Lasting Embers pt22: For the ones we love
The night came faster than anyone expected. Every adult sat quietly in the living room except for Ruby and Jaune who were noticeably absent. Yujin and Tenzen remained asleep upstairs not once stirred awake by the sound of an airship currently landing in the front yard where the prisoner still sits there unconscious. However, his body is in far better condition than earlier; brand new even.
Mercury:Looks like the guests of honor are finally here. Record time all things considered.
Weiss:*knocking* Hey, is anyone ho-
Yang:*opens the door and immediately hugs her* I can’t tell you how good this feels right now. Today has been pretty rough.
Weiss:I came as soon as I heard. *looks at Nora and Ren* this isn’t how I thought we’d reunite.
Nora:Believe us *sniff* neither did we.
Weiss:Well don’t just stand there *arms opened* you’ve had me worried sick.
*the two get up and receive a much needed embrace from their good friend*
Neo:*walking up to her old partners in mayhem* You two have seen better days; they did a number on you. *looking at his bruises*
Mercury:Come to rub it in?
Neo:Not in the slightest. * lifts Emerald’s neck to see dark bruises*........ are these from your weapon?
Emerald:They tribes hanging both of us with them. I’m......actually surprised we’re alive right now. *hand trembling* things got bad real fast Neo....
Mercury:*holds her hand* Somehow though, we’re alive. Battered but alive nonetheless.
Neo:........*looks outside at Jericho* Was my request fulfilled?
Raven:He’s been healed completely. Ready for whatever punishment you’re about to dish out.
Neo:*eyes turn pink* That’s good to hear. Make sure the kids stay inside; I’d feel guilty if they heard something unpleasant.
Tai:They should be our for the rest of the night.
Neo:Perfect, I’m doing this in the airship Weiss. Sorry in advance for the mess. *leaving*
Neo:That’s too good for him. *closes door*
In no time at all Neo drags him into the hangar of the ship and tying him to a chair. He soon wakes up to see her putting on a doctors mask and gloves. This doesn’t look like a normal hangar bay. Three buckets of water are carefully lined up beside him as various knives lay on a table. Screwdrivers, pliers, and metal nutcrackers can also be see on the table with a hammer and nails. Then there’s a bag; who knows what surprises it holds.
Jericho:Well, isn’t this a wonderful way to wake up? *notices his body* I guess the heroes needed a little extra help getting information.
Neo:Give the man a prize; it’ll probably be the only good thing you feel for awhile. *putting her hair in a bun*
Jericho:Perhaps, but I don’t mind. At the end this gonna be a huge time waster for yo- *finger put over his mouth*
Neo:You’re gonna wanna save your voice for screaming and answers. *pulls down a hanging map of Remnant with tons of blue X’s on it* I got this information curtesy of Blake. As you can probably tell, all the blue you see are bases that have been taking out; you are going to reveal the rest of them in red for me.
Jericho:So that’s the name of the game huh? Sorry, lips are sealed; might as well be mute like how you used to be sweetheart.
Neo:......Do me a favor and notice the buckets on the floor? Each one has it’s own purpose; the first one is for me to clean myself up with because frankly, I don’t like torture. It’s messy and the only reason I do it is so other people don’t have to. That second bucket is for your feet for when I pull the car battery out of the back on the table. It has jumper cables too so I assume you know what I’m doing those.
Jericho:What makes the third bucket special?
Neo:I feel like I’m going to be doing a lot of clean up. Maybe when I’m done I’ll put the bag over your head and dump you in it. *grabs a simple kitchen knife* Let’s start simple though; I’ll cut a tendon in your arms to loosen your grip. Once your hands are opened I’m going to nail them to your chair; bare with me though because I have terrible aim. After that your knuckles are going one by one until you start saying things I want to hear. I’ll keep one or two safe so you can fill in that map for me sweetheart. *twirling knife* Or you can fill it in now for me?
