Thoughts and Threats (Chapter 47)

Qrow: "WHICH SHIP IS IT IRONWOOD?!"


Qrow shouted the question again, Ozpin now stood between the two other men, as Ironwood held his broken nose. After Ironwood's repeated dismissal of (Y/N)'s location things had gotten heated, fast.


Ozpin: "Qrow, stand down!"


Qrow: "Oh, don't you give me that crap! We both know why he won't tell me! Cause he knows that I'll get him off that ship and out his clutches!"


Ironwood: "As far as I am aware, my professionals are still working on him. Removing him now would not help."


Qrow: "I have a shotgun solution on my hip, and I'm getting tempted to use it now, unless you tell me which ship he's on!"


Ozpin: "James, he is still a student of Beacon-"


Ironwood: "There are 10 warrants out for his arrest due to past crimes and he is on Atlas territory, as per the Atlas-Vale jurisdiction agreements. I have every right to keep him right where he is."


Qrow: "He's on our side!"


Ironwood: "Then there is no problem!"


Ozpin: "I suggest you leave Qrow, I'll sort this matter."


Qrow: "But-"


Ozpin: "Now."


Ironwood: "And don't even think about trying to get on any of those ships."


Meanwhile, on the Atlas Medship.


Your eyes shot open, scorching white light flooding your vision like water, as you gasped for precious air.


Your body convulsed upwards as you awoke, only to be held in place. You could feel thick leather binding your arms to the bed you were laid in.


Your heart rate rapidly increased as you looked around, viciously pulling at the bindings. It was too familiar, you couldn't be back there, you had destroyed it.


(Y/N): "NOOOO! NOOOO!"


Guttural screams echoed from you, as the leather began to tear, the bed frame bending to try and keep you trapped. It was as if the whole room was getting smaller, the air getting heavier, as you heard two familiar voices begin to taunt you.


John: "Subject 42..." The figment spouted, a demonic edge creeping in.


Tia: "How about another test..?" She too had seemingly been corrupted, her voice like nails to your ears.


Both voices got louder and closer as you began to violently convulse against the restraints, going full fight mode in panic. You heard the echoing of guns cocking, not entirely aware of where from.


Tia/John: "42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42-"


Penny: "(Y/N)!" Tia and John's voices dissipated as you felt Penny pull you into a hug, your restraints now cut free.


Penny was surprised at the strength of which (Y/N) hugged back, almost as if he was clutching on for his life, afraid she would disappear if he let go. She felt him cry onto her blouse but didn't make any move to pull away.


10 armed guards kept their guns trained on the pair, but some of them weren't sure if they would have the heart to fire now. The squad leader looked towards the observation chamber glass, which turned clear to show a Doctor signalling for them to leave before dimming back to a mirror again. The guards left the two there, unsure of what exactly made the crying boy a threat.


Penny detected (Y/N) calming down, his sobs decreasing to an occasional whimper as he took deep breaths, his heartrate also returning to normal. He didn't pull away however and instead shuffled closer so he could whisper to her.


(Y/N): "I-is anyone watching?" You asked, only able to see Penny's ginger hair.


Penny: "The Doctors behind the observation glass, they drained the poison from your body."


(Y/N): "Okay... Penny, I need your help. I... I can't stay here. Please."


Penny: "...I don't think-"


(Y/N): "The people who made me like this... AIP... they killed my parents. They just wanted me to live a normal life, like your dad... I can't let Atlas take the rest of my life."


Penny saw the obvious attempt at manipulation, but there was true desperation in your voice. She briefly thought about how she might've been in a similar situation if her father hadn't struck a deal with Ironwood.


Penny: "I'll help you..."


(Y/N): "Thank you." You pulled away, not wanting the Doctor's to get too wary. "What happened?"


Penny: "I believe you were poisoned by that bartender, she left way too quickly after giving you the drink. Then when you collapsed your friend Emerald rushed over-"


(Y/N): "Friend? We spoke like once..."


Penny: "Oh, well she and Mercury seem to think of you as a friend. Oh, yes, then Mercury ran over with a short Doctor who checked your vitals-"


(Y/N): "Sorry short... how short?" It was a small detail, but given it was a poison and the bartender had run before the Doctor showed up.


Penny: "Four foot ten I believe."


(Y/N): "And the bartender?"


Penny: "About the same, is it relevant?" You began to piece a few things together in your mind, but that could wait until later.


(Y/N): "N-no. I'm sure it's nothing."


Penny: "Okay. I feel I should let you know that the Doctor's have left their station." She gestured to the observation glass.


(Y/N): "Ok, let's go."


Penny: "Follow me."


You stood up, but almost fell straight back down, Penny having to hold you up until you steadied yourself. It was only when you were getting towards the door that you realised you were in a medical gown.


