RGQC here, and we are back with another chapter. It has been a while, huh? Well, no matter, I'm back, and Blake will make her appearance again after disappearing for a while! So yeah, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

As with all my other stories, I do not own RWBY, only my OCs in this story. RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth.

Jade POV

A day had passed, and it was the weekend! And you know what that means, Blake is back, and I will have to follow my father as he orders a new double-bladed glaive for me! Mother was also proud of me, and I was showered with praise and worry. Heh. Classic mom.

Anyways, Velvet also showed up in the morning as I was applying some herbal balm mom made for me to help treat my aching muscles. As it turns out, she was there watching me spar with my father yesterday, and I failed to notice that she was there until she told me just now.

The point is that Velvet has been watching me spar since we became friends. I just didn't expect to see her there, and she made quite the effort to hide among the crowds from my sight, and she succeeded. And she found herself in awe upon witnessing me sparring. I guess I must have made an impression recently, as she personally showed up to congratulate me and even asked how I used such a weapon.

I had to sheepishly admit that I had only begun training myself to use it till now. And now my father would no doubt teach me more on how to use an unorthodox weapon, as he calls it. And when I asked her what kind of weapon she plans to use once she becomes a Huntress, Velvet wasn't so sure herself, but I just told her that she would eventually find something suitable for her.

Like me and the double-bladed glaive, I used a while back.

With that done, I invited her for a walk around Kuo Kanna since I had some time to spare before Blake returned to Menagerie. So, until she came back, Velvet and I wandered around, and I even bought both of us some watermelon juice since it was getting hot at the moment.

"Are you waiting for someone?" I heard Velvet calling out to me as we both chose to sit at the beach with our drinks as Faunuses could be seen either resting or in the distant fishing while I was longingly staring out into the sea.

"Hm? Oh, just thinking of another friend who has been out of Menagerie for months." I mumbled. "I… She's coming back today, and I want to see her again." I ended up having a soft smile on my face while Velvet simply tilted her head as her bunny ears twitched.

"Sounds like you missed her." Velvet said before she took a sip while I nodded my head.

"Yeah, we were together ever since she and I were babies. We're uhm... We're inseparable, and the last few months have been lonely without her since she joined her father's rally." I explained, and I saw Vel giving me a confused look for a moment. Did I do something wrong?

"Rally?"

Oh, right! She doesn't know what I really meant! My bad! "Oh, sorry. Her father is the leader of the White Fang." I elaborated as I could see it clicking in her head.

"Oh! The White Fang, I heard of them, and they recently had a rally in Vale, right?" She then asked before my ears twitched in response as if I confirmed her question. "That makes sense now… Isn't the leader of the White Fang also the chieftain of Menagerie?" Velvet then asked as I drank my watermelon juice with a nod.

"Yeah. I guess I should tell you. Her name is Blake Belladonna. Daughter of Ghira Belladonna and a close friend of mine. They have been out of Menagerie for months doing their rally and should be coming back either today or tomorrow." It would be nice to offer my best friend an opportunity to meet Velvet. Perhaps we all can become best friends.

Assuming she is ok with it.

I hope she is.

"I was thinking of introducing you to her, but…" My voice droned out at the end, but Vel knew what I was thinking from what I could guess from her face.

"Are you afraid she might not take well to introducing me to her?" My eyes barely met her eyes before I nodded.

"I don't want her to think I replaced her with you, but I also enjoy being friends…" My voice slowly became soft right as I closed my eyes. "I'm worried if she were to be mad at me. Daddy says I shouldn't worry about it, but I can't help but be." And my eyes began to wonder about the whats and ifs for a moment before I felt a hand on my shoulder.

When I opened my eyes, Velvet gave me a comforting smile. "I think your papa's right. You're just overthinking it. Perhaps you should just ask her?" I watched as she tilted her head awkwardly as I giggled and resumed drinking from my juice. Yeah, like what dad said. I shouldn't worry about it, and besides, I'm sure Blake would appreciate another friend besides me.

It can get quite lonely when you're by yourself. Like I did when she was with her dad, and I'm sure Blake feels the same without me.

"Sure. And thanks for that, Vel." I muttered before finishing my drink with a smile. "Perhaps I'll introduce you to her later. Is that alright with you?" I spoke before getting an understanding nod from Velvet, who, too, finished her drink.

