"And that's where we stand now, and what I plan to enact for our island beginning immediately. Unfortunately… there's more to it," Kali admitted as she made a face out at the crowd from her place behind the lectern positioned outside of the Belladonna manor. "But my daughter, Blake, with whom many of you are familiar, has volunteered to handle that portion of today's proceedings. Please give her your attention."
Blake took in a sobering breath as she stepped forward and stared out over the assembled populace of Kuo Kuana. Many faces she recognized while others were new to her, and nearly a third were covered by a style of white and red mask she had once worn herself. Even from the eyes she was unable to see directly, Blake knew that everyone was looking up to her with emotions as mixed as her own as they waited for her to begin to speak. For a brief moment, she averted her gaze to the ocean in the distance. The sun had only just crested the horizon, painting the dark waters with bright, beautiful color.
Something about the visual felt so right in her chest as she took another deep breath and began to speak.
"Life in Kuo Kuana… life as a faunus is hard," Blake began as she lowered her eyes back to the crowd. "But one thing is true of every faunus I've met here, in Sanus, in Mistral- we're fighters. We never back down, despite the odds and circumstances we're given. We were handed this barely habitable island, and we turned it into something that we can all be proud of. We were beaten down and treated like simple animals, and we retaliated with a consuming force so strong that the entire world fears us. We have huntsmen and huntresses that can hold their own against the best-trained humans in Remnant, and slowly but surely, we're proving our worth in the very same academies they attend. We can accomplish anything if we band together, and the time has come to prove it."
Blake watched as several faunus nodded in agreement, while others turned to speak quietly amongst themselves. She chanced a look at Qrow, who stood next to her mother with his arms folded and a stern expression upon his face. The man gave Blake a solemn nod, and so, she continued.
"Many- likely all of you have heard my father's speeches before, and… I can't live up to him. I've tried, but that isn't me. I'm still learning who I am, honestly, and the only way I could even begin going down that road was by leaning on others. What I've discovered so far about myself is that… I appreciate the truth. I need someone to be there for me and tell me the completely honest, unbiased details of the situation, even when it's something I don't necessarily want to hear. So… this morning, before I head out, I want to be that person for all of you."
The stirrings of the crowd crew louder, spurring Blake onward as she gripped the sides of the podium's angled surface.
"All of this… based on what we're hearing from people with far more knowledge of the history of Remnant than us, is the end of an era. It may well be the end of Remnant, if we don't all approach the upcoming situations that will be thrown at us with complete seriousness and commitment. Some of you have heard rumors, some of you have heard vague references, and many of you have likely picked up from us that something big is coming… and that 'something' is known as Salem. Salem is an ancient witch- the queen of grimm, and source of darkness in Remnant. She is no fairy tale, and though we do not know why for certain, she wants to retrieve the four relics hidden within the four major huntsmen's academies. We are not going to let that happen. The reason for everything my mother has presented to you this morning is in preparation for dealing with Salem in what may be our final stand as faunus… or as people in general. We need the faunus of Menagerie and the White Fang to be ready to step in at a moment's notice, anywhere in Remnant."
The utter silence didn't surprise Blake, and yet, she still found herself unnerved. For whatever reason, hearing the words leave her mouth brought something she hadn't fully understood until that moment to the forefront of her mind. It was only then that she realized what it was that she had wanted to say to her people all along.
"…I know that we're asking the impossible… but the thought of Salem's very existence would have been impossible for many of you until this morning. My friends and I stopped her agents at Haven Academy and managed to bring the relic hidden beneath the school to Atlas for safekeeping. It stands to reason that Atlas Academy is her next target, and so… we're heading out again. Now. There's a good chance that we may not return. I may never see this island, or any of you ever again, but even if that's true… I'm proud to have called this place my home. Fight on in our absence and be ready to pick up your swords in the event that we fail. I trust in my mother to lead you all down the right path… as I go down my own. I hope to see this place again someday, and that's one of the many things I'll be fighting for. Find your own reasons… and make our people proud. That's all I have to say… and I think that's all I need to. I trust you all to do what's right."
