Chp. 16: Encounters Pt. 1

Kuo Kuana, Menagerie

Docks

May 16, 2020

It is now morning and Blake, Yang, Allen, Rebecca, and Steel all disembark along with other passengers. The travelers all looked at the town as they walked. The town has many small buildings and homes set among dunes and palm trees. 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. They all start to proceed through the market together.

"So this is Menagerie? Seems pretty nice here. Crowded, but nice," Steel said.

"Menagerie is pretty much Australia and Hawaii put together," Allen said.

The group paused 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.

"Well, let's get going," Yang said.

A few minutes later, they all make it to the Belladonna household. They walk up the stone steps to the front door of the house. Blake hesitates when she moves to use the knocker. Yang puts her hand on Blakes shoulder.

"We are all here for you," Yang said.

Blake takes a quick breath for courage and bangs the door knocker. It makes a loud, heavy, resonating sound on the large door. The door opens to reveal a female cat Faunus with black hair and yellow eyes, she shares several physical features with Blake, although her ears are noticeably larger in size and have more fur details. She has short hair and three gold piercings on her cat ears - two on her right, and one on her left. She wears a black hakama and sandals with white tabi socks. Over her outfit, she wears a black shrug with a long right sleeve and a short left sleeve, gold-leaf trim adorning the opening on the front. She wears long, black arm warmers that extend to the middle finger. The left warmer has a purple band tied around the top and a pair of gold bangles around the wrist. Around her waist is a black and gold sash that trails behind her, with a gold flower-shaped buckle at the end. This is Blake's mother, Kali Belladonna.

She looks at Blake in shock and disbelief.

"Blake?" Kali asked.

"Hi, mom," Blake greeted with a nervous wave.

Kali steps forward and hugs her daughter.

"My baby girl," Kali said.

Blake hesitates, uncertain for a moment, before her face gentles into a smile and she hugs her mother back.

"Kali? Who is it?" a voice called.

Stepping in from inside the house is a tall, muscular man with black hair, a thick beard and yellow eyes. For his top, he wears an open dark-violet coat with white fur trim, exposing his hairy chest. Over his beige pants is a matching sash that wraps around his waist and is secured with a large, silver metal buckle. On the shoulder of his coat is a silver metal spaulder, which through a pair of curved strips across the chest attaches as a clasp on the opposite front panel of the coat. The white toes of his black leather boots have a shape reminiscent of paws with claws at the tips. His physique is in general quite hairy, as what little can be seen of his bare arms and the backs of his wrists are shown to be covered in thick, black fur. He also possesses protractible panther claws in his fingertips. This is Blake's father, former leader of the White Fang, and chieftain of Menagerie, Ghira Belladonna.

Ghira stands 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. 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, Sun, Yang, Allen, and Rebecca all exchange sideways glances.

"Uh, may we come in?" Rebecca asked.

"Sure, come inside," Ghira replied.

Everyone walks inside and up to the panther faunus.

"So who are your friends?" Kali asked.

"I'm Yang Xiao Long," Yang introduced.

"Rebecca Dawson," Rebecca said.

"I'm Allen Knight," Allen said.

The name's Sun. Sun Wukong," Sun said.

"I'm Henry Simon, but call me Steel," Steel said.

"It is nice to meet you all," Ghira said "Would you all like some tea?"


Schnee Manor, Atlas

Front Entrance

Meanwhile in Atlas, Weiss, Ricky, and Neo are all approaching the front door.

"It was nice of General Ironwood to let us stay in Atlas Academy and nice of your sister to drop us off," Ricky said.

Weiss gave a heavy sigh as she looked at the double doors.

"Hey, we're both here for you," Ricky said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Weiss gave a warm smile at Ricky.

"Neo, disguise. Neo nodded and activated her semblance as pink energy resembling clusters of glass shards moved up her body, and now looks exactly like Ricky's teammate, Kelly.

"Hm, not bad. You got all the details right," Ricky said.

