The scent of salty water filled Blake Belladonna with a melancholic nostalgia. Once, she had called Kuo Kuana, on the continent of Menagerie, home. With its tropical setting, the sandy beaches were the best places to be around these parts. Fishing was everywhere with most forgoing the use of fishing rods and catching them by hand. The faunus whose traits were that of aquatic animals were abundant around these parts. Both for business and for recreation, these aquatic and amphibian faunus are hard to find elsewhere. Further inward, one gets a sense of a town made of wood and stone. Mostly quaint, there was little in worry even from Grimm around here.
But it wasn't a home that Blake managed to stay for long. Life in the White Fang made her more accustomed to rough roads and cold grounds, warmed only by a campfire. Such luxuries were difficult to come by in the White Fang. Still, Menagerie was always a place that she could go back to. It was a place that she had to go back to. She was done. Done with being a huntress. Done with trying to play hero. The world was cruel and unlike those fairy tales she would read. She understands that now and though it pains to leave her team behind, she couldn't face them.
The White Fang—Adam would go after her. The best thing she could do to protect them is put down her weapon and fade into shadow. That was the right decision. It had to be. The White Fang wouldn't come for her here, would they? With those Servants thing that was going on, she was certain that they would be too busy to come for her, surely. She wouldn't be involved in any of that.
"So that's Menagerie?"
Blake sighed. Her past always did have a tendency of catching up with her. At least this one was a happier one, though she certainly had complaints. Especially considering that he had been keeping himself hidden beneath that hood like some mysterious creeper for much of the trip. Blake had believed that Sun was White Fang for a while there.
"Yes, Sun," she replied. "That's Menagerie. That's home."
"Sweet!"
Sun Wukong, transfer student from Haven Academy in Mistral but whose home is in Vacuo. He had apparently followed her all the way here and while she would have preferred to stay alone, it would be a lie to say that she didn't appreciate that someone was sticking with her here. Better him than any member of team RWBY, she supposed. She wasn't sure if she could bring any of them here. She couldn't face any of them.
He was ever eager to listen to Blake's stories about Menagerie, no matter how little in number they were. Always with that cheerful demeanor, Blake had a feeling that he was only doing for her sake. He had been there after all and could understand what she felt to an extent. Sun brings out the happiness in even the most miserable of people.
As the boat neared the docks, Sun couldn't contain his excitement. But that lasted only until they managed to get off the boat. Blake noticed it too.
"Hey, where is everybody?" Sun asked.
The docks were empty. There was no one there to help the boat crew that they had to do everything alone. After some further attempts at contact, there wasn't anyone responding. Eventually, somebody did but they were all rushing out and hastily told them something that Blake's ears couldn't pick up. The crew looked to be worried for them.
"We'll be fine," Blake said when the crew asked them if they truly wished to stay. When the boat had gone, she asked no one in particular, "what's going on?"
Sun tried to call out for some people. "Anyone here? Hey, there's one." He tried to wave at them only for those people to close their windows shut. Curtains covered those glass panes and the locking mechanisms of the doors sounded loudly.
Everyone appeared to be paranoid. One look at them and they were all running for their lives. They all sought for shelter with those still outside banging furiously at the door to be let in. Sun would have reached out to them if the door hadn't shut him out before he had a chance to.
"Some welcoming party, we're having," Sun commented. "Like they've seen a ghost."
Blake hastened her steps. The direction to her home should still be the same. Sun quickly followed.
All around them, houses had their windows shut and their doors closed. Everyone inside only peeked through their window curtains and Blake could see flashes of light being reflected from some of them, a weapon of some kind. Everything was quiet. The only sounds that could be heard were the sounds of the breeze blowing against whatever was left out in the open. The calm ocean waves were deafening even after the beaches were gone from view. The only thing remotely open to them were homes long abandoned.
The market place was no different. Many of the tents had already fallen over from the winds and the crates were absent. Poles had fallen down and many tools had been left behind to gather dust and rust. The roads lacked any activity and were bathing in the harsh sunlight.
Blake could hear sobs coming from some of the homes. In-between spaces, she could see patches of ground having been recently disturbed. Something must have happened here. There had to be. Upon closer inspection, they were graves. Every other house had them and they had to be recent. Some had shovels just lying there to the side.