"Sure. I'm ok with that." And with that, we both returned our cups before taking our leave. I gotta check on Aunt Kali when Blake and Uncle Ghira are coming back. And perhaps I can bring Vel along as well. I hope she doesn't mind.

As it turns out, the little cat Faunus got his answer when it appeared that Aunt Kali was preparing a lunch feast as her daughter and husband would be arriving around mid-day. It was also during this time that Velvet went her own way because she wanted to check up on her mother.

His mother was also there helping cook alongside Kali as she had taken leave for today, much to her son's genuine surprise and joy. And it was quite a feast. Sauteed noodles with vegetables alongside tuna and salmon. In fact, upon hearing what his mother and aunt Kali were cooking, Jade began to drool on the spot while staring at the pot.

It was then that an idea struck the little cat Faunus. Perhaps he could also help by making cookies! His friend always loved them, and that would be a nice welcome-home gift to her. And with a plan in mind, Jade volunteered to help them out so he could make cookies in return.

Hours passed, and Blake shuffled beside her father as they slowly made their way through the crowds of people cheering after arriving back home to Menagerie. Her time outside her home has been an enlightening experience and a depressing one. She saw how it was outside of Kou Kanna for the first time, and it fascinated her how developed they were compared to home and made her wonder if her home could become something similar.

But simultaneously, it hurts her to see what her father's been fighting against for the first time. Witnessing entire stores banning Faunuses from entering or segregating them into their own corner. Neither option felt great to see it for the first time for Blake. And it got even worse when her father organised a protest in which she participated.

But a counter-protest of anti-Faunus rights humans also appeared. At first, neither side actively did anything to the other, but tension grew when shouting and jeering were tossed at each other while her father tried to calm the flames. But that changed when someone threw a brick at her father. He was unharmed and managed to stop it before it hurt him, but it was the final straw and sparked a fight that escalated into a riot between protesters and counter-protesters.

Blake remembered it like it was yesterday. She witnessed her fellow Faunus fighting against a human while her Father did all he could to stop the rioting while keeping her safe as several tried to attack her. She had never felt so afraid when she saw someone collapse onto the ground and bleeding from his head before her father stepped in to protect her from another human trying to grab her. It was only when the local police got involved that things calmed down.

Even then, several of her father's people and a couple of humans were arrested for causing property damage, and more were injured in the riot. Thankfully, no one died in the riot, but her father was also taken away for questioning but came clean when she and several others came up and voiced that he wasn't instigating it but trying to prevent it.

Nevertheless, the riot forced her father to retract the next staged protest for the safety of his people since many of them were hurt by it.

Bringing her head back to reality, Blake could see her home in the distance, bringing another thing to her mind. How she missed her friend's present so much. She never realised how close both were until she was months away, and this would be the first time they'd see each other again.

For the first time since then, Blake felt nervous about meeting her best friend since that one time, and she must have portrayed it on her face because her father let out a grunt as he gently patted her ears. "It is alright dear. It will go well." That was all her father said before Blake clung to his arms. Knowing what his daughter wants, Ghira simply picks her up and rests her on his shoulder before heading home, with neither he nor his daughter saying anything.

By the time they were at the door, Blake could smell the food within, making her mouth water. She always loved her mother's cooking. "We're home. Blake's father mutters softly before she agrees.

"Yeah. Good to be home."

However, before Ghira could get close to opening the door, the sound of running could be heard before the door slammed open by none other than her best friend himself, who ecstatically greeted them. "Uncle Ghira! Blake! Welcome back!"

"Jade!" Blake happily cried out at the sight of her best friend as she struggled to get off her father's shoulders before she finally managed to get off right as both children ran and hugged each other while laughing.

"I missed you! It's never been the same without you here!" Jade was the first to speak as Blake quickly agreed while Kali, Amranth and Melo finally arrived and stood at the doorway with a smile.

"Yeah! It has been lonely without you!" Blake instantly agrees while the Grayson and Belladonna matriarchs have smug smiles on their lips. In fact, they regularly gossiped about their children and their closeness to one another. And to the children's ignorance, both mothers wouldn't mind having them become engaged in the future once they grow older, as they will be adorable together.

"How was your first rally?" Jade moved one before Blake's expression visibly dimmed, much to her best friend's concern. Ghira also could be seen grimly shaking his head at the adults as they roughly understood what had happened.

"Did something happen?" Jade asked before Ghira interrupted the conversation between the two children.

"We can talk about it in the dining room." That was all he said before he got nods from everyone.

