RWBY Volume 6: Devastation

by Egurulejr93

(DISCONTINUED)6 months after Volume 5, Ruby Rose, now leading Remnant Squad, must do what she can in the war against Roman Torchwick. But inner demons and hurtful events will occur, that could drive everyone apart. As when the war draws to the end, who will survive? Who will fall? This FanFiction story will also include OCs made by different users on this site.

15. Chapter 15 - Menagerie Part 1

RWBY Volume 6, Chapter 15

Menagerie Pt .1

---

AIRSHIP

In the skies above the ocean, an airship flies through the clouds, barely avoiding a flock of birds. Inside, staring out the window, Yang sits on her side of the bed, with a sad look on her face. Her left hand begins to shake frantically and her breathing is getting faster. But another hand reaches and hold hers. Blake, who was lying down, slowly gets up and begin to hug Yang from behind, resting her head on Yang's shoulder.

"Morning." Yang said. "Did you sleep well?"

"That's a question, I should be asking you." Blake said, with a worried face.

"...I'll manage." Yang said. "I don't want you to worry about me."

"It's my job to keep an eye on you." Blake said, as she moves to sit next to Yang. "To care for you. To comfort you. And even if you recover, I'll still be there for you."

Yang stares at Blake for a few seconds, before resting her head on Blake's shoulder. "I'm glad to hear that."

Blake proceeds to stand up and offers her hand. Yang accepts it and is held up.

"Come on." Blake said. "You haven't showered in 2 days. And you stink a little."

Yang just smiles. "Sorry."

---

HOURS LATER

"We're just hovering over Menagerie, ma'am." The pilot said to Blake at the cockpit. "Shouldn't take a couple minutes to reach the island."

"Thanks, Tanner." Blake said.

"Hey. You saved my life back in the docks." Tanner said. "I figured, I owed you one."

"And now we're even." Blake said, smiling.

Blake exits the cockpit and proceeds to walk to Yang, who has bags next to her.

"Why are we so high in the sky?" Yang asked. "Shouldn't we be landing?"

Blake just smiles. "There's a bit of a problem. Um...Menagerie doesn't have any landing pads. Not even enough space to land this airship."

Yang is surprised by this. "You're serious? Then how do we expect to...wait a second...no!"

"Oh, yes." Blake said as she puts on a parachute bag. "We're going to drop there."

She then proceeds to press a button. A part of the airship opens up, showing the skies outside. Blake grabs both hers and Yang's bags, tie them to another parachute bag, and proceeds to throw them out.

"Blake!" Yang exclaims. "What the hell?"

"Trust me." Blake said, as she attaches her harnesses to Yang. "They'll be undamaged when we land."

Blake can see if Yang is acting a bit nervous. "You okay?"

Yang slows down her breathing and closes her eyes. "Yeah. I'm good. I just need to count to three."

Yang inhales and exhales. "One...two..."

She doesn't say three, due to Blake already jumping, causing Yang to scream as they fall down to the air.

---

MENAGERIE

A Faunus woman with fins on her arms is happily swimming with her friend, one with scales on her body. They are laughing, before a loud thud is heard. They turn to see a bags on the pier, and a parachute landing on the ground, covering them

"YOU JUMPED AT TWO, BLAKE!"

The two Faunus look around to see who's talking.

"I know, Yang!"

"I AM SO MAD AT YOU RIGHT NOW!"

The woman finally, along with other numerous Faunus, see the source: Blake and Yang, hovering over the over. The open parachute is being controlled by Blake.

"I currently have a damaged mind, and you just decided to scare me with this?" Yang angrily asked.

"I am sorry." Blake said. "But like I said: We couldn't just land here. Unless you just wanted to free fall into the ocean...and maybe survive."

Yang groans in anger and crosses her arms. But her anger subsides upon seeing the island itself. She sees the small city with the jungle surrounding the land. Many, many Faunus are looking up to see the two of them glide.

"There's our bags." Blake said, seeing the parachute on the pier. She steers hers towards it. After a few seconds of carefully gliding, the both of them land on the pier. Blake detaches herself from Yang, who quickly covers her mouth, and rushes to a nearby trash can. Blake sighs as she takes the parachute off and does the same for the one attached to their bags. She picks up the bags and walks to Yang, who just finished vomiting in the can.

"You okay?" She asked, putting her hand on Yang's back.

Yang spits before standing up and clutches her stomach. "There goes breakfast."

"Don't worry." Blake said, smiling. "Once we reach my home, my parents will no doubt make a feast. It's been a while, since we've really seen each other."

Yang lowers her head and grabs her arm. She then proceeds to look around. The Faunus looking at them, have a cautious look on their faces. "They're looking at me, like I'm dangerous."

"Hey." Blake said, moving closer to Yang. "Walk with me. And stay close. You got it?"

Yang nods and keeps her head down. Blake puts her hand on Yang's shoulder and the two proceed to walk. The Faunus watching them back away a bit, as they past them. Blake notices a gang of them emerging from the crowd, with their weapons out. Blake quickly takes out Gambol Shroud, puts it in gun form, and aims.

"Back off!" She exclaims. "I know what you're planning to do. And I would not recommend it."

"And exactly why shouldn't we?" A Faunus with scales on his face asked. "There's a human in Menagerie. And given our relationship with humans, we have the right to be cautious."

"...I know your kind." Blake said. "The Faunus who sees ALL humans as threats, even though a lot of them are harmless. You even target children. Some would say, you're even worse than the White Fang, themselves."

"Do not compare us to them. Unlike the White Fang, we get shit done without hesitation." The Faunus gang leader said, before taking out a gun. He points it at Yang. "This human could be a potential threat to Menagerie. She could be a spy, for all we know."

Yang begins to become angry, her eyes turning red. Blake puts her arm in front of Yang, before speaking more.

"This human, you're talking too, is under special protection here in Menagerie." Blake said. "Under a new law, made by the chieftain himself: No family members of the chieftain, are to be harmed or killed. And the punishment will be severe if broken."

The gang leader begins to get angry. "I see. She's family, huh?"

Blake just raises her metal arm, which has the golden ring. "She is my wife by law. And therefore...family."

Many of the Faunus are shocked upon hearing this, especially from some of the gang members. The leader approaches her. "You married this human?"

"Her name is Yang Xiao Long." Blake said, bearing an angry line. "She was my partner at Beacon Academy. She saved my life many times. She's accepted my Faunus heritage, from the very start. And she stopped me from becoming a psychopath at one point. She's the reason, why I'm still alive today. And I would give my life for her, in an instant. So if you have a problem with her being here...take your problem to the chieftain."

The leader becomes furious and turns to Yang, who is surprised by what Blake said. He turns back to Blake. "She may be protected under Menagerie law. But if she become aggressive towards anyone...I will not hesitate."

Blake suddenly puts Gambol Shroud back to sword form and places the blade on the guys neck. "You're really going to threaten my wife like that? Well, here's what's going to happen: If any harm comes to her at any way, and it was caused by you and your extremist group...I'll have you hanged. Understand?"

"Blake."

Blake turns to Yang, who has a worried look.

"You're scaring everyone." Yang said.

Blake looks around to see some of the Faunus looking scared. She puts Gambol Shroud down. "If you'll excuse us...we'll be making our leave."

Blake sheathes her weapon, grabs Yang's hand and they continue walking while the gang leader angrily watches. As the two of them walking, Yang notices that Blake's hands are trembling. Blake notices this and clenches them to make them stop. They continue to keep walking until they reach the top of a hill. Yang is amazed at the many homes that are seen. "Wow."

"I know." Blake said. "But the sad truth...is that we have some many Faunus living here. And the population increases every year."

"Are there any other towns in Menagerie?" Yang asked.

"A few small ones." Blake answered. We have tribes over the island as well. But Kuo Kuana is the biggest city here."

"No doubt." Yang said. "And how exactly are we supposed to find your place in all this?"

Blake sighs. She then points. Yang sees where she's pointing. A house that stands in the middle of the other buildings. It is much taller then the ones around it.

"My father is chieftain, after all." Blake said. "That doesn't mean he should live in a normal home.

"But you grew up in THAT?" Yang asked. "...That is awesome!"

Blake just smiles. "Glad to see you smiling more."

The two of them take about a couple minutes to walk down the hill and go down a flight of stairs, before going up some more. They stop before a large door and look at it.

"Don't you think this is a bit too much?" Yang asked.

"I asked myself the same thing." Blake answered. She puts her bag down and approaches the door. Yang notices Blake hesitating knock.

"What's wrong?"

Blake just stares at the floor, before looking at Yang. "It's...been a long time, since I've ever came home. Just wondering how much has changed."

Blake then proceeds to grab the door knocker and bangs it, making a large booming noise. Yang looks surprised by the noise.

"That's kind of intimidating." Yang said. She then noticed that that a black wool glove is worn over Blake's new hand. "Why are you wearing that?"

Blake turns to look at Yang, before looking at her hand. "I...I just don't thing I'm ready to tell them about this or the fact that I almost died. Not yet."

The sounds of the front door opening, surprising the two. An older woman, with cat eyes and yellow eyes like Blake, has a surprised look on her face. Blake smiles. "Hi, mom."

The older woman proceeds to walk to Blake and gives her a hug. "My little girl."

Blake then goes to hug her mother back, Yang sadly lowers her head.

"Kali! Who is it?"

Yang lifts her head as the sounds of footsteps were getting louder. A tall muscular man with a black beard and yellow eyes is near the doorway. He is surprised as well, upon seeing Blake.

Blake chuckles nervously. "Hey, Dad."

A few minutes later, all four of them are sitting on pillows around a square table. Blake pours tea into two cups, before putting the pot down. She picks up a cup and puts it in front of Yang, who is staring down at the table. Blake then proceeds to snap her fingers, getting Yang out of her trance. The latter sees the cup of tea and picks it up, drinking from it.

