I have some old characters from the year 2021. His name is Xìngyùn Chinese name for "Good Fortune" his surname is Yù meaning "Jade". Voice actor is Dante Basco. He's about nineteen years old. Then there is Faustus Ebi, a 70 year old man who's voice actor is Ian McKellen. He has silver/white hair, beard, and teal-green eyes.
Enjoy.
A passenger ship was sailing through the ocean. It is heading towards the direction of Menagerie, the safe haven of the Faunus. The passengers there are either Humans or Faunus going there for a vacation, visiting some relatives, or moving there (mostly Faunus). However, the trip there won't be easy. Many aquatic Grimm are lurking deep within the waters. That is why all crewmembers are trained in combat when facing these types of Grimm, and every boat or ship is fully weaponized, for safety precautions for both crew members and passengers.
But there was one particular passenger that stood out amongst the crowd.
Blake Belladonna was resting her hands on the rail and stared out at the ocean with a calm expression. It's been almost a year since her friends saved Beacon from total chaos. She was forever grateful for Voltaria's amazing gift of future seeing. Without her help, Beacon would've been lost. She still can't forget the day the news broke out about Cinder's plan and who she was working for brought new light on the kingdoms. All of them are on high alert after learning a dangerous threat has arrived to invade them. Moreover, some of the Faunus working for the White Fang were slowly leaving. Learning that they were nothing but pawns on some evil mastermind that threatened to wipe out all of Remnant. They just want to show everyone what they were capable of; they did not sign up to commit genocide!
News like that made Blake feel relieved as the Faunus slowly realized they were being used for all these years. Blake began thinking. Since Adam is no longer here and the White Fang is slowly losing members, what will happen now? Her thoughts came to a stop when she heard children's laughter. Looking up, she saw two kids (a boy and girl) laughing over a joke that one of them told. Blake smiles at this. Seeing two innocent children having fun warms her heart. To think that children of Vale could've lost their lives if it wasn't for Voltaria's prediction. She turns to look back at the ocean, admiring the beauty. Then she heard footsteps approaching towards her, causing the cat Faunus to look in the direction to see the captain coming over.
"Hello, Ms. Belladonna, how's the ship being treating ya?" The Captain asked Blake kindly.
Blake simply nods her head at the captain, "Yes, everything is fine...is there something you need?"
"Just here to chat."
"And why is that?"
The Captain leans idly onto the rail. "Well, not many people travel by boat on their own. Especially for someone being a student to a huntress that I owe a favor too," He said, referring to Glynda Goodwitch. Glynda saved him and his crew a few years ago by taking down a Grimm. He owes her big time for saving them, and that if she needs any help, he and his crew will offer their services. It was a good thing too because Glynda needed their help to get Blake to Menagerie secretly. Which he agrees with no questions asked. However, he was curious as to why Blake is going to Menagerie on her own. "It can be quite a lonely voyage. But I found those that do tend to have the more...interesting stories."
Truth be told, there was a reason why Blake is going back to Menagerie. She wasn't only going there to see her family, but she was going to find some dinosaurs that might have come there by accident. Voltaria contacted Blake through the Dream Realm last night. Telling her that she will encounter two dinosaurs on her way to Menagerie. One will be in the water and the other on land. Voltaria told her to be careful considering she isn't sure if these dinosaurs are friendly or not. Blake took her word for it and stayed alert. She has to keep that part of the plan a secret, and she doubts the captain or his crew will believe her if she says she is searching for dinosaurs.
"I'm just visiting some family and...well..." Blake tried to think of an excuse, not wanting to be sound suspicious in front of the captain. Just then, two kids run behind Blake laughing, startling her in the process, not expecting the noise behind her. She turns and blinks at them trying to reset her calm.
Seeing this, the Captain burst out laughing, "Maybe, but with your paranoia, I think a few friendly faces wouldn't hurt."
Blake gave him a somewhat offended look, "Who says I'm paranoid?!"
Again, the Captain laughing again at her in amusement, "No one, dear, no one. I'm just concerned about why Professor Goodwitch was helping you sneak past Atlas soldiers."
Ah, of course, he must've caught wind on Atlas searching for Voltaria. Moreover, she and her friends are affiliated with Voltaria and Atlas soldiers are searching for them, and questions them about Voltaria's whereabouts and true intentions. That is why Glynda helped Blake sneak aboard. She can't get caught by the Atlas soldiers, she needs to fulfill her mission before she meets up with the others at Mistral.
"They wanted to question me about my friend." Blake said softly.
The Captain's eyes softened a bit when she said, "You're friends with the Grimm Girl?"
Blake's eyes widen a bit as she looks at the captain, "You know Voltaria?" She asked in surprise.
The Captain nodded his head, "Not personally, but she did save us from a terrible storm. I remember like it was yesterday."
~Flashback four years ago~
The Captain was holding onto the ship's helm with all his might, trying to keep the ship in balance as a storm rages outside, creating massive waves that crashed onto the boat multiple times. Threatening to tip over. The crew were doing their best to keep the engines running and steady while the communication officer tried to contact the mainland for help. Sadly, the storm was blocking out their signal, preventing them from getting any help.
"It was during a terrible storm that I first encountered the Grimm Girl." The Captain narrated his tale. "The ship took many hits from those monstrous waves, nearly tipping us over."
The Captain held on to the helm tightly, trying to keep it balanced and the crew were holding on. Then, the cabin boy, about ten years old, came running in, his ocean blue hair was wet and messy along with his clothes due to the heavy rain, his stormy red eyes were wide as dinner plates.
"Grandpa! The hull has been breached!" The boy cried out.
"Dammit! At this rate, we'll never reach Argus!" The Captain cried out in anger, holding on to the helm. Another wave crashed into the ship, nearly tipping them over, "Blast it! Riven! Stay put! The waves are getting as powerful as ever!"
"But the hull-"
"We'll deal with it later! Right now, we need to find the nearest land here!" Yelled the Captain.
"Come here, Riven!" The female crewmember said. She grabs him by the arm and pulls him to her, holding him close.
"Another wave is coming, Captain!" Yelled a male crewmember. "AND IT'S A BIG ONE!"
"Brace yourselves!" He ordered the crew.
Everyone quickly held on to something as a mother of all waves was heading directly towards them. The Captain warned every passenger in the safety bunker to hold on as the big wave was going to hit them. The passengers screamed in fear, some praying for a miracle to happen. Everyone braced themselves, fearing the wave would sink them...but it never happened. The Captain and the crew were confused, wondering what the heck just happened. However, their thoughts were interrupted when a dark shadow loomed down at them, covering the whole ship, followed by a low bellowing sound. Everyone gasped as they saw a gargantuan hydra Grimm, staring down at them with a menacing look. The Captain and his crew were petrified at the sight of the massive Grimm. They faced many Grimm before, but this...this was nothing like they ever encountered.
"S-Sir! What are we going to do!?" The female crewmember screamed in panic, holding Riven close.
