Sorry there was no chapter last week. Things at work got a little crazy and I struggled to do much of anything, what with our big trip coming up and the mountain of things that have to get done beforehand. Tried to get some writing done, but just couldn't get it going and finally gave up when work started running late. This week was a struggle, too, especially with a big meeting yesterday, but I managed to get going and ended up writing most of this after the meeting was finally done.
On that note, next week is my last normal week before the big trip. Not sure what my schedule will look like during that time. Know there won't be anything in the second half of February, since I'll be on a ship and without internet, but I'm hoping I can get a few chapters in on the other weeks. Worst case, we'll be taking a break until about April, but I'd rather not let it linger that long without updates.
"Big smiles. Like you mean it."
Adam shot Yuma a warning glare, trying not to make it too obvious to the troops assembled behind Alpha Squad. Nearly all of Reyno had turned out, mostly because he'd demanded it. Cerco had actually been the one to suggest it, only to give Adam the dubious task of informing everyone. Better if it came from the top, Cerco reasoned.
Coward. He just didn't want to be the bearer of bad news. Still, his idea was sound. Sienna would appreciate the pomp, while having everyone, including even Adam and Alpha Squad, assembled for her arrival sent a clear message that she was in charge. Sienna might not be the paranoid type, but there had to be some who saw Adam as the true leader of the White Fang. He didn't need Sienna thinking he wanted the position for himself. Many in Reyno had never even seen Sienna, and while a forced honoring of her wouldn't exactly earn their respect, it would at least remind them she deserved it. After all, if even the famed Adam Taurus supported her, then maybe they should give her a chance.
That was the thought, anyway. She'd need to prove herself to them in time. He'd already planned a few missions for her to lead - mostly small raids with minimal risk. Seeing her in the field would do a lot more for her reputation than some over the top ceremony. Only way he could've made it more ridiculous is to have a parade.
Thankfully, they didn't have to wait too long before Sienna's airship swung over the walls and hovered over the camp, slowly lowering to the camp as dust and dirt rippled outward in waves. It stung at Adam's eyes, but he stayed focused as best he could. Better to present a strong front. The engines shut off a moment later, sparing them further discomfort before the ramp slowly began to lower.
He was going to kill the Albains. They had to be behind Sienna's new cape. While the bright red definitely suited her, it made her look more like a queen than a revolutionary. Had all the power gone to her head? He certainly hoped not. Then again, she did have him build her a throne room. Oh gods, did Sienna see herself as some sort of queen?
He'd have to nip that one in the bud, but later. Right now, he had to receive her like the royalty she might think she was. "Welcome to Reyno, Sienna."
"Adam," she acknowledged, matching his volume so everyone could hear. Any louder, and they'd be practically shouting at one another. "It's good to be here." Lies. No one would choose Reyno over the comfort and safety of Menagerie. He certainly hadn't. "Do you mind if I say a few words?"
She wanted to give a speech? Her funeral. "They're all yours." Adam stepped aside, falling in just behind Sienna's right, both to put focus on her and to lend his credibility to her words. He hated politics, but he'd play the game if he had to.
"Men and women of the White Fang." Ugh. So formal. He could see a few suppressing laughs already. "I am Sienna Khan. Today marks a new day in the White Fang. The era of trying to change the world from afar has ended. Menagerie may be our home, but you represent the real strength of the White Fang. Your success against the Kingdoms is proof of that.
"My predecessor focused too much on trying to work with the humans, and we've seen how well that worked." The crowd chuckled. "No longer. You have shown the world that the faunus will not allow themselves to be beaten down any longer. Your brothers and sisters in the other Kingdoms watched as you challenged Atlas itself. Every day, more faunus join our ranks, eager to follow your example.
"Reyno will now serve as the headquarters of the White Fang." That was certainly news to Adam, though he probably should've expected it. Practically all of the leadership now called Reyno home. It didn't really change much in the grand scheme of things, but judging by the impressed looks and excited chatter among his men, the declaration had its intended impact. "We are working to establish similar sites in the other Kingdoms. Through those, we will expand our reach until humanity is forced to recognize the faunus as equals. Meanwhile, we will continue challenging any who would oppress our kind across all of Remnant. Humanity will bow before us, or we will force them to their knees. The faunus will prevail, at the end of a blade if need be, and Reyno shall be the arm that ushers in a new era of peace."
