A/N: Chapter 25 of Ice Prince. Thank you Shiranai Atsune for ideas and allowing me to write this. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, there are no OCs. RWBY belongs to Monty Oum and Roosterteeth.

Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.

Chapter 25: Shots Fired

At the hospital...

"Well, Mr. Xiao Long, you seem to be in good spirits." The doctor spoke after performing a diagnostic test on the patient. Yin had been awaiting a day like this, where he could be discharged from the hospital and brought home. The blond had no plans of going back to Patch too soon though, in fact, he sent a text message to Cinder a few hours earlier and asked her if she come pick him up. Taiyang was a little worried about his son's actions when he received a message and almost wanted him to come home straight away, however after a few more messages back and forth, the older blond relented.

"Thanks, doctor! I'll see you around!" Yin says and hobbles out the door. Looking around he found who he was searching for, Cinder leaning with her back against her patrol car and a pair of shades covered her eyes. A pair of handcuffs carelessly swung around an index finger, indicating her bored behavior. Cupping his hands around his mouth, the blond shouted, "Yo! Officer!"

"Hands behind your back! No funny business!" Cinder barked back playfully, stopping the handcuffs and lowered her glasses to look at him. Yin rolled his head and complied, turning around and placed his hands behind his back. Snorting in laughter, Cinder shook her head and put the cuffs away. "All right, all right, stop playing around and get into the car."

Smiling, the boy got into the car albeit a little slower to not injure himself. Cinder followed suit and drove back to the department in a brighter mood. Traffic wasn't too heavy, but it was noticeably slow and took the two of them forty-five minutes later than usual. To pass the time, Yin and Cinder talked about various things such as school, future jobs, and favorite foods. It sounds like the usual topics two people would talk about on road trips, one of those ice breaker kind of things.

"Looks like the little runt is all better now, heard ya took an explosive for the little lady! What a hero!" Mercury spoke from where he sat at his desk, watching as the duo walked through the doors. "You have the qualifications to be on our team! We'd welcome you into the force, after we grill you through our regiment of course."

"Bah, you just want some more competition." Emerald scoffs once she overhears him, rolling her eyes from where she was working with the copying machine. "You've been bored since we haven't had much applications."

"I'm just saying, this brat would be good! It's a damn compliment." The silver-haired cop replies, folding his arms behind his head and kicking his feet up on the desk. "You know I don't dish those out, and my words are genuine from the bottom of my heart."

"Enough chatter, get back to work." Cinder barked, beckoning Yin to continue following her. The two of them walked towards the back of the department, where the confession rooms where. From behind the glass the blond noticed Blake walking around the confines. She had cuffs around her wrists and shackles around her ankles, which in turn were attached to the chair by a long chain, but she appeared to have full reign of the room. Near the back of the room was a mountain of blankets and a pillow.

"How long has she been in there?" Yin asks Cinder out of curiosity, turning his focus to her. "That couldn't have been comfortable, being alone and all."

"Only for about a day or two, nothing too extravagant. We did offer her a cell that had a bed and everything, but she declined and wished to stay in this room. Neo took the liberty of providing a futon of sorts so she wasn't exactly sleeping on the floor." The chief explains before opening the door. Blake's eyes immediately went to her guests, but they lit up when Yin walked through. She made her way towards him, rattling off questions at rapid fire speed.

"Y-Yin? Are you okay?! Are you still hurt?! They already let you out of the hospital?" She paused when the chain limited her from moving any further and she scowled, eying daggers at the material like it was some living thing. "Cursed chain..."

"Whoa, whoa, calm down kitten, I'm alright." The blond assured her, walking over to close the distance between them. He stood absolutely still so she could inspect him for any wounds to her heart's content, even going so far as to ask him to lift up his shirt. When she found none, she pulled him into a hug and clung on tight. "Hey now...were you that worried about me?"

"Of course, you big dummy. When they said you were emitted into the hospital for your wounds, all I could think about was your safety. I couldn't imagine the pain of my own wounds because I heard that you protected me; you were in more pain than I could ever imagine." She told him, tears of happiness falling down her face. When she felt his arms wrap around her, she couldn't help but smile in response. "But now that you're here, I don't have to worry about you not being here with me. I'm glad you're here."

