Necessary Sacrifice.

it is morning in Menagerie. Blake, Lyre and Sun are on the steps of the Belladonna Family Home, all three of them each holding a Scroll.

"Okay. Are you two ready?" Blake asked.

"I beat up on giant monsters and robots more than once, I think I can handle getting a few signatures" Sun answered.

"Yeah, let's get some recruits" Lyre declared.

Blake gives a small smile at them. It was time to see if they could recruit some people to help them stop the White Fang.

Later Blake stands on a platform in front of a crowd of Faunus, holding her scroll up in front of her "Your chieftain needs you! Your people need you! Please, join the fight and help us save Haven Academy!".

The Faunus just stare back at Blake, making it clear they didn't want to join... Much to her disappointment.

Elsewhere, Sun tries to recruit a Faunus with ram horns "Are you kidding me? We'd love to have someone with your skills on our side!".

The Faunus nervously rubs the back of his head, before his mother calls out to him "Mata! Get back inside".

"Mom!" Mata said

"You're not going anywhere!" His mother declared as she dragged him inside.

Sun sighs in disappointment.

Elsewhere, Lyre was trying to recruit a female fish faunus "Come on, it's the right thing to do".

"Sorry, I came here to avoid fighting... And if the White Fang are really as dangerous as you say, then I want to avoid them" The girl said before swiming away.

Lyre looked down, this was not going as well as she had hoped.

Back to Blake, she holds out her scroll to two Faunus girls asking them to sign up, but the two leave.

Elsewhere, Sun hangs upside down by his tail from a tree, getting the attention of a couple of Faunus cutting logs and gathering wood. He gestures to his scroll, but the Faunus simply exchange confused looks with each other. Sun sighs until another Faunus tries to cut down the tree that Sun is hanging on.

Back with Lyre, she tried to a get a group of girls to sign up... only to run away when they became more interested in her than what she had to say. They may be far apart, but she was still loyal to Weiss.

At the docks, Blake converses with an aquatic Faunus as two more swim up to her. The Faunus Blake is conversing with leaves, and she turns to the two female aquatic Faunus that have just swam up, before they too swim away. Blake, unsatisfied with the lack of progress, walks up to a nearby fruit stand where Sun happens to be present at also. The two of them share disappointed glances. Lyre walks up and shakes her head with a sad face.

After that, the three of them are sitting at a nearby table drinking from coconut cups.

Sun slamms his cup down "I don't get it! How can they just sit around and do nothing with the White Fang getting ready to attack?!".

"Because not everyone is like the three of us. The Faunus here in Menagerie - the ones that weren't born on the island - moved here because they were tired of fighting, of having to struggle constantly. Menagerie is filled with people that just want to be left alone, and here we are, asking them to put the rest of the world before themselves" Blake explained.

"I guess I never really thought about it like that" Sun said.

"But hiding away here will not help them" Lyre said

"You're right Lyre. Whatever happens at Haven is going to affect them whether they like it or not. If Adam gets his way and Haven falls, it's only going to make things worse for the Faunus. Everywhere" Blake said.

"Adam... He's the guy you used to... work with?" Sun asked.

Blake sighs "Yes".

Sun noticed Blake's discomfort "Sorry, forget I brought it up".

"No, it's okay" Blake said and was silent for a moment before speaking again "Have you two ever met someone and thought to yourself, They are the personification of this word".

Sun rubs his head confused "Uh...".

"Okay, well, I remember getting to know Ruby and thinking, This girl is the embodiment of purity. After a while, I saw Weiss was defiance. And Yang was strength" Blake explained.

"What am I?" Sun asked.

Blake smiled "Jury's still out on that one, but I'm leaning towards earnest".

At this, Sun wraps his tail around his cup and takes a sip from it, before leaning on his hand affectionately. Blake giggles and smiles for bit, before frowning as she continues.

"At first I thought Adam was justice, then I thought he was passion. But over time, I realized I was wrong. He wasn't any of those things. He was spite. Not hatred, not rage, spite. He won't accept equality, only suffering for what he feels the world did to him, and his way of thinking is dangerously contagious. That's what worries me about Ilia. She's not like Adam, not yet at least, but I don't know how long that will last" She explained.

