Chapter 10: Black & White
The silence in the room felt like a physical weight as Blake's trembling fingers reached for her bow. With a single, deliberate movement, she undid the dark fabric, revealing the cat ears that twitched nervously beneath. A collective breath was drawn – though for some, like Odyn and Flare, this merely confirmed what their heightened senses had already detected.
"I'm a Faunus," Blake said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But that's... that's not all." Her amber eyes darted to Weiss, then quickly away. "I was a member of the White Fang."
Yang took an instinctive step forward, but Ruby's hand on her arm held her back. This was Blake's moment to speak.
"I was practically born into it," Blake continued, her words gaining strength even as her hands shook. "Back when it was different. When our protests were peaceful, when we truly believed we could change things through understanding and dialogue." A bitter smile crossed her face. "I was so young, so naive. I carried a sign before I could even read what was written on it."
Weiss's grip on Odyn's hand tightened, but her face remained carefully neutral. He could feel the conflict radiating from her – years of family history warring with her trust in her teammate.
"But then everything changed," Blake's voice cracked. "New leadership, new methods. Peaceful protests became organized attacks. Signs became weapons. And I..." she swallowed hard, "I told myself we were finally making a difference. That fear and force were getting results where patience and peace had failed."
"Blake..." Ruby started, but Blake shook her head.
"Please, I need to finish." She took a shuddering breath. "I was good at it. Too good. Until I couldn't pretend anymore that we were fighting for equality. We weren't creating peace – we were starting a war."
Hailfire shifted slightly by the door, her crimson eyes meeting Odyn's. As guards, they both understood the weight of choosing between duty and morality.
"So I left," Blake's words came faster now, as if she feared losing her courage. "I ran. I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to becoming a Huntress. To protecting people. All people." Her ears flattened against her head. "But the White Fang... they don't accept deserters. And with them becoming more aggressive, especially here in Vale..."
"They're after you," Roy finished quietly, his cerulean and lavender hair casting shadows in the dimming light.
Blake nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. "And now, with all these dust robberies, and the increased White Fang activity... I'm scared. Not just for myself, but for all of you. Being close to me... it puts you in danger."
"No."
Everyone turned to Weiss, whose voice cut through the heavy atmosphere like a blade of ice.
"No," she repeated, stepping forward. "You don't get to make that decision for us, Blake Belladonna." Her pale blue eyes blazed with intensity. "My father would probably have a stroke if he knew I was saying this, but... you're not defined by your past. You're defined by your choices. And you chose to leave. You chose to do better."
Flare's tails swished as she moved closer, her natural majin energy emanating warmth. "We all have pasts we're not proud of. Powers we're learning to control. Histories we're trying to overcome."
"She's right," Hailfire spoke up from her position by the door. "In the guard, we learned that loyalty isn't about where you came from – it's about who you choose to stand beside."
"And we choose to stand with you," Ruby declared, silver eyes shining. "All of us."
Yang nodded firmly. "Whether you like it or not, partner, you're stuck with us."
Blake looked around the room, taking in each face – human, faunus, elf, majin-touched – all looking back at her with acceptance and determination. Her ears slowly lifted from their flattened position.
"I don't deserve—" she started, but Odyn cut her off gently.
"In my experience," the elf said softly, "those who say they don't deserve loyalty are often the ones who deserve it most. Your past made you who you are, Blake. But it's your present – these bonds you've formed, these choices you're making – that will determine your future."
Tears finally spilled from Blake's eyes as Ruby pulled her into a hug, quickly joined by Yang. Weiss hesitated only a moment before joining them, and soon the entire room had converged in a group embrace that spoke louder than words.
They stayed that way for a long moment, each lost in their own thoughts about the challenges ahead. Because they all knew – this wasn't the end of the story. The White Fang was still out there, growing bolder by the day. But now, at least, they would face whatever came next together.
As the group finally separated, Blake wiped her eyes and looked at her bow, still clutched in her hand.
"You don't have to wear that anymore," Flare said gently. "Not with us."
Blake managed a small smile, the first genuine one they'd seen all day. "Maybe... maybe not all the time. Small steps?"
"Small steps," Weiss agreed, and somehow those two words carried the weight of generations of prejudice beginning to crumble.
Outside the window, the sun was setting on Beacon, casting long shadows across the campus. But in that room, surrounded by understanding and acceptance, Blake finally felt like she was stepping into the light.
"The key," Odyn began, his lilac eyes focused on the crude map they'd sketched out of Vale's dock district, "is to anticipate their movements without revealing our own." Centuries of tactical experience lent weight to his words as he gestured to various points on the map.
