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[ghosteyesfoxwrites]

Ignite

Chapter 3 (thank you to all who have read this and liked it, and started following my writing blog)

She had found secret paths in the jungles of Menagerie, made up paths in the ceiling beams of her manor back on the island, even mapped out the most fun roofs to hop and ran across. However, secret pathways in actual old mansions were something Blake thought she'd only experience in a mystery-murder novel. Here she was, hand in hand with Yang, the Huntress that had been hired to protect her, and her family, and Weiss. A ball of energy, not unlike her little sister, but it was different. While Ruby was raw, speed and high activity, Yang was the sun, a flame, a constant output of warmth. Half the passages Blake missed because all she heard was a low hum of nervousness in her system. They went upstairs at a certain point, and Yang turned around with an excited look on her face.

"I almost forgot about this path. I know Weiss has a good view of Neo Atlas, but have you even seen the Aurora Borealis that hangs over Atlas?" Yang  stopped, one foot up on the first step, her body turned, her left hand holding onto Blake's right. Blake looked up, blinking slowly, her left ear flicked. She titled her head.

Amusement in her voice, "Yang, we won't be able to see it with the lights on at the city."

"Pssh," Yang  waved her other hand and started up the stairs, gently tugging Blake, "Says you."

"Says light pollution," Blake assured.

They reached the top in only a few seconds, just about ten steps or so. Ruby counted once when they were younger, but the exact number didn't stick with Yang. She opened the door and Jack Frost hit them solidly, his chill went right through their clothes. Blake hugged herself, her ears going so flat against her skull, they almost disappeared in her hair. Yang instantly turned and wrapped Blake up in a hug, her semblance flickered, the heat rolled off her in waves.  The wind died down after a few howls, and Yang moved back a half step, holding Blake at arms length.

"You ok?" Yang' eyes a pleasant deep violet, her hair glowed then dimmed as the heat slowed. Blake could still feel the warmth enough that the biting wind wasn't a bother.

She nodded, her ear lifting just a bit. "Why are we up here again and not in the heated manor?"

Yang smiled big and wide, tugging Blake to the edge of the roof, the small lip that came up to their knees before it dropped. The manor was at least three stories high, and overlooked the entirety of Neo Atlas. With the early nights, the neon lights from the empire glowed and pulsed with life. "Ah, just in time." Yang held Blake close, to keep the poor girl warm. She nodded up and Blake, entranced by the city view, slowly looked up. A small gasp and Yang knew she surprised her.

Above, blues, greens, pinks, purples, and oranges danced against the clouds. Falling snowflakes, cold and tickled noses and ears, caught specks of color, making them look like falling Dust. Blake stepped forward, out of the warmth, stood against the lip of the roof and was caught up in the wonder. Yang was right. She'd be damned.

Yang stepped up next to Blake and caught her eyes, just a bit. Blake's pupils were wide, taking up almost all her golden irises, giving her a child-like look of wonder and awe. Yang slowly wrapped her arm around Blake's shoulders, holding her close. "See, kitten. Told ya, the Aurora Borealis."

Blake closed her mouth and slowly turned to Yang, her eyes still wide, but Yang could see the mischief in them. She went to speak when her ear twitched toward the front of the house. Yang pulled Blake into her and turned, her aura activating. She turned just in time for her right shoulder to catch a bullet. The bullet itself dropped, crushed, her aura still active, but she felt a slight pain her her shoulder. Another hit, then a third missed as it hit the roof. Yang could hear Blake yelling her name, but she was already in motion. Blake was scooped up in her arms and they were through the doors to the passage way. Yang jumped and cleared all the steps landing at the bottom of the stairs. She put down Blake and went to slam the door shut.  She took a quick breath and hurried down the steps. Yang went to pick Blake up again and bolt down the hallway but Blake stopped her.

Cold hands on her burning face stopped her. Blake searched her face, if she was surprised to see blood red irises instead of lilac, she didn't show it. "Are you ok?" came and collected, deliberate.  

Yang took a few breaths and closed her eyes. Angry heat calmed and she opened her eyes, purple again, "Yes. Are you?" Yang went to look over Blake but she nodded.

"I'm fine. You took the shots. I should be thanking you." Blake didn't move her hands.

Yang shrugged and took a few more calming breaths, "Part of the job." Yang could feel the blush underneath Blake's gentle caress. "Anyway," Yang coughed,  slowly grabbing Blake's hands and pulling them off her face, but not letting go of them right away. "Let's go check on your parents. See if we can get surveillance outside."

As they jumped out of the secret pathways, and headed toward the room Blake's parents were in, Yang got a message on her scroll.

Rubes: Yang! Weiss's car blew up! Keep a look out back at the house. Me:Just now? Rubes: Yeah, Weiss is safe, I'm in one peace. Rubes: Piece** Me:Someone took a shot at Blake. Gonna recon Rubes: We'll be a few hours, between getting back and dealing with other stuff Me:Be safe

"So, whoever tried to take a shot at you, tried to blow up Weiss," Yang said, too calm for Blake. She put away her scroll and continued toward one of the safe rooms.

"What? How can you be so calm?" Blake kept in step, even if her steps were a bit more hurried, short legs versus long legs.

Yang shrugged, "Ruby was there. She kept her safe. Plus, this is what we do. Hunt, keep pretty girls safe." Yang turned to Blake and gave a half smile, shoulder bumping the faunus.

Blake's ears dropped, and she looked down at the ground, slowing a half step, "You shouldn't have too. It's me he wants." She stopped completely.

Yang took two more steps before realizing Blake wasn't at her side. She turned and closed in on Blake's personal space. Her right hand tilted Blake's head up by her chin, gentle. "I'm doing this more than just getting paid, Blake. I'm doing this because I want too. Plus, I get to be around you. Definite perk to 'Protect the Princess' gig."

Blake gave a small chuckle, "I'm not really a princess."

"Sure, Your Highness," Yang's hand moved from Blake's chin to brush her cheek with her knuckles. "Plus, Blake, if its you thye want, they will have to go through me. And I'm not an easy wall to get through."

Blake held Yang by her wrist and nuzzled into the hand. Metal or not, Yang felt shocks. She nearly shorted out when Blake turned and place one, small, feather light kiss against the palm. "I'll hold you to that, Miss Bodyguard."

Yang swallow her tongue and nodded, her face a perfect match to Ruby's cloak. She let out a small cough, "Shall we?"

Blake held Yang's hand as they continued toward the room, "We shall."

After a few more hours, well into the late evening, Weiss, Ruby, and Ice returned. The Belladonnas and the rest of Weiss's staff were briefed on the situation. They were targeted. Ruby brought up her scroll, connected to the hologram display in Weiss's meeting table. She logged into a network of hired swords and their ilk, and she saw that Weiss and the Belladonnas were on contracts. A few hushed murmurs and Ruby explained, they were hits.

"Assassins are coming after us?" Ghira growled. "Of course. No way the peace treaty was going to pass without a hitch."

"Plus, we know who is behind these hits. Jacques Schnee made it crystal clear he wants the company back," Kali worried.

Yang made a fist and pounded the metal table, the image of the hologram contracts warbled. "To think he'd go so far to take out his own daughter."

Weiss  stood at the head of the table. Her hands, flat against the steel, curled into fists, "Jacques Schnee will stop at nothing. I thought kicking him out of the family would be enough. I was wrong. I... I loathe to do this, but he has been nothing but a thorn in this company's side and, honestly, a threat to my life. As of this moment, "Yang, Ruby, would you take on the contract of ending Jacques Schnee. In name of peace and safety. Name your price, and it will be done." The chill that crawled through the room from Weiss was terrifying. Her ice blue eyes were devoid of compassion. Hope of leaving her father in past gone, this man was a danger and, now, was coming for her.  

Yang nodded along with Ruby. "Anything for you, Ice Queen," Yang answered.

Blake spoke up, "Can you see who took the contracts?"

Ruby stuck her tongue out in thought, then started typing on her scroll, "Usually not. But me and Yang have a few favors to cash in with Junior. He runs the site. But you didn't hear me say that. Just a quick message an-nd... Bingo!" Over the hologram, a symbol appeared and turned. The current White Fang logo.  "Apparently, the White Fang took the contract, and Jacques is paying them double of his asking price." 