(Y/N): "Penny, where is my coat?"


Penny: "I do not know, surely we should focus on getting you off-"


(Y/N): "That coat is, for god's know what reason, indestructible and let's me play music through it. We're getting that fucking coat."


Penny: "Did you not mock Weiss and Ruby for their love of combat skirts?"


(Y/N): "It is a battle coat, and that hurts. You're learning."


You gave her a smirk as you and Penny went into the observation room that the Doctor's had previously been in. On the desks you found folders and scattered papers, test results and blood samples. You pushed from Penny and stumbled over, looking for your gun or coat.


You found your gun being used as a paper weight, obviously not being the main focus of study.


Penny: "Is this it?" You spun around to see Penny holding up your coat.


(Y/N): "Oh, I love you!"


Penny: "What?!" She asked, a dust of red on her face.


(Y/N): "The coat."


Penny: "Ohhhh."


You took it from her and pulled it on, sighing as you did.


(Y/N): "Daddy will never leave you again."


Penny: "You're being really weird about the coat."


(Y/N): "I don't care. How do we get off this ship?"


Penny: "We will need to get to the hanger." She grabbed your hand and pulled you along, her hand was oddly cold.


You and her both snuck your way through the halls, avoiding Atlas personnel and cameras as you did. A question did linger in your mind however.


(Y/N): "What's the chances they go back and check on me?" He asked while Penny looked thoughtful for a few seconds. As if by magic the sirens across the ship started to go off. 'Qrow, I'm blaming your semblance on that one. I don't care.'


You and Penny took off down the hall, the ginger managing to know exactly when a patrol was coming down one hall and when to duck to another. After a few minutes of running you made it to the hanger, where all the ships were being guarded. Penny pulled you behind some boxes as some Atlas Soldiers ran right past where you were.


(Y/N): "Okay, I appreciate this a ton but I'm not letting you get in trouble for me."


Penny: "(Y/N), I do not mind helping my friend when he needs it."


(Y/N): "And you have, so let me help you back."


You winked and vaulted over the boxes, Penny's eyes widening as you did. Soldiers instantly started shooting at you, with the occasional bullet grazing you as you headed towards the bay doors and the ship that had just come into land.


Turning on your feet you started running towards it with plans of hijacking it. That was until General Ironwood stepped out. Your boots squeeked as you violently turned, back towards the bay doors, stepping away from Ironwood.


Ironwood: "Of course..." He held his hand up which caused the soldiers to form a defensive line in front of you, going back to the ships was no longer an option.


(Y/N): "I appreciate your Doctor's assistance, really I do, but I don't fancy being a lab rat again."


You laughed nervously as the wind whipped at your coat, you realised you were now standing on the edge of the landing platform. Ironwood only sighed, shaking his head as he took a step closer.


Ironwood: "Don't you see how much more people like you could change things? So many lives would be saved. Do the right thing."


(Y/N): "I think I'm allowed to be selfish when it comes to that. Especially when you'd have to ruin lives to get the results you want."


Ironwood: "It doesn't matter, your cooperation has never been necessary. And this time, you've nowhere to run."


(Y/N): "But I can fall, Irondick."


You flipped him the bird and jumped backwards, seeing Penny waving from atop the boxes as you did. A look of anger from Ironwood was all you got as you started plummeting towards the ground.


Guessing from the speed you were going and your trajectory you estimated it would hurt when you hit the ground, a lot.


(Y/N): "NOPE!" You yelled, your voice being carried away by the wind as you pulled out your scroll.


Tapping quickly, you soon heard the familiar woosh of a rocket locker. Transforming your sword, you stabbed into it, your arm almost being ripped from your socket as you did. Holding on for dear life, you directed it back towards Beacon as the descent was slower this time.


After several minutes you were forced to let go of your sword as your locker slammed into the ground, this sent you flying into a wall. With a groan you pulled yourself up and grabbed your sword from the dented storage unit. Ignoring the confused stares you were getting, you started limping towards your dorm room, intent on a change, a sandwich, and some answers.


{Le Timeskip brought to you by Chibi (Y/N) sneaking up on Chibi Cinder.}


(Y/N): "Ow my leg, ow my leg, ow my leg." You repeatedly complained, hobbling down the hall to your dorm.


It was only once you had begun to walk away from your crash site that you realised your scroll had smashed in your pocket, and now the glass and metal was digging in.


Leaning against the door frame, you knocked a few times and waited for a reply. When none came you sighed annoyed and turned to RWBY's dorm. Repeating the same action you hoped they were in.


(Y/N): "Ruby, Yang, Blake... Weiss? You in?!"


The door was ripped open as you looked up to see Qrow, his face a mix of relief and anger. Ruby and Yang popped their heads out from behind him, both giving you an amused smile.