"The White Fang's recent dust robberies have followed a pattern," Blake added, her cat ears now free of their bow as she leaned over the map. "They're targeting larger shipments, specifically Schnee Dust Company cargo."
Weiss nodded grimly. "Father mentioned a major shipment coming in this weekend. It would be an obvious target."
"Which means it's probably a trap," Sun chimed in from his perch on the windowsill, tail swishing thoughtfully. The monkey faunus had refused to leave after overhearing part of Blake's confession, and his street-smart perspective was proving unexpectedly valuable.
"Exactly," Odyn agreed, sharing a meaningful look with Weiss. "But we can turn their trap into our advantage. Hailfire?"
The dark elf guard stepped forward, her crimson eyes scanning the map. "The dock's security will be focused on obvious entry points. But there are several blind spots in their standard patrol routes – habits formed from years of routine."
"We split into teams," Odyn continued, drawing invisible lines across the map. "Ruby and Roy take the high ground here and here – their speed and range will be crucial for coordination. Yang and Flare create a diversion on the east side; with Flare's majin powers and Yang's... explosive personality, they'll be impossible to ignore."
Yang grinned, punching her fists together. "I like where this is going."
"Blake, Sun, and Hailfire will infiltrate from the shadow points here," he indicated several spots along the waterline. "Their ability to move unseen will be vital for gathering intelligence and preventing any White Fang members from escaping."
"And us?" Weiss asked, though the slight smile on her face suggested she already knew.
"You and I will be the bait," Odyn replied, his lips quirking upward. "A Schnee heiress and an elven royal guard making an obvious inspection of the shipment? Torchwick won't be able to resist."
"It's risky," Ruby said, silver eyes concerned. "If anything goes wrong..."
"That's why we have these," Flare produced a set of communication devices, her fox ears twitching with pride. "Modified them myself. They'll work even if the CCT signal is jammed."
"We're not just trying to stop one robbery," Blake said quietly, her amber eyes determined. "We're trying to send a message. To the White Fang, to Torchwick, to anyone who thinks they can keep operating in Vale with impunity."
"The message being 'surprise, we're actually competent'?" Sun quipped, earning a small smile from Blake.
"More like 'mess with one of us, you mess with all of us,'" Yang corrected, throwing an arm around her partner.
Odyn watched as the group continued to refine the plan, adding contingencies and backup strategies. His gaze lingered on Weiss, who was fully engaged in planning an operation against her family's own security protocols. The irony wasn't lost on him, but the pride he felt in her growth outweighed any concerns.
"One more thing," he added, his voice carrying that particular tone that made everyone pay attention. "If anything goes wrong, if anyone feels the situation has become too dangerous – we abort. No heroics, no last stands. We're here to gather intelligence and potentially catch some criminals, not start a war."
"Agreed," Weiss said firmly, making eye contact with each person in the room. "We do this smart, or we don't do it at all."
Ruby nodded, stepping into her role as leader. "Everyone get some rest. Tomorrow, we start preparations. The shipment arrives in three days – we need to be ready."
As the group began to disperse, Blake caught Odyn's eye. "Thank you," she said softly. "For helping, for understanding, for..."
"For being exactly what you needed – friends?" Odyn finished with a gentle smile. "That's what family does, Blake. And like it or not, that's what we've all become."
The cat faunus ducked her head, but not before Odyn caught the smile on her face. Tomorrow they would begin preparing for a dangerous operation, but tonight, they could rest easier knowing they faced it together.
Weiss's fingers intertwined with Odyn's as she led him away from their friends, ignoring Yang's not-so-subtle wink and Ruby's poorly concealed giggle. Hailfire's knowing smirk was particularly telling – after all, she'd watched these two grow up together, had seen their relationship bloom from childhood friendship into something deeper.
"I saw that look in your eyes during the planning session," Weiss said softly once they were alone, walking through Beacon's moonlit grounds. "You're worried about something you didn't want to say in front of the others."
Odyn smiled, his lilac eyes softening as he gazed at his fiancée. Even after all these years, her perceptiveness still amazed him. "Can't hide anything from you, can I?"
"Not since we were children," she replied, a rare playful note in her voice. "Remember when you tried to convince me you hadn't stolen those cookies from the kitchen? Your ears always twitch when you're trying to keep a secret."
His pointed ears did indeed twitch at the memory, making them both laugh. But then his expression grew serious. "Aurora's appearance, Penny's... unique nature, the White Fang's increased activity – it's all connected somehow. I can feel it."