A growl rumbled, shaking everyone to their core. Ghira shook as he snarled, "Taurus. That uppity brat. So him appearing and delivering the message wasn't just a one time thing."

Next to Yang, Blake started to tremble. Under the table, Yang reached over and held Blake's hand. The trembling slowed down to occasional shakes. "Ruby and myself were trained by  most of Team STRQ. No one is getting past us."

Weiss nodded as Ghira and Kali's eyes widen, "I thought your names sounded familiar," Ghira said, his anger tapering off.

Ruby tapped her chin, "If we knew where they were, we could take them out before they staged another hit."

Blake tensed, her ears dropping, "I... I might have an idea." The table turned to her. "In the shady part of the city, there's a few White Fang hideouts. Nothing spectacular, bases, safe houses, the sort."

Yang gave a dangerous grin, Ruby nodded muttering, "This could work," as Weiss stood and crossed her arms, holding her chin.

"Why are you all looking like that? What are you... oh no. Even you Weiss?" Blake looked a little shocked.

"Well," Weiss moved her one hand from her chin, gesturing as she went, "I have no doubt that Ruby and Yang could take down Adam by himself and maybe cause considerable about of collateral damage. There's a chance we run into White Fang members, people on my father's lien, and any one else there. If the four of us go, we'll have better odds."

Ghira stood, "Miss Schnee," his tone low, a predator waiting to pounce, "Are you suggesting I send my daughter into the lion's den?"

Weiss stood with her back straight, "Ghira, I'm merely suggesting that Yang and Ruby do their jobs by keeping myself and Blake safe. They are accomplished Huntresses. I am no slouch when the chips are down, and Blake doesn't have callouses on her hands from reading."

The room was quiet, broken only by the hum of the different electronics. Ghira and Weiss had a small stare down. Before Ghira could continue his objection, Blake spoke up, "I want to do it." All eyes were on Blake. "I am a good fighter, plus Adam is my problem. I wouldn't be able to sit here, safe knowing these three are fighting. I want to go. I need to do this." Blake stood and held her ground, her ear upright, her eyes bright.

Kali reached out and held her husband's paw of a hand, "Dear. Even if we say no, she'll sneak out." Blake had the decency to blush, but held her gaze.

After long, tense moments, Ghira let out a sigh of defeat. "Fine. I'm glad I had the foresight to pack your Gambol Shroud." Ghira pinched the bridge of his nose. Then looked to his daughter. "Adam Taurus isn't your problem, Blake. He should be mine. I left him when I left the White fang. I threw him to the cold world. I didn't help him through the racism."

"Dad, no," Blake stopped him. "He's.. No, no more. He is a problem to this society. He will blame anyone and everyone. I will deal with him, and help show that humans and faunus can live together. With Weiss's and your treaty, we can show that there doesn't need to be anymore hate between us." Blake smiled at her father. The man beamed at Blake.

"When did you get so wise?" he whispered.

"I had great examples."

From there, a plan to attack one of the three bases Adam frequented started to emerge. One of the three was the biggest, so Weiss suggested they hit that.  No small time for her father. Jacques had a few months to plan the hit, so there could be anything under the roof, from Dust explosives, armored soldiers, to even crude remakes of the mechs, such as the Atlesian Knights and maybe even a paladin or two. Weiss made sure everyone was loaded up on bullets and Dust if they needed it. Together there, Weiss and Ruby would come in from the sky while Blake and Yang rode in on Yang's motorcycle. Other from that, they would try to sneak in, but are prepared if they are found out. It was close to midnight, when they get to the point of when to strike.

"Why not go now?" Yang suggested. "Yeah, the faunus might have the night vision advantage, but, with a few, tactfully used flash bombs we can blind them. Or even get some night vision googles, you got those, Weiss?"

Weiss hesitated, "Although, I do like the sound of the idea, Are we sure dawn wouldn't be better?"

"The White Fang might be moving at this point. Two attempts failed, so either Adam is turning his ire on them or scrambling to move so he doesn't get caught. I'm gonna agree with Yang. Now might be best."

Ruby was out of her seat, latching Crescent Rose to her belt, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's move out, team RWBY!"

"Ruby?" Weiss questioned.

"Yeah, R for me, W for you, Weiss, B for Blake, and Y for Yang. RWBY, it's like dad's team STRQ. Oh man! I can't wait to tell Uncle Qrow," Ruby bounced from foot to foot.

Yang stood and ruffled her hair. Let me jut go get ready, and I'd say we'll be ready to head out in fifteen?" The rest of them nodded and they parted to prepare.

Blake followed Yang to her room, "Yang, wait." Yang turned around. Blake stumbled over her words. "I, uh." Blake looked up and all the words she wanted to say  crumbled and blew away. "Um, good luck. I won't be a burden for you," Blake hurried out, nowhere near the words she actually wanted to say. Don't die on me. I like you. I want to keep you around. Is it inappropriate to date your bodyguard?

Yang gave a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of her head, "Right. I don't think that of you, Blake. I'm confident you can hold yourself in a fight. Plus, I'm curious to see what your semblance is." Yang finished with a wink.

Blake swallowed a lump in her throat, trying to wet her tongue, suddenly dry mouth, "Right, right. Yeah. Well, then, I'll see you in fifteen," She smiled awkwardly before darting into her room. She slammed the door and wished for the floor to open up and swallow her whole. She shook her head and started to  get ready. Her father brought a sleek, black box. In it, Blake's weapon, Gambol Shroud. She clipped it to her back, held by a small magnetic bolt.

"Blake, if you backed out now, I wouldn't hold it against you. You don't have to do this," Ghira held his daughter's shoulders.

Blake smiled as she looked up at her father, "I do. I do have to do this. I will end this by my own hand and, hopefully, the rest of the faunus will see that not all humans are bad and Weiss means to do right by her name."

Ghira nodded and pulled Blake into a tight hug, "No matter what happens, Blake. I'm proud of you. You've grown into a wonderful young woman."

Blake held her father, gripping his jacket, "Thank you, Dad."

Ghira gave one more squeeze before stepping back, "One more thing, here." He held out a square of cloth, something folded.

Blake undid the folded cloth. It opened up to a purple long coat, with gold inseam. The bottom of the coat tails was the previous White Fang symbol, a less aggressive beast head. "Dad, this is beautiful."

"It was your mother's when I first started the White Fang. We want you to have it. Show the world our old ideals," Ghira stood, a stern face, but his gold eyes shown with pride.

Blake nodded, switching out a white and purple jacket for the purple and gold one. With a black crop top, tight black pants, thigh high midnight violet boots, Blake was ready.

Blake had ridden on high speed vehicles before, but riding on the back of Bumblebee, gripping tightly to Yang's mid section as she bobbed and weaved through traffic was a whole new feeling. Her stomach was left at the Schnee estate, lights nothing but blurs and streaks as Yang raced toward the old warehouses below the unused air docks. Yang was wearing a short sleeved black jacket that bellowed behind her, an orange tank top, and beige pants, tucked into knee high boots, a purple bandanna wrapped around her left knee.

In Blake's and Yang's ear, Ruby's voice came through, "We're closing in up here. It looks like they're still there, I see lights on and flashing."

Blake reached up, clicking the button, "Hover until we get there, from what I can tell, we're about a minute out."

"Uh oh. We might not have a minute." Then radio silence.

"Shit," Yang huffed before revving the throttle, pushing Bumblebee to her limits. 

 They heard gunshots and a small explosion.

They made it to the warehouse in less than the predicted minute. They rounded the corner to see Ruby jumping from Weiss's summoned Grimm hornet, the Queen Lancer, turning into a blur and slashed at the misshapen Atlesian Paladin. Weiss dodged the shots as Ruby went after the arm with the mounted gun.

"Get us close, Yang!" Blake shouted. Yang sped toward the Paladin before making a sharp turn, Blake launching herself at the mech. It swung it's arm and it seem to connect with Blake, but her image faded away as she appeared on the top of it. She drew her weapon and drove it into the power unit at it's back. The lights dimmed as the machine powered down and stopped moving. Ruby blurred to right below it and lobbed off the mech’s head. Weiss landed and Yang went to hide her bike.

