Screw it, I'm doing both. I'll have Tai's encounter up soon, hopefully.
I own nothing
Chapter 12 (Blake): Off to Menagerie
It was Blake. Her hand extended to the boy, a somber but understanding expression on her face.
"(Y/N)?" She repeated. The little boy cried harder and hugged her, not caring about anything else. The cat faunus held him close, rubbing soothing circles in his back to comfort him.
"Shh, it's okay,"
"No it's not!" (Y/N) protested.
"(Y/N), you're safe now. Everything will be fine,"
"You don't get it!" He pushed her away. "It's my fault! It's all my fault!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Everything! The Fall, the Grimm, Penny...Pyrrha," he struggled to say her name. "All of it was because of me!" Blake grabbed his shoulder.
"Young man, don't for a second believe that! This isn't your fault!" He tried pulling away again, but Blake kept her grip strong.
"It is my fault! On the day I got my soul vision, I saw Cinder's soul on the way back from Ozpin's office! It was black and blood red and it scared me! That's why I ran back to the dorm! I wanted to tell Ozpin, but I didn't know what it meant and I was scared! I-if I had said something, Pyrrha wouldn't have-wouldn't have-!" Blake forced him into another hug. The little dragon thrashed, trying to escape, but the older girl held on. Eventually, he tired out and could only continue to cry. Blake kissed his head gently.
"(Y/N) Rose Xiao Long. Listen to me: none of this is your fault. Nothing. You couldn't have possibly known any of this would have happened. Not even Ozpin or General Ironwood could have seen it coming. You are still learning to use your power and you were confused. You can't blame yourself for this," he sniffed miserably.
"I could have stopped it,"
"No you couldn't. Cinder had this whole thing set up from the start. She played us all (Y/N), so you can't take all the blame,"
"But Pyrrha and Penny-,"
"Would Pyrrha and Penny want you to blame yourself? Do you think they'd want you to believe you're responsible for their deaths?" He shook his head reluctantly.
"N-no. But what about Yang? She got hurt and I couldn't do anything!" Blake averted her gaze in a sad look.
"No, that was my fault,"
"How's it your fault?"
"That man, Adam, I hurt him because he became a monster. I left the White Fang and he swore to get back at me. He promised to destroy everything I loved to hurt me. That's why he attack you and Yang (Y/N). That was because of me," She looked back at him with a proud look in her eyes. "But you stopped him (Y/N), you beat him. You saved all of our lives by yourself,"
"But I didn't mean to,"
"So, because you weren't aware of what happened, it means it doesn't mean anything?"
"Yeah-!" (Y/N) clamped his jaw shut realizing what Blake had gotten him to say. "N-no fair!"
"(Y/N) please, don't blame yourself for what happened," his (E/C) eyes drifted away and Blake sighed, realizing she wouldn't get through to him tonight. So instead, she scooped him up and headed back to the hospital, sending a message on her scroll that she had the boy. On her way back, she began thinking about their conversation and the events at the tail end of the battle.
Adam
The psychotic bull would go to the ends of the earth to hurt her. Everyone around her would be in danger. And what about (Y/N)? He not only knew his face now, but (Y/N) had effectively painted a target on his back after that stunt in the cafeteria. If Adam wasn't already trying to harm him simply because of his connection to her, the red headed male would certainly come after the little dragon for humiliating him at Beacon, and (Y/N) wouldn't catch him off guard a second time. It didn't matter if (Y/N) was a faunus, a rare one at that, Adam would mercilessly kill him without hesitation. These thoughts swarmed Blake as she neared the hospital. She couldn't go back, not after everything the White Fang has done, hypocritical as it sounded, but she'd be leaving (Y/N) at risk to be hunted by her crazy ex, along with anyone he was with. She thought hard about her next move. She climbed up a roof near the hospital and put (Y/N) down. He tilted his head in confusion.
"Blake?" She knelt down to his eye level.
"(Y/N), I can't stay here. I'm...going home and try to figure out what I'm gonna do next,"
"You're leaving!?" She nodded sadly.
"I have to. Adam will keep coming after everyone if I stay here. I need to go and figure what to do next,"
"But, what about all of us?"
