Yang's Vengeance
Vale pushes the offensive. Slowly but steadily Atlas is being pushed from Vale lands. With the threat of defeat looming over Ironwood's head, the Atlas forces are fully committed.
The town of Ursa, a major crossing across one of Vale's great rivers stands as a point of contention. Lieutenant Yang Xiao Long, along with her Rifles and the Dust Caster Weiss Schnee fight desperately to hold the town, awaiting much needed reinforcement...
"Fall back!" Yang shouted over the sounds of battle. The few men and women left standing started a slow retreat, never turning their backs to the enemy. Yang's Rifles spread out amongst the surviving Vale infantry, covering the retreat. Weiss stood with Yang, unleashing what dust she could to hold off the Atlesian forces. They fought in the streets of the town, Atlas having breached the northern gate and was well on their way to securing the whole of the northern side of the town.
"Weiss, block off the street!" Yang ordered, nearly tripping on the corpse of a fallen comrade as she moved back towards the town's bridge. Weiss directed her sword point into the ground, ice erupting from it and forming a barricade. "Back over the bridge!" Yang bellowed, everyone now breaking into a sprint.
Atlas soldiers started emerging from side streets and alleyways onto the northern bank of the river. The cobblestone bridge, wide enough for two carriages to easily pass each other, was caught in a crossfire. Yang slowed down to shield Weiss, hearing the cries of Vale soldiers as they died on the bridge. Blake, Coco and Velvet were the first over the other side, immediately turning around and covering the rest of the soldiers crossing over. A soldier cried out in pain as a musket ball ripped through his shoulder, Sun catching him before he fell and dragging him onwards. Yang and Weiss pulled up alongside Blake, "We're not going to hold this bridge for long," Blake said as she pulled her ramrod free of the barrel of her rifle. Yang unslung her own, and began loading, "We'll hold it for as long as possible, hopefully those damn reinforcements show up!"
"Looks like it's our lucky day," Weiss said, looking away from the bridge and back into the southern side of the town. Yang looked back, seeing the column of advancing Vale troops,
"Finally," she breathed in relief.
At the head of the column stood a woman with long red hair, a very fine sword in hand. The reinforcements pulled to a halt at the edge of the bridge. "Front rank, make ready!" The new officer ordered, Yang noticing the lapels identifying her as a captain. "Present, fire!" The Captain's words were punctuated with the roar of gunfire, the front rank unleashing a volley over the bridge. The disorganised Atlas soldiers crossing in pursuit were showered with bullets, most of them dropping dead. "Blake, get the wounded out of the way," Yang said motioning to Sun and Neptune who had carried over a few moaning soldiers. Yang stood and ran over to the captain, "Captain, I'm Lieutenant Yang Xiao Long, commander of the Emerald Forest Rifles,"
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Pyrrha Nikos, Captain of the Beacon Company. Sorry we took so long to get here," Pyrrha said sincerely.
"Nothing we can do about it now, how are we getting across that bridge?" Yang asked, Pyrrha turned away suddenly, spying another advancing group of Atlas soldiers. "Second rank, fire!" Pyrrha turned back to Yang, "I'm not sure we can at this time, the rest of Beacon Company is still on its way, until then I think it best we hold this position, we are like to lose to many soldiers if we cross."
Yang nodded, glad to be serving after a sensible officer. "My Rifles will get inside the buildings along the bank, we'll spot any incoming forces and try to snipe any interesting targets," Yang said, her presumptuous suggestion further testing of Pyrrha's nature. Pyrrha nodded, "Sounds good, my group will stay here and hold the bridge if they make any more advances."
Yang waved over her Rifles, quickly ordering them into the empty buildings that sat on the bank. The town had been thoroughly raided after being abandoned when Atlas first conquered it. All that remained was a ghost town, now a battlefield. Weiss joined Yang in a two story house, both setting up on the second floor. "The Captain seems amiable," Weiss said, sitting down on the barren wooden floor. Yang took up position by the window, rifle loaded and ready. "Seem's that way, let's hope that the Major in command of the company is as reasonable."