"So much for stealth," Weiss sighed. Blake jumped down and Ruby gave a small chuckle. As Yang returned, the four of them headed into the building, the garage door open. No one else seemed to be around. Quickly, the four of them systematically disabled the other crude Paladins. They made their way deeper into the warehouse, the floor blasted out to create lower floors. "This is not up to code," Weiss grumbled.

They soon made it to a small computer room, LEDs and neon light flashing. 

They carefully stepped in, and once they were fully in, the doors shut and locked. The main screen blinked to life and Jacques Schnee stared at them. 

"Weiss." His voice was dripping with venom.

"Surprised to see me?" She answered back.

"You stupid girl. You really did it now. If you only kept your mouth shut and let me do my job, we would be rich! We would have owned all the kingdoms, not just Atlas!" He exploded, slamming his fists on the desk in front of him.

"You were treating people like they were machines! Disposable, nothing more than objects!"

"Please," he barked back, "Faunus are not people, they are animals with opposable thumbs. Perfect to serve!"  

"You're despicable! They are people! They have souls, hearts, hopes, dreams, ambitions! You are just a bitter, old man clinging to a name that will never be yours!" Weiss screamed, stomping her foot and pointed her rapier at the screen. Her glyph glowed under her. The rest of the team were silent, almost forgetting how Weiss got when she was angry; it was rare she lost her cool. 

Jacques went quiet, steepled his finger and clicked his tongue. "Fine, have it your way. Throw your tantrum. You'll see what happens when I have to punish those who don't listen to me." The screen went black. 

"Bastard," Weiss cursed. Her glyph stopped glowing. She felt Yang's hand on her shoulder and Blake's on her other shoulder.

"That was well put, Weiss," Blake smiled.

"Indeed, Miss Schnee. It was humbling to hear a woman of your position speak so highly of us faunus." The team turned to see two men, in flowing robes and drawn up hoods. On had a grey fox tail, the other had fennec fox ear poking out of holes cut into his hood. From under the mask, black masks hummed to life, blinking on white with red stripes. The buttons and trim of their outfit glowed in a  soft red. The one with the tail continued, "However, Jacques Schnee, though disgusting with his view of us faunus, has spoken of opportunity far greater than the peace you prattle on about."

"As well," the other spoke, "our dutiful leader will make sure faunus will be lead into ruling over pitiful humans."

Blake stepped forward, standing next to Ruby with Yang and Weiss at their right and behind them. "You're all brainwashed. Adam wants nothing more than violence and carnage."

"And if that's what get us our freedom and rightful place at the top of this food chain, so be it!" The one with the tail pulled out a dagger and thrust it into the ground. An earthen wall erupted and separated the girls, Ruby and Blake on one side, Yang and Weiss on the other. Each faced one of the faunus. "You have the pleasure of dying at the hands of the Albain Brothers. Corsac."

"And Fennec," The eared faunus drew his dagger. Weiss noticed something off about their daggers.

"Their weapons," she called, "They're like Myrtenaster! They have Dust cartridges in the hilt!" Yang readied her gauntlet and the small gun in her right arm. Weiss took her stance. Ruby deployed Crescent Rose and Blake grabbed the handle of Gambol Shroud.

"Observant. Jacques was considerate enough to upgrade our daggers. Let's see how well they do against the original," Fennec sneered.

In a beat, the fight started.

[ghosteyesfoxwrites]

Ignite

Chapter 2

Yang woke up the next morning to light knocking. She got up and shuffled to the door. She eased it open. Expecting to see Klein, Yang was snapped awake when she saw Blake standing at her door, tray in hand with mugs and the addings for coffee and tea. "Blake? What are you doing?"

Blake tilted her head, her ears flat against her head, "I figured that a nice cup of coffee or tea would be appreciated after last night." Yang hurried out an agreement and moved to the side, letting Blake come through. She set the tray down on a small table and went about making the drinks. "Do you prefer coffee of tea?

"Coffee. Will you be ok if I keep my arm off? Right after waking up, it doesn't fit right," Yang asked behind a yawn. Blake turned around and saw Yang, fully, no longer hiding behind a tray. Deep red orange tank top, black sweat pants with a yellow checker patter going down the side, rolled up a bit. Yang looked half asleep and sleepily smiled at Blake.

Blake relaxed, "Sure. If it makes you comfortable. Cream or sugar?"

Yang hummed, "More cream than sugar."

Blake walked over and sat on the bed, a hot mug of coffee for Yang, steaming tea for herself. Yang took her first sipped and let out a content sigh. "You didn't burn yourself?"

She chuckled, "I always run hot so warm coffee in the morning is nothing." Blake was a bit envious, left blowing on her tea to cool it off. After a few quiet moments of enjoying the hot drinks, Yang spoke, "So. The White Fang."

She felt the bed shift as Blake moved, trying to find a comfortable position, but it wouldn't help when it was her heart that was unsettled.  Blake stared down at her tea, er ear flattened then twitched. "What about them?"

Yang put her mug on the nightstand next to her bed and moved so she was leaning against her pillows and propped up her knee, resting her left arm over her knee. Her lilac eyes searched Blake, but the girl was good, her mask unreadable, Yang couldn't find any cracks. She pressed.

"I can almost see why they wouldn't want Schnee and Menagerie not working together. Does their pain run that deep? I know Weiss's dad was a prick, but she's different," Yang watched. She could see Blake's neck tighten, her shoulders pull back a fraction, her ear turned up, her left trained on Yang. Her hands gripped the tea cup, almost shaking.

Blake let out a shaky breath, "In the beginning, the White Fang stood against for all the right reasons. Us faunus are people, we have lives, loved ones, dreams, hopes. Jacques Schnee exploited the racism, and we.... We didn't have any backing to get him to change his mind. SO my... My father started the White Fang. At the time, a non-violent protest. A gathering, a community of faunus to help and support each other."  Blake took a breath and sipped at her cooling tea. Yang sat up, crossed legged now, wake, listening to Blake was and wasn't telling her.

One doesn't become an expert Huntress by taking things at face value. There is always the underlining story.

Yang watched as Blake stood and walked back toward the table, placing her tea down and paced the room slowly, taking in the photos and knick-knacks Yang had scattered. As much as this was a guest room, it was almost always reserved for Yang. A home away from home. She traced the wood, and that’s when she noticed. Almost everything in Yang's room was wood, almost no metal furniture.

"Why is everything wood?" Blake asked, her ears perked as she looked around, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Yang was taken back by the question, "Uh, because, I like wood furniture? It reminds me of my old home on Patch."

Blake turned back to a shelf and smiled at the pictures. "Menagerie's architecture is all wood frames, beautiful trees." She headed back toward the table and sipped at her tea.

Yang chuckled, "Are you asking me to go to Menagerie, Blake?" The sound of a snort and tea spilling a bit onto the wood was Yang's response. The blonde was up and laughing as she helped Blake clean up. "You ok?"

Blake nodded, sputtering a bit, "Yeah, yeah. I, uh, I mean, if you want." Blake's ears twitched and kept her eyes off of Yang. She shook her head and looked up at Yang, still with no heels, nothing but house slippers and bare feet, Yang looked down at Blake. Eyes soft, quickly darting over Blake's face, keeping eye contact, trying to read what wasn't being said. Blake opened her mouth to be more clear, but Yang's door slammed open and their stood Ruby, already dressed for the day, Crescent Rose in her hand, still in it's small, compact form. "Yang! I can't find--- Oh hi, Blake," Ruby stood more relaxed. Blake hid a chuckle behind her hand while Yang looked a bit more surprised to see Ruby. The outburst not unusual, doesn't mean Yang was ever used to them. Ruby looked about, and noticed the moment was possibly private, and Ruby started to match Crescent Rose. "I will leave you to it, then. Um, Weiss is with Mr. and Mrs. Belladonna, so-"

"You can call them Ghira and Kali, Ruby," Blake interrupted.

Ruby nodded, "Right, right. So, I'll go hang out with them. There's left over chocolate from last night and there's waffles and..." Ruby noticed the quirked eyebrow from her sister. "Ri-ight," she dragged. "Bye." And in her blur, she was gone, rose petals left to drift to the ground.

