Chapter 19
Monday. After coming home last night, I told Yang about my escapade with Tombstone and the Black Cat but left out the part about Blake being the cat, to avoid potential problems until I can get some answers from her. On the way to school, the news was covering our fight with Tombstone as some reporter, most likely Velvet, managed to get some photos from the sidelines.
Lisa: “As expected, the local vigilante known as the Scarlet Spider had a fight with the leader of the recently problematic biker gang. And this time, the Spider fought alongside fellow vigilante, the Black Cat, who has been around for the past few years. The reporter responsible for these photos also overheard the conversation between the three, which included the gang leader somewhat identifying herself. While the mysterious woman obviously did not give a real name or any other incriminating information, we did acquire a name we can now associate the woman with as she clearly declared herself under the name Tombstone. Tombstone did manage to overpower and escape the two vigilantes and is still at large, but if we know these individuals, we know that they’re not going to give that easily.” Blake is at school today, but is clearly keeping her distance. More especially with Weiss and Yang around. At lunch, I go over what happened with Weiss like I did with Yang, all while Blake sits at the end of the table.
Yang: “Hey, guys. Is it just me, or is Blake acting kind of... different today.”
Weiss: “No, I’ve noticed it too. It almost feels like she’s avoiding us for some reason.” Or more specifically, avoiding me. That’s it. Time for some answers. I find Blake in the hall during our free period.
Ruby: “Blake!”
Blake: “Ah! Um. Yeah, Ruby?”
Ruby: “Blake. We need to talk.” We head up to the roof and decide to talk here since no one else is here.
Blake: *sigh*”I should’ve known this would happen eventually. As soon as you become your own hero, I had a feeling you’d find me out at some point.”
Ruby: “Not like I meant to. What happened last night was freak accident. And now I just more questions than answers, which is why I wanted to talk now while we have time to ourselves.”
Blake: “I suppose I owe you that much.”
Ruby: “I guess the biggest question I have is why you didn’t say anything sooner. I get hiding it before my hero career, but why you say anything afterwards? Why didn’t you help directly against any of the past three villains.”
Blake: “I guess part of me wanted to stay back and let you grow into your own hero before I start stepping in. But moreover, I didn’t say anything because of my reason for being the Black Cat in the first place.”
Ruby: “Your reason?”
Blake: “Like I've said before, I’m next in line to take over as the chiefess of Kuo Kuana. But that entails a bit more than just ruling the city. It also comes with the responsibility of protecting the city as its own superhero.”
Ruby: “The Black Cat?”
Blake: “No. The Black Panther. The Black Cat is basically the pre-panther training phase for the current heir of the throne while the Black Panther name is still held by our current chief, my father, Ghira Belladonna. Much like my abroad studies in foreign schools, I have to act as the Black Cat in the outside world as part of my combat training. Once I become chiefess, I will automatically move up to Black Panther as well and be the sworn protector of Kuo Kuana. This promotion also comes with an upgrade in gear and abilities.”
Ruby: “What do you mean?”
Blake: *sigh*”Honestly, I really shouldn’t be telling you this next part until I take over, but I know I can trust you to keep a secret.”
Ruby: “Okay...”
Blake: “Kuo Kuana may be trying to strengthen its relationships with the outside world, but there are still certain things that they’d rather keep secret. Mainly the source of all of their technology. And it all stems from our people's origins. Thousands of years ago, a large meteorite of a cosmic metal known as Vibranium crashed on Menagerie. The Faunus occupying the immediate area found it and found a way to harvest and use it to found their new society. Along with making use of the metal to create their city and our modern-day technology, they also made use of the soil affected by the meteorite's energy. This also resulted in the growth of a particular heart-shaped herb that, when consumed, connects the consumer with the spirit of a panther god and is then granted the gods blessings. Namely, enhanced speed, strength and agility. This herb was consumed by the founder of our city, and has since then started the Belladonna clan, who has ruled over Kuo Kuana since then. And chief, we have unlimited access to all of our resources, including the Vibranium, which is what we use to make the Panther Habit, the suit worn by the Black Panther.”
Ruby: “And since the Black Cat is the phase before the Black Panther, I imagine that the suits are similar and different in certain way?”
Blake: “Yes. The Panther Habit is completely made of Vibranium, making it practically indestructible, while the Black Cat suit is made of more common materials like what was used to make your suit. The claws in particular are made of a combination of titanium, cobalt and tungsten.”
Ruby: “Okay, but what does all of this have to do with not saying anything.”
Blake: “Well, like I said, being the Black Cat is all a part of my training for when I take over Kuo Kuana. I know I should probably trust you guys more to help me, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling that since being chiefess and the Black Panther is my business, I figure it should really be my burden to carry alone. But I suppose that’s all beside the point now.” Theres really only one thing I can say to all of that.
Ruby: “Blake, you do realize you sound like a hypocrite, right?”
Blake: “Huh?”
Ruby: “Even though none of guys ever said, you guys were determined to help me with my heroics, knowing that I shouldn’t burden this kind of thing alone, despite the start of the journey being my business alone considering my circumstances. You may feel like you have to handle your thing alone, but the truth of the matter is that you don’t have to. Just as you all have been helping me, I’m more than willing to do the same for you. And you and I both know Weiss and Yang will do the same.” She still looks a little conflicted. “But regardless of what I have to say, your gonna have to tell them eventually after everything I’ve been. Especially when Weiss goes over last night footage from my mask when we meet up after school.” She face-palms after hearing that bit.
Blake: “Ah, dammit. I completely forgot about that.”
Ruby: “But regardless, if your gonna confess, now is the time. Cause I’m very likely gonna need your help to stop Tombstone.”
Blake: “That we can agree on. I still have to replace the claws that broke last night.”
Ruby: “Yeah, that was really weird. Especially if the materials were as strong as you say they were.”
Blake: “First time I’ve ever had to do this too.” The bell then rings for next period.
Ruby: “Shoot. Remember what we talked about, okay? See you at Weiss’.” And there she for a minute to contemplate before leaving for class.