Hi guys! Sorry its a bit late, it ended up being longer than I thought... like... 27 pages long on Microsoft Words long... so yeah. long chapter this time. Because it's so long I had a hard time editing, if you do find mistakes please let me know. Otherwise, enjoy and let me know what you think!
"Sorry I'm late, we ran into some trouble on our way here." He spoke, raking his hand through his hair. He had sweat on his brow and seemed slightly out of breath. And under closer inspection his clothes seemed worn, battle worn to be precise.
"Did you seriously start a fight in a single day that you're back?" Neptune asked with exasperation in his voice.
"Yeah. Well no. I didn't but someone else did, but I kinda got involved too. So… I guess it's a yes." he rambled.
"We?" Yang asked.
"Huh?"
"You said 'we' ran into some trouble, your team is here, who're you referring to?"
"Uuuhh…. Well, I guess now is a better time than any. I ran into someone" cough "on my, umm, little road trip. Met quite the group of people too, but she'll explain that better than I can. You guys coming in?"
Yang, along with the rest of the young students, looked at him with confusion and turned their heads toward the open door. Soon, their confusion was replaced with gasps and other sounds of surprise at the newcomers. The first person to walk in was a huge man that made Ironwood look small, he had scales on his face with the sternest expression you could imagine. His eyes scanned the room, as if to look for potential danger, resting his eyes on the Schnee's a little longer than necessary. The sounds of surprise weren't towards him however, but towards the smaller woman at his side.
Blake Belladonna had entered.
Silence filled the air, you could almost hear a pin drop. The first person to move was Ruby, or well, floated really. Because one moment she was sitting next to Weiss, and the next a trail of rose petals left her wake as she soon appeared in front of Blake who stumbled back a few steps from the force of the hug. She caught her footing after shaking out of her initial surprise, clearly the last thing she was expecting were hugs.
"Blake! It's so good to see youu! Where have you been?! But most importantly… TEAM RWBY IS BACK TOGETHER!"
Blake's eyes were widened, Ruby's hug was quick but fierce, the faunus recovering too late to return the hug. The shorter girl must have been mindful that Blake wasn't much for physical contact, it was a bit touching that she remembered that, really. She did, however, raise her hand and placed it on top of Ruby's head, ruffling her hair. A bit un-Blake-like, if Ruby's expression was anything to go by, but still very much welcome.
She's taller, Blake thought. And she filled out a little too, I'm glad that she's still got some spirit left in her.
Ruby smiled, lacking a bit of the usual sparkle, but regarding what they all went through, it was still something.
Retracting her hand, Blake's gaze shifted towards Weiss, who during the exchange, walked up with her usual poise and natural beauty, unlike Ruby's sudden excitement. She stood next to Ruby and truly smiled for the second time after meeting up with her sister and her team.
"You sure took your time Belladonna," a pause, "I'm so glad you're here." Her posture broke and she threw herself towards her teammate, rivaling Ruby's. Blake didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around the slightly shorter girl, catching a small scent of fresh snow.
The last member of her team however, froze at the same time her heart stopped when the two figures appeared in the doorway. She was forced to put her foot down to keep her balance lest he tip over and fall from the sudden scene unfolding before her.
Her crossed arms were soon down at her sides, fists closing and opening. But otherwise she didn't move. Her eyes had widened when they became locked in an amber gaze while still locked in the Ice Princess' arms. Surprise overrode her for the first few seconds. She couldn't believe her eyes, after nearly a year of terrible thoughts and nightmares mixed with her PTSD, the last thing she hoped to find during her trip was her partner.
Or, well, that was a lie.
It was impossible not to think about her. And now, all those thoughts and feelings came rushing forward at once, overriding her ability to speak. Her mouth opening slightly, just to close back up again.
She wasn't sure how she felt right now. The blonde knew she held resentment towards her at first after The Fall of Beacon. Felt nothing but pain and anger of someone whom she's confided in her mother's abandonment decided to just up and leave her. She wanted to hate her, but found that he couldn't. All she felt was pain, pain of betrayal. She trusted her, she was her partner. She was supposed to have her back. But, after the first few months, she stopped feeling anything. It was an odd phase for her. She didn't care about anything, she just wanted to be left alone in bed and feel nothing. She wasn't mad, she wasn't scared, she wasn't… anything.
Her father got her out of that funk however. The day he first brought that arm to her house, it did something. She might not have worn it right away, but she always sneaked a glance every so often.
Soon enough however, she started questioning everything. Why did Blake leave? Who was responsible for the attack at Beacon? Where was Ruby? Was she okay? Were Weiss and Blake okay?
She felt like she was being swallowed whole by a pit of darkness, nothing seemed to motivate her. She had her father, sure, but she needed her team. Her friends. Her sister. Her partner.
Until finally, she decided to do something about it. Then her training with her father started. All she could focus on was getting back in shape to find her sister, her scattered letters here and there edging her on.
But now, seeing her partner again so soon and out of the blue had her feeling… anger and betrayal mixed with relief? Hell, she didn't know anymore. One thing that was definite, they needed to talk. Soon.
Yang gave Blake a onceover. Her outfit changed along with her own, it suited her figure. Her usual black vest over a white shirt was replaced with a black strappy crop top beneath a long white twin tailed coat, she almost smiled at their similarities in style. Almost.
What really drew her gaze were those thigh high dark purple boots, on anyone it would look over kill, but she somehow made it work deliciously well. Her black and white color scheme might not have changed much, but it always made Yang beam whenever Blake would show a splash of color. Purple always making an appearance, as subtle as it was.
The brawler's quick observation didn't take long, she did however pause as she took in Blake's bare toned front. As impressive as her flexible figure was, what drew Yang's gaze was the scarred tissue that looked misplaced in such a gorgeous figure.
Red.
Red was all Yang saw next.
A red sword retracting from that very spot.
Red gore oozing out.
Pain.
Then nothing but darkness.
Yang felt her breathing pick up pace the slightest bit. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath. Then let it out slowly, opening her eyes once again. Okay, it's getting easier, she thought, no shaking this time.
Looking back towards her partner, she didn't seem that surprised to see her. Sun must have told her, she thought. Although Blake did an excellent job in masking her emotions, Yang was one of the few people that could read her like a book. And at the moment she looked… afraid?
Wait, Yang thought after a few moments, so they've been… together, this whole time? The blonde didn't know how to feel about that. Blake leaves her behind but decides to go off with Sun? But then again…Sun was the one who told Yang she left. Did they meet recently? Ugh. I don't know what's going on, I could reeeeeally use a strawberry sunrise right now.
