A/N: Chapter 67 of REKT. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or teams of RWBY, they belong to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. What I do own are the characters and teams of my OCs: REKT, GTSY, KACE and DAZE. I also claim Ingrid, Teo, Reina's parents and aunt as well.

Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.


Chapter 67: Menagerie

Inside the Schnee Garden...

Weiss took a slow, dainty sip of her coffee as she enjoyed the cool outside weather while sitting on one of the many stone benches. She took initiative towards avoiding her father as much as possible during her confinement in Atlas: staying long hours inside her old bedroom or escaping out towards the garden to smell the flowers from her window. If she couldn't do either of those things, she would go for an alternative option by seeking refuge on her balcony to see the shattered moon.

It was times like these where she believed the moon was her only friend and company, aside from Klein. But she didn't want to bother the family butler, that and she did enjoy having some time to herself. Of course, she spends her time thinking about how lonely she actually was and wished for her friends and teammates to be by her side. During the years at Beacon, from her harsh upbringing under Jacques' rule, she admits she was rather...cold when she met her would-be friends. Then she began to warm up, learning to express her once shackled emotions; she had never felt so free and saw her escape from Atlas a mega blessing.

But now that she was back in her father's clutches, with her travel privileges revoked and unusable, she felt like a caged bird with clipped wings for his amusement. The cold shackles were back around her as a reminder, and she loathed it. In fact she felt extremely ill, like everything was packed into a large ice block settling in her stomach and weighed her down. At that point, she wished she could have Yang's power to melt it; she swore at one point that there was a fire being cultivated within the blonde's stomach, adding to the brawler's hot-headed personality and temper. Weiss understood through her conversations and bonding times with Yang that it was all part of the blonde's Semblance.

"Mother..." The heiress says quietly after reminiscing about her memories, glancing up towards the regal woman sitting before her. "I know...that we haven't had enough time to chat since Father always drags me away for training, but I just want to tell you about how I've been. I met a bunch of friends while I attended Beacon, and I have an amazing team. In fact...I consider them to be my second family, and...if fate permits, I'd love for you to meet them one day. You know, deep down inside I've always felt so conflicted as the true heiress to the family company. I'm always torn between following Father's wishes, what goes on in my head, and...and what my heart truly desires."

Willow blinks slowly before putting her wine glass to her lips, letting the luscious red liquid ooze down her throat. It wasn't that she didn't have things to say, it was just that she was more interested in her drink than her own daughter. Weiss herself had formulated a hypothesis inside her mind that her own mother doesn't even recognize her. Sitting in front of her watching as she still drinks her wine, the young heiress has solidified her claim and came to the conclusion that there is no possible way to talk any more sense into her mother. She had to let go of that attempt, she just had to.

Weiss releases a shaky breath and did her best not to cry, pinching the inside of her wrist ever so slightly to calm herself down. A Schnee must always reign in emotions and keep a stoic demeanor, keeping others at bay and always act superior. That's what Jacques always taught her back when she was a child. Her mother's aloof mannerism shouldn't bother her after all these years of knowing, but that didn't make it any less hurtful.

"...I don't know why I...never mind. It helps to have some company." She pushes back her chair and bows slightly, the urge to show respect to the monarch still evident in her blood. Her mother didn't raise her or Winter to be people without etiquette...Whitley on the other hand, he's a different kind of child because he was born after Willow fell off the edge with her addiction. "At the very least...you lent me your ears without questioning anything. That's all I can expect from you whenever Klein is busy tending to my father."

Her mother made no indication that she heard her daughter, fixing her drunken gaze as Weiss walks off back to her room.


Arriving at Menagerie...

Sound of The Pride's horn filled the air announcing the ship's arrival as it docks at the port; its passengers descending from the ramp onto dry land while chattering with excitement and relief. The battle with the sea Grimm, the partying that followed, and spending so many days out on the vast sea had worn them all out. As far as the eye could see the bazaar or market place stationed along the sandy beaches was filled with bustling civilians.

"Wow, so this is what Menagerie is like! It's so...lively! Whoa!" Sun whistles in awe, taking in the sights and smells with his arms folded behind his head. His tail twitched back and forth with excitement as well, sometimes lightly slapping against Blake's leg when they walked side-by-side. "Never would have imagined this amount of activity!"