"I'm sorry for worrying you." He whispers, holding her close, but she shook her head.

"Don't be. I'm sorry for the pain Adam and I caused you, and I'm sorry for the wounds you got for protecting me. Had it been only me...had I gone into the apartment by myself..."

"Hey, don't be sorry for all that. I chose to go with you of my own choice, of my own free will. If it had been you alone, you wouldn't be standing here." He told her, gently rubbing circles on her back to calm her down. "And...I would feel just as bad knowing that I could've protected you."

"...Yin, you are undoubtedly the best..." She whispers to him, and they laughed together as though they were the best of friends.

"Ma'am, news that Mr. Schnee is making his way towards the school." An officer approached Cinder and whispers in her ear to not disturb the moment, getting her attention immediately. "Headmaster Ozpin has requested that we make our appearance for there's going to be more students than normal. The military personals from the academy are also going to be there."

"Very well." Stepping out of the room, she went to confront her department and her units. All eyes faced her and she cleared her throat to speak, "I'm sure you are all aware of the event that is about to happen, but there is also the possibility of an attack. There will be many bodies present, many liable targets." She swept her gaze across the sea of serious expressions, before continuing, "Therefore I don't want to take any risks, so look sharp!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"Alright, all units move out!" As the other officers made their way to their patrol cars and moved out, Cinder stepped back into the room and says, "You want in on this or would you rather stay here?"

"Well, since you're giving me an option, I rather stay here with Blake for a little while longer." Yin states as he turns to the officer, catching the brief look of interest on the girl's face as well as a look of relief. His heart swelled within his chest, a feeling he hoped he could feel every day. "It must have been be a little lonely in here and I haven't gotten to spend time with her since the incident."

"Very well, I respect your request. If you need anything, Roman is in his office with Neo. Also...as a reminder, try to keep things rated clean and PG13. There are cameras that are out of sight, but they are always recording." Cinder muses, watching the kids simultaneously blush red. Placing her cap on, she left the room in stride. Soon it was only the two of them in the room.

"You didn't have to stay, you know." Blake whispers to break the silence. Her only ear angled back and flattened out, her skin flushed a bit like a growing fire. Having spent a majority of her time in confinement, it was a breath of fresh air spending the time with the boy.

"Mmhmm, I know." Yin replies, drawing the other chair in the room to sit down; Blake went back to her regular seat because of her chains, hands placed on her lap. He smiles when she didn't pull away from him, in fact she leaned as close as she possible could. "But I felt like I wanted to."

"Thank you...for saving me that day." She tells him with gratitude laced in her voice, a ghost of a smile on her face. "This is the second time you have saved my life."

"You know, I'd save you regardless of how many times it's needed. The first time I did, I swore I'd never let you cry. I swore I'd never let anything like what happened to your ear...repeat itself." He leans over, touching his forehead with hers. The feeling of her skin on his felt really good, and he smiles. "You don't have to tell me otherwise. I'll be right here when you need me."

In the school courtyard...

"Wow, I knew that this was some kind of special event, but little did I know there were gonna be this many people." Ruby said as she stood by Jaune. Both of them wanted to get at least a good spot with a clear view of the podium placed in the middle of the school courtyard. Their professor decided to post their homework online with the necessary readings, allowing them all to participate in the event. He also stated that their attendance wouldn't be counted against them since he already took roll call twenty minutes prior. "Gosh, it's so crowded!"

"I mean, this is Jacques Schnee we're talking about. It's not every day the CEO of the infamous Schnee Company takes the time of day to visit a school like us. Not to mention the fact, our school and The University of Vale are here together so, there's going to be a lot of bodies around." Jaune replies before jerking his head to the side, "On the other hand, it's understandable that our faunus student body are more than hostile. I wasn't surprised to see the faunus from the other school joining our own."

"It's the same concept of sticking together, solidarity and all. But I can still see some faunus sitting among the humans." Ruby tells him. She swept her gaze across the area, noticing that a small squad of security guards stood at the forefront, preventing rambunctious protesters from rushing the stage. The faunus held signs and shouted through microphones, verbally expressing their concerns and hatred with the patriarch of the Schnee family making an appearance on campus grounds.

"Jaune!"

