Troubled Hearts: Accepting Who We Are

Movement is calming, natural, and the fullest extent of herself. Moving in time, in a rhythm that she had practiced her entire life, perfected and built into her entire existence. A dance of death that was her birthright. And Jaune was dancing in time with her, a little slower, a little clumsier. But the lessons that Pyrrha had imparted were still there, the legacy she left when facing her destiny still alive. Pride didn't begin to describe her feelings as she flowed with him. Clangs resounded as the blades came together and parted.

"You've gotten better, who have you been practicing with?" Pyrrha asked as she swung overhead with her borrowed blade. The heft didn't match Milo, but it was good enough.

"Some of the guys on the wall offered after- hey!" Jaune cried out as she tripped him up. Still need to work on that, she thought offering a hand to the boy. "As I was saying," he muttered as he stood, "a couple guys saw just how bad I was and offered to help out. Turns out a couple of them are fairly good with a sword."

"That's wonderful, it's good to hear you keep going." It hurt a little, to think the alternative. Jaune looked slightly confused at the comment while he stood a short ways away. "I was worried that you would... give up, after everything."

"Oh, yeah. I thought about that," Jaune admitted, tapping his family sword on his leg, "but it didn't feel right. You tried so hard to make me a good fighter, I couldn't throw that all away."

He hefted the blade, swinging it lightly in front of him with a far more deft hand than the last time Pyrrha had seen. Jaune looked even more at ease with the weapon now than the tournament, a sign of the way things were now. He wanted to be the hero, and he got his wish. She smiled at him, watching the boy swiftly swing the weapon. Pyrrha settled into a simple stance, waiting for him to finish so they could continues. Finishing up, Jaune looked over at her and smiled as well before sheathing his weapon.

"I think that's all we can really do today. Wouldn't want Nike to get in trouble for ruining those clothes." Ezzy had lent her some clothes, a pair of pants and a shirt that suspiciously were perfectly sized. That boyish grin accompanied the jab, trying to mask the real message. We can't do that much more without Aura. Yeah, I know. But it felt good for a little while. "Why don't we settle in and relax for a while?"

A weight dropped into Pyrrha's hand before she realized what had happened. Looking down, Neo's scroll was there. She looked back to find the small woman gazing up at her with impatient eyes. Eyes waiting for a reply. 'I don't think you should stop, he's not even sweating yet.'

She looked back at the pink and brown haired girl, smirking at the thought. Tossing the Scroll back to her, she turned to Jaune and brandished her blade. "Neo doesn't seem to think it's time to stop. She says you should be sweating before then, I think I agree with that." The look of horror on Jaune's face was enough to keep away any fear. Pyrrha stepped forward, taking in his stance and planning her motions.

"Ok, I guess we can keep going if you're sure," he conceded, bringing his sword up and level with hers. Closer he stepped, a step in front of a cautious step. Finally he was within reach, and the blades were close together. A light tap and they were at it again.

It felt good, the dance renewed once more taking all the pain and stress of her life from her. Pyrrha never did handle the little things well, a fact that she had to meet head on when she got to Beacon. Meeting Jaune had changed a lot in her, forced her to accept parts of herself that she had never liked or confronted. They danced the dance once more, blades slicing the air in intricate patterns. And that was her life, an intricate pattern of coincidences and happenstance that led her here. The places, the people, all of them.

And the one she treasured most. It wasn't like Pyrrha had never experienced this side of her, but being bound to Cinder as she was and the way she was forced her to confront it. She wanted Jaune, all to her own. Even now, with the amicable way things were between Neo and herself, she knew that she couldn't share. And that was ok, if it was Cinder or her shining through, it was fine. This was her time to be who she was. Pyrrha Nikos, just a girl who was slightly possessive and nothing more. Well, maybe also a very skilled fighter as she parried a stab and rolled inside to knock Jaune onto his back.

"Alright, let's go again," he muttered, getting back to his feet. He waved at Neo behind her, and she turned to look at the odd girl. She smiled back, holding up an arm and bringing it down again. Pyrrha one, Jaune zero, rolled through her head as she returned her attention to the boy. I'm going to make sure that it's Pyrrha one always.

The steps were a trifle, like so many other things in her life. Minions groaning about their new jobs, the people who constantly pestered her in little ways, even the never ending stream of Power welled inside her. And it was all from a single source. An insufferable source that defied all explanation and refused to comply with her view of the world. A certain Jaune Arc that continually stayed outside her grasp and belittled her magnificent power. And it wasn't even his fault.