Her partner wasn't faring much better.
As soon as amber eyes met lilac, it took all of Blake's willpower to keep her composure. She succeeded in masking her inner turmoil, mostly since she knew there was a possibility of seeing Yang here, and she had her meltdown with Sun the day prior. But seeing her in person terrified her more that she thought it would. Calm down, calm down, calm down, she chanted inside her head. What really got her heart pounding viciously was when she saw her eyes flare red the slightest bit, almost unnoticeable. Yang closed her eyes for a moment and when she opened them again they were back to their usual lilac.
Blake let go of Weiss, who stepped aside and took her spot next to Ruby, who stared intently and the Black and Yellow duo.
That brief exchange happened in a matter of seconds, but to the pair it felt like hours. Everyone else in the room seemed to be waiting for them to greet each other, and Yang for once felt an overbearing sense of social pressure. Their confrontation will have to wait, at least until they could talk alone, if she doesn't leave again that is, Yang thought. Not surprised to the slight bitterness she felt.
"Hey," she finally voiced to her amber-eyed partner. "Glad to know you're alive." The tone in her voice made it sound more like a statement, however.
Blake snapped out of whatever haze she was on. "Good to know you're up and about." Really? Gosh, I'm the worst.
"Right."
Blakes lips pressed to a thin line, but said nothing. Not now.
The blonde's gaze drifted north of amber eyes, resting on the pair of ears now free of the black bow that usually covered them. Her eyes widened slightly, never have before seen them. Blake might have come out to her team, but that didn't mean she felt okay with removing her bow in the dorm. Call it paranoia if you will. Yang tried her best to help her feel comfortable, but the girl never budged.
Seeing them now got Yang to release a small portion of the bitterness she felt, pride and relief filled that small void. Easing her stern face, a bit, seeing those adorable feline ears drift back the slightest bit, almost as if…
Yang's eyes widened a bit, realizing that Blake's ears now expressed more that her face. Well, that's new.
" – Well, it looks like we are all finally here." Ironwood spoke up, breaking the awkward silence. "and then some.." he added looking at the large man next to Blake.
Blake stepped fully inside the room and leaned her back against the wall near the door. Van taking position next to her. "This is Van Dyke, a friend of mine that's been helping me out."
Ironwood nodded in response, a bit uncertain at revealing such crucial information to a stranger. but continued.
"It appears as though Qrow here has chosen to divulge valuable information to some of you without prior consent…" pausing to shoot said person a stern glare that was easily shrugged off, he continues once again, "I guess we should be more… thorough with all this information..."
"Okay, let me get this straight. Some dangerous Salem person is after four relics that each school is hiding and wield tremendous power. To do so they need to also get ahold of the four maidens who, happen to be for real, and also wield unimaginable power because they are the only ones that can get to the relics. Which in turn explains why Beacon fell trying to protect it and why Haven is next…?" Sun finally breathed.
"Simply speaking, yes." Responded Qrow.
"But why?" asked Weiss. "What is her motive?"
Yang tuned the conversation out and seemed to be out of it, concern filling her face when they talked about Ruby's attempt at being kidnapped. Over my dead body, she thought protectively.
"We don't know, but with all that power in her hands it's just not a good idea to let that happen. Destruction is all that her plan does for us." Qrow continued the conversation. Yang snapped out of her inner thoughts when her partner spoke up for the first time since their meeting.
"Salem. As in the Salem Witch Trials?" Blake asked inquisitively.
"You know who she is?" Qrow raised an eyebrow.
"I've read of her. I just vaguely recall something about a very powerful witch that was said she could control Grimm…"
The general, Winter and Qrow shared a knowing look.
"… What?! How would you know that?" Asked Sun
"Like I said, I read it once a long time ago. I had a collection of very old books that dated back before the Great War. But… you don't think it's the same person, do you?"
Qrow and Ironwood exchanged another look. "It's very possible, do you have this book by any chance? I'm incredibly surprised I haven't heard of that story being written…" The General stated.
"… It's actually one of a kind… a family heirloom. Is been passed down for generations."
"And why would your family be in the possession of such book?"
"…I don't know."
"Okay, we're derailing here. So this Salem person, the maidens power, would the White Fang be in on this too?"
"That would make more sense," Blake thought out loud.
Sun looked at her incredulously, "how the hell does any of this make sense?!"
Blake's face was one of realization, "the reason why the White Fang aided in the Fall of Beacon, the last thing they'd ever do is side with humans. Unless they ended up being stronger than they were.."
"You mean to say that the organization thought of them as suitable allies? Having dangerous people at their side to help further their repulsive cause?" was Winter Schnee's answer.
At her response, Blake's expression soon turned into a frown. "If that's what you think of the organization then I'm sorry to hear that someone with such high status as you don't have all the facts." Winter's eyes narrowed at the same time Qrow whistled.
"Who do yo –
"Explain," Ironwood interrupted.
Blake glanced over to him and further clarified her thinking, now having everyone's attention. "Just like the military, the White Fang isn't just a group of people bunched together following orders and going through with them without thinking. They have branches throughout Remnant, each branch is stationed in a Kingdom. Although the leader is Sienna Kahn, she chooses select few to lead their pertaining branch, you might call them high ranking members. There is a lot organization that goes into this but although every member has the same goal, they all have different ideas on how to go about them. The Vale branch was the only one that took part in attacking Beacon, but I'm sure that they've gained more followers since then."
"So, you're saying that this, Sienna Kahn, has nothing to do with all the violence that started?" asked Jaune.
"No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying that she wasn't behind the decision to attack Beacon, the person responsible was the leader of the Vale branch…"
"Adam Taurus." Yang stated, looking straight at Blake.
"… Yes," she confirmed, struggling to make eye contact. "I'm sure Sienna Kahn has something to do with this one way or another, but they must have different ways of seeing things because he is taking matters in his own hands."
"What do you mean…" Yang asked with a low tone in her voice.
The faunus glanced away and shared a look with Sun, who nodded. Prompting her. "It's a fact that the White Fang plans to attack Haven Academy," The head of the General perked up at this information.
"You have proof of this?"
Blake nodded. "Yes, I didn't know the reason why until now, but I'm sure that before all this plan to bring down the academy and the tower, he plans to overthrow Sienna Kahn from leadership."
Silence filled the room at the news….
"And how exactly do you know all of this?" asked Winter once again, with steeled knowing eyes.
"Winter…" Weiss said in a careful yet warning tone. Clearly her sister wasn't very fond of someone who took part with the organization.
