So...you guys didn't want them to leave the cabin yet... compromise?

Chapter 16 – Mask

Blake opened her eyes to the red numbers of the alarm clock – it was seven in the morning. Turning her head, she realized that Adam had left again. His spot was slightly warm.

Rising out of bed, Blake quickly changed into a clean pair of clothes and took Gambol Shroud. Throughout this whole ordeal, she was glad that it was safe.

It was raining heavily outside, and the faint sound of thunder echoed through the sky. She couldn't go practice then. For a moment, her mind strayed to the hidden closet, but she decided against it. Blake couldn't test her luck again.

Privately, she wondered what her life would be like as a new member. Would she be placed with all the new recruits? Blake recalled that Aster mentioned that this was her favorite part of her life.

Would hers be like that as well? Blake knew that being an apprentice would make her stand out, but maybe Adam would just have her pose as a normal member. Despite her nervousness, she felt excited. Other than Adam, Blake had been isolated from her own age group. Maybe she could make some friends.

Opening the bedroom door, Blake saw that Adam was seated on the couch and typing on his scroll.

He looked up from the screen as she sat next to him. Blake noticed that his eyes were tired and bloodshot.

"Did you get any sleep?" she asked in concern.

"A little. I slept for a few hours before filing this report." He motioned at the screen. "I'm sure this was an isolated incident, but Bane is worried." Blake took note of the empty coffee mug and sighed.

"We'll be leaving when this storm clears up," he announced, "Which will be tomorrow morning." Nodding, she moved to the kitchen to fix herself breakfast. She wondered if they would share the same bed again before realizing that he would take the couch. She sighed in relief; Blake didn't want to get used to the thought of sleeping with him.

Blake returned to the couch and switched on the TV. She pretended to watch it but snuck glances at Adam's scroll when he wasn't looking. He was sending a series of messages to Bane, explaining the situation.

However, she realized that he had purposely left out discovering her in the closet. Instead, he had opted to say that she had stayed with him the entire time and accompanied him with his errand.

He did know about her attempt after all… Blake was hoping that the dart had addled his memories. She wondered if he was going to ask her about it. Probably, which would mean that she'd have to come up with a believable lie.

Eventually, Adam and Bane's conversation drifted elsewhere, detailing the arrival of new recruits. Adam mentioned taking on Blake as his new apprentice, but Bane simply responded with the word, "affirmative".

After a while, Blake decided to speak up.

"Hey, Adam."

"Yes?"

"What's going to happen when we return? Do you have a plan?" Adam sighed and switched off his scroll.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. You're not exactly familiar with White Fang's rules and battle plans."

"Does this mean I'll be with new members?" Adam frowned and shook his head.

"No, you're too skilled for that. I think you need to get to know the other members of the group, but I'll privately train you myself." He looked thoughtful for a moment.

"I'll probably have you attend the group training sessions and teach you afterwards." He eyed her, gauging her reaction.

Blake nodded.

"That sounds good to me."

"For now, you'll stay with the recruits for any missions. Usually, it's just crowd control, so it's not really a challenge. I might have you join me on my own ones when your skills have improved." Blake nodded in agreement, and Adam resumed his work.

Blake was cleaning the cabin one final time before heading off to bed. To her relief, Adam had opted to sleep on the couch instead of her bed.

At the moment, he was making sure Wilt and Blush were in proper order before leaving tomorrow. Blake could hear the front door open behind her as she dusted off the cupboard shelves.

"Everything's in order?" she asked conversationally.

"Yeah, everything's fine. We'll leave at dawn tomorrow. We'll take the train to a trading post and travel on foot to the airship."

Adam's voice was closer, and she could hear the tearing of paper. Blake glanced back, only to recoil in shock.

Adam's face was covered with a Grimm mask, exactly like the one she had seen at their first meeting in the snow. Already, she could hear her heart pound in her ears as her breathing quickened. Blake could feel a churning feeling in her stomach as she looked away.