"We heard about what happened in Vacuo, just yesterday." Kali said, with a worried look. "The horrible stuff that we were told happened to you two. I can't imagine what you've been going through."

"...Yeah." Blake said, before turning to Yang, who resumes staring at the table. "But Yang had it the worse."

"Well, I am glad that you decided to bring her here." Kali said. "Menagerie is the kind of place that she needs to be in right now. Away from that awful war that you and your friends have been involved in."

"You two were so focused on fighting, that you never came to visit us at least once after your wedding." The father said.

"Ghira, honey. I'm sure they had good reasons as to why."

Blake picks up cup and begins to drink from it. And when she puts the cup down, she looks at both Kali and Ghira. "Mom. Dad. Yang and I were talking about it for a while. Took some convincing. But..." She then places her hand on Yang's. "We might make this stay permanent."

Ghira raises his eyebrows in surprise. "You want to move back home?"

Blake nods. "We want to find a house here. Start a whole new life, away from everything we've encountered. A peaceful life."

Ghira turns to look at Yang. "Are you sure that you want to make this choice?"

Yang lifts her head to look at Ghira, before nodding. "With your permission, of course."

"We know that a lot of the people here, wouldn't handle the news of a human, particular one who's married to a Faunus, living in Menagerie." Blake said. "We've encountered some of those hostile ones earlier. But Yang and I will take that risk."

"And with the new law prohibiting harm to our family, I believe my husband can arrange such a move." Kali said. "And I approve, myself. Ghira?"

"...It's a very risky decision, indeed." Ghira said, before smiling. "But if your mother approves...I approve."

Blake stands up and walks around the table towards Ghira. She then goes to give him a hug. "Thank you."

"We'll also be arranging for a couple guards to keep and eye on you two, at all time." Ghira said.

Blake is surprised. "Dad! Really?"

"Only while you stay here, until I can find a home for you two." Ghira clarifies. "We have kept your old room clean, for when you came back. You and Miss Xiao Long can stay there, for the time being."

Blake sighs. "I'll go move our stuff there."

---

NIGHT - BLAKE'S ROOM

Inside Blake's old bedroom, where a big painting of Menagerie hangs on a wall, and the walls of the room being light purple, Blake sits on her bed, while Yang is lying down. As she watches Yang sleep, Blake smiles and stands up. Going to the glass door, she opens it to go to the balcony. She closes the door and puts goes to a chair. She then proceeds to stare at the moon, as her smile slowly fades to sadness. Feeling her emotions coming, she does her best to keep quiet as the tears begins falling down her face. Placing her fists on her face, she begins to softly sob, letting out all emotions that she kept inside for days.

---

THE NEXT DAY

Yang and Blake sit next to the square table, scooping pieces of two grapefruit halves and eating it. Yang winces as she eats. "Little sour."

Blake smiles and hand her a bowl of sugar. Yang scoops some of the sugar and pours on the grapefruit, before eating it again. Kali and Ghira exit from the kitchen, holding their own grapefruit halves, and sit down on their spots.

"I trust you both had a good night's sleep." Ghira said.

"We did." Blake said. "Back in Atlas, we had trouble sleeping, because of of our worries of being attacked. But last night was the best sleep we had in a long time."

"...It was peaceful." Yang said, smiling.

After finishing her grapefruit, Yang stands up with the fruit skin. "I'm going to throw this away and then head upstairs."

As she watches Yang throw away her breakfast and walk upstairs, Blake's smile fades before looking at her parents. "Mom. Dad. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course." Ghira answered. "What is it?"

"...How...how much did you hear about Vacuo?" Blake asked with hesitation.

Kali has a worried look on her face, before answering. "We were told about some bad details that worried us much. The attack that occurred in that village. What had happened to that poor young woman. And the trauma that all of you had endured. Especially with Yang. We were told that she was in really bad shape."

"...That's it?" Blake asked. "That's all you were told?"

"Pretty much. Yes." Ghira answered. "And we were extremely worried about you. But we're glad that you're here in one piece and that you're safe."

"And we're here for the both of you." Kali said. "You have our promises."

"Thank you." Blake said, before asking another question. "...And exactly who told you about what happened?"

Kali and Ghira both look at each other. Kali nods. Ghira looks back at Blake.

---

HOUSE

"ILIA!"

Blake angrily pounds at the door of the small house that she's at.

"Ilia! Come out right now!"

Blake waits a few seconds to get a response. But when there is none, she growls.

"DON'T MAKE ME KICK THIS DOOR DOWN!"

Her cat ears perk up and she suddenly turns around. Ilia is holding a basket of fruit, her eyes wide. Blake walks to Ilia and angrily stares at her.

"Hello, Blake." Ilia said, walking around Blake and opening the unlocked door. She then turns around. "Well? Aren't you coming in?"

As Ilia enters, Blake's anger is still shown as she walks inside. Ilia places the basket onto a table, before sitting down. She then grabs an apple from the basket and just stares at it.

"Now then. I can see that you're angry." She says.

"Oh, I'm not angry. I am furious!" Blake angrily exclaims. "You abandoned us, just before Torchwick and the Seekers attacked Solis."

"Might I remind you, that I was only supposed to give you information, and then I could leave? I didn't ask to stay and fight."

"Then explain this to me: How were you able to tell my parents about what happened after, then?" Blake asked.

Ilia stares at Blake, before answering. "Fine. I had a change of heart, Blake. Okay? I decided to go back and help you guys. But by the time, I came back...it was already over. And all of you were just sitting on the ground...defeated." She then notices the black glove on Blake's hand. "Prosthetic?"

"Do not change the subject!" Blake exclaims. "Ilia. The only reason why I even let you help us, is not because you had information. But because I trusted you."

"...Trusted me?"

"We were best friends in the White Fang. We were like sisters. And when I told you my plan to leave the Fang, you refused to go with me. But despite that, I still saw you as my friend. And I thought you still were. I thought I'd trust you enough that you'd stay and fight with us."

"I didn't want to get involved!" Ilia exclaims.

Blake snatches the apple away from Ilia. "Well guess what. You became involved the minutes you let Torchwick know of your treachery."

"He doesn't even know, where I currently am." Ilia said, as she stands up and takes the basket. She then walks to her kitchen. "And as long as I stay here, they'll never find me."

"...You know they will...eventually." Blake said, her anger fading.

Ilia stops moving. "...Yeah. They will. But I do hope they don't."

Blake sighs before talking. "Look. Ilia. I am angry. Angry about what happened in Solis. But I can't blame you for what happened there. And...you should know, before everyone else in Menagerie does..."

"That a human is on the island?" Ilia asked. "I'm aware. Almost everyone here knows."

"No. Not that. We're...Yang and I are staying. We're going to start over in Menagerie."

Ilia turns around to look at Blake with a surprised look. "You're serious?"

"No joke." Blake answered. "Yang needs to be away from the Kingdoms. Have a fresh new start. And here it's peaceful."

"That is the worse idea, I've ever heard." Ilia said. "When the people of Menagerie hear about this...a lot of them won't exactly be happy. It's very risky."

"It's a risk that I'm willing to take."

"...And is Yang willing, too?"

"It took some convincing...but she is."

Ilia turns and goes to a cabinet. Opening it, Blake is surprised to see her grabbing a bottle and a glass.

"I never took you for a drinker." Blake said.

"...Only on rare occasions." Ilia said. She pours the alcohol into a glass. She grabs the glass and begins drinking from it. Ilia puts the glass down and sighs. "You should go. I have business here, and I don't want you here when it happens."

Blake gives Ilia the apple, turns to the door and walks to it. But as she opens it, she turns to look at Ilia. "I don't want us to become enemies, Ilia. You know that. I want us to still be friends, despite everything that happened. So just...at least come visit. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Ilia stares at Blake, before talking. "I'll try."

Ilia watches as Blake closes the door. He smile fades, before falling to the ground. Just sitting there, she stares at the wooden floor as she shakily sighs and tears falls off her face. She then angrily throws the apple to the wall and covers her face with her hands.

---

BELLADONNA HOME

Yang is staring at the wall, where a shotgun is lying on a shelf. She also sees several pictures of the Belladonna family. Mostly of when Blake was much younger. She is amazed at one picture. One with her and Blake. Yang was wearing a yellow dress. Blake was wearing a black and purple one. Yang can't help but smile.

"I see you've found it."

Yang quickly turns to see Ghira, who smiles as he approaches her. He walks pass Yang and picks up the shotgun. He then turns to show it to Yang.

"I've never seen a shotgun like this, before." Yang said. "My gauntlets are the same type. But this kind is a rare thing to see."

"Only 20 of the these exist in Remnant, based on what I was told." Ghira said. "This was my weapon, back when I was High Leader."

Yang is confused. "High...Leader?"

"Didn't...didn't Blake tell you?" Ghira asked. Once he sees her nod, he sighs. "Years ago, I once led the White Fang as High Leader. And back then, it used to be a peaceful organization. We did protests rather than attack people. But all that changed, when I left the Fang. And Sienna Khan took over."

"Do you ever regret leaving?" Yang asked. "Did you ever think that if you'd stayed, the White Fang would be different today?"

"...Every day." Ghira answered, before putting the shotgun back onto a shelf. "But we can't change the past. Gotta focus on the future."

"I understand." Yang said. "I have a lot of bad stuff happen to me, that I wished to go back and fix." She lifts her metal arm and looks at it. "But I can't, no matter how much I want to."

Yang then goes to the shelf and picks up at the picture with her and Blake in their wedding dresses. "You mind if I take this? I'll need something to look at, should I feel a little down from time to time."

"Of course." Ghira said, smiling. "That day sure was an amazing one."

Yang smiles. "It was the best day of our lives."

---

NIGHT

Yang is lying down on the bed, wrapping her arms around Blake. They both smile as they look at the picture of their wedding day.