"Come one, Jade. I'm sure they will tell us what happened." Amranth calls out to her son as Jade nods in understanding though he is still concerned about what made his best friend dimmed like that. And when they found themselves at the dining table, Ghira began explaining what had transpired while he and his daughter were out from Menagerie.

And upon Ghira explaining the whole story alongside Blake, who joins in occasionally, everyone scowls at the end of his talk. Even Jade had one thought it switched between that or having a disheartened look on his face.

"I see…" Melo was the first to speak after remaining silent to absorb everything with his eyes closed. "I will not lie to you, friend. I can tell that the path you choose to lead the White Fang will be gruelling in the coming years, and how you react to it will change its course. I believe you, and I know of the growing unrest within the Fang, correct?" The Grayson patriarch says before his wife frowns at him.

"Dear, you know how we feel about it. Why are you doing this?"

Letting out a sigh, Melo spoke. "It must be said, dear. You know this as well." A frown grew on Amranth's face, while her son just had a baffled frown the whole time. As if he's trying to piece together what they meant.

"Amranth, it is ok. Your husband deserves to say his thoughts." Ghira raises his hand up and grunts before looking at his dear friend. "Yes, I am aware. The unrest has only grown larger, and I fear I could only do so much before much of the Fang will bear this frustration on humanity." Ghira sighed.

"You're referring to Sienna Khan, aren't you?" Melo narrowed his eyes as Ghira confirmed his suspicions with a nod.

"Yes, she was one of the first to advocate for using fear and violence to overcome Human prejudice, and her influence grows within the White Fang. The recent clash in Vale had only boosted her popularity, and now more are voicing that my non-violent approach is not enough to help our people." Kali's ears sank, as did Amranth, while the children could only listen on.

Melo then sighs as he begins petting his son's head. "I get it. Humanity won't change unless something big happens to shake up the status quo. Until that happens, nothing will change, unlike the events of the Great War or the Faunus Rights Revolution that happened soon after."

"For now, as fool hardly as it may be, stick to your course Ghira. It's the only way to see our people get our rights and to ensure positive relations towards those who sympathise with our objectives." Melo finished off. Before his eyes returned to the empty dining table and the sound of Blake's stomach growling, much to her embarrassment.

"Well… since that is done and my baby girl's hungry." She giggled right as her daughter protested while hugging her. "How about a welcome back feast?"

"Yes!" Amranth claps her hands. "We made much for all of us, so you all better finish it!"

"Yay! Food!" Jade and Blake cheered out right before following their mothers as they stood up and left to get the meals. Leaving Ghira and Melo behind as they awkwardly stared at each other.

"One more thing…" Ghira finally spoke once he was sure his wife was out of ear reach. "My daughter was nearly hurt in the rally if it wasn't for me protecting her, and I realise something. I can't always be there for her, and sooner than later, she will have to learn how to protect herself."

With a confused look, while rubbing his chin, Melo asked. "What's the reason behind telling me this?"

Ghira simply nods before cutting to the chase. "I want you to teach my daughter how to fight and defend herself. Just as you had done with my people and even your own son. She has even asked me about her wish to join your training regime to learn how to defend herself. Though, I suspect her reason is not what she says it is. The Belladonna patriarch explains.

"You do know that you will have to tell Kali about this decision."

"I know. Knowing her, she would allow it under certain conditions." Ghira continued before he heard his daughter screaming out with joy suddenly.

"COOOOOKIES!"

Kali could then be heard immediately after her daughter. "No, Blake! No eating cookies before lunch! Only after, ok?"

"Aww…" Ghira could only bear a bemused look while Melo grinned at his friend's reaction.

"She must have found the batch of cookies my son made just for her as a welcome-back gift."

"I see…" Ghira mumbled before Melo stood up.

"Well then, I supposed we should help them instead of laying back and letting them do all the work." And with a nod, Ghira stood up and followed his friend as both went to assist their wives.

Jade POV

Lunch came soon, and it was tasty! I wish I could have this kind of feast every day, but we're not rich. And my father doesn't want me to become decadent from always eating good food. What does decadent even mean anyways? It feels like I should know its meaning, but I can't seem to remember it right now.

Anyways, the salmon was mouthwatering! Especially when it has butter and lemon on it! The Tuna was tasty too, but it is more of Blake and Aunt Kali's thing than mine, so I mostly gave it to my best friend, who willingly took it. After lunch and while we were still in the dining room talking to each other, my best friend suddenly voiced her wish to learn how to fight in front of everyone.