"For the White Fang!"
Adam didn't know who shouted it, but the call was soon answered by dozens of voices. Apparently, her speech must've worked. Adam would give it a C at best, though he wasn't exactly an expert on public speaking. He preferred to let his actions speak for themselves, which was a fancy way of saying he hated giving speeches.
He also hated idiots who couldn't read the room. As the cheers died down, Azure stood with his hand raised. Adam scrunched his eyes shut, grateful for the mask that hid his disappointment. Sienna simply shook her head with a smile. "Yes? You have a question?"
"So does this mean Adam isn't in charge anymore?"
Azul should've hit him harder, but it would do for now. "I was never-"
Sienna waved off his denial, making it clear she thought nothing of it. "My coming here changes nothing in regards to leadership. Adam Taurus has proven himself a capable and loyal commander. He will continue to lead our efforts in the field, just as he always has."
Sienna was no fool. Adam had been the real force behind the White Fang's sudden resurgence, taking them from a ragtag group of protestors to a force that General Ironwood likely had daily meetings about. He was being hunted personally by Winter Schnee and had a bounty on his head that could feed a village for a year. In only a few years, he'd gone from a lowly miner to the most wanted man in all of Remnant.
That kind of power made him valuable. It also made him quite popular with the rank and file. Some leaders would see that as dangerous - his popularity easily outclassed her own - but Adam had made his position clear and Sienna made sure to give him such a long leash she might as well have not been holding it. Adam pretty much had carte blanche when it came to field ops. She pointed him in the right direction from time to time, but Sienna's policy basically boiled down to turning Adam loose and letting him wreak havoc as he saw fit - a policy he could very much get behind.
One his men could support, too. They knew Adam. They'd seen him charge ahead and take on the enemy time and time again. More than that, he kept them safe by always making himself the biggest target for the enemy. They'd lost men - gods knew they'd lost too many - but the numbers were way lower than they had any right to be. By all rights, Atlas and Mistral should've crushed the White Fang a hundred times over. Those that survived the dismantling would either face a cell or a mine. Adam and his team would be shown no such mercy. Not again. Mistral had tried the softhanded approach, only to watch helplessly as Adam tore Kesseki down brick by brick. In doing so, he'd rescued most of his team and sent a clear message to their enemies.
The only way to stop him was to kill him.
"Any other questions?" Sienna smirked as she asked. An elbow to Yuma's gut prevented anyone from taking her up on her offer. "In that case, you are dismissed. Adam and I have much to discuss."
"Take the day off," Adam followed, earning a chorus of cheers even if they'd all been told before. Not that they had a lot going on today. The base had been cleaned top to bottom last night to prepare for Sienna's arrival. A lot of rooms now had an extra guest since they'd had to clear out the throne room, but they knew it was temporary. Plus, he'd offered reduced chores for anyone housing an extra member. Half of Reyno volunteered.
"Quite the generous gesture," Sienna hummed as he followed her back to her airship.
"It helps to keep them in good spirits." Especially on a day like today. The subtle link between Sienna coming and them getting a day of rest was for her benefit.
"You know them better than I." Which was sort of the problem. She didn't know them at all.
"For now." A few missions would help them all get acquainted. Bonds forged on the battlefield tended to last a lifetime. "Do you want to settle in before we talk?"
"I'd rather get down to business." Rats. He'd sort of been hoping to put off their chat. Not that he expected it to go poorly. She'd probably just want to go over the status of the base, discuss his plans for bringing her on missions, and pick his brain on ways to bolster her reputation with the men. That didn't stop him from wanting to avoid it.
"I have a few ideas for missions you could lead."
"Always so eager for action," a familiar voice rang out. "Good to see some things never change."
"Kaito." It was good to hear his voice again. Even better since it would get Blake off his back.
