Chapter 9: Farewell

When Blake woke up, she had two realizations.

One: she'd never slept so deeply in her whole life. Despite spending the night on stone, and the fact that it was cold without the sleeping bag, her exhaustion from the day before put her in such a state that she could do nothing but sleep incredibly deeply.

Two: Her comfort might be due to the fact that she was sleeping against Jaune.

Her head rested against his shoulder, she realized with a start. And her body was nestled close to his. His head rested on the top of hers, his cheek gently pressed against one of her ears in her bow. Though she couldn't see him, from the sound of his breathing, he was still dead asleep.

It made sense, really... sleeping sitting against the cold stone, she probably- subconsciously- moved closer to him for warmth and comfort. It was no different- no more intimate- than their nights in the sleeping bag had been. Between the cave sheltering them from the winds, actually having her jacket, and simple body heat, it actually wasn't all that cold.

She was trapped, in a way- she couldn't move without waking him up, and then they would have to start the day. They'd have to head back to Beacon, and probably never share any physical contact again.

Maybe they'd go back to the way things were. Only talking a few times a year.

She pushed off the thought that was horrifying for reasons that she didn't want to think about too much- reasons that probably had to do with what she said before she fell asleep.

She felt her face blush as she remembered what she'd said. Her confession of love, or whatever it was. It hardly felt real- the memory, probably due to her exhaustion, seemed more like a dream than something that had actually happened.

She was just tired, she told herself- tired and finally able to trust someone. Finally really able to understand what trusting someone meant. So she had confused herself- thinking she was starting to have... feelings for Jaune, when really, she had just made a close friend. She'd just... formed a unique connection.

Right?

Blake was a very certain person- if she thought about a question, she could almost always come up with an answer. So the fact that she was unclear of where she stood on the matter of Jaune was a little disconcerting for her.

Still, in their last moment of contact, was it worth overthinking? Was it worth figuring out the 'why' of it- or did it make more sense to simply enjoy it? No matter what Jaune was to her, she trusted him, and it felt nice to be against him. And in that moment, that's all that really mattered.

She gave into this idea, and relaxed against him, looking out over the trees. The sun was already high in the sky, and her view of the forest was rather breathtaking. Her sensitive ears- even though one was covered by Jaune's cheek- could easily pick up the sounds of birds in the distance. And no Grimm could be heard at all.

It was nice. Relaxing. And after their chase through the woods, Blake felt as though she could stay here forever.

Almost to her dismay, she felt Jaune stirr and yawn, finally waking up.

His head snapped up when he realized their position. "Ah, uh... sorry, was I...?"

"Yeah, you were leaning on me." She lifted her head up and looked at him. "But considering my head was on your shoulder, I think I started it."

"Ah," he said with a smile, adopting a mock arrogant tone, "Well, that makes sense- I've been told my shoulder is very comfy. Pillow-like, even."

"Oh?" She said, returning the smile. "How's the top of my head?"

He looked thoughtful. "Very thick," he said, finally.

She playfully punched his thigh.

He laughed. "Hey, whoa, is that any way to treat your nurse?"

"So you've finally given in to your title, huh?"

"You can call me whatever you like if you promise not to punch me again. I'm a delicate guy!"

She chuckled. Jaune never presented himself a tough guy, by any means- but considering his unshakable defense, the idea of him being delicate was absurd.

They both fell into an easy silence, looking out over the forest, simply enjoying the view. She had a strange realization that, even though she had lifted her head, her body was still tucked closed to his. This didn't seem to affect him one way other the other- he was content to just look out over the forest and share a needed moment of peace.

"It's not so bad out here," he said after some time of appreciating the view. His voice was quiet. "So long as Grimm aren't chasing you around."

She turned her head, looking back at him. "We could stay out here," she said. Her tone was joking, but she found strange truth in her request.

He laughed, still looking out over the forest, his eyes shining as they always did when he was happy. "After these past few days, you want to stay out here? With the Grimm, and the cold? Sleeping on stone and dirt?"

There was a beat. "It wasn't all bad, was it?" She asked, her voice quiet and serious. She had no idea what she was looking for in an answer to that question- maybe it was just that she needed to hear, needed to know, that the meaning she found these last few days wasn't one sided. That he felt something usual, at least, between them too. Something significant.

She needed to know that going back to Beacon wouldn't mean going back to they way they were. Back to being acquaintances. Friends of friends.