Aunt Kali was surprised by it, and so I was too. But Daddy and Uncle Ghira don't seem to be surprised by this. Did they talk about this earlier or something? While I don't mind having Blake alongside me as I trained with my father. In fact, I was ecstatic to have her joining me and learning how to fight and defend ourselves! And even before we could speak, Blake continued and voiced her wish to learn how to protect herself, just as I had requested years back.

It will take some time for her to catch up and find time to squeeze between her lessons, but I think we can work it out in time.

Upon hearing her explanation, Aunt Kali didn't seem affected by her daughter's decision, but instead, she showed her support compared to mummy, who has to be convinced to allow daddy to take me in. But even before we could move on, Aunt Kali just had to tease my best friend that she only wanted to join because of me!

As flattering as that may be, I'm sure that's not Blake's reason. But my mother thought otherwise as she joined in and teased us too!

Why?!

The teasing got so bad I was really tempted to get up from my seat and run out of the mansion, but thankfully, Father and Uncle Ghira stepped in favour of us. Moving on from that, my father agreed to take Blake in as he had done to me, though he did mention that she would need time to get her up into shape first, as well as ensure that she still does her studies as I had been doing for years at this point.

Of course, because it is my duty as her best friend, I agreed to help Blake whenever possible. But firstly, her studies. She has skipped over months' worth of homework, and I will not let her get away from it until she has caught up to what she has missed! Only then will I approve allowing her to join in my training!

I take my work very seriously, mind you.

In the end, the adults finished their talks while Blake and I chose to leave the mansion. It has been months since we've seen each other, and I know we want time for ourselves. Well, that and I figured that it's time to introduce Velvet to Blake. I could only hope that it goes well.

"You said you want to introduce me to someone?" Blake asked while her ears twitched curiously. All the while, we walked through the crowded streets towards Velvet's house. "Who is this person, and why?" She pestered as I could only glance to the side and scratched my cheek.

"Well… her name is Velvet, and I met her around a week ago after I saved her from some bullies. And I uhh… figured that you and she could be friends as she had become to me. She is nice to be around and stuff…" I mumbled before bringing my attention back to my best friend. Why is she staring so intently into my eyes?

Blake? Please don't look at me like that. It makes me feel as if I've done something wrong.

"And… I think we could use another friend?" I could only give my best friend a shy grin. "It can get lonely when one of us is busy."

"Ok."

Wait what? That's it?

"Ok?" That was the only thing I could say before Blake giggled at me.

"It was lonely when I was with Dad outside of Menagerie. So, I get it, and if what you said about Velvet is true, I won't mind additional company." That's… That's great!

"Great! Let's go then! I think you will like her." I smiled before I broke into full speed while she began sputtering before she began to laugh and chase after me. And so, we ran through the crowded streets of Kou Kanna, and minutes passed before we found ourselves outside Velvet's home.

But what we didn't expect to see was a tall, somewhat built man with brown hair and spectacles on his face. Velvet was also there and in his hands. Is that her father? I didn't expect to see him this early…

"Vel!" I called out as the young rabbit Faunus perked upon hearing my voice as she turned, and I was rewarded with a bright smile.

"Jade! She called out as she struggled to get out of her father's arms right as he asked who we were. Nevertheless, to my humour, she completely ignored him before hopping off and meeting us in the middle. Blake was also right behind me as she watched Velvet closely.

"I came as soon as I could!" I said before pausing and turning to my best friend. "Blake, this is Velvet Scarlatina and Velvet, this is Blake Belladonna." I began introducing my friends to each other when we heard that man, who I believe is her father, spoke.

"Velvet? Who are these children here?"

"Oh! This is Jade Grayson. He saved me from some bullies a week ago." She says while pointing at me. "He was introducing me to his friend who recently came back." Velvet continued as I could see him intently staring at me in particular. Please stop. You're scaring me.

"Is that so?" He hummed before kneeling to my height. "Well then, I am Will Scarlatina. A pleasure to meet you, Jade Grayson. And I must thank you for watching over my daughter. She had said much about you."

"Uhm. No problem, sir. Those kids were bullying her just because she had a human for a father. Which I don't care about at all." I explained, and during this time, my eyes glanced to see Velvet interacting with Blake. However, my best friend seemed almost shy yet excited at the prospect of talking to another.