"Ah, so you still remember me. All this time, and not even a letter." Kaito looked the same as ever, smug grin and all. "Though I guess you've been busy taking on the entire world. Tell me, Adam, what do you suppose they shall write of you in the history books?"
Not even five minutes and the lectures had begun. "That I did what was necessary."
"Is that so?" Kaito seemed amused at his response. Or maybe he just enjoyed the immediateness of it. "I suppose that depends on who wins. After all, the victors write the history books, do they not?"
"Then perhaps you can write my chapter when we win."
"It'll be an honor." Kaito looked around, purposefully ignoring Adam's ever present shadow. "Now tell me, where is the little girl you brought me all the way out here to help?"
"Kaito." Blake rolled her eyes as she stepped forward. Despite her feigned annoyance, she didn't hesitate to give him a hug when he spread his arms.
"My, is that Blake?" Kaito gasped like a parent pulling a prank on their child. "It can't be. You were just a child when I saw you last."
"It hasn't been that long," Blake protested.
"It's not the years that age us, my child." No, it was his roundabout way of talking that made him feel old. "Though I suppose child is no longer the proper term, is it? Adam tells me you've unlocked your Semblance. Quite the accomplishment for one so young."
It really wasn't. Blake was fifteen. Most Huntsmen unlocked their Semblance years before that, some even before their tenth birthday. Then again, there were some that never discovered one. Just more mysteries.
Blake still preened under the praise. Kaito had that effect on people. "I suppose there's no time like the present. Come along, Blake. Let's leave the old people to talk while we go work on that new Semblance of yours."
Old people? Kaito was older than him and Sienna combined! Adam halfway considered reminding Kaito of the vigor of youth, but they could spar later. He'd brought Kaito here to train Blake, and that was exactly what the man was doing. Hard to complain when he'd so easily pried Blake off of him.
"You should've seen him on the ride here," Sienna laughed as the pair departed. "Couldn't sit still. I think he's missed the two of you."
"Good, because I doubt Blake will give him a moment's rest." Adam pointed toward the large building in the center of camp. "This way."
The heavy doors of the throne room opened to reveal the massive space that Sienna would now call home. Columns stretched upwards into the darkness to reach the ceiling hanging far above while the room glowed softly from the lit braziers upon each one. A lengthy carpet of red led all the way from the entrance to the platform at the end, upon which sat a regal chair with crossed spears across the back - a warlord's throne. Fitting for the leader of the new White Fang. A massive banner emblazoned with the White Fang emblem hung behind.
The place looked overly garish to him, even without the statues that the Albains had commissioned and promised would be sent once completed. He'd seen the designs. Some cloaked faunus with a spear that the brothers claimed represented some hero of the faunus. He couldn't help but notice the figure wore a cloak far too similar to what they wore. Either they'd taken far too much inspiration from whoever this faunus was in their own wardrobe or the pair wanted to make their attire official for the White Fang. He dreaded to imagine everyone running around in matching robes and cloaks. The matching masks were bad enough, but at least they served a purpose.
Sienna made her way to the throne, flanked by four guards that had just sort of appeared along the way. They each sported a matching spear with a split head. The design somehow made the weapon look more menacing, though he doubted there was much functionality in the design. A solid point would've done just as much damage, he imagined. Admittedly, he was more of a sword man himself, so maybe they knew something he didn't.
Left standing at the bottom of the steps as Sienna sat down and her guards took position on either side, Adam couldn't help but feel a little small. It made her seem distant. Disconnected. He would've preferred something on the same level as the rest of the hall. She really wasn't making the whole integration thing easy.
"You've done well here in Reyno," Sienna hummed, her voice echoing slightly in the empty hall.
"I've done my best."
"You've done more than that." How could he do better than his best? "Your performance continues to exceed expectations. I doubt Ghira expected your banishment would work out so well for us."
He still would've preferred not to be kicked out of Menagerie. Still, he understood what she meant. Forcing him out had placed him on the front lines and forced him to become more active. In trying to punish him for his so-called radicalism, Ghira had only pushed him further away and beyond his own control. "I'm glad you approve."
