"Hey Weiss, can I ask you something?"
The girl in question cast a glance over, giving a nod to Ruby.
"Have you noticed anything... different about Blake and Yang?"
Now that was an odd question, she lowered her pencil as she turned to face her.
"What do you mean?" She asked as Ruby seemed to shuffle next to her.
Weiss had been halfway through her assignment on dust studies, in the middle of detailing the various factors that went into mixture composition as well as outside applications.
Yet Ruby seemed strangely worried, so much so as to come all the way to the library to talk. That on it's own had her attention, as her young leader was usually off working on her weapon or spending time with team JNPR.
Ruby looked down to her hands. "Well, Blake has been distant, more than usual I mean. She's always finding reasons to run off somewhere." Weiss raised an eyebrow.
"Doesn't she always do that?" She asked as Ruby shook her head.
"Not as much as this, she normally spends time reading on her bed; but she's running around now."
"So... why is this a problem? You always want us to do "Team activities" together, isn't this a good thing?" Weiss was calm in her tone, not seeing the issue.
Ruby shook her head. "I do I do, but it isn't like that. I mean..." She took a second to shake herself, letting out a breath as she faced Weiss.
"Whenever they look at each other, it's like they're worried about something. Agh, I can't think of the right words! It's like they know something, something bad, but they won't talk about it."
Weiss let her eyebrow lower, squinting slightly as she thought about it.
"That's... a poor way of describing it, but I understand what you're saying."
She could tell what the girl was trying to get at, but to be perfectly honest she didn't fully understand it. Weiss had been so busy with keeping ahead of her work that she'd neglected to really notice what the others were up to.
They came to Beacon to be huntresses, to kill Grimm. Team drama wasn't exactly part of her expectations, that was more of her own failings in her opinion as she should have been ready for it.
"Did you try talking to Yang about it? She's your sister, so she'll at least say something." Weiss suggested, Ruby replied with another head shake.
"That's the thing though, I've tried asking her but she won't say anything! She just tells me "Nothing's wrong" and "Don't worry about it." I don't know what to do."
"Well then what do you want me to do about it? I can't just make them tell us what's wrong." Weiss stated, watching as her partner rubbed her arm.
"Well, I was hoping you could keep an eye on Blake? She's been going to Vale a lot more recently, and the news said that there have been more robberies going on."
Then it clicked for her. "You're worried she might get caught by the White Fang?"
Ruby nodded. "I know it's none of my business, but what if she gets caught up in something? Whatever's going on between her and Yang has her off in her head. She's been jumpy and I'm worried she might get in trouble, if she isn't already."
Now that was something, Blake getting herself into trouble. Weiss wouldn't say she was great friends with her, but she'd like to think she was on even ground with her. Blake was the calmest member of the team, and one of the few who seemed to understand the importance of their school work.
Of course it wasn't any of her business though, what right did she have to pry? Blake was entitled to her secrets. If she wanted help she would have asked already. Then again not everybody who needs help asks for it.
"Then why not look for her yourself?"
Ruby gave a short, nervous chuckle. "Ah, well, I kind of... did already."
"You did?"
"Yeah, I tried asking her what was wrong. She told me nothing was wrong just like Yang, but now she's always giving me side looks." Ruby told as she looked away.
"She thinks you're watching her every move now, doesn't she." Weiss stated flatly.
Ruby gave a sigh. "Yeah, yeah she does. But it's only for her safety I swear! Can you please look out for her?"
Weiss took a moment to think on it, debating whether to go along with the idea, only to make the fatal mistake of looking back to Ruby. The girl was a master of puppy eyes, giving her the most sorrowful look she'd ever seen.
Weiss let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll look out for her." Ruby took on a look of relief.
"Thanks Weiss."
With that the younger girl left. She let out a huff, still not liking the idea of prying. Weiss rose from her seat, deciding she'd had enough studying for the afternoon.
Her pace was calm as she walked down the halls heading back to their room. The rest of the team was back by now if Ruby was anything to go by, she highly doubted the girl would leave all on her own.
