Blake didn't see Zen for the rest of the day after he left abruptly, leaving her to contemplate on their conversation even when she was back in her dorm.
The others weren't oblivious to her absentmindedness either, though she managed to convince them it was simply due to a combination of school work as well as boredom from being alone for most of the day.
They dropped the subject once their worry for their teammate had been reassured.
Weiss however, appeared as if she were going to question her, although she didn't press her further.
When Blake thought about it, there were times where she had been alone on numerous occasions, which was never a problem unlike how she appeared to her teammates.
That night, after the others had already turned in, she could only lay in bed and ponder as to what really happened that afternoon.
Opting not to mention Zen kept her company during their absence felt like the best decision for the time being.
That was only further reinforced once Ruby returned from another sparring session with Penny and Zen; the fact Ruby never mentioned anything to her seemed to suggest that he didn't tell the pair either.
Unless he did and Ruby decided to keep that a secret.
Given the last time Blake mentioned what Zen may have been saying to her, Yang jumped to conclusion, implying he was deceiving her so he could somehow benefit by learning from her combat skills.
She knew all too well that the blonde was only looking out for her as well as wanting to keep her safe.
It was obvious that despite allowing Ruby to return to sparring with her friends, most likely an act of gratitude for saving the brawler's life, she still held resentment against him.
Upon reflection on the day, their initial banter was pleasant, time flew by and the walk, along with fresh air, added to the atmosphere, as if that was their first time talking to one another.
When the discussion kept going however, that latter half was the reason why she willingly lied to her team.
What Zen had said which entailed the White Fang, now out-rightly affixed itself to Blake's thoughts, keeping her awake as she began to reason with her own questions and theories.
Did Adam finally find someone who was willing to fund his venture… someone other than Roman?
Hence there being so many bullheads being used by the White Fang for both the dust robberies and ferrying Grimm from one location to another.
Combined with the many faunus eager to join the Fang at the recruitment rally Sun and I snuck into, as well as those stationed in the southeast under Mountain Glenn ...
At the time I had suspected they were gaining momentum with their numbers for some reason.
What that reason was, I wasn't sure, now it's starting to make sense.
Would members of the Fang really go so far as to be comfortable weaponizing the Grimm against innocent people if given the order?
It was that reason sometimes they had to have their members split into several divisions so as to prevent hordes of Grimm providing them with setback after setback.
And if there weren't many who'd carry out something as abhorrent as that, he still had-
Blake didn't even want to consider them.
Sometimes I hate myself for not keeping up with the news, even the most minuscule criminal activity could pertain to something about the Fang and what they're doing.
Then again, that's what I get for trying to distance myself.
I should have known that I wouldn't be able to hide from them forever.
I've encountered the White Fang several times with each instance being by either sheer chance, luck or being with the right people at the right place at the right time.
Turning to her side to check her scroll, it had only been an hour since the others fell asleep. She knew she needed rest.
Especially for what she planned for tomorrow.
She forced herself to stop thinking about the matter until morning.
It felt like she only just slipped into blissful rest until her eyes lazily opened as she awoke to the sound of the alarm going off.
After silencing it, Blake got up with a sense of purpose, the hour spent awake thinking about both Zen and what they discussed had not gone to waste.
With the addition of that night's sleep, she was confident that what she planned for today was the logical next step… if she was right by her line of reasoning.
All she had to do was bide her time until then.
Meanwhile beyond the safety of the walls of Vale.
"Guys, how long before you think we'll get to Vale?" He asked while staring through the nearest window before looking at his two companions. The cooped up ship getting to him after travelling several hours thus far.
"According to our pilot, reckon it's another two or three hours." The girl his age who sat opposite him answered calmly.
"Man, if it's taking us this long with the quickest route, imagine how it must feel for those taking a boat or flying a public airship-" He contemplated until he was cut off by her.
"Hey, no need to be like that, just be thankful we've gotten this ride.
Besides, we might get there sooner, we also run the risk of airborne Grimm attacking us."
"But we haven't been in danger from the Grimm, and the worst thing we've experienced so far is turbulence. The closer we get there, the more we can relax as I've heard the news of the bolstered Atlesian air force protecting the city that's been present for a while now."
"True. I can't believe there was an attack in Vale weeks ago, and all from underground too. I don't even want to guess how things would have turned out had the air support not been there in the first place."
