Menagerie
"I have something to tell you."
"You don't have to if it's too personal."
"But it's important, because you're the one I can trust."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. While I was training to become a huntress, I was chosen to held a sacred power that no one can't know. To me, it's not a blessing, it's a curse I have to carry since fate brought us together. I know that once my descendants are born, my powers will be passed on to them."
"My love, Invera. Just know you don't have to carry the burden alone. As it is my burden to hold with you."
After finally leaving Atlas on an aircraft, Weiss rests her head on Neptune's shoulder in the back row of the ship. They felt much relief than ever after the traumatic experience from the afterparty and the sinking ship. Escaping from Schnee Manor. They just wanted to forget it like it was just a bad dream.
"You sure this is what you wanted, Weiss?" Asked Neptune.
"Neptune, for the sixth time. Yes. I am just glad I got out before Father had his chance to lock me up. If he finds out, he could try to track me down. But he doesn't know what we're both capable." Weiss smirked. Neptune cannot deny how much he likes the side of her that may be stubborn, but also determined. That's how he loves about her.
"Did anyone tell you how awesome you are, Snow Angel?" Neptune pulls her closer, making her flustered but also laughing softly. "You're just saying that." Weiss replied. Feeling much more comfort around him.
"What? What you just said to everyone in the afterparty was really cool! You just made them all stunned. Your dad can try to save face. But I doubt it will happen anytime soon."
"Now my brother is the new heir." Weiss sighs. Although she is free. She felt bad that she caused a commotion that cost her her legacy.
"If it makes you feel any better. He doesn't have any friends that didn't tell him right from wrong. Plus, how come he didn't want to train to become a huntsman?" Neptune asked.
"It's obvious that he hates me and Winter. I guess that's when jealousy took place when we both left to become huntresses. He always thought of huntsmen as barbaric and pointless. For that, he did anything to gain Father's approval. I think he was brainwashed into believing whatever he wants to believe when he doesn't see the point of the world around us." Weiss explains.
"Wow, that's harsh. But I see where this is going. But it's nothing compared to your relationships to your brother. But maybe there's more to the story for why he was like this." Neptune theorized.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Weiss asked.
"I only met your younger brother at least once in the manor. I know this is going to upset you, but hear me out. Maybe your brother was scheming against you because you left him alone when you went to Beacon. How long have you two interacted?"
"Not much. He does want to spent time speaking low of my skills and studies when I was an heiress." Weiss said, looking down while thinking about this.
"Let me tell you this. I was the youngest of 6 siblings." This surprises Weiss to hear of this. "6?"
"After my elder brother, Pluto got assassinated on a mission to capture a wanted criminal, that same criminal got away and my second older brother, Jupiter, was just furious. He blamed my dad for what happened to Pluto. But..." Weiss eyes widened as she listens to Neptune's story. She sees the bags under his eyes, it was stress. The stress of dealing with the past trauma.
"My elder triplet sisters were always out for work with careers of their own. But Jupiter, he resorts to violence. One time, he tried to drag me into robbing a dust store in Argus. Sun found out and talked me out of it. I almost did it because Mom got sick after her law firm was shut down and Dad had to hunt in order to earn a bunch of Lien for the treatment. But it might not be enough. I backed down from doing so and tried to talk Jupiter out of it. But he wouldn't budge and went to proceed with his so-called "friends." For that, I had to call the police. While my Dad means well, he tried to get Jupiter to stop with his criminal activities. From that day, I felt alone. Cause everyone just shut down, and because neither of my older siblings are present for emotional support, my parents begin to worry over me. It may be a different case of your brother, but with my parents giving me too much attention, I don't want to burden them any longer and went to become a huntsman."
"What happened after that?" Weiss asked.