"I love this day, so much." Blake said.

"I do too." Yang said, giving Blake a peck on her cheek. "But I recall the day I proposed to you, as being your most favorite day."

Blake puts the picture onto a nearby shelf and proceeds to straddle on top of Yang. "It was indeed. You remember the night after the wedding?"

Yang's smile goes wide. "Was a wild night."

Blake smiles before pulling her shirt up and taking it off. Now with only her bra around her upper body, she lowers herself to give a kiss to Yang. "Want to repeat that night?"

---

DARK ROOM

"Are you sure this is wise, brother?"

"It's not exactly wise. But it is something that needs to be done."

Two Faunus wearing red hood, one with a tail and one with ears of a fox, are standing in front of a painting that's hanging on the wall. Candles are lit on a table in front of them. Fennec and Corsac Albain are staring at the painting while speaking.

"You should realize the consequences that we'll face, in the event that we fail this." Fennec said. "If they find out-"

"I am sure that they will not." Corsac said. "I'll make that happened."

Knocking is heard. And the brothers turn to the door.

"Yes?" Corsac said.

The door opens, with Ilia entering at closing the door.

"Sister Ilia." Fennec said. "You came at the perfect time."

"Perfect, indeed." Corsac said.

Ilia proceeds to bow to the two of them. "I am ready for anything that you need me to do."

"Excellent." Fennec said. "Just note that this task will be slightly difficult."

"It really depends on how the situation goes." Corsac said.

"Just how difficult can this be?" Ilia asked, while standing up.

The Albains look at each other before turning back to Ilia.

---

THE NEXT MORNING

Blake and Yang are both awkwardly staring at their bowls of cereal, while Ghira and Kali look at them.

"...So...you two were...a little loud, last night." Ghira said, crossing her arms.

"Ghira!" Kali exclaims before looking at the two. "Sorry about that. But he is right. We barely slept last night. I would suggest keeping it down a notch, next time."

Yang and Blake both blush in embarrassment. Knocking is heard from the front door. Kali stands up and proceeds to head to the door. When she opens it, she is surprised to see Ilia, who has her head staring at the ground.

"Hi, Kali." Ilia said. "It's been some time."

Blake turns her head after hearing Ilia's voice before standing up.

"What brings you here?" Kali asked.

Ilia raises her head to look at Kali. "Blake came over to speak to me, yesterday. And...we ended in a heated argument. I'm just trying to apologize and maybe catch up on my friend."

Kali turns to look at Blake, who nods at her, before looking back at Ilia. "You may come in."

Ilia enters the house, walking past Kali and continues until she stops near Ghira, Blake and Yang.

"Greetings, Ilia." Ghira said.

"Chieftain." Ilia said, bowing down. She then looks at Blake and Yang, with her showing a bit of anger as she turns back to Ghira.

"What can I do for you, this time?" Ghira asked.

"This time?" Blake asked, confused.

"I often asked for favors after I came back to Menagerie." Ilia explains. "In exchange for any assignments that I can do." Turns to Ghira. "But I'm not here for a favor, Chieftain. I'm only here as a guest in your house, today. If that is okay with you."

"...Under normal circumstances, I would immediately say yes. You have accomplished many tasks that nobody else could. But given that my daughter and daughter-in-law unexpectedly arrived-"

"Let her." Blake said, interrupting her dad. "I told her that she could visit. We're just trying to make up for lost time."

Ghira stares at Blake for a couple seconds, before turning back to Ilia. "Sit."

Ilia smiles before she sits down between Blake and Kali. "Thank you."

After breakfast, Blake takes Yang and Ilia to her room, where they just sit it silence. Ilia notices some anger in Yang's face.

"Is she mad at me?" Ilia asked to Blake.

"I think she is." Blake answered.

"Why is she?"

Blake shrugs her shoulders.

"I am mad, because I recall that you were supposed to watch over Blake, back in Solis." Yang said.

"...I was." Ilia said. "But I didn't. I was a coward."

"Yang." Blake said. "Come on. We're supposed to forget about Solis and start new lives. Ilia made a little mistake. And I forgive her. I just want her to be my friend again."

Yang groans before lying down on the bed.

"Thank you." Blake said, before standing up. "Now, then. I was planning on going to the market. And I'm going to take Ilia with me."

"How come?" Yang asked.

"Because 1: You wouldn't want to go." Blake answered. "And 2: A lot has changed in Menagerie. And Ilia can maybe help me out with knowing these changes." She turns to Ilia. "Let's go."

Ilia stands up and heads for the door. Blake goes to Yang and sits on the bed.

"Hey."

Blake lowers herself to give Yang and kiss to her forhead before standing back up. "We'll be back soon."

Yang watches as Blake and Ilia exit the room, before sighing and stares at the ceiling. After a few seconds of just staring she angrily groans. "Oh, screw it!"

---

OUTSIDE

Blake and Ilia exit the front door, with Blake closing it. "My mother wants us to pick up some fruit and a few others things on this list." She shows a piece of paper. "Shouldn't take too long."

"I've got all day." Ilia said, smiling.

The two of them proceed to walk. And as they just about to reach the bottom of the stairs in the front of the house...

"Hey!"

Blake stops and turns around, surprised. She sees Yang, wearing a yellow hoodie, exiting the house and jogs to the two of them.

"I somehow knew you'd come with us." Blake said, smiling. "But don't you think the hoodie is necessary."

"It's cold." Yang said.

Blake raises her eyebrow. But she doesn't keep going. "Alright. Let's go then."

---

MARKET

Blake is looking at some purple flowers that were inside a basket. She smiles as she looks at them.

"I remember this flower."

Blake turns her head to look at Yang, who is smiling.

"The night after we raided that Seeker stronghold." Yang said. "You remember what the meaning of this meant?"

Blake chuckles. "First love. The meaning was First Love.

The two of them smile at each other, until someone snaps their fingers, taking them off their trances. Blake turns to look at Ilia, who has her arms crossed.

"You done sightseeing?" She asked. "We haven't even started, yet."

"Okay, okay." Blake said, before taking out the shopping list. "First thing to get: Apples. Ilia can get those. Next: Some rope and some...tools? Huh. Well Yang and I can those. Actually..." She tears the list in half and give one to Ilia. "That way we'll get this done faster. We meet back at my house as soon as possible."

"Really?" Ilia asked, annoyed. She sighs. "Fine."

As Ilia turns around to walk away, she notices Fennec, who is blending in the crowds and looking at her. He nods before walking away. Ilia lowers her head with a worried look on her face. She turns and sees Blake and Yang walking away, having not seen her.

Blake and Yang are walking around the market, browsing at the varieties of goods that the citizens of Menagerie are selling. Yang notices that a lot of the Faunus are looking at her with either a cautious or angry look. Yang keeps her hood on and her head down. Blake notices Yang and sighs.

"Yang." Blake said. "Don't let them intimidate you."

"I'm not." Yang said. "I'm being judged as if I'm here to cause trouble."

"A lot of the Faunus often felt the same way, when humans looked at them the same way. Even though they've done nothing."

"I get it." Yang said. "I do. And given our living situation, I would like them to trust me."

Blake stops in front of Yang, placing her hands on the latter's shoulders. "And they will trust you, one day. All you have to do to is prove to them, that they can."

Yang nods and places her hand on one of Blake's. "...Okay. Now then. What's next on the list?"

Blake smiles and wraps her arm around Yang. The two of them continue walking down the market.

---

EVENING - BELLADONNA HOME

Blake and Yang are laughing as they sat in the living room. Ghira and Kali are sitting across from them, smiling.

"And after the reception, I specifically remember Yang sneaking a few sips of champagne, even though I told her enough." Blake said.

"Oh come on!" Yang exclaims. "It was just a few sips."

"...Correction." Blake said. "I believe that you drank a bottle's worth."

Yang crosses her arms and pouts. She then sees Ilia resting on a piller, smiling and her arms crossed. Ilia stands stright and walks to the group.

"I believe that it's time for me to go." She said. "Gonna be busy tomorrow. And I'll need some rest."

Ghira nods. "You have a pleasant night, then."

Ilia smiles and bows before she turns to the front door. Yang notices her hand was tapping on her hip rapidly in a sequence that she knows. She takes some time to understand what the code is.

Later, when everyone is sleeping, Yang is standing next to Blake's bed. She smiles at the sleeping Blake and give her a kiss to her cheek. Yang then quietly grabs Ember Celica, opens the balcony door and jumps over.

---

BAR

Ilia is resting on the wall of a bar, tapping her foot and groaning. But she stops upon hearing.

"About time you arrived." She said.

Yang is right in front of her, her arms crossed with a cautious look on her face. "I got your message. Smart. Now will you explain to me why you wanted me to see you."

Ilia motions her head and the two of them inside the bar. Upon entering, Yang sees every patron and bartenders looking at her, the same looks as the ones on the market.

"Seriously." Yang said. "Does everyone in Menagerie hate humans?"

"They have a very...very good reason." Ilia answered. "Come on. Drink's on me."

As everyone still watches Yang, she and Ilia walk to the counter and proceed to sit down. A bartender with a tail approaches them, with her looking at Yang.

"Relax, Dora." Ilia said. "She's not a threat to anyone."

Dora scoffs and crosses her arms. "And how do you-"

"I basically spent about 3 days with her in sperate times." Ilia answered. "She's harmless. Now can we just have a drink without any trouble?"

Dora angrily stares at Ilia, before turning to Yang. "What'll it be?"

"...I'll take your strongest whiskey." Yang said, before looking down at the counter.

"I'll have the same." Ilia said, putting Lien on the counter. "And leave the bottle."

Dora takes the Lien, takes two shot glasses and places them in front of the two. She then picks a bottle up and puts it on next to the glasses. As she attends to another patron, Ilia opens the bottle and pours into the glasses. She then takes a glass, Yang doing the same. They then drink their shots and quickly puts the glasses down. Ilia notices that Yang in wincing.

