Chapter 7

Armed and Ready

I lean against side of the cart and stare up at the midday sky. The blue ocean of sky stretches to the horizon, interrupted only by small clumps of white clouds.

Lizza is in the cart beside me. The retired huntress has on a simple tan button down shirt that hangs loosely on her shoulders. She's wearing a pair of black cotton tights ending in a pair of black work boots. Her red hair is tied into a tight bun, and the noon light reflects off the silver streaks through out it as we hit bumps along the wild path. She's has a metallic spear that transforms into a bow leaned against her shoulder, as well as a quiver of dust infused arrows resting to her other side.

She catches my eye and smirks, "You know, girly. You surprised me with the mission I let you take. I wasn't certain you'd make it back. Yet, you made it out with only a Capivara tail spike to thigh. How's the leg?"

I pat at the spot where I took the wound, "It's basically gone. My aura works fast, granny."

She pokes me in the ribs with the butt of her spear, "You should be more respectful of your elders ya know."

I wave my hand dismissively. "Eh, you know you find me en-deer-ing," I smirk at her as I finish the pun. She shakes her head and lets out a disappointed sigh.

"Anyway. You know what we're doing out here lass?" Lizza questions.

"I believe we're escorting the herbalists while they gather up some rare ingredients from the desert oasis," I idly start double checking the ammo in my weapons.

"Yup. Its rather strange though. We cleared out the oasis just what, five days ago? There really shouldn't be another dangerous gathering there yet. The Grimm really are getting worse, it's... troublesome." The older hunter stares out into the distance. She's got a tight grip on her spear.

I take in the information and sigh. I hope Ruby's doing well. If dad really did go to mom, he should've been with Ruby a couple of weeks after I made it to Menagerie. If the White Fang really are going to attack Haven like that Scroll said... I grab my trembling arm and will down the fear. Ruby is tough and she has all of our friends with her. Once I help Blake clean up this White Fang mess, I'll be joining the group going to protect Haven.

I sit up and look around the desert surrounding the cart checking for any White Fang trackers. After a few minutes of no movement in the nearby dunes I feel satisfied no one will overhear the conversation.

"Hey, Lizza," I begin, the use of her name catching the older huntress's attention, "I thought you should know that I plan to join the defense of Haven. I heard about the Belladonna's announcement from a while back and I'll be signing on tonight. It seems they'll be leaving in the next few days."

The older woman nods and turns her attention back to the desert around us. "I figured you might be doing something like that. Ash told me about your visit from the Belladonna's daughter. Are you close?"

My lips turn up in a small smile, "Yeah. We were on the same team back at Beacon. We were... separated... after the Fall of Beacon." We hit a bump and the flash of Adam's blade plays behind my eyes. I gasp and bring my arm up reflexively to defend. The flashback is over as fast as it began. I lay a hand against my chest to help steady my racing heart. I meet the worried gaze of the old huntress.

"I assume that she was the one you were worried about seeing again."

"Yeah... something like that."

"Did she have something to do with that?" The older woman points at my prosthetic arm with the butt of her spear.

I flex the metallic fingers. "No... not exactly." Thoughts of that night pass through my head.

A comforting hand on my leg draws me out of the dark thoughts. Lizza has an expression of pity and sorrow written in her aging features.

"I'm sorry you've had to suffer through that, girl. Not many people could keep going on the way you have after such a traumatic experience. You have exceptional strength."

With a small smile, I lift my prosthetic arm, "I'd have given up more to protect her. But I don't plan to make it as easy the next time."

Lizza seems satisfied with my answer and the conversation falls quiet. We spend the next couple of hours riding through the desert heat in relative silence. By the time we stop just outside of the oasis, the sun has passed its summit and begun its descent through the sky. I check my Scroll, it reads four o'clock. I should be able to clean up the Grimm and be back in town by nightfall. I have another meet up planned with Blake.

I hop out of the cart with a small wave to the faunus drivers. I offer Lizza my hand and help her down from the cart. She hits the ground and lets out a small hiss of pain. I pat her back lightly and we start walking towards the oasis to hunt the Grimm we'd heard about. Lizza's limp keeps the pace slow. We make it into the oasis and look around. No Grimm in sight, just greenery and the desert beyond.