Blake knew that she was still uncomfortable at the prospect of facing Grimm but could still battle them with ease. But this…it brought back unpleasant memories that she'd rather seal away. Memories of the Grimm's victorious cries, of flesh ripping from bone, and of the feeling of something dear being wrenched away from her grasp. Blake closed her eyes and tried to calm down; she had thought that she had gotten over this.

Adam took notice of her reaction and removed the mask, maroon eyes staring at her in concern.

"Blake…look at me." Blake lifted her head; her amber eyes seemed to burn holes into his mind.

"I'm fine," she lied, "You just caught me by surprise, that's all." Adam didn't believe her.

As he slowly approached her, Blake retreated until her back was pressed against the wall.

"You dislike the masks, don't you?" He placed the mask back on, and Blake could feel her heart leap up her throat. Adam was right; she hated those masks. They represented everything that Fiona and her parents were against. Those masks were what divided "us" from "them". But, worst of all, seeing it on her friend, the only living person closest to her, was the most unsettling of all.

It made him look like a Grimm

Adam studied her response and moved closer until they were barely an inch apart.

"Blake, look up at me." Obediently, Blake met his gaze, staring at the faint glimpses of maroon through the slits. She took a sharp intake of breath but held her stare.

"Am I a monster to you?" he asked her. Without a word, Blake lifted her hands and curled her fingers around the edges of the white material. The mask slid off with ease, glaring up at her from her hands.

Blake released a shuddering breath but forced herself to stare at the slits.

"Fiona, how can people see with those masks on?"

The words echoed faintly in her memory as Blake shakily lifted the mask to her face. For a moment, the world darkened. Then, as her eyes adjusted, she could see Adam looking down at her intensely. The slits were small, but placed in just the right point where she could see most of what was in front of her. But, it provided such a narrow field of vision that it was impossible to see the entire view around her.

How could the Faunus see properly with these on?

Blake removed the mask.

"I'm not fond of these, but I'll get used to it," she admitted. Blake placed the mask back on Adam's face. The image made her slightly nervous, but the initial shock had waned. She sighed and looked away, wishing that she had not seen this at all.

Without a word, Blake returned to her room, feeling Adam's stare fixated on her back.

Adam was already awake before her. As she stepped out from her bedroom, he had put away any stray files and paper. The cabin was impeccably clean.

He was packing a backpack when he noticed her shadow. Without a word, he tossed her a package.

"It's clothes," he explained, "Moira sent this to Hong. Try it on." Blake was relieved that she wouldn't have to stumble through the wilderness in a dress.

The package's contents were quite simple, containing a black hooded jacket, a white V-neck, and a pair of navy jeans. The clothes fit, and Blake slipped on her boots, fitted the magnetic plate, and adjusted her own bag.

Making sure the room was in proper order, Blake closed and locked the door for the final time.

"Ready?" Adam inquired from the front door, "I want to leave before noon."

"Yes, I'm ready," Blake replied, "I'll thank Moira for this when we return."

Like before, the ride was silent. Blake trained her eyes on their surroundings, looking for the slightest glimpse of red, white, or black. It was mid-afternoon when they finally arrived back at the village.

Without much fuss they returned the truck and handed Hong some compensation money. Blake followed Adam to the train yard. They were at a barbed wire fence when Adam finally spoke to her.

"Keep an eye out," he warned her, "There isn't a lot of security, but a guard patrols around here." He looked around carefully before scaling the fence with ease. He looked at her through the chain links.

Then, to her surprise, Adam flashed her a mischievous smile.

"Okay, Blake, this is your first trial as my apprentice," he said with a grin. Blake glared at him.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really," he snickered, "There's a red box car to your left. Try to get there without the guard noticing you." Blake looked around; there was no one else.

"Adam, there's no…" he had already vanished from view. Heaving a sigh, Blake climbed the fence with relative ease and darted towards the boxcar. Only, when she tried to open the door, it was locked.

Of course it wouldn't be that easy. Blake pulled out Gambol Shroud and wondered of the sheathe was strong enough to break the metal. Lifting the blade, Blake swung, and the lock shattered.

