A Bell Requiem and a Rhapsody of Fate [Closed]

As Aeden shot rounds but the moment he did, Ranna craned her neck backwards and flipped, her feet kicking Rory away in the process. Aeden was still charging at her when Deception X came into view and she lifted up her two long knives together to clash with him. She grinned at him.

"If you think I can't take on all of you, you're quite mistaken," Ranna said. She zipped behind Aeden in attempt to stab him. "Once I'm done with you, I'll finish the little wolf cub!"

Cheshire should have been angry. He should have been in a rage. But as he descended to the ground in a crouch he simply stood up slowly and spared Zan only a side look.

"Let me tell you three things punk," Cheshire murmured threateningly as he raised his closed fist, the back of his hand facing Zan. Cheshire extended his index finger. "One. You're fighting style is unrefined and amateurish. You fight on instinct and without thought or strategy. You rely too much on your semblance and in cowardly tactics. Your are beyond predictable."

Cheshire extended his middle finger.

"Two. All matter takes up space. No two forms of matter can take up the same space. Your semblance allows you to make an exception to that rule, allow you to be in the same space as another object. For example, while your hand remains tangible inside a person your wrist remains intangible allowing it to be in the same space the person's chest and rib cage is. Although if you put your intangible hand into a wall and let it turn solid again, it would probably explode. That's the true danger in your semblance. But the greatest danger lies not in the time you turn intangible or turn solid. It's the space in between."

Cheshire extended his ring finger, a metal ring glinting in the light. "Three. When against a tactical specialist, the first move decides the battle."

Cheshire suddenly clenches his fist in a flash of movement, swings his arm around as if punching the air. The room's lighting suddenly shines on the thin steel wire, revealing its location between Cheshire and Zan. From where the steel string was attached to the ring, it ran in a loop between Cheshire and Zan but as Cheshire pulls the string it straightens with a twang.

The other end of the strong was attached to Helsinger, which was thrown earlier. Though the weapon was aimed for Zan's head, at its angle of descent, the rifle went on a path across Zan's body. Twirling through the air causing the string to create loops, Cheshire timed the positioning just right to ensure several loops went through where Zan's heart was. As the the man turned solid, he would not even notice the small punctures of pain as the strings made small holes in his organs and a hole going through the base of his neck and the small of his back puncture even the armor he wore.

Pulling the string on Cheshire's end would cause the loops around Zan's heart to close and straighten, literally shredding his heart to bits. The string was so thin that it has remained invisible to the naked eye until now and Zan would have no idea what Cheshire was doing suddenly swinging his arm in an arc until it was too late.

"Checkmate...."

Sylvian stopped behind the closed corridor and turned around, then found out Rory is being pinned down by the white hair woman, but Aeden's moves has put her into safety, now he's in danger himself. She immediately charges her aura into her shield and dashes directly toward them.

"Take this you crazy witch!!"

She shouts as she swings the fully-charged shield, trying to chase her away from Aeden. Should this swing connect, that woman would be heavily damaged by the impact and slammed right into the wall.

Ranna's eyes widened but right before she could zip, the swing connected, forcing her through the wall that led to the outside, the gaping hole showing her falling downwards and downwards towards the solid ground.

Around the same time, the metal wall that had once blocked their path strangely opened. The corridor ahead had a window but the now darkening and cloudy sky merely showed the silhouettes in the quiet room.

In that corridor, Cheshire and Zan's figures could be seen. It was quiet, but the room was suddenly filled with a small thump, the sound of Zan's dead body having fallen. There was only one more door ahead.

The silence followed after the thump was suddenly broken by the tossing of a table, something like glass shattering in the process.

"YOU...YOU WITCH!" Fares' voice said. "IF YOUR VISIONS TELL ME I WILL DIE, THEN I WILL TAKE YOU WITH ME!"

"Liseran!" Cheshire roared. He quickly grabbed Helsingr, pulling the steel string from out of Zan's dead body, a huge cut made where he pulls the razor sharp string out, and holsters the rifle before darting towards the door. He pounds his fist against it and roars. "Let me in dammit!"

