Vol.2, Ch.6:
A loud horn was heard all across the ship as it finally reached its destination: The continent of Menagerie as people walked out of the ship: Some on their own, others exploring for the first time, and a few reuniting with their loved ones. The last ones to come out were none other than Blake and Sun as Sun looked around in amazement at this place.
Sun: I've never seen so many Faunus in one place!
Blake: This is the one place everyone can feel safe, no matter who or what they are.
Sun: Wow, sure is, uh, crowded, huh?
Blake: Yes. Yes, it is.
Sun: Is it always so... cramped?
Blake: Well, when you try and take an entire species and put them on an island that's two-thirds desert, yeah, it tends to be cramped.
Sun: What! You guys have that much more space? Why waste it? A little desert never hurt anyone!
Blake: It's not like the desert in Vacuo, Sun. The wildlife here is more dangerous than most other regions.
Sun: So, they give us a terrible island, in the corner of Remnant, to try and shut us up.
Blake: That's a pretty good summary, yeah.
Sun: Huh. Jerks.
Blake: We try to make the best of things.
As they continued walking across town, they both stopped in the middle of two different crossroads. Their eyes were in the middle as a large house with three stories remained.
Sun: Whoa...
Blake: This, is Kuo Kuana.
Sun: It's... beautiful. I take it all back. This place looks great! Why would anyone ever want to leave?
Blake: That's not the point, Sun! We asked to be equal, to be treated just like everyone else! Instead, we were given an island and told to make do. So, we did the best we could. We came together and we made a home where any Faunus could feel welcome. But this island, this town, will always be a reminder that we're still not equal. *Looks down* That we're still second-class citizens.
Sun: *puts my hand on her shoulder* Well, hey, this guy's feeling pretty at home.
Blake: Alright, time to go home.
Sun: Oh yeah? *Looks around* Which one's yours? Can you see it from here?
Blake: Kind of.
Sun: Is it that one? What about that tiny one down there? I like the paint job.
Blake: *grabs his wrist and points to the big one* It's... that one.
Sun remained flabbergasted at the more he knows about Blake while she walks up to her house with many emotions spinning around her. Right at her entrance, she shakes in nervousness at not seeing her parents in such a long time.
Sun: What is it?
Blake: I um... it's just been a long time since I've seen my parents.
Sun: Well, you came all this way.
Blake smiled softly at her friend as she knocked on the door a few times before moving back slowly. The patience, anticipation, and silence grew to them as it began to feel intimidating. But finally, the door slowly opened to reveal an older, female Cat Faunus, Kali Belladonna was her name, and she was Blake's mother as she gasped at who she saw.
Kali: Blake?...
Blake: *slowly waves* H-Hi, mom...
Kali: *walks to her and hugs her tight* My baby girl.
Blake held in her tears and returned the hug back as she thought all this time she wouldn't be welcomed back, and she was glad she was wrong. Then she heard an older, male cat Faunus voice approaching. His name was Ghira Belladonna, and he was Blake's father.
Ghira: Kali? Who is...it?...
Blake: Hi dad...*tears up*
Ghira wasted no time in hugging his baby girl after so long and soon the family was all reunited as Sun watched with a smile on his face. However, his senses were picking up that they weren't alone and looked around to see any sights of anyone but nothing. They were welcomed inside and made themselves home as the family began to catch up.
Kali: We were horrified when we heard the news. The Kingdom of Vale isn't perfect, but it certainly didn't deserve what happened. Oh, we were both so worried.
Ghira: HA! Please, I knew she'd be fine!
Kali: *scoffs* That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing.
Sun: You guys have nothing to worry about. I've seen your daughter in action before! And trust me, she's got some moves!
Ghira:*glares at Sun* And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?
Sun: *squeals and freezes* I... uh, well, you see sir, it's just that, you know, that she's such a good fighter and all, uh, and as a fellow fighter, I have a lot of respect for her...
Kali: *leans to Blake* Why is he here again?
Sun: ...And her fighting. But also for her...
Blake: He just kind of followed me home.
Sun: ...because of her fighting. Not her looks. I mean, not to say she's not good-looking. She is! Very! Or...
Kali: I see.
