27

Chapter 27: New Loves, Old Wounds

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The wind whispered through the void, carrying a familiar voice that called to Jaune's very essence.

"Jaune…"

The sound was barely more than a breath, but it resonated deep within him. He tried to reach out, to call back to her, but he had no body to move with, no mouth to talk with, in this strange dream.

"Pyrrha?" Jaune thought, the words in his mind echoing through the space even though he couldn't vocalize them. "Where are you?"

"Have you enjoyed my gift?" She asked, her tone unnervingly calm.

"Your gift…?" Jaune asked confusedly, realizing that something about this dream, about this Pyrrha, felt off. "What— You're not Pyrrha." He said resolutely, knowing that much.

A figure materialized before him, its form taking on the unmistakable shape of Pyrrha Nikos. Her armor gleamed, reflecting the scarce light that seemed to emanate from her very being. Her green eyes almost glowing against the blackness.

It looked like Pyrrha. But in form only. She blinked, and in that instant, her eyes changed – gone were the familiar pools of green, replaced by an eerie purple that chilled Jaune to the core. This wasn't his friend, his teammate, his soulmate, Pyrrha.

"Who… Who are you?" Jaune shivered, or at least, did whatever the equivalent was here, a strange sense of creepy familiarity sweeping over him.

"You're getting faster."

"Faster…?"

Purple horns twisted out of Pyrrha's skull. Her armor dissolved into shadows that danced around her form. Her face morphed, the once familiar features melting away and being replaced by something inhuman, a visage that bore a frightening resemblance to a long-forgotten god. "You're no hero. You can't keep her safe forever."

For a moment, Jaune was disoriented, trying to make sense of what he was witnessing. Where was he? Why was this so familiar? Talking to this figure in his dreams, being taunted by its power and the gifts he'd been bestowed with. It was almost like-

Oh. Right. This again.

"That's why I have your gift." Jaune nodded in understanding. "I won't use it." He said resolutely, his conviction as firm as ever despite the warnings.

Not-Pyrrha smiled, her purple eyes boring into him. "Ah, but Jaune," she said his name the same way she always did, "I only want to help you protect those you care for. The day of reckoning you've prepared for looms closer with each passing day, and without my gift, how can you hope to prevent it?"

The black clouds shifted once again, forming a tendril that bore straight into the spot where Jaune's heart would be, his resolve crumbling as horrifying images filled his mind. His body returned to him, falling a few inches into the black cloud. Grass and cobblestone sprouted from where his hands and knees touched, spreading outward, forming arches and lampposts and towers and the dorm where team JNPR lived.

The voice was fading, but not before leaving a dark reminder. "Remember this, Jaune Arc: the choice is yours. When the time comes, and your friends are in danger, will you stand by and watch them suffer? Or will you embrace the power I have given you and become the hero they need?"

It was as Jaune recognized Beacon that his entire being seized, his heart clenched, and he dropped to his knees. Smoke, real smoke from a fire, billowed around him. Screams echoed in his ears as he watched masses of students running. Running from something, or to something.

The vision of Beacon in flames assaulted Jaune's senses – the acrid smoke stinging his eyes, the blistering heat licking at his skin even though they were far away, the deafening roar of the fire consuming all it touched that somehow still wasn't loud enough to drown out the screams.

He couldn't think straight, his mind filled with poison, demanding its toll. He curled up, hugging his knees to his chest, shutting his eyes tight. His mind buzzed and screeched, the poison swarming around all he had just witnessed. It was unbearable, it was unstoppable, it was-

"Jaune."

Over. As quick as it began.

Jaune opened his eyes. Why was he on the ground? What was he doing? He must have woken up from a dream, or a nightmare.

He sprang to his feet. His sword and shield were already in his hands. The smell of smoke was still unmistakable, and Jaune watched as an explosion rocked Beacon tower, flames bursting through one of the windows. Dull screams filled the air, human and grimm.

"Jaune!" Pyrrha said again, more emphatically.

Jaune turned to her. Her worry was alarming. Pyrrha never worried unless it was dire. Where were Ren and Nora? Where was Ruby? What had gone wrong? His heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the burning building for any sign of their friends.