"I...I'm not sure! This Grimm is not like any we have encountered!" The Captain exclaims in pure shock.
"Should we ready the heavy cannon?" Asked the male crewmember to his captain.
"I doubt it! I don't think the heavy cannon can pierce its body. It will attack us in a heartbeat!"
"But why isn't it attacking us, Grandpa?" Riven asked his grandfather.
The Captain looked at his grandson briefly before at the Grimm. The five-headed behemoth was staring down at them. Those hellfire eyes can burn a hole, right through their very soul. Now this was confusing, even for them. They wonder why the Grimm is not attacking them. Instead, the massive body was blocking the heavy rains and crashing waves from the ship. They were so confused right now, unsure whether they should attack or flee. Riven's eyes trailed off to one of the heads and saw something that made his eyes even wider.
"Grandpa, look!" Riven points at the middle head of the Grimm.
The Captain followed his grandson's gaze and his eyes widened as well. Standing on the middle head was a girl that was close to his grandson's age. She wore what appears to be a martial arts outfit with an Embalm of two hands holding up an orb with a black/red diamond on the center and four small ones around it. Her black/red/white hair tied tight into a ponytail. Her mask covers her face, as she looks down at the ship with an unreadable expression.
"By the gods..." The Captain whispers in utter bewilderment.
The male crewmember gulps at the sight of the girl. "Is that..."
The Captain nodded his head slowly, "Aye...the Grimm Girl."
"That's how you met Voltaria?" Blake asked the Captain about his story.
"Aye, she stood on that colossal beast with no fear. It was like...they were one with another."
Young Voltaria stood on top of the Grimm's middle head, staring down at them under her mask. She shows no signs of emotions as she observes the ship's poor condition. Without uttering a single word or movement, the Grimm Hydra lowers its middle head, allowing Voltaria to get on board the ship's deck. The massive Grimm uses its body to shield her and ship from both rain and waves, keeping her dry in the process.
"Who is the captain of this ship?" Voltaria questions them coldly.
The Captain and his crew were unsure how to respond. They were still stunned by the fact a girl can control such a massive Grimm. However, the Captain knew that he couldn't keep her waiting. He was about to go out until his grandson stopped him.
"Grandpa..." Riven whispers to him worriedly.
The Captain gave his grandson an assuring look, "It will be okay, Riven, just stay put." He assures him gently before getting out of the control room to the upper deck. He was facing the girl that could bring an entire army to their knees.
"I'm the captain of the ship, what is your purpose here?" The Captain asked, doing his best to stay brave.
The girl looks up at him from below the deck; her expression hidden within her mask. The Captain wasn't sure of her intentions, and her reason for being here, but it's better than having her giant Grimm destroying his ship. Suddenly, Voltaria finally spoke after a long yet awkward silence.
"You're heading the wrong way." She said in a cold tone, sending shivers to the captain's spine. "The way to Argus is that way; you're heading to an open water, filled with Grimm."
Hearing her words, the Captain was in utter disbelief upon this information. He turned to his crew and asked them if it was true. The female crewmember looked at the navigation table, even though it was in the fritz, it was able to be functional. She lets out a surprise gasp and turns to her captain.
"She's right! We're heading the wrong way!"
"The storm must've messed with the navigation! That's why we couldn't reach Argus!" The male crewmember spoke in realization.
"We were off course." Captain spoke with utter shock.
"Yes, yes you were." Voltaria said blankly, ignoring the thunder crashing on the stormy sky. "The storm is blocking the signal of your destination."
The Captain then had a crazy idea that the crew may or may not like, "Can you lead us to the right way?"
The crew heard this and nearly panicked at his words. Thinking that he has gone mad to ask help from a complete stranger, especially to the Grimm Girl. They heard rumors that she used a massive Grimm army to kill a bandit hideout, leaving no survivors. Everyone came to believe that she was a heartless killer, but in truth, the things she did were personal or self-defense. Moreover, she wasn't completely heartless.
"If I lead you to the right way, promise me that you keep our encounter a secret." Voltaria informs the Captain in a dead serious tone. "I don't want any bounty on my head. If you tell anyone about my current location, I WILL find you." She threatened the Captain.
Understanding the deal, the Captain agrees to these terms, "You have my word."
Voltaria looked at him for a short while before turning away and walked to the ship's bowsprit. The Captain was about to call her to be careful but the girl was perfectly balanced on the ship's bowsprit. She lifted a hand and made a small gesture. The ship began to rock, startling everyone. Soon, black tentacles like arms with spikes appeared from the water, wrapping around the ship. It wasn't enough to break it, but enough to hold it firmly. The Captain, the crew, and the people were screaming in shock as the tentacles lifted the ship out the water. Voltaria calmly balanced herself on the bowsprit with arms crossed as the Grimm holding the ship was keeping it dry from the raging waves. Meanwhile, the Hydra Grimm's five heads were looking down at Voltaria, awaiting her command.
"Take us to Argus safely." She ordered calmly.
Obeying her words, the Hydra Grimm turns away, to shield the ship with its massive body while the other Grimm that was underwater and holding the ship, follows Hydra Grimm. The Captain and his crew were in utter shock. They couldn't believe their eyes. The Grimm Girl was helping them get to safety. It was unbelievable, even for them. In all their years of sailing, they have never expected getting help from a Grimm.
"We'll reach Argus within the hour. It's best that some of your repair crew fix that hole in the hull." Voltaria reminds the Captain blankly, not bothering to turn around. The Captain heard her, understood the situation. He orders the repair crew to fix the damage on the hull. Few men ran down below the deck while Voltaria stood at the bowsprit.
"Why...is she helping us?" Asked the female crewmember in a quiet tone.
"I...I don't know..." The Captain whispers out, "We're not sure why-"
"If you're wondering why I'm helping you, it's not in the goodness in my heart," Voltaria spoke loudly, startling the group as they wondered how she could hear them, "You were close to where I was training, and I didn't want any bloodshed there."
The Captain and the crew aren't sure how to respond to this. Although they were grateful that they were not Grimm chow, they were weary of the fact that the elusive Grimm Girl is helping them. Guess the rumors they heard weren't always true. She wasn't a heartless killer, she just wanted to be alone. They continue to travel in silence as the repair crew fix the hole on the hull. They were lucky to do so considering the danger if they didn't fix the hull in time. The Captain and the crew were relieved that the hull was fixed, but they became more overjoyed when they got the signal back, showing the location of Argus wasn't far. Only a few clicks from here.
"Argus is straight ahead!" Announced the female crewmember happily, "Within this pace, we'll surely make it with no problem."
"Yeah, but what about her?" The male crewmember points towards Voltaria, meditating at the bowsprit. "How are we going to explain this to the authorities?" He was referring to the massive Grimm that she's controlling.
"Hmm..." The Captain rubs his chin, thinking of a way to explain the situation and not have the military attack her. She did just save everyone, and it was wrong to hand her over to the authorities. His thoughts come to a halt when he notices his grandson carrying a tray of warm coco and a sandwich. "Riven? What are you doing?"
