Chapter 10
-3rd person Shadow POV-
All of Shadow's men were in bed, all with shots to critical organs. Shadow was grim and angry as to how this could happen. He turned around and saw the smug face of Shash. He almost pulled out his weapon to respond to Shash's presence but before he could even move he felt a sharp object go right through his stomach. He looked down to see Shash's vibroblade sticking right through his abdomen. He wanted to scream from the pain, but could not find his voice. He slid backward off of the sword and onto the ground where the 21st Nova troopers stood over him. He was on the floor in the field of the Emerald Forest, which was burning. He smelled burning wood and the stink of death. He heard screams in the distance off towards Beacon. He could taste the taste of blood in his mouth has he laid there gritting his teeth at those above him. He then saw another figure appear behind him, but still leering over him. Torchwick...
Roman: "You never learn, do you? This is my world. And your friends...? They just got in the way..."
Roman then started to walk off, Shadow watching his movements, only tearing his eyes away when he felt a boot being put on top of his chest. He still could not speak as Shash held his DC15P in front of Shadow's face.
Shash: "Sorry, Shadow. It seems you have failed... again."
Shadow's life flashed before him as he saw the flash of gas being energized into a projectile to be flung across a small distance into Shadow's head. The last thought however in that head, was of Blake. "No!" He finally let out before being silenced forever.
Shadow woke up yelling at the top of his lungs and sweating like a liar on judgement day. Blake came rushing in and exlcaimed: "Shadow?!"
Shadow looked around and noticed that he was inside of his dorm in the middle of the morning. He looked at his clock which read: "4:19:30"
Shadow then took control of his breathing and replied to Blake.
Shadow: "I'm... I'm fine. It's just a nightmare."
Blake only then let out her breath and was relieved of her strife.
Blake: "This is your third nightmare this week..."
Shadow: "I promise, I'm fine. There's nothing wrong, I promise."
Blake: "Even so, I want to help. Do you mind if I accompany you tonight?"
Shadow blushed thinking of what she meant but pushed all of the more negative thoughts out of his head and replied: "Yeah... sure."
Blake stepped into Shadow's dorm and closed the door. She got under the covers and cuddled next to Shadow.
Blake: "No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
Shadow immediately felt all fear rushing out of him like a river pouring into the ocean, his ocean of emotions. The rain that started the next cycle was one of happiness and relief.
Shadow: "Thank you... good night, Blake."
Blake kissed him good night and replied the same: "Good night..."
Shadow slept soundly throughout the rest of the morning.
-3rd Person Yang POV-
Yang woke up that morning to find that Blake's bed was empty. She wondered where she was but did not give much thought to it. She slipped out of bed and checked the time. It was still 7:20:15. She realised that she still had time to do stuff so she got dressed and checked her scroll. She saw that she had new mail so she obviously opened her mail to see what it was. It was a message from Professor Oobleck saying to meet at the designated coordinates in the Emerald Forest. She also saw that Blake had sent her a message and would look at it later. She memorized the information then closed the scroll, put it in her pocket and moved on to get ready for the day.
After Yang was done with all of her preparations for the day, she stepped out to see which of her friends were up, but she was hoping that Jared was up. She kept walking towards team TJGJ's dorm, taking her time with each step. Once she arrived, she noticed that Jared was sitting outside looking at his scroll, at some sort of picture app and laughing softly. She approached him and spoke up.
Yang: "Hey, handsome."
Jared cringed in the surprise to see that someone besides himself was up at this time. He was relieved however to see that it was just his girlfriend, Yang.
Jared laughed nervously and said: "Don't scare me like that!"
Yang smiled and sat down next to him.
Yang: "So whatcha lookin' at?"
Jared: "Oh, just an app I downloaded onto my scroll that I found earlier last week. It gives around sixty funny new photos at different times each day. It's quite a nice app." Jared closed his scroll and put it in his pocket.
Jared: "So why are you up this early?
Yang: "Oh, couldn't go back to sleep."
Jared: "Hum."
Yang: "So are you ready for today?"
Jared: "Yeah. Did you get the message about Oobleck's?"
Yang: "Yeah, but I would rather not focus on that right now..."
Jared: "And what would you like to focus on?" Jared seemed intrigued so Yang just jumped right into it and kissed him.
Yang: "You... and I..." Yang said with a smiled and cuddled with her. The two sat there for a good while, not noticing the minutes go by. By the time Jared had looked at his scroll, next, he saw that it was about 8:45:10.
