This story may be my own original story, but RWBY, the characters and everything else is owned by Rooster Teeth and created by late Monty Oum(1981-2015). And even though it's 2 years, since your passing. We all still miss you Monty.
RWBY Volume 6, Chapter 8
Betrayal
HALLWAY
In a dark hallway, with some lights, Yang stops by a corner, anger in her face. Hearing the sound of a thud, she turns to where the sound occurred. Walking down the hallway, her eyes turn red. Stopping by a door, Yang hears the sounds of talking and laughing behind it. Breathing heavily and waiting a few seconds, she kicks the door and runs inside. The sounds of gunshots and punching is heard, as Ruby and Blake arrive at the corner.
"She's starting to lose it." Ruby said.
"We've all noticed." Blake said. "Perhaps having Qrow reveal the truth about your mother, wasn't a good idea right now."
The door to the room breaks open and slams the wall, along with a Dark Seeker, who passes out from the impact. Another door opens, and a Seeker sees the situation. When he gets to the open room, he is met by a metal pipe, knocking him out. As more Seekers exit the other room, Yang exits with another enemy in her grasp. She throws the Seeker and avoids many attacks, while attacking back.
"She needed to know, Blake." Ruby said. "If she was told in Atlas, she would've took her anger on the city. Besides...she deserved to know. Especially from Qrow, himself. And not from me."
Blake turns and sees Yang, though a bit exhausted, flips forward and kicks a Seeker in the face. Blake turns back to Ruby. "Still, Ruby. This wasn't a good idea, bringing her along here."
The sounds of fighting has fainted away. Ruby and Blake turn to see Yang looking at them, panting hard and her eyes turning back, but still showing anger.
"Come on." Ruby said, walking. "Let's just destroy this place."
Blake walks to Yang, who is staring at the ground. She uses her hand to lift Yang's head, making her stare at each other.
"How do you feel?" Blake asked.
"...A little better." Yang answered, grasping Blake's hand.
"I hope so." Blake said. "Because your anger is getting too out of hand. You need to contain yourself. Otherwise, you're going to hurt the wrong person."
"I know." Yang said. "But it's getting harder to do so. Every now and then, I need to let it out. And when I do, I need you to be there for me. To help calm me down. Okay?"
Blake nods. She then gives Yang a quick kiss on her forehead, before taking Yang's hand. "Let's go. We're almost done here."
Blake leads Yang down the hallway, where Ruby walked. As they walked, they are unaware of the man hiding, watching them walk.
"Hm." Watts said. "Very interesting."
THE NEXT MORNING - ATLAS - WEISS' ROOM
Weiss lies down on her bed, sleeping peacefully. She then begins to groan and move her head. Weiss then reaches for something and slowly opens her eyes. She turns her head and sees where she was reaching for. Instead of Ruby, she is touching just the area of the bed, where she would lie on. Weiss sighs in disappointment, and sits up. Yawning, she stretches and stands up.
Knock Knock
Weiss slowly walks to the door, groaning in annoyance. When she reaches the doorknob and opens the door, she sees Klein, holding a tray which contained a cup of hot coffee and a plate covered in a round shield.
"I didn't-" Weiss tries to say.
"I know, Miss Schnee." Klein said. "But Miss Rose knew you'd be up around this time, and wanted me to have breakfast ready for when you wake up."
Weiss raises her eyebrows in surprise and begins to smile. "Even when she is far away, she still takes care of me."
"Of course she is." Klein said, handing the tray to Weiss, who takes it. "Miss Rose's love for you does seem to have no bounds. She really cares for you a lot."
"...Yeah. She does."
Klein then gives a slight bow, and begins to walk.
"Klein!"
He stops and turns back to Weiss.
"Klein." Weiss said. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Of course, Miss Schnee." Klein answered. "What is it, do you need?"
"...Well...I need you to keep an eye on Whitley."
Klein raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Is there a reason, why you need me to?"
Weiss sighs, before placing the tray on her bed and walking back to Klein. "Ever since we all moved in, Whitley has been slowly becoming a little...aggressive. Especially towards Sun, Velvet and Neon. His intolerance for Faunus is really starting to get distracting. I just need you to spy on him. Make sure he's not plotting anything. Report to me daily with what you have."
Klein nods. "Of course, ma'am. If you think Master Whitley could be up to no good, then I shall keep and eye on him."
Weiss smiles. "Thank you, Klein."
SOLIS - REST AREA
Blake is putting on her boots and sheathes Gambol Shroud. She turns and looks at her bed. Yang is lying on the other side, sleeping.