For over an hour, everyone remained in position. The Atlas forces attempted two crossings in that time, both being quickly shut down. Velvet moved through the houses, distributing food and water to everyone. It was on her trip to bring Yang and Weiss supplies when she saw the rest of Beacon Company. Travelling the same path Pyrrha had come, the rest of the reinforcements marched. At the head of the new column of men rode a scarily familiar face. Velvet panicked, quickly rushing back to Coco.
Yang heard drums and trumpets sound, thankfully not from the Atlas side of town. "Looks like the rest of the company is here," Yang said, slinging her rifle to go and greet the newcomers. Weiss got up herself, dusting off her uniform and cloak, "Let's try and make a good impression, you're going to be serving under them for a while." Yang shrugged,
"Long as they aren't stupid I'm sure we'll get on fine." Weiss sighed, preparing to mitigate any damage Yang would do with her habit for disrespect and insubordination. Upon leaving the house which they had holed up in, Yang was greeted by the sight of yet more green clad soldiers, both in uniform and apparent lack of experience. The Major, riding on a fine horse, halted before Pyrrha and demanding in a sour tone for her report. "When we got here sir the Riflemen and infantry stationed here had been forced over the bridge. They were hard pressed to hold the coming advance so I joined them and helped repel the Atlas forces."
"Why haven't you advanced yet? You should have had more than enough men to take the other side of town," The Major said accusingly, staring over the bridge. "I can't seem to see any enemy forces, it seems they have retreated, move your men over the bridge, clean out the rest of them." Yang laughed at this,
"Sir, just because we can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. They're hiding in the houses like my Rifles are, probably waiting for reinforcements like we were." The Major scowled, looking down at Yang.
"And you are?"
"Lieutenant Yang Xiao Long, commander of the Rifles," Yang said proudly. The Major scoffed,
"So you are the fool who lost the town, well Lieutenant, I'm Major Cardin Winchester, and I intend to fix your mistakes. Captain Nikos get your unit to advance over the bridge. Once you have a decent foothold I will send over the rest of my forces." Yang held her tongue, looking to Pyrrha for support. Pyrrha only sighed,
"Beacon Company, set bayonets, prepare to advance." Weiss stepped in now, trying to appear as regal as possible, clearing her throat she put on her best fake smile.
"Major, I'm Weiss Schnee, I was stationed here with the Lieutenant and I believe she may be right. It might be the best choice for now to hold off on advancing." Cardin looked her up and down, smiling softly,
"It is a pleasure Ms Schnee, but I assure you, we will have the town taken in a matter of minutes. Once done, perhaps you would dine with me to celebrate our victory," Cardin said confidently as Pyrrha and her men marched over the bridge. Yang growled under her breath, rushing off to the edge of the bridge and bringing up her rifle. Above her a window opened, Blake peering out, "Yang, what the hell are they doing?"
"The Major ordered an advance, just cover them," Yang said back, muttering a curse under her breath as Atlas soldiers started appearing in the windows of the opposing sides buildings. Yang fired the first shot, killing an Atlesian as he he poked his musket out of a window. The Atlas soldiers started firing, dropping most of the front rank of advancing Vale soldiers. Pyrrha shouted assurances, trying to keep her men marching. The other Rifles returned fire, sniping at the enemies who appeared like gophers from their holes. With a full company of sharpshooters Yang could have covered the advance, but with only a handful of Rifles she was forced to watch Pyrrha's men get picked off.
Yang fired another shot, "Weiss! Do something!"
"I can't do much, I'm out of nearly all my dust and what little I have left won't be of much use," Weiss said, staring at the carnage with Yang.
Of the men remaining with Major Winchester, a young Lieutenant stepped forward, "Sir, we have to pull them back, we can't just let them die!"
"Jauney boy, this is soldiering, sure we'll take some losses, but victory always has a cost." Jaune stared up at Cardin in shock, scowling as he pulled forth his sword, running over the bridge to Pyrrha. Yang hastily reloaded her rifle, slamming the ramrod down hard as Jaune made his advance. "At least someones got a brain," Yang said as she rushed to Jaune's side.
"Lieutenant Arc, get back here!" Cardin cried out.
On the bridge, Pyrrha's soldiers neared the other side. What had been near thirty men, was now only a dozen. "Fire at will!" Pyrrha ordered, drawing her pistol and shooting a man on an overlooking balcony. Behind her, muskets fired, most of the shots not finding their mark, as the Atlesians were still in cover. Jaune rushed to Pyrrha's side, firing his own pistol wildly. "Jaune! What are you doing here!" Pyrrha said in panic. Jaune flinched as chunks of stone were brought up by musket ball landing around him. "I'm here to help!"