Neo:Thought so, I’m glad you’re playing hard to get. For the record, I try not to make things personal and be efficient. However, Emerald and Mercury look like they’ve been dragged through the mud. So I’m going to take my sweet time with this......
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
The sound was a bit muffled but was heard all to well by everyone. A chill shoots up everyone’s spine as if their souls were trying to escape. They could tell it was gonna be a long night.
Mercury:I guess she’s started.
Weiss:*jumps slightly* Sorry, I was going to say where are Jaune and Ruby?
Yang:Oh....she needed to go somewhere to think and asked him to drive her. She didn’t say where but I got a pretty good feeling where....
The air is awfully stagnant in it; much like during Yang and Yujin’s drive. Ruby looks out the passenger side quietly as they pass by countless trees on the dirt road. It’s been like this for two hours now.
Ruby:Not to far now. Couple more miles maybe? The spot was hard to find for me even ten years ago.
Jaune:........Are you sure you really to be here?
Ruby:*hand shaking* Last time I saw my home it was still on fire. I....was to broken to see it after they told me what happened to Oscar and Qrow. Sigh....honestly I still feel too broken.
Jaune:*holds her hand* I’m here if you need anything Ruby.
Ruby:*gripping his hand tightly* You can stop the car; it’s right pass the trees on my right.
Jaune:*notices slight marks on the trees that were surrounded by rose bushes* Those seem a bit out of place.
Ruby:Pine trees and rose bushes;it was Yang’s idea. *hoping out the car* won’t take long now...
Jaune:.....*grabs her hand again* Let’s go then.
With a slow nod the two of them make the hike that was way too short for Ruby’s liking. In no time at all they stood in a peaceful forest clearing with grass lusher than the rest. In the center was the remains of a foundation for a giant cabin like house. The burnt wood now covered in moss lays silent on the ground. Almost like nothing was ever there in the first place.
Ruby:*picks up a piece of wood and hands it to Jaune* Here....
Jaune:What’s this? *brushing it off*
“Mr. and Mrs. Rose-Pine”
Ruby:Do you know what the greatest lie I ever told was? *looking at the sign* I told myself I was stopping the cult because it was the right thing to do. All I wanted was for them to feel even a sliver of the pain they caused me; revenge and booze was all I felt for ten years. Not very huntsman like am I right?
Jaune:You were in a pain you’ve never had to deal with before. Anybody would’ve had a struggle bouncing back from-
Ruby:I never bounced back....*holding her flask* don’t tell Yang or Yujin but....I never really gave up drinking. I’ve slowed down but even now I can’t shake it completely; I just spike my tea.
Jaune:You lied about being sober?
Ruby:Awful right? I chastised Qrow for years and I ended worse somehow. I told myself I would quit when this was all over. *shaking* but even when I thought it was I felt so empty without it to the point I didn’t even recognize myself. *crying* Now it looks like this fight isn’t over and it’s taking everything I have not to down this thing in one shot.
Jaune:*slowly taking the flask out her hand*........ *starts chugging it*
Ruby:Wha....!? Jaune!!!!!
Jaune:*cough* Damn, you really did spike it. What was that, half and half?
Ruby:Are you crazy! I thought you were about to pour it out!?
Jaune:Nope! *tosses it back* there’s still some in it if you really want a taste. Just know we’ll end up staying out here for a bit because neither of us will be driving that car intoxicated.
Ruby:......*pours it out* Why would you do something so drastic?
Jaune:To prove a point; despite the temptation you choose getting us home over caving in. Because at your core you’ll always pick the tougher option to benefit everyone else. Now you have to do that for yourself.
Jaune:I can’t begin to imagine how much pain you’ve been dealing with on a daily basis. This... this is far worse than what happened with me and Pyrrha, no debate about it. However, just like with that, I spent time wanting nothing but revenge and feeling empty. Eventually, everyone helped me get through it; you helped me get through it. So let me help you, but first you gotta have to want to move on.
Ruby:....... *walks closer to her old house* You know something Jaune? I remember when I was the one who gave the supportive speeches. *drops the flask* I guess times have changed.