Ruby did invite her to go with them, however she turned it down. She'd rather not get herself worked up with the constant White Fang trouble, she'd had enough already.
She let herself relax as she opened the door and stepped inside.
"Yo." Came the voice of Yang who was laying on her bed with a magazine in hand.
Weiss glanced around, taking particular notice of the other missing teammates, one of which she just spoke with moments ago.
"Where's Ruby?" She asked as Yang flipped a page.
"Workshop, adding a new coat of paint to Crescent Rose."
"And Blake?"
"Book shop in Vale."
"Uh-huh."
So She's already left.
Any hope of things being easy was scrapped. Weiss let out a sigh as she walked over to her bed. She reached underneath and pulled out her weapon case, opening it up and taking out the blade.
The rapier was cleanly polished, hosting a cylindrical chamber within the guard to hold up to four different types of dust. She held a smirk, adjusting Myrtenaster at her side. The blade gave a soft click as it was secured in place.
"Where you off to?" Yang asked as she looked over.
"I'm thinking about going down to that book shop she likes so much, it might have something to my tastes. Do you know what it's called?" Weiss asked as Yang scrunched her face.
"Tukson's... uh... I don't really remember, but I've seen it while walking around before. Just look for the big fancy sign."
Weiss rolled her eyes. "Real helpful."
"Yeah yeah, whatever. If you're going down to Vale why are you taking that?" Yang gave a small point to the blade at her hip.
Weiss scoffed. "The White Fang's been more active in Vale lately as I'm sure you noticed, and being a Schnee around them isn't exactly what I'd call 'healthy'."
"Fair enough."
With that Weiss took her leave, intent on making sure Blake was okay.
.
.
"Back again?" Tukson spoke as Blake made for the isles.
"Just stocking up. By the way, are there any more in this series?" She asked as she held up her copy of 'Chained'.
Tukson gave a short laugh, nodding as he pointed to the back of the isle she was currently in.
"Lower left of the bottom shelf, 'Shackles' if I'm remembering right."
Blake strolled over, dipping down as she skimmed the shelf. Sure enough, 'Shackles' was right at the end. She took it, letting a smile slip across her face as she returned to the counter.
"That all?" Tukson asked, getting a nod from Blake. "For tonight."
Tukson scanned the book, handing it back as she gave him the lien. She was about to leave before he stopped her.
"Hold up a moment, I've got some news you might like to hear."
That was new, she had always been the one to ask for information, not the other way around. If he wanted to tell her then it must have been something important. With her curiosity peaked she walked back to the counter.
Tukson leaned closer as he spoke. "Something's going on tonight."
"Really?" She asked as he nodded.
"Down at the warehouse there's supposed to be a big shipment of dust coming in, 'SDC dust'."
Now that was news, shipments from the SDC only came around four times a year as there's usually enough to last. Of course with rumors of the White Fang stealing dust she knew it was the perfect opportunity. She could see once and for all whether it really was them.
"Thanks for the tip." She said as she took her leave.
"No problem, just watch yourself." Tukson cautioned as she gave a nod, making her way out the door.
.
.
Ruby groaned as she began to gain feeling once again.
Everything was so... heavy, she could barely move. She tried opening her eyes, the sight of cold cement surrounding her as she looked to her arms.
She was currently laying on the floor from the looks of it, fully clothed but missing her weapon. Ruby tried moving again, dragging her arms up to her chest and pushing against the floor.
Agh! N-no good.
She was breathing heavily, a sense of nausea bubbling throughout her body. She should have been more anxious but for some reason she wasn't. Whatever they had used to catch her must have been strong, although not strong enough to kill surprisingly. Unless they wanted her alive, in which case the situation was worse than she thought.
Ruby tried moving once more, heaving her body to the side, just barely managing to roll onto her back.
Little victories. She thought to herself as she started to take in the room.
It was a dungeon cell, because of course it was a dungeon cell. It could have been worse, she could have just been killed.