Almost strangers.

His head turned, eyes locking with hers, full of sudden concern at the shift in her tone. "No," he said, certainly and truthfully. "No, it wasn't."

She kept looking into his eyes, looking for an answer to the questions she hadn't really asked. Looking for some sign that this was important to him. But that was the problem with Jaune- he connected so easily, trusted so readily, who knew if this time- these discoveries of trust, this sharing of herself- held any significance at all.

Was she just another friend who had opened up to him? Was this a regular occurrence for him?

"Blake," he started carefully, "What's on your mind?"

She looked at him a moment, chewing on her lip. In a lot of ways, her newfound trust in Jaune was a little scary. She trusted him completely to be honest with her if she asked him any question- but it was the answer she was afraid of.

And she still wasn't even sure why she was afraid of it. She didn't need anyone, she reminded herself- she certainly didn't need Jaune. It shouldn't matter if he considered her just another friend, or even a friend of a friend.

But still the question was on her mind. And he had asked her... and she didn't feel the need to hide anything from him anymore.

"I'm wondering what's going to happen to us once we get back to Beacon," she finally answered.

He looked at her strangely. "When we get back…? Well, first, we're getting you to the nurse, to get that wound checked and cl-"

"No, Jaune. Not like that. I mean... what happens to us?"

"To… us?"

"Yeah."

He studied her. "I don't think I understand, we-"

"Jaune, I mean…" she hesitated with the exact phrasing. "Do things go back to the way things were, or…?"

"Oh." She could see his realization. "Oh, you mean like…"

"Talking, you know, once every-"

"Okay, I understand. No."

She blinked at the speed and certainty with which he said that. "N… no?"

"Yeah. No way. I mean, not unless you really want to."

"Do you want to? Go back?"

"No, of course not. Not to mention… I'm not even sure we could."

"Why not?"

He shot her a look. "It kind of sounds like you want to go back, Blake."

She looked away from him. "No, I don't mean- not like that..."

"Then what are you asking, here?"

"I just mean to ask- why don't you think we couldn't go back?" She looked back at him. "What's changed? What's different, for you?"

"Between us?"

"Yeah."

"We... got closer."

Another beat of looking at one another. "That's it?"

"No."

"So…"

This time he broke eye contact, looking out thoughtfully. After a moment he gently shook his head. "I don't really know, Blake. It's hard to describe. We've talked about stuff out here that I've never said to anyone. And I… as strange as it sounds, I really feel like I get you. Or I feel connected to you, or… maybe the easiest thing to say, the thing I'm most sure of, is that talking has never felt like this before. I've never felt like I could… really just say whatever. Say what I'm feeling, talk about things I've never voiced before. Even if it was just… just for the record, just saying the thoughts out loud, it felt right. And I don't want to give that up, you know? Because it felt really good to do that. It felt right. So when we go back to Beacon…" He looked back at her. "I don't think I could go back to the way things were. Or, I really, really wouldn't like it, I guess."

She smiled, and she felt complete relief. That's what she needed to hear.

"What about you?" He asked.

She looked out thoughtfully for a beat, before standing up. Turning around, she offered a hand down to him, and gave her reply with humor in her voice. "Same."

He laughed. "That's all I get? Same?"

"Yep."

He took her hand and she pulled him up to standing. "So," he continued, his eyes sparkling, "I guess you like talking to me, too?

"Yep."

He laughed again, standing close to her. "For someone who is supposed to like talking to me, you sure love one word answers."

She looked thoughtful before answering. "True."

"So, are you ready to head back, then?"

She gave him a small smile and nodded.

"Then I'll need this back," he said, gently shaking his hand as it hung at their side. She realized, as her hand shook with it, that she still held it from when she helped him up.

"Oh- uh- Jaune, I-"

"Relax, Blake. We've been in constant contact for days. What's a little hand holding at this point?"

They both looked at each other for a moment, and both laughed gently at the role reversal. She released his hand- and realized that it was the end of their physical contact... probably forever.

And she couldn't help but be a little sad.

Still, she found comfort in the fact that he wasn't willing to give up what they had discovered between them- whatever it was. That it wouldn't just regress back. So she found herself smiling at him once again.

He slung the last of their supplies over his back. "Ready?"

She nodded at him. "Let's go home."

