Thank you so much for the reviews! They keep this story going!
To answer some reviewer questions, Blake is 14 in this chapter, and I'll keep the 1.5 year age difference in this story. If I change it now, then this would involve a lot of tailoring. To any eagle-eyed viewers, the description of this story has been changed to "AU" so the author now has free reign to do what she wants. However, I will try to keep this story as close to canon as possible, but there will likely be a lot of differences. (i.e. Blake's parents being alive.)
Also, Adam's relationship to Blake's parents is more of a polite one. Basically, it's mainly respect for his friend's parents. However, there is more than what meets the eye.
Enjoy this chapter (it has a lot of fanservice)!
Chapter 14 – Isolation
Blake had spent an entire week in her room, venturing out only a handful of times a day. The house had a limited set of books – mainly on battle techniques. Moreover, Adam seemed to have set up his entire office in the living room. If she went out, she'd have to see him hunched over the table and rifling through papers.
Adam gave her space, only letting her know when food was ready. Blake waited until he had finished before venturing out.
Yet, by now, as she looked at another morning with dulled interest, Blake longed for something else to do. Since Adam was always there, she couldn't go looking for the files without outing her intentions.
Her would had healed by now, and she had removed the stitches herself. Gambol Shroud seemed to call out to her, urging for her to put it in use. By now, some of her skills would be rusty from lack of practice.
Like it or not, Blake would go out today and practice; she needed it for her sanity.
Pulling on a black tank top and leggings, Blake shrugged on her jacket, tied on a pair of leftover sneakers, and retrieved Gambol Shroud from its resting place.
Adam looked up at her when she stepped out of her room.
"I'll be out practicing. I'll be back in a few hours." Adam looked like he wanted to protest, but nodded.
"Come back before sundown. It's hard to navigate to woods in the dark." Bale nodded and stepped outside.
The air was at a pleasant temperature despite the oncoming fall weather, and a breeze tousled her hair.
Without a word, Blake stepped off into the forest.
Blake practiced her swings and the two-sword technique that Sterling had taught her. She had practiced moving the hidden pistol container back and forth. The normalcy of practicing her fighting techniques seemed to have improved her mood; despite what had happened, Blake was content and focused.
Blake wanted to master this weapon and use it effectively, which required learning how to fire a gun.
She sighed, wishing that she had asked Laurel for some lessons. She was a good marksman wasn't she? Blake vaguely recalled Rose telling her about it one night.
A sudden pang of longing deflated her good mood. Laurel and Rose…they were still out there. Had they gone off to Vacuo…or were they caught by White Fang?
Blake hadn't realized the obscurity of their fates until now. She'd probably never know either…
She had been lucky. Adam and Moira had protected her from any kind of aggression or suspicion. However, she wondered if the unit even knew whether or not she was there. Wouldn't there be more objection if they did? After all, she was alone in the woods with their leader in complete isolation. Anything could happen…
Subconsciously, her fingers tightened around the hilt of the blade.
It was late afternoon when Blake returned to house, a little tired but overall content. Adam had retreated to his room but left her food on the table.
Blake felt a little guilty; she ought to have been more friendly with him. However, it felt like living with a stranger. Moreover, Adam was busy, so he didn't want to be disturbed, right?
Blake continued her routine for the next five days. In the mornings, she would wake up, eat breakfast, and go out into the woods for the whole day to practice.
Blake steadily began to improve her swings and began using her Semblance in conjunction. But, today, after practicing stealth and agility, Blake came across a small clearing.
It was odd; the grass looked new, and the tree roots seemed to end abruptly. On closer inspection, she could see that the branches had been burned off.
She slowly strode towards the middle of the area to find a patch of burnt earth.
Something happened there, most likely, a fire had probably gone out of control. But, what would leave such clean cuts on the surrounding area? Fire wasn't like that.
As she stood in the middle, Blake realized that this was a completely even circle. Nature rarely left even lines.
Blake didn't feel like she was completely alone here…she could sense a faint presence.
Blake turned around, golden eyes searching for movement. Something was out here, maybe it was an intruder, maybe it was Grimm. This place was so far off the well-traveled road
She stopped and listened carefully, watching and waiting. There was a faint shuffle of leaves coming from her left.