Qrow: "You gonna explain yourself?!" He demanded, the way he was acting you assumed the girls had told him about the relationship...s.


(Y/N): "About how I'm dating your niece's?"


Qrow: "No, about what Ironwo- you're what?"


Ruby went red and Yang facepalmed while shaking her head. Qrow stepped out of your way, deep in thought as he looked between the three of you.


(Y/N): "You okay Qrow?"


Qrow: "Just... trying to decide which I want to hear about first." He chuckled. "Maybe I taught you too well."


Ruby: "You're not angry?"


Qrow: "Why would I be? As long as it's consensual, and you're all committed." He gave you a look where you just nodded eagerly. "Then it's fine by me. You three enjoy yourselves."


Yang: "Yea... three..."


Qrow stayed silent for a few seconds before looking at you, placing a hand on your shoulder before gripping it tightly. Ruby looked at Yang panicked and even Yang was slightly nervous. As you looked up at your mentor you saw him with a very rare impressed smirk.


Qrow: "You're telling me all of this later." He let go and pulled you inside. "So, what happened with Ironwood?"


(Y/N): "First, I got poisoned-"


Ruby/Yang: "What?!"


Qrow: "Might've forgotten to mention that part..."


(Y/N): "Then Penny got Atlas to "save my life". There were too many people around to just off me there." Mimicking getting your head cut off you continued. "I woke up in a lab, escaped, flipped off Ironwood and jumped out of an airship."


Ruby: "But who would poison you?" Qrow side eyed you as a warning.


(Y/N): "I don't know Ruby. It might have been an accident, cleaning agent in the beer." Yang hummed showing her suspicion but remained silent for now.


Qrow: "Right, well best to stay out of his way for the time being."


(Y/N): "I don't plan on going flying in Atlas ships for a while, that's for sure." You stood and stretched. "I am starved though. Gonna go to the cafeteria... I'll swing by Team CMEN's dorm first though. See if they wanna get something to eat."


Yang: "Since when did you hang out with them?"


(Y/N): "Oh, we're good friends..."


You left the dorm leaving the three relatives to catch up. You had considered telling Qrow your suspicions but you had to check first. If you escalated it and got it wrong then Ozpin would be even more distrusting of you, and Qrow might be disappointed.


{Le Timeskip, brought to you by - https://twitch.tv/archerxzy - Typically Live Friday-Saturday 7:30PM GMT. Would appreciate a follow!}


Cinder took a moment to collect herself, the charred ashes of a pillow having luckily been the only victim of her fiery outburst. Emerald had her eyes cast away in shame, unable to look at the woman she admired, while Mercury and Neo looked at the leader, the former with a tinge of apprehension while the latter was seemingly impassive.


Cinder: "Not only did you go against my plan, but you failed and have compromised everything!" There was a rage in her tone, despite her not raising her voice. "If even a whisper of your names get to Ozpin-"


Mercury: "Listen, I'll go find the guy, beat some silence into him-" Mercury shrugged, moving to go to the door when Cinder snapped her head at him with a glare, the motion enough to make him back down in silence.


Cinder: "He was poisoned, on school grounds. They already suspect we're here, let's not make it obvious who we are by going after them again."


Emerald: "Then what should we do?"


Cinder: "Nothing. Clearly I gave you all too much freedom, you're all confined to where I say until this plan is seen through. Is that clear?" She crossed her arms waiting for confirmation.


Mercury and Emerald nodded understandingly, but before Neo could sign her objections there was a curt knock at the door, all four heads snapping to it. With a gesture from Cinder, the three set about doing a set of non suspicious school-activities, Neo using her power to mask as a student at the same time. Waiting a moment, Cinder put on a fake smile and answered the door, it did not even waver when she saw (Y/N) on the other side.


Cinder: "(Y/N)! To what do we owe the pleasure?"


(Y/N): "Cinder! How have you been? I was just on my way to the cafeteria, thought I'd drop by-" You stuck your foot in front of the doorway. "See my 'Good Friends' y'know." You tried to smile but it came out as a smirk as Cinder tilted her head, the fake smile getting wider.


Cinder: "Well of course, do come in. Will you be staying long?" She relented, allowing you inside. It was a leading question, who knew you were there.


(Y/N): "Probably not, I was just going to get some food for me and RWBY, I did mention I was stopping by here though."


You looked up from Cinder, who rather forcefully closed the door behind you, and towards the other three occupants. Emerald and Mercury gave you a short smile and wave respectfully, you didn't know the third person, well, you had your suspicions you just needed them to stand up.


(Y/N): "Craziest thing happened today, I was poisoned!" You chuckled. "Although, I'm told you two were there for me." You gestured to Emerald and Mercury who both feigned shock.


Emerald: "Are you sure it was poison? Who would do such a thing?"


