Blake's Mistake

By wildstraydog

Chapter Ten: The Grave Mistake

Hey guys, it's been a long time since a chapter of this story has come out. Honestly some of it did stem from my new story The Heat, which I have enjoyed writing a lot, because of Jaune's character. Another reason was figuring out how to present the next set of events without it seeming too forced or game changing, but I've discovered, especially reading other stories on this site, that huge dramatic events aren't a bad thing. And so I present this chapter with that mindset. RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum.

Team RWBY was about to enter their third and final qualification match, which if they won would guarantee them a spot in the tournament. For the first time in a while Blake wasn't fretting over past doubts or memories of the past, but for the future of her team. She opened up her locker and began to inspect Gambol Shroud, placing it on her lap, checking for any loose pins or out of place parts. She even checked the quality of the black ribbon that hung down to the floor, a nice clean reflection of light assaulting her amber eyes.

The rest of her friends stood outside the door and were ready to enter the arena to a crowd of thousands, but her mind was occupied from the events of yesterday. It was nothing of particular notice (at least to her), but her conversation with Jaune was still burrowed within her brain, gnawing at her to keep going over every second of dialogue that had been exchanged between the two. She would even admit that it was almost annoying how much she cared.

That goofy smile the scraggly blonde boy flashed at her was like an arrow that punctured her insides and made them melt into mush. Although Jaune had not witnessed her embarrassment, she was redder than any image one may have taken of the blazing sun on the right occasion. Hence she was back to her current conundrum as to why any of it mattered to her; the mere notion that she harbored any romantic feelings towards the boy were laughable, yet a seed of doubt kept shouting deep within her consciousness.

Blake shook her head and slapped her cheeks, putting on her game face and proceeded to the doors with the rest of her team who noticed her small episode. Yang gave her an inquisitive look while Weiss stared blankly, no doubt concerned that she wasn't focused. Ruby was just...Ruby, bouncing around in excitement as the doors opened, a large blinding light from above illuminating them as a chorus of crowds cheered in excitement.

The four of them ascended the cracked gray marble steps into the arena, the large protective dome around them shimmering every couple of seconds like a river. The doors behind them slammed shut, and the familiar fluttery voice of the female announce burst from the speakers. Near the front of the arena on the right side, Blake spotted team JNPR, jumping up and down as they whistled and shouted. She soon spotted Jaune with that same smile, the one that was her source of confusion.

"Welcome back ladies and gentlemen for another resounding presentation of the Vytal festival qualification tournament rounds! Today we have team RWBY in their final round, with a spot in the tournament if completed successfully!" a raucous response was returned, and from a high spot in the stadium in a staff box overlooking the arena, Ozpin gave off a confident smile and took a sip from his coffee. Behind him Glynda and the others walked up to the glass windows with awe and enthusiastic anticipation to see some of their favorite students in action.

Blake looked at Ruby who quickly turned around, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Okay guys, remember our formations and we should do fine!" they all gave a nod and watched as the arena began to morph.

"Today's challenge is another personal favorite of mine," the announcer chirped as the stage meshed into several hills around them, becoming covered with tall yellow grain grass and weeds, and below several statues and chipped rocks that with dust falling to the sides. "The objective of this challenge is to maintain control of all four zones until the timer runs out! A total of 120 points must be earn for completion!"

At each of the four hills, a light yellow circle hovered at the center, and above the arena stood the timer that started at three minutes in three dimensional bright red numbers. A tension-filled silence surrounded the four of them, and the round began. Blake rushed toward the hill east of the arena and hopped in the middle as holographic Grimm began to materialize. Three Beowolves charged at her from all sides, but she used her semblance and created a dark clone of herself that crumbled into pieces, coming back down with a series of swipes that cut the Grimm down.

She watched on the opposite end of the corner as Yang grabbed two Boarbatusk by the necks and slammed them into each other, while unloading Ember Celica into two Beowolf jumping from above. Her partner was the last person who needed help. Blake heard the familiar growl of an Ursa and snapped her neck to the left, ducking before the Grimm could claw at her chest, bringing up Gambol Shroud into the bottom of its jaw. As the carcass disintegrated, she checked the timer; 2:15, and none of them had left their respected zones.

