Hello again! I took some time to work on some art for my RWBY OC story. The silhouettes are finally done and Artemis' concept art is done as well. 3 more members to go. If your interested go check that story out!
Blake breathed in deeply, taking in that smell of the aftermath of the storm. The smell of wet dirt and the slight drizzling had a very calming effect. She hated the thunder however, her sensitive feline appendages were far too sensitive for loud noises. Luckily thunder didn't accompany the lightning last night.
It's been a few weeks since she left Menagerie, or has it been longer? She thought. It feelt like months since she's been scouting for refugees, surprised at the amount of people who were still willing to keep fighting even after what the White Fang has become, even after the tragedy of the Fall of Beacon. She could also, however, sense their hesitation.
Can she blame them? She's nothing but a near 19-year-old girl that didn't even start her second year at a hunter's academy. Not even a full-fledged huntress.
She knew, nevertheless, that although she is followed by previous White Fang members, she knows that is not enough to stop the inevitable fight that's to come. Her father made sure to remind her of that. This wasn't a battle between races anymore, it's between mankind and whatever evil forces were out there creating mayhem.
As the faunus continued forward she used her time to think things over. What was the real fight that was happening? Who was involved? And what was 'their' next move
Blake knew firsthand what were Adam's goals and methods, but attacking a hunter's academy made no sense. Someone else is pulling the strings. And, according from what she heard from sun, it turned out Emerald's team was behind the Beacon disaster.
This meant that Adam must be working with them or for them. As of now, Blake didn't know what their true aim was, but what she does know is that the White Fang is a big part of what she feels is danger brewing. Taking them out of the picture might not only give them answers but also lessen the opposing forces strength.
Accoring to Ilia's scroll, the White Fang is currently located somewhere in Mistral, or heading that way. Where Adam intends to overthrow Sienna Kahn.
The current leader's views were more violent than that of her father's according to Adam back when she was in the Fang. But she never once met him. Is it possible Adam created a negative picture of him to try and get his way? Was Adam the one who spread all that negativity that poisoned the once peaceful organization? Or was Blake just gripping at straws again… hoping Adam wasn't the culprit?
He stabbed you for crying out loud! Blake thought, stopping in her tracks briefly closing her eyes and clenching her fists at her sides. And he was willing to decapitate you after that…
But maybe… maybe he knew that I'd use my semblance.
Her face turned rigid and her mouth was pressed into a straight line.
I'm a damn idiot, she huffed, irritated. Even before that he hurt me. Maybe I'm the one that's messed up. I practically grew up around so much violence that now I find it normal, a part of my life. Did I ever really have friends before Beacon to begin with?
Adam was more of a mentor, an older brother. He seemed interested in me but I never reciprocated. He was always the type of person who would have a goal and see through it relentlessly. I think I might have gotten that from him if Roman's investigation wasn't proof enough back during her Beacon days.
Adam almost never smiled after being lieutenant, only truly being a close friend when they weren't in the With Fang, back in their childhood.
Then there was Ilia. She wasn't as close to her as Adam during her childhood, only starting to hang out together when Adam became to engrossed in the organization. They got along okay but Blake, being the daughter of the esteemed High Leader, didn't spend much time with anyone. She mostly kept to herself, until she too became involved.
The past is the past, she thought. Looking up she noticed the moon was still hidden by the dark clouds, still letting loose a drizzle of rain. She closed her eyes again, feeling a few drops fall on her face and drip down slowly, looking very much like tears.
I keep looking back, counting every little mistake that I can't change. She sighed, opening her eyes and looking forward. If I keep looking back into the past, then why do I keep making the same mistakes again and again? She brought up one hand and ran it frustratingly through her hair, mindful of her ears.
"What the hell am I supposed to do," she muttered under her of breath. She forced those thoughts out of her mind and started walking again.
It shouldn't be long before she reached her destination, Kuchinashi; a city in the Kingdom of Mistral, located to the south of the main city, and also the place where she will be meeting up with Sun.
Due to its distance from the capital, the city is farther from the governing council's watch, this makes it an ideal location for thieves, assassins and other people who want to stay hidden from authorities. A suitable place to hide, for now. It's also a place to look for information, if Sun or Blake get there first they are to gather as much information as possible and bring the other up to date.
Sun, knowing these lands better, knew a safe place where the group of ex-White Fang members could stay hidden, out of the said organization's eye. Blake had given the people she gathered directions of where to head while she scouted one more safe-house in Anima.