"So am I!" Yang shouted as she dropped to her knee beside the two, lining up a carefully aimed shot. The small group of soldiers stood at the edge of the bridge, being shot at from all sides.
"Well, it can't get any worse," Jaune laughed, his hands shaky as he reloaded his pistol. As if the gods had heard him, there came a soft rumbling. Yang and Pyrrha quickly realised what the rumbling was.
"Fall back!" Pyrrha and Yang shouted in unison, quickly backing away. The remaining Vale soldiers followed suit, walking backwards and firing still as they retreated.
"What is is it?!" Jaune asked
"You just had to say it didn't you," Yang said, pointing towards the end of the street. From around the corner came a column of Atlas infantry, the rumbling coming from the drums and rhythmic marching.
The three officers ran, calling the soldiers to stop their cautious retreat and do that same.
Yang's Rifle's continued their fire, stopping as many Atlesian's from shooting the fleeing soldiers. Weiss watched on, heart in her throat as a retreating soldier fell beside Yang, a bullet in his back.
"Captain Pyrrha, Lieutenant Arc!" Cardin shouted as the retreating group made it back to the friendly side of town. "You have disappointed me, I thought you more than cowards. Well, not you Jauney boy, you have always been a coward!"
Yang snarled, "The Captain followed your damn orders and good soldiers died because of it! The Lieutenant came to her aid, I see no cowardice in that!" Cardin straightened in his saddle,
"You dare speak to me that way. You lost this town to begin with Lieutenant."
"Now, you are going to lose it, look," Yang said, pointing over the bridge, the Atlas reinforcements now visible. Cardin muttered curses under his breath.
"We must not let them over the bridge," Cardin said, "Soldiers, defend this area, let none across!" With that Cardin galloped away into the town. Pyrrha and Yang started shouting orders, the rest of Beacon Company quickly setting to work building a barricade.
Blake and the rest of Yang's Rifle's left their positions and made their way down to the newly formed barricade. Yang was rested up against the side of a building, drinking from her canteen. "The Atlas soldiers have retreated away from anything we can see," Blake reported, eyes quickly taking in the slowly building defences.
"They're not as stupid as the Major, they know that advancing over that bridge is suicide," Yang grumbled. Coco laughed,
"The Major is not just an incompetent man, he is also a proper bastard." Yang raised an eyebrow at this, Coco sighed, as she felt Velvet turn away. "He was the captain that was harassing Velvet, seems he got promoted," Coco said, fists clenching on her rifle. Yang sighed, head resting against the cold brick of the house. "He is also your commanding officer," Weiss said, having stood behind the Rifle's unnoticed.
"He's going to get everyone killed, it doesn't matter what he is, just that he is stopped," Blake said resolutely. Weiss rolled her eyes,
"Yes, he is a fool, but unless you all want to be hanged for insubordination, I think it best we focus our efforts on surviving."
"Of course you would defend him, he seems quite taken with you," Blake commented. Weiss scowled,
"I am not defending him, I am trying to defend all of you."
Yang stood up, dusting off her uniform. "Quiet down, all of you. Weiss is right, no one is going to get hung,"
"Hanged," Weiss quickly corrected, earning a disapproving glare from Yang.
"Captain Nikos and the Lieutenant are reliable people, with them I'm sure we can suffer through this and take back the town."
As night fell, the lines of battle had been drawn. Both sides held one half of the town, the bridge and river were the divide. At either end of the bridge, barricades had been constructed. Along the bank, and in the houses overlooking the river, soldiers from both sides stood on watch, very rarely exchanging fire.
Major Winchester had set up his command in the larger of the two inns on the Vale side. The men and women of Beacon company, whilst not on watch, slept in the empty houses.
Much to the displeasure of Yang, Weiss, Pyrrha and Jaune, the officers were forced into sharing dinner with Cardin. Another pair of officers, Captain Dove Bronzewing and Lieutenant Sky Lark, were also in attendance, being unseen in the earlier battle. "So, Ms Schnee, may I call you Weiss?" Cardin asked, interrupting Weiss before she could protest. "Well then Weiss, it is very admirable to see that you have come to the front lines to fight. Whilst I am not sure of a lady's place on the battlefield," Cardin said, glancing towards Yang and Pyrrha, "You courage is admirable."
