War.

The only way to resolve conflict when peace is ridiculed and harassed. The only thing that can change people is war. Only when people get hurt and they might be in danger do they regret past decisions or adding fuel to the fire. It's the dangers of bullying. But one doesn't see the damage until it's too late.

Which is why I can't fight anymore. I can not fight for petty reasons.

I've learned my lesson but the world hasn't begun to take weight of the problems surfacing. Even now, danger arises to Faunus and Humans.

She's fleeing, a prospective job done well but getting tailed by enemies. She needed to lose them, she can't be compromised from enemy capture. The forest grew thicker and thicker, caching a trail would be harsh. Scared, heart beat rising and trying to just get away, she mistimed her step and rolled off the cliff, where rapid waters greeted her. The men look downward and grimaced.

"Tch, forget her, let nature teach her a lesson." The trio looked downward, not seeing her come back up for air and decided to leave it up to chance. She would've preffered getting caught at this rate. She's a cat, this was worse. It only reminds her of bad times, rain down-casting upon her or unnecessary bullying as a child. She only feels negative in this clear liquid surrounding her. But that's nothing compared to what her sensitive ears catches. The sound of a water fall, a massive drop from the fall. The faunus can't move, the rapid current working against her. Her hand tried to reach something, anything to save her.

This isn't how she planned to die, not today. She wanted equality and is this what's going to become of her? She was nearing the drop, her heart accelerating in fear. The sounds rising in strength. She tried to catch onto something but nothing worked in her favor and then she felt it. And saw it with her eyes. A heavy drop, possibly more than one hundred feet. Before she could even meet the ground, her body couldn't withstand the tension of the severe incline and presumably pass out prior to the fall.

Small stir and her dreams revolved in fear, evolved in danger and only sad memories. Yes, her childhood shaped her behavior. She despised humanity for its supposed superiority. There's no records to why such a race must feel better than the other. Was it for laughs? Jokes? To induce trauma? They succeed.

She couldn't stand for it at all. Peace never worked, so the White Fang was the best option. They took her in, trained her, molded her to become a warrior under their watch. Fighting left and right, stealing Dust Schnee items in hopes to secure luggage and send a message to them. To stop using Faunus to do the dirty work thanks to their "race". Faunus have equal rights and if violence is needed to change things, then so be it.

The woman wanted nothing more than equality to the point she'd do anything to achieve it.

Fire crackled nearby, a wet towel rested on her forehead was all she can sense. She slowly opened her eyes, consciousness returning. She looked to the side, seeing a slender man in a white kimono. Orange hair and a cross shaped scar on his cheeks. He's cooking something, the scent of steamed rice and veggies coming to mind. Upon lighting, she realizes it's dark outside. Did she pass out? The two were inside a cottage housing them in. Normally, one would thank the person or ask them how they saved them.

She quickly rose up to her feet in a defensive stance, footsteps echoing across the room and the wooden floorboards creaking. The man turned his head and smiled.

"Oh, I see you've awaken." He spoke in a cheery, happy manner. He's a human, no signs of being a faunus. She doesn't feel safe here. He then catches sight of her blushing, white cheeks reddening. He stood up, a concerned look on his face.

"Stay away!"

"Miss, you're stricken with a fever, falling in rapids isn't a good idea. That it is not."

"I'm fine..." Her body told a different tale than her tongue, a rising fever and some motion sickness.

"No you are not. You nearly suffered from hypothermia out there." All the symptoms showed. Her breathing was ragged, nausea, a booming headache. She's not fit to move or go on her own. "Please, sit down and rest, I can grant you a kimono to wear in the meantime while your clothes dry. That and some food I'm preparing."

She stared him down and the man only brought hospitality to her. Plus, she's not in any condition to fight. Realizing her circumstances, she closed her eyes and sighed.

"Fine."

She walked forward to where she had once been lying and sat down but never did she drop her guard. She noticed her weapon rested nearby in her grasp, making her feel safer if she doesn't believe him or trust him. Eventually he turned to her, giving her a plate of steamed rice and veggies, assuring what she once smelled.

"...Thanks."

"If you need anymore, feel free to eat. I have plenty for seconds" She looked downward at his hip, realizing he has a weapon. She scrutinized it for a while and he caught on.

"Is something wrong?"

"Your weapon..."

"Hm?"

"It's irregular."

"How so?"

"Unless you have a strange sheath, it's facing the opposite direction."

"Ah, you have a good eye. It's a reverse blade sword."

"What's the point of having a blade if it's dull and useless?"

"Well, sometimes the philosophy overpowers the usage."

She narrowed her eyes once more. This man's strange, not making a lick of sense. Though, his cooking did and it was tasty. She couldn't complain.

It was early morning, the same man slept elsewhere while she was recovering. She didn't feel as sick as before, her body temperature returning to normal. The white kimono gifted by him kept her warm through the night added by the bed. But she can not stay here. She has goals to reach and she can't trust a human for long.

