Updating all my new stories today. Sometime within the next week updates for chapters of other stories will get post.
Ship: Blake/Sun or Blake/Yang
From Shadows
We'll Descend
Upon the World
Take back what you Stole
We'll reclaim our Destiny
Set our Future free
And we'll Rise
"No, stop! Let her go!"
"Do we have a deal, then? If not, well, I'm afraid your precious damsel here…"
"Ah… I'm sorry Adam… Please don't surrender…"
"Just keep fighting. I don't plan to…"
"Oh, is that so? So what if I do this… Oh, look? Her skin is turning gold."
"AAAHHH!"
"Blake! Dammit! Fine! I'll do what you wish! …Spare her, and my faction of White Fang will be yours to wield however you see fit."
Golden eyes flickered through the darkness, various lights shining and concealing their glistening. Not that anyone noticed it anyway. All too caught up in their own affairs to bother with someone like her…
Even here in Vale, the Kingdom of choice and freedom, her people suffered unjustly. So many signs… Why were people here more blatant about their racism? Mistral and Atlas were worse places, but they didn't openly show it…
Black furred ears furrowed as the loudspeakers blared and frenetic music played over them for the patrons to dance. People like this kind of music? Ugh… It was too loud and off-rhythm… It was giving her a headache!
The luminescent floors that blinked in time with the lights above also hurt her eyes… This place was a disaster aimed at targeting all her senses. She would need a good book after this night. Perhaps Adam would let her out for a night to go shopping?
She scowled. He had been overly protective over her lately… Her head hung, lifting her hand to her seared neck as images flashed in her mind. The wounds may have healed over… The damage she inflicted left more than just scars…
Blake hissed as droplets of a drink splashed onto her as several patrons clashed their glasses together and cheered. She despised how careless the people were! Ugh, she just wanted to be done with this job! Why did her target have to be here, of all places?
"Qrow Branwen…" Blake took out her scroll and, with a flick of her thumb, brought up the information about her target.
A dour expression glinted from her cloaked features, her eyes shifting through the crowd as she slowly paced by the bar. She was forced to wear a black cloak to enter this bar since it was a No Faunus Allowed establishment. It was disgusting she had to hide in the Kingdom where Faunus were supposed to be accepted more than all others… Just another reason why Adam was correct in his assumption.
Humanity needed to be taught a lesson.
Still, this was not a man the White Fang would have targeted. This was because of her. They had no business targeting him. He had nothing on his record to warrant a hit. On several occasions, he stopped a few of their more violent protests and attacks… But that was his job. He was a Huntsman. His job was to protect the safety of the people…
Blake grimaced. That made her even more uncomfortable. This man was out of her league. Even with her partner… Did they stand a chance here? Was that woman setting them up? Or was she just using them to flush him out?
She growled at that thought. This establishment was under her control now. So for her target to be here… It was likely he was seeking her out. Perhaps…
"Ugh…" Blake grunted as a patron bumped into her, causing her cloak to nearly fall off her head. Rapidly tucking it back over and resetting her mask as it tumbled off her face, she growled and turned to the careless idiot who…
"My bad! I didn't see ya there!" A bubbly blonde with long, wavy hair greeted her with a warm smile and a simple wave. "Say, why are you covering up such a pretty face in a place like this? Isn't the point of coming here to find a catch? Get yourself a hot stud… Or maybe a feisty minx? "
Blake scoffed. Was she dim-witted or just slow? The blonde saw her face, so she had to see her ears. If she paid attention to the sign outside… Her eyes slitted behind her mask. Did she dare insinuate she was here looking to be picked up or pick someone up?
The nerve!
"Tch, you act as if you know me!" Blake sneered behind her mask, failing to keep her contempt from showing as she pushed past the blonde forcefully and stormed away from her. "I'm not like you. I'm here for a purpose."
Of all the things to assume… Ugh, party girls were the worst! She could feel the blonde's eyes linger on her. It was annoying to feel her gaze. She likely upset the girl, but as if it mattered. What could a girl like her do anyway?
