The Wilted Rose

Chapter 47: Keep It Simple

Southern Vale

2:34 PM

146 Days to the Fall

Red Hood Pov

Blake and I were making good time getting to the camp. I had estimated about two hours to and from, but we were a little over a hour in and almost there. That was probably due to the excessive speeding I was doing. In retrospect, I probably shouldn't be pushing my bike like this. It worked, but it was nowhere near where it was before. That's also taking into account that the only stop that we made was one just before we left Vale, and only long enough for me to get dressed in my combat gear. 

The ride was cathartic. Enough to get my mind off of that blue-haired twat. Blake was holding on to the bag of Lein. She was surprised that I had actually trusted her to hold on to it. In truth, I didn't quite trust her yet, but I was getting there. 

After a few more minutes of riding, we arrived in the general area. I pulled off to the side of the road and killed the engine. The camp shouldn't be any more than a mile into the forest. The plan was to be as passive as possible when we got there. Blake wouldn't have a problem interacting with them, it was me that was the problem. When they see me, I assume that all hell will break loose. Thus, I'll have to either hang back or play it passive. I'm opting for the passive approach. Better for Blake that way in case I'm wrong in the assumption that she'll be welcomed. 

Blake: So to reiterate, all we're doing is giving them the bag?

Red Hood: For the tenth time, yes.

Blake: Just making sure. When your around, things tend to get a little....

Red Hood: Fucked up? I'm well aware... Look, we're going to keep it simple. We walk in, explain the situation, convince them we're not a threat-

Blake: I don't think I'm the problem here....

Red Hood: ....Convince them I'M not a threat, give them the money, and be back at Beacon before nightfall. Like I said, simple. 

I didn't expect it to be that simple but I sure as hell was going to try to keep it that way. We started to make our way into the forest after hiding the bike. Blake was leading the way. She had better senses so she'd catch any danger well before I would. I was better off watching our back. 

The walk was quick with it only being a mile and a half in. Normal folk would think this is a long walk, but for two people who have excellent endurance and is capable of keeping a steady pace can finish the march in twenty minutes. We could've done it faster but I'm sure I speak for Blake as well when I say this, but I'd rather not emulate a military ruck march unless I actually had to. 

The camp came into view. Everything looked normal, at least as normal as a camp full of deserting terrorists can be. There were a number of armed guards standing around the parameter. They were remarkably well armed for a bunch of deserters. Guess they got their hands on some of the weapons that were stolen from that ship. 

Red Hood: Put your hands up.

Blake: What, why?

Red Hood: We're strangers and armed ones at that. Do you think their going to take kindly to that, especially with me with you?

Blake didn't respond and followed my example, raising her hands up. We stepped out into the open and had just about every gun in the camp trained on us. Neither of us made any sudden movements out of fear that the slightest twitch would get us shot. 

I had to keep myself focused on why we were here. I didn't take kindly to having guns pointed at me, so I had to remind myself that these people weren't my enemy. Blake was visibly shaken at having a dozen rifles pointed at us. Much like the night that I was discovered by Ozpin, I figured now would be a good time for a little humor.