I frown and take another step. Something isn't right. I hear the cock of the gun before I see the enemy. Immediately I dive backwards and pull Lizza down with me. As we fall a hail of bullets pass above us. I jump back to my feet and catch sight of the enemy. Ten White Fang members come out of hiding in the light brush. They're all equipped with familiar looking assault rifles. Atlas issue, probably leftovers of the crime spree in Vale.

"I count ten of you!" I shout and activate Ember Celica, "Is this everyone?"

The one in the middle of the group laughs, "Yeah this is everyone. Are you really stupid enough to fight? You've been a thorn in our side for too long. The bosses want you out of the way before tonight. You can come quietly and maybe we'll let you live. Its ten to one, be smart about this huntress."

"Ten to one huh?" I prepare the shotgun in my arm, "Are you seeing the problem yet? If you want out, leave now!"

There's a long moments pause as the Fang share worried looks. The leader in the middle aims his gun and shouts, "What are you waiting for?! Kill her!"

I burst into action. I start to circle around the group as they fire at me. I use a couple of shots from my gauntlet to close the distance. The first enemy takes a metal arm to the chest. They're sent flying and crash into two other faunus. Another runs at me, drawing a short sword from their waist. I knock aside the blade and kick them in the groin. Their legs buckle and they fall forward into my knee. I fire a shell at another of the Fang. It connects with their shoulder and they're sent flying to the ground. Gunshots ring out and I get my gauntlets up taking most of the fire on my armor. My aura deflects the rest.

I dash towards the next enemy, meeting them mid rush. I catch their sword arm and with two quick punches to the gut I release them. A boot to their temple crumples the faunus. Two more rush at me, I spin into a heavy kick and send both tumbling. More gunfire sounds off. I dash to the side and burst forward with a shot from my gauntlet. I catch the shooter with a blow to the jaw. They drop. The two that were knocked over by their comrade have made it out from under the body and to their feet. I close the distance and pop one in the throat with a quick punch. They fall and I elbow the other in the gut. They double over and I bring my forearms down on their back. They hit the ground.

The last one standing tries to aim their gun but I tear it out of their hands and toss it away. They reach for their sword but I kick it out of their hand. The faunus stumbles backwards with a curse. It's the leader of the bunch. He takes in the sight of his fallen comrades and tries to run. I catch him by his jacket and lift him off of his feet.

"Tell me what's happening tonight," I demand.

The Fang spits at my face. I block it with my gauntlet and back hand the man.

"Let me try this again. Tell me what's happening and you might live long enough to make it back to town with the rest of your comrades." I activate my semblance. My eyes turn crimson and fire crackles in my hair.

"Alright," the faunus raises his hands above his head in surrender, "I'll tell you. The rest of my brothers are going to assassinate the Belladonna's tonight. They're holding the faunus back. We could be so much more, but our leaders are cowards. The White Fang is going to fix that."

I grit my teeth and drop the Fang member with a hit that leaves him unconscious. I disable my semblance before returning to Lizza. The older woman has picked herself up and dusted off.

"Sorry I knocked you down like that," I say with a sheepish grin.

"Its all good lass. I wasn't expecting these goons ya know. Did you find out what they're planning?"

"The Fang were trying to take me out of the picture because they intend to assassinate the Belladonna's tonight. I guess they decided today was the day to make their move."

"That's not good, girl. I take it you're heading back to town?"

"Yeah. Can you handle things here? Get these Fang back to jail and finish the mission?"

The huntress nods and pats my shoulder. I nod in return and head back towards the small caravan. Time to go save the day.

The city streets are relatively empty under the night sky. The stars are dimmed behind the shining lights of the city. There's a peaceful silence in the air, save for the sound of my boots on the pavement. I'm sprinting toward the Belladonna mansion in town. I abandoned the cart I had borrowed from the caravan at the city gates. I have Ember Celica active, the gauntlet's metal is cool against my skin.

As I sprint through the streets, my Scroll vibrates in my pocket. I open it up to a call from Blake.

"Yang! Thank the gods. I just escaped an ambush with Sun at the warehouse district. The White Fang are attacking my family tonight. I can't get through to my mother."