Riven stops at his tracks as he looks at his grandfather with an awkward look, "Oh, well...since she's been out there for a while...and...I think she might be hungry."
The Captain smiles softly at his grandson, making his way towards Riven and gently pats his head, "That's a good thing to do, Riven. What kind of host are we if we don't treat our guests to some food?"
"Are you sure it's a good idea, Captain?" Asked a male crewmember worriedly.
"Hey, now, let's not let fear get to our heads. She saved us, it's best we return the kindness." The Captain said to his crew before he and his grandson headed out of the upper deck and went down to give the food and warm drink for the girl. They walked towards the girl in her meditating form and were about to approach her...
"What do you want?" She spoke suddenly.
The Captain and his grandson stopped dead in their tracks, eyes widened in surprise. The girl got up from her meditation pose and turned towards them with a blank look. The Captain and Riven continued staring at her, unable to speak. Staring at them blankly and annoyed, Voltaria flips off the bowsprit and lands back on the deck, surprising the grandfather and grandson in the process.
"I ask again, what do you want?" She repeated her questions, crossing her arms on her chest.
Not wanting to let her lose her patient, the Captain clears his throat and gently pats his grandson's shoulder. "My grandson, Riven, wanted to give you something to eat. You haven't eaten anything since you arrived here, right?"
Voltaria stares at them blankly looking between them and the food. She observed if the food and drink was poisonous. However, she could tell they don't serve poison in this ship, and they have any experience in assassination. Sighing, Voltaria accepted the food and warm drink, much to Riven's joy. She took a small bite and then a drink in a calm manner while Riven and his grandfather watched her.
"So...are you going to Argus too?" Riven suddenly asked the girl.
The girl was currently drinking her warm coco after she finished her sandwich. Her eyes glanced under her mask to look at the boy her age, and responded bluntly, "No, I'm not."
"You're not going to Argus?" The Captain asked in surprise.
"Don't look surprised; I don't go to big cities or villages. I prefer solitude, thank you very much."
"Sorry, it's just...it can be very lonely when traveling alone, especially a girl your age." The Captain said, showing great concern for the girl's well-being.
"I can survive by myself, and more importantly, I'm not alone." Voltaria said, referring to her Grimm.
The Captain and Riven looked at the Hydra Grimm with a mix of fascination and fear, wondering how she could control such a beast, "How...how can they control them? The Grimm, I mean."
"None of your concern, all you should know, that some of the Creatures of Grimm only listens to me." She said slowly. "There is nothing else you should know."
"I...I'm sorry, it's just...I never...um...you see..." Riven tries to find the right words to say.
Voltaria rolls her eyes under her mask and bluntly asks, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Riven sighs and confesses to the girl his reason, "What I'm trying to say is...I never met someone who can actually control these monsters." The girl simply looked at him under her mask as he quickly added, "Err...not saying that you are a monster, you're a very special girl with an amazing gift...so to speak."
"A...gift?" Voltaria nearly scoffed at his words, "Look, me controlling Grimm is not a gift in the eyes of the people, they see it as power or a curse. Mostly for the greedy rich people."
"...Is that why you don't want to go to the city? Because you have a bounty on your head?" The Captain asked the girl.
"Tell that to every bounty hunter you ever met." Voltaria mutters out dully.
The Captain shows great sympathy towards the girl. Even though she may show a great threat to the kingdoms, she was still a child, the same age as his grandson. It wasn't fair for her to be treated as a monster. Furthermore, thanks to her, they are on their way to Argus safely.
"If you want...we can take you to a secluded part of Remnant?" The Captain offered to her, "It's far but it will keep you away from big cities."
The girl looked at him briefly, her eyes still hidden within her mask, observing him if his offer was genuine. Which it is considering he is not a fan of people hunting children. After all, he is a grandfather.
"Thank you for the offer, but where I'm going, your ship won't last long there." Voltaria answered coldly.
Before the Captain or his grandson could ask, the Hydra Grimm let out a bellowing call. Voltaria looks up to the sky with a simple look. "Hmph, it looks like the storm is coming to an end."
The Captain and Riven looked up and were surprised to see the storm passing. Indicating that they're almost out of the stormy water. The crew were cheering at the sight of the storm leaving, knowing that they would reach Argus soon.
"It appears that I should take my leave." She said to the Captain and his grandson, looking at them under her mask, "Your ship will reach Argus soon. There, you will have proper repairs."
The Captain smiled and nodded in appreciation, "Thank you for saving us."
"I didn't save you, I just simply got you all out of the way."
Riven laughs a bit, earning a questionable look from Voltaria, "Sounds like saving to me."
"...Whatever." She said before doing a high back flip back to the bowsprit, balancing herself with ease, "This will be our first and last meeting, take care now." She was about to leave when...
"W-Wait!" Riven called out to her, stopping the girl from jumping overboard. "M-My name is Riven! What's your name?"
His question causes Voltaria to be somewhat stunned, never in her life some daring enough would ask her about her name. All she received were death threats from mercenaries or bounty hunters. However...he seems trustworthy enough to keep secrets. For now, it was best that he knew her name.
"Voltaria, my name is Voltaria." She answered him coldly before jumping off the ship.
Riven and his grandfather gasped as they quickly went to the edge, thinking that she fell into the water. But to their surprise, she was gone. Soon, the ship was set back down to the water gently and the next thing they knew, both Grimms dive back to depths of the water, never to be seen or heard of again.
~End of Flashback~
"And that was the last time me, my crew, and my grandson, saw her." The Captain finishes his tale to Blake.
The Cat Faunus was in utter shock and disbelief. She couldn't believe the story she heard from the captain. Voltaria saved him and his crew years ago when she was nine years-old, and because of her. The Captain and his crew promise not to tell anyone of their encounter with her. Not even the military. Saying that it was a coincidence that they were able to get out of there safely. The passengers didn't get a full view of what happened, saying they were too scared to even look out the window or go out due to the storm. They believe it was just pure luck that they all manage to survive the storm. Thanks to the Captain and his crew. However, the truth was, it was all thanks to Voltaria's help. They kept it a secret in order to protect her, which was enough to make Blake realize that this Captain was actually helping her, not just because of Glynda, but also because of Voltaria.
"I kept her promise till this day," The Captain said softly with a smile, "She saved me, my grandson, my crew, and the passengers from that fateful day...that is why I promised myself that she ever needed any help, I'm there."
Blake couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness coming to her mind. Seeing the fact that there were people, good people that would help Voltaria and never took advantage of her. This gave Blake enough faith to believe that humans aren't all bad, "Thank you." She whispers to the Captain.
The Captain heard this and smiled at her with a nod, "I'll leave you be." The Captain turns and walks away, then stops. "But uh, fair warning: these trips can be awfully boring."
Blake gave him an assuring smile, "It's just a short visit with my family, I'll be meeting some friends soon afterwards."
