"So you're telling me that Ilia Amitola, who stole your scroll, is now on our side and working for us as a double agent?"

"That's about the size of it, yeah. Things are tense, but things are good. Ish. We're making progress."

Sun brought the tea cup up to his lips and took a long sip, while keeping his eyes on Ghira. The patriarch kept his arms folded and brow furrowed as Kali leaned into his side, gently rubbing at his arm. Blake sat close to Sun, on his side of the low table, but refrained from making physical contact with her beau.

"Sun's right, Dad. The conversation was mostly peaceful, but… it probably wouldn't have been, if he wasn't here to handle things. We owe him… and especially I owe him," Blake finished as she raised her own teacup to drink, while staring down her father. Ghira let out a long, low sigh in response. Kali trailed her nails down the side of his bicep to earn his attention, and a small grimace.

"Sweetheart," she began, "lighten up. Yes, Ilia broke in… again, apparently, but it sounds like Blake and Sun know what they're doing. You should be happy that they can handle themselves… and also that we now have something to go on, with the White Fang."

Ghira's lip twitched as he struggled to convey his emotions, and he looked back to Blake to find her still staring him down. He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath, before looking over to a confused Sun and offering his best attempt at a disarming smile. "So… how is your hand, Sun?"

Sun blinked several times in confusion, and transferred his teacup to one hand, while turning over the bandaged one and flexing his fingers. "It's, uh, it's… not great, but better than it was? Thanks for asking."

"Hrm," Ghira commented. "You were… quite brave, chasing after an unknown opponent on your own, in an unfamiliar town. I am… impressed."

Blake nodded, and scooted a bit closer to Sun. "He was. Even more so, when Ilia got into our room. He handled it perfectly." She took another sip as Kali grinned, and Ghira gave her another confused look.

"My, my," Kali said while batting her eyes, "it sounds like you're the man of the hour to everyone here, Sun. I'd say you've more than earned your spot at this table, wouldn't you?" she asked as she elbowed her husband in the ribs.

"Grnf! Yes, clearly," Ghira stated after swallowing his mouthful of tea. "Why do I feel that everyone is ganging up on me, right now?"

Blake tried to be subtle in her actions, but ended up anything but as she leaned into Sun's arm, mirroring her mother's pose. "Because you've been a jerk to Sun."

"Blake!" Sun interrupted. "Hey, it's… really, it's no big deal!" he said with a nervous grin as he set his teacup down on the table between him and the Belladonna couple. He raised his hands and put his palms outward, trying his best to defuse the situation. "We've come to an understanding… I think? I hope?"

Ghira frowned as Kali giggled. "Yes, I believe we have. He and I… talked a bit, while out in the woods."

"Doing stupid man things," Kali added.

"…yes. Doing 'stupid man things'," he agreed. "Consider this my formal apology, to both of you. It may not be an excuse, but fatherhood isn't easy."

Blake offered him a slow nod as she looped her arm around Sun's. "Apology accepted. Right?" she asked, while giving him a tight squeeze.

"Ow! Uh, yeah! Of course!" Sun looked to Ghira, and rubbed the back of his neck. "We're cool… but why do I get the feeling that both of our arms may be in mortal danger, right now?" he joked.

Ghira shrugged. "Belladonna women. They're strong… and passionate. Be ready, young man," he said with a smile. Sun blushed, and looked away as Blake began to speak again.

"Speaking of passionate… I want to talk about something serious, with both of you. Well, all three of you, but Sun already knows." Ghira and Kali both adjusted their postures ever so slightly, to sit up straight. Kali's ears stood up as she nodded.

"Anything, dear. If you really think you two are ready for s-"

"So when Ilia came to our side last night," Blake interrupted as loudly as she could while Ghira looked at his wife in confusion, "she made mention of some troubling things in Kuo Kuana, and a bigger plan to make a move to attack Haven Academy. I don't know if Sienna has already agreed to it, but Ilia suggested that Adam may soon try to take over the Fang entirely. If that happens, or even if it doesn't, if Haven goes the way of Beacon… hundreds of lives are going to be lost. Faunus, and human. We can't let that happen."