Heart racing, she turned to see a dark shape a few meters away from the clearing. It was too late to turn away now. It had seen her; she had made herself visible to it.
Rookie Mistake – Sterling had always chided her about that. If she turned and ran, then a Grimm would give chase. The trees may provide accurate cover, but…
She could use her Semblance as a decoy. Yes, for now, that would likely be the best option. As the shape neared, Blake realized that it was a Grimm…a Beowolf, albeit a small one. Likely, given its size, it was young and inexperienced.
Blake had killed Beowolves out in the mining camp, but Sterling was there to ensure that nothing got out of hand. Now, her mind flashed back to the night where the town went up in flames. Without Sterling, Blake's confidence had vanished, making her nothing more than a scared little girl.
The Beowolf crept closer, just on the edge of the clearing. Blake could feel the fear rise in her and fought to suppress it. A small whimper leaked out from her lips.
The Grimm smelled her fear and snarled. She had to strike now. This was an easy hit; she should have done it within a minute. But, her mind kept on conjuring images from that horrible night. Blake could almost hear the howls, and the ghostly scent of fire lodged itself in her nose.
The Beowolf sprang, and Blake dashed forward, leaving behind a Shadow in her place. It reached a clawed arm out to it, swiping at thin air while giving her a clear vantage point. On instinct, Blake drove Gambol Shroud's blade into its chest.
The Grimm went limp and flopped to its side; its body dissipating into black smoke.
Blake let out a breath that she didn't know that she had been holding. She felt dizzy and somewhat nauseous. Blake had to return to the cabin now. Suddenly, she saw something move from the corner of her eye.
She turned to head back, only to find Adam leaning against a tree, watching her from the forest's shadows.
"I thought I'd find you here," he stated with a somber look in his face, "I finished my paperwork early and came looking for you. To be honest, I checked the lake first."
He eyed her with interest…and sympathy.
"You were reluctant to strike first. I thought you were hoping that the Grimm would leave you alone, but you're too smart for that, Blake. There's something else. Your skill has improved since I last saw it, but you're too hesitant."
Blake didn't want to tell him anything.
"It was nothing," she denied curtly, "I…haven't learned how to fire a gun properly, that's all."
"I could teach you," Adam offered from the shadows, "There's so much more that you can know, Blake. It's not just guns. Your Aura is stronger than you think it is. You have potential, Blake, and I don't want that to go to waste. You can really help the Faunus cause."
"I'm not sure if I want to remain in White Fang," Blake reminded him. To be honest, she was sick of hearing that. She was too confused to make a proper decision right now. All Blake really wanted was to find Fiona and run.
Adam shrugged his shoulders, but she knew he'd bring this up later.
"I'll be teaching you how to fend off the Grimm. That's survival; not recruit training."
"You don't have to…" she began. Adam shot her a lazy smirk that certainly did not make her heart skip a beat.
"No, it's fine. I have nothing else to do anyways."
After a week of practice and waking up at the crack of dawn, Blake began to suspect that Adam had brought her here for a different reason.
Perhaps he truly was bored, but Adam put forward a lot more work and encouragement than what someone typically would. He wouldn't just make her his apprentice without her consent, right? Was this just something to pass the time?
Admittedly, they began talking more. Mostly, it was just about her fighting style and weapon pointers. Still, they sometimes spoke about other things, mainly just obscure questions about their time apart. And Blake would take care to answer them in the vaguest way possible.
She was sure he had caught on by now, but he still persisted. Blake wondered if she should just make up a story to tell him, but that felt wrong. Worse, he might not react well if he figured out that she had been lying.
Blake sighed and tried to resume her task. Learning how to shoot accurately wasn't so bad; Fiona had taught her the basics. However, he was trying to teach her something new.
Blake had to extend her Aura through Gambol Shroud to create a shockwave with each swing. So far, Blake had mainly been unsuccessful. Whatever Aura she could pour through the blade was weak and barely left a shock. After every session, she was left drained and sleepy.
Sighing, Blake tried again and took a swing at the wooden post Adam had prepared. This time, her Aura was slightly stronger, but when it collided with the target, it dissipated in a faint purple mist.
"Sun's almost down," Adam announced, "We'll try again tomorrow." Blake breathed out a sigh and lowered the blade. Adam stood behind her, supervising her every move with criticism and rare encouragement.
