Sniffing a Trail [Closed]

Aeden takes a cookie and bites into it letting the delicious taste flow through his mouth. "These are amazing." Aeden prepares to take another bite but realizes he is being rude. He quickly puts the cookie in his hand pretending he never bit it in the first place. "Cheshire is a good man, I don't know him too well but I know him well enough that he would keep Lise safe from harm. For today's trip I am merely an escort, accompanying Ms. Rory. She on the other hand had some business to discuss with Lise. Something that seemed of grave importance." Once Aeden had finished talking and shifted the attention to Rory he quick put the cookie in his mouth and ate in one bite.

Rory nodded just as she gobbled up most of the plate.

"Oh, yeah," Rory nodded as she wiped the crumbs from her face. Flora offered her a glass of milk which she slurped down greedily. She gasped to catch her breath and turned to Flora. "Liseran's father was my foster uncle. I'm sure you all know that he mysteriously died a few years ago. It wasn't until I entered Signal Academy that I found his request for me to find Liseran. Her father has an important letter for her."

With that statement, Rory digs into her sweater vest and pulls out an envelope. It's made of parchment and smells like dust and wood.

"Even I don't know what it says," Rory said. "But I want to find cousin Liseran as soon as possible. Her father said I needed to before: 'The water gives birth to the moon's full child and time frowns upon the hour'. During this year."

Rory turns to Aeden.

"I don't know what it means," Rory said worriedly, her hand grasping onto Aeden's sleeve. "But I think someone's going to be after Liseran."

Aeden mouthed the words "Her requiem will begin" he made no audible sound as he did so, not bring any attention to himself. That one line rang through Aeden's head over and over again. It was the same line that Lise had told him when they fought. Aeden places his hand over Rory's trying to calm the girl down. "It's okay Rory, Lise is with Cheshire he can protect her. Besides the full moon isn't nearby either, we still have enough time for Lise to return." Aeden turns to face Ms. Flora. "Ms. Flora do you have any idea of what the line could possibly mean? Maybe Lise's father left you a message as well?"

Flora frowned and shook her head, a line of worry forming on her already creased forehead.

"Liseran mutters those lines every now and then," Flora sighs. "But she refuses to tell me what it is. All she says is that it's her song."

Rory frowned and she let out a whimper similar to a dog's.

"I don't think it'll happen yet, though," Flora reassured.
"She's looking forward to the dinner party she's throwing next week."


Rory's ears perked up and her tail lifted into the air.

"Party?" Rory said. "Liseran's having a party??"

Flora smiled.

"Yes, she is," she nodded. She turned to Aeden. "In fact, I believe she's inviting most of the friends she's made. That includes you, Aeden. Rory, you're welcome to go as well. In fact, Liseran offered you a spare room if you don't have any place to stay."

Rory's eyes grew wide and began to sparkle again. The bright blue color shimmered in the room's light.

"How coool!" Rory said in shock. "She doesn't even know me but she's already asking me to stay!?"

Rory was sure for a moment she was going to say yes, but she stopped herself.

"I...I think it'd be best if I saw her personally though," Rory said. "Also...I have somewhere to go at the moment."

Rory turned to Aeden.

"Aeden, if you want, you can come with me," Rory said. "I think I owe you some time to hang around."

"Of course Rory I am your escort for the entire day. We go where ever it is your desire to go." Knowing they would be leaving soon Aeden stops holding back and attacks the cookies. He quickly takes a few more cookies, pocketing a handful and putting one in his mouth. "Famf you Mif Fora (Thank you Ms. Flora)" Aeden continues to munch on his cookies trying to smile as he does so and turns to Rory with an outstretched hand. He swallows the last of his cookie and making sure he didnt have crumbs on his mouth. "Shall we mi Lady? The world awaits your presence."

Rory smiled, flattered and took Aeden's arm to eagerly hug it.

"Wonderful!" Rory said.

After some warm goodbyes to Ms. Flora and Ms. Faun to head out to where Aeden's Phantom is parked.

"So, cousin Liseran beat you in a race?" Rory said as she stared at the vehicle. "Is she the extreme type or something?"

It's only then that Rory's ears pick up something by the lone tree at the edge of the cliff. The scent of pomegranates, metal and something old comes her way. Without further ado, Rory takes the case she had slung from her back and reveals a large axe. She throws it at the tree.

"Who's there!?" she demands.

The wind blows gently and the hint of laughter trails along through it. From his side, Aeden can hear Rory producing a low growl, not something most faunas did. The wind eventually revealed the image of a magenta cloak from behind and the laughter grows loud enough to hear, but still soft.