"Jaune. You need to choose." Pyrrha's hand gripped his arm tightly. "What should we do?" She asked.

Right, there was a choice to be made. Jaune was the team leader, after all. It was his choice.

There was only one option. He opened his mouth. "I—"

---

Jaune's eyes flew open. Early morning light was just beginning to seep into their dorm room. Ren was already up, his bed empty. Nora snored soundly. Jaune didn't have to look to see where Pyrrha was. He could feel her hand wrapped around his, the same as when he had fallen asleep.

Relief washed over him as he gave Pyrrha's hand a gentle squeeze, careful not to wake her up.

Just a nightmare. A nightmare that was fading from his memory already. It was always so short. So fleeting. Yet always the same.

The dream he hadn't had since the night before he and Pyrrha captured Cinder.

The vision from the crown.

---

"You look tired." Pyrrha commented, referring to the dark shadows that clung to the corners of Jaune's eyes.

Jaune turned to meet the sympathetic smile Pyrrha was giving him as she squeezed his hand. In front of them, Nora swung her arms theatrically as Ren trailed a half step behind, avoiding having his partner smack him in the face.

Beacon was bustling with foot traffic, all headed towards the dining halls to grab their breakfast before splitting off for a day of classes, studying, training, or just having fun. The students chatted animatedly with each other, enjoying the nice weather after a long day of classes.

"I, uh, didn't get a lot of sleep."

The response worried her. "You're not having nightmares again, are you?"

He was, but it was just one. Maybe it was a fluke. Cinder was still imprisoned, and Ruby and Weiss were well on their way to stopping Lionheart too. Vale was safe, Ironwood's soldiers watched over the city. There wasn't any reason for him to start having nightmares again.

"Nothing bad. Just woke up early." Jaune fudged. Pyrrha knit her eyebrows in response. If it got worse, he would have to tell her. But there wasn't a point if this was going to be the only time anyway. "Really, it's nothing." He said as he held the door open for Pyrrha, who gave him a small smile and a nod in return.

The bustling dining hall was a welcome reprieve from the stress of the rest of campus, the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon greeting them. Blake and Yang were already sitting at their usual table near the window, plates piled high with food and mugs of steaming coffee cradled in their hands.

"There they are!" Nora grinned, pointing at the pair who had already grabbed their table for the six of them. Yang was laughing at something Blake said.

---

Yang leaned back in her chair, her golden hair glinting in the sunlight as she let out a contented sigh. She thought she would miss Weiss more while she was away in Mistral – and she did, terribly so – but there was something comforting being in the presence of Blake. The two shared an easy camaraderie, the kind built on trust and understanding that went beyond just friendship.

But Yang did miss her girlfriend, which is why she was looking forward so much to the video call they planned for later today.

But until then, it left Yang with this nervous energy that she didn't know how to put to good use. Like there was something she was supposed to be doing that she couldn't quite put her finger on.

Blake interrupted her contemplation. "You're thinking about something." She said from across the dining hall table, her half-eaten meal momentarily put on hold.

Yang shook her head and smiled. "See, that. How do you do that? You always know what's going on with me."

Blake smiled fondly. "It's because it is the only time you stop talking."

That gave Yang a laugh. "Am I that obvious?"

"You're anything but obvious. Except to me." Blake smirked, and Yang thought it was going to be the end of the conversation, but Blake continued. "I know it's not the same, but I'm here if you feel like you need someone to talk to." Yang gave her a questioning look, to which she added: "I know you don't like being alone."

"Thanks." Yang replied, her violet eyes softening with gratitude. She opened her mouth to continue when Nora and the rest of team JNPR arrived.

"Hey guys!" Nora gave a massive grin and a wave to the two of them before she plopped down into one of the seats next to Yang. "What a week!"

"Mind if we join you?" Pyrrha asked politely.

Yang looked to Nora and chuckled. She had already decided that she was going to join them whether they wanted her to or not. "'Course!"

"Have you heard anything from Ruby and Weiss?" Jaune asked as he took his own seat next to Pyrrha.

"Will later." Yang said, popping a fork full of food into her mouth. "I'll let you know if they've saved Mistral."