"Everyone will be fine. They're better off without me putting them in danger. But, there's something you need to understand (Y/N)," She knelt down. "Adam is also going to come after you now," he stumbled back in surprise.
"Why me!?" Blake gritted her teeth.
"Because he's spiteful. He won't accept what you did to him. He won't stop until..." Blake couldn't bring herself to finish her sentence, but the boy knew what she meant. He nodded knowingly.
"(Y/N), how about you come with me to Menagerie?"
"Where's Menagerie?"
"It's far from here. It's an island full of faunus and it'll be the safest place for you. Adam wouldn't be able to touch you with so many faunus around. And you'll get to meet my parents! Like when you met Tai!" She tried to brighten the situation, but the little boy looked at the hospital sadly.
"But, what about the others? And Yang..."
"Yang is strong (Y/N)," she insisted. "She'll get through this. And you'll be safer," he gazed at the hospital for a long while, trying to decide the right thing to do. Blake made sense, and regardless of how horrible he felt now, (Y/N) really wanted to see Blake's home. He also didn't want to leave the others behind, especially Yang and Ruby who he hadn't even seen since the battle. But, if that Adam guy did try to find him and he was with the girls, he'd certainly attack and hurt them. At least with Blake, she knew what to expect. Finally he turned to her and nodded.
"Ok, I'll go," Blake smile sadly and texted something on her scroll.
I'm taking (Y/N). He'll be safe with me. B
She threw away the device before picking up the boy and did what she was best at: running. She was unaware of a certain blonde monkey following her.
(Timeskip)
Weeks passed in a blur and the runaways experienced a very cold winter together on their way to the coast. Along their route, they picked up a couple of odd jobs here and there to pay for food and shelter and a new wardrobe for both of them.

(For (Y/N)-https://www.artstation.com/artwork/YaPBwX)

Nights were mostly spent sleepless as both suffered from nightmares about the Fall of Beacon and (Y/N) was fully aware his companion was much more paranoid as of late. Blake didn't let the little dragon out of her sight for a second and always had Gamble Shroud within reaching distance of her. Needless to say, they attracted plenty of Grimm to them. During their journey, (Y/N) became much more adept at combat and Blake began to wonder if she consider getting him a weapon so he'd be better equipped to defend himself. She decided to wait to get to Menagerie, and once they were secured, then they could figure out what he should specialize in. Eventually, they made it to the coast and got tickets on a ship headed for the island. It was small and quaint, and good for laying low on. After setting sail, both stared out into the water. Blake was somber and jumpy, but (Y/N) was much better spirits then he had been before. This was his first time seeing the ocean after all and he was amazed at how big and beautiful it was and he loved the feel of the ocean breeze.
"Traveling alone?" An older male voice asked. Blake instinctively grabbed Gamble Shroud aNd faced the man while (Y/N) just pushed away from the railing he was on to see the captain of the ship standing there. He raised his hand in a show of peace.
"Now, now. No threat here. Just here to chat," Blake didn't move for a bit before (Y/N) bumped her on her shoulder to get her to relax. The cat faunus did let go of her weapon and relaxed her stance.
"And why is that?" She asked.
"Well," the man sighed. "Not many people travel by boat on their own. It can be quite a lonely voyage,"
"We have each other," (Y/N) correct. The captain laughed.
"I can see that. That's still pretty lonely. But I've found those who do, tend to have the more interesting stories," Blake clenched her fist before turning back to the railing.
"Maybe it's just better for some people to be alone,"
"Blake..." (Y/N) said sadly before some playing kids startled her. The captain laughed again.
"Maybe, but with your paranoia, I think a few friendly faces besides your brother here wouldn't hurt,"
"Who says I'm paranoid?" Blake retorted, annoyed.
"No one dear. No one," the captain joked. "I'll leave you both be," he began to walk off before turning back one last time. "But uh, fair warning: these trips can be awfully boring," he then left them alone. Blake then reached for her ribbon and removed it, holding it over the water.