"Oh! Pyrrha! I saved you a spot!" The blond helped the red-haired student to the vacant seat, smiling at her with the biggest smile on his face. "With this many bodies, it'll probably be a tight fit."

"That's quite alright. Thanks Jaune for saving me a spot." She smiles in return.

"My friend Ruby!"

"Penny!" Ruby turned to see the ginger-haired girl wearing her own school's uniform. She hadn't had the chance to speak to her friend during their shifts at Cinnabun Cafe, so seeing Penny was a welcoming sight. "You're here too?!"

"Of course! Mr. Ironwood told us to come and witness this perhaps historic and joyous occasion." was the chipper reply. "I wouldn't miss this for the entire world."

"You guys got any room for two more?!" Nora shouts as she drags Ren alongside her by the arm. The ginger-haired female was full of energy, and Jaune could only guess that it has something to do with pancakes; Pyrrha has told him stories here and there about that kind of food and its affect on the spunky girl. And it had to be pancakes made by Ren and him alone. "Cause we're finally here! Now this party can really start!"

"Nora, slow down. You're gonna pull my arm out, and this isn't a party you're accustomed to." The dark-haired male says, to which she just giggles in response. She did lessen her pull because it was never her intention of hurting him, and took a seat next to Pyrrha. "Honestly, I felt so claustrophobic just walking up here."

"I know, Ren. It's one of those boring kinds of events. The kinds where you sit and listen to other people speak for long periods of time." She replies, taking a seat on his unoccupied side. Whistling a happy tune, she added, "I get so bored listening to those kind of things, but luckily with you here I don't think I will be bored!"

"Ummm...she is?" Ruby asks, having not seen the girl before. She wasn't the only one, as Nora chose that time to turn and catch her staring.

"Nora Valkyrie at your service!" Then enthusiastic ginger-haired student reached over two people just to shake Ruby's hand with vigor, the latter feeling as though many jolts of lightning were surging between them. "And this loveable guy is Ren!"

"A pleasure to meet you." He says and did a small wave.

"Ruby Rose! So, uh, are you two...you know, together?" Wow Ruby, what kind of question is that?

"Well duh! Of course, we're together! But not just like you know, together...we're together together!" Nora wiggles her brow with an impish look on her face. "Boyfriend and girlfriend!"

"Nora please, not in public." Ren says, but his face already flushed a tint of pink.

"You see, he enjoys the attention. He's just being modest."

"Guys look, it's about to start!" Jaune says as a large limousine pulled up to the parking lot. The doors swung open and the body guards immediately took their places, stern expressions on their faces. "Wow, that's some luxurious ride. What I wouldn't give to take a ride in that."

"Oh really?!" The younger of the group began to pout when she didn't get a good look at the owner who had stepped out. The students in front had gotten to their feet, clapping and cheering. She sat back down with frustration. "Gosh darn it! I'm too short!"

"Don't worry, you'll get to see everything soon." Pyrrha assures Ruby with a small smile. "These students can't stay standing up forever."

"Ooohh! So that's the infamous Jacques Schnee." Jaune says once the crowd settles down, and Ruby follows his line of sight to what appears to be the meanest guy she's ever seen strode up to greet the professors. "Man, I can feel a chill all the way over here. That guy is not normal, is he even human I wonder."

"Jaune!"

"Well it's true, Pyrrha!" He says, watching as she rolls her eyes playfully. "Not many people can stand up and look him in the eyes. Most people quiver on sight, saying that his gaze is an unfathomable block of glacier! No amount of fire could detour him, he is that uptight and cold."

He's almost as intimidating as my Uncle Qrow, and that's saying something. Ruby notes to herself, her eyes glued to the man like a moth to a flame. But there's something I don't understand him...a much colder feeling than what I feel whenever I'm with Eis. I wonder why I feel these difference between a father and son...

"And that must be Headmaster Ozpin, wow he's old looking!"

"Nora, don't judge a person's age based off hair color alone. Not all elders have silver or white hair." Ren says, but the corners of his mouth twitched into a smile. He'll never get over how cheerful and bubbly his girlfriend could be, her antics would bring a smile to his face without a doubt. "Besides, it's perhaps natural and not dyed."