Yang sighed and went to put on her arm. "She's energetic," Blake commented, following Yang. "Want help?"

She sat on the bed and held on her bed, "You could give me a hand," Yang's grin split her face in two.

Ear flattened against her head, "This is just your life now, isn't it? Hand puns?" Blake stepped over and flopped on the bed. She took the arm and went to attach it.

"I'm always armed and ready for a good joke," Yang snorted. "You gotta hand it to me, you think it's cute. With it, I can definitely keep you out of 'arm's way. You don't have to worry about me getting strong-armed. I can-"

"Yang!" Blake stopped her. She hadn't even gotten to attach her arm. Blake was holding her stomach, shaking, tremors ripped through her as she tried to hold back the laughter threatening to spill over. "You have to stop or I'll leave you, alright?" Blake was chuckling. She reached out and gripped Yang's bicep steadying her arm. 

"Wouldn't it be all left?" 

Blake stopped. Her left ear twitched, her eyes closed, she bit her lip to keep her laughter at bay. She slowly looked up at Yang, her bangs shadowing her golden eyes, the look stopped Yang. Whatever joke was coming next died in the back of her throat, along with her breath, her heart. Blake smirked, clicking her arm into place. She got up and leaned over, gently lifting Yang's chin, closing her mouth. "Alright." And with that, Blake left Yang's room. She closed the door and leaned against it. Her face burning as she held it, letting out a breath. Her steps matched her heart as she headed toward the kitchen. Yang was left in her room, still staring at the door, the usual low hum of her arm rang louder than ever. Or was it her heart pounding in her ears?

That afternoon,Yang was walking around the mansion, familiarizing herself with it. She could almost see a younger version of herself, Weiss, and Ruby running down the halls. It helped her dad's team, STRQ, got hired so often by Jacques. The kids had the run of the house until Jacques had important meetings, then they were confined to one part of the mansion. They loved the mansion at night though. The three of them would quietly travel through the house, excited that the neon colors from the city would bleed into the house, splashing and spilling color all over the white marble, almost as if painted by the shattered moon.  Walking the halls had put Yang at ease. Her and Ruby knew this mansion inside out, backwards and forwards. She stopped in one hallway and looked both ways down the hall, making sure no one saw her before she moved one of the paintings, a giant one of Weiss and her two sibling, Winter and Whitley. Behind was a secret door and she slipped in.

Ruby was out with Weiss and one of the guys in black suits. Weiss' snow white SUV hovered above the ground. An older model, but she couldn't part with it. Her sister had gifted it to her when she first started to drive. Now, she left it in the capable hands of Klein or one of her snowflakes. Ruby would keep eye contact with Weiss for about thirty seconds, then she'd look outside. This repeated during the fifteen or so minute drive from the manor to the city. Weiss was meeting with some politicians about some business Ruby didn't really care about. She just wanted to keep her friend safe. And the stuff she learned from Ghira and Kali that morning, didn't exactly set her on edge, but it did keep her alert. 

It was a few hours later, the meeting had ended, the papers signed, the sacrifices made, Ruby guessed. Some of the stuff Weiss pulled off in the short amount of time she had taken reign was amazing. Ruby was convinced it was black magic. The big guy in the black suit, nicknamed by Ruby as Ice, stepped out first, then Ruby, then Weiss. Ice pulled out a key and hit a button, the SUV made a noise and flickered orange. Ruby's eyes flashed, and time seem to slow. She turned and scooped up Weiss and Ice, and she flickered out. The next thing Weiss knew she was on the roof, Ice on his backside, and Ruby with Crescent Rose open as a large sniper rifle, rose petals everywhere, and then the noise set in. The echoing of an explosion, car alarms going off, muffed voices, large hands on her shoulders, Ruby's back to her, calling to Ice.

"Wha-" Weiss croaked.

"An explosion, miss," Ice's voice was deep. Weiss looked up and blinked once, twice, and on the third blink, she was up and at Ruby's side.

"See anything?" Her right left hand waved and a small glyph appeared. From it, a long, silver rapier appeared with what looked like a six-shot revolver for the hilt. She loaded in several different colored shells, filled with Dust.

"No. I'm sorry I didn't check the car first," Ruby held her weapon in a tight grip, her knuckles white. The street was a bit darker, the explosion shattered the lamps and signs, killing the neon light.

Weiss put her hand on Ruby's shoulder, "You saved both me and Ice. You did your job."

"Miss, you really don't have to call me that," Ice had his back to them, his small hand cannon out.  

Weiss let herself indulge in a smile, "No. It stays." Once the police arrived, Weiss relaxed, a fraction. Next would come questions, EMTs, news, more questions, press, coverage, news, news, news. Weiss dismissed her rapier and sighed. "C'mon, we might as well tackle the next part.

Yang wandered through the secret passages that never left her memory. Ice white and sky blue neon lights set low colored the dark halls. Yang let her left hand drag along the dusty, dull stone walls. If memory served her true, she was behind the library. She felt along the wall for the trick brick. With an little push, the stone sunk into the wall and  the wall groaned, dust fell, and afternoon light ran into the secret passage. When the wall fully opened, Yang stepped out and patted herself off. "Just like old times," She chuckled to herself.

She looked around and saw she was, indeed, in the library. She went to close the wall when she caught a scared Blake in the corner, eyes wide, ear pulled back. Yang froze, surprised herself to see someone else. "Uh, hey, Blake."

"Where... Where did you even come from?" Her ear flicked up fright wearing off, seeing it was Yang. Curiosity slowly taking it's place.

 It was like the sun came in from outside and filled up Yang as she smiled. 

"Secret passage. Wanna come explore?" Blake got up and slipped past her, looking up and down the hallway. "Where are your parents?" Yang asked before watching Blake tentatively step into the passage.

"With almost all of Weiss's snowflakes, going over plans and such. They're in one of her secured rooms." Yang nodded to Blake's explanation. "Where does this all lead?"

Yang stepped through, reached out, hesitated then swallowed her nervousness. She gripped Blake's hand and lead her along, "Let's go find out."

[ghosteyesfoxwrites]

Ignite

A neonpunk bumbleby story full of action and romance. 

Chapter 1

Looking out of their hotel room, the barely there reflection of a tall, muscular blonde eyed the city. A dusting of snow covered the cold, hard steel of Neo Atlas. A floating empire that was once under the tyrannical thumb of the Schnee family, but now, the pressure has been lifted. The blonde smiled thinking back to the day she heard her childhood friend finally stood up to her father and gave him the icy boot. She was glad her friend-now-queen kept the neon lights that had taken root in the empire.

“Yang,” the blonde turned to the voice. 

“Yeah, Ruby?”

Ruby smiled up at Yang, she was on her back and her legs kicked restlessly over the edge of the bed, “We’re here a day early. And Weiss is too busy to give us the tour. We should explore a bit. It’s been for-ev-er since we were on this side of Atlas." 

Sitting on the bed, Yang pulled out her phone, the scroll, and hummed. It was early afternoon, the lag of travel hadn’t set in, and she was a bit hungry. "Alright, Rubes. Let’s head out for a bit. The snow stopped and didn’t leave the streets undriveable.”

“Yes!” Ruby jumped to her feet and blurred toward the coatrack, pulling on her red cloak. “Plus, didn’t you say the heating do-hickey of your arm is due for a replacement.” She grabbed a compact red and black metal case and clipped on the back of her belt.

Chuckling, Yang stood and walked over and pulled on a black leather jacket with a yellow stripe that ran down the arms. She flexed the fingers of her metal prosthetic, little purple lights fading on and off. “Yeah, thanks for the reminder. C'mon, maybe we can find you something nice for Ice Queen’s party tomorrow.” Yang reached over onto the small tv stand and picked up her wallet, keys, and gold bracelet with the word Ember Celica engraved on it. She slipped it on her left hand and shook her wrist, letting it settle comfortably. 

 Ruby huffed and lightly slapped Yang’s shoulder, “I do have something nice. And before you dis it, no, it is not my beloved cloak, but something I picked up awhile ago.” Yang gave a noise before slipping on her aviators and the duo headed down the garage to bring out Yang’s bike.

