Chapter 6: Spreading Like Wild Fire

You stay at Pyrrha's side as the girl rests in one of the medical wing's rooms. Her hair isn't in a ponytail, so it seems like a red waterfall trailing down the bed. Though, that's far from the most interesting feature she now has. You place your left arm on her stomach, taking in a deep breath then exhaling all the collected air.

"I'm sorry..."

On cue, Ozpin opens the door and walks in. You already briefly informed him of what transpired, thus he's here to get the full story. He stands at the edge of Pyrrha's bed, situating himself left of you.

"Show me."

You close your eyes and exhale once more. Slowly, you shift the blankets to still cover the girl, but expose her stomach – though it's still covered by the gown. You shift that out of the way and make light of the twisted power now dwelling in Pyrrha's stomach. Like your arm, it has green swirls with a red stone texture instead of gray.

"You... infected her."

"I had no choice," you sharply reply, instantly telling Ozpin that you're on the edge. "She would have died – I couldn't... I couldn't let that happen again... not while I was there," you shake your fallen head, hiding your eyes from Ozpin. "And I..."

Before you can finish, Pyrrha starts to stir. You quickly cover her up and take a step back, turning your back to her. Ozpin glares at you for a moment before giving Pyrrha a warm smile.

"Ms. Nikos... can you hear me?" He says in a calm tone.

"Professor..." Pyrrha whispers, still coming back to reality. "Am... where am I?"

"You're back at Beacon. Everything is fine."

Pyrrha's eyes soon open fully, allowing her to take in the environment. She sees the room, gathering that she's in the medical wing, she sees Ozpin, and she sees you.

"(Y/N)? You... got us out?"

"Y-Yeah," you hesitantly reply. "You can say that."

"But... I was hurt," she looks down at her stomach. "How did-"

"We... have some things to talk about, Ms. Nikos," Ozpin cuts in. Unfortunately," he squints at you for a moment. "We have things to discuss."

"Is it about those people?"

"Partly... and also about you, (Y/N)... and even me."

"Professor, I'm not quite sure I know what you're talking about," Pyrrha says with an attempt to keep the air light.

"Those people... my former teammates..." You start to speak. "They found something in a cave that overwhelmed them and even," you turn around to face the girl. "Even got me."

"What do you mean?"

You sigh, unsure how to explain it. So, you decide to show her. You slowly undo your bandages, revealing the gray and green texture as soon as your shoulder is revealed. Even Ozpin is taken back by this.

"(Y/N), you've-"

"I know," you cut it. "I know... I had no choice."

You undo the rest of it, showing off your corrupted arm. Pyrrha places a hand over her mouth in shock. She has no idea how to reply to that.

"The... essence that took over my friends, caused them to do all this, also tried to take me. Now... I'm like them, in a way... and..." You grind your teeth and look away, unable to tell her with eye contact. "I... had to..." You clench your fists as hard as you can. "You were going to die, so... I... gave you it too..." Pyrrha doesn't reply, leading you to elaborate further. "Just... look at your stomach, where you were hurt."

Pyrrha hesitantly looks down her gown. You and Ozpin both recognize she sees it when her eyes widen. "What the... you..."

"You were going to die, I had no choice... I couldn't see someone else die... not again," you shake your head violently. "I'm so sorry, Pyrrha... I..." Your throat tightens up, unable to utter another word. "I had no other option..."

Pyrrha can hear the regret layered a dozen fold in your voice. Considering all you've gone through, all the people you've seen die, it's easy to see why you'd go through such extreme lengths to keep your new teammates safe.

"So... what does this mean?" Pyrrha asks, trying to keep her composure.

"Worry not, Ms. Nikos. You won't become like the others. You hold a bit of Salem's power, my power... and even a sliver of (Y/N)'s power."

"Salem?"

"Ah, yes, this may take some time to explain. I do hope you're comfortable."

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"You went off alone, put both your life and Pyrrha's life in danger, and further spread Salem's power."

"I know."

"Did you attain any information."

"No."

Ozpin rests his head against his office chair and sighs. "I told you to wait for my command... and you couldn't even do that."

"I know..."

"Why didn't you come to me when you felt the call?"

"I just..." You cross your arms and look away. "I don't know, okay. I just went... and she wouldn't let me go alone."

Ozpin rests his head in his hands and rubs his temples. "You at least eliminated one, so that's a step in the right direction. Still... you acted extremely irresponsibly. That cannot be forgiven so easily."

"I understand," you bow your head. "Whatever punishment you see fit I will accept. I have no excuse."

Ozpin sets his hands on the table and examines you briefly. "I want you to teach Ms. Nikos to control her... new power. We don't need any incidents."

"That's... it?"

"Mhm," Ozpin nods. "To take care of your own problems, that's your punishment. We'll be doing more investigations until your teammates are captured. We can't rest while they're free."

