Menagerie.
An air horn sounds loudly as an offramp is being lowered on the ship bearing, Lyre, Blake and Sun to allow passengers to disembark. The town has many small buildings and homes set among dunes and palm trees. The town bell that has been ringing is shown in its belfry.
Lyre, Sun and Blake make their way from the deck to the offramp. She proceeds without pause while Sun stops to look at the town. Several Faunus in summer wear meander casually at the dock, some waiting for friends or family among the new arrivals. The dock is also a commercial area, with mobile kiosks selling food and other wares. It is a relaxed atmosphere on a sunny day.
Sun is looking around while he, Lyre and Blake disembark and walk through the market area together "I've never seen so many Faunus in one place!".
"This is the one place everyone can feel safe, no matter who or what they are" Blake explained.
"Wow, sure is, uh, crowded, huh?" Sun asked.
Blake looked a little annoyed "Yes. Yes, it is".
Sun dodges a Faunus carrying a box "Is it always so... cramped?".
"Well, when you try and take an entire species and put them on an island that's two-thirds desert, yeah, it tends to be cramped" Blake answered.
"What! You guys have that much more space? Why waste it? A little desert never hurt anyone!" Sun said, having been born in Vacuo, he was used to desert landscapes.
"It's not like the desert in Vacuo, Sun. The wildlife here is more dangerous than most other regions" Blake explained.
"So, they give us a terrible island, in the corner of Remnant, to try and shut us up" Sun summarized.
Blake nodded and keeps walking along with Lyre "That's a pretty good summary, yeah".
"Huh. Jerks" Sun said before following them.
"We try to make the best of things" Blake said.
"Me and Lethe... never lived here... I wanted... to visit... But she hated it..." Lyre said with an obvious strain on her voice, showing she was still recovering from her injury.
"Why?" Sun asked, but Lyre didn't answer right away.
The two pause in their walk to look at the view of the town the road affords. The road they are on goes downhill and to the side, bordered by palm trees and homes that have either canvas or wood roofs. The vista of palm trees spreads out to the edge of mountainous dunes in the distance. Right in the middle of all this is a large house with an open courtyard that the road appears to lead directly to. The house is at least three stories and is the only building in the whole area with a sophisticated roof.
"Whoa..." Sun said amazed.
"This, is Kuo Kuana" Blake said.
"It's... beautiful. I take it all back. This place looks great! Why would anyone ever want to leave?" Sun asked.
"That's not the point, Sun! We asked to be equal, to be treated just like everyone else! Instead, we were given an island and told to make do. So we did the best we could. We came together and we made a home where any Faunus could feel welcome. But this island, this town, will always be a reminder that we're still not equal" Blake said before lowering her face "That we're still second-class citizens".
"That... Is why Lethe hated Menagerie... She saw it as... a slap in the face... that humans lives like royalty... while Faunus lives likes animals" Lyre explained sadly, remembering how much her sister despised this island. Which in turn made Lyre's life worse. If Menagerie was indeed a safe haven for all Faunus, Lethe shouldn't have let her dangerous pride get in the way of them having a better life... But she always did care more about making humans suffer than actually helping their people.
Sun putts his hand on both girls' shoulders "Well, hey, this guy's feeling pretty at home".
Blake rolled her eyes before speaking "Alright, time to go home".
"Oh yeah? Which one's yours? Can you see it from here?" Sun asked as he removed his arm from Lyre and used his hand like a visor to help him peer at the houses.
"Kind of" Blake said.
"Is it that one? What about that tiny one down there? I like the paintjob" Sun said while observing the different houses.
Blake takes Sun's intruding arm by the wrist and directing it toward the large house "It's... that one".
Sun stares for a second before pointing his finger at her with a questioning expression. Blake nods. Sun looks at her for a beat before taking his arm off her and stepping back. He covers the sides of his head and crouches a bit, staring wide-eyed at the house and making a comical, amazed noise. Even Lyre let out whistle, impressed by Blake's house. She never knew Blake was living the big life.
Lyre, Blake and Sun walk up the stone steps to the front door of the house. Blake hesitates when she moves to use the knocker.
"What is it?" Sun asked.
"I um... it's just been a long time since I've seen my parents" Blake said, clearly nervous about seeing her parents again... A sign their last meeting may not have ended to well.
"Well, you came all this way" Sun said.
Blake takes a quick breath for courage and bangs the door knocker. It makes a loud, heavy, resonating sound on the large door. Sun stares up, stepping back while Blake politely backs away from the door a few paces. Lyre shivered a little at the creepy sound the door made.
Sun points up at the door "Okay, if we're being honest, that's kind of intimidating".
