RWBY: Team CRML
Chapter 45
A few hours earlier, train station to Argus
Chrome
"I still don't feel like I deserve the freedom you and your family granted me." Ilia told Chrome.
"Well, you're going to have to get over it, Ilia." Chrome said with a soft smile. "Saving Haven had a huge impact on how Faunus are seen in Mistral. Now it's up to you all to take the progress and...just keep running with it."
"Right. The White Fang may have been a failure, but with your father starting up a new movement, I've got more faith than ever before." Ilia ran up to Chrome and gave him a big hug. Thank you, for everything." she began to choke up. "I wish you didn't have to go."
The two parted away.
"I know, but my team needs me." Chrome said. "We're going to track down the people behind the attacks on Haven and Beacon."
"Always trying to save the world."
"Just a little." Chrome said, measuring a small amount using his index finger and thumb.
"So, where's Blake and-"
"Sun? Oh, he's right here!" Sun said, popping up behind Ilia with Blake by his side. "What? You didn't think I wasn't gonna say 'goodbye' to ya on your big send-off, did you?"
"He couldn't find you so I brought him over." Blake said. She then turned to Sun. "So, you're really going to Vacuo?"
"That's right! Seeing you guys reunited with the rest of your teams really made me realize something - I'm like the worst team leader ever." Sun said. "Me and the boys were cool with a little hiatus, but we gotta make up for lost time. Shade Academy's not dealing with any problems like Haven right now. Plus, that means I can show the guys around my old stomping grounds!"
"I have to admit, I think I was kind of getting used to having you around." Blake told him.
"I go where I'm needed!" Sun striked a pose before suddenly dropping it. "And... you don't need me anymore."
"Well, when you say it like that, it sounds sad." Blake frowned.
"Look... despite the drama and the fighting and the numerous attempts on my life, I had a lot of fun! But you're with who you're supposed to be now." Sun told her.
"Sun... I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough. I'm still-"
"You're still working a lot of things out, I know." Sun said. "But you can do it with them. And in the future, who knows? I've got a feeling you haven't seen the last of me."
"I certainly hope not." Blake suddenly moved forward and placed a gentle kiss on Sun's lips. Pulling away, the two smiled.
Seeing this, Chrome smirked. "I'm gonna miss ya, man." Chrome said. "You best take care."
"I could say the same to you." Chrome walked up to him and the two shared a brief 'bro' hug.
"See you guys later!" Sun said once the two pulled away. Turning around, Sun waved back at them as he walked away.
Present time
Slowly opening his eyes, Chrome blinked a few times. Pushing himself up from the snow covered ground, he sat back on his knees as he took a quick glance around to get his surroundings. Snow gently fell from the sky, sticking to Chrome's clothes. Seeing his weapons lying a few feet away, Chrome picked one up and placed it on his back before grabbing his second one and using it to help him stand.
Once on his feet, Chrome placed his second sword on his back. Looking back, Liam lay on his back in the snow, still unconscious. Walking over to him, Chrome knelt down and shook Liam's shoulder but he didn't budge. "C'mon, Liam, get up, man." still not budging, Chrome looked around before sighing. Seeing Liam's weapon lying next to him, Chrome picked it up and sheathed it on his hip before grabbing Liam's arm and pulling him to his feet, wrapping Liam's arm around the back of his neck.
"C'mon, man." Chrome said as he took a step. "I'm not about to leave you behind."
Looking up the bank, Chrome knew he wouldn't be able to carry Liam up it. Instead, he began walking along the bottom of it.
An hour later
Coming across a few derailed train cars, Chrome carried Liam over to them and sat him down next to one so he could search around for anything to eat.
After a few minutes of searching, Chrome spotted faint footsteps in the snow that led away from the crash. Returning to Liam, Chrome picked him up, wrapping Liam's arm around the back of his neck, and began following the tracks.
Hours later
As the sun had disappeared, replaced by the shattered moon, Chrome was on the verge of collapse. He was cold, tired, and hungry. But he kept pushing forward, following the tracks still.
Thankfully, the snow stopped falling a while ago, making it so the tracks hadn't vanished entirely. Finally coming across a gate to a small village, Chrome entered while still carrying his unconscious teammate. Following the tracks to a nearby house, Chrome gently kicked the door a few times, hoping for an answer.
After what felt like eternity, but in reality only seconds, the door opened to a familiar face. "Chrome?" Marek said, shocked to see him.
Finally somewhere safe, Chrome's eyes shut as he and Liam both fell to the ground.
End of chapter 45