Ignoring her younger sister, she pressed on, "this is very detailed information you're giving us, mind telling us how exactly you've obtained it?" the not to subtle question made it clear that she thought Blake might still be in league with them.
"I'm starting to see the Schnee resemblance on her…I like your friend though," muttered Van Dyke low enough that if Blake wasn't born with a second set of ears, she wouldn't have heard him. She knew he was just trying to get her to relax against Winter Schnee's apparent onslaught of hidden yet noticeable accusations. It worked because she let out a small huff of breath to hide the surprised laugh that almost escaped.
The small display between the feline and the reptilian faunus did not go unnoticed.
"I was once part of the White Fang," she admitted. It wasn't a surprise to her friends or her team. And although the three grown ups did not know that at the beginning, she knew they guessed it giving the information she had. Winter's knowing glance just further proved that they already knew, she just wanted her admission.
"And what should stop me from arresting you right at this very moment. We can just take you in and who knows, maybe even use you as leverage against them.
It was at this point that most of her friends in the room stood up and stared defiantly at the woman, even Weiss.
"We're not going to let you do that," she stood up to her older sister. Even Yang had straightened from her slack posture leaning against the wall and took a step next to Weiss, defending the faunus.
Qrow let out a heartfelt breath of amusement while Ironwood still had that same stagnant expression throughout the exchange. Winter on the other hand seemed slightly surprised at the reaction from the rest of the room. It appears she didn't think that everyone in the room already knew about her affiliation with the terrorist group.
"…because," Blake answered her question, "I'm a traitor to them, the only reason they'd want me would be to kill me. They don't answer lightly to traitors… it's a surprise I'm still alive really." She muttered that last bit. Yang and Wiess who were close to her probably overheard her, "after the Fall of Beacon I was being followed, the White Fang was looking for me. So, I left to shake them off
This caught the attention of Yang, who's head rose up sharply. She narrowed her eyes and payed close attention to her partner.
"It took me a while, but I was able to finally lose them a while back. Returning to Vale wasn't an option because that's where they were stationed, so… I left to where I knew I'd be safe. Home. In Menagerie. I hadn't been there in years, but I knew that the White Fang head of operations was stationed here in Mystral, Menagerie shouldn't have been a problem. But I was wrong, they must have had people in Menagerie too because I eventually caught a spy who'd been following me once I arrived. She's the one I got the information from after Sun and I confronted her."
"And why would we care who the leader is. That's of no concern to us. Keeping the relic safe and stopping Salem is." Winter continued.
"It should be, because the reason you haven't been attacked already is thanks to Sienna. She might have… forceful ideals. But she will only push when she is shoved regarding faunus rights. Adam? He won't sit idly. He'll attack and destroy anything or anyone that gets in his way, faunus or not. I don't know what he's doing, but he's not pushing for faunus rights. If he overthrows Sienna, things will just get a whole lot worse. He'll spread that way of thinking to everyone in the organization. And that should concern you."
Ironwood was still silent, taking all of this in.
"Hey, your that Belladonna girl right? Blake Belladonna?" asked Qrow momentarily changing the subject.
"Yes." Blake answered almost questionably.
"Do you happen to be related to a… Ghira? Was it?"
Blake stiffened at the mention of her father. The only reason someone that wasn't faunus knew her father would be as the previous leader of the White Fang, not the loving chieftain of Menagerie. The last thing she needed was for them to think lowly of her father's actions in the White Fang.
"…Yes," she replied cautiously. Ready to jump in and defend her father's image as a peaceful leader.
But it appears that wasn't necessary, because Yang and Ruby's uncle did something she never saw him do. He smiled. Not a smirk, or forced tilt to his lips. But a genuine smile.
"I don't know how I didn't make the connection before. You have his drive."
Blake relaxed seeing that he wouldn't talk ill of him while the rest of her team looked confused. Save for Sun who knew her father. For all the rest of her team knew, they probably thought she had no family. Not once did she speak of them for reasons that are now way past behind her.
"You know him?"
"Met him once when he was still in position, very big guy. Believe it or not, you got nothing on him Jimmy –
" – General," Winter corrected.
Ignoring her he continued, "I didn't know his last name, so I didn't make the connection, until now. You resembled some of his leadership. You look just like your mother, though."
Everyone in the room was now just lost. Her team in particular.
"…wait, you've met Blake's parents? Wow. Small world! Are they hunters too? Oh! Did you meet them in a mission?!" Ruby asked with enthusiasm.
Looking over at Blake, he raised an eyebrow. "They don't know?"
"… They know my past with the White Fang, but not that far back." She answered, shifting almost uncomfortably from her position on the wall.
"Know what?" asked Yang. What else hasn't she told us?
Blake sighed, knowing she should be the one to tell them. "The White Fang has an infamous history with traitors. The Belladonna name now has a target on its back, and they wouldn't go through the trouble in crossing all of Remnant if they weren't important."
"Important?" questioned Weiss. "In what way?"
"I mentioned to you once that I was practically raised in the White Fang. I meant that literally. My father… he was once the High Leader of the organization."
Widened eyes and gasps of whoa were heard around the room.
"Now that I think about it, wouldn't that make you a Princess like Ice Queen over here?" Joked Sun.
" – Hey!"
"I mean, he's pretty much the big boss for Menagerie, right?"
Blake closed her eyes and counted to three before saying in a warning tone, "it's almost like you want to get slapped again, Sun."
"…I never spoke." He retreated, unconsciously raising his hand to touch his cheek.
Slapped huh? That must have been interesting to see, thought Yang. Feeling slight satisfaction upon hearing that. Unbeknownst to her, jealousy started to make an appearance within her. Knowing that Blake left her and ran off with Sun of all people, made the inside of her stomach churn in disappointment and jealousy. Similar to that time of the dance back at Beacon. Dammit now is not the time to be feeling like this.
"Soo, you're the daughter of this Sienna person?" Yang asked, interrupting the dialog between Blake and Sun. Was that the reason she didn't talk about her family?
"What? No! I – Sorry, I should have explained myself correctly. My father was leader before Sienna Kahn, before the change to a more, 'extreme philosophy.'
"Hmpf. That's putting it lightly." Answered Weiss, reminiscent to the time Blake herself responded similarly back when they were shadowing Dr. Oobleck.
"He stepped down when Sienna started to get more followers on her ideals. He'd rather not take part in it and became chieftain of Menagerie."
"And then you came to Beacon?" Asked Yang.
