RWBY: Shadow Company
Chapter 6
On the brink of dawn, deep inside the red forest of Forever Falls, a group of over a hundred White Fang members hiding among the trees, waiting in silence.
They stopped on top of a hill, overlooking the railway that crosses through the valley. They were all waiting anxiously for their next move, and they knew it was a risky mission. Outclassed, outgunned, and on a suicide mission.
But this mission mas crucial.
If they succeed, they will survive for a few more months. And if they don't, the shadows will get them.
The shadows have pushed them back, down to their last leg. Barely enough fighters left standing, and this was all that's left. The others back the camps were either wounded, resting, or slowly dying if they don't get back with those supplies.
Scared and desperate, they hide from the shadows. And despite everyone saying that the White Fang was nothing but monsters. To them, the real monsters are the Shadows. They attacked when they least expected them. They've raided almost every base they could find in Vale, be it the city or the wilderness. Right now, Adam's camp is the only one barely functioning but still active.
It's overpopulated. There won't be enough supplies for everyone.
And if they fail, so too will the outpost be finished.
Time is running out, and they needed those supplies badly now more than ever, and soon without dust to power their base, vehicles, and weapons, they won't be able to carry out any more missions in Vale. And they wouldn't be able to last another month, and the shadows know it. This mission was critical to their entire operation and its survival.
Adam is hiding among them, watching the red leaves fluttering in the wind. Forever Falls was a beautiful place. The others would like to call it the Red Forest, but now it's littered with railways, a gift from Atlas. Adam's breaths were slow as he clutches the handle of his blade, and it longs to sing from its sheath.
A scout approaches Adam.
"Report," Said Adam.
"Everyone's here, boss. They're anxious and ready to get going."
"Good, right now I want everyone to continue to stay out of sight. Once that train is within range, we will commence the mission."
The scout behind him nodded in response. Adam looks among them. They were so few of them armed with guns and blades. Most of them had make-shift bows or no weapons at all.
The shadows had stolen almost everything from them. They had barely enough to feed their army to last a month, and most of their weapons were sabotaged and wrecked beyond repair. And most importantly, dust. It was so limited that they have stopped using all dust-powered machines and vehicles. And even communication, they were cut off from their group.
It was pathetic and humiliating, having to resort to weapons that could barely hurt a Grimm. And getting past them to get all the way here was already hard enough as it is.
"Curse those shadows!" Adam whispers to himself, they've only succeeded once last time, but that was before the shadows stepped in. But this time, it will work. They know there were going to be shadows on board that train.
Maybe Ironwood was confident that the White Fang wouldn't go for another raid after their many previous failed attempts.
The only thing keeping their cargo safe now is their androids, but it was nothing that Adam and Blake couldn't handle. Maybe their intel was wrong, and there are no shadows inside that train. But there wasn't another way. The shops are off-limits, and not enough money to support themselves.
Suddenly, the sounds of someone running came from behind them. It managed to startle them and went into combat mode. But Adam stops them as he knows who it is.
Out of the treeline, it was another white fang member who had just come back from her scouting. "The train is on its ways, commander." She said. Adam nods, "Good, get in position and wait with the others." He instructed.
The scout nods and joins the rest of her brothers and sisters. Adam gives one final reminder for everyone, "Remember, we're only here for the dust and supplies. That means we can't waste any time killing its occupants. Our weapons right now are useless to the enemy. So don't waste time-fighting them. We work together and get out quickly, understood?"
"Yes, commander!" Everyone replied.
"This is it. Time to teach them a lesson on not to mess in our business." Said Reily. She was one of them who volunteered for the mission. Her wolf ears twitch in anticipation. They had a plan and a mission, get in and steal everything, and get out. This train was said to have a massive shipment of supplies going through this forest and into Vale.
"I'll get Blake. The rest of you stay put. We move on my signal." Adam said as he walks back into the forest. She wasn't too far away. He could see her from the hill. He sees her sitting on a rock, enjoying the breeze as it blows her long black hair and cat ears, her tail swaying behind her.
Blake Belladonna. Adam's right-hand woman. His friend.
He has taught her everything he knows. He took care of her after her parents left the White Fang. Now, the two were almost inseparable, and she was family to him.
Adam stops just behind her, "Blake, it's time." He said.
Blake opens her eyes and looks at Adam, "Okay." She said. She gets up and follows Adam. "This is it, Blake. We can't afford to fail now. We can do this." Adam reassures her.