"Any thoughts on the matter big man?" He asked as he looked over to the third member of their group, a much taller boy who had been primarily entranced by the sight through the window.
"..."
"Sillil?" His girlfriend next to him asked before placing a hand on his arm, which was enough to pull him away from the view of what he guessed was the northern region of the kingdom of Vale.
"What- sorry, I wasn't listening." He finally answered.
"Clearly." His friend responded while smiling.
"Are you okay?" She asked, slightly more worried than her counterpart opposite them.
"I just thought I saw something…" Sillil answered hesitantly.
"Saw what exactly?" She asked.
"I'm not sure what I saw from here, but I swear I could see a group of people down there."
The three of them then peered through the window to where Sillil had claimed.
Although it was hard to make out, the pair couldn't say he was wrong, what came next however, shocked them.
The small group of people below didn't matter as a bright orange speck appeared where they still stood, but it became larger and brighter as it seemed to be getting closer until it collided with their transporter, causing the ship to rock and shudder.
The transporter began to descend, calls over the radio from the pilot began being transmitted on all emergency channels which were tuned in for such incidents as the one currently unfolding.
"Mayday, mayday this is kingfisher eight, our ship has been hit by unknown attackers, repeat we have been engaged by unknown hostiles and are losing altitude, not sure how long we can stay in the air- requesting immediate assistance and evacuation at our position…"
After changing into her combat uniform, Blake stared at her scroll.
"They're probably in the sparring rooms." She thought aloud as she began to make her way to said sparring rooms.
Though he didn't directly say it, Blake could tell that Zen was doing more than what he let on.
The fact that he opened up as much as he did during their casual walk was already enough for her to say he trusted her.
Not only that, when he mentioned Professor Ozpin and the General; if there truly was something going on that he knew and it was connected to the White Fang, the breach and the Vytal festival, and somehow Zen wanted her team to know about it.
Then if she needed to show her full trust before he would elaborate further, this she knew, would be the best way to do so.
Even if he doesn't elaborate further, there is still a way I can do something to help.
If he meant what he said about being the least capable fighter…
Whatever he wishes to stop, he should understand like I did when I was investigating the White Fang, when I almost burned myself out, if it wasn't for Yang to show me….
There are some things you cannot do alone.
She thought to herself.
That was until she stopped completely as she realised something, something that not only she had overlooked, but so too did Yang and Weiss, though it did play more into Weiss' notion about Zen and the headmaster keeping the details secret.
Do Ruby and Penny know?
Now obviously it would be one thing for Zen to tell Ruby what he had told me, but if it were true he did; then it would be another thing for Ruby.
This is the same Ruby who went out of her way to indirectly tell the professors what she knew about the White Fang hideout when it came to the Mountain Glenn mission.
The only reason I can think why she wouldn't tell us, is because he hasn't told her.
So if that's the case, I can't simply just walk in and talk to him and the others like I've figured it out.
I'll have to find the right time when we're alone like yesterday.
Now how do I make it look like I don't actually care, without hinting I do…?
Then it clicked, she immediately did a one eighty and hurried back to the dorm to retrieve what she would need so as to act natural.
As she grew closer to the training rooms, she could distinctly hear the sounds of metal clashing and an over-excited Ruby screaming coming from the otherside of one of them.
"C'mon you can do it, duck and cover your offence!"
Here goes nothing.
Blake pulled out her scroll and placed it on the scanner to her left, giving a deep breath she pushed the door open and held an open book out in front of her and began to 'read it'.
After entering, she looked up from the book with a confused expression and was greeted by the sight of a cheerful Ruby who had left where she was seated to welcome the faunus girl.
"Hiya Blake, whatcha doing here?" Her leader asked with a wide smile.
"Oh, I thought this room was vacant" Blake replied, feigning bewilderment.
"Well, as you can see, it isn't. But you're here all the same.
Want to come and watch Zen and Penny beat each other senseless?
They've been at it for about five minutes now."
Just as Ruby had finished speaking, the pair looked back towards the arena just as Penny landed a kick to Zen with her heel, knocking him back, causing him to lose his footing and sprawl onto the wooden floor.
"Well… they were going for five minutes." Ruby deadpanned as she returned back to Blake.
Penny turned as she saw the newcomer, smiling and giving her usual wave.
"Salutations Blake."
As Zen picked himself up, he gave an expressionless look towards Blake, waiting to hear what she would say.