"… Eventually, yes." She answered, omitting that she stayed with the White Fang for 5 years after. Images of the people she'd interrogated, bloody and gasping, pleading for their lives flashed before her eyes. Her expression turned sour at the reminder, but said nothing.
Yang noticed her change in demeanor, but didn't voice it. Instead she found herself glancing up at her feline appendages, that she noticed twitched a few times. Almost making her look uncomfortable with the subject. She's leaving stuff out, again… she thought. She considered in asking her in the future, but it would all depend on how their talk would go, if she bothered to stay that is.
"So, going back to the subject, why aren't we talking with the headmaster right now? Shouldn't he be in on this?" asked Jaune.
"I don't trust Leo to take care of this. Winter has been observing his movements and judging from her reports, it seems as though he's purposely leaving the door wide open for an attack to come barging in.
"What do you mean?" Asked Qrow.
"The relic has been unguarded this whole time. Still is."
"What!" he exclaimed. "…the hell is he thinking…" Qrow muttered.
"I don't have proof of this, and I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I there is a possibility he might be in league with Salem."
"You can't be serious. He might not be gutsy, but he's not cowardly enough to side with her.
"I don't know Qrow, all I do know is that the reports show that he's trying to let someone in. Maybe he's being manipulated."
Heavy silence filled the room at what their next plan of action will be, when Qrow finally spoke up. "Well, they can't really do anything without the spring maiden. So maybe that's where they're headed. We should reach her before they do." Qrow suggested.
"But we don't know where she is."
"I might have a… general idea….
Ironwood's head turn sharply to his left. So fast you'd think he'd get whiplash, "you WHAT? Since when? How? Where?" he demanded standing from his seat.
"It's not exactly good news. After the spring maiden ran off, she was picked up by bandits." He paused, "specifically, the Branwen tribe."
"… what?" was Yang's response. Her face was marred in confusion. "My mom?" Her arms fell limply to her sides, she was completely taken aback.
Blake's ears were up and attentive. What little she knew of Yang's mother, she was aware of Yang's hunger for an answer. But knowing that she was part of a bandit tribe, was it a good idea?
"Yes. She has the spring maiden, and she won't let her go so easily." Locking his eyes on Yang he added, "I told you she was dangerous."
Ironwood interrupted Yang's inner turmoil and addressed Qrow again, "and then what? I mean, sure we're quite a few but she has a whole tribe! How are we supposed to win against that and a maiden? I have no doubt she has had plenty of time to hone her skills."
Qrow leaned back against the desk again, thinking "well, we don't technically have to win, just get the spring maiden to come with us.
"Yeah, who could have left them at any moment she wanted. I doubt she'll just kindly follow us. Your sister would have, without a doubt, planted her mind with false information about what's going on, or worse yet, adapter her way of thinking.
A few moments of silence passed, everyone trapped in their own thoughts.
Ruby spoke up this time "We can try to get her alone, talk to her, while some of us keeps them all busy."
"There really is nothing else we can do. Unless someone manages to change Raven's way of thinking, get her to side with us." Jaune agreed with Ruby.
Yang furrowed her eyes, deep in thought. This was a lot information to mull over. First meeting her sister and Weiss, learning that fairytales are real, learning what her mother has been doing…seeing Blake...
"What if I… talk to her?" Yang spoke out loud. All eyes turned towards her, but her uncle was the one to speak up.
"I really don't think that's a good idea kiddo, you might be her kid, but she won't change just for you."
Yang glanced away
"There's not much we can do aside from trying to change Raven's mind," Ironwood spoke up again. "It's a long shot, sure, but it's all we've got. We don't want Spring to be held captive against her will, that's just a disaster waiting to happen. Raven seems to have her in the palm of her hand, however. Changing her mind would be our best course of action." He glanced over to Yang, "and who knows, maybe Ms. Xiao Long can change her mind."
Qrow sighed, rubbing both his hands down across his tired face. "I'm telling you, all she cares about is the survival of her tribe," looking over to Yang, he added, "and she might have saved your ass that one time, but I told you she wouldn't intervene again." He looked down at her arm, emphasizing his point.
Blake followed his line of sight. She had tried very hard not to stare at it fearing how Yang would react. But taking advantage that her attention is elsewhere, she took a peek. Where her arm used to be now lies a black and yellow synthetic arm, her fingerless gloves and zipper gauntlets obscured most of the view, but the metal still gleamed against the light.
Blake bit the inside of her cheek as regret coursed through her. Pain soon followed as she recalled the events from that night. The fear that froze her in place, the adrenaline that helped her get through the physical pain to carry her partner to safety. Hell, for the first few months that she was running from the White Fang she had trouble keeping her feelings stable, Grimm making an appearance way too often. And with her wounds it just added the amount of exhaustion and sleepless nights she went through.
"Well, how about we leave her no choice?" Ironwood suggested.
"What do you mean," Qrow asked, taking a flask from a pocket inside his coat. Skepticism in his voice.
"Well, how about we tell her that her tribe is being targeted by Salem and her crew? She does have the Spring maiden, and judging from Cinder's success in obtaining Fall, its only logical they target another maiden." He reasoned.
"And if that doesn't work?" He took a sip.
"Well, how about we talk to Leo and tell him where the Spring maiden is? If I'm right and he is siding with Salem, they'll show and charge at Raven's base camp. And she won't have a choice, either way we would have gained something."
Qrow must have been surprised by the General's plan, because he soon started coughing slightly.
"What?! That plan can go wrong in so many ways," Qrow raised his voice incredulously. "And don't forget Cinder is a maiden, Salem's solders aren't exactly all talk either. I'd know." He added.
Ruby, who was silently observing the conversation like the rest of her friends, frowned at that. Now realizing that it was her fault that her uncle was hurt, the reason he didn't want her close was because he was afraid of what his semblance would cause.
"We get Raven on our side, we'll also have a maiden on ours."
"And if she decided Salem will help ensure her tribe's survival? I don't consider her that stupid, but I also wouldn't be surprised." He proclaimed in a low voice. "What then?"
The general sat back down and leaned his elbows on the wooden desk, resting his chin on his intertwined fingers. "Lets hope it doesn't come to that. But if they are looking for the maiden, its just a matter of time. The only thing we'd be doing is expedite the process. Besides, you have a better idea?"
No response came from anybody.
"It's settled. The sooner we head out, the better. We'll go over this in more detail later on, I'm sure this has been overwhelming for all of you."
"Understatement of the year," Sun muttered.
"One last thing. Miss Belladonna?" Blake jerked her head up at the mention of her name.
