Chapter 6
Amber sat quietly in the cart, trading glances at Whitley and the window leading out to Blake. Both Amber and Whitley were on edge due to Blake's sense of urgency and warning. Ever since the, Amber saw Blake drive the cart with one hand, the other hovering over her scroll. About an hour later, she stopped the cart, hit a button on the scroll, and turned around.
"Stay in here. Lock the doors and windows, we have bandits." Blake quietly said, pulling out Gambol Shroud. Both Whitley and Amber nodded.
In front of the wagon stood 15 bandits. With an assortment of guns, knives, one or two swords, and an axe. Blake hopped out of the wagon, weapons at the ready. Taking in her surroundings, she thought just maybe as long as their leader didn't come, everything would be all right.
"Well hey there, we 'eard ya got some fancy Schnee there in that wagon. How 'bout you save use the trouble and 'and 'im over, we will cut ya in on the take." Said the man in the middle.
"You know, you honestly expect a Schnee to come to these parts without a capable escort? You really should just back off." Blake replied, knowing that the only response she would most likely get is a gunshot. She breathed in and out slowly, dropping into a crouch. It had been a while since she had fought, running the now peaceful White Fang tends to have a lot more discussion and talking than fighting. Well, time to get to work. Blake launched herself forward, quicker than the bandits were expecting. Within an instant, she was by their leader. He went down after a swift hit on the back of the head with the butt of her gun. The next two by him hardly had time to draw their weapons, as the dust infused ribbon wrapped around both their legs, knocking them prone. Blake paused and eyed the group for a second. She was met with looks of surprise and panic. Two members immediately started running, realizing they were sorely out of their depths. The others prepared themselves and attacked.
*Ten Minutes Later*
Whitley sat nervously in the wagon. The sounds of metal clanging off of metal continued. From what it sounded like more bandits had come. There were gunshots and screams. He had moved to be next to Amber, holding her, trusting that their guide would protect them. The sounds continued for a bit longer. Eventually, he heard
"ENOUGH!"
The fighting immediately stopped. He did not recognize the voice. He knew it was not Blake's. Though tempted to open the window and look, he continued to follow Blake's instructions. There was a pause. Then the fighting resumed. It seemed different though. A lot less people shooting and fighting. Whitley was no expert on the sounds of a fight, but outside sounded like more of a duel than a brawl. No one was saying or yelling anything.
*THUD*
Something or someone it felt like was just thrown into the wagon. Then there was a knock on the wagon door.
"So because I am in a good mood today, I will give you two options. Option one, you come out of that wagon Schnee, and I take you back to my camp to ransom you. You will be treated… You and whoever you are with will not be seriously harmed while we keep you. Option two, I rip that door straight of the wagon, come in and drag you back to camp and keep you barely conscious until someone at your company pays a ransom for you." Said the unknown female outside.
"What happened to Blake?" Whitley replied, trying not to sound too scared.
"Ah right, kitty cat here will depend on your choice of option to. She would fetch a decent sum from the White Fang. She is currently taking a long nap next to the wagon."
Amber looked at Whitley, him back at her. They both nodded knowing there was only really one option for them. Unlocking the door, they both stepped out of the wagon. The woman talking to them stood there, a Grim-like mask covering her whole face. A sheathed sword with dust components. Red and Black outfit that looked fitting for a bandit queen. Next to her was Blake. She was unconscious, and her weapons had been taken away.
"We choose option one. Please, don't harm Blake or Amber."
Underneath the mask, Raven smiled. It was going to be a good payday ransoming a Schnee. Unlike last time, they should be able to sell this one back to Atlas.
Amber tried to take in as much as she could around her. There were about 30 unconscious bandits being dragged away by others. Blake was tied up and being taken as well. Then bags were put over her and Whitley's heads. She was tied up and led away.
It had been a full day. Amber and Whitley were inside of a cage together. Adjacent to them in another cage was Blake. She was finally began to stir.
"Blake! Youre up, thank Dust." Amber quietly said.
"Ugh… How long have I been out?" Blake groggily replied with one hell of a headache.