"Okay, sure," you nod. "I'll do my best, sir."

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Pyrrha has her entire ensemble on, save for her chest plate. Though her breasts are covered, she can't help but stare at the change in her stomach. She can barely remember what happened. She tried to fight and then it all goes black. She slumps down on her bed and sighs, staring up at the ceiling while resting one hand on her forehead. Never would she imagine there to be some crazy story about Ozpin being hundreds of years old, a woman who wants to destroy Remnant, and the power her headmaster truly wields. Now some of that power is in her, suppressing all the dark power of Salem. Knowing all this, she can only imagine how you took it at first, especially because you lost your friends just before. The only thing she lost was a fight.

At that moment, someone knocks on her door. She quickly lifts out of bed and grabs her chest piece. "Who is it?"

"It's me," you reply.

Pyrrha slows down and stares at her armour. She sets it back on her bed and approaches the door. Pyrrha opens it, stepping behind to hide her body. "Come on," she says, eagerly waiting to close it as you walk in.

You take a few steps before turning around to a shirtless Pyrrha. "Oh, I-"

"It's okay, I wanted to ask you about... this some more," she points at her stomach.

"Right," you nod. "I suppose you caught me off guard," you cross your arms.

"I'm sorry," she bows her head. "I didn't mean to. I guess I just have a lot on my mind right now."

"You're telling me," you chuckle. There's a moment of silence before you drift your eyes to her stomach, making sure to not allow your pupils to go any higher. "At least it's only about a bowl size."

"Yeah, I wanted to ask about that. Was your arm always covered?"

You approach her bed and look at her, silently asking permission to sit. She gives you a quick nod and you sit on the soft surface. "No... it used to just be my hand," you grab your wrist. "But the more I used this power, the more it takes hold of me. The same will happen to you. It'll spread. Considering your attire... I think it's best you avoid using it altogether."

"So I can transform?"

"You can, but you shouldn't. It does increase my... anyone's abilities immensely, but it's not worth it. I think I can only use it a few more times before something bad may happen," you end with a smirk. "Don't worry about it, though. Next time I use that power I'll put an end to all of this."

"That's a heavy burden," the girl says, approaching the bed and sitting next to you. Her armour is the only thing between you two now. "You've... had to deal with this for a long time. I'm sorry."

"It was my fault that all this happened," you scratch your cheek. "So... I guess it's all just karma or something. But you didn't deserve to be dragged into this."

"It was my fault," she says with a smile. "I wanted to come."

"Yeah, but..." You stare into her eyes for a moment, knowing you won't be able to counter that statement. "Yeah... I guess. You're an idiot."

Pyrrha frowns. "Hey!"

You snicker. "It's true... but, now you're my problem for a while. I half to teach you how to control it. Weird..." You look at your arm. "Guess I'll have to get used to the thumping."

"I felt it too," she places a hand on her stomach. "Is it because we're close?"

"I think so, yeah," you nod. "We'll get over it, probably. Well," you get off the bed and take a few steps towards the door. Pyrrha stands in response and follows your footsteps. "Get some rest, Pyrrha. You have class tomorrow... and we have plenty of extra training to do."

She remains silent as you grab the handle but fail to turn it. Instead, you turn around and lock eyes with her once more. You take a step forward and wrap your arms around her, catching the student off guard.

"I'm glad you're okay."

You let go of the girl and make your leave. After closing the door, you leave the student speechless. You've never shown such comradery towards anyone, at least not this openly. She knew you cared about her team, to an extent, but now you've shown it more. You saved her multiple times, you do everything you can to keep her and her teammates safe, and even used a forbidden power just to save her, despite your morals telling you otherwise. Even the way you speak to her now is far different than how you used to. It's... refreshing.

She places her hand on her chest and smiles. "Thank you... (Y/N)."

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You write down the last of your notes and set your pencil aside, giving your full attention to the professor.

"...and that's why we never allow captured Grimm into cities without a Huntsman guarding it. Remember, students, one Grimm is a spark. It will ignite the fire of fear that allure more Grimm to the city," he sets his notebook down. "Now, remember that the Vytal Festival is in a few months. That means we're having yet another tournament!"

"Hell yeah," one student shouts.

"I'm glad it's optional," another speaks up.

"I do enjoy watching students from other academies."

"If you're participating, remember that there are after-school training sessions. Assure you've taken the proper steps to sign up. (Y/N)," he looks to you. "There are ways you can participate if you so please."

"No thank you, Professor."

"Aw, come on, Gray," the student in front of you looks back. "You're a treat to watch fight."

"You are quite strong," the girl beside you adds. "It would be a shame for you to not try."

"I'd rather not," you reply with more assertiveness. "I have no reason to fight others."

The hell is going on? My arm... Is Pyrrha around?