"Hey."
Blake turns to see Jaune and Pyrrha walking to her.
"How is she?" Jaune asked.
"A little better." Blake answered. "Took out her anger on a lot of those Seekers last night. Just needs some rest."
"Okay." Juane said. "We'll be waiting outside, when you're ready."
Blake nods. Jaune and Pyrrha turn around and walk away. Blake sighs and walks around her bed. She crouches down in front of Yang, who begins to wake up.
"Hey, sleepyhead." Blake said, smiling.
"...What time is it?" Yang asked, yawning.
"Almost 8 o'clock." Blake answered. She notices Yang trying to get up, but she stops her. "Hey. I think you should just stay here."
"Why?"
"Trust me, Yang. You've been very stressful the last couple days. Ever since your talk with Qrow. And plus what happened last night...Ruby just wants you to get a lot of rest. You won't be needed until the afternoon. Can you do that for me?"
Yang groans before answering. "Okay. Who else is going with you?"
"Well, Ruby of course. JNPR will be going, too. Everyone else will stay here and be ready for anything. We'll be back in a couple hours, if all goes well."
Blake then lifts the blanket and covers Yang, who slowly goes to sleep. She then stands up and proceeds to walk towards the door. As she nears it, she stops and looks at Qrow, who is sitting on his bed, looking at her. Sighing, Blake turns and walks to him.
"Hey." Qrow said, before standing up. "She still angry?"
"Yep." Blake answered, turning to look at the sleeping Yang. "But we're working on calming her down." She then turns back to Qrow. "Do me a favor, will you?"
"Depends on what this favor is." Qrow said, crossing his arms.
"...Keep an eye on her." Blake explains. "Throughout this entire mission. Make sure she isn't doing anything bad."
"Heh." Qrow said, smiling. "Believe me, Kitty Cat. I'm already doing that. Ruby already asked me. I'll be sure, she doesn't get into trouble. You have my word."
"Alright." Blake said. "Thanks. And please. Don't call me that name again. Only Yang can."
Blake then turns and goes to the door, exiting the building. There, she sees Ruby, JNPR and Wesley standing next to an airship, and walks to them.
"About time." Ruby said. "We were just about to leave."
"Just needed to check a couple things, before we leave." Blake said. "I'm all set. Let's go."
"Excellent." Jaune said. "All aboard, then."
ATLAS - DR. SOLARIS' ROOM
Lucas is sitting down, reading a book and drinking tea. All is quiet, before the sound of knocking is heard
Knock Knock
Lucas hears the knocking, while reading a book. He puts the book down and stands up.
"Come in." He said.
The door opens, and Cyan enters with a nervous look.
"Miss Marcus." Lucas said, surprised. "It's been a while, since you've visited."
"I'm aware." Cyan said, grabbing her arm. "I...I gave some thought, on whether I wanted to have another session."
"I'm pretty sure, a month was enough time to think of it." Lucas said, before grabbing a clipboard and sitting down on his chair. "Are you ready to begin?"
Cyan nods and proceeds to lie down on a long chair.
"Okay, Miss Marcus. I'll be asking the same questions, as I have for Miss Rose and Miss Scarlatina. And you answer to them, with the best that you can. Understood?"
"Sure." Cyan answered. "Go ahead."
SOLIS - GARDEN
Velvet is looking at the assortment of flowers that are blooming in the garden, neat the rest area.
"Kinda amazed."
Velvet turns her head and looks at Aiden, who has his eyebrows raised.
"Vacuo's practically a desert Kingdom." He said. "And yet, here are these flowers...blooming."
Velvet smiles and chuckles. "You don't know one thing about gardening. Don't you."
"No, I don't." Aiden honestly answered.
Velvet crouches down and reaches for a daisy flower. She plucks it and stands up, staring at the flower.
"You remember my mother?" She said, her smile fading.
"...Of course." Aiden answered. "And that's the flower, she's named after."
Velvet nods before talking. "Coco never shown to anyone else. But she loved daisies as well. And I was the only one to know about this. I even placed some of these on her gravestone, last year."
"That was sweet of you."
Velvet notices that the voice is female, and then sees a yellow metal hand picking a purple-colored flower. She turns and sees Yang, who stands up and looks the flower, she picks.
"Lilac?" Velvet asked.
Yang nods. "Yep. Blake likes these kind of flowers. Thinking of surprising her with a bundle."
"That's romantic." Aiden said. "Why not a box of chocolates?"
Yang raises her eyebrow. "Seriously? In this weather? I don't think so."
