Chapter 46, Blake's Choice Part I
Pyrrha and her Teammates raced across the Academy rooftop at great speed, making their way to the tree of Kassadar. All in the hopes they would be able to reach the Vault in time before the White Fang. As it stood, the White Fang had no idea that they were racing. If they were able to beat them to the tree, they could prevent them from stealing the Relics. Or at the very least, hold them off long enough for Qrow and the Royal Guard to return.
Though as she peered ahead, Pyrrha noticed a strange light peering from the opening where the tree stood. She quickly came to a stop.
"Wait!" she said to Auron and the others.
"Look!"
Auron, Hanako and Keith came to a stop as they peered ahead. It was there they saw a strange light from the opening overhead.
"What's that?" Keith said, worryingly.
"I don't know." Auron said.
"It looks like it's coming from the..."
Pyrrha gasped in realization. She turned back to the three.
"It's the Vault!" she exclaimed.
"It would seem they managed to open it!"
"You got to be kidding me!" Auron said, squinting his eyes.
"Damn it. How did they beat us here?" Keith said.
"They were right behind us."
Hanako shook her head.
"No, they aren't." Hanako then said, stepping forward.
"They've always been one step ahead of us since the start."
Pyrrha glanced back at Hanako, curiously.
"What are you talking about?" Pyrrha asked, curiously.
Hanako turned to face her.
"I didn't want to tell you until I was sure..." Hanako insisted.
"What are you talking about?" Pyrrha asked, curiously.
Hanako turned to face Pyrrha.
"It's about Blake." she said.
The vault unlocked with the magic of the Headmaster. Adam stepped forward as the door to the vault as it slowly open. He then grinned as all that lied behind the doorway came to be revealed to him. All the relics and weapons that the Kingdom of Lothadare had stolen from their people through the many generations that had come before. The old wounds that the Faunus had bared would soon be given the Justice that they longed to achieve.
"After all this time, we finally found it." Adam then said.
"The Sins of Lothadare will finally be atoned for... in the blood of it's people."
Headmaster Rueben glanced away in complete disgrace, seeing what he had done. For the betrayal he had committed against his people and for the sake of keeping Akara's Prodigy hidden. He knew that he will pay dearly for this treason one way or another. He could only hope that would suffice in atoning for his mistake.
"You have what you wanted." The Headmaster proclaimed.
"Take whatever it is you are here for and Leave!"
Adam glanced to him, grinning.
"Thank you, for being so willing to atone for your people's." Adam said as he reached down to his side.
It was there he drew his sword and slashed and energy wave that stuck the Headmaster. Rueben was thrown back and hit against the wall behind him, causing him to fall to the ground. Blake gasped in awe.
"Though every traitor must pay for their sins." Adam decreed, sheaving his sword.
"And you will pay the same way as Lothadare shall pay for theirs."
Adam turned back to the other White Fang members, gesturing for them to enter the vault. He then glanced back at Blake, who stared in utter shock at what he had done. Behind his mask, he glared angrily. Just as she attempted to go to his side, Blake held his sword to her.
"Is there a problem, Blake?" He asked her.
Blake paused, glancing back at him. She turned back to Headmaster Rueben, who lied unconscious over the floor. Her desire to help him was met with that of her loyalty to her people. She narrowed her head, in shame as she then stood up. She glanced back to Adam, shaking her head.
"No..." she said, pained to say those words.
Inside the vault, the White Fang members smashed the glass barriers that contained the weapons and relics. Taking them and placing them in the crates they had brought with them.
Three White Fang members armed with Blaster prototypes stood guard over the entrance to the vault. Pyrrha stood over the edge of the rooftop, where she gazed down at the three guards. Awaiting the exact moment to strike. Her eyes sifted to the stairway down into the vault. The other White Fang members must already be inside, looting the many treasures that were inside.
She then glanced back at Auron, Hanako and Keith.
"Ready?" She asked.
The tree nodded their heads back to her. Pyrrha then gestured a smile back at them before turning forward. She then leaped from the edge of the roof, where she came down over the white Fang members, striking him with her sword from behind. Alerted by the sudden gasped of their fellow member, the other two standing guard quickly turned to Pyrrha.
"Hey, stop right there!" One of them said, raising their blasters to her.
Pyrrha quickly rolled out of the way of their shots, coming into a kneeling stance. Using her shield, she quickly deflected the plasma bolts that had been shot at her. She then lunged at the white fang members, where she slashed her sword at them.