The smaller Grimm began to clear out as a Nevermore formed near the top of the arena, letting out large screech and flapping its wings, the force of the gust created pressing against her pale face. It let loose a volley of bladed feathers at the zones, causing the four of them to leave their positions, earning four negative points in their total tally. Ruby whipped above the Nevermore using her semblance and dragged Crescent Rose across its neckline, the Nevermore crashing into the ground with a load squeal.

We have to hurry, only a minute and half left.

Blake and the others rushed back into their zones and watched as Ruby took out the remaining Grimm that were left over, teleporting across the room. The clock ticked away as their points added up on the scoreboard, until the timer ran out and the challenge was over. Blake wiped her brow of sweat and exhaled, flashing a quick smile to her teammates before the female announcer came back on. She could see the look of anxiety on Weiss and Ruby's faces, which she could understand because of how close their score would be.

"What a wonderful showing from team RWBY everyone, give them a round of applause! The score is finally in and-wait hold on a minute. Here it is and team RWBY has advanced into the tournament!" The stadium was filled with the roar of jovial cheers. In their excitement, Blake and the others began to hop in glee, hugging each other.

RWBY scurried back into the stands to join up with JNPR, smiles plastered on their faces as they were congratulated. Pyrrha and Nora swarmed them, giving them all tight hugs, while Yang was crushing Ruby as she protested. Blake turned to look at Jaune who was wheeled over by Velvet, ready to hear more encouraging words from her favorite clumsy knight. Yet in the back of her mind she wanted to be the one that was accompanying him, though as to why she still couldn't place.

"You guys did great out there," Jaune said with a chuckle.

"Well the support of our friends always helps, though I was a little worried when that Nevermore showed up."

"I wasn't," Velvet added to the conversation. "I knew you would all pull through." Blake appreciated the kind Faunus' word, but for some reason she was annoyed that she couldn't speak to Jaune in private.

Preoccupied with talking to Jaune, Blake never noticed or heard Yang walk up from behind and slap her on the butt. She tensed up for a second and hissed, but as she collected herself a small blush covered her cheeks. "Hey we're heading back to the dorm for a bit, you can talk to Jaune later." She gave a small wink and continued past her.

She loved her partner, but the bombastic blond could be irritating at times. Jaune and Velvet looked between each other, blinking a few times in confusion before shrugging the comment off. Blake waved goodbye as she joined her team, relishing the thought of a nice hot shower overtaking her-the final round took a lot out of her and she needed time to mull over her recent thoughts.

When the four of them reached their room, they each chose a different method to relax, Yang kicking off her boots and plopping onto her bed, while Weiss sat at her desk and stretched her arms. It was no surprise then when she saw Ruby pull out a bag of cookies that she hid under the pillow and began to chomp away, crumbs spilling onto the carpet. But even Weiss was too tired to care. Blake walked over to her bed and sat down, pulling out her notebook and another volume of a book series she was reading, when a small letter fell from inside the cover. Her eyes widened a bit and she picked it up to study.

The black letter had been placed in her notebook on the page where she had drawn a sketch of her old partner Adam Taurus. There was no stamp on the letter, and the front and back were blank with only a red piece of tape sealing it shut. Blake took out a small letter cutter from under her bed and she opened it up, tossing the black parchment into the trashcan. Yang stood up and gave a large stretch and looked over.

"I'm hitting the shower first ladies-oh hey what you got there?" she froze and watched as all three of her friends converged on her.

"I don't know yet...some letter."

"A letter? How did it get in here," Weiss asked with a dubious expression. "Someone didn't sneak in here did they?" That was the first thought that crossed Blake's mind as she unfolded the paper. Her mind went blank when she spotted a particular emblem at the top of the letter.

At the top of the paper was a black circle with three X marks on each side, and in the middle a small scribbled cross. The sight of the symbol shocked Blake, as her hands began to shake in nervous trepidation. To not raise any suspicion, she steeled herself and buried any reaction, replacing the look of astonishment on her face with that of curiosity.