"Hello..." a voice says. It's soothing, but at the same time sharp. It reminded Rory of a violin playing it's highest notes.

Rory takes out her other axe and wields it firmly.

"Who are you!?" Rory said. "Have you been following us!?"

In the shade, the image of a domino fox mask can be seen from under the hide. Blood-red bright lips form a smile and show white teeth.

"I didn't mean to surprise you..." the woman said in a soft, husky voice. "I just wanted to speak with Aeden."

Noticing Rory's drastic actions Aeden feels that this person must be a threat. With a calm expression Aeden draws Frost Fang and points the barrel directly at the mysterious person's face. "I don't know you and my friend finds you a threat. How do you know my name?" Aeden took a step forward putting himself between the person and Rory. "Just a word of advice. I am not very patient with people I am suspicious of. Now answer or prepare for a fight." Aeden glanced to his side making sure that Rory didn't try anything drastic.

The woman smiled widely and laughed. Laughed.

"Don't you think it's rude to fight with a woman?" the stranger said coyly. "But I guess I owe you an explanation. Someone very important to the both of you is hiding a fatal secret. And I think I can be of help. Do you accept this explanation?"

"Aeden..." Rory muttered. "What do we do?"

Aeden wasn't entirely sure what he should do he looked down at Rory and made a confident look trying to keep the girl calm. On one hand he felt he would be betraying Lise. She told him that she couldn't say what was her problem but on the other hand he finally had a chance to help her. Aeden thought to himself as he tried to make a decision. What action would I regret. After another moment Aeden makes his decision and puts his gun down. "I don't know who you are and I don't care about what you know." Aeden puts Frost Fang back to its holster. "If Lise wanted us to know she would have told us. We have no right to know something she couldn't tell us herself."

The smile on the woman's face faded. She stepped closer, her cape billowing on the now stronger wind.

"Is that any way to act when a friend reveals she's going to die?" the woman said.

Aeden felt anger pour into himself. He quickly turned around pulling both his weapons out and pointing them at Vixen. Frost Fang was aimed directly in between her eyes and Deception X pointed at her carotid artery with a look of hatred in his eyes. "Do not talk about my friends dying or I will kill you." Something had snapped in Aeden causing him to be filled with rage. After the events in the Snowy Forest against Dameon and his feeling of uselessness at stopping Lise, Aeden could barely handle the idea of his friends being in danger let alone dying.

Vixen stayed as still as she could, but not a hint of worry or anxiety could be seen behind the ivory mask.

"You do not want to threaten me, Aeden," the woman said. "I may be the only answer you'll get. Stop being an idiot in denial and listen to what I have to say!"

Unexpectedly, someone grabs onto Aeden's sleeve. It's Rory. Her eyes are focused and stern, as if not trusting the woman still. They seemed strangely...absent. But Rory's tug on Aeden's sleeve showed otherwise. It was cold, trembling...needy.

"Aeden..." Rory said. "I don't like what she's saying...but we can't risk even the slightest possibility of Liseran's death. Let her go."


With that, Rory lets go and takes another thing from her case: an intricate rifle. She cocks it and then points at the woman.

"Let her go, Aeden," she says.

Aeden's hands shook with anger at Vixen's words but Rory's actions managed to pull him back. Keeping his eyes locked on the stranger. He sheathed his weapons and folded his arms, hate still buring in his eyes. "Speak." Aeden wanted this meeting to be over as soon as possible. He needed to get away from this woman and keep Rory safe.

The woman smiles, but it's a waning one. Inside the cottage, the kitchen is noisy and bustling. Apparently the two elderly women wouldn't be hearing all the commotion. The wind continued to blow and stray golden locks from the woman's head began to blow in her face. Rory kept her grip on Fusilier.

"You may call me Vixen," the woman said. "You could say I'm...connected to Liseran. She and I have the same kind of semblance."

"And?" Rory said sharply. "What of it?"

The woman's laugh filled the air again, lingering in the atmosphere. It was a laugh that told you someone was on the edge of sanity. Or at the brink of insanity.

"Because of this, I know what she sees..." Vixen stated. "And she's finally experienced the Crossroad of the semblance. A future she can actually change. However, it appears she is aiming for the future where she meets her demise."

Aeden stared at Vixen with a look of shock. I knew I should have stopped her when I had the chance. Aeden takes a step closer to Vixen. "I need to know everything. How can I help her not meet her demise." Aeden tightened his fists in agitation turning his knuckles white from the sheer pressure. "I can't let her go down that road. What can I do to stop her?" As Aeden spoke he did not break eye contact with Vixen, he didn't even blink. I can't let her die. The chance to save her is in front of me and I plan to take it.

