Chapter 26: Royal Dragon Eclipse

The airship landed at the port in Menagerie and let everyone off. All the faunus in the area made way in respect for Ghira, their chieftain. All of them looked warily at Yang and Roland as they got off. Ghira announced that Adam Taurus was taken down at the White Fang had surrendered. He also made sharing Roland's act of mercy towards Adam a priority. All the faunus looked at each other in amazement of hearing that a human spared the life of a faunus who was also his enemy. Their looks at Yang and Roland gradually became more welcoming as a result. They all returned to the Belladonna house without incident. Yang clung to Roland's arm the entire way with a big smile on her face. Roland was also elated but grew embarrassed at such a display of affection in public. In the end, it didn't matter to him, so long as Yang was happy. Blake and Sun also walked hand-in-hand on the way back. Kali greeted them all as they returned, happy to see that all of them returned safely. "Blake! Ghira!" Kali called to them.

"Mom!" Blake said as she ran to hug her mother.

"I'm so glad to see that you're ok!" Kali then releases Blake and turns to Ghira. "I'm glad you've returned safely dear." She then gives him a kiss.

"I'm glad to see you too, honey," Ghira replied. "We did have…help." He pats Sun on the back. "I still SLIGHTLY don't like him though." Sun scratches the back of his head in both fear and embarrassment. Kali then leans over to Sun and whispers in his ear, "See? I told you he'd warm up to you."

Sun nods in agreement and looks fondly at Blake. She comes up to him and holds his hand. Kali becomes elated upon seeing the two of them together. She sees Roland and says to him, "So, you must be Roland. You've been an important topic in our house the last week. It's nice to finally meet you!"

Roland blushes in embarrassment but gathers himself and says, "The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Belladonna."

She sees him and Yang together and says, "The two of you make a cute couple."

Roland blushes again at her remark. "Oh, uh, thanks. I'm still not used to this."

"Thanks, Mrs. Belladonna!" Yang said enthusiastically. "I happen to think so!" She hugs Roland as she said this, surprising him when she does. Roland simply smiles at her action. They all went into the house and sat down in the living room. Kali then leaves to prepare a meal for the triumphant heroes. The rest of them chatted in the meantime. Roland got acquainted with Sun, Blake, and Ghira and began to share his story with them. He thanked them all for coming to his rescue and for helping take down the White Fang. "So what will happen with the White Fang now?" Roland asked.

"Well, there are still some that remained loyal to Adam that will resist," Ghira said. "But most of them have either surrendered or started fighting for us. The White Fang will need to be reconstructed around new leadership for the purpose of uniting humans and faunus, not destroy each other."

"Back to what it once was," Blake said. "It originally fought for equal rights for faunus."

"Then it's time we did our part for restoring equality," Roland said. "It was our fault that we drove your race to violence. I think it's our turn to make things right."

"Well, we also share the blame. Despite what your race was doing, we had no right to pursue violence. We'll make amends too."

Kali then came in and interjected, "Why don't we worry about that later. Breakfast is ready!" Everyone then headed to the dining room and ate their food. Roland got to know everyone more as they ate. After breakfast Roland asked, "If you don't mind, I'm pretty tired and I would like to get some sleep."

"Of course Roland dear," Kali said. "I'll show you to the room you can use."

Before Kali and Roland left, Yang walked up to him, and said, "Roland, hold up!"

Roland stopped and said, "What is it Yang?"

"Just a gift to help you sleep. Close your eyes…" Roland complies and she leans over and gives him a kiss.

After Roland kisses her back, he says while smiling, "I very much like this gift."

Yang giggles and gives him and playful push. Roland then notices that everyone was staring at them and grows embarrassed. "Roland! You're as red as a tomato!" Yang said, as she starts to laugh.

"It's just…everyone's staring… Oh no…they all see me like this! How embarrassing!" Everyone laughs at the spectacle.

"All you gotta do is Yang in there Roland!" Everyone, including Roland groans at the pun.

"I think on that bombshell, I'm going to go now. Goodnight everyone," Roland says. He turns to Yang, "No score for you this time. Goodnight Yang."

"Goodnight Roland! Don't wake up on the wrong side of the bed!"

"Heh, I won't!"

"Hey! NOW score one for Yang!"

Roland chuckles again and follows Kali after receiving a big hug and another goodnight kiss from Yang.

"You know, the two of you are so cute together," Kali says.

