Darkest Nights: a RWBY Story

Chapter 16: Return To Vale

The military tug shuttle made its way slowly through the sky over Vale, just above the town's rooftop. Blake and Yang stood on the rooftop deck, gazing at the large mass of rubble in the distance that had once been Beacon Academy.
Yang let out a low whistle.
"It's hard to believe it's been a year and a half since the battle."
Blake nodded.
"I know what you mean. So much has happened since then."
Blake gently touched the two small puncture marks near the base of her neck.
Yang glanced over at her teammate and raised an eyebrow.
Blake felt a blush creep into her cheeks.
She smiled softly, running a hand slowly over Jason's marks as Jason made his way over to the railing to stand beside her.
Blake smiled, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment before he turned to look at her.
"Blake,"
He said, his voice calm and soft
"If it isn't any trouble I'd like you to accompany me to the meeting tonight."
Blake nodded and looked up to him.
"It would be an honor."
She said, giving him a small smile.
The shuttle cruised in for a landing in an open courtyard near the center of town. As the group stepped onto the pavement, they saw for the first time the strength of the attack. Many of the once lively shops were now boarded up and closed, leaving only weapon shops, a dust shop and a couple of food shops.
"There's a house we can stay in just outside of town."
Jason said as the military tug took off again.
They they set off, heading for the edge of the Emerald Forest.
They passed through a military camp near the center of the town. The many tents all flew the same banner, royal blue with a gold phoenix— the symbol of the Royal Army Of Remnant.
As they passed through the town, Jason turned to Blake.
"It's interesting."
He said, glancing around.
"Salem and her Grimm have managed to do something that no one has ever done before."
"Oh?"
Blake said, cocking her head to one side.
Jason nodded.
"The threat of so much fear has brought humans and faunus together. That could be a huge tactical advantage for us."
"Always thinking like a soldier."
Blake said, partly teasingly.
"It's what I am."
Jason said.
"I know."
Blake replied.
After fifteen minutes they arrived at the house, a small building on the edge of a large cluster of trees.
Jason unlocked the door and turned on the lights.
"Pretty basic."
He said as they all filled inside.
"Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen. Should be fine for a couple of days."
"No heating."
Weiss added, shivering.
Jason strode over to a fireplace set against one wall and after a moment, pulled back, a small fire now roaring in the grate.
"Give it a few minutes to warm up."
He said as Talia entered, closing the door behind them.
Jason showed Blake to their bedroom for the night, a small room towards the back or the house.
"Talia and I used to come here as kids. The house has been in my family for generations."
"I can tell."
Blake said with a smile, noting the family crest carved into the bed's headboard.
They returned to the now warm living room as Jason and Talia went off to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Blake sat down on the couch close to the fire and took Gambol Shroud from its case, looking at the metallic black blade reflecting the firelight. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that the ballade would be seeing a lot of action soon.