"Those shadows have been hitting us hard for the last seven months. What happens if we fail again this time?" Blake asked as she holds Adam's arm.
Everyone thought that Adam had dealt with the shadows himself, but he has never met or fought one up close before. Not since he was a child. He had a mixed opinion about them. Adam places his hand on hers. "I'll deal with it myself if it happens. The blame will be all on me, Blake. Don't worry." He said.
"But I've been the one encouraging this idea too. If anybody's taking the blame, it should be the both of us." Said Blake. She cared a lot about him. He was there when she was all alone.
"The high leader isn't someone who would accept failure so easily if you've forgotten Blake. She's been breathing down my neck for the past months. But I'd like to see her come down here and deal with them herself. She'll end up just like the rest. The only reason why she hasn't yet is that she's still sitting in her high chair." Adam scoff.
"I won't lie. Sienna khan is seriously getting more annoying if this keeps up." He jokes.
Blakes laughs a little. She let's go of Adam's arm.
They made it back with the others. Everyone was waiting in anticipation, and the sound of the train was getting louder.
"This is it." Blake thought to herself as she held Gambol Shroud tightly in her hands. The train had arrived. And it was a massive one, a lot larger than all the regular ones that passed through here. Who knows how much dust is inside the steel car.
"There's got to be a lot of dust in there." Said Reily excitedly. "Keep your pants on, Reily. We'll get it soon enough." One of them said. They readied their hooks, waiting to make the jump. But little did they know, they would be more than just dust in that train.
Adam steadies himself. The train was coming in fast. They've only got a few seconds to get on the train once it passes them, "Ready? Let's move!" He shouted and jumped down. Blake and the others follow, they made their descent.
The wind blows harshly against their faces.
They swarmed the back of the train. Some barely managed to make the jump. "I got you," Reily said as she helps them climb up. Adam and Blake were the first to land on the train, scanning around the area to find a hatch.
Adam hacks the lock on the hatch, "The rest of you wait here. Blake, with me." Said Adam.
Blake nods and enters the car with him.
"Hey, Blake," Adam said.
"Yeah, Adam?"
"Blake."
"What?"
"Blake? Blake, you awake?" Someone calls out to her.
"Huh?"
Blake wakes up from her sleep. It was just a dream. "You're awake. The boat captain said that we should be arriving at Menagerie soon." Said Reily.
"Oh, okay. Thanks, Reily." She said.
"Don't mention it. I mean, after what happened, I guess." She still looked a bit shaken from it, poor girl.
When Blake boarded the bullhead, she found Reily sitting inside as well. She said Adam told her to go back home as well. She's just two years younger than her.
Now that she thought about it.
"I don't think we've ever talked much back at camp, Reily."
"Oh, that's because I was busy training myself to get stronger, but all I did was logistics since I wasn't old enough to fight." She laughs as she rubs her head.
Blake smiles. At least she still has some spirit in her. "Well, once we reach the island, I'll be going to see my family. What about you?"
"Uh, sorry, I need to use the bathroom real quick." Reily quickly said, running out of the room.
"Oh, okay."
Blake understands. Maybe that wasn't the right topic for Blake to talk with her. She notes to herself not to bring it up again unless she asks.
She was left alone in their room. She looks out the small window, gazing at the sky and the ocean, feeling the waves rocking the boat as it cruises along as she tries to calm herself. Returning home wasn't easy, and leaving them behind was even more difficult.
Blake sighs.
Her journey back home to Menagerie was quiet. It's an eerie silence, apart from the sound of the waves and the seagull's caw. Usually, it would be peaceful without all the sounds of warfare. But to Blake, she could still clearly hear it in her head. She's spent a lot of time thinking about what she has been doing in the White Fang, only to have left as she couldn't handle anymore of it after her final raid.
It wasn't the first time, but it was more than enough to convinced her to leave. She couldn't take it anymore.
Returning home wasn't easy, and leaving them behind was even more difficult. Now that the shadows are right at their necks, with a knife ready to plunge it in them. Or a gun, waiting to put a bullet in their heads when they least expect it.
It was hard to let go of all those years of fighting and helping her people, only to have her leave with her tail literally between her legs. Adam didn't have a problem with her leaving the White Fang, and the others didn't bat an eye on her for it. But they were all sad when she left.
Her hands were still shaking just from the thought of it. Her brother and sisters in arms had died mercilessly to the shadows. They fought bravely, but the shadows showed no mercy for them. Their screams of pain and despair would still haunt her to this day.