Weiss stopped walking, turning to face him fully. In the moonlight, her white hair seemed to glow with an ethereal quality that reminded Odyn of the first time he'd realized he was in love with her. "You think there's something bigger going on?"
"I think we're seeing pieces of a puzzle we don't fully understand yet," he admitted, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from her face. "And I think putting ourselves in the middle of it could be more dangerous than any of us realize."
"But we're going to do it anyway," Weiss stated, not asked. She knew him too well.
"We are," he confirmed, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her hand. "Because it's the right thing to do. Because Blake needs us. Because whatever's coming, we face it together."
"Just like everything else," Weiss murmured, stepping closer to him. "You know, Father would be furious if he knew I was planning to help thwart his own security measures."
"Jacques has been furious about a lot of things," Odyn reminded her with a slight smirk. "Like when you agreed to marry an elf instead of one of his carefully selected suitors."
"Best decision I ever made," Weiss replied without hesitation, rising up on her toes to press a gentle kiss to his lips. When she pulled back, her pale blue eyes were filled with determination. "Whatever's coming, whatever this all means – I'm glad I'm facing it with you."
Odyn pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist as she rested her head against his chest. They stayed that way for a long moment, taking comfort in each other's presence as the shattered moon cast its light over Beacon's grounds.
"We should get back," Weiss finally said, though she made no move to leave his embrace. "Before Yang starts spreading rumors about what we're doing out here."
"Let her," Odyn chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Some things are worth a little teasing."
As they finally turned to head back, hands still clasped together, both knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, their bond would only grow stronger. They had faced disapproving fathers, societal prejudices, and countless obstacles to be together – whatever conspiracy was unfolding in Vale would be just another challenge to overcome.
Together, as they had always been, and always would be.
For a moment, as Weiss gazed into Odyn's flame-orange eyes, the world seemed to blur and shift around them. The moonlit grounds of Beacon faded away, replaced by a sun-dappled scene that felt both foreign and achingly familiar.
They were in what appeared to be a garden, elegant and well-maintained, with a perfect blend of Atlas sophistication and elven natural harmony. Weiss saw herself, older but still recognizable, her white hair longer and worn in a more relaxed style. Beside her sat an older Odyn, his flame-orange eyes crinkled with laughter at some unheard joke.
Then came the assault – a whirlwind of small bodies and delighted squeals as four children descended upon Odyn. Two boys and two girls, each bearing the unmistakable marks of their mixed heritage: pointed ears, hair in various shades of white and silver, and eyes that sparked with both Schnee determination and elven wisdom.
"Got you, Ada!" one of the boys called out, using the elven word for father as he scrambled onto Odyn's shoulders.
"Nana, look!" one of the girls called to Weiss, her flame-orange eyes identical to her father's as she showed off a small glyph she'd managed to conjure.
The vision was so vivid, so real, that Weiss could almost feel the warmth of the sun, hear the children's laughter, sense the absolute peace and joy of the moment—
"Weiss?" Odyn's voice brought her back to the present, his hands steady on her shoulders. From his expression, she knew he'd seen it too – one of those rare moments when their auras had synchronized completely, sharing the same vision.
"You saw them?" she whispered, her hand reaching up to touch his face. "Our..."
"Our family," he finished softly, pressing his forehead to hers. "Yes, I saw them." His expression darkened slightly. "Which is why we need to be prepared for what's coming. The signing ceremony..."
Weiss's grip on his hand tightened. "Father won't let us go through with it without a fight. He's probably already planning something."
"My parents arrive in Vale next week," Odyn reminded her, his thumb brushing away a tear she hadn't realized had fallen. "Once the elven royal seal is on the engagement documents, not even Jacques Schnee can legally break it."
"Which means we have exactly one week where he could try to force an annulment," Weiss concluded, her tactical mind already working through scenarios. "He'll try to separate us, probably send me back to Atlas on some pretense."
"He'll have to catch us first," Odyn said with a slight smirk, though his eyes remained serious. "And thanks to our... current extracurricular activities with the White Fang investigation, we have the perfect excuse to stay in Vale."
Weiss allowed herself a small smile. "Father always did say I needed to take more interest in the company's security measures. Though I doubt this is what he had in mind."
"We just need to hold out until the ceremony," Odyn assured her, pulling her close again. "After that..." his voice softened, "after that, we can start working toward that future we saw."
"Four children?" Weiss murmured against his chest, a mix of wonder and amusement in her voice. "That's quite ambitious of us."