"I'm only doing what I must," Weiss said, taking a careful sip of her wine. Cardin nodded, taking a large bite of the chicken on his plate.
"Captain Nikos here," Cardin said, waving his wine glass in her direction. "She isn't from Vale or Atlas, no, she comes from Mistral, so why is it again that you are fighting? Hmm?"
Pyrrha avoided eye contact with Cardin, "I came here because Vale offers commissions to women. Mistral has not yet deemed that appropriate, so I came here to prove it possible." Yang smiled, her admiration for Pyrrha having increased tenfold. "You are 'the' Pyrrha Nikos then I take it," Weiss asked, a look of interest on her face. Pyrrha looked up from her plate and nodded, Weiss bowed her head in respect. "I have heard many stories of your legendary dueling capabilities, been inspired by them myself in fact," Weiss said, turning back to Cardin. "Did you know that she challenged the greatest swordsman in Mistral after he insulted her father. From all accounts the duel was over in but a minute, Captain Nikos killed the man without receiving a single scratch."
Cardin looked over to Pyrrha, unamused. "I have indeed heard that story before. Strange how she apparently can beat one of the best swordsman in a duel, but can't retake a small town." The room fell silent, Weiss staring sourly at Cardin, whilst Pyrrha bowed her head in shame. Without another word, Pyrrha stood and left. Jaune turned to follow her, but was stopped, "Jauney boy, where do you think you're going. I was just about to ask you the same question, why would you choose to fight, you're obviously not made of soldier material?" Jaune sunk back into his chair. "Well? Why do you fight?" Cardin asked more insistently.
"My family has fought for Vale for several generations," Jaune said in a soft voice. Cardin laughed,
"Well I'm sure they are very impressed. What about you Lieutenant Xiao Long, why did you buy a commission?"
Yang set down her utensils, turning to face Cardin. "I bought no commission. I joined the army because they needed soldiers, Atlas was too quickly claiming our lands. Most of all though, I did it to provide for my family, get my sister an education."
"A bloody jump up, are there no real soldiers in this army!" Cardin exclaimed, throwing down his utensils in disgust. Yang took her leave, followed quickly by Jaune. Cardin sighed, "I don't know how you do it Weiss, fighting with these animals, let alone the actual animals that have forced their way into our armies."
"The Faunus fight well," Weiss said, finishing off her wine, desperately trying to hold back the many insults that came to mind.
"Well of course they do, they are beasts, savages, they know how to fight, but know nothing of honour or soldiering." Weiss only nodded, purposefully looking away from Cardin's gaze. "At least I still have you, Dove and Lark here for council, now that those incompetents are gone, we may discuss the plans for the offensive."
Yang sat on the roof of the house where her Rifle's had decided to spend the night. From here she could see most of the Vale side of town, only able to see the edge of the Atlas side of the bridge. Thankfully Sun and Neptune hadn't drunk all the rum, leaving a healthy sized bottle for Yang. "How was dinner?" Blake asked, startling Yang as she crept onto the roof.
"Went about as poorly as you could expect, the Major pissed off everyone in attendance. Well, nearly everyone, Weiss got off nice and easy." Blake laughed,
"What did you expect, she's still one of them." Yang shrugged,
"Just hoped she would have stood up for us a little more. Pyrrha and Jaune, they're good people, don't deserve to be serving under that bastard."
"Neither do we, I had hoped that after the Rebellion everyone who hated the Faunus would move on. Guess I hoped for too much." Yang gripped her bottle tightly,
"Keep Velvet out of sight, she's one of us and I'm not letting him hurt her." Blake smiled, patting Yang on the back before retreating downstairs.
On the way down, Blake pushed past Weiss, ignoring the Weiss' scowl as she was pushed aside. Weiss ignored Blake's cold demeanor, she was used to it. "Well, I just had an enlightening talk with Major Winchester."
"Great," Yang said, taking a swig of her drink. Weiss sat down beside her, making sure her footing was stable on the roof.