"About a day. Their leader said they were going to ransom us back to the corporation and to the White Fang." Whitley replied. "Sorry we had no choice but to go in with them"
"Its fine. It was probably a good choice to let them take you without force." Blake responded. "As for the ransom, we should not have to worry about it. I have…help coming. I'll take care of this. It is why your paying me after all." She lightheartedly said. Trying to cheer up the couple. They both look worried about their current position, and about her. "Hey, guard or whatever you are. I want to talk with Raven."
One of the guards got up. "Oh she is a wake, go let boss know." He said, while proceeding to unlock both cages. The trio was lead out to the center of a camp. Around them were many tents, while ahead of them there was a very large tent maybe four times larger than the other tents.
Amber stood closely to Whitley with Blake on her other side. She saw other bandits gathering around to watch this talk. She clutched Whitley hands and glanced towards Blake. She seemed calm, but nervous. Her eyes darting around the camp surveying the area. Ahead of them came their leader, she did not have her helmet on this time. She had long black hair loose behind her, red intense eyes, and dressed in the same get up as before. The leader was first to speak.
"So you are finally awake Blake? About time. So what is so dear that you want to come talk to me? You have a deal for me or going to try to fight your way out? You practically gave yourself away to me yesterday. What happened? Don't want to be the cause of another dead parent of Yang's?"
Amber saw Blake flinch at this. Wait… another parent? Is this leader Yang's mom? She would have to ask later. Blake quickly recovered herself Amber noticed. She began to speak, but then behind them bandits stirred. After a few seconds, several of them parted to reveal a woman. Long yellow hair, purple eyes, long brown coat, a small brown shirt with only the middle buttons done, revealing her amazing body, a flask in hand, the other a robotic arm. She looked similair to the bandit leader. Is this Yang?
Blake saw her former lover part through the bandits. She immediately noticed Qrow's flask in her hand, her dad's shoulder pad under her coat. As soon as Yang looked upon her and Raven, her eyes turned red. Hair started to shine. Blake looked down with her ears following suit, pangs of guilt shot through her body. Yang walked until she stood next to Whitley, looking towards Raven.
"Mom"
"Yang" Raven curtly replied.
"Let them go. Now." Yang said, taking a drink from Qrow's flask.
"Now why would I do that dearest daughter? I have an opportunity to make a payday for a year or two for the whole tribe. So you better have a damn good reason for me to let them go. Plus surprised you even want to let Belladonna go, I take it she is the reasons for whatever is in that flask?" Raven replied, smirking.
Yang's hair burned a little brighter after that. "No Raven. She is not." Blake looked up a bit surprised. Yang continued, voice rising. "As for the reason for letting them go. You owe her one. I don't care what you think of her or what she did. But she fought. She fought your fight. You owe her Mom."
"And if I don't?"
"Then you will have me to deal with." Yang responded, putting the flask away and readying her gauntlets.
Raven sighed and thought for a bit. After a few tense moments of silence she finally replied "Lets talk in my tent then. Everyone else go about your business. Five of you watch the prisoners."
Yang strode towards Raven's tent, glanced at the trio mainly towards Whitley and Amber. Amber saw the look on her face, it seemed sad and angry. Of what Blake had told them about Yang, this didn't seem to be the same Yang as before. As she sauntered towards the tent, she focused straight ahead. A few bandits either moved or were pushed aside as she worked to Raven's tent. Once she eventually got inside, the bandits dispersed except those in charge of watching them. Blake was the first to speak up.
"So yeah… that is Yang if you hadn't guessed" She said quietly, with ears still down.
"And the leader is her mom?" Asked Amber, looking towards the sad Faunus.
"Yep. Raven." She replied in short.
Whitley stood there, looking to either side. Amber look concerned and Blake seemed sadder than he had ever seen her in the short time of knowing her. Not really knowing what to expect, he waited and had to trust Blake and her ex to see them through this safely. After about five minutes, he broke the extremely awkward silence.
"She seems… tough." Whitley tried, having no idea really what to say.
"She is. Yang has been through more than most people and has almost always come out stronger." Blake replied, realizing that both Whitley and Amber were at a loss for what to say. Ears slightly rising "It was one of the reasons I fell for her in the first place. I would get hit with a problem and run, but she would take it in stride."