Aiden shrugs his shoulders. "Thought I'd asked."
"How come you're even outside?" Velvet asked. "Ruby said you needed to rest."
"...Can't sleep right now." Yang answered. "Figured I'd take a walk. Clear my mind. Think of a way to control myself. Any chance you two know where the market is?"
"Across the village, that way." Aiden answered, pointing at a direction.
"Thanks." Yang said, before turning around and walking. But after a few steps, she stops. She turns her head. "Velvet. I know you have nightmares from that night. And you know what I'm talking about."
Aiden sees that Velvet's head lowers down.
"Believe me. We all get nightmares, from that night, too. Even Blake. And trust me, when I say this, Velvs. She is suffering, even more than you are. Just look at the scars on her wrists, the next time you see her."
Yang then proceeds to walk, with a surprised Aiden watching her go.
"Scars on her wrists." Aiden said. "Shit." He turns to Velvet. "Please tell me, you weren't cold about that."
"...I didn't even know." Velvet said.
STREET
Yang stares at the ground as she walks past civilians down the street.
"E...Excuse me."
Yang lifts her head, to see a Faunus girl, with a tail standing in front of her.
"Hi." Yang said. "You're that girl, Velvet was talking to yesterday. Valerie. Right?"
Valerie nervously nods, while grabbing her arm. Yang notices her nervousness.
"You okay there?"
"Huh?" Valerie asked. "Uh...yeah. Just a little nervous."
"Nervous about what?"
"...Uh...I was...I was just wondering if...if you knew where..."
Valerie trails off of her words. But Yang figures out what she was going to say.
"You want to talk to Velvet?"
Valerie looks surprised to hear that. But after a few seconds, she nods. Yang then bops her head towards the direction behind her. "Garden. Might want to hurry. She might leave shortly."
"Thank you." Valerie said, before quickly walking past Yang and towards the garden.
"That was very nice of you."
Yang turns to see who said those words. The person who talked is Shay, who rests his back on a pole, his arms crossed.
"Valerie's considered the shyest girl in Solis." He said, smiling. "But given time, you would find out that she's also the nicest, too. Heh. To be even hearing her talk more than one sentence. I'm surprised."
Yang just stares at Shay for a few seconds, before talking. "You're Shay, right? The guy from yesterday?"
"Yep." Shay answered. "And before those eyes turn red...I want you to know something. Here in Vacuo...we're cautious about new people coming to our homeland. Especially in this godforsaken war. So I do apologize if I was...a little aggressive."
"Yeah...sure, you do." Yang said, crossing her arms. "And I suppose, you are a good person, deep down."
"...You read me, like a book." Shay said, before walking to Yang. "Come. Let me buy you a drink."
"Don't even attempt to flirt with me." Yang said, some anger in her voice.
"Oh, no." Shay said, chuckling. "I'm aware of your marriage to the Belladonna girl. No. Just have a drink with me. You know. As...acquaintances."
Yang stares at Shay again, before talking. "You buying?"
"Don't have to ask."
Yang sighs. "I do need a drink."
AIRSHIP
"We're approaching the main city of Vacuo." Ruby said to JNPR and Blake, who are sitting nearby. "We're landing in a couple minutes. Our only objective is to escort an informant, who had been feeding information about the nearby Dark Seeker strongholds, that we'll be attacking tomorrow. We pick her up...and we take her back to Solis, where she'll tell us everything."
"That easy?" Jaune asked, confused. "Just picking up one person?"
"Yep." Ruby answered. "She personally asked for us. Protection, I guess."
"Who is this woman, that we're protecting anyways?" Blake asked.
"Don't know." Ruby answered again. "But all we know is that she's a Faunus, but she's the rare kind with no tails or anything. She can be passable to a human."
"...I see." Blake said, turning her head to avoid showing the group her anger.
"Miss Rose."
Ruby turns her head to the pilot of the airship.
"Landing in 1 minute, ma'am. I suggest you sit down."
Ruby nods and sits down next to Blake, putting on her seat-belt. When she finishes, she notices Blake's angry face.
"Everything okay?" She whispers.
Blake looks at Ruby, her anger not receding. "I'm not okay."
Ruby is confused. "Why's that?"
Blake's fists clench hard. "I think I know, who we're picking up."
Ruby's eyebrows raises up in surprise. She looks at JNPR, who are busy to notice, before looking back at Blake. "Who?"
"...Somebody from my past."