"Uh...you okay?" She asked.

Yang is pounding on the counter, before she spits a little bit of the whiskey out and begins to cough. Ilia pats her back. "You okay now?"

Yang groans. "That was so smooth." She gets a napkin and wipes her mouth with it.

"Homemade whiskey from Menagerie tends to be." Ilia said, smiling. "You done already."

"Oh, no." Yang answered. "I can take it."

Later on, after the bottle is half-empty, Yang takes her 11th shot before burping. Ilia snickers after she does.

"So I go to Blake, and I say to her 'Blakey. My back hurts from all the fighting. Can you make it feel better?' And she doesn't and I was in pain for 2 days." Yang drunkenly said.

"Damn." Ilia said. "That must've sucked. Hate to be in your shoes."

Yang sighs and looks at the table. "Those were the days. Best ones, too. Until the war started. After that, those days were happening less and less. And after Solis, we made a vow to spend the rest of our live in a peaceful, happy place." Yang picks up her shot glass. "I wish the war never happened. I wish that my mom was still alive. My dad too. I sometime wish that all the bad stuff that happened to me just went away." She places the shot glass back to the counter. "But hey. At least it's peaceful here. And maybe living here, may be the best. Perhaps...Blake and I can start a family here."

Ilia raises her eyebrows in shock and surprise upon hearing that. "You really care about her."

"...I always did." Yang said. "Since Beacon. I always loved her. And I always will. She's my angel. And I am her's."

Yang then struggles to stand up, with Ilia standing to help her.

"I think I'm going to bed." Yang said.

"Oh, not here, you shouldn't." Ilia said. "I'll take you home."

Ilia assists Yang in exiting the bar and walking towards the Belladonna home.

"I like you, Ilia." Yang said, surprising the latter. "You're a cool person to hang with. I bet Blake said the same thing, years ago."

Ilia chuckles. "Yep. She sure did. Brightened my day, every time."

As the two of them slowly walk down the street, Yang slowly turns her head and her face turns to shock. Down a hallway, a group of people wearing dark armor are walking with their back turns. Ilia turns to see the group. "Oh, shit."

Ilia puts her and Yang on the wall, next to the alleyway, still looking at the Seekers. Yang tries to free herself, but Ilia tries to stop her. But Yang eventually succeeds.

"Yang." Ilia said, being cautious. "Before you say anything-"

Yang begins to back away. "Dark Seekers. Were those...they were-"

"Yes, they were." Ilia said.

"What are they doing here?" Yang exclaims.

"Please, Yang." Ilia said. "Do not attract their attention. Let's just head back to the house, and I'll explain-"

Yang falls in all fours, before letting out all the alcohol she drank. Ilia backs away to avoid the vomit. After she is done, Yang begins shaking. Ilia quickly turns to see that the Seekers weren't at them. She then quickly lifts Yang and they fast walked towards the Belladonna home.

"When you ask them, please try to be calm." Ilia said.

---

THE NEXT MORNING

"I DEMAND AN EXPLAINATION!" Yang angrily yells.

Yang, Ilia and the Belladonnas are in the living room, with Yang wanting some answers.

"Please...Yang." Kali said. "You need to calm down."

"Yang's right, Mom!" Blake angrily exclaims. "Dark Seekers in Menagerie? And you didn't bother to tell us?"

"We wanted you to settle in, before we could tell you." Ghira said.

"Well the secret's out now." Ilia said. "You have to tell them everything about the Seekers, Chieftain. They deserve to know."

Ghira sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. Kali rests her hand on Ghira's. "Ghira, dear. She's right. They do need to know."

Ghira nods and turns to Blake and Yang. "About 2 months ago, an airship landed near the docks. I was summoned to speak to those were in that airship. When they came out, we were surprised to see that it was humans. Mainly, the Dark Seekers. And along with them was a woman, bearing a cloth over one of her eyes."

Blake clenches her fists hard. "Cinder."

"Yes." Ghira answered. "Cinder Fall came to Menagerie, under orders of Roman Torchwick. To come here...to recruit the Faunus."

"What?" Yang asked, shocked.

"We felt the same way, when she told us about having the Faunus join their ranks." Kali said. "The Dark Seekers were recruiting all over Remnant. And this was one of their many stops."

"She demanded over 300 of Menagerie's citizens to join." Ghira continued. "I took that with great caution and told Fall that we do not want to get involved at any way. And that if she wanted to live, she go back into her airship and fly away. I should've known that it wasn't over."

"What happened after?" Blake asked.

Ghira tightly closes his hands and just stares at the floor. Blake sees this and is worried. "Dad?"

"We didn't hear anything from them for 3 days." Ilia said. "We thought we were in the clear. But...one night, screams were heard all over Remnant. The Dark Seekers came back...but with a small fleet. They managed to sneak onto Menagerie, enter people's home, and began to slaughter them."

Blake's eye go wide in shock upon hearing this.

"67 Faunus were killed in their sleep." Ilia said. "Some of them were children. They killed them...to send a message. That the Dark Seekers take 'no' for an answer. They've since established an outpost about a mile from Kuo Koana. And they've been here, ever since."

"...And that's why they've been more aggressive towards humans." Kali said. "After that night, they determined any non-Faunus as threats. Hence the hostility that you've witnessed, when you two arrived."

Blake hears sniffles and quickly turn to Yang, who is shaking and holding onto her head, shaking. Blake crouches down and wraps her arms around Yang as the tears fall down on the latter's face.

"This wasn't supposed to happen." Yang said. "We were supposed to-"

"I know." Blake sadly said. "I know we were. And I'm sorry that I was wrong."

"We were supposed to get away from it all." Yang said. "But every time we do, it pulled us back. I can't. I can't, Blake. I can't-"

Blake then proceeds to hug the crying Yang tightly, shedding tears of her own. After about a minute, Blake helps Yang up and turns to Ilia. "Can you help her upstairs?"

Ilia nods and walks to Yang. As Blake watches the two go upstairs, she begins to shake.

"What's wrong with her?" Kali asked. "Did...did something happen to her?"

Blake doesn't turn around to her parents to answer. She waits until the sound of a door closing before doing so.

"A lot of terrible things happened these past few months. A lot of them hurt Yang. Mentally. She hasn't been the same since."

Blake turns around and proceeds to sit down across from her parent. She then stares at the ground, before continuing.

"Months ago...when we just started fighting the Dark Seekers...Yang watched as her sister nearly died in front of her. Explosion. Ruby lost her right foot, but survived. She kept of fighting. Her and Yang. But when Torchwick attacked Atlas, that was when Yang changed. We were captured. Yang was looking for Ruby, when she and her mom fought Torchwick. In the process...Yang had to watch her mother die and thrown off the side of a building. And Torchwick tried to force Yang to cut off her sisters hand off."

Ghira and Kali are shocked from what they're hearing.

"Ever since then, she's been having nightmares. Would go into deep depression. And rarely, she would drink her sorrows away. After six months, we decided that it was time to leave the war behind. Then the earthquake happened, and then Solis happened as well. And Solis was the final breaking point for Yang."

Blake rests her head on her hands, shakily breathing.

"Cinder Fall had Yang under her leash, forcing her to stand down under threat of killing me, Ruby and everyone else. Yang was forced to watch as we slowly fell apart."

Tears begin to fall down her face.

"During an attack, we encountered a scorpion Faunus who we've fought before. He...he tortured Yang. And when I retaliated in anger..."

Blake begins to shake, worrying her parents.

"He poisoned me. And it was effective. I was slowly dying for two days. I was in pain. And I was having nightmares. Nightmares about him...Adam. I was very close to breathing my last breath. But I was saved. Yang saved me. But I saw the pain in her eyes. And she saw the pain in mine. We decided to come here, in the hopes of recovering from the pain that we both had. But after today..."

Kali quickly goes to Blake and hugs her tightly. "Oh, my poor baby girl. I'm so sorry." Tear fall down her own face, as she holds the crying Blake. "It's okay. I'm here, sweetie."

"Nowhere in Remnant is safe!" Blake exclaims. "We could never find peace!"

"Just don't talk, honey." Kali said. "Just let it all out."

Ghira stands up, walks to his wife and daughter, and joins in on embracing each other in a moment of sadness. But all that is interrupted by the sounds of a faint gunshot. The three of them quickly stand up and the sound of glass breaking is heard. Blake proceeds to run upstairs. As she reaches the top and run down a hallway, she stops to see the door to her room opening. Blake was about to take out Gambol Shroud, but her eyes are wide in shock. Yang exits the room, cuts on her face and body. And she is gripping her chest, which has blood leaking out. She sees Blake and tries to walk to her.

"Blake?"

Yang trips as she walks, falling to the ground and not moving. Blake screams as she crouches and grabs Yang, holding her.

"YANG!" She screams, fresh tears falling down her face. "NO, YANG! PLEASE!"

Blake is once again sobbing loudly as she holds Yang tightly.

"Not again...not again...not again..."

"Blake"

Blake opens her eyes and looks down to see Yang's hand holding hers. She then hear wife's labored breathing and her whispers.

"I'm...I'm still here..."

Blake sniffles and after some hard breathing, she proceeds to lift Yang, carrying her in a bridal position.

---

STREET

Blake is running down the streets of Menagerie, holding Yang and yelling. She ignores the looks of the citizens as she spots a building with a sign that says "clinic" on it. She also sees a woman with fins on her hands exiting the building. The Faunus sees Blake running towards her and quickly runs inside. As she sets a bed ready and has tools in a tray, Blake bursts inside. She turns to look at her.

"What happened?"

"She's been shot!" Blake exclaims as she puts Yang on the bed. After doing so, she backs away. "Please help her."

The doctor quickly goes to Yang and examines the wound. "Did the bullet go through?" Blake nods. "Good. That means I won't have to dig in there for fragments."