"As always, Jupiter antagonized my dad for not saving Pluto. And he left for Haven Academy, I didn't want to lose another brother because after Pluto died, Jupiter protected me even if I didn't asked. But I didn't like how violent he was. But he's my brother. Even if he criticized me for being afraid of the water. Trying to toughen me up. But it felt wrong. I love him, but I didn't want to end up like him. I thought he was just cool and confident, but at the same time, there was something wrong with him. I had to be on my own because Dad had to hunt since there were bills to take care of. Mom was hospitalized and my sisters didn't have the time with me. Sun was there for me and felt like more of a brother than Jupiter was to me. He makes jokes, but also looks to me that I have potential and he was the one who helped train me. I didn't think that, but he believed in me. But when I entered Sanctum, Jupiter disappeared and was presumed dead. He was probably looking for Pluto's killer. And now he was on the side of the enemy that helped destroyed Beacon, but I didn't know it was over a vendetta against your sister. What if that enemy lied to him thinking she was Pluto's killer? Sometimes I wished I can have the old days back when Mom and Dad are dancing with no worry whatsoever. Or when Jupiter was just a laid-back guy enjoying mechanics. But now, I can't have it back, not anymore. Or when Pluto was alive showing us on how to read maps."
Weiss sees how much Neptune went through for how much his family was dealing with the pain and regret. For some reason, they felt each other's pain again. "Neptune..." Weiss said.
"Maybe the next time we went to Atlas. You should talk to your brother. You can't just push him away like how my brother had with me and my family. Maybe you should hear him out too, even if he can be a little snob. But if that doesn't work, so be it. Either way." Neptune told her, because from his experience of familial trauma, he fears Weiss and her brother might experience the same thing. He expected Weiss to be upset because of the mention of her brother given how estranged they were to each other. Instead, Weiss took his hand, softly.
"I'll think about it. I'm sorry for what my father had put you and your family through. It wasn't right." Weiss apologized for the wrongs he had done to Neptune's family.
"Weiss, it's not your fault. You did not make those choices. Your father did."
"But your mother..."
"I know. But it's still not your fault. Even if people said it was. In reality it wasn't. He was the reason you felt that way."
"But the faunus, after I said terrible things about them." Weiss confessed. "But meeting, Blake, Sun and Velvet. I..."
"What matters is that you changed. You realized right from wrong and you became a better person. Take it from me, I was a nobody and still is. No matter how much I changed. To me, you are just Weiss." Neptune take her hand as she stared into his eyes. Weiss then leans her head on his shoulder holding onto his cheek. She is glad that he thought of her as her own person, and not a Schnee. "I think you're more than a nobody." Weiss said to him as she gave him a kiss on the cheek as gratitude for this conversation. Making him flustered. The fact that Weiss accepts him with love and not caring for his fears, looks and status, it was enough for Neptune to feel happy. And the fact that Neptune only sees her as Weiss, and not Weiss Schnee, it was enough for her to feel accepted and seen. They both let down their barriers of their emotions and never be silent.
"I wanted to show you something." Neptune then takes out a photographer of a young Nicholas and also a young man with blue hair and eyes, just like Neptune's. Weiss was surprised to see the photo.
"That's my grandfather when he was young. He was a miner alongside my great-grandfather at the time." Weiss said. "But who's that next to him?" Weiss gestured at the young man (who resembles Neptune) next to Nicholas. "He looks like you."
"Wish I knew. But maybe someone related to my dad. I should ask him when we get here." Neptune replied. "But maybe there's a connection that my family is to Solitas, somewhat." Neptune said examining the photo. "And knows your grandfather there."
"Maybe this is what we need to get some answers." Weiss said as they continue their journey to Mistral. "Maybe there is something we don't know about our two families. All the more reason why your brother hates my sister. Stop this war once and for all. If we find Winter, she might have some of the answers to this."
"Thank you, Weiss" Neptune said.
"For what, Neptune?"
"For opening my eyes." He said to her as he wrapped his left arm around Weiss and held her close looking at the blue, clear sky. But much clearer when Weiss' eyes are filled with more color than her usual cold stare. It sparkled to see her happy and feeling free. Neptune stares at the ocean that was no raging with waves, it was sparkling like glimmer, and it made him realized that the Sea can mean something beautiful and nostalgic. He then wants to give Weiss the bracelet back to her as a thanks.