"Sheesh, my bad. Didn't mean to offend…" Blake caught the girl mumbling despite the raucous environment and cleared the bar swiftly with her exit. Damn her heightened sense of hearing she inherited from her mother… "Geez, I wonder what's up with her… Just trying to be friendly. …But it's probably for the best that she is leaving. Things are about to get wild here when I'm through."
Blake's ears twitched, coming to a complete stop as she neared the exuberant crowd she planned on blending into. Turning her gaze back to the blonde, she saw her take a seat at the bar with a wide grin. What was she planning… Was she planning on ordering?! She couldn't be older than her!
"One strawberry sunrise, please!"
"Are you sure he's here?"
A young man with striking red hair slicked back yet still stood high growled. He stood before a darkly lit booth that sat high above the dance floor, just on top of the bar. His eyes traced the crowd, finding Blake. Good, she was okay… Although, it seemed something was up. Did someone agitate her?
Amber eyes burned brightly in the darkness, amusement twinkling within, drawing his attention back to the matter at hand. She was getting off on watching their struggle…
He despised being put in this situation. Her power was far beyond his, and to risk her life again… He could not. He would play this game of hers, waiting for an opportunity to strike. It wasn't like he was alone…
Perhaps he could make a deal with the silent one…
"It is a chance on whether or not he will be here tonight." The woman shrouded in darkness shrugged. Adam snarled at her nonchalance, earning him a wicked grin he could see through the shadows due to his vision. "Relax. My little agent is very good at her job. He was recently digging up information on this place, so it's safe to assume he will come. He is following my trail, after all."
"And what guarantee do I have that you will intervene if he does? He's a Huntsman and a reputable one at that. I may be proficient, and Blake is skilled, but together? We are no match." Adam sneered with a pointed glare. She was using them as bait… If he was only stronger…
"You have my word." Cinder pleasantly responded, her figure slipping out of the shadows as she elegantly strolled toward Adam. Placing her hand in a risque manner on his shoulder and draping it across Adam's collarbone and throat till her finger reached his chin, she gently flicked it. He growled, eliciting a confident smirk as she placed her hand on her hip. "Do your job, and there will be no problems, understand? I will handle him when he arrives…"
"But for now, let's enjoy the show." Cinder waved to the dance floor, highly amused as cries and shouts echoed following a glass shattering.
Adam's head snapped back and cursed. This wouldn't end well…
What was the dumb blonde thinking?
What in the world was she doing picking a fight with the Xiong clan? Ugh! Why did she instinctively run toward the chaos instead of away from it? There was no need to involve herself in this situation! So why did she feel it was necessary?!
Grunting, skidding across the dance floor, Blake sent a cold glare toward the blonde, who had the smuggest smirk on her face, while the club's main bouncers descended upon them. Miltia and Melanie. The rest of the Xiong family could handle average threats… These two stepped in when their issues required more persuasion than the typical bouncers could offer.
"Thanks, partner!" The girl quipped, making eye contact before focusing on the twin sisters and cracking her knuckles. "Say, let's wrap this up quickly! Then maybe… We could get a drink? The name's Yang, by the way!"
Blake scowled. She was enjoying this! Her grin never faltered. Oh, she should have just let the twins knock her around. That would have been fun to watch! Why did she have to intervene? What force compelled her to do something so stupid?
Adam was going to be furious with her… And that woman… Blake shivered, feeling an intense heat generated on the heat scars on her neck bubbling just beneath her skin. The pain reminded her of her failure…
"No." Blake flatly responded, flipping her cloak over her head and drawing both blades. Her ears flicked, thankful that the intrusive piece of cloth was removed. The sweat buildup was disgusting. She would need a bath after this night. Ugh, if she had to wear something over her ears constantly, it would be degrading, and the heat would be so agitating!
"Ah, well, had to ask!" Yang chirped. Blake's expression darkened. How was this girl so relaxed when causing such a scene? However, as she said that, a perplexed expression came over her face as she scanned the twins. "Huh, aren't ya coming?"