Sun: ...slightly, I mean she's definitely above average. I mean, uh...
An angry look from Ghira, a questioning look from Kali, and embarrassed, angry look from Blake. Yeah, it all went wrong from Sun, and he knew he was bound to get thrown out.
Sun: This tea is really good. Heh-uh.
Kali: *giggles* I like him.
Blake: Mom!
Ghira: Well, I guess since you two are here and safe. I'm convinced you know about the lone man they call the Doctor.
Blake felt herself choke on her tea but thankfully no one noticed. If she were to be honest, she did not want to see him because she knew very well the person he could be when he's angry and what she did that night, he would not forget.
Sun: Wow. It's like everyone around Remnant knows about him.
Kali: We heard the stories and we saw the coverage of that night. For him to stand on his own killing those Grimms and inspiring the others to save lives. It's as if the universe heard our call for help and brought this strange man to save the day.
Ghira: It's true. No one knew about him until the attack on Vale and then he disappeared.
Sun: People are trying to view him like a savior or a superhero, but I was there when it all went down...and he was simply doing what he thought was right. He knew the damage in Beacon was done so the next focus was to get everyone evacuated to safety.
Kali: Does he have a name that is my question? All we heard is The Doctor but Doctor Who exactly?
Blake was finally about to speak out, but a loud knock was heard from the door which startled the family and Sun as Ghira slammed his fist on the table in frustration and got up to the door.
Ghira: Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!
Kali: Ghira...
Ghira: Give me a moment.
Blake: Is everything okay?
Kali: Yes, dear, just poor timing. He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately.
Blake: Dealing with who?
Kali: Hmm? The White Fang.
Blake and Sun: WHAT?!
The duo rose up in panic with the mention of the White Fang and it all brought back memories to the night of Beacon, Yang, Adam, it all came back to Blake as they ran to the door to spot Ghira with two White Fang members by the name of Corsac Albain and Fennec Albain.
Blake: Dad!
Ghira: Blake, what's wrong?
Corsac: Miss Belladonna.
Fennec: We had no idea you'd returned.
Blake: What are you doing talking to these people?
Ghira: This is Corsac and Fennec Albain. They represent the White Fang here in Menagerie now.
Sun: Those psychos are here, too?!
Fennec: Young man, I'm not sure what you've heard of our organization, but I can assure you, we're not nearly as ferocious as the media would have you believe.
Blake: What we've heard? We've seen firsthand. Your fanatics slaughtered people!
Ghira: What is she talking about?
Corsac: Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace.
Kali: Is everything alright?
Sun: Wait, you guys seriously don't know?
Ghira: *glares* Know what?
Blake: The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon. They attacked innocent civilians, and they released Grimm into the school.
Ghira: Is this true?
Fennec: Sadly, Your Grace, it is.
Blake: Don't act like you're s—
Ghira: That's enough! *Looks at the White Fang* Explain yourselves.
Corsac: Though it pains us to admit, it has become apparent that the Vale branch of the White Fang is no longer operating under orders of High Leader Khan. Rather, they've elected to follow the rule of one Adam Taurus. I believe you're all familiar with the young adept and his... extreme philosophies.
Sun: You know, Beacon wasn't the first time the Fang started shooting up Vale!
Fennec: The High Council had their suspicions of a splinter group, but they could prove nothing until this latest incident.
Blake: "Incident"? People are dead!
Corsac: And it is a tragedy.
Fennec: Your Grace, we came to assure you that Brother Taurus and his followers do not represent the will of the White Fang.
Ghira: And how can I be sure of that?
Corsac: We understand if you bear any skepticism towards these claims. The White Fang's tactics are admittedly, more aggressive since you stepped down as High Leader and became Chieftain of Menagerie. But this, this is no way to make our message heard.
Fennec: We have ample documentation from the council meeting, as well as several strategies to apprehend and punish these strays if you care to review them.
Ghira: I will, but another day. I'd like some time to reconnect with my daughter.
Corsac: But of course, Your Grace.
Fennec: We completely understand. It was a pleasure to see you again, young Blake.
Corsac: We were saddened when we heard of your departure from the White Fang, but understand if you can no longer support our cause.