Though it was right at that moment, they heard the sound of blaster fire from the stairway. Along with the screams of the White fang members they Adam and Blake turned to the stairway. There were several flashes of blaster fire before hearing another voice that was unfamiliar to Adam. Though brought a feeling of shock and awe to Blake, knowing who it was.
"Oh no..." She whispered to herself.
The two White members came rolling down the stairway, landing over the floor. It was right at that moment they saw the assailant responsible for their member's defeat. Though it was not a knight of the royal Guard as Adam had feared. But rather it was Pyrrha, came down the stairway. It was there, she paused as she came faced with Adam and Blake. She the paused, wide eyed with what she saw.
"Blake...?" She said, squinting her eyes in utter disbelief.
Blake looked back her in shock and dismay.
"Pyrrha..." Blake said.
Pyrrha eyes then shifted to the side, where she saw the Headmaster laying over the floor. She glanced back up at Blake, squinting her eyes to her, frowning. Seeing the truth behind Hanako's words. As much as she wanted to believe it wasn't true.
"You..." she said.
"You're really with them, aren't you?"
Blake shook her head to her.
"No, no it's not what it looks like." Blake insisted to her, as she came forward.
Despite her insistence, Pyrrha couldn't help by turn away from her, frowning. Feeling her heart break at the realty that the one she called a friend was a member of the White Fang.
"Pyrrha... Please... I can explain." Blake pleaded with her.
Adam glanced to her, angrily.
"What?" he exclaimed.
At that moment, Auron and the others came hurtling down the stairway. But as they came up behind Pyrrha, they were met with sight of Blake standing before the opened vault and an unconscious Rueben. Auron and Keith stared in utter shock and contempt, unable to process what they were seeing.
Hanako stepped forward next to Pyrrha. She stared back at Blake, sternly.
"So you've chosen you side." Hanako said.
Blake shook her head.
"No, I didn't... I didn't have anything to do with this!" Blake insisted, glancing back to Pyrrha.
Glaring behind his mask, Adam's fist tightened in anger. What he had feared the most and what Roman had said of her proved to be so. Her loyalty had truly been divided. And thus, she would pay dearly for it.
"You mean... It was you?" Auron said, angrily.
"You were a spy for the White Fang all this time?!"
Blake was just about to speak up. Only for Adam to step forward.
"That's right." He proclaimed to them.
"And none of you expected a thing."
Blake glanced to Adam in awe.
"Adam, No!" Blake pleaded to him.
Adam simply ignored her plea. Instead shifting his glance to Pyrrha, seeing the saddened and dejected look over her face. He then grinned, all but intending to make Blake suffer more by driving a wedge between her so called friends.
"Did you honestly think you were friends?" Adam said to her.
"She was only using you. All of you. So that she could find the Vault for us. She never truly cared for any of you."
Adam's words continued to bring such distraught to Pyrrha and Blake. As she continued to face away from Adam, Pyrrha closed her eyes that now seeped with tears. Despite not wanting to believe it, she also could not deny it. Blake narrowing her saddened gaze. Unable to deny anything that Adam had said as he indeed speak true to form.
"And thanks to her, the White Fang shall exact the Revenge upon all our enemies!" Adam insisted, turning back to the other White Fang members.
"Finally, the Faunus will be given the justice that we have long been owned."
"No, you won't!" Pyrrha then said.
Adam and Blake turned back at Pyrrha, who was now facing back at them. Despite the tears in her eyes, she glanced back at them, determinedly.
"What justice brings suffering and death to innocent people?" Pyrrha questioned Adam.
"Brings further divide between our peoples? This is not justice for the Faunus!"
Blake squinted her eyes at Pyrrha, hearing the words which she said. Adam only glared angrily at the insolence of the human, who dared speak against them.
"You do not speak for our people!" Adam proclaimed to her.
"That may be so, but I won't allow you to steal from Lothadare." Pyrrha insisted, taking a defensive stance before Adam.
"Nor will we!" Auron proclaimed.
Auron and Keith both reached back and drew their hammer and blaster from behind. Taking a combative stance along side Akara's prodigy. Hanako drew her Katana from her side as she held it before her.
Adam only smirked at the four.
"Then you will share the same fate as Lothadare." Adam said.
It was right at that moment, that the other White Fang members emerged from the vault. Carrying with them, the crates that now contained most of the relics and weapons they had taken. Though upon glancing to Adam and Blake, the sight of Pyrrha and the others caused them to set down the crates and drew their blasters to them.
Pyrrha and her teammates only continued to stand undeterred to the White Fang. That was until they heard the sudden charging of blasters from behind. Pyrrha glanced back and saw more of the White Fang members from the courtyard.
