The screams still echoed in her head as she attempted to sleep. Ever since she left it has been hell for her. Laying on her back she stared at the ceiling watching the fan slowly rotate around. The windows were open to allow in a breeze to combat the humid air, Menagerie was known for its humidity as well as the home to the Faunus.
Sitting up in bed thick raven locks cascaded down her back. Amber eyes scanned the room around her. Stopping to stare at the flag that hung on the wall opposite of her. Her hairs standing on end she closed her eyes. The flag bearing the iconic head with the three notable slashes sat right in the middle. The symbol for the White Fang, her home for six years now.
Getting out of bed Blake made her way to her wardrobe, opening the doors she pulled out her official uniform, a black garment that contrasted what everyone else in the White Fang wore. After Adam had taken over as High Leader he promoted her to a chapter leader. Buttoning up the last bit she fixed her hair and headed out.
One of the few perks of being a leader was that you had private accommodations. Leaving the building she heard the shouting as the veteran members ushered in new recruits. Walking over she gazed at the young eager faces before her.
"Ma'am would you like to welcome the new recruits?" One of the sergeants asked her. Looking over the line of recruits she aligned herself with the middle element. Looking directly into his eyes she saw the hopefulness she had years ago.
"Morning recruits!" Smirking some as she heard the unison response. "You have decided to join the most prestigious branch of the White Fang. Under our jurisdiction we have started the movement for Faunus rights in the Vale area. Our mission is to establish full faunus rights in the Kingdom. Whether that comes peacefully or not, it is up to those who stand with us, and against us."
She could see the widening eyes and gulps coming from the young members. Most of them she would not see again after they left. For a moment she could hear the screams and gunshots echoing in her head.
"Many of you might not live to see this happen. For those of you who fall remember that your sacrifice will not have been in vain. You will forever be a martyr for our people. Now go and become the best that you can be, never let anyone bring you down, fight for your rights, fight for your family, fight for your freedom!" The recruits burst into cheers as Blake finished her speech.
"Sergeant I trust you will train them well." Blake said as he saluted her. "They are going to need every bit of it.." She mumbled the rest to herself.
Crossing the training grounds she neared the main HQ for the White Fang. Guards were posted on the roof as well as out front. Even though no huntsmen or humans have tried attacking they never left anything unmanned. Nearing the front door, the guards saluted her before opening the towering wooden doors. Inside, the foyer was dimly lit with torches, each torch lit by a previous High Leader. The walls were made with the blood, sweat and tears of those who fell before her.
Reaching the inner sanctum she pushed open the doors and entered. Centered in the middle of the room was a ginormous table. Spanning across it was a complete layout of the Kingdom of Vale. Flags dotted the landscaping showing past and future engagements. Taking her stance at the edge of the table she waited with the other leaders for the High Leader to appear.
Across from her was the head of the Atlas branch Viktor Shrole, the oldest of the branch leaders, it is speculated he joined when the White Fang first began. His most notable accomplishment was the capture and execution of a key political figure and relative to the Schnee family. Viktor glared at Blake who had not realized she had been staring for that long.
Next to her was the leader of the Vacuo branch, Corba Skalees. She is fairly quiet, only talking when the need arises. Her background is a mystery to those around her, not even Blake knows anything about it. She and Blake met on a joint ops mission when Blake was still readjusting to the organization. She quickly reminded Blake of her old partner as she constantly flirted with her.
The thought of her old partner sent a pang of guilt through her chest. Having left on a harsh note she dreaded the day their eyes meet again. Feeling a set of eyes on her she looked to Corba. Amber eyes met Green, without saying a word Corba nodded to Blake and looked back to the table. Finally after what felt like forever the doors to the High Leaders room opened.
Walking up to the head of the table the leader took his seat. Following after him the rest of the leaders took theirs. Leaning back in his chair running a hand through spiked red hair High Leader Taurus sighed.
"I am disappointed in all of you." His gaze going from Viktor to Corba. "I expected more out of my leaders." His gaze finally landing on Blake he straightened his back.
"Can someone please tell me what is taking so goddamn long," Slamming his fist on the table, no one flinched or batted an eye. "We should have been ready to take over Vale weeks ago!"
"Sir, if I may, I have received some new intel today." Viktor said adjusting his collar. "It appears an SDC train is headed towards the border of Atlas. Possibly to resupply any huntsmen in the area. My men are ready to head out this very moment to put a stop to it."
"Good work Viktor, I love hearing progress like that." Looking to Corba he waited for her update. "Well, Ms. Skalees, we are waiting."
"As of today there are fewer and fewer huntsmen groups operating in Vacuo. Most have been recalled to deal with Viktor's groups in Atlas. With that we are now able to move more freely within the borders without conflict. Recruiting has seen a steady increase with more young faunus coming to us each day." Corba looked to the map on the table. "However we are still having problems with bandit groups here, here, and here." pointing to three spots on the map she looked to Adam. "We should be able to finish dealing with them by the end of the week."