"Oh, I do. Despite the setback of Nonemu, Reyno continues to thrive under your leadership. I'm pleased to see my faith was not misplaced in you."
"Cerco deserves a lot of that credit," Adam insisted. Being recognized for his work was nice, but the dogpile of praise felt a little too much. "He's in charge of most of what happens here."
"I'm aware of your arrangement, just as I'm aware he still takes orders from you." Dang. So much for sharing the load.
Eager to get off the subject, Adam offered, "Once you're settled, I can show you around the camp. Help you get the lay of the land."
"Tomorrow." Sienna leaned further back into her seat. "Or did you not plan to take the day off with your men?"
He hadn't, mainly because he expected to be stuck with Sienna all day. Getting out of babysitting duty was nice, but he needed to be a good host. "You must be hungry after your flight. The kitchens are preparing a special meal in your honor tonight."
"Are you asking me out to dinner?" Oh gods, not this again. "And here I thought you and Blake were a thing."
They were, more than she knew but less than the rumor mill claimed. Taking her off duties for a week had only fueled some of their more ridiculous notions. He just hoped Blake hadn't heard any of them claiming she was pregnant or Reyno might be missing a few members.
Adam ignored the bait. "I just figured you'd want to know where to eat." Not that she could miss it. Reyno wasn't exactly a big place and you only had to follow your nose when the kitchens whipped up a feast like tonight's.
"I'm familiar with the layout of the camp. My men can always show me around if I get lost." Why would her guards be any more familiar with the camp? Adam's eyes instinctively narrowed at the one closest to her, but it wasn't like he could see much beyond the matching masks and uniforms. "They've been here long enough to know where everything is."
He doubted she meant the last half hour or so "You've been spying on us?" Come to think of it, he hadn't seen them on her airship. Had she planted them in Reyno ahead of time to keep an eye on him?
"It pays to stay informed," she deflected. "Don't worry. They've had nothing but praise for you since they arrived. We both knew I'd be coming here eventually. I'd be a fool not to send someone ahead of me."
To keep an eye on him, or to make sure he wasn't planning to betray her? Wait, if she had eyes and ears in Reyno, then what was the point in making him do all those reports? She could've gotten most of that info from her team. Was she trying to keep them hidden, or was this all a test? See if he lied to her or tried to cover something up. What did it say about her trust in him if she felt the need to lay traps like that in their conversations?
It said Sienna wasn't an idiot. Only a fool trusted blindly. No matter how much he swore loyalty to both her and the White Fang, there had to be a nagging doubt when her second-in-command proved more popular than her. It probably didn't help how strong he was. Sienna was no pushover, but he was almost certain he could take her in a fight. Not just because he was stronger, but because he had experience. Adam didn't know everything about Sienna's past, but he doubted she'd faced as many life or death battles as he had lately. He wouldn't go down easy, no matter who his enemy was in the end.
Good thing he had no interest in taking her place. Besides, if he wanted to replace her, he wouldn't do it with a knife in her back. Such was the coward's method. He preferred to look his enemy directly in the eye when he defeated them. Luckily for her, he didn't see her as an enemy and likely never would. As long as they were both doing what was best for the faunus, he had no reason to oppose her. Not to that level, anyway.
While the idea of her keeping an eye on him didn't thrill Adam, he knew better than to dwell on such things. It would only make him paranoid and angry if he let it fester. Sienna was just being careful, and nothing he had done gave her cause for concern. Trust but verify. Better she be a little cautious than some naïve imbecile.
"I shall see you at dinner, then." Adam bowed his head slightly, assuming their meeting was done. "I'll save you a seat with Alpha Squad. It will be a good chance to catch up with them." Though he'd have to be picky about the seating arrangement. He'd obviously need to take one side. Blake would be a safe bet for the other, but he had a feeling she'd rather sit next to him than have Sienna between them. Ilia might be a good backup. Or Trifa. It was more about who he wouldn't put next to her. Yuma and Azure were out, especially after the latter's display after Sienna's speech. He'd have to have a long chat with the team about professionalism now that Sienna was here. Or maybe just a talk with the girls on how liberally they could use force to shut the boys up when needed.
