RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 32: Home Again/Invigored Flame
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
As the sun set, Yang was finishing up some chores at home. Sweeping up any dirt or leaves on the porch, to grabbing the mail or even finish cleaning up dishes. Yang had started to move more, but she was still empty in heart.
Her mind still felt foggy as she was about to place a glass on the drying rack, yet a slip up caused it to drop. She attempted to reach for it…. With her missing limb. Only for it to shatter as a flash of light hit her eyes, making her relive Adam severing her arm in a second.
Yang had PTSD since that day… some times she can manage, but most of the time she relives that moment from flashes of light or the sound of a blade being sharpened.
The fallen brawler was against the wall, panting heavily as sweat dripped down her face from another attack. Weakly, she stood up to move, only to drop to her knees as she panted out, weakened from the attack.
A soft chirp sounded out as Cross, the robot dragon flew in as Zwei followed it. The dragon giving her some water as the small dog had a wet towel in hand, helping the young lady recover.
"T-Thanks, you two…" Yang panted, feeling better she stood back up. Petting the two little friends she slowly made her way back up to her room. She was tired and needed some rest if she was going to continue with her physical therapy.
Night soon brew over as Yang was stirring in her sleep. She tossed and turned as her dreams were tormenting her once more.
She sees Adam approaching her as the world around her was burning. Panic set in as she looked around her, seeing the bodies of Blake, Weiss, and Ruby on the ground. She needed to fight yet she couldn't move.
"This is what happens when you try to protect someone, you don't deserve to be with…" Adam said as he was now in front of Yang. The gleam of his blade soon made Yang flinch as she moved…. Just to see her arm being slice off of her once again.
A cry of pain echoing out as she dropped to her knees, holding her limb. Footsteps could be heard as she looked up, only to see the backside of Cody as ahead of him was Evol, taunting the boy.
"Come on, boyo! Give it your best shot!" Evol taunted his son.
"No… don't do it, Cody! It's a trap!" Yang pleaded for him to stop, reaching out with her one arm.
Cross-Z Magma cranked the knob of his buckle violently, his armor fuming with flames. With the execution at its max peak, the dragon rider jumped and readied his kick. With the kick delivered, Yang reached her hand out as the light erupted. "CODY!"
Yang's eyes snapped open, finding herself in her room and her arm extended out. She slowly sat up, finding herself in her room. Her eyes laid on her hand. The remnant cackles of Evol taking over her boyfriend's body still lingering in her mind as she closed her eyes tightly, only for tears to escape her eyes once more.
She was still devastated since that day. It's been a month since it happened and while she was physically recovering? Her heart was just as broken. But as she sat there, noises from below could be heard… the noises of… laughter? What was her dad laughing about?
She pushed herself out of bed and strided to the living room. Upon a glimpse she saw her dad but unexpectedly she saw two familiar teachers. Well, former teachers due to Beacon's fall.
"Dad…?"
Taiyang saw her daughter. "Ah Yang, sorry if it woke you up." He gently gestured to the two former teachers of Beacon – Oobleck and Port.
"Ah, Miss Xiao Long! It sure has been quite awhile!" Oobleck smiled, as the two teachers agreed to let her join them. "You seem to be doing well with your physical recovery."
"As well as in the maturity!" Port said, earning a soft glare from Taiyang. "Please join us!"
"Er, I'm good…" she bit her lip. "What are you doing here?"
"Despite popular belief, teachers do have life outside the classrooms." Oobleck answered.
"Professor Goodwich is working 'round the clock to restore Beacon to its former glory!" Port added, "But Mistral wasn't built in a day. And we all need rest from time to time."
"I hope she's taking time for herself…" Yang hoped.
"She is nothing but stubborn when it comes to her work… But she too knows she's human." Port nodded.
"So… what were you talking about?" Yang asked, curious to know what made them laugh to much.
"Talking about how Qrow, back when he was in Beacon, he was wearing a skirt-"
Did she hear that right? Her own uncle Qrow wore a skirt when he was in Beacon?
"The Brawen Twins have always been… interesting to say the least," said Oobleck.
Port, however, laughed, "That didn't seem to stop young Tai!"