The airship moves past the clouds, and the group look out their windows to see the main city of Vacuo, where medium to large buildings are seen. The airship hovers over a small airfield, where a vehicle are parked nearby. As the airship lands, the driver in the vehicle exit. The back door opens, and he approach Ruby, Blake and JNPR, as they exit.
"Miss Rose." The Driver said. "I assume that is who we're meeting."
"That's right." Ruby answered. "So...where is she?"
"Just inside my vehicle." The Driver answered. "Let me signal her, and she'll get out. I'll introduce you to her."
"No need."
The Driver turns and looks at Blake, who walks past him.
"I'll introduce Ilia myself."
As Blake walks to the car, the back door opens, making her stop. The woman inside exits the car, where she exposes her face to Blake, whose eyes squint. The girl just smiles and crosses her arms.
"Blake." She said.
"...Ilia." Blake said. "I assumed you were a casualty, three years ago."
"Oh I was, dear Blake." Ilia said. "I was, when you killed Adam in Mistral. And lucky for me, though...I was in Vale, when it happened."
"Blake." Ruby said, approaching Blake. "You know her?"
Blake turns and looks at Ruby, stares at her, and turns back to Ilia. "Ruby. This is Ilia Amitola. A former member of the now-disfunct Vale branch of the White Fang. She's...an old friend-turned enemy."
"And now-turned...acquaintance." Ilia said, walking towards the two. "I have information, that your so-called...squad needs. Important information. And if you wish to have it, then I suggest we go inside and head for Solis, immediately. Chance are, that the Dark Seekers are almost aware that I'm not anywhere near the stronghold, that I was assigned to."
Ruby stares at Ilia for a few seconds, before talking. "Give us a minute. Blake come with me."
Ruby and Blake turn and walk the opposite direction, while Ilia annoyingly sighs and stands there. She notices Jaune and Pyrrha approaching her.
"So." Jaune said. "You're that girl, Blake often talked about. The chameleon girl."
Ilia just smiles. "Jaune Arc. Isn't it?
Jaune doesn't answer, choosing to remain silent.
"Silent, huh? I can live with that. And you are also right. I am indeed, the same girl."
Ilia then suddenly turn from her normal skin color, to green. And her brown hair and the spots on her face and skin turn blue. Jaune and Pyrrha raise their eyebrows in surprise.
Ilia smiles and looks at Jaune. "Like what you see, handsome?"
"Don't call him that." Pyrrha said, with some anger in her face.
Ilia's skin turns back to normal. She looks at the two back and forth, before she talks. "You two together?"
Jaune looks away and scratches the back of his head. Pyrrha looks at Jaune, before looking at Ilia. "We were. Very...very briefly."
"Yeah. Like 10 seconds." Jaune whispered to Pyrrha.
"...Huh." Ilia said. "Well, then. If that's the case...I'd like to try him out, later."
Both Jaune and Pyrrha go eye-wide, before Ilia starts to laugh a little.
"I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I would never do that." She turns to Juane. "Or am I?" Winks at him.
Pyrrha just smiles, not showing her anger. "We should get back to work."
"Yeah." Juane awkwardly said, following Pyrrha as they walk.
Ilia then proceeds to follow the two. After a few seconds, she is stopped by an arm in front of her. She turns and looks at an angry Blake staring at her.
"Here's how this is going to happen." Blake said. "You will come with us. You will give us everything, that you know. And when you're done, and we destroy the strongholds in Vacuo...you leave."
"I can follow those rules." Ilia said, before trying to walk. But her shirt is grabbed by Blake's hand. Ilia struggles to release her grip, but Blake doesn't budge.
"You will not interact with anyone else, other than those that you're allowed to talk to." Blake angrily said. "Especially Jaune." She then moves her face closer to Ilia's. "I know, you've already taken an interest in him. I'm not going to stop you. But I will warn you. He's lost his wife to Cinder. Family members, too. He is suffering, emotionally. And if you do anything, that'll hurt any of us...he will not hesitate to kill you."
Blake then releases Ilia, who straightens her clothes.
"I get it." Ilia said. "I'll do as you say."
"...Good." Blake said.
SOLIS - REST AREA
Yang and Shay sit on a bench, near the rest area. They are holding bottles of alcohol.
"Thanks for the drink." Yang said, before taking a swig.
"Yeah." Shay said. "Just wanted to show you, that I'm a nice guy."
"...Well, you convinced me. Now you need to convince Ruby. She doesn't trust you."
"That's understandable." Shay said.
The two sit in silence for a few seconds.
"So." Yang said, breaking the silence. "Bodyguard for the Mayor, huh?"