Jaune:Believe me, not as much as you think. *smiles* as far as I’m concerned you’re still much stronger than me.
Ruby:Maybe I should start acting like it. *reaches in her pocket and pulling out a gold ring with a ruby in it * the flask isn’t the only thing that should rest here.
Jaune:Woah, hey you don’t gotta go that far. I mean-
Ruby:I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring. I can’t tell you if this fight against the cult is truly over but I feel like it’s not even close. *places the ring on the ground* If I have to go back into the fray then the goal shouldn’t be vengeance. Fighting for the ones that are still here, that’s gonna be goal. Like it should’ve always been. *wiping her face* What do you think?
Jaune:I think....you’ve finally come home. *smiles*
The two of just stood there for a moment before heading back to the car. The silence this time wasn’t something stagnant at all; it was something else. New but familiar as well; very familiar.....
Jaune:Alright looks like I get to witness your driving ski- *intereupted by a unexpected kiss. It was soft but also inviting and wanting for something. Wanting for him...* ...........
Ruby*flushed* S...sorry, I just.....thank you. For always being there when I ask or need help. It means more to me than you know. *trying not to fidget*
Jaune:No...no problem at all. Can I tell you a secret? That offer Yang made to you, she didn’t just come up with it because she knows I’m important to you. *red* She also knows just how important you are to m-
Yet again he was interrupted by the Reapers kiss; he said all she needed to hear in that moment. They haven’t done anything like this since before Salem was taken down, yet it felt so natural. Like they never stopped doing it in the first place; they never forget how to love each other in a way that was special to only them.
Ruby:You...*huff* taste like rum. Guess that’s my fault a little.
Jaune:I guess you got to taste alcohol after all. *kissing her again*
Ruby:I’ll admit, this still feels a bit....taboo for lack of a better word.
Ruby:*hands sliding under his shirt* I’ll get over it. If this is possibly my last night of peace for awhile then this....this is something I want. To feel loved again after years without it. *tearing up* I felt so lonely and-
It his her turn to be cut off. He picked her up and sat her on the hood of the car. Muscle memory kicking in as he unlaced her corset with ease and she did away with his belt as they continued to french kiss until they annoyingly had to breath.
Jaune:You’re not alone anymore....
Ruby:*wrapping her legs around his waist* Love me like you used to....
Jaune:I never stopped....*wiping her tears*
Some would call this moment too quick, or inappropriate with the circumstances given if. Frankly, they wouldn’t give a damn about those people. This was their moment and they were gonna have it for as long as they could.
The festival is in full swing. Lanterns are lit on every house as people enjoy roaming the streets and being at a variety of vendors. Blake watches comfortably from her parents terrace. Thinking about tomorrow.
Blake:*in a black and purple Japanese style kimono*.......
Adam:*walking out in a black kimono with a red sash.* You never seem to break color scheme.
Blake:I could say the same for you. That suits you surprisingly well. Where’s Jacquelyn and the kids?
Adam:Jacquelyn is bonding with your parents. My kids are somewhere in the madness of people. In matter of fact...*points out in the distance*
Jael is holding Sun’s hand as they walk around. Her kimono is red with a black sash. Sienna dawned one with a white tiger pattern that matches her ears wonderfully. The three of them smiling like kids in a candy shop.
Blake:I’d say you should join them but that would raise a lot of eye brows.
Adam:I don’t mind; Jael apparently doesn’t get to socialize much so this is a good thing for her. She told me your roof would be the best spot to enjoy the fireworks so she’ll come rushing back soon.
Blake:I swear that kid has you on the brain 24/7 it’s actually pretty cute.
Adam:I deserve none of it, but I’m thankful for it every day. So, any reason the guest of honor isn’t reveling in her return? I thought you and Ilia would- actually, where is she?
Blake:Oh, well.....I had her run an errand for me. It’s nothing serious but it was sort of important. So she left to-
Adam:It’s been a decade and you’ve gotten no better at lying or keeping a composed look.
