An air horn sounds loudly as an offramp is being lowered on the ship bearing Blake Belladonna and Sun Wukong to allow passengers to disembark. The town has many small buildings and homes set among dunes and palm trees. The town bell that has been ringing is shown in its belfry.
Sun and Blake make their way from the deck to the offramp. She proceeds without pause while Sun stops to look at the town.
Sun: Huh.
Several Faunus in summer wear meander casually at the dock, some waiting for friends or family among the new arrivals. The dock is also a commercial area, with mobile kiosks selling food and other wares. It is a relaxed atmosphere on a sunny day.
Sun is looking around while he and Blake disembark and walk through the market area together.
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: (dodging a Faunus carrying a box) 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. My father tried to clear it but the Grimm overwhelmed him and the people.
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.
The two pause in their walk to look at the view of the town the road affords. The road they are on goes downhill and to the side, bordered by palm trees and homes that have either canvas or wood roofs. The vista of palm trees spreads out to the edge of mountainous dunes in the distance. Right in the middle of all this is a large house with an open courtyard that the road appears to lead directly to. The house is at least three stories and is the only building in the whole area with a sophisticated roof.
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. (lowering her face) That we're still second-class citizens. My father is the only human that lives here.
Sun: (putting his hand on her shoulder) Well, hey, this guy's feeling pretty at home. And besides, I'll bet that your dad made quite an impression on the Faunus.
Blake: Alright, time to go home.
Sun: Oh yeah? (moving his hand to her other shoulder and pulling her in) Which one's yours? Can you see it from here?
Sun uses his free hand like a visor to help him peer at the houses.
Blake: Kind of.
Sun: Is it that one? (pointing away from Blake) What about that tiny one down there? (pointing across Blake) I like the paint job.
Blake: (taking Sun's intruding arm by the wrist and directing it toward the large house) It's... that one.
Sun stares for a second before pointing his finger at her with a questioning expression. Blake nods. Sun looks at her for a beat before taking his arm off her and stepping back. He covers the sides of his head and crouches a bit, staring wide-eyed at the house and making a comical, amazed noise.
Blake and Sun walk up the stone steps to the front door of the house. Blake hesitates when she moves to use the knocker.
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 takes a quick breath for courage and bangs the door knocker. It makes a loud, heavy, resonating sound on the large door. Sun stares up, stepping back while Blake politely backs away from the door a few paces.
Sun: (pointing up at the door) Okay, if we're being honest, that's kind of intimidating.
Both Sun and Blake give a start at the sound of the door being opened. Kali Belladonna, a short, female cat Faunus is behind it, looking around at the visitors. Her ears perk and she moves the door out of the way so she can step forward when she recognizes her daughter.
Kali: (almost in disbelief) Blake?
Blake: (awkwardly lifting her arm in greeting) Hi, mom.
Kale steps forward and hugs her daughter.
Kali: My baby girl.
Blake hesitates, uncertain for a moment, before her face gentles into a smile and she hugs her mother back.
They stand in front of the open doorway. From inside the house, footsteps come closer and a shadow falls onto the carpeted entryway. Kali lets go of Blake and turns behind her at the sound of Sam Belladonna's voice.
Sam: Kali? Who is it?
Sam stands with his hands to his sides, waiting to greet the visitor
Sam stands with his hands to his sides, waiting to greet the visitor. His quizzical expression changes to wide-eyed surprise, before his hands, shoulders, and face all fall in a clear, emotional reaction to the sight of his daughter come home.
Sun sees this and grins, pleased at Blake's welcome as he turns to look at how she's taking it. Blake has her hands clasped in front of her, awaiting her father's reaction. Kali has not let go, with her hands supportively on Blake's shoulder and arm.
Sam smiles, clearly happy. Blake smiles back, relieved. She and Sun exchange sideways glances.
Kali sets down her cup on the table. She, Sam, Sun, and Blake all sit on the floor at a square table.
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.
Sam: Please, I knew she'd be fine!
Kali: (scoffing) That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing.
Sam: I wasn't- (sighs) Okay yeah, I was.
Sun: You guys have nothing to worry about. I've seen your daughter in action before! And trust me, she's got some moves!
