Well then, I will say this, I will stop writing for now. Why? I need time to prepare for my national service that starts on 15 Feb. I know it sucks and I want to continue writing. But, life waits for no one. Anyways as a result of life. There WILL be weeks of delays till I could begin to write again when I have free time. When that day comes, I will post a I am not dead post and that I am writing again or something like that in the future.

So, in short, it has been a wild ride and we only just started with vol 4. I want to thank all of you who have read my work and enjoyed it much during the past few months. Also I guess I could use that time to rewrite or correct my grammar and punctuation for the earlier chapters or also changed my summary. I think it is too long. But enough of that. Let's move on to the comments! Which we don't have. Again. Oh well.

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY only my OCs. RWBY belongs to Rooster teeth and their creator (bless his soul) Monty Oum.

"Hi I'm Bob" exterior conversation.

"hi I'm Bob" interior talking.

Chapter 23

Meeting the Belladonnas

There were many things that Blake expected from Jade while on the boat to Menagerie. Him becoming extremely anti-social and distant even to her was unexpected.

Whatever happened to Jade after he woke up from his week and a half coma bothered him greatly that he insisted to be alone even from her. It also does not help that he had constant nightmares that bothered her. What were in those dreams that affected him this much? She had tried to ask what was going on multiple occasions but, he always avoided the question. Even worse is that he looked like he was burdened with something. As if invisible chains weighed him down.

And it does not end there. Blake had observed that Jade would always leave in the middle of the night to go somewhere. She does not stop him when he leaves because she believed that he needed some time alone. Yet, he would always come back with obvious hints that he was crying about something before falling asleep as if nothing had happened. Could whatever that fused with his aura weeks ago caused him to act like this? If so, why now does he act like this? Blake would only wonder with worry although she had many questions that needed answering, but would not be appropriate as of yet.

It was also during that time that Jade began working on his gun on the table and in the room that Blake booked for both of them.

Blake watched Jade attempt to fix Thorn with Lumina's still functional parts while on the boat. Most interestingly was how his semblance seemed to have changed. Though it would appropriately be called evolved. Once before, Jade could only summon tendrils, now. It seems to be able to change to whatever he could think of. One time while he was checking on Thorn's parts, Jade would use his semblance to turn into a screwdriver to disassemble both Lumina and Thorn to its basic components before combining the usable part together to make a new hand cannon.

This resulted in his gun having an amalgamated appearance of both guns but still works as intended.

Compared to Jade's previous weapons, this new one fires from the bottom chamber compared to the top chamber of the previous guns. While the blade on it still uses Thorns blades, it has been reinforced to make it sturdier and more able to withstand more impact. Jade also gave it a new paint job with the paints he always had with him. Now it is a mixture of gold and Black on it. It also has an inscription on the side of the gun itself which he carved himself and it says.

'Ne forte aliis vivere' (The translation is, 'So that others may live')

Blake could not understand what it meant when he wrote that inscription on it. But she does remember when Jade gave it a new name. And he named it, The Last Word. She could see the pride in his face when he gave it a new name.

Despite the joy Jade felt as he brandished his new weapon in their room, his emotions immediately fizzed out as all that was left after the deal was over was emptiness. He then left the room wanting to be alone to go somewhere else despite the fact that it is already near midnight. Blake could only worry about him as she went to sleep first.

The next day, Jade brought a tray filled with food into the room as Blake woke up much to her surprise as Jade managed to find a way to make his own prosthetic hand out of his semblance. It obviously looks like his hand but it looked unnatural with all the metallic black skin it had, it also had short pointed claws at the end of it as well all while glowing red veins could be seen on the hand itself pulsing with energy in a somewhat unnerving way.

"Hey Blake…" Jade could only slightly smile as Blake got off the bed while he placed their breakfast on the table.

"Jade, what happened to your hand?" she asked.

"This?" Jade then held out his left arm so that Blake could get a good look at it. "This is something I had been trying to do for a while. I was wondering if I could use my semblance to help me… replace lost limbs. And I can say it worked beyond expectations." Jade could only smile at the results of his testing.

"That is good news but, I need to address what is going on with you. For the past two weeks you had been acting out of character, and please. Don't try to avoid the issue. I hate seeing you like this." Blake then asked as Jade's expression darkened.

"I have been dealing with… losing my hand and eye. And that…" Jade stopped himself as he sighed all while going silent for a minute straight.