Blake sheathed Gambol Shroud and returned back to her room to clean up.
There was a faint knock on her door.
"Come in."
Adam opened the door and looked in on her.
"Dinner's ready. I left yours on the stove." The usual routine. After instruction, Blake, although famished, would wait until Adam had finished his dinner before venturing out to eat. It was an untold rule that Adam would do the cooking while Blake would clean the dishes afterward.
However, today she was either just too hungry to care or wasn't as intimidated by the prospect of small talk.
"Alright, I'll join you in a moment," she replied, looking away. Blake didn't see Adam's reaction, but there was a long pause.
"Okay, then."
Blake poked around at her food. She regretted it now; the tension had chased away her appetite. Now, she was hoping that Adam would grow bored of her and finish his meal. Yet, he too seemed to have lost his appetite.
The two faunus sat in silence, staring down at the table, waiting for the other to initiate conversation.
"You're improving," Adam began awkwardly, "Have you thought of using the pistol for something else?"
Blake shrugged.
"Not really, I've mainly been using it for standard use." The silence relapsed.
"How did you learn that trick with your Aura?" Blake began, "I've never really seen something like it."
Adam's maroon eyes bore into his plate.
"It came to me when I was learning to control my Semblance," he admitted, "I thought it was an extension of my ability, but I learned that some opponents had mastered it as well."
Blake raised an eyebrow.
"Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing your Semblance before you left. What is it?" Adam looked pensive as he tried to formulate an answer.
"I'll show you when you become my apprentice," he gave her an impish smirk, "What do you say, Blake?"
Ah, this question again. Adam was awfully persistent.
"I'll let you know before our time is up here," she retorted, "I've told you this before, Adam." She could feel his eyes studying her and waited for more convincing.
"Alright, I'll ask later." Blake blinked. That was new.
"Have I made better progress on firing accuracy? I was a little bit off last time…"
Blake decided to keep this change in routine. It unexpectedly felt better to talk to someone at night. Usually, they'd go on about mundane things, but Adam had stopped talking about rejoining White Fang.
Another week had passed, and Blake was able to extend her Aura a little longer. Blake was beginning to improve.
That is, until the nightmares began.
Blake wasn't sure what had caused them to begin. Perhaps the shock of the whole event had finally worn off. But, every other night, she'd find herself amongst the flames of a burning village, struggling to escape.
Every time, she'd see the shadows of her parents and friends dispersing into the smoke with the red eyes of Grimm leering at her from the shadows.
She'd jolt awake with a name at her lips, and a cold sweat clinging to her skin.
Blake remained silent about them; they'd eventually go away.
Blake shot up, gasping for air. Another nightmare, this time it was her parents and Grimm. Afraid to go back to sleep, Blake left her room, book in hand.
The cabin was dark, but moonlight streamed in through the windows. Other than the sound of her padding feet, all was silent. The shadows made her feel a little on edge, reminding her of Grimm; she flicked on a lamp.
She sat at the couch and began to read one of the old novels left behind by the previous owner. She had finished "Ninjas of Love" a week ago, but this book wasn't so bad.
Blake failed to notice Adam coming up from behind her until she felt the cushion move.
"Did you finish the book?" Adam asked in a teasing tone, "How was it?" Blake could feel her face go red.
"It was fine," she responded shortly, "I liked it very much, thank you."
Adam leaned over past her shoulder to see what she was reading.
"Oh, that one? I remember this being more..." Blake jerked the book out of his view.
"Don't you dare," she threatened, "I just opened this, and I don't want to hear any…" Adam just seemed more motivated.
"I didn't think you'd be that kind of person, Blake…" Flustered, she clutched the book to her chest.
"Adam!" A boyish grin spread across his lips as he reached over to try to retrieve it. Blake held it out of his reach by extending her arm out. Laughter escaped her lips as a smile tugged at her face.
"Why do you want to read this so much?" she giggled and moved it further out to spite him.
"Bane's ex never let me see them!" Adam moved forward to the point where he was practically above her. But, Blake simply extended her arm out further and nudged her shoulder against his chest.