"She was your friend, huh?" Sun asked.

Blake nods "She was. Her chameleon traits meant she could pass as human. She could've lived a normal life if she wanted, but she didn't. I always admired that. She lost her family in a mining accident when she was young, then she joined the White Fang. Like me, she was more or less trained on the road alongside other Faunus. She learned to survive, to defend herself, but as people like Sienna and Adam started to gain a following, she became more dangerous. I guess I did too. My parents tried to get me to leave with them, but I refused. I had Adam and Ilia, after all".

"You know we're gonna have to face her eventually" Sun said.

"I know" Blake said.

"So, what are you gonna do?" Sun asked.

"I'm going to try and help her the way you two helped me" Blake answered.

Sun and Lyre are surprised at her response.

"You two showed me that sometimes you need to be there for a friend even when they don't want you to be. I was drowning in guilt and fear, I tried to push you away, but you didn't give up on me. And I can't give up on Ilia. It's about time I saved my friends for once" Blake said before looking at "And one of you had to literately slap some sense in to me".

"I would say sorry, but I would be lying. You deserved that for being such an idiot" Lyre said with a small smirk.

Blake rolled her eyes but smiled "Well you're not wrong".

"So, which word am I?" Lyre asked.

Blake thinks before smiling "You are honesty. Despite what the White Fang said, you never believed their lies. Your sister, Lethe, she drowned in her own lies which she believes is true. But you are always honest and you do your best to make everyone see the truth".

Lyre smiled, before asking something she knew would make Blake sad "What about Severa?".

Blake looked down for a bit "I haven't seen her for a long time now, so no telling how she's changed. But during our time together, she was Stubbornness. She always stuck with what she believed in, but she was stubborn in everything she did, be it good or bad. When she made a mistake, she never made excuses and refused to believe she wasn't to blame for it. But when she did something good, she wasn't scared of taking pride in it. At first glance she could seem moody and arrogant, but she always acknowledged her mistakes and never blamed anyone but herself and always owned up to them".

Lyre smiled "Yeah. She was unbelievably stubborn... But she was a good friend".

Blake smiled sadly "And a good girlfriend... I loved her, and I still do... But I'm worried she hates me for leaving her, despite promising that I wouldn't".

"Hey, I'm sure she doesn't hate you. Sure I bet she is pissed at you, and you should probably expect a punch when you see her again. But I'm sure she will give you the chance to explain. I'm no expert at relationships, but if there is a chance your's can be repaired, then you two can do it" Sun assured.

"He's right. Severa is to stubborn to stop loving you" Lyre agreed.

Blake smiled, she wanted to believe them... But there was no telling when or if she would ever see Severa again. And chances are they would both be very different if they do meet again.


Back in Mistral, Oscar is in a training room while wielding his cane. As he pants from exhaustion, he hears a voice enter the room.

"You're really getting better, huh?" Ruby is seen walking down the stairs into the room along with Lucina "Are you hungry? It's almost dinnertime".

"And it's some good stuff too" Lucina added

"Uh, yeah. That sounds good. I was about to call it a night anyway" Oscar said.

"So, you've never fought before?" Ruby asked.

"Just the occasional small Grimm. Nothing like this, though" Oscar answered.

"Oh trust me, non of us has faced anything this big before. But you are learning quickly, so you should be ready for when the time comes" Lucina said.

Oscar smiled before he looks at the cane "It's strange, I have only had this cane for a few weeks, but... I feel like I've had it for a lifetime. Longer, even. I sound like a crazy person".

"I mean, uh, yeah just a little. But at this pace, you'll be combat ready in no time!" Suddenly, Ruby frowns upon mentioning her last phrase. Oscar notices this and tries to ask a question before Ruby interrupts him "Well, see you upstairs".

"How do you two handle all of this?" Oscar asked.

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.

"I'm... scared" Oscar said as his voice starts to crack "I'm more scared than I've ever been in my life, than I ever thought was possible" He walks over to a weapon rack "I always knew that I wanted to be more than a farmhand, but this? Who would ask for this?".

He glances down at the floor as a tear drips from his eye. He sniffles before kneeling to the floor to reach his backpack. He grabs the cane off the rack and pulls the lever on the handle to compact it before putting it in his backpack.

