Troubled Hearts: Guidance

This was something she never really thought about in a past life, walking out with everybody in the market. Perusing several of the makeshift stands displaying their trinkets and goods. It wasn't the most exciting thing that Pyrrha had ever done, but then, excitement wasn't what she wanted most anymore. There were other things to think about, other people to worry about. So Pyrrha Nikos was going to remain the way she was now, a wandering girl in a wounded city that was healing nicely.

"Fresh vegetables, succulent radishes, delectable turnips. You," a street vendor called out in the opposite direction, "you look like you enjoy the finer things in life. Won't you take some of these off of my hands? I have far too many."

It was almost like when she was growing up, back during her combat school days. Going into Mistral proper was always a treat, getting lost in the crowds and not being noticed as the prodigal girl in class. Listening to the noise of market street, watching all the people in bright clothing walking around. It was like a dream land, a place for Pyrrha to meet people and learn about them without having to live up to anything. So many times she was given advice, on what to do, what to say. All because she was young and friendly.

It didn't last long, not when she won her first tournament. Or the subsequent three. Pyrrha Nikos, the pride of Mistral. And all of a sudden people who had given her sage words of wisdom were coming to her with their problems. A girl years younger than them, giving out life advice and trying to smile at all the embarrassing things they told her. Pyrrha never felt more alone than then. Except for now, when she was truly a ghost on the streets, unable to go to the people she wanted to. The people she had spent one of the best years of her life with. At least she still had Jaune. And Neo now it seemed.

"Young lady, miss, please take a look at my wares," an old woman called, waving for Pyrrha to come over. She glanced over at the woman, taking in the gentle smile accentuated by a graceful face. "You look like you could use one of my charms. Or maybe just a moment of rest?"

Walking over, Pyrrha glanced across the table at an assortment of trinkets and oddities. "I'm sorry Ma'am, but I don't really have any money to spend. It all looks quite lovely though."

"This trash? It's mostly for foolish tourists, not that we're going to get many of those since that fool Ozpin got us into this mess." Her words were clipped now, taking as little time as possible to say. "Well, how about you humor me with a moment of your time? You look like a girl lost in thought."

Who was this woman? It's not the woman from the other day, and I don't think I look that distraught. It couldn't hurt though. "Alright, I guess I could talk for a little while."

"That's a good girl. Well, enough standing out here in the cold. And how can you stand it in that black wrap you call a dress? No matter, it's warm enough in here. Come, come." The woman disappeared behind the tent flaps, still yammering on. This may have been a mistake.

Inside Pyrrha was greeted with a small stove that doubled as the heater for the rest of the tent. A cot and several crates made up the rest of the furnishings. "This is... awful. How can there be nowhere else for you?"

"This? This is nothing, I remember the time when Shash was destroyed, all those people freezing without anything." The woman brushed off a crate, settling down slowly on top. "No, this is luck young woman, I was left with my livelihood and a place to rest this old head. Others aren't so lucky."

"I see. Still, this must be hard to live with," Pyrrha intoned, standing near the entrance. It would be rude to take up her bed as a seat. "You must have seen a lot in your lifetime. But this... this is terrible."

The woman scoffed at her, looking over with wily eyes. "Really? This is nothing more than a scratch, you should have seen how this city looked after Mountain Glenn went under. Nobody wore white for a week. No, this is just another bump on the road of life. Now, come, sit down."

Well, if this woman insisted. Pyrrha walked over, gingerly settling onto the cot. It was springy, canvas stretched to make for a soft enough spot to lay down. Her host eyed her up and down, humming and hawing in the way older folk did. She was used to it, getting judged by her elders before she had even set foot onto a battlefield. Being scrutinized for her future, judged for the actions she hadn't taken yet. But this woman didn't seem to be judging Pyrrha, more like she was searching out the pain and trying to attack it.

"Tell me child, you carry yourself like a goddess but talk like a servant. Why?" Blue eyes bored into her own fiery red, demanding an answer before they would relent.

"I... don't know what you mean. I've always talked like this, since I was a young girl."