Neo Atlas, a new branding as Weiss put it, was what was needed after the horrid way her father ran the empire. She refused for the Schnee name be tied to inhumane treatment of their Dust miners, disgusting prejudice against the faunus, and insane pricing. Along with her most trusted butler and confidant, Klein, Weiss rebuilt the Schnee name. The neon drenched cities released the collective held breath while under her father, and sighed in relief as the unprecedented young woman made leaps and bounds. With her fair and equal treatment and abolished such strict rules against the faunus, even the faunus’ rights group, the White Fang, had to step back from their violent attacks.

The party Weiss would be having was actually a peace treaty she put together with the chieftain of Menagerie, a small island on the border of Neo Atlas’s Empire where Jacques Schnee had tried to dump all the faunus.  Weiss had worked months after usurping her father on the treaty, it was one of the first things she put together. She had met several times over those months with the chieftain, his wife, and daughter, solidifying the relationship. Despite her young age, Weiss had shown great maturity, a sky’s worth of knowledge, and charm that put the three faunus at ease.

After the initial meeting, Weiss had to admit she thoroughly enjoyed Ghira, Kali, and Blake’s company. Going as far as offering part of the Schnee manor as a get away for the Belladonna family for vacation or for just small visits. 

“Blake, calm down, you’ll be fine,” Weiss pulled Blake’s hands away from fiddling with the front of the dress, Some of the strings dangled and it would tempt Blake to fiddle with them. Something to give her fidgeting hands something to do. 

“I don’t get why I have to wear a dress. I can wear pants. A nice suit to mirror your dress,” the cat faunus pouted. Her ear drooped as she looked up form the floor to a sighing Weiss.

“Would that make you feel more comfortable?” Weiss quirked an eyebrow. Blake nodded, her ears perked up. Weiss let out a huff, smiling, “Alright. But you still need to wear heels, that’s an order from your mother,” The girls laughed as they made sure their outfits were ready for the next night’s party. 

  The sun fell and rose, the neon lights that made the snow change colors, faded in the pale morning light. Yang stood from bed and stretched, letting out groans as pops echoed in the room. Ruby, from the other full bed, grumbled in her sleep and rolled back over. Yang flopped back on the bed, She pulled out her scroll and went through mail, messages, notifications, then finally, the bounties list. Nothing major had been posted. Their last job netted them close to a million lien, so Yang felt comfortable letting some of the smaller fish go. She looked at the time and counted the hours until the party. Her and Ruby had about eight hours to get ready and get to the Schnee manor. In Weiss’ invite to Yang and Ruby, she told the sisters that Klein would personally pick them up, so Yang didn’t have to drive her motorcycle through town. Yang shuffled down into the pillows, content with a few hours of lounging around until she needed to get herself and Ruby ready. 

The party, be the time Ruby and Yang had arrived, was just starting to pick up speed. Yang and Ruby were lead in by Klein; Ruby and Yang had known the man for years, most of their lives, and enjoyed his stories and how he’d switch from one personality to the next at a moment’s notice. The ballroom was filled with faunus and humans, talking, schmoozing, mingling, and all around having a grand time. Yang let out a whistle, “Weiss didn’t skimp on anything, did she?” 

Klein chuckled, “Oh no, the young miss spared no expense. This is a momentous night, and something they will be talking about for generations.” 

Ruby’s eyes were everywhere. She squealed and latched onto Yang’s left arm, “She did it! She actually did it!” Yang followed where Ruby was furiously pointing and she nodded in approval. Next to one of the biggest ice sculptures she had ever seen, Yang saw what had her sister squealing. A chocolate fountain that rivaled Yang’s height in her best heeled boots. 

“I told you she liked you best, Rubes,” Yang teased. Ruby dropped from yang’s arm in a huff and turned away, hiding a blush. 

“If you would excuse me, ladies. I must go attend to my other duties. But, as always, a pleasure seeing you two,” Klein smiled and bowed. The sisters waved him off and he disappeared into the crowd.

Ruby and Yang wandered through the crowd until they made it to the food tables and started picking at the finger foods and taking drinks. Ruby, a little more of a light weight compared to Yang, kept to the lighter drinks. Yang was in the middle of ordering a whiskey on the rocks when a hand tapped her shoulder. She turned and saw Weiss, a gentle smile on her face. Yang abandoned the drink and laughed. She got Weiss in a big hug and lifted the Queen of Atlas up. Weiss sounded offended but was soon laughing and held her friend tight. Ruby squealed and bounded over, nearly knocking a waiter off balance. The three enjoyed the group hug before breaking apart. 

“I’m glad you two could make it,” Weiss fixed her ponytail a bit, her voice genuine. 

“Of course!” Ruby smiled wide, “We wouldn’t miss this for all the lien in the world.”

Yang made a noise, “Maybe for all the lien in the world.”

Weiss held her hand to her chest, “Yang Xiao Long, are you saying my friendship isn’t more precious than all the lien in the world.”

Yang kept up the charade, “I don’t know Weissy, all the lien is alot of money. It’s all the money, actually.” Yang held her poker face for a few more seconds before cracking her giant grin, “Of course not, Weiss. I value our friendship way more.” 

“Better,” Weiss finished. “By the way, you two cleaned up nicely. I didn’t think you’d have something like this in your closet.”

Yang looked down at her self and turned a bit, “What this old thing? I love my Hunter outfit. It shows off the best parts of me. Plus this new thing,” Yang showed off her black and yellow prosthetic. Ruby sipped at her drink, waiting for Weiss’s reaction.

“By the Maidens, Yang, what happened!?” The Schnee Screech still as loud as she remembered. 

Yang rubbed her ear, waved at the few that looked over at them, “Tone it down, Schnee. It’s not as bad as it looks.”

“Yang,” Weiss’s voice was low, almost deadpan, “You lost an arm. How is it not as bad as it looks?”

The blond shrugged, “Because I could have lost more? I was just a little careless on a hunt and the guy saw an opening.” Yang patted Weiss’s cheek with her right hand. “See? Now, I’m like, ten percent cyborg.”

Ruby nodded along, “Plus it’s got a heating do-hickey that makes it super warm, so it’s really nice during really cold nights.”

“Yang is her own personal heating unit, she didn’t need the extra heat,” Weiss replied. 

“It’s still nice,” Ruby countered. 

“Plus, needed so the metal and mechanisms don’t freeze on me?” Yang added, reminding them of the actual need of the heating unit. 

The two others shrugged. “Oh, Yang, there was actually someone I wanted you to meet. Then Ruby, if you behave yourself, I’ll let you be the first at the chocolate fountain.” Yang looked curious as Ruby was over the shattered moon.

“Weiss,” Yang followed, “where are you taking me?”

She smiled, “I’m about to change your life.”

Yang shrugged, adjusting her gold bracelet, “By all means, Schnee, lead the way.”

Weiss took the sisters through the crowd until she was behind a family of black haired faunus. Weiss smoothed down the front of her blue-white gradient dress before clearing her throat. The mother and daughter’s cat ears flicked toward Weiss, the father looking up at her. “Sorry to interrupt, Ghira, Kali, Blake. I wanted to introduce two of my oldest friends. Yang Xiao Long and Ruby Rose. Sisters and Huntresses. Actually, Kali, Ghira, if you would follow me and Ruby, I can show you where the best stuff is on the buffet, then we can start making the announcement.” The two older faunus nodded and the four left Blake and Yang in the midst of the crowd. 

“Blake, that’s a nice name,” Yang gave a half smile. Her violet eyes making a slow trip up and down Blake. The outfit Weiss and her mother settled on for Blake was a long white jacket that hugged her body closely, it was left open, showing off the deep purple vest and black chain necklaces that begged for eyes to hang on them to travel lower to the cleavage that was on display. The three gold buttons lead lower to the sliver of skin that was between the vest bottom and top of the tight black pants, and thigh high, heeled midnight purple boots. A white symbol was on the side of her right thigh, a flower, maybe. Yang’s eyes traveled back up Blake’s body and met her piercing yellow eyes. She briefly noticed the cat ears flick toward her. The blonde turned on the charm to full blast.   