For a moment, Blake considered approaching them just to see what was happening. But her senses told her that she wouldn't be allowed to go near them, huntress training or not.
Her powerwalk quickened to a jog as her home was coming closer into view. Dirt roads turned to stone as her footsteps hastened their pace to a run. Sun himself was following right behind her, saying nothing. The White Fang couldn't have come here, they wouldn't. No. This wasn't White Fang. This couldn't be White Fang. Not even Adam would be this cruel.
Both Blake and Sun paused when they arrived at the edge of the Belladonna household. Place for the chieftain of Menagerie, it was impossible to miss this place being the largest structure in all of Kuo Kuana. The main road of the settlement leads to here. Not only was it residence for the chieftain, it was also the meeting place for any important matters in regards to Kuo Kuana. If there was any problem afflicting the place, it would be brought here.
"Mom! Dad!" Blake banged hard on the door. She prayed for a response. "It's me, Blake!"
She had never been more relieved to hear footsteps rushing towards the door. They were okay. There were no signs of combat that she could see. Her home was in-tact though some of the plant life outside were in need of watering. The door opened and Blake had expected to see her parents coming out to hug her tight. Instead, she found a thick blade pointed at her.
The man in front of her wasn't anyone she recognized. His hair was white and his eyes were blue and bore a focus as he stared both Blake and Sun. He wore a long coat that nearly reached his feet. There were no faunus features on him that Blake assumed that he must be human.
Sun Wukong readied his own weapon, ready to defend Blake. His own hand was already pulling on her shoulder. Blake nearly fell back when Sun tugged her, placing himself between her and the swordsman.
Blake then heard her mother call out to her. "Blake?" she appeared behind the swordsman. "Blake, it is you!"
Kali Belladonna was about to reach out to her before the man raised his hand between them. Kali had been surprised but quickly complied.
"What have you done with her?" Blake demanded. She drew her own weapon. There wasn't any injury found on Kali but still. "Where is dad?"
The man then nodded and put his weapon away. "That's her, Mrs. Belladonna."
Kali sighed relief. "Oh thank the brothers." The two Belladonnas then hugged one another. But Blake's eyes focused on the man. "Come inside, both of you. Your father will explain once he returns."
As both Blake and Sun stepped inside, Sun never let his eyes leave the swordsman for even a second. Even when he was in front of them, exposing his back, both Blake and Sun still held their guard up around him.
He then turned around. "Pardon me, monsieur, mademoiselle." The man bowed and addressed each of them.
"You'll have to forgive Sanson," Kali added. "We have been taking precautions lately."
"What happened, mom?" asked Blake. "And where's dad? Who's this?"
"Later," Kali replied. "When your father comes back, he'll give you everything you need to know. As for Sanson, he's… a helper around the house."
"Is he okay?"
"Monsieur Belladonna is arriving right now." Sanson was looking out the window. When did he get there so quickly? Blake didn't even see him move. He kept his grip on that sword of his tight.
There was a knock on the door. Blake would have answered but Kali covered her mouth and shook her head. It was Sanson that approached. Sun wasn't sure on how to act but followed in Kali's lead.
Similar to Blake herself and Sun, Sanson raised his sword and had it pointed at Ghira. For someone who was so obviously larger and should possess the more intimidating form, Ghira Belladonna was cautious and even meek compared to Sanson.
"Adam Taurus was a terrible influence on my daughter," Ghira said. "And Blake could have chosen someone better."
Blake's eyebrows narrowed. Sure, she will fully agree to what her father had just said now but what was the point of it?
"Are you also aware that she is here?" Sanson replied. "And that she brought home another boy?"
"What?" Ghira asked, surprised painting his face. "That isn't a password! What are you—"
The sword was put aside and Sanson revealed Blake and Sun from behind him. Kali soon let Blake go.
"Blake," Ghira said. His eyes momentarily narrowed at Sun but didn't pay much mind. "So it was you that arrived just now."
Father and daughter hugged in reunion. It wasn't how she had expected it to go but she was happy that they were alright and that was what mattered. Blake caught sight of Sanson looking out of the doorway before shutting it tight.
