are we fighters or dreamers?

[liveandforgive]

WHO: Cloud, Weiss & Jaune
WHAT: Upon awakening from his dream, Cloud goes to check on Weiss who should be waking up soon. But...
WHEN: Late afternoon; January 8th
WHERE: Genessia City; Dream Dock
WARNING: Blood & RWBY Season 5, Chapter 11/12 Spoilers (to be updated)

"You see? Everything's...alright."

He should have felt the air leave his throat when they faded away— had every right to beg them not to go. But as he was surrounded by the laughter of his family, his friends and the children who had a brighter future to look forward to, he knew where his heart belonged. Not with a memory, but with the smiles of those who believed in him and who he granted strength to in kind. On that day as the sun poured through that broken hole in the church as the kids cheered, their illness' cured, he felt that warmth spread through him and granted his heart flight.

"... I know."

Cloud smiles.

"I'm not alone. Not anymore."

The next few days of clean-up after the fallout from the remnants kept everybody busy, but it wasn't long before Cloud was back to his regular every day routine. They had a business to run, after all. And it wasn't like the amount of monsters that roamed the open land were any less dangerous. There was still a need for people like Cloud who could get shipments from point A to point B when not many others could. It was his own little way of connecting the world, he guessed. There was one little difference though... This time he was answering his phone. Times were changing, Mako energy and even the use of Materia were falling out in lieu of safer energy sources. For a time, there was peace.

"Cloud! The kids are waiting!"

"Ah..." he was taking his time, he knew. Looking up from the photograph at his desk, his glance shifts over his shoulder towards the door. That's right, they were all going to the church today since he finally took a day off from work. Cloud softly sighs before reluctantly placing the portrait down on the table. A reminder to savour every moment that came his way, with the people that he cherished. Without another word, Cloud opens the door...

...... Cloud opens the door... ......

............. Cloud opens the door... opens the—


--




Nn... ngh...

[his body feels incredibly sluggish as the weight lifts from his eyes, his thoughts no longer clouded as the rush of memories comes flooding back to him. when he first came here to the Dream Dock, it was to finally put his anxiety to rest. despite how much he missed home, it didn't do him any good here in Genessia if he was going to help others. of all the people to meet on his way in, a chance meeting with Weiss, and it only steeled his resolve further. if he didn't dream, that's all there was to it. regardless of the answer that he found at the end of the dream, Cloud still swore by his belief to cherish the life that he had and to protect the others who mattered to him.

he was finished living in the sins of his past. he finally forgave himself, fresh as those memories of loss still felt to him. it's like he heard a voice say... everything was going to be alright. so it worked after all. these were the memories of his future, a future in which he survived and lived on to keep fighting. he'd have to thank Yang later when he got himself sorted. with a relaxed sigh, he stretches in his chair before lightly fumbling to his feet.]

.....

[he flexes his fingers, looking down at himself when the realization of what just happened finally sank in. that's right! if what he was told was accurate, three days should have passed by now. which meant that Weiss was going to be waking up soon too. he may as well have greeted her to make sure that she woke up soundly enough.]

Weiss? You in here still?

[his footsteps through the fair sized space almost seem to echo as silence fills the air. Cloud didn't catch where she chose to dream, so his bright gaze skims through the chairs, down the rows one by one until finally,]

Ah. [there she was, the same brilliant white hair and dress from before with her hands tucked against her side. from this distance, she seemed to be peacefully out of it. he shouldn't disturb her, least he mess up her dreams or worse, her memories. but Cloud couldn't think of leaving without at least saying goodbye. and thanking her, even if she may not have been able to hear him yet. he owed a lot to her and to everyone who guided him in his brief time here. if he was going to be here for the potential long haul? he was going to do whatever he can.]

.....?

[as the distance between them came to a close, something didn't seem right. the base of his foot faintly splashed through something by Weiss' chair side, and before anything else, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. the lighting in the room was low, and by the time his mako-infused gaze fell upon her up close?]

... !!!!

[it was then that one of Weiss' red-stained hands, almost lifeless like, fell from her side. Cloud's heart sank immediately as his eyes trembled with the sudden influx of fear. there was only one word going through his mind, repeating, speeding up as he knelt down before her, reaching out for her without a moment's hesitation.

no.]