"Uh, guys..." Keith said, glancing to Pyrrha and Auron.
It was right at that moment that the man they saw with them emerged from behind the White Fang members,
"I hate to interrupt your little excursion here, but I'm afraid your interrupting our plans." Torchwick said, twirling his cane in his hand.
"So if you would be so kind as to step aside. Otherwise, me and my associates here will have to start getting nasty."
Pyrrha turned back at Adam and Blake for a moment. Before turning back at the Torchwick and the White Fang that stood behind them. They were surrounded at all sides by the White Fang, held by the point of their blasters. Much like how her training programs would usually begin. But this wasn't like the training segments that she had trained with. This was real.
They stood no chance against them. Not here.
"What do we do?" She thought to herself, hoping to hear the voice of her mentor.
Adam raised a finger to the other White Fang members, looking as through he was about to give the order to attack. Pyrrha braced herself, raising her shield as she ready for what was to come.
"No!" Blake suddenly said, she came between Adam and Pyrrha.
"Please, stop! Don't hurt them!"
Adam glared down at her.
"Blake, what are you doing?" He said.
"Adam, please, let them go!" Blake pleaded with him.
"You already have what you wanted, just please, don't hurt them!"
Lowering her Shield, Pyrrha glanced at Blake.
Hearing the pleading and contempt in her voice as she begged for Adam to spare her and the others. The small part of her that had hoped that Blake hadn't betrayed was felt once more.
"Blake..." she whispered.
It was at that same moment, that she then heard Akara's voice.
"Listen to her."
Pyrrha glanced back for a second.
"Akara?" she asked, squinting her eyes, curiously.
"Listen to her. You must trust in each other." Akara proclaimed to her.
The word trust caused Pyrrha to glanced to the side for a moment. She then glanced to Blake, who was looking back at her with the same pleading expression. Though she knew she had no right to ask them for what she had done. She all but asked for them to trust her this one time. To lower their weapons and concede to the demands of the Whit
"Guys, what's the plan here?" Keith asked, again.
It was then that Pyrrha glanced back at Blake. She then stoop up, lowering both her sword and shield to her side. Much to the shock and dismay of Auron, Hanako and Keith.
"Alright, just don't hurt no one." Pyrrha said.
"Pyrrha, what are you doing?" Auron asked, glancing to her.
Pyrrha turned back to him.
"Please, trust me on this." She asked of them.
"Lower your weapons."
Auron, Hanako and Keith glanced to each other, unsure to say the least. Though upon glancing back to the White Fang members that surrounded them from both sides. As much as they would hate to admit it, but they stood no chance against the White Fang. If they were to have any chance of getting back the relics they took, they had to play along and wait for a better oppertunity.
Auron uttered a curse behind his breath, sheaving his blaster rifle over his back. Hanako and Keith followed suit, raising their hands into the air. Pyrrha turned forward to Blake and Adam.
"Alright, you have us." Pyrrha proclaimed to him.
Adam grinned to them.
Qrow deflected the White Fang's chainsaw sword with his own. The large brute forcefully pushed his sword down over him, bringing him down to his knees. Using all the strength that he could muster, Qrow pushed is sword to the side. The White Fang member growled in anger as he attempted to slash his sword from the side. Qrow quickly leaped back from his blade as his back became pressed against his bike.
He glanced back at his bike for a moment. He then turned forward to the brute, who once more raised his large sword to him. Qrow quick to counter it with his own.
"Hey, watch the bike!" Qrow exclaimed to him.
Just as they broke off their swords, Qrow slashed his sword at the large Brute, forcing him back. Just as he had gained his footing, he turned to face Qrow once more. Only to see him coming at him as he delivered a massive swing of his sword, causing him to fly back. Qrow landed in a crouching formation. As he stood up, he took a hard glance around at the battle that unfolded around him.
He then squinted his eyes, curiously. None of the White Fang seemed to be making any such effort to push forward to gain anymore ground. It almost seemed like they were trying to hold the positions they already have. But why?
Qrow then heard Leandra from off the side, where she was using her shield to block some of White Fang's blaster fire, who closed in on her. Qrow turned and lunged forward as he delivered a clean slash of his sword, which caught one of their blasters in two. He then spun around and delivered a kick to their stomach, sending them flying back.
"Thanks for the assist." Leandra said.
Qrow gestured a nod of his head.
"No problem." he said.
It was at that moment that more blaster erupted from overhead, causing Qrow to duck down before countering their fire. He then came up next to Leandra, deflecting their blaster shots with his sword.
"Something not right about." He said.