Blake shakily turns to see Ghira and Kali entering the building. The doctor quickly turns to see them

"Chieftain." She said.

"Cora." Ghira said. "Can you help her?"

"I'll try my best." Cora said, as she removes Yang's jacket, in order to see the wound better. "But my supplies are limited. Half of my stuff was taken, when the Seekers came."

"You have to try." Blake said, grabbing her head. "Please."

"...Don't worry." Cora said, putting gauze on Yang's wound. "I'll be able to keep her alive...for now. But after that...we'll just have to pray. Now. Do you know her blood type?"

"Same as mine." Blake answered. "A-Negative."

"Perfect." I'm going to need you to stick around."

Blake grabs and seat and places it next to Yang's bed and sits down. She then holds one of her wife's hand with her own. "I'm not going anywhere."

---

ROOFTOP

On a rooftop of one of the buildings, Ilia is sitting in the corner, her hands on her face as she sobs. As she cries, she looks at the blood on her hands and tries her best to wipe it off. A gun is lying near Ilia as she still sobs.

---

EVENING

Blake is watching as Cora inserts a needle into her arm. Blood exits from her arm in into a tube, which as the other end inside a bottle.

"This is the fifth time, I've had to extract blood from you." Cora said. "And hopefully, I won't have to for much longer."

Blake grabs a cup of juice and drinks from it. After putting the cup down, she looks at Yang, who is sleeping with bandages wrapped around her chest. "Thank you."

Cora looks at Blake. "I'm a doctor. I help anyone who is hurt or close to death."

"And...the fact that she's human?" Blake asked.

"Miss Belladonna." Cora said, as she takes the needle out of Blake's arm. "I've lived in Vale in my childhood. And I know that there good humans, bad humans, and ever worse humans. And I know that you are a good person. And that this woman is the same. You are married to her, after all."

Cora places a cotton ball on the area where blood comes out of Blake's arm, before taping it.

"I can keep her stable for a while longer." Cora said. "But given my limited resources, I can only do what I can?"

"You're joking." Blake said, worried.

"...I'm afraid not." Cora said. "Unless I can get better medical equipment, there's only a 50/50 chance of her survival."

Blake turns to see Ghira and Kali enter the building. She stands up and walks outside, needing some air. As she takes some time to think, she notices the people of Menagerie looking at her. She looks down and sees the dried blood on her hands.

"Blake?"

Blake's face slowly turns angry as she lifts her head. Ilia emerges from the crowd, bearing a worried look. Blake angrily walk towards Ilia, who is starting to back away. But Ilia is blocked my the crowd behind her. Blake stops about a couple feet from Ilia, who is now scared.

"Ilia." She growls. "Where were you when you were in that room?"

Ilia just stares in fear, as she try to say somethings. It takes Blake a few seconds to realize.

"It was you. You...you shot her. You shot Yang."

Ilia begins shaking. Blake moves closer towards Ilia and takes out Gambol Shroud. The crowd begins to back away, leaving the two just standing there.

"I had no choice." Ilia whispers.

"...No choice." Blake said, tightly gripping Gambol Shroud. "You had a choice, Ilia! And you made the wrong one."

Tears begin to fall down Ilia face as she shakes. "...One life...it was either her...or you."

Blake loosens her grip on her weapons, and her anger slightly subsides. She backs away, still staring at Ilia, before her anger returns. "Keep walking."

Ilia begins to turn around and walks away as Blake turns and goes back inside the building. Ghira and Kali look at her with some concern.

"You saw?" Blake asked.

"We saw, indeed." Cora said. "ALL of us."

She moves away, in order for Blake to see Yang, awake and looking at her with a sad look. Blake hurriedly goes to Yang's bed and puts her hands on her wife's head.

"How are you feeling?" Blake asked.

"...A little better." Yang softly said. "Until I looked out the window."

Blake moves her hands away and lowers her head. "I'm sorry. I...she admitted to doing this to you." Her voice begins to break. "And I just gave into my anger."

"I get it." Yang said. "I get it. I'm angry at her too. I want...to..."

Blake notices Yang not speaking and lifts her head, too see Yang closing her eyes, sleeping. She shakily sighs and stands up and goes to Ghira, Kali and Cora.

"I assume Cora told you about Yang." Blake said.

"I did." Cora answered. "I only have enough supplies to keep her alive...for maybe a few days."

"Damn." Ghira said. "And all this is medical equipment is the best we have. Who knows where we can get any better ones."

"...Maybe perhaps Weiss Schnee." Blake said.

"Oh, great." Cora said, turning to her table. "A Schnee? That name is very infamous for the wrongful treatment of Faunus. Why would-"

"Weiss' company has a few benefits." Blake explains. "And one of those happens to be having the best medical care in Atlas. And that means -of-the-art equipment. I would know about this, because I used one when I...I get injured. Weiss can help. She owes me a favor. And I intend on using it."

"But it's from a Schnee." Cora said. "Why would you-"

"Because Cora! Yes, when I first met her, Weiss was just like I was once told. Cold. Aggresive. But that was years ago. And guess what, she's changed."

Cora crossed her arms.

"Weiss outlawed Faunus labor in her company, gave them better working conditions, new jobs, new homes. She's fought for more Faunus rights in Atlas AND succeeded. Do I need to go on?"

Cora just stares at Blake.

"Weiss has done more for the Faunus in Atlas than anyone in her family ever did."

"I heard. Yes. But that's Atlas." Cora said. "If you bring her here, it'll be different. The people will not be happy to see a Schnee in Menagerie."

"She's the only one, who can save my wife." Blake said. "And like it or not...I'm bringing her here." She turns to Ghira. "Please."

Ghira sighs. "We can't protect her."

"Then I will." Blake said. "She's my friend."

"...Call her."

Blake nods and takes out her Scroll.

"In the meantime." Ghira said. "I believe it's time to visit our Seeker friends and have a little talk."

---

STREET

Ilia groggily walks down the street, eyes still wide in shock. As she does, she turns right and stops. The Albain brothers stand nearby, just watching her.

"So...you failed the mission." Fennec said.

"And the human lives." Corsac said. "This is dissapointing, Sister Ilia. We expected more from you."

"...Does it matter?" Ilia asked.

"It does." Fennec answered. "You needed to kill the human, to ensure that the Dark Seekers don't come back."

"And because you failed your mission, no doubt that they will come." Corsac said. "But with bigger forces, this time."

All Ilia does is walk past the Albains. She stops after passing them and turns her head. "It wouldn't have mattered."

---

NIGHT - SEEKER CAMP

The Dark Seekers that were not defeated during the attack on their camp, were either running away or being tied up. Ghira watches as the Menagerie guards burn down the tents and cabin that reside in the camp.

"Chieftain."

Ghira turns around to see a guard with rabbit ears approach him.

"We have a problem, sir." He said. "One of the Seekers managed to contact their main base. He said that they've assembled a small force to approach the island soon"

"How long do we have?" Ghira asked.

"Based on what the Seeker said...2 days tops." The guard said.

"Then we will be ready." Ghira said. "Inform the people, immediately. We have a fight coming. And we're going to need to get ready."

The guard salutes. "Yes, sir." He turns to the tied up Seekers. "What do we do with them?"

Ghira turns to the Seekers and approaches one of them. He sees that the Seeker has scales on his neck. He then sees that every Seeker captured all haveFaunus traits.

"Faunus...working for the enemy. Have we stooped so low, that we need to fight our own people now?"

The scaled Faunus look at Ghira with a look of guilt.

"...Lock them up. We'll interrogate them for any information. Anything from them, will help us for the battle that's coming."

---

2 DAYS LATER

Blake is inside the medical building, sleeping on top of Yang, who is awake and smiling. Cora is looking over some files as Yang turns to look at the former. Cora turns to look at Yang and stands up.

"How long was she here?" Yang asked.

"She's been lying by your side, since she brought you here." Cora said. "That shows how much she cares for you."

Yang hears groaning to see Blake waking up, sitting up straight and yawning. And all she does is smile. "Morning."

Blake wipes her eyes before looking at Yang. "Morning. How are you today?"

"...A little better." Yang answered. "Just wish I can get off this bed."

"Not until we get Weiss here." Blake said. "She'll be able to heal you in no time." She then proceed to stand up and look at Cora. "The Seekers are coming today. Can I-"

"I can protect her." Cora said. "I'm not just a doctor, Miss Belladonna."

Blake nods. "Thank you." She then leans down to give Yang a quick kiss, before straightening herself up. "I'll see you again later."

Yang watches at Blake walk out of the building, before her smile fade.

---

BELLADONNA HOME

Ghira, Kali and several of the Menagerie guard are looking at a map of the island. One of them points to an area of Kua Koana.

"We have less than a couple hours, before the Dark Seekers arrive in Menagerie." The Faunus with buck teeth said. "They are expected to arrived at the grasslands, oustide the city. It's a couple miles wide, enough for them to walk in. At this point, we have most of our people ready to fight. We also managed to contact the Hallow Tribe and informed them of the situation. And they've agreed to help as well...in exhange for resources."

Ghira sighs. "Very well then. Saber. When I give the go, you and the rest of the Menagerie guard rally our fighters."

"Yes, Chieftain." Saber said.

Ghira turns to see Blake entering the house and putting her Scroll away.

"Any news on your friends?" He asked.

Blake angrily sighs. "They'll be here, alright. But it looks like they'll arrive during the fight"

"But they will come." Ghira said. "And that's all that matters." He then turns to Kali. "I'll have a few guards here to protect you until we're done."

"Ghira, sweetheart." Kali said. "You know I can defend myself."

"I do." Ghira said. "Which is why I only said a few."

Blake just smiles and nods from hearing this. She then goes to look at the map. "I heard the Hallow Tribe will be joining us. With them, do you think we'll have enough?"