No! Bad thoughts! You're better than this, come on!
Letting herself focus she made for a sitting position, struggling against the comfort of the floor. Her body somehow managed it, allowing her to get a look at her legs. A shackle was wrapped around her ankle, chaining her to the floor.
"Wonderful." She muttered, another issue she'd have to deal with.
"Glad you like it." The words grasped at her, instantly she swept her head back.
"So, how do you like your new room?" Shade spoke, staring down at her.
Ruby sent a scowl his way. "You have two minutes to explain what's going on."
"Or you'll what? Kill me?" He gave a single laugh. "Take a look at that chain dear, tell me what you see."
She gazed down, scowling at the hated little object, only for her eyes to widen in shock. The thing had a slight glow, blackened mist seeping from it.
"Noticed it yet, it's a specialty here. The poison saps away aura, rendering warriors useless. Good thing it's only applied by touch, unlike back in the crypt." Shade was mocking her now.
She gazed back at him. "Why?! We're on the same side!"
"Really? Someone as respected as myself, working alongside a beast lover. Ha, I'd rather spend time in the cattle pen than ever consider working with the likes of you!" He cleared his throat, sending a small smirk her way.
"I must thank you honestly, without you we would have never found that filthy tribe."
"What?!"
Shade snapped his fingers, sending a glare her way. "Pay attention, it's no fun when I can't see the regret in your eyes." Ruby quieted, glare cutting deeper as his smile grew.
"Good girl, and so full of spirit, I wonder how long that will last. Listen carefully, I want to savor this moment." He was about to continue before Ruby piped in.
"Tell me this first, who are you?" His face settled into a look of content.
"You already know me, I am Shade; but that's not it is it? Very well, I guess I may have neglected to mention I am captain of the guard." Her look faltered for just a moment as his amusement grew.
"There it is, just what I wanted to see, now we may carry on. You were quite the little blessing, so much so that we were able to take care of the beasts just yesterday." Ruby felt a sense of dread, Shade noticed it as he raised his chin.
"Didn't know that? Pity, it was such fun. We were able to follow the trail you left, all the way from the kingdom's overlook. However you would have been a problem, so we needed a way to get rid of you."
He paced closer to the cell, gazing through the bars.
"Imagine my surprise when our spies tell of you trying to get into the city."
"So you had spies in the rebel base?" Ruby asked through gritted teeth, Shade giving a nod.
"Quite so, we've had them under our watch for a while. We wanted to use them to find the tribe out in the forest, yet none of them had ever managed to climb the ranks high enough. I had taken the guise of their transport between the camp and the city, so I always had my eye on them."
Shade backed away, leaning against the other wall. "Then you show up, no doubt having encountered the tribe, and wanting to get into the city to boot. It was simply perfect!" The man was laughing, sending a stab of guilt through her.
"They followed your trail, all the way back. I'd received reports that they were able to kill everyone inside. With them out of the way we finally had reason to capture and execute that pathetic little pen back in the cavern."
"So you killed everyone." Her voice was low, it was more of a statement than a question.
"Yes, publicly executed last night as a matter of fact; right after we captured you."
Ruby was silent for several seconds, opening her mouth to ask the only question left.
"Why tell me all of this? Why not kill me instead?"
"Oh we will, and it'll be a public spectacle. But I take a personal joy in breaking the spirits of our prisoners. It's... cathartic to punish those that would dare defy the kingdom."
Shade backed away, starting down the hall. "I'll be back for you when it's time. Until then try not to die, I'd rather the people get a good show."
Ruby heard the door slam, the noise echoing down the halls. She let herself fall back to the ground, exhausted from it all.
Why do I even try?
She'd worked so hard proving herself to everyone, trying to show that she wasn't a monster. What was it all for: more death, more blood on her hands, and more tragedy of her own making.
How many people had she gotten killed now, at this point she'd lost count. Every time she tried to help, she'd only made things worse.