"Hey come on, man, she's right here." Taiyang grunted. The last thing he wanted was his teenage years brought up in front of his own daughter.
"Oh please! She's a mature young woman now!" Port huffed, "If she can beat a Grimm, I'm sure she can handle a few jabs at her old man."
"She is also in the room too. And I think after everything I went through? I'm more than considered to be an adult now." Yang pointed out alongside the gesture to her stump.
"Are we finally talking about the Goliath in the room?" Oobleck whispered to Port. The father and daughter duo continued their 'argument' but upon looking at each other, they laughed. Relieved laughter followed from the two former teachers.
"If you don't mind me asking," the burly professor called, "Why haven't you tried on the arm yet?"
"Oh yes, yes!" Oobleck recalled. "A piece of Atlas technology given out that is rare indeed! Not to mention the effort it took to deliver it here. It seems a great many people want to see you returned to normal."
Yang's silence quickly told them her answer, as she gently held it before moving to the bottle in her hand.
"I… I don't know…" She responded, "I… I don't even know what to do anymore… Cody…" She attempted to try and tell them what happened, but she was unable to say much else other than a pained look. One that didn't seem like a death to a Grimm to the teachers. "I just… feel… so hopeless… I don't know what to do right now."
"That doesn't mean it is the end." Taiyang rested a hand on her shoulder. "It doesn't have to stop you from becoming who you wanna be. You're Yang Xiao Long, my sunny little dragon."
"But I couldn't save him, dad! I couldn't stop him from being taken!" Yang snapped at her father, tears in her eyes, "What can I even do now, that I couldn't do before?"
"Simple… you get up and try again." Taiyang responded, placing his hand on his daughter. "You try again, and again until you get your man back. We already accepted him as part of this family. Now you just gotta get back up and fight harder."
"How? The only one who had ever been able to was…" she trailed off. "Was…"
There had been only one soul who was strong enough to equal Evol for centuries. One who he hated so much because of her soul being under a cycle of life and death to put down Evol. She had moved her own soul after death and reborn to grow and learn like a phoenix. To adapt and counter the snake.
Evol's only equal – Vernage.
Her head craned down, her lilac eyes slowly widening. Could she know a spell that would separate Evol from Cody?
Evol looked like he was on a mission.
He must be after Vernage but also risking to have her reborn to delay her. It would also mean Vernage would unknowingly harm Cody as she was unaware what happened here in Patch.
She had to be warned and also stop her from crossing that moment.
Yet she didn't know where Lily was even at now. But given how Ruby is heading to find answers? The best option she could do, is to join her sister and hopefully run into Lily.
Yang had a plan now… she just needed to recover first. Then she can work to get her man back with the help of Vernage.
XXX
They had finally made it to Menagerie. After the death of the Sea Feilong Grimm, the ship made it to the island without any difficulties. The variety of Faunus being seen no matter where Lily looked. The twins were beaming but she had ordered Sun to keep the two children close to prevent them from running off.
"Welcome to Menagerie," said Blake.
"It seems so…"
"Crowded? I remember one time I came here on a small vacation years before. If I remember correctly the chieftain was such a small lad. I wonder how he fares nowadays?"
"So mind telling me what gave you the idea to come here?" Sun asked Lily, "Ow! Hey watch the tail!" The twins were already too energetic as it is.
"Vernage said she came to Menagerie a few times in the past thus the reason for coming here." Lily answered.
"And… how long ago was the last time?" Sun questioned.
"Long enough to know when your mother was a child. Her words, not mine."
"Isn't she just a ray of sunshines?" Sun sighed. "Well, lets get going! I wonder what's Blake's home is like?" The Faunus beamed with delight as he pulled Blake close and began to point around to see which house was hers…. Only for her to have his hand point… to not only the farthest house, but biggest one yet.
Sun gasped, his eyes widen open and held his face.
"Huh… It's not small anymore."
"I'm guessing that is the chieftain's home?"
"Yes… that is where my parents live.." Blake nodded, as it was clearly shown that in a sense… Blake was also 'royalty' in a way.
"Wait, wait, chieftain?! Her parents are in charge?!" Sun's jaw dropped further.
"When… it finally came time for a leader? My father was chosen given how hard he tried to work for peace…" Blake answered. "But please, don't think of me any less… I'm still me, after all."