Hearing her words, the Captain nods his head with satisfaction, and continues on his way and Blake stares after him. She watched as the Captain made his way towards his grandson that came out of the corner, and greeted him. Riven is the same age as Voltaria, but taller, and his hair is longer and was tied into a ponytail. The Captain ruffles his grandson's hair, making laugh, before they leave to the upper deck. She smiles at the sweet bond before turns and looks at the water for a few seconds before reaching up and undoing her bow.
"Mmm..." Blake holds the ribbon out over the railing with her cat ears exposed. "Won't be needing this."
Blake lets go and watches the ribbon swirl in the air once before landing on the water. She turns and walks away. As she passed inside, she didn't notice a hooded figure was watching her from a distance.
However, they failed to notice a large red sail moving just above the surface. After it passes, the ribbon is gone.
Weiss Schnee was performing at the charity concert in Atlas. Many rich and noble people came to listen to her performance. She stands alone on a large, empty stage, singing a wordless aria, her arms outstretched. She is perfectly positioned below the center of the painted emblem of Atlas that dominates the stage. Her father, brother, and Marionette were watching her from the balcony. Marionette was listening to her music while her father was more interested in her being perfect. Then her song changes into emphatic lyrics.
I'm not your pet, not another thing you own.
I was not born guilty of your crimes.
Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore.
I won't be possessed
Burdened by your royal test.
I will not surrender.
This. Life. Is. Mine!
Weiss concludes her song and bows while the audience applauds at her performance. She looks up to the balcony above stage left where Marionette, her father, and brother are watching. Jacques Schnee remains seated, not applauding, while Whitley Schnee is standing giving a slower paced, sarcastic clap. Marionette was the only one whose applause shows great support, much to the joy of Weiss. She looks back at the audience, all clapping still in their seats. She turns and walks backstage, her feigned smile replaced with a frown.
Later, all the aristocrats gathered for the after party. Marionette stood behind Weiss, watching and listening to people who enjoyed Weiss's performance. There were a number of dressed up people as the waiter moved across the room, serving the guests. Marionette finds it annoying that these people have a lot of money and refuses to help the people in need. One of these days the people will live to regret it that money isn't everything. She glanced towards the Schnee Family and frowned. Jacques was conversing with a man in glasses and a gray-haired woman in a green dress. They are laughing heatedly while Weiss is behind her father, looking at the floor with her hands held primly behind her back and Whitley stands similarly further behind their father, only his gaze is directly on him. For working with the Schnee Family over a year now, Jacques only cares for his appearance in the business world.
"That's precisely my point. We offer Faunus the exact same wages given to the rest of our mining staff." Jacques said, but it was obviously a lie. When she and Chariot were sneaking around the manor to find a possible exit, they discovered files that revealed minimal wages for Faunus and Humans, while the rest went to the Schnee Manor. "Their argument's completely invalid right out of the gate."
A businessman agrees with Jacques, "Well, I think the bigger issue here is our society as a whole."
Weiss mentally groans while Jacques scoffs a bit, "Why, you mean Atlas?"
As they converse, Marionette notices a male from a distance. He is two years older than Weiss, has red spiky hair, jade green eyes, and wearing a nice tuxedo. He was holding a champagne glass in hand and gave Marionette a friendly smile, which earned a brow raise from the puppet entity, as he gestures towards Weiss. Marionette looks between him and Weiss, slowly coming to realize that he wishes to speak with her. Marionette gave a small nod to the teen and made her way to Jacques. She did proper courtesy to the Head Schnee.
"Master Schnee, someone wishes to speak with Milady." Marionette informs Jacques calmly.
Jacques looks at her with a brow raise before she gestures to the red-haired male at the other side of the room. He instantly recognizes him as the grandson of one of the council members in Atlas as well as the only heir of an important business family. Jacques allowed this and Marionette led Weiss to the teen that was waiting for them.
"Greetings, Ms. Schnee." The teen greeted her kindly with a bow.
Weiss bows back, "Good evening, Mr. Yù."
The teen before Weiss is Yù Xìngyùn. He is the heir of two most important families in Atlas, the Yù Family and the Ebi Family. The Yù have their own Dust Mines that were on their private island. The Ebi Family is a strong trading company with many affiliations from other families, mainly the Cantala Family and the Jewel Family. With the combination of these families, they created the biggest technological empire of transportation, Dust supplying, and advanced tech that the world has ever seen. Jacques has been trying to get an alliance with both Yù and Ebi Family for years, but so far, he couldn't even get one family to make partners with. He even tried to make an engagement with Weiss to Xìngyùn in hopes to get the two families to join the Schnee Industry, but again, they refused. Much to Jacques's frustration.
Xìngyùn chuckles at Weiss, "Please, no need for formalities, just call me Xìngyùn," He said to her kindly. "So...should I call Lady Schnee or Lady Weiss?"
Weiss felt a calm attitude towards him and gave a small smile, "Just Weiss, thank you."
Xìngyùn smiles back, "Well, Weiss, it's nice to finally meet you in person. And I might say, your performance was outstanding."
"Well, I'm glad that you like my singing."
"Not that, I meant your performance in saving Beacon." He said to her, surprising Weiss in the process, "You see, from what I heard, you and the students of Beacon held your ground, fighting off Grimm, and then these crystals appeared that could hoard off Grimm."
Weiss stares at him with suspicion, wondering what his endgame here was. "Well...everyone worked very hard to stop those Grimm."
"Yeah, with the help of the Grimm Girl that is."
Ah, there it is. Xìngyùn was curious about Voltaria. She doesn't blame him. Ever since Voltaria revealed her true self, Weiss promised to never tell a single soul about her, and how she and Ruby turned into Crimson Rose to create the giant crystals that protects the Kingdom of Vale. Weiss notices Marionette was ready to stop him to ask further questions. Weiss saw her reaction and gave Marionette a calm and assuring look before turning directly at Xìngyùn.
"She has a name you know." Weiss told him calmly, which Xìngyùn raised a brow at her. "You don't have to call her 'The Grimm Girl'."
"I know...it's just...people never often say her name like you do." Xìngyùn said to Weiss.
"What do you mean?"
"When I was only fifteen years out, I heard about her abilities talking to Grimm, they obeyed her command...from what I heard from my grandfather, some high businesspeople attempted to capture, wanting to use her ability to control Grimm as manual labor."
Weiss realizes his words were true. If her father or any other rich business owners ever get their hands on Volatria, they will force her to use her ability on Grimm for free manual labor. They won't have to waste a single dime on human or Faunus laborers, as there is only one person that could control the very monsters that they fear.
"They were going to make her do all the work." Weiss said in a whisper, realizing that they were going to sell her off to do hard and free labor by making her control the Grimm.
Weiss was relieved that Voltaria was able to evade them thanks to her entities. She even recalls one time from Wraith that some rich schmuck sent some mercenaries after Voltaria when she was only seven, and attempted child labor on Voltaria. Unfortunately, for them, they meet a gruesome end. Voltaria was quick witted and lured the mercenaries to an abandoned village, whereupon she sent a hoard of Grimm at them, leaving no survivors, and sent a death threat to the said business owner that dared send those mercenaries at her.