Caught off guard, he fell forwards, sandwiching her between his body and the couch. The book fell to the floor, forgotten. They lay there for a minute, too stunned to move.
Blake and Adam scrambled apart. Adam had a red blush coloring his face while Blake could feel her heart pound in her ears. In all her memory, she had never seen Adam look like that before.
"Sorry," she admitted, "That was…"
"It's fine." Adam rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Really, I shouldn't have taken the joke so far." They looked at each other in silence before Blake hastily look away.
"Why were you up so late?" Adam asked, "For a minute there, I thought someone had broken in."
"I didn't sleep well," Blake admitted, "Nightmare, and stuff." He looked slightly worried.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, I don't remember much of it anyways." Blake bit her lip and stared at her lap. "I'll be fine. You should go back to sleep."
Adam didn't look like he believed her but moved to leave. Only, he returned back with a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. He then sat near her, reached around, and gently pressed her head to his lap.
"I used to have them too," he admitted, "Bane's ex did this whenever I had nightmares." She could feel his cool fingers gently tuck back loose strands of hair.
"Adam, you don't always have to say 'Bane's ex'. I know it's Moira." Adam paused; his fingers resting near her cat ears.
"How'd you know?"
"Almost none of these clothes have sleeves, and she only has a winter cloak." Adam sighed.
"Don't ask her about her relationship. She doesn't like that being known." Blake shifted into a more comfortable position. She was facing up at him now; his maroon eyes looked down on her with intrigue.
"Why?" Blake asked, "Was it a bad breakup?"
"Moira's brother Grey was one of Bane's closest friends," he began, "Both of them used to belong to a clan in Vytal. Grey was the one who wanted to join White Fang while Moira followed him."
"They must have been really close. Why did Grey join?
Adam sat there for a moment, thinking.
"Moira tells me that her clan refused to change with the world. They lived in the wilderness and killed any outsiders. But, Grey was curious about how Remnant had changed. Moira said that he'd slip off and watch the towns for news. Eventually, the clan elders found out, and Grey was outcasted. Moira followed him."
"Why? Did she dislike the clan too?"
"No, actually, she was being considered for position in their council." Blake's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? She left everything for him?"
"Yeah, she did," he said grimly, "They were fraternal twins; for a bird faunus, it's hard to conceive, so having twins is a big deal. Their mother died from childbirth, and they were raised by the clan. Grey was the only family Moira had."
"What happened after they left?" Blake asked. Her eyes were beginning to grow heavy from the lull of his voice.
"Moira didn't tell me much about what had happened after," he said, "Eventually, they joined White Fang. Grey was better at adapting to the new world, but Moira wasn't…"
Adam had a faraway look in his eyes as he continued.
"Grey told me once that she withdrew in herself and tried to contact the clan again. They treated her like an intruder and nearly killed her until he and Bane intervened. To be honest, that's all I know about what happened. After, Moira lived here to recover and was here when I arrived."
"How did they break up?" she asked sleepily. Blake could see Adam's lips move, but she had already drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Blake was awakened by the sunlight streaming in through the blinds. Adam had moved from his spot. A second blanket was draped over her, and her head was propped under a pillow.
Sitting up, she felt a note stuck to her cheek.
"Going to check the land for stray Grimm," it read, "Will be back soon. No training today." Blake sighed and returned to her room.
That night's sleep was the best in a long time.
Blake would later realize that she had missed her chance to look for the concealed files. The lost opportunity had irked her, but she felt appreciative towards Adam's kindness.
In the end, they seemed to have formed some kind of truce. If Adam opened up to her about his time away, then she'd give him details about her time under the Schnee's thumb.
Yet, like her, Adam held back information as well. All Blake knew about him was a few lighthearted training stories while Adam knew only what she did during the days before meeting Sterling.
In all, they still didn't know much about each other, but it was the thought that counted.
Blake stood in the forest, listening and waiting. Adam had sent her to find and kill a stray Grimm that had wandered into the area.
He hadn't given her a description of what it looked like, but she assumed it to be a Beowolf or Boarbatusk.
Her cat ears pricked at the quiet sound of rustling leaves. A few meters away, a Boarbatusk was rooting in the earth, looking for something.
As quietly as possible, Blake unsheathed her sword and pressed the button to reveal the hidden pistol.