Jaune nodded in thanks before most of JNPR left to grab their own meals. Nora stayed behind, claiming she was too tired to move and that Ren had to get something for her. It was an opportunity Yang would use for a prank, but Ren was far too stoic for something like that.

Upon their return, the six of them fell into an easy conversation. Nora launched into an animated retelling of their latest combat lesson, complete with exaggerated gestures and sound effects in that way that never failed to leave Yang laughing.

"I doubt that was part of the lesson plan." Ren interjected, wearing an amused smile at his partner's over-the-top storytelling.

Pyrrha chuckled, shaking her head as she added, "No, I'm fairly certain it wasn't."

"Aw, come on!" Nora pouted playfully. "It made things way more exciting!"

As they continued to chat about their classes, Yang found herself enjoying the moment, grateful for the friendship they all shared, and wishing her sister and girlfriend could be here too. Yang had hardly ever been away from Ruby for long. She hadn't told Ruby, but she worried incessantly about being separated when she thought Ruby wouldn't be coming with her to Beacon. But she hadn't needed to worry in the first place.

Even as Yang continued to listen to Nora, everyone else shifted their attention one-by-one to the morning news broadcast on the TV behind her. It was only when Nora trailed off mid-sentence and looked behind Yang that she realized everyone was paying attention to it. She looked around. It wasn't just her table, but the entire cafeteria.

"Breaking news," Lisa Lavendar, the face of Vale News Now, announced, her voice tense. "A series of brutal attacks last night have shaken Vale to its core. Overnight, an armed suspect rampaged through downtown Vale, claiming several lives, while an explosion was reported at the Vale Police Headquarters. Additionally, an armed Atlesian patrol group was fired on and taken hostage. A massive manhunt, spearheaded by General Ironwood, is currently underway for the perpetrators of these heinous acts."

The images on screen showed the grim aftermath of the attacks, the feed flicking between the smoke billowing from the damaged buildings and frightened civilians fleeing Downtown Vale. Yang could feel her heart constrict at the sight.

From across the table, Jaune muttered something under his breath.

The news feed cut to General Ironwood, delivering a prepared statement, the Vale council behind him.

Yang risked a glance at Blake. Her face was ashen, her eyes wide and haunted as she stared unblinkingly at the screen. Yang reached over, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Blake seemed almost unresponsive to the gesture. As a former White Fang member, the news and images had to strike a very personal chord for her.

She had spent so much time and energy trying to prevent the White Fang from continuing to follow down the path that had doomed them to destruction, only to have them escalate their violence.

The group sat in stunned silence; their previous joviality replaced with deep concern.

"Blake?" Yang whispered, leaning closer, trying to shake her from her shock again. Blake tore her eyes away from the broadcast but could only meet Yang's for a moment before she had to look away, the turmoil in her amber eyes almost too much for Yang to bear.

Yang slowly reached out her hand, seeking Blake's beneath the table. Blake grabbed it with both of hers, clutching it like a lifeline as their fingers intertwined.

---

The busy chatter of the CCTV Tower enveloped Yang as she navigated through the sea of people, all intent on making their own calls across Remnant. The hum of conversations and the faint beeping of terminals filled the air.

Yang found an empty terminal, its screen blinking with a welcoming glow. She quickly punched in Weiss' information from the little note that her girlfriend had left for her, the crisp numbers written with Weiss' own hand.

The call connected almost instantly, and Yang couldn't help but smile at Weiss' familiar face despite the sober news that plagued her day.

"Hey, Weiss," she greeted, trying to keep her voice casual despite the warmth that bubbled up in her chest.

"Yang!" Weiss replied, her eyes lighting up with genuine happiness. "I'm glad this thing works. It's good to see you."

"Yeah, you too." Yang agreed. "I've missed you," she said earnestly.

"I've missed you too," Weiss admitted, her cheeks dusting pink. "But I'm sure you're doing just fine without me there."

"Oh of course, Blake and I are getting along like a house on fire." Yang said with a teasing grin, playing off the weight of her longing. "But it's not the same without you around."

Weiss' smile softened. "I'll be back before you know it."