Xìngyùn nodded his head in agreement, "Yeah, no matter how many hunters they hired, they end up dead within weeks." He let out a sigh and placed the empty glass on a tray that the waiter was carrying, "Hard to believe they could do such a thing to a girl for many years."
Weiss looked down sadly, and couldn't imagine how many times Voltaria had a bounty on her head. It wasn't her fault that she had this ability. She was just born with it.
"Xìngyùn!" An old gentle voice called out to Xìngyùn.
They looked up to see an old man with a cane was coming towards them, behind him were two servants that were assisting the old man. Xìngyùn smiles at him warmly and gestures to Weiss towards him as he comes in front of them.
"Weiss, this is my grandfather, Faustus Ebi. Grandfather, say hello to Weiss Schnee." Xìngyùn introduces Weiss to his grandfather.
Faustus gave Weiss a gentle smile, "Greetings, Ms. Schnee. I enjoy your beautiful performance."
Weiss smiles at the old man and bows at him respectfully, "Thank you, Mr. Ebi, I am glad that you enjoyed it. And please, call me Weiss."
Faustus chuckles at her lightly, "Aren't you polite, much better than your father's personality." He joked, causing Weiss to cover her mouth to prevent herself from laughing. Faustus chuckles at this while Xìngyùn holds his laughter, "So, tell me, Weiss, how are you holding up?"
"Oh, I'm doing fine, thank you." Weiss answered politely.
"That's good; I was worried that something bad would happen to you after what happened to Vale." Faustus said solemnly.
Weiss lowers her head and nods in agreement, "It was unexpected...considering that we found out the culprit was working with a complete psycho who wants to destroy all of Remnant."
"Why would someone want to destroy Remnant?" Xìngyùn questions out, wondering what kind of sick person to do such a thing, "I know Remnant isn't perfect, but seriously, they shouldn't think of ending it."
Weiss was silent, not wanting to spill the beans. In truth, the threat known as Salem, wanted to end Remnant, just so she could finally die. All she needs are the relics that were hidden away. It was best that no one knows about this. Marionette walks in with a tray of martini glasses to the group, and serves the drinks to them. They said their thanks as she gave the rest to the two servants, who thanked her kindly. Weiss asked about Xìngyùn's education, thinking that he was still studying in Atlas Academy. Xìngyùn answered to her that he graduated early and is working alongside with his uncle (Faustus's first-born son), and goes on missions with him and his squad. Weiss always heard that Xìngyùn is a prodigy, always top of his class, great in combat, and has excellent leadership. That is why he graduated early from Atlas Academy due to his great records, and because General Ironwood was the one who gave permission to early graduation.
"By the way...what is it like working alongside your uncle?" Weiss asked Xìngyùn curiously.
Xìngyùn gave a kind smile, "Working with him is great. I get to follow in his footsteps in becoming a great huntsman just like him and my dad."
Weiss smiles at him gently, thinking that he has great role models, like how she idolizes Winter. However, she wonders about Xìngyùn's father. She only knows about Faustus Ebi and him, but not his parents.
"Xìngyùn...if you don't mind, but may I ask...what your parents are like?" Weiss asked Xìngyùn.
Xìngyùn was silent by this as well as Faustus. Weiss felt like she hit a nerve there. She didn't mean to hurt their feelings. She was about to apologize and change the subject when Xìngyùn raised a hand to stop her and shook her head in an assuring gesture.
"It's okay, Weiss. It's been a long time since I talked about my parents." Xìngyùn said gently.
Weiss's eyes softened by this, "Wha...what happened to them?"
Xìngyùn let out a deep sigh and began his tale. Before he was born, his mother, Jiayi, was the only daughter of the Yù Family. She was very frail and wasn't skilled to be a huntress, but she is very intelligent, perfect in running the family business. She was engaged with Xìngyùn's father, Theo Ebi, at a young age. Luckily, both of them are close friends, and the two hit off. The marriage was a huge success and both families are very close. However, the happiness didn't last long when Jiayi was pregnant with Xìngyùn. Due to her weak body, Jiayi died in childbirth, leaving Xìngyùn to be raised by his father and both family members. It wasn't all bad. Unlike Weiss, Xìngyùn grew up with a loving family. Yù and Ebi Families helped Theo raise Xìngyùn to be a fine huntsman. Soon, when he was about five years old, his dad met a beautiful woman from a small town. Xìngyùn's stepmother was kind and gentle, and treated him as if she was her son, and Xìngyùn sees her as a mother figure that he dreamt to have. Soon, both his father and stepmother had a baby girl, which Xìngyùn adores, 'cause he always wanted to have a little sister. Xìngyùn's dream of having a loving family was coming true but it seems fate had other plans. When Xìngyùn was entering school, his father was on a mission to inspect one of the Schnee's Dust Mines. He believes that this mine was unstable, so he pretended to be a worker there with a false name. He made many friends in the mine, earning their trust and helping them along the way. He shows great care for the workers, both humans and Faunus alike. Until things took a turn when the mine that Theo was observing had a cave in, killing many in its wake. Theo sacrificed his life to save all the workers from the destruction.
Xìngyùn and the family became devastated when they found out about his sacrifice, but it wasn't in vain. Before he died, Theo sent information about the mine's instability, forcing Jacques to give up the mine and the surviving workers under him were taken in by the Yù and Ebi family. Weiss felt terrible by this news, she heard about this incident when her father lost the mine and his workers, but she never noticed that Xìngyùn's father was part of the accident. Although it sounded similar to Voltaria's story when she lost her father, maybe both of them work together to save the workers and sacrifice themselves for the workers.
"After my dad's death, grandfather wanted to help and support my stepmom and stepsister, to live with him in the Ebi estate. But...she declined. The people in her town needed her since she is their best healer. Although, Grandfather sends her money to support her from time to time. She would send us pictures of my little sister."
"Really?"
Faustus chuckles as he takes out a picture from his jacket and smiles at it, "She sent pictures to show my granddaughter every day. It warms my heart to see her smiling face." Faustus's smile soon slowly vanishes and sadly looks at pictures, "But no good thing lasts very long."
Weiss looks at him in concern. "What do you mean?"
"There was a raid on the town that they live in," Xìngyùn clutches his glass tightly, not enough to break it, but to restrain himself. "Bandits came, and attacked the town...killing the people...including my stepmom and stepsister."
Weiss covers her mouth in shock, eyes filled with sympathy towards them, "I am so sorry..."
"It was hard to lose both of them," Xìngyùn sighs, missing his stepmother and stepsister, "If only I brought them to Atlas...they would've..."
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself." Weiss assures him with a smile, "You didn't know that this could happen."
Xìngyùn sighs sadly, "I know, it's just...I really miss them."
Weiss's eyes became soft at this and gave an assuring smile at the heir. "I'm sure they're in a better place."
