Okay, so I'm still here but now I have a guestimate when I'll be leaving for a bit. Somewhere in August I'll be gone for a while. At least 4 to 5 months. Then I'll give y'all a little a proper explanation. I mean if you paid attention you should know where I went.
[Menagerie Dock]
An air horn sounded loudly while an offramp being lowered on the ship bearing Blake Belladonna, Sun Wukong and Dexter Grif to allow passengers to disembark. The town has many small buildings and homes set among dunes and palm trees. The town bell that has been ringing is in its belfry.
Sun, Blake and Grif make their way from the deck to the offramp. The two locals proceeded without pause while Sun stops to look at the town.
"Huh." Was all Sun could get out as he looked at the town.
Several Faunus in summer wear meander casually at the dock, some waiting for friends or family among the new arrivals. The dock is also a commercial area, with mobile kiosks selling food and other wares. It is a relaxed atmosphere on a sunny day. Sun is looking around while they all disembark and walk through the market area together.
"I've never seen so many Faunus in one place!" Sun pointed out.
Blake gave her explanation why that was, "This is the one place everyone can feel safe, no matter who or what they are."
"Wow, sure is, uh, crowded, huh?"
"Yes. Yes, it is."
Grif put his hood back on and started to walk away from the group until Sun used his tail to grab onto Grif's arm, "Hey man, where you going?"
"Home... or more specifically, away from you all." Grif answered.
Blake was still trying to remember if she saw him, "I still can't believe I've know you all this time and I haven't realized you lived in the same town as me."
"Long time ago, now if you'll excuse me. I wanna leave you before-"
"Bro?" A female faunus called out behind him.
Grif looked down as he knew who it was and who he didn't want Sun, especially Sun, to meet, "God damn it."
"Big Brooooo! Did ya miss me?! Can't believe you're back!" The faunus in front of them, who they could only assume was Grif's little sister. She had brown raccoon ears, that went with her long frizzy brown hair, that slumped to the side. She didn't share the same body type as Grif, but had some curves, all in the right places. She wore a black crop top that revealed her cleavage, which was blocked by a yellow sports bra with beige jean short shorts.
Blake only managed to speak before Sun could finish comprehending what he was thinking, "Grif's sister?"
"Yeah, I know. It's crazy right?" Sister looked back at Blake.
Grif groaned as he fixed himself, "Go home."
"But Bro..."
"Go home, I'll be there soon."
"But I haven't seen you since you left for Beacon, you always took care of me ever since Mom ran away to join the circus." Kaikaina revealed.
Sun snapped out of his daze just in time, "Wait, your Mom joined the circus?"
"Yeah, you know how they have a bearded lady and really fat lady. Well our Mom was both, because she's like super talented." Kaikaina admitted proudly.
Grif held his anger back as best he could, "Wait for me at home."
"F#ck that, I wanna see what's going on with your friends." Kaikaina argued back.
Blake looked away as she spoke to Grif's sister, "Actually, I was hoping to involve as few people as possible."
"Well if my brother's going or not, none of you can stop me." Grif's Sister put her foot down.
Grif gave up instantly, "Just let her tag along, it's the best way to keep her out of trouble."
Sun just dodged a Faunus carrying a box, "Is it always so... cramped?"
"Well, when you try and take an entire species and put them on an island that's two-thirds desert, yeah, it tends to be cramped." Blake explained in a more annoyed tone.
"What! You guys have that much more space? Why waste it? A little desert never hurt anyone!"
Grif added in on the conversation, "Sure, but the wildlife here is more dangerous. Seriously it's like whatever made them did so solely off a child's nightmare."
"So, they give us a terrible island, in the corner of Remnant, to try and shut us up." Sun summed up.
Blake nodded with him, "That's a pretty good summary, yeah."
"Huh. Jerks."
"We try to make the best of things." Kaikaina replied.
The group 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.
"Whoa..." Sun got out.
Blake welcomed everyone, including the ones who lived here, "This, is Kuo Kuana."
"It's... beautiful. I take it all back. This place looks great! Why would anyone ever want to leave?" Sun asked.
Blake then had to explain the situation again, "That's not the point, Sun! We asked to be equal, to be treated just like everyone else! Instead, we were given an island and told to make do. So we did the best we could. We came together and we made a home where any Faunus could feel welcome. But this island, this town, will always be a reminder that we're still not equal. That we're still second-class citizens."
Sun put his hand on her shoulder, "Well, hey, this guy's feeling pretty at home."
"Alright, time to go home." Blake braced herself.