Weiss... [no. he's not waiting, the blond pulling her body down and out of her chair and immediately into his arms. the second the full weight of her crumples against his chest, there's no resistance, his breath hitching as his body shakes with a maelstrom of emotions. confusion, pain, desperation and anger as he shifts Weiss into his arms, eyes drawn immediately to what could only be described as a fatal wound. someone attacked her. who did this?]

Weiss!!

[no.]

Comments

[aurabble]

[Jaune knew it was about time for Weiss to leave the Dream Docks. He wasn't sure if she was awake yet, but he sent her a quick text:]

on my way. brout u clean cloths

[Fortunately(?) he was close when the other blonde awoke. Jaune just lingered at the door, bag escaping his grip, staring at what had to be a nightmare in front of him. It had to be. Weiss was just visiting the Dream Docks. This couldn't happen. Not again. He didn't recognize the blonde cradling Weiss. Weiss was--]

What did you do?!

[He screamed at the other man, somehow managing to sound ready to murder him despite the way his voice cracked. It hadn't taken him a second to snap out of his trance and sprint to his friend, one hand hovering over his sword in case Cloud attacked him. No. This wasn't right. This wasn't supposed to happen again and--]

Put her down. PUT HER DOWN, NOW!

[liveandforgive]

[Weiss wasn't there; wasn't answering him... the gentle shakes still as he can feel the tremors in his fingers. this was bad, worse than when he found Tifa assaulted in the church. almost as bad as,

"What did you do?!"

he can hear the voice, the sheer fear and accusation in the man's voice as his blood runs cold; it was the same as the guy who hurt all those people when everyone's minds were warped. ah, he imagined how bad this must have looked from an outsider looking in. even as the footsteps approached him at a rapid pace, prepared to act out to protect his friend,]

.....

[Cloud's gaze didn't look up once. had Jaune wanted to, he could have effectively shoved the man aside and he wouldn't have even noticed. if anything, his grip upon the girl in his arms tightened a little, eyes not once leaving her face.

he swore... never again.

and so, Cloud did indeed listen to Jaune, gently putting her down. but he didn't move away. no, instead with a surprisingly calm yet determined glow to his eyes, Cloud peeled away his leather gloves, carelessly throwing the bloodstained clothing aside. leaning down, closing his eyes as he subconsciously held his breath, he firmly placed his fingers along the side of her neck as listened.]

............

[his own heart was hammering in his chest, but he concentrated, begged to whoever would listen... please. this wasn't how he wanted to come back to his friends. this wasn't what he wanted the young man before him to see, or have to ever experience again.]

... Haah...

[a pulse. a breath. a life slipping. but the blond swordsman finally breathed, opening his eyes as he immediately got to work, pulling out his device to make an emergency call.]

She's breathing. [he breathes, his gaze turning to Jaune in that moment. it's clear by this point that he's less concerned about looking like a criminal here and more focused on the quickest route to saving her life, as he finishes his very brief call for help, he carelessly lets the device drop so he can get to work.] We need to stop the bleeding. [Cloud says, knelt by Weiss' one side as he's already stripping away the long flow of fabric that usually drapes his leg. when that's done and in his lap waiting to be used, the blond's hands find the partially torn opening where Weiss has been stabbed.

this needed to breath, so he hopes that she doesn't mind a little extra damage to her clothes as his fingers near effortlessly tear open the middle of her dress to get better access to the wound. it was fresh, almost like whoever did this to her couldn't have gone far. but he can focus on hunting down who did this after he's done everything he could to stabilize her, applying pressure with his cloth as crimson bled through the black fabric.]

C'mon, Weiss.

[aurabble]

[The words of Cloud's call roared like water over Jaune's ears, barely registered other than that help would come.

It would come on time, wouldn't it? Yeah, no shit we have to stop the bleeding he wanted to scream at the blonde, but the only sound he managed to make was a derisive scoff at the obvious. Had he not been so focused on Weiss, he might have argued, but he was only focused on one question:

What would happen if they didn't?]

[Before he could react, Cloud was already doing...something. Putting pressure on the wound. First aid. Right. He recalled that. His right hand twitched. With Cloud applying pressure to the wound (the wound he caused. he wanted to rip his hands straight off his arms if it wasn't for the fact that would compromise her chances), he ended up lifting Weiss's head as gingerly as he could, searching in a panic for signs of life. No one else was ever going to die. He wouldn't let that happen.] Come on Weiss. Stay with me. [He didn't bother to mask the sob in his voice or the tears, tears that fell on his friend. Cloud said she was breathing but she was so weak and he could barely hear it.]