There was a slight feeling of tense nervousness as she aimed; again, she felt like she could hear the faint roar of fire and howling of Grimm. However, she swallowed it down and pulled the trigger.
The bullet embedded itself in its neck, and the Grimm gave a final cry. Instantly, its body dissipated into a cloud of foul-smelling smoke.
Blake sighed and sheathed Gambol Shroud. Recently, all Adam had given her were some easy tasks to complete. Blake wondered if he had lost confidence in her abilities.
Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye a shape flew at her. Instinctively, Blake made a Shadow and leapt out of reach.
Adam collided with the empty copy, making it vanish into thin air. Blake looked at him in surprise.
"Adam?! What are you doing here?!" Adam grinned at her.
"Try to pin me down!" he called before rushing at her. Quickly, Blake created another Shadow and sidestepped him. Only, for Adam to grab her wrist and jerk her backwards, causing her to lose her footing.
Blake fell back hard but kicked the back of his knees, causing him to fall forwards onto his face. She moved forward to pin him down, but Adam's fist moved out, nearly catching her jaw.
Instead, she moved to straddle him and press his face to the ground. However, as she moved, Adam had flipped himself over.
Fine, she could improvise. Blake tried to grab his wrists, but she found them around her neck. Without thinking, Blake mirrored his actions, and her fingers enclosed around his in a chokehold.
They remained in a standstill until Adam released his grip. Blake did the same.
"You need to know how to defend yourself against human-sized foes," he commented from under her, "Not bad though, but you should have used Gambol Shroud."
"Are you crazy?" Blake scolded, "I could have hurt you!" Adam chuckled.
"You were supposed to! I came at you unarmed, and you should have used your advantage to win! I would have given up if you had pointed your gun at me."
Blake made a face and moved to get up, but Adam stopped her.
"Hey, lesson's not over." Confused, Blake remained straddled atop of him, looking at him in confusion.
Adam's fingers wrapped around her hips and shifted her forward.
"Here, move your legs over my arms." Blake did as she was told. "Now, my arms are restricted, and your hands are free." Blake nodded, taking mental note.
"Okay, fine. I guess I need to watch out for you now?"
Adam gave her a grin that made her roll her eyes in exasperation.
Their two months was drawing to a close; only a week was left before they would return to the uncertainty of the real world.
Blake needed to make a decision fast, but, worst of all, she hadn't had the chance to find where the files were hidden.
Lamenting for the missed opportunity, she knew that she had to get bolder. Perhaps even sneak around when Adam slept.
Adam wouldn't leave her alone in the cabin, and she couldn't sneak off during training without appearing suspicious.
Yes, looking during midnight was the best option.
Blake lay in her bed, waiting for 12:00 to appear on the clock. Time seemed to pass on at a slower rate as she tossed and turned.
Her eyes were heavy and she teetered at the edge of sleep and wakefulness. As she lay in the dark, Blake tried to think of a lie if Adam suspected her. But, her mind was preoccupied.
That nagging feeling was back again, telling her that something about this cabin was familiar. Blake had spent nearly two whole months here, and she still couldn't figure out why she felt that way.
Finally, it was time. Grateful for her faunus reflexes, Blake crept out of her room with ease without making a single sound.
The moonlight illuminated the empty living room. First, she checked the bookcase for any loose papers – nothing. Then, she looked into a filing cabinet in the corner of the room. It was only financial reports, but she'd look through them later.
Blake checked the crevices in the living room and kitchen but still nothing. Annoyed she flopped down on the couch.
Maybe this was just some kind of test. Perhaps Adam was trying to see if she was a spy.
Blake sat up and scanned the area. That familiarity was back, and it was driving her crazy. Why was this cabin so familiar? Did she somehow visit here during childhood?
No…it was impossible. The only two places she could clearly remember in Menagerie were the old headquarters and her home.
Blake began to feel a sense of melancholy. It had been a while since she had last visited her memories of before the fire. Oh how she longed to return to those carefree days!
Blake pictured her childhood home on the outskirts of the village. She could see her mother and father reading on the couch while Fiona attempting to make dinner. A warm feeling floated in her chest, but it was dampened by sadness.
Blake sighed and tried to resume her search. But, as she observed the moonlight cabin before her, she realized what that familiar feeling was coming from.