Again, Blake was met with silence as she stepped down from the podium and began to descend the steps onto the footpath toward the crowd. She was vaguely aware that the rest of those heading to Atlas had moved to follow her as the assembled faunus stepped off to the sides to create a path to the docks. The world seemed to move in slow motion as she kept her eyes forward, trying to avoid the sheer weight of all those in Kuo Kuana staring at her as she walked. A sudden noise caused Blake to stop her advance as her ears twitched in response.
Somewhere behind her, someone had started clapping.
Blake slowly turned to find Kali back behind the podium, starting up a round of applause. Over the next several seconds, the majority of the crowd joined in, alongside a few whistles and calls of approval.
"That's my daughter," Kali said confidently over the noise. "You will make our people proud out there. You've already made me incredibly proud, and now's your time to shine. Go and make a name for the faunus on the frontlines. We'll build the foundation for our ascent back home, and your actions will put Menagerie on the map in a way the world has never seen. The rest of Remnant isn't ready for us… but we'll be ready for Salem."
Daisuke made a noise of amusement and lightly touched Blake's shoulder as he moved to pass her on his way to the docks.
"…one speech about unity has done more to rally the faunus and get things done than the actions of the Fang in the last ten years. Imagine that…"
Blake gave the man a subtle smirk as she followed along behind him to the continued sound of applause.
"So… you're 26…" Harriet began.
The burgeoning mischief and amusement in her voice set off every warning bell in Marrow's head as he flipped an omelet and gave the frying pan a little shake. He could feel his colleague's smirk behind his back and had a feeling that Clover and Elm were equally entertained.
"…uh-huh…"
"And Weiss is… what, 16? 17, at most?" Harriet inquired, feigning ignorance.
"Weiss is 19, and will be 20 in a few months," Marrow answered, refusing to face his team. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, you know. Just that unspoken rule- what was it? In order for a relationship to not be considered 'creepy', it's half the elder's age plus seven as the minimum? That would put your number at 20…"
"Harriet…" Clover said in a tone of half warning, half amusement.
Marrow whined softly as he plated the omelet and finally turned around to pass the dish to Elm.
"…if this is what hanging out and being friendly to each other is going to be like, can we go back to not talking much again? You guys invited me here this morning, and I'm cooking for you!"
"And we appreciate it, truly," Elm encouraged as she accepted the food. "I'm sure Harriet isn't being serious."
"Mmmaybe," Harriet considered. "Just scramble mine. Use as much force as you think I deserve."
Marrow merely rolled his eyes and cracked an egg on the side of the pan with a bit more force than necessary.
"Hey, do you have any heavy cream in your kitchen?" the faunus asked over his shoulder.
"I… don't think so?" Clover answered, sounding unsure.
"Does Weiss, after last night?" Harriet asked.
"Oh my gods," Marrow said under his breath. "That… doesn't even make any sense!"
"I mean, you'd have to give her yours," Harriet explained. "I'm sure she'd appreciate it."
"Alright, come on," Clover interjected as if he was scolding a child. "Lay off, Harriet. Be happy for him."
"Fine, fine," Harriet said with a wave of her hand as she kept her filthy grin in place. "Hey, Mare?"
Marrow once again looked over his shoulder, his expression totally neutral and his eyes saying 'kill me now.'
"…I'm glad you and Weiss are finally official. You deserve to be happy, especially after everything you've tried to do for us. I'm just messing with you. Do whatever brings you two closer at your own pace. It's not creepy, and if anyone gives you shit about the age gap, just rabbit punch them in the throat."
Marrow finally relaxed his shoulders and allowed himself a small smile.
"…thanks, Harriet…"
"Solid advice, except for that last part," Clover praised. "We can't afford any more hits to our image, especially with political tensions ramping up. It's going to be a long week before this election, and a single misstep could put General Ironwood in hot water."
"That's something we absolutely cannot afford," Elm agreed. "I think we need to have a discussion about that very idea with our little trainees, among other things. Harriet already apologized. I… think I should, as well."
"After yesterday, I think that would be a good idea," Clover encouraged. "Things were… uncomfortable, to say the least. I think that as long as you're open and honest with them, they won't give you any trouble. Unlike Harriet."