"Yup" Lyre agreed.
Lyre, Sun and Blake give a start at the sound of the door being opened. Kali Belladonna, a short, female cat Faunus, who looks a lot like an older Blake, is behind the door, looking around at the visitors. Her ears perk and she moves the door out of the way so she can step forward when she recognizes her daughter.
Kali stares, almost in disbelief "Blake?".
Blake awkwardly lifts her arm in greeting "Hi, mom".
Kale steps forward and hugs her daughter "My baby girl".
Blake hesitates, uncertain for a moment, before her face gentles into a smile and she hugs her mother back, relived her mother was so welcoming, despite all the time that had passed since she last saw her. They stand in front of open doorway. From inside the house, footsteps come closer and a shadow falls onto the carpeted entryway. Kali lets go of Blake and turns behind her at the sound of Ghira Belladonna's voice.
"Kali? Who is it?" Ghira 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.
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. Lyre looked a little awkward since she wasn't really used to seeing a family this supportive to each other... given her own family problem.
Ghira says nothing, but smiles, clearly happy. Blake smiles back, relieved that both her parents weren't angry at all. She, Lyre and Sun exchange sideways glances.
Kali sets down her cup on the table. She, Ghira, Sun and Blake all sit on the floor at a square table "We were horrified when we heard the news. The Kingdom of Vale isn't perfect, but it certainly didn't deserve what happened. Oh, we were both so worried".
"Please, I knew she'd be fine!" Ghira waved of.
Kali scoffs "That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing".
Lyre giggled a little at that "Busted... Oh, sorry...".
Kali looks at her "Are you ok dear? Your voice sounds a little strained. Was the tea to hot?".
Lyre flinched and looked away, Blake decided to answer for her "She... suffered a neck injury during the fall of Beacon...".
To make the point clear, Lyre moved the bandaid she had around her neck, showing a very clear scar, which earned some worried gasps. Blake hadn't seen Lyre's scar yet... it looked worse than she thought.
"My god... I'm so sorry dear..." Kali said as she gently stroke Lyre's scar with her finger, which Lyre honestly didn't mind.
"That scar... it looks like a bite mark. Who did that to you?" Ghira asked.
Memories of the enraged Lethe biting in to her neck flashed through Lyre's mind, causing her to drop her tea cup and began shaking. A worried Kali quickly but gently pulled her in to a hug, making Lyre lean in to the embrace and was slowly calming down. Sun and Blake looked at her sadly, her trauma from what happened becoming more and more clear.
"I see... Sorry for asking. It was very insensitive of me" Ghira said in regret.
"It's... ok..." Lyre whispered but didn't dare leave Kali's embrace, not that the older cat woman minded.
Sun awkwardly cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood since it was clear that Lyre didn't want to linger on the bad memory "You guys have nothing to worry about. I've seen your daughter in action before! And trust me, she's got some moves!".
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.
"And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?" He asked in a dangerous tone.
Sun freezes and slowly turns toward his host "I... uh, well, you see sir, it's just that, you know, that she's such a good fighter and all, uh, and as a fellow fighter, I have a lot of respect for her... And her fighting. But also for her... because of her fighting. Not her looks. I mean, not to say she's not good-looking. She is! Very! Or... slightly, I mean she's definitely above average. I mean, uh...".
While Sun was fumbling his words Kali leans in to ask quietly "Why is he here again?".
"He and Lyre just kind of followed me home" Blake answered.
Kali smiled "I see".
Sun struggles for words as all three Belladonnas and Lyre watch him and wait for him to either get out of the hole he just talked himself into or keep digging. In the awkward silence, Sun uses his tail to pick up the tea kettle and pour some more tea into his cup.
"This tea is really good. Heh-uh" He said awkwardly.
Kali whispers not quite quietly enough for an aside "I like him".
"Mom!" Blake silently hissed.
"No need to kill him... Mr. Belladonna... Blake has a girlfriend" Lyre managed to say, having finally calmed down enough to feel better.
"Lyre!" Blake almost shouted.
"A girlfriend? Ok we are so having this conversation. Who is she?" Kali asked with a very curious smile on her face.
"Yes, I am pretty curious myself. Who is she? Is she good to you? Does she help you?" Ghira asked, boy or girl, anyone who dates his daughter better be worthy of her.
Blake had no idea what to say... Not only was she dating a human... it was questionable at best if Severa even wanted to see her again after she ran away. The loud sound of the front door knocker resonates, catching everyone's attention and saving Blake from an very awkward situation.
"Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!" Ghira hits his fist onto the table and Kali quickly covers it with her hand.