"Meet me tonight at the stern of the ship around 10pm. Do that and everything will be explained… I will be there. Enjoy your meal and… I will see you tonight." Jade muttered loudly enough as he got off and left Blake with her meal.

As Jade left the room. All he felt at the instance was worry. For the past two weeks on the ship. Jade had been doing some reflection on who he actually is. Is he Jade or Raphael? Or is he both now that they are together or an entirely new being made up of both of them? All of this put a whole lot of (Unnecessary) pressure on himself. Yet he knew that time was up. Now he had to explain everything to Blake.

But that's not what he is worried about. It is how Blake would react to it. All of it. The information on his existence, him knowing the events of the fall yet failed to stop it, the actual history of Remnant itself and many many more. All of it weighed heavily on his mind and he is aware that it is affecting him badly. How would she react? Would she still accept him or… accusing him for hiding information when they needed it the most, and most likely affect his relationship with her.

No. He needs to trust that Blake will understand. Right? He could only pray that things go smoothly till then. Now, it is time to plan how to explain everything to her.

Blake on the other hand, was also worried as she watched Jade leave their room. She is finally going to get some answers to why Jade is acting so abnormally but…

When she does meet up with him tonight, what would be his reason? Or is he just recovering as she had observed so far? Whatever it is, it brings only concern to her. He had done things that he normally wouldn't do at all. And yet these traits only started appearing when he woke up. So what really happened to him? The fact that she remembered the doctors saying that he had an anomaly within his aura.

Was that the cause of the change in him? She could only guess about it. Or is it that the trauma of the fall and the close encounter with death caused is personality to change? Tonight, she will find the answers she seeks.

Much later at night...

Blake was making her way towards the stern of the ship when she heard someone humming. Believing to be someone else, Blake decided to sneak in closer to have a look. But what she saw was Jade humming a tune to himself as he leaned against the railing and all she could do was to listen as he began to sing out loud.

Music: Weight of the World (English lyrics)

From: Nier Automata (You guys should try it out! Good stuff!)

I feel like I'm losing hope

In my body and my soul

And the sky, it looks so ominous

And as time comes to a halt

Silence starts to overflow

My cries are inconspicuous

Tell me God, are you punishing me?

Is this the price I'm paying for my past mistakes?

This is my redemption song

I need you more than ever right now

Can you hear me now?

'Cause we're gonna shout it loud

Even if our words seem meaningless

It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world

I wish that someway, somehow

That I could save every one of us

But the truth is that I'm only one boy

Maybe if I keep believing my dreams will come to life

Come to life

After all the laughter fades

Signs of life all washed away

I can still, still feel a gentle breeze

No matter how hard I pray

Signs of warning still remain

And life has become my enemy

Tell me God, are you punishing me?

Is this the price I'm paying for my past mistakes?

This is my redemption song

I need you more than ever right now

Can you hear me now?

'Cause we're gonna shout it loud

Even if our words seem meaningless

It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world

I wish that someway, somehow

That I could save every one of us

But the truth is that I'm only one boy

Maybe if I keep believing my dreams will come to life

Come to life

'Cause we're gonna shout it loud

Even if our words seem meaningless

Like I'm carrying the weight of the world

I wish that someway, somehow

That I could save every one of us

But the truth is that I'm only one boy

Still, we're gonna shout it loud

Even if our words seem meaningless

It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world

I hope that someway, somehow

That I could save every one of us

But the truth is that I'm only one boy

Maybe if I keep believing my dreams will come to life

Come to life

Song end

When Jade had finished his song, tears could be seen streaming down his face all while a content smile could be seen on his as he gazed out into the endless ocean. Blake on the other hand was surprised. She never knew that he could sing. Yet this one tells something that she does not know about. Weight of the world? Him begging why did god punish him? What burdens weigh upon his shoulders?

Blake's thoughts were interrupted when Jade called her out without looking.

"Blake, I know you are there hiding. Come out, there's no point hiding anymore. I got a whole lot to explain to you, yes?"

Blake, knowing that it was pointless to hide anymore emerged and walked beside Jade who continued to gaze into the sea.

"Jade… What was that song you sang? I've never heard anything like that."

Jade just sadly chuckled at it. "Yea, you never heard anything like it because it never originated here."

"In Vale?" Blake then asked.

"No, it does not originate from Remnant." Jade corrected her.

"Not... from Remnant?" Blake's ears twitched as she looked at Jade with confusion.