Blake, who was sipping from her cup while Sun spoke, abruptly lifts her head and swallows at his last choice of words. Sam glares at the young man on his right.
Sam: And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?
Sun freezes and slowly turns toward his host.
Sun: 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: (leaning in to ask quietly) 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...
Sun struggles for words as all three Belladonnas watch him and wait for him to either get out of the hole he just talked himself into or keep digging.
In the awkward silence, Sun uses his tail to pick up the tea kettle and pour some more tea into his cup.
Sun: This tea is really good. (sipping) Heh-uh.
Kali: (not quite quietly enough for an aside) I like him.
Blake: Mom!
The loud sound of the front door knocker resonates, catching everyone's attention.
Sam: Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!
Sam hits his fist onto the table and Kali quickly covers it with her hand.
Kali: Sam...
Sam: Give me a moment.
He gets up and walks out.
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: (sipping) Hmm? The White Fang.
Sun & Blake: (rising to their feet) WHAT?!
Blake and Sun rush to the door, where Sam is speaking with two fox Faunus, Corsac Albain and Fennec Albain. The two visitors maintain respectful, formal postures, keeping their hands clasped before them.
Blake: Dad!
Sam: Blake, what's wrong?
Corsac: Miss Belladonna.
Fennec: We had no idea you'd returned.
Every time either one of the two Albain brothers speaks, they gesture with their hands and end with clasping their hands before their chests again.
Blake: What are you doing talking to these people?
Sam: 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!
Sam: What is she talking about?
Corsac: Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace.
Kali: (approaching) Is everything alright?
Sun: Wait, you guys seriously don't know?
Sam: (dangerously) Know what?
Blake: The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon. They attacked innocent civilians and they released Grimm into the school.
There is a brief silence. Fennec makes an innocent, sideways glance at his brother. Sam slowly turns to face the two White Fang representatives.
Sam: Is this true?
Fennec: Sadly, Your Grace, it is.
Blake: Don't act like you're s—
Sam: That's enough! (to the Albains) 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.
Sam: More than you could possibly know.
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.
Sam: 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.
Sam: 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.
Sam: Goodbye, gentlemen.
He firmly closes the door on them. Kali moves to stand closer and face her husband while Blake walks off.
Sun: So... those guys were creepy.
Sam: You are not the only one that thinks that.
Outside, the two brothers descend the steps, perfectly in sync and their formally clasped hands. Corsac, however, is now using the prayer posture that Fennec had been using all along.
Fennec: An interesting development, wouldn't you say?
Corsac: Interesting indeed.
Fennec: So, shall we inform Brother Adam?
Corsac: Oh, we shall.
They exchange unsettling grins.
Later That Day
As night befalls over the Belladonna household, Blake stands on a second story deck outside her father's office. The broken moon shines over the house. Blake stares at her father's door, beside which hangs an empty birdcage, when Kali speaks, startling her.
Kali: You know, you can always go in and say hi.
Kali is carrying a tray with a tea set on it.
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 kisses her daughter on the cheek and hands her the tray. Blake accepts it, but is a bit taken aback by being handed it.
Kali: Here.
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.
Kali walks away, her footsteps audible.
Sam: (calling out from inside his office) Kali? Is that you, dear?
Blake gives a nervous start of surprise when she hears his voice. The tray shakes in her hands, and she lets out a quiet whine.
Sam straightens some paperwork on his desk. The porch door slides open and Blake steps inside.
Blake: Uh, hey dad.
Sam: Blake! Well hey there kiddo.
Blake: I...
Sam: (standing) Please, come sit.
Father and daughter both move to the oversized coffee table and lounge furniture, and Blake sets the tea set at the end where her father sits.
Sam: Don't worry, I've got it. Sit down, sit down.
Blake: I don't wanna keep you if you're-
Sam: (pouring tea) Oh don't worry, I honestly needed a break.
He puts a cube of sugar in the cup nearest Blake.
Sam: You still take sugar, right?
Blake: Oh, actually, uh-
Sam: (pulling back nervously) Oh! Sorry!
Blake: No, no no no, it's fine.
Sam: Oh, here, take this one.
Blake: (taking