Kali gently grabs her husband's hand "Ghira...".
"Give me a moment" He gets up and walks out.
"Is everything okay?" Blake asked.
"Yes, dear, just poor timing. He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately" Kali assured.
"Dealing with who?" Blake asked.
"Hmm? The White Fang" Kali answered.
Sun and Blake rise to their feet, with Lyre finally breaking away from Kali's embrace "WHAT?!".
Lyre, Blake and Sun rush to the door, where Ghira is speaking with two fox Faunus. The two visitors maintain respectful, formal postures, keeping their hands clasped before them.
"Dad!" Blake called out.
Ghira turns to look at her in confusion "Blake, what's wrong?".
"Miss Belladonna" One of the men spoke.
"We had no idea you'd returned" The other one said.
"What are you doing talking to these people?" Blake demanded.
"This is Corsac and Fennec Albain. They represent the White Fang here in Menagerie now" Ghira explained.
"Those psychos are here, too?!" Sun asked in outrage. Not even the safe have for Faunus was safe from the White Fang.
Fennec remained calm "Young man, I'm not sure what you've heard of our organization, but I can assure you, we're not nearly as ferocious as the media would have you believe".
"What we've heard? We've seen firsthand. Your fanatics slaughtered people!" Blake said in very clear anger.
Ghira narrowed his eyes "What is she talking about?".
"Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace" Corsac answered.
Kali approaches "Is everything alright?".
"Wait, you guys seriously don't know?" Sun asked in disbelief. Lyre couldn't blame him, how could they not know what the White Fang had been doing?
"Know what?" Ghira asked dangerously.
"The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon. They attacked innocent civilians and they released Grimm into the school" Blake explained.
There is a brief silence. Fennec makes an innocent, sideways glance at his brother.
Ghira slowly turns to face the two White Fang representatives "Is this true?".
Fennec closed his eyes for second "Sadly, Your Grace, it is".
Blake glares at them "Don't act like you're s—".
"That's enough!" Ghira harshly interrupted, before looking back at the Albains "Explain yourselves".
"Though it pains us to admit, it has become apparent that the Vale branch of the White Fang is no longer operating under orders of High Leader Khan. Rather, they've elected to follow the rule of one Adam Taurus. I believe you're all familiar with the young adept and his... extreme philosophies" Corsac said.
"You know, Beacon wasn't the first time the Fang started shooting up Vale!" Sun pointed out.
"The High Council had their suspicions of a splinter group, but they could prove nothing until this latest incident" Fennec said.
Blake looked disgusted by how he simplified what happened "Incident? People are dead!".
"And it is a tragedy" Corsac said calmly.
"Your Grace, we came to assure you that Brother Taurus and his followers do not represent the will of the White Fang" Fennec assured.
"And how can I be sure of that?" Ghira asked, his trust in the brothers clearly weakening from this revelation.
"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 said, sounding sincere, but Lyre could pick up a small hint in his tone... He was lying.
"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" Ghira said.
Corsac bows "But of course, Your Grace".
Fennec bows as well "We completely understand. It was a pleasure to see you again, young Blake".
"We were saddened when we heard of your departure from the White Fang, but understand if you can no longer support our cause" Corsac said.
"It is a wearying fight, after all" Fennec added.
Blake keeps her suspicion up "Who says I'm done fighting?".
"Hmm... If you ever do wish to return, you need merely come find us" Corsac said.
"Sister Ilia would be elated" Fennec added.
"Goodbye, gentlemen" Ghira firmly closes the door on them. Kali moves to stand closer and face her husband while Blake walks off.
"So... those guys were creepy" Sun said.
Ghira glares at him "I really don't like you".
Lyre clenched her fist... no matter where she goes, the White Fang is never far away... And now she was worried if her sister was here as well...
Outside, the two brothers descend the steps, perfectly in sync and their formally clasped hands. Corsac, however, is now using the prayer posture that Fennec had been using all along.
"An interesting development, wouldn't you say?" Fennec asked.
"Interesting indeed" Corsac agreed.
"So, shall we inform Brother Adam?" Fennec asked.
Corsac nods "Oh, we shall. And maybe sister Lethe would like to hear about her precious twin being here as well".
"Ah yes, I knew it was her. The resemblance were uncany. We should indeed inform sister Lethe as well" Fennec said.
The two brothers exchange unsettling grins.
Back at the tavern in Higanbana, the waitress is scrubbing the floor. The sound of approaching footsteps cease when a voice addresses her, making the waitress look up "Excuse me. I was hoping you could... help me find someone".
Tyrian laughs maniacall. He was closing in on his prey... he was very, very close.
.
Tell me what you think.