"Here, you said it belonged to your grandfather. So this bracelet is yours again." Neptune tried to give it back to Weiss, but she insisted that he keeps it.
"Keep it." Weiss told him.
"But why? It's yours to wear. It's your treasure. Besides, with or without the company, you're the true inheritor of your grandfather's legacy. And I know he can be proud of you for everything you stand for. And that legacy is still yours." Neptune insisted, assuring her that there are still ways to honor her grandfather without the fortune and company. But Weiss shows him the same paperweight he had given her. Only this time it was carved into a diamond shape before she left and it is now a necklace. Replacing the old pendant Weiss had given by her father. "Actually, that bracelet was a gift from my grandmother to my grandfather. He told me that once I found someone, I can give the bracelet to the person I am fated to meet. And now, it's yours. Cause you already gave me a treasure I will hold onto forever, my Neptune." Weiss assured him cause jewels don't make a treasure. It was love that makes a treasure. The warmth of Weiss' hand, Neptune returns the kiss on her cheek.
"Whatever makes you feel happy, my Snow Angel." Neptune ran his hand through her head, gently. "Even if the world ends, I'll be by your side."
-Menagerie-
Blake and Sun arrived in Kuo Kuana, the isle of the village of Menagerie. The captain was very grateful of Blake and Sun despite being faunus. But he was very welcoming to anyone. "Thank you, young lady and man. For getting ride of the Grimm, we will offer you a favor in return if you need it." Said the Captain.
"Will do." Blake nods as the boat leaves, leaving the two on the beach. Sun and Blake walked off the plank of the boat to step on the beach. And there and behold, the village of Menagerie.
There were markets of vegetation and fruits. Many faunus roaming around. Where they seem content and happy. Well, most of them.
"It is known as the land of the rejected. When most Faunus do not feel welcomed in any kingdom, that's where they go. Our chieftain has settled our people when the dust mining gets worst."
"I'll admit, maybe I might like it here." Sun replied, enjoying the fresh air, no Atlas-related tech (except scrolls are still present), and where refreshments are taken place. No hate or prejudice. Except not all of it is peaceful. "Don't get me wrong, but there are still White Fang remnants living among the dessert island." Blake explains.
"So, this is where you lived? I can imagine something like that. But not bad." Sun said, amazed with the setting of the island. But only for Blake to grab his shoulder and turn him around. "Actually, this is where I live." Blake points out a house, not as big as a mansion, but something more comfortable.
It was a chieftain's house where her parents are still residing in. Sun's eyes blinked as he rubbed her eyes.
"Whoa! That's your house?!" Sun points. But Blake remained silent. But kept going. Sun catches up as the two came closer to the house. As Blake was about to knock on the door, she became hesitant. Sun notices this and asked. "What's up?"
"I haven't seen my parents for a while. This might be awkward." Blake then uses the golden doorknob to knock the door, only for it to create a loud thud. Then someone opened the door, a woman with cat ears just like Blake and she seemed surprised.
Blake looked away as she wasn't able to speak at first. But then after seconds of hesitation, she took a deep breath. "Hi, Mom." She said to her mother. Her mother then hugged her for finally returning home. "My baby girl. You're finally home." Blake returns the hug while Sun watches, not sure if he should say something.
"Kali, what's happening?! Is everything-?!" A muscular man with Raven hair and cut beard. And had claws. He sees Blake. But Sun figured he might be her father due to similar amber-colored eyes. "Blake..." He said, stunned. As if he hadn't seen her for a long time. Both father and daughter stood silent as they look at each other.
-Oniyuri-
Emerald was standing on the cliff while waiting for reinforcements. Putting on her face mask as she sets out for her goal. Her only goal was to avenge her mother. And eliminating the last of the Ren Clan.
Three young men her age had dark green hair kneeling to Emerald. "Great, you three are here. You want Lie Ren to know how it feels to lose a home?" Emerald asked those bounty hunters who are still silent. "I'll take that as a yes." She said before jumping off the ledge.