You're not allowing the others to notice, but your arm is pulsing like before. You knew it would be like this now that Pyrrha also has your curse, but it feels far too prominent to be Pyrrha who's likely in another building.

"Come on, (Y/N)!"

"No," you instantly shut down. "I'll silently cheer for my team."

"Awe, even Gray's heart has some colour," one student teases, getting some other students to laugh.

You cross your arms and lean back in your chair, ignoring the class from here on out. They continue to discuss the Vytal Festival and what teams may appear later on. However, your arm continues to pulsate, to your discomfort. You grab your scroll and message Pyrrha, asking her whether she's close to your classroom or not. In seconds, she replies.

Hm, even you'll be on your scroll during class... but I was right, she's in a different building.

She swiftly sends a subsequent message about the feeling in her chest. The way she describes it sounds exactly like your arm. You set your scroll down and ponder this.

Is it because of our link? It's not the same as when the others signaled me. I suppose this is somewhat new for both of us.

"Class dismissed! See you next week," the professor bows his head.

You grab your stuff and sling it over your shoulder before heading to the door. One of your fellow students grabs your shoulder as soon as you reach the door. "Hey, (Y/N), why not have our first years train together? It'd be good practice for them and us!"

You blankly stare at the green-eyed boy, clearly not as enthusiastic as he. "I'll think about it."

"That's better than your usual no!"

"Whatever makes you happy," you roll your eyes and walk away.

The boy watches you with a big smile on his face, only being interrupted by his friends approaching him to talk.

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You riposte Jaune's blade and kick him a few feet back, though he slides even farther. He sits up and sighs. "Man, you're still way too fast."

"Perhaps, but you've improved a lot," you sheath your blade and approach him. "I actually have to fight now... a bit," you end with a coy smile, offering your hand.

He takes it and you pull him to his feet. You hear Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha still skirmishing in the background, fairly even with one another. You check your scroll and shrug. "I'd say it's about time to end things. JNPR, your training is done today!" You shout.

You and Jaune regroup with the three after they stop, all members of JNPR huffing and puffing from the intense training. "Have you been told about the Vytal Festival Tournament?"

"Of course!" Nora says, somehow channeling excitement past her exhaustion. "We're going to enter and kick some butt!"

You snicker. "Good. That's what I was hoping to hear. That means we'll be working on your team skills from now on. You'll all be fighting me for the rest of our training... and we won't stop until you win. Now get going," you wave them off. "Rest, study, whatever."

The four nod and start to depart, save for Pyrrha. She's standing still, a little meek, looking up at you. "So... we-"

"Yeah," you nod. "We'll continue. We just need..." You place your hands on your hip. "Somewhere a little quieter... oh, I know."

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For the first time, Pyrrha is going down in the elevator. Of course, she's been to Ozpin's office and taken it down that way, but she always stopped at the ground floor. Never has she gone below Beacon.

"I used to practice here when I first... well," you cross your arms. "When I needed solitary training. Ozpin won't mind us using it for you. Nothing is on this floor so we won't have to worry."

"I see... what exactly are you going to teach me?"

"Control. As we've felt..." You tighten your grip on the bandaged arm. "Our bodies will react around one another. I'm hoping we can learn to suppress that entirely. Besides that, you need to learn how to not turn your power on."

"I can turn it on? How?"

"It's..." The elevator dings and the doors open for you. "Well, it's hard to explain," you state, walking out of the elevator with Pyrrha close behind. You enter a long, dimly lit hallway that seems to go on for a good while. You won't reach the end, as nothing's there, so close to the elevator will work just fine. "It's allowing the power to envelop you without letting it overwhelm you... does that make sense?"

"Somewhat... so what exactly are we going to do?"

You stop and turn around, looking into the younger girl's green eyes. You can't look away, despite what you're planning to say. "I... shouldn't... but you're going to use the power I gave you just this once. I want to make sure you feel it, understand it, and learn how to control it."

Pyrrha shifts in place for a moment before anchoring her feet and sharpening her eyes. "Okay, I'm ready. I won't put anyone else in danger, and I'll help everyone I can with this power."

"Tsk," you roll your shoulders. "Very well. We'll start by activating it. That shouldn't be a problem... in fact, you've never seen me use it."

"True... wait, you're not going to..." She takes a step forward and places her hand on your bandaged arm. "You said you only had a few left. I don't want to-"

"Don't worry," you pat her hand. "I'll deal with the consequences. I should be looking towards the newer Huntsmen and Huntresses."

"You're only a few years older..." Pyrrha says with a sigh.

"Perhaps... but that doesn't matter," you say before unraveling your bandages and revealing your completely cursed arm. "What matters now is ensuring you're as prepared as you can be. Maybe... if this goes well..." You give her a warm smile, a sort that makes her face flush. "I won't have to do it all alone."