Their journey to Beacon was uneventful. The tower in the distance left no question if they were heading in the right direction- and though they had moved carefully, no Grimm had showed itself. The journey had taken them most of the day- and they had continued to talk and joke and… yes, flirt... the whole way.

There was an enormous amount of relief shared between the two of them as they passed through the gates. They glanced at each other- both exhausted in every way imaginable, and looking worse for the wear. But they shared a moment of smiling at one another- a strange sense of accomplishment washing over them. The feeling of a hard journey completed.

Now that they were finally home, Blake wanted to find their friends immediately- to find anyone on their teams. Their scrolls had run out of power, and she wanted to let them know they were safe.

Jaune, however, insisted they go to the medical center first. As soon as her head was bandaged, he said- then they could find their friends. As soon as they made sure she was okay.

She relented, and they headed over to the medical center. When the staff there saw her wound, they brought her into one of the private rooms immediately. Jaune followed her in, and nobody seemed to question him being there. He mostly stayed in the corner, keeping Blake company, and charging his scroll so he could reach out to everyone. They had her lay on one of their beds and checked her head, cleaning it more thoroughly than Jaune could in the field.

Blake wished it was Jaune's gentle hands, and not their rough scrubbing and bandaging, but she was glad he was there with her.

They checked her for anything more serious- after all, a blow to the head could have more consequences than a gash. But after doing a few simple tests, they concluded she was fine- and the cut, while not insignificant, most likely would not scar.

The nurse gave her instructions for cleaning and replacing the bandage. But seemingly as quickly as they had rushed her in, the staff there rushed away. They, after all, had other students to worry about- there were many injuries at a combat school. Despite the miracle of Aura, accidents happened.

It left the two of them alone in the room for just a moment before there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," came Blake's tired voice.

She had expected- or hoped- that it would be one of their friends, but to her surprise, Ozpin's face greeted them as the door swung open.

"Miss Belladonna, Mr. Arc," he greeted them from outside the door. "Do you mind if I join you?"

"Of course not, professor," said Blake.

He carried with him the two items he was never seen without- the cane he always walked with, and his cup of coffee. He walked gracefully into the room, before closing the door behind him, and turning towards them both.

"How are you feeling, Miss Belladonna?" He asked with genuine concern.

"I'm fine, thank you, Professor. Just a cut on my head."

"And you, Mr. Arc? I couldn't help but notice both of you missed some classes these last few days. When I heard you had shown up at the medical center, I thought I'd come see you myself."

There was always some strange inflection to the way Ozpin talked, as if he already knew everything you were trying to hide. As if he already knew the answer to any question he presented to you- he just wanted to hear how you answered. His appearance had, as it always did, the feeling of omnipotence, as if he had been planning to show up here for years, and the time had finally come.

"I feel fine, thank you," replied Jaune, a touch of iciness to his tone. The fact that Ozpin knew about Jaune's semblance before Jaune discovered it clearly weighed on his mind.

"Good, I'm glad to hear it." He put his coffee down on a nearby counter, and leaned against the wall, holding his cane gently at his side. "I might ask why you both are covered in dirt- why you carry with you minimal survival supplies- and that might lead me to ask where you've been these last couple days. But I think we all know these questions are best left unanswered- and I'd simply remind you that unauthorized exit of the school's grounds can be punishable by expulsion. Especially if you went into danger- especially if you went alone."

"Of course, Professor," replied Blake coolly. "We were just training, and lost track of time."

Ozpin's eyes were amused. "Lost track of time?"

"Yes, Professor," she said, letting a bit of humor slide into her voice.

"Well, I'll try to help your professors understand. But though I am glad to see you both unharmed, that is not why I am here. Nor am I here because of what you did or did not do. I am here because of why you did it." Ozpin turned towards Jaune, eyes focusing in on him. "And that subject we must be straightforward."

There was a tense beat as Ozpin waited. Jaune held his gaze.

"I know what I am, professor," said Jaune, his voice hard. "I know my semblance."

"Good. And from your tone, it sounds like you know I knew, don't you?"

Jaune's jaw was clenched, but he simply nodded.

"And Miss Belladonna- I assume that means you know as well?"

"Yes," she replied simply.

"Anyone else?"

"Why?" Asked Jaune, his frustration starting to show. "What does that matter? What really matters is why you knew, Professor- why you knew and never told me."

"This is important, Jaune," said Ozpin, his voice unchanging.