Xìngyùn returns the smile, "Thank you, Weiss. I really appreciate it."
Faustus chuckles softly at Weiss, "You are indeed going to make great changes in the Schnee Dust Company one day."
Weiss smiles at him in appreciation, "Thank you, Mr. Ebi." She said before looking at the picture in Faustus's hand, "If it is all right, Mr. Ebi, can I see the picture?"
"Of course, but be gentle, that is one of a kind." Faustus hands her the picture, allowing Weiss to see the picture of Xìngyùn's stepmom and sister.
But as she looks at the picture, Weiss's eyes widen in shock and realization. In the picture was Voltaria's mother, Pandora Twilight, and her younger self, Virgo Twilight, when she was only five years old. Pandora was holding little Virgo in her arms as they both smiled in the picture, wearing frilly dresses. Weiss slowly realizes that Xìngyùn is Voltaria's older half-brother! And that makes Faustus Ebi Voltaria's grandfather! Leading to the point that maybe her dad, Toren Venus, was actually Theo Ebi. Weiss put the pieces together and learned that Theo must have used a fake name in order to get into the Schnee Dust Mine, to find any evidence of instability. He must've fallen in love with Voltaria's mother at Mineral Town that they decided to elope, so the aristocrats won't find out about their union. Then a thought came to Weiss's mind. Why hasn't Voltaria told them that she had any relatives? Or why are Xìngyùn and Faustus telling her this?
"Is there something wrong, Weiss?" Xìngyùn asked her in concern, snapping the Schnee Heiress from her trance.
Weiss looked at Xìngyùn and gave a simple nod, "Sorry, it's just...it's just sad that you lost them." She said, not wanting to look suspicious or get any ideas that Xìngyùn's could be Voltaria's half-brother. Luckily, both Xìngyùn and Faustus believed her, not knowing what she was keeping, "What are their names?" Weiss suddenly asked, handing the picture back to Faustus.
The elderly man smiles at the picture once more and points out to the woman, "This is Pandora Twilight, and this little girl is hers and Theo's daughter, Virgo."
Weiss's theory was correct. Voltaria is related to them, but why didn't she tell anyone about this, especially Nora and Ren. She then remembers that Voltaria was on the run ever since she discovered her ability at a young age. She even had to avoid Ren and Nora in order to protect them from her. Not wanting to have her family to be burdened by the fact that she had a target on her head by every bounty hunter or corrupted people, especially Salem. Weiss had no choice but to make sure that Xìngyùn and Faustus never knew that Voltaria was actually Virgo.
The party continues as Weiss continues to get to know Xìngyùn and Faustus. They were very positive people. Weiss appreciates their company. Faustus was very supportive towards her goal of becoming a better person if she ever runs the company. She will bring a new era in the Schnee's name, changing it for the better. He was a wise and kind elder. Although the son of the Marigold Family, Henry Marigold, interrupted their peaceful chat and was attempting to be friendly with Weiss. But she told him that she was busy with Xìngyùn and Faustus. Disappointed and annoyed, Henry Marigold left and decided to chat with a businesswoman. Their personalities quite match as they discuss the crystals that surround Vale, expanding its border to higher reach. They, and like the others, believe that it was caused by the infamous Grimm Girl, aka the Grimm Girl, saying that it was her doing that Vale has stronger and better defenses. Henry Marigold suggested that General Ironwood should raise the bounty on her, considering her ability in controlling Grimm, and should be put on a leash of some kind.
Hearing this, Weiss wanted to hit him for the insult, but Marionette beat her to it. Unbeknownst to everyone, except for Weiss, Marionette can create invisible strings like auras to control or grab any object in her control, as if they were puppets. She and the others were so far from Henry Marigold and the businesswoman that she secretly moved her fingers to make the two rich jerks trip and fell on the floor, spilling their drinks on their outfits. It was both embarrassing and hilarious to watch, and no one knew it was Marionette's doing. They were quickly escorted out by some waiters, hoping to get the mess off their outfit.
Therefore, the night was peaceful again. Although...Weiss was still wondering about Voltaria hiding the fact that she had an older half-brother. She will talk about this when she meets up with her and the others at the Dream Realm.
It was dusk as the ship continued its journey on the smooth water. There was a peaceful bird cry, and Blake is once again on the middle deck looking out at the ocean. A Faunus couple walk behind her and she watches them, relaxes and hopes to reach Menagerie soon. Blake then wonders if her friends have reached Mistral yet. It's been a while since she contacted them in the Dream Realm. Maybe a quick nap can help her reach Voltaria before she continues onwards. She's about to leave for her cabin when she senses that she is being watched by someone. Looking up on the upper deck, there was a hooded figure looking at her, and she immediately took out the Gambol Shroud and glared at the hooded figure.
"Who's there?!" Blake demanded, ready to attack.
Knowing that its cover was blown, the hooded figure turns and runs for it, blonde hair somewhat visible beneath the hood. Blake stares up at the deck, no longer watching the ocean, as she fails to notice the dorsal fins of a giant sea creature shortly surfaced. Soon, she feels the boat rocking on the wake it created and lets out a grunt as she tries to keep her balance. Then a shadow of something big came behind her, Blake slowly turns, and face an enormous serpentine Grim with large external skull, red glowing gills on each side of its neck, large dorsal-fins on its back, short arms with claws, a bone-scaled underbelly and a spiked spine.
A member of the crew on duty in the crow's nest also saw the massive Grimm and was horrified, "RED ALERT!" He shouted, activating the alarm.
Two red lights next to a speaker pulse with the sound. The Captain, his grandson, and the First Mate come running out and look at the water from the upper deck, just above Blake. They both stared at the Grimm with shock and horrified expression. The Captain murmurs as the shadow of the Grimm falls over him.
"By the gods..."
The Grimm is a Sea Feilong. A large serpent-like dragon Creatures of Grimm that lives in deeper waters of the ocean. How it got here was beyond them. However, their minds snapped when the Grimm swung its head back and forth, roaring and spreading its short forearms outward. Knowing the situation was going to dire; the Captain then turns and calls out to his crew, "All hands to battle stations!"
The First Mate and Riven looked at the Captain flabbergasted, thinking that he was mad for trying to face a Grimm like that!
"Wha-Grandpa! We can't face that!" Riven exclaimed to his grandfather.
The First Mate agrees with Riven, "He's right, sir! We've never fought a Grimm this big!"
Captain looks back at the Sea Feilong, observing it from head to bottom. "We've never seen something this big..." He mutters before clutching his fist, "But we'll give 'er a fight nonetheless!"
As the Captain and his crew ready for battle, Blake springs into action. There were people on board and she cannot let this Grimm kill them. The Cat Faunus runs off the boat and into the air at such great length. She creates one of her clones to give her added upward momentum, flinging Gambol Shroud forward in its kusarigama form. Attached to the ribbon on her wrist, it embeds itself into the Grimm's neck. Blake swings above the Grimm and shoots it in the back of its neck. It roars at Blake as lands on the crow's nest while the Captain steers from the bridge. He keeps the ship stabilized in the Grimm's wake and steps outside to get another look at it while Blake continues shooting it while the Sea Feilong arcs back into the water. Riven quickly went to the control and pressed some buttons to activate the ship's defenses. The side of the ship opens up and the cannons come out.