"I'm afraid it's nothing juicy," Blake lied. She hated herself for lying to her team, just as she lied to Jaune about what she found in the forest that day. But what she saw shook her to the core. She didn't even have to read the contents of the letter to know who it was from.

The symbol on the top was a creation she and Adam had used when exchanging letters. Sometimes they were separated, and the only way the White Fang would allow them to send any form of correspondence was if it was cryptic to a certain degree. Adam came up with the circle, while Blake fleshed it out with the cross in the middle. She remembered that day-it was rare because they were able to go out on the town and indulge on some ice cream. That was one of her favorite memories.

With everyone off her back and Yang in the shower, Blake unfolded the letter and began to observe it. Her breathing sped up a little and she made sure to absorb every little detail. From first glance everything seemed to be normal and she could recognize his handwriting. The letter was not a fake, that much was determined by her. With one last sigh she resigned herself and started reading.

Little cat: we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but I believe now is the time that we should meet again and discuss our future paths. This may be the last chance for us to talk...so please find me tonight. 42nd street in the downtown area near lot 20.

P.S. Show me some of your new drawings, I know you still sketch.

Adam's message was short but precise, as they always were back then, but a meeting tonight in such a secluded area? It all smelled of a trap by the White Fang, and it was also possible someone may have forged his writing and mannerisms to lure her out from the rest of her team. A myriad of possibilities rushed through her mind, colliding with the emotions that swelled within. She knew their eventual meeting would happen with the presence of the White Fang growing; in fact she dreaded it, experiencing the occasional nightmare.

Out of an act of paranoia and disgruntlement, Blake took the letter and shredded it into pieces, tossing the scraps into the trashcan below her bunkbed-she already memorized it anyway, and there was no reason to leave any evidence behind, especially when someone is associated with a wanted criminal. Just the description she used to label him hurt her deeply, as the Adam she knew was kind and considerate, only doing what he thought best for the betterment of their people. That was until something twisted the mind of the man he once was.

Now what was she supposed to do? She had to handle this with a clear mind, no matter how she felt, especially with how suspicious the letter was. Its possible Adam really had written the letter for her and delivered it, but at the same time anyone within the White Fang could know about their past relationship. There were just too many variables to account for. Blake wanted to tackle this alone-despite the stupidity of the notion-and confront Adam or whoever sent the message. But...she needed help, and Yang was the answer. The fiery blonde usually took about 30 minutes hot showers, so she had time to think of how to spill the news, only hoping that her partner would understand.

It would be forever known as the longest shower ever to Blake, unable to keep herself occupied without thinking back to Adam while flipping through the pages of her old notebook. She had several sketches of the skilled Faunus and his weapon Wilt and Blush, which was secured on his waist. There was no understatement for how strong he was with a sword, slicing through anyone or thing that stood in his path-no one among her peers could match the strength of Adam Taurus. Blake could even imagine Professor Goodwitch having difficulty.

The torrent of water within the bathroom stopped, and she heard a satisfied groan from Yang, the heiress grumbling under her breathe about wasting hot water. The blonde burst from the door, as a large wall of steam flowed into the room. Yang wore a towel around her waist, and her face was still flush from the heat of the agonizingly long shower she undertook. Small drops of water dripped from her hair and her legs shimmered off the reflection of light within the room.

"I thought you were going to cut down your bathroom time!"

"Oh calm down princess, there's still plenty left," Yang replied, walking over to her bed to once again collapse upon. Blake had to agree with Weiss however, her showers were too damn long.

"Yang I'm feeling hungry."

"Same here, just let me get ready real quick!" true to her word, Yang hopped over to her closet and began sifting through her various clothes and accessories. Within a minute she chose a low-cut orange tank top and some yellow shorts with streaks of fire that had been knitted onto the sides.

Like magic, Yang whipped her head back and forth, drying her hair as it settled down. Blake was astounded at how she maintained not only her appearance but that undeniable beautiful mane that shined brighter than the lights in the room. She had to admit she was a tiny bit jealous. She motioned for Yang to follow and they exited the room, leaving Ruby to pout at their unexpected departure. Once the door shut behind them they only walked several feet down the hall before Yang stopped and turned to narrow her eyes at Blake.