It, however, no longer existed.
Blake's guess was that the White Fang found out about the safe-house and dealt with it because it was crawling with members, hence the chasing the previous night. She was slightly worried that she'd be recognized, but she didn't fight them and wasn't wearing her signature bow. She was also far too fast for them to get a good look at her. Probably just wanted to catch whoever they thought was snooping around.
Blake walked in to a shady looking bar, the tattered looking door screeched from rustiness and overuse. As soon as she entered, she stopped and took a glance around. It was a very dim lit place that looked like it was one of the first building built. Walls looked worn down, lamps looked old fashioned, and the tables had writing and carvings from previous customers, Blake assumed.
A bar was straight ahead where a bartender was currently serving some guests that Blake recognized as some of the people she scouted. The small tables that littered around were also filled with more people that she guessed Sun also brought along. Towards the right side was a stairwell that lead to a second floor of rooms that they were currently staying in. Decorations consisted of job offers, wanted posters, a pool table and a bullseye. She spotted a blond tail near the pool table, and knowing who it belonged to, prompted Blake to stride over.
" – so then the mech was gaining on us and we ended up jumping from car to car in the highway. It's a lot easier than it sounds, but anyway, Blake and the rest of her team ended up tearing that thing apart! I think a bridge was destroyed and the highway was closed off for repairs." As Blake neared she hear the end of his conversation, seeing the monkey faunus to knock a red solid in.
As she neared the pool table she saw his opponent straighten up at her approach, recognizing her. The player had hazel eyes and what Blake assumed was a tail from what she could see.
"Speaking of, where did you and Neptune end up disappearing to, halfway through the chase," she asked in a very nonchalant voice.
Sun turned around at the new voice and look startled. "Blake you're here!" He put down the cue stick and strode over to her. As soon as he was within distance he wrapped his arms around her in a hug, while Blake just blinked in awkwardness. She raised her hand to rest it on his bicep and took a step back, conspicuously stepping away. The monkey faunus noted her discomfort and stepped back, placing his hands on her shoulders instead, looking her over for any sign of injury.
"You're here a lot sooner than I thought, we only just got here two days ago. Did you run into any trouble?" He asked, slightly concerned and finally letting go, seeing as she seemed okay physically.
"Sort of, the last safe house I headed for ended up being compromised already. I was chased but I doubt they recognized me, they looked too young and inexperienced. Probably new recruits." She responded, secretly glad to see a familiar face again. She hated being alone with her treacherous thoughts.
Sun's face darkened at her response. "I really hope they stay out of the big picture, they're probably too young to get mixed up in this."
"That's saying somethin' coming from youngins themselves," a new voice called out.
The pair turned to a big built guy who was currently shooting darts at a bullseye. He reminded Blake of her father with his tall overbearing form, he however had tough looking scales at the side of his face and currently had two darts at the outer bullseye of the board, a third in his hand.
The man turned around to face the two friends, the dim lighting casting more shadows on his face due to the scales, making him look much more intimidating. His eyes glowed an eerie yellow, unlike the cat faunus' mysterious amber. A few of the faunus surrounding him heard the outspoken comment and shifted to get a better view of the rising confrontation that everyone seemed to be waiting for.
Blake stood still for a few moments, her facial expression static and revealing nothing. Sun on the other hand seemed to look nervous and exasperated, apparently this wasn't the first time this individual expressed something of this nature.
"That's Van Dyke. Reptilian faunus. Thinks this whole thing is impossible… " Sun spoke directly to Blake, in a whisper. "… yet still happened to come along." He finished, loud enough for the man in question to hear.
Van took a brief glance at the monkey faunus but then focused on Blake. Taking in his first true glance at the person who started this new found makeshift group. He regarded her with an odd look that she couldn't place before it soon faded back into a defiant one.
"So, this is the Belladonna girl, huh?" Without breaking his gaze, he threw his last dart behind him. Judging by Sun's sudden silence, Blake guessed it must have hit the bullseye. A quick glance sideways confirmed this. Judging from the placement of all three darts Blake was slightly impressed at the score thus far. "The Belladonna name has been highly praised for many decades. Hell, when I was a boy I remember Ghira was a very respected fighter, even I looked up to him."