Weiss, please! [He begged before breaking down entirely, hugging her face closer to his chest as he mumbled, no longer caring about who saw him.] No. No no nononono this can't be happening again not again, I can't lose you.

[But it was happening again. And just as always, he was helpless to do anything. Friends got hurt-- they died while he did nothing but stood back and watch. Weiss shouldn't have been the one bleeding out on the ground, a fragile broken mirror of her usual strength. The people who were brave and stood up and fought were the ones who got hurt, while the weak ones whose lives meant nothing lived.

He was so tired of it. And yet here they were, history repeating itself. Pyrrha. Battler. The acrid stench of blood that burnt his nightmares while he stared at the officers eyes. It would have been better if he could just...give his life to her.

But he couldn't. He felt so cold.

He couldn't feel Weiss.]

[liveandforgive]

[the tear in Jaune's voice nearly rips straight through Cloud as his brow furrows; but it doesn't deter him, as painful as the young man's words are as he cradles her face closer to his chest. his gaze only flickers out of the corner of his eye as he can feel his heart breaking. it was clear that this woman meant the world to him. or at least, a big part of it he couldn't think of living without.

it's almost enough for Cloud's ministrations to stop, but he steels himself to keep going as he shifts more layers of the black fabric where it's still fresh to apply pressure, feeling the warmth of her blood soaking through and onto his hands. it was still warm, it was still flowing... every little bit counted, and he refused to accept the inevitable until help arrived. his message was out there. someone would get it.

somebody, anyone, would find a way to answer the call.]

.....

[and then the man completely broke down. did his mouth feel dry? were his hands shaking? did his eyes burn? because as Cloud continued to treat her, the flow of blood seeming to slow if only a little, it took all of his willpower not to break with the man. he felt helpless, didn't he? like he was just letting her die?

"I never blamed you. Not once..."

not yet, Jaune Arc. don't give up yet. don't make the same mistake that Cloud did and let the sins of the past shackle him. when most of Cloud's leg fabric was pressed through with splotches of blood, he didn't think twice, ripping off the sleeve over his arm, the same where that pink ribbon remained. the bleeding had slowed down, but it still wasn't looking good.]

Keep talking to her.

[his voice is surprisingly calm as he applies pressure again with the fresh sleeve he'd torn off, if only because he knew that if he faltered for a second, he'd let despair grip him just the same as it did to Jaune.]

[aurabble]

[Somehow, Cloud's steady voice breaks through to Jaune. He doesn't talk like someone who just tried to murder Weiss. He could second-guess himself later. Breath hitching, his voice shook between his tears as he moved one hand to cup her cheek.

Keep talking. Okay.]

H-hey Weiss. Remember when we first met? You were talking to Ruby and you didn't have any patience for her or me. I guess I... I guess I could see why. But that's how I got into your music. I was so amazed that you could go to school to become a huntress, fight grimm, while still producing songs and concerts like it meant nothing. But I guess you've always been an overachiever.

[His voice dies into a soft and frail laugh, so close to breaking again.]

And remember when you helped me pick out Snow when I had only been here a couple of months? And when we tried to make a team attack and got my sword stuck in a tree? You've... You've always done so much for me. And I can't even make sure that you live. Please stay with us. I can't lose you again.

[He didn't care about being a hero...

He doesn't want Weiss to wake up with a piece of herself missing. He doesn't want Sun's eyes to go dim when the storm was over. They had all lost too much, more than anyone should. He just wants Weiss to be okay. Another plea is whispered as he closes his eyes. His sobbing has tapered off, which isn't a good sign.

Please.

He doesn't see the white light that has softly began to glow from his hands. He doesn't realize that it's spread to the open wound, or that the blood has started to slow as her organs start to mend. He isn't aware that her whole body is enveloped by the light, currents flickering as her body shines with whatever was just triggered.]

[whiteas]

[ Weiss isn't conscious yet. She's certainly out of the dream, but as soon as it ended and she tried to wake up, an overwhelming pain had hit her side. She knew that there was a risk when going to the dream docks- something about the psyche being unable to reconcile inconsistencies with the body and memory, she didn't really understand it, but she knew that the previous Yang had gone in with an arm and left without one. Injuries happened.

She hadn't even had time to think about what had happened, not even open her eyes, before the injury reflective of her memories had reared its head. Despite the flames, the wound hadn't cauterized- it takes far more than a brief few seconds to cauterize a wound, it simply left the scent of burnt flesh lingering in the stark iron of her blood as it leaked out. It caused more pain and damage, not stalled bleeding.