Lily smiled. "As it should be."
Blake led the group further and upon drawing close to the door, she hesitated to grab the handle. "Everything alright?"
"It's just… I haven't seen them in a long time…" her cat ears folded in agitation.
"You won't know unless you see it for yourself."
"But… what if they push me away too?" Blake questioned with worry.
"Do I need to repeat my words?"
Blake hesitated before the twins took Blake's hand, as the three of them reached up for the door handle and knocked on it a few times, making her look at them as the twins smiled happily at her.
"Well that's intimidating." Sun commented.
They heard the door open and the one who answered it was a woman who also had cat ears like Blake.
"Blake…?" The woman called to the girl.
"Hey… mom…" Blake said softly. Her mother stepped forward before the Huntress felt her mother's arms wrap around her, hugging Blake lovingly.
"My baby girl…" She said with a happy yet saddened expression. Blake was surprised at first before a soft smile formed and returned the embrace. They parted but not before another voice reached their ears. Though Sun jolted from the sudden voice.
"Kali? Who's at the door?"
Lily had to raise her head slightly to the man who is Blake's father.
"Oh… he isn't little anymore." Vernage gasped.
"So you did know him?" Lily whispered back to Vernage.
"I did say I came to Menagerie for rest several times. From the looks of it, he seems to be a chieftain now. I'm impressed by his ability."
The chieftain smiled upon seeing his daughter but his face faltered upon the sight of Lily. Immediately the man tugged his wife and Blake slightly.
'Figures this would happen.'
"Blake why is this girl here in Menagerie?"
"Dad please let me explain," Blake quickly intervened. "Lily is-"
"A second in command of Faust."
"She-!"
"I'm not with Faust anymore nor am I affiliated with that snake Evol." Lily frowned.
"And how can we even trust you? Especially after what you did to our daughter and her friends?"
"Calm yourself little cub." They witnessed her hair shift into moonlight white and her lilac changed into emerald.
"That… voice…" Ghira gasped.
"Honestly, 20 years, I came back and you are such a stubborn bear."
"But… You… you should be dead… you were found dead! I thought that…" Ghira frowned as he remembered that day.
"May we discuss this reunion inside? In case you haven't noticed you stubborn fool, there are two children here who you frightened."
Looking down, he saw the twins who peeked but they looked like the eyes of someone that had kicked a puppy. That puppy being the twins and he was the one who kicked.
"O-Of course… Please come in." He nodded, gesturing them to enter as he looked very apologetic to the children.
"Aw, how adorable!" Blake's mother cooed.
"Whew… talk about an intense reunion." Sun sighed in relief.
Vernage sighed, turning to Sun with an annoyed look, "I really do not like you.." She confessed.
XXX
Upon entering the mansion, they all situated themselves around the dining table with Blake giving details of what occurred a year ago.
Blake's mother gently set the bowl down after we finished telling them the incident. "My word…. Even though Vale may not have been the best place, they didn't deserve such a fate…." Kali said with a frown. "We were both so worried."
"Please, I knew she would be fine!" Ghira said, crossing his arms with a chuckle.
"She's more than fine! She's a flipping ninja! You should see her moves!" Sun smiled.
"What do you mean by that?" Ghira turned to him with narrowed eyes.
Vernage elicited a sigh of dismay. "Sometimes I wonder if you speak with your mouth rather than your brain."
"H-Hey!"
Vernage elegantly took a sip of the tea and set it down. "While I understand your reasons of wariness regarding my surrogate daughter, Ghira, I assure you, she is no agent of Faust anymore. I am alive here and now because there is more to me than you don't know. Evol and I… have a very long history together." She took a deep breath. "So please, be at ease."
"Still.. I didn't expect you do actually have such power, let alone it being magic…" Ghira shook his head, "The moment I was informed about your body… I thought I lost a good friend who showed me a better path… I… I made the White Fang as a representation of what you taught me."
The Saint smiled. "You sure have grown. From a little cub to a proud beast. P-Pardon that word."
Ghira smiled softly, only for Kali to pinch her husbands cheek, making him groan from it. As it seemed she was slightly jealous over Ghira's and Vernage's past together.