"It's a job, I don't like." Shay answered. "But it has its benefits."
"I bet." Yang said. Swig.
"Yep." Shay said. "In fact...the building, that you and your squad are residing in...that's actually my place."
Yang raises her eyebrows in surprise. "Oh. Didn't know that. Well...sorry for taking over your home."
"It's all good. I volunteered to let you have it. Figured it's big enough, for you guys."
"Don't you think, it's a little too big for you?" Yang asked.
"I grew up with a lot of people around. I'm used to it." Shay answered.
"Big family?"
Shay chuckles. "No. Group home. Yep. Over the years, I grew up in one, till I turned 18. Traveled the world after that, before deciding to settle here in Solis."
"You traveled alone?"
"Yep. Even as a kid, I always found it easier to be by myself. I uh...I also found it hard to get close to anyone. Neighbors. Family. Friends..." Shay sighs, before continuing. "Boyfriends."
"...Boyfriends." Yang said. Then she begins to smile. "Wasn't expecting to hear that. And...just boyfriends?"
"Correct." Shay answers again. "You may be beautiful, but I'm not attracted to you. No offense."
"None taken. But...you should at least try to be close. Even if it's for a short time. Maybe get a few pointers."
Shay smiles. "I'll try."
Ahem
Shay and Yang turn to see Wes, standing in front of them.
"Um...I know, I should've said something, while you two were talking." Wesley said. "But I was just wonder, if you knew where Emerald is."
Yang points her thumb at the building. "In there. Finally going to admit that you love her?"
"...Something like that." Wesley said, before walking towards the building.
"Man." Yang said. "I didn't even hear him."
Inside the rest area building, Emerald lies on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She hears the sound of a door opening, and she sits up. Emerald sees Wesley entering and closing the door, and smiles.
"Finally caught me alone." She said.
Wesley chuckles and walks to the bed, he occupies and sits on it. Emerald stands up and walks to Wesley, stopping in front of him.
"Miss Rose and JNPR are already on their way back, right now." Wesley said. "They should be here in an hour. They also said, they're bringing someone back."
"That's surprising." Emerald said. "Well since we have an hour to spare...mind if I join you?"
Wesley smiles and proceeds to lie down. Emerald walks around and lies down on the empty space of Wesley's bed. The two of them just stare at the ceiling for a few seconds, before Emerald turns her head to him. She the grabs Wesley's hand and holds it, before resting lifting herself and has her face inches from his.
"You know." Emerald said. "We never had that dinner date, like you promised."
"Well...we were occupied by recent events." Wesley said. "Just didn't have the time."
Emerald then proceeds to lift her legs and straddles Wesley. Her smile not leaving, she leans her head and her lips meets his. After a few seconds, she seperates the kiss and looks at Wes.
"I'm pretty sure there are some ways, you make it up to me." She said.
"Anything for you." Wesley said.
"...Good." Emerald said, before getting up and reaching out her hand. "Because there's some things, that I'd like to look at, while we're here. Care to join me?"
Wesley grabs Emerald's hand and is helped up. The two then proceeds to walk towards the door and exit the building.
ATLAS - SCHNEE MANSION - LAB
Weiss is walking around the armor, that is intended for Ruby. As she does so, she checks a clipboard and writes on it.
"Almost perfect." She says to herself.
"Magnificent."
Weiss turns and sees that it's Whitley, his arms behind his back and a smile on his face. Weiss bears an angry look.
"I am impressed, sister." He said. "I never knew, you were capable of such talent."
Weiss also sees Adam behind Whitley.
"Sorry, Weiss." Adam said. "I tried to keep him out."
"No." Weiss said. "It's fine. In fact..."
She puts her clipboard down, and she pushes the armor back.
"I've been wanting to speak to my brother. It's a good thing, you're hear Whitley."
"Really?" Whitley asked "I'm touched. What is it, you wanted to talk about?"
Weiss stares at Whitley, before turning to Adam. "You mind giving us, a couple minutes alone?"
"Of course." Adam said, before bowing. "I hope you two have an...interesting talk."
Whitley has a suspicious look on his face, as he watched Adam exit the lab. He turns back to Weiss, now bearing a mad look.
"What are you exactly doing, Weiss?" He asked.
Weiss tries her best to look confused. "What do you mean?"
"Don't play with me." Whitley said. "You wouldn't think that I was aware of what you did? Having Klein spy on me, everywhere I go. That's just low, especially by your standards. So why don't you be nice enough to explain why."