It had only been a few seconds before she'd seeped into unconsciousness in Genessia just as she had back home, and it'd been a few seconds later that Cloud had found her than the immediate attention she'd received there. The shallow breathing she was barely managing had become more ragged as the two blondes held her, slowing to a pace that made a snail look fast. If something had happened any later, she might've stopped breathing. As the shimmer of Jaune's semblance slowly began to illuminate her body, Weiss rather suddenly took a much deeper, louder, desperate gasp of air- as if her body had been given a second wind to keep trying just as it had almost given up.

She still wasn't conscious, not responsive, but it seemed like she hadn't given up on breathing- whatever Jaune was doing was helping, and some of the color seemed to be returning to her complexion, even as pale as it normally was. ]

[liveandforgive]

[it was times like this that he wished that Materia existed in this world, that he'd taken it with him somehow. he'd given it up and stored it away in the church weeks back, only to have that power used against him and his friends. but...no amount of good will and hoping could make a difference if one didn't have the power to heal someone from something as lethal as this. it was a harsh reality, but he was going to fight in it. he'd fight to prevent further tragedy, to stop others from falling into despair.

even as Jaune spoke out to Weiss, the blond swordsman's gaze falling if only a little. the words hurt to hear, if only because it was something that Cloud wasn't able to do. he was helpless the first time, a puppet the next, only able to scream and spout hatred. hatred that wouldn't bring them back. so in a way, he's glad that the other guy's listening to him. he said nothing, only letting out a faint tremble of a sigh.

this woman meant so much to him, to everyone here...

"I can't lose you again..."

it was times like this that Cloud wish he knew someone's name. but if he even dared to call out to Jaune, it'd be like accepting what was happening here. when the sobs were rendered from his body, completely gone, Cloud's heart sank, the pressure where he beckoned it to stop softening, if only slightly. if only as if he was that close to giving up when...]

.....?

[Cloud's blood-stained hands moved away from Weiss' wound, the fabric he'd used without a care pulling back when his gaze widened over her body. was that...light? his palms gently rested over her, looking at the man who was on the verge of breaking, seemingly unaware of the awakened power that enveloped her. the look that crosses Cloud's face is one of disbelief, moments before asking when suddenly the sharper gasp cuts through the silence. the glow gets stronger until finally, her body is positively aglow with the light that Jaune was emitting.

he should have healed her the second that he saw her. but...did he even know? Cloud wanted to speak, but didn't want to break his concentration, what he was subconsciously doing. his hands remain along her side, just in case further pressure is needed, but he can see it as his eyes flicker over the wound. it was slow...but the bleeding was stopping. it wasn't the pressure from before either...

don't stop.]

[aurabble]

[The gasp snaps Jaune out of his own downward spiral. Fearing the worst, his eyes shoot open and he just stares for a moment in complete shock. Her aura? No... Why is it coming from his hands?]

W-- What's happening? [Jaune's gaze strays to stare at Cloud, lost and hoping for answers. He doesn't tear his hands away, fearful that as soon as he severs contact Weiss will take another turn for the worse. Whatever's happening right now, he can worry about it later. He steals his focus back on his intent to protect Weiss, the smallest spark of hope motivating him to keep trying. What he's doing feels natural, but he's not sure how to control it, so he just concentrates, as if performing a very intense and emotional meditation session. The trembling in his hands have began to still, his breathing evening out, and his eyes haven't left Weiss other than when he spoke to Cloud.

Please. Work.

He listens to her breathing, watching the color bloom so she's no longer paper white. The tears have started to dry on his face and despite his initial reaction, he trusts the stranger to monitor her progress as he puts his all into stabilizing her.]

[liveandforgive]

[when the white light doesn't dissipate as the blond man's attention slips only for a moment to gaze at him. he didn't know; Cloud was just as much at a loss in this new revelation. but it seemed that wouldn't matter as he was speaking before he could even think.

it's a good thing his heart was on the same page as his mouth, because he knew that it was now or never. this was working. he didn't want to point something out as obvious as "don't lose focus." or "concentrate." because he was afraid Jaune would lose sight of what that meant. if that faded away, the only choice they had was to carry her out and rush her to the hospital if help didn't arrive soon. he heard the voices of others who called in, even recognizing the likes of Orihime who seemed to be en route.]