"The Grimm don't seem to eager to take the rest of the plaza. Nor they see, like their going to retreat anytime soon."
Leandra squinted her eyes in suspicion, having noticed what Qrow was saying. While is seemed that they were holding their own against the White Fang, none of them seem to making any such effort to push forward and take the plaza. Despite their losses, they didn't seem to cease the oppertunity to retreat. Though upon further ponder of the situation, for the White Fang to attack the plaza seemed odd in of itself.
She then nodded her head.
"Your right, there is something off about this." She said.
"Why haven't they made any advances?"
Qrow turned forward, his focus divided between the battle taking place and the White Fang's questionable methods. With them holding their positions and with little advances, it was almost as if they were..
He then gasped in realization.
"It's not the plaza their after!" he exclaimed.
The White Fang continued to clean out the inside of the vault. Smashing open the glass containers as they took whatever was inside. All the while, Torchwick walked along through the vault, twirling the cane in his hand.
"Come on, people. Pick up the pace!" He said.
"Time is money."
Smashing open a glass container, Roman's eyes then shifted to the very center of the room, where he saw a familiar looking lamp over an alter. He paused for a moment.
"Well, well... what have we here?" He said as he approached the alter.
He reached out his hand and tool hold of the golden ring over the top of the Lamp. Lifting it from the alter, the conmen expressed a sly grin to the Relic he now held.
"The Lamp of Abaroth!" he said with a slight chuckle.
"Such a relic of high value, sitting down here, locked away. It's not like they are going to need it anymore."
Pyrrha and her Teammates were forced back against the wall, held at blaster point by the White Fang members. From behind, Blake watched in much shame and contempt. She narrowed her eyes in utter contempt.
"I'm sorry, Pyrrha. but if there was any other way." She said.
Auron, Keith and Hanako turned away in disbelief. Feeling utterly betrayed by the one they had thought was their was their teammate. That was except for Pyrrha, who glanced up to her.
"Blake, please listen to me." Pyrrha begged of her.
"You don't have to do this."
Blake glanced up to her as she shook her head. As much as she wanted to believe her, it was already too late for her. She was already responsible for many of the atrocities the White Fang has committed. She was no better then Adam or the rest.
"No, Pyrrha. I have to." Blake insisted to her.
"The Faunus have suffered for too long under Lothadare. They have to pay for what they've done."
Pyrrha squinted her eyes to Blake, shaking her head. She couldn't believe for a moment the words that Blake had said. Nor that Blake believe them herself from the contempt in her voice.
"You don't believe that!" Pyrrha proclaimed to her.
"But I do. You don't understand, I don't have a choice anymore!" Blake proclaimed to her.
"You have no ideas the things I've done! I thought there was another way for me. But there isn't!"
Auron shook his head.
"You heard her, Pyrrha." He said.
"She's made up her mind."
Pyrrha only turned back to Blake. Despite what she and the others were saying to her, she would not believe any of it. Choosing to believe only the word of Akara. She could see the conflict in Blakes eyes. There had to be a reason she would ask her to trust her.
"Your wrong... You always have a choice, Blake!" Pyrrha insisted to her.
"You can't let this ."
It was right at the moment that Adam stepped forward.
"Quiet!" Adam said, looking as if her was about to draw his sword.
Blake turned back to face him.
"Adam, stop!" she said, placing her hand out to him.
Her sudden gesture to come between them earned her a growl from Adam, glaring down at her. He then sheaved her sword to his side. Adam then glanced up at Pyrrha.
"Don't you get it. She was never your friend!" Adam proclaimed to her.
Pyrrha only stared back at him with a stern expression.
"Alright, I think that's everything. " Roman said from inside the vault.
Turning back to the vault, they saw Roman and the other White Fang members emerged from the vault with the rest of the relics. Pyrrha and the others turned to Roma, seeing her holding the lamp of Abaroth.
"Oh, no!" she thought to herself.
Adam turned to him.
"Are you sure?" He asked, curiously.
Roman nodded his head to him.
"Yes, I'm sure." He said, hoisting up the lamp.
"And a little something from the Knight's themselves."
Pyrrha shook her head as she attempted to step out of line.
"No, you can't!" Pyrrha said.
Only to then be stopped as the white Fang members raised their blasters to her.
"Oh, I'm afraid I am. You see, this relic is no ordinary relic." Roman insisted to them.
"This is the Lamp of Abaroth himself. An ancient Relic that had been passed down to all the knights of Opara. Even more valuable then anything the King had in that vault. And I know some people who will pay quite a hefty price for it."