Blake's expression still hadn't changed, willing to hear the man's concerns of the current position they were all in; a hand full of people trying to bring down a corrupt organization that will be supposedly led by a 19-year-old girl. Inside however she was slightly miffed. He probably grew up in Menagerie if he knew her father and although this bar consisted of all faunus, there are some things you just don't share outside the island were human ears were a danger to many of their secrets.
Sun on the other hand, looked confused with an incredulous expression. Probably thinking the obvious; what on earth was the man was talking about? This so-called Van Dyke seemed to be the oldest person in the group, looking 50 but he could bet his banana stash that he surpassed that. If that guy claims that Ghira (who looks way younger) fought long enough to be a respected figure when the reptilian was a boy, then just how old is Blake's father?
" – it's just," he continued, "I find it hard to believe… no, I find it almost sad that someone so young and who knows nothing is taking the place of someone as esteemed as him. You're too inexperienced and young to lead such an important group. You know nothing about the politics, the funding, the planning and strategizing that goes into this. I just don't think you know what you're getting yourself into, this isn't a game to play follow the leader."
There. He said it. He said what everyone in that bar was thinking.
Blake knew this type of confrontation would come sooner or later. Hell, she wondered the same damn thing. She wouldn't lie to these people however. These people were those who choose to not follow the dark path that the White Fang took. Something she couldn't do. So, what she said next was nothing but the truth laid out on the table.
"Your right…" she started. That alone got the rest of the faunus present to turn in their seats and face her. She looked around and noticed her current attention before saying, "I'm not my father, I'm not a competent enough leader to lead such an important organization on my own. I don't know much about politics, raising money, leading people… but I do know this: I never, give up."
She turned back to stare directly at Van, it was her turn to talk. And she was making sure he listened to what she had to say.
"When you all noticed about the White Fang's sudden change in actions following my father's resignation. What did you do?"
Some faces turned rigid, others looked away. Van still held Blake's gaze however, unrelenting.
"You left. You gave up, you lost hope. You stashed yourselves away in safe houses living in fear of the day you were found."
The atmosphere felt heavy, and Blake could clearly sense Sun feeling uncomfortable, probably wondering what the dark haired girl was thinking. Did she want them to turn their back and leave?
"I am, by no means, belittling you. To be honest, sometimes I wish I had the smarts to leave as well. Maybe then, I wouldn't have had to live the horrors of what I've seen." Blake's expression broke. Her face expressed sorrow and regret. She willed herself to open up to these strangers. To let them see who she is, what she's gone through, and hopefully see her resolve.
"I stayed. Not because I was scared to leave, but because I had hope. I hoped that somehow the White Fang would be okay, or that maybe I could do something to keep it from being what it's become. But, that was nothing more than wishful thinking. The day when I was told to blow up a SDC train with civilians inside, is the day I broke away from them."
Flashes of that day came back, but Blake willed them away. She wouldn't let them overcome her at such an important moment.
Sun on the other hand was also looking at the feline faunus, surprised at her sudden openness and aghast at what she was telling. He knew she was part of the Fang but never did she once share specific details of her time with them. She hated talking about it.
" – I might have been away from the White Fang, but I still hoped to make a change. I attended a hunter's school, hoping to learn as much as I could to find the strength and the knowledge to do so. But, as you can guess, the White Fang had other plans. They no longer fight for faunus rights. They attacked a school filled with humans AND faunus who yearned to protect humanity. I fought at the Fall of Beacon, a day where people died at the hands of the White Fang's doings. I don't know who they are taking orders from but I do know they aren't alone."
Blake took a deep breath, trying to shake the wavering from her voice.
"I hid my heritage on my time there, and at one point I accidently outed myself," she looked over at Sun, smiling softly as she recalled the day the ran away, and he found her. "my teammates accepted me for who I am, and what I once was. They didn't let my past define me, they knew I was once part of the organization, yet they still accepted me. Hell, one of them nearly risked her own life to physically save me from Adam… she - …"
Her voice cracked at the thought of Yang. She closed her eyes and breathed in one more time. As she blew out a shaking breath, she felt a hand on her right shoulder. Looking up, she was met with Sun's blue eyes. Eyes that reminded her of the ocean waters from Menagerie, waters that calmed her down at the sight whenever she felt overwhelmed.
Falling back in control she kept going, noticing that everyone was still looking at her with attention.