Neo smiled, bringing her index finger under her bottom lip. Weiss rings the doorbell. The double doors open to reveal the Schnee family butler, Klein.

"Good morning, Miss Schnee," Klein greeted.

"Good morning, Klein," Weiss said as she, Ricky, and Neo all walked inside.

"Your father has been expecting you and your guests," Klein said, closing the double doors.

"Of course he is," Weiss groaned.

"Your father is his study. Right this way please," Klein said as he leads the others through the manor.

A few minutes later, they all reached the door that led to Jacques' study.

"Good luck," Klein said as he walked off.

Weiss hesitates before she knocks on the door.

"Come in," Jacques called from the other side of the door.

Weiss opens the door and enters inside along with Ricky and Neo who is still disguised as Kelly. Sitting in one of the two chairs on the right side of the study is Jacques with a drink in his hand.

"Weiss, I am glad you brought two of the Beacon defenders," Jacques said. "I have, Father," Weiss said.

"And may I ask your names?" Jacques asked, turning his attention to Ricky and Neo.

"I'm Richard Hugo and that's Kelly McFoley, and I'm afraid she can't speak right now," Ricky said.

"And why is that?" Jacques asked.

"Doctor's ordered her not to speak. She has a vocal infection," Ricky said.

"I see. Please, have a seat," Jacques said.

Ricky and Neo both sat on the couch across from the SDC president, while Weiss sat in the second chair next to him.

"So Weiss told us that you wanted to see us, is there a reason why?" Ricky asked.

"I simply wish to invite your teams or at the very least two members of your teams, to a banquet for defending Beacon alongside my daughter," Jacques answered.

"That seems nice," Ricky said.

"Indeed it is and Weiss will be performing on your behalf," Jacques said as Weiss lowered her head.

"I'm sure her performance will be a success," Ricky said as Neo nodded.

"It will, she is my daughter after all," Jacques said.

"So when is this banquet?" Ricky asked.

"It will be in two days," Jacques replied. "Now unless there is anything else to discuss, Klein will show you out."

"Nothing that we can think of," Ricky said.

"In that case you are free to leave," Jacques said.

"And I'll start practicing," Weiss said as she got up from her seat.

Ricky and Neo also got up and followed Weiss out the door.

Neo closes the door behind them as Weiss looks at her and Ricky.

"So what do you guys think?" Weiss asked.

"He's definitely trying to boost his ego," Ricky said drolly.

"Indeed he is," a voice said.

The three turn to see Klein with a tray.

"Hot coffee, Miss Schnee?" Klein asked.

Weiss takes the mug off of the tray with a smile.

"Thank you, Klein," Weiss said.

"It is nice to see you have friends to be around," Klein said.

"Well she's gotta have someone around so her father doesn't do anything drastic," Ricky said.

"Indeed. His tendencies are rather cold. But if you ask me..." Klein lifts the tray to cover his face before dropping it dramatically as he leans forward Weiss, Ricky, and a still disguised Neo making a less-than-formal face, his brown eyes having turned red.

"I think it's to balance out all his hot air," he said an accent with a gruff voice.

Weiss' eyes widened in delight and she turned and looked over her shoulder at the closed office door as Ricky and Neo tried to hold in a laugh. Weiss turns back to Klein with a giggle.

"Klein!" Weiss said.

The four giggle together before Klein fakes a sneeze, and his eyes turn blue.

"Uh, apologies, madam," Klein said in a high-pitched accent.

Klein pretends to sneeze again. Weiss giggles merrily, hiding her smile behind her hand as Ricky laughed and Neo silently chuckled. Klein wiggles his mustache and looks up. His eyes turn yellow.

"Ah, there's my happy little snowflake," Klein said in his normal voice with a cheery manner.

Weiss, Ricky, and Neo all stopped laughing and grinned at the butler.

"Thank you, Klein," said Weiss.

"Yeah, you're a fun guy to be around," Ricky said.

Klein's eyes turn brown.