"I know about the attack. I was attacked myself during my mission. I'm only a minute from your house. I'll see you there. Make sure you get backup."

"Sun's already on it. See you soon. I hope we aren't too late."

"We'll make it in time. Stay safe."

I hang up the call. The panic in Blake's voice drives me forward faster. As I approach the building I can see flashing lights illuminating the windows. Gunshots are ringing out across the entire mansion. No time to knock I guess. I jump into the air and launch myself forward with a shot from my gauntlet. I tuck and roll as I blast through a second floor window. An explosion of glass announcing my presence.

I roll to my feet and take in the scene. I'm on a balcony walkway and the action is currently on the level below me. There are two White Fang operatives in the open and firing at a table on its side in the center of the room. Kali is ducking behind it for cover. A guardsman lays motionless on the floor next to her. When there's a lull in the gunfire, she rises out of cover and fires a pistol. The shot connects with one of the Fang and sends them motionless to the floor.

The other raises their gun to fire back. I jump from the balcony with a shout. It distracts the Fang long enough for my foot to connect with his face. He falls unconscious to the floor as I land. The woman behind the table holds her gun towards me. Her eyes are slit with a dangerous, wary expression.

"Yang! About time you got here." Her voice is breathless. I spot movement and a flash of white behind her.

I fire a shot that passes by her head and takes out the Fang member who had been about to put bullet in her back. She glances back at the sound of the crumpling body hitting the floor.

"Blake is on her way. We have to get you out of here."

"I'm not leaving until my family is safe."

I start to reply but the sound of shattering glass from above interrupts me. I look up to see a bat winged faunus in a black stealth suit diving into the room from a skylight in the ceiling. He aims his gun at Kali. I launch forward and block his bullets with my gauntlets. There's a pounding at a door that leads deeper into the mansion. It busts open and three more Fang members rush in. With two quick shots Kali bodies one and ducks behind cover again.

"You handle the flying one Yang. I've got these."

I don't bother with a reply and leap onto the edge of the table. I launch upwards to meet the flying man in mid air. He swings his pistol towards me. It's bladed along the bottom of the barrel. I catch the swing on my gauntlet and kick off of his chest. In a somersault, I land on the railing around the second floor balcony. He slams into the wall and falls to the floor. By the time I land he's back on his feet and aiming the pistol at me. I take off and start jumping between the jade pillars that reach up to the ceiling. His shots miss, and connect with wood or ricochet ineffectively off the pillars.

There's a break in the gunfire and I smirk. He's out of shots. With one final leap I launch myself from the pillar and fly toward him like a human arrow. There's a look of panic on his face moments before I nail him with a blow from my prosthetic. He drops like a sack of rocks. I look over the edge of the balcony and catch sight of Kali sprinting out of the room and deeper into the mansion. I waste no time in following behind.

I catch up and follow at her side through the long hallways. The smell of smoke reaches my nose and I realize that the building must be on fire. By the wide eyed shock on the aged woman's face, she can smell it too. We reach a door with sounds of fighting on the other side. I can hear shouting, it sounds like Blake. Kali stands at the side of the door with her pistol ready. She nods at me. With a quick shout I slam my fist into the door. It bursts open with a loud bang.

The back half of the room is swallowed by a violent fire that's quickly spreading along the rafters. Sun is in the middle of the room concentrating on his semblance. Blake is just to the side of him. A wolf faunus in ceremonial red robes is dashing across the room. Another wolf looking faunus is flattened on the ground. Ghira is holding up a large chunk of fallen balcony, he's got support from two of Sun's clones.

Blake throws her weapon and it wraps around Ghira. She pulls at the ribbon and he comes flying out from under the structure. His flying form passes that of the wolf faunus who had been diving forward to stab him. Sun drops his semblance and the balcony falls on the robed faunus. It crushes him and his dust infused weapons, causing a small explosion.

There's a moment of silence as everyone pauses to catch their breath. Blake looks over towards the door and spots us standing in the door way.

"Mom!" she exclaims and rushes forward. Kali catches her in a loving embrace. Blake pulls back after a moment and looks towards me. She starts to speak but is interrupted by another voice.