Blake tilted her head to the side slightly, her ears flicked back and forth, curiosity clear, “Yang Xiao Long. Where is your family from?” 

Yang smirked and held out her hand, “Not important. So, you strike me as someone who has never been satisfied. Always settling.”

Blake squinted, her ears now fully turned to Yang, one twitched. She shifted her weight, “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you’re forgetting yourself, Yang.” Blake looked up a bit at Yang. Even in heels, the blonde had a few inches on her.

Yang took Blake’s hand, and lead her toward an open balcony. Cleared of snow, the neon lights of Neo Atlas on full display, blues, pinks, greens, purples, and oranges bleeding all together, painting white snow into the array of color. “I’ve never been satisfied myself. I think that’s why Weiss wanted us to meet. She’s… Protective of me and my sister. She told me about you, in one of her messages. Thank you for being a good friend to her.”

Blake relaxed, she started to see past the messy mask Yang tried to wear. Blake took her eyes off the landscape to look at Yang’s profile. She had a soft look on her face, calm. She turned to meet Blake’s eyes. “She’s done good work, and it was thanks to her getting rid of her father that the two of us met. I must admit, she mentioned a rambunctious pair of sisters that she needed me to meet. I’m glad she gave us this chance.” Blake gave a shy smile, tucking some of her hair behind a human ear, her cat ears relaxed. “So, Weiss said you were a Huntress. Where did you study? I tried to get into Beacon, but… Life pulled me elsewhere.”

Yang grinned and stood up a bit straighter, “Self taught. Mostly. Had some pointers from my dad and uncle. I’m glad life pulled you here.” Blake felt a blush run up her neck and color her cheeks. She hoped that the chill of the night would take the blame. Yang stood a little closer, her natural warmth rolled off her like nice, spring day. Blake was drawn toward it, their shoulders touching. “But yeah, I’m a Huntress. It’s been a good life.”

Blake took Yang in again, then nodded toward her arm, “Even if you need modifications?”   

Yang held up her right hand then made a fist, “Hazards of the job. Plus, it’s an improvement. What about you? Besides pretty much being a princess, are you doing anything else?”

Blake’s ears flattened, and she rubbed her arms, “Um, well, I’m looking for–”

“Blake!” The girls turned to see Kali, Blake’s mother. “The announcement is about to happen. Your father wants you there.”

Blake and Yang stood up from leaning on the railing of the balcony. “Continue this later?” Blake looked hopeful as she asked. 

“Yeah, yeah, of course. I’m hard to miss,” Yang gave a wink. Blake smiled then headed inside with her mother. 

Weiss met with Yang as she came back in, handing her the abandoned drink, slightly watered down from the melted ice, “Yang, I have a favor to ask. There is another reason I asked you here tonight, besides just wanting to see you.” Yang sipped at her drink, urging Weiss to continue. “I would like you and Ruby to keep an eye out during the announcement. Some of my people,” Weiss’s little snowflakes, her spies, “have mentioned weird figures about these last few weeks. I want you to make sure Ghira, Kali, and Blake are protected.”

“Can I assume Ruby will be trained on you?” Yang’s voice dropped a bit, her eyes had an edge to them, she was in work mode. She popped a panel up from her arm and pulled out a small ear piece and put it in her ear. It turned on and she beeped it twice. Ruby responded in a similar fashion. 

“Yes. She has Crescent Rose on her back, and she’s finding the best place to be. You can stay near the Belladonnas. I remember you working best close up,” Weiss lead Yang toward the raised floor, a bit of a platform toward the back of the ball room. The party had gone on for a bit now, most of the guests have arrived, and the main event is about to happen. Yang finished off her drink and nodded. She adjusted herself and headed over toward the Belladonna family. 

Weiss stepped up to the square mic presented, she was handed a champagne flute and tapped it a few times. The ballroom quieted and Weiss cleared her throat. “Tonight, friends, colleagues, allies, employees. I’ve invited you here tonight to celebrate a history making moment. I have been working closely with some important people to make this all possible. After taking back and rebuilding the Schnee name, I made it a personal mission to repair and strengthen the relationship between Neo Atlas and the faunus.” Weiss paused for the applause before continuing. “Standing with me is the chieftain of Menagerie, Ghira Belladonna, and his lovely family, Kali and Blake. They have become some of my most trusted partners and closest friends in this endeavor. Now, you will all bear witness to a peace treaty between Neo Atlas and Menagerie. The abolishing of the laws against faunus, and the beginning of a new era of peace and camaraderie. Ghira if you would join me?”

The large man stepped up, and he first signed the document, then Weiss. And with that, peace was solidified. 

Yang surveyed the room, and all seemed to go along smoothly. That was until she saw Blake’s ear twitch and turn toward the left side of the room. Yang’s head whipped toward the corner and saw a figure walk out of one of the darker balconies. “What a beautiful speech Miss Schnee,” his voice echoed through out the room, rolling over in waves, surprise and confusing washing over the crowd. Yang sent a pulse of her aura into her bracelet, and it expanded into a gauntlet, complete with shot gun shells. She chanced a look up, finding Ruby, sniper rifle already trained on the new person. Yang moved to stand in front of Kali and Blake.

“Who are you?” Weiss called out, speaking into the mic.

The man strode forward, her black clothing dull until red trim hummed to life, glowing faintly, a rose symbol flared then remained at a constant brightness. His black mask flickered and hummed, it turned white with red stripes. His sick smile added to the creepiness of his entrance. At his side was a sword with a bulky sheath. “A messenger. I am to inform you that this peace will not last long. This tranquility will be broken. And Jacques Schnee will reclaim what was stolen from him. So enjoy tonight Miss Schnee. It’ll be the last victory you have over your father.” 

Without another word, his form blinked out, as if turning off a screen. Yang looked up at Weiss, her hands balled into fists. Blake’s hand clenched and gripping Yang’s shoulder. Yang glanced back at the faunus, her face pale. “Blake?”

“They’re back. He’s back. The White Fang.”

Yang’s jaw hung open a bit. Kali’s hand moved to her mouth, “And Jacques Schnee is working with them?”

Everyone in the room was as quiet as the grave. Yang buzzed Ruby, “You see anything, kid?”

Ruby was quick to respond, “Nada. I took a quick look around the perimeter, there’s nothing. Not even a darn foot print in the snow.” 

Yang cursed, “I’ll stick close, but it seems like that’s all that was, a message.”

“Message delivered,” Weiss sneered, Ghira at her side. Hushed conversation spread across the room. 

“Weiss, we’ll keep Ruby on you. And I’ll stick with the Belladonnas. They are staying here tonight, right?” Weiss nodded, “Perfect. Me and Rubes will expect our rooms ready, then.” Yang gave a usual smile, something to try to calm the hearts around her. She gripped Weiss’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, Weiss. You got the Xiao Long-Rose sisters here. Everything will be ok.”

Weiss nodded and hugged Yang. She stepped away as Ruby appeared moments later, rose petals scattered about her. Yang turned to the Belladonnas, “No worry folks. You are safe as long as I’m around.” Yang’s heart fluttered and skipped a step when she noticed Blake smile. 

So much for vacation. 

TBC in Chapter 2    

[ghosteyesfoxwrites]

Ignite

A neonpunk bumbleby story full of action and romance. 

Chapter 1

Looking out of their hotel room, the barely there reflection of a tall, muscular blonde eyed the city. A dusting of snow covered the cold, hard steel of Neo Atlas. A floating empire that was once under the tyrannical thumb of the Schnee family, but now, the pressure has been lifted. The blonde smiled thinking back to the day she heard her childhood friend finally stood up to her father and gave him the icy boot. She was glad her friend-now-queen kept the neon lights that had taken root in the empire.

"Yang," the blonde turned to the voice. 

"Yeah, Ruby?"

Ruby smiled up at Yang, she was on her back and her legs kicked restlessly over the edge of the bed, "We're here a day early. And Weiss is too busy to give us the tour. We should explore a bit. It's been for-ev-er since we were on this side of Atlas." 

Sitting on the bed, Yang pulled out her phone, the scroll, and hummed. It was early afternoon, the lag of travel hadn't set in, and she was a bit hungry. "Alright, Rubes. Let's head out for a bit. The snow stopped and didn't leave the streets undriveable."