Jade realising that he was beating around the bush then decides to ask her a question. "Have you ever looked into the stars, and wonder if there's someone else out there like us in another world?"

Blake was understandably confused. Why would he ask her that question? But if he believes it was necessary, then she shall go along with it. "Not really… Why?"

Jade gave Blake a saddened smirk as he faced her and dropped the bomb. (figuratively) "Your truly is not from this Remnant but from another."

"What?" Blake could only say as she tried her best to process what he had just said.

"I wouldn't blame you Blake. I would have thought the same…" Jade gazed back towards the sea.

"Wait! You are not from Remnant?"

"Sort of? I am a reincarnate to be more accurate."

Jade is a reincarnate? Like the stories in books in which people are rebirth into another body? Is he even telling the truth? There's too much blanks in it. Blake thought to herself as she then asked again.

"How do I know whatever you are saying is the truth?"

"I wish that there was a simpler way but… I was 'created' by the brother gods and sent to Remnant."

"Brother gods? Like the fairy tales?"

"Yep… Fairy tales, no matter how absurd it seems, all of them carry some truth in them. They are responsible for my reincarnation into Remnant. And also responsible for taking my soul away from where I was from." Jade said the last part with bitterness in his voice. How could he not? He now knows why Raphael had a huge grudge against the brother and now, he is a part of him.

Blake could tell from Jade's tone that he held them with contemptment. She would have claimed that he was talking nonsense but. The emotions he put while singing earlier and the tone he gave about them says otherwise.

"I won't blame if you think I am probably insane or that whatever I said makes no sense. I would say the same thing if I met someone who claimed to be a reincarnated from another world. Never thought it would happen to me."

Blake kept quiet as she listened to Jade as he told his live story. He was right about how his story seemed absurd to her but, she can tell that he was being sincere to her. He always has been.

Jade sighed as he continued on. "It does not help the fact that when they took me away from my world and offered me a choice to help them. I refused to do it. One of them did not take it kindly and forced me anyways. In the end, I was helpless when he did it."

"What did they do to you?" Blake seemed upset at the process of forcing someone to fight when he did not want to do it. But them doing something to him? What does he mean by it?

"Long story short, they shattered my soul into two. One became me, the other was locked away. Long story short. They then left me outside an orphanage as a baby with no memories of my origins."

"Then, how did you get your memories back?"

Jade chuckled as he faced her. "Just recently, after the fall. Remember when my aura was flaring up while I was having a seizure from what the nurse told me?" He said as Blake nodded and then she then put the pieces together.

"Wait! The doctor mentioned that your aura was fusing with something else. Is that the other part of you that was merging back with you?" Blake then confirmed as Jade nodded.

"Yea… It was then I got my original memories back… Like how I was forced to leave behind everyone and everything I had back. My parents, siblings, friends. All of them… I couldn't see them again because the brother gods took me away..." Jade stared off to the distance with wonder in his eyes as a small tear could be seen dripping from his eye.

"Oh, I'm so sorry that you suffered so much. " Blake pulled Jade into a hug. How could she not? She had just found out that Jade lost everything to the brother gods who took him away.

"Yea… But if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have met you. You are my everything Blake. I meant it." Jade could only smile at how fortunate he was to meet her since the time he was given an offer that he could not even decide.

"I… hope this does not affect our relationship, and… I want to apologize for my behaviour in the past two weeks. I was… sorting myself out and getting the hang of getting my memories back and who I was..."

"There's no need to apologize Jade. Perhaps you can tell me more about your previous life, I think it would help you once we go back to our dorm."

"Yea, that sounds good." Jade gave a smile that Blake remembered before the fall. And she swore in her heart that she would help Jade recover and both of them would never be apart unless it was necessary.

Once both of them got back to their room, Jade then told Blake his original name was Raphael Goh and about his first family, funny bits like how his elder sister was a schemer and would find ways to put the blame on him or his brother when they were younger, so that she wouldn't get into trouble. Jade also told her about his parents, like how his mother was a hot head and would be the one who would be the one who 'officially' runs the family while his dad, was the one who would act with a calm mind unless he or his sibling really screwed up.

Blake could only say that he had a close relationship with his family. Jade can confirm it. That's why it hurts so badly to be taken away from them and why it took weeks for him to finally talk about it.