Jared: "As much as both you and I would love to stay here... we have class soon and we should start walking."
Yang sighed with disdain but agreed and stood up.
As soon as Jared got up she hugged and kissed him one last time before running off yelling: "Catch ya there!"
She looked back to see Jared smiling and taking the bait, running to catch up with and try to pass her.
He never did.
-Jared 3rd Person POV-
As soon as Jared caught up to Yang, she was already where the rest of the class was at the edge of the Emerald Forest. She turned around and looked a bit concerned.
Yang: "You ok?"
Jared who was out of breath got the sarcastic joke and rolled his eyes which made her smile and turn back. He finally caught his breath and walked up to where everyone else was and looked to see Oobleck looking at his watch.
Prof. Oobleck: "Aaaand, time! Let class begin! Your objective today, class is to find hints to a quiz tomorrow which will be on things you SHOULD already know but may NOT know. So to prepare you for the enevitable we have placed clues all over the forest and you are required to find them whilst also combatting the creatures of Grimm. Any questions?
A blonde kid could be seen raising his hand and wearily replying: "Uhh I have on-"
Prof. Oobleck: "Splendid! You may begin on my mark... Oh! And don't forget to meet back here in three hours. Go. "
Whilst everyone rushed off into the forest in random directions, team RWBYS and team TJGJ ran together and made a plan as they ran.
Shadow: "Alright. Ruby, Weiss, TJ, GT, and Titus, go off in the direction to our 2 o'clock and search over there. Everyone else, with me.
Everyone: "Alrighty!"
The two groups split up and Jared was keeping up with Shadow and even feeling a bit springy so he decided to run ahead and try to pass him. Shadow saw him and ran a little faster. Jared did the same, mirroring for about a minute before Jared broke out into complete sprint and ran ahead of Shadow. Shadow yelled: "Alright, showoff, come back." Jared smiled and waited for them to catch up to him, everyone in a walking pace now that he had tired them out.
Jared was feeling pretty good about that day.
-Blake 3rd person POV-
Blake had sent a message to Yang after getting out of bed without waking Shadow, as he was in a deep and happy sleep. She had told Yang to press for information about the SBH since they clearly did not give them a straight answer at dinner the other night.
Blake looked at Yang and Yang caught her eye. Blake gave the signal with the wink of an eye and brought up a question.
Blake: "So, Shadow. Would you care to tell me something you and Jared did in SBH that's actually true?"
She watched as Shadow stopped in his tracks and looked at Jared. Jared sighed and nodded to Shadow.
Shadow: "Very well. Jared, would you care to choose something to tell?"
Jared: "File B. The coruscant scandal. Operation: Black Justice.
Shadow: "Ooh that one is entertaining."
Jared: "Want me to start?"
Blake looked at Yang and smiled who smiled back at the fact they got a straight answer from the two, finally.
Jared who had gotten the go from Shadow started: "So. We were patrolling Coruscant in front of the Military zone when we heard over the comms that someone had taken over the Chancellor's office. He was away at the time and was not in his office, thankfully. However, this was by the name of a mercenary who refused to go by anything other than "Emersblade." He told the people who relayed the intel that they wanted to speak to me, personally. I looked to Shadow who was also confused and asked them to check that again. They confirmed it as saying "we want to speak to Jared." We prepared for the scenario, mapped and planned the time of the meet and finally rested on one option. False security. I walked into the Chancellor's office just an hour after planning the counter attack. There was two people inside. The merc Emersblade and his partner who asked to go by the name of "Jacob." They told me to sit down and asked me a couple of arbitrary questions. Mostly about other ops that the Republic had launched. One in particular, was one he was obsessed with. An op we performed on Tatooine, which we raided another group who had made their own clone army. Apparrently, he said that an explosion hit his sister's home and she died. He blamed us for her death and has never forgiven us since. So he put a blaster to my head and asked: 'are you ready to pay for your crimes.' I then replied: 'justice comes in many colors. Did you know it also comes in black?'"
Shadow: "My team heard this phrase over the comms and dropped from the stealth dropships which were stationed above the Chancellor's terrace and breached through the window. Emersblade and "Jacob" were caught off guard by this sudden action and Jared knocked Emersblade out with a move that only few SBH get training to do. He only got to use it because he was put in this situation. Emersblade's partner however, suffered and unfortunate shot to the head by a recruit which was known as Sharp. Nobody to this day knows what happened in Sharp's head to make... it... abandon us. However we do know that it's somewhere out in the galaxy, planning a return. I digress however, we then interrogated Emersblade and he gave a confession, which sentenced him to life imprisonment."