Blake continues her assault on the sea creature, once again swinging and shooting. The ship's cannons fire but are mostly ineffective due to the Grimm having a strong hide. Blake falls back onto the ship's deck, lands on her back, bounces, and quickly gets herself back onto her feet. However, she cries out in pain as she injures her left shoulder when she moves to stand.
Riven saw this from the upper deck and looked at his grandfather, "Grandpa, she's hurt! We need to help her!"
The Captain understood as he was steering the ship, trying to keep it steady, "Hold steady men! It's not done with us yet!" He then turns to his First Mate and grandson, "GET THE HEAVY CANNON LOADED!"
The First Mate and Riven change from being nervous to battle-ready grins upon hearing this order.
"Aye! Aye! Grandpa!" Riven saluted as he and the First Mate ready the weapon.
Rising up through a trapdoor on the deck was the largest cannon on the ship. But, in the process, the Grimm then extends itself and aims at the Grimm. The Grimm's dorsal fin splits apart and extra bone unfolds, revealing two wings. The Sea Feilong lets out a roar as it flies, its beating wings sending a gush of air at the ship. Blake cries out as she hangs on with her hurt left arm.
"Heavy cannon, OPEN FIRE!" The Captain ordered loudly.
The heavy cannon shoots, but the Grimm easily evades it. Roaring, it opens its mouth and creates an electric ball to fire. Blake saw this and readied to launch herself at it. However, before she could do anything, the hooded figure lands on her head and uses her as a launch pad.
"Hey!" Blake yells in alarm and annoyance at the figure.
The figure was heading up towards the Grimm, grunting and taking off the cloak, revealing Sun Wukong. He was the one that was watching Blake this whole time. Anyways, when Sun was in midair, he activates his energy clones to help him fight off the Grimm.
"Sun?!" Blake yells in surprise, seeing that it was the Monkey Faunus who was watching her this whole time.
Sun and his clones land on Grimm's head. The two clones pull on the topmost tendrils of the head while Sun grabs its upper lip. Causing the Sea Feilong to lose its focus on the ship.
"Not today, pal!" Sun yells out.
With this distraction, the Sea Feilong releases its electric blast into the air, missing the ship in the process. Everyone was relieved to see that while Blake was angry at Sun's recklessness.
"What are you doing?!" Blake yells at Sun.
Sun struggles to stay on top of the enraged Grimm's snout, holding onto the two tendrils his now-disappeared clones had grabbed, preventing the Sea Feilong from blasting at the ship. Even though he was struggling, Sun was able to answer Blake's enraged question while the Grimm was flying around crazily.
"Oh, uh, you know, just...hanging out!" Then the Grimm manages to get a small electrical charge around Sun, forcing him to let go, shouting as he falls towards the water. "Whoa-oa!"
Blake gasps and immediately springs into action again, ignoring the pain in her arm. She jumps onto and off the railing, using Gambol Shroud's kusarigama form on the crow's nest to swing herself around and catch Sun midair before he could crash. They land on nearby rocks, with her holding him bridal style. Sun smiles at her and puts a hand to his heart.
"My hero!" He flirts at her.
Blake glared at him and scolded, "You're not supposed to be here!"
Sun returns with a look, "Yeah!? Well, it looks like you can use all the help you can get!" He points at the Grimm, roaring with rage.
Blake glares at him for a few seconds before groaning while rolling her eyes. "Ugh." Blake drops a yelping Sun, before readying herself. "Just shut up and fight!"
Blake proceeds by running toward the ship in the water, where the Grimm is firing electric blasts at it. She jumps from one to another while Sun was on the ground, striking a pose on his side with his hand propping up his head, smiling at her.
"Yes, ma'am!" Sun said in a playful manner.
Back on the ship, the Captain is steering the ship to avoid the attack of the Sea Feilong the best way she can. While two of his crew and his grandson are looking at controls that show the ship's weapons and defenses.
"Starboard defenses are down, sir!" The First Mate informs the Captain loudly.
"It won't take long before it destroys other defenses!" Riven added with worry.
The Captain glares at the Sea Feilong before turning to the second crewmember. "We still got the heavy cannon?"
The Second Crewmember, a male, looks at the screen, "Aye, but it's moving too fast! We can't land a hit!"
The Captain growls in anger, "Argh...How about the engines?" He asked his First Mate.
The First Mate changed the screen to look at the engine and responded, "Fully functional, Captain!"
"But we have to make the timing right!" Riven said to his grandfather, "We don't know how much the ship could handle another blast!"
The Captain nodded in understanding, "Well alright, then!"
On the deck, Blake is preparing to counter a hit from the Grimm's electric blast, but Sun jumps in between with a laugh of triumph. He uses Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang to deflect it and lands on the heavy cannon, resting his staff on his shoulder with a crooked grin.
"Huntsmen!" The Captain called out to them in the upper deck, causing both Sun and Blake to turn to look at him. "If you can clip its wings and draw it out towards the bow, we could take it!"
"But be careful!" Riven added, running next to his grandfather, "That Grimm is moving too fast and you have to time it just right!"
His words were correct. They need to be in the exact time to clip the Grimm's wing. Blake then turns away from the Captain to look up at Sun. The Monkey Faunus notices this and looks at her with a knowing look.
"I mean, you're the one with the swords."
Blake groans again, knowing that she had to do it. Without a word, Sun spins his weapon back into a holstered position and runs at the Grimm.
"Now or never!"
Sun activates three clones and jumps into the air. The first clone springs Blake upward to the second clone, which does the same. The third clone swings her up. Sun waits, laughing and opening up his arms, but then loses his smile in confusion.
"Huh?"
Blake, instead of heading toward him, directs herself above him and lands on his shoulders. They sink a few feet while he grunts and Blake leaps upward off him. High above the Sea Feilong, she begins her descent, avoiding the electric blasts it shoots at her. She runs down its right wing, slicing through the thin membrane. Sun smirks as he waits for her on the rock she is readying to land on and catches her. The impact causes the rock surface to crack around them while he has left holding her bridal style. Blake smiles at him until he speaks.
"This is the part where you say it." Sun said in a joking tone.
Blake turns her head away in annoyance, "Ugh."
The Sea Feilong moves around them, causing the precarious rocky area to collapse. Blake moves away, leaving Sun behind.
"Okay, maybe later!" Sun yells before he jumps off the collapsing rock.