"So what did the letter say?"

"I should have known you would know..."

"What else could it be? I'm just happy you decided to confide in me. To be honest I thought you were going to shut me out again."

"Not this time," Blake said as she glanced at the ground. She thought this conversation was planned out, but it was becoming difficult to find a suitable place to start.

No, I need to let go, she won't judge me. I've been hiding too many secrets close to my heart...trying to seclude myself led to Jaune's situation.

"Follow me, I don't want to talk about it here." Yang gave a small nod and they set off to somewhere that lacked the prying ears of the student body.

Near the cliffs behind Beacon Academy, Yang and Blake sat down on a small brown bench in the shade, an old large tree whose leaves had changed to orange and brown. Scattered on the grown were broken branches and small cracked shells of nuts. They both had a nice view of the Forever Fall, only the sounds of a few chirping birds that flew by breaking the awkward stillness in the air between them. What Blake was about to tell Yang was big, something she wanted to avoid during her somewhat peaceful days at Beacon.

Yang crossed her legs and leaned back onto the bench, whistling a small tune as she waited for Blake to steer the conversation toward the letter. It didn't take a scholar to figure out something was amiss when a mysterious black envelope drops into your room unannounced. She felt sorry for her friend and partner, having gone through so much with Jaune regardless of her poor decision making. But sitting together on a bench tooting their horns was going to get them nowhere, especially when the last rounds of the qualification matches were going on.

"Alright, enough peace and quiet, what's wrong?"

"...the letter...was from an old friend in the White Fang."

Yang's eyes widened a bit. "Oh...who?" To her surprise Blake pulled out her notebook and began flipping through the pages until she stopped on a familiar sketch she had once spotted during their classes.

"His name is Adam Taurus, we use to be close friends and teammates when I was with the White Fang," Blake let out a large sigh and began to continue. "He was the reason I made it so far: the man helped train me into the Huntress I am today, comforted me during some extremely trialing times, and filled me with a hardened resolve to combat the discrimination Faunus suffer from." The words began to flow easier as she narrated to Yang what kind of person Adam used to be.

"What does he want? I don't think you ever told me the details on why you left the White Fang." It was true, she had expressed her displeasure with their change of tactics to her friends, but she never outlined what finally drove her to leave.

"We were on a mission to track down some Atlas military supplies and weapons aboard a train. It was heavily fortified but nothing Adam couldn't handle with my help. The plan was to set charges and destroy all the equipment but...there were workers aboard." Blake hesitated a moment before she finished the story, looking down at the picture she drew once again.

What made you change Adam?

Blake felt the warm comforting hand of Yang on her shoulder, and she closed her eyes, letting out another sigh. "He...wanted to set the charges off with the people still aboard. Yang...he didn't care about them, that innocent lives would be wasted. He changed-they all did."

"And now he comes suddenly and arranges a meeting, am I right?" Blake shook her head and wiped away a small tear from her left eye.

"The meeting is tonight in downtown Vale...but all of this is very suspicious. When I looked over the letter everything seemed to be in order: the handwriting is spot on and it's written in his style, but that doesn't mean it was necessarily he who wrote it," Blake began to explain as she opened her notebook back up and started jotting down with a pen. "Anyone within the White Fang who knew of our relationship could have forged this."

"What kind of relationship did you two have?" Yang asked, unable to contain herself. Blake looked over to Yang and began to glare.

"I rather not say," she replied flatly.

"Understood. Gotta be honest here, it sounds like a trap. Especially after all the hurt we brought their group during the Breach." She was glad Yang was on the same page as her regarding the timing of the letter being sent, but what worried her more was that someone broke into their room to leave it.

"I'm crossed on what to do, this screams of a White Fang trap...yet what if it really is him? What will I even say to him?" Blake bent over and ran her hands through her hair gently, and the bow atop of her head began to twitch.