"That's the thing," Vixen said casually. "The only way you can stop her is to convince her otherwise. I suggest you refrain from telling the black cat, though...he's the reason she's going to do it in the first place."

"Black cat...?" Rory mumbled. "But...who's that exactly?"

Vixen made a step back, a bit surprised.

"Didn't you know, little girl?" Vixen said affectionately. "Liseran's precious lover is a faunus. And trust me...he's the reason she's going to die..."

Aeden's eyes widened as he heard Vixen's last line. "Cheshire? Him?" Thoughts raced through Aeden's head as he tried to peace together the information he had. Lise is in trouble she told me that. This Vixen person knows Lise and claims to have the same power as her. She already knew about me and the others. What would her reason be for telling us this? Does she want us to save Lise? I don't really have a reason to trust or distrust her. Aeden bites his lip trying to concentrate. But why Cheshire what would his motive be? He cares for Lise at least I think he does. What if its from neglect. What if while trying to protect her he doesn't notice her getting hurt. Aeden tightens his fist in anger. There was very little he knew about the situation and his brain began to make assumptions based on what he did. Lise's life will be in danger and Cheshire is with her likely being her cause. That's all I need to know. Aeden feels a warm sensation in his hand looks down to see he had dug his nails too far and manged to cut himself. "Tch" Aeden looks back up at Vixen the same with the same look of anger he had in his eyes before. "I don't have any reason to believe you but I also know that Lise is in danger and this is my only lead. If I find out you lied to me, I will track you down and I will kill you." Aeden turns around and heads toward Phantom. "Come on Rory we need to get out of here. As soon as Cheshire comes back I have to talk with him." Aeden leans down getting to eye level with Rory. "Rory when Lise comes back I need you to take care of her. Make sure she doesn't get into trouble. If something happens give me a call."

All the while, the words had sunken into Rory's head. And trust me...he's the reason she's going to die.... Her body had stopped moving for awhile though Fusilier was aimed right at Vixen with close precision. Rory's mind seemed to have left her body once again and her eyes were blank, like her pupils had gone missing and lost focus.

"I won't let anyone hurt Liseran..." Rory muttered. "I promised I wouldn't. I'll do whatever it takes..."

"I'm glad you're taking my advice," Vixen smiles. "Though be careful with your actions. Even the smallest words will matter..."

Upon hearing Aeden rev up the Phantom, Rory took Cosmas from the tree and hopped on, clinging on absently to Aeden's waist.

"Take me back to the district," Rory demanded.

The travel is more direct now, but Rory eventually points to Aeden a small alley way where he can park. There, a cellar door can be found near some strangely tidy dumpsters. Rory searches her pockets for something and reveals a set of keys. She uses it to unlock the cellar door and it opens to stairs illuminated by an array of colorful lights.

"Follow me," she says.

Rory leads Aeden down to a strangely chic basement. There are two lush red abstract chairs, murals on every corner and a curtain of intricate colored beads parting a small kitchen.

"This is my home," Rory states. "Let's sit down for a minute. I want you to tell me everything you know about Cheshire."

Aeden takes a seat in one of the chairs and laces his fingers together under his chin with a serious look on his face going over the events of the day. What will you do Cheshire? "There isn't very much I can say about him Rory. I'll try to give you all the facts I know while keeping my opinions to myself. Cheshire is a cat faunus who is a student at Beacon first year, he also runs a dealership where I got Phantom and met Lise, she was there to buy a vehicle as well. During a test drive Lise almost got hurt and Cheshire saved her. Currently they're dating and are on a mission together. That's basicallly all I know." Aeden felt a little bad about sharing so much information of Cheshire without his consent but he was too concerned about Lise to care.

Rory's ears twitched around, something presumably common for faunas, and she pressed her chin in thought.

"He doesn't sound like he'd hurt her," Rory said. "But they've only known each other for a little while, right? So, I can't be too sure."

Rory takes Aeden's hands and stares deeply into his, imploringly.

"We can't let Vixen's premonitions come true," Rory said. "She said we can't confront Cheshire about this because it would eventually lead to the events. But you can confront Liseran, can't you? You know her a little better, so I think I can trust you with it. While you do, I'll keep an eye on the cat carefully."

Rory sighed and let go of Aeden.

"And to think I was so happy I found a trail to cousin Liseran..." Rory said. "Only to be told she was at the risk of dying...we need to stop her at the dinner party. It's our only chance!"