Blake:......Sigh, I hate that you know me.
Adam:Any reason you’re keeping your highest ranking shadow out of the loop? I’m sure you have your reasons but it must be something pretty complicated.
Blake:I....I don’t want to get you involved if I don’t have to. I wanted your mind focused on your family for at least a night. You just got home after all.
Adam: So did you. Not to treat you as my pupil or anything again but, I’d like to be kept in the loop. Especially if whatever is happening could affect life here; sort of finally have a good thing going.
Blake:...I’ll explain tomorrow morning. Just know I have to go to Vale tomorrow.
Adam:What time are we leaving?
Blake:“We?” I don’t need-
Adam:If the returning High leader is going on a trip she should always have a shadow accompany her just in case. In case you forgot but you made that rule. Also I’m pretty sure Vale actually means Patch. So that means your team and cult members most likely.
Blake:....*puts head down in defeat* I don’t understand why even thought talking to you alone was a good idea. You can accompany me but please enjoy tonight with family instead of probing for information okay?
Adam:You....really want to emphasize that huh? *jumps and grabs the roof ledge* I hope you do the same; sounds like you need it. *leaves*
Blake:(Unfortunately...I might have the most time here.)
A crowd of people swarming a merchant with fox masks. His business is really booming .
Merchant:Settle down haha I’ll make sure you all get one.
Jael:*waits patiently for her turn* Excuse me! May I have- *completely ignored and walked passed*....... one? Sigh....
Sienna:*eyes narrow* Hey! Did you not hear the girl you piece of-
Jael:Forget it sis. I guess even on a day like this I still can’t catch a break. I’m sure I can find another mask some- *Sun puts a fox mask on her head*
Sun:*swaying his tail with two more masks on it* Old habits die hard; I would’ve payed but serves him right for judging you.
Jael:*smiles* Thanks Uncle Wukong. *puts it on*
Sun:Why are these so popular in the first place.
Sienna:This internet teen heartthrob wears one when he dances and does parkour. Almost everyone is obsessed with him her age.
Jael:I’m not obsessed, I just think TZ is cool. He’s also really quick; I’d love to meet him.
Sun:Awww does someone have a crush?
Jael:As if! My taste are you know.....feminine?
Sun:What if he’s just a muscular woman? That mask could be hiding anything.
Jael:His voice duh! If it’s all an elaborate setup then I would know since I keep track of-
Sienna:Aren’t you supposed to be meeting dad right now?
Jael:Shoot! We’ll talk more about this later! *hugs both of them then floats off*
Sienna:I know you know that TZ is not a muscular woman. What was that about.
Sun:Having a bit of fun. Honestly he’s such a pretty boy I thought he was a girl when he was little. (Hopefully he’s okay)
Jael:*floating down next Adam* Sorry I’m late, I got a bit distracted.
Adam:You’re right on time actually; having fun?
Jael:As much as I’m physically allowed. I wanted to try a few of the rides they decided to set up but honestly, wasn’t sure how my heart would handle it. Even the fried food has it beating a bit faster. It’s actually a bit nice; I feel... normal. *smiling*
Adam:You are normal Jael. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially when you go to Beacon....
Jael:Wait, I don’t remember telling you that’s where I wanted to-
Adam:It’s a no brainer. Why do you think I was so tough on you with training? That school is bound to draw in countless types of people.
Jael:*hands shaking* I know right? I want to see them all. Speak to them all!
Adam:You don’t look worried in the slightest.
Jael:Well, it’s because I think I’m ready to see more of the world. The exam is soon so it’s nice to finally spend some time with you before I go and take it. Maybe we can wake up early and do some fishing?
Adam:Actually....I’m assisting Blake with a situation in Vale tomorrow.
Jael:Oh....*shoulders slump* okay..... I thought you were staying longer this time.
Adam:I don’t exactly know the details but I should be coming back. *he reaches for her but she turns away*.....
