouting lips to go along with her despair. For once Jaune thought he was seeing the real Cinder, someone who was tired of being hated. He watched her slowly spoon a slimy mess upward toward her mouth, grimacing as she chomped down on the spoon. I really didn't mean for it to be that bad.

"Hey, if that isn't really anything special, would you like half of this?" Jaune offered, taking up a knife to cut his hamburger. "It's pretty good for here." He watched her perk up, eying the beefy burger with a critical eye. Cinder nodded her assent as he went to cut it up.

And she snatched it up off the plate, taking a sizable bite out of the burger before returning it to his plate. "Not bad. Very greasy, but a good taste altogether. Thank you." Wiping her mouth off, she settled back down with ravenous eyes. "So you don't seem too uncomfortable anymore. Are you warming up to me?"

This again. It reminded him of a puppy single mindedly chasing after its own tail and expecting to catch it each time. She was beautiful though, and Jaune couldn't deny the stray thoughts about her he'd had. "Maybe a little, I don't feel like I'm going to die any moment at least." It was slightly more pleasant to not fear for your life.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel that way," Cinder intoned through her smile. He didn't expect that answer, and neither did she if her rapid blinking was any indication. "So many surprises these days."

"Did you at least mean what you said?" It was an honest question, Jaune genuinely wanted to know a little about Cinder. If only so he could help the real Huntsman in some small way.

The inquisitive gaze he received was another unexpected thing, Cinder searching for something in his face. "No acts, that was the agreement. So yes, I did." She reached over, taking another bite out of his food. "Is it so bizarre that I can be polite from time to time?"

She says that as my burger keeps getting smaller and smaller. "I'm not saying it's weird. It's just... you know, unexpected." Jaune was trying to be polite, but the awkwardness of it all was starting to get to him.

"There's a lot that is... unexpected of me. But people don't really look past the exterior to find it."

The words sounded eerily similar to someone else's he knew, and something started to shift in Jaune's mind. Like two pieces of a puzzle slowly rotating until they fit together. He was stuck trying to figure it all out while dancing on pins and needles with this woman. All the while also feeling somewhat sorry for Cinder and how she was. There was clearly something else going on in her life that Jaune wasn't privy to, something that was compelling her along this path.

"It's hard to get past the things you've done. But if it bothers you so much, why even keep doing this?" Jaune asked, the slightest hint of accusation on his tongue.

He didn't expect her to sigh outward, a long breath and the sagging of shoulders a clear sign of her deeper feelings. "It's not as easy as you make it out to be. I'm not quite so young and naive anymore like you." Cinder's eyes flashed a slight bit of anger at him before settling back down. "I suppose since I'll have to eventually go about my mission sooner or later it won't hurt to tell you. It's not my plan to murder all these people, it's a... well, I guess a person named Salem's plan. Personally I'd prefer to dominate them for my own purposes."

It wasn't the most reassuring thing Jaune could have hoped to hear, but it was a step in the right direction. "And this Salem, why do you listen to what they have to say?" Not crazy at all, trying to talk a known killer out of a partnership with a probable killer.

"Oh you, if I didn't know any better I'd say you actually cared about this," she cooed, predatory eyes narrowing on him as he ate. "But it isn't like that. She's, well, she's got a way about her that is quite... persuasive. And even with these Maiden powers I don't think I could challenge her. So here I am, talking with a cute boy." Those eyes stayed narrow, the fox eying its prey.

"Uh, I'm sure you could find someone far better than me. I'm just some kid who wasn't very good at the whole monster hunting thing." Jaune smiled awkwardly, trying to at least lighten the mood that had darkened so much recently. "You're beautiful and determined, why settle?"

The words were genuine, Jaune at least felt they were, and he didn't think she'd take it badly. Instead, Cinder stared into his face with open eyes, no predatory gaze, no sultry seduction. Just that beautiful almond face looking into his with wide eyes searching along unseen lines. She reached over at the last bite of the burger, lightly picking it up. Jaune wasn't certain what to say or do at this moment, the woman before him something entirely different than the she-wolf he'd been dealing with.

Cinder stopped with the food just a hair's breadth from her mouth. "Is it alright... for me to have this?" Jaune nodded at the question, not thinking who just asked it. She slowly bit down around the gap of her fingers, enveloping the last morsel in one swift move.

Paying for their meals, Jaune left with Cinder striding next to him like a lioness taking home its kill. That wouldn't be more appropriate even if I were a deer. They strolled out onto the sidewalk in the cool air of a mid-winter afternoon. He couldn't really fathom why she was still with him, he had laid out the reasons to go after someone else. It reminded him of Pyrrha in a way, although with a lot less subtle attention seeking and a lot more aggressive seduction. Geez, when did I get to be such an expert on this? My dad gave me some shoddy advice and it spiraled into this mess.