"Thank you, Richard," Klein said.


Kuo Kuana, Menagerie

Belladonna Residence

Back at Menagerie, Blake, Sun, Ghira, and Kali sat on the floor at a square table with cups of tea, while Allen, Rebecca, and Steel stood around them with cups in their hands.

"So you're telling us that you are with this unknown military, Adam plans to overthrow the leader of the White Fang and seize leadership, plans to assasinate our family, and may try to attack one of the academys again?" Ghira asked.

"Yep," Steel replied.

"I'm just glad they came to defend Beacon," Blake said.

"When we heard the news, it took us all by surprise. Oh, we were both so worried," Kali said.

"Please, I knew she'd be fine!" Ghira said confidently.

"That isn't the slightest bit true," Kali scoffed. "You should have seen him pacing."

"Don't worry, Blake's got some friends to back her up," Yang said.

"Besides I've seen her in action," Sun said.

"Phrasing," Allen said to Sun.

"And she has got some moves!" Sun said.

Blake, who was sipping from her cup while Sun spoke, abruptly lifts her head and swallows at his last choice of words. Ghira glares at the young man on his right.

"Again, phrasing," Allen said.

"And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?" Ghira asked.

Sun freezes and slowly turns toward his host.

"Dumbass," Rebecca muttered with a smile.

As Sun started to talk his way out of this situation, Kali leaned in towards Blake.

"Why is he here again?" Kali whispered.

"He just kind of followed us home," Blake answered.

"Stalker," Rebecca quickly coughed out.

"I see," Kali said.

Sun struggles for words as Rebecca, Allen, Steel, Yang, 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," Sun said, giving a nervous chuckle after taking a sip from his cup.

"I like him," Kali said in a not so quiet manner.

"Mom!" Blake exclaimed.

Yang and Rebecca openly laughed nearly spilling their cups.

"Your mom is funny, Blake. And you dad is awesome," Yang said.

"Aw, thank you, Ms. Xiao Long," Kali said.

"I appreciate the comment," Ghira said.

The loud sound of the front door knocker resonates, catching everyone's attention.

"White Fang?" Steel asked.

"Yes," Ghira answered as he got up and walked out.

Blake and Sun stood up and followed Ghira to the front door with Steel, Yang, Kali, Allen, and Rebecca following them out. As soon as they get to the door they see Ghira speaking with two people who maintained respectful, formal postures, keeping their hands clasped before them.

They are both dark-skinned men who wear their hair styled in a mohawk with shaved sides. They are both fox Faunus with the taller one on the left's trait is a tail and the shorter one on the right are a pair ears. They both wear a red hood that functions partially as a cloak, made of two pieces held together by yellow buttons and string. Holes were cut in the top for shorter Faunus' fox ears. They also wore a black tunic with two sections extending farther down than the rest at their fronts, and a hole is cut out for taller Faunus. Both the hood and tunic have white trimming. They also wear detached white sleeves, bound at the mid-bicep and the wrists. Black gloves serve that function and attach to his middle fingers. Their white pants are pleated. He wears black open-toed sandals with fabric extending up to his knees. They are the brother representatives of the White Fang branch in Menagerie, Corsac and Fennec Albain.

"Dad!" Blake called out.

"Mr. Belladonna," Steel followed.

"Miss Belladonna," Corsac said.

"We had no idea you'd returned," Fennec said.

"And we see you have visitors with you," Corsac said.

"May we ask who you are?" Fennec asked.

"These are friends of my daughter and this man here is a soldier of the unknown military," Ghira answered.

Steel elbows Ghira in the side.

"You weren't supposed to say the last part!" Steel whispered.

"Interesting. May we ask why you are here?" Fennec asked.

"I came as an ambassador to discuss open relations with Chieftain Belladonna so that we can help modernize this island so that the Faunus here find more comfort here," Steel explained.

"That is a very noble deal, but what do you receive in return?" Corsac asked.

"Just peaceful relations for both sides," Steel answered.

