Chapter 28
Author's Note: I'm fully moved in now, and I'm loving this apartment. It's so nice to have a place to call my own and be able to just relax, but of course, I've still got about four more weeks of school and finals. I've got to make sure those grades stay up. I do have a question for you all, though. I've got a plan for this story to play out, however, I want to know if you guys and gals wanted to see a lemon in my story. It took a while for the romance to hit, so I don't know if you all would want that to be put in the story since the majority of my chapters haven't focused all that much on their relationships. So, please let me know what you'd want. Other than that, thanks for reading and enjoy the chapter!
"So you do care about them…that's so sweet." Blake said mockingly as she pressed the elevator button.
"A little, I guess…I just really want all the subtle glances to stop." Yang stated.
"You don't mind that it's the 'Ice Queen' she's fallen for?" Blake asked.
"She's changed from when we first met her…she's a friend now. And one of the requirements to being a friend is pissing each other off a little." Yang stated as she heard a ding from the elevator.
"So you call her Ice Queen?" Blake asked as she and Yang stepped onto the elevator.
"You got it, kitty." Yang stated as the doors closed.
"And…you call me that?" Blake asked blandly.
"Like I said, gotta piss you off. I rest my case." Yang chuckled. "By the way…did you happen to find out where my new room is?" she asked.
"You are absolutely hopeless. Room 5613." Blake stated.
"What would I do without you?" Yang asked rhetorically.
Blake opened her mouth but was cut off by Yang's next comment. "Oh, yeah…I know. I would travel hundreds of miles, across land and sea, infiltrate enemy territory, and kick everyone's ass to get you." She stated as the elevator came to a stop before the doors opened.
"Don't forget about getting knocked unconscious after you get me and forcing your fifteen-year-old sister to do the rest of the heavy lifting." Blake responded to which Yang giggled as they walked down the hall.
"Well…she is MY sister. Are you really surprised?" Yang asked mockingly.
"I suppose not." Blake said as they reached Yang's new room. "But, I haven't thanked you for coming to get me." She said.
"Well…like you just said, it wasn't me that did it in the end." Yang stated as they both entered the new room.
"No, but you were the one who came to get me in the first place. Thank you." Blake said.
"You don't have to say that…you know I wouldn't let anything bad happen to…well, anyone. My friends, especially." Yang stated before she belly-flopped on the bed, facing the opposite way from Blake.
"I know…that's why you need to hear it. You would put your life on the line to save people, but you tell yourself that you do it for the thrill." Blake stated.
"You gonna lecture me and say that my 'true passion is helping people' and the 'thrill is a convenient excuse' or something like that?" Yang asked sarcastically while still facing away.
"Yes." Blake said.
Yang scoffed, "You can't be–"
"Prove me wrong." Blake stated earning a moment of silence. "Turn around and say 'You're welcome.'" She continued.
Yang sat up in her bed, still facing the opposite direction. She turned her head to the side to see Blake standing in her peripheral vision; she had her arms crossed and held a slight scolding look on her face. Yang turned around fully to face her partner and sighed, "You're welcome. There. Happy?" she asked in an annoyed tone.
"Like you said…gotta piss you off a little." Blake stated with a grin.
"Go to hell." Yang said with a chuckle.
"If I did, you'd probably come to get me." Blake stated.
"You know it, babe." Yang said as she laid herself down on her back and closed her eyes.
Yang felt a warm touch to her forehead before her eyes shot open. She saw Blake standing over her planting a sweet kiss on her head. "I need to go and speak to Ozpin now, but I'll make sure to bring you some dinner. I know the food here must be terrible. Do you have anything in mind for me to bring you?" Blake asked as she began to back away toward the door.
"I know exactly what I want…" Yang said.
"I bet." Blake said with a wink as she turned around and exited the room.
"You may enter." Ozpin stated after he heard a knock on the door.
Blake entered the room and began to make her way to Ozpin's desk. "Sir, I have a question that has been bothering me." She stated.
"Of course. Please, take a seat and let's talk." Ozpin said as he stood and walked to the side of his office to the coffee maker. "Glynda gave me this new coffee maker as a birthday present. You simply must try it." He stated.
Blake giggled. "You have such a strange way of calming people." She said.
"My goodness…whatever do you mean?" Ozpin asked sarcastically as he poured the coffee.
"Play coy if you wish…I know you do it on purpose." Blake stated just as sarcastically.
"Believe what you want." Ozpin said as he carried the two cups to his desk and placed one in front of Blake. "Now, what can I do for you?" he asked.
"We're beginning to learn that many of the legends that we learn as children have some truth behind them." Blake said as she began pouring milk into her coffee as she stirred the slowly-whitening liquid. "So…" she continued.
"So?" Ozpin urged her.