Jael:It has something to deal with that girl Yujin, doesn’t it? *gripping her clothes*
Adam:*wide eyed* You know of her? Who-
Jael:You’re gone a lot and don’t tell me much. So I just start snooping to get my own answers. I don’t understand why you would go out of your way to do as much as you do for a girl like her.
Jael:I’ve been thorough with my snooping. She seems hot headed and now respect for her heritage.
Adam:She’s had rough life when it comes to family.
Jael:And I haven’t!? Last time I checked, I cannot even say your name without setting off some kind of alarm. Yet this girl denies a half of her legacy so I’ve read. What’s worse is she’s seen you more this year than even I have; you even missed my birthday this year.
Adam:Missed but not forgetten. *holds a pendant with a gem carved as a star* to fifteen years of being you.
Jael:Father....*putting it on* thank you.
Adam:Like I would just forget. You shouldn’t judge Yujin prematurely though.
Jael:Everything about me is sort of premature don’t you think? I’m just saying, she doesn’t look like much. Which is ashame since her parents are talked about like superheroes. I wonder what the world would think about knowing the things you do.
Adam:Jael you know how I feel about that.
Jael:I’m just saying! *stands up* Do you know you’re already in history books? The problem is none of them are accurate since the world believes you died at Argus.
Adam:It’s better this way.
Jael: For who? People don’t give you a fair shake down and every word about you is soaked in hate.
Adam:I’d still be hated easily; I was bad news back then.
Jael:People should at least be allowed to make that decision after knowing the whole story. That not everything in a stupid textbook is true. I could show them; just please let me use my real last name when I go to Beacon!
Adam:You’d be judged and outcasted on the spot. It’s-
Jael: I AM NOW!!! *starts coughing a bit before calming down*
Jael:I keep the secret here but rumors still creep around; people think I’m some fan girl and trying to be like the image they believe you to be. That’s why I can’t wait to leave. A fresh start is what I need.
Adam:That’s the last thing you’ll get with my name.
Jael:.....I’m not ashamed of you. I hope you know that. I’ve never been ashamed of knowing your past.
Adam:....Why is this so important to you? Isn’t it enough that the people who matter to me know my full story? I’m not looking for the worlds forgiveness.
Jael:It’s not about that! It’s about....sigh *sits back down. It’s about inspiring others....
Jael:Everyone is contempt with writing you off making you an example of what not to be. No one gets to know about how you rescued Sienna from being tortured and killed when she was six. Or the story about how you wanted to turn yourself in and face actual justice. Do you remember what happened one night when I was 14? We sat down sort of like this talking?
Adam:....You wanted to tell me something important but were afraid for some reason. You ended up sobbing uncontrollably.
Jael:I was too scared to know how you’d see me if I came out. All I could think about was how bad my friend got treated when she did the same; almost completely shunned from the family. Nothing could be worse for me then seeing you hate me; to lose your love. Do you remember what you did when I finally told you?
Adam:*smirking* I hugged you tight and told you good, boys are overrated anyways. I never seen tears of fear turn into joy so fast.
Jael:I just want the world to know that our name can be more than spite; I just want to be able to show the world how much I love you. *tearing up* what’s so wrong about that? If I become a fantastic huntsman that helps mankind then I could do both, but I want to do it the right way. With my real name.
Fireworks finally go off in a dazzling display. The two goat faunus though are too busy sinking in each other’s looks though. One of pure determination while the other of pure shock.
Adam:Jael... *pulls her into an unexpected hug* What did I do to get a wonderful daughter like you? My beautiful desert rose? If I can’t stop you then....please be safe?
Jael:*face turns red as she welcomes the embrace* Yes sir, I promise I’ll make you proud. Come home as soon as you can.
Just like that, tomorrow finally comes. It’s still pretty early but sleep is the last thing anyone needs right now; only answers.
Ruby:We’re back every-*weiss hugs her*
Weiss:Hey you dunce, I’ve been waiting for you.
Ruby:Hehe, sorry about that. Our trip was longer than expected.
Yang:You look different, sober...*smiles* I’m glad.