Roland just chuckles and blushes at her remark.

Kali showed Roland to a guest room and got some pajamas he could use. She also directed him to the bathroom where he could shower. "Thank you so much Mrs. Belladonna. You honor me with your hospitality," Roland said to her.

"It's my pleasure," she replied. "You are quite the polite young man."

"Well, I have my parents to thank for that."

"Alright then. Let me know if there's anything else you need."

"Thank you so much." Kali then leaves Roland in his room.

Meanwhile, everyone else in the living room followed suit and went to their rooms to get some rest. They all cleaned up and retired for the day. Before Roland went to sleep he looked out at Menagerie from the balcony by his room. He thought about all that happened in the last week. He then felt a small reaction come from the ring on his necklace. He took it off and looked in amazement to see that the gray was fading to white, as if life had returned to it. He then saw it change to royal blue as he held it. What?! he thought. It hasn't done this since Lyla died. Does this mean… He remembered what Lyla said to him as she healed him and his thoughts drifted to Yang. I get it now… It's as if my heart died when Lyla died and it's like it has been reborn when I finally share how I felt about Yang… Roland smiles, tears filling his eyes. Lyla…thank you for everything. Yang…I look forward to what we will face together. I love you and I will never leave your side. After thinking this, Roland goes to bed and slumbers, dreaming of Yang.

Everyone slept through the entire day and through the night, exhausted from battle. Roland awoke the following morning completely refreshed. He noticed that his clothes were washed for him. He changed and went into the living room and found Blake, Ghira, and Kali awake. They all greeted him as he entered and he thanked Kali for doing his laundry. "It's my pleasure," she said to him, smiling. Roland then sat down on one of the couches and began to talk to Blake, "So, Yang's still asleep?"

"Yeah, she was never really a morning person," she replied. She then looks at him seriously. "Roland, I never got to thank you for sparing my life that time. So…thank you."

"Think nothing of it, Blake," he said. "I knew it wouldn't be right to kill you back then without trying to reason with you first. It turns out that was one of the best decisions that I made. I think you more than made up for what I did by your actions the previous day."

"Well, I still can't take all the credit. Faunus are beginning to look at humanity differently now because you offered both Adam and I mercy. That's a big step for securing peace for our races."

"Indeed, though, don't rule out your own actions, Blake. You're a former member of the White Fang who helped bring it down. Humans will begin to view faunus with respect now that they know that faunus will not tolerate injustice committed even by their own kind. Integrity such as that will go a long way."

"You're right. Thanks Roland. It's funny…I never thought our paths would be linked in such a way."

"Thank Yang for that. If I never met her, I wouldn't be here now. I probably would've continued my mission alone and ended up somewhere else. I now see that I wouldn't have made such great friends." He smiles at her.

"Yang's lucky to have you Roland," Blake said, smiling back. "I have never met a man as honorable as you. I'm glad we're friends now." As Blake finished speaking, a loud yawn was heard from Yang as she entered the living room. "Hey, it's two of my favorite people in all of Remnant!" she declared as she gave both Roland and Blake a love tackle.

"Whoa!" both Blake and Roland said.

"It's urgh…nice to see you too Yang…" Blake said.

"Gah…good morning Yang…" Roland said.

Yang giggled as she hugged the both of them. "I'm glad to see the two of you getting along! I don't know what I'd do if my best friend and boyfriend didn't like each other!"

Blake and Roland look at each other and laugh with Yang. They sit back down and chat, Yang leaning on Roland. Sun was the last to wake up, pointing at Blake while giving a wink. She blushes at his action and gives him a kiss good morning. Kali and Ghira laugh as they watched everything that happened.

After breakfast, they all debated about what to do for the day. "If it's all possible," Roland said, "I think it would be best if Yang and I return to Mistral. Everyone there is probably worried about us."

"Oh yeah, that's right!" Yang exclaimed. "Ruby and Uncle Qrow must be worried sick!"

"I'm also worried about how the White Fang were able to find us. The only way they were to do so is if there was an enemy watching us."

Ghira then said, "I understand. I'll get you both a transport as soon as possible. It's going to take a while, and I have other work to do concerning the reconstruction of the White Fang. Until then, you'll have to wait."

"If I may," Kali interjected. "Blake, why don't you show your friends the sights of Menagerie? I'm sure that will keep you occupied for the day."