Ghira's expression soured immediately, and he let out an angry breath through his nose. "No, we cannot. I will send one of my men to bring word to Haven's headmaster, immediately."

"That won't be enough," Blake insisted. "Even if they're prepared, we should go and help. Sun and I will, no matter what, but… I have a plan, to cut off the head of the snake before things get bad. I want to take back the White Fang."

Silence fell over the room, and it was Sun's turn to wrap his arm around Blake's back, rolling the fabric of his former shirt as he rubbed.

Blake stared down her father with a determined look, and followed up. "If you don't, I will."

For once, Kali was the one to interject with a worried tone. "Honey, you don't know what you're saying. 'Taking back' the White Fang means either imprisoning, or… removing both Sienna and Adam. Even if all four of us made an effort, we won't be able to get that done, let alone in a timely manner."

Sun nodded, and folded his arms. "Which is why we want to address the people here, in Kuo Kuana, and start a groundswell of resistance. We have information on Adam's right hand woman in town. We're going to subdue her, and make the people of Kuo Kuana see what the White Fang is really about. We can address them in a public forum, and begin to get support from those who don't believe the Fang's lies. I'll make the speech."

"I will make the speech," Ghira announced, breaking his silence. "If this is really something you want to do, and everything you have told me is accurate, then you are both right. We cannot simply stand by. As much as I loathe to do so, I will step back into the larger political arena, if lives are at stake."

Sun nodded slowly, his tail flicking behind himself. "So, if we play our cards right, you'd be willing to lead the White Fang again? If we actually pull this off, you'll go back?"

Kali let out a defeated noise, and looked down to the small rug beneath the table. Blake's ears flattened as she watched the uncharacteristic behavior, and she spoke with a concerned tone. "Mom…?"

"…I don't want this. I don't want any of this," she began as she looked from Blake to Sun, and back again. "Getting out of the Fang cost us more than you'll ever know, and doing this puts your father at great personal risk… if we even manage to get that far. But… if the three of you are in agreement, then I'll support you. Always."

Ghira mirrored Sun's motion as he pulled his wife into a half-embrace, and planted a gentle kiss upon one of her ears. "We've been blind, Kali. The Fang have been lying to us, and these two have brought definitive proof. You know I cannot simply sit back and let this injustice continue."

"It's our job to protect the people, as hunters," Sun cut in.

"And our responsibility as Belladonnas," Blake added.

"Well…" Sun began, only for Ghira to raise his free hand, calling for silence. Sun obeyed.

"You are as much a Belladonna as my own daughter, given everything you've done for us, and your spirit. I will not hear otherwise."

The room fell silent once again, and Sun felt a stinging moisture begin to well up in his eyes. His chest tightened as he began to panic, and he stood, letting Blake's arm slip from his as he shifted into a dramatic overhead stretch.

"I, uh, I really gotta pee. Sorry, guys, I'll be right back. Promise!" Sun gave the older couple a cheesy grin and whirled deftly on his heel before making a hasty retreat from the living room, praying that they hadn't caught on. His breathing hastened as he made a swift exit into the kitchen, and then the large, adjoining dining hall. He reached the stairs more quickly than he thought possible as his vision began to cloud with tears.

Sun closed his eyes as he took a few deep breaths while leaning with one hand on the railing. Thoughts of his former 'home' floated through his mind as he struggled to fight back memories of cold, lonely nights atop his old, worn mattress on the upper level of the foster home. Despite being surrounded by so many younger adoring faunus children, none of their affections felt like what he really longed for. Sun shook his head to banish the thoughts and took the steps two at a time, before making the left to the guest room.

As he pushed open the door and strode inside, some part of him wanted Ilia to be there. He knew it was irrational, and he knew that she was likely the last person on Remnant that he could expect to care about his sudden, overwhelming swell of emotion, but he needed someone to hug. Someone without the last name 'Belladonna', and someone distinctly not Blake.

Sun made his way into the bathroom, and leaned over the sink with a shuddering sigh. He sniffed and shook his head, feeling incredibly foolish that simple words had broken him down so quickly and effectively. Once again, he closed his eyes, and focused on trying to calm down… though he knew that bringing his thoughts to Blake would only worsen the problem. Ilia floated into his mind once again, but the immediate realization that she had feelings for Blake as well only made him feel worse. He balled a fist and drove it into the ceramic of the countertop.