Cinder Fall was a woman of many talents, of many traits, and of many facets. All of that meant nothing as she ascended the stairway toward a terrace where she would find her answers. Now she was just Cinder Fall, a woman. A person who was going to talk with someone else. That was it, no flamboyant show of power, no seductive guile. A person. I've told myself this so many times now, how can I fail? Still, she recited the words again as the top of the terrace came into view.

Clangs reached her first, the sound of steel meeting steel. Pyrrha moved in normal clothes, danced really, and Jaune met her at each turn. It wasn't the same intensity as their fight, but then, it shouldn't have been. Unless Jaune had truly messed up. That might be amusing to watch one day. On they fought, a slower but no less intricate series of strikes, parries, and counters. Pyrrha had the clear advantage, but yielded twice to Jaune's clumsy strikes. Finally it came to a head, Jaune striking clean to the right. And Pyrrha rolling the blow only to counter with the flat of her blade to his chest.

Light laughter ensued as Pyrrha let her guard fall. A quick movement brought Cinder to regard Neo as she raised a hand in judgment. "Jaune, you've got to keep watch for that. You extend too far and..." Pyrrha trailed off as she saw Cinder. "Hello. Again."

"Don't be so kind, you're flattering me," she said, trying to reel in the disgust at their reactions. The shrimp was on her feet and staring at Cinder now, slowly shuffling over to Jaune. He was up and passively looking at her. "I see you're enjoying the brief amount of good weather."

"Yeah, it's been nice," Jaune answered, calmly walking past Neo. She threw her eyes up at the nonchalant attitude before following. "So did you come to talk about anything or just the weather?"

"Oh, so there is a spine still in there." Damn it, this wasn't the time to be cooing at him, but the temptation was too much. "I see what happened the other day wasn't a fluke. But yes, I am here to talk about... things."

Pyrrha stepped up beside him, lavishing one of her frosty stares at Cinder. "So what did you come here for?" She still held the sword she was fighting with, an uneasy tension draped over her. It was almost cute, how a helpless girl still tried to be so threatening. But again, Cinder was here for a new purpose.

"I wanted to apologize. For a lot of things." She honestly expected the words to singe her tongue, but that was foolish. They were just words, they held no power over her or anyone else. Still, it was an uncomfortable thing to do. "I've said a lot of things in my pursuit of you, a lot of things that were harsh and... while true, not the best of things." Jaune looked at her with inquisitive eyes, the kind that looked like he understood what she was trying to say.

"Where is this coming from?" Pyrrha questioned, lowering her blade slightly, "I thought you hated all of us? All of this?" There was a moment of compassion before the cold gaze returned to her eyes.

"I don't... I mean I do, in a way," Cinder muttered, surprised at her own lack of confidence. How does Jaune do this? It must be from his lack of power, a lack of prior conviction. "I've said many times how much I can't stand you two, the notion of what you are. And I apologize for that."

This time Neo decided to interject, a quick flash of her Scroll before she handed it off to Jaune forced Cinder to grit her teeth. "She says that you can't be trusted, but we can't do anything about it. So you should have your say and leave."

"That hurts, it really does," she called back, a smile gracing her face. I should resent that more, if I'm going to do this. "Still, I can't fault you. I've done a lot of things, before and during this little romp of ours." Stepping forward, Cinder moved between them without fear, seeking out a seat for herself. "And I've learned a lot of things since this all started. Where I stand, and what I want."

The trio followed her as she settled on a bench looking out over the city. "I guess it's been a long road for all of us," Jaune said, trying to be as cordial as possible, "some of us longer than others." He was glancing between the two girls, smiling a little before returning his attention to her. "I'm going to guess you feel like your journey has been just as long."

"It's been longer, seeing as you've only heard some of what my life entails. But that isn't the point." Cinder beckoned to him, patting the seat next to her on the bench. Reluctantly Jaune came over, a grimace on Neo's face at his compliance. "I'm here right now because of you, Jaune, and the way you are."

"Me? What have I done?" he asked with a fearful look, trying not to flinch as she set a hand on his knee. "I was just trying to be me."