"You certainly have gained a wonderful wife and daughter from your days." She looked at the two. "There was a time Ghira assumed besting the likes of me would prove to the others of his prowess. Oh you should have seen how he was, pouting and all."
The man rubbed his neck in embarrassment which earned amusement from Kali.
"Sadly, I wasn't enough to make the change I've wanted… so I had to step down…" Ghira lowered his head in shame.
"Ah yes… that." Her voice became bitter. "The Fang is more of a Blood Fang than its white colors."
"I made Sienna my predecessor. I thought she truly could do some good and make the choices I could not…." The older faunus frowned, "Seems I may have put too much faith in her… Or to Adam, who lead that assault. I thought for sure he would come to his senses with Sienna… seems I was a fool to believe in that."
They suddenly heard the front door sounding out, catching their attention. "Darn it! I completely forgot about the meeting!" Ghira realized. He was about to slam his fist on the table but Kali stopped him.
"Ghira…"
"It's alright. It won't take long." He said before he stood up and walked off towards the front door.
"Is everything okay?" Blake asked her mom.
"Of course. Just someone who wanted to see your father." Kali reassured.
"Who?"
"The White Fang, of course."
"Those psychos are here too?!" Sun got out.
They quickly rushed to the door while Gamel was oblivious to what was going on, still sitting by the wall. When the three young adults made it to the door they saw two other individuals that Ghira was talking to. In front of the doorway stood two Faunus. One looked to have jackal ears, while the other seemed to have a wolf's tail. They both were wearing red robes with white underclothes underneath.
"Dad!" Blake called out to him.
"Blake. What's wrong?" Ghira turned to her. The two individuals took notice of her.
"Miss Belladonna," The first person noticed.
"We had no idea you'd returned," the second one added on.
Blake looks at her father, "What are you doing talking to these people?"
"It's nothing Blake. Just something that needs to be taken care of." Ghira said.
"Taken care of? With all due respects dad. Nobody in the White Fang should be trusted." Blake stated, as her eyes narrowed with anger and suspicion.
"Ah yes that…" The Fennekin Emissary nodded, "I assure you that Adam Taurus's faction do not represent the will of the White Fang. Even Sienna Khan agrees that it went too far."
"Too far? People… died…" Blake grimaced, "A entire school is in ruins, schoolmates I knew have no academy to go back to! The number of students who died!"
"And that is with a heavy heart from us all, I assure you." The Jackal Emissary noted.
"Yeah, only for those who agree with the White Fang. The Faunus who don't and wanted to get away? None of them made it out! Heck, one of Blake's friends worked with one and he was killed just like the others who didn't make it!" Sun frowned, feeling disgust over them.
Vernage on the other hand, stared. She continued to listen to the words while Kali kept the young twins distracted from what was occuring. Lily too could sense the growing tension but she sensed her daughter wanting nothing more than to execute the White Fang for everything they did at Beacon. Yes Lily had taken down many of those White Fang soldiers when Beacon was attacked.
"And what of Adam Taurus then?"
"Rest assured, the punishment for Adam Taurus will not go unjust…." The Jackal Emissary said.
"And how can I be sure of that?" Ghira questioned.
They looked like they were about to say something, but they kept quiet, unable to answer.
"I think it's better if you leave..." Ghira advised..
"As… you wish…" They bowed.
"And Miss Blake, it is sad to see you stop fighting the good fight. But we, nonetheless, believe that you have chosen wisely." The Jackal Emissary noted.
"Who said I'm done fighting?" She responded.
They were silent once more before bowing, "Well, should you feel like coming back to us, Sister Illia would be delighted to hear that." The Wolf Emissary noted before they bowed and left the house which allowed Ghira to close the door.
"… They are lying." Vernage frowned. "I can see the deceit just by their words alone. They don't seek to punish Adam. They see him as a key to the succession of their ways of violence."
"Which is why we should unite Menagerie against Adam and his supporters!" Sun suggested.
"Not now, Sun… just… not now…" Blake muttered.
"Sun, Lily said to shut up." Vernage admonished. "Something I have to agree to."
"Agreed…" Ghira nodded with the two girls as the Monkey Faunus's head dropped with disappointment.