"Won't be needing this,"
She let go and the black piece of fabric fell into the water. She walked away and (Y/N) looked at her sadly, worried about her. He suddenly sensed a familiar presence and turned just in time to see a hooded figure disappear from sight. Before he could follow, he heard the waves rustle unnaturally and turn back to see the ribbon was gone and something diving back underwater. Deciding it was just a fish or something, (Y/N) abandoned the railing and went off to catch up to Blake.
(Timeskip)
It was sunset when the duo decided to go sea gazing. Blake hadn't said much since they had spoken to the captain so they both just stood in silence. She turned to head back inside when she caught sight of the hooded figure from before, staring at them. She drew Gamble Shroud.
"Who's there?"
The figure turned away, but before Blake could react, something large and Grimm appeared from the water. (Y/N) turned to her, slowly and worriedly.
"Blake. I think we have trouble,"
A giant sea serpent Grimm rose up from the water. It wasn't as big as the dragon Grimm at Beacon, but it was still pretty big. The crew sounded the alarm as Blake and (Y/N) got ready to fight. Blake launched at the Grimm and, using her semblance, catapulted at it, launching Gamble Shroud and anchoring it into its face. (Y/N) flew in to assist, pushing Blake hard so she had the momentum to swing around the creature and begin shooting at it. It roared, but found itself busy with (Y/N), who breathed fire directly into its face. It quickly dove into the water, and with Ny/N) assistance again, Blake landed back on the ship. The Grimm began diving around the ship, rocking it and making it difficult to stand. Eventually, both (Y/N) and Blake headed for a vantage point to snipe the monster. By that time, the ship's defense mechanisms went on line. Blake once again shot at the Grimm, slicing at its horn, but the force of the cannon fire forced her back.
"Blake!" (Y/N) yelled as he caught her mid fall and helped her back to the deck. The Grimm dove back under water and a larger cannon emerged from the ship. When the Grimm resurfaced, the fin on its back split in 2 and it was suddenly flying at high speeds and sending wind which nearly knocked Blake and (Y/N) off the vessel. The larger cannon tried firing, but the Grimm was way too fast for it to land a hit. (Y/N) began to fly at the creature in order to distract it while it charged an attack, but someone jumped directly on his back and propelled themselves forward, nearly knocking him into the water.
"Hey!" He complained as the hooded figure revealed himself as Sun and he and his clones attacked the Grimm's face.
"Sun!?" Blake yelled.
"Not today pal!" Sun told the Grimm as he and the clones pulled back the serpent's head to redirect a yellow beam attack. (Y/N) circled the creature's head and yelled out.
"What are you doing!?"
The Grimm hissed and began flying erratically to try and knocked the boy off. Sun hung on for fear life.
"Uh, you know, just uh, hanging out!" The Grimm eventually knocked him off. (Y/N) dove to help him, but Blake got there first and managed to catapult them to some rocks nearby. Sun looked at her gratefully.
"My hero!" Blake was very unamused.
"You're not supposed to be here!"
"Yeah? Well, it looks like you could use all the help you can get,"
"Ugh!" Blake dropped him. "Just shut up and fight!" She ran at the Grimm, who was now attacking the ship, while the boys stood behind for a second.
"Yes ma'am!" They both said before joining in. The creature launched another beam, but Sun deflected it with his staff. The captain ran out onto the deck.
"Huntsmen! If you can clip it's wings and draw it out towards the bow, we can take it!" The older kids looked at each other and Sun shrugged.
"I mean, you're the one with the sword,"
"I'll keep it busy! It can't fly as well as I can!" (Y/N) raced at the Grimm and Blake tried to grab him.
"(Y/N)!" He was already over the water and Sun was all for it. He barreled past the Grimm's face and began dive bombing around its body, much like it had done to the ship. The creature snapped at him, but (Y/N) was too nimble for it. He scratched it where he could, but his claws weren't quite sharp enough for this foe. The Grimm was so focused on (Y/N), that it didn't notice Blake, who had been propelled into the sky by Sun and his clones, until she sliced into its wing, causing it to plummet. Blake fell, and this time, Sun caught her rather smugly.