Sensing his general stare at her, Blake sighed and looked back at Ruby and spoke in a somewhat tired manner.
"Actually, I was wondering… if I could spar with Zen and see how capable he is,
combating someone whose semblance relies on evasive tactics rather than offensive."
"You really mean it?" Her leader asked with hope filled eyes.
Blake simply nodded.
"That's awesome. He's started to predict some of my attacks, and so giving him a new challenge will be good." Ruby said as she grabbed Blake's hand and pulled her over to the others.
"What do you think Zen?"
"Sure, we can do that. Mix things up a little."
He answered as he looked between the pair he'd sparred with before looking at Blake and smiled and slightly nodded his head as he addressed her.
"I look forward to this fight."
Ruby practically had to both pinch and silence herself as the reality that unfolded in front of her, here she was, with Penny on the sidelines while they spectated Blake; the girl known for illusionary tactics to evade opponents while also having the mobility to close the distance in less than a heartbeat, taking on Zen.
Was she worried about his overall safety?
Not in the slightest.
I imagine these two squaring off against each other to be the most balanced out of my team.
Both fight with one pair of weapons so there's no chance that say Zen could get in a strike if he positioned himself correctly he could overpower her, unlike Weiss.
They both can also fight at midrange with their weapons in secondary mode, so the need to be in close quarters combat isn't dependent, unlike if Yang were fighting, both functions on Ember Celica do their best when the opponent is within arms length.
And although Zen has a sniper for his tertiary mode on his weapon like me, he does have to worry about lining up the shot, and if he were trying to do that with me, then I can evade and close the gap before he has a chance to even switch back to his primary mode.
With Blake, although she can also close the distance quickly, Zen at least has a chance to evade and even move for an offensive if he can get the timing down.
"Ruby?" She heard Penny say, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"You're about to miss the sparring match, you looked like you were staring right through Blake and Zen."
The redhead stated with a hint of concern.
"I was? Oh, sorry." Ruby replied as she blinked.
She was so enthralled by how Zen and his weapons could hold up both against Blake and Gambol shroud as well as the rest of her team and their respective weapons.
"Alright, are you ready Ms Belladonna?" Penny asked as she stood from the sidelines.
Blake, who after giving a brief nod, got into a fighting stance.
"And are you ready to kick some butt Zen?" Ruby hollered, sitting mid row of the spectator seats.
Zen looking to Ruby, then to Penny finally setting his sights towards Blake, and after a quick stretch and limber up, he too mirrored the raven haired girl's stance.
"Ready!" He answered.
With that, the hood wearer and the redhead counted down in unison;
"Three, two, one… Begin!"
In less than a second, Blake fired several inaccurate shots at Zen, causing him to dive roll out of the way, but was quick to his feet and continued to race around her, trying his best to avoid being caught by the endless torrent of bullets.
After some time of deflecting her shots, Blake's weapon fired its last round, giving Zen the chance to retaliate.
He went in for a slash to her right side using Opportunity, Gambol Shroud in katana form deflecting the attack with little effort.
He then had to guard against Blake's own endeavour to strike at his right using her sheath to do so.
While sparks radiated off of each opponent's weapons, their eyes locked with each other,
Zen attempted to push off against the taller girl, but the minute he did, she vanished as her clone stood in her place.
As a result, he passed right through the illusion, falling face first onto the floor, hearing the faunus yell as she went to slash at his right with her katana, his own sword making contact with her's at the last moment.
As he slowly got up, still forcing back the oncoming attack, he stabbed at her chest, only glancing it as she kicked him away.
He stumbled back, though kept his stance, taking a deep breath, he focused on his next move before advancing towards her, going for her midsection.
Again, she prevented the attack with ease before activating her semblance, disappearing and reappearing to his left, striking at his shoulder.
Blake's attack proved successful as his armour took the blow, this in turn allowed Zen the chance to stab at her unhindered, her aura shimmering slightly, signifying a direct hit.
A second later she disappeared, though Zen followed through the motion with his swords and met Blake's own, predicting where she would appear.
As Zen went in for another strike, Blake created another shadow clone, but upon his swords connecting with it, his vision darkened as the clone erupted into a thick black cloud which shrouded everything around him.
Remaining calm, he kept his guard up while trying to reorientate himself with his surroundings.