Yang nodded, her fingers absently drumming on the edge of the terminal. She couldn't just drop what she'd heard on Weiss right away. Better to build up to it. "How's Mistral treating you?"

"Ruby is keeping me busy, as always." Weiss sighed, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "But it's been… productive."

"Productive is good," Yang nodded, trying to focus on the positive aspects of Weiss' absence. "As long as you guys are making progress and staying safe over there." The latter being of far more importance in Yang's mind, especially now.

"That's… not all." Weiss said with a touch of embarrassment. "I summoned successfully for the first time."

"No way…" Yang's heart swelled with pride as her mouth hung open. "You did it? That's amazing, Weiss!" Her words rang out with genuine happiness, causing a few heads to turn in the crowded CCTV Tower, not that Yang cared. Celebrating her girlfriend's success was more important.

Weiss beamed back through the screen, a rosy blush tinting her cheeks. "Yes, I finally managed to do it yesterday. It was… incredible, Yang."

"Tell me everything," Yang urged, leaning closer to the terminal. She wanted to know every detail, to share in the experience as best she could.

"Well," Weiss began hesitantly, "I couldn't have done it without Ruby's help."

"Ruby?" Yang asked, somehow not surprised that her sister was instrumental.

"My summoning isn't powered by the same feelings as my sister's is. I only learned from her, so I always thought it was. But…" Weiss trailed off, a happy smile on her face. "Ruby… you know how she is. She probably doesn't even think she did anything special. But she helped me see what was really important to me."

"Wow," Yang breathed, impressed by her little sister's wisdom. Well, technically she was older than her, but she would forever be Yang's little sister. "That's deep. So, what was it then? The thing that was really important to you and was the key to summoning you've been searching for?"

Weiss looked away briefly, hesitating whether to reveal the truth or not. In her eyes, Yang saw raw vulnerability, a rare glimpse into the heiress' heart that she only revealed to those she cared about most. "I… I think it's my love for you all – our team. The bond we share."

Yang felt a warmth spread through her chest, seeping into every corner of her being. The idea that their team could fuel such a powerful ability was humbling, and she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "Weiss, that's… amazing. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, Yang." Weiss whispered, a soft smile gracing her features to accompany her blush.

"Ruby really is something else, huh?" Yang mused, her thoughts drifting. "She has a big heart and always knows what to say."

Weiss nodded in agreement. "Yes, she does. We're lucky to have her as our leader."

But the warmth of Yang's smile slowly transformed into a furrowed brow. She didn't want to bring Weiss down, but she did have to tell her about what happened. Weiss quickly noticed the change in Yang's expression, her joy replaced by concern.

"Yang? What's wrong?" She asked.

"Something… happened in Vale," Yang hesitated before continuing. "There were some White Fang attacks, bigger ones. It's bad, Weiss."

Weiss' eyes focused immediately, her full attention shifting. "How is Blake taking it? With her…" Weiss searched for the right word on a line where anyone could be listening, "history."

Yang bit her lip, her fingers curling around the edge of the table. "I'm not sure, to be honest. She's been… quiet, more than usual, since she heard the news, and that worries me."

"Blake always seems to know what we're feeling, yet she remains such a mystery when she wants to be." Weiss mused, a hint of frustration lacing her words. "Sometimes I wish she would open up more to us, but I understand why she holds back." She made a gesture with her hand. "That or I wish we could understand her like she does us."

"Me too," Yang admitted, her gaze distant as she thought about Blake, who had known them for so much longer than they had known her. "But I want to be there for her like she is for us. We're a team, right?"

"Absolutely," Weiss agreed, her tone firm and supportive. "You're good at that. You were always there for me when we first arrived at Beacon. Do the same for Blake."

Yang felt a smirk tug at her lips despite herself. "But Weiss, that's how we started dating. Are you sure you want to encourage me?"

To her surprise, Weiss didn't bristle at the comment or shake it off. "Apparently, we made it work once, we could do it again." She said with a wave of her hand.

Yang's heart raced in her chest, Weiss' words echoing in her eyes as the meaning of her words registered. She stared into Weiss' blue eyes, feeling a mixture of surprise, excitement, and nervousness. Before she could voice any of it though, or really even process it, Ruby's voice rang out from off-screen.