Will simply chuckled at me. "I'm simply thankful my daughter has a friend here. And it appears she may be having another one from their talk." Velvet's father said as his eyes were on his daughter and my best friend.

"Oh yeah… I only came here to introduce my friend to her. She had only recently come back from overseas and stuff…" I found myself scratching the back of my ears before I heard my friends laughing about something.

"Really? You did that to him?"

"Yeah! He fell for it so easily I couldn't believe it!" My friend giggled. What are they… oh no… Please. Please don't be what I think they're talking about. "I managed to make him fall into my rope trap, and he called me a cheater, but he cheated first when he asked my mom for help." Oh no… not that trap Blake did to me years ago. First thing you guys meet, and now you're telling jokes at the cost of me?

How could you, Blake?

I would only stand idly by in horror while watching as my two friends began laughing aloud while Will joined in and laughed along. Not you too! "Well then, how about you and your friend come in? It is the best I could do after what you have done for my daughter." Will smiled at me, and I simply nodded before my ears twitched instantly at my friends laughing at my expense.

But I suppose I could let her off just for today. From what I heard just now, she had it rough with humans. And to think there are stalls outside that banned us or had us segregated to our own corner. I don't know how to feel about it, but a part of me is… disappointed in humanity.

But why, though? I am indeed pissed that this is how we're treated outside, but at the same time, this part of me that I had is disheartened by their path. From what I gather, there are only a few safe places in Remnant, and to see humanity so focused on minor issues like our race seems strange when there are monsters to worry about.

I wonder… Should I go through the path of a Huntsman to begin with? My parents wished not to, but I wanted to help as much as possible. But then again, could becoming a hero help my people as well? Uwah… this giving me a headache…

I rubbed my forehead as we all entered their house, and it turned out that Meg was also around. For the rest of the afternoon, Blake, Velvet and I spent time together with the girls taking the time to know one another. I even brought some of the cookies I made earlier and shared them with Velvet, and she loves it! But alas, it was getting close to the end of the day, and my best friend and I had to leave.

I'm glad it worked well enough at my expense, but it was worth it. Having another friend in our group feels nice. Though for how long this will last, I could only hope for a lifetime. "Jade?" I heard my best friend asking me before I turned my head to her. "Thank you for welcoming me back and introducing me to a new friend. I enjoyed it."

"Oh, anything for you, Blake. You are very important to me." I simply smiled back at my best friend.

"Important…" My best friend mumbled right before she did something that caught me off guard. She leaned closer. And with her cheeks red, I felt a peck from her lips on my cheek. I felt my eyes widen and could feel the growing warmth on my face seconds after she pulled away. In addition, I could see that Blake was feeling the same way.

She kissed me. Blake kissed me!

My head snapped away from her, and I felt as if my heart threatened to jump out of my chest! I… I, uh, what do I do?! Was this a thank you kiss or something more… No! I uh… don't know how to react to it… It's not on the lips… as mummy and daddy did before…

Blake?

By the time I turned around, she wasn't there anymore. Did… Did she just run off without me? I was now alone on the streets and uh… I think I understand. "Hah…? Blake? Did you just…" I was speechless for a while as I stood around stupidly. How am I…

No. Get yourself under control, Jade! I'm sure Blake still sees you as a best friend, not… tha- Never mind! I should get back home and think about it. I can get some answers from her.

Probably.

Or we will never speak of this again, for our sakes. I think I'm gonna go home and hopefully forget this. I wish the same for her. If any of our mothers found out about this, this would suck.

Turns out I suck at hiding things because the moment I got home, mummy noticed something was off about me and suspected something had happened between Blake and me before proceeding to pester me for the details for the remaining day.

Great… just great…

What I was not aware of was that my best friend was also in the same situation as I was, and neither of us could look each other in the eyes for days afterwards.

We are done! Well, that happened. Blake officially returns after learning first-hand what her father has been going against. Everyone else celebrates a welcome back feast, the official meeting between Velvet and Blake, and becoming friends.

Oh, and a thank you kiss from one cat Faunus to another. Feels so lovely, sappy and wholesome, isn't it? Eh, worry not about it. That will change soon enough for the better or for worse.

If you enjoy this story and wish to show your support for more in the future, do Follow and Favourite this story. And while you're at it, leave a review about what you think, as that will let me know that you want to see more content from me!

With that, I'll see you all in the next chapter!

RGQC out!