Blake's frown deepened as the two shared an expression. Were they aware of who she was? Or was it simply because they recognized the White Fang mask? Either way, it wouldn't be entirely surprising. She was second-in-charge of Adam's faction here within Vale, and now that they were all working under one common leadership…
"Why are you assisting her?" The twin in white, Melanie, she believed, placed her hand on her hip.
Blake grimaced. They did recognize her.
The second twin scoffed, crossing her arms and nastily glaring in her direction."Yeah, aren't we supposed to be working together? Counterproductive to be helping this nuisance."
"Huh?" Yang exclaimed, turning toward Blake, a look of betrayal crossing her features. "Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa! Time out! You work with these guys!"
"Not willingly," Blake muttered under her breath, hanging her head as she spoke. If only she weren't exploited… She shook her head, lowered her blades, and straightened her posture. She didn't want to come off aggressive toward them. If she could take advantage of this… "My reasons are my own… But perhaps we could strike an accord and sweep this under the rug? I'm looking for someone that frequents this bar… Qrow Branwen? You know him?"
"What?!" Yang shrilly growled, her features tensing. "What do you want with Uncle Qrow?!"
Blake's eyes flickered. The blonde was family with her target! Not only did that complicate matters, but…
Did it? Perhaps…
The twins shared a brief glance, nodding before Melanie stepped forward. "We do… But given the current conditions, we're not so inclined to speak. Perhaps if you assist us, oh, I don't know, take care of this nuisance…"
"Oh, you think I'm a nuisance!" Yang cracked her knuckles, and a brief flare of red flickered in her lilac eyes. She took a defensive stance, preparing for the possibility of a three-on-one fight. "Oh, you haven't seen a thing. You haven't even scratched the surface. I haven't even begun to burn it down yet. Come on! I'll take on all three of you!"
Blake furrowed her brow. This was an intriguing turn of events. Her annoyance at this situation and her instinct to act upon the situation had yielded results. If she had just waited, he may have never shown up if he knew his niece would be here.
And gave her a golden opportunity.
"There will be no need for that…" Blake stepped toward the twin sisters, her eyes sharpening under her mask. "I have to politely decline that offer. I have what I need now. …Ready, partner?"
Yang scowled. She was an open book to read with such vivid expressions. Her trust in her had severely decreased, but her shifting gaze between all three of them before settling on the twins. "Yeah… Don't you think I'm gonna give out my uncle, right? …Not like I know where he is anyway…"
Blake smirked. To be expected. But now all she had to do was earn her trust…
"Well, don't cry to her when we leave you battered and bruised! You were given a chance!" Miltia snarled as she slid on two lengthy, color-coordinated, bladed, clawed gauntlets.
"I'll take my chances." A confident smile flickered on Blake's face as the two charged, taking position beside Yang. She was confident in her abilities. For as renowned as these two were as the bar's bouncers…
She was trained well from a young age. Adam's tutelage of a blade helped… However, her parents encouraged her from a young age to improve her skills and helped her. Ever since she expressed her want to help people, especially their people…
By becoming a Huntress.
Those thoughts ceased as Miltia came in like a feral beast, swiping her bladed hands toward her. Each strike was deflected with a turn of her wakizashi or cleaver. But her opponent was well trained. A deflect meant to cause her to lose balance wasn't enough. Her balance and form were impeccable as she kept up her frenetic assault.
But so was hers.
Miltia left a brief opening in her strikes. That moment was all Blake needed to switch the momentum and strike. It was now the twin in red left on the back foot, defending and deflecting her strikes. However, how good was she against more… Unusual weaponry?
With a switch of forms, the ribbon wrapped around her wrist flicked out as she threw the blade of her now kusarigama behind her, arcing it with precise aim to sweep it under Miltia's feet. Her agility was tremendous, for as surprised as she was as the ribbon swept under her feet and tripped her, her opposition flipped and landed with serene grace.
Well played. This was going to be a fun dance… She hadn't tested herself against someone in quite some time. She almost had to say they were evenly matched as the dance began again.