It was here that Blake asked again. "Dad, what's going on?"
"Things…" Ghira Belladonna seemed unsure of what to say. "Things are happening around Menagerie. Terrible things. You must be thirsty. Sanson, prepare us some tea, please?" He then turned to Sun. "I will have some questions for you, young man. But that will have to wait."
Sun only chuckled awkwardly but complied. At least he put his weapon away for now.
Blake managed to catch Sanson disappearing from their sight. Quite literally. Rather than move with great speeds, he had just vanished into thin air and next thing Blake knew, she heard the fires in the kitchen spark as water for the tea was clearly being heated.
A pleasant aroma soon filled the room as tea had been served. Sanson stayed to the sides as though he were a mere butler that reminded Blake of what she used to imagine the SDC was like. Except those images weren't flattering, closer to a caricature of an evil elitist. The only thing missing was a silver plate and a towel. The weapon breaks the image.
Blake found herself relaxing at the first sip. She never noticed it but she had been tense this whole time. The stiffness of her muscles soon began to relax. She wasn't alone. Everyone else in the room soon had a similar reaction as shoulders were lowered and postures began to slack.
A collective sigh was heard in the room. It was then that Ghira began to explain. "First things first Blake, how have you been?"
"Everything is okay dad," Blake answered. There was a calmness to her now. "I—you were right about the White Fang. It wasn't working. I left it behind and tried to make amends."
"We know." Ghira nodded. "We heard you were participating in the Vytal Tournament."
"You did?" Now Blake felt guilty. In all that time, she never once contacted her parents. How worried they must have been. She never once sat down to tell them that she had left it behind.
"We're just happy to know that you're safe," Kali reassured her. "Happier now that you're here though we certainly wished that it had been better times."
Before Blake could ask again, Ghira continued. "There has been a series of murders happening."
"Who?" She grabbed the hilt of her weapon but did not draw.
It was Sanson who answered. Away from the rest of the group, his back was leaning against the wall. "Assassin. True Assassin."
Blake only looked at the man. She didn't get it.
"Ah," said Ghira. "They haven't told you yet?"
"I was only told to wait."
Ghira nodded in understanding. "There are these… Servants and one of them, Assassin, is somewhere in Kuo Kuana."
"Who's the target?" Blake knew a thing or two about assassinations. The White Fang had done its fair share. Panic started to build. "Dad, don't tell me it's—"
Kali shook her head. "It isn't your father. Sanson, why don't you explain it to her?"
"Assassin is looking for someone. A child to be more precise. It was the common trend across all of its victims. There hasn't been any word from any of the major kingdoms?"
"I heard a few," Sun replied. "But that's impossible. The major kingdoms are like so far away from each other! This Assassin couldn't possibly be moving that fast."
"That is because Assassin, like myself, isn't a normal entity. We are Servants."
"Servants?" Blake asked. She stood up. "Wait." What was it that familiar that appeared that night called herself again? "Does the name Lancer mean anything to you?"
Sanson raised an eyebrow. "One of the seven classes a Servant could manifest as. Assassin is also among them."
Blake began to shake her head. No. No, no, no. Please no.
"Kitten?" asked Ghira. "Is something wrong."
"I—I left that behind. Why? Why are terrible things always following me?" Blake ran to her old room.
"Blake!" Kali called out. Sun did as well but did follow.
The door's locked behind her as she curled up into a ball. Blake heard the knocking from the other side.
"Blake?" Kali asked. "Sweetie? Is everything alright?"
"Nothing is alright, mom!" Blake answered. "The White Fang came to Beacon and attacked the school. I—my partner was hurt! And now this Servant thing is here? How is anything alright?"
Sanson suddenly appeared in her room, causing Blake to jump and draw her weapon.
"What are you?" she demanded.
"I am a Servant, myself," he answered. "I'd like to first say, mademoiselle, that I am not the true Servant of this Grail War though I do share in the same class. Menagerie's Companion Assassin, Charles-Henri Sanson."
"And how do I know that you aren't actually the Assassin?"
"Because true Assassin has been active for longer than I have been around. We have news reports articles that can prove it. Besides, I am an executioner; I only kill those that have been deemed guilty. Even if they really were not." There was remorse in his tone when he said those last words. "Believe me, my hands have been stained by many innocents."