"I know I am in no position to ask you of this, but, is there any possible way that you can somehow gain intel through the White Fang? I know you aren't very highly regarded now, but you seemed to have a high position in that organization given your past. Is there a possibility that you can… return?" The General aske curiously.
Blakes eyes widened. It suddenly felt very hot in the room, and the amount of people in the enclosed space had little to do with it.
"Woah, hold up there pal. What do you mean return? You trying to make her bait or something?" Sun spoke up, a frown marring his face. He moved away from the wall where his teammates were leaning against to take a few steps forwards.
"More like inside intel Sun. Go back as in 'be one of them' to get information." Blake explained, slightly off put by Ironwood's suggestion.
"Hell no," Yang spoke up. "That's suicide, Taurus didn't hesitate to attempt to kill her, I doubt he had a change of heart. Especially now that he wants to be the boss." The brawlers face turned hard, and her eyes started to get a scarlet tint.
"Actually, his intent wasn't to kill, just hurt," Blake corrected before her brain was able to keep up with her mouth. This caught the blonde's attention, her eyes going full on red and taking a step in her direction in confrontation. "You can't be serious, are you seriously considering going back near that bastard?!" she nearly spat.
At Yang's change of eye color, Blake flinched and turned away. "No," she responded back to her monotone voice. "Although there might a possibility to convince them, a traitor returning is not a… painless process." I would know, she thought. I was the one in charge of… 'making sure' they learned their lesson. They were worse than interrogations, at least they have the option to talk and then everything stops. Returning traitors didn't have that luxury, some lasted, others didn't. "Besides, Adam and I have… history. He won't take my 'betrayal' as lightly as the rest."
"Torture?" Yang scoffed in bewilderment. "What type of twisted beasts torture their own people. And all for what? Leaving those savage ideals behind?" Blake's mention of Adam fed the anger that, up until now, was hiding deep inside the blonde.
The faunus however, felt as though she was stabbed in the gut. Her partner's hatred towards Adam's torturing of people just told her all she needed to know. She was just like him, she was a beast. Somehow, she preferred the title of being a coward, anything that'll erase the disgust and hatred in Yang's eyes. Disgust and hatred towards her. Someone who tortured people for their own savage ideals.
Blake couldn't handle all this emotion, either she puts a stop to this conversation, or she's going to end up breaking her 'nonchalant' persona.
"The answer is no, General." She was able to vocalize with only a slight waver in her voice.
Ironwood furrowed his eyebrows, but relented.
"Very well." Then, to everyone else he spoke, "I'll talk with Leo and keep you up to date. It might not be tomorrow, but stay alert at all times."
Qrow however, seemed to have second thoughts about this, "But –
"Don't worry, I won't give up anything vital, just suggest to keep the chamber guarded, see how he responds. If he come up with any excuse, I honestly don't think we can trust him. Sure, everyone has suffered from the fall, but all of Remnant has had to. Vacuo is probably the worst off, yet they are doing just fine…" He reasoned. "Depending on that I'll consider telling him about Spring's location. I think it would be best if you come as well, actually."
After a moment of thought, Qrow relented. "Alright. Let's keep in contact. Stay on the lookout for anything suspicious. Get some rest kids, Gods only know when we'll be able to do so again."
As everyone piled out of the meeting room, Blake and Van Dyke were off in one corner having a very hushed discussion. Meanwhile, the now reunited teams SSSN, and RWBY along with the remnants of team JNPR, were talking about getting together to catch up on lost time. Having agreed to it, Weiss noticed the brawler in her team deep in thought as she stared towards Blake's general area.
"Alright! It's done, everyone off to our place!" Ruby voiced excitedly.
"… someone should probably tell Blake of our get together," she suggested, looking pointedly at Yang, who was still staring off in the distance.
"Oh! Your right! I'll –
"Yang!" Weiss finally got the blonde's attention, simultaneously cutting off her leader mid-sentence.
Yang's eyes snapped out of their haze and landed on the silver-haired girl. "Huh?" She asked, completely out of the loop.
"Why don't you go?" she suggested.
"Why don't I go what princess?" She asked, confused.
Weiss sighed, closing her eyes and starting from the beginning, now used to the nickname that was impossible to get rid of. "The get together your overly-hyper sister is dragging us all into against our consent?"
"Oh. That sounds great!" She responded, a smile reaching her face as she glanced towards her sister. "I've got quite the story to tell you by the way."
"So do I! You'll never guess the type of Grimm we ran into!"
"Anyway," Weiss proceeded. "We are all heading where your sister is staying, why don't you go get Blake?"
At the mention of her partner her smile faltered, "what?"
"Blake? … Your partner? Why don't you go let her know where we're going so she can join us? Honestly, where is your head?"
Yang was still slightly put off by the thought of approaching her partner. "… uhh, maybe Ru –
"Great! Now, lets go before Nora gets a head start on the food."
Ruby's face turned white, "oh no! Ren promised cookies!" Soon Yang was nearly spitting out rose petals out of her mouth at her sister's disappearance. Wiess following soon after.
The blonde simply stood there with an awkward look on her face. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back and breathed in deep. Its okay, I wanted answers, right? Well, now's a good time to get them.
"Why didn't you tell them?" Van asked.
"I… it just didn't seem like the right time. I know it sounds crazy," she added, seeing the look in his eyes, "but, just trust me. I'll tell them about our group if is seems appropriate, but, this is bigger than I thought. Way bigger."
"You can say that again, I'm not even entirely sure I actually believe all of this."
Blake paused in thought. "This is more than just fighting for our name and rights. I want them to know what they are up against."
"Alright, I'll back you up. But I doubt anyone will back down."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, for one. What's going to happen here will affect every single faunus whether they like it or not. Doing nothing would be foolish. And two, let's just say I also have a hunch. And I'm never wrong about them."
"Alright, then let's go and –
"I don't think that's wise." Blake looked up in surprise. "You're a huge target right now. Walking around these parts is too much of a risk. I know for sure that Taurus would want you alive. And that's not something we need right now."
Seeing that he was right, she relented. "Alright, inform them. Then let me know how it goes. Local comms are still up, we should be able to keep in touch."
At his nod of approval, they were about to turn towards the door to see each other off when Yang started approaching them. Getting a quick glance around, she noticed everyone else had gone off.
Standing quite a ways from Blake, the brawler crossed her arms and spoke a complete sentence this time. "Ruby wanted all of us to get together and catch up, they wanted me to tell you if you wanted in." she simply stated.
Do you want me there, she wanted to ask.
After a few moments of unspoken silence, Van spoke up. "I'll be heading out, keep in touch."