Sliding open the door revealed a smirking Adam.

"I was expecting you to sneak off and try to find a key, but this works," he admitted, "I wasn't sure how strong the metal of your blade was." Blake eyed Gambol Shroud, studying its features closely.

"I'm not sure what it's made of…."

"Go ask Moira when we see her. She knows a lot about weaponry." Adam looked like he was about to ask a question but stopped.

"We'll wait here. The guards don't usually do inspections, so I'm sure we're safe. We get off at the fourth stop."

Adam and Blake waited for an hour before the train lurched forward. Blake sat against the far wall of the boxcar, observing the colors flying by. They had just passed the third stop and were waiting for the fourth. It was the late afternoon

It had been a long time since she was in a similar situation. But, back then, they were fleeing a burning home and Grimm. The thought of the burning village saddened her, so Blake pushed it to the back of her mind. Though, Blake wondered if her childhood home still stood. Perhaps, if she ever returned to Menagerie, she'd visit it.

But, she then thought back to Fiona. Blake needed to find her first. But, what would Fiona say if Blake told her that she was now part of the new White Fang? Would Fiona never speak to her again?

Blake hoped not. The possibility of that happening was not unreasonable. But, she didn't really have a choice, did she? It was join or die.

She sighed. Perhaps she made a very wrong choice. Now, Blake began to regret not trying to run when Adam had left her alone in Vale.

Suddenly, the train slammed to a stop and sent them skidding across the floor to slam into the front wall.

A dull pain throbbed at Blake side as she sat up with a groan while Adam rubbed his sore horns.

"What happened? Have we reached our stop?" Blake asked, but Adam frowned and shook his head.

"No…we couldn't have." He peered out the door.

"Blake…come see this." Blake looked out and saw dark shapes moving around the front of the train.

"Grimm…"

"We'll make the rest of the trip on foot," Adam stated, "I don't think we're far from where it was supposed to stop."

"Should we…do something?" Blake asked nervously, "I don't think the crew members are able to protect themselves."

Adam opened his mouth to say something, but then a loud bang was heard. Both of them looked out and saw a grey figure obscured by the smoke. Most of his features were hard to distinguish, but Blake could see a scythe in his hand.

"Hunter," Adam muttered, "They'll be fine. Let's move before we're noticed, Blake."

Blake spared one last look at the figure in the smoke. The Hunter wielded the scythe with perfect precision as he sliced the Ursa with little resistance. Would she be able to wield Gambol Shroud with such skill one day? Blake hoped so, but, for now, she followed her mentor into the shadow of the trees.

They trekked through the forest in silence, watchful for any Grimm. But, after a while, Blake's legs began to protest with each step she took. The sun was setting, which would provide perfect concealment for the Grimm. Contrary to the popular belief, Faunus can't see in total darkness. Without a light source somewhere, then they were as defenseless as a human.

"Adam…how long do we have left?" she asked.

"We're almost there," he replied, not looking back, "Just…uh…" His unsure tone was concerning.

"Adam…you do know where we're going, right?" Adam remained silent. Blake silently began to panic.

"Adam…"

"We're close," he stated, "I know the clearing is around here somewhere, but…" Blake sighed.

"I'm sure the light from our Scrolls will attract Grimm. Have you tried calling the pilot?" Adam shook his head.

"That won't work. Only high-ranking members have Scrolls." Privately, Blake wished that Fiona had taught her how to navigate the wilderness. The sun had almost vanished, and she had to squint to see properly.

Then, in the distance, she could she a glimmer of red amongst the trees. For a moment, Blake hoped that it was a traveler, the pilot, anything but the Grimm.

But, the red light turned towards her, blaring in the night. It was too dark for her to even see what the monster was.

"Adam-"

"Yeah, I see it. It's stalking us. I think it's one of the Ursa from before. It's a minor though."

"Should we run?"

"No, turning our backs on that thing will just confirm our deaths."

"Why do you want to do then?"