"And that's why, you have a way about you boy, a way that inspires others." Cinder leaned in to him, placing a second hand on his knee. "You didn't think that all of those fun times were just because I craved the need to win? This contest was more for me than for any silly girl who tried to undo her shackles." Pyrrha sniffed at the mention, clearly understanding the implications. "No, there is... something about you that forced me to look at myself."

He smiled awkwardly as she got closer and closer, looking into her eyes now. "I don't think I see it like that."

Cinder wanted to continue, to keep going, but a thought struck her square and center. This isn't how I should be doing this. This is... the old way, the way I've always tried. She settled back, giving Jaune some space and retracting her hands. I won't simper, but a more tactful and honest approach... damn it, just be yourself woman, stop second guessing it. She opened her mouth to speak, but Jaune was there first, looking her in the eyes with a kind of odd smile.

"This is good, you're trying at least. I-I don't know what else to say," he sputtered, trying to act cool and collected. "It's nice to see you thinking about the other people in your life."

There it was again, that calm tone behind the nervous boy who tried so hard. "It's thanks to you." It came out as a whisper, something Cinder never did, never wanted to do. She wanted to be heard, to be listened to. That meant speaking loud, forcefully, clearly and without remorse for the things she said or did. Yet here she was, whispering to Jaune what he had done to her.

Or done for her. "I... think I understand?"

"My life was dedicated to something that I didn't agree with. Yet I went ahead and fulfilled her wishes without a second thought." The words were coming out louder now, loud enough for the two brats to hear as well. "Then it came time to wipe this place from the face of Remnant. And I met you, well, almost killed you to be honest. But fate had a different idea." Her pride had a different idea, but a little embellishment never hurt. "So I listened to your words, and made a pact with Pyrrha."

"I don't think I had a say in that," Pyrrha interjected, a wry smile on her lips. Cinder gave her a glare, though it held no more threat than a nasty look at someone so rude.

"And it's part of the reason I'm here. You," she said, pointing with a slender finger right at him, "are a good leader, a good man, and a rare sort of person. You think of others, defend them. And they look up to you." And I threaten them, belittle and destroy them. "I didn't see it at first, but there is a magnetism there. But it was your words that changed my mind."

Getting up, she walked over to the edge of the terrace, looking out at the city. Half in darkness, the other half in light. Her doing, a scheme by Salem to destroy their will and create a bastion for her own creatures. And now she had another plan to destroy their very home, one that Cinder was supposed to have accomplished by now. It won't be long before her replacement came then. Let them come, I don't serve you anymore. And I no longer wish anything more than these people to be mine. She would have her power, but through her own means.

Looking back at the girl, she smiled. No sense in not starting. It will be for him as well. That is what a leader does after all. "Girl... Pyrrha, please come over here." The redhead narrowed her eyes before acquiescing, slowly walking over to the railing. "Know that I don't do this as a kindness, this is for me. And for him. I have to start somewhere, follow the advice that Jaune gave. So," she whispered the final part, reaching up behind Pyrrha's neck, "you are no longer mine." With a quick wrist turn, the collar came off.

A sharp pain intruded into her mind, forcing a wince out of Cinder. No good thing is painless it seems. She pulled the collar off of Pyrrha's shoulders, holding the antique ornament with a light touch. It was a symbol of the past, a time when she followed orders out of necessity, out of a slight fear. No more. Turning to look at the city, she sighed once at the loss of something so powerful. And she threw it out into the air, out toward its own fate. Twisting the bracelet, she tossed it after the collar. It was a weight that had left her shoulders, a part of the past gone with a simple act.

"W-why?"came the whisper from Pyrrha.

Cinder turned back at her former minion, regarding the new beauty that the lack of control had revealed. The presence was gone from her mind, a void left in its wake. "I told you, I did it for me. And," she added as she gazed out at the dumbstruck boy behind her, "for him. It's been a while since I've given you a gift, I might as well make it a good one."

Neo looked on in wonder, the eyes a bright white color. The sounds of the wind were clear and prevalent now with them staring at her. "Thank you," Jaune said, the timbre back in his voice, "for this, for finding a way forward without her."

"Don't thank me, this is for me more than anything else." Old habits die hard it seemed, but just this once she would be the same Cinder Fall, seductive, guileful, and unpredictable. "But for now, I think I should leave. So many things to attend to." A bold lie. I can't stay and bask in a false admiration. There's more to do, and I can't let them see how much pain I'm in. The sharpness redoubled once more at the thought. Walking to the stairs, she looked back at the still stunned Pyrrha feeling at her neck. Neo was watching the girl now, but that gaze could turn on her in an instant.