The Sea Feilong flies after them, knocking rocks down as he goes. The Captain watches from the bridge through a spyglass before throwing a handle and increasing the boat's speed. It sails beside the destructive Grimm, keeping apace. Sun continues to hop around, avoiding the Grimm's attacks until one more move puts him directly in front of its open mouth. Blake swings in on her ribbon and gets him out of reach. The Grimm prepares a blast to get them both in one shot, frightening the two Faunus, but soon stops when something pulls its tail in the water, causing the Sea Feilong to get distracted. Blake saw something in the water that was pulling the Sea Feilong's tail until it was snapped out of it when the ship's bowsprit impaled the Grimm with full force. The Sea Feilong roared as it struggled to break free. However, the Captain saw this as an opportunity and gave out a loud order.
"Fire!"
And with his command, the heavy cannon fires and hits Grimm dead on. Its upper half is blasted off into pieces, and it dies immediately. The Captain, Riven, the First Mate, and Crew Member 02 all cheer. Riven announces the news and soon the ship erupts with cheers that are upheld by the passengers, joining in with applause. Blake and Sun landed on the rock, looking at the Grimm as it evaporates into black ashes or smoke. Sun celebrates while Blake smiles and lowers her head in relief. Although she notices something was swimming in the water before disappearing, causing the cat Faunus to be suspicious, wondering if something saved them from the Grimm. However, her mind came to a sudden halt when Sun interrupted her.
"Ha-ha!" Sun laughed as he lifted his hand for a high five, "Up top!" He said towards Blake.
Unfortunately, for Sun, Blake wasn't too happy about this. Instead of smiling, she turns and glares at Sun with anger. Sun failed to realize it because he was busy wiggling his hand with a grin. "Eh?"
Without any warning, Blake lets out an angry cry as she swings her arm around to slap him in the face. He rears back in slow motion as Blake's hand makes contact with his face hard.
Later at night, they return to the ship with Sun's face sore from Blake slapping him, they stay at the middle deck of the ship. Blake was at the railing again, only facing sideways, while Sun was talking with two Faunus passengers, thanking him and Blake for saving everyone on the ship. The passengers, the Captain, and the crew were grateful for their help in defeating the Sea Feilong. That Grimm would've destroyed the ship if it weren't for them. Now, everyone can rest easy, knowing the danger has passed from that stressful event. Blake was still skeptical of what just happened. She was sure there was something in the water that helped them by pulling the Grimm's tail.
"Seriously, it was no big deal!" Sun said to the two passengers with a smile, "Just enjoy the rest of your trip and everything will be cool! We got this!" The two Faunus, a male with horns and a female with rabbit ears who we saw earlier, wave goodbye as they turn away. Sun struts over to Blake. "You'd think they'd never seen a fight before."
Blake turns to him with an annoyed look in her eyes, "What are you doing here, Sun?"
Sun didn't listen as he was changing the subject, "Diggin' the new outfit, by the way!" He points to her ears, "Never did like the bow."
Losing her patient, Blake slaps his hand away, "Sun!"
"Geez!" Sun holds his hand, feeling the sting of her slap.
"Have you been following me?!" Blake asked him angrily.
Sun was looking a touch abashed, feeling guilty and worried at her sudden attitude, that he decided to tell her the truth. "I saw you run off. The night Beacon Tower almost fell." Blake's eyes widened a bit at his words, "When those strange crystals appeared from the ground, everyone was taken back to their home. You made sure everyone was okay, and then you just took off, without saying anything. I then saw you getting on this ship with the help of Professor Goodwitch. Why was she helping you sneak on board anyways?"
Blake looks down, not wanting him to know about the plan that Voltaria told her, "You wouldn't understand."
Sun shook his head, "No, I get it! The moment you left, I knew exactly what you were doing!" Hearing this, Blake smiles at him, pleased at feeling understood. Until she said. "You're going on a one-woman rampage against the White Fang!
Blake's happy expression falls. Staring at him in a little bit of disbelief, "What?"
Sun explains his ridiculous reason, "You always felt like the Fang was your fight. They show up, trash your school, hurt your friends. It makes perfect sense!" Sun explains his theory in an enthusiastic tone.
Blake shook her head, still in disbelief, placing a hand on her head. "I can't believe you."
Sun wasn't even finished as he continued, his excitement hadn't ceased. "But there's no way I'm letting you do this alone! It's an honorable approach, for sure, but you're going to need someone to watch your back. And that's where I come in!" Sun proceeds by putting his arm around her, "Us Faunus got to stick together, after all."
Blake sighs again in annoyance, "You're wrong, Sun." She pushes him off her, "You're so, so wrong." Blake then turns her back on him and walks away.
"What are you..." Sun was going after her but she stopped a few feet, putting a hand on her arm.
Blake shook her head, not facing him, "I'm not going anywhere NEAR the White Fang. Not yet."
Sun scratched his head, feeling wrong and confused, he could've sworn that that his theory was right. "Seriously?"
Blake turns to him slightly. "I need to sort some things out."
"Then why not do it with your team? Your friends?"
Blake wanted to say that her friends were planning on going to Mistral. She was supposed to go with them, but Voltaria told her that her home, Menagerie, may have dinosaurs washed up ashore, and not even the lookout knows about it. She can't tell Sun. Not yet.
"You're one to talk! Assuming Neptune, Sage, and Scarlet aren't hiding below deck!" Blake exclaims at him in anger.
Sun scoffed a bit, "You really think I could get Neptune on the ocean?" Sun reminds her that Neptune would never set foot on a boat near the water. He would rather face an army of Grimm than being in a boat. "They flew back to Mistral! I told them I'd catch up! It's not the first time I left them to take a boat!" Sun explains his reason, sitting on the rail with no problem, as he looks at Blake, "So, if you're not going after the White Fang, where are you going?"
Blake looks back at the ocean calmly, before answering him. "Home, to Menagerie." Blake looks up at the slightly shattered moon. "There's something I need to discuss with someone."
Sun stares at her briefly, trying to figure out what she meant, before crossing his arms confidently, "Well, I'm coming with you!" He said with a grin, causing Blake to look at him, "After Voltaria did a mumbo jumbo on the city by bringing those Grimm repellant crystal thingies, the rest of the kingdoms wanted to have those crystals too! They're going crazy! Especially the Grimm! They're getting worse; you saw it yourself! And just because you're not going after the Fang doesn't mean they won't be coming for you! Besides..." Sun looks at the water and gestures to himself on the ship, "I'm...kind of already on the boat."
Blake just stares at him, expression mixed with amusement with a hint of annoyance. "There's really no stopping you?"
Sun grins to her words, "Nope! This is going to be great! Never been in Menagerie before! It'll be a regular journey to the east!" He said TO Blake, spreading his arms as he and Blake looked at the ocean with the shattered moon reflected by the water, "Yeah, I like the sound of that."
As the ship continued sailing towards Menagerie, they weren't aware that they were being followed deep within the water.
And it wasn't a Grimm.
Cliffhanger! I hope you people liked it. And the half-brother idea belongs to Marbinv. I had trouble thinking of a backstory for Xìngyùn. In addition, I feel like it's time Voltaria has some other relatives.
Riven is another Oc of mine.
Review or Favorite.