Ghira turns to look at Blake. "...Chance are, we won't. But my father once quoted me something that I have said to the people."

"...'No Surrender. Fight till the end.'" Blake said.

"And that inspires hope." Kali said. "And with that belief, we will win."

The sounds of the front doors open. Everyone turns to see what's happening. Ilia, sweating and exhausted, breathes heavily. Blake starts to become angry upon seeing her.

"Chieftain." Ilia said. "We...we have a problem. You need to hear me out. Please."

"Why should we listen to you?" Blake angrily asked. "You think that after what you did to Yang, we want to-"

"Blake." Ghira said. "Enough." He turns to Ilia. "You do have some nerve, coming here after what you've done to my daughter-in-law. Have you any idea of the consequences for breaking the Chieftain's family law?"

"I do." Ilia answered. "And...I'm willing to accept whatever fate that I deserve. You imprison me...you kill me...I don't care. But you have to listen to what I have to tell you."

Ghira stares at Ilia, with some anger shown in his face. "Step forward. And no tricks."

Ilia proceeds to walk past the Menagrie guard, while also trying to avoid Blake's stare. She stops in front of the map and points at it.

"The Dark Seekers are no longer coming in a couple hours, Chieftain." She said. "I spotted their fleet just by the horizon. They're early."

Ghira and Kali are surprised to hear this.

"And it looks like they have over 200 Seekers in their group. And among them...is him. Torchwick."

"What?" Blake said, her eyes wide. "Get some guards to protect Yang. As many as you can spare."

Ghira turns to Saber and nods to him. Saber nods back. He and the guards quickly run out of the house.

"How long?" Ghira asked.

"If they go the same speed...30 minutes. Tops." Ilia answered. "Maybe less."

Ghira rests his hands onto the table, just staring at the map. He feels Kali wrap her arms around him, before putting his hand over one of hers.

"We're going to win."

The two and Ilia turn to look at Blake, with Gambol Shroud ready.

"Like you said. Never surrender."

Ghira nods and looks at Ilia. "Thank you for the information, Ilia. But that doesn't change what you had done."

"...Fine by me." Ilia said, before she thinks for a second. "Also..."

"What?"

"...I need to say this now. You're bound to find out sooner or later."

"Find out what?" Ghira asked.

Ilia sighs before talking. "The Albain brothers. They're working with the Seekers."

"What?" Kali asked.

"Happened right after the Seekers attacked the island the 1st time. Led the Albains to believe that Menagerie will be spared, if they joined. They were responsible for several of the Faunus joining the Seekers."

Blake growls in anger. "And you're just telling us this now?"

"It's better knowing now than later!" Ilia exclaims. "And no doubt that they'll be fighting with the enemy. Chances are they will personally go after you first, Chieftain."

"Then you'll be protecting me, then." Ghira said.

Ilia's eyes go wide as she turns to Ghira. "Huh?"

"Call it partial punishment for your crimes." Ghira said, before he turns and goes to the wall. He looks at his shotgun and proceeds to take it off the wall. He then throws it to Ilia, who catches it.

"You're serious?" Blake exclaims.

"If she dies, she dies in battle." Ghira said. "Her actions were severe, indeed. And if she lives, I'll determine her sentence." He turns to Ilia. "Hope you know how to use something like that."

"...Um...I did train with the Seekers for a couple months." Ilia said, nervous. "I think I can handle this."

"Good." Ghira said. "Then let us go. The battle awaits."

---

MEDICAL BUILDING

"You know. You were pretty lucky." Cora said. "The bullet managed to miss your spine, heart and lung by and inch."

"Really?" Yang asked. "That's a surprise."

"It is, indeed." Cora said. "A shot like that almost impossible to make. Unless the shooter took some time to know where everything was before shooting."

Yang is surprised to hear this. "So you're saying that-"

Cora turns to see a few Menagerie guards entering the building. "What's going on?"

"The Dark Seekers are arriving earlier than expected." A guard answered. "We've been sent to guard the human, per the Chieftain's orders."

Cora quickly turns to open a drawer, taking out a pair of bladed gauntlets and putting them on. Yang's eyes are wide from seeing this.

"You're a...a doctor?"

Cora turns to look at Yang and smirks. "...Part time."

Yang groans and looks at the guards while pointing to Cora. "And she's been keeping me alive."

---

GRASSLANDS

A massive group of Dark Seekers are marching down the grasslands, with a couple large vehicles driving behind them. And on top of one of the vehicles, Torchwick evilly smiles as he sees the other group of Faunus who are on the opposite side of the grasslands. The Faunus have their weapons out, with the front of the group carrying shields. Ghira, Blake and Ilia walk through the group. Ilia stops, while Ghira and Blake walk to a Faunus who's about Ghira's size and wearing a dark cloak around him. The man yells a chant to his tribe, who wear similar cloaks, as Ghira stops next to him. They put their arms on each other's shoulders.

"Thank you for standing with us, Wolfe." Ghira said.

"I owe you a debt, Chieftain." Wolfe said. "And we plan to win, right?"

"Yes we are." Ghira answered. He notions Wolf to follow him and Blake towards the Dark Seekers. As they do, Blake sees Corsac and Fennec approach them from the Seekers' side. Both group stop at the center between the 2 armies and look at each other.

"It would appear that we are about to fight." Fennec said. "Isn't that right, brother?"

"Indeed." Corsac answered. "I would say that this would've been prevented had-"

"They would've come, either way." Blake said. "And now you are fighting for the enemy. And that makes you traitors of not only Menagerie. But traitors of Remnant."

"You tell Torchwick that he is in Menagerie now." Ghira said. "Last time they attacked, we were not prepared. But now we are. Unless he turns his army away from the island right now...blood will be shed."

The Albains both stare at each other, before turning back.

"Very well, then." Corsac said. "Blood it is."

"Oh blood indeed." Everyone looks to see Torchwick approaching the group, twirling his cane around and grinning. "Well, well, well. It's so good to see you again, Kitten."

Blake growls and grips Gambol Shroud tightly.

"Tell me. How's the hand doing these days? I assume after what Cinder did to you, I'd thought you'd be wearing a sling by now."

Ghira turns to look at Blake with confusion.

"Stop talking!" Blake exclaims. "Are we going to fight or not?"

Torchwick's smile fades into anger, before turning back to the Seekers, with the Albains following him.

"What was he talking about?" Ghira asked.

"Later." Blake answered.

They and Wolfe turn back towards the Faunus, with Blake standing next to Ilia.

"We're fighting them." Ilia said. "Aren't we?"

"Shut up." Blake said.

Ghira stares at the Seekers for a couple seconds, before shouting a chant. The Faunus, including Wolfe, his tribe, Blake and Ilia all repeat the same chant. The Faunus do this 2 or 3 more times, before Ghira takes off his coat.

Torchwick just smiles and raises his arm up. The Seekers have their weapons ready. After a few seconds, Torchwick lowers his arm, causing the Seekers to charge.

Ghira and the Faunus watch the enemy charge, having their own weapons ready.

"SHIELDS!" Ghirs screams.

The Faunus in the front rows put their shields in from of them.

"AIR ASSAULT!"

Blake and Ilia watch as several Faunus with wings on their backs fly past them and dropping several devices onto the Seekers. The devices detonate on impace. Several Seekers begin firing at the fliers, shooting a couple of them down. The rest fly away.

"FIRE!"

The Faunus that have guns begin firing as the Seekers get closer. When some get even closer, Ilia manages to shoot them with Ghira's shotgun. The Seekers stop where they at, with some stunned at them already losing members. Torchwick growls. He turns to the Albains and nods. Fennec and Corsac take out daggers and begin charging. Ghira steps forward and the Faunus look at him.

"LONG LIVE MENAGERIE!"

Ghira opens his fists, claws extending from his fingers. The Faunus scream as the begin charging. As the Faunus and Dark Seekers charge at each other, Blake and Ghira run the fastest and are the first to begin attacked. Seconds later both groups begin colliding, fighting and killing. Ghira claws at several Seekers who try to attack him. He even throws one to Blake, who kicks him down.

---

MEDICAL BUILDING

Yang, Cora and the guards hear the faint sounds of the battle from the open window.

"It's started." Cora said. She then begins to hear the sounds of footsteps getting closer towards them. "Someone's coming."

The Menagerie guards take out their weapons, ready to fight whoever was coming. Cora has her gauntlets ready, standing in front of Yang. As the footsteps get more louder, Yang could also here the sound of something being dragged and heavy panting.

"By the gods! Why must this damn thing be so heavy?"

Yang's eyebrows are raised in surprised as she recognizes that voice. "Weiss?"

Cora turns to Yang before the sound of knocking is heard.

"Yang? Are you still alive? I hope so!"

"Let her in!" Yang exclaims, before she suddenly begins coughing hard.

Cora takes her gauntlets off and checks on Yang as a guard quickly opens the door. Cora turns her head to see Weiss, who is pushing a small cart, which had a large device on top.

"How high up did I just climb?" Weiss asked as she pushes the cart. "Where is she?"

Weiss hears the coughing and sees Yang, who has some blood coming from her mouth. She quickly pushes the cart until it is next to Yang. "What happened to you?"

Yang wipes the blood from her mouth and looks at Weiss. "Long story." She looks at the device. "You pushed this thing all by yourself. Weiss. You know this weighs a ton."

"Well, I was going to have Nora push it." Weiss said. "I brought her and some others. But she's occupied. Now then." She turns on the device on and notices Cora looking at her with a scowl. She becomes a little nervous. "Doctor?"

"Yeah." Yang answered. "She kept me alive, until you got here."

Weiss takes a needle that's attached to the device and offers it to Cora. "Can you put this on her left arm? Please?"

Cora would continue to stare at Weiss before accepting the needle. Weiss then grabs another, and the two proceed to inject the needles into Yang's arms.