"This is only the port, but it's a part of one of the habitual settlements on this continent. Here, everyone can feel safe no matter who or what they are." Blake tells them with a small smile on her face before gesturing to the adobes further inland. Her ears were perked up in alertness, as she says, "Welcome to Kuo Kuana, the main city. It also happens to be...my hometown."

"Your hometown?" Both faunus looked at her before switching their gaze to the settlement. It wasn't anything like the bustling cities of Vale – Sun notes that the buildings weren't like the ones in Mistral when he first met his teammates – but from what they can observe, the civilians seem to be well off with what they have.

"Oh wow...it's beautiful." Sun repeats, still not over the fact that he was standing on faunus soil. "This is so surreal, like I've woken up in some sort of dream...still very crowded in my opinion."

"Yes. Yes it is." Blake said and her hands curled tightly by her side. "It's what you get when a whole race is shoved on an island that is one third hospitable to maintain lifeforms."

"Since you mention that, and forgive me for asking this, but how come there are no signs of oppression here?" Kairos speaks up after a minute of thinking. Sun had his mouth covered with one hand to hold back what sounded like a gasp, while Blake seemed like she had been punched. "It seems to me like everyone here is happy and they're living quite well. If my history is wrong, then I don't see anything wrong with the faunus living here."

"Why would you–?"

"Explain that to me, because I'm very curious. You'd think that with everything the entire faunus race has been through, don't you think they would try harder to, oh I don't know, leave the island?" She cut off Blake immediately, fixing her with an unyielding gaze. "Is it that those living here have already adapted to the conditions, and they're making do with what they have? Or is it they're suppressing their true emotions of the situation? I really can't tell."

"The faunus here originally moved to Menagerie because they were tired of fighting...and they still are. They are tired of losing everything again...and they really want to be left alone." Blake finally gives, looking to the side with her ears folded against her head. "After the Great War, the faunus were given this piece of land as a reward for their participation. However, two-thirds is desert and ruled by very dangerous wild life, there wasn't much to go off of. Back then, the humans thought to confine the race and believed that compensating the faunus via Menagerie was equivalent to equal rights. But that wasn't the case, and soon the faunus revolted; thus they sparked what was known as the Faunus War."

"The Faunus War?" Sun thought about it as if he hadn't heard that name before, listening to the two girls talk to one another. Then he let out a noise of recognition, slamming a fist on top of an open palm. "Oh! The Faunus Rights Revolution! Yeah...I was awake for that lecture by Professor Oobleck, kinda hard to catch the main points when he's on caffeine. It lasted about three years later, after the Great War. The turning point of the war was the Battle of Fort Castle against this dude named General Lagune."

"That's when night vision was used as a great advantage to over-throw the larger army, a quality humans will never possess." Kairos picked up the story, nodding her head in agreement as she recalled the history lesson. "So then, after some time to heal, the White Fang was organized to serve as a symbol of peace and unity between the two races...but that turned when the discrimination didn't stop."

"It's...more than just discrimination. But, it is the predominant problem." says Blake as her thoughts flew immediately to Adam. And along with those thoughts, came the memories of Yang. She stiffened up, one arm holding the other in a tight grip, before angrily shaking her head. This unspoken behavior didn't go unnoticed by her two friends who looked at one another with knowing expressions.

"Blake...are you okay?" Kairos asks her with concern. She decided to end the conversation about the faunus and made a mental note to continue where they ended off. There was just so much left to discuss. "Are you ill?"

"...sorry, just a little whoozy from the sea ride. Perhaps even a bit fatigue." She waves her hand dismissively, assuring them that she was fine. "I nearly forgot just how long it takes to get here from Vale. Maybe we should've taken a bullhead, the engine power is nothing to overlook. Ahahaha."

She's not fine, definitely not fine. That blow from your comment may have taken a lot out of her! Sun mimed to the other faunus from over Blake's head with his hands. His brows were furrowed with worry, and it didn't take two of them to guess what the cat faunus was actually thinking. So let's not push her too hard, it was a long ride over after all.

"You're right, the distance is quite something." Kairos replies as she nodded her head to the monkey faunus. "Shall we get going? There's a lot that we have yet to see, don't we Sun?"

"Abs-olutely!" He states eagerly, puffing out his chest and grinned. "The weather feels similar to Vacuo, so I believe I'll fit right on in! If not I can adapt!" Blake rolled her eyes at his antics before gesturing for them to follow her a little further in. The bustling crowd was something all three of them were accustomed to, yet they did have to squeeze through some bottlenecks to get to where they wanted to go.