"Before you go." So close. "There is one more thing I want you to work on."
More tasks? Why was he not surprised? "What is it?"
"I was serious earlier about this being the start of a new era for the White Fang. The old days of playing by the human's rules are over. If humanity refuses to listen to the faunus, then they shall learn to fear us instead." Most of them already did, especially now. Adam had now struck at both Mistral and Atlas, even attacking their capital cities to prove just how far his reach extended. He didn't plan on showing his face there again anytime soon, but the very fact he could had the average person checking over their shoulders and jumping at shadows.
Adam could get behind a show of strength. Sort of his specialty. "I agree. We'll make the humans listen, whether they want to or not." And if they didn't, then he'd make them bleed instead. They couldn't just ignore the faunus forever.
"You and I know that, but I want to make sure the men understand as well." He had a feeling they did, though she probably meant more than just in Reyno. "Our attack on Atlas marks the beginning of this change, but the White Fang needs to know this is only the beginning. I want increased training. More drills. Bigger missions. I want to make sure they know that we have no plans of backing down. A constant reminder that the White Fang is not afraid to show its teeth."
She wanted the men to know what they were getting into. He had a feeling some would leave, unwilling to commit to the rising violence. Ghira certainly wouldn't be happy, but what else was new? On the bright side, it would help purge those that weren't willing to do what was needed and ensure those that remained were committed to the cause. Not that he'd be driving them out or making examples of them. Those unwilling to fight were always welcome in Menagerie. Only the truly devoted would be called upon to stand beside him.
Showing their teeth. Adam found his gaze drifting up in thought to see a familiar symbol watching over the hall. A calm creature with visible fangs, ready to defend itself if needed. A docile beast with power but an unwillingness to use it. It fit the White Fang of old, but no longer. Adam wasn't waiting around for someone to challenge him. He was a predator, prowling Remnant for the strongest prey. He went out looking for a fight and often found it. The White Fang of today was forged in fire, beaten and bruised but never out of the fight.
Perhaps it was time to update their old logo, and he knew exactly who could help. "I may have an idea."
/- - - - - - - - - -/
It didn't surprise him to find Blake still at the training fields, just as he wasn't surprised to see her pacing in frustration in front of a calm and unarmed Kaito seated on the ground. She'd probably expected a spar or something, not twenty questions. He'd been there and could remember the frustration vividly. He'd tried to warn her, but since when did Blake listen to him?
"If I knew what it was, I wouldn't need your help!" It sounded like Blake's patience hadn't lasted very long. He wanted to feel bad for Kaito, but having been on the receiving end of Blake's tantrums a number of times himself, he couldn't bring himself to care.
"I am not asking you for the answer. Merely what you think the answer might be." How on Remnant did Kaito always stay so calm?
"I don't know!" Blake huffed, crossing her arms. "I already told you what happened. You're the expert. I thought you could figure it out."
"It is not for me to solve, but for us." Kaito turned his head, calling over his shoulder, "Isn't that right, Adam?"
"How'd you know I was here?" He wasn't exactly the loudest person, and even if he'd stomped up behind the man, he doubted Kaito would've heard him over Blake's squawking.
"Not me. Her." Kaito pushed himself up, wiping some dirt off his pants. "She calmed down when she noticed your approach."
Yikes. That was calm? Maybe leaving the two of them alone was a bad idea. "Any progress?"
"These things take time," Katio answered. "Semblances are unique. Even similar powers can have vastly different applications. Discerning their true nature is a difficult task."
"So you've got nothing."
"I didn't say that," Kaito immediately shot back. "I am merely trying to help Blake understand that Semblances are not simple matters. Unlocking it is a big step, but even the most prepared take time to master it. Expecting all the answers on day one is hardly reasonable."
"Atlas wasn't built in a day."
Kaito smiled. "I'm glad to see some of my lessons stuck."
"Is this really what you went through?" Blake practically begged.