If she wasn't holding back her Semblance.
Also, was that the blonde's weapon making that racket?! Blake's ears curled, catching a glimpse of Yang out of the corner of her eye. She was struggling, getting kicked around. Didn't seem like she dealt with kicks well. She stood and deflected enough of her blows so they were only glancing…
However, the heel kick to her face nearly caught her. It opened her cheek, and several strands of blonde hair fluttered to the ground… And everything changed.
Suddenly, a fiery aura exploded around Yang, and her eyes turned red. In a quick turn, she immediately overwhelmed her twin and wore her down with just a few blows! She was so much stronger and faster than she was previously. It was almost as if she had redirected…
Blake's eyes shimmered, quickly analyzing what had happened. Her Semblance… Was reminiscent of…
"Melanie!" Miltia took her attention from her, rushing to assist her sister—a mistake.
One Blake capitalized on, dispersing into a mist of shadows and catapulting forward. Before the twin could recognize what had happened, a roundhouse kick to her chin connected with enough force to send her careening into her sister.
Melanie couldn't defend herself from the building rampage that had built up within Yang, and with a single devastating punch, they were shot across the dance floor, skidding across until they smashed through the DJ booth.
Their aura shimmered and crackled around them as they came to a complete stop, lying limply on the broken tables. They did not get up.
"Nail it!" A smirk flashed on Yang's features as she let out a light laugh, scrubbing away the mild cut on her cheek with her fist. She then flashed an annoyed glare as she ran her hand through her hair before sighing. "Gonna have to take care of that in the morning… But good work partner! We worked well together there at the end!"
Blake didn't immediately respond. She didn't want to give it away that she recognized how her Semblance worked because it was very similar to how Adam's worked. It was best not to give any essential information away if she had to deal with her later.
Still, after a moment's pause, she silently held Yang's gaze and nodded. Maybe this would be enough…
"Why you…" An annoyed grunt caused them to focus on the upper floor of the bar where the owner, Junior, stood…
With a rocket launcher on his shoulder.
"Take this!"
"Uh-oh." Yang's eyes widened as the shell rapidly approached, holding her gauntlets before her as if to tank the future explosion.
Blake didn't have the same faith in her aura. Nor did she think it was necessarily wise to tank a rocket shell. Reaching out and wrapping her hand around Yang's wrist, they dispersed into shadows as a fiery eruption detonated.
"Teach you to mess with the Xiong!" Junior shouted as the fiery display wisped on his dance floor, confident he had taken care of the situation after his bouncers had failed.
"Alley-oop!" Yang cheerfully announced their presence, causing Junior's eyes to flicker wide as his head snapped above. Blake rolled her eyes and, with a tight spin, released the blonde with precise accuracy to launch the blonde toward Junior.
Yang's aura burned brilliantly once more as she cocked her right fist back. Junior froze in place, and his knees trembled. If he had acted sooner, perhaps he could have avoided the upcoming blow.
He did not.
"And she scores!" Yang announced as Junior was sent flying out of his own building, crashing through the front wall of his bar. Blake and Yang winced as the former landed next to Yang, who then smirked as she placed her hand on her hip and glanced outside. "Teach ya for not being hospitable! Just trying to get information myself!"
"Looking for someone?" Blake scowled. If she were looking for her uncle too, that would complicate the matter…
Yang exhaled, turning her attention to Blake with a frown. "My mom… My uncle told me this place was a good spot to gather information, so I figured I'd try… So much for that."
Blake's ears perked at that information. She was looking for her mother? Did she disappear or… Did something worse happen?
"So why are you looking for my uncle?" Yang pursed her lips, giving Blake a distrusting glance as she measured her. "Look, I know the White Fang has issues with him. He's busted quite a few of your operations here in Vale, so don't think I'm gonna just sell him out because you helped me."
"I don't expect you to." Blake shook her head. The fight gave her a moment to think. She knew the direct approach was out, so it had to be something more… Sly.