Hearing the intentions of the conmen, Pyrrha pondered what she would do. She couldn't allow him to simply take the Lamp. But what was she to do. They were at the mercy of the White Fang, with little to no way of fighting back. Not without being cut down by the White Fang's blaster fire.
"What do I do? I can't just stand here and do nothing!" she thought to herself.
Adam turned back to the other White Fang members.
"All of you, take those Crates back to the Truck." He ordered them.
The White fang members began picking up the Crates and moving them toward the stairway. Adam then turned to Blake, placing his hand over his shoulder.
"Blake, it's time." He said.
Blake felt her heart drop at the words Adam spoke. It was the same words he had said to her when they had attacked the Cargo transport. Even now she could remember the Crew members begging her for their lives. And now she was about to do the same to the friends she had made here at the Academy. Despite that she knew she had no other choice.
"Right." she said.
Blake then turned to follow Adam and the others to the stairway. Pyrrha glanced up to her, sadden to see her leave. Her eyes shifted to the side, continuing to call out to her predecessor.
"Akara, please, what do I do?" she asked herself.
Though just as it appeared to be hopeless, she then heard Akara voice utter but a single word to her.
"Now!"
For whatever reason she could not say, Pyrrha knew exactly what Akara wanted her to do. Drawing both her sword and shield to her with her semblance, she quickly moved upon the two White Fang members holding them at blaster point. Swing her shield, she knocked his blaster out from his hands before slashing her blade at the White Fang member. Just as the other member was about to respond to her attack, raising his blaster to her, Auron and the others acted first. Grabbing the barrel of their blaster, Auron pushed it aside before slugging them in the face, dropping him to the floor.
The other White Fang members still below the stairway turned to them, firing at them. Auron reached back, pulling his blaster from behind as he returned returned fire. Pyrrha followed suit. Raising her shield to block the incoming blaster bolts, she took a knee as Milo changed form into it's rifle. She then fired back at the White Fang members, striking several members with her firing.
Adam glared angrily at them.
"Keep moving!" He said to Blake and the others.
He then turned and approached Pyrrha and Auron. Much to the dismay of Blake. Pyrrha and Auron continued to fire back at the White Fang, causing some to drop the crates they were carrying. It was at that moment Adam reached down to his side, drawing his sword. Though rather then swiping his sword at them, he instead swiped his blade to the ceiling above, sending an red energy wave. Striking the ceiling above Pyrrha and Auron, causing the debris to fall over them.
"Look Out!" Pyrrha cried, pushing him aside out of the way of the falling debris.
Blake and the others had already reached the top of the stairway. When they heard a sudden sound from below. Blake glanced back, worryingly. Not for her fellow member but rather fearing for Pyrrha and the others. Which was why it made her heart drop to see Adam emerge from the stairway.
"Wha- what happened?" she asked, curiously.
"I bought us some time." He said so simply and cold as he passed her by.
Blake turned back toward the stairway, squinting her eyes, worryingly. She hoped that Pyrrha and the others were alright. Though knowing Adam, he was not one to spare others. Especially those who were against him.
Adam turned back to the others.
"Get those crates to the Truck!" He said, pointing overhead.
"You heard the man, let's get a move on!" Roman said.
As the others made their way back to the truck, Adam turned back to Blake, , who continued to gaze down at the stairway. He glared as he came up to her, grabbing her by her arm.
"Let's go." He said, pulling her along.
As the dust began to clear, Pyrrha and Auron stood up from the floor, coughing.
"Is everyone alright?" Pyrrha asked, glancing back to Auron.
Auron nodded his head.
"Yeah... Yeah, I'm fine." He said, turning to her.
Pyrrha then turned back to Hanako and Keith, who were tending to the Headmaster. Narrowed down to his side, Keith picked him up off the floor, leaning him up. The elderly man, barely conscious, winced at the pain. Over his chest, he bared a burning scar from the energy wave of Adam's sword.
"Headmaster?" Hanako said.
Pyrrha and Auron came up to the Headmaster.
"Headmaster Reuben, are you alright?" Pyrrha asked, curiously.
The Headmaster shook his head to them.
"Forget about me, I will be fine." The Headmaster proclaimed to him.
"But you must go after them. That vault was filled with the most dangerous relics known to the Realms. If the White Fang use them on the Kingdom, none will be spared from their wraith!"
Pyrrha squinted her eyes in hesitation. She the turned and gazed back at the stairway. She did not wish to leave the side of the Headmaster. Not when he was injured. But at the same time, they couldn't let the White Fang escape with the relics. Especially not with the Lamp.
She turned back to her Teammates.