Don't stop.

[it was all he could say as his gaze shifted up to the man before he kept a watch on the wound as well as the color that slowly began to return to the woman's face. this was...miraculous. it certainly wasn't Materia, and it wasn't the technology-driven healing prowess that Angela had. it was something slow and yet...soothing. it looked to be at least. he felt hope coming from it; it was difficult to explain. Cloud takes a deep breath as he calms his breathing, though his heart continues to hammer away in his chest.

one of Cloud's hands reaches for Weiss' by her side, gently taking it into his as he waits. waits for any further signs of life as they awoke from this nightmare.]

[whiteas]

[ The wound healed from the inside toward the out, the light surrounding Weiss slowly changed in tone from a pale, moonlight-like glow to an icier tone. It took some time, but eventually, Weiss's brows furrowed as she regained consciousness. Confusion was the first thing to hit, then the pain from the still partially unhealed injury. She winced, her free hand moving to her side as if to shield it from the pain, then setting it down again before her eyes turned up to the two blondes. ]

Jaune..? Cloud?

[ What was going on? Why were they both- how..? Weiss took a moment to try to remember what was happening. Cinder had--

No, it was a memory. It was just a memory, and yet, the pain was real. The blood was real, too, she realized as she looked down herself to see the wound. Genessia- they were in Genessia, and Weiss vaguely remembered that though rare, it did happen from time to time at the Dream Docks, and allowed herself to relax a little as she looked up at the two of them. ]

What's going on?

[aurabble]

I won't. [Jaune responded firmly with more determination than he had in a while. He wouldn't let Weiss down. Not this time. He switched his focus back to healing Weiss, literally pouring his soul into it as it became clear to him that somehow he was using his aura to boost hers. He wasn't sure why or how, but he could feel Weiss's aura versus his. The closest memory he could compare it to was when Pyrrha...

Focus. He noticed the change the icy tint covering her body and the soft yellow hue to his hands, hopeful now that her aura was strong enough to take over. He nearly jumped when she winced, but he kept his hands on her just in case. He couldn't contain the relief in his voice when her eyes opened and she spoke.]

Weiss!

[She was alive. Blinking back the tears, he smiled brightly, wishing he could hug her. Maybe later.]

You're at the Dream Docks. Cloud found you injured and then I got here. You're going to be okay now. We're going to stop whoever did this to you.

[liveandforgive]

[it was all that he could do, Jaune's resolve steeled by the results they were rewarded with as the shift of the aura enveloping Weiss' took hold. he watched, waited as if he'd never take another breath. and that's when it happened, the ice that threatened to keep the three submerged in despair cracked, and she finally came back to the surface.

the moment that she opened her eyes, Cloud let out a sigh with more of a tremble than he would have liked. he'd been holding that in for a while. Jaune spoke for the both of them at this point, more than willing to lightly shuffle back to give her some air as she could finally breath, letting go of her hand.

Jaune... so that was this guy's name. the same person that he saw with such a twisted mind back when everyone changed. he knew, but it was painful to watch the first time. seeing him in this light, saving someone who mattered dearly to him, it was a refreshing take. while he hoped that he'd never have to use that power again, whatever Jaune used to heal her...it was a blessing.

don't lose sight of it.]

Try not to move too much yet.

["We're going to stop whoever did this to you." those words ring through Cloud's head. he can't sense any danger as he finally rises to his feet, uncaring of the blood stained clothing he'd left discarded on the floor for now. but he can't dismiss the possibility either. Cloud may have only just woken up, but he was more focused than before as he stepped ahead of the two still on the floor. they could take all the time they needed until they had to get her to a hospital, but,]

When the coast is clear, we'll get her to the hospital.

[when the coast is clear... if whoever did this to her was waiting to finish the job or ambush them.]

[whiteas]

The coast is clear.

[ Weiss said it rather drowsily, like she'd just woken up from a long sleep rather than a near-death experience. It took her a few moments to piece together exactly what had happened, but when she remembered she was at the Dream Docks, she remembered what had happened last time to Sun, and the time before that to Yang. ]

It's from home, she's not here.

[ If they weren't in battle still though, she didn't need to stay still. They didn't need cover while she recovered, she didn't have to be 100%. Weiss put a hand on either of their shoulders to try to push herself up, still not fully healed. There was a definite wince as she did it before she laid back down again. Okay, she needed to let Jaune keep going a little more. ]

This is irritating.