-Vacuo, 5 years into the future-
Yang, Blake, Weiss, Sage, Scarlet, Neptune, Ren, and Nora, Natalie, Perseus and Deshiro, and an unknown boy donned in a Green outfit and cane similar to Ozpin's were standing in front of the grave with no bodies buried beneath. Paying respects of their "deceased" leaders.
Ruby Rose, Jaune Arc, Sun Wukong, Winter Schnee.
Beloved friends, leaders, warriors and huntsmen.
We stand, all for one, and one for all. May you be in the Infinite and Unbound.
Yang cannot describe the words of the loss of her own sister. Unforgiving to herself. It was as if the other half of herself with Ruby no longer around.
5 years and you were never there anymore, Ruby. I wish you still be here. But at least now everyone in Remnant hears you now. With Atlas and Mantle compromised, it was a horrific hour since the battle. Salem still has the relic of knowledge and creation. We know where the Relic of Destruction is, but with the Relic of choice still missing. I doubt Salem will win for this. Even if we can't beat her. All of this felt like it happened just yesterday. I'm sure now Mom will see how much you try. There is no winning in this war. But we will keep fighting. For your sake. Even the new generation after us will have to fight our battles, but we don't want that for them. But this is our fate since we were all born.
Ruby, when you came back, I hope we can still share cookies like we do before. I think you and Jaune were the ones destined to beat Salem. And Sun, I'll never forget his goofy style that makes us laugh that even beats my puns. If you guys can be optimistic about this fight, so can we. I won't give up, not now, not ever.
-Menagerie, Present-
Blake, her parents, Ghira and Kali, and Sun were sitting around the coffee table having tea after a long day from Vale all the way to Menagerie.
"We were horrified when we heard the news. Vale wasn't the perfect kingdom, but it certainly doesn't deserved what happened." Kali said, they were kept updates about their daughter's whereabouts of her attending Beacon. Ghira was proud his daughter was able to change her way for her own will. And for the better as he worries the White Fang would have brainwashed her completely.
"We were both so worried." Kali adds, she felt empty without Blake in their own home. But both her and her husband will welcome Blake with open arms should she decide to return. But Ghira (though worried on the inside) acts like she can handle herself. He scoffed by crossing his arms as if there was nothing to worry about.
"We knew our girl can handle herself!" He said. But Kali said otherwise. "That isn't the slightest bit true." Then Kali turned to Blake. "You should've seen him pacing." She revealed, even her husband can't hide the truth about his concern for Blake's safety.
"You guys have nothing to worry about! I've seen your daughter in action before! And trust me, she's got some moves!" Sun celebrates to give Blake the credit. But Blake snapped her eyes opened when she just had a sip of her tea. That comment causes Ghira to glare at him. "And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?" He asked.
Sun nervously turned him him, trying to think of what to say to her. Needless to say, he he had shaken a bit at his presence. Never thought that Blake's father would be too concerned. "Oh, well I-ah... She's a good fighter! Yes, definitely! I mean of you see her you might-!"
While Sun was trying to think of the right words for answering to Ghira. Kali smiled as she found him funny. Then she nudged at her daughter. "Why is he here again?" Asked Kali.
Blake then reluctantly sighs as she had to answer. "He just kinda followed me home." Kali then laughed a bit as she found it interesting. "I like him." She said, thinking Blake and Sun are a thing.
"Mom..." Blake groaned.
"And I'd say, she's above average!" Sun finished his answer towards Ghira as the Belladonnas remained silent. Blake's cat ears flopped down, embarrassed at Sun's antics, even if he means well. Sun nervously uses his tail to grab the handle of the teapot and pour some more in his cup.
"This tea is really good." Sun took a sip of his tea and smiled nervously. Kali then nudged at Blake again, "How long you know this young man?" She asked, smug. Blake jerked her head towards her mother, "Mom!" Then they heard a loud knock on the door. Loud enough to hear a sound that filled the entire house.