"The White Fang wear those masks because humans call us monsters…compare us to Grimm. Do you think that we actually are Grimm? That perhaps we're simply humans who began to be corrupted, but never fully turned?" Blake said quickly as though she was worried that she would talk herself out of saying it if she took too long.
Ozpin sat in silence for a few seconds as he sipped his coffee. "What has led you to this train of thought?" he asked.
"I mean…it just seems reasonable. I would love to stand up and say that humans and faunus are equal in every way. But I'm not a fool…Faunus have higher amounts of sexual hormones, which leads to more aggressive behavior; we have physical traits that make us better at fighting, and physiological traits that make it easier to survive. Faunus are, in most ways, more of a predatory species than humans." Blake explained with worry in her voice.
"I have absolutely no evidence to support my next statement beyond what I have seen within my lifetime. But, I do not think that the faunus are, as you say, incomplete Grimm." Ozpin stated.
"What 'life experiences' do you have that has led you to that conclusion?" Blake asked as she took her first sip of coffee.
"First, and most important, the initial signs of a Grimm are the expression and desire for negativity. Even this new, intelligent monster, before any sign of change, showed these same signs." Ozpin explained.
"For the sake of my sanity, humor me. What if?" Blake asked.
"If what you say is a true statement, would it even matter? The fact is: there will always be people who will not agree with you. That is to say, there will always be humans who have a disdain for faunus and vice versa." Ozpin stated.
Blake took another sip of her coffee, "But what if this information–"
"Furthermore, if, on the off chance, the faunus happen to be 'related' to the Grimm. Then that just means it will be even more valuable when you speak out." Ozpin said.
"What do you mean when I speak out?" Blake asked.
"You are the perfect example of what both bigoted humans and extremist faunus hate. If your little conspiracy theory is true, then your level-headed demeanor will be cited as a reason for why those bigots are wrong as well as why the extremists will never become the majority." Ozpin explained.
"I don't see how my viewpoint is all that valuable." Blake said.
"Just listen to what you said earlier about the naturally aggressive nature of the faunus. Yet in the same breath, you would readily say that the humans are in the wrong in terms of they treat faunus. If I were a bigot, I would think that this natural aggression would justify my actions. And, if I were an extremist, I would call you a traitor for even daring to speak negatively about the faunus." Ozpin explained.
"But what I said was a factual statement. The faunus are more aggressive…and that can be seen in any video recording of a faunus criminal and a police officer. Of course, there is some prejudice, just like in any group of people, but overall, the police handle violent crimes perfectly. The reason I say that the faunus are still treated as second-rate citizens is mostly because of the labor and lack of acceptance in higher education. That doesn't involve violent activity so there is no reason for it." Blake explained.
"I agree. But you seem to forget how little the public care about the full truth. They only want the part of the facts that supports their view. If you said all of that to Weiss' father, for example, he would just pick out the part about violence and go on with his day." Ozpin said as he shared a laugh with Blake.
"I suppose that is true. Thank you." Blake said.
"Of course. Now, is there anything else I can do for you?" Ozpin asked.
"Yes, actually. Ruby explained that the Captain in the submarine was under the influence of mind manipulation dust. Obviously, this intelligent Grimm is probably able to manipulate the minds of people with more negativity within their hearts, which would be the White Fang. But, would this manipulation be able to turn the White Fang into Grimm, even if what I said earlier turns out to be true?" Blake asked before taking another drink from her cup.
"Now that seems like a much more likely scenario, unfortunately." Ozpin stated.
"So you think that's what is happening to them?" Blake asked.
"We don't know for sure what it takes for this monster to be able to corrupt people or the process behind it. So, I can't say for certain. But I would err on the side of caution just to be safe. It seems highly likely they the White Fang could be corrupted." Ozpin said as he finished his coffee.
"A part of me…" Blake trailed off.
"Please continue, Miss Belladonna." Ozpin said.
Blake sighed as a tear slid down her face. "A part of me just wants the White Fang to get corrupted so we could just kill them and be done with it." Blake said as more tears began to emerge from her eyes.
"I understand. Sometimes it's easy to think that the extreme route would be the simplest way to solve a problem…and most of the time, it is. That doesn't mean it is the right choice, however." Ozpin said.
"I know. I keep telling myself that many of the White Fang members are just people who had no other choice. They were less fortunate that joining the White Fang was the only way for them to have a place to sleep and meals to eat. I know that's how it was for me. And when your surrounded by people who repeat the same lies over and over, it's easy to become indoctrinated." Blake stated.
"That's good. You have no idea how often I wish I could use my position to push something through congress that would disallow humans to berate faunus. But…" Ozpin slowed down.
"But, freedom of speech is the cornerstone of modern civilization and chipping away at it, even just a little, would pave the way for it to happen in the future." Blake stated in response.
"Precisely." Ozpin said.
"I can only hope to be as noble and well-carried as you one day." Blake said as she finished her coffee. "Just maybe without the caffeine addiction…" she finished.