"Why?" Weiss asked. "Why, Whitley? Because I used to trust you enough, that you'd have to get used to having Faunus living in our home. But I now realized that it's never going to happen. I had Klein spy on you, because I was concerned that you may be planning on hurting my friends. And based on what he said to me, it may be."
"You've always known that I do not enjoy having ani-...Faunus...in our home." Whitley said. "You stain the Schnee family name, by even being friends with them. A lot of people in Atlas are still uncomfortable to seeing them, here."
"That may be." Weiss said. "But might I remind you, that when the Grimm attacked the Kingdom, both Humans and Faunus fought to protect it. And many Atlesians have accepted them, after. So those who do not, are just as arrogant as you are."
Weiss walks towards Whitley and stops near him.
"I warned you, brother. I warned you about what happens, if try anything else. So...if you move forward, with what you're going to do...and you hurt my friends...then good luck finding a new home. Especially since you have no friends."
Whitley angrily stares at Weiss, before he turns and walks away, exiting the lab. Weiss goes to a table and sits down, staring at her shaking hands. She shakily clenches them hard, before calming her breathing down.
SOLIS - LANDING PAD
The airship slowly lands on the landing pad that resides outside of Solis. Octavius, Qrow and Terra and nearby, watching the airship land. They watch as Ruby and the group exit. Qrow raises his eyebrows, in surprise as Ilia exits.
"Huh." He said. "Wasn't expecting her, to be the mole."
Teraa nudges Qrow's arm. "She's actually a chameleon."
"Whatever." Qrow said, crossing her arms. "Still, though...it had to be her." He turns his head and looks at Shay, who has an angry look on his face. "I bet you know her, too."
"...We bumped into each other, a couple times." Shay said.
Qrow turns back to Ruby, who approaches Shay.
"Here she is." She said, pointing at Ilia. "Your mole within the Dark Seekers."
Ilia stops next to Ruby, and sees Shay. She then sees Qrow, raising her eyebrows in surprise.
"Well, well." Ilia said. "Qrow Branwen. Been a long time, since we met."
Ruby looks surprised to hear that, before looking at Qrow.
"You mean, when you tried to kill me, back in Mistral?" Qrow asked. "Please. That was childish of you, girl." He lowers his arms and turns. "I'll be needing a drink. If you need me, I'll be at the bar."
"Qrow." Terra said, grabbing Qrow's arm. "Really?"
Qrow sighed. "It's only one drink. I promise."
Terra stares at Qrow, with a worried look before she lets go. "Only one. And trust me, Qrow. I'll know."
Qrow chuckles. "You know me, too well."
Terra watches at Qrow walks away, before she turns back to Ilia. "What's this, about you almost killing him?"
"Later." Ruby said. "She has important information, that she's willing to tell us." She then looks at Ilia. "And it better be legit, Ilia. We're all taking a huge risk, having you here."
"Trust me, Rose." Ilia said, crossing her arms. It'll all be worth it."
BAR
A glass is on a counter, and a brown liquid is poured into the cup. When the liquor is almost near the rim, the bartender puts the bottle away. A hand reaches and grabs it.
"You sure, you're going to be okay?" The bartender asked. "That's like...your fifth one."
Yang sighs and picks up the cup, taking a long swig. After the cup is halfway empty, she puts the cup down.
"I'll be fine." Yang bitterly said.
She then hears footsteps walking past her, and she lowers her head, not seeing Qrow sitting down next to her.
"Give me your strongest." He said. "...Make it a double."
As Qrow waits for his drink to be ready, he turns and looks at Yang, who doesn't look back. "You're supposed to be resting."
Yang grabs her cup, takes a swig, and places it down. "Wasn't tired."
Qrow looks at the drink that's ready for him, and just stares at it. He then turns back at Yang and sighs.
"Yang. Look at me."
Yang doesn't move her head. She just reaches for her glass. That's when she feels Qrow's hand grasping her wrist. Her eyes glowing, she turns to him.
"Let...go!" She angrily exclaims.
Qrow stares at Yang for a few seconds, before he releases his grip. But before he backs away, he takes her cup as well.
"Trust me, Firecracker." He said. "I need this, WAY more than you do." He pours the alcohol in his own cup and sets the empty one aside.
Yang stands up from her stool and looks at Qrow. "I once trusted you Qrow. I trusted you, my whole life. I cared for you, because I thought you were one of the coolest people, I knew. But after you told me about Summer...I can't even look at you, anymore. You're not my Uncle, Qrow. You're dead to me."
"...I completely understand." Qrow said, before taking his cup and drinking from it."