Jade then told Blake about his world. Earth as he called it. Blake couldn't help but laugh at the fact that they call their planet dirt. Jade countered how they call dust crystals the same name as literal dust. Jade smirked when Blake kept quiet about it and then he continued. He then talked about his world being composed of only humans but with ethnicities still a thing. Jade knew what Blake was going to ask. He then mentioned that yes, there is still racism no matter where you go. He was glad he was raised in a place in the world that favours racial harmony. Blake could wonder in awe how faunus would be treated on Earth compared to Remnant. Jade could only speculate that they would most likely be treated as equals. Though Jade added that no doubt that there will be opposition to such ideas.

Jade then talked about how his world had sent a man to the moon. Even he could not believe it. Blake was at awe with good reason, not even the people of Atlas could send anything to orbit their planet yet the people where Jade came from did it while somewhat technologically inferior in certain parts.

Then Jade moved on to one that caught her off guard. How this entire world was just a show where he came from. But everything Jade had said, no matter how insane it sounds, his tone says that he is telling the truth. He told about how team RWBY was just that. He does not exist in it and how his presence had changed the timeline of this world. He told her how his presence prevented Pyrrha from dying, Yang from losing her arm and prevented her from running away and leaving all her friends without a reason.

Blake was shocked. The thought to Pyrrha dying played badly on her head, yet what Jade did back during the fall makes some sense now. Why he rushed off and let Yang take care of her. He prevented a lot of tragedies behind her back. She should be mad at him for hiding all this information from her team. Yet, he did it to protect all of them. Wait. What was the real reason for Jade's existence on Remnant?

She asked Jade that question and then he told her everything. The original history of Remnant, the secret war between Ozpin and Salem and his purpose to end the centuries long war. And then, he wasn't sure what they would do to him. After he takes out Salem, then what? Would they dispose of him because he did his part and he is no longer needed? Only time would tell he guessed.

After they are done talking, both of them finally decide to sleep, it is past midnight and both of them are really tired. And as both of them began to sleep, Jade could only be happy that Blake still accepted him after he revealed the truth and that he can finally share the burdens on his back with the girl he loved.

A few more weeks passed and the couple had finally reached Menagerie, home of two thirds of the total population of Faunuses. During that time, Jade continues to tell Blake more of his past and what he could guess would happen in the future due to his inference. At the same time their relationship still kept going stronger despite his origins revealed to her but she does not care at all. Why should it matter? He is still the Jade she knew since they met months ago.

Though, she kept having lewd dreams about him and her doing the deed, and it is getting harder to ignore that she is currently having sexual frustrations over Jade. One time she was caught rubbing herself all over him while he was sleeping, Jade would not let her hear the end of it for that day as he teased her.

As the ship arrived at its destination, an offramp was being lowered on the ship which allowed all of its passengers off the ship. The town has many small buildings and homes set among dunes and palm trees. And the town bell that has been ringing on its belfry.

"Man… I forgot how hot it is in the lower hemisphere of the world sometimes." Jade muttered as he pulled his collar in an attempt to cool himself off at how hot it was with all his clothing he was wearing as both of them got off the boat.

"I thought you grew up in this kind of temperature?" Blake then asked with confusion.

"Yes I did, but man… is this what Australia is like?"

"Australia?" Blake tilted her head as her ears twitched.

"Oh right, Australia is another nation from my world that Menagerie is based upon."

"Really? Can you tell me more later?"

"Anything for you Blake."

"Ok then, Sun is not here… he must have joined his team to go back to Haven…" Jade thought to himself as he followed Blake.

Both of them then began to walk through the market area of the village together as Jade avoided another Faunus that he nearly crashed into.

"You know, despite the crowdedness of this place, this place is beautiful in its own way. Kinda reminds me of home… minus the lack of sky rise buildings and infrastructure." Jade said as they continued walking.

Blake remembers the stories Jade told about his original home, Singapore as it was called, and how its modern founder Lee Kuan Yew, introduced the 'Garden City' Vision. A plan to transform Singapore into a city with abundant lush greenery and a clean environment in order to make life more pleasant for the people.

She would love to get an opportunity to see it first hand, but Jade's description of the place would have to do. Not like he can go back to Earth anyway but she could tell that he missed his home badly.

It was then the two pause in their walk to look at the view of the town the road affords. The road they are on goes downhill and to the side, bordered by palm trees and homes that have either canvas or wood roofs. The vista of palm trees spreads out to the edge of mountainous dunes in the distance. Right in the middle of all this is a large house with an open courtyard that the road appears to lead directly to. The house is at least three stories and is the only building in the whole area with a sophisticated roof.