Using some of her remaining strength she rolled over. She was trapped for the time being, but she'd find a way out eventually. First she needed to get the chain off somehow. The poison was making things much more difficult, and she was still barely able to move.
No good, she was too tired. Ruby tried, she really did, but the poison was just too strong.
She found herself drifting off into slumber.
.
.
We touched down at the warehouse once again.
I followed Adam as we left, the crew looking to check the vessel's overall status.
"We'll call that mission a success, in a roundabout sort of way." He said as I nodded.
I was glad to finally be back, now I'd be able to call Sienna and deliver my report. Neo made stretching motions as we entered the base, looking tired from the trip. Adam stopped, waving us to follow as we headed towards his office.
We slipped inside, Adam himself letting out a sigh as he faced us.
"Good, now we've got some privacy to talk." He stated as he looked over to me. "Now, about what happened back there. I want you to tell us what was going on."
He was staring at me along with Neo, both having their arms crossed as they awaited an explanation.
"About when I lost control?" I asked as he nodded.
"I've already told you what happened, I felt pain. I can't really say much more than that."
Adam shook his head. "I know that, I'm asking what the Grimm felt. You said you could feel their emotions, what was it like?"
I shut my eyes, thinking of the best way to describe it.
"Hate, pure and utter hate. They were all feeling the same hate, but... it wasn't theirs if that makes sense. It was like that green stuff was taking control, like they were just spectators. For me it was like being blind, but feeling your body move on it's own, and I hated it." I explained as Adam gave a slow nod.
"So like you they weren't in control." I nodded as he sighed.
"So we still have no idea what your new ability is like on normal Grimm. Whatever, we have more important things to do now that we're back."
Adam walked over to his desk, sitting down as he looked over some notes. Neo and I simply stood there, waiting for him to finish.
"One of the lieutenants brought this in while we were gone, schedule looks to be moving ahead. You two will be reporting to Roman later tonight, there's a shipment of dust being brought to the docks on the other side of town. You two are going to help steal it."
He looked back up to us as he finished.
And so I end up a thief anyway. I thought as I looked to Neo, who didn't seem bothered in the slightest.
"So when do we leave?" I asked as Adam put down the document.
"Right now as a matter of fact, the operation goes ahead in a couple hours. You'll be going over the plan with Roman. I'll give you two half a hour to rest before you leave." He finished as we headed out.
Only half an hour, honestly it was better than nothing. That trip took longer than it was supposed to, so having any time at all was unexpected. Either way I needed to let Sienna know what was going on.
I split off from Neo, making my way over to the bathroom for some privacy. I locked the door and huddled around the back as I opened up my scroll. Waiting for the rings to go through I was greeted by a drowsy sounding voice.
"V?" Sienna asked, seeming almost ghostly.
I ignored it. "I've got some news, there's a shipment of dust we're stealing around two hours from now. Adam's tasked me with helping take it."
"More dust huh, joy." Sienna was... less enthusiastic than I thought she'd be.
"Sienna, something wrong?" I asked as I heard another sigh.
"No, no I'm fine. Just keep looking out okay. Also, have you seen Blake anywhere? Kali's been asking about her, and she was sent along with Adam."
Blake? Strange, I'd not seen her at all since my arrival.
"No, I haven't seen her anywhere."
"Huh, guess she's out on a mission somewhere. Regardless just let me know what happens, anything else?"
"I've found another of those pillars, like back with you."
"Really, what happened this time?" She asked, a tad more spirit in her words.
"I'm able to feel the Grimm's emotions." I answered as I could hear her humming on the other side.
"So they're not only in Menagerie, I wonder... V, I want you to report to me every time you find one okay. I want to know just how extensive they are across Remnant. Keep me posted."
"Right." I replied as the call cut out.
I slipped the scroll back in my pocket and made my way out.
Sienna had been quiet, uncomfortably quiet. It wasn't something that I thought she'd be like. What was going on with her? Did something happen? Last time we spoke she'd been excited, really into the idea of stopping Adam.