"He's right, we can't let them escape with the relics." Pyrrha proclaimed to them.
"The Kingdom will be in grave danger if we don't."
Keith stood up, cracking his knuckles in anticipation.
"No argument here." He said.
"I've itching to get even with those guys."
Auron also nodded his head, hoisting his blaster into the air.
"Then what are we waiting for?" He said.
Pyrrha smiled, nodding her head to them. She then turned forward as the four made their way to the stairway.
The White Fang members had already finished loading the crates into the truck. Roman grinned, throwing his cane over his shoulder. The Heist of a lifetime. What they had said would be impossible to pull off. Yet here they were, loading the most rarest relics in all the Realms. And they were going to change their lives.
She then turned to Adam and Blake.
"We're all loaded!" He called to them.
Adam grinned.
"Good!" He said before continuing to drag Blake along.
Pyrrha and the others emerge from the entrance of the Academy. It was there, they saw the White Fang loading the last of the crates into the back of a large truck.
"Over there!" Pyrrha said, pointing ahead.
"Come on!"
The four made their way across the courtyard toward the White Fang's Truck. Pulling Blake into the back of the truck, Adam glanced up where he saw the four moving toward them. Though rather then scowling in anger at the sight of them, a sly grin formed over his face. Reaching down to his side, he pulled out a small detonator.
"What are you doing with that?" Blake asked, worryingly.
"Just a little parting gift for Lothadare." Adam proclaimed before pressing the red button.
The sounds of a massive explosions and a bright flashes of light from behind. Pyrrha and the others came to a sudden stop, glancing back at the Academy that was now in flames. The west wing of the building having been blown to pieces, causing it to collapse. Much of the east wing, while still in tack, flames had came bursting through the windows on the upper floors, shattering the windows. Several other explosions erupted from different parts of the school.
Pyrrha shield her eyes from the sudden explosions that had gone off. Only to look back to see the Academy's main building burning. The sight of Lothadare more prodigious Academy's, where came many of the Kingdom's Greatest knights, now lying in ruins was a shock to the four.
"No way!" Auron said in awe.
It was the sound of a the truck's engine that had snapped them to attention. Pyrrha turned and saw the back of the White Fang Truck close as it began driving forward through the gates of the Academy.
"They are getting away!" Pyrrha proclaimed, rushing forward.
"Come on!"
Though despite their efforts to catch up, the Truck had drove off through the gate and into the city. Unable to keep up, Pyrrha came to a stop outside the gate, staring in utter contempt at the Truck as it drove off into the city. Auron, Keith and Hanako caught up to her.
"Damn it, we're never catch them like this." Auron proclaimed to them.
"So what do we do now?" Pyrrha asked, turning to them.
"Uh, hey guys?" Keith then said.
Glancing back to Keith, they saw him pointing over to the left. Looking to where he was pointing, they saw what looked to be a Lothadarian Military Humvee. Must have belonged to the Squad who were guarding the gate. Though at the moment, it would seem it was their best chance of stopping the White Fang from escaping with the relics.
"That works." Auron said, glancing to Pyrrha.
Pyrrha nodded in agreement.
Over the White Fang's comms, they heard Adam telling them that they had secured the relics and to pull out from the square. Acknowledging his orders, they abandoned their positions and quickly retreated from the square. Firing back at the Lothadarian troopers who advanced after them.
"Their falling back!" One of the Royal Guardsmen said, glancing back at Leandra and Qrow.
Qrow squinted his eyes in suspicion at the sudden retreating White Fang Members. None of it made sense. They fought for this long to take the square only to now abandoned their positions and retreat from the area. All but proving his theory that they were not after the Square at all.
"They've held their positions for this long and now they retreat?" He said, shaking his head.
"I knew it. I knew there was something off about this. It was never the Square they were after."
"Then what was all this for?" Leandra asked, curiously.
As as to answer her question, Leandra heard her scroll go off from her side. She drew her scroll from her side and opened the screen. It was there they heard a voice come over the comms.
"Attention all Units, explosions sighted at the Academy! Repeat, Explosions sighted at the Academy. White Fang suspected to be Involved!"
"Academy!" Leandra exclaimed, glancing up at Qrow.
Qrow widened his eyes in awe.
"Oh God, Red!" He exclaimed, rushing over to his Bike.
He came over over his bike before her drove off back to Academy.
In the back of the Armored Truck, Roman and Neo were inspecting some of the Crates. Walking along between the crates, still carrying the Lamp in his hand, he chuckled, connivingly.
"I must say, Adam, I had my doubts about this Heist." Roman said, glancing up to Adam.