"I did, and I'd unlocked my Semblance years ago." Not that he knew it. She'd only just unlocked hers recently and hadn't used it since, so she was basically starting from nothing. "Trust in Kaito a little. He managed to help me, so I'm sure it'll work for you."
"In time," Kaito made sure to specify.
"In time," Adam agreed. "I know it's not the most exciting process starting out, but have a little faith. It gets better once you get past the constant questions."
"If you say so."
"How was your meeting with our glorious leader?" Kaito jumped at the chance to change the subject.
The way he said her title raised all sorts of red flags. "You don't approve?"
"Sienna knows how I feel about her methods. And yours." Adam gulped at the backhanded comment. "History should be written in ink, not blood. All I can hope is that yours is not someday added to the pot."
It almost certainly would be, and they both knew that. "I'm fighting to protect others."
"And who exactly were you protecting from those two at the Schnee Manor?" Adam winced at the telling off. "The path you've chosen is one that can only lead to ruin."
"You're starting to sound like Ghira." The name slipped out before he could stop himself. This time, it was Blake's turn to wince at the reminder of the father she'd left behind.
"I'll take that as a compliment." It wasn't. "But let's not squabble over such matters. I didn't come all this way just to argue."
"Why did you come?" Blake asked. "If you don't like all the fighting, then why are you helping me?"
"Because the day may come when you realize the truth, and I'd rather you live long enough to come back and apologize." Adam couldn't help but snort at his optimism. "That, and I fear there are battles ahead whether I like them or not. If they must be fought, then I'd rather you be the winner."
"Bit of a hypocrite."
"We are all hypocrites, Adam. At least I admit it. Now, did you come to debate philosophy, or was there some other reason you chose to interrupt?"
As if he didn't appreciate the interruption. "I actually thought I'd give you a break. Figured Blake could use a chance to blow off a little steam."
"A spar?" Her eyes lit up at the chance.
"Not a spar. A challenge." She tilted her head in confusion, but he definitely had her interest now. Good. "Sienna and I are thinking of redesigning the flag. Sort of a rebranding."
"Abandoning your heritage?" Kaito just couldn't resist the swipe, could he?
Adam ignored him. "She was asking if I knew anyone who could help, and well…"
"You want me to design it?" He could see the excitement in her eyes.
"Your name might have come up." And by that, he meant he'd insisted on letting her do it. He'd seen her sketches of their emblem and knew a few of them would fit well. "Nothing's decided yet, but maybe if I pushed a little…"
"I'll do it."
"Whoa. What makes you think it's that easy?" That certainly stopped Blake in her tracks.
"Because I love you?" Her attempt at puppy dog eyes fell a little flat. Or it would have, if he didn't love her back.
"Nice try, but I've got a better idea." Adam's hand fell to his sword. "One fight. You win, and I'll tell Sienna to let you do the design."
"And if you win?"
"Then I'll do it myself," Adam boasted, reveling in her indignation. "I'm a pretty good artist. Bet I could make something for her."
"I'm sure everyone will be intimidated by your stick figures," Kaito joked, earning a laugh from Blake. As if. He wasn't as good as Blake, but he liked to think he did a decent job.
"Quiet, you." Adam kept the pressure on Blake. "One fight. You win, you get the job. Sound good?"
"But I've never beaten you in a fight."
And she never would. "Fine. One hit, then." He'd considered pulling a Jean and making her actually win to get her way, but they both knew that wasn't happening and he refused to throw the fight. She'd have to earn her victory, even if Sienna had already agreed. Blake didn't need to know that. "Bullets don't count, either. You either land a blow or make me yield."
"Just one hit?" He could see the wheels turning.
"Just one," Adam promised. "Kaito can judge for us. If you win, I'll convince Sienna to let you do the design." An easy task, since he'd already convinced her. "Any questions?"
Blake struck immediately, taking his lessons to heart. A sneaky trick to catch him off guard, but he'd been the one to teach her that. As such, his sword caught her easily. She dove back before he could press the lock, firing off a few shots as she made distance. They wouldn't win her the match, but nothing said she couldn't shoot at him anyway. No hesitation. No remorse. He'd dangled a prize in front of her, and she intended to collect. A friendly fight or not, Blake was taking this seriously.