"Pyrrha," answered Blake, softly. "Pyrrha knows."

"Anyone else?"

"No," replied Jaune.

Ozpin nodded. "Then let's start with my apology, Jaune- an apology that has been three years in the making now. Because the truth is, I figured out your semblance the moment I met you."

Jaune was shocked. "What?"

"I will put modesty aside for a moment and simply say that there are very few people on earth as capable as I am in sensing and understanding aura. I mention this to help you understand how I knew, when I first saw you, you were supplying aura to those around you. But I also say it to impress upon you... that when I admit I don't really understand what your semblance is or how it truly works... you'll understand the significance of that statement.

"Aura is the physical manifestation of your soul's power, Jaune. As is semblance. One's own aura should be something so unique to themselves- so complex and personal- that it should be impossible to recreate. And yet I stumble upon you- someone who does it seemingly by accident."

"But why the secrecy, Professor?" Asked Blake. "Why hide it from him?"

"Because while I suspect you have discovered some ways in which your power is dangerous- you haven't really discovered it's true danger yet."

"What danger?" Asked Jaune.

"Do you know the historical examples of those with a Bestower ability, Jaune?"

"No."

"These stories come mostly from myth and legend- so little is known about what you can do and how it works, that many think it an impossibility. But each of the stories ends the same. All of them, whether they be leaders, or warlords, or healers- they all die an early death."

There was a pause as he let Jaune register what he said.

"Jaune, your tactical ability on the battlefield has grown immensely these last years. Tell me- if you knew a Bestower was on a- say, team of four facing against you- what would you do?"

There was another tense pause as Jaune looked at Ozpin. "I'd take them out first."

"Of course. Now let's say you're on a battlefield of hundreds- and you know there's just one Bestower among them. What do you do?"

"I'd... take them out first."

"Right. But let's not pretend this world is so black and white- I think everyone in this room knows it is not. We know not every battle is fought with weapons. Let's pretend you knew just one Bestower was around- someone who could enhance the power of many. That there was even a chance that they would face you. What do you do?"

"I'd take them out," repeated Jaune grimmly.

"No," came Blake's voice, realizing. "You wouldn't."

They both looked at her.

"Go on," said Ozpin.

"You wouldn't take them out," she continued. "You'd do anything- anything- to use them. To turn them to your side. If they covet power- and almost everyone does in this situation- they won't try to kill you. They'll try to manipulate you." She turned towards Jaune. "You're the physical embodiment of power, Jaune. The kind that anyone can use. So long as you choose to do it, you can make anyone stronger. So the question isn't how to take you out, Jaune. It's how to control you."

"Therein lies the true danger of your power, Jaune," said Ozpin. "Those historical examples I mentioned- it's the fortunate ones who died on the battlefield. Some others- well, they were twisted and manipulated and forced- their family and loved ones threatened- until they came under control. Until their power was under control.

"There lies the necessity for secrecy, Jaune. Because you are a trove of power that anyone can use- but only if you choose to. And some people will stop at nothing to be able to control that choice."

"But why not just tell me, Professor? Why not tell me- and I could keep it secret?"

"Because you are too trusting, Mr. Arc. And you would have told your team years ago."

Jaune's fist clenched at his side. "They would have kept it secret, for me." He didn't deny the fact that he would have told them- he knew himself too well to do that.

"Oh?" Said Ozpin. "And on the matter of- say, the content of Miss Belladonna's bow- a matter she wished to keep private- how careful were you about keeping that secret? Or did that spread among your friends, upon first discovery?"

Jaune's face flushed.

Blake's eyes snapped to Ozpin, angry he would use that as an argument. "Everyone who learned about what I am, I trusted with my life. And still do."

"I do not doubt it. However, while your secret may have had danger in its own way... it is not quite at this level."

There was silence in the room. When Ozpin continued, his voice was more serious, and Blake could hear regret in his voice.

"Mr. Arc… I am deeply sorry that I kept this from you. I also never intended for you to discover it this way- I had plans to tell you myself, when the time was right. But truthfully- I may have faltered, and waited too long. And that's my fault. You see, a long time ago, when I was a much younger man teaching at this school, I came upon a student somewhat like you."

"Another Bestower?" Asked Jaune, hopeful. Someone who could train him, teach him more about his semblance.