"But we've managed to pull it off. Though no thanks to her."
Adan glared angrily, knowing well of who he was referring to. Shifting his glance back to Blake, who was still faced with the doorway at the back of the truck. As much as he hated to admit it, it would seem that Torchwick indeed correct regarding her loyalties.
"I must say, I expected much better from the White Fang." Torchwick said, earning an angered scowl from Adam.
"I mean, mutiny at a time like this. Shameful Really."
Roam then shifted his glance down to the Crate to his left. He then grinned.
"Although..." he said, pressing a button over one of the crates
The top to slid open to reveal the relics inside. Seeing the contents that were inside, he gave a sly grin.
"After this Heist, the both of us are set for life." He proclaimed to them.
"You with your Cause. And as for me, well... I'm going to be richer then all the Realm's Monarch's."
He then held up the Lamp of Abaroth, grinning with anticipation.
"Just don't forget our deal." Adam warned him.
"Yes, Yes, I have every intention on keeping my word." Torchwick reassured him, closing the crate top.
"Unlike some people, I am a loyal business partner. Now relax, the Job is done. You have what you need for your cause and I... well..."
He then cocked his head, glancing up at the Lamp of Abaroth which he hoisted up.
"I'm going to be more richer then all the Monarchs in the Realms." he proclaimed.
At the front of the truck, the two White Fang continued to maneuver through traffic, hoping to not be noticed by the Kingdom's citizens. Only to then hear a sudden honking sound from behind. Glancing into the rear view mirror, they saw what appeared to be a military Humvee tailing them.
Keith drove the Humvee through oncoming traffic as they followed after the armored truck. Maneuvering passed many of the vehicles in their wake as they came up behind the White Fang.
"Try and keep it steady, Keith." Auron said, placing a clip in his blaster.
"I'm trying!" He said, turning the wheel to pass around a car.
In the back, Pyrrha stood up in her seat. Reaching back, she drew Milo which transformed into its Javelin form.
"Get me in close!" She said.
"Got it!" He said as he drove forward toward the truck.
"We got a tail!" One of the White Members called from the front of the truck.
Torchwick and Adam turned back to the driver.
"What?" He said as he walked to the front.
In the back of the Truck, Blake glanced back at the front of the Truck. The mention of a tail brought a feeling of dread, having a feeling just who it was that was following them.
"Pyrrha!" she said.
Torchwick came up to the front of the truck, where he peered into the rear view mirror. It was there he saw the Humvee that was coming up behind them. Being driven by the same meddling students they had encountered at the Academy. Torchwick groaned in annoyance.
"It's those damn kids again!" He said, glancing back at Adam and the others.
Adam glanced back, glaring in anger as he gritted his teeth. He turned back to the other White Fang members.
"Take care of them!" He exclaimed to them.
The back doors of the Armored Truck came opened, where they saw several White Fang member's armed with blasters. Seeing them raise their blasters, Keith quickly turned the wheel as he moved out of the way as they then opened fire. Pyrrha drew her shield with her semblance and blocked the blaster fire. Auron, Keith and Hanako quicky docked down to avoid their shots.
Keith glanced to Auron.
"Uh, guys, what's the plan here?" He asked, nervously.
"Just focus on the Road, we got this." Auron insisted as he stood up.
"Pyrrha, Hanako!"
Pyrrha nodded her head.
"On it!" Pyrrha said as Milo transformed into it's blaster form.
She then proceeded to fire back at the White Fang from behind the cover of her shield. One of the White Fang members were struck by her shot, landing back over one of the crates. Causing the White Fang to cease fire for a moment, taking cover to each side of the truck's now open back. All the while, Hanako shot several plasma arrows from her bow. One of the White Fang members was stuck by the plasma arrow, falling back against the floor of the truck.
Just as one of the others appeared around the corner, Auron blasted him with his blaster. The Member was struck causing him to fall out of the back of the truck and onto the Highway.
"Nice shot, bro!" Keith said.
The Truck swerved for a moment, causing the others to hold tight.
"Keith, focus!" Hanako exclaimed.
"Sorry!" He said.
From the inside of the Truck, Adam, Torchwick and the others tried to dodge the incoming fire. He turned back to the four students perusing them. He glanced over at the remaining members.
"Closed the doors!" He ordered them.
The member reached over to the controls and pressed one of the buttons, causing the doors to close. Seeing the doors close, Pyrrha glanced back down at Keith.
"Get me in close!" She said.
"You got it!" Keith said as he drove forward toward the truck.