"Well," Odyn chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "we've never been ones to do things halfway, have we?"
They stood there a moment longer, both thinking of flame-orange eyes and white hair, of small pointed ears and tiny glyphs, of a future that seemed both wonderful and terrifyingly possible. Whatever Jacques Schnee might try, whatever obstacles lay ahead, they had something worth fighting for – not just their present, but their future.
And those four laughing children in their shared vision? They were worth any battle that might come.
"We should head back," Odyn said softly, though he made no immediate move to release Weiss from their embrace. "The White Fang won't catch themselves."
"True," Weiss replied, her fingers idly tracing the pattern on his sleeve. "But we should also tell the others about... the other situation. About Father."
Odyn nodded, his flame-orange eyes thoughtful. "They'll want to help. You know that, right? Especially after today, after what Blake shared..."
"I know," Weiss smiled slightly. "Yang will probably suggest we punch Father in the face."
"And Ruby will try to come up with an elaborate plan involving cookies somehow," Odyn chuckled, before growing more serious. "Hailfire already knows something's coming. She's been watching the SDC's movements more closely lately."
"Of course she has," Weiss shook her head fondly. "She's been looking out for us since we were children. Though I suspect Blake's infiltration skills might come in handy if Father tries anything underhanded."
"And Flare's majin powers could provide some interesting... distractions if needed," Odyn added with a slight smirk. "Roy's already volunteered to run interference with any SDC representatives who show up at Beacon."
Weiss looked up at him, surprise evident in her pale blue eyes. "You've already discussed this with them?"
"Not directly," he admitted. "But they're our friends, Weiss. They've been watching, noticing things. They know your father well enough by reputation to guess he won't let this engagement stand without a fight."
She was quiet for a moment, processing this. "We should tell them everything. About the ceremony next week, about what Father might try... They deserve to know what they might be getting into."
"Agreed," Odyn said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "But first, we focus on the White Fang investigation. One battle at a time."
"Two battles," Weiss corrected him with a slight smile. "The White Fang and my father. Though I'm not sure which is more dangerous."
"At least the White Fang are honest about being our enemies," Odyn pointed out dryly. "They don't try to hide it behind corporate meetings and legal documents."
Weiss couldn't help but laugh at that, the sound carrying across the moonlit grounds. "We should get back before they send a search party. Knowing our friends, they're already planning both missions without us."
"Probably," Odyn agreed, taking her hand as they began walking back. "Though I'd trust them with both. They've proven today that family isn't just about blood or background."
"No," Weiss said softly, thinking of Blake's revelation, of everyone's immediate acceptance and support. "It's about who stands beside you when the battles come."
As they made their way back to their friends, both knew that the coming weeks would test them all. Between tracking the White Fang and outmaneuvering Jacques Schnee, they would need every bit of support their chosen family could provide.
But after today, after seeing how their friends had rallied around Blake, neither Weiss nor Odyn had any doubt that support would be there. After all, as Ruby had so often said, they were stronger together than apart.
And they would need that strength for the battles ahead – all of them.
The library had become their unofficial planning headquarters, with maps of Vale spread across one table while elegant invitation designs covered another. Yang found the whole situation amusing, watching Weiss alternate between marking potential White Fang locations and selecting paper samples for engagement announcements.
"I still think we should have the ceremony in the courtyard," Ruby suggested, looking up from her scroll where she'd been monitoring dust shipment schedules. "That way we can have quick access to defensive positions if Mr. Schnee tries anything."
"Ruby," Blake said without looking up from her own research, "not everything needs to be tactical planning."
"Says the person who suggested we use the White Fang investigation as cover for ceremony preparations," Roy pointed out with a grin, his cerulean and lavender hair tied back as he helped Flare modify communication devices.
"He's got you there," Sun chimed in from his perch on a nearby bookshelf, earning an eye roll from Blake that couldn't quite hide her smile.
Hailfire approached the group, her crimson eyes scanning the various papers. "The elven royal guard will be here three days before the ceremony. They've agreed to assist with both security operations – though officially, they're only here for the engagement announcement."
"Perfect," Odyn nodded, his flame-orange eyes moving between the two sets of plans. "That gives us extra coverage for the dust shipment operation without raising suspicion."
"And it means Father can't try anything too obvious with royal witnesses present," Weiss added, her tactical mind always working. She paused in her writing of invitation addresses to mark another potential White Fang location on the map.