Blake's hands were still trembling but she lowered her weapon. Sanson left her alone in her room but she only stayed there for another minute or so before leaving. Kali was there waiting for her. She embraced her and patted her head comfortingly.
"Please," said Blake. She was addressing Sanson. "Don't do that again."
"That would be my fault, sweetie," Kali replied. "I'm sorry."
She couldn't find it in her to be angry with her mom and so Blake did forgive her. The same, if only a little begrudgingly, was given to Sanson.
"So," Sun opened up. "That's… pretty cool thing you did there. Teleporting and all that."
"It isn't anything too special." Sanson shook his head humbly. "I wouldn't call it teleporting; I still have to move from places, monsieur."
"Okay, maybe don't call me me-sure, I don't even know what that means. Call me Sun. Sun Wukong."
Sanson bowed. "As you wish, Mr. Wukong."
"Eh, close enough."
The rest of that day was spent in better times. Sanson was always outside of the group, playing the role of guardian as he watched out the windows and of any openings for signs of this apparent Assassin. Vigilant in his watch, he never wavered that Blake was sure that he didn't even sit close his eyes to rest for one moment. Blake had to request him to stop calling her mademoiselle as well. Turns out that was simply a formal form of address from where he was from.
He was an excellent tea-maker as his brews had this medicinal property to them. Blake felt herself healthy with every sip. Perhaps it had something to do with his stated profession of executioner but he had quite the extensive knowledge on anatomy that was akin to a medical professional, if albeit with outdated information. There were many things that had been improved since the comparable time period of his.
Ghira and Sanson's relationship though was one that was the most noticeable. Blake noticed that when Sun was being Sun.
"Trust me," Sun said, now more relaxed and comfortable. "She knows all about that. She's got some moves." He flashed them a grin and pointed finger-guns at them.
"And what do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?" Ghira's eyes narrowed at the moment. Sun, realizing his blunder, froze in place. "Sanson prepare the guillotine."
"Monsieur Belladonna." Sanson massaged his forehead. "Isn't that a bit much?"
"That would depend on his answer. It might not be enough."
"Dad!" Blake rebuked. "Nothing is happening between me and Sun!"
"Nothing bad, you mean?"
"Nothing! We're just friends, dad."
Better this than earlier, she supposed. Blake would rather have the embarrassment of both parents and that of Sun rather than wishing she had eyes on the back of her head.
Sanson acted as though he were a butler that Sun couldn't help himself but whistle.
"You didn't tell me that you got your own butler."
"That's because I don't."
Sanson had heard their conversation. "By the time I had arrived and was taken in, the White Fang had already turned to violence. I make no assumptions of when miss Belladonna had left them."
"Maybe don't call me miss Belladonna," Blake said. "Just Blake is fine."
"If that is your wish, miss Blake."
"Just—you know what? Never mind, whichever you're most comfortable, I guess."
Blake soon left Sun and Sanson alone. The two were on good enough terms, she supposed. Sun wasn't the type of person to hold onto to grudges much and Sanson was quite reserved but courteous in his manner. The two were at the meeting room. Sun had many questions and Sanson was willing enough to answer.
Her parents were found preparing her old bedroom. With her and Sun's sudden arrival, neither of them had any time to prepare the rooms and were thusly rushing to get them cleaned and covered. It was distraction if nothing else.
"Oh Blake?" Kali noticed her at the door. "We're close to finishing."
"I can help, mom."
"Nonsense! You and that Sun fellow must be tired from your trip. It will be fine. Your father and I could use a distraction."
Just like that, Blake's mood was soured. This day had been a rollercoaster of emotions. First the nostalgia of getting back home followed by the anxiety when it all seemed empty. Then, there was the danger at the thought that something might have happened to her parents while she had been gone only for it to pass like waves on the shore. Now she is being reminded that danger had yet to leave them alone.
Leaving it to them, Blake sought to find some kind of fresh air. Rather than go outside their home, she opted to open a window and simply took in whatever breeze came her way. Still, she kept watch of anything that might happen. Then again, if this Assassin could get inside like Sanson did earlier, there was little that she could do. The thought of it did not make it any better.