She rose up from the mattress and donned her guerrilla attire. Her weapon was in the corner and she walked up to grasp it. Nothing was wrong or needing adjustment. In perfect condition

She steps out the door and realizes she's in the living room, catching pictures of the same man with another woman. Sneaking around, she wonders who would stay with this man? The lady in the framed photos was beautiful by any standard. Long, black hair, dressed in a similar kimono, she looked beautiful, like a princess. She was surprised. That man did not seem like the kind to get good with the ladies. More like get on their nerves. But that's none of her business. Her eyes froze at a certain trait, one that stood out to her.

"Wait..." Upon closer inspection, she could make out her ears. They were cat like in appearance.

"A...faunus?"

The light suddenly turns on, making her look towards the direction to where the flip is switch. There was the man, looking optimistic.

"Had a good sleep?"

Blake stayed quiet but ignored the question by asking one herself.

"Who is this in your picture?" Without hesitation, he answered.

"My fiance."

'What?' The fighter grew silent. This man has a fiance

"She was my fiance." He retained his cheerful look but his eyes gave it away. Sorrow.

"What happened?"

He sighed and tried to find the right way to say his words.

"You are part of the white fang, are you not?" She gripped the hilt of her weapons in self-defense

"And what if I was? Will that change anything?"

"No, it'd only add to what I'm about to say." He unsheathes his weapon, walking towards her. She prepared her weapon in case he tried to do anything. But instead, he rests it on the table beside her.

"I was involved in the revolution a few years ago. I honed my skills to be an assassin, trained to kill and murder. Times were hard back then. My childhood had been rotten and dangerous. Feeling weak and useless, my parents living in poverty. They were killed by the environment and I was forced to live on my own by any means. Grew into a lifestyle of spilling blood and believing it was acceptable. the military heard about my expertise and wanted me to aid them. At the time, we were equal, monsters only wanting to seek power. I can't deny my purpose back then. I was assigned to battle and chase the Faunus back, stopping them from achieving their goals. They paid me in abundance and I didn't see how wrong I was at the time." He looks up and watches an angry expression on her face take shape. She's clearly not pleased but what he's saying or what he's done.

"But, over time I started to regret my decisions, around the second year the war began. A certain woman tended to my wounds when my comrades left me to die. She was a faunus, quite like yourself. Black hair and cat ears. She showed me compassion and made me feel human again. Outside of my parents, I never felt...human or cared for. I made a bond with someone not fueled by hatred or a decree to kill someone. Even after I told her exactly what I do, she still treated my injuries and that at the end of the day, faunus or human, we deserve proper treatment." He chuckled at the past memory. "I've used to such discrimination that hearing those words made me wish to stop. The military presumed I was killed. I could hide in secrecy.

"I never participated in the revolution afterwards. I mostly stayed and protected her. The revolution was rising to a high pitch and failure was closing in for the enemy. We wanted to leave for safety, to avoid the incoming enemy. We also had plans for marriage." At this point, his tone became serious and his eyes narrowed in what came next. "I went outside that day, I think it was to bring groceries and items. When I returned, the door was wide open, signs of forced entry. I wielded a different weapon at the time. One made for killing. I didn't know the humans were using more...drastic measures. They were rounding up any Faunus in the area and killing them, to induce fear and get them to surrender. They didn't care if they were innocent, it was mass genocide." He lowers his head, his hair blocking his eyes. "A couple of soldiers came in, captured her. They were ready to execute her and I...," he stops as he clutches his weapon tightly, the metal blade tapping the table in frustration.

"-Couldn't save her in time. It was at that point, I saw that this massacre was exactly what I've been doing this entire time. Fighting and killing for sport. No emotions attached. And yet, that was the one time I felt anguish in my years of living. The times I've killed Faunus never brought me anything but watching one die in front of me changed my perceptions and how vile war is. These men showed no mercy or cared about the lives, only following orders. what a hypocrite I am for caring when I've been doing the same..."He releases his grip and sighs after the rough memory passes.

"That proved to be the turning point and I couldn't fight any longer for the humans. I switched sides and joined the resistance, attempting to reign in the new era for equality. They were not quick to accept me until I mentioned her, my fiance. After showing pictures and showing my commitment, they knew I wasn't trying to deceive them. The battle at Fort Castle ended in our favor thanks to the Intel I got from the soldiers who murdered my wife. I became Public Enemy number one afterwards for my betrayal to humans and here is where I reside, where my fiance used to live in. I swore never to kill again and had my weapon forged to fill this philosophy. I even helped administer the White Fang's creation in bringing equality to all races and stop the senseless disparity." Blake's no longer mad but she seems confused. This was a huge story but what's the purpose?

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I rescued you based on principle but you were not a typical girl. Your senses and demeanor tells me you've done more than pick pocketing. You were part of the White Fang and responsible for the missing Dust to the Schnee company right?"

"..."

"That silence only strengthens my guess. It's not my business to pry into others lives, that it is not. But I feel the need to tell you that the white fang are heading onto a similar path filled with bloodshed and danger-"

"But peace can't solve our problems!" She finally interjects, explaining her side. The White Fang tried their hardest but they still get bullied for their attempts at peace. While Blake can relate to him, he's still a human and she hasn't seen a single resolution after trying the peaceful route.

