Hidden in Shadows

Moment of powerlessness

Last few weeks passed in the blink of an eye. All this time I felt an expectant gaze of the troublesome gang. 'But staring wasn't the only action they took' I thought recollecting the moment when I caught Jaune rummaging in my closet. I smiled widely just thinking about his face in that moment. I have never seen this kind of expression before.

At the day of the dance party I took taxi and left for the city. I knew someone who would be delighted to help me with preparations to this "special" evening. I spent two loooong hours in her apartment but I wasn't going to complain. My red dress with gold flowers emboridered with thin thread and red heels went quite nice with elegant bun and few strands falling naturally on my shoulders. She went a little wild with my make up but effect was quite... nice. 

Passing by the fountain I saw Blake with Sun and smiled seeing my old friend so happy. Unfortunatelly at this moment a thought strucked me. 'It may be the last time when I can have fun without worries.' 

"Nice dress Rebel" I heard familiar voice.

"Canavar in a suit? Give me a brake."

"I think it's time to conquer the dancefloor" he said smiling smugly.

"Dear God... I beg you. Protect my poor feet" I said dramatically placing my hand in the bend of his elbow.

"By the way... Silver suits you better".

"It's temporary. Let's survive this evening first".

When we entered the room, Yang froze just like few other people. 'Serves you right' I thought smiling a little. Finally she got her voice back and squealed with joy. 

"You look gorgeous!".

"Ok. I'm taking it back. You know how to impress" added Weiss.

"Pyrrha helped a bit but thanks".

"Sorry ladies but I am snatching her away. I didn't agree to be reward just to stand like a pole. Dancefloor... here we come!". 

"You are my punishment" I muttered displeased and sighed dramatically while the girls started giggling. Walking slowly I was looking around and saw some problematic people. Unfortunately at this exact moment I couldn't interfere. 'Stupid Ozpin. So careless' I was thinking but at that moment my attention was sweeped by Jaune dressed in cute dress. I laughed merrily when suddenly Canavar's voice reached my ear. 

"I'm glad you still laught that way."

"What's way?" 

"As if suddenly the sun came out from behind the clouds."

I blushed slightly and looked away. Maybe standing next to me was Canavar but I realized again how he changed. He became more valiant and was emanating the aura of self-confidence which he did not have back then. Yet in his eyes I saw that it was still him. Finally we entered the dance floor and he embraced me unhesitatingly.

"Would you do me this honour and let me lead?"

"Only for today" I said and we started dancing.

We swayed with the music and suddenly I felt like outside world vanished. I was gazing in his warm eyes and couldn't believe that we were apart for whole six years. He knew I wasn't dead even after Adam said so. I sent a letter to let him know that he wasn't guilty. This is how it had to be. But at this exact moment I wasn't thinking about it anymore. I missed dancing so I let the music to take the lead. 

Girls were looking at Canavar and Rebel in dissbelieve. Is it really this same girl? Well... They didn't expect something like that from him either. Party was still on when Ruby wanted to catch some fresh air but suddenly felt something is wrong. A little later I saw Cinder walking through the doors. I only sighed knowing that I had to seriously talk with Ozpin about his teaching methods. 

In the morning I flopped on bed and felt asleep the moment my head touched the pillow. I have no idea how long I've been sleeping but when I finally dragged myself from bed I saw a monster in the mirror. Ok, maybe not monster but something like panda after severe experiences would be quite relatable. After around half an hour of scrubbing I was looking quite normal. I checked if new layer of hair dye covered my hair precisely and sat on my bed. Someone knocked on my door and Ruby with Yang entered my room. 

"We know you will leave soon so we want to spend more time with you. Today we have a trip."

"Seriously? Party was just yesterday." 

"No worries. We will be there few days so you will have plenty time to rest. You will love it. Besides... Canavar is coming" said Yang and I knew they won't let me bail out. 

"I get it. Give me some time to catch my bearings."

Soon we were sitting in train and I knew that in two weeks bucolic tale will come to an end. I was looking at laughing teenagers and felt heartache thinking what I would do to them. 

Last two weeks were like survival for me. They had tones of ideas for spending time with me and I found it practically impossible to hide from them. Few days before my mission I descended with Ozpin to basement. 

"Are you sure?"

"Are you asking me if I am ready to be the biggest pain in the ass of Salem? Answer is: DEFINATELY. She can't win."

"So make sure he is ready." 

"I checked yesterday. Now to the problematic part..." I said striding through dark passageway.

Next day everyone came to say goodbye thinking I am going to Haven Academy. When car dissappeared from their sight it stopped and I stepped out. It's time to fulfil my mission. I knew that I had to do it but still felt furious. It was hard to comprehend that he would put them to this kind of trial. 

Few days later I was standing hidden at the top of the tower. I was following erratic fight with Cinder but just before an arrow reached heart of red haired girl I managed to use my secret ability. 'To be honest using this kind of skill should be classified' I thought looking at powerlessness on Ruby's face. A moment after that, she used her silver eyes for the first time in her life and lost conscious immobilizing huge grim on top of the tower. 'It will take some time for Cinder to recover' I thought looking at Qrow taking unconscious Ruby. I know he saw me but it wasn't time for explanations. I had to overmaster one secret art...