So was he.
Her eyes widened as he charged, his blade crashing down on her. She dove aside, knowing to block would trap her long enough for him to capitalize. Too predictable. Adam already had his scabbard aimed where he knew she'd wind up, blasting her back the moment she touched the ground. Her weapon came spinning through the air at his chest a second later. Adam leaned to the side, narrowly avoiding what would've been a winning blow. Before Blake could pull it back, Adam caught the ribbon and pulled, yanking her forward directly into his kick.
"You'll have to do better than that." Many would've gasped at the brutality, but Adam knew what he was doing. He was pushing her. Egging her on. Her eyes narrowed as her smile vanished. She'd been looking to win before. Now, she was out for blood.
Not that he'd give it to her so easily. Anything worth having was worth fighting for. And boy, was Blake fighting for it. He dodged a thrust, fully aware of the sharpened sheath her free hand had sneakily grabbed. It just barely missed his leg as she sliced low, the first attack being nothing more than a feint. Clever girl. He smacked her wrist on the next strike, forcing her aim wide and deflecting her follow-up against his sword before dancing back. Between her frustrations with Kaito and being cooped up for a week with no training, Blake had a lot of frustrations to work out. He figured he'd let her burn off that steam a bit before reminding her who's boss.
Around the ring they danced, Blake trying everything she could to bring him down. Adam avoided most of it, knowing it would frustrate her even more than him blocking. The smile had long since vanished, replaced by something far more feral as she became more and more annoyed.
He had to give it to her - she was resourceful. He had a feeling she'd used her downtime to come up with a few tricks, saving them up for a special occasion. He would've been flattered if not for the way she yelled and swung at him. She gripped her weapon with both hands, putting more weight behind her strike. He blocked, only for her to fire off two shots directly into his chest. The next time she threw her weapon, the gun fired to propel it faster than expected and nearly caught him. It stuck into the ground behind him before she pulled, hurling herself forward like a bat out of hell, swinging her sheath for all she was worth. The moment she passed, her weapon was back in her hand and sheathed, turning it into a heavier blade that swung for his arm. It slammed into his blade instead, only for the grip to twist. A quick shot had the thinner blade tearing from the sheath he was still fending off, nearly scything across his stomach in the process.
Maybe he'd pushed her a little more than he meant to.
Kaito cheered her on from the sidelines, no doubt eager to watch the younger fighter triumph. She came close a few times, but she was still up against years of experience. One thing he'd learned early on was to always expect the unexpected. Her flashy, new moves were impressive, but not enough. Her desire to win clashed with his own to avoid hearing about it for the next year.
In the end, only one could triumph.
It happened so fast, she scarcely knew what hit her. His constant dodging had served a second purpose - to bait her into overcommitting. He waited patiently for his opening, spotting the familiar feint. Instead of blocking the follow-up sheath strike, Adam caught her wrist, twisting violently to force it from her hand. Before it even reached the ground, Adam kicked it away, robbing her of her offhand option. She panicked, unable to flee with her hand trapped. Before she could even try to attack with her other hand, Adam turned and tugged her over him, slamming her into the ground on her stomach. His foot stomped down on her weapon as he released her wrist, pinning it once and for all.
"Nice try," Adam panted, a little winded but in far better shape than her. He kept her down a second longer before stepping back, making sure she knew she'd lost. She got up slowly, making it clear she wouldn't attack. Ego bruised more than anything, Blake slowly plodded over to fetch her sheath, stowing both weapons on her back before returning. "You fought well."
"Not well enough." She was sort of cute when she pouted.
"You can't win them all." Especially not the ones against him. He'd let her stew a little, then give in and tell her she'd still get to do the design. Maybe he'd make up some BS about her impressing him. Or he could just admit that he'd already gotten approval.
"I know." Good. Knowing when you were beat was an important life lesson. "I almost got you."