"That's a good idea, mom," Blake replied. "We'll do that. Does that sound good to everyone?" Everyone nods in agreement and they all prepare to set off.

"Just be sure to be back by dinner ok?"

"Mom! I'm not a kid anymore."

"You still want to eat do you?"

Blake is silent.

"Then be back by dinner alright?"

"Yes ma'am… Bye dad!"

"Have a wonderful time sweetie!" Ghira replied. "You there!" He pointed at Sun. "I'm ALWAYS watching you!" Sun grows terrified.

"Dad, stop it!" Blake interjected.

Ghira sighs. "Very well, just keep an eye on my daughter while she's in town."

"I won't let you down sir!" Sun said. With that, they left the house and toured Menagerie. The faunus there were more accepting of Yang and Roland this time around. Word spread fast of their actions. The two couples walked hand-in-hand around Menagerie as Blake led them around. They saw fantastic sights of architecture and nature, visited local stores, had lunch, and found a spot to share a selfie. Throughout that day, Blake and Sun really got to know Roland. Roland also got to see a different side of Yang that day, when she wasn't worrying about what opponent to face next and such. Blake also smiled at seeing Yang have such a good time. They then returned to Blake's house for dinner. Kali and Ghira told them that an airship would be ready to take Roland and Yang back to Mistral the following morning. "Excellent!" Roland said. "Thank you for effort in arranging all this for us Mr. Belladonna sir."

"It's my pleasure to help," Ghira replied. "Kali was right. You ARE a well-mannered young man."

"I-It's nothing…" Roland said, clearly embarrassed by the praise.

Yang giggled. "You're so cute when you get embarrassed!"

"You're not helping Yang," Roland replied, a little annoyed.

"So, you're really leaving?" Blake said to Yang, a little saddened at what she heard.

"Don't look so sad Blake! It's not like we won't see each other again. I had a lot of fun today, more than I've had in a while. It's all thanks to you!"

Blake began to smile at Yang's words. "Thanks Yang." Blake thought for a moment and said, "I want to come with you."

Everyone is surprised by her request. "What, leave?!" Ghira said. "It's as if you've just come back!"

Kali said nothing but had a sad look on her face.

"I'm sorry mom and dad," Blake said. "I can't stay here knowing that my friends are out there fighting the enemy, not when they need me."

"But- No! I forbid it! Not when we just got you back!" Ghira declared. "You're-" He is cut short by Kali putting her hand on his arm. She walks over to Blake and takes her hand, looking at her seriously. "Are you sure that's what you want to do, sweetheart?" she says to Blake.

"Absolutely, my friends need me," Blake replied.

"Then go. I'm sad to see you leave, but if your friends need you, we won't stop you."

"Kali!" Ghira exclaimed. "You're just letting her go?!"

"Ghira, our Blake isn't a little girl anymore. She's a grown woman capable of making her own decisions."

"Are you forgetting about last time she left?!" Ghira alluded to White Fang. Blake cringed as he brought that up.

"This time is different. She's not leaving to join an organization like the White Fang. She's leaving to help her friends. She's leaving to do something right." Kali smiled at Blake as she said this.

"Mom…" Blake said as she smiled back, her eyes filling with tears of joy.

Ghira was about to retort but couldn't get himself to do so seeing Kali's support of Blake. He sighs and says, "Again it seems like my mind has been made up for me. Now that I think about it, you'll find a way to leave with or without my approval. Very well, if you want to go, I'll allow it."

"Dad… Thank you!" Blake said as she gave him a hug.

Ghira smiles and hugs her back. "Just promise that you won't do anything reckless. Promise me you'll come home," he said to her.

"I promise dad. Once this is all over, I'll come home and spend more time with you and mom."

"I'm already looking forward to it, sweetie." The two share a hug for a while. Everyone else looks at them and smiles. Roland looked at Blake and Ghira fondly, as they reminded him of his family, and began to feel a little homesick. With everything that was going on, he forgot how much he missed his family. After Blake and Ghira separated, Kali gave her a hug. "We're so proud of you, Blake," she said. "You've become a fine young woman."

"Thank you mom," Blake replied. They both then hug each other for a moment. After they separate, Roland says, "Blake, you are most welcome to traveling with us. I trust you will be joining us as well, Sun?"

"Oh yeah, you bet!" Sun replied. "I've stuck with Blake this long, I'm not about to stop now! At least this time I won't have to stowaway somewhere."