He then proceeds to stand up and walks away past Yang, who watches him leave. Yang growls and proceeds to walk out. When she exits, she sees Qrow standing next to the fountain that stands in the middle of town.
"Heh." Qrow said. "Despite Vacuo being a desert Kingdom, they managed a good irrigation system. I wonder, what's their secret." He takes a drink, before his smile fades. "Guess you weren't satisfied by my response, huh?"
All Yang does is clench her fists hard, not answering at all.
"Silent, huh?" Qrow asked. "I suppose that's the appropriate response. After all...it's something, that I'm used to. Hell...I used to prefer silence. And...there was a reason why I used to isolate myself, from everyone else. Especially from you and Ruby. I would've gotten you two killed, if I hadn't."
Yang's eyes turn back to lilac, before her face turns confused. "What are you talking about?"
Qrow turns his head, and sees that Ruby is approaching Yang and stops next her.
"Perfect timing." He said. "I was just about to let out another secret."
"I knew it." Ruby said. "What did I-"
Ruby notices Yang's hand raised up, and she goes silent.
"Let him speak." Yang said.
Qrow stares at the water flowing down the fountain, before taking another sip and starts talking.
"Did you know crows are a sign of bad luck? An old superstition. But that same superstition, is how I got my name."
Qrow crouches down and hovers the glass over the water.
"You see...some people get stronger, when they're angry. Or can heal themselves. Or simply run at fast speeds. But...some are just born unlucky."
He proceeds to dump the rest of the liquor into the fountain.
"In all these years...I never told anyone...except for my team...about my Semblance. I never told either of you. Not even Terra. And why? Because my Semblance is simply misfortune. I simply can't turn it off, like you guys can. It's always there, whether I like it or not."
Qrow chuckles and puts the glass on the marble of the fountain.
"Guess you can call me a bad luck charm. Comes in real handy, when I'm fighting enemies in battle. But it makes it hard on friends...and family."
He then stands up, turns around, and walks towards a bench, sitting on it.
"You never thought of sharing this with us?" Yang asked, with anger in her voice.
"If I had...would you even want to be near me?" Qrow asked. "Plus...abandoning my family wasn't exactly something, that I considered neccesary." He sighs and look at the glass. "But by staying...I caused the the event, that will always haunt me, for the rest of my life."
"...My mom's death." Ruby said.
"...Yeah." Qrow said, with some sadness in his voice. "I've lived with that regret, since then. And the drinking started the day after. I have incredible remorse, over what I've done. And if I had the opportunity to take her place...I would taken it."
Yang notices that Ruby is staring at the ground and her fists were clenching hard.
"I don't drink, because I simply want to forget, what I did." Qrow said, staring at the ground. "...I drink, in the hopes that I'll poison myself enough to finally die. So that I don't have to burden anyone else."
Ruby then drops to her knees, still staring at the ground. Qrow sees this, and stands up. Walking to Ruby, he then crouches in front of her and places his hand on her shoulder. Ruby lifts her head up to look at him, tears flowing down her face.
"You. Yang. Terra. You three are the reason, why I keep on going, instead of killing myself slowly. You're the only family, that I have left. And Summer once said to me...that despites the bad stuff, I should never abandon my family. And that's not what I'll be doing, anymore. I'll keep on fighting, until there isn't a single breath in me, anymore."
He places his hand on Ruby's other shoulder. And he turns his head to look at Yang.
"And despite what you two think of me, now...just know that no matter what...I'll still love you, no matter what."
Ruby wipes the tears off her face and proceeds to stand up, with Qrow following. She stares at him, before speaking.
"I still hate you." Ruby said. "Just know that, Qrow. But...even though I feel that way...you're still family."
Qrow nods. "Good enough for me. Now do me a favor, and be sure to keep a brave face. Especially for the people of this village. They look up to you. And I think seeing you, like this will make them worry."
Ruby nods and her sad expression turns to back to normal.
"There we go. Now, then. I suppose that you came here, because you needed me or something?"
"Yes." Ruby answered. "Ilia is ready to talk to us. She's at the Mayor's office with everyone else."
"Alright, then." Qrow said. "Let us make haste, then." He looks at Yang. "You coming?"
"I don't think so." Yang said. "I still need to clear my head."
"That's fine." Qrow said, before walking with Ruby down the street.
Yang just stands there, looking at the ground. She then lifts her head and looks at the fountain, staring at the water flowing.
"Amazed?"
Yang turns to see Aiden standing next to her.
"A fountain, in the middle of Vacuo. A very rare sight, indeed."