"Jaune, dear, would you follow me over here?" Cinder asked from beside an alley, beckoning with a soft stare. "I'd really appreciate it."

Hesitation bled into memory of the last time he had, and Jaune quickly made his way inside the alleyway. "Alright, what was it you-" He was cut off as Cinder shoved him against a wall, slithering up toward him with a returning sultry gaze. "Uh, w-what's going on?" he stammered.

"You know, you agreed to the deal. All. Of. You." The words came out with a lilt that bordered on amusement.

"But why me?"

Cinder let out a hearty laugh, low and luscious in its breadth. "Oh, there are many reasons. Chief among them is Pyrrha. Can't have her have so much advantage, can we?" She stepped up to him, looking up into his face with a devilish smile. "But I guess there are other reasons. You aren't a bad looker, and I do so adore that honesty."

Jaune pressed himself up into the wall, trying to keep any distance between himself and her. She didn't care, coming closer and closer until only a few breaths remained between the two of them. It reminded him of another moment in time. That time was different though, an earnest school boy and a shy school girl who were unsure of what to do next. Instead of Pyrrha though, this time he wasn't going to get away with a blush and an apology.

"Don't worry darling, just go with it."

The stabbing kiss was similar to his first, a forceful yet kind invasion of his mouth. The memories flooded back to that day, a brief moment before he flew through the sky and left Pyrrha behind. Don't think. Jaune felt fingers worming along, probing the landscape before them. Almost like the last time. Don't think about her. As Cinder began stealing his breath with her continued embrace, his mind began to empty as he thought about simpler times. Back on the roof, training for the missions he'd never go on. With...

Why am I thinking about Pyrrha?

Why are you thinking about Jaune? It wasn't the most productive thought, but the curving lines coursing through her head were a bit of a bothersome thing. They slithered along in patterns that tickled her mind with sensuous and altogether inappropriate thoughts. But none of that mattered at this moment, Pyrrha had an opponent before her that wasn't to be underestimated. The small girl was an unusual sight, pink and brown hair with eyes just as unusual wrapped up in tight fitting clothes. Clothing that looked all too uncomfortable for her tastes. They were facing one another in a hotel hallway, a look of anger painted on the small girl's face.

"Who are you, and why are you in waiting in front of this room?" Her voice was firm enough, but her limbs still felt foreign and numb. Best to stall as long as possible.

Pyrrha's foe thought differently, a light ripple in the air being the only warning she received as the tiny whirlwind suddenly impacted on her upraised arms. Pain reawakened deadened nerves while instincts honed over a lifetime twisted her arms around the assailant's legs. Pyrrha heaved over, sending her foe into the ground behind her with a solid thump. Regaining her balance, she swung around to see the tiny tigress standing upright and dusting herself off. Alright, you want to play do you? She reached inside herself, seizing hold of the Semblance that had long been a welcome companion.

And it wasn't there. The constant pulse of her inner light gone, not snuffed out but just gone. Pyrrha stumbled for a second, and her opponent sprang once more. Like lightning she threw a leg at her, barely being stopped by an arm and a shove. Pain was shooting through Pyrrha now, undimmed as it usually was in the past. It makes no sense, where is my Semblance. Where is... It dawned on her as the small girl danced around, throwing the occasional kick to test her defenses. The mask, that was why Cinder had taken it.

No time for sorrow now, the fight had to continue. Pyrrha gave up the pretense of self-defense and instead stepped forward into the girl's reach. She stepped back and away from Pyrrha, the same mocking dance now accompanied by a slight smile. Ok, so you don't want to play the passive game. Then come and get me. Pyrrha stepped backwards, disengaging with a step. Then another. And the ripple gave it away, this time a downward kick. She braced, catching the girl's leg and swiftly grappling her to the ground by the waist.

What she lacked in Aura or Semblance, Pyrrha still had in raw strength as she clawed the thrashing woman closer to her. Wrapping an arm around her neck, Pyrrha applied pressure and began trying to choke her opponent. The constant kicks to the thighs and her thrashing put a damper on any hope of knocking her unconscious. She settled in to the long wait, the wait for someone else in this hotel to take care of tiny tyrant. Seconds drifted to minutes in stiff, painful, uncomfortable agony. The small girl stopped her thrashing, but every minute or so she'd rustle in Pyrrha's grip.

"Pyrrha? Neo? What on Remnant are you two doing?" Pyrrha looked up to see Jaune staring at her and the girl named Neo. She didn't think it strange at all, she was holding down her foe in a classic hold. In a black dress. In a hotel hallway.