"I don't know what to say Blakey, I mean what can the two of us do? We need to tell Ruby and the others about this so they have our back. Say you go and meet him and it isn't a trap-you can't be sure what he will do." Yang stood up from the bench and dusted off her shorts, stretching her back as she stared into the bright sun.

"It kills me to say this but...I want to go and confront whoever wrote this letter. Will you come with me Yang? We can run away at the first sign of danger, I promise." Her partner let out a large groan and her shoulders collapsed in defeat.

Everything about this decision was wrong; not involving Ruby and Weiss was definitely dumb, but there was no convincing Blake, especially when it pertained to someone who was once so important to her. There was no telling what the girl was going through, and any form of rational thinking could be clouded by emotions. Yang was just glad she approached her. Besides how was she supposed to tell someone that her teammate was connected to a highly wanted terrorist? Well actually, knowing her friends they would shrug it off.

"Okay fine, But! If I sense anything is wrong we bolt."

"Agreed. We still have a couple of hours before tonight, I need some time to think this over more. Yang you should go enjoy yourself while I head to the library." Blake got up at last and gripped her notebook close to her chest. Before she could leave Yang grabbed her from behind in an embraced hug that was too tight for her to break free.

"Oh no you don't," she said with a smug looking smile. "You're not going anywhere kitty! Blake tried to struggle, but began to relax when she realized escaping would do no good. The blonde was too stubborn.

"Fine...I guess we can visit Jaune and the others."

With the last of the qualification rounds wrapping up at around 4:00 PM, Jaune found himself in the cafeteria with his team and Velvet celebrating JNPR's entry into the tournament. Instead of partaking in the normal school meals, they all indulged on glazed Barbeque wings which they bought from one of the concession stands. Almost all of their faces were covered in sauce except for Pyrrha and Velvet's who laughed as Jaune attempted to reach for a napkin on the end of the table.

Everyone was too busy having a good time to notice Blake and Yang walk up from behind to join them. They wore small smiles, pretending as if their previous conversation had not taken place. As they sat down, Blake's ears were filled with a charming laugh, and she stole a glance at Jaune.

For but a moment all of her worries faded away, happy to see that Jaune found someone who could appreciate him, and a Faunus even at that. Velvet was a gentle girl that could pack a wallop, and for some reason seeing the two together seemed right to her, yet at the same time was irking. While she told Yang she didn't want anyone else to know about their upcoming meeting tonight, she felt compelled to let Jaune know out of obligation. She considered it a little insurance in case something went awry. It really was surprising how much she trusted him now.

Several minutes passed until Ruby and Weiss came to join the others, Nora collided with the both of them in a furious tackle as she yelled out unusual words of praise. Weiss in her usual ice queen way protested about being on the floor, while the others laughed at her misery. Blake needed an opportunity to pull Jaune away from everyone without drawing any suspicion or misconstrued intentions. Thankfully the master of distractions-Yang Xiao Long-was at her disposal to use.

The notebook on her side that she kept with her after coming straight from the other side of Beacon would come in handy. Blake opened it up and tore a small piece from the bottom of one of the pages, and wrote a quick instruction she passed on to Yang. No one noticed the pass, and Yang quickly read the note which read: Get me alone with Jaune! It was simple, but she was sure Yang would figure something out.

"Aw crap, Jaune I forgot your present in my room," Yang said with the best feign of worry ever. Her partner could have been an actress if not a Huntress.

"You got a Jaune a present, that's so sweet sis!" Ruby responded.

"Why would you buy him a present?" Weiss asked as she became suspicious. Yang was prepared however, as the heiress always questioned her motives.

"I forgot to give it to him when he was in the infirmary, it was sort of a get well present you know?" Weiss narrowed her eyes to stare at Yang for only a second, and nodded, somehow excepting the lie.

"That is very kind of you Yang," Pyrrha said.

"Wow, I appreciate it," Jaune said with a goofy smile. So what did you get me?" Yang leaned over the table and pointed at Jaune.

"It's a surprise, but I want you to go fetch it in my room, I don't want everyone else to see it until you have." Yang answered with a wink.

