Chapter 6 Justice
Doctor Oobleck found Edda waiting by the door before classes were scheduled to begin.
" So, my large friend, what brings you here so early?"
The big man smiled down at him. " I thought it would be best not to disrupt your class a second time."
A hard finger poked Edda in the stomach. " That thought never occurred to you in the past?" he teased. " You finally learned something new, after all these years!" He paused to take a sip of coffee, one eye on the empty hallway. " How have you been? It's been far too long and we've been worried about you, even Glynda."
The smaller man's concern was answered by a shrug. " Some days are better than others, but I still continue my search."
" We all hope for your success."
" I know. I'm far luckier than I deserve to have friends such as these."
The smaller man's nod in acknowledgement was answer enough for the praise. " Have you decided on the next student?"
Edda glanced down the hallway at the sound of approaching voices.
" Blake Belladonna."
Edda dodged to his right as Gambol Shroud flashed towards him. She waited until his attention was on her again before snapping the cord backwards, triggering the gun. The sudden reversal of its flight caught his ankles, throwing him backwards onto the floor. One more yank of the cord brought it back to her hand as she watched closely to see what he would do next.
The laughter surprised her. " Yes! Well done, girl!"
She breathed a sigh of relief. That last move had been done out of desperation. He'd easily batted aside the blades, and gunfire had merely ricocheted off his shield. The creations made by her semblance hadn't fooled him for an instant.
Rising, he sheathed his sword and gestured towards the chairs at the side of the room. " Come. Let us talk for a bit."
Seated next to him, she took a moment to study the cloth that covered his missing eye. Why that particular design? The rose and flame were Ruby and Yang's personal symbols. Why did this ' Uncle' wear them? She was trying to decide if it would be proper to ask the girls about it when she noticed him looking at the top of her head.
" Take it off, girl. You need not hide from me."
Hesitantly, she obeyed the quiet order. They do feel better uncovered, she admitted to herself.
Taking the material from her, he folded it carefully before placing it on the table.
" I wish you wouldn't hide what you are Miss Belladonna. Some of my greatest friends are Faunas. There is one girl, barely two years younger than yourself, that I love as if she were my own daughter."
The frank admission caught her off guard, piquing her curiosity. " A faunas girl?"
He smiled at the memories. " Yes. Like you, she is training to become a Huntress. I hope you can meet her someday."
Blake's inherent suspicion of anyone new in her life was mollified by his words. A human who could boldly claim that he loved a faunas? " What's her name?"
His smile broadened. " Hart. And I will warn you that she is much like Ruby, who she regards as a sister."
She restrained a smile at the thought of a faunas girl who was like her hyperactive team leader. No wonder Yang had trouble with her temper!
When he held his hand out to her, she hesitated. Her partner had taken her aside after Jaune's abrupt exit from the classroom, explaining what would happen if she were chosen.
" You already know about me"
Her eyes widened at his statement.
" If Yang didn't tell you, then Ruby did. Once they knew I was here, neither would hesitate to help you understand why I would do this."
Blake nodded as she placed her hand in his. " It was Yang."
" I'm glad you are her friend. That girl needs a partner like you to curb her enthusiasm!" They both smiled at the memories of what they'd seen the blonde do just for the adrenaline rush.
Golden eyes watched him as their semblances touched.
She stands with her longtime friend and partner in the grand chamber, facing the assembled leaders.
Vale, Vacuo, Mistral...all of the nations are represented here. He recognizes many of the people from newscasts in the past, though most have gray hair now.
Behind her is a row of holographic pictures. Young faunas, many of them children, all wearing the uniform of the White Fang.
" Please! I know what they have done, but I believe that they can be reformed!"
She gesture towards the holograms. " Growing up in prison will only harden their hearts against humans even more. I beg you, give us the chance to prevent that! Let us show them that the world has changed for the better. That there is true equality for them now!"
" You seek justice for your people."
She nodded in reply, knowing that words alone don't suffice for what she wants.
Closing her hand in his, he continued. " I, too, seek that end. None of the Hunters or Huntress' like this state of affairs, nor ever will. We do what we can to foster peace, but we must also abide by the law."
Blake frowned at that. The law hadn't done much for her people so far!
Seeing her expression, he leaned forward and whispered. " Although, some of the things I have done for your people would, and probably have already enraged Weiss' father. I don't break the law, but I have bent it severely in the past!"
His tone became serious as he straightened. " By our efforts we hope to see the laws changed by peaceful means, even as we battle the White Fang. Both sides want freedom and equality for all faunas, only the means differ!"
She looked away for a moment, her own past actions making her unwilling to meet his gaze.
" Your teammates are your greatest asset in your quest for justice. You and Weiss need each other!" He joined his hands together. " For honor and justice are as one. There is no honor without justice, no justice without honor! Your goals, whether you realize it or not, are the same! Remember this, and change will come."
She looked at him thoughtfully before nodding in agreement.
" I will. Thank you."
He waved a hand towards the door. " Then be off with you. Classes are over and your friends are undoubtedly waiting for you."