"Well, I know that –" Amber began to speak, but at that moment both Yang and Raven came out of the tent. Raven looked a bit annoyed, but was wearing a small smirk on her face. Yang looked… the same. Sad and angry. She walked through the camp and past them. As she walked past the three, she spoke.
"I'll be at the wagon." She said. The three of them looked a bit confused. Her breath smelled of liquor.
Raven then addressed them. "So I and my oh so loving daughter have come to an agreement. You three can go on two conditions. One, as far as we are concerned Blake we are even. Two, Yang will accompany you until you are out of my territory. That is about a three day journey by your wagon. We have given back all of your stuff as well, save for a little bit of money. Think of it as a night's worth of rent."
She nodded and turned back into the tent. Whitley turned to follow Yang. He was still clutching his fiancé's hand. As they began to walk, he noticed Blake was standing still. He looked to Amber, then gently put his hand on Blake's shoulder and said. "Blake, come on we are allowed to go. Don't worry, Yang can ride inside with us. It'll be fine."
Blake snapped out of her thoughts, nodding she walked out in front of them. She was about fifteen paces behind Yang. Her hair had cooled down, but when she walked past her eyes were still red. Blake racked her brain trying to think of anything to say to her, but nothing came. Blake couldn't help but notice Yang still swayed while she walked, showing off her impressive backside. Though now, she might be swaying due to the drinks though. They all finally arrived at the wagon, which had been drawn out front. Blake immediately set herself to making sure everything was set. Yang stood off to the side.
Once Amber and Whitley arrived, Amber spoke up. "Hi Yang, I am Amber and this is Whitley. You can ride inside the wagon with us."
Yang looked at them briefly "Sure, might as well ride in luxury." She somewhat jokingly said, yet her tone was flat and thick with sarcasm. She hopped into the wagon, settling into the side facing away from Blake.
Whitley and Amber followed. Shortly after Blake got the wagon moving and the group was once again under way. Once the journey started, Amber made small talk with Yang. The talk eventually retold the story of how she and Whitley met as well as the general purpose of the trip.
"Kuroyui? Its being rebuilt. Not sure if Blake told you." Yang cut in about their current destination. "There are some people I used to know in charge of it. As well as my sister I think is there running huntress duties, keeping out any unwanted Grimm."
"Oh really? That is wonderful to hear" Whitley spoke up, having been quiet most of the conversation. "What is your sister like? We hear a little about your team from Blake, but would love to hear more."
"Ruby was our team leader. She is my half-sister. Her mom is not Raven. But she is… extremely genuine, even to this day. She out of the four of us probably entails the best what it means to be a huntress." Yang spoke, for the first time starting to put a little feeling behind her words. Amber noticed that her eyes change from red to purple, hair finally started to not glow. "Being around Ruby makes everyone better. I'm sure that is what Oz saw in her when he made her team leader." Yang finished, looking out the window when she spoke.
"She does seem like a good person, I will be excited to meet her." Said Amber. "But once again, thank you for helping us out with those bandits, Whitley and I owe you."
"No. No you don't. I came to help out Blake, nothing more." Her hair started glowing again, eyes changed back to red. "To be honest I couldn't care less who she was traveling with. Though I am a little curious about you two on how an infamous Schnee convinced Blake to come along. But that's aside the point, I am here to see you three through the region, then I am out." She finished by opening her flask and taking a drink. She gazed out again through the window, zoning out.
The group journeyed until night came. Blake set up a tent for her and the couple, while Yang elected to sleep in the wagon. Blake let Whitley and Amber know she was going to go for a walk. Whitley looked to Amber and spoke "Do you want to go talk to her? Or shall I? She has seemed off ever since the camp, now with Yang here it can't be easy for her."
"I will" Said Amber.
"Sounds good lovely" Kissing her on her forehead, then quietly whispering "When you get back, it's my turn to return the favor." Giving her a sly smile. Blushing, Amber turned away to follow Blake.
/*End of Chapter notes
Hey! As always thank you for reading this! Sorry this chapter took a bit longer to get out, truth be told so far was my toughest chapter to write. Hopefully it was enjoyable, and look forward to some good ol' smut next chapter. Time for Whitley to return the favor of the wagon job ;)
*/