The door burst open just as Cheshire put force on it.

It was the large room filling up the entire west wall was a large window looking outwards at the very edge of the fortress. Nothing but the sea below. In the middle of the room a table had been tossed away. Fares was standing some distance from it, a gun in his hand and Liseran on the floor, staying very still with Weeping Cerinthe in her hands, her eyes wide as the gun pointed at her.

"And now our ends meet fate," Fares said.

The gun fired and the loud sound of the shot filled the air as the bullet went in Liseran's direction.

Cheshire was a tactician. He was a strategist. His mind is his weapon. All he needed to do was to think. He could have thrown Helsingr to get in the way of the bullet. He could have shot at Fare's hand. He could have done a lot of things. All he had to do was think. But he couldn't. Liseran was in danger. Her life was on the line. He had no time to think. He couldn't. Instead, he threw his hand out as if reaching for Liseran. It happened in an instant, his mind faster in its need to protect Liseran. Cheshire teleported and he appeared right in between Liseran and Fare's gun, the bullet hitting him in the shoulder, but the faunus be grit his teeth and bear it.

In quick motion, Cheshire swung the rifle from off his back and threw the sheathe at Fares. Keeping a tight grip on Vladimir and Elizebeth, he let Baskerville fly off.

Cheshire knew the sheathe would go right through Fares as he turns intangible. It is afterwards that Cheshire grabs his chance.

Cheshire had carefully analyzed Fares's behavior patterns in their last fight. He could tell the exact moment when the senator would turn solid again. So Cheshire would extend Vladimir in his right hand into its full chain whip length and grapple the hook end on Baskerville to pull it back.

Cheshire would time this perfectly so that the moment the senator turn solid again, Baskerville would enter the space where his shoulder is the exact same time.

Two things can never take up the same space at the same time...

Cheshire new that if the senator would put his hand in a wall and solidify his hand would explode because it was entering a space already taken, but both the senator's arm and Baskerville would take up the same space at the same exact time. The collision would cause both the arm and the sheathe to be utterly destroyed...

I'm sorry Baskerville... Cheshire thought in his mind before these chains of events would happen. I named you after my grandfather who had sacrificed so much for what he believed in. I named you after a man I respected more then anyone who gave up his life standing up to his morals. I'm sorry my friend... but I will have to ask you to do as your namesake has. For Liseran... for the future I desire most.

Cheshire's remaining weapons seem to glint. Elizebeth, Vladimir.... and his suitcase.... Felix....

These were the names of the children I wanted to have with the girl I loved Cheshire stated in his head. Now they are the names of the children I WILL have with the girl I now love. So to protect Liseran, and to protect this future I desire, I will have to bid you farewell... Grandfather...

Once these chain of events would happen, whether it worked or not, the blood loss would finally get to Cheshire and the faunus would collapse.

Liseran watched in horror unable to move as Cheshire took the bullet. At the same time he had managed to attack Fares successfully, the explosion causing Fares to fall backward in a mess Liseran couldn't bare look at. But her focus immediately came to Cheshire as he fell down.

"N-no..." Liseran whispered as her eyes filled with tears. "Cheshire...Cheshire!"

She ran and stumbled towards him. He was unconscious and she could feel more tears roll down her eyes as she saw the blood soak the portion that had been hit. Her heart stopped beating for a moment, but she then could see Cheshire's chest rising and falling. Liseran's eyes widened and she hastily took off the shawl of her combat outfit, tearing it and pressing it against the wound to stop it from bleeding. She knew that it wouldn't be enough. That it wasn't enough. But it was all she could do. She hardly noticed the rest of the team emerge at the door.

"Please..." she seemed to be saying. "Please...please...be okay..."

She recalled her vision. The one where she had seen the crossroad. The vision had been split into two. It had been a mirrored image. One where Cheshire stood at Liseran's grave and the other where she stood at his. Both of them saying it had been their fault. Some minor visions had shown after that. One where Cheshire had died in battle. One where Liseran had died at the hands of the Oracle...