Neo thrashed again, this time finally breaking free of Pyrrha's grip and scrambling toward Jaune. She stopped in front of him, doing something with her hands before spinning around to face Pyrrha again. Getting up herself, she brushed off some of the dust clinging to her black dress. The bun in her hair was still in place, an oddity that she felt compelled to fix up every morning. The aches of their fight hadn't gone away yet, another worrying thing. Pyrrha looked up finally, taking in Jaune. And Neo standing there like a guardian.

"Um, Pyrrha? Neo says you came up and started asking questions. She says you frightened her." Jaune looked out over the pint sized girl with a concerned eye, while Neo continued to stand at the ready. She flashed a quick smile, the tip of her tongue popping out in mocking triumph. Wait, was she planning this?

"I was just coming over to talk to you about... yesterday." Why was she lying? "And Neo was standing outside your door staring at it." The little pink and brown haired girl snatched a Scroll from out of Jaune's hands and began tapping on the screen. Finishing with a quick flourish, the device popped into the air before being caught by Jaune.

"Hey, hey now. This is a little mean," he chided, the girl turning around and shrugging at him. "Sheesh, anyways, she says you... didn't say go easy on her and that you were, in her words, being a bitch." Jaune shrugged at her before handing the small device back to Neo.

Is this some kind of game right now? "I was supposed to hold back? Because she attacked me first." There, that should put the little twerp in her place. Not that she had anything against Neo.

Jaune looked down at Neo again, the girl trying to type on her Scroll some more. "Anyways," he said over her protesting glance, "why don't we just go inside and forget this whole thing." With that he stepped past Neo and over toward the door, unlocking it before stepping inside. Pyrrha watched her short opponent step up and past her, glaring the entire time. Why hasn't she said anything to me? Pyrrha stepped inside last, finding the tiny room in much the same condition as she left it last time. Save for some cleaner sheets. A light heat on her cheeks was all the reminder she wanted of yesterday.

Finding a seat on the desk chair, Pyrrha was greeted with Neo on Jaune's lap looking smugly at her again. A quick flash of her tongue again told Pyrrha enough. "So Jaune, I'm not sure I've ever met your friend here. Neo, was it?"

Jaune looked over with a mix of embarrassment and apology on his face. "She's someone I met a little while back, she's really not a bad person." He looked back at the little girl perched on his legs. "Although I haven't quite figured out when she's playing around or not."

Pyrrha watched as Neo tapped out another message on her Scroll, moving her hands in a strange pattern before the device found its way into Jaune's hand. "Is there a reason she's always on her Scroll like that? I thought the tower was still down?"

"It is, this is how she communicates." He chuckled a little at the unseen message, Neo giving him a warm smile before turning back to regard Pyrrha more.

"I see. So she was just here to talk?" Pyrrha asked, the implication coming a second too late. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a joke of this."

"It's alright, I've made the same mistake. Neo might be a bit... a lot scary, but she's got a good heart." Jaune squeezed her shoulder, a loving gesture more than a friendly one. "So, you're here now Pyrrha." The sigh at the end worried her.

"Yes Jaune, I am." She sat watching the two, feeling further than she'd ever felt from Jaune. "I don't know why Cinder let me go, but I'm here now." And the sight she'd found hurt all the more.

Jaune sat further upright, shifting with the weight on his legs. He regarded Pyrrha with clear eyes, the same eyes she'd always loved looking into on the roof late at night. The way they had caught the moonlight was intoxicating, even when she couldn't bring herself to confess she at least had that. What was she going to do now? It had been a slight idea to at least stay here with him, but it was becoming clearer that Jaune was moving on. And did she have a right to ask forgiveness after attacking him like that yesterday?

"Pyrrha, there's a lot we need to discuss. But I also need to talk with Neo." Jaune shuffled a little underneath the girl, earning a disapproving look. The glare had left her a little bit ago, replaced with a thoughtful peace. "I don't really know where to start, but it's good that you're ok at least."

I guess it's for the best. He's a lot happier now than I've ever seen him. "It's ok Jaune, I'll come back later and we can work this out." Pyrrha got up, looking over at her leader, her lover, her friend. "Maybe we can figure this all out soon."

She ignored the hurt look in his eyes, the pain of having to watch her go again. You're happy with her, I can only mess that up by staying here. Walking across the small room, Pyrrha reached out for the door handle to exit his room and his life. A small pale hand grabbed hers, and she found a Scroll within her fingers. Looking back, Neo's strange eyes met hers. Brown now. She brought the device up to her eyes, a message on the screen touching her heart.

'Don't leave, you'll make him sad. You mean more than you think.'