"His plans were to attack tomorrow at dawn, much in the fashion he did today,"
"Fantastic."
"I managed to convince him to wait, see if something reveals itself in the daylight. Give us some time to formulate a proper plan." Yang looked over to Weiss now ins uprise, bottle still on her lips.
"What?"
"I said, that we have a little time to come up with a better plan, have you lost your hearing? I guess after firing so many rifles you may well lose your hearing." Yang chuckled,
"No, I heard you loud and clear, but how does any plan we come up with get implemented?"
"I didn't spend the evening with that brute because I enjoyed his company. I played the game, got in his good graces, now he may listen to me if I suggest something," Weiss said with a wry smile. Yang grinned victoriously, handing over the bottle of rum, her doubts about her once again proven to be unfounded. Weiss took a small sip, grimacing at the strength of the drink. "So how do we take the other side of the town?" Weiss asked, handing back the rum. Yang stood and pulled out her spy glass. "Going over the bridge is madness. Unless we find artillery, or they do."
"That would result in one side destroying the other, leaving them with half a town."
"Doesn't matter, long as the bridge is intact."
"So, we need to act before they receive artillery support." Yang nodded, putting away her her spy glass.
"As a Rifle, I want to try and flank them, get into the town and spring an attack while they're already under fire, problem is getting over the river undetected" Yang said. Weiss studied the river that ran through the town.
"What about a boat?"
"No, too noticeable," Yang replied.
"What if I created a path over the water, use my Dust to freeze some of it?" Weiss suggested, causing Yang to grin.
"That's not a bad idea, attack at night, sneak over the river, then attack from both the bridge and inside their part of town."
"Excellent," Weiss said as she stood, "I'll try and propose it to Major Winchester in the morning." Yang sighed, sitting back down.
"I don't know how you can do it, how you can stand him,"
"It's a skill I have had to learn, for the most part the people you dislike usually have something you want. As much as you may want to, you can't always punch them until you get whatever it is you are after," Weiss said with a suggestive look. Yang rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I get it,"
"Good. Because if you want to rise any higher in the ranks, it's a skill you will have to learn as well."
Yang lay back to stare up at the stars, Weiss taking her leave to sleep.
The next morning began with an exchange of fire. The Altesians had opened fire from their side at the Vale soldiers on picket duty. Within a few minutes the Rifle's were up and returning fire, forcing the Atlesians to halt their skirmish.
The next hour saw movement on both sides of the town. Major Winchester quickly assembled his forces for inspection, potentially preparing for action. Officers stood with their units, and Weiss and Cardin walked down the line inspecting the troops. Weiss received many glares from the Rifles as Cardin made snide comments about soldiers uniforms and muskets, Weiss agreeing with whatever the Major said. Then came time for the Rifle's inspection. "And what do we have here? You seem to have quite a few Faunus in your ranks Lieutenant," Cardin said with disgust. Yang stood straight, eyes front, expression unreadable,
"Yes sir."
"That gold band on their uniforms, I don't think that is in regulation."
"It is sir, officiated by Lord Ozpin, they are Chosen soldiers," Yang said calmly. Cardin leaned in close as he inspecting Sun's uniform,
"It comes as no surprise that these vagabonds seem to dress and smell the part." Cardin looked to Weiss' reaction, who let out a single laugh. "And what do we have here," Cardin said, finally sighting Velvet. Everyone tensed as he stepped closer, a sickening smile on his face. "I remember you," Cardin whispered, though all could hear it. Weiss stepped in quickly,
"Major, what do you plan for today?" She said, practically dragging the man away. Cardin spared Velvet one finally glance before walking away.
"I hope that by today we shall have captured the rest of this town."
"And how are you to accomplish this Major, it seems like such a hard task," Weiss said, affecting a more sheepish persona. Cardin smiled confidently, calling for his horse.
"I am a man of action, I will lead a charge over the bridge. What the Captain lacked yesterday was true conviction, the ability to inspire the men to press onwards. With me at the helm we are sure to repel these invaders."
Weiss looked over towards the bridge, the Atlas barricade still in place, the subtle signs of hidden defenders everywhere. "Major that is quite brave of you, but perhaps you risk too much, what if you fall?"