"This is the part where you say it,"
"Ugh," Blake groaned before the Grimm dove past them, destabilizing the rock they were on. The teens before jumping from stone to stone in order to keep ahead of the Grimm. (Y/N) kept up aerial support with his fire breathing as the creature clumsily barreled into the rocks. It almost managed to eat Sun, but was thwarted by Blake who launched them to a different platform. As they hung there helplessly, it began to charge another attack. This time, it was stopped by (Y/N), who rammed directly into its face, causing the little dragon to crash. The Grimm roared angrily, only to be impaled by the ship and had its head blown off by the large cannon. Sun cheered while Blake ran to help her ward.
"(Y/N)!" She pulled him into a sitting stance as he breathed heavily. He was pretty drained from all the flying he did, but his aura hadn't broken so he was fine.
"How did I do?" He asked jokingly. Sun joined them with an enthusiastic smile.
"That was awesome little man! Up top!" Blake was very unhappy and (Y/N) quickly looked away as she slapped the monkey across the cheek.
(Timeskip)
Night fell and Sun was busy accepting praise from passengers for their heroics while Blake carried (Y/N), who was now sound asleep. The blonde teen wandered back to them.
"You'd think they'd never seen a fight before,"
"What are you doing here Sun?" Blake asked, trying to be quiet as to not wake the boy on her back.
"Diggin' the new outfits, by the way. Never did like the bow,"
"Sun!"
"Geeze,"
"Have you been following us?" He looked away, a bit saddened, before looking back at her.
"I saw you run off. The night Beacon tower fell. Once we landed in Vale, you made sure everyone was okay, you went out to find (Y/N), and then you just took off with him without saying anything,"
"I had to," she insisted. "You wouldn't understand,"
"No, I get it," Sun argued. "The moment you left, I knew exactly what you were doing. You're both going on a two man rampage against the White Fang! Kinda surprised you let (Y/N) come, but I guess he'd want some payback for Yang!"
"What?"
"You've always felt like the Fang was your fight. They show up, trash your school, hurt your friends and (Y/N)'s family; it makes perfect sense!" Blake readjusted (Y/N) so she could hold her face.
"I can't believe you," Sun went on, not noticing her annoyance.
"But there's no way I'm letting you two do this alone. It's an honorable approach, for sure, but you're gonna need someone watching your backs," He lean over and out an arm around her shoulder. "And that's where I come in. Us faunus got to stick together, after all!" Blake pushed him off.
"You're wrong Sun. You're so, so, wrong,"
"What do you-,"
"I'm not going anywhere NEAR the White Fang. Not yet,"
"Seriously?"
"I need to sort some things out, and I wouldn't take (Y/N) anywhere close to them,"
"Then why not do it with your team? Your friends? (Y/N)'s sisters who are particularly mad you took (Y/N) in the middle of the night while they were unconscious,"
"Your one to talk!" Blake turned back to him. "Assuming Neptune, Sage, and Scarlet aren't hiding below deck!"
"You really think I could get Neptune on the ocean?"
"You thought I was taking a 9 year old on a revenge mission?" Sun hopped onto the railing, nearly waking up (Y/N) who was now fidgeting.
"They flew back to Mistral. I told them I'd catch up. Not the first time I left them to take a boat. So," he looked back at her. "If you're not going after the White Fang, where ARE you going?"
"Home," she answered. "To Menagerie,"
"Well I'm coming with you! The Grimm are getting worse, you saw it yourself. And just because you're not going after the Fang doesn't mean they won't be coming for you. And you need someone who can keep up with (Y/N). He's gotten way faster from what I saw. Besides, I'm kinda already on the boat," Blake have a hesitant smile.
"There's really no stopping you,"
"Nope!" He said enthusiastically. "This is going to be great! Never been to Menagerie before. That will be a regular journey to the East. Yeah, I like the sound of that," Sun then looked back at (Y/N), who was still snoozing away. "So, why did you take (Y/N)?" Blake's ears flattened.
"To keep him safe. Even the White Fang aren't crazy enough to attack a faunus child in Menagerie, not even him," Sun smiled.
"Don't worry! With me around, no one's gonna back able to even touch (Y/N)," Blake shot him a look.
"You know I'm still mad about that time you and your team babysat him,"