"You did." He agreed, but almost wasn't good enough. Almost winning was still losing.
"I really wanted to win," she complained, massaging her wrist. She winced at the pressure. Admittedly, that one made him feel bad.
"Come here." Adam stepped forward with his arms out, offering her the comfort of a hug. "It's okay. You-"
Blake punched him square in the jaw.
"I win!"
Adam rubbed the sore spot on his face. "What?"
"You said I had to score one hit. Just one hit. Well, that was a hit."
That sneaky little - "The fight was over."
"I don't recall yielding," Blake pointed out. "Kaito?"
"No one said the fight had stopped," Kaito agreed. Traitor. "And she did hit you just now."
"There. See? You said Kaito would be the judge, and he says I win!" The two shared a grin, sealing his doom. Betrayed by his love and his mentor. Such cruelty. "That means you have to let me do the redesign."
Brat. And here he'd felt bad for her. He should've known she was up to something. Blake never gave up so easily. She'd pay for that in their next spar, but right now, there wasn't much he could do. "That's a little dirty, even for you two."
"No such thing as a fair fight," Blake taunted. "So are you gonna pay up, or do I have to tell everyone that Adam Taurus can't be trusted."
What an absolute turd. She'd do it, too, just to get back at him. At least he hadn't actually lost anything. Sienna had already agreed. Heck, she seemed thrilled with the idea. The daughter of Ghira helping them remake the White Fang. It was almost poetic to her.
"Fine," Adam allowed.
Blake lorded her victory over him. To be fair, he couldn't really fault her. He'd fought just as dirty to get his way once upon a time. A small part of him was proud of her, though he'd have an easier time admitting it when his jaw stopped aching.
Gods, she could be so annoying sometimes. Stubborn, too. He had to wonder how much of that was his own doing. No, easier to blame Ghira. This was all his fault. He'd created a little terror and turned her loose on him. That sounded better. Still, as she smugly rubbed it in his face and boasted about besting the great Adam Taurus, he could only shake his head and prepare for an evening of non-stop taunting.
It was a good thing he loved her.
Blake stared at him with wide eyes, robbed of words as her mouth hung open. "Wh-what did you say?"
Say? He hadn't said anything. Had he?
"You…you love me?"
Apparently, an inside thought came out that time. Oops. Well, the Blake was out of the bag now. "Maybe?" No, that wasn't right. This was no time to back down. "I mean…yeah. I love you." It felt weird to say. Weird, but also kind of nice. "I'd kind of been planning to tell you later. You know, make it special and-"
Blake knocked the wind out of him as she nearly tackled him in a hug. "I love you, too, Adam." She squeezed him tighter before loosening just enough to look up. He met her halfway, pressing his lips to hers in the middle of the training field. He'd planned to take her out to their spot in the woods, tell her how much she meant to him, and make a big scene of finally saying those three simple yet life changing words. He had a whole speech prepared, going over everything from how they met to how much it hurt when he thought he lost her. It would've been something straight out of one of her romance books.
This felt even better, somehow.
Their love wasn't some fairytale romance. He wasn't some noble knight coming to rescue the damsel in distress. Their entire relationship was built on the chaos of life. Meeting after his escape from the SDC. Him being torn between two leaders of the White Fang. Being banished by her father, only for her to run away with him. Nothing in their lives made sense, and yet they'd found each other in the midst of it all. He couldn't imagine life without her, and he hoped he never would.
"I'll…just be going," Kaito announced before beating a hasty retreat.
Neither of them noticed him leave.
So much for a big, special announcement.
Blake loves Adam. Adam loves Blake. I don't love it, but we all knew it was coming. Honestly wish I could cut out the romance parts, since it still feels weird writing it. Not just because of how it ends, but because she's only 15 here. Stupid canon romance. At this point, they're still starry eyed and can do no wrong, but we all know how poorly this relationship will go down the line.
At least I could cheer myself up by ruining his big plans for a romantic confession. Also slipped in a couple references, including Road to El Dorado and The Office. The things I do to amuse myself.
Next chapter: White Fang rebranded.