Vernage yawned. "I will lend Lily her body back for the rest of the day. I require much needed rest after we fought the Sea Feilong. It was nice to speak to familiar faces again." She adjusted her hair into a ponytail before the white colors faded and her emerald eyes shifted back to lilac.
"What?" Lily inquired.
"… I still have to get used to seeing that," said Sun.
XXX
It was the late evening as dinner had recently finished for the group. Lily wasn't sure what to think regarding the presence of the White Fang being here, for two emissaries to come here to speak to Ghira? She saw something more to it as did Vernage. She had recently created an orb to spy on them in case anything happens. It wasn't paranoia but from her experience as a member of Faust. She saw the way those two Faunus were when they briefly saw her, or rather Vernage. She was sure they smelt the faint blood she still had. Even after a year, it may be washed away, it can never wash away the smell or stains beneath.
She kept her distance because Ghira and Kali still looked at her for who she was. Their body language may hide it, their eyes don't. Her eyes looked down, brushing her hands on the slumbering twins. They had fallen asleep after eating. Well almost, given the two younglings made a mess during their meals and at one point threw some at Sun and accidentally on Ghira.
Though Kali seemed to fully accept the children as she would with her own daughter. Yet, Lily worried if she revealed they were ex-experiments of Faust? She worried they too would be judged for what they are, instead of who they can become. So she'll keep it a secret forevermore.
Just like the other experiments who were freed. People look at them as monsters because they were changed. To be augmented as super soldiers… just like her.
The bluenette looked at her hands, her mind flashing between her hands stained in blood and hands that were armored. She hasn't transformed into Mad Rogue before Beacon fell because it will only force her to return to her old ways. The maniacal bloodshed and hatred that nearly drowned her. True, she used it to fight Cinder but wearing it will only divert her away from her promise to the late Faust soldier.
"How can I be human… when I am not, Crystal…" she murmured bitterly.
"Mmmngh… momma…" 1931 muttered in his sleep, but with a smile on his face as his hand instinctively reached out to hold Lily's hand.
Lily closed her eyes and elicited a shuddering breath to calm her nerves. She gently brushed her thumb on the former experiment's hand. The only thing right now was to protect the duo.
"I wonder how you are doing Cody…" She murmured, looking at the sky.
"Maybe after some time of resting, you can visit him with Yang?" Vernage suggested.
"I guess…"
"As hard as this is… there can be a brightside and great change for you. We both just need to put in some effort after all… Nothing can be handed freely like the air can." Vernage wisely stated. "It takes time."
"Even with time, it feels like any progress I make is slipping away! How can I ever 'try' when I'm still seen as the monster I was?!" Lily snapped, anger fueling her mind, confusing the girl as she wanted an easier answer and result. "All that I did… all the atrocities… I am no hero…"
Lily was shivering as she needed help, yet it always felt like she was alone…. But as the girl sat there, she felt a pair of arms around her, making her look down to see the twins now awake, but with tears in their eyes.
"Momma saved us…" 1932 reminded, "Momma gave us home… and family now…"
"Momma is good person…" 1931 added, "We love you, momma. Stop saying mean things about you… It okay… We with momma, forever. Even if world is being mean, we stay."
Lily's eyes swelled and gently hugged them. The world had been constantly cruel to her during her days in Faust. After her defection. The only ones who ever gave a damn about her was Cody and his companion. Her surrogate mother Vernage. The twins who were with her.
1931's nose twitched and peeked slightly to the distance. It was that odd smell again. It smelled like… those Dust things. Just like on the boat from that giant man. His only eyes stared before he yawned as did 1932. They rubbed their eyes tiredly.
"…Come on, let's get you two to bed." Lily gently hoisted the two up.
"Bedtime story…?" 1932 asked, hugging Lily gently.
"I can handle it for you, Lily."