"But Jaune can't walk yet, don't you see the wheelchair!?" Nora said without being sensitive in the slightest. The energetic pink-haired girl always said what was on her simple but silly mind, and sometimes it wasn't appropriate. Ren whacked her across the head with a chastising remark.

"Blake, escort Jaune to our room will you please?"

Blake had to hand it to Yang, her partner came up with the best excuse she had ever heard to lure someone out. The plan had holes of course, but no one at the table thought to question the busty blonde. Jaune gave off a small shrug and wheeled himself over to Blake as he waved at the others. Somehow she could feel daggers in the back of her head from Pyrrha and Velvet as she took Jaune out into the halls toward their dorm.

About three minutes after they left, Blake was sure they were far enough to not worry about anyone listening in on their conversation. She decided to come to a stop and walk around the chair to face Jaune, but she was caught off guard by his expression; not one of surprise but a simple smirk. Somehow he had caught on to what Blake was doing, and she had to admit it was impressive.

"How did you know?"

"When you and Yang walked in, it looked like you wanted to tell me something, but I wasn't sure when."

"So you're able to read me now?"

"Nah, I've just seen that look a lot," he rubbed the back of his neck and gave off a small chuckle.

"Fair enough...Jaune don't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. Yang and I are going on a secret mission tonight-someone I knew in the White Fang wishes to meet with me alone." Blake watched for any shifts in his face, perhaps worry or anger.

"Are you sure it's safe? It could be a trap. I think you should include Ruby and Weiss, I wouldn't want something like in the forest to happen again." Jaune's gentle expression became stern, and his blue eyes began to shimmer with a look of confidence and worry. Blake found herself mesmerized, but broke off her gaze.

"They won't meet me unless I'm alone, but I'm still bringing Yang if I need help escaping. But I also want you to help me Jaune if possible."

He nodded. "What do you need?" Blake tore another scrap from her notebook and handed it to Jaune.

"This is my scroll number. I'll contact you if we need help or reinforcements. I want to be more prepared this time." He took the small piece of paper and brought it to his chest, a large smile creeping onto this face.

"Blake...just be careful, for me okay?" Blake's stomach began to act up, and she felt dizzy, the thought of leaving on this note unsatisfactory. She walked up to Jaune and bent over, placing her lips onto his cheek with a small peck, leaving him with a slight blush.

"Thank you Jaune, I will."

They decided to waste a couple more minutes before heading back to the cafeteria, both trying to come up with an excuse for not bringing back Yang's so-called present. It didn't matter to her, she had the trust of Jaune and was now much more confident for the meeting tonight.

The ride on the airship had been quiet, only a few students from Beacon riding to the city so late at night. On the way Blake and Yang formulated a simple game plan before heading to the location. The sender of the letter expected Blake to appear alone, but anyone smart enough would realize that there would be backup waiting in the shadows. She had a plan for yang however, a simple trick to hide one's aura, a technique she learned while in the White Fang for reconnaissance missions.

Yang was able to pick up the trick with little ease, and with minutes only away until the fated meeting, they made their way cautiously downtown. Numerous street lights illuminated the darkness around them as most of the stores had closed down, only the warehouses keeping open for storage purposes. The streets were filled with crumples of paper and food that had been thrown on the ground, and the soft cool breeze of the night brushed against them. It was almost ominous in way.

A sign reading 41st street stood at the end of the road, their destination only seconds away at the speed they were going. Once they approached the lots, Blake held up her hand and signaled for Yang to hang back. Her breathing became heightened, her arms shaking a bit. Her throat was dry as she tried to compose herself for the long walk into the lots. Large cargo containers littered the surrounding area with a large blue crane hanging overhead, some of the wires and hooks dangling in the air.

Lot 20 was in sight, she had arrived, and in the distance she spotted a black blur. Blake reached for the hilt of Gambol Shroud and proceeded at a slow pace, each step bringing her closer to the truth. And then her heart stopped, staring at the familiar black coat and tulip symbol on Adam's back. She let go of her weapon and tried to speak, her lips only stuttering as he turned around to face her.

