Chapter 10
Night had fallen over Vale. It was half an hour before midnight and there was still no sight of Blake. Everyone was in position. Soldiers were ready to storm the warehouse and arrest the White Fang there, others were ready at blockades to funnel Blake into an abandoned building with no exit. Yang herself was waiting in hiding at the side of a building, peering around the corner across the street was a taller building and at its roof stood the silhouette of Winter who was surveying the streets from above. The moon shining on her white clothing made her stick out like a sore thumb but she had assured Yang that Blake was unlikely to spot her for whatever reason. She squinted her eyes as she saw Winter move her arm, bringing something to her ear. Suddenly her scroll vibrated. Pulling it out she could see that the call was from her, she answered it and held it to her ear.
"Can you hear me?" came Winter's voice through the scroll.
"Loud and clear" replied Yang as she continued to watch her atop the building.
"I have been informed that there was a sighting, brief it may have been but it is the most we have had all night. Turn the corner and head north, pass two streets and then search the alley on your right. Some of my men are already moving into position in case it is her. I'll be watching" finished Winter as she hung up without a further word. She had a lot more people to organize after all.
Yang looked to her scroll before pocketing it. She moved into a light run, heading around the corner as Winter had directed. The night was eerily quiet, not a sound asides from her footsteps and the wind. Her face was filled with determination as she ran down the street. She was going to end this night with her answers. She crossed another street and she could see the entrance to the alley that had the reported sighting. Her steps grew lighter as she neared it, stopping just as she was about to turn the corner. With a deep silent breath she turned it, standing in front of the entrance with an imposing stature and a glare. Her lilac gaze scanned the alley yet she couldn't see Blake. She listened carefully, not a sound. It seemed unlikely that the Atlesian Military was seeing ghosts, someone had definitely been here and she could see two places one might hide. A large discarded box and a trash-can. The box was nearer and as Yang approached she tapped it with her foot.
The moment she did someone darted from behind the trash-can, rushing back down into the alley. A long white coat, black hair and a bow. Just as before. It was her. "Blake!" roared Yang, she wouldn't be left behind again as she darted into a sprint after her, kicking off with a blast from her ankle mounted Celica as it launched her into a head-start. Blake was heading straight for an intersection. One path led on straight ahead and into the street, the other turned left. As Blake neared it five armed Atlesian soldiers rounded the corners of the exit ahead, aiming their rifles as they yelled for her to stop. Yang could tell Blake was surprised as she almost skid to a halt before diving down the left alley.
The chase was still viable to be lost for Yang had yet to chase her target into the blockaded streets that led to the building. Thankfully Winter seemed to be on top of their progress from her vantage, coordinating her men via scroll. Yang was gaining on Blake now as they continued to run down the alley. There was a fire escape coming down from one of the buildings to the left and it appeared that Blake aimed to escape through it. She jumped up against the wall on her right before leaping towards the ladder that hung down from the fire escape. "You're not getting away!" screamed Yang as she launched herself with Celica into the air straight towards the fire escape itself as she hurled Ember towards it. Clutching onto the ladder Blake watched as Yang collided into the metal staircase above her, smashing her fist against the framework with a boom. Half of the thing shattered as the Faunus fell back to the ground with a rung in hand from the ladder. She threw it aside as she darted forward, avoiding any falling debris before continuing down the alley.
From what was left of the fire escape Yang leapt down at her target, aiming to tackle her into the ground. She wrapped her arm around her waist but slammed through her and into the concrete floor, rolling back up to her feet and into another sprint. Her aura had taken the brunt of the impact with the floor but Blake had now gained more distance between the two. Another intersection within the winding alleys ahead, this time there were three directions Blake could choose to go, and knowing her she would pick all three. As she reached the intersection her semblance activated. Each direction was taken, but not a second later Yang heard the Atlesian soldiers from the left and right corner yelling for Blake to stop. The one that went straight ahead was surely the real one in that case. And so with another burst of Celica Yang propelled herself forward towards her target that this time remained running in front of her as she landed and resumed her sprint, it was still Blake.
From every intersection the soldiers led the Faunus where they needed her to go. Sooner or later and the soldiers had vanished only to be replaced by large concrete barriers that completely sealed off some exits. They had entered the section of the city that had been properly reinforced and it was now only a matter of time until they reached the dead end. The two turned another corner and there ahead it was. A straight path towards a conveniently ajar door. For the first time since that night in Beacon Blake glanced behind her and Yang could see her face. It was the briefest glimpse of her features and her golden gaze. She didn't get a chance to fully study the expression but it almost seemed to be fearful.
The Faunus leapt towards the door and slammed through it, the door itself fully opening and halting at the restriction of its hinges. Not a second later did Yang burst through the door-frame, hot on her heels. The soldiers of the Atlesian military quickly came from their hiding spots and slammed the door shut behind them. The inside of the building was dark, barely a shred of light managed to get in and Yang knew Blake could see better than her in such lighting. Knowing this she halted as she pulled out her scroll, lighting up the path ahead of her. The only way out was for Blake to get past her, and if she knew she was coming there would be no chance of her managing that.