"What... have you done?" The other wolf faunus has risen back to his feet, "You ruined everything. Everything!" The roaring accusation is met with Sun and Blake preparing their weapons. The man yells and starts to charge forward. He's stopped by a whip that circles him from behind. An intense electric shock from it drops the man to the floor.

A woman stands behind him. She's got red hair tied back into a pony tail. Her skin is dotted with freckles. She's dressed in the same black stealth suit as the bat faunus. She falls to her knees crying. I shoot an asking glance at Blake raising my fists. She shakes her head. "She's alright, stand down."

I nod in response and deactivate my gauntlet, returning it to its bracelet form. Blake walks over to her dad. I can see a stab wound in his shoulder blade. She and Sun help him to his feet.

Kali rests a hand on my shoulder and I meet her golden eyes, "Thank you for your help Yang."

I pat her hand with a grin, "Anytime. You know, this could've been a real cat-tastrophe."

There's a moment of stunned silence from the older woman. I start to worry that I'd made a mistake. The worries are cut short when she bursts into laughter. I feel a smug grin form on my face. Blake shoots a look my way, I can see her ears flattened with embarrassment.

"Yang, why don't you start helping us get people out of the building before it collapses." My partner orders with a glare. I shoot back a wink and with a salute dash back through the halls. Over the next few minutes, rescue services are on the scene. Together we manage to gather up the people who are still breathing, guardsmen and Fang members alike. We get them outside and lined up on stretchers. Blake and her family are on the stairs that in front of the entrance to the building. She's giving a speech. I can't hear it, but can see the crowd of onlookers rallying at her words.

Pride bubbles in my chest. It's wonderful to see Blake break out of her shell and be a leader to her people. Her family joins her on the stairs and words are shared. The lieutenant of the guard I had been aiding approaches me. He's got a smile under the black cowl of the guard.

"Thank you for your help huntress. I have a question if you don't mind?"

"Sure, what's up?"

The smile fades from his face, "Why are you helping us? You're a human right? The other day you gave my son a hefty sum of lien. He brought it home and told us about meeting you... I'm just curious what your angle is."

I shrug and place a hand on my hip, "I don't have an angle. I didn't need the money, and why does it matter that I'm a human? We're all in this together. Human or Faunus, it doesn't matter. We all bleed the same blood and share the same sky. The Grimm kill us all with equal hate. If we can't work together, then we're all going to lose eventually."

There's a quiet moment of reflection on his face. I notice that the guardsmen around had paused their work and were watching the conversation.

"My wife wanted to offer her thanks to you in person," he states softly, "I owe you a drink huntress."

I place a hand on his shoulder, "You don't owe me anything. Lets just get these people the help they need."

The lieutenant stands to attention and salutes me. The other guardsmen follow suit. I return the salute with a smile.

"Alright you heard the Huntress. Back to work!"

As the guards start carrying off the stretchers, Sun has broken away from the crowd and waves at me. I wave back and leave the others to their work. The monkey faunus has on his signature blue jeans and white button down shirt that is not buttoned down. His short blonde hair is tussled with the night wind.

"Hey Yang," Sun greets me with a pat on the back, "I'm glad you could make it. Blake told me about some of the adventures you've been on. I gotta say that I am jealous. We took on a Sea Feilong too just so you know."

I chuckle as he flexes his arms. I nod towards the crowd, "Looks like you guys got all the volunteers we could ask for to protect Haven."

Sun waves off the words, "Nah, it was all Blake. She's pretty good at those inspirational speeches."

"Well, when you're as passionate about something as she is, that passion can be infectious," I say watching my partner in an animated discussion with her family.

"Yeah... man, I wonder where we're going to be staying now? What with the mansion burning down and all."

I can see fire fighters blasting away at the flames with ice dust from the roof and assume they're around the back of the building as well. The building has taken quite a bit of damage, but should be salvageable with time.

"I don't know if the Belladonna's have a place to stay, but there are rooms empty at the inn I've been staying at," I inform the Hunter to my left, "If you need, I can cover your costs. I've made quite the stack of lien recently."