"Speaking of witnesses," Flare's fox ears twitched as she soldered another component, "my sister Lazuli says team KLBGJ is happy to provide additional security. Khanna's already working on contingency plans."
"And team JNPR's in too," Yang added. "Though I had to convince Nora that breaking Jacques's legs wasn't a viable first option."
"Could be plan B," Sun suggested, earning several snickers and one very pointed look from Weiss.
"Focus, please," Blake interjected, though her amber eyes held amusement. "The dust shipment arrives in two days. We need to be ready for that before we can worry about dealing with Weiss's father."
"Actually," Odyn said, sharing a meaningful look with his fiancée, "the two operations might be more connected than we thought. The timing of this shipment, right before the ceremony... it's convenient. Too convenient."
A moment of silence fell over the group as they processed this. It was Ruby who spoke first, her silver eyes widening with understanding. "You think Mr. Schnee might be using the White Fang situation somehow?"
"It would be just like Father," Weiss said quietly. "Using one situation to manipulate another. If something goes wrong with the dust shipment..."
"He could use it as an excuse to recall you to Atlas," Blake finished, her bow twitching with agitation. "Citing security concerns."
"Then we make sure nothing goes wrong," Yang declared, punching her fists together. "Both with the shipment and the ceremony."
"Agreed," Hailfire nodded. "We've faced worse odds."
"Have we though?" Sun asked, genuinely curious.
"Well, there was that time with the Nevermore," Ruby started.
"And the Deathstalker," Roy added.
"Don't forget the food fight," Flare chimed in.
"Guys," Blake called them back to focus, though she was smiling. "Plans?"
The group returned to their preparations with renewed determination. Weiss leaned against Odyn as they watched their friends work, his arm wrapped securely around her waist.
"We don't deserve them," she whispered.
"No," he agreed softly. "We're just lucky enough to have them anyway."
As the afternoon wore on, the plans for both operations took shape. Security arrangements were made, backup strategies were developed, and somehow, between discussions of infiltration points and flower arrangements, the group found time to simply be together – laughing, teasing, supporting each other.
Because that's what family did, whether they were facing criminal organizations or disapproving fathers. And this family, bound not by blood but by choice, was ready to face whatever challenges came their way.
Together, as always.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows through Beacon's library windows as the teams worked, their planning growing more detailed with each passing hour. What had started as two separate operations had evolved into an intricately coordinated strategy, with team members seamlessly moving between engagement ceremony preparations and White Fang surveillance plans.
"If we position lookouts here, here, and here," Blake traced three points on the map of the docks, her amber eyes focused with the intensity of someone who knew exactly what she was up against. "We can cover all potential approach vectors. The White Fang typically uses three-person advance teams to scout before the main force arrives."
"How many in the main force?" Hailfire asked, her crimson eyes narrowed in thought as she made notes on her scroll.
"Depends on the shipment size," Blake replied. "For something this significant? Probably twenty to thirty operatives, plus whatever human allies they're working with."
"Like Torchwick," Ruby added, her normally cheerful face serious.
"Exactly," Blake nodded. "And he's become increasingly unpredictable. The White Fang I knew would never work with someone like him."
"Which means someone else is pulling the strings," Odyn concluded, making another mark on the map. "Someone with enough influence to redirect the White Fang's traditional goals."
Across the table, Weiss was deep in conversation with Flare and Yang, their heads bent over seating arrangements that looked suspiciously like battle formations.
"If we seat Professor Goodwitch here," Weiss indicated a spot near the main entrance, "she'll have clear line of sight to intercept anyone attempting to disrupt the ceremony."
"And Khanna's team can take these positions," Flare added, her fox tails swishing thoughtfully. "Jinjer's illusion semblance could be particularly useful if we need to create a distraction."
"Plus," Yang grinned, "Baron and Giblet make pretty intimidating security just by standing there. The size difference alone is worth having them as visible deterrents."
"True," Weiss allowed a small smile. "Though I'm still concerned about who Father might bring. Klein will be there officially as his assistant, but he's on our side. Winter... I'm not sure if she'll be allowed to attend, but if she does..."
"She's your sister," Ruby said firmly, looking up from her own work. "She loves you. She'll help if she can."
"And if not," Roy added, his gentle voice carrying unexpected weight, "she'll at least warn us if something's coming."
The conversation shifted as Sun dropped down from his perch, landing lightly beside Blake. "I've been thinking about the water approach. If Torchwick is expecting resistance, he might try to come in from the sea rather than the land entrances."
"Good point," Odyn nodded. "Hailfire, can your contacts secure us a boat?"