"Ha, fear not I shall be fine, I have survived worse than this." Weiss bit the inside of her cheek, trying to think quickly as to how to dissuade what would be a reckless charge.
"W-well Major, I would really hate for you to be hurt, or worse killed in this battle. If something dreadful were to happen, you could be taken away from the fight for a time, and we need your expertise if we are to reclaim your homeland as well as my own. Perhaps you should instead send out others who are more, shall we say, expendable."
Cardin regarded Weiss suspiciously, "I doubt any other could lead such a charge." Weiss shook her head quickly,
"No, no, definitely not. These Atlesians though, they are evil, they destroyed my family, but are fickle, cowards.I want vengeance and if you charge, they will flee, and we won't get to serve out justice." Cardin smiled, looking forlornly into the distance, "Yes, I imagine they would flee."
"Maybe if attacked at a time when it was harder for them to see us coming, or if you sent some of the more disreputable soldiers over in secret before the attack. You could trap the whole force in the town and be rid of them for good." Cardin stroked his chin thoughtfully,
"Ah, something like a night attack, hmmmm. Those Rifles would indeed be prime suspects to send over in ambush, and if those filthy skirmishers do what they are supposed to, we could indeed wipe out the enemy. I don't know how they could get across the river without being seen, but they are natural thieves and brigands, I'm sure they have many solutions for that. If they were to be caught they would be destroyed, though that is not exactly a terrible thought."
"I think you have made a wonderful plan Major, a truly brilliant tactical mind," Weiss said with a half grimace, half smile.
The soldiers fell out of the parade, many being assigned a position along the bank of the river, ready if the enemy made any moves. The Rifles were lucky enough to avoid this duty for the time being. Yang and the other officers were quickly briefed by Cardin before being dismissed.
As it stood, Pyrrha, Dove and Lark would be accompanying Cardin on his charge over the bridge. Jaune was to take a few of his men and follow the Rifles over the river, providing more support for the ambush.
Weiss had volunteered to help the Rifles over the river, and also to accompany them into enemy territory, much to Cardin's displeasure. Yang and Weiss spent a good part of the day walking along the bank, trying to find an adequate place to cross. "We can cross here," Yang said as they reach a spot far up the river, near the edge of town.
"It shouldn't be a problem, just hope everyone has sure footing, ice tends to be a little slippery," Weiss said, making sure she had enough dust for the task. Yang nodded, studying the opposing bank,
"I'm sure my Rifles will be fine. Jaune and his men, well, not so sure about them."
"At least we have a chance now, instead of just throwing soldiers at the enemy until we are all dead."
"All thanks to you," Yang said, resting a hand appreciatively on Weiss' shoulder. Weiss blushed, looking away from Yang,
"It was nothing, just common sense."
"Something I wish-" Yang stopped speaking abruptly, turning around in time to see Coco and Blake running towards them. Weiss turned as well, noticing the distraught expressions they wore. "What's wrong," Yang asked, rushing over to meet them.
"The bastard Major took her!" Coco shouted, eyes aflame with anger. Yang looked to Blake, who nodded,
"The Major got one of his Lieutenants to grab Velvet, came with soldiers and took her while most of us were away." Yang grit her teeth, rushing off back to the main encampment of soldiers in the town.
"This isn't going to be good," Weiss said as she joined Blake and Coco in their run after Yang.
"Your good friend the Major is gonna pay if he hurts her," Blake said as they ran. Weiss sighed,
"I certainly won't stop you if it comes to that."
Yang shoved open the door to the inn, pushing past the two men stationed outside. "Where is she," Yang growled as she entered, finding the Major sipping tea by the fire. He smiled as he gestured towards the stairs. Yang took the stairs two at a time, kicking in the doors upstairs. In the room furthest from the stairwell she found Velvet in what would have been a rented room in days gone by. Captain Bronzewing stood in the room, wiping blood from his knuckles, Velvet splayed out on the floor whimpering. Yang threw a right hook, catching him off guard and sending him into the wall. Dove slumped against the wall, Yang giving him a hard kick in the ribs before moving over to help Velvet.
"It's alright, I got ya," Yang whispered as she carried Velvet downstairs.