"Darn it, I forgot about the meeting." Ghira sighs as he slam his fist softly on the table. "Ghira..." Kali tried to calm her husband down, it worked a bit. But Ghira had to handle some visitors who are reminding him of some meeting that Blake doesn't know what it is yet.
"Give me a moment." Ghira sighs as he gets up from the floor and heads to the front door. Blake and Sun were dumbfounded of what was that about. "Is Dad okay, Mom?" Asked Blake.
"Yes, dear. Just poor timing. He can reschedule. He's been having a hard time dealing with them lately." By "them," Blake was left suspicious about the people her father had been meeting with. "Who's "them?" Asked Blake. Kali took a sip of her tea before responding. "The White Fang." She replied.
This feels a sting of astonishment. If that wasn't enough dealing with them in Vale, Menagerie would be worse. But it was already bad enough for Blake that everywhere she goes, the White Fang tailed on. "What?!" Blake and Sun gasped.
Sun and Blake run towards the front door to see Ghira standing in front of two White Fang members. One with fox ears and the other with a fox tail. Both young huntsmen were able to tell they're related. "Dad!" Blake called out. Ghira turned to them.
"Blake, what's wrong?" Asked Ghira, confused for why his daughter sounded alarmed at the presence of the two members in front of them. The two male faunus with fox features turned to them. They both bowed in Blake's presence. "Miss Belladonna." Said the faunus with a fox tail.
"We have no idea you returned." Added the faunus with the fox tail. Both are wearing White Fang uniforms with red hoods resembling foxes.
Despite their seemingly politeness, Blake can tell it was anything but good. "What's going on?! Why are you talking to them?!" Blake questioned her father. "This is Corsac and Fennec Albain, they represented the White Fang in Menagerie now."
"Those psychos are here too?!" Sun grasped his head in frustration, even they annoyed him in his sight.
"Young man, I don't know what you have heard about our organization. But rest assured we weren't as vicious as the rumors had said in the media."
"What we've heard?!" Blake snapped. "We've seen what was happening in Vale!" Your members has been tearing up the city and the school!" Ghira blinked his eyes, it appears that he didn't know what happened while his daughter was in Vale.
"Blake, what are you talking about?" Ghira asked.
Blake jerked her head to her father. As predicted, he didn't hear anything about the White Fang being in Vale in relation to the Fall of Beacon. "That's is what we are here to discuss about, your grace." Said Corsac.
Kali heard the commotion and decided to see what was happening and noticed the distress on her daughter and her husband confused. "Is everything alright?" Sun noticed that neither of Blake's parents knew of the full details of the Fall of Beacon. "You seriously didn't know?!" Sun asked.
"Know what?" Ghira asked as he turned to his daughter. Even the presence of the Albains frightens her, Blake has to speak up for her parents to know. "The White Fang were there. At the Fall of Beacon, they killed too many innocent people and released the Grimm into the school." Blake explains.
Ghira stood silent as he turned back to the Albain brothers. He does not trust them fully. Since his departure from the White Fang as its leader. "Is this the truth?" Asked Ghira, now suspicious of the brothers.
"Sadly it was, your grace." Fennec responded. But it adds fuel to the fire when Blake was soaking.out again in anger. "That is not-?!" Kali went to calm her daughter down. "Blake, calm down."
"While it is true that our faction to the White Fang are assigned to Vale, under order sof High Leader Khan. We have no idea that there was a splinter cell working in the shadows."
"The faction in Vale was led by young Adam Taurus. You know, the young man whose takes can be heard from the other members." Fennec adds. Both brothers looked at each other before continuing.
"It saddens us on how the splinter cell are no longer working under orders of our high leader. They had seemingly favored the leadership of Taurus himself." Corsac continued. "His philosophy is rather extreme."
"You know, this isn't the first time Beacon was the target!" Sun countered.