Where did that passion go?
I shook away my thoughts again, deciding to leave it be for now. I had a mission to do, and one I wouldn't be proud of.
Leaving the bathroom I decided to spend my break with the rest of my team, listening to Gold as he told of grand adventure, with Lapis constantly correcting him. Magenta herself had taken the time to speak with me, opting to ignore what would usually be a headache for her.
"And the island blew up?"
"Yes." I answered, watching her interest plummet.
"So there's no way anyone's visiting it again, dust. I was hoping we'd get a new base."
I'd left most of what happened to me personally out, as far as she knew we simply fell down a hole and snuck onto the ship. If they needed to know the full truth I was sure Adam would tell them.
At this point I felt a tugging at my arm, turning over to see Neo beside me. It looked like it was time to meet up with Roman. I stood as I faced to my team.
"I've got to go, another mission I need to take care of."
"Another one already!? Lucky, we're still waiting for our next gig." Gold whined as Magenta gave him a knock, turning back. "What he means is good luck."
With a wave I left alongside Neo. We made our way out to the front where Saw was waiting for us.
"Hop in."
We did so, making our way out on the road. The ride itself was nothing special, although I was happy for the momentary silence allowing me to think. The mission was to aid the man as he went through the process of stealing dust.
I'd never stolen anything before, and I wasn't sure I'd like it. I swore to protect the people of the kingdom, to uphold the law. Knowing that I had to aid in breaking it left me with a sickly feeling.
I'd done what most would consider evil before, taking lives and such; but that was under direct orders from the king and queen. In those instances it was to protect the people from bandits and murderers. But knowing I'd potentially be harming civilians... no, I was done thinking about it.
It was all to stop the greater threat, it had to be done.
The car came to a stop, Neo and I making our way out and up the stairs. Heading in we passed down the halls, getting side looks from the few who were wandering inside. Neo lead the way this time, she worked for Roman after all so she surely knew where to go.
She led us along to the same door as last time, bursting it open with gusto as she kept her pace. I was sure that the sound could be heard throughout the entire building, then again she didn't seem to care.
We saw the man standing over his table, raising his head as he smirked our way.
"I knew you'd arrive just fine, and without a scratch too, at least for Neo that is." Roman spoke as he motioned us forwards.
We took our stance beside him, Neo herself making a little twirl as she gazed at the map layout. I gave a once over myself, trying to memorize the layout of where we were headed.
"Relax kid, I'm the one who'll deal with the hard stuff, you and Neo just watch our backs."
"Our?" I asked as he chuckled. "Yep, Adam's lent some of the grunts to help move the dust. All you two need to do is keep trouble away, as in dealing with anyone who tries to interfere." Roman explained.
I gave a nod. "So where do we place them when we've knocked them out." Roman only chuckled. "Cute, Adam never told you."
I was left confused, Roman gave a coy smile. "You're not 'knocking them out' as you've been doing so far. When I say 'deal with them' I mean deal with them, believe it or not you've got permission to kill this time."
"Adam told me when I first arrived we couldn't kill, it would draw attention."
"This is Adam's plan, he's had this in the works even before you showed up. When we get our hands on this we'll have no need to worry about the cops anymore. This shipment has all we need, so killing isn't an issue; heck, it's a requirement." Roman told as I contemplated it.
Killing was permitted now, and they had enough dust to not worry about the attention? This was sounding bad. But still, I needed to keep on Adam's good side until I knew exactly what was going on.
I stood firm. If Adam needed me to kill, then I had no other choice but to do it.
I could only hope no civilians wandered in.
.
.
Blake wasn't all too happy, much to her displeasure she'd found the supposed location of where everything was going down. The shipment of dust was already there, waiting to be sent around tomorrow. Now all she had to do was wait and hope that the rumors were false.
In a way she'd hoped that the rumors of the shipment were false, yet a quick look into most shops on her way proved that they were all too true. She'd spoken with the shop keepers, learning from them directly that they were waiting for tonight's shipment. Her guess would be that the dust had arrived earlier that morning, with the news being hidden to try and hide it from the thieves. Whoever was planning on stealing the dust should be arriving later that night.