"Hey Weiss! Can you come over here?" She called out, her tone urgent.

Weiss' gaze flicked away. "Ruby! What are you-?!" She looked back at her girlfriend. "Yang, I have to go. We'll talk later, okay?"

"D-Definitely." Yang managed to stammer out.

Weiss nodded before her eyes met Yang's once more, and, like it was the easiest thing in the world, "I love you, Yang," she added effortlessly.

The call ended abruptly, leaving Yang staring at the blank screen, her breath hitching in her throat. It was the first time either of them had said those words to each other, and the weight of their significance hit her like a tidal wave. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she turned away from the now-empty screen, her fingers trembling as they gripped the edge of the console.

"I love you too," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the bustling CCTV Tower.

Every second felt like an eternity as Yang made her way out of the building, her thoughts consumed by Weiss' confession and the implication that maybe their relationship didn't have to just stop at them. With each step, she replayed the conversation in her head, analyzing the expression that had crossed Weiss' face and the subtle shifts in her tone. It was as if a door had been opened, one Yang had never thought possible, a path she had never considered before, one that held the promise of a future filled with love and understanding.

As she stepped outside, a gentle breeze ruffled her hair, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and the distant murmur of laughter. This was still the same Vale that had been attacked just a day before, but life goes on, and happiness always prevails. The world around Yang seemed to be coming alive, as if in celebration of the deepening connection between her and Weiss.

Yang closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment to savor the warmth that enveloped her heart, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them with courage and the support of those she loved. Her team, her family, no matter what lay ahead, they would overcome it.

"Yang!" a familiar voice called out, pulling her from her thoughts. "How was your call with Weiss?"

Yang opened her eyes to find Blake standing next to her, making her heart skip a beat. Yang smiled softly at her, a newfound determination and love surging within her.

"Hey… are you okay?" Blake asked, concern taking over.

"Never better," she replied, her voice filled with conviction. "Just… thinking about the future."

Blake's eyes softened, and she reached out to squeeze Yang's hand, offering a small, understanding smile. Together, they walked away from the CCTV Tower, their fingers intertwined as they faced the possibilities that lay before them, ready to forge a new destiny together.

---

The late afternoon sun filtered through the half-closed blinds of Blake's dorm room, painting stripes of golden light across the pages of the tattered notebook spread out on her desk. Dust motes danced in the air as Blake bit the tip of her pen, her amber eyes scanning the scribbled notes that filled the margins, each one a fragment of her thoughts on how to prevent the impending disaster that she feared was coming.

"Ironwood worries me more than the White Fang… If he tries to occupy the city, all of Vale would fight him." She murmured, voicing her greatest concern as she tapped the pen against her chin. "He needs to understand that he can't control everything."

"Yeah… I don't think we convince him. What about trying to talk to the White Fang again?" Yang suggested, sprawled out on Blake's bed with her head propped up on one hand. She flicked a stray lock of hair from her eyes and fixed Blake with a concerned gaze. "You have connections there."

Blake sighed and looked over at Yang, feeling touched by her teammate's constant presence over the past few days. She had calmed down enough to try and think of a plan, because it was already a foregone conclusion that she had to do something. Though she knew it wasn't entirely fair, Blake still couldn't stop blaming herself for not preventing the attacks in Vale by getting the White Fang to stand down earlier.

It had been difficult to focus on finding a solution to the White Fang situation with Yang hovering around, but she couldn't deny that she needed it, and that her heart didn't swell with affection at the thought of Yang caring deeply enough to never leave her side.

"Not in Vale, I don't. Besides, I've already tried talking to them," she said, hoping her voice didn't betray her feelings. "Those that are left, they're not willing to listen anymore."

"Then we'll just have to make them," Yang insisted, her fiery determination unmistakable, as was her inclusion of herself in whatever plan Blake concocted. Yang sat up abruptly, the bedsprings creaking beneath her weight. "This is too important to you. You're not gonna stop until they do."

Blake couldn't help but smile at the suggestion that was so very… Yang. Not the Yang that she had left in the void, but the one she had left. Before everything. When no obstacle was too big, too imposing, too much to push through like it was nothing more than a house of cards, waiting for someone brave enough to recognize that all they needed to do was push, even when in reality it was a brick wall instead.