Blake's eyes widened from such a story. 'This is what they keep confidential? This sounds like it could set the public into an outrage if this was released. Their highest echelons of security breached by two men... I can see why they keep this a secret.'
Shadow: "Blake?"
Blake snapped to and realised what was going on again. She responded: "Hm?"
Shadow: "Are you happy, now? Knowing the one of the most secret information in the Republic?"
Blake knew she wanted to say no but decided against it as Shadow seemed really against giving out this information.
Blake: "I am. Thank you for humoring me."
Yang: "I know I'm amazed... like... wow. That was a thing."
As they walked they failed to realise they had not picked up any notes and completely forgot about it. They did however manage to trip on a large "branch on the ground."
Jared: "Ow... damn branch had me trip."
Blake using her Faunus senses figured out something the others clearly did not.
Blake: "That's no branch... that's a tail..."
And indeed she was right. The tail started to raise up as out of the bushes came a large death-stalker.
Shadow: "Whoa... never seen one of these... I want to kill it. Everyone stay back, it's mine!"
Blake was a bit afraid for the wellbeing of her partner but let him go as he seemed quite energetic and happy about fighting the deathstalker.
-Shadow 3rd Person POV-
Shadow decided to challenge himself and only use his wrist-blades. He deployed them and did some warm-up slashes. The deathstalker roared and clacked its claws together before charging Shadow. Shadow dodged the clas attacks and managed to land a stab under the creature's head where its "chin" would be. The creature screeched from the pain and was frenzied now. It attempted to get under Shadow and flip him into the air. Shadow dodged these attacks swiftly and get under it and find all of its vital spots and stab it until it roared it's last, grim shriek. Shadow realised that he was covered in dust and blood from the beast's veins. It was black and seemed to have just as evil of a presence as the beast itself, although it was decintegrating. He simply wiped himself down and looked back to his teammates.
Blake: "Not many people can take down a deathstalker on their first attempt... but you always do end up surprising me."
Shadow: "Thanks... it didn't take me too much... time... what time is it?"
Jared: "It's uhh... eleven o'clock."
Shadow: "Damn! I'll send a message to the others to get them to meet us where we split up within half an hour now."
Shadow quickly brought out his scroll and sent the message off to GT. GT received the message and replied affirmatively. Shadow acknowledged the reply and then put away his scroll and turned back to his team.
Yang: "Alright, let's go! Last one back has to do all of tonight's homework!"
Shadow smirked at how joking and aloof Yang was, almost as if she was a counterpart to Jared. Blake caught his look and asked: "What's up?"
Shadow just looked at her and said: "Nothing..."
Everyone raced back to the rally point.
-Blake 3rd Person POV-
Everyone gathered in the main auditorium of Beacon for the dueling class with Glenda Goodwitch. Once there Shadow whispered into Blake's ear that he: "Can't believe that Jared has to do everyone's homework..."
Blake smiled and rolled her eyes and then looked back at the stage where Goodwitch was about to speak.
Goodwitch: "Remember. After the fight is done, you are free to go back to your dorms and do as you please. However during the fight you abide by the rules we've established and follow them firmly. Once your Aura goes into the red, you will be marked 'out.' Is this clear?"
The whole auditorium rang with an echoing "yes, ma'am."
Goodwitch: "Good. We will now be randomly selecting the next two pairs to fight each other."
The screens above on the left and rights of the stage flashed with the faces of all the sudents inside of the auditorium. On the left side, the faces of Shadow and Blake Belladonna stopped on the screen. Blake looked at Shadow with reassurement, knowing that they were a good pair to be chosen.
The screens continued to flicker and the faces of Jared and Yang Xiao Long stopped on the board. Blake frowned at the Deja Vu she suddenly felt. She looked at Shadow who looked back with the same look, fear but a hint of determination.
The teams stepped onto the stage on their respective sides. This time, it would be different...
Goodwitch: "Are you four ready?"
Blake, Shadow, Yang, Jared: "We are."
Goodwitch: "You may begin when notified."
-FIVE-
Blake grabbed Gambol Shround and prepared herself to charge at Jared, just like before.
-FOUR-
She looked at Shadow for one last time as she wished him good luck with controlling himself.
-THREE-
She looked for any weakness on Jared's armor...
-TWO-
She could see that his right leg was a bit higher than his left.
-ONE-
She had a plan...