"Y-You never had to," she quickly replies, looking away to hide her blush.

"Yeah... yeah, I did." You take a step back and activate your power, flaring into a completely new being with altered weapons. "Back to the subject..."

Pyrrha's embarrassment almost immediately diminishes as soon as she lays eyes on your transformed state. The hair, the skin, the chains, everything is such a change from what you were. Even your eyes... they're so cold now.

"That... I can do that?"

"Indeed. From what I've observed, it has different effects based on the individual. But, let's just focus on you using this power," you speak. "You may not have realized it yet, but you have a... new muscle, we'll say. At least that's how I see it. A new muscle in my arm that when I flex... well, you see," you cross your arms, ignoring the fact your chains are digging into your right arm. "Try to find that extra muscle in your stomach. I've seen your body, read your file, you should have ample experience and knowledge on your muscles."

"O-Okay," Pyrrha hesitantly nods before looking down at her stomach. "Look for my extra muscle... something strange..." She squints her face and starts moaning as she focuses.

You remain stationary, the only moving parts are your flaming hair. The cold stare of your darkened eyes somewhat intimidates Pyrrha as tension rises second by second. She's just making noises, trying to flex an unknown muscle to transform like you. Though, she is conflicted. Such a terrifying transformation... such evil power flowing through you both. She wishes things could be different, that neither of you had to suffer... that your friends didn't succumb to an ancient power, but dwelling on won't get her anywhere. She has to cooperate. She has to help you. She can't let you feel alone again.

"You're turning red," you point out, breaking the girl's focus.

She exhales and starts taking deep breaths. "This is harder than I thought. I don't feel an extra muscle."

"That's because you don't know it's there," you flicker back to normal then immediately feel a wave of pain flow your arm. You grab it and look over, watching the curse crawl past your shoulder and reaching for your chest and neck. "I really don't have many left," you end with a slight chuckle.

"Are you okay?" She approaches you.

"Yeah, don't worry about it," you wave off, manipulating your bandages to cover it up. "We're focusing on you right now."

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You stand in the elevator with Pyrrha on your back, her cheek resting against yours, her chest lightly expanding and contracting with each peaceful breath.

I'm not surprised. She was already exhausted after team training, and I know from experience that this takes a toll on you.

The elevator door opens... for Ozpin to enter. You and he lock eyes, staying silent as he gathers what this situation is. "I see. You're training young Nikos?"

"Mm... yeah."

"You may have to put that on hold at times. A team of Huntsmen just returned from the forest you reported. There's nothing there."

"They moved?" You raised your brow.

"Most likely," Ozpin nods. "We have to find them. If you can sense them, I want you to be with the party of Huntsmen."

"I..." You think on your team for a moment. "I need to be with my team. Especially Pyrrha, she needs help."

Ozpin chuckles. "I see. Very well, but we still need your help. Nobody can detect them as you can."

"That's not true anymore. Pyrrha can."

"Is that so?" Ozpin shifts his gaze to the sleeping girl. "I see. Let's hope your decision doesn't have greater side effects for the girl."

"Couldn't be worse than death."

"It could be," Ozpin counters. "Would you rather your friends be dead, or puppets?"

"Tsk," you walk past him. "I'll rectify that one."

"We also found Qrow," he says, not turning around. "He was killed."

You look down and take a deep breath. "I... won't let anyone else die. I promise."

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You stand in front of the graves once more. The broken moon shines brightly in the black sky, dotted by faraway stars.

"What am I even doing here?" You shake your head. "It almost feels redundant... knowing most of you are still out there. But I guess I've gotten used to venting here." You look up to the sky for nearly a minute, silence taking hold of you. "I'm... I actually like my new team. JNPR... they're good kids. But they're also a representation of my failure... if I had just gone to the meeting then maybe CVFY," you turn your head to the right, eyes closed. "Even Qrow... too many people are dead because of me... because of my actions. How can I even consider myself a Huntsman when all I do is kill... maybe that's how Qrow felt with his Semblance," you snicker. "Old bastard is still looming over me."

You take a deep breath and look over the graves to all the others, seeing all the names that will be forgotten and who've all fallen in battle one way or another. "I guess I'll be here one day... maybe sooner rather than later. But," you lift your left hand in front of you and slowly clench it. "I won't leave any loose ends. This curse will be lifted... for all of us."

Hey, hey, we're almost done! But don't worry, the next chapter is nearly done! I was going to wait until it was done and release them at the same time... but, meh, I'll release this now. I'm really excited to wrap all this up! I'm hoping you're all enjoying this too. I don't write short stories too often but they can be a ton of fun, and a nice little thing to read for you all. At least, I hope it's fun. Anyway, I'll chat with you all soon! The next chapter should be up within the week! Depends on how fast I work.

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