"Yes, it's tough to make one submit to peace because it's easy to rebel. Hunters and huntresses have it rough. I wonder what might have been if I switched to a more methodical approach to my skills. Like hunters and huntresses. Those meant to keep the peace for the world."

"..."

She never took much thought on it, thinking it was only made to waste time.

"But, I must tell you this, violence leads to ruin, that it does. The White Fang is no different than a terrorist group or the humans in the war. It starts out small until it eventually grows out of control and an inferno leaves a barren wasteland on what once was a civilization."

"If that's what it takes to realize we're not a race you can pick on and harass, then it is fine! You don't know the trauma we've felt from birth to present!" Even still, her voice was shaky, unable to accept his words fully. Even if he confirms her recent doubts on this militant outlook they adopted.

"..." The man only looked at the determination in her eyes before closing his own, taking a deep breath. "I can't change your mind but history repeats itself. I hope my words show you that the White Fang can not be the answer to your goals. If you do, be prepared to find yourself in similar shoes as me..." She's quick to deject from the conversation.

"I have to go now. Thank you for your hospitality..." She bows to him, showing proper respect to a man who saved her and gave her shelter when others would leave her to die. She faces the door but stops for a moment.

"Blake." She looks at him before repeating. "Blake Belladonna." The swordsman smile at her opening up.

"Kenshin Himura."

She then leaves the cottage in the forest, heading back to headquarters.

A few days later.

Blake and Adam had attempted to raid dust from a freight train from the Schnee company. However, they were expected and battled multiple androids trying to stop them. The two wouldn't have an issue defeating them and worked in unison. Once clearing out the sector, Adam walks up, ensuring the intel's correct.

"Perfect." He smirks underneath his mask. "Move up to the next charge, I'll set the charges..."

Wait a minute.

"What about the crew members?" Her voice for once showed compassion to those who might get injured. And to this, she gets a striking response.

"What about them?" She hid her response, knowing they are on mission but this only echoes what that man once stated, suggesting a cycle may begin anew. She focused on it and wondered if this would all be for the best for equality? Or set the world to another revolution? She couldn't think for too long as a new enemy resembling an arachnid popped up, the Schnee's last attempt at salvaging the merchandise and stopping intruders.

Blake bought Adam time to defeat it, noticing how every attack they did proved useless. watching her partner charge up with an attack. His hair and robe glowed in crimson as the tank came closer. She backed up for protection but noticing an escape route. She can't stay here and return if they indeed showed no care for humans. The white fang was what Kenshin said.

'The White Fang is no different than a terrorist group.'

Adam unsheathes his weapon and in one strike, defeats the pesky machine. He sighs and sheathes his weapon. He turns around to rendezvous with Blake but he watches her on the other car, looking down and grimacing.

"Goodbye" was the last word she uttered to him before cutting off the links between the two cars, separating their ties for good. Violent protests from stealing dust and stopping the unethical labor for Faunus at the Schnee company was what she had in mind. Not endangering innocent civilians. She will not stand for that.

"I guess you were right and I was foolish" she murmured, looking up at the sky to think on how to break this cycle and still achieve her goals.

"A hunter's purpose is to keep the peace of the world and stop harm from coming to the civilians..." Discrimination may occur but if she succeeds, she may stop this cycle herself. Other Faunus joining the white fang's cause without knowing how nefarious they can get, she can't let that happen.

"I'll stop them myself, no matter what."

The Next Day,

Kenshin walked into town, buying fruits for himself but stops to catch the newsstand holding recent events. He drops his items and takes a read to be educated with the world. The front page explains another schnee train had been raided but somehow, none of the equipment had been raided and the shipment is safe along with the crew members. Some reported a girl retreating after breaking contact with her partner.

The swordsman smiled and returns the paper back in its stand. He knows who's behind the raid and that it should have been a success if everything went fine. Blake must have changed her mind thanks to his words. He walks away feeling glad he spoke on the incoming harm arriving to humans.

'War. The only way to resolve conflict when peace is ridiculed and harassed. The only thing that can change people is war. Only when people get hurt and get in danger do they regret past decisions for adding fuel to the fire. It's the dangers of bullying. But one doesn't see the damage until it's too late. Which is why I can't fight anymore. I can not fight for petty reasons. I've learned my lesson but the world hasn't begun to take weight of the problems surfacing. Even now, danger arises to Faunus and Humans.'

He mulls over this as he returns from the local town and takes a glance at the photo with his fiance.

'But, mistakes are for growth, no matter how gruesome. It deviates one from another person making the same choice and instead travel a better, more enriching path. Enough that it can break the cycle of discrimination that I've tried so hard to stop. Maybe she might do what I couldn't achieve." He smiles and turns his head over to the kitchen.

"No, she will succeed."

Author's Notes.

I had this in mind for a few months and finally got time to write it down. I hoped everyone liked it, please give me some review as it helps me gauge if this is worth getting a response and if I did a good or poor job highlighting the chemistry between these two complex characters. Thank you for reaching the end, and I hope I can contribute more ideas to the fandom when I can.

Till Next Time!