It was a miracle that she didn't die yet.
It's hard not to think about them when you spent so long fighting with them. The screams of pain and despair still linger in her head. But, in Blake's case. She wouldn't say she was fighting the shadows, just the SDC. She never got the chance to face one in person until that day.
She was confident. She was ready. But no matter how prepared you are, a shadow will find a way to kill you. Be it by his gun, his blade, his own two hands, or even at the end of his boot.
She couldn't be distracted by her books. It's so much that not even her favorite novels could calm her. Not when there is so much going on in her mind. Her left arm still hurts from that bullet wound. And a grenade blasting shrapnel near her left leg. It reminded her of a story she used to read once, where the hero runs away to a safe place to rest from his enemies.
But come to think of it, she hasn't been reading that much ever since the Shadows became more aggressive. When was the last time she had touched her books? Has it been weeks, maybe months even? It felt longer than it must have been almost a year ago.
She used to use any free time she has and buries herself in her books. Everyone knows that Blake loves to read. She would read them all the time and not worry about anything.
But after the Shadows came, she dropped her books and started picking up bandages, helping wounded allies and managing supplies, and even assisting the kitchen staff in feeding everyone. She had been too busy that she has little to no time to read.
And now her books have been left sitting there collecting dust.
She looks over to her duffle bag, holding her memories of the White Fang. She remembered how Adam talks about the pressure from both Sienna Khan and the shadows that still hunt him down. Every night, he would always look exhausted and ready to sleep whenever he gets a bit of downtime.
But the White Fang still holds on. They will keep fighting, even with death holding their shoulders.
She gets up and walks over to her duffle bag placed on the table beside her bed.
All of her memories and gifts from everyone before her departure are in there. She opens it and saw her things and all of her books neatly pack at the side. And a few pictures, one with her and Adam. And the other, an old one with a younger blake with her parents.
It made her feel a little melancholy.
She hovers her hand over them, hesitant to touch them even though she just put them in there. Even she is free to read all the books she wants. She can't help but feel that responsibility for the White Fang on her shoulders, and it's like they haven't left her.
"Hey, sorry, I'm back. My stomach wasn't feeling right just now." Reily enters the room again.
Blake sighs, "Reily, I'm sorry for bringing up your family. If you don't want to talk about it, it's alright. I won't bring it back up again." Blake looks Reily in the eye.
"Thanks, Blake. Also, I did use the restroom."
Blakes rolls her eyes and smiles. She turns back to her duffle bag. Her Gambol Shroud is also inside, but it remained severely damaged from the raid. It might take her a while to repair it.
Suddenly, the speakers around the ship began to talk.
"Good evening everyone, this is you boat captain speaking. We are arriving on the island of Menagerie, don't forget your belongings on the way out. A few words, to any visitors staying on the island, I advise not to stir trouble with the locals. And to any locals here who are returning to the island, Welcome home. We hope you enjoyed our service, and please enjoy your stay."
Riley went to grab her bag, "Guess we had to get going now."
"Yeah, we should." Blake puts away her photos and books and heads out of the room with Reily. The other passengers also made their way out of the boat, some with their families, others who are alone. There were more Faunus than Humans on this boat, but they seem like a lot of trouble.
The boat captain was friendly. He greeted everyone in person when they boarded the ship, even Blake and Reily. He looked over in his 50s. Guess he went wise with age.
When they stepped onto the docks, it was very crowded. "Huh, this place hasn't changed one bit. I feel at home again." Said Reily.
"I guess, but we have to go see my parents first. I want to surprise them that I'm back." Blake said.
"Huh, you never called them?"
"No, I didn't have the courage. I haven't talked in a long while."
They walked further into the island. The place seemed livelier than before. She remembered last time they can't step out at night as the Grimm would hunt them out. Now they are out and about, and even the kids are still out playing. While odd, it was nice to see. Maybe they finally got rid of the Grimm, and now it's safer to roam.
Blake smiled. She felt right at home again.
She watches the children running around the market playing tag until a little duck Faunus runs into a shadow to hug his leg. Wait.
What!?
Blakes grabs Reily and hides behind one of the stalls.
"Hey, what's going on, Blake?" Blake covers her mouth. "Quiet, they're shadows here."