"Very good Corba, I see my judgment was not imprudent in putting you in charge." Adam leaned back in his chair. "Before we hear the Vale update from Blake, I want to take a moment here to discuss further plans. Right now the Faunus are in a position of power we have never held before. We are nearing our goal of a free world for Faunus everywhere. Our first major move in maintaining this however will be crucial."
He looked between each leader with folded his hands. "Beacon Academy has a reputation of putting out Remnant's finest Huntsmen and Huntresses. To secure Vale and establish a foothold, Beacon must fall. Blake you used to attend this school, I want you to be the one to lead the attack, having been there you know the layout better than anyone from our intel group could get."
Nodding, Blake remained silent as Adam glanced over the map. "Soon, with this foothold, we will be able to launch more raids and soon enough move on to the other Kingdoms. Now that we have that matter out of the way, Blake proceed with your news."
Clearing her throat Blake took a moment to collect her thoughts. "As of today, huntsmen groups have begun falling back to the center of Vale near the capital as we began pushing, the only remaining problems outside of the capital are bandits. More specifically the Branwen tribe has been the one causing most of our casualties." She pointed to a small island just off the coast. "We have intel the leader of the tribe regularly visits this island, along with her there has been heavy Huntsman traffic as well."
"What do you plan to do about it?" Viktor asked eying her up and down.
"I will divide up my men and send a group to try and stop any more huntsmen from entering the area or to damage anything they find." Blake looked back to the island on the map.
Blake's head filled with sorrowful thoughts as she looked at that tiny island on the map, thoughts of Yang. She remembered what Yang said when they sat in the lecture hall. 'Hey Blake, when we graduate, you need to come visit Patch with me and Ruby. It's a small island just off the coast of Vale. No grimm and plenty of Sun, we could go to the beach or walk around the town park.' The memory of her enthusiastic face made Blake smile.
'Perhaps, Yang, perhaps, but that means you have to meet my parents in Menagerie as well.' She smiled some more as she remembered cleaning the blood from her girlfriends face.
"Im sorry Yang..." She whispered to herself, just like that, her smile faded from a bright grin to a sorrowful frown.
"What was that, Ms. Belladonna?" Adam asked leaning forward. "If you are done, say so, there are still many objectives we need to finish today."
"Yes sir." Clearing her throat she continued. "I was also informed last night of a capture in central Vale. We may be able to use them as a leverage when the time comes. Along with their capture we gained the intel that Weiss Schnee is in the Kingdom of Vale right now. What she is doing there, we do not know."
"Weiss Schnee is in Vale huh?" A grin surfaced his face. "Does she have her personal guard with her?"
Looking to Adam, Blake shook her head. "We believe she is traveling alone."
"Perfect, Blake, I want you to go and begin on the capture and execution of that Schnee bitch." Turning to two other captains, Adam stood up. "Viktor continue with the SDC train, I expect to hear about its destruction. Corba, I am assigning you over to Blake. The Schnee may be by herself but she is not a pushover."
Corba nodded in acknowledgment as she glanced to Blake.
"If that is all return to your bases and prepare for your assignments." Waiting until Adam left, the rest of the group stood their ground looking at one another. Viktor finally turned and left leaving Corba and Blake to themselves.
"So what is your plan?" Corba asked Blake as they made their way out of the building. "I mean, capturing a Schnee will not be an easy task."
"I have an idea on how we can set a trap." Nearing her living quarters Blake stopped outside. "Just leave the planning to me, continue training with your troops and be ready as soon as I send word." With that Blake turned to enter the room.
"Blake?" Blake looked back and saw concern on Corba's face. "How are- I mean, you used to be on the same team as Weiss. Are you sure you can handle this?"
Sighing, as she knows where she is coming from with this, Blake clenched the door. "The key words there are *used to*, now go as I told you." The door closed quickly as Blake went inside.
Instead of going to her office to plan, she collapsed, pressing her back firmly against the door, tucking her head in her arms. Feelings of grief and guilt filled her chest. 'Of all the things I would have been assigned, it had to be this.'
After what felt like forever, Blake brought herself to stand back up. She slowly walked to her office, carelessly taking off the black top of her uniform leaving her with a white wrap around her chest and the pants of her uniform.
Sitting down at the table provided she started her paperwork. She knew she could possibly use their current captive as a setting for the trap. Where to set it up at was the question she needed an answer to. Rubbing her temples she leaned back in her chair. Knowing Weiss, she may be alone right now, but given the circumstances she will most likely pay for more protection.
Picking up her scroll, she dialed her next in command. "Korren I need you to get the prisoner and head about 50 miles south of the capital." While they may be underhanded she had one leverage.
"Yes, the older Schnee, take her south of the capital, we are going to use her." after confirming the coordinates with her second she hung up. "Winter Schnee, I hope this was all worth it. Either Weiss will kill us and save you, or we get to execute two Schnees."