"Not quite. But not too different, either. I trained him myself- but I made some foolish mistakes. I kept him separated from his class- until he could control his semblance. He grew to spite me, and those around him, and- I did not want to repeat that mistake. I wanted you to have a normal experience at my school, Mr. Arc. I'm sorry I felt the need to keep your power from you- and I'm sorry that it gave you a disadvantage at times.

"But I promise you, everything I did was keeping your best interest at heart."

Another silence. Finally, Jaune sighed. "All right. I understand, Professor."

"Do you? I want to be absolutely clear, here. You should, under no circumstances, tell anyone about your abilities. Someday, Mr. Arc, it will come out- that is inevitable. But until that is forced upon you, you should not rush it. You should try to be a normal student at my school. As normal a student as you can be now."

Jaune simply nodded at him.

"The same goes for you, Miss Belladonna. Perhaps more so."

"I won't do anything to risk Jaune's safety."

Ozpin looked at her seriously. "I don't doubt that." He picked up his cane and coffee again. "You'll have an extra class added to your schedule, Mr. Arc. Training specific to your abilities. But for now, I highly recommend getting some rest." He opened the door, and looked over his shoulder. "Oh, and you'll pass on what I've said here to Miss Nikos, I trust?"

They both nodded at him.

"Good. Feel better, both of you."

And with that, he turned the corner and was gone.

Blake and Jaune were quiet as they exited the building, Ozpin's words weighing on them.

Blake studied Jaune as they walked, watching his expressive eyes carefully. Just like that first day as he looked out over the horizon under his tree, they were intense and thoughtful.

"You want to talk about that? What just happened?" She asked him.

He looked at her, eyes unchanging, before he sighed. "No. Let's just… get home."

"Okay. I'm here if you need me."

"I know. It's just- I don't know. I don't even know what I'm thinking yet." They walked a little while longer before he sighed again. "Okay, I sort of know. This semblance is a curse."

"Jaune-"

"No, it is. It really, and truly, is. All I've ever wanted, Blake- all I've ever wanted ever was to be able to help people. To help my friends. And to have the power to do that. At first I was hopeful about this semblance, but all it is- all it does- is put everyone around me in danger. I almost killed you. And now, I have to keep it a secret from everyone, just because knowing that I am… what I am… puts everyone in danger. What kind of power is that? Who would want this? It's just one more way I'm a burden."

"You're not-"

"Blake, come on."

"You're not a burden, Jaune! And though your powers are dangerous, that's only because they are so unique. Your semblance has the ability to change the tide of battle, or save people's lives. More so than any other semblance I can think of." She stopped, looking at him, forcing him to stop walking and look back. "I'm not pretending like this doesn't suck. Having to keep it secret, having to worry about it those around you. But it's not all bad. And whatever comes our way- no matter what it is- we'll figure it out together. Okay?"

His eyes lightened, and he nodded. "Okay." He laughed sadly. "All right. I-" His scroll, charged from their time at the medical center, buzzed, interrupting them. He looked down at it "Oh, it's Pyrrha!" He picked up. "Pyrrha? Pyrrha, I am so sorry I ran off like that. It was just me being a coward- I didn't want to hurt anybody else, and-"

Jaune's face froze, his eyes serious. Blake couldn't hear what Pyrrha was saying- could she really be that mad at him?

"What-" he started, but stopped. His eyes were back to their intense and focused state. "No." They widened. "Yes."

Blake couldn't tell what was happening- why he looked so shocked.

There was a pause, and he closed his eyes, his voice uneasy. "Yes."

After a few more seconds, he slowly removed the scroll from his face.

"Jaune, what the hell was-"

"Nothing, Blake."

"Jaune- what did she say?"

"Nothing, Blake- I… I gotta go."

"Jaune?"

"I'm sorry, Blake I- just need some time to myself, I just need to- I'll talk to you later."

He began to walk away. What on earth was that? Why did he suddenly close off to her, after all they had been through?

Was this what it was going to be like, now that they were back? Was all that talk of trust for nothing?

What the hell was that phone call?

"Pyrrha?" Came the singsong voice. "It's time to wake up."

Pyrrha felt awful. Or good. Or something. It was hard to describe- she felt dizzy and happy and horrified all at the same time.

Mostly dizzy though. She forced her eyes open, looking for the source of the voice.

"Ahh, there we are. How are we feeling today?"

Why was it so hard to focus? Who was talking?

Why were her hands tied?

"Oof. You don't look so good."