Since they have full access to the ocean it is obvious to note that their commodity is sea food. But I see some are also selling fruits and vegetables as well. Kairos looked to see various kinds of fish, shrimp, and other food she didn't recognize. The mixture of fish scent as well as sweat of the faunus and the sweetness of some fruits around her was a bit intoxicating. She nearly lost track of her friends a couple of times as she browsed the wares, her eyes darting back and forth with interest. The prices definitely range from expensive and cheap, thus forming competition among the sellers. However, I'm assuming all of the merchants here are buddies and go out for drinks after a long day of buying and selling. I feel that's just how business is done here.

"OI! Get back here you damn brat! Don't think I'll let you get away for stealing from me!"

"Oof." Kairos grunted when a body flew into her from the right, sending them crashing to the ground in a tangled heap of limbs. She had been preoccupied gazing at the merchandise that her senses were dropped. She looked down to see what appears to be a bundle of rags as some of the others turned their heads to see the ruckus. Not wanting to be under stares, the faunus gently nudged the bundle with a hand and asked, "Hey, what's the big deal? Why is there shouting?"

"S-Sorry! I must get going now! Don't let the merchant know where I've gone!" The voice from underneath the rags spoke just as quickly and the smaller body ran off, disappearing into the crowd. Kairos blinked before standing back on her own two feet, dusting off the dirt and grit from her clothes. Seeing as there was nothing else, some of the watchers went about their daily business.

What the hell was all that about? I understand when kids run into adults be cause they're excited and whatnot, but... She thought, her eyes gazing to where the small bundle ran off to. Hmmm...something tells me that this encounter is not something I can let go so easily...

"Hey." She glances around and up to see a burly faunus, his eyes gazing at her with rage. He had a scowl on his face, and judging by his appearance, she determined him to be one of the fishermen. "Did you see a little runt come this way? Dressed as a impecunious, bundle of rags. Couldn't have missed 'em, doesn't dress like the rest of us here."

Don't tell him where I've gone!

"No, I didn't see anyone matching that description." She told him sweetly, the lingering voice on reply through her head. She didn't understand what compelled her to lie, but something deep down told her mouth what words to say. "Sorry about that."

"Oho...you didn't." He quirked an eyebrow at her, almost not believing her lie. "I could've sworn that little shit came this way."

"Well, I don't know what to tell you." She shrugged her shoulders in response. "Tell you what, if I do see the person fitting your description, I'll come right to you. Deal?"

"Hmph. Fine. But I expect you to keep your damn eyes peeled next time." with that, he went back to his station to talk to some of his customers. Kairos releases the breath she didn't know she held during their conversation.

"Yo! What happened? Did you see something that caught your eyes?" Sun asks when he sauntered over to her, pushing his way past a few buyers. "I couldn't see you when I looked over my shoulder, so I came back to check up on you."

"Someone knocked me over when I was browsing the market place, and I got into a little chat with one of the merchants. Sorry for making you worried." She told him, and her hand brushed over her pocket. Eyes widening with realization, she reached into her pocket to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. There was just no way.

"Hmmm? What's wrong? Did you lose something?" Sun asks, watching her with curiosity.

"What the-?! No way, it was here just a second ago..." The faunus rummaged around all of the pockets frantically before her eyes flashed with anger. "That little thief!"

"Wha–! Hey wait!" Sun yelled as the faunus attempted to rush off. He grabbed her arm, almost freezing up with how she glared at him. "We're following Blake, we can't afford to get lost here! We may be faunus, but it is our first time on this island!"

"Sun, that sneak took my Scroll. It must've slipped out when we collided...and now I can't find it." She breathed to him, her tail out with the fur bristling. "This is something I cannot overlook. There's a lot of personal things on there that I cannot let others to see!"

"What are you two doing? Was there something you two wanted to buy at the market?" They looked up to see Blake waiting for them, a somewhat annoyed expression on her face. "It's not much further to where I want to take you guys. Besides, I can help bargain the prices down, but don't buy anything on the first day."

"We're coming! Don't worry!" Sun assured her, releasing Kairos when he was sure she wouldn't run off. He whispered to her, "I'll help you look for your Scroll. So, don't worry about it. We'll find it no problem!"

That's the thing, I can't help but worry a lot. She didn't voice her thoughts out loud, and instead gave blond male a fake smile in return. That Scroll wasn't mine...it belongs to Reina. I have to get it back quickly.