"Things have been getting out of hand since you stepped out as high leader and became Chieftain of Menagerie." Fennec said as he revealed that Ghira was the former leader and founder of the White Fang for peaceful reasons. "But when the Khan took over as high leader, our splinter group sees no use of only the necessities of the Khan's ways and rebelled."
"All of our documentations will be withheld until you can join us for the meeting again." Corsac continued. "High Leader has given you the go-ahead for you to take a look when needed."
Ghira then took a thought, on the one hand, his daughter's words were necessary to confirm on how untrustworthy the White Fang can get. He cannot trust his successor, Sienna Khan, to look into it, knowing how much Adam got away with his crimes.
"I would hope so." Ghira then turned to his daughter. "But first, I need some time to reconnect with my daughter." Ghira said, he decided to have some time with Blake before he can begin the meeting. Blake looked at her father with sincere concern. Knowing how much he misses her.
"If I may." A voice was heard, behind them was Mi. But with her status as a human, Corsac and Fennec were alarmed but remained at their display of calm because they cannot do anything in the Belladonnas' presence.
"May I ask who you are, young lady?" Asked Ghira.
"My name is Mi Ren. A member of the Ren Clan from Mistral here to help assist Miss Blake Belladonna of Menagerie sent by the Matriarch of the clan." Mi introduced herself as she shook hands with Ghira. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Chieftain Belladonna." Mi greeted politely.
"Likewise, Miss Ren."
"Ah, yes. The Ren Clan. Led by the warrior, Mai Ren since the Atlesian Rebellion. My guess is that you might be her daughter." Fennec said.
"Yes, the resemblance is uncanny, brother. The symbol she wears for the clan." Mi then turned to the brothers and remain calm, knowing they don't trust humans due to them being in the White Fang. "I can understand that both of you, and the White Fang faction of Menagerie are alarmed simply because I'm a human. But I can assure you that I only come here for resolutions in regards to the Fall of Beacon." Said Mi.
"A wise decision." Corsac said. "For a human, you are brave enough to travel all the way to Menagerie to discuss about the traitors working as opposed to the Khan."
"However, it isn't up to us. But it should be up to Chieftain Belladonna to decide for you to help Miss Belladonna and her friend to discuss the issue." The brothers then turned to Ghira as he took thought again. He didn't want to put the young girl or Blake in danger because of this. But decided to discuss with her in order to figure things out.
"I'll see to it." Ghira replied. As he and his family, and Sun and Mi went back inside the house. The brothers left as they discuss about the next plan.
"With Sister Blake in Menagerie. Nothing will go as planned." Said Corsac.
"Perhaps Sister Ilia will need to hear the news of her return."
Back in the Belladonna House. Blake was alarmed that Mi went to Menagerie to help her and Sun. "Mi, what are you doing in Menagerie? You knew the White Fang were present and you could've been killed." Blake said, not wanting to repeat the mistakes she made since Yang got hurt and Pyrrha was killed.
"I came here because I had just found out some things. You were right about one thing, this incident cannot be ignored." Mi replied.
"True, but you can't stay here now that those psychos know who your mom is!" Sun agreed with Blake.
Mi giggled. "You know, you two seem to remind me of Lie and Nora." Blake and Sun blushed as Mi says it. But Mi changed the subject. "Okay, enough of that. But any who, those brothers are up to something and I have to bring back information to my mother."
"But what's that got to do with your clan?" Asked Blake.
"I heard Taurus was on the move around Anima. The current High Leader might not be aware of his true intentions. I knew she may not hear a word. But perhaps you could talk to her." Mi told Blake that High Leader of the White Fang, Sienna Khan, must confirm some things to be certain.
Author's note: Mi had arrived to Menagerie in order to aid Blake and Sun to find out if Adam is the mole to the mysterious contact who sent them to destroy Beacon. Mi can be a tease when she sees similarities between Ren and Nora, and Sun and Blake.
But meanwhile, Neptune and Weiss found out that there's more to the story between their two families as the reason for their feud. In connection to an old friend of Nicholas Schnee who turned against him.