Fennec: It is a wearying fight, after all.
Blake: Who says I'm done fighting?
Corsac: Hmm... If you ever do wish to return, you need merely come find us.
Fennec: Sister Ilia would be elated.
Ghira: Goodbye, gentlemen. *Closes the door*
Sun: So... those guys were creepy.
Ghira: I really don't like you.
The Two brothers remained calm as they walked downstairs from the Belladonna's house and spoke quietly to each other of their next plan.
Fennec: An interesting development, wouldn't you say?
Corsac: Interesting indeed.
Fennec: So, shall we inform Brother Adam?
Corsac: Oh, we shall. Once we have them altogether in one room...WE FEAST!
The brothers released their uncomfortable grins that did not look normal at all but very alien like, Sharp teeth replacing the teeth they had when speaking to Ghira as they headed out and their eyes turning from normal eyes to all black eyes. From Menagerie to a mossy path in the wilderness, team RNJR continued their journey ahead as they were halfway to Haven.
Nora: Another day, another adventure!
Ruby: What's on the agenda today?
Jaune: Walking!
Nora: With a side of...?
Ren: Walking.
Ruby: *sighs* Haven is a lot farther away than I thought.
Ren: Ruby? How long did you think this journey was going to take?
Ruby: I don't know! I grew up in a small area; I've never been this far away from home!
Jaune: Right but... how long?
Ruby: Maybe like, uh... two weeks?
Jaune: *eyes widened* WHAT?!
Ruby: Okay, fine! Three or something! *Looks away* Look, whatever. *Looks ahead* Hey, what's that?
They all look ahead to what appears to be somewhat of a village which they weren't expecting for a couple more miles as Jaune and Ruby looked at the map again.
Jaune: That's... strange. I didn't think we'd be hitting another village for a few days.
Nora: Are those buildings... damaged?
Jaune: We should search for survivors!
The four wasted no time in running to the town and looked around for any possible survivors but as they continued to look, this town seemed to be abandoned for a long time now especially with some places overgrown with moss and plants.
Ruby: Anything?
Nora: Nothing over here!
Jaune: No one over here, either!
Ren: It almost seems like... the town was abandoned.
Nora: Hey, I think I found something! *Clears off vines from the sign* Oniyuri? Never heard of it.
Jaune: Me neither.
Ren: I have... You might think of it as Anima's Mountain Glenn, had it never been completed. Years ago, the richest members of Mistral were unhappy with how the Kingdom was being run. Frustrated with the council, they pooled their resources together to build their own city, with their own laws. They hoped that one day, it could maybe even become its own Kingdom. Many thought it would be the future. *Clinches fist and looks down* I know my parents did.
Ruby: W-What happened?
Ren: What always happens. *Looks at claw marks on an old wall*
Jaune: The Grimm.
Ren: Not just any, one...
Ruby and Jaune looked confused but looked at Nora who displayed a concerning reaction as if she knew what Ren was talking about.
Jaune: Come on. Let's just get through here. This place gives me the creeps.
Jaune makes his leaves as Nora follows but notices Ren standing still for a moment until he begins to follow Jaune as well. Ruby looked back at the town and felt much more pain at how much horror and damage had occurred and how many lives were taken away or weren't the same anymore. She turned around and followed the others. Back in the Schnee Mansion, Willow Schnee took a sip of her coffee while investigating the recent storm that hit Menagerie. None of the cameras except for one captured an odd sight during the storm and Willow was on the case.
Willow:*crosses out another camera type* M.C.C. #6 shows nothing. Let's see number 7. *Clicks on the camera file*
Willow enhanced the slow-motion effect and brightened the file to see if she could spot what exactly fell near the continent. She kept her eyes out until she noticed a grey shape of blur near the clouds. She zoomed on it and tried to get a better shot but no luck.
Willow: I hope this isn't what I think it is.
Using a holographic pen to draw out the shape of what is in the skies, she heads to one of her files and looks through for a certain file. One she remembers very well, and it came to the realization that this event has yet to happen for the Doctor. She pulls out the file containing images, articles, and notes.
Willow: Cmon Willow. *Eyes widened* Oh no...