"Normally, I'd have you go against it if it was broad daylight," he quipped, "But, it's too dark for-"

Blake didn't wait and darted forward, using the light of the moon to provide an inkling of the Grimm's movements. The Ursa raised a paw and swung at her, but she quickly created a Shadow and dodged its outstretched claws.

This was exactly what Sterling had taught her back at the Schnee camp. Blake was behind it now. Without a second to waste, she sprung forward and embedded Gambol Shroud's blade in its neck.

The Ursa slumped forward, dead, and its body began to sizzle.

Adam observed her in surprise. Blake smirked at him.

"Cat faunus have better night vision."

After thirty minutes of walking aimlessly in the woods, Blake and Adam finally stumbled across the clearing.

The pilot had admonished them for being late and delaying takeoff for the night. Nevermore were much more likely to travel when it was dark, so they had to wait until morning when the skies were clear and visible.

In the end, Blake and Adam were forced on overnight guard duty while the pilot retired to his quarters.

They decided to take three-hour shifts during the night to prevent one or the other from dozing off. Adam decided to take the first shift while Blake lay down on the cockpit bench.

The next thing she knew after closing her eyes, Adam was shaking her awake.

"Blake, it's your turn," he muttered tiredly, "I feel like I'm going to pass out."

Nodding, Blake stood and loaded Gambol Shroud.

"There isn't any Grimm around here, right?" Adam lay down on the wooden bench.

"No, you should be fine. Just scream if there's anything wrong," he sounded barely conscious. Before she could ask anything else, Adam had dropped off to sleep.

Blake was halfway through into her shift when her mind began to wander.

Her decision to join White Fang was eating at her again. She knew that she basically had no choice, but Blake wished that she could have put more of a fight. Maybe she should have waited until they had returned to the headquarters before making her decision.

What had she just gotten herself into?

If she hadn't already been familiar with how difficult life was in the wilderness, she'd consider running off while they were asleep. But, Adam would certainly come under fire for his apprentice running off. Moreover, she'd likely starve out here with only one magazine clip.

But, she wasn't out in the wilderness, wasn't she? Likely, Blake was only an hour away from the tracks. If she left at the crack of dawn, she'd be at the trading outpost by midday. The thick foliage would provide some cover from the aircraft. However, Adam was likely at least a competent tracker.

If she were able to board a train though, Blake could be long gone by the time Adam would be able to trace her to the trading post. Blake could take the train to the next major city and conceal herself amongst the population.

Yet again, something held her back. Perhaps she was reluctant to be truly on her own or perhaps she afraid of what may lie out there in the darkness. Maybe…she might have started to get attached to Adam. After all, he didn't fit the image of a bloodthirsty insurgent like she had pictured the neo-White Fang members to be.

But, out of all the possible options, maybe Blake missed Fiona and longed to return to her, or, at least, pay respects to her grave. The thought of Fiona dying made her shiver. Blake knew that it was a possibility but didn't want to entertain the thought.

But, after a while, Blake realized that she was on the same train of thought for the past two months. She didn't want to join White Fang and wanted to leave at the closest opportunity. Yet, Blake didn't want to betray Adam nor risk his leadership rank, and she was afraid of what she might find if she left. Would there be anything left for her in Vacuo? Would she have severed her connection to the one living person who might have cared for nothing?

Blake had two options before her - risk everything for the chance the Fiona might be alive or set aside her beliefs and work with the only person she was sure was alive.

Blake stared off into the expanse of darkness. She had to come to a decision now; she'd never have the chance to escape (was this really escape?).

Quietly, Blake stood and approached the faint border of where the light of the plane had landed. The rest of the forest was a dark expanse before her. Could she really make it to Vacuo by herself? Moreover, what would she do if Fiona was already dead?

Blake sighed as a sinking feeling attached itself to her heart. She knew her answer all along; she just didn't want to admit it. Her reluctance was just a mask for her true answer. After all that her parents and Fiona had warned her about, Blake still had hope for this new White Fang. Perhaps picketing and boycotting weren't enough. Maybe the Faunus needed to make their voices louder. Blake didn't want to sit idly by and wait for White Fang's message to disappear into the void of obscurity. The Schnees were oppressing the Faunus, innocent bystanders were getting killed, and the White Fang leader the thought she knew wasn't as moralistic as he claimed to be. Blake wanted to do something, and, for now, that meant being part of the ideology that was ingrained for her to reject.