Zen then heard a shot being fired in front of him, but before he could react, he felt something speed by, narrowly missing his head.
A second shot followed after that, this time from behind, and with it, Zen could feel something wrap around him, he immediately dropped his weapons and went for his neck, trying to stop whatever was on it from getting a tight foothold.
As the cloud dissipated, his vision returned and with it, he could see Blake standing a few metres away from him, and between them, was the ribbon of Gambol Shroud.
She gave a slight smirk as she leapt over him, landing directly behind him and tugged at the ribbon, causing Zen to lurch backwards and skid along the ground, stopping short of the room's wall.
He gasped after coming to a standstill, her weapon's ribbon unwrapping itself around his neck the moment he passed by Blake.
He picked himself up and ran past the faunus, dive rolling as she went for a strike.
As he grabbed his weapons, he was on his feet, turned and ran directly towards her, delivering several quick blows as he kept moving, trying to anticipate when she would use her shadow clone to evade.
In a minute or so she created another evasive clone, and as Zen saw it fade, he immediately reacted by spinning where he stood, arms stretched out weapons poised for anything to touch them.
As Blake appeared she was caught by one of his swords, knocking her back.
Realising that he made contact, he stopped spinning and leapt at her, bringing both swords down, knocking her katana out of her grasp, as he tried to take the advantage, she knocked him back by deflecting both his swords with her sheath.
As Zen went in for another strike, he was caught again by a shadow clone that impaired his vision with thick black smoke.
I'm not going to fall for the same trick twice. Just need to wait for-
Bang
He heard Gambol shroud firing, this time feeling the ribbon wrapping itself around his right arm, but he could also sense there was some slack to it.
Maybe she's testing me, to see if I DO fall for the same trick, or if I adapt?
Without moving too much, he wrapped the rest of the ribbon around his arm and wrist, gripping tightly.
As the decoy's effects wore off, Blake pulled on the ribbon, yanking on Zen's arm, causing him to fly slightly above the arena floor, his weapon pointed at Blake as he drew closer.
She couldn't react fast enough as the blade skimmed off her, causing a large portion of her aura to go, as observed by their audience, who just sat in silence or else feared that any sound from either of them would affect the match.
Once he landed, Zen then tugged at the ribbon which was still wrapped around his wrist, pulling a slightly disoriented Blake towards him, who was still holding onto her end of the ribbon surprisingly.
As she came close, he brought his weapon down, knocking her sheath out of her hand, following this motion he brought it back upwards, the pommel of his left sword making contact with Blake's face.
With that blow, she fell back, now seeing stars while on the floor, and with it the match ended.
"Well that was a thing." Ruby said as she blinked several times, she knew that fight was going to be interesting but not in how it played out.
"Blake are you alright?" Zen asked worryingly, he realised that although she had her aura to protect her, he felt bad for the final blow to her head.
"I'm fine, just a little surprised that you used my own weapon against me, not a bad move. Although I was holding back a little." She said as she was helped to her feet by the shorter boy.
"That smoke screen you used pretty much gave you the upper hand." He said.
"Thanks, I've had a lot of practice with using something similar to them a while ago, isn't that right Ruby?"
'Ninja vanish.'
Ruby could only look past them as flashbacks of Blake using smoke bombs to be stealthy kept her from saying a word.
"The horror…"
She whispered to herself.
"Ruby?" Blake asked with one eyebrow raised while tilting her head, a little nervous that she had somehow broken the younger girl.
"Think we'll call it there?" Ruby wondered aloud as the excitement of the fight replaced her memories of the ceiling cat and her smoke bombs.
"Yeah, we're done here. I'm- gonna need to recover after this match." Zen said in the midst of catching his breath, wiping the sweat near his eyes.
With that, Penny, Zen and Ruby began to gather their things, all the while Blake stood and watched.
This is probably the only opportunity I'm going to have to talk with Zen alone before the end of today. If I don't, there will be another chance no doubt but when will-
"Blake, are you coming?"
She blinked as Ruby's voice got her attention.
"You two go ahead, there was just something I'd like to talk to Zen about, in private, if it's alright with you?" Blake asked, from the way he looked back at her, she sensed he knew why.
"Sure." He answered with reassurance.
"Great, come find us in the cafeteria when you're done okay." Ruby answered.
The raven haired girl not missing the glimmer in her leader's eye as she glanced at her before saying her goodbyes to the pair.