"Welcome to Kuo Kuana Jade."

"You know if this place exists back home. It would have made for an excellent vacation spot away from all the cities."

"Yea, but you know as well as I that we were given an island and told to make do. So we did the best we could. And it would always remind us that we're still second-class citizens." Blake sadly reminded herself and Jade that their people are still second-class citizens.

"Yea but so what if it reminds us that we are second-class citizens? I see it as an opportunity to gain equality. But it would require a whole lot of effort and prestige. No doubt it would take decades to do it but it is still possible. I believe it is possible, do you?" Jade remained unfettered about it as he then asked her.

"You sure it would work?"

"Yea, all we need to do is to never lose sight of our goals. Perhaps when my purpose against her is done, then we could work together to build a new future for our people." Jade says with confidence in his eye.

Blake seemed slightly stunned at Jade's conviction towards it that she started to giggle much to his confusion.

"Blake?" Jade asked as his ears twitched.

"Oh. *Giggles* sorry. It is just that I never thought to hear you act like a leader of a kingdom. It is very different of you. I think it fits you better." Blake smiled as Jade began blushed rapidly, it only made him cuter in Blake's eyes.

"We waited long enough here, let's go home."

Blake then took Jade's hand and pulled him towards the large mansion of a house as Jade was still blushing in the face.

Blake and Jade walked up the stone steps to the front door of the house. Blake then hesitates when she moves to use the knocker on the door.

"It has been years since I was in Menagerie." Jade was first to speak.

"Yea… and it's been a long time since I've seen my parents."

"And I will be with you all the way Blake. Go on, your parents are waiting for you." Jade smiled as he extended his hand towards the door.

Blake takes a quick breath for courage and bangs the door knocker. It makes a loud, heavy, resonating sound on the large door. Blake then politely backs away from the door a few paces as Jade walked beside her and held her hand.

It was then that door opened revealing Kali Belladonna. She looks at the visitors as her ears perk and she moves the door out of the way so she can step forward when she recognizes her daughter.

"Blake?" Kali asked, her tone almost in disbelief that her daughter is back.

Blake awkwardly lifts her arm up as she greets her mom "Hi, mom."

Jade lets go of Blake's hand as Kali walks forward and hugs her daughter as he calls her.

"My baby girl."

Blake hesitates as she looks at Jade all while uncertain for a moment, Jade simply nodded at her as face gentles into a smile and she hugs her mother back.

It was then that someone else could be heard walking towards them from inside the mansion. Kali lets go of Blake and turns behind her at the sound of Ghira Belladonna's voice.

"Kali? Who is it?" He asked as he stood with his hands on his hips, waiting to greet the visitor. His quizzical expression changes to wide-eyed surprise, before his hands, shoulders, and face all fall in a clear, emotional reaction to the sight of his daughter coming home.

Blake has her hands clasped in front of her, awaiting her father's reaction. Kali did not let go of her daughter, with her hands supportively on Blake's shoulder and arm. Ghira says nothing, but he just smiled and is clearly happy to have his daughter back. Blake smiles back with relief as Jade coughs into his hand to get everyone's attention.

"Kali Belladonna, Ghira Belladonna. It is good to see you again after all these years."

"Oh, Jade! It is good to see you again." Kali smiles at Jade as Ghira could be seen giving him a suspicious look as to why Jade was with his daughter.

"It is good to see you again, Jade." Ghira could only say as he walked back into the house, Jade on the other hand, knew that Ghira got his eyes on him.

"Don't worry about him, come on in, both of you must be exhausted from your trip." Kali said as she too walked back in with a smirk on her face as both Jade and Blake nodded at each other and walked in.

Kali sets down her cup on the table as She, Ghira, Jade and Blake all sit on the floor at a square table. Though Jade looks a bit uncomfortable with Ghira paying more attention to his necklace and Blake's.

"We were horrified when we heard the news. The Kingdom of Vale isn't perfect, but it certainly didn't deserve what happened. Oh, we were both so worried." Kalia was the first to speak.

"Please, I knew she'd be fine!" Ghira then waved off Kali's worry.

Kali did not believe that was the case as scoffed "That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing."

"Makes sense… Anyone would be worried if their child was caught in a disaster. I would if I had one." Jade finally decides to speak after a while as Blake blushed slightly as a thought of them having a child together popped into her head.

"See Mr Grayson here gets it." Kali smiles when Jade supports her.