"Already done," the dark elf replied with a slight smirk. "One of the benefits of growing up in a port city with questionable regulations."
"Do I want to know how you arranged that?" Weiss asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Probably not," Hailfire and Odyn replied in unison, sharing the kind of look that came from centuries of friendship and shared secrets.
"Well, while you two are being cryptic," Flare interjected, her fox ears twitching with amusement, "I've finished modifying these." She held up several small devices. "Communication units with built-in tracking. They'll work even if the CCT signal is jammed, and they have a panic button feature that will alert everyone if someone gets into trouble."
"That's amazing, Flare!" Ruby exclaimed, examining one of the devices with sparkling eyes. "How did you manage to bypass the standard frequency limitations?"
As Flare launched into a technical explanation that had Ruby bouncing with excitement, Blake moved to sit beside Weiss, her expression softer than usual.
"I wanted to thank you," she said quietly. "For understanding. For still trusting me even after knowing about my past."
Weiss looked up from her planning, genuine surprise crossing her features. "Blake, after everything we've been through... did you really think I wouldn't?"
"The Schnee family and the White Fang have been enemies for generations," Blake pointed out, her ears drooping slightly beneath her bow.
"And the Schnee family and Faunus don't have to be," Weiss replied firmly. "My father's company doesn't define me any more than your past defines you. Besides," she added with a small smile, "I'm marrying an elf. I've already disappointed Father beyond repair on the 'appropriate associates' front."
Blake's laugh was soft but genuine. "I suppose that's true."
Across the room, Yang had managed to pull Odyn aside, her lilac eyes unusually serious. "So, royal elf guy, what's the real plan if Papa Schnee tries something during the ceremony? Because you know he will."
"The real plan," Odyn replied, matching her directness, "involves several contingencies I haven't shared with Weiss yet. Including having Sarai's team on standby with an airship if we need to make a quick exit."
Yang nodded approvingly. "Smart. And the rest of us?"
"Create chaos," Odyn's flame-orange eyes sparkled with unexpected mischief. "Something you and Nora excel at."
"Now you're speaking my language," Yang grinned, punching his shoulder lightly. "You're good for her, you know. Weiss. I've never seen her so... balanced. Happy, but still ready to fight the world if needed."
"She's good for me too," Odyn admitted, his gaze drifting to where Weiss was now animatedly explaining something to Ruby and Blake. "More than she knows."
"Gross," Yang teased, though her smile was warm. "But also kind of adorable."
Meanwhile, Roy had joined Sun and Hailfire in fine-tuning the dockyard infiltration plan.
"If I use my semblance to increase our speed," Roy suggested, pointing to a route on the map, "we could have teams in position here and here within seconds of the initial sighting."
"And I can use the shadows along this route to move undetected," Hailfire added. "Years of guard training doesn't fade just because you're at a fancy academy now."
"Speak for yourself," Sun laughed, balancing on his tail as he studied the map. "Some of us are naturally stealthy."
"Says the guy who follows Blake around about as subtly as a Goliath in a dust shop," Hailfire deadpanned, causing Roy to choke on his drink.
As the afternoon wore on, the plans grew more detailed, the contingencies more refined. Yet throughout it all, there remained an underlying current of genuine care and friendship. Teasing comments flew alongside tactical suggestions. Stories were shared between security arrangements. A family was preparing for battle – for two battles, really – but they did so with the easy confidence of people who knew, beyond any doubt, that they had each other's backs.
By the time evening fell, they had created a dual strategy that was both comprehensive and flexible. The White Fang would be intercepted at the docks, evidence would be gathered, and two days later, Jacques Schnee would find himself facing an ironclad engagement ceremony with more witnesses and protections than he could possibly hope to circumvent.
"We should get some rest," Odyn finally suggested, noting the fatigue beginning to show on everyone's faces. "Tomorrow's a preparation day, and we all need to be sharp."
As they gathered their materials, dividing maps and notes between them, Ruby called for everyone's attention.
"No matter what happens in the next few days," she said, her silver eyes moving from face to face, "we're in this together. All of us." She placed her hand in the center of the table. "For Blake." She looked at Weiss and Odyn. "For true love." Then she grinned at the entire group. "And for showing the bad guys what happens when they mess with our family."
One by one, hands joined hers in the center – human, faunus, elf, and everything in between. A circle of friendship, of chosen family, of unwavering support.
Whatever battles lay ahead, they would face them the same way they had faced everything else.
Together.
To be Continued in Chapter 11: Black & White part II