Both futures were painful to look at. Both of them broken, as if the light of the world had been taken from them. But as Liseran recalled this, she saw something else.

It would take place, perhaps, a day or two from now. Liseran would be sitting alone on a bench, the sun slowly fading. She'd be in the same dress she had worn at the dinner party. Her head was bowed as she watched the water. For a moment, Liseran felt scared seeing this vision, but another figure came into the image.

From the distance, a tall young man with dark hair wearing a dark coat would come walking towards her, his cat ears twitching back and forth like they usually did, his topaz eyes looking at Liseran warmly. Cheshire. He came closer and closer until he finally sat down with her. From there, Liseran would tilt her head, letting it rest lightly on his as they held hands, the topaz ring he had bought her glinting in the warm sunset. And from there, Liseran would smile, whispering ever so lightly in his ears.

"Let's enjoy these happy days...together...and always."

Liseran felt the tears on her cheeks run cold and then replaced by newer, warmer tears. Her body began to shake and she clutched Cheshire tightly, pressing his head against her chest as she began to cry.

"Cheshire..." she said as she held him tightly. "It's done...the future's changed. We can...we can have it together! Please, just please be okay...I need you to be okay..."

The fear she held in her heart that she could lose Cheshire now tore at her and she pressed him even closer.

"Please...!" she begged. "There's no point in having a future without you in it! Every happy moment I've ever had has always been with you! Past, present and every vision with you in it! So please...!"

Her arms began to weaken.

"Tell me you're okay...tell me...so we can have our future together...these happy days...

Silence. All Liseran recieved was silence. Her tears dropped on Cheshire as she cried and cried, calling to him, begging him. The faunus remained silent and still. Just when all hope seemed lost...

"You... really are... a crybaby," Cheshire mumbled. "I thought I told you... I will make sure that that... is our future. Why do you have disbelief in me now?"

Liseran's eyes widened as Cheshire spoke. She stared at him in disbelief, her tears stopping momentarily, her mouth hung open. Finally, her face scrunched up again as she closed her eyes and hugged him tighter.

"Don't...DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT!" she said as pressed her own head against his chest. She was crying again, but also laughing, unable to contain her relief and happiness. She kept him embraced as long as she could, scared of letting go of Cheshire, trying to assure herself that none of this was a dream. Finally, she let go, checking his wound and then brushing his bangs away from his eyes.

"Let's get you fixed up and go home..." she smiled.


***

The Fares Fortress had been left in a disaster. With most of the guards taken down and the others focused on Ranna who had been found dead, the team made it out fast enough with Lucina and Vixen at the west dock port.

The authorities had been alarmed about the situation, but the Dormirse Clan had shifted their attention to the case of Zephyr Veiller and how Liseran had almost been kidnapped. Thus, creating a leak in the firm hold they had. Not that it mattered anymore. The last two Fares, the senator and his son, had been found dead. Whatever reign they had now put to a screeching halt.


Liseran and the others safely made it back to Vale. During the ride, Vixen was able to patch Cheshire's wound up, though she herself said it wouldn't be in its best shape for a few days. Vixen and Liseran had also been reunited as grandmother and granddaughter.

By the time everyone had gotten back to Vale, they were exhausted and had called it a day. It wasn't until a two days later that they'd meet again.

***

The Rose Madder Herbal and Trinket Shop was closed up for now, but there was a lot of activity coming from the inside. Thanks to the help of the godmothers, the wood had been polished, the walls and ceilings were dusted and painted new, and it looked brand new. But the renovations hadn't been made for the business itself. A long table with a rose covering had sets of plates and utensils ready. The godmothers were busy fixing up the food. It was still early, around the afternoon, but early dinner seemed like a really good idea to everyone.

"Well I think we should've put down the blue table cloth," Merriweather mumbled.

"No, no, Merriweather, pink!" Flora argued.

At the same time, there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Rory said. She opened the door, hoping it was one of the guests.