In the rear view mirror, they saw the Humvee driving up to the side of the truck.
"Their gaining on us!" Torchwick said, glancing back at Adam.
Adam came up to the front of the Truck, throwing Torchwick into the back with the others. Much to his warning to not mess us his coat. He gazed into the mirror at the four, where he saw Pyrrha coming up over the headlights. Looking as if she was about to leap up onto the Truck. He then turned to the driver and grabbed hold of the wheel, turning the Truck to try and ram them.
The Truck turned and looked as though it was going ram them off the road. Keith quickly turned the Humvee along with it. All the while, trying to avoid the other cars and trucks that occupied the streets. From over the headlamps, Pyrrha tried to keep her balance over the narrow stand.
"You Okay, Pyrrha?" Keith said.
Pyrrha nodded her head.
"I'm alright." She insisted to them.
"Just Hang on!" Auron said.
Just as the truck came to settle itself, so too did the Keith pull the Humvee up to the side of the truck once more.
Seeing the Humvee pulling up next to them, Adam gritted his teeth in frustration. He then turned and came back into the back of the truck, where Blake was standing. He then grabbed hold of his arm and pulled her to him.
"It's time you finally prove your loyalty." Adam proclaimed to her.
Blake squinting her eyes up to him.
"What...?" She asked, worryingly.
Adam grinned slyly at her.
As the Humvee came up next to the truck, Pyrrha then leaped up from the headlights and grabbed hold on the edge of the Truck. She then pulled herself up onto the roof, only to slip down over the side of the truck. Earning a worried gasp from her Teammates below.
"Pyrrha!" Auron exclaimed.
"I'm fine!" She reassured them.
Pyrrha then proceeded to pulled herself up, coming up over the roof of the Truck. Though as she stood up over the currently moving armored transport, she suddenly paused. As she found herself faced with Blake, who was standing before what looked to be an entrance hatch into the truck. Both Gambol Shroud and its sheath held in each of her hands. Facing away with a look of shame for what she was about to do
Pyrrha frowned.
"Blake?" she asked.
Blake glanced up to her, frowning.
"I'm sorry, Pyrrha. But I can't allow you to do this." She said, before taking a defensive stance.
Pyrrha felt her heart sink at Blake's gesture of aggression. Despite her seeming as appalled by her actions as she was, it was clear just who Blake was loyal to. As much as she didn't wish to believe it was so.
"Blake, please, it doesn't have to end like this!" Pyrrha pleaded with her.
"We're friends!"
Blake shook her head to her.
"No, we're not!" Blake exclaimed to her.
"We never were!"
Pyrrha squinted her eyes in disbelief, shaking her head.
"Y-you don't mean that!" Pyrrha insisted to her.
Blake sealed her eyes tightly, trying to hold back the tears that were seeping from her eyes. She knew she was lying to herself. She knew it wasn't true. But even still, she knew there was no going back for her. Not after all she had done and all the people she hurt.
"But I do. Don't you get it?" Blake said.
Pyrrha narrowed her eyes, knowing there was no reason to hold out hope anymore. The friend she thought she knew had chosen her path. As much as she didn't want to believe. Yet even still, she knew there had to be way to convince her there was another why. But what could she do?
"So you have made you choice, haven't you?" She asked.
Blake turned away, closing her eye. All but confirming what Pyrrha hoped wasn't so. Causing her to turn away, closing her eyes in contempt.
"I see." she said.
She then turned back to face Blake with a more stern expression. Using her semblance, she drew both Milo and Akouo to her hands.
"Then I will do what I have to." Pyrrha said, taking a combative stance.
The two former teammates faced one another for a moment's time, their eyes locked on each other. Their weapons held firmly in their hands, ready for who ever would make the first daring move. Though locked behind their stern gazes, a mixture of sadness and contempt. To be forced tp fight the one they had once considered a friend.
It was Blake who made the first move, charging toward Pyrrha. She then leaped up into the air before slashing her Katana. Only for Pyrrha to hold up shield and block her attack. She then pushed Blake back before rushing forward to her. Landing over the roof of the armored truck, Blake came at Pyrrha as the two exchanged several clashed of their swords. Pyrrha deflecting several strikes with both her shield and semblance. All the while, Blake moved swiftly as she continued to attack.
Though despite that, Pyrrha was quick to counter her, delivering much stronger strikes. Having both trained together and practiced sparing against each other, they were both well aware of each other's fighting styles. But this was no training spare.
They were fighting each other for real.
Pyrrha rolled out of the way of Blake's swipe of Gambol shroud. Turning back face her, the two sword clashed one more.