Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 72: Trust and Caution
The days after Blake and Shirou's date everyone had settled into a steady rhythm of effort, camaraderie, and relentless responsibility. General Ironwood's assignments pushed them to their limits, and Shirou, alongside Teams RWBY and JNPR, rose to meet those expectations with unwavering determination. Their efforts were divided between aiding the monumental construction of the Amity Colosseum Tower and defending Mantle from the relentless waves of Grimm. The heavy workload was exhausting, but also rewarding, forging stronger friendships and mutual respect.
In the lulls between battle and labor, laughter echoed. Ruby's unwavering optimism kept spirits high, her boundless energy contagious. Even Weiss allowed herself rare moments of warmth and humor, surprising those who knew her best. Jaune's growing confidence became evident with every successful mission, while Ren and Nora's effortless synchronization provided a shining example of trust and balance. Blake, for her part, found comfort not only in Shirou's presence but in the growing unity of their makeshift family. Every challenge faced together reinforced their shared purpose.
Despite their best efforts, unrest in Mantle only deepened. Fear clung to the streets like fog, whispers of discontent growing louder by the day. Citizens grumbled about increasing military oversight, food shortages, and the widening gap between Atlas and Mantle. Rumors spread like wildfire—of government secrets, betrayals, and conspiracies.
One evening, following a routine patrol that turned tense after dispersing a minor Grimm incursion, Blake and Yang lingered in the shadows of an alleyway. They listened to citizens air their grievances, frustration boiling dangerously close to outright rebellion. They exchanged a look, understanding that the problem could no longer be ignored.
Back at their temporary quarters, the conversation was quiet but urgent.
"We need to understand what they're really facing," Blake murmured.
Yang nodded. "Robyn Hill. She's the voice they trust."
They made the decision to arrange a discreet meeting, fully aware of the risks in going against Ironwood's strict protocols. But sometimes, they reasoned, doing the right thing meant stepping beyond orders.
Shirou had been observing them. He recognized the quiet exchanges and the hushed whispers. He knew that look in their eyes—the determination to help others, even at personal cost. It was a look he understood all too well.
When he uncovered their plan to meet with Robyn Hill, he didn't hesitate. He would not let them face potential danger alone.
That cold night, as Blake and Yang approached the abandoned warehouse serving as the meeting place, Shirou emerged from the shadows.
Yang's glare was sharp. "You're following us now?"
"I couldn't stand by and do nothing," Shirou replied calmly. "Not with what's happening in Mantle."
Blake placed a hand on Yang's arm to soothe her frustration. "Let him come."
Yang sighed. "Fine. But don't speak unless you need to."
Robyn Hill arrived with two of her most trusted Happy Huntresses at her side. Her sharp eyes immediately took in the trio before her, lingering on Shirou.
"I wasn't expecting extra company," she said carefully.
"I'm here to make sure they're safe," Shirou responded.
Robyn studied him briefly, her expression unreadable. "I've heard of you. The Huntsman who's been helping Mantle's people without asking for thanks." Her tone softened slightly but remained cautious.
She turned back to Blake and Yang. "I need answers. What is Ironwood really planning? Why are walls going up and silence tightening?"
Blake hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Shirou gently stepped in. "General Ironwood is doing what he believes will protect Atlas and Mantle. But trust between both sides needs to be built, not broken."
Robyn's eyes narrowed. "Trust is hard to give when you're being watched from behind barricades."
"I'm asking you to be cautious," Shirou said softly. "We all face the same enemy. Turning on each other only strengthens the darkness we fight."
Robyn's expression darkened. "And the assassinations? Voices of dissent silenced without explanation. Should I believe that's just coincidence?"
Shirou's face hardened. "That's exactly why I came here tonight. Someone is orchestrating these killings, and it isn't Ironwood."
Robyn's skepticism was plain. "Words are cheap."
She activated her Semblance, Council, and locked eyes with Shirou. "Is General Ironwood behind these assassinations?"
Shirou met her gaze with unwavering resolve. "No."
Robyn's ability confirmed his truth. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though tension still hovered.
"I believe you," she admitted, her voice quieter. "But that doesn't mean the danger isn't real."
As they left the meeting, Robyn's parting words lingered in their minds. "Be careful. All of you."
The walk back was quiet, tension hanging heavy. Yang finally exhaled. "That could've gone sideways fast."
Blake turned to Shirou. "These assassinations… have you figured out who's behind them?"
Shirou's mind swirled with unease. The reports were chilling: victims found with no signs of struggle, their deaths executed with surgical precision. He couldn't ignore the echo of familiarity. It reminded him of Hassan of the Cursed Arm—the Assassin Servant from the Fifth Holy Grail War. Hassan had been a silent shadow, slipping through defenses and ending lives with impossible efficiency. The very thought of someone possessing such skills in Mantle was unsettling.
"I don't know yet," he finally admitted. "But I will."
Blake nodded, but the weight of fear was evident in her eyes.
That night, long after the others had gone to sleep, Shirou sat by the window overlooking the cityscape of Mantle. The cold glass beneath his hand did little to ease the weight in his chest. The precision and silence of these killings spoke not of petty criminals but of a master assassin.
His thoughts circled relentlessly. Could it truly be someone like Hassan? Or someone trained in the same deadly arts? The possibility sent a chill down his spine.
He couldn't raise alarm without evidence. Not yet. But the resolve burned in him brighter than ever.
No more shadows. No more secrets. I will uncover the truth. And no more innocent lives will be lost.