As Rory opened the door she would be greeted by the sight of Aeden. "Rory!" Upon seeing his 'Imouto-chan' Aeden rushed at her and scooped her up in a hug while wearing a big smile. "Its only been two days but it feels like forever!" Aeden looked into the shop and greeted the godmothers. "Good afternoon ladies, you are all looking as lovely as ever." With Rory still in the air in the middle of Aeden's hug he asked, "Where are Lise and Vixen?"

Rory hugged Aeden back with all her might, smiling wider than she felt like had been since forever. Rory jerked her head to the outside.

"Lise is just getting some fresh air," Rory said. At the same time, Vixen came in. She was no longer in her usual red chiton dress or cape but a long sleeved noble-woman's dress, very contradictory to the former. Her blonde hair (never dyed) had been put into a bun and her green and blue eyes sparkled as she saw Aeden.

As Rory was set down, Vixen gave him a large embrace.

"I never did get to thank you for all the help," Vixen said. "You and Rory have a seat while we get things ready. I'm sure everyone will join us shortly."

As the two sat, Liseran was right outside at the back, where the docks could be seen. She was sitting on the bench, waiting patiently, knowing someone would be seeing her there.

Sylvian is standing in a corner near the front of the household, hesitating to step out. She's wearing her usually attire, short jeans and tank-top with bandages, as her armor and shields are all under maintenance. They're having their time, and it might not be a good idea for an outsider like her to join for now, she thinks.

She looks at the stuffs in the pack she's carrying. One of them is the dress Merriweather gave her during that night, and tries her best to think of an excuse. It's used to be Liseran's dress, and now Sylvian couldn't tell what it has become anymore. She doesn't know how to face them and return this "thing".

"Dammit..."

Then Aeden passes by, which makes Sylvian startled a little, however he doesn't seems to regconize her. "You men only know me because of my armor?!" She's getting irritated, but whatever.

"Dammit, I'm going in!" Sylvian takes a deep breath, then uses all of her courage to knock the door.

"Sylvian, it's good to see you!" Vixen smiled upon opening the door.The old woman embraced Sylvian as if they had been friends for the longest time. "As expected, you'd come over for dinner."

Before Sylvian could even begin, Vixen showed her to the table where Rory gave her a small, casual salute.

"Hi, Sylvian!" Rory smiled. "Come on and join us! We're having some nice ham tonight and I am starved."

Without further ado, the young woman was seated next to them and Vixen soon took her place as well.

"Now, now, we'll eat once the two arrive," Flora said. And then, as she looked outside to where Liseran was standing, she smiled. "But we should give them a moment or two."

"Liseran and Chesire, they are outside?"

Sylvian asks as she looks around. Then she catches Merriweather's eyes and tries to avoid it.She doesn't want to speak about the dress yet, not right now. The atmostphere is kinda awkward, but it's also so lively it makes her feels at ease.

Sylvian catches Merriweather's attention and before Sylvian can speak, she puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Liseran already told me to tell you the dress is yours now," Merriweather said with a wink. She didn't wait for a response and went back in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Faun was near the window watching and answered Sylvian's question.

"Well, Cheshire hasn't arrived yet necessarily," Faun said as she put down more food on the table. "But Liseran's waiting for him outside, yes."

She sighed dreamily. "Young love," she said. "It must be a wonderful thing."

"Not young love, Faun," Vixen said correcting her. "True love. True love in every single way."

Sylvian doesn't look so comfortable hearing the conversation. She stands up, tries to make an excuse, then goes out and wander around. Sylvian is looking for Liseran for no particular reason, she just wants to meet her, that's all.

Liseran is sitting alone on the bench, but Sylvian seems not to have enough courage to face her. She tries to calm herself down, then silently comes to the bench and sits down next to Liseran.

"It's a good thing that you look... fine." Sylvian couldn't think of anything else. "We haven't really talked to each other since that night, have we? To be honest, we haven't really talked to each other that much either. Heh..."

This is getting awkward, Sylvian thinks so.

"How's your condition now? They've removed all of those aura control things out of your body, right?"

Liseran is surprised to see Sylvian, but she's more than happy to smile warmly at her and proceeded to hug her.