Willow pulled out pictures she took from her trip to Haven academy for the Vytal Festival that year. But she didn't go to participate in the tournament or sponsor the Schnee Dust Company, she went to investigate reports of a crashed meteor the night before the tournament. That ship in the photo she took was the exact shape as the image on the camera feed of Menagerie. She feared knowing what it was.
Willow: It's them...it's the Slitheen...
Back in Menagerie, it was approaching nighttime as Blake stood from the balcony near her father's room as she looked out to the city. She watched as people were beginning to call it a night but a bit of herself felt chills when she thought she saw a familiar time lord walking this way. But once she rubbed her eyes, she saw it was a Faunus heading to his home. She sighed before being greeted by her mother who carried a tray of tea.
Kali: You know, you can always go in and say hi.
Blake: I don't wanna bother him.
Kali: A father's never too busy for his daughter.
Blake: Not all of my friends would agree with you on that.
Kali: Here. *kisses Blake's cheek*
Blake: What? Where are you going?
Kali: You've never been very talkative, but that boy you brought home loves to run his mouth. I wanna hear more about the adventures of Team RWBY.
Ghira: Kali? Is that you, dear?
Kali gives her daughter a wink before making her way back inside while Blake was left conflicted not knowing what to do or how to react until she had to make the right decision to enter her father's office, which was a delight to him.
Blake: Uh, hey dad.
Ghira: Blake! Well, this is a pleasant surprise.
Blake: I...
Ghira: Please, come sit.
Blake: I don't wanna keep you if you're-
Ghira: *pours tea* Nonsense, I've been cooped up in here all day. You still take sugar, right?
Blake: Oh, actually, uh-
Ghira: Oh! Sorry!
Blake: No, no no no, it's fine.
Ghira: Oh, here, take this one.
Blake: *grabs my cup* No, really. It's, it's no big deal.
Ghira: You sure?
Blake: Positive. *Drinks mine and winces a bit*
Ghira: Old habits, I suppose. Might wanna let it cool.
Blake: *places my cup down* Right.
Ghira: So... is it... warm... in Vale?
Blake: Huh?
Ghira: It just... seems like your outfit doesn't cover very much.
Blake: *looks at myself and crosses arms* It covers plenty.
Ghira: I mean, a little more armor might help. Don't you think?
Blake: I'm fine. I don't need armor. I can look after myself.
Ghira: I... *sighs* I know you can. I'm sorry.
Blake: Why?
Ghira: Hmm?
Blake: Why would you say that?
Tension grew for Blake and Ghira could sense it by the looks of his daughter's expression as he moved up and went next to her to comfort her, but she did not look back at him in a shameful way.
Ghira: Sweetheart, what's wrong? What did I say?
Blake: How can you still love me after what I did?
Ghira: Blake... Your mother and I will always love you.
Blake: *tears up and looks at him* You were right. I shouted at you and yelled at you. But you were right. I called you cowards!
Ghira: It's okay.
Blake: I...I should have left the White Fang with you and Mom. I should've listened to you, and I'm sorry. *Looks down* I'm so, so sorry.
Ghira: *wipes her tears and pats her head* Blake, it's fine. We never held anything against you, and I never feared you would fail. The only thing I ever feared was that you would fall down the wrong path, and I am so proud to see you haven't.
Blake: But I did! *sniffs* I was-
Ghira: And you pulled yourself out. You came back. There aren't many who possess that kind of strength and even fewer that have the courage to face their demons again. Vale, Mountain Glenn, Beacon - you confronted the White Fang time after time.
Blake: I didn't do it alone.
Ghira: No, you didn't. Which is why I wanted to ask you... why did you leave Vale? Why did you leave your friends behind?
Blake: *sniffs and breathes* I...
The bonding of father and daughter after such a long time and the moment of truth all came to a sudden halt when someone fell through the door which happened to be Sun. Ghira and Blake got up, both looking very displeased and not happy while Sun looked back at them awkwardly.
Blake: SUN?!
Sun: D'yuh! Whoa! This isn't the bathroom! Uh, I'll just be going! Sorry to interrupt this tender family moment! *Leaves fast*
Ghira: I really don't like him.