Before Blake ruined that too.

"I'm going for a walk," Blake closed her notebook and picked it up. The fresh air would be good for her. "I need to think."

Without consulting Yang, she slipped out of their room and then made her way to the roof, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the fading light of the setting sun. As she stared down at the pages of her notebook once more, the weight of the responsibility she felt she was forced to bear settled on her shoulders.

Coming to a stop, Blake leaned against the railing of the balcony, her eyes locked on the horizon as the sun began its slow descent. The cool evening breeze whisked through her hair, providing a welcome respite from the heavy thoughts that had occupied her mind for days. As she was enjoying the moment, her ears twitched as she heard a sound of a door slowly opening behind her.

"Yang, you know you don't have to follow me everywhere, right?" Blake finally said without even having to look, turning to face her friend who was leaning against the doorway.

"Who, me?" Yang replied with a grin, feigning innocence. "I'm just enjoying the view. Pure coincidence that we ended up in the same place."

Blake arched an eyebrow. "You've been by my side almost constantly since we heard about what happened," she pointed out, her voice playfully matching Yang's.

For a moment, Yang hesitated, her playful demeanor faltering. "I just… I worry about you, Blake," she admitted, her eyes sincere.

"Yang," Blake reassured her, "I can take care of myself."

"Well, yeah," Yang waved her hand, not wanting Blake to think she meant it like that, "but that doesn't mean you have to alone."

Blake couldn't help but see the old Yang everywhere today. The way she constantly worked to make sure her teammates were always okay. The nights she spent with Blake before the fall. The time she broke Cardin's nose after he insulted her. Her big heart and overwhelming need to make sure everyone in her life was happy, even when it came at a cost for herself, her own time, her own happiness.

"I really admire how deeply you care for all of us." Blake admitted, catching Yang off guard. She always loved how Yang reacted, with such open vulnerability, whenever she was complimented. Like she couldn't quite believe that she was worth it. But that had always made Blake just want to reassure her more. To tell Yang all the ways in which she loved her. "You're not afraid to put your heart into everything you do, and it's something I've always loved about you."

Yang's cheeks flushed at the unexpected praise, and Blake looked away, embarrassed. "I didn't mean for it to come out like that," she muttered, all too aware of how Yang might interpret that, her fingers nervously playing with a loose strand of hair.

"Hey, don't be embarrassed," Yang said softly, stepping closer and gently holding one of Blake's hands in her own. Blake's heart raced as she felt their hands touch, the calming warmth of Yang's affection pouring over her. "It means a lot to hear you say that. And I've been thinking…"

"About what?" Blake asked, curiosity piqued despite her embarrassment.

"About… well," Yang hesitated, her own cheeks tinged with more than just a hint of pink. "I mean, Weiss and I were talking and…" She started, stumbling over her own words. "We, um, I mean, I, uh…" She swallowed hard and tried to collect her thoughts. "Maybe there's something more between us than just friendship."

Blake eyes widened as she held her breath, her heart thundering in her chest. Was this what she thought it was? What she had thought could never happen again? She didn't dare more, dare speak, dare do anything.

Yang ran her other hand through her hair nervously, looking as anxious as Blake felt. Was she supposed to be saying something? Or was she supposed to let Yang finish? What if that was it? What if Yang wasn't going to say more?

Risking it, she gave Yang's hand a gentle squeeze of encouragement. But Yang didn't follow through, dropping Blake's hand. Maybe it was the fact that she wasn't sure about her own feelings, all the problems they were still facing, or her lingering uncertainty even after her girlfriend's assurance, but she backed down.

"Whatever happens with the White Fang, and whatever you're planning, just know that I'm here for you. As a friend, and a teammate." Yang told her teammate.

The breath Blake had been holding deflated from her lungs. Right. Of course. She had misinterpreted. She blinked, trying to refocus, and push the longing she had felt for her old relationship to one side. One deep breath later, and Blake leaned against the railing of the balcony, looking out over campus.

"I think I know what I need to do to try and defuse the situation with the White Fang. I could use your help, as my teammate."