Harriet was careful to pick something out of her eye with her middle finger as Marrow slid her a plate of eggs across the counter.
"Speaking of yesterday, how did things go?" Marrow asked. "Last night, I mean."
Clover gave a sidelong glance to Harriet, who suddenly appeared very uncomfortable.
"…there was some ugly crying," Harriet admitted as she picked at her eggs with her fork. "Mostly from me."
"You weren't the only one," Elm reminded. "Things aren't okay, but I think we aired some things that needed to be said, and I feel like we're the closest we've ever been by far. Doing more things like this and being more open is the path forward for the Aces."
"Yeah, I'd agree with that," Harriet offered. "It's probably going to suck and be uncomfortable as we test the waters. Don't expect me to gush and share everything without being drunk first, but… I'm willing to make the effort. I think I need to, to prevent myself from winding tight enough to snap."
"Admitting that is a big step forward," Marrow praised. "Even if it doesn't seem like it. For what it's worth, I'm proud of you guys. I know I'm just the rookie…"
"You're not 'just' anything, Marrow," Clover denied. "You're a key part of the team, and without you… the kids would be pulling ahead of us right now. I think it's time we adopt a little bit of their family-style bonding and use that to stay ahead of them. Speaking of getting closer, I think I should probably tell you all now- I'm planning on popping the question to Winter after the election's over and done with."
"Really?" Marrow asked as his tail began to whip back and forth. "That's great news!"
"About time," Elm said with a smirk. "Good for you. You also deserve to be happy."
"Just give us a date as soon as you know," Harriet reminded. "So I can plan to be out of the country."
It was Clover's turn to roll his eyes as Harriet punched him in the shoulder.
"You'll be at the wedding, Bree. That's an order."
"Oh, now you pull rank?" Harriet asked. "In that case, I quit."
"Fine by me. I'll pull Yang into the Aces," Clover said nonchalantly as he folded his arms over his chest.
"You wouldn't dare," Harriet balked, looking genuinely offended. "She's got nothing on me. You three would be devoured by grimm in an instant with her out in the field."
"Then get her ready," Clover ordered. "Yang's your personal project. I think the setup of teams we've got going is a good one for jobs in and around Mantle at the moment. Things will go much smoother if we each focus in on one or two of them and begin shuffling partnerships around after the election."
"I agree," Marrow replied. "Let me handle Ilia and Corsac for now. I think they need a fellow faunus to help temper their anger about how things are run in Atlas… and I think I need them so that I don't forget that things can't stay as they are, after this is all over. They're not wrong to be angry about the status quo. They just need direction and support from someone who can reassure them that their fight for equality isn't fruitless."
Harriet raised a brow and cracked her neck in discomfort.
"…you're dating a Schnee…"
"I am," Marrow confirmed. "And she wants to change things, too. I want to make it clear that our relationship has nothing to do with that agenda. I mean, obviously, it's going to help, but… that's not why I gravitated toward Weiss. It's just convenient that she is who she is, when it comes to helping the faunus along."
"I don't think anyone who knows you would think otherwise," Elm reassured. "But keep in mind… the public doesn't. I think the two of you should keep your relationship under wraps for now, as unfair as that is. While it will be helpful to the cause later on… keep in mind how it would look to outsiders right now, especially considering your work with Jacques."
"Yeah," Marrow answered with a heavy breath. "I know. Believe me, I know how it looks…"
"Regardless- when this is all over- this meaning Salem, we'll be right there with you pushing for change," Clover said. "Right?"
"Right," Elm agreed.
"You know it," Harriet said with a nod. "We'll have your back. You're one of us, and your problems are our problems. I reserve the right to give you endless shit throughout the process, though. If you're going to force me to sit around the campfire and sing songs with you all, I'm going to sass you to death in between verses. That's the deal."
Marrow could only chuckle as he finally sat down next to Harriet with his own plate.
"…I think I could get used to that."
Author's Note:
Next week- Ruby's crew heads out. All of the balls will be in motion…
-RD