"...Yes." Yang said. "Yes it is, indeed. So...what brings you here? Shouldn't be with Velvet?"
"Velvet's a little busy, at the moment." Aiden answers. "She's getting to know that Valerie girl. The nervous one. Said that you pointed her to Velvet."
"She seemed like a nice girl." Yang said. "And I thought, maybe she could help Velvet feel happy, again. They are alike, you know. And I'm not just talking about the ears."
"Yeah." Aiden said. "Yes, they do."
Yang turns her head away and she notices someone standing nearby, wearing a hooded cloak.
"Yang?" Aiden asked, noticing this, before he turns his head to the figure.
Yang continues to look at the person.
The person wearing the hooded cloak lifts her head, exposing her face. Cinder just evilly smiles and she just walks away.
"Cinder." Yang said, her eyes turning red.
Yang proceeds to walk, only to have her arm grabbed. She looks at Aiden, who was the person grabbing her.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going after her." Yang angrily answers.
"We need to get the others."
"There's no time! I'm going after her! Don't you try to stop me!"
Aiden stares at Yang, before sighing. "Fine. I'll go with you, then."
Yang nods. "Just stay close."
Yang and Aiden the run to where Cinder fled. Turning to an exit, they see Cinder not wearing the cloak, holding her swords and smiling. They walk outside Solis and stop a few feet away from Cinder.
"Hmph. Just the two of you, huh?" Cinder said. "I was expecting more of you to join in."
Yang growls as her hair begins to glow.
"But unfortunately..." Cinder said, before sheathing her swords. "I didn't come to fight, at all."
Yang begins to look confused.
"Really. Two against one isn't exactly fair."
"Don't talk about fair!" Yang exclaims.
Cinder chuckles. "I wasn't saying that it's not fair for me. I was saying not fair for you."
Yang's eye then turn wide, when she hears a gun cocking. She turns and sees Aiden, pointing a gun at her head. He looks at her, with remorse on his face.
"I'm sorry." He said.
"Aiden?" Yang said. "What are you doing?"
"He's doing what he's been obeyed to do." Cinder said, walking towards the two. "Of course...he's not following my orders, willingly." She places her hand on Aiden's face, making him shake. "See? He's being forced to do this." Cinder turns back to Yang. "And now...it seems like the actual fighting is about to begin."
Yang growls again and launches at Cinder. But Aiden block Yang's attack, grabbing her arm. And despite her strength, Aiden lifts Yang off the ground, and slams her down hard. Yang groans as her Aura suddenly dissipate. She struggles to get up, only to have Cinder's foot forcing her back to the ground.
"Stay down." Cinder said, before turning to Aiden. "Good boy. Now...give it to me."
Aiden, though hesitant, takes out something that makes Yang's eye go wide again. The same collar, that she wore, the night Raven, Violet and Coco were killed. The collar that keeps her from getting angry.
Yang struggles to free herself, as Cinder takes off the collar she was already wearing, and placing the metal one around her neck. Cinder then releases her foot and backs away. Yang quickly sits up and tries to get the collar off of her, only to be met with an electric shock, screaming in pain. When the shocking stops, Yang starts shaking in fear and looks at Cinder.
"Good." Cinder said. "Now that I have your full attention...we can finally discuss something."
She crouches down and looks at Yang, seeing the fear in her eyes.
"You know. I never thought, I'd see the great Yang Xiao Long, cowering in fear, right before me. This is just too good." She takes out her Scroll, presses a few buttons, and a video plays. "Now, then...what you're about to watch is live. Which means, everything you see, is happening right now."
Yang's eyes begin going wider, upon looking at the footage. It shows Blake, alongside Ren and Nora. They are standing in the middle of the village square.
VILLAGE SQUARE
Blake, Ren and Nora stand at the village square, watching the people walk past them. Blake's eyes then go wide, as if sensing something. That's when she sees someone leaps over the three. When he lands, Tyrian takes out his wrist blades, laughing maniacally as he charges at the three.
END OF CHAPTER 8
...Well...now you know, why the title is called "Betrayal." Well, at least it wasn't a willing betrayal.
Sorry if, again, it took a while for this chapter to be published. But I made a big change, in the story and I needed to rework how the story was going to work. Hopefully it'll work.
The next chapter is going to be titled "Poisoned". What do you think, it'll mean? What will happen to Yang, now in the situation, she's in? What did you think about Shay, in this story? And do you believe or not, that Ilia could be up to no good? Well...those answers will come in the next 4 chapters.
Thank you all for reading. Chapter 9 coming during May, and hopefully before June.