"All you ever need to do is ask." Yang said, her eyes lighting up with interest. "What's the plan?"

"One of the old White Fang cell hideouts. It was big before we captured Cinder, but afterwards when Ironwood's tin cans started to flood the districts, they had to abandon it. So, it might still have valuable information about what their next moves are. More importantly, if Salem sent someone to help the organization after Cinder was arrested, there will be a record of it there."

"Sounds like a risky move," Yang noted, her eyebrows raised in concern. "You sure you want to do this?"

Blake nodded resolutely, without her team leader here, she had to take things into her own hands. "I can't just sit around and watch."

"Alright then," Yang said fiercely. "I'm with you then. No matter what."

---

They didn't waste any time. Only a few hours later they made their way together through the dimly lit streets of Vale, the shadows stretching long and dark around them. The emergency measures the council had put in place following the attacks didn't extend this far from the city center, the city having neither the resources nor the will to project power this far out.

As they approached the old White Fang hideout, a sense of foreboding settled over Blake, the weight of the past heavy on her shoulders. She could do this, and she had already dozens of times, just without her teams' knowledge. After all, before she learned that Ruby was from the future, she had kept a silent eye on her partner and the White Fang, sneaking into buildings like the one in front of her all the time.

But that was before the White Fang had attacked, readying themselves for what they perceived as a war for their very survival against Ironwood's occupying forces.

"Are you ready for this?" Yang whispered, her hand resting reassuringly on Blake's shoulder.

That was new too. Yang wasn't her first pick for a stealth mission, but if it went wrong, there were few other people she'd rather have at her side. "Let's find out." Blake replied, her heart pounding in her chest as they crept closer to the building.

A typical small office building, it appeared abandoned, its windows dark and lifeless, those that weren't shuttered. The building had been of particular interest to the White Fang because all of the anti-grimm measures, the reinforced walls, the inner strong room, the civilian's grade weapons nests that were permitted on the roof were all just as valuable to a militant group struggling for their freedom.

Such measures weren't permitted in central Vale, but out here? Where the grimm occasionally penetrated? They were essential.

Blake knew better than to underestimate the cunning of the White Fang. For every precaution they inherited, they added another of their own. She could almost feel the secrets buried within the walls, waiting for her to uncover them.

Yang followed closely behind as they slipped through the door, its lock yielding with a final click to Blake's nimble fingers. The door creaked open as the air inside poured out, stale and oppressive, a testament to the passage of time.

"Keep an eye out," Blake instructed, her voice barely audible as she moved inside. "We don't know what we might find in here."

Yang nodded and followed behind her, clumsily attempting to mimic Blake's stealthy movements, though her heavy boots made it difficult. Blake hid a small smile, grateful for Yang's unwavering support despite her lack of subtlety.

"Come on," Blake whispered, leading the way inside the abandoned White Fang hideout. Moonlight streamed in through the cracked windows, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls. A layer of dust covered everything.

Yang did her best to keep quiet, but let out an involuntary yelp when she knocked over a stack of old papers. Both of them tensed up, Yang glancing at Blake apologetically, but when Blake's superior hearing picked up nothing, she just rolled her eyes good-naturedly before turning her attention to the task at hand.

"No one's here, start looking for anything useful," Blake murmured, her eyes scanning the dimly lit room. She quickly found the main computer and set to work copying its contents onto a portable drive.

Meanwhile, Yang began rummaging through the scattered documents, frustration mounting as nothing she found seemed to be relevant. She broadened her search, doing her best to be quiet as she moved into the next room.

The progress bar slowly but steadily ticked forward, Blake's eyes practically glued to the screen.

"Blake." She heard Yang say quietly from the next room. It was only after Yang repeated herself that Blake looked away and joined Yang in the next room.

Boxes covered the room, floor to ceiling in some places. Unlike everything else, they weren't covered in dust. Yang was kneeling by one, her expression one of confusion and concern, the top flipped open. She held up one of the pistols, showing it to Blake with an uneasy look. It was in pristine condition, meaning someone had been cleaning it recently.

Blake opened the closest box, and the next. Dust ammo and grenades. Rifles. Daggers. High explosives. All showing signs of just being moved in.