The woman continued eying her, unblinking in her gaze. "Sure, you always mewled about like a lamb. Even when you were in combat school?" She grinned a large toothy grin, pleased at her own words.

Pyrrha, however, felt her heart begin sinking. How much did this person know? Had she guessed her identity? What's going to happen if she talks about all this? "I'm not sure what you mean. I never attended combat school, I'm really no good in a fight."

"Of course, of course. After all, a body like that is a natural gift and not the combination of talent and youth in perfect harmony." The grin hadn't faded yet, and her words were growing even more clipped. "So tell me, if you never fought, then who is it you look so good for?"

Pyrrha's face flooded with heat, the question being the last thing she expected. "Um, well, there is this one person... but why do you want to know this? I thought we were going to-"

"We're talking about life dear, and love is a part of life. So, is he handsome? I bet he is, with how you were walking around with your head in the clouds. Oh, but the most important question." The old woman leaned in for this one, smiling with squinted eyes accentuating numerous wrinkles. "Does he know?"

That was the question that she herself didn't even know. I've kissed him, attacked him, spent time with him. That boy has to know I love him. "I don't know," Pyrrha uttered, shocked that the truth was still like this, "I'm not even sure how he feels about everyone around him. If there was a chance to... win, I guess, I'd love to take it."

Cackling erupted from the woman, throaty laughs mixed with high pitched squealing. "Oh my, you really are that messed up from your life. Listen," she said, calming down to look back with kind eyes, "it's not about winning or losing. It's not a tournament to be won with skill. This is life dear, the only way through it is to trust yourself and the people around you. Believe in him, and I'm sure he'll find you eventually."

She got up then, shuffling over to one of the unused crates and opening it up. Rummaging around inside, she pulled out an unseen object before shutting it back up and turning around. That toothy grin hadn't faded any as she walked slowly over to Pyrrha. "Now dear, you best be on your way. I'm sure an old bag like myself is too much trouble for someone of your stature. Go on now, up, up."

Pyrrha's hand was snatched up by the woman as she pulled her to her feet. She was led to the flaps before being gently pushed out of the tent. "It's really no trouble at all. I was happy to talk for a little bit miss...?"

"Oh, never mind that. I'm sure someone like yourself can understand when a person wants to be forgotten." There was a touch of remorse to the grin now as it slowly left. "Take care dear, I'm sure you'll find your way soon." And she let the flaps fall, shuffling back into her tent and out of Pyrrha's life. A small weight pulled on her hand, and she opened it up to look at what the old woman had left her with. The smile that bloomed on her face was one that she hadn't had for quite a while.

"The star of Mistral, a guiding light for those who were lost to find their way back to loved ones," she said to no one. The little star shaped charm was solid, a good metal that was always used on a hallowed symbol like this. Clutching it tightly, Pyrrha felt the words the old woman was speaking more clearly. I just have to have a little faith. That my star is still guiding me on the path. She turned to continue on her way, back toward the faces she wanted to see.

And a face she would rather have forgotten appeared, smiling viciously at her. It was the face of a murderer, a rival, and a captor. But Pyrrha only thought of one thing when she saw that face. Victory.

Oh, now this is a surprise. I wasn't sure if she had the courage to exit her gilded dungeon for real. She walked over to the girl, striding confidently in comfortable clothing that had done exquisitely in their purpose. Jaune was no match for a pretty face it seemed, and it served her well in what she wanted. For Cinder Fall the ends were all the sweeter when the means were just as delectable. Riding on that wave of joy was nice, especially if she could sweep her opponent up with it.

"Well look who's out and about," Cinder cooed, sweeping outward with her hands, "are you enjoying the people here in this wretched excuse for a city?" People passed without caring, caught up in their own business. She had tried to destroy them all, yet still they persisted and persevered.

"Oh, I'm enjoying my time by myself, free to wander around as I see fit." Pyrrha was smugly smiling back at Cinder, the barbs not even hidden in her words. The trollop thought she could get away with that, and for the most part, she was right.