On the clock, it's around 5pm now. Rory gets up from the suede sofa and her frown disappears for a while.

"Speaking of dinner," Rory said. "I owe you a meal since you treated me earlier. Mind staying and keeping a little girl company?"

"Rory I didn't have much luck last time I talked to Lise about being in danger but I promise you I will make she to keep her safe. You have my word." Aeden grabbed his stomach. The cookies had been delicious but he hadn't had a proper meal that entire day. Not being able to say no to Rory, Aeden smiles. "I would love to keep you company Rory. What will be having?"

Rory grins widely and tilts a bit.

"Some fine salisbury steak," Rory smiles, her eyes wide and cerulean blue. She rubs her hands and gets down to her music player to put on some urban music

"You stay here and relax a bit," Rory says. "I won't take long."

As Aeden sits back listening to music Rory's not sure he likes, she heads off to her tiny kitchen and heads to work. Her fridge was stacked with raw steaks, but since someone else was eating with her, she'd need to cook it. She prepped the gravy and even tossed in some peas and carrots painfully. Everything was done within half an hour and she had come back to set the table.

"Almost done, Aeden!" she says merrily. It's only then that one will realize she had changed her attire somewhere in between. She's now wearing a short dress with thin straps keeping it in place. Its orange color matches with her black leggings, making her look like she had a halloween motif going on. After setting two plates, she gives a small curtsy, matching the frilly apron she's wearing.

"Dinner is served!"

Aeden stood stared in Rory's direction with an obvious look of desire in his eyes, not taking his eyes off his target Aeden licked his lips in anticipation. Aeden stands from his chair and walks over to Rory in a trance letting his instincts guide him. He starts to make odd motions with his hands as a he steps closer. "Such a delicious morsel. How could you expect me to resist when you look like that? I must have you." 

Rory feels a cold shiver run over her body and she's not sure if it's because she feels threatened or delighted. She steps back a bit, startled, while placing the food down. Her cheeks are so red it contrasts her light orange hair. She turns away, her big eyes slightly glancing over to Aeden.

"Y-you shouldn't talk like that!" she says meekly, something she rarely was. "Y-you're engaged aren't you!?"

She realizes she's just acting stupid now and begins pointing the food flustered, almost similar to how Liseran acted when she was nervous herself.

"L-let's eat now," she mumbles. As she steps towards the table, her foot catches onto the leg of a stray chair, making her trip just over Aeden in the most unlikely manner.

Rory's face turns extremely red but she's too paralyzed to move as she lies on top of him.

"I-I-I-I..!" she stutters.

Aeden pulls Rory into an embrace and checks to make sure she is fine. "Rory are you okay? What's wrong." Aeden gently moved Rory into his arms and stands up picking her up in a princess carry. "Are you hurt anywhere?" Aeden walks over to the couch and gently places Rory down. Making sure she is comfortable Aeden wonders how she could have fallen. Maybe she's feeling faint? It was a long day and she's still very young. I should check for a fever. Aeden brings his hand to Rory's forehead moving the bangs away. He then touches his forehead to hers checking for a temperature difference. From this position they are merely inches away and Aeden has a clear view into her deep blue eyes. "Rory you're burning up. I think you may be sick. Worry not Sir Kase is here and would never leave a lady during a time of need. I will nurse you back to health." Still inches away, Aeden makes a big smile at Rory trying to make her feel comfortable.

Rory could barely hear anything Aeden was saying even if her faunus heritage enhanced the sense. His gray eyes seem to pierce through her and the smallest touch makes her as stiff as stone. Why does he have to be so cute?? Why did he pick me up?? Why did he make such a nasty remark earlier and is now being all gentlemanly? I gotta be careful but I can't even move!

Rory's face is still extremely red, but she manages to slip away from Aeden on the sofa and stiffly walks towards the table.

"I-I'm fine!" she says a little too loudly. "We-We should eat now..."

She nimbly sits down her her place and even if the strong scent of steak fills her nose, she's no longer hungry. She waits for him to sit down...

Aeden makes a sad face as he sees he sees Rory almost wobble her way to the table. I can't beleive she's acting tough. No I can't allow this to happen. If a young lady is sick she shouldn't have to force herself, she deserves to be pampered. Aeden walks over to Rory and gently pulls her chair out. Aeden picks her up once again as he did before and walks to where he assumes is the bath. "I'm sorry Rory. I can't see a lady act like this and just stand by. There is a change of plans. You are going to take a bath and then I will take you to your bedroom."