"We all went to Beacon because we wanted to help people. But, you're right. None of us asked for this either. We just have to press on and-" Ruby reached a hand out but Oscar finally snaps.

"How can you be so confident?! People have tried to kill you! The world's about to go to war all over again! How are you okay with any of this?!" He asked loudly.

Ruby is taken aback by Oscar's question. She frowns as she says her response "When Beacon fell, I lost two of my friends: Penny Polendina and Pyrrha Nikos. I didn't know them for very long, but that doesn't change the fact that they were two of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. But that didn't save them. Pyrrha thought that if there was even the smallest chance of helping someone, then it was a chance worth taking. And because of that, she died fighting a battle she knew she couldn't win. And Penny... was killed... just to make a statement".

Lucina puts a hand on her shoulder "Back in Beacon... There was a girl named Cinder Fall. She pretended to be a friendly person, but that was just to hide the monster she was on the inside. She... did things to me... And when Beacon fell, she almost took something I could never get back... And then she murdered Pyrrha right in front of my eyes... And I couldn't do a damn thing to help her".

Oscar looked down, feeling some guilt for snapping like that "I'm... sorry".

"I am scared, but not just for me. What happened at Beacon shows that Salem doesn't care if you're standing against her or not. She'll kill anybody, and that scares me most of all. Pyrrha... Penny... I'd be lying if I said that it didn't hurt, that I didn't think about them every day since I lost them, that I didn't wish I had spent more time with them. If it had been me instead, I know they would have kept fighting too, no matter how dangerous it was. So that's what I choose to do - to keep moving forward" Ruby said.

Lucina smiles at her "You sure know how to give a speech" Ruby blushed but Lucina continued "But it's true. We owe our friends to keep going. If we don't keep fighting and just give up. We would be betraying their memories and everyone who needs us. I am scared of Cinder, and I am terrified of what could happen if I ever see her again. But when that day comes, I know I won't face her alone".

Oscar walks up next to them, and they all share a smile.

Ruby wipes tears coming from her eyes with her arm before putting a hand on Oscar's shoulder "C'mon, if we don't hurry, Nora's gonna eat everything. It wouldn't be the first time".

"I swear she would eat a house if she could" Lucina said, earning a giggle from Ruby. They begin to leave the room as Oscar lingers for a bit.

"Hey, Oscar? This isn't gonna be easy, but the fact that you're even trying says a lot about you. You're braver than you think" Ruby said before she and Lucina proceeds up the stairs while Oscar watches.

Ozpin speaks mentally "They really are remarkable, aren't they?".

"Yeah. They must've been two of the best Huntresses at Beacon, huh?" Oscar asked.

Ozpin chuckles "In some ways, yes. But in many others... no. They have their quirks, their faults, just like everyone else. But they also possesses something unquantifiable: a spark, that can inspire others even in the darkest of times".

"This must be really hard on then too" Oscar.

"It most assuredly is" Ozpin confirmed.


In an ominous looking room, a small device projecting a blue hologram with the text "MESSAGE END" deactivates. The room is candlelit, and there are White Fang banners hanging along the walls. Corsac and Fennec stand in front of a painting.

Fennec looks at his brother "Your thoughts?".

"Are of no significance. If this is how High Leader Taurus wishes to proceed, then we shall make it so" Corsac said.

"Of course, brother. Still..." Fennec said, not really liking what they had to do.

A knock on the door is heard behind them.

"Come in" Corsac said.

Ilia and Lethe enters the room.

"Sister Ilia, sister Lethe, thank you for meeting with us" Fennec said.

Ilia and Lethe kneels as Ilia speaks "How may we be of assistance?".

"Please, stand" Corsac said and the girls does so "We have... good and bad news".

"What news?" Lethe asked

"We finally received a message from the Mistral brotherhood: the operation was a success. Adam Taurus has claimed his place as the High Leader of the White Fang" Fennec answered.

"Good. And... Sienna?" Ilia asked.

"We... underestimated Zelgius' loyalty to her. They escaped together and our brothers and sisters are trying to find them as we speak" Corsac.