"I see you received my letter...to be honest I didn't think you would come. Did you bring the notebook like I asked?" She was hesitant, but took out the book from her back and handed it to Adam.

"It's really you...I don't know what to say."

"You've been keeping yourself busy, but that's not why I called you out here." He shut the notebook slid it across the gravel.

"I only came because I wanted to know...what happened to you Adam, why do you continue to aid the White Fang!? Acts of terrorism...this isn't the change our people are seeking!" She told herself she would remain calm, but Blake's emotions came out in a fury.

"Who are you the one to judge the White Fang? The girl who chose to run away and hide in school to become a Huntress. You have no idea what we are trying to do. But I still believe you care Blake."

"I care for the rights of the Faunus."

"If you say that, then you would help our cause."

"By killing the innocent? We're only excluding our people even further by committing acts of crime! I can't be a part of an organization that also colludes with known wanted criminals such as Roman Torchwick." Adam began to laugh, shaking his head at Blake in a condescending way.

"Torchwick is a means to an end...yet you speak like you know of what our people suffer. Do you know what the Faunus are going through Blake? Their starving, sick, discriminated against, murdered in the streets at night. Do you even know what Atlas is planning?" Blake was confused and shock for a bit, trying to understand what he meant by Atlas.

Am I really blind to the plight of the Faunus?

"There's always another way, we don't have to resort to violence like the animals they think we are!" Adam gave off a sigh and extended his hand.

"Prove it to me then, come back to the White Fang."

Blake didn't even have to consider her answer. "No...I can't go back, not unless their tactics change, and I doubt that will be happening soon. But you Adam-you can make this happen." Adam's hand fell and he shook his head at the ground.

"I missed you Blake...I think about you every day. We need you to come back, but I'm afraid it might have to be by force." Blake tried to reach for her weapon, but she was too slow.

Adam had closed the distance between them in seconds, grabbing both of her wrists so she couldn't move. Before she could attempt to struggle, he kneed her in the abdomen, letting her collapse onto the ground. Blake gasped for air, trying to reach for her weapon, until Adam threw Gambol Shroud to the side. Yang made her move and rushed in with Ember Celica cocked, but as she landed, tip of a sword pressed against her neck, a small drop of blood cascading down her skin. From the corner of her she spotted the familiar smug smile of Neo.

"Y-Yang, don't move."

"Trying my best not to here."

"Blake...you have several options before you, but only one choice is obvious. Come back with me, and I will let your friend go. Please just come quietly." Blake began to stand back up, gripping her chest, but what caught her surprise was the empty feeling on top of her head. She looked over to see Adam holding her black bow.

"Why do you use this? Embrace who you really are."

"Don't listen to him Blake!"

"Kill her if she says another word, Neo."

"N-no don't, I'll come, just leave her unharmed!" She pleaded. Out of nowhere giant lights covered the area around them, bullheads descending from the night sky as several soldiers rappelled down. She froze, while Adam and Neo jumped back and pulled out there weapons.

"Save the girl, and arrest the three them now!" one of the soldiers barked as they began to form a perimeter around them. Blake had heard them say the three of them, no doubt believing she was with them because her ears were exposed. Yang was about to protest, but one of the soldiers grabbed her and carried her off.

Blake was at a lost, unable to do anything but run. She grabbed Gambol Shroud and used her semblance to make a copy. Using the distraction she leaped onto the crane nearby and began making her way across the buildings to safety. She was panting, her mind racing as she realized what just transpired; she was now a fugitive. The sound of sirens plagued the once silent night, and soldiers patrolled the empty streets below, leaving her little room to hide.

She spotted a small building that look abandoned across one of the alleyways and jumped below to enter inside. The windows were boarded up and the doors locked with chains, but that didn't stop her. The inside was empty and covered in plastic, white chalk adorning the floors, and in the corner was a brown tattered cloth that sat on top of an empty crate. Blake walked over to the cloth and wrapped it around herself, covering the top of her head as tears began to flow from her eyes. She was no longer a Huntress or a hero of justice...only a stray cat.