A small part of her wanted to grab his sleeve and ask his to stay to avoid the inevitable. But she had run away from this long enough.
"Okay," she responded to him.
As soon as he was out of the earshot, Yang simply stared back at her with a raised eyebrow, still waiting on a response.
"Sure, I'll go. But I was hoping to talk with you first?" she asked tentatively.
At her response, Yang stared back at her in wariness first, but then sighed. "Well, this was gonna happen sooner or later. C'mon, follow me."
They were walking down a dark corridor whose only light source were candles hanging on the walls every few yards. They had only been walking for no more than 10 minutes, and the silence that hung between them was as dead as Blake's social life.
"… where are we going?" Blake asked softly and inquisitively, scared that the blonde woman might lash out at her at any moment.
Said woman didn't glance at her. She stared straight ahead while she hmmed at Blake's question before answering, "Ruby showed me this scenic route that Qrow took her in. It's beautiful and secluded up there. Figured that was a good place to talk."
Her voice didn't show much emotion for Blake to guess how she was feeling. Which was odd. Yang was one of those people who wore her feelings on her sleeve, expressed everything and more. But now? She seemed too… guarded. Wary. Did I do that to her? She thought.
Silence traveled between them again, until they finally reached a set of heavy double doors that Yang pushed open as if they weighed nothing to her. Blake's eyes widened and the sight that opened before her. She wasn't kidding when she said the view was beautiful, although in her eyes, nothing compared to the sunrise in Menagerie. The feline didn't enjoy the view as much as she'd like to, however. The nervousness that filled Blake seemed to leave her without breath. Causing her to take deep breaths to settle her nerves.
Mistaking her erratic breathing, the brawler finally spoke after a few unspoken moments since opening the doorway, "yeah, took my breath away too."
"Right," Blake responded, winded.
The open-air elevator started to rise, the wind becoming a bit stronger the higher it went, causing both girl's hair to flail around erratically. Yang tried to calm her voluminous locks, while Blake stood unmoving, glad that her hair provided a decent cover for her face. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, hoping to calm her nerves again, but it managed to do nothing for the faunus. Her composure broke for a brief second, her closed expression turning sour, afraid of what could possibly happen, afraid of what Yang would decide to do with their friendship. Terrified, that she'd lose one of the most important people in her life she didn't realize she depended so heavily on.
As Yang still struggled to tame her hair, she turned to her partner to see how well she was faring against the onslaught of wind. She was surprised however to find her unmoving. At first she thought she might be to engrossed in the view. But when she caught a brief glance at her face from between her flying dark midnight tresses, she slowed her arms from her golden locks. Her eyes were closed, so she took the time to inspect her closely. Yang had never seen her partner express much regarding emotion, she wasn't sure how to identify what she was seeing. But once again, she glanced for the third time to the top of her head where her bow used to be. Is she… scared? Afraid? Of what? Me? The blonde wondered.
Yang didn't have much time to contemplate on it, because soon the open-air elevator stopped in the highest level, and Blake's eyes snapped open. As soon as it stabilized, the blonde started walking forward, apparently already having a place in mind.
"Follow me." She ordered.
Wordlessly, Blake followed her lilac-eyed partner. She walked a few steps behind rather than next to her, still unsure of how to deal with the apparent awkwardness between the duo.
A few glances around and Blake was able to see Haven Academy. But rather than enter to the courtyard, Yang turned to the side of the school where a bunch of gorgeous greenery filled her view.
A garden, Blake thought. Pretty.
A huge garden filled the vast space. A short gate that was obscured by vine plants growing over it. Big and beautiful trees and bushes created some sort of makeshift wall, making it impossible to see inside.
Taking another glance around back towards the school, Blake noticed that the school really was empty like Ironwood had mentioned.
Hmmmm, it so quiet, so… eerie. I guess I really am getting paranoid, she thought, thinking back to what the Captain from ship Pride had commented on. After Ilia's confrontation she was slightly more on edge than usual. Mystral was the White Fang's ground of operations, if Ilia was able to find her, she was afraid that they'd find her again and retaliate against her. Or her friends.
You need to stop, she thought. Don't. Don't try to run from this. From them.
" -ake?"
" – Blake? Did you hear me?" Yang repeated.
Snapping out of her haze, the faunus was finally able to respond. "Huh?"
The blonde raised an eyebrow at her. They had stopped at the entrance of the Garden, Yang having turned around to face her quiet partner while holding the gate open.
"I said, 'after you,'" she responded a bit slower this time. She had been trying to get the girl's attention about four times. Blake had stopped when the blonde did at the foot of the garden's entrance, but stayed put with a far off look on her face.
She's spacing out a lot, Yang noticed. That's… different. Usually, she was the stealthiest member of their group. Always on guard at any moment's notice.
Without answering, the woman simply stepped through.
Yang stood there for a bit, paused in thought. She was honestly surprised her composure was still intact. Her first instinct was to retaliate, ask for answers with possible yelling involved. But, something made her pause.
Her eyes. She was always a sucker for her amber eyes. They were the only thing that expressed emotion back in the Beacon days. She was one of the only people who could read her with just a look. Whether it was annoyance in response to another dumb pun of hers, or determination whenever she had something she needed to follow through. Her favorite was that slight sparkle when they sparred, the thrill. She was enjoying it. The few times she saw that Blake was having genuine fun in what she was doing, was when they sparred.
She always had such a serious face, and when she realized what her partner was fighting for back during Dr. Oobleck's shadowing, she realized what tremendous weight she carried on her shoulders. But that stubborn dark-haired beauty never realized that team RWBY was meant to help carry some of the burden. Not only as a team, but as friends.
Yang snapped out of her thoughts and stepped inside the garden as well. Looking around she confirmed that they were truly alone, the vast garden was empty aside from the duo.
Shrubs and flowers covered every inch of the garden, save for the small trail that seemed to travel further out. Trees arched over the trail, casting shadows on the path.
Catching up to her amber eyed partner she took a deep breath. But before she could even utter a word the other woman spoke.
"I'm sorry," she heard the shorter girl murmured, almost inaudibly. Slowly, she turned around, her white coat swaying from the breeze. Now facing the wind, her hair wildly blew all over her face before settling behind her. Her eyes had a glassy sheen, as if a tear would fall if she were to blink. Her ears shifted back, mimicking a kitten that was scared to walk towards you any further.
What Yang saw completely undid her, she wanted to wrap her arms around the shorter girl like she would have any other time. But hurt and anger held her in place.
"For what," Yang asked in a surprisingly even voice.