-BEGIN!-
She rushed towards Jared and stepped right, attempting to have him mirror and step left. He did. She took advantage of this and used Jared's high right leg to trip him. As he fell, Blake used her speed to kick Jared into the air as high as she could. With as high as he got, she was able to knock him back towards the ground pretty hard...
-BUZZER-
Jared's Aura reached zero and he looked up at Blake and said: "Nice... but you didn't have to hit me so hard..."
She smiled at Jared but realised the fight was not over. She looked back to Shadow's confrontation with Yang and heard the buzzer. Her eyes widened with surprise as she walked back over to Shadow.
-ONE MINUTE EARLIER-
-Shadow 3rd Person POV-
Shadow made a grab for his dark sword and ran straight towards Yang. She did the same, but she seemed to have lighter steps than she normally would whilst fighting. She managed to land a hit on Shadow's ribs when he swung high. 'No... I will not lose...!' Shadow felt himself getting hotter and he looked at himself and back at Yang who wore a very fearful face... 'No... I can't use it. Not now.' Shadow's black flames died down and he took a deep breath. He looked back at Yang and nodded, who seemed to be more confident now. She ran towards him and made a wide right swing for his head. Shadow ducked under this and swept Yang's feet out from under her. She seemed surprised that he was able to see that opening as she was really low in her swing. Shadow then took advantage of her being on the ground and put his blade towards her neck.
-BUZZER-
Shadow lowered his sword and smiled to Yang who was in relief that he didn't lose control this time. Shadow felt a hand touch his right shoulder and turned to see that it was Blake.
Blake: "I'm so glad you managed to keep yourself in control..."
Shadow: "Oh trust me, I am too."
Shadow felt a tap at his left shoulder and turned to see Jared who was looking at him sternly. Shadow wondered what he had to say...
Instead of saying anything, Jared raised his right hand directly in front of his face, closed his eyes, gave a thumbs up and then smiled.
Jared: "You made good progress today."
Goodwitch: "It's all well and good that you are all safe but we still have other people that need to get into fights. Please be on your way..."
Shadow: "Oh, right! Yes, ma'am!"
Everyone walked off stage laughing and being reminiscent about the whole thing, complementing each others attacks and successes.
Soon though, everyone headed off to their dorms where they would sleep. Most of them, anyway.
-Jared 3rd Person POV-
Jared laid in his bed looking around the room, at his teammates who were sleeping. TJ and GT seemed to be sleeping soundly and Titus was smiling and talking in his sleep. Jared, whose hands were behind his head as he lay there, rolled his eyes and wondered at what he could do to entertain himself. When he realised there wasn't a whole lot he could do while staying in bed and that he couldn't go to sleep, he got up and got dressed in some casual clothes to step out.
Once outside Jared sighed and started walking. He was wondering about today, and how much things have changed since he got here. He was no longer alone... He had someone. Ya-
Yang: "Whoa!"
The two ran into each other and Yang tripped which Jared responded to by saving her by the hip.
They looked each other in the eyes both realizing what happened and Jared put Yang back on her feet.
Jared looked into Yangs eyes and said: "Hey..."
Yang: "Fancy seeing you here..."
Jared: "Yeah... Deja Vu, right?"
Yang: "I feel it, too. Care to break the chain?"
Jared: "Don't mind if I do."
Jared leaned in and kissed Yang who gladly hugged him tighter and stood there kissing for a warm seven seconds.
They finally parted and held hands as they walked down the hallway.
Jared: "Hey, Yang?"
Yang who was still blushing from earlier looked at him and replied: "Humm?"
Jared was uncertain quite of what to say to her... so he just said the first thing that came to mind.
Jared: "I love you... I love this world... I sometimes wonder if it's a dream. If it's a dream, I hope it doesn't end. I don't want to lose you..."
Yang's eyes dilated and held his hand tighter, saying: "It's not a dream... you won't. This is happening. I'm here for you, always."
Jared's mind stayed on that thought for awhile before replying: "I hope you're right."
Yang stopped, turned Jared and kissed him somewhat agressively for a little bit. "Still unconvinced?"
Jared who was certain on reality and fiction replied sarcastically: "Maybe..."
Yang rolled her eyes and hugged him tight.
Yang: "I knew you would say that."
And on that note the two separated and had a long walk around Beacon. However whilst walking in front of Beacon and stargazing, they noticed that on the horizon, a bright light was flashing.
Jared: "Hey... what's that?"
Yang: "Could be trouble. Let's check it out!"
Jared: "Right behind you!"
The two ran off towards the light... having no idea the danger that they would face alone... together.