"Students. Faculty members. Distinguished guests. I thank you all for coming and attending. I am Headmaster Ozpin." The man with the silver hair spoke at the podium, commanding the attention of everyone present. He wore a button down green suit and matching bottoms – but the students couldn't see because the podium stood in front of him – and his rounded spectacles lay across the bridge of his nose. "Today we have a a very distinguished guest here today. I won't take up much of his time, so please put your hands together for Jacques Schnee, CEO of the Schnee company!"

The area was filled with applause, some more eager than others. Ruby stole a glance over to the side and noticed that most of the faunus didn't move their hands to clap. Most of them looked indifferent, some looked frightened. They have seen Jacques' face plastered on every single Schnee product, but to see the very man standing before them behind the podium was a bit much. The old Schnee straightened out his posture, looked at his audience, cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Thank you everyone and thank you, Headmaster Ozpin, for giving me the opportunity to speech at this fine institution on this fine day. Really, I couldn't possibly thank him enough. Over the years humans have thrived and coexisted with each other, learning, prospering, and making Remnant a productive world. But we are not alone, for we also live alongside the faunus."

"Oh here we go." Nora's voice whispered and she couldn't help but roll her eyes for added measure. "This outta be good."

"I wouldn't know about that. Just by sitting here I can feel how the atmosphere has thickened." said Pyrrha. She felt something warm rest on her knee and realized that Jaune had rested his hand, offering her his support. She smiled and rested one hand over his, threading their fingers together.

"Faunus and Humans have coexisted for as long as I could remember. In fact, it dates back all the way to the Great Fall, a moment in time a dark blanket had befallen us." Jacques was speaking, bringing up remnants of the history the moment the economy of the world plummeted. It was a struggle for both races to survive. There wasn't much food, or materials. Thievery and fighting amongst groups increased until war nearly tore everything apart.

Realizing that the despair couldn't continue, the leaders at the time came together and worked together, offering whatever means necessary to bring humans and faunus back on their feet. Everything recovered slowly and the two races began to tolerate each other...that is, until the faction of extremists – named themselves the White Fang – was formed. With Adam Taurus being the spearhead, he proceeded to brain-wash his fellow companions into thinking that the humans were just being nice because they pitied the faunus. He states that the humans were just lying in wait, watching for the opportunity to wipe the faunus from the face of the world. The primary enemy he had in his sights since the beginning were the Schnee family, a group of uptight aristocrats. Since then, over time the White Fang and the Schnees were the only two largest mafia groups left who still had grudges against one another.

"Ironwood and I collaborated together to do what is best for the students, even if it hinders a selected few." That statement alone raised hairs on both human and faunus alike, there was a sudden shift and Jacques himself knew it. They had an inkling that the topic of the new rules would be addressed, but they were surprised the white-haired monarch had the gull to say it out loud with a smile on his face. "We must keep in mind the greater good of the school as a whole. In this world, there will be strife and pain, but sometimes a small group of those who hurt are necessary for others to grow. That's just how it is!"

"Anyone else has that feeling that this speech isn't what anyone imagined a speech was supposed to be?" Nora whispered again, noticing how some of the students were either looking uncomfortable or wanted to escape the courtyard. Some even wanted to rush the man on the podium and give him a good beating. "I for one am feeling that feeling right now."

"Without the suffering of others, this world wouldn't be able to move forward! That's just how it is and is meant to be! If everyone here were to live their lives all happy and naive, with no amounts of pain or suffering, then how can we except any growth?!" Jacques slammed his fist on the podium, his voice raising an octave higher. "While there is happiness, there is its counterpart! Some people are better off than others! You cannot change that fact!"

Bang! Bang!

"What the-?!" Jacques fell on his butt as a bullet or two whizzed past his head. The students began to panic and soldiers rushed about attempting to protect the CEO. Cinder and her squadron of police cops, their guns raised, monitored the surroundings to track down where the shots were coming from. More bullets rang out throughout the courtyard, taking some of the personal guards with them as well as one or two cops. "Who the hell is shooting at me?!"

"MY FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS! YOUR CHANCE HAS FALLEN UPON YOU!" Adam's voice carried over clearly and loudly as the shooting ceased, turning the heads of everyone present. He stood tall and commanding from atop the school building, not at all unwavering as he fixated his gaze on Jacques. "Before you is our one true enemy! An animal that has done nothing but brought strife to your fellow faunus! How could we stand around and let him do as he wishes!"