When the door to the sparring room shut behind the two team leaders, Blake sighed.
She could finally get the niggling thought in the back of her mind out and into the open, but she was pulled back to reality as Zen spoke up.
"Before you say anything, I want to thank you for coming to spar with us.
I'm pretty sure when we're done at the cafeteria, Ruby will be thanking you all the way to your dorm too."
"It- it was nothing.
I'll admit something, not to be too critical. But after fighting with you one on one, you do have a long way to go before you are at our level of skill… but… you are getting there… slowly." Blake said hesitantly, not too certain if she could really judge him based on the first day of sparring.
Afterall he did take me out despite me going easy on him.
"Oh." Zen answered, his features being both a mix of understanding and cynicism.
She quickly added.
"And while that may be the case currently. I will add that yes, I can see exactly why Ruby chose to keep mentoring you after making your weapon and sparring that first day."
"You do?" He asked, his features clearly showing he had already forgotten her comment a second ago.
"Indeed." She simply smiled in return.
"Although, there is a reason why I wanted to speak to you alone, and depending on what you answer next, I might be inclined to join in mentoring you as well."
"Wait- hold on- back it up a second…. So you're saying you are willing to help train me like Ruby does? Why?" Zen asked, though Blake could see he had hope filled eyes and was practically elated by the news.
"Well, let me put it the same way when I explained it to Yang and Weiss. Part of what I did in the White Fang was recruiting other faunus to join our cause, and over time, I picked up the skill of reading people, mainly their eyes.
When we first spoke to one another, your eyes seemed to say one thing above all else; you needed my help.
When I asked Ruby what you were like before I had the chance to speak to you, she said that you weren't a person who showed prejudice to the faunus.
She also told me that you are someone I should get to know first hand… She was absolutely right.
When Cardin bullied that student in the cafeteria, you went to defend her, challenge Cardin and put him in his place afterwards.
And of course, you were able to help that young White Fang member make him realise his actions along with that of the White Fang were not going to result in a better outcome for the faunus.
Those few instances you displayed who I think you truly are and if I were to assist Ruby and Penny and train alongside you, then I would gain an even deeper understanding as to who you are, Zen Discovery."
"Oh, wow, that's… good to know… amazing actually… thank you Blake." He said as he was almost lost for words, his voice was a mix of laughter and tears of happiness.
He had Blake's support and was willing to help him learn to fight.
He was starting to feel like maybe, he really could play a role in keeping Beacon safe from the fall.
But then he remembered that, as she said, 'It all has to do with how you answer my question'.
"Alright then, what's the answer you want to hear?"
"What exactly are you involved in and why?" She asked with arms slightly crossed, her tone didn't change to one of anger, though one more serious .
Instantly, his smile fell, he thought it too good to be true.
"Blake- you know it's not that simple for me to tell you."
"How so?" She asked. She then thought for a minute before answering.
"Remember how I mentioned to you yesterday how Yang, Weiss and I collectively went over each of our talks with you, how you said that we were right and that I deserve to know.
You then went on to talk about how- the ships around Vale, the breach and mentioned the White Fang- are all somehow connected.
You know this presumably because Professor Ozpin and General Ironwood confided in you.
And with that information you are then told mainly by our headmaster not to say a word.
You knew that you were going against orders, yet you did so, in a cryptic way no doubt, but you did it anyway, each time you spoke to one of us you were getting closer and closer to breaking that vow of secrecy.
When it was me; You said you wanted to help not only me, but Penny, my team JNPR and the whole of Vale if possible but you couldn't go into detail.
When it was Weiss; You told her Ozpin was the reason you couldn't say anything, but you said to me I may have slipped out when you were talking to her.
When it was Yang; You mentioned Beacon and how you cared for it, in a way that sounded like the academy was somehow in jeopardy.
Despite everything I've outlined, you're still not going to flat out tell us, tell me; what exactly is going on?"
Zen said nothing, evidently because he knew she was right.
How tiring it must be for Blake as well as the others from their perspective.
He understood from the beginning he'd be jumping through several hoops just to get where they were now… and this was only with Blake, there was still a matter of still convincing Weiss and Yang.
But what were the alternatives if not this way?
He was pulled away from his thoughts as she went on.
"What I'm really trying to get at is why not simply tell us from the start?
Clearly you've trusted us enough to at least make us somewhat aware of the situation.