Blake giggled at his remark. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Sun."

"Then it's settled," Roland said. "We'll all depart for Mistral tomorrow morning!"

"Aw yeah!" Yang declared as she hugged Blake. "It'll be just like old times! I can't wait!" Blake simply smiled at Yang and hugged her back.

"Blake, Sun," Kali said to them. "I'll help you two get packed, follow me." The three of them then leave the room to pack. Yang tagged along with Blake, leaving Roland and Ghira in the room. Ghira sighed and had a worried look on his face. "I'm beginning to think my say in this house is gone," he said.

"What can you do?" Roland replied. "Don't worry Mr. Belladonna, I'll keep my eye on her. Not just me, Yang and Sun will do the same. She's got reliable friends."

"I'm beginning to see that more and more each day. Thank you Mr. Rigorm."

"Happy to help sir."

"By the way, there's something I wish to discuss with you. It's concerning an event of brutality to faunus in a certain battle."

Roland knew exactly what he meant. "Oh, that… Well, allow me to explain…" He recounted the events that followed up to that battle after his team died. "…I was so much pain. It's as if someone else was fighting, not me. Regardless, I still am responsible for my actions on that day, and they were inexcusable. Please forgive me. I'm willing to accept whatever punishment you see fit."

Ghira thought for a moment and considered Roland's side of the story. He relaxed and smiled at Roland. "Initially, I wanted you to face justice for what you did. However, as I hear your story and considering that you saved my daughter's life, I'm inclined to do otherwise. Please accept my forgiveness."

Roland was astonished and relieved to hear Ghira's words. "Oh! Thank you so much Mr. Belladonna! I'm so grateful!"

"Please, it's nothing." As the two finished speaking, Yang came back out. "Roland!" she called to him. "C'mon to the balcony, there's a meteor showing happening now!"

"Ghira, come quick!" Kali called from the balcony. Yang took Roland's hand and led him to the balcony with Ghira following behind them. As they get out to the balcony, they all took in the majesty of the meteor shower. Ghira put his arm around Kali saying, "Didn't something like this happen on our first date?"

"Yes!" she replied as she held onto Ghira. "I also remember my dad not being too keen on you too!" Ghira laughed and looked over at Blake and Sun. She clung to him under his arm. Ghira eyed him warily until Kali said, "Ghira, like I said before, our Blake isn't a little girl anymore. She's gown up, so stop worrying. Besides, I like him."

"Hmph, that's your opinion of him. Blake will always be my little girl, and I just want to protect her."

"I'd be worried if you didn't Ghira." The two stop talking and watch.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," Blake said to Sun.

"Not as beautiful as you," he replied. "You gonna wish for anything?"

"Everything I want is right here. Well, maybe a few wishes for everyone else out there." They continue to watch.

Yang clung to Roland as he held her in return. They took in the majestic sight. "Are you taking this view in Roland?" Yang asked.

"You better believe I am!" he replied. "Though, there's something far more amazing to look at right by me, so it's pretty difficult."

She knew he was talking about her and held him even tighter.

"Gah…Yang…too tight…" Roland gasped.

"Oh! Sorry!" She relaxed her grip. "Don't forget to make a wish!"

"I already have my wish, right here by my side." He then gives her a kiss on the cheek. She cuddles closer to him as he continues, "Though, I would wish that this moment wouldn't end and that the others back in Mistral could share this moment with us."

"I wish that too Roland," Yang replied. "I wish Ruby were here…"

"I know Yang. We'll see her again soon."

"Yeah, you're right. You always know what to say."

"Well, I wouldn't say ALWAYS. Sometimes it's just what I scrape together in my head."

"Well, this time it worked. You can be so weird, you know that?"

"And yet, here you are with me. I guess weird can be charming." He gives her a wink.

"Oh, you stop it! You're not gonna get me to say it!" She jokingly said with a big smile on her face.

"You don't need to, your expression betrays you! It tells me everything," he said.

"Still not gonna say it!"

"Eh, it doesn't matter, I still win!"

"Hmph, whatever helps you sleep at night." They stopped talking and watched the rest of the meteor shower, simply enjoying each other's presence. After a bit Roland said, "I do wish for one more thing: for the likes of Cinder and Salem be brought down and peace to return to Remnant."

Everyone else heard his declaration and agreed that was the main thing they all wished for.