The Faunus cause was becoming twisted and suppressed. Maybe violence was the answer

"Goodbye…. Fiona," she whispered into the darkness and returned to the safety of the plane.

Blake stayed awake until the she saw the first rays of sunshine from the east. She hadn't nodded off but was plagued with thoughts and fears of reentering White Fang. She didn't even notice the aircraft door opening until Adam stood beside the rock she was sitting on.

"Blake, your shift was over two hours ago. You should have woken me." Blake looked up at him with tired eyes and uttered a soft "oh".

Adam helped her up and lead her to the cockpit bench.

"You've only had three hours of sleep, Blake. We'll be leaving in an hour."

"Sorry," she mumbled, "I was too busy…thinking." Adam simply rolled his eyes and moved to wake up the pilot. Blake lay down on the bench; the hard metal had never been so inviting.

A moment later, she could feel something being draped over her. Her amber eyes opened and saw that Adam had taken off his jacket for her to use as a blanket. He sat down next to her and gently shifted her head into his lap. Adam had done this before, but Blake didn't mind.

Blake could feel the plane vibrate as it took off. Eventually, the rocking died down, and the roar engine faded into a distant hum. They sat in silence as Blake closed her eyes and drifted into a light sleep.

"Y'know for a second there, I thought you were going to run off," she could hear Adam mutter quietly. Blake stiffened, but she continued to pretend to be asleep. "I wasn't sure if you were…but, I'm glad that you're staying."

The was a pause.

"It…was lonely when I first came there. I was the only kid Bane recruited, so the others didn't speak to me. When I got older, the new recruits were…scared of me. Moira and Grey were great, but it's not the same. Everyone expected so much of me, and I wanted to live up to them. But, at the end of the day, I had no one to talk to."

Blake could feel his fingers brush her bangs aside.

"You're a different person…but I'm glad that you didn't forget me. I was really scared that night. I thought you had…forgotten. That I would truly be alone in this. I don't want to fight without you."

Blake hadn't forgotten but had simply locked them away. Remembering those happy, innocent times was painful.

Adam had stopped talking, and Blake was beginning to drift into deep sleep. But, she heard him say one final phrase.

"Please…don't leave me again."

Am I the only one glad that Adam didn't really appear in Volume 4? I was worried that Roosterteeth would make things worse, but at least I have an extension on writing for Adam.

Anyways, I guess I ought to explain why this took so long and why it's so short. It's my classes and work load. I'm honestly struggling this semester, so I don't really have much time to write for this. BUT this doesn't mean that I intend to abandon it! Updates will be slower and (to be honest) shorter until my grades improve or until this semester ends. I'll try to update during my university's spring break, though, so look forward to that! Please wish me success! Updates are faster when my grades are good!

I will write an Adam POV, but this chapter isn't the right time or place (maybe the next one or the one after that). This is meant to be Blake-centric and for her to really think about her choice to join White Fang. Blake really had the chance to leave and never come back, but (since this is tied to canon) she stays. So, I'm sorry that there's not much action today, but they do have a heart-to-heart (kind of?) at the end!

Blake and Adam will train at the headquarters, and we'll see some more OCs. The story will take a bigger focus on Adam and Blake's relationship and on Blake's thoughts with the White Fang's activities. (But, don't worry, she won't think about her decision anymore. I'm sure you guys (even me) were starting to get sick of that.) They will go on missions together, and you guys will see Adam in action. The boyfriend-girlfriend dynamic is still a long ways away, and it's more of a "will they or won't they?" and almosts. I plan to show how much they care about each other in romantic and non-romantic ways (since love is more than just romance) so look forward to both!

And to those who asked, Bane would probably make Adam clean up and scold him for being careless.

Thanks so much for the support, and I hope you like the next chapter!