As she walked down the hall she could hear something repeatedly slamming against metal. And soon after multiple gunshots. "No... No no no!" came Blake's frustrated voice from further down the hall as the gunshots continued before turning into a repeating clicking sound, soon followed by the clash of metal again. The sounds were coming from the only door in front of Yang, this was it. She kicked the door open with her boot as the light from her scroll shined into the room. The windows were covered with metal plating, they had slashes and bullet dents in them. There she was in front of her, her back turned as she faced one of the metal platings of the windows she had attempted to open. Gambol Shroud in both hands. She seemed to be breathing heavily and her knuckles were white as she gripped her weapons tightly.
Yang paused, staring at the back of her friend. Despite what she had told Winter she had caged Blake. She took a step towards her as her voice called out. "B-... Blake?" she said, unsure of how to confront her. As she took another step forward she could see that the Faunus was shaking, her entire body in fact. "Blake... I-" the words simply wouldn't escape her lips. But they didn't need to. She heard a soft whimper from the woman in front of her, she gripped her weapons tighter as if trying to suppress herself. Then it happened, she dropped Gambol Shroud and fell to her knees, holding her hands to her face as she started to cry.
Her voice came out in shudders, "I- I'm sorry. I'm sorry I- I couldn't... I was- I was scared and-" she spoke amidst her tears. "It's all my fault. Everything was my fault" she continued. From that little alone Yang got her answer. Blake didn't only run because she blamed herself, she ran out of fear for how Yang would react to her being the reason for losing her arm. Blake couldn't handle the rejection of her friend.
Yang dropped her scroll with a soft thud, the light shined up at the ceiling as she clenched her fist and approached Blake who knelt in front of her, crying with her back turned. Tears started to fill her lilac eyes as she continued to approach her. She fell heavily to her own knees behind the Faunus and wrapped her arm around her chest tightly, pulling her into herself as she embraced her friend. "Blake it's... It's not your fault... I'm the one who ran in there. I'm the one who charged without thinking" she answered, her own voice cracking.
Blake continued to keep her hands to her face as the tears dripped down her chin. "You... You saved me and I... I ran when you needed me. When I should have stayed I ran, ran like I always do!"
"I- I needed you... Yeah. I was mad too, for weeks in fact. But if it wasn't for you I would have lost a lot more than my arm... We saved each other that night. And I'm sorry. Sorry for chasing you like I have. Sorry for trapping you here. Sorry for thinking the reason you left could have been anything more than you blaming yourself" continued Yang, leaning her head against Blake's.
Finally the Faunus lowered her hands as they moved to touch Yang's arm. The tears stained her cheeks as her golden eyes continued to water. She shut them tightly as she spoke. "I should have... should have called. I should have stayed when you came bursting out that building. I'm... I'm sorry Yang, for everything. I've been the worst... I don't deserve your sympathy..."
Yang squeezed her arm around Blake tighter, "Shut up you idiot" she spoke, trying to stop her own tears as she shuddered in a breath. "I missed you" she added in a softer tone.
Blake's hand softly traced Yang's arm. "I... I missed you too..." admitted the Faunus quietly, her own tears steadying. The two sat upon the floor for several second in silence, simply savouring their reunion. After what had seemed like a year, here they were. Together again. Finally Yang's arm lowered as she released Blake. The two stood up and the Faunus turned to face Yang. They stared into each others eyes. A golden gaze set upon lilac. Slowly the two gave one another a weak smile. "You look... good" nodded Blake.
Yang's smile widened, "You're one to talk. Fancy new coat and everything" she replied, to which Blake snickered softly, shaking her head. Once more they stood in silence, simply watching the other. It seemed surreal to Yang, to be standing here with Blake before her once again. She sighed to herself before outstretching her arm for another hug, to which Blake responded in a friendly manner. The two embraced one another again, leaning their heads against the others shoulder. "Have you... heard from anyone else?" asked Yang in a more serious tone.
"No... The last I spoke to Weiss was before her father took her back to Atlas... While you were-" Blake silenced herself, idly stroking one hand up and down Yang's back. The sensation comforted Yang, she didn't realise how calm something so simple could make her feel.
"Don't worry about it... I moved past it, so should you..." replied Yang as she referred to her arm.
A long pause came between the two again as they enjoyed one another's company. "How did you... set this up?" asked Blake with an almost concerned tone of voice.
Yang slowly pulled away from the embrace as Blake did the same. "Weiss' sister helped me. Winter" she answered honestly.
Blake's eyes widened, "W- Winter Schnee?" she asked in a shaken manner.
"Yeah, is that-" began Yang before the two heard a door slam shut outside of the room. Yang looked back to Blake who took a step back, fear had wrapped her expression. "We- We need to hide" she stated.
"What? Blake, Winter is my friend, what are you so worried about?" asked Yang as she took a step after her.
Blake grabbed Yang's shoulders with vice-like grips as she looked deeply into her eyes with a sense of urgency. "Don't let her take me" she answered firmly, trying to keep her voice low.