"Besides that… What happened to you? And why are you here again?" Ghira then asks with a hint of menace in his tone as he leaned in.

"I lost it during the attack on Vale." Jade then held up his missing left hand as he continued to explain. "Lost my eye and hand as you can no doubt see. As for why I am here…" Jade then glanced at Blake as his face basically screamed for help despite his stoic expression.

"He is with me." Blake then spoke to help him out.

"Really?" Ghira does not seem convinced however Kali continues to smirk.

"Let me guess, Mr Grayson here is your boyfriend. I always believed that he would make a good one to you."

At the mention of those words from Kali, both of their faces begin to flare up as Kali begins to giggle that she was right and Ghira had a shocked expression before he started to glare at Jade.

"Great… I got to deal with an overprotective father… Is this how my sister's boyfriend felt when dad found out about it? I don't like it…" Jade thought to himself as both he and Blake tried to get their emotions under control in front of her parents.

"Yes… Both Blake and I met at Beacon academy…" Jade said as he took a sip of tea before continuing on. "We were put on the same team. Afterwards we got along well enough and then after a while, we fell in love for each other."

"Is this true Blake?" Ghira then asked as he faced his daughter who also managed to get her blushing under control.

"Yes dad, he is correct. Both Jade and I-" Blake hadn't finished with her explanation when the sound of the front door knocker resonated, catching everyone's attention.

"Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!" Ghira grumbled as he hit his fist onto the table and Kali quickly covered it with her hand.

"Ghira…" Kali tried to sooth her husband down.

"Give me a moment." Ghira asked as he got up and walked out.

"Is everything okay?" Blake asked with worry in her voice.

"Yes, dear, just poor timing. He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately." Kali explained to her daughter.

"Dealing with who?"

Kali said while sipping her tea as "Hmm? The White Fang."

Blake rose to their feet as she yelled. "WHAT?!"

Blake then rushed to the door as both Kali and Jade continued to drink their tea.

"Hm… I'm not a tea person, but this is some good tea Mrs Belladonna. But I should and check on Blake." Jade said as he got up and walked towards the door.

"I am glad you enjoy it. So when are you going to give me grand kitties." Kali asked with a smile as Jade froze in place with a somewhat look of horror on his face. Though Kali could not see it.

"I'm… I'm… I'm just gonna go…" Jade resumed walking towards the door as he swears he could hear Kali chuckling to herself.

As Jade approached the door, he saw two White Fang members outside the door. Corsac Albain and Fennec Albain. Soon to become enemies and one of them would lose their lives due to their devotion to Adam. Jade could hear Blake asking her father.

"What are you doing talking to these people?"

"This is Corsac and Fennec Albain. They represent the White Fang here in Menagerie now."

"The same people responsible for killing civilians and contributing to the fall of Beacon. And don't bother wasting your time and tell us on how you are not like the media said you are. Both Blake and I were there when the slaughter happened." Jade folded his arms as he walked towards the door.

"What is he talking about?" Ghira asked.

"Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace" Corsac then spoke as he ignored Jade.

"Is everything alright?" Kali asked as he approached the door.

"Mum, dad, both of you don't know what happened at Beacon?"

"Know what?" Ghira asked again. This time, his tone screams of danger.

"The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon. They attacked innocent civilians and they released Grimm into the school." Blake explained to her father.

There is a brief silence. Fennec makes an innocent, sideways glance at his brother. Ghira slowly turns to face the two White Fang representatives.

"Is this true?" Ghira then asked.

"Sadly, Your Grace, it is." Fennec confirmed.

"Don't act like you're s—" Blake tried to argue only for her father to interrupt.

"That's enough! Explain yourselves." Ghira yelled before asking the Albains to explain themselves.

"Though it pains us to admit, it has become apparent that the Vale branch of the White Fang is no longer operating under orders of High Leader Khan. Rather, they've elected to follow the rule of one Adam Taurus. I believe you're all familiar with the young adept and his... extreme philosophies." Corsac admitted.

"You do know that shooting people is not the way to give us rights. It only gives humanity the justifications to keep us down. You know it as well as I, but you refused to accept it. And what happened? They shoot up a school. Who's stopping them when they would start to shoot at those who disagrees with them?" Jade growled as Blake gave him a look of concern.

"The High Council had their suspicions of a splinter group, but they could prove nothing until this latest incident." Corsac ignored Jade and continued to explain to him.