Still, Cinder had her own weapons. "I see, well I've had a wonderful day so far. A lovely movie, which is surprising considering all the infrastructure should have been destroyed." It was the truth, these people were moving far faster than she or Salem had anticipated. Divide them with doubt, it will all wash away huh? Well, it looks like we'll need a bigger bucket to wash this stain. "Then came the usual walk around town. He seems quite fond of those."

"I've noticed, so it seems like he's being quite the understanding guy towards you?" Pyrrha hadn't stopped smiling, indeed, it seemed like she was smiling the second Cinder had arrived. "That's good, I'm sure you're being entirely honest about everything to him."

What did that mean? This girl couldn't possibly know about what it was like trying to wrestle with your life, trying to readjust your world to a new reality. So she died, so what? It wasn't the same thing as having the monster in the dark turn out real. Or having someone actually trusting you. And then betraying that trust in a willful act of assault. I don't regret what I've done, nor do I think he wouldn't want to eventually. Still, perhaps it will be best to let that agreement fall soon.

"I will tell you this, that boy is quite the handful." Cinder let it sink in, expecting Pyrrha to drop her self-satisfied look and revert to the humble girl she should be. Yet, she didn't. "It was a fun moment for sure, I'll have to do it again soon. He agreed to it after all, why not make use?"

"Oh, I'm sure you had a splendid time. Maybe even really enjoyed it as well." That smile was still there, self-satisfied and assured, but why? "In the end, Cinder, you might even win this little contest of yours. After all, you said you believed in destiny, right?"

What do you mean by that? Why aren't you furious I took another bite of the golden apple? "You're taking this extremely well, are you accepting that defeat is inevitable? It's ok, I've had lots of practice at this sort of thing." Cinder brushed beside her, looking at the wares from the tent she exited. They were petty things, all junk or counterfeit goods to rip off the unwary. Did Pyrrha buy something from here? The fool girl. Cinder wasn't going to lose this to an unruly minion.

"You still don't get it, do you?" the girl retorted, that insufferable look still plastered on her face. "This is life, there isn't a skill or a talent to win at it, you have to be yourself and live through it." Cinder looked back, watching as Pyrrha opened her hand and looked inside again. This time, she caught a glimpse of a small metal star. "You have to have faith in people, something that I see you've never had."

Fire rose within Cinder, anger and Power mixing together in a volatile concoction. "Girl, you know nothing of the world and the evil that dwells within it," she hissed, keeping her voice low. Why though? No one here could match her, so why? "I do what I need to, to survive, to prosper and eventually win." It was tempting, to incinerate the trollop here and now, to rid herself of a woman so determined to fight back.

But she didn't give in, the thoughts of what it would do holding her back. Pyrrha walked up to her again, defiant in the face of death. "Fighting against how things really are, I thought you were better than this. Jaune said you were being more honest, that there is something good in there." The smile left, and there wasn't any anger in the girl's eyes. Only a pity that infuriated Cinder even further. "Have a little faith, there isn't any other trick or talent to it than that."

Pyrrha walked away, turning her back to Cinder and striding confidently down the street. People passed once more, the occasional glance stolen at her as she made her way toward a busier crossing. Have faith in what? More people continued to pass by, carrying on their daily lives without a care for the monster in their midst. I have no regrets over what I've done, I will attain my goals... what are they? Cinder had long had a singular goal, power for the sake of power. Lately she wanted to escape from the one holding the reins of that power.

But now she also wanted someone to stand by her as well, to share that power with someone. It was a lonely plateau she stood upon, and the faintest chance to change that was something she grasped at. Jaune was quick witted and honest, almost to a fault it seemed, and those were qualities that Cinder had long thought gone in men. The cheat, the liar, the philanderer. That was what life had taught her so long ago. That men, and indeed all people, couldn't be trusted.

So why do I want to trust this boy now? Why don't I put a stop to the girl's follies and kill the other brat? Because it would hurt her as well, to remove people who she could empathize with. Mercury and Emerald were thralls at best, and snakes at their worst. But those three? They were people who had an honest enough life. Even Neo was taught by a gentleman, and it shows in the way Jaune talks about her. Is that what I really want? Was it wise to have faith in a life that Cinder had turned so cruel by her own hand?