"How long will it take?" Yang asked.

"I don't know Yang." Weiss said, as she presses a couple buttons. "Minutes, maybe?"

"I hope so." Yang said. "Blake and the Faunus-"

"We saw." Weiss said. "As we were flying over the island." She turns to Cora. "It's not looking good."

Cora begins to look a little worried.

"Then hurry up!" Yang exclaims. "I gotta get out there and help!"

"No need." Weiss said. "After we're done, you'll still need to rest in order for the healing process to finish. And besides...I did say I brought company."

---

GRASSLANDS

As the fight between the Faunus and the Seekers continue on, Torchwick oversees the battle going on. That's when a low roar is heard and he evilly smiles. The battle halts upon hearing the roar. Blake's eyes become wide upon seeing them: A large group of Grimm are charging towards the battle. Both the Faunus and Seeker armies prepare themselves as the Grimm collide with them. The two groups do their best to fight them off. As Ghira grabs the mouth of an Ursa, he notices the Albains charging at them. He yells as he throws the Ursa at the brothers, knocking them both down. But he is then knocked down by another Ursa. Blake stabs Beofwolf with her sword, dragging it to a rock, before decapitating it. She is then pulled by her legs by an Ursa and dragged to where a couple more Beowolves start attacking her. Ilia tries her best to fight the Seekers and Grimm coming at her.

"There too many of them!"

She then feels something around her neck and yells as she is getting electrocuted. As all this happens, a number of lighting bolts strike the ground, killing both Seekers and Grimm in its path. The Faunus, Grimm and Seekers all separate, looking at the lighting. Then something is thrown, surrounded by electricity, and twirling in the air. The hammer strikes at the Grimm attacking Ghira and Blake before striking the Seekers attacking Ilia. The hammer quickly goes the opposite way and is brought back to someone's hand. Nora's hand. She, along with Ren, stand in the middle of the grasslands. Nora is wearing some type of armor, which is surrounded by electricity. Blake, Ilia, Ghira and the Faunus area bit surprised to see the three of them. Torchwick growls as he sees all this. Nora begins to move forward.

"Bring me THEIR LEGS!"

She and Ren charge towards the Dark Seekers with their weapons ready. Nora launches into the air, lightning striking Magnild. She then proceeds to strike the ground, sending the Dark Seekers and Grimm flying from the blast.

---

MEDICAL BUILDING

Yang groans in pain as her Aura glows.

"I know it's painful." Weiss said. "But it's supposed to happen."

"I realize that!" Yang painfully exclaims.

The sounds of screams are starting outside the building, causing everyone to look at the window. One of the guards goes to the window and looks outside. He sees a Dark Seeker chasing a Faunus.

"Some Dark Seekers are here in the city." The guard said. "Remember our orders."

Weiss, looking a little worried, turns back to Yang to see her gunshot wound beginning to heal.

"Shit!"

Weiss turns to see the same guards still looking out the window.

"We got a bunch of Seekers running across the city. Looks like they're going through every building, looking for Faunus."

Cora's eyes go wide in shock and worry. "Lily."

She then proceeds to push the guards away, opening the door and running outside.

"Where's she going?" Weiss asked.

---

GRASSLANDS

"BREAK THEIR LEGS!" Nora screams as she begins to swing Magnild, sending some Seekers flying.

"Nora!" Ren yells. "Don't get distracted!"

Nora groans in annoyance and strike an Ursa down. Ghira and Blake are seeing what is happening.

"Where was she the whole time?" Ghira asked.

"Sir!"

Ghira turns to see Saber running toward him.

"We have reports." Saber said. "Dark Seekers are in the city. They trying to round up any Faunus who stayed behind."

"What?" Ghira exclaims.

"Yang." Blake said, her eyes wide. She proceeds to run toward Kua Koana.

"Blake!" Ghira yells, before dodging an attack from Corsac's weapon. He growls and proceeds to grab Fennec, who was about to strike the Chieftain. Ghira throws Fennec at Corsace, sending them back and knocking them out. He then proceeds to look at Torchwick, who starts to turn around and walk away. He tries to give chase, but finds himself occupied by a few Ursas.

---

KUA KOANA

Cora is attacking a couple Seekers, striking them down with her bladed gauntlet. When she knocked them all down, she begins to run down the street. She then hears a little girl screaming in fear. "LILY!"

Cora keeps on running until her eyes are wide in chock again. A little girl is being dragged from her arms by a Dark Seeker.

"LET HER GO!

The Seeker turns to see who's screaming at him. Cora yells and charges. The Seeker lets go of the little girl and has his weapon out. Lily runs away as the two attack each other. She hides under a house and watches as her mother fights. Cora yells as she manages to stab the Seeker and knock him out, but she falls to her knees upon feeling something sting on her back. A Seeker had fire his weapon at her and is reloading. Cora turns around and sees the barrel of the Seekers gun aiming at her. She shakily looks at Lily.

"Don't look." She said.

Cora closes her eyes and prepares for the shot to happen. But instead a large glistening hum is heard. She opens her eyes to see a Glyph next to the Dark Seeker. He turns to see a pair of feet slam his face, sending him flying to a wall. Cora sees Weiss landing on her feet and offer her hand.

"Get up." Weiss said.

Cora, surprised at a Schnee saving her life, eventually accept Weiss' hand and gets up. The two of them then sees a group of Dark Seekers surrounding them. They prepare their weapons to fight.

---

MEDICAL BUILDING

Blake is fighting several Seekers along with the guards. She wraps a Seeker by their neck with her ribbon and kicking them away before entering the building. She is surprised to see Yang standing up and putting on her coat.

"What are you doing?" Blake asked.

"Cora left. Dark Seekers are searching every house, trying to round up anyone. Her daughter included." Yang answered. "Weiss went after her. I'm going to help."

Blake sheathes Gambol Shroud. "You should be resting."

"I've had enough rest." Yang said. "I need to go out there."

Yang tries to leave, but Blake stands in front of the door, preventing her from leaving.

"What are you doing?" Yang said.

"I can't let you go, Yang." Blake said.

"Why not?"

"Because you're not fully healed."

"But I can still-"

"Yang!" Blake yells. "He is here! Torchwick!"

Yang's anger quickly changes to that of worry. "What?"

"He is here, Yang." Blake said, her anger subsiding as well. "And if he knows where you are too, he will try to hurt you again."

Yang, now scared, falls to the ground and begins shaking. Blake crouches down and lifts Yang's head. Tears are falling down Yang's face.

"Try to keep yourself hidden." Blake said. "The guards will protect you. I'll go look for Weiss and Cora. Okay?"

Yang shakilly nods, before holding Blake's hand. "Make sure the child is unharm."

"I will." Blake responds, before standing up. "Stay hidden."

Yang watches Blake run out of the building, before standing back up. Sadly staring at the floor under her, she turns around and sees a picture of Cora and Lily, happily relaxing by the ocean. She then turns to see Ember Celica lying on the cabinet next to her bed. She then proceeds to clench her hands into fists, he anger coming back.

---

STREET

A Glyph catches Cora as she was thrown midair. After seeing her land safely, Weiss strikes the ground with Myrtenaster. A giant Glyph appears on the ground. The remaining Seekers watch as the Giant knight appears from the Glyph, staring at them with its sword ready.

"Run away." Weiss said. "If you value your life."

The Seekers quickly turn, making Weiss smirk. She turns to see Cora, panting hard and clutching a wound on her shoulder.

"You're wounded." Weiss said.

Cora grunts as she stands up. "It's fine. It'll heal." She turns to see Lily still hiding under the house. She then proceeds to walk to her daughter, who is clenching a piller of the house hard.

"Is it over?" Lily asked, afraid.

"Yes." Cora said. "It's safe." She offers her hand to Lily. But she sees her daughter not moving. "Come on, Lily."

Weiss sees Lily nodding her head and the fear showing from her face. She sheathes Myrtenaster and crouches in front of Lily, smiling.

"Hi. My name is Weiss. I'm a friend of your mom's. What's your name."

"...Lily."

"Lily. That's a nice name, Lily. Listen. It's not safe for you to be under there. It could be dangerous. Maybe you should go with your mom. She can take you to safety."

Cora is surprised by Weiss.

"But...but...what if the bad guys come back? What if they hurt mommy again?"

Weiss turns to look at Cora, who is becoming worried. She also notices Blake approaching the area. Sighing, she turns back to Lily.

"I know what it's like to be afraid, Lily. Believe me. When I was your age, I've been scared so many times that I never wanted to leave my hiding spots. I would be frozen for minutes. Maybe hours. Because I was scared. But the only way to not feel feel afraid anymore...is to be brave. If you are brave, then you don't have be scared anymore. It took me my whole childhood to be brave. But you...you could be brave, right now." Weiss smiles and offers her hand. "Be brave, child. Brave like me. And brave like your mommy."

Lily would stare at Weiss' hand for seconds and looks to Cora, who is smiling. Lily nods and slowly reaches for Weiss' hand. Blake, having heard the whole thing, smiles as Lilly grabs Weiss' hand. But she then hears the sounds of a groan and turns to see where the sound came from. She sees a Seeker taking out a device. Blake quickly gives the Seeker a kick to the face. But the enemy had already pressed a button. Beeping noises begin to be heard. Blake sees several red lights under the house and next to its supports.

"Get out of there!"

BOOM

As the bombs begin to explode, Cora is blown back and Lily quickly holds onto Weiss, who surrounds themselves with Glyphs, avoiding any debris. Blake narrowly avoids a piece of wood, that lodges onto the wall behind her. She turns to see the Glyphs disappears and Weiss coughing. But the sounds of creaking are heard. Her eyes go wide as she sees the house beginning to topple. And by the time Weiss looks up, a large piece is falling on top of her, causing her to shield Lily and close her eyes.