"He's right!"

"We've always felt oppressed, and the new rules implemented into the schools were uncalled for!"

"Down with the Schnees! Eradicate them and their rules!"

"We'll make you see what it's like to be a minority!"

"We'll make you feel the same way we felt! Oppressed!"

"You see?! Many dissatisfied voices and yet no one has done a call for action!" The red-haired male proclaimed victoriously, rallying the faunus and feeding off their hatred and anger. Most of the students present were now feeling uncomfortable as the animosity and imitating aura of the faunus became overwhelming. "We've sustained everything you humans have thrown our way! We've put up with your stupid rules and the like for far too long! It's time for the reign of humans to end, and the faunus to start!"

"He's calling for a revolution!" Ruby muttered under her breath. Jaune held Pyrrha close to him as students on both ends were almost fighting against one another. Those who use to be friends were starting to turn enemies, and little brawls had begun around the courtyard. "This is not okay!"

"We need to get out of here." The blond whispered urgently, making sure his voice carried through. "We can't stay here."

"Jaune's right." Pyrrha adds up, ducking when something was thrown half-way across the field. The courtyard, a place were students of all race and ethnicity had turned into a battlefield. The professors were doing their best to restore order without getting caught in the fighting as well. "There are still those who haven't chosen sides yet. If needed, we can rally up our own group."

"I think that's what Bolin is planning on doing." Ruby slightly pointed to the student body president who had an angry expression on his face. The other government members – except for Yin – stood beside him, similar expressions on their faces. "If I'm not mistaken, he probably didn't want to deal with this mess before graduating."

"Can't say that I blame him..." The stomping of feet caught their attention and they turned their attention to the sea of soldiers marching across the grassy terrain, their guns trained on Adam himself. From the ranks, a large military male with black hair swept back made his presence known. At his side, Winter Schnee with her most stoic expression on her face and hands clasped behind her back.

"Oh! It's Winter! But who's that beside her?" Ruby asks, gesturing to whom she was referring to. "I've never seen that man before?"

"That, friend Ruby, is James Ironwood." Penny tells her. Her eyes were sparkling with adoration and admiration for the man. "He is most noticeable for his military prowess and war tactics. His military academy produces the best of the best soldiers."

"Adam Taurus! By the order of Atlas military, you are under arrest for your crimes as well as an attempted murder of Jacques Schnee!" Ironwood spoke, keeping a level gaze with the White Fang leader. "Surrender peacefully, or

"Ha! Today was only a warning to spark the fire. You humans better watch your backs, our actions will get a lot worse. The White Fang, the faunus, will never be subservient to the humans." Adam promises before turning on his heels and disappeared without looking back over his shoulder.

At the Police Station...

BZZT! BZZT!

"Hmm? Oh, it's probably a message from Ruby!" Yin spoke, feeling his scroll vibrate in his pocket. He and Blake had spend the time enjoying the company of each other, leaning their heads against one another. "Wondered if that school event went okay..."

"Hey, you little runts! Babysitting time is over." Roman walks in just as the blond was about the fish out his device, cigar in between clenched teeth, and his brow furrowed with worry. Neo sauntered in not too much later, twirling a silver key in hand. "Something happened and we need to step out. Therefore, you two need to come with us!"

"What happened?" asks Yin as he got to his feet, making a mental note to read the message at some point. Blake on the other hand, already had that expression on her face like she knew exactly what occurred. "Is everything okay?"

"...it's Adam, isn't it." She says once she rose as well, getting a nod of affirmation from the ginger-haired investigator. "I knew it...he had been planning this for a long time..."

"We have no time left! Neo!" The girl smiles and went about unlocking Blake's cuffs. The faunus rubbed her wrists a bit and thanked the investigator, who did a small curtsy in response. "Get the car ready! You two, if you need to say anything do so now! We have limited time on our hands!"

"I think I'm good! Lead the way." Yin said, getting a nod from Roman.

"Wait...there's something I do need to say to you before we go..." Yin glances down when Blake grabs his sleeve, stopping him from moving forward. Roman had already left the room, seemingly to check up on Neo. "Now that Adam has declared war on the human race – in specifically the Schnees – there's no doubt in my mind that the faunus student body will be much more aggressive in proceeding with their agenda. Out of the faunus that I know, Velvet and Sun will most likely not partake in any of the activities. You know those two are against violence and they both love humans, one of which has a human lover."