"Sylvian!" she said as she warmly greeted her. "I'm absolutely fine. I hope you're doing okay, too."

Liseran stopped embracing her, realizing Sylvian wasn't that type who liked hugs, but she didn't regret it. Liseran smiled and began playing around with her fingers as she spoke, a sign she was a bit nervous about something.

"I...I just wanted to say thanks again for everything," Liseran told her. "You're kind of right, we haven't even talked a lot and stuff and yet you went out the way you did for me. I...I also know about that offer Zan made to you."

She tilted her head and smiled.

"You're a strong person, you know that? A liiiittle stubborn, but strong all the same," Liseran said. "And I probably couldn't have asked for a better first friend. So, I want to give this. I was going to give it later, but now seems like a good time, too."

With that, Liseran took one of the two bracelets from her wrist. They were both chain bracelets, one gold and one silver. She gave Sylvian the silver one, a shield charm similar to Sylvian's own dangling in the middle. Liseran held up her own showing two bells on it.

"Only you and Rory have this," Liseran smiled. "I was planning to give it at the dinner party but things turned weird, ha ha. Anyways, keep it...as a sign of being friends through thick and thin. And so that someday, I can repay you for what you've done for me this week."

"SYL!" Rory called coming outside. She slung an arm around her and smiled at Lise. "Hi Lise! Anyways, Syl, come inside! Merriweather has a new dress for you to try on before dinner! No buts! Come on come on! Lise are you coming in?"

Liseran giggled as Rory was dragging Sylvian inside and through the door.

"In a bit," Liseran called. "I'm just waiting..."

Rory knew what she was saying and gave her a wink. The door closed and Liseran sat back into the bench, her head now bowed and her hands in her lap. The waves were clashing as the sun began to set lower and lower, it's glow touching the water and turning it gold.

That's right, I'm waiting... Liseran thought. Waiting for the future I so earnestly yearn for to become my present...

A puff on smoke and soft and silent footsteps. That was the only sign Cheshire gave as he appeared only a few meters away. It may have been rude not to knock at the front door; it may have been rude to simply appear with out so much as a hello. Regardless, Cheshire did not have the patience to go through the usual greetings. He had a feeling he'd know where to find Liseran and he willed his semblance to take him there. And just as he thought, there she was. In the light that shined on her, she looked like an angel to him. Cheshire couldn't help but smile briefly before walking silently to the bench with out a word, his coat tails flowing behind him.

The faunus sat next to Liseran, sitting as close to her as he can and wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her closer.

Liseran heard the footsteps and smiled as she lifted her head to see Cheshire coming her way. She felt something heartwarming at that moment and for a minute, she thought she felt herself a little teary-eyed, but she let him sit next to her, greetings not even needed, as he pulled her closer and she leaned her head on his shoulder. She closed one of her hands in his own, the topaz of the ring on her finger shining brightly in the warmth of the sun.

They sat there just watching the sun set and listening to the waves, happy to be together once again, knowing that after all that's happened, they had made it through. Liseran stole a glance at Cheshire, a flood of affection rushing through her as she looked at the man she knew she'd love for the rest of her life, despite all odds and even if the fates would try and will it to not be so once again. She listened to the noise inside the herbal shop. Her silly godmothers bickering about an upside down cake turned right-side-up. Rory cheerily chattering as Aeden spoiled her with affection and Sylvian listened. Her own grandmother's low and sweet laughter chiming in here and there.

Liseran closed her eyes for a bit, enjoying the sound, enjoying the feeling of Cheshire being right there with her, enjoying how peaceful everything was. How happy everything was.

After twenty years of feeling alone. After twenty years of a bleak dark life she didn't care for. After twenty long years...she had a found the future she had always wanted to see. And it was now her present.

She put one arm around Cheshire to draw him closer to her, her cheek brushing off the fabric of his coat as she leaned in to say something. What she would say wouldn't be a request. It wouldn't be a demand. It would be a promise.

"Let's enjoy these happy days...together...and always...my love."


End of Thread