"Yes!" Ruby jumped to her feet and blurred toward the coatrack, pulling on her red cloak. "Plus, didn’t you say the heating do-hickey of your arm is due for a replacement." She grabbed a compact red and black metal case and clipped on the back of her belt.

Chuckling, Yang stood and walked over and pulled on a black leather jacket with a yellow stripe that ran down the arms. She flexed the fingers of her metal prosthetic, little purple lights fading on and off. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder. C'mon, maybe we can find you something nice for Ice Queen's party tomorrow." Yang reached over onto the small tv stand and picked up her wallet, keys, and gold bracelet with the word Ember Celica engraved on it. She slipped it on her left hand and shook her wrist, letting it settle comfortably. 

 Ruby huffed and lightly slapped Yang's shoulder, "I do have something nice. And before you dis it, no, it is not my beloved cloak, but something I picked up awhile ago." Yang gave a noise before slipping on her aviators and the duo headed down the garage to bring out Yang's bike.

Neo Atlas, a new branding as Weiss put it, was what was needed after the horrid way her father ran the empire. She refused for the Schnee name be tied to inhumane treatment of their Dust miners, disgusting prejudice against the faunus, and insane pricing. Along with her most trusted butler and confidant, Klein, Weiss rebuilt the Schnee name. The neon drenched cities released the collective held breath while under her father, and sighed in relief as the unprecedented young woman made leaps and bounds. With her fair and equal treatment and abolished such strict rules against the faunus, even the faunus' rights group, the White Fang, had to step back from their violent attacks.

The party Weiss would be having was actually a peace treaty she put together with the chieftain of Menagerie, a small island on the border of Neo Atlas's Empire where Jacques Schnee had tried to dump all the faunus.  Weiss had worked months after usurping her father on the treaty, it was one of the first things she put together. She had met several times over those months with the chieftain, his wife, and daughter, solidifying the relationship. Despite her young age, Weiss had shown great maturity, a sky's worth of knowledge, and charm that put the three faunus at ease.

After the initial meeting, Weiss had to admit she thoroughly enjoyed Ghira, Kali, and Blake’s company. Going as far as offering part of the Schnee manor as a get away for the Belladonna family for vacation or for just small visits. 

“Blake, calm down, you’ll be fine,” Weiss pulled Blake’s hands away from fiddling with the front of the dress, Some of the strings dangled and it would tempt Blake to fiddle with them. Something to give her fidgeting hands something to do. 

“I don’t get why I have to wear a dress. I can wear pants. A nice suit to mirror your dress,” the cat faunus pouted. Her ear drooped as she looked up form the floor to a sighing Weiss.

“Would that make you feel more comfortable?” Weiss quirked an eyebrow. Blake nodded, her ears perked up. Weiss let out a huff, smiling, “Alright. But you still need to wear heels, that’s an order from your mother,” The girls laughed as they made sure their outfits were ready for the next night’s party. 

  The sun fell and rose, the neon lights that made the snow change colors, faded in the pale morning light. Yang stood from bed and stretched, letting out groans as pops echoed in the room. Ruby, from the other full bed, grumbled in her sleep and rolled back over. Yang flopped back on the bed, She pulled out her scroll and went through mail, messages, notifications, then finally, the bounties list. Nothing major had been posted. Their last job netted them close to a million lien, so Yang felt comfortable letting some of the smaller fish go. She looked at the time and counted the hours until the party. Her and Ruby had about eight hours to get ready and get to the Schnee manor. In Weiss’ invite to Yang and Ruby, she told the sisters that Klein would personally pick them up, so Yang didn’t have to drive her motorcycle through town. Yang shuffled down into the pillows, content with a few hours of lounging around until she needed to get herself and Ruby ready. 

The party, be the time Ruby and Yang had arrived, was just starting to pick up speed. Yang and Ruby were lead in by Klein; Ruby and Yang had known the man for years, most of their lives, and enjoyed his stories and how he’d switch from one personality to the next at a moment’s notice. The ballroom was filled with faunus and humans, talking, schmoozing, mingling, and all around having a grand time. Yang let out a whistle, “Weiss didn’t skimp on anything, did she?” 

Klein chuckled, “Oh no, the young miss spared no expense. This is a momentous night, and something they will be talking about for generations.” 

Ruby’s eyes were everywhere. She squealed and latched onto Yang’s left arm, “She did it! She actually did it!” Yang followed where Ruby was furiously pointing and she nodded in approval. Next to one of the biggest ice sculptures she had ever seen, Yang saw what had her sister squealing. A chocolate fountain that rivaled Yang’s height in her best heeled boots. 

“I told you she liked you best, Rubes,” Yang teased. Ruby dropped from yang’s arm in a huff and turned away, hiding a blush. 

“If you would excuse me, ladies. I must go attend to my other duties. But, as always, a pleasure seeing you two,” Klein smiled and bowed. The sisters waved him off and he disappeared into the crowd.

Ruby and Yang wandered through the crowd until they made it to the food tables and started picking at the finger foods and taking drinks. Ruby, a little more of a light weight compared to Yang, kept to the lighter drinks. Yang was in the middle of ordering a whiskey on the rocks when a hand tapped her shoulder. She turned and saw Weiss, a gentle smile on her face. Yang abandoned the drink and laughed. She got Weiss in a big hug and lifted the Queen of Atlas up. Weiss sounded offended but was soon laughing and held her friend tight. Ruby squealed and bounded over, nearly knocking a waiter off balance. The three enjoyed the group hug before breaking apart. 

“I’m glad you two could make it,” Weiss fixed her ponytail a bit, her voice genuine. 

“Of course!” Ruby smiled wide, “We wouldn’t miss this for all the lien in the world.”

Yang made a noise, “Maybe for all the lien in the world.”

Weiss held her hand to her chest, “Yang Xiao Long, are you saying my friendship isn’t more precious than all the lien in the world.”

Yang kept up the charade, “I don’t know Weissy, all the lien is alot of money. It’s all the money, actually.” Yang held her poker face for a few more seconds before cracking her giant grin, “Of course not, Weiss. I value our friendship way more.” 

“Better,” Weiss finished. “By the way, you two cleaned up nicely. I didn’t think you’d have something like this in your closet.”

Yang looked down at her self and turned a bit, “What this old thing? I love my Hunter outfit. It shows off the best parts of me. Plus this new thing,” Yang showed off her black and yellow prosthetic. Ruby sipped at her drink, waiting for Weiss’s reaction.

“By the Maidens, Yang, what happened!?” The Schnee Screech still as loud as she remembered. 

Yang rubbed her ear, waved at the few that looked over at them, “Tone it down, Schnee. It’s not as bad as it looks.”

“Yang,” Weiss’s voice was low, almost deadpan, “You lost an arm. How is it not as bad as it looks?”

The blond shrugged, “Because I could have lost more? I was just a little careless on a hunt and the guy saw an opening.” Yang patted Weiss’s cheek with her right hand. “See? Now, I’m like, ten percent cyborg.”

Ruby nodded along, “Plus it’s got a heating do-hickey that makes it super warm, so it’s really nice during really cold nights.”

“Yang is her own personal heating unit, she didn’t need the extra heat,” Weiss replied. 

“It’s still nice,” Ruby countered. 

“Plus, needed so the metal and mechanisms don’t freeze on me?” Yang added, reminding them of the actual need of the heating unit. 

The two others shrugged. “Oh, Yang, there was actually someone I wanted you to meet. Then Ruby, if you behave yourself, I’ll let you be the first at the chocolate fountain.” Yang looked curious as Ruby was over the shattered moon.

“Weiss,” Yang followed, “where are you taking me?”

She smiled, “I’m about to change your life.”

Yang shrugged, adjusting her gold bracelet, “By all means, Schnee, lead the way.”