If you trust our team that much, you wouldn't think we could hold our tongues?
Even then, with everything that's happened for the last few weeks, I'd say from all the interactions you've had with us, I could paint a clear picture of what you have been suggesting.
Just for a whim; there is going to be an attack on Beacon, possibly being carried out by the White Fang, Vale is in danger also, however the academy is primarily their focus, whether the Fang are directly responsible for the attack is questionable, though they'll be doing most of the work.
All this of course takes place either before or during the Vytal Festival."
She watched him carefully, more silence from him.
It didn't take a genius to tell from his expression, especially his eyes, she was more or less correct in her assumption.
"So a simple straight answer, if what I'm saying is correct… Why not just approach my team and tell us?
Yes, it might take time to get us all on the same page, but from where I'm standing now, we would have happily agreed to help you stop whatever is coming as well as whoever is responsible."
"Blake… I don't want to sound like a broken rec- it's not as simple as you make it out to be." He sighed in mild frustration, he was honestly regretting agreeing to Ozpin's order.
Though at this point I'm messing things up on both sides of the fence.
"You've said that already." The raven haired girl responded flatly.
"I know, just… hear me out. You entertained what I've said thus far, but I need you to understand what it is that I'm up against-"
"What we'll be up against." She corrected him.
"No, not this time. This may very well be something I will have to deal with alone.
I meant every word of what I said to Yang when I said that I care about the safety of everyone, including your team, JNPR, my team and above all else Penny.
But my skills as they are, I know it won't be enough.
You are correct, my eyes don't lie, I need help in some form.
Ruby and Penny's assistance has been invaluable and hopefully when we're done here, yours as well.
I've had to go the 'cryptic' route because at the time, I saw it as the best solution I could come up with; the walls have ears, I chose not to elaborate on what I know out of fear.
As far as I can tell, things will need to go to plan, and part of that plan is ensuring everyone but those important enough to know are kept in the dark, as Ozpin would have wanted it to be.
I am not joking when I say there are more fingers on your right hand than the number of people who are aware of what may come… and before you ask, neither Penny nor Ruby know.
I mean it when I say that these people are closer than you think, and that they are some of the most dangerous individuals in Vale. Roman Torchwick was in league with them for a while… until you stopped him.
Nothing has been done to intervene just yet because of how not only how dangerous they are, but cunning too, potentially stopping them now may not avert anything.
One reason why, has to do with the assassination of a businessman, a certain faunus and former member of the White Fang who just happened to own a small time bookshop…
Blake, these people did it in broad daylight during business hours, they just walked in… and later, simply walked out."
This time it was Blake who fell silent, this whole time she thought that Tucson's killers may have been just low life thugs who hated faunus and he just happened to be an easy target. She knew how he fought and even in hand to hand, his retractable claws were something to be cautious about.
Now however, to know he had been actively assassinated by people who were able to best one of the fiercest combatants she had known… No wonder at the time Zen didn't tell me who was responsible.
"I- want to ask you something, and please… be honest with me." She finally said after the few minutes while the room was void of any sound other than the pair's breathing.
"These people, who are so cunning to orchestrate an attack on the academy and possibly bring the White Fang to aid in their task; if they are as dangerous as you suggest, what makes you think you can deal with them on your own?"
"Honestly, there is no way I can be certain that what I do will stop them outright, but I can interfere enough that will minimise the damage they may cause… including to those willing to help stop them… I have to at least try."
Blake took a step forward, her eyes taking on a darker shade of their usually soft and gentle amber colour as her brows furrowed and her voice became more defiant.
"But what about you?
You're putting yourself in the utmost danger, aren't you even the least bit worried for your own personal wellbeing?
What about your team, your friends and family?
What about Penny and Ruby?
I know I've said I'm fine with putting myself in harm's way to ensure the safety of others, but that still doesn't mean I'd blindly throw myself into danger.
Think about those who care about you if you do this on your own and may very well never see them again, how will they feel if they found out?
Knowing that they; in some way, could have fought beside you?"
"Well you said it yourself just then…
Sometimes when you care about someone enough, you put their lives above your own." He simply answered.
Blake looked away and sighed, he wasn't too different from her when it came to doing things on one's own, firmly stubborn.
"For what it's worth, I'm incredibly sorry I had strung you along with everything I've said in the past. I know how frustrated you are that it's taken this long to get to this point…
And, I genuinely do want to learn from you and be considered a friend to you….