The words perk up Sun and he gets that big, goofy grin on his face. "You've really gotta tell me all about what it's like to do hunter work. It's totally awesome. I know you've gotta have more stories than what Blake and I talked about."

"Hmm... Buy me a drink a later and we'll see how I'm feeling," I joke.

The red headed woman in the black stealth suit has broken away from the crowd as well. She approaches us and her skin has turned a deep green. I'm shocked at the change and realize she must be chameleon faunus. Her arm is draped across her chest and she's gripping her arm. She's got a look of shame on her face.

"Yang, meet Ilia. She's an old friend of Blake's. She stabbed me. But we're even, so its cool."

I hold out my hand. She eyes it, then me. There's a short pause, before she reaches out and shakes it.

"You're that Huntress that's been causing a stir, I've heard a lot about you," she says, skin changing back to a normal tan.

"Only good things I hope."

"You were a real pain for the White Fang," She replies, her freckles turning red, "But yeah, nothing but good otherwise. I take it you know Blake?"

I nod and smile towards my partner. She looks to be coordinating with a group of guards. I catch her eye and she returns the smile.

"She and Blake were partners back at Beacon," Sun cuts in, "They kicked butt. You should see them in action. They're like-"

My attention is torn from the conversation by Kali. The crowd around the building has begun dispersing and she's motioning for me to join her and Ghira. I acknowledge her with a nod and turn back to the pair talking at my side.

"I've gotta go, but we'll catch up later yeah? I'll see you guys at Lizza's inn near the edge of town. I'll buy." With a small wave, I leave the pair and cross the courtyard towards Blake's parents. Blake catches sight of me and comes up to join the small group.

Blake takes my hand into hers. Her cool, slender fingers feel comfortable in my grip.

Kali's eyes dart to our hands and a small smile finds its way onto the older woman's face. Ghira studies me quietly. After a long moment he speaks.

"So," Ghira starts, "Kali says you saved her life in there. I wanted to thank you personally." He reaches out his hand for a hand shake. I reach out for a handshake, but his massive hand almost swallows mine. The size difference is mildly intimidating. "That makes twice you've saved the lives of my family. I really like you."

"We'd invite you in for tea, but uh..." Kali points back towards the burning building.

I smile and wave it off, "It's all good. I'm honestly just happy that everything has turned out for the best. Do you all have a place to stay? If you need, the inn I've been living in has space. I'm sure Lizza would be more than happy to provide."

"We have a place to go already," Ghira replies. "You're welcom-"

"You know, it's been a long night," Kali cuts in looking at Blake, "Why don't you two go along and get some rest. You should stay at with Yang for the night. We can work on getting prepared for the trip to Haven tomorrow. You kids have earned some rest."

"Wait wait wait. You actually managed to bring down a Deathstalker, all on your own?" Disbelief taints Sun's voice. He has his feet propped up on the table and is leaned back balancing his chair on its back legs.

"Yup, It wasn't easy. Blake you remember back during initiation? When JNPR took down that Deathstalker?" I look at the black haired faunus to my left. She's relaxed against the back of her chair and sipping at a glass of tea.

"Yeah. They cut off the tip of its tail and Nora smashed it through its head plate. It was pretty cool. Not as cool as us killing the Nevermore, but who's keeping track?"

"You guys killed a Nevermore too?" Ilia has leaned forward on the table, deeply invested in the conversation.

"Is Blondie bragging again?" Ash questions as she approaches the table with a kettle full of tea.

"Hey I'm not bragging," I retort as she switches the kettle on our table with the fresh tea, "I'm recounting my brave exploits into the wilds of Remnant."

"Yeah," Sun adds enthusiastically, "What's the point of going on cool adventures if you can't brag about them anyway."

I kick at his chair under the table and send him tumbling backward, "It's not bragging."

A chorus of laughter fills our table. I catch Ash eyeing me with a small smile.

"I'm glad you seem to be doing better Blondie. I know it's been hard, but it's good to see you so happy, ya know?" She refuses the lien I offer, "I'm gonna miss having you around once you leave."

"I think that when everything is said and done," I begin looking around at the people around me. I take in the familiar surroundings of the inn. I meet Blake's gaze with lavender eyes. "I'll be coming back here. I think there are plenty more adventures that await me in Menagerie."