Blake closed her eyes and looked away to the right. The faunus' heartbeat pumped erratically. She was terrified.
"Look at me," the blonde nearly demanded.
Blake slowly looked up, reluctantly.
"What are you sorry for?" She asked again.
Blake took what seemed the millionth breath, and glanced down at her partner's right arm.
"I – I'm sorry I failed you as a partner… as a friend…
Silence.
"I know you're not very happy with me right now….
Yang scoffed lightly at that, you think?
"… and to be honest, I hoped you wouldn't be. I hoped you'd hate me for leaving."
The blonde frowned upon hearing that, confused if she heard her partner correctly.
"Excuse me, what did you just say?" she asked for clarification. Surely, she didn't hear what she thought she heard.
Blake struggled to maintain eye contact, but she did so anyway. "… I've dealt with hate all my life Yang, its nothing new to me." She finally couldn't handle seeing Yang's expressionless face any longer and looked away again, muttering under her breath, "all I did was prove him right. That I'm a coward who does nothing more than run away."
Yang was close enough, however, to hear the last part. This woman, I swear, is going to be the death of me…, she thought.
Not being able to take it any longer. Her eyes turned red and took a step towards the closed-off faunus, who flinched when the brawler's hands rose. She was about to run her hands through her hair in frustration and –
Instinctively, Blake had turned her head and raised her left arm, protecting her face. Her other hand went to her weapon strapped on her back, but not drawing it, just hovering. She couldn't help it, she didn't know if it was the paranoia that was still engraved deep in her bones, or the fact that those red eyes and raised hands were just too familiar from past experiences, As much as she hated to admit it.
Yang, on the other hand, froze. Her teammate's reaction stopping her dead in her tracks. What the hell happened for her to react this way? I mean, the Fall of Beacon changed all of us, sure, but… what would she be afraid of? … Me? Did she think I was gonna hurt her?
Yang sighed, deeply. She didn't know what happened to her friend after that day. She wanted to understand why she left. Maybe some yelling here and there, but all she wanted was to understand. Most of her anger she left it behind, most of it. And although she hated to admit it, her temper has a very thin border line nowadays, but she'd never hurt her friends. Her partner.
Thinking back, Yang knew that Blake never reacted this way at Beacon, so she quickly deduced that something happened. But what? Was it from that night? And to be honest, she didn't exactly comprehend what happened back with her fight against that Adam guy either. And honestly? She was slightly fearful to find out.
But seeing her partner this way simmered down her pain and anger she held towards her. Instead of getting in her face and demanding answers, she finished closing the distance between them and wrapped her arms around the slightly shorter girl. Extinguishing any open space between them, Yang pressed her body firmly against hers.
"I'm so fucking pissed at you right now," she muttered into her dark hair. Her face was pressed against the faunus,' her mouth inches above her human ear. "But I'd never hurt you. You know that, right?" she asked.
She felt Blake shift underneath her. At first, she thought she was going to pull away, like she usually did with her 'momma bear hugs,' but to her surprise, she only shifted so that her trapped hands were free, in order to nearly clench the fabric of her jacket in her grasp. Almost as if she was afraid she'd pull away.
"I know," she responded softly. "… it's just… a knee-jerk reaction." She explained. "I've been on the run with a target behind my back… I'm sorry." She turned her face and buried it into the blonde's neck, pressing closer to her if that were even possible.
Yang's face turned sour. Just how long has she been like this. Alone? Still. Fucking. Stubborn.
"Why did you leave?" She finally asked. She was tired of hearing her say she's sorry. She needed an explanation.
" – I…" Blake started to say, but stopped short.
"Say it," Yang whispered.
Blake's uneven breathing seemed to get louder. Her hands were gripping the blonde's tan coat tighter. So hard, that her knuckles were turning white.
"I care about you, Yang… a lot." She buried her face deeper into her neck. Gods, she thought. Why is this so hard?
"Well," Yang voiced, "you have a funny way of showing it."
Blake flinched with her entire body, then stiffened. She expected that type of response, tried to even mentally prepare for it, but hearing a person once filled with so much lightheartedness and joy talk with a voice now void of emotion, tore at her heartstrings. She practically rivaled her own monotone voice.
Her body stayed frozen, but she released her hands from Yang's jacket and started to move backwards, away from the girl she hurt so much.
"Oh, no you don't," said girl warned, tightening her arms tighter around the introvert. "You're not going anywhere. Talk to me."
After a few moments of heartfelt silence with no response, she asked again with more in a low murmur.
"Talk to me… please." Her voice finally cracked.
But this seemed to do it for Blake, because she finally whispered, "I'm so sorry for leaving the way I did…" She trailed off.
Silence, again, and then Yang's, "so then why did you."
"I had to lead them away from the team, away from you. I thought that if I made you hate me it'd be easier to leave me be."
Yang sighed angrily, mostly to the fact that it had worked, for a brief period of time at least. Until she realized she needed answers. Until she understood that Blake, as must she claimed she wants to be left alone, doesn't say it because she likes to be alone. There's always a reason, whether its to read a book in peace or to escape the blonde's excessive teasing.
The question is, what was her reason this time?
"But why would you need to leave? We're stronger together, Blake, as a team."
"Because he –" Blake took a deep breath. "He's a very spiteful man, Yang. In his mind, I did him wrong. So, he'll do everything and anything, to wrong me back. And he proved it that day. Before you walked in, he promised me he'd destroy everything I… care about. And he started with you. I know what he's capable of Yang, I've been his partner for years. I knew that if I left Vale, he'd use his resources to find me, not you, Ruby, or Weiss."
"But then you're left all alone!" She called her out angrily. "Who the hell is going to protect you?!"
At the raise in her voice, Blake flinched again but for an entirely different reason. Her faunus ears were directly placed next to Yang's face, the loud noise causing them to flicker backwards. Although the tone in her voice was uncomfortable, she didn't dare back away from her. Partially because she'd miss the warmth that Yang always seemed to be wrapped around. But mostly because she was afraid that another attempt at backing away would make Yang hug her tighter. And she wasn't sure she'd breathe comfortably after that.
"I know."
"The whole point of being – wait. What?"
"I wasn't being selfless like I thought I was. I was stubborn, and I can't force you guys to not, risk yourselves for me. Even if I really don't want you to. I know that now."
Yang was so taken aback because she finally released Blake from her death bear hug to look at her inquisitively. "You're not being stubborn," she stated. "Who are you, and what have you done with my partner?" She asked humorously. Finally showing emotion aside from anger and exasperation.