"Yang!?" called out a voice from down the hall as footsteps grew nearer. It was Winter. "Yang, are you okay!?" called out the voice again with some concern.
Yang stared into Blake's golden eyes as she pondered upon her words. She gripped her shoulder assuringly. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone get in our way again" she spoke with confidence to which Blake sheepishly nodded in return. Yang looked back and with a pause she called out, "Winter! I'm fine!" she yelled.
The footsteps grew quicker and louder as the woman entered the room. Yang's scroll upon the floor did well enough to light the entire room. Winter's cold gaze darted to Blake who stood behind Yang peering over her shoulder with little confidence. The woman's eyes then turned to Yang as she wore a more friendly expression and sighed with relief. "When I heard there was reports of gunfire I feared the worst. I am glad that you are okay" smiled Winter as she approached the two. Blake stood closer to Yang as she did so, picking up Gambol Shroud. To this she caught Winter's attention once more. "Miss Belladonna, I presume?" she asked.
Yang glanced back to Blake over her shoulder who nodded once in reply to Winter's question. Yang turned back to Winter as she spoke, "Did the ambush at the warehouse work?" she asked.
Winter picked up Yang's scroll and held it out to her. "It did, we now have an additional three White Fang members within our custody" she answered.
"Additional?" asked Blake's voice from behind Yang as the blonde woman took her scroll back, turning off the light and pocketing it. The golden eyes of the Faunus narrowed slightly towards Winter who paused before she chuckled.
"Do you think us so incompetent that we have never arrested members of the White Fang before?" replied Winter, maintaining a friendly expression. "But anyway, we ought to be going now. Our work here is done, at least I presume so?" she asked, looking to Yang.
"Where are we heading?" replied Yang who seemed more cautious now.
Idly tapping through her own scroll Winter offered a response, "You will be free to do as you please Yang, but I must ask Miss Belladonna here some questions in private. Much like I did with you the day we met" she replied, looking up from her scroll.
Yang could feel Blake grab the back of her jacket. "I finally found her, can't the questions wait?" asked Yang.
The taller woman kept her icy gaze upon the two for a moment, her expression stern. She eventually smiled once more and closed her eyes softly, "Of course, I understand. Will you need transport to your apartment? If so I could arrange-" she was cut off as Blake spoke.
"I think we could use the walk" said the Faunus, her eyes unmoving from Winter who gave her a curious glance.
Yang offered Winter an apologetic smile after Blake had cut her off mid-sentence. Winter herself almost seemed to frown. "Very well. Yang, I'll be hoping to hear from you soon, you made a promise after all" she spoke, looking to Yang.
Yang couldn't remember if she had promised or not, but if she refused to help Winter find Weiss she would feel rotten. "Don't worry, we'll find her" she nodded assuringly to which Winter gave a genuine smile of thanks before stepping aside for the two.
"In that case please enjoy your evening" she said, gesturing to the exit.
"Goodnight Winter" said Yang as she passed with Blake following closely behind her. The Faunus gave Winter a stare as she returned it with cold narrowed eyes. Yang was oblivious to the exchanged looks behind her.
Together Blake and Yang had left the abandoned building and made their way to the streets. It was as quiet as usual and they walked side by side. "Do you trust her?" asked Blake as she looked to the blonde.
Yang gave Blake a questioning expression, "Yeah, but why don't you?" she asked in return.
Blake looked on ahead as she walked on Yang's left. "Remember what Weiss told us about her history with the White Fang? There's someone who had to deal with them a few years longer than she did... Someone with a record for harbouring hatred towards Faunus and to top it off, access to the Atlesian military..." Blake spoke, seeming worried.
Yang hadn't considered it before. She knew that Weiss had suffered at the hands of the White Fang and that should have made the connection to Winter easy. But somehow it passed her. Maybe it was better to not let Blake go with her now that she thought of it, but the kind person she had grown to know Winter to be... Surely that couldn't change based simply on race. "She scares you then?" asked Yang, looking to Blake concerned.
The Faunus lowered her gaze, "With my history it'd be better to just avoid her as much as I can" she answered. She looked back up to Yang, "What did you promise her?" she asked.
"I can't remember if I promised, but it's something I wanna do anyway. Find Weiss. I said I'd help after we found you" she answered with a smile.
"You're planning to reunite the whole team? Now that you mention it, where's Ruby?" asked Blake. Of course, she had no idea about Ruby.
Yang frowned, "Yeah. I am. And Ruby... I... She left home and I just watched her go. Didn't even try to stop her. Didn't care at the time..." she answered. She felt a soft hand clasp around her own.
Blake offered her a comforting smile, "I'm sorry for bringing it up but I think we've had enough blame for one night. We'll find her, just like we'll find Weiss" she answered. Yang smirked at the Faunus as her own hand gripped hers tighter.
"Thanks Blakey. We've got a lot to talk about in the morning by the way, so lets get some rest for now" responded Yang as the two continued down the pavement, the street lamps lighting their path ahead.