"Interesting," Fennec said.

"So why are you here?" Allen asked, despite already knowing the answer.

"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," Corac explained.

"You know, Beacon wasn't the first time the Fang started shooting up Vale!" Sun shouted.

"The High Council had their suspicions of a splinter group, but they could prove nothing until this latest incident," Fennec said.

"Incident? It was an attempted terrorist attack!" Rebecca shouted.

"And it was lucky that not too many lives were lost," Corsac said.

"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 asked.

"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 explained.

"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 said.

"I will, but another day. I'd like some time to reconnect with my daughter and finish deals with this new military," Ghira said.

"But of course, Your Grace," Corsac said.

"We completely understand. It was a pleasure to see you again, young Blake and a pleasure to meet you sir," Fennec said to Blake and Steel.

"We were saddened when we heard of your departure from the White Fang, but understand if you can no longer support our cause," Corsac said.

"It is a wearying fight, after all," Fennec said.

"Who's says I'm done fighting?" Blake asked.

"Hmm... If you ever do wish to return, you need merely come find us," Corsac said.

"Sister Ilia would be elated," Fennec said.

"Goodbye, gentlemen," Ghira said.

Ghira firmly closes the door on them. Kali moves to stand closer and face her husband while Blake and Yang walk off.

"So... those guys were creepy," Sun said.

"I really don't like you," Ghira said as Allen shook his head.

Outside, the two brothers descended 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 asked.

"Interesting indeed," Corsac answered.

"So, shall we inform Brother Adam?" Fennec asked.

"Oh, we shall," Corsac answered.

The two brothers exchange unsettling grins.


Shion, Mistral

Meanwhile in Shion, Team JNPR, Ruby, Britney, Jacob, Robert, Qrow and Alex all got on the bullheads and took off, continuing to travel to the city of Mistral. On the first bullhead carrying Ruby, Jacob, Britney, Robert, and Qrow, the veteran huntsman tells the others of his encounter with Raven last night.

"So Raven was in Shion last night?" Robert asked.

"Yep. She was asking about who the unknown military is," Qrow answered.

"That doesn't surprise me. I mean everyone on Remnant is asking the same question," Jacob said.

"True, but Raven seemed pretty serious on finding out about them," Qrow said.

"What are we going to do about her, Uncle Qrow?" Ruby asked.

"Just let me worry about her for right now, kiddo," Qrow answered.

Ruby sees Jacob putting on a bracer on the sleeve of his left arm.

"Jacob, what's that?" Ruby asked.

"Remember how I said that I've been working on a new weapon?" Jacob asked.

"Yeah. Wait, is that it?!" Ruby asked in excitement.

"Yep. Maybe if we get into action, I can show you what it is," Jacob said.

On the second bullhead Team JNPR and Alex are all sitting quietly inside. Ren suddenly looks up. He puts up his hand, eyes closing as he focuses.

"What is it?" Alex asked.

"We got company," Ren answered.

Everyone looked up at Ren after he spoke.

Back on the first bullhead, Robert was looking out the window of the hatch door. He then saw a figure in a dark brown duster jacket running towards their bullhead. The figure jumped towards the bullhead and noticed a scorpion tail protruding from the figure. That's when Robert immediately recognizes the figure.

"Tyrian!" Robert shouted.

Tyrian lands on the bullhead's left wing and pulls out his wrist blades, The Queen's Servants. He slashes at the left engine as he laughs, causing it to smoke to come out and making the aircraft descend.

"Shit, we're going down!" Jacob yelled.

Tyrian leaps off of the first bullhead and lands on the roof of the second. Alex pulls out his pistol and shoots through the ceiling as Tyrian dodges the bullets. Tyrian runs up to the front of the bullhead and his built in guns pop out from his weapons. He shoots through the windshield and kills the pilot. The Faunus jumps off as the bullhead starts to descend as well.

"We're going down! Brace for impact!" Alex yelled.

Both bullheads proceed to crash land down into the forest below.