Blake wasted no time and has had enough of Sun messing around. She goes outside to see him looking back at her nervously. Before he could even speak, she gives him a hard slap across the face for invading their privacy and pissing her off.
Blake: Ugh! No concept of privacy, *slaps him again* No respect for personal space!
His hand goes to his face where she made contact the second time.
Sun: I'm sorry, okay?! Ow, I'm sorry!
Blake: Ugh! *Walks away*
Sun: Look, I promise it was important! I needed to find you to talk to you!
Blake: *looks at him* What, Sun? What could be so important?!
Sun: Two things okay! One, I was talking to your mom and she said something weird about the White Fang!
Blake: STOP! I'm stopping you right there.
Sun: But—
Blake: I told you, I'm not here to fight the White Fang, I'm not here to fight anyone. I'm here to rest, to figure things out, and to see my family.
Sun: Your mom said White Fang members don't wear masks in Menagerie. But I saw one at the market earlier! I even have a picture! *Pulls out scroll*
Blake: SUN!
Sun: Look, I'm trying to help!
Just as Sun was about to pull up the image, Blake grabs his scroll out of his hands and throws it out into the trees which enraged Sun, but she has had enough.
Blake: I don't want your help!
Sun: But Blake-
Blake: STOP IT! I don't need to listen to you or ANYONE ELSE!
The Doctor: Is that so?
Blake felt hell freeze over her as she stood in frozen shock at the familiar voice. One of the voices she did not wish to hear again as she looked up behind Sun to see The Doctor with a very displeased look next to her mom.
Sun: That is the second thing I wanted to tell you...
Ghira: What's going on out here?
The Doctor: *crosses arms* Hello Blake.
Blake did not reply at all as she stood shaking by the Doctor's appearance after a year of not hearing from him or seeing him. The last time she saw him, she ran away from Vale and his eyes said it all. Now it was time for her to come face to face. After things tensed down for a bit except for Blake who remained pale, everyone was in the living room as the Doctor finished his tea.
Ghira: Ahem! Doctor, on behalf of my wife and I, we thank you for protecting our daughter and saving lives when the Kingdom of Vale fell.
The Doctor: Please. Don't thank me. I'm doing what is right and doing my duty. But I'm guessing your daughter *glares at Sun* or Sun did not tell you everything that happened.
Blake: DON'T!
The Doctor: Why is that? I hope that when I came to see you, it be to catch up and see if you are doing well. But instead, I come here with a reminder of the pieces you left broken. And just like always, you run without picking up the pieces.
Blake's parents looked at each other concerned and a bit intimidated by the Doctor's anger towards her. Ghira wished to interfere, but Kali held him back because she wished to hear everything that neither of them knew ever since her daughter ran away.
The Doctor: For starters, your daughter is a great person. A kind and smart person to so many she's touched. She's a fighter as well...but she leaves the pieces behind that she never fixed. *Looks at Kali and Ghira* Did you know Blake had someone very important to her? Her name was Yang Xiao Long. They were good friends for their time in Beacon and near the end, their friendship was much closer than usual...until a tragedy occurred as Blake ran away while Yang wasn't the same anymore. *Looks at Sun* I gave you a job and you decided to run with her.
Sun: *looks down* It... became difficult and I didn't know where to find you.
The Doctor: It wasn't me you were supposed to come back to. It was her.
The Doctor was about to explain everything else until movement caught his eye. He looked in the direction of the window and the others caught notice as well.
The Doctor: We're being watched.
Sun and the Doctor both rushed outside and saw a girl with a white fang mask make a run for it. Blake eyes widened now understanding Sun wasn't kidding. Blake wasted no time and made a run to catch the spy.
Sun: That's the one I was referring to! The White Fang is evil, I totally called it, we'll catch her!
The Doctor: BLAKE, SUN DON'T! *Sighs and chases after them*
The trio chased down the spy as Ghira and Kali watched from the room, concerned as to who was watching them and what their intentions were. As the trio passed by, the White Fang brothers watched, and both agreed with a creepy smirk.
Fennec: Shall we begin the hunt brother Corsac.
Corsac: Almost. We feast when the Doctor returns with the two back at Ghira's office.