But the impact never happens. Weiss opens her eyes and is surprised. Yang had arrived. And seeing what's happening, is now holding the debris above her. Yang is groaning, struggling to keep the debris up.

"GO!" Yang screams.

Weiss quickly grabs Lily, and they crawl away. Lily runs to Cora and the two of them hug. As Weiss stays on the ground, she lifts her head to notice several Faunus, including Ghira, Nora, Ren and Ilia were present, having witnessed everything. She turns when she hears Yang grunt in fear. Yang falls to her knees, her strength weakening. Blake proceeds to throw Gambol Shroud, wrapping Yang with her ribbon. She then pulls back hard, taking Yang with her, and the debris crashing down.

"Yang!" Blake exclaims, as she crouches down and proceeds to hold Yang, who is beginning to look tired. "I told you to stay inside."

Yang groans before weakly talking. "I couldn't let a child get hurt."

"Why must you disobey me, sometimes?" Blake said as she holds Yang's hand.

Yang smiles. "You love it, when I do." She then yawns and slowly consiousness.

Blake smiles as she watches Yang sleep, only for sadness to occur. She lifts her head to see Weiss walking to her and crouches down. Blake begins to feel upset and hugs Weiss, sniffling. Weiss hugs Blake back, patting her friend on her back. Blake releases herself and looks at Weiss. "Thank you."

"Hey." Weiss said. "It's like what Ruby once said to us. We're family. And we never turn our back on family, when help is needed."

Weiss hears footsteps and turns to see Ghira approaching her. She stands up and stares at the ground.

"Weiss Schnee, I presume?" He asked.

Weiss nods, but doesn't look at Ghira. "Yes, sir."

Ghira raises his eyebrow. "Please. Look at me."

Weiss, though hesitant, lifts her head to look at Ghira. "I am sorry, sir. But my family name isn't exactly popular here in Menagerie."

Ghira looks around to see the Faunus looking at Weiss, who lowers her head down again. He turns back to Weiss. "We all saw, Miss Schnee."

Weiss lifts her head again.

"We saw you risk your own life." Ghira explains. "To protect a small, scared Faunus child, even when your own life was in danger. That kind of selflessness can earn a Faunus' respect. Mines included." He puts his hand on Weiss' shoulder. "And for that, you have my thanks. Not just for saving the child. But for saving my daughter-in-law as well."

Weiss turns to look at the sleeping Yang, still being held by Blake. "She is a pain, sometimes. But she is my friend."

---

EVENING

"HE GOT AWAY?" Blake screams, having been told by Ghira.

"I'm afraid so." Ghira answered. "Torchwick, along with the surviving Seekers managed to retreat back to their ships and left. The ones who were left behind are either dead or locked away. He then sighs. "I was very close to catching him."

"What about the Albains?"

"We don't know." Ghira answered. "They weren't among those that were arrested. Chance are that they escaped with the Seekers or they are still here on the island."

Blake yells as she slams the table with her new hand, cracking the furniture. Weiss, Nora, and Kali were also in the room.

"You wouldn't have beaten him, Dad." Blake said, trying to calm herself down. "Torchwick...he's...he's not like any foe that you've ever fought. He'd make you relive your worse memories and break you. That's how he hurt Yang."

Ghira looks at the metal hand that Blake has, before looking back to his daughter. "No doubt that he will come back, in the future. And we will need to be more prepared, when he does. Until then...we celebrate. Today was a huge victory for the people of Menagerie." He then points to Weiss, Ren and Nora. "Will you three be joining us?"

"I'm afraid not, Chieftain." Ren said. "Technically...we had to sneak out way out of Atlas to help you. And we need to head back, before anyone notices."

"We do apologize, sir." Weiss said. "And the machine that I brought. Your doctor can keep that. I am not carrying it back to the ship."

"Thank you, Miss Schnee." Ghira said. "I wish you three luck."

Weiss, Ren and Nora nod and proceed to head to the door.

"Weiss. Wait."

Weiss stops and turns to see Blake approaching her. "Yes?"

"Look." Blake said. "I know that the last few days, might've been depressing for you. With Ruby leaving."

Weiss begins to look sad.

"I'm just wanted to know: How are you feeling?"

"...I talk to Dr. Solaris sometimes." Weiss said. "The sessions help a bit. But I feel fine, Blake. Really."

Blake hears the fast heartbeat from Weiss. "...No you're not."

Weiss stares at Blake for a few seconds, before leaving. Blake watches her, Ren and Nora exit the house.

"We do have one more thing to do, before we head out for the celebrations."

Blake turns around to look at Ghira. "I know. Ilia's punishment."

"Yeah." Ghira said. "I shall be heading to her cell to inform her."

"No." Blake said. "I can tell her."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Blake." Kali said. "Given what she did to Yang-"

"I know, Mom." Blake said. "...But I can do it. I just need to check on Yang, first." She then proceeds to the stairs.

"Blake."

Blake stops midway up the stairs and looks at Ghira again.

"Tomorrow." Ghira said. "Your mother and I will need to talk to you. About the hand."

Blake lifts her arm to look at her metal hand before continuing up the stairs. She heads for the door to her room and opens the door. She expects to see Yang sleeping on the bed. But instead, Blake sees Yang taking off her jacket, placing it and Ember Celica inside a box.

"Yang?" Blake asked, causing Yang to turn around. "What are you doing?"

Yang turns and closes the box, picking it up and setting it on the table in the room. Staring down at the table, she rests her hands on it. "I'm officially done."

She then proceeds to go and sits on Blake's bed, staring at the ground. Blake goes and do the same thing, sitting next to Yang.

"You really are done?" Blake asked.

Yang turns to look at Blake, nodding. "Yeah. I'm really done. After what happened today, I knew then." She then looks at her hands. "I could've easily lifted that house as it collapsed. But it was the opposite. My strength was not there. And I don't think it'll ever be again."

Blake wraps her arm and holds Yang. "It's okay, Yang. Maybe one day, it'll come back. But for now...we settle down. Begin a whole new life here. If you're still okay with that."

Yang lifts her head and rests it on Blake's, smiling. "I am."

Blake then stands up and offers her hand to Yang. "The Faunus are celebrating at the beaches, right now. You wanna come?"

Yang accepts Blake's hand. "You know I like parties."

---

BEACH

The Faunus are celebrating on the beaches of Menagerie. Bonfires are lit and children are playing around, with their parents watching them. Among them, Lily is sitting next to Cora, who has a sling worn.

Ghira, Kali, Blake and Yang happily walk down a hill in order to reach the celebrations. Although Yang feels nervous, she is confident to keep going. She then smiles when she sees Nora, who is being attacked by the children, laughing when they tickle her. Ren stands nearby, smiling.

"We decided to stay."

Yang turns to see Weiss, who approaches the four with her arms crossed.

"It did take us a whole day to get here." Weiss said. "Figure we give our pilot a night's rest."

"We appreciate you staying." Blake said, before turning to Yang. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Try not to party hard."

Yang is confused. "Why would I-"

"Alcohol."

"Ah. Don't worry, Blake. I don't plan on drinking tonight."

"And I'll be sure, she doesn't." Weiss said.

Blake nods to Weiss, before turning and walking the opposite direction.

"You know, I'm going to drink a little. Right?" Yang said. "Gotta mingle with the people."

Weiss sighs. "I could use a bottle, myself."

Yang is surprised to hear that. "You? A bottle. Aren't you a lightweight?"

"Fine." Weiss answered, annoyed. "Half a bottle."

---

JAIL CELL

Ilia sadly sits on the floor of her jail cell, her legs cuffed together. She could've laid on the bed, but chose the floor instead.

She then hears the sounds of her jail cell door opening. Ilia doesn't lift her head to see who had entered. But she recognized whose boots were in front of her. Blake, anger shown on her face, stares at Ilia with Gambol Shroud ready.

"You want to know." Ilia said. "Don't you?"

Blake doesn't answer.

"You don't have to talk to me." Ilia said, continuing. "I don't have the right to anymore. I am in here, after all." She looks at Blake. "The Albains left Menagerie. Went with Torchwick as cowards. Doubt we'll see them again. But you're not here for that. You want to know why I did it? Why I shot Yang. You probably think it was because my life was threatened, as I had said before. But that was only half of it. I did it...I did it out of jealousy."

Blake begins to look confused.

"When we were friends, back in the White Fang...when we were staring at the night sky...I gave every sign. Every time we were on a rooftop. In forests. Everywhere we went. But you were too busy falling for Adam, to pay attention to me."

Blake begins to realize what Ilia meant.

"I wanted to tell you, how much I felt about you. But the mission came first. Then you went and killed Adam, disbanded the White Fang in Vale, and chose the blonde to be your partner. When the Albains came to me, I was full of anger and jealousy. I let my emotions decide on whether or not I would pull that trigger."

Blake's anger begins to come back.

"So there you have it. You have your reason. I almost killed your wife out of jealousy. And I accept any consequences for that."

Blake, clearly enraged, does not even attack Ilia. Instead, after angrily staring at her, Blake slowly walks out of the jail cell, leaving Ilia sitting in her jail cell for whatever punishment that is coming for her.

---

END OF CHAPTER 15

So this is the end of another chapter. Menagerie Part 2 will be coming out, hopefully by the end of summer. And I have a scene in Chapter 16 that'll be inspired by a certain DCEU movie that everyone loves. Also, I'll be implementing a scene from Spider-Man: Homecoming into Chapter 16. And we also had a fight scene here. The idea was last minute and you could tell it was a reference to the best MCU movie that I've ever watched this year.

Any questions you asked after you've read this chapter will maybe get answered in the next one. I really hope you enjoyed reading. And the next chapter of any of my work will probably be Hero Chapter 11. I also might make a 1 chapter short story(Infinity War inspired) that will maybe set up a whole new story. But who knows what'll happen. Until then, thanks for reading. And I'll see you guys later.