"Where-" she started, but found it hard to hear her own voice. "Where am I?"

"Why, you're staying in my hotel, dear! Chateau de Roman, we'll call it. Has a nice ring, don't you think?"

Roman?

She tensed up trying harder to focus. Roman was the one talking? She tried to move her arms, but found she couldn't. They were tied down. Was she tied to a chair?

Why was it so hard to focus?

"What- what's happening to me?"

"What, you don't remember? You and I had a big battle, and I bested you in one-on-one combat. Really, it was a fight for the record books." He paused. "Okay, no, that didn't happen. I drugged you."

"What?!"

"Yeah, well, jeez, you and I have crossed paths a few times and I wasn't sure I wanted that to happen again. And, see… I needed you to help me out with something, and… well, I didn't think you'd go for it. So I slipped you a little something to make you more comfortable."

"This is…"

"Yep. Drugs, missy. Strong ones, too. They're wearing off a little bit by now, but don't worry. We'll re-administer soon."

She tugged at her restraints, finally focusing enough to be able to look around her. She sat in a makeshift cage, and sitting in it with her was Roman. He sat backwards in a chair, looking at her with mischief in her eyes.

"What do you think of your room? I hope you appreciate it. It was really very hard to put together a cage made without a single bit of metal in such a short time."

"This is… low even for you... Roman..."

"Yeah, you're right. Kidnapping, drugging? It all has such a taste of classlessness, I agree. But, unfortunately my dear, sometimes the prize is worth the price. And you, I think, have stumbled upon the ultimate prize."

"What do you… want from me…?"

"From you? Nothing. Well, not much. Not yet, anyway. For now, just your voice." He walked over and reached into her pocket, pulling out her scroll. "Do you know how many people at your school have an unknown semblance? Twelve! Twelve in the whole school. God knows how they all got in. I thought that would make figuring it out pretty hard, until I realized my luck! One of them was your partner!"

"You want…"

He pressed a few buttons on the scroll, and started a call.

"You ready to talk, Pyrrha?" He asked, not really looking for an answer.

She was confused. It was so hard to think with these drugs in her system.

Roman placed the phone to her ear. "Pyrrha?" Came Jaune's voice through the scroll.

"Jaune...?"

"Pyrrha, I am so sorry I ran off like that. It was just…" Roman pulled the scroll away from her ear, putting it to his own, listening to Jaune ramble.

"Jaune, let me stop you there. She forgives you! All is well."

A pause, before he continued, his voice suddenly losing all of its light quality, becoming low, even and serious.

"Not another word, unless it's an answer to one of my questions, or she dies. Are you alone? Too bad. Keep your answers short, and if I even think you're hinting at what we're talking about, or if I even suspect you're lying to me, I'll kill her. Got it?

"Good. You're the Bestower, aren't you?"

There was a pause. Roman smiled. "Excellent. Then you and I will have to meet up very soon. Expect further instructions. And I'll be sending along a picture, just so you know I'm not bluffing. And let me be clear, my boy: if you tell anyone about this, I'll kill her. Don't be a coward. I have my ways of knowing." He hung up, and turned the scroll towards her. "Smile!" It made a snapping noise as he took her picture.

Pyrrha had enough understanding to finally realize what was happening. And all the rage at being used to control Jaune built up inside her. Screaming, she pulled at her restraints.

"Whoa, there! Trust me, do you think I would be in this cage with you if there was even a chance that you could-"

The ropes binding her snapped.

Roman's confidence was immediately drained. "Oh shit-"

She destroyed the chair she was tied to, leaping at him, and grabbing him around the neck. With her free hand, she punched the thick wooden beam, causing it to crack.

"The cloth!" Gasped Roman, trying as much as he could to scream while she choked him. "Use the cloth!"

She slammed him down to the earth and began to pummel him, pounding his face until she could break through his aura.

She would rather kill him than be used as a pawn to control Jaune.

But she felt hands suddenly come from behind her, covering her mouth with something that smelled terrible. She felt her hands get weak, letting go of Roman's neck, and feeling her consciousness- what little she had- slip away.

"Pyrrha, you are something else," coughed out Roman. "I mean really! You have no idea how much we drugged you! Like way too much!"

He stood above her as darkness filled her vision.

"But until your boyfriend plays his part... you're stuck here with me."

END OF PART 1

Author's notes:

First part, done. Glad you made it. Thanks for reading!

-james