Though, if after everything we've talked about in the last day or so means you'll never want to associate with me again, I can empathise and would completely understand."
He said as he turned to the training room door, his voice almost drifting into an inaudible range.
Had it not been for the faunus girl opposing him hearing every single word.
"You're wrong…"
Blake said while taking another step forward. Once she was just in front of him, she placed a hand on his right shoulder.
"From what I've seen this afternoon, I wouldn't hesitate to come back again to see what you could learn from the others next, or what advice I am able to give.
And with before, don't think I'm mad at you because you didn't tell us, I'm frustrated because you think you can do it on your own, and that you need to do it on your own."
"Blake-" He was cut off as she continued.
"As dumb as it sounds, if you work hard, you may… but that is very optimistic of me to say so.
For now, I'll simply train beside you, Ruby and Penny.
Though as we get closer to the Vytal festival, know that whatever comes, I will be there to act…
I'm sure the others would too as well if I talk to them, but for now it's simply me just joining in with helping a fellow huntsman in training."
"Thank you, you don't know how much this means to me."
"You've said something along those lines already, but don't let me stop you." Blake answered with a smirk.
"Can I ask one thing from you…. Please, don't mention what I told you to the others, especially since I imagine that will cause more issues between Yang and Weiss.
Nor bring up the White Fang and Beacon with Ruby, she'll only worry."
"I understand."
"Now what do you say we go see the others." Zen asked as he sighed in relief.
Blake nodded before strolling over to the seats where she had placed her novel she brought with her.
Meanwhile beyond Vale's Walls
Several Hours Later:
Incoming Transmission: XXXX
Access code: *****
Access: Granted
Hello there, hope I have not caught you at a bad time?
No, how are things going on your end?
Well, your recent cooperation in my affairs has been most helpful and things have been moving more effectively now I have several hands with my work.
I only do this because our mutual beneficiary, the fact I am willing to work with someone of your nature is beyond me, had this been different, you would only count yourself as so lucky to nearly cross my path.
That is neither here nor there…
Speaking of your work, I assume that is why you have contacted me?
Indeed, just to let you know your recent resupply has arrived and I am very delighted with the cargo…
As per your orders after all, and no casualties?
None whatsoever… there is reason why I had my own personal assistants provide support as liaison.
I shall begin to conduct tests immediately, we are nearing our goal and I could say the next time we talk, the results from our subjects will be colourful until we talk again this is -
"Crazy fool, why did I even think him of all people to make an alliance with… well better he is on our side than the other… for now at least."
The bull faunus muttered to himself while walking away from the terminal after disconnecting the transmission.
Woo-Hoo! I've done it, a chapter release within a two week period...
Oh and Blake finally is teaming up with Zen.
So in the last few weeks we've seen the trailer drop for the RWBY DC Hero crossover, the only thing i will say with it is that I'd rather like to see how the RWBY cast would appear with the DC justice league aesthetic/art style.
News of Chapter 9 has been out and that it will air only on Crunchy roll AND you have to have premium in order to watch the episodes... I had saved up the time to use the free trail, but might have to re think that.
Also posting this just as the clock passes midnight (2 hours later) but it's still Valentines for some in the Northern Hemisphere, and my older brother's birthday technically, even though he won't see this, Happy Birthday J.
Now things are happening, they won't happen soon but rest assured I will keep Checkov's gun in the forefront of my mind while writing this fic and things will get answered later down the track.
For references, Blake mentioning the use of smokescreens to Ruby refers to the Chibi episode where she uses smoke bombs to follow Ruby (probably the reason I began to like ladybug as chibi episode did have Blake and Ruby interact a lot more in comparison to the show).
We also had mention of a certain faunus fellow... what he will do?
Well that will be something that you will have to wait and see for a while.
And on a final but odd note, I highly highly recommend you all jump onto YT or Spotify and listen to 'Are 'Friends' Electric' by Tubway Army and Gary Numan (yes that Gary Numan)... Basically that song (1972) features in Need For Speed Carbon and I had recently been listening to the older game tracks while playing the new NFS Unbound, and the nostalgia hit had, it's just a great song for free roaming in Carbon while driving a Mazda RX8/
Anyhow, hope you like the chapter, lemme know your thoughts and have a good one and I'll see you in the next chapter.