Cardin was still sitting in his chair by the fire when Yang stomped out the door. "Lieutenant, I'm sorry about your animal. It was just punishment for so rudely leaving my regiment, you know how it is with loyalty to your fellow soldier. If anything it's to make sure she doesn't betray you and leave to find another group to sully with her presence." Yang halted in the doorway, turning her head back, teeth grit to the point of pain.
"Thank you. Sir." Yang growled bitterly as she left.
Coco dabbed at the bruises on Velvets face with a wet towel, Yang having taken her back to the Rifles building. In the room outside, the Rifles gathered, all swearing vengeance on the Major. "We gotta get him back, it's not right if we don't," Sun said, leaning with arms crossed against the wall. Even Ren agreed with the sentiments of revenge.
"I can get inside that inn undetected, slit his throat while he sleeps," Blake offered quietly. This earned some stares, but no open refusal. It was Weiss who finally spoke up,
"That's idiotic, if you did that then we are all liable for hanging."
"Of course you speak up in his defence," Blake retorted.
"I'm sorry I have to be the voice of reason! Did I ever say Major Winchester should be allowed to get away with this? No, I didn't, he should be punished. The only problem, is you don't have the rank or reason to be able to call him out. No one would be sympathetic to your cause if you shot and killed the commanding officer hour before a night attack."
"None of us care about that, this is about justice!" Blake said, stepping forward to face Weiss. Yang stretched out a hand, blocking the two.
"I can't believe I'm the one saying it, but cool it," Yang said firmly. "Weiss is right, I'll risk everything for all of you, but I won't throw away all our lives for vengeance."
"We can still deal with him, we just have to do it, more, subtly. I know that is an issue some of you have, but you have to trust me, I know how to play this game," Weiss said calmly, looking from person to person for their response. Yang seemed to be the only one who was willing to listen. "You have soldiers minds, I have a more political mind,"
"A more devious one," Yang said with a smirk. Weiss ignored the blondes teasing,
"In the heat of battle, things happen, especially if one is leading a brave charge," Weiss said, waving her hand suggestively. Yang's smile turned dark, her head turning to Blake,
"Tonight we take the town and we get rid of the bastards who pose a threat to us all." Nods were exchanged, in particular, a respectful nod between Weiss and Blake.
Night fell, and everyone got into position. Pyrrha and Dove stood beside Cardin, ranks of soldiers behind them. "Prepare to advance, there will be no retreat this time." Pyrrha and Dove nodded, all ready to storm the bridge.
Yang and her Rifles, minus Velvet, crept through the town, finding the spot the Weiss and her had marked out earlier. With a handful of normal infantry commanded by Jaune, they had a small force in which to spring the two sided attack. The waters of the river were black in the darkness of night, no lights coming from any of the abandoned houses windows, leaving the town in almost pure darkness.
Weiss knelt down to the water, poking her sword in and freezing a section that ran across to the other side. With Blake leading the advance, the Rifles crept over the water. Keeping their footing was hard, everyone slipped more than once, but none, not even Jaune and his regulars, fell into the water.
Yang crept up onto the street, ducking quickly into an alleyway and waving over her soldiers. One by one the Rifles dashed over into the alley, narrowly avoiding detection by the patrolling Atlas infantry.
The group snuck through the streets, heading deeper into the town before heading towards the bridge.
As they moved they caught glimpses of the Atlas camp. They had stationed there men in the building as Vale had, though they seemed to be absent now, likely seeing the massing forces on the other side of the bridge.
The Vale force advanced, Cardin leading with sword extended. The Atlas soldiers sprung up from the barricade, others quickly forming ranks behind them. The first volley of fire missed for the most part, only dropping a single infantryman.
Gunshots echoed in the distance, prompting the Rifles to move faster. "Weiss, when we see the main group, throw everything you can at them, then fall back behind me," Yang ordered as she moved forwards, pulling the hammer back fully on her rifle. The roar of gunfire drew closer, and Yang brought the Rifles to a halt. "There they are," Yang whispered, seeing the ranks of Atlas soldiers lined in the street, firing volley after volley at the advancing Vale infantry. "Jaune, take you men over there," Yang said, pointing to a side street nearby. Jaune nodded and his men followed, lining up and preparing to fire. "Alright Weiss, go for it," Yang said, lifting her musket to her shoulder. Weiss stepped out of the alley, crying in her mother tongue "Es lebe der Mantle!"