"Had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy" Lethe said, sounding tired.

"Nothing worth while is ever easy" Fennec said.

"You two's maturity and understanding in regards to this matter is appreciated, and it is why we've summoned you both here this evening" Corsac said.

"The White Fang is experiencing... a transitional period" Fennec began.

"Growth requires change" Corsac added.

"And change can be painful" Fennec finished.

"If it's for the betterment of the Faunus, then... it's a pain we can endure. What's our next mission?" Ilia asked.

"Containment. With the CCT towers still inoperable, we have the luxury of control over the flow of information" Corsac began explaining.

"News of Adam's ascension has yet to reach Menagerie, but when it does, the citizens of Kuo Kuana will undoubtedly react poorly now that the chieftain has spoken out against us" Fennec finished.

Ilia sighs "It's my fault the Belladonnas had any ground to stand on".

"Don't blame yourself for that Ilia" Lethe said.

"She's right. Do not concern yourself with past failures, Ilia. Focus on the future. We have an opportunity for redemption" Corsac.

"What do you need us to do?" Ilia asked.

"The Belladonnas are the only remaining threat to Adam's assault on Haven Academy" Fennec began.

"And so, they must be silenced..." Corsac finished.

Ilia was visibly taken aback "S-silenced?".

"Like Sienna. They stand in the way of true progress for our people" Corsac said.

"We would never put such a burden on you alone, of course. Your brothers and sisters will be at your side, but your relationship with their daughter makes you an intrical part of this operation" Fennec added.

"Blake?" Ilia asked

"We know how close you are with young Blake. Rest assured, High Leader Taurus has requested she be taken alive, but we cannot risk having her present to defend her family" Corsac explained.

Ilia looked unsure "But, the people of Menagerie-".

"Will come to understand what happens to those who speak out against the White Fang" Corsac said.

"And will be left without a leader until our victory is complete" Fennec added.

Corsac puts a hand on Ilia's shoulder "A necessary sacrifice, Sister Ilia".

"Then... what about Lyre?" Lethe asked.

"We leave the fate of your sister in your hands, sister Lethe. But we trust that you will make the right decision" Fennec answered.

Lethe said nothing before leaving the room. Ilia briefly thinks on this, before following her.


Ilia and Lethe walked until they were certain that they were alone. Lethe suddenly let out a frustrated shout before slashing a tree, making Ilia jump in surprise.

"Lethe? What's wrong?" She asked.

"What's wrong? What's wrong!? Everything is wrong, Ilia! Everything!" Lethe answered in a mix of anger and... fear?

"Lethe calm down. Talk to me" Ilia said.

Lethe yells again as she punched a tree "I can't take it anymore! I thought that finally getting back at the humans would make me feel better, but it cost me everything! I am not happy, I am just empty...".

Ilia looked really worried about her "Lethe, what are you saying?".

"MY SISTER WAS RIGHT DAMN IT!" Lethe screamed before grabbing her head and sat down "She was right about everything... I almost killed her. She was the only family I had left and I tried to kill her... I... I've become a monster, a feral animal".

"That's not true!" Ilia argued as she kneels in front of Lethe "Lyre made her choice and you did what you had to do".

"Do you even believe what you're saying?" Lethe asked before standing up and taking a few steps away "I don't know what I believe anymore. I tried so hard to ignore it. But I've had this painful feeling growing inside me ever since Beacon felt... And my heart can't take it anymore".

Ilia hugs her from behind "I understand... I've also felt doubt and fear... And pain... But we can endure it, together. You still have me, Lethe".

Lethe was silent for a moment "I can't do this Ilia...".

"What?" Ilia asked in worry.

Lethe gently removed her arms before taking out her mask "I'm not doing this... I can't ignore what I am anymore... I'm sorry".

She drops her mask on the ground and walks away, Ilia had wide eyes as she understood what Lethe meant now "Lethe, don't walk away! You know what happens!".

Lethe did not answer as she keeps walking.

Ilia began to cry "Lethe, come back! Lethe! LETHE!".

Tears runs down Lethe cheeks but she didn't turn back... She was a monster that tried to murder her own sister... how could she possibly live with herself anymore?

.

Tell me what you think.