"Oh yeah? Which one's yours? Can you see it from here?" Sun uses his free hand like a visor to help him peer at the houses while his other hand brought Blake closer.
"Kind of."
"Is it that one? What about that tiny one down there? I like the paintjob."
Blake took Sun's intruding arm by the wrist and directed it toward the large house, "It's... that one."
Sun stares for a second before pointing his finger at her with a questioning expression. Blake nods. Sun, Grif and Kaikaina look at her for a beat before Sun removed his arm off her and stepping back. Sun covers the sides of his head and crouches a bit, Kaikaina covers her mouth as she tried to stay calm Grif while covered his eyes realizing his friend has the same social standing as Weiss Schnee, all staring wide-eyed at the house and making a comical, amazed noise.
Blake, Sun, Grif and Kaikaina walked up the stone steps to the front door of the house. Blake hesitates when she moved closer to use the knocker, hanging from the door.
"What is it?" Sun asked.
Blake hesitated to get the answer out, "I um... it's just been a long time since I've seen my parents."
"We know... take your time whenever you're ready." Grif tried to comfort her like the big brother he was.
Until Kaikaina banged on the door with her fist, "Ohhh... we aren't doing that?"
Blake took a quick breath for courage and backs away from the door to brace herself for her visit with her parents.
All of them become a little startled at the start at the sound of the door being opened. Kali Belladonna, a short, female cat Faunus is behind it, looking around at the visitors. Her ears perk and she moves the door out of the way so she can step forward when she recognizes her daughter.
Kali almost in disbelief, called out to her, "Blake?"
"Hi, Mom." Blake awkwardly lifted her arm in greeting.
Kali steps forward and hugs her daughter, "My baby girl."
Blake hesitated, uncertain for a moment, before her face gentled into a smile and she hugged her mother back.
They stand in front of open doorway. From inside the house, footsteps come closer and a shadow falls onto the carpeted entryway. Kali lets go of Blake and turns behind her at the sound of Ghira Belladonna's voice, "Kali? Who is it?"
Ghira 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 come home.
Sun sees this and grins, pleased at Blake's welcome as he turns to look at how she's taking it. Grif stood next to his sister, hiding his smile in his hoodie while his sister squeals and hugs his arm at the tender moment. Blake has her hands clasped in front of her, awaiting her father's reaction. Kali has not let go, with her hands supportively on Blake's shoulder and arm.
Ghira says nothing, but smiles, clearly happy. Blake smiles back, relieved. She and Sun exchange sideways glances.
Kali sets down her cup on the table. She, Ghira, Sun, Grif, Kaikaina and Blake all sit on the floor at a square table.
"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." Kali retold the tale.
Ghira tried to play it off, "Please, I knew she'd be fine!"
Kali scoffed at the lie, "That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing."
"You guys have nothing to worry about. I've seen your daughter in action before! And trust me, she's got some moves!" Sun mistakenly blurted out in that manner.
Blake, who was sipping from her cup while Sun spoke, abruptly lifts her head and swallows at his last choice of words. Grif and Kaikaina muffled their laughs, making snorts and slight chuckles trying not to spit out their tea. Ghira glared at the young man on his right.
"And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?" Ghira asked as the daggers in his eyes could be sharp enough to pierce stone.
Sun froze and slowly turned toward his host, "I... uh, well, you see sir, it's just that, you know, that she's such a good fighter and all, uh, and as a fellow fighter, I have a lot of respect for her..."
Kali leaned in to ask quietly, "Why is he here again?"
"...And her fighting. But also for her..." Sun continued his explanation.
Blake explained the current situation, "He just kind of followed me home."
"...because of her fighting. Not her looks. I mean, not to say she's not good-looking. She is! Very! Or..."
"I see." Kali smiled as she turned towards Grif, "Your sister told me a great deal about you?"
"You know Kai? Do you I have to pay a fee or something?" Grif worried.
Kali shook her heads apologetically, "No, no... she volunteers to help out our house from time to time. She simply told us what an amazing brother you are."
"Oh... really?" Grif blushed at the thought that he was a good brother.
"...slightly, I mean she's definitely above average. I mean, uh..." Sun struggled for words as all three Belladonnas watch him and wait for him to either get out of the hole he just talked himself into or keep digging.
In the awkward silence, Sun uses his tail to pick up the tea kettle and pour some more tea into his cup, "This tea is really good. Heh-uh."
Kali whispered not quite quietly enough for anyone to hear, "I like him."
"Mom!" Blake embarrassed by her actions.
The loud sound of the front door knocker resonates, catching everyone's attention.