(Y/N): "I dunno, let me call my poison girl, she knows all about poison." You pulled out your scroll and clicked a contact. The third girl's scroll began to ring causing her eyes to widen and her to go red in the face. "Strange, could've sworn this number was for Neo, master criminal, who has previously poisoned me."


You looked over your shoulder at Cinder who dropped the smile and waved her hand dismissively, and when you turned back Neo had dropped her illusion on herself whereas the other two were on their feet, ready to fight.


Cinder: "Okay, so you've caught us. What's your plan now?"


(Y/N): "Was just curious why a bunch of criminals would break into the most defended place in the kingdom-" You spun on your heel and smirked at Cinder who glared harder. "Then I recognised your eyes, Half-Maiden."


Cinder recoiled in shock as her eyes widened.


Cinder: "How did-"


(Y/N): "I know a lot of things. How much do they know?" You nodded back to the three behind you.


Cinder: "All of you out."


Mercury walked out, Emerald followed hesitantly, and Neo finally left after you winked and waved goodbye. Once the door was closed, and you had both heard the three leave, Cinder grabbed you by the shirt and pushed you up against a wall.


Cinder: "You're going to tell me everything you know, now."


(Y/N): "Gonna have to be more specific love-" With a punch to the gut, you were winded and then thrown to the floor landing on your back.


Cinder: "Who have you told about us?" She asked, getting down above you.


(Y/N): "No one-" She decked you in the face.


Cinder: "You're lying." She said, a little unsure.


(Y/N): "You can't keep me down, and I wanted to make sure I was right, so thanks for that-"


Cinder growled and she brandished a knife before bringing it down towards your head. You grabbed her hands trying to keep it away but she managed to push harder, with a strength you couldn't believe, and the knife plunged into your skull. Cinder knelt above you, seething in anger, as she pulled the knife free again, she then stabbed it into your stomach several times, a maniac smile growing.


After exhausting the joy she was feeling she tossed the knife aside, still cautious that you would come back. After rubbing the blood off on your clothes, she ran her hands through her hair trying to sooth herself as she saw her plans almost in tatters. With a few deep breaths she caught her composure and looked down at you just in time to see your face heal and you gasp for air.


(Y/N): "Jesus, you don't hold back."


Cinder: "That would be a weakness." She pinned your arms above your head, while a fresh knife of glass appeared in her hand. "Now, shall we try again?" The knife tickled your face as she held it close.


(Y/N): "You're all kinds of psycho." You chuckled nervously. "Wonder if your boss is any worse-" A sharp cut to the cheek shut you up.


Cinder: "You will not speak of her in such a manner." She threatened. "You know of Salem."


(Y/N): "And the Maidens, yes."


Cinder frowned as she thought, a cold calculating face present while she idly danced the knife across your skin. Suddenly she gained a small smile, a simple one that actually made you somewhat hesitant.


Cinder: "And you told... no one?"


(Y/N): "Correct."


Cinder: "Not Team RWBY, or Pyrrha Nikos?" Her grin grew as your eyes widened and you involuntarily pushed against her, the threat evident.


(Y/N): "You won't touch them!"


Cinder: "There we go! A little fire in you after all." She smiled. "Now behave yourself, I'm going to let go okay?" She said sweetly as she sat up on your chest, your arms now free. "You really didn't think this all through did you?"


(Y/N): "Did you? I could go tell Ozpin right after this-"


Cinder: "And I'm sure we could at least kill 2, no, no, 3! Of your little girlfriends before we get caught." She trailed her hand up and down your chest while biting her lip. "But which of them do you care for more?"


(Y/N): "I could kill you-"


Cinder: "Maybe, eventually, but tell me. How quickly can you come back? Could you die and get up before I get away?" You went silent. "Mmm didn't think so."


(Y/N): "What do you want?"


Cinder: "For my plans to go unimpeded by yourself, at least, until they are revealed naturally." She leaned towards you. "At which point it will be too late to stop them."


(Y/N): "So do I get a signal on when I can start kicking your ass?"


Cinder: "It will be rather obvious." She cupped your face, to which you recoiled. She then slapped you and stood up, kicking your chest for good measure.


(Y/N): "Sadist-" You spat blood onto the floor.


Cinder: "Masochist." She smiled down at you.


(Y/N): "Thought you were gonna kiss me then." You pulled yourself to your feet shakily.


Cinder: "Could you prove my point anymore?"


(Y/N): "I could try and take one." You mocked her.


Cinder: "Oh but maybe I'd let you, just once." She smirked. "Off you go now, be a good boy."


(Y/N): "I'm going to kill you-" You growled, moving past her.


Cinder: "Then it will be 3-1 to me."


You walked out the room with one last glare, leaving her with the last word. It had not gone as well as you hoped.

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