Ruby:Wait, what do you mean by-
Yang:I knew the whole time about what was in the flask. Good to see my sister back; frankly I’m surprised you’re walking. If you know what I mean. *winking*
Ruby:*red* Geez, it’s that obvious? Well thanks, for everything.
Yang:It’s why I’m here.
Blake:*walking in with Adam* from the sound of it she’s wrapping up. I thought I’d miss-*Yang hugs her*
Yang:Bout time you showed up; the gangs all here now.
Blake:You make it sound like we didn’t just spend ten years together.
Mercury:Sup goat boy. Didn’t expect to see you here.
Adam:You two okay? I’ve heard you’ve been through the ringer.
Emerald:Nothing a raise won’t fix. *laying on Mercury* or vacation time.
Adam:Hmph, I’ll see what I can do....
Neo:*walking in with tired eyes and mostly clean attire* I better be included in that. Especially after everything I just did. *pulls out the map.
Neo:It took awhile but, they always talk. Unfortunately he talked longer than I expected.
Neo:This map started out with 60 blue X’s that took a decade to find and bring down. Now we have what’s left in red. *opens the map*
The room goes quiet for a few minutes. The color in everyone’s face washes away instantly.
Yujin:*slowly waking up* Man, that was some nap.
Tenzen:*on her bed* You slept all night; that’s not a nap.
Yujin:Really Tenzen? You’re gonna badger me this early in the- * gasp!* You’re awake! *hugging him*
Tenzen:Ow! Ribs...my ribs still hurt!
Yujin:Deal with it; I...I was so worried about you. Thank god you are okay.
Tenzen:.....*hugs her back* Thanks to you; I owe you one.
Yujin:Make me breakfast and we’ll call it even.
Tenzen:Hate to break it to you but it hurts to even breathe right now. I was actually hoping...
Yujin:Sigh, I’ll get you some breakfast. *leaving*
Tenzen:You’re beautiful Jin.
Yujin:*red* Shut up a lay back down dummy. Flirting will get you no-
Yang:YOU’RE JOKING!!! Right!!!?
Yujin:Mom? *walking down stairs*
Yang:HOW!? There’s 87 more these bases that we missed!!? We spent an entire extra year just double checking and realized we didn’t even do half!!!!! *eyes crimson*
Weiss:This....isn’t something we can ignore at all. Plus they know where we live now. More importantly...
Neo:Loved ones too.... they followed everyone home. That’s how they know so much, combined with whatever info they had before.
Jaune:....What happens now?
Ruby:....Sigh, we address the elephant in the room. Who’s willing to go again? Even with this list, this could take time.
Blake:My hands are tied this time around. If Sun or I leave now it’ll raise questions that shouldn’t be asked. Sorry but...I’m definitely out this time.
Weiss:.....Screw it, what’s another journey? After all I can’t exactly leave my partner since you’re obviously going.
Ruby:Guess that’s two so far. *looking at Yang* I assume you’re staying back this time?
Yang:I...I don’t know. You don’t expect me to just let you go off on your own with this? I just can’t ignore a problem this big. Leaving the fight now.....doesn’t right.
Yujin:But leaving me does...?
Everyone turns to see her standing on the stairs; any rest she might’ve gotten isn’t visible on her face anymore. She looks more tired than she’s ever been her life; eyes showing everyone just how identical she could she look to Yang. Right now it’s her mother that looks like she’s a startled kid. Erasing any trace of red from her eyes.
Yujin:I should’ve known this, you were too good to be true.
Jaune:We....this is all still discussion. Nothing is final ye- *walks pass them and to the door*
Yujin:Whatever......I don’t care anymore. Shouldn’t have in the first place.*leaves*
Anyone around for Jericho’s speech feels the full weight of what just happened. No one wanted to say it but the man was right about the dangers of fighting the way they do against such psychological tactics. Because no one wanted to tell Yang her greatest fear might’ve just come true; she might’ve just lost the reason for her fighting in the first place. The love of her daughter is slipping right through her finger tips.