Ghira's was caught the most, "Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!" Ghira hits his fist onto the table and Kali quickly covers it with her hand.
Kali comforted her husband, "Ghira..."
"Give me a moment." Ghira then gets up and walks out.
Blake now wonders what is happening, "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, dear, just poor timing. He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately." Kali admitted.
"Dealing with who?"
Kali finished sipping to reply, "Hmm? The White Fang."
Sun and Blake rose to their feet, "WHAT?!" Meanwhile Grif slowly stood up to join them.
Blake and Sun rush to the door, where Ghira is speaking with two fox Faunus, Corsac Albain and Fennec Albain. The two visitors maintain respectful, formal postures, keeping their hands clasped before them.
"Dad!" Blake called out.
Ghira turned back to see his daughter, "Blake, what's wrong?"
"Miss Belladonna." Corsac bowed.
Fennec greeted the young lady with his brother, "We had no idea you'd returned."
Every time either one of the two Albain brothers speaks, they gesture with their hands and end with clasping their hands before their chests again.
"What are you doing talking to these people?" Blake questioned while trying to keep her distance.
Ghira introduced them, "This is Corsac and Fennec Albain. They represent the White Fang here in Menagerie now."
"Those psychos are here, too?!" Sun shouted out.
Fennec began to defend his organization, "Young man, I'm not sure what you've heard of our organization, but I can assure you, we're not nearly as ferocious as the media would have you believe."
"What we've heard? We've seen firsthand. Your fanatics slaughtered people!" Blake argued back.
Ghira grew more confused at the words his daughter and her friend were saying, "What is she talking about?"
"Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace." Corsac spoke up.
Kali approached the hostile conversation with Kai and Grif, "Is everything alright?"
"Wait, you guys seriously don't know?" Sun asked.
Ghira grew dangerously hostile, waiting for an answer, "Know what?"
"The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon. They attacked innocent civilians and they released Grimm into the school. They're the reason I look like this..." Grif approached from behind Kali and his sister to reveal his torso, only being covered by a black tank top. About one eighth of his left side had been turned into a lighter shade, more specifically, it turned to the shade of Simmons. Part of his upper head on the left side was his friend's, pale skin with freckles and a green left eye. Left arm entirely turned into a pale mess even part of his torso had turned, "My... someone nearly died to save me."
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?"
"Sadly, Your Grace, it is." Fennec apologized.
Blake stepped forward ready for an argument, "Don't act like you're s—"
"That's enough! Explain yourselves." Ghira demanded from the Albains.
Corsac spilled everything, "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."
"You know, Beacon wasn't the first time the Fang started shooting up Vale!" Sun pointed out.
Fennec admitted the truth, "The High Council had their suspicions of a splinter group, but they could prove nothing until this latest incident."
"'Incident'? People are dead!" Blake growled back.
Corsac bowed again, "And it is a tragedy."
"Your Grace, we came to assure you that Brother Taurus and his followers do not represent the will of the White Fang." Fennec knelt down.
Ghira questioned, "And how can I be sure of that?"
"We understand if you bear any skepticism 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 reminded Ghira.
Fennec then gave the Chieftain an offer, "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."
"I will, but another day. I'd like some time to reconnect with my daughter." Ghira turned toward his family.
Corsac understood, "But of course, Your Grace."
"We completely understand. It was a pleasure to see you again, young Blake." Fennec acknowledged Blake's return.
Corsac expressed their emotions, "We were saddened when we heard of your departure from the White Fang, but understand if you can no longer support our cause."
"It is a wearying fight, after all." Fennec said.
Blake took one final stand, "Who says I'm done fighting?"
"Hmm... If you ever do wish to return, you need merely come find us." Corsac offered.
Fennec then reminded Blake of another face, "Sister Ilia would be elated."
"Goodbye, gentlemen." Ghira firmly closes the door on them. Grif put his sweatshirt back on before he made Kaikaina worry anymore. Kali moved to stand closer and face her husband while Blake walks off.
Sun added one final statement, "So... those guys were creepy."
"I really don't like you." Ghira admitted to Sun.
Outside, the two brothers descend the steps, perfectly in sync and their formally clasped hands. Corsac, however, is now using the prayer posture that Fennec had been using all along.
"An interesting development, wouldn't you say?" Fennec stated.
Corsac agreed, "Interesting indeed."
"So, shall we inform Brother Adam?"
"Oh, we shall."
They exchange unsettling grins.
Guess who brought back Kaikaina, it's about time, am I right. Sorry I've been hiding her for so long. And to answer your questions that y'all probably have. Will she be joining in the RWBY adventures? Yes she will.