Blake's heart warmed at the taller woman's declaration of being her partner. She still wants me here, she thought. I don't believe it.
"Sun, surprisingly had a lot to do with it." She answered.
At the mention of the blonde monkey boy, Yang's mood shifted a little. "Sun?" she asked her in a less excited voice.
"During a confrontation with… the White Fang, he got badly injured. It kind of, made me snap I guess. When I saw him fall to the ground I kept seeing you. So, I yelled at him that that was the reason I had left, that I didn't want him around. But he didn't listen to me. He yelled back and… pretty much said everything straight to my face," she huffed thinking back. "It really pissed me off but, he was right."
Yang stared at her partner intently for a moment. Then asked, "so… how did you end up with Sun?"
"It took me about 6 months before I was able to get the White Fang off my back. When I did I left to my hometown."
Yang's eyes widened. She's been running for that long? Alone? "Menagerie, right?" Yang asked, recalling back from the meeting.
Blake nodded. "Yes, it's a long trip there by boat. And as soon as I got on I realized Sun had followed me on. It was too late to turn back. It was either have him come with me or push him overboard. Which was tempting to do."
Yang's lips quirked at that. "So, stalker monkey boy followed you home." She shortened it up. "okay, one last thing." Blake waited attentively. "What now?"
"Huh?"
"What now? You're here, so what do you plan to do?" She asked, slightly scared of what the answer would be. "Because I know you didn't expect to see me or anyone else for that matter. You had something else in mind. So, why are you here, and what do you plan to do."
Blake paused. She didn't plan on saying anything until after Van Dyke came back with everyone response. But it was just Yang, she'd keep quiet about it.
"Like I mentioned in the meeting, Adam plans to become the next High Leader. We want to stop that and warn Sienna Kahn. If we manage to succeed, we plan on taking back the White Fang to what it used to be."
Surprise filled her partner's features, "we?"
"I, well, Sun and I gathered a bunch of faunus who are willing to fight. Of course, that was before this whole… Salem ordeal. So, I asked Van to talk to them, hopefully they wont change their minds and think we're crazy."
"Ahh, that's why you didn't mention the whole 'I have a small army' thing? You want them to know what they're getting into."
"Yes. Their main headquarters is here in Mystral, but after learning everything. It'll just be a matter of time before they show up. We had thought about heading there straight but, we don't know how Sienna will react to that. And we'd be completely outnumbered. And to be honest… I'd rather stay with my team if they'd let me. Go through this, together."
Yang raised an eyebrow. "You say that as if you think they'd say no. Of course, they want you here. Honestly, sometimes I wonder what goes on in that stubborn head of yours."
"Sorry…"
"Enough apologizing. I'm tired of hearing you say that over and over."
"Sor –" She stopped at Yang's warning glare. So she opted for telling her something she hoped would come out right.
"I hated leaving. I hated being alone. Being with you guys? It's the happiest I've ever been." She looked away and sighed deeply. "I never even really had friends to begin with, or well. Friends who don't end up either hunting me down or stabbing me."
Yang sighed. "As much as I usually appreciate your dry sarcastic humor, please don't joke about that." She pleaded, looking down at her scar on her toned stomach.
"Oh. Uh, I wasn't joking. It was literal." She responded uncomfortably.
Yang blinked. "You –" Yang blinked again, then tilted her head back, rubbing her hands over her face. "It's been a long day, maybe we should keep the rest of this conversation on hold."
"Of course."
"C'mon. Everyone is probably waiting for us."
As they were walking out, Blake paused. There was one thing she needed clarified.
"Yang?"
She turned around at the sound of her name, and looked at her partner expectantly.
"Where does that leave… us?" She asked.
Yang regarded her for a moment then looked to the ground in thought. "I'm still very upset. You left when I needed you most. Not a goodbye. Nothing. At least Ruby had the audacity to leave a letter, as sucky as a move that was." She muttered towards the end, but Blake's heightened hearing caught it. "My point of this talk was to find out why you left. And why you are here now. Which now I know a pretty good chunk of it, but I bet my other arm you've got more going on, am I right?"
Blake frowned at the mention of betting an arm, but responded anyway. "Yes, it's just… a long story to get into right now…" she responded, her mind turning to Adam and Ilia.
Nodding her head once in confirmation, Yang the said," thought so."
She took another deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm still upset. I want to stay mad at you. But I know now the reasons why you did what you did. I don't agree with your choices, but let me ask you this. Do you take it back?" Yang glanced at Blake with so much intensity, it nearly made the faunus take a step back.
"I… still think leaving Vale was my best option…" Yang's eyes, instead of turning scarlet, expressed sorrow. "But I wouldn't leave without knowing you were truly okay. Explain the situation, and, who knows. Maybe you could've met my parents."
Yang's eyes widened in surprise.
"Vale was crawling with White Fang activity for a while after the Fall, staying is a risky choice when you're a deserter. That's why I think leaving is still the best option. I just regret leaving you like that. Like…"
" – like my mom?" Yang answered for her.
Blake winced, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean –
"No, it's okay. I – … I actually met her. She the reason I got here a lot faster."
Now it was Blake's turn to be surprised. "She told me quite a few things. But now's not a good time for that. But to answer your question, Blake. We might not be 100%. But… we're okay. We're getting there. Just… we've both been through a lot, but things are really getting fucked up. Pyrrah and Penny are testament of that. We can seriously die tomorrow, and I don't want to regret not trying to patch things up with you. So… we're okay." She smiled, truly smiled at Blake for the first time since seeing her. Not her usual cheerful one, but warm and heartfelt. She extended her hand out towards Blake, waiting for her.
Blake on the other hand, was completely floored. She was filled with emotion that she couldn't even return the smile. She brought her hand up to her mouth and her eyes slightly narrowed to avoid spilling any tears.
Hesitantly, she asked, "… can… can I hug you?"
The brawler saw her partner truly bring down her walls at that moment, and although is was surprising, it made her feel accomplished. She was finally letting her in. little by little.
Yang dropped her arm and huffed out loud, shaking her head in wonderment. Wordlessly, she closed the gap between them once again and crushed the overwhelmed girl into her arms for the second time. Resting her chin atop Blake's head, between her ears she muttered, "You're not supposed to ask."
Finally, the mist gathered within Blake's eyes glided down her face. And the rain wasn't masking it this time. No cold rain. Warmth, just warmth.
So yeah, that happened. I actually am uploading this after watching RWBY Volume 5 Chapter 8. And I wont spill anything, but damn. Rooster Teeth is cruel for leaving us hanging.