Blake peeks out and watches the child with the shadow. She greets him with a smile, and the shadow smiles and picks her up, playfully pinching her cheek and making her laugh. The other Faunus around them smiles as they watch them. Some are even going up and saying hello to him.
What is going on?
"Mhm," Reily tried to speak, she managed to remove Blake's hand.
"Blake, they are from Lotus. I heard that they are very nice to the Faunus here. They've been here for quite some time."
"Yeah, probably lies, Reily. You can't trust a shadow."
"But everyone here seems to trust them," Reily said.
While they don't seem to be dangerous to the others around her, it still troubles her. She needs to get back to her old home and fast.
"Come on, we need to get back to my place, and I don't wanna get caught by any of them along the way."
Reily sighs, "Fine, lead the way."
Slowly, they make their way out of the market and into residential. The people were still roaming outside, so it was easier to blend into the crowd. They reached a small house, shy away from the others.
"This is your place, huh. Aren't you going to knock on the door now?" Reily asked.
"I will. It's just that I'm not ready for this."
Blake knocked on the door and waited for her parents to answer. She felt so much anxiety about her family again.
But all that went out the window.
Instead of her father and mother that she was expecting, an entirely different person came out of the door. Blake and Reily were taken back by this.
There was an awkward silence when the resident stares at Blake. "Who are you?" He asked.
Okay, talk about awkward.
"Uh, so sorry. I just thought that my family still lives here." Blake said.
"Well, I think you have the wrong house, miss."
"Wait, do you know the previous owners of this house?"
"No, sorry, I only know that the chief had moved away from here years ago before I came here." said the resident.
"Huh, chief? What chief?" Blake asked.
"You been living under a rock, miss? I'm talking about the Chief of Menagerie, Ghira Belladonna. He became elected after the council decided that it should be him to lead the island. Only a few years ago after he left the White Fang."
Her father became a leader again? And all of this happened while she was in the White Fang? Menagerie was shut off from the world, so no news ever reaches the other kingdoms, not that they would care about them. But just what is going on here?
"Uh, Blake," Reily said, trying to get her attention.
"Excuse me, miss. Can we talk to you for a moment?"
Blake turned around to the person behind her.
It was a pair of black shadows.
Don't panic, Blake.
"Uh, sure, what is it about?" She said.
"We thought you look familiar to someone, and we like to have a chat with you." Said the shadow, a black lotus patch adorned his shoulders.
"Oh, well, I hope it was a misunderstanding then," Blake said, slowly reaches for her weapon.
"No, we just need to confirm that it was you."
No.
"Miss, we know who you are, Blake Belladonna."
By the brother gods, no, this can't be happening right now.
/-/
"Dammit, nothing again."
Yang rides her bike home after another failed attempt to find her mother, Raven Branwen. The winds against her face with her fair flowing behind. Today was no help either. Her mother must have left even before she could get there, or her informant was wrong. Either way, her mother is good at running away.
"Where are you?" She thought. It has been going nowhere. She had to lie to her dad that she is going to hang out with friends. But all she was doing was searching around the forest for Raven.
It was a long shot, but she could at least try.
Ruby is probably worried about her going out late at night. But she can take care of herself. She's 16, after all, top of her class and has beaten three final-year students in a row in her last year. This year would be a breeze for her.
And after this, she's going to Beacon after she graduates. She would still be finding Raven, though. "I'll find you, just you wait." She said.
Her scroll rang.
"Ugh, what is it now?" She said as she brings out her scroll.
"Hey, dad."
"Don't hey me, young lady, are you on your way home? It's late right now, and your sister is worried about you."
"Yeah, dad, I'm on the way home now. Should be soon, okay?"
She heard him sigh through the call, "Alright, I know you're going to be 17 soon, but don't go out so late at night. It worries me a lot."
"Dad, it's only 8 pm. Stop worrying so much? I like to sleep early too. My beauty sleep is important."
"I can see the house now, so stop worrying, please."
"Okay, see you at home, kid."
"Bye." Yang hangs up the call.
Taiyang Xiao Long. Some times an overprotective father. Okay, maybe all the time. That man is paranoid. Ruby is just the same, and she is the younger sister.
Well, if today wasn't a success, there is always tomorrow. Raven's out there. Yang will find her someday. She stops in front of the house and turns off her bike. She sighs as she brings her bike to the shed.
Just behind her, a raven sits on a branch, watching Yang as she puts her bike in the shed and enters the house, hearing Ruby shouting at Yang's return, "Yang, you're back!"
End of Chapter 6