Just as Blake was about to voice her concerns, the distinctive rumble of engines caught her attention. She peered out of one of the windows, her heart skipping a beat as several run-down vehicles adorned with the unmistakable symbol of the White Fang came to a stop outside the building, bringing their cargo of weapons to the storehouse under the cover of darkness.

The weapons storehouse that Blake and Yang had inadvertently just walked into.

"Yang," Blake hissed urgently, "they're here."

Yang's eyes widened, her search forgotten as she realized they might be trapped. A bead of sweat trickled down Blake's temple as she observed the White Fang members emerging from their vehicles. In small groups they started to unload their deadly cargo, the tools of their next attack in what Blake was increasingly starting to worry was the new way her once cherished organization planned to wage war against their enemies.

They left the weapons room and Yang briskly walked over to the computer. "Copy's not done yet," Yang murmured, glancing at the progress bar that seemed to be moving at an agonizingly slow pace. She clenched her fists, muscles tense with anticipation.

"They don't know we're here." Blake whispered to Yang before biting her lip. If the White Fang were active here, then the information they were copying would be even more valuable. It could be vital to stopping the White Fang's plans, but was it worth the risk of being caught? As she hesitated, she locked eyes with Yang, her expression warm and reassuring despite the situation.

"Blake, whatever you decide, I trust you." Yang said softly, her lilac eyes alight with unwavering loyalty.

The words steeled Blake's resolve, and she made her decision. "We stay until the copy is complete. But we need to be ready to leave the moment it's done."

"Got it," Yang replied, her voice firm. Blake kept watch at the window, her ears straining for any indication that they had been discovered.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the room grew palpable. The White Fang had made their way inside, and every creak of a floorboard, every rustle, sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through Blake's veins.

Finally, the computer beeped softly, signaling the completion of the copy. Blake's heart leapt into her throat as she swiftly removed the thumb drive, her eyes never leaving the White Fang members coming and going outside.

"Yang," she whispered urgently, "it's done."

"Okay," Yang replied, her voice barely audible, "now we just need to get out of here without being seen."

"Stay close," Blake instructed, leading Yang towards the back exit. The two moved in sync, Yang doing her absolute best to remain as quiet as Blake was.

As they got closer, Blake could hear the sound of the front door creaking open, the muffled voices and heavy boots of the White Fang members inside, their presence casting an ominous shadow over the otherwise abandoned building. Leaning against the wall beside Yang, she held her breath, praying they wouldn't be discovered. Fortunately, the White Fang were here for a reason, and were all busy going about their transport duties.

"Stay low," Blake whispered, inching towards the back exit, hidden beneath tables and behind bookshelves. The bead of sweat had multiplied, trickling down her forehead, her heart pounding in her ears as she focused on their escape route.

They were just a few feet from freedom. Blake reached out to touch the doorknob, twisting it as quietly as she dared. Without any warning, it flew from her hand as the door opened from the other side.

She didn't have time to hide, or crouch, or do any of the things she should have done. The blood drained from her face as her entire body froze, every fiber of her being coming to a screeching halt as memories flooded her mind, the abuse and torment she endured, the emotional turmoil she had felt afterwards, the dread when she realized that there would come another day when she had to face him again.

But Blake would never be ready for that day and the gods were indifferent to inner turmoil.

Adam Taurus stood across from her in the doorway.

"Blake…?" Adam said, his voice full of surprise and disbelief, staring at Blake before his perverse smile grew. "Blake," he said again, a laugh creeping into his cold and menacing voice. "I never expected to see you here."

Her worst nightmare. He was supposed to be dead. Blake had to kill him once, a choice he forced on her, and yet one that she blamed only herself for.

Yet here he was, right in front of her.

Notes:

Chapter 27!

Hints of polyamory? In my polyamory story? It's more likely than you think.

(FREE PC CHECK!)

Surprise, it's a cliffhanger!

I don't think anyone *likes* writing Adam Taurus, but he serves an important role in Blake's personal story and history. That means as much as I hate him, it's hard to avoid him coming into the narrative eventually, especially when it's a story like this where they go back to fix everything.