After what felt like an eternity of just breathing, Sun opened his eyes and looked into the mirror to find his cheeks streaked with tears. He frowned angrily at his reflection, and turned on the sink to hastily shovel water into his face. Sun knew that he had taken far too long, but he couldn't bring himself to go back downstairs.

"Come on, man," he said softly to himself as he reached for a washcloth. He soaked the material and brought it up to his face, before beginning to rub. "Pull it together, Sun."

Icy hands wrapped around the black edges of Sun's shirt and began to span across the flesh of his chest in a tight embrace. Sun breathed deeply into the soggy cloth as he titled his head back and closed his eyes. He knew that it would come, sooner or later, and he steeled himself for some sarcastic quip or pressing questions.

"…I don't know what just happened, but I do know that you probably don't want to talk about it, right now," Blake stated softly. She reached up and took the cloth, before dropping it into the basin of the sink and gently tugging at Sun to turn him to face her. He shook his head slowly and sniffed, mentally cursing himself for looking weak.

"But when you feel comfortable, I want to know. I'm here for you, Sun. Remember, this isn't just about you helping me. That's not how relationships work. You've got to start letting me in, sometime soon. I think I'm finally starting to understand what it must have felt like to chase me around." Blake finished by planting a kiss on his jawline, and Sun shivered at the touch of her lips. He simply nodded, his voice very small.

"…sorry."

"Don't be sorry. I've got little things that set me off, too. It's okay. I don't think any less of you, and neither do my parents. All three of us are worried." Blake cupped his chin, and rubbed his cheek with her thumb.

"Don't be," Sun replied quickly. "I'm cool. Just, a little slip. I guess the whole messed up sleep schedule thing is wearing on me, along with the pressure and craziness of taking back the Fang. I'm cool."

"You already said that," Blake stated with a judgmental look. "You're still cool, but it's fine not to be 'cool'. You can drop the act around me."

"I'll try. We should get back," Sun said while looking away.

"No need. I told them about Cinnamon, and Dad went to his office to try to dig up where she lives in town. They're all-in, now. We're going to go after her, and then address the public afterward."

Sun nodded, and looked back to Blake as he tried to find a way to keep the topic of conversation away from himself.

"Hey, is your mom alright? She seems really conflicted about all this. I feel bad," Sun admitted as he put his hands on Blake's shoulders.

"I don't know. That was… unlike her. I'm gonna go and talk to her, as soon as I know you're alright. Maybe you should go and help out Dad? If you're up to it?" Blake asked, while tilting her head.

"I'm c-… I'll manage. Just, don't worry about me? Please?" Sun begged.

"I'll worry about you all I want. I know you're doing the same," Blake countered.

Sun bit his lip. "…guilty. Are you feeling any better, after last night?"

Blake glared, and Sun slowly broke out into a nervous smile. She rolled her eyes, and decided against calling him on his deflection.

"…better than I was, yes. But seriously, you need to think more about yourself. You and I are going to have a long talk about it, soon."

Sun's eyes darted to the exit of the room, and he pulled a face. "Yeah, I had a feeling. I shouldn't keep your dad waiting, though. Uh, thanks for coming to check on me."

Blake leaned up and gave Sun a full-on kiss, which he gratefully accepted. "Thanks for being you."

"Ditto. I'll catch you in a bit, and we'll go on another date. A hunting bitches date."

Blake gave him an even look as she spoke in a deadpan voice. "How aggressively romantic."

"Hey, it might be!" Sun gave her a wink, and slipped past to make his way to the door. "I'll sweep you off your feet yet, cutie."

"Looking forward to it." Blake offered him a genuine smile, and Sun started to feel just a little bit better as he made his way out into the hall.

Sun didn't bother to knock as he walked into Ghira's office. He strode in confidently, and Ghira looked over from his place at the desk, half-moon glasses on as he leafed through a drawer full of folders.

"…you know, I was trying to make you feel better…"

"I know, sir. Err, Ghira," Sun corrected as he stood before the desk. "I'm sorry for, uh… that."

