Guardian

Chapter Three

"Is it alright if I sit here?" Yang gestured to the seat next to Blake.

"Please do before another one finds it," Blake hurriedly patted the bar stool. "I feel like a thank you isn't enough. Let me buy you a drink?"

Yang shook her head as she took her seat. "I drove my motorcycle here. I usually just have a drink or two before I head home. But how about you let me know when you're ready for another one and I'll get it for you."

Blake eyed her drink. It was still over half full. "I'll keep that in mind," she took a sip from her glass. "So, Yang right? I take it this is your regular bar?"

Yang nodded as she raised her hand to get Velvet's attention. "I know the owners and helped them set the place up when it started. It's pretty quiet here, which is a nice change from my job, plus Fox and Yatsuhashi are good at keeping the peace. There's a pretty strict rule about starting fights here. That guy that was messing with you. He'll be lucky if they let him in again."

"What can I get you?" Velvet asked. "Sunrise?"

Yang shook her head. "A shot of Firebrand please," she turned to Blake. "Want one?"

"I don't even know what it is?"

"Are you allergic to cinnamon?"

Blake shook her head. "No I actually like to add it to my tea sometimes."

"Make that two shots then Vel!" Yang grinned mischeiviously as she accepted the shots from Velvet and slid her some Lien. "To meeting new people," Yang held up her glass to Blake.

Blake clinked her shot to Yang's. "Cheers," she downed the liquid quickly and immediately began to cough. "Gods that burns!"

Yang tilt her head back as she roared with laugher and gave Blake a few good pats to the back. "It's called Firebrand for a reason Blake. Heavy emphasis on the fire."

Blake grumbled a few more low coughs before attempting to speak. "I wasn't expecting it," she muttered as her attention was caught by Yang's golden bracelets. She wore one on each hand. They were bulky and, honestly, a little banged up. "Family heirloom?"

Yang raised an eyebrow in confusion before she followed Blake's gaze to her gauntlets. "These?" She held one up and Blake nodded. "No, they're not even jewelery," with a quick flick of her wrist her gauntlets revealed their true form and she gave them a quick cock back to show off the shells inside before flicking them back to their original, hidden, form. "Pretty neat huh?"

Blake stared at her in awe for a moment. "You're a Huntress?"

Yang sighed and shook her head as Velvet took their shot glasses. "I used to be but not anymore. Now I'm just a simple mercenary. I barely even go outside of Vale anymore."

"Why would you give up being a Huntress? I've always dreamt of going out and seeing the world. There has to be more out there than just," she motioned around them, "this!"

"Oh there's a lot out there but it isn't all good," Yang assured.

Blake frowned. "I know. There's bandits and of course the Grimm but there is still sights I want to see. The chance to make friends everywhere you go. To make a difference somewhere and impact people's lives in a good way."

Yang watched Blake talk with a small smile. It had been a long time since she had seen someone get so excited about Huntsmen. She wasn't even sure how long. I really should contact Ruby soon. "Why don't you go train to be one? Most people start training at a younger age but that doesn't mean you can't shadow a Huntsmen for the experience needed to pass the exam."