"She's right you know, that girl has a good head on her shoulders. Even if someone decided to try and take it a while back."

She swung around, back to the tent with the cheap trash in front of it. Nobody was there, and Cinder felt the prickling sensation on her neck of being watched. But those words were enough to shake her, and she decided it was best to end the day before anything else brought her to the brink. Cinder walked off towards the same busy section of street Pyrrha had gone to, a thought taking further hold in her mind. Behind her the old woman watched and sighed.

"Young people, they never seem to get it unless you beat them over the head."

Mom always said that young people are the worst when it comes to things like this. Well, it would make sense then that mister Arc was a particularly foolish boy. Watching the women he comes and goes with happily chatting to him and his oblivious responses. They made Melena think of... well, her own late father. How he was such a bumbling guy, giving all the wrong advice and trying to be a sage about it all. She wanted to die inside whenever he brought her to school and did his dad things.

And that was how Jaune acted at times, smiling and playing. But then there were the days that he walked in stone faced and weary. She tried her best to help out, but it never seemed to amount to anything. Tonight was no exception, as the boy walked in and Melena greeted him in a cheery voice once more. I should never have been so cold. It hurt being ignored, but further pushing someone away wasn't going to do any good. She prepared for the usual quick hello and the walk past.

"Oh, it's you again. How has it been?" Jaune asked with a chipper tone and a light smile. Her heart jumped at the sudden question before she put down the paperwork that she had just started on. "I see you here so often, probably shouldn't be such a stranger."

"Oh, it's not a bother at all mister Arc, I'm just an attendant so you're not obligated to keep me company." No matter how much Melena wanted to say the opposite, the rules were the rules. "Is there anything else you might need?"

"Well, if you have a minute, I'd like to... I don't know, talk?" She looked at Jaune, the boy smiling a little as he lounged on her desk.

It wasn't much, but the chance was there. "Of course! I mean, yes, I'm not busy right now," Melena lied, ignoring the massive stack of paperwork her coworkers left for her. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I guess I'd like to say thank you, that towel yesterday was fantastic." Oh, that. Well, it was good to see he enjoyed the sentiment even if finding that redhead at the door was discouraging.

The redhead, she seemed familiar in a way. But those piercing red eyes were terrifying enough to behold, despite how polite she had been. I just have to stay strong enough, determined enough to achieve my goals. Her mom had said that. It's not like there wasn't a way, Melena knew the rules that were set in place before they moved in the Huntsmen. Only one person to a room, it's too dangerous otherwise. She could do it, too. Get rid of one of them.

"I'm glad, I thought it would be a nice thing to do since you get up so early." No, it wasn't the right way to live, hurting people for her own selfish needs. "Is everything alright otherwise?"

Melena expected a simple yes. But to her surprise, the boy sighed heavily and leaned on the desk. "I guess you could say it is, but there are some days that everything... I don't know, is wrong somehow?" Jaune looked up into her eyes, a slight look of pain there. "Since the tower fell, I've been pushed into the limelight, a failure forced to keep lying and faking it."

Faking it? That's not what everyone else says. "Don't you think you're being too hard on yourself?" Melena retorted, frowning at the boy. "There are several people daily that I watch stare after you as you leave. You know what they look like? Happy, which I haven't seen for nearly two months."

"I don't think-"

"And you know what? I think you're doing fine too." It was the truth, although this wasn't the way someone in her position should talk to a customer. She didn't care though, it was about the principal of the matter. "Now, is there anything else that I can help you with? Perhaps another existential problem while I'm on a roll?"

Jaune looked back at her, a grin slowly moving up along his face. "No, I think I'm ok. Thanks though," he put in, stepping back from the desk, "it's nice to talk to normal people once in a while. Someone who wasn't dead, evil, or a mute."

"Well I'm glad I could help," Melena chirped, glad that it finally was something more substantial than a simple greeting. "I'll be here in case you need some more advice." She watched as the boy smiled and walked off back to his room. Today has been a good day, save for the load of work I need to do... wait, dead? Evil? Melena stared back toward the hallway, trying to figure out exactly what he meant by that. And who each of the three could be.