It wasn't a very long wait, the sounds of airship thrusters proved that. Blake looked up, seeing the Bullhead slowly lower itself to the ground.
It was the moment of truth now, whether the rumors were true or not was about to be clear.
No...
And so her hopes were dashed as she watched the craft open, several White Fang hopping out and standing guard. She should have known... no, she did know, she just didn't want to believe it.
The White Fang were responsible for all the break-in's, all the theft, there was no running from it anymore. It was so stupid of her, thinking that they wouldn't stoop so low.
She watched with remorse as they got closer to the shipment containers, only for her eyes to widen.
With a feeling of disbelief she stared as Roman Torchwick leapt from the bullhead, followed by two others.
No, this can't be right!
Torchwick was a human, there was no way that the White Fang would work with him. What the actual dust was going on!?
Blake couldn't stand for it, she needed to figure out what was happening. Carefully she moved from her perch, sticking to the shadows as she drew closer from behind.
And then she struck.
.
.
I was watching as several of the others were handling the movement, my mood heightened as we were yet to have any problems. Currently Neo was bossing around several of them, pointing out different places to attach the tow cables. Roman however wasn't happy with the current speed of things.
"No no no, not like that you animals, look at Neo. See, she actually knows how to do it. We don't exactly have much time here, we're not exactly the most inconspicuous bunch of thieves." Right as he finished a blade appeared at his neck.
"Nobody move!"
Roman stuttered a moment, only to give what appeared to be a tired look as the woman holding it tore the bow she was wearing from her head. I saw a set of feline ears twitch as she began to shout.
"Brothers of the White Fang, why are you working alongside this scum!?" Roman only rolled his eyes.
"Looks like somebody didn't get the memo, the White Fang and I have a... let's call it a shared interest."
She pushed the blade closer. Roman seemed more bored than anything though. However in that moment it finally clicked for me.
Cat ears, White Fang, what is it? She looks so famil-wait! She's just like the girl back in the picture Kali had.
Is that Blake!?
I watched warily as she spoke with Roman.
"You better tell me what your little plan is-" Only for her to get cut off as the sounds of engines filled the air, Roman looked up with a slight smirk.
"I wouldn't exactly call it 'little'" He spoke as several Bullheads flew around us.
Blake looked distracted for the moment, Roman looking to move his cane next to her only for the ground below to explode and knock her away.
Roman landed with a roll as he stood up next to me.
"Kid, deal with her while Neo and I grab what we can. I'm sure someone's heard us by now, we've got to get out of here!" I nodded as he ran off with Neo.
It was just Blake and I now, the girl shaking herself as she stood again, holding her weapon tight and sending me a glare. I raised my hand for her to stop, her scowl only deepening.
"Don't come any closer."
Blake lowered herself. "So you're Adam's new pawn, then I can't let you get away. I will stop you, and then you'll tell me everything.
She was set to fight, I knew this yet I tried to stall once more. I gave her my final warning.
"If you come any closer, I'll have to kill you."
I hoped this would stay her hand, but she seemed to only grow even more committed.
"Kill... so you'll kill for them? Then I'll just have to stop you, so you don't kill anyone else!" Blake shouted the last part, dashing my way.
It was with some remorse that I drew my blade, only one thought on my mind.
Kali, I'm so sorry.
I rushed to meet her.
Author's note
...
It's happening, it's finally happening!
This is the part I told you about, the planned one from the start! Next time we'll get to see the Blake fight! Ooooooooooh the excitement! Team RWBY is finally going to become relevant!
Not only that but things are moving along nicely now. I'll be honest here, I wasn't in the best of moods when writing the first half of this chapter. I've chalked it up to me just having a few bad days
But the motivation's back now!
We also set Aether in motion this time too, so that's a plus.
Anyway, that's it for now, let me know what you think and see you next time!