"Incident? People are dead!" Blake yelled in anger.

"Too late don't ya think!" Jade joined in.

"And it is a tragedy." Corsac waved it off.

"Tragedy my ass, you guys supported Adam's way of violence. You just hiding it." Jade thought to himself.

"Your Grace, we came to assure you that Brother Taurus and his followers do not represent the will of the White Fang." Fennec said.

"And how can I be sure of that?" Ghira questioned them both.

"We understand if you bear any scepticism towards these claims. The White Fang's tactics are admittedly, more aggressive since you stepped down as High Leader and became Chieftain of Menagerie. But this, this is no way to make our message heard." Corsac continued to assure Ghira.

"We have ample documentation from the council meeting, as well as several strategies to apprehend and punish these strays if you care to review them." Fennec picked up where his brother left off.

"I will, but another day. I'd like some time to reconnect with my daughter. And deal with her boyfriend." Ghira says as Jade flinched and took a step back.

"But of course, Your Grace." Corsac said as his brother Fennec continued.

"We completely understand. It was a pleasure to see you again, young Blake."

"We were saddened when we heard of your departure from the White Fang, but understand if you can no longer support our cause." Corsac continued (God, would they just stop talking PLEASE!)

"It is a wearying fight, after all." Mr soon to be dead because of his fanatical idiocy. (Fennec)

"Who says I'm done fighting?" Blake retorted.

"Hmm... If you ever do wish to return, you need merely come find us." Idiot whose brother is gonna die, then continued his rambling. (Corsac)

"Sister Ilia would be elated." Shut the fuck up already! You are going to die because of your use of dust. (Fennec)

"Goodbye, gentlemen." Ghira said as he firmly closed the door on them. Kali moves to stand closer and face her husband while Blake walks off. Jade on the other hand, muttered loud enough for the elder Belladonnas to hear.

"Those guys are saying it for the sake of saying it. Their loyalty is questionable at best. That is all." And with that, Jade walked away to join Blake as the Belladonna's elders thought it through before joining the young couple back on the table who were happily chatting with each other.

Both Ghira and Kali then sat down at where both Jade and Blake were currently at.

"Now with that out of the way, What is your intention with my daughter?" Ghira then questioned Jade who looked slightly afraid as he leaned in. It does not help that Ghira is bigger by a large margin compared to Jade's much smaller frame.

"Ghira, there's no need to be so intimidating with Jade over here. Besides judging by how our daughter reacts with him, I think we can trust him like we did before when he was here as a guest." Kali said as she rested her hand on Ghira's shoulder.

"Dad, Jade is alright. I know him well and he has saved me on occasions." Blake tried to convince her father.

Ghira let out a sigh after a period of silence before speaking again. "Very well, I will be lenient on you. However you still need to pass my test that I will set up for you."

"Of course sir. No arguments there." Jade nodded as he poured himself and Blake more tea.

"However, Blake was interrupted earlier, due to the meeting earlier. So Blake, how did you meet him? Last I remember, Jade went back to Mistral after his 'vacation' in Menagerie was over."

Jade could only nervously chuckle as Blake began how her team was sent to apprehend him by their headmaster in Vale but he resisted, so they had to arrest him. They then got into a fight which she and her team barely won. Then it then turns out that the headmaster wishes to recruit Jade into his school, so he did his initiation and was assigned to her team.

While Blake was explaining how she met Jade, Kali then interrupted her as she noticed something about her daughter.

"Blake dear. I noticed that you had grown from before. You're more open and talkative compared to when you were younger, what happened?."

"Yea I have indeed grown, and I have Jade to thank for. He helped me improve myself to be a better person." Blake smiled as she nodded at who nodded back at her with his own smile on his face.

"That's so sweet~, don't you agree with me Ghira?" Kali then asked her husband who only grunted.

"Oh dear, it seems that we are out of tea… my bad." Jade muttered as he realized that the teapot was out of tea. It does not help that Jade had drunk his sixth cup of tea.

Blake could only sigh at Jade greediness as Kali giggled before taking the teapot from Jade. "Don't worry Jade, I can always go brew more if you like."

"That would be nice. After all, you and Blake have much to catch up, so I guess we would be stuck here for a while."

The talk between all four of them lasted for quite a while as they began to talk about Blake's team and how they are working with a Schnee. At first they were surprised to hear about it. Ghira did not take it well and asked if Weiss did anything to her. However, both Jade and Blake told him that at first, the relationship was somewhat icy but after Blake accidentally revealed that she was an ex-member, and after some time apart.