Adam was going to hate this…
Reaching for her mask, gently plucking it from her face, Blake fell into character. Her eyes wavered as she shook her head. "I'm not looking for him to exact any revenge… I'm not stupid. He's a Huntsman. I would fail…"
"I'm looking for him as I want help getting out and straightening out my life, and he was the first person I could think of."
"Oh, so that's the angle she's going to play. Interesting." Cinder stood on the balcony above the bar, observing the scene, her eyes sparkling. "She's pretty convincing too… How long has she had doubts about your operations, hm?"
Adam snarled. She had refused to let him intervene, so he was stuck up here watching. It bothered him how convincing Blake was with her words. She always had a way with them. She was just as influential with her tongue as he was. But in this moment… They felt almost… Genuine. Did she really harbor such resentment? Did the incident on the train scar her that much? She was so hesitant during that mission…
"When she's done here, bring her to me." Cinder interrupted his thoughts, her eyes glistening with anticipation as she pulled out her scroll, feeling it vibrate and looking at who was calling her. "I think I have a role for her to play… I may have a few strings I can pull to make this work."
Adam glowered. He didn't like where this was heading.
The last thing he wanted was for Blake to be anywhere other than at his side.
"Oh, well, I kind of get that." Yang sheepishly ran her hand through her hair. "Yeah, I heard about that incident a few months back… I can understand why that would make you want to leave."
"I never have quite agreed with the stance we have taken… That moment made me question everything." Blake inwardly lowered her head and grimaced. She wasn't lying. It was the truth of the matter. She believed in their cause… But to go to such lengths…
"So, do you know where he is?" Blake asked with a sincere expression written on her face. "I was hoping I could talk to him… Maybe he could put in a good word for me. I originally trained to become a Huntress, and now, after this…"
"Oh, that makes a lot of sense! You are really skilled!" Yang chuckled before she grimaced. "The thing is… I don't know where my uncle is! He always goes out on missions and just randomly shows up whenever he feels like it! He wasn't even at my graduation from Signal and getting accepted into Beacon despite being a teacher there! Just randomly up and quit! Jerk!"
"Uncle Qrow is not a jerk!" A voice echoed from just outside the rubble, causing Yang to sputter and spit. "He is so awesome! And amazing! And his scythe is the best in the world…"
"Ruby!" Yang roared, hoping out of the hole punched through the bar's wall. Blake followed to see a slightly younger girl dressed in all black with a red cape fluttering behind her. "Why are you here?"
"And how long have you been listening in on us." Blake scowled. She hadn't even heard or sensed her nearby… And for her to call her target uncle as well…
Why was today so complicated?
"Since he punched through the wall." Ruby jammed her thumb toward the unconscious Junior, a beaming smile on her face. Then she frowned and put her hands on her hip. "And did you forget! You're my ride back home! It's not easy to get back to Patch at this time of night!"
Slapping her forehead and groaning, Yang exhaled in annoyance. "Oum, yeah, I'll get you home in just a bit! Gotta clean up my mess here and call the authorities…"
"Dad's not gonna like that…"
"Don't you dare tell him a thing, Ruby! It's us versus the world!" Yang glowered, sending a sharp glare at her sister.
"Yeah, yeah…" Ruby nonchalantly waved, turning her back from the two of them. "I'll be at the Dust shop over there when you're done… Don't forget about me this time!"
"I won't!" Yang scoffed as Ruby rolled her eyes, causing her to twitch visibly. But as Ruby retreated down the street, Yang sighed and slumped forward. "Ugh, it's tough being an older sister…"
"Indeed." Blake's frown never relented during their whole conversation. It was an awkward conversation to be a part of…
"Sorry about that." Yang sighed, shaking her head as her energetic enthusiasm returned. "Say, I may not know where my uncle is, but I know someone who might be able to help just as much Uncle Qrow could! … Although that would mean explaining what happened here, I am not for that! … So if you help me with the clean up here, partner… I might just be willing to tell him…"
Blake's frown only deepened.
What was she getting herself into?
R & R