Weiss took the sisters through the crowd until she was behind a family of black haired faunus. Weiss smoothed down the front of her blue-white gradient dress before clearing her throat. The mother and daughter’s cat ears flicked toward Weiss, the father looking up at her. “Sorry to interrupt, Ghira, Kali, Blake. I wanted to introduce two of my oldest friends. Yang Xiao Long and Ruby Rose. Sisters and Huntresses. Actually, Kali, Ghira, if you would follow me and Ruby, I can show you where the best stuff is on the buffet, then we can start making the announcement.” The two older faunus nodded and the four left Blake and Yang in the midst of the crowd. 

“Blake, that’s a nice name,” Yang gave a half smile. Her violet eyes making a slow trip up and down Blake. The outfit Weiss and her mother settled on for Blake was a long white jacket that hugged her body closely, it was left open, showing off the deep purple vest and black chain necklaces that begged for eyes to hang on them to travel lower to the cleavage that was on display. The three gold buttons lead lower to the sliver of skin that was between the vest bottom and top of the tight black pants, and thigh high, heeled midnight purple boots. A white symbol was on the side of her right thigh, a flower, maybe. Yang’s eyes traveled back up Blake’s body and met her piercing yellow eyes. She briefly noticed the cat ears flick toward her. The blonde turned on the charm to full blast.   

Blake tilted her head to the side slightly, her ears flicked back and forth, curiosity clear, “Yang Xiao Long. Where is your family from?” 

Yang smirked and held out her hand, “Not important. So, you strike me as someone who has never been satisfied. Always settling.”

Blake squinted, her ears now fully turned to Yang, one twitched. She shifted her weight, “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you’re forgetting yourself, Yang.” Blake looked up a bit at Yang. Even in heels, the blonde had a few inches on her.

Yang took Blake’s hand, and lead her toward an open balcony. Cleared of snow, the neon lights of Neo Atlas on full display, blues, pinks, greens, purples, and oranges bleeding all together, painting white snow into the array of color. “I’ve never been satisfied myself. I think that’s why Weiss wanted us to meet. She’s... Protective of me and my sister. She told me about you, in one of her messages. Thank you for being a good friend to her.”

Blake relaxed, she started to see past the messy mask Yang tried to wear. Blake took her eyes off the landscape to look at Yang’s profile. She had a soft look on her face, calm. She turned to meet Blake’s eyes. “She’s done good work, and it was thanks to her getting rid of her father that the two of us met. I must admit, she mentioned a rambunctious pair of sisters that she needed me to meet. I’m glad she gave us this chance.” Blake gave a shy smile, tucking some of her hair behind a human ear, her cat ears relaxed. “So, Weiss said you were a Huntress. Where did you study? I tried to get into Beacon, but... Life pulled me elsewhere.”

Yang grinned and stood up a bit straighter, “Self taught. Mostly. Had some pointers from my dad and uncle. I’m glad life pulled you here.” Blake felt a blush run up her neck and color her cheeks. She hoped that the chill of the night would take the blame. Yang stood a little closer, her natural warmth rolled off her like nice, spring day. Blake was drawn toward it, their shoulders touching. “But yeah, I’m a Huntress. It’s been a good life.”

Blake took Yang in again, then nodded toward her arm, “Even if you need modifications?”   

Yang held up her right hand then made a fist, “Hazards of the job. Plus, it’s an improvement. What about you? Besides pretty much being a princess, are you doing anything else?”

Blake’s ears flattened, and she rubbed her arms, “Um, well, I’m looking for--”

“Blake!” The girls turned to see Kali, Blake’s mother. “The announcement is about to happen. Your father wants you there.”

Blake and Yang stood up from leaning on the railing of the balcony. “Continue this later?” Blake looked hopeful as she asked. 

“Yeah, yeah, of course. I’m hard to miss,” Yang gave a wink. Blake smiled then headed inside with her mother. 

Weiss met with Yang as she came back in, handing her the abandoned drink, slightly watered down from the melted ice, “Yang, I have a favor to ask. There is another reason I asked you here tonight, besides just wanting to see you.” Yang sipped at her drink, urging Weiss to continue. “I would like you and Ruby to keep an eye out during the announcement. Some of my people,” Weiss’s little snowflakes, her spies, “have mentioned weird figures about these last few weeks. I want you to make sure Ghira, Kali, and Blake are protected.”

“Can I assume Ruby will be trained on you?” Yang’s voice dropped a bit, her eyes had an edge to them, she was in work mode. She popped a panel up from her arm and pulled out a small ear piece and put it in her ear. It turned on and she beeped it twice. Ruby responded in a similar fashion. 

“Yes. She has Crescent Rose on her back, and she’s finding the best place to be. You can stay near the Belladonnas. I remember you working best close up,” Weiss lead Yang toward the raised floor, a bit of a platform toward the back of the ball room. The party had gone on for a bit now, most of the guests have arrived, and the main event is about to happen. Yang finished off her drink and nodded. She adjusted herself and headed over toward the Belladonna family. 

Weiss stepped up to the square mic presented, she was handed a champagne flute and tapped it a few times. The ballroom quieted and Weiss cleared her throat. “Tonight, friends, colleagues, allies, employees. I’ve invited you here tonight to celebrate a history making moment. I have been working closely with some important people to make this all possible. After taking back and rebuilding the Schnee name, I made it a personal mission to repair and strengthen the relationship between Neo Atlas and the faunus.” Weiss paused for the applause before continuing. “Standing with me is the chieftain of Menagerie, Ghira Belladonna, and his lovely family, Kali and Blake. They have become some of my most trusted partners and closest friends in this endeavor. Now, you will all bear witness to a peace treaty between Neo Atlas and Menagerie. The abolishing of the laws against faunus, and the beginning of a new era of peace and camaraderie. Ghira if you would join me?”

The large man stepped up, and he first signed the document, then Weiss. And with that, peace was solidified. 

Yang surveyed the room, and all seemed to go along smoothly. That was until she saw Blake’s ear twitch and turn toward the left side of the room. Yang’s head whipped toward the corner and saw a figure walk out of one of the darker balconies. “What a beautiful speech Miss Schnee,” his voice echoed through out the room, rolling over in waves, surprise and confusing washing over the crowd. Yang sent a pulse of her aura into her bracelet, and it expanded into a gauntlet, complete with shot gun shells. She chanced a look up, finding Ruby, sniper rifle already trained on the new person. Yang moved to stand in front of Kali and Blake.

“Who are you?” Weiss called out, speaking into the mic.

The man strode forward, her black clothing dull until red trim hummed to life, glowing faintly, a rose symbol flared then remained at a constant brightness. His black mask flickered and hummed, it turned white with red stripes. His sick smile added to the creepiness of his entrance. At his side was a sword with a bulky sheath. “A messenger. I am to inform you that this peace will not last long. This tranquility will be broken. And Jacques Schnee will reclaim what was stolen from him. So enjoy tonight Miss Schnee. It’ll be the last victory you have over your father.” 

Without another word, his form blinked out, as if turning off a screen. Yang looked up at Weiss, her hands balled into fists. Blake’s hand clenched and gripping Yang’s shoulder. Yang glanced back at the faunus, her face pale. “Blake?”

“They’re back. He’s back. The White Fang.”

Yang’s jaw hung open a bit. Kali’s hand moved to her mouth, “And Jacques Schnee is working with them?”

Everyone in the room was as quiet as the grave. Yang buzzed Ruby, “You see anything, kid?”

Ruby was quick to respond, “Nada. I took a quick look around the perimeter, there’s nothing. Not even a darn foot print in the snow.” 

Yang cursed, “I’ll stick close, but it seems like that’s all that was, a message.”

“Message delivered,” Weiss sneered, Ghira at her side. Hushed conversation spread across the room. 

“Weiss, we’ll keep Ruby on you. And I’ll stick with the Belladonnas. They are staying here tonight, right?” Weiss nodded, “Perfect. Me and Rubes will expect our rooms ready, then.” Yang gave a usual smile, something to try to calm the hearts around her. She gripped Weiss’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, Weiss. You got the Xiao Long-Rose sisters here. Everything will be ok.”

Weiss nodded and hugged Yang. She stepped away as Ruby appeared moments later, rose petals scattered about her. Yang turned to the Belladonnas, “No worry folks. You are safe as long as I’m around.” Yang’s heart fluttered and skipped a step when she noticed Blake smile. 

So much for vacation. 

TBC in Chapter 2