Weiss then concluded that whatever past Blake had, it does not matter to her. Blake was her friend and her past should not matter at all.

Blake and Jade then told them about how Weiss knows that what her company was doing was not right, and that she plans to take over the company and set everything right as it was before.

Both Kali and Ghira were so overwhelmed by the information dropped on them, that they started to cry tears of joy. Their daughter and her 'boyfriend' (Ghira intends to test him first) had managed to change the world. But Blake did not see it that way.

She still apologizes to her parents for calling them cowards and how she should have joined them when they left. But her parents countered her by saying that both of them never held anything against her and only wished for her to find a better path which she did and both of them are proud of her. Just like what Jade told her about her parents months ago.

Once that revelation hit her, Blake began to cry as well as both Kali and Ghira pulled her into a hug, all while Jade watched and smiled at the heart-warming scene.

After the family calmed down, it was near dinner time and Kali intends to celebrate this moment and plans to cook the tuna she had kept in the fridge. Blake immediately agreed with the idea as Jade smiled as asked if he could help out in the cooking. Kali is starting to like him more and it has only been a couple of hours since he and Blake came back.

After dinner, Ghira insisted on Jade to sleep in the guest room but Blake gave her protest as she wished for Jade to sleep in her personal room like they always did when they got together. Kali took the opportunity to tease her about it and now that she got a boyfriend, she asks when she can expect grand kittens, much to Blake's and Jade's embarrassment. In the end Ghira relented and allowed Jade to sleep with his daughter though Blake had to convince him to allow it.

And with that, both Blake and Jade rested for the night in her room. Though both of them would have to deal with Kali's teasing during their stay in Menagerie. Oh, and both of them need to find Ilia as well in the next day.

Author's Notes.

And now we are done with chapter 23 and a 8k worth of words before I go off to NS.

First is Jade reforging the remains of Lumina and Thorn into a new hand cannon called The Last Word, as you can tell. This is another reference to Destiny 2. Anyways Jade acting anti-social and distant was my way to show that Jade himself is still affected by the fall weeks it passed and it would take time to fully recover. It also does not help that he was having an existential crisis of his own so it took a while for him to accept it.

I bet some of you are asking why Jade decided to reveal his origins to Blake. Jade knows that keeping secrets would only backfire on him as it has done to Ozpin (Ozma). In was way, Jade was hoping that Blake would understand him and also to minimise the potential damage it could cause to both of them.

As for why Blake still accepted Jade despite him revealing his secret? Jade's actions were genuine and the fact that he risked his life to save Pyrrha from death, Yang from losing an arm and indirectly stopping her from abandoning her friends at the cost of himself. I believe that Blake wouldn't care whether Jade was a reincarnate or not and would still love him all the same.

With the butterfly effect now beginning, Sun does not join Blake and Jade because there was no need to stick by her side as she had Jade. So he went back to Haven with Neptune. Don't worry, we will see them again in the future. (When I have time to write it of course.)

Next is Jade's wish to work with Blake to build a new future for the people of Menagerie after their fight to end Salem. After all, if the brother gods does leave Remnant alone after Salem is defeated or killed permanently. Jade would need a new purpose to drive. So why not build a new future for the people of Menagerie and strived to achieve Blake's dream of racial equality between Humans and Faunus? (I might make an omake about it. Hm….)

For the most part. The dialogues for the Belladonnas remained mostly the same except for the occasional changes with Kali suspecting that Jade is Blake's boyfriend (She predicted it lol) and Ghira acting all protective over his daughter.

With Blake being more confident. She is more willing to tell more about her team, including Weiss which no doubt would make both Kali and Ghira worried about their daughter. But both Blake and Jade defend their Schnee friend and tell them about Weiss' plans to set everything right.

And I am done with this chapter. Once again, I want to thank every single one of you who had read my work and especially for those who Followed and Favourite this first story of mine. It has been a blast writing this story. Perhaps when I have free time in my National Service, I could write Omakes while I work on the main chapter to keep all of you readers entertained. (Assuming I managed to survive it of course. Cant write when I am dead, yes?)

Anyways I want to thank all of you again for your time here and feel free to Follow and Favourite this work of mine so you could be informed when I will post an update or a new chapter in the future. (Hopefully.)

Until next time. I will see all of you again. This is a promise to all of you. RGQC out!