The view outside was still that of a ghost town. No one was stepping outside. If there was anyone who were, they were rushing from one point to another, never once did they look around in a corner. They refused to interact with anyone else beyond that which was necessary. Blake noticed that no one touched another. They kept their distance in their paranoia.
A coat suddenly draping over her shoulders nearly made her jump. It was Sanson's coat. Underneath that, he was still wearing a somewhat formal attire though that appeared rugged with more creases overall.
"It is not good for you to be cold, miss Blake," he said. "Especially not now."
"Does it have anything to do with Assassin?" she guessed correctly.
Sanson nodded. "Children may be its primary target but adults get caught in the crossfire, parents protecting them perhaps. Even if the bodies were only freshly killed, there was coldness to them. As though they have been preserved in that same instant. Everyone here is keeping themselves warm. Assassin's cold touch is a giveaway."
"Why hasn't anyone caught Assassin, yet?"
"It is one of its skillset, I would guess. Assassin can take the forms of its victims and even mimic their voices though they could only repeat the last words of said victim. I do not know how many lives have been lost to it already." There was remorseful in Sanson's voice. "True Assassin has greater Agility than I do, much greater."
"It's not your fault." Blake tried to comfort him.
"I had come close to it, miss Blake." Sanson shook his head. "I suppose I had Luck on my side but I couldn't do much and Assassin slipped away. It is still lurking around here somewhere. I know it."
"Does it have to be you? What if this Assassin is too strong?"
"If I could not face Assassin." He looked down as if in shame. "Then, I'm afraid that no one in all of Menagerie stands a chance. Servants are a force that even the most exceptional of huntsmen would struggle against. I trust that I do not need to mention the civilian populace. The only solace you have is that as an Assassin, it is not one for direct confrontation."
"What about the Grimm?" With this serial killer on the loose, the Grimm had to be drawn to Kuo Kuana. "How are we supposed to deal with them?
"There hasn't been any word of them yet. Though given what I've seen of Assassin, perhaps there is some kinship to them. Assassin is the Grimm Child. Not that many legends here on Remnant that are similar."
"You mean the Chill?" Blake's eyes widened. "Isn't that just the Grimm? How are Grimm Servants?"
"I wish I knew myself." Sanson shrugged. "By all accounts, Grimm shouldn't even become Heroic Spirits, even one like the Grimm Child. But the fact is that Assassin exists and that it is looking for a child."
The cooling breeze made Blake shiver. She closed the windows and even that did little to ease her own worries. She could use another cup of that tea from earlier. She decided to move to where the fire was after returning the coat. Sun was already there by the fire. He looked rather nervous and Blake soon discovered that Ghira was there as well, clearly interrogating the monkey faunus.
"Hey Blake!" Sun looked to her for salvation. "Glad you're here! Your dad is just… telling the best of stories about the old White Fang!" He chuckled nervously.
"And what have you learned about the White Fang?" Ghira raised a singular eyebrow.
"Uh." Sun's pupils went all over the place. "That… that they are looking for equality?"
Even Blake buried her face in her hands.
Night soon came and while things had been remotely more peaceful, it did not at all ease the tensions that Blake could feel from Kuo Kuana. It shouldn't be abnormal to see the people be inside their homes, tired from a day's work. But every lit house gave no comfort. Blake couldn't feel them being comfortable. Shadows from the curtains and windows were clear, guarding their own homes while the others within that household were likely experiencing restless sleeps.
She was among them. No matter how much both parents insisted that she get some rest, Blake couldn't hope to. It was supposed to be a reunion. Perhaps some shouting of not being in contact for so long. Worried faces and words at her absence. Instead, Ghira and Kali put those aside and grasped whatever moment of joys they could when she returned.
In another room, Sanson, by Ghira's insistence, was guarding Sun. Blake's father may have some concerns regarding Sun but he wasn't about to leave him without a guardian of his own.
Kuo Kuana was deathly quiet. No sound was heard no matter which direction her faunus ears went. Even the critters of the night had gone mute, as if they too were hiding from Assassin. Never could Blake imagine that she, the one who was hardened by her life as terrorist and huntress, would be reduced to some helpless girl clinging to the protective hands of her parents. Even her father's larger form did little to ease her as she's still failing to sleep.