"You needn't apologize to me, Sun. Though, given your sudden 'need to pee', I'm assuming you still haven't spoken to Blake about your past?" Ghira questioned. Sun visibly deflated as he slid his hands into his pockets.

"…nope."

"Why not, if I may ask?" Ghira lifted a handful of folders and began flicking through them, reading the tags.

"…I don't know. I mean, I do know, but i-"

"You're putting her before yourself, as you said in the forest," Ghira finished for him. "That cannot continue forever, young man."

"I know, I know. She and I just had that conversation." Sun paused, and felt an icy sensation rush through his veins as he locked his eyes on the folders in Ghira's hand. "…Ghira, I think… I think I should probably let you know that uh, as of last night, Blake and I are… we're a thing, now."

Ghira's finger stopped flicking as he raised his eyes to meet Sun's. A bead of sweat ran down the younger male's face as Ghira mulled over his approach. "…well, I cannot say that I am surprised, but I will say… that was quite fast."

"…yep," Sun agreed. "Well, fast since we got here, sure, but we've known each other for months, now."

"Mm-hmm. While you and I have indeed reached an understanding… what I said the first time you were in this office still stands. Break her heart, and I will break you," Ghira reminded as he went back to looking through files.

"If I break her heart, I'll deserve it. She's unlike any other girl I've met," Sun said. "Well, other than her mother, in some ways."

"A comparison that I both agree with, and was afraid of. Though, in the same breath, it is good to see Blake beginning to show some of Kali's resilience and confidence. I believe I've found the file we're looking for," he added as he pulled up a tan folder and rested it upon his desk. He spread the sides to reveal several pieces of paper, and Sun moved closer to the desk to read aloud.

"…Cinnamon Shoal, 27, single. Faunus, obviously. Lionfish class, bought a two bedroom home on the east side… six months ago?" Sun questioned. "So, she's had eyes on Kuo Kuana for quite a bit of time. Given what Ilia told us, that means she's probably had eyes on you."

"I wouldn't be surprised." Ghira moved his finger to a line on the paper, beneath where Sun had read. "There's the address. Shall we go and see if she's home?"

"Blake and I will go," Sun replied. "It's too suspicious for the leader of the village to come knocking, especially if she's been keeping watch on the manor. With any luck, she has no idea who I am."

"I very much doubt that, if I am honest. There's also the matter that Blake mentioned that she is a trained huntress with an unknown semblance, and clearly, an adult. Are you sure you two will not need backup?"

Sun paused to consider, and pulled his lips into a frown. "…we might. Best not to take any chances, but…"

"Yes, yes, I would raise suspicion. Kali, on the other hand…"

"Would she be willing?" Sun inquired.

"For Blake, and for you? I have no doubts. She's liked you since the beginning, you know."

"Oh, I know," Sun offered with a small chuckle. "She's very… open."

"That she is, and I would not have it any other way. I will ask her to join the two of you, though… might I make a suggestion to wear some armor? You and Blake both seem to have a fascination for parading around in plain clothes, even in combat. I do have spare equipment, within the manor."

"Eh, for this one… I think we'll be alright," Sun replied.

"If and when the time comes for Haven, though, I will insist," Ghira said in a dark tone.

"Gotcha. Well. I'll… go and get ready. Change my bandages, and get some stretching in," Sun offered as he headed for the door.

"And I will speak to Kali, and get to writing my speech. Good luck, Sun. I have no doubt that you will be successful." Ghira rose from behind the desk with a nod.

"Hey, if you don't? Then neither do I." Sun offered a smile, and disappeared through the door with a flick of his tail.

Author's Note:

Halfway there… maybe.

I've debated switching the secondary tag to 'Adventure', given where this story is going, but chapters like this are why I keep it as 'Family'. Just because the story is going to feature a lot more action since Ilia's fight doesn't mean that Sun is over his issues, and neither is Blake.

I think we're due for another fight, eh? Get ready for Kali to have some spotlight soon, and maybe even find out what her semblance is. Here's a hint- her name is Kali.

Next update on Monday, the 4th.

-RD