This cabin was modeled exactly like the house from her childhood. The rooms were nearly the exact same size and layout.
The realization took a moment for it to sink in. Blake felt her mouth go dry and sweat drip down her forehead.
"Oh Remnant…" she breathed. If confidential files were hidden here, then what was concealed in her parents' house so long ago?
The envelope, the one with the Belladonna symbol. She remembered asking her parents about their emblem once, only to get a vague answer that had long faded from her memory. Yet, like the good daughter, she had allowed the envelope to be burned.
What were its contents? What had her parents had been involved with? Did this have any kind of connection to why the old headquarters went up in flames? Was someone trying to cover their tracks?
…could it be someone in the White Fang?
Blake gulped. She needed to find those files now.
Standing, she strained her memory, trying to recall what was different about this house. Her eyes strayed to the front hall.
That horrible day…she hid in the closet, unsure whether a Grimm could slice its way through the door and slaughter her.
But, here, there was no door, only a hallway table. Heart racing, Blake pressed her palms against the wallpaper. Something felt off. She pressed her ears to the wall and heard the faint whistling of moving air.
There was a room behind here, and Blake needed to find a way in.
She touched the table to find that it had been affixed to the floor. Moreover, it appeared that the drawer was connected to the wall. Without a doubt, this was some kind of locking mechanism, and Blake needed to find the hidden key.
One step forward and another step back.
Without a doubt, the key was likely hidden in Adam's room. But, at least, that was feasible. She could sneak in while he showered.
For now, she ought to retire to bed; otherwise, Adam might be suspicious of her tiredness tomorrow.
Blake was halfway across the room when Adam opened the door. She froze in place as his maroon eyes eyed her with curiosity.
"Blake? Why are you up so late?" Adam's eyes looked tired, but he held Wilt and Blush in his hand.
What should she do? The lie that she had prepared to tell him had flown out the window. Blake could feel her cat ears twitch nervously, and her face go red. Her face certainly looked guilty now.
"I…" she avoided eye contact in a desperate attempt to think of something on the spot.
"Blake…were you looking for something?" she could see Adam tilt his head and his pupils rest on the front hall table. That confirmed it; there was something hidden there.
Adam narrowed his eyes in suspicion. She could see the gears turning in his head. Adam wasn't stupid – he'd connect the dots very, very soon. Blake needed to distract him now.
All that her mind could conjure was a scene she had read earlier that night; something from "Ninjas of Love".
Screw it. This was the lesser of two evils.
Taking a deep breath, Blake tried to calm her nerves on what she was about to do. She moved forward, closing the distance between them.
Blake buried herself into Adam's chest, breathing in his scent. Her arms wrapped around him, slowly crawling up his back. She could feel him shudder from under her touch.
"Blake?" Adam's voice had a higher pitch, startled, "What are you doing?" The vibration of his voice and the feel of his skin sent a shiver crawling down her spine and tingling her toes. A faint spark seemed to nestle itself in her chest, making her press herself closer to him.
"Adam…" her voice was barely above a whisper, "Please sleep with me…"
Adam's reaction was unexpected – he dropped his sword on his foot from the shock. Stepping back and wincing from the pain, he reached over and flicked on a nearby light switch. He turned towards her, and Blake could see a strange look in his eyes as they roamed over her.
"Blake, trust me, I'd…" he paused, struggling to find the right words. He sighed and tried to recompose himself.
"Blake, I know the White Fang doesn't follow a lot of the kingdoms' rules, but we still keep a lot of the…uh…. civil rules…like age of consent."
Blake looked at him in confusion.
"Wait, Adam, do you think I was…." Blake's face reddened as the realization dawned on her. "You pervert!"
"Blake, you do realize that it sounded like?" he protested, "In most cases, girls use that phrase to ask for-"
"Stop!" she held her hand out, "I don't want to hear it! I meant actually sleep, okay?"
Adam blinked and sighed, stooping to retrieve his sword from the ground.
"Uh…yeah…sure. We'll use my room. The bed's bigger." He avoided looking at her in the eye.
Adam's room mirrored hers, only it was much plainer and lacked personal touch. Blake lifted the covers and slid under, her back to him. She could feel the mattress shift as he lay beside her.