"Blake, are there any other faunus who aren't with the White Fang?" Yin asks her.

"There's plenty, but they already know who I am and...let's just say we may not be on good terms."

"Then we'll change that." Blake felt his hands on her shoulders, squeezing gently to show his support. Looking up she could see how gentle he was with her, and her heart was beating wildly within her chest. "Blake, you are no longer under his control. But you were still one of the most powerful faunus when you were in the White Fang. If you can show the faunus and the humans that we can come to an agreement, then the war would stop."

"Yin, it's not just a war against humans. The White Fang has always had problems with Schnees, they're rival groups...I've had my share of spilling the blood of their kind; sometimes I can still hear their screams when I sleep. The humans will just end up as a collateral damage. Innocents will get hurt."

"Then...we just need to get you and Ice Prince to get together in a diplomatic way and show them that relationships between you two are okay!" Yin smiled, like he had a plan all figured out. "When they see you two, there's no way any more incidents

"...what you're asking for is way beyond your reach, now that tensions are exceptionally high. Are you sure you want to take the risks?" She murmurs, looking him straight in the eyes. "You've already fought against him, but that was barely scratching the surface."

"It doesn't matter how tough or scary an opponent is, what matters is the action. Blake, it's as you said, a lot of people are going to get hurt – humans and faunus a like, no one is safe now – and we have to do what we can to prevent bad things from happening. I don't want what happened to us at your apartment to happen again."

"Yin, I know you're reaching. Adam cannot be stopped, he always gets what he wants. If we stand up against him, he'll find a way to beat us down...and I can't bring any more harm to you."

"Blake, I feel the same way. After what he did to you...I'll do my best to protect you. But we can do this, together." The blond says, pulling her back into a hug. "He had you before – you were his past partner for Christ's sake – but then he hurt you and that's unforgivable. If you stay with me, I promise he won't get what he wants."

"...Yin, promise me one thing. Promise me that you'll be safe no matter what. Don't be reckless. Please don't be hot-headed." She tells him, feeling his arms wrap around her tightly once more, protectively and with unimaginable strength. "Adam has made mistakes before, but he won't make the same one a second time."

"Okay. I promise."

Inside the Schnee Mansion...

Eis, on his feet in the living room, watched with horror at the images that unfolded before the television. He had sat through the duration of the speech without batting an eyelash, but the moment he heard gunfire he knew something went horribly wrong. Scenes of furious faunus battling with the military force, other students running for cover, teachers trying to corral and bring order, but the most prominent image that was seared into his mind was of Adam Taurus and his gloating face. It was abhorrent, grotesque, and the epitome of evil all rolled into one man.

"Klein! What is the condition of my father?" The heir barked, knowing the family butler was on the phone the minute Jacques had been shot at. "Is he alright?"

"He is quite alright, just shaken up. The guards have gotten him into the car and he is making his way back home." was the response. There was the sound of the phone being placed down, followed by the shuffling of feet. Klein stood a little ways behind him and added, "The bullets just grazed past him, but I doubt Adam Taurus had the intention of outright killing him where he stood. It's a little...unorthodox. Why, if I were the leader of another group with a clear shot at my enemy, wouldn't I want to take the opportunity to kill him?"

True...why didn't he kill my father? Based on the trajectory of the bullets, as well as the position of which they have been fired from...there was no way he could have missed. Eis muses to himself, stroking his chin with an index finger and thumb. Unless...he just wanted to make a statement himself. By taking shots at my father, that red-haired bastard was showing by example to the faunus that there's nothing to be afraid of. He had reduced my old man into a sniveling coward!

"What are your orders, young heir?" Klein asks, watching as the heir to the Schnee Company stood tall in the middle of the room. His hands were clenched into tight fists by his side, no doubt filled with fury.

"Klein, enforce security measures and make sure everyone is diligent and on high alert. With this public display of violence, I would be dumb if I did not retaliate. By now it's obviously clear that this act of violence is a call for war between us and the White Fang...and unfortunately there will be casualties for everyone."