"I'll be sure to keep a room open for you then," Ash says with warmth, "Aunt Lizza is only getting older, and she's training me to take over the inn. You'll always be welcome here... Anyway, you kids enjoy your tea and have a good night. Your rooms are ready when you are."

There's a moment of quiet as Ash walks back to the bar and returns to work. Sun has gotten back up and is kicked back on the table again.

"You were telling us about the Deathstalker you killed?" Ilia urges.

"Right. So I had drawn it out of the cave that it had been living in. Lizza was a short ways off. I remember seeing her hiding in the thickets at the edge of the clearing. The Deathstalker charged at me, snapping with its claws." I take a sip of tea before returning to my animated speech, "I dodged its snap and jumped up on its head. The beast flailed around trying to shake me off. I managed to find a crack in its armor that I used to anchor myself while it tired itself out. It decided to get smart and tried to get me with its stinger."

Sun drops his chair and leans closer on the table, hanging on every word. His eyes are wide.

"I saw it coming out of the corner of my eye and rolled out of the way. The stinger missed, but I lost my grip and was flung off. I managed to land on my feet, but I'd pissed it off. It kept trying to get me with it's massive stinger. I dodged a few jabs before I got an idea. The next time it tried to stab me, I got my hands around it. The thing started trying to shake me off by stabbing around wildly. It was so agitated that I was able to guide a stab with a shot from Ember Celica. The stinger slammed into the Grimm's head plate. It didn't kill it immediately, but it was enough to leave a sizable hole in its armor."

"I took advantage of the gap in its armor. I let go of the stinger and landed on its back again. This time I grabbed on to the hole I'd made. I just started firing slug after slug into the wound. I emptied a full clip, but by the time I emptied my last shot, the Deathstalker had been already been dead."

I take a deep drink of my tea to hide the grin on my face. Sun has a stunned expression and Ilia is bright blue with a similar expression. I look over at Blake. She looks mildly impressed, a small smile gracing her face.

After another hour or so of conversation, the events of the day start to catch up with me. I excuse myself from the table and after a round of good nights, retire to my room. I change out of my battle clothes and into my night clothes, an orange tank top and a simple pair of black boy shorts. I take off my prosthetic and sit it on my nightstand. I lay back on my bed and let out a long sigh. It feels good to stretch out and relax. It really has been a long day. My thoughts drift to Ruby. If everything works out, we'll be seeing each other again soon. It's been over five months since I last saw her. I hope she's doing well.

A gentle knock at my door pulls me out of my thoughts. I don't bother moving from the bed.

"Come in," I say loudly.

The door creaks open and Blake stands in the doorway. She's dressed in her own set of pajamas, a black, long-sleeved, Yukata style shirt with white edging over a purple undershirt and a matching skirt. A black obi is wrapped around her waist and tied with a black and white string. She pads into my room and shuts the door quietly.

"Hey Blake," I greet her with a soft voice, "What's up?"

She walks over and stands at the edge of my bed. I roll onto my side and look up at her. She avoids my eyes.

"Is everything alright?"

She doesn't answer immediately, instead reaching out and running her fingers over the prosthetic on my nightstand. Silence fills the room for a long moment.

"I've had a really rough night," her voice is gentle and her cheeks have turned light red, "I just... didn't want to be alone. Can... I stay with you?"

I can see the nervousness and stress on her face. I offer a light nod and pat the bed beside me. She lays down on the mattress facing me. Our eyes meet and I lose myself in the golden sea staring back at me. I feel a cool hand slip into mine, and another on my cheek. Slender legs tangle with mine and I become keenly aware of a fire burning in my stomach. A flush of warmth climbs my spine and neck before filling my cheeks.

Blake presses her forehead against me and our noses touch lightly. Hours seem to fly by as we cuddle together. I place a soft kiss against her lips. A shiver runs down her spine and she presses closer to me. Our lips break apart and she curls into me. The faunus nuzzles into my neck and I feel a gentle kiss on my collar bone.

"Goodnight Yang," Blake whispers, "And thank you."

I wrap my arm around her waist loosely and place my lips against the top of her head.

"Goodnight Blake... sweet dreams."