'Please…'
Vernage shifted placed with Lily, smiling at the children as she carried them. "There was once a little girl. She was so young, she didn't know how the world was." The twins yawned. "She was a princess but was new to being one." She made her way to the guest room. "Her father had told her that one day she will be as great as him. She learned, and saw the people around her. Some were mean… some were nice. She learned to see the differences between both sides. She stayed on doing good things day by day. People saw the wonderful princess as a savior. As a pretty saint of the kingdom." She set the two on the bed. "She was still nervous on trying her best, but she never, ever gave up on them. They praised her. They loved her… and she loved them in return for everyone around her was always her equal. To the commoners, she was a girl who helped them. To the nobles, they saw her as a sharp and very smart girl that lying is something she sees. For lying is bad. A girl with honesty, virtues, determination… and then she wanted to learn how to fight." She set the blanket over the two. "She wanted to do everything to protect her people. She never wanted war. Never wanted her people to be against each other. Thus people saw her as their true Saint. A girl who is all that is good. To never lie, to never do bad things. She never gave up. And do you know why?" The two yawned but were filled with curiosity. "Because she had people who she cared about. She had people who she misses every day on her journey. But the one thing that kept her going, was the good memories she had of each and every person she met. They were her light."
"Did… she ever find love…?" 1932 asked sleepily.
"… No…" her voice was soft. "Because she wanted to protect those she knew from evil but in turn, she couldn't let her feelings blind her from the reality around her. However… she has seen love. Mayhap one day, the love she sees will flourish so the hearts of pain can mend."
Soon the sounds of the twins, sleeping soundly with smile on their faces, gave Vernage a peace of mind. Yet before she could relax herself…
"Love you… Momma Verna…" 1931 said in his sleep. They gave her a nickname, one showed they see her as a mother as well.
"Sleep well… little flower buds." She whispered before moving away from the bed. Her eyes laid on the shattered moon seen from the window. Her hair matched its colors that fluttered. She closed her eyes and elicited a soft breath but a teardrop fell from the corner of her eyes. She misses those days…
A cycle of suffering was all she felt upon death. Rebirth. To live and die for her goal against Evol since the day she vowed to stop him no matter how. Her mind never broke because of her love for humanity. Her devotion to protect them from those like Evol and recently from Salem.
This may be the longest war to ever exist… The war between Remnant against an ancient witch and a cosmic snake. This will be long, but she truly believes they'll prevail in the end. She can only hope by then, the saint can have her peaceful rest into the possible next rebirth. To have a life without fighting anymore. To only support any soul as she had done before taking up a weapon.
Though in the next room, Blake listened to most of what happened. A look of worry and sorrow for Lily and how she feels. The faunus knew how much of a burden all of that was putting on the young lady, but didn't know that much. Blake pondered that maybe this would be good to go along with Lily and hopefully have her experience a new life here in Menagerie.
Blake knew what it felt like to be so isolated and judged, she was a Faunus after all, not to mention an Ex-White Fang member too. She knew better than most others how such eyes and words felt. And while she was able to move on a bit, she was far from feeling free from such stigmatas. Maybe being here will do them both good to finally move on and accept who they are meant to be. She can only hope it'll work out for them, tomorrow as she closed her eyes to rest up for the night.
XXX
Elsewhere in Menagerie, the two Faunus Brothers were in their quarters, waiting patiently. It had been a year since Adam Taurus recovered and when they heard what happened, it was a miracle he barely survived. Barely. His Aura diminished but its little remains is what allowed him to survive. From the most recent message, he had been training to regain his motor functions. Their potential high leader was still reeling with brief relapses of his burns. They don't blame him for his pain.
When they saw Blake, they genuinely didn't expect her to be here in Menagerie. Of course they told Sister Ilia of it but alas there was one little problem.
The woman who they briefly saw with the Belladonnas, elegantly drinking tea. Her eyes were closed but she must have clearly heard the conversation with the chieftain earlier. Their noses could still smell the faint stench of blood.
They knew who she was given what occurred in the Fall of Beacon. That large katana that she carried was evidence. The one who massacred their brothers and sisters.
Normally, should any human truly wash up on the shows of Menagerie? They usually have a way to get rid of them, even more so should more people notice them. But this time? If they even dared to attempt it, it would be their heads next. They needed a new strategy to take care of and remove the Saint before she catches onto any future plans.
The doors opened, allowing the duo to notice the bat faunus. "Ah, Brother Yuma, is something amiss?"
"We have a visitor who wishes to speak to you both. However… he is a human."
"Another one? Today has been nothing but pests, buzzing about…" Fennik sighed. "What makes this one any different from the rest?"