I can't let her see how weak I am right now. The thought hurt a little as she stepped down the stairs, a sign of the life she was embarking on.

They didn't need him or Neo again at the wall. In a way it hurt, his pride, his ego. In another way it was just fine, a chance to spend an evening rather than a late night with someone. Jaune stood in front of his door, coming from a brief conversation with Melena about the other Huntsmen here. She wanted to know what it was like, how they lived. He confessed he didn't know much, just the usual life-threatening missions coupled with awkward moments. But the girl seemed to like it, smiling as Jaune said goodnight. There was something behind that smile that said a little more. That was probably his experience with Neo talking though.

Opening up the door, he was greeted with Pyrrha softly snoozing on the bed, a book next to her. The Tale of Talon, Hero of Vale huh? It was one of the few books he had picked up when he was... not doing as well. In it, Talon was a disgraced soldier, trying his best in a world that was changing and leaving him behind. He used his cunning and wits to stay ahead of people with Aura and more privileged criminals. It was kind of interesting, but Jaune could never get into it.

Walking in, Pyrrha's eyes fluttered open as she looked at him, a smile on her lips. "I guess you're done for the night," she said, sitting up to stretch. "Wait, what time is it?"

"It's only about ten, they didn't need me."He walked over to the bed, picking up the book and settling down next to Pyrrha. "Talon huh? How far have you gotten?"

"Only to the part where he goes out for revenge, against the person who framed him."

"Oh, that's where it gets pretty good," Jaune mused, flipping the book over and feeling the worn back, "only halfway through too."

The weight of a head pushed on his shoulder, red hair cascading around it. "Right, only halfway through. Still a long way to go, and who knows how it will end." Pyrrha's words were soft, light, and not at all like the last time they were able to rest like this. "Jaune, I'm glad you're here."

"I-I'm glad too, Pyrrha," he sputtered, feeling her slow breathing and the rise and fall of her body, "what brought t-this on though?"

She picked up her head, looking straight at him with that small smile she had for him. "I'm just... this is the first time that's it's been just me." The words didn't register for moment before Jaune realized what she was saying. "Right now, it really is just you and me," Pyrrha whispered, a light touch at her pale neck sending the same message, "it feels good, to be free."

"Yeah." A simple word with enough meaning behind it. It would do. She returned her head to his shoulder, resting there as he sat and thought about the day. Cinder is not going to go through with that plan. She's still out there, but she seemed genuine. Jaune's stomach lurched a little at the thought. I don't know what else to do. I never did... I just faked my way through it. Lied, stalled, didn't do what I needed to do.

The flagellation must have shown, since Pyrrha moved her hand over to his, grasping it tightly. "Don't think like that. Please, just look and see for yourself." She still had a her eyes closed, and the words were dreamy.

See for myself? I don't know... I'm not like that. Jaune wasn't someone who had ever been strong, or smart. Who lived a lie, or a dozen, and tried to make his way through life without being a bother. But then, why did people look up to him? I don't understand. Pyrrha says I can be a great leader, but I didn't have the courage to lead at the last moment. Neo says I am someone she admires, but I've never done anything. Why then?

"I've changed, that's why," he whispered, trying to push past himself. Pyrrha sighed next to him. I've changed, and I have to accept that I can change. If Neo can leave her past behind and Cinder can fight against something like that, maybe I can be someone people look up to. If they all say it and someone I've never met says it, am I the one who's wrong? It was difficult, moving past a life of deception and loathing. Past the thought that he was a letch for being interested in two women. For loving three... it was going to take more time. But this was the first step.

Jaune laid back, pulling Pyrrha with him. She went without a sound, curling next to him with that same smile. An evening like this. That's all anyone could ask for. He felt himself drifting off, into slumber and relieved rest. Life wasn't a menace, it was a journey that you had to accept. Just like yourself.

A small ding emitted from a forgotten drawer, a sound Jaune and Pyrrha hadn't heard in a couple months. He got up to look for the source, going to the forgotten area that had held his last request. Opening up the drawer, a damaged Scroll was flashing. A message. He opened it up, taking a look inside.

'Hey Jaune, it's Ruby.'