"… she was there for me," and I wasn't there for her "she, along with the rest of my team, were there for me when I needed it the most. They helped me deal with the White Fang again and again. They had my back, and I had theirs." Yet why do I feel like I failed them. Failed HER.
Because I did.
"My point being that, it is a fact that I can't do this…" some faces finally cracked and turned to disappointment, deflation of hope. "… on my own that is." Heads shot back up in surprise.
"An organization like this isn't one that can be led by one person for the others to listen and follow orders. This needs to be a group of people who work together to reach a common goal. I hope to merely be a representative, I stayed long enough to know the inner workings, and I aim to do the rest to the best of my ability. But, I can't do this without your help. I know some of you here are great strategists, others are well informed of politics, many more own a business and know how to make money. But most of all, all of you are fighters. You might have left the White Fang, but the fact that you are here, means that you still haven't completely given up."
Blake had been drifting from gaze to gaze during that speech, until she reached Van Dyke's again.
"I know better than anyone that this is not a 'game,' I am scarred both inside and out of the things I've been through. I know that doesn't compare to many others that have gone through worse, but even that will not compare for what's to come if we don't do something. I'm not planning on 'playing the leader' because I'm not going to lead this group, we all are. And… I might not know who or what is the cause of what's happening out there, but I do know exactly what I'm getting myself into. Because I won't stand by and do nothing knowing that there was something I could have done to prevent the Fall of Beacon to happen again."
At this point, every faunus in the room had their jaws set with decision. Nobody move or breathed for a few seconds until Blake heard Sun whisper in her ear, "I think that's the longest I've heard you speak…"
Blake closed her eyes and brought her fingers to pinch the bridge of her nose with exasperation.
"Really? Now of all times Sun?"
He chuckled, and was about to say something when they heard someone move. Looking up they saw that Van had turned away and started walking up towards the dart board. He grabbed his darts one by one, taking his time. After a moment of pause and a far-off look at the game board, he walked back over to the faunus with the determined amber eyes, stopping just shy of personal space.
He looked at her for a while longer, that nostalgic look that Blake now identified, present on his face.
"… I once had a daughter that looked very similar you, it's almost uncanny. She had the same drive you do, it brings back memories," he spoke quietly.
Van held out one of darts he had just collected towards the cat faunus. Said faunus looked at his hand, then back up to his face in a questioning glance. Hesitantly taking it.
"Your father was a great leader, is a great Chieftain, and from what I've just witnessed, an even greater father. I can certainly see why the phrase 'like father like daughter' exists, but you're right. You're not your father. You're one brave youngster, one that's seen the world for what it is; the good, the bad, and the fucked up. Yet you managed somehow. There's even a rumor you managed to befriend a Schnee," he arched an eyebrow at that.
"She's nothing like her father," Blake immediately defended without thinking.
"Hmmm, guess that phrase don't work for everyone. But I know something that I am positive will work for us…" He turned and threw one of his darts and hit the bullseye dead center. He then turned to her and waited. Figuring out what he wanted her to do, Blake threw her given dart expertly, not landing on the board. Instead, it landed on top of the first dart.
Van looked impressed and looked towards her again, the feline guessing that she passed some sort of silent-non-descriptive-manly-game test.
"… partnership."
Blake's eyes widened at his verbal response to her request, not believing what she was hearing.
"Ghira was an exceptional leader back then, and still is now. But maybe leadership aint what the White Fang needs anymore. I'm in."
Amber eyes stared in disbelief at the nods and smiling faces that were thrown around, a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. Now it seemed to be carried with the help of every faunus present.
Sun wrapped his arm around Blake's shoulders, and she let him for once. Although one obstacle has been crossed, there were many more she needed to take.
Her thoughts went to her teammates. She wondered how Weiss was doing, from the way she avoided talking about her father she hoped she was doing okay. How much had her leader changed after seeing the horrors this world had to offer? Blake always enjoyed Ruby's optimism. How was Yang? Did she hate her for leaving even after hearing what she went through with her mother? Is she back up on her feet?
She's too strong to let this stop her. She'll find her fire again with or without me.
But I still need to find her. I need to talk to her. I won't hope for forgiveness, I won't even be surprised if she hates me.
I just hope she's willing to listen, she thought with uneasiness, because Adam was still out there. And there's no telling when his next move will be.
Originally I wanted to include the chapter of Yang and Blake's sparring match, but I'm not confident with it yet. I will post it in a future chapter.
Also, thank you HalfmoonHunter for your review!