Yuma moved aside, revealing none other than Hazel. "I'm one of the allies, Adam has spoken about…" He revealed, making the brothers flinch.
"O-Of course! So sorry, sir! W-What brings you to our island?" The Jackal Emissary requested.
"I am here in regards to an individual." Hazel grunted slightly. "The one named Vernage." He earned puzzled looks. He sighed. "Lily the former agent of Faust."
"You knew she arrived in Menagerie?" Fennik gawked with surprise, only to see his look, "You… didn't know she was here until I mentioned it?"
"I do now." Hazel nodded. "I had been following her for a personal task."
"Do you also plan to remove those two brats, she brought with her?"
"Brats?"
"Yes! She brought two human children here… We were thinking if we could just take them first, she will crumble before we slau-"
Hazel gripped the Jackal Emissary by the neck, lifting him up, "I don't not recall, telling you to target children, who are not on the plan…" He warned, as his eyes were enraged over their idea. "Either avoid killing those two or it will be you two to take their place instead."
Hazel let go of the emissary, as his brother helped him to his feet.
"T-Then.. What should we do to draw her out? If we just do it in the open? Menagerie won't be on our side!"
Hazel grunted slightly. He understood Vernage's position given Salem had told them of her doings as a Saint. Lily was just a vessel but from the way it looked, Lily was only a girl currently at death's door while protecting the Box for Vernage. The box that is to be taken.
"Just as long as those children aren't involved? Do what you must." Hazel admitted, "While I rather not avoid any bloodshed, for once I may have to kneel at the idea if we are to get results alongside Menagerie on our side." He bit the inside of his cheek.
As while Hazel only wanted Ozpin to pay for it? Nobody else needs to be killed for this plan that Salem placed on him. But with Evol breathing down their necks and Adam barely back from his coma? They needed any advantage they could get, even if its against one's principals.
"We will do what we can to turn Menagerie against the Belladonnas…" Fennik said with a bow.
"In the meantime I'll deal with Lily and bring her to my benefactor." Hazel said, as he turned to leave the brothers for now to wait for a proper time to deal with her. Though after a few minutes, the brothers were full of spite, glaring at where Hazel once stood.
"Even if Adam trusts these humans… I see no reason to agree to their demands." The Jackal Emissary hissed out.
"What choice do we have brother? That girl is here and we all know what awaits those who 'sin'." They unconsciously held their own necks. The girl would not hesitate to behead them for their doings of the White Fang.
"But if we play our cards right, we can remove them both from the picture! Adam would be proud for our duty to him!"
"Patience brother…" Fennik said to him, calming his brother down. "In time, we will achieve what we have wanted… But for now? We play along and do what we must… For it is the will of Adam and the future of the Faunus."
Unbeknownst to them, the orb has watched everything before it slowly crawled away. It had spied on them for the sake of its created task. To warn its creator of the impending attack by the man called Hazel.
XXX
Dawn broke over as Taiyang was standing outside, enjoying the nice breeze. He decided to have some training to himself, after all he has to keep in shape just in case.
Though the door to the house opens as Yang walks out, her new arm attached as she shielded her eyes a bit from the sunlight. It took some time, but her physical recovery was done… Now that was left, was to regain her strength and fighting prowess before she does anything else, something that her father will now be helping with.
"How's the arm?" He smiled at his daughter, feeling a bit of relief and pride from seeing her get back up again.
"It… takes getting used to this." Her metal digits curled and uncurled slightly.
"That's the cost for a prosthetic after all." He shrugged softly, "But knowing you? I know you rather just test it out in a fight." Taiyang pointed out as he got into a fighting stance, ready to duel his daughter.
Yang took a breath before nodding. While she normally would take her time due to her state. She no longer had time left, given how Evol is hunting down Lily and Vernage. She needed to get back into shape, pronto. And dueling with her father to regain her prowess in martial combat, was the quickest way not only to regain it, but get use to her arm.
She won't sit around and cry anymore. She won't abandon her hope she has for Cody. The fiery brawler will rise again and fight to get back Cody. No matter what. And she won't run away this time, or let another incident like before happen again. She'll stick beside him, no matter what will happen next.
Yang Xiao Long has reignited herself once again.
XXX