They lay in silence as they waited for each other to fall asleep – it was unsuccessful.
"Hey, Blake?" Adam's voice broke the silence, "What was your nightmare about?"
"It was…it was about Fiona…" Blake said the first thing off the top of her head, "I wonder if she survived."
Adam was silent.
"Blake, what happened when I left Menagerie?" he asked, "You're so different from when I last saw you. You and Fiona were labeled missing until you showed up at the Vytal base."
Blake turned to face him.
"How did you know that I went to Vytal?" Adam shrugged.
"One day, when returning from a mission, I thought I saw you board a plane. Later, I found out that one of the members was Fiona." Blake paused, thinking. If she had been a minute late, then they would have seen each other.
Could her whole mining camp ordeal have been prevented?
Adam had a somber look on his face
"Blake, tell me, what happened while you were out there? I wasn't sure whether or not you were alive, and when I saw your ribbon tied around that wooden stake, I thought you had been killed."
She lay there, mulling over what to say. Blake knew she could trust him, but she promised Fiona that she'd never tell anyone about Vacuo.
Yet again, she promised her that she'd never return to White Fang and here she was, lying in bed with one of its highest-ranking members.
In the end, she told him the full story from start to finish, only leaving out Lycannis, Laurel and Rose's desertion, and Fiona's plan.
She told him of Sterling, Blanc, and Gambol Shroud and of the faraway days of train hopping and the empty nights she spent alone in the tenant house.
It was early morning by the time she finished. Adam looked at her with stunned shock.
"I…I never knew…" he had a strange look on his face as he studied her face. "Those humans…I never thought they'd be capable of that. I'm so, so sorry, Blake…"
Blake raised an eyebrow.
"Adam, you had nothing to do with this. You shouldn't feel guilty." Her words didn't do much to relax him, but Adam reached out and pulled her closer.
"Blake, I swear. I'll never let you go through that again."
Blake frowned.
"Adam, you aren't making any sense." However, he seemed to ignore her and sighed.
"Let's go to sleep," he muttered, "I'm not letting you get out of training tomorrow."
Blake glared at him.
"Whatever," she snorted and turned her back to him. Resting her head on the pillow, Blake closed her eyes and started to slip into darkness.
BONUS
Adam's POV
Adam waited until he was sure Blake had fallen asleep before opening his eyes.
A tiredness had permanently settled in her face. It was unsettling for someone so young who had seen so much. Blake used to be a happy person who cared about the world and its issues. Now, she had become withdrawn and apathetic.
Worst of all, Fiona was gone because of him; it was all his fault. He had signed their lives away, thinking nothing – they were nothing more than Lycannis supporters who wanted to undermine the new White Fang, one that could actually help the faunus instead of simple picketing.
A horrible guilt lingered in the back of his mind. He had caused one of his closest friends the worst kind of anguish. Yet, this was the consequence of becoming a leader.
He did it all in the name of the White Fang; their sacrifice would not be in vain. The humans were not only going after the faunus but their own opponents.
He recalled Blake's mention of the name "Sterling"; the Schnee company killed him without a second thought. The humans were fighting amongst themselves, oblivious to their weakening power.
The White Fang would bring them to their knees.
This chapter is more lighthearted but expect things to get darker...
Also, when planning for the alternate ending, I kind of had a strange idea. Would you guys be up for a spin off series based off of that ending? It might not be what you expect, and there would be other Blake-centric ships. Tauradonna would have to share the spotlight. But, hey, you guys up for it? (If my school schedule allows for it...)
Also, does it kind of bother you that your guesses are so off for this RWBY season? It annoys me to no end. I'll still write, but please be mindful that there are a lot of differences from the canon.
But, if it helps you feel better, this allows for more tauradonna moments.
Also, can you guys tell me where you guys found out that Adam and Blake were in a relationship (and Adam's canon age)? I looked around but I can't seem to find it.
Thanks for the support!
Love,
raining-indigo
(For those wondering if there will be an M-rated scene... I'll tell you probably not, mainly because, as an older person looking back, their age feels WAY too young. However, I might change my view if the story calls for it (and they're older) or give you guys an implication.)... Also, I'm sure some people who know me in real life read this, and it'd feel REALLY awkward...