Further inland of Kuo Kuana...

Soon the ocean and the market place were behind them, and they found themselves plodding down the dusty path. The side lines were littered with large and tall palm trees, fruits hanging high within the leaves. So not only do the faunus have sea food to sustain their living, they can also cut some of the trees down for fruit and wood. The loud chatters and rambunctious laughter fell away, relieving the three students as they were getting tired of all the conversations going through both their ears – in Kairos and Blake's case, they got two sets of ears.

Blake explained that her parents' home weren't far, even pointing to the large estate near the back with massive stone walls that surrounded it. Of course both Sun and Kairos had their jaws hanging open when they realized that their friend was more than she let on back in Beacon. Blake – the mysterious teammate of RWBY, and an ex-member of the White Fang – kept her past hush hush. Not once did she mention her parents or if she had any.

"Just a reminder...this island, and this town, will forever signify the unequal stance between faunus and human. The faunus are still regarded as second-class citizens." She tells them as they made their way up towards the huge structure and up the marble staircase, making her opinion known so there was no misunderstanding. "We came together in our darkest hours, and made a home here to welcome those who were shunned by their human peers. It was the only way to survive."

"Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I'm feeling at home." Sun says with support.

"Honestly, this place is a tropical paradise." Kairos agreed with him, but she was still distracted. She didn't tell Blake about the stolen Scroll and made sure Sun didn't flab his gums. This was something she wanted to accomplish between the two of them, and the cat faunus had a lot on her mind; a missing Scroll was no big deal. "I'm sure...if the continent opened up, the faunus here could make some big buck doing a tourism business."

"Tch, as if faunus would ever get the chance to charge humans for anything. They aren't allowed to step foot on this island. Our haven." Blake retorts angrily, before shaking her head to clear her nasty thoughts. "Whatever...forget it. Maybe it could happen, but the way I see it...that kind of thing won't be happening any time soon." Taking a deep breath, she raises a closed fist and hesitates to knock. The other two faunus waits for her, not wanting to pressure her.

"You're nervous." Sun observes after five minutes of idly waiting, his words were more of a statement and less of a question. "If this is your home, then you shouldn't feel any fear, or nervousness."

"That's not...I, um...it's just been a long time since I've seen them or contacted them. You wouldn't understand this feeling." Blake tells him.

"Well, you came all this way. It would have been a waste of a boat ticket."

"Yeah...there's not turning back." She sighs at his words, verbally agreeing with him. Gathering up her courage she proceeds to knock; the double doors were unnaturally huge, so she had to slam the single handle in order to make a noise like clapping thunder.

"Okay, if we're being honest, that's kind of intimidating." The male faunus points out as if to lighten up the mood. They had backed up a good two feet just in case. Soon the sound of the door opening up caught their attention and a female figure popped up, eying them suspiciously. When the amber eyes fell on Blake, they widened with surprise.

"B-Blake?" She whispers as she pulls the door wider, taking a step closer. Blake shyly looks away when she hears the voice for a brief moment, ears tilted side-ways against her head. It's been so long since she's heard that sound.

"Hey...Mom." Blake utters as she looks her mother in the eyes.

"My baby." Stepping forward, the older faunus enveloped Blake into a warm embrace. The younger felt a lump in her throat as she returned the affectionate gesture, nuzzling close. "It's been too long, my baby girl."

"I miss you too." Blake sniffles, holding her mother close.

"Kali, who's at the door? It better not be anyone looking for lien...you know how I feel about those kind of scams." A deeper voice from within growls out, and the group of faunus turned to see a tall, muscular male with a dark blue coat with white fur trim, standing in the middle of the living room with his hands on his hips. He had on beige colored pants with a matching sash around his waist, secured by a large silver metal buckle.

On the shoulder of his coat was a silver metal spaulder, crossing over his chest hair as two curved strips and attaches to a clasp on the opposite end. He had on a pair of black leather boots, the white toes shaped into a feline's paws with claws. A large beard covered his chin and his eyes were yellow. He was obviously in charge and very intimidating.

"Ghira dear, look who it is." Kali says endearingly, wrapping her arms around Blake who couldn't peel her eyes off her father. Sun and Kairos stood to the side, smiling as the family is brought back together. "Look who came home."

"Well I'll be...It's good of you to return." He breathes out and smiles in greeting. "Welcome back, Blake."