The sudden sounds of movement jolted her back up. Neither Ghira nor Kali seemed surprised. In the other room, Sun said things that were incomprehensible but it hinted of amazement.
"Assassin," Ghira said to her. It wasn't reassuring. "Sanson must be on the move."
"Will he be okay?" Blake asked.
"He knows his way around Kuo Kuana." Ghira's smile still wasn't reassuring. "It's how he makes up for his lack of speed."
For however long that it would last, Blake thought. It was only a matter of time before this Assassin would learn more about Kuo Kuana.
The sounds of Sanson probably hoping across roofs was the only disturbance of the night. They were faint and grew softer and louder depending on where he was. Blake could only guess where he was based from it.
Ghira and Kali were armed. Blake could only hope that Sun was as well.
Crashes were heard and crates were being destroyed. With how quiet everything else was, it was quite the feat that such noises were even picked up despite their distance.
She couldn't sit for long and had to check. Both parents held her back and didn't allow her to get too close to the window, not without them being in-between. Blake had to be on her toes just to see what was happening outside. There wasn't much that she could make out, obstructed by both her family and the buildings outside.
Everyone in the Belladonna household tensed and stiffened once the noises grew louder and distinct; they were approaching. Each one readied themselves for what could possibly come.
Sanson's words about Servants echoed at the back of her mind. Part of her wanted to run and take both parents and Sun with her.
Scuffles were had just outside their home. The sound of Sanson's blade whistling in the air was deafening to Blake's sensitive ears.
Then, the noises went past the homes. They started to fade away again as the ruffling of leaves, breaking of tree barks, and the snapping of branches grew in occurrences. Eventually, that noise too died down and everything went silent again.
Sanson appeared before them after a minute or two of agonizing silence. He stumbled and nearly fell. He kept one arm underneath his coat.
"How close?" Ghira asked.
"No life was lost tonight," Sanson replied, much to Ghira and Kali's relief. "However, Assassin still proves too elusive for myself."
"Do not be too hard on yourself, Sanson." Ghira patted him on the shoulder. "What matters is that no further deaths would befall Kuo Kuana. Gods know we've already buried enough in so short a time."
While Blake did eventually lie back down, Ghira and Kali still took turns in staying awake and keeping watch. Neither were really relaxed, leaving Sanson to stay up all night as he watched over Sun.
/-/
"You're really not going to sleep?" Sun asked.
Sanson shook his head. "Servants have little need to sleep. Those that do often do so to conserve magical energy. Someone needs to stay up and make sure that Assassin doesn't make a second attempt."
He was certain that Assassin wouldn't make another. Things were too hot for it and no matter where it would go, Menagerie was on high alert that even Presence Concealment wouldn't be of much help.
However, that wasn't Sanson's concern. There was something else that had stopped him from chasing Assassin. He, like all other Companion Servants, have been summoned at different points all over Remnant and at different times. Sanson was one of those who had come into the world before the Fall of Beacon. Without the CCT and with Menagerie being mostly cutoff from the rest of Remnant, Sanson had no means of getting word out to the rest of them.
Not every Companion Servant was a friend. It had caught him by surprise when it did and nearly cost him his own life. One of them clearly has other plans and has chosen to ally with Assassin's Master. Even then, Sanson doubts that Cat is truly aligned with Assassin. He had the claw marks to prove it, and Cat didn't seemed too phased when Assassin had been in danger.
AN: More of a response to a review here but yeah, Curious Cat is in cat form.
Rusted Knight, Jabberwalker, and Curious Cat are what I'm calling, in my notes at any rate, as Remnant's Trifecta. Think of them as the Trio that we usually associate with other media (The Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle or other similar trios if that makes sense).
Sanson is pretty much the reason for class changes for the Companion Servants in regards to class. Kojirou is classified under Saber (more on FGO rules via Shimousa) and by extention Astolfo being in the Rider. Sanson's only class is Assassin; it's why I favored Servants with more than one class prior to this fic; I was certain that I wouldn't be able to do the original Fate/RWBY Grail War concept that I had before FUT. I never realized that I just favor Assassins a lot.