Weiss slammed her sword into the ground and sent a shockwave of earth rolling towards the line. Many fell to the ground, others knocked unconscious by flying cobblestone. "Fire!" Jaune yelled, swinging his sword down decisively. His men fired their volley into the now confused mass of soldiers. Yang's Rifles spread out into the street, sniping whatever officers they could see. The Atlas line descended into madness as they fired wildly, trying to re order themselves.
It was then, that from over the barricade came came the Vale forces, Cardin letting Pyrrha step over first, swinging her blade and deftly deflecting bayonet jabs.
Yang fired her shot, passing her rifle back to the now tired Weiss, rushing out to join in the fray. Coco found Captain Bronzewing in the midst of the combat, a smile crossing her face as she shot him in the chest. Blake quickly reloaded her rifle, eyes now searching for a green uniform instead of a grey one. Cardin, despite his incompetence as a leader, managed to be a brutal fighter. His blade beat down at the Atlas soldiers, butchering them relentlessly. Blake lined up her shot once she saw him step over the bodies of his victims. Just as she fired, the butt of a musket slammed into her back. The bullet meant for Cardin's head instead punched through his leg, dropping him and causing great pain.
Weiss got to her feet, ignoring her exhaustion as Blake was knocked to the ground by an Atlas soldier. A group of three had joined the fray from behind the Rifles, appearing to be the commanding officer and his bodyguards. Blake rolled away from the next swing, pulling forth her sword bayonet and preparing to fight off the officer who pushed the common soldier aside. Before the officers curved sword could come down, Weiss leapt in, blocking the attack and pushing the man away.
Blake got to her feet, ducking under the swing of a musket, stabbing out with her bayonet. Weiss parried the attacks of the officer, her tired arms barely holding up against the attacks. The pair fended off the three Atlas soldiers, Jaune eventually joining the fray and managing to give Weiss an opening to kill the commanding officer.
"Thanks," Blake said breathlessly, retrieving the rifle she discarded. Weiss, also breathless, nodded acknowledgment.
It didn't take long for the Atlas forces to be routed. With Cardin incapacitated Pyrrha took charge, managing to keep the rabble of soldiers in line as they pushed into the northern side of town. Weiss and the Rifles hung back, disengaging from the conflict. Yang pushed on with Pyrrha and Jaune, making sure that the town was completely secured.
When the first rays of sunlight started beaming down, the town was completely in Vale control. The soldiers didn't celebrate as usual though, too tired from the night of fighting, and busy dealing with the losses they had taken.
Cardin's charge had worked, only because of the Rifle's surprise attack, but it had still been a costly advance. Cardin, along with many who were wounded, were placed up in a large house that became the infirmary, though there were few who had any real expertise in the field of medicine. Ren was easily the most useful member of the team that had been assigned to care for the wounded. When it came time to deal with Cardin's injury, a sudden clumsiness came over Ren, making the cleaning and bandaging of his wounds much more difficult.
"So, we still have to put up with Cardin," Blake said as she sat beside Yang. The two had found a decent lookout point at the edge of town, a building very near the small wall that surrounded the town. "He should be out of commission for a good amount of time, his wound is quite serious, they might have to take the leg." Yang said without sympathy.
"Coco got the other Captain though, seems they might have a position open in the company for a captain."
"We'll see. They should probably give it to Jaune though, he's been with them longer, and he wasn't too bad in the fight."
"He's alright, but he's not what this army needs." Yang sighed, basking in the morning sun.
"Everyone is pretty set on getting me promoted,"
"Why shouldn't we be, your a good soldier, and you look out for everyone."
"You might not be so keen on the idea if you knew Weiss was the other person trying to get me promoted. Can't imagine you two agreeing on anything." Blake shrugged,
"She's not as bad as I thought, if she can help me in looking after you then I have no complaints." Yang laughed, closing her eyes and resting in the heat of the sun.
There was more to come. More battles, more terrible commanders, more villainous enemies. Yang hadn't imagine this life for herself, but with her friends, Yang couldn't deny it was a good life. If, you could stay alive.
Thanks for reading! More on the way as soon as possible. Please leave a review, would love to hear feedback. I promise I'm still working on Blood Money, just a bit hard to write that one at the moment, but it will be coming out in the future.