Ch. 9 A Dark Premonition
"Ok everyone we know where they are heading and they don't see us. What's next?"
"Well we know they'll be going to the dust store on 30th street so we just stay out of sight and follow them" Ruby answered.
"There is one problem though. The White Fang would surely run if they knew the odds were against them." Blake said.
"That's why when we reach the store and they are holding the place up you all find a place to conceal yourself while I draw them into the street where we can ambush them." Richard replied.
They all agreed and began to follow Adam separately as to not raise any suspicion. Richard pulled out a pair of sunglasses so they wouldn't recognize his face. They followed the two down a series of busy roads and noticed their number growing with each turn. By the time they had reached the dust shop there were at least twenty men with Adam and Roman all waiting outside. Richard calmly walked over to a nearby park bench and pulled out a book to read while the rest of the team moved to other various shops and parks. As he sat there reading he noticed the guards eyeing him suspiciously from across the street. He simply got his tablet out and messaged his team that the target would be leaving soon. As he finished a chapter he looked up to see Roman and Adam calmly leaving with two briefcases full of dust and an arrogant smile on both of their faces.
"These people never know to close shop this early do they. It's almost like they want us to take their dust." Roman laughed.
"You'd think they'd have taken a hint from the other ten stores we've robbed in the last few months." Adam replied
"Oh well pretty soon and we'll practically own ever du-." He was interrupted by a tall figure blocking the street.
"Excuse me you're blocking our path so I'd suggest you move or we'll be forced to move you"
"Roman Torchwick it has been a while now hasn't it. You probably don't recognize me with the glasses on." Richard said as he removed his glasses revealing deep blue eyes full of menace.
"I'm sorry but who the hell are you coming here alone threatening the White Fang." Adam replied angrily.
"I thought you of all people would recognize these eyes Adam. Maybe it would help if you picture them a dull gray."
That last word caused a small memory to spark in his head making him take a half step back and snarl menacingly.
"Your friend seemed to figure it out Roman maybe this would help as well." Richard said staring directly at Roman before removing his blue bandana fully showing his pale white scar on his cheek.
"Oh if it isn't our little mercenary, Richard was it. I guess revenge can cause you to do suicidal things like facing us alone."
"Who said I was alone Torchwick?"
As he finished his sentence four figures suddenly leaped into the alley weapons brandished.
"Well what do we have here? If it isn't Ms. Red herself with the heiress of the Schnee dust company I have to thank you for saving us the trouble of finding you and I don't know who you are exactly Blondie and finally-."
"Blake" Adam finished. "What are you doing here? Are you actually helping these monsters?"
"We're not the monsters here Taurus. You White Fang criminals are the monsters here. When I was in your base those months ago I stumbled upon your little plan for Beacon and Vale. Did you really think you could try that much and not expect anyone to fight back?"
"I wasn't talking to you scum. Why Blake, after everything we went through your willing to throw it all away?"
"Adam, I want to see this discrimination and hatred end just as badly as you but this isn't the right way. Do you really think associating yourself with these criminals will help people accept the Faunus?"
"They don't accept us willingly so it's my goal to make them accept us. Humanity won't change otherwise."
"That's where you are mistaken Adam. I was accepted by humans when I needed them the most so was Blake and every Faunus in Beacon." Richard replied.
"What do you know mercenary? How could you possibly understand our fight? If you did you wouldn't have been in that base in the first place."
"You really don't remember do you? You were there with Blake when the White Fang took my tail and ears and casted me out. You make yourself the victim when in reality you're just as evil. I'm not letting you leave this place with those cases." Richard growled as he unsheathed his two swords brandishing them for a fight. In one instant the little alley turned into a war zone. The White Fang split into three groups: Most of the guards attacked Ruby and Weiss near the left of the alley, meanwhile Blake and Yang tag teamed against Roman causing explosions and fire to rocket from Roman's can and Yang's gauntlets, that just left Richard to fight solo against Adam in the middle of the street.
"I remember you now. You were that brat kid that wouldn't help burn down that bakery." Adam laughed as he blocked both of Richard's swords and kicked him away.
"It's ironic Adam that you would bring that up because if it wasn't for that night I would be fighting with you but instead here I am taking you down." Richard replied as he quickly blocked Adam's strike and returned with a quick slash that connected with his chest causing him to fly backwards.
"You were weak Richard. In this world only the strong survive the bloody evolution. You're supporting a dying cause. Soon there won't be any of you left to save it." Adam growled as he renewed his assault slashing and hacking with lightning speed.
"Once again your shortsightedness will be your downfall. You may have men and strength but you'll find that victory can be found not just in strength but the smaller things something with a simpler more honest source." Richard retorted as he masterfully blocked each attack and returned with a volley of his own attacks one of which found its mark and knocked Adam away. As he stood up Adam looked around to realize the battle was not going well for him. Ruby and Weiss had nearly defeated the 20 White Fang Guards and Blake and Yang were wearing Roman down even though they still hadn't landed a hit. Just then the sound of an airship rang in the distance and two White Fang ships arrived at the alley.
"That's our ride." Roman said as he fired a smoke bomb in front of him disorientating Blake and Yang for a second. Richard quickly moved and knocked a briefcase away from Adam but was unable to get the second one. In the ensuing confusion he pulled out a special clip of tracking rounds Schnee had given him before the first mission. He quickly fired one round at the briefcase in Roman's hand before they escaped on the airship.
"Bastards got away." Weiss yelled in frustration.
"Not necessarily." Richard replied pulling out a small tracker from his pocket. "Anyways it has gotten way too late and we need to head back to Beacon. Is everyone ok?"
They all nodded in agreement and began to make their way back to Beacon. As they walked away Blake walked beside Richard and began to talk with him.
"I'm sorry Richard. I should have help you with Adam but I couldn't bring myself to fight him. I was weak."
"Blake the last word I would use to describe you is weak and I understand if you have trouble with Adam but I hope you realize you saw his true colors today."
"I know and I hate to believe it but it's true. The White Fang are beyond saving and now it's my duty to make sure they don't harm any more innocent people."
"I'm glad you came to that decision because I don't think that's the last we'll be seeing Roman or Adam now let's get some rest and focus on class tomorrow."