Ozpin laughed before he stood up. "Trust me, there are aspects that you have which I would greatly desire as well. But, we have to settle for who we are and strive to improve ourselves." He stated as he extended his hand.
"I agree, thank you so much for talking to me." Blake said as she shook his hand.
"Anytime. But, you know, the best people to talk to are your closest friends." Ozpin stated.
"Yes. There's one in particular who I should go and speak with." Blake said.
"Yes. I see the way 'this person' acts when you're around. Trust me when I say that there would be no better person for listening when you're truly in need of support than someone you love." Ozpin stated.
"Yes, sir." Blake said as she placed the coffee mug down and turned for the door.
"Miss Belladonna…" Ozpin said.
"Yes?" Blake said as she entered the elevator while holding the door open.
"You said earlier that we are finding out that our legends aren't so mythical." Ozpin said as he thought for a second. "Trust Lionel. Whatever he says, trust him." He finished.
"What do you mean?" Blake asked.
"That's not for me to say." Ozpin answered. "But that's not something you need to concern yourself with now. What we all need, right now, is Team RWBY back to full strength. So make sure a certain someone doesn't sneak out with stitches in their throat this time." He finished with a laugh.
"Don't worry. I'll kick her ass myself if she thinks about skipping a physical therapy session." Blake giggled as she allowed the elevator door to close.
Yang shot up when she heard the door open. "You could've given me a call; I would have helped you." She said as she took two of the bags from Blake's arms.
"It's only three bags." Blake said as she placed the last bag on the ground.
"Yeah, but they're bags for me." Yang said as she began to pull out her food as well as several other snacks.
"True." Blake conceded.
Yang placed each of the items on the counter like a makeshift buffet of junk food. "Thank you!" she said after turning around and engulfing her partner in her signature bear hug.
"Note to self: if I ever need some work done, I can bribe you with food." She said.
"Trust me, sweetheart, there are a few other things you can bribe me with." Yang said before opening a bag sour candy and downing half of the bag in one go.
"Good to know." Blake said as she took her coat off and rested her back against Yang's right shoulder. She proceeded to grab some of the food, albeit more elegantly.
"What did you talk to Ozpin about?" Yang asked with a mouthful of candy.
"I had some questions about the Grimm and the White Fang. Nothing too important." Blake stated as she ate the candy one piece at a time.
"You wouldn't bother asking if it wasn't important. But, I won't pry. You do you, babe." Yang stated as she continued to inhale her junk food.
"How do you manage to be so nice and then ruin it with your eating habits." Blake laughed.
"It's one of my charms." Yang replied.
"I agree." Blake sighed.
"What's wrong?" Yang asked as she placed her candy back down.
Blake placed her bag of candy down on the counter and faced Yang, but remained silent. Yang looked on in confusion, "What–"
Blake seemed to tackle Yang onto the bed in a deep kiss. Yang just barely managed to slither her way onto the entire bed comfortably. Blake was straddling Yang's waist as her back was bent downward keeping Yang's lips sealed with her own. Blake eventually pulled away with the only sound in the room being their heavy breathing.
"Was that for the attempted rescue?" Yang asked in between breaths.
"No." Blake replied. "That's just for being you." She finished as she smashed her lips bag to Yang's, who took her opportunity to grab her partner's butt. Blake pulled her lips away just a few millimeters, "Really...?" she asked with a slight laugh.
"I've been waiting to do this." Yang said as she took her partner's lips captive. Yang used her unparalleled strength to pick up Blake by her butt and place her on her back so that Yang could trap her on the bed with her body.
"All you needed was the green light to take charge, huh?" Blake asked mockingly.
"Kitty cat, I would've gone full speed with just a yellow light." Yang replied as she grabbed her partner's wrists and held them down to the bed on the side of her head. "But, I like being on top." She stated.
Blake wrapped her legs around Yang's butt and pulled her closer to her body, taking her lips captive once again. Blake used the moment to shift her weight onto Yang causing her to fall on her back with Blake on top of her. "So do I." Blake said as she gave her one more kiss before standing back up and noticing her bow had fallen off.
"Aww…all done?" Yang asked mockingly.
"Shh." Blake said as she placed her finger to her lips mimicking the same motion as her words. She began to run her hands through her hair to make it look less messy. Just a few seconds later there was a knock on the door.
"Miss Xiao Long?" The nurse asked.
"Uhh. Yes?" Yang replied as she saw Blake point to her cat ears and give her a wink.
"Yes, since you just got up her, I have to admit you. It involves answering a bunch of questions and will probably take a minute. Is that okay?" the nurse asked.
"Sure." Yang stated.
"Do you need me to leave?" Blake asked.
"Not unless you want to. I know you're on the same team as her, so I don't mind." The nurse replied.
"You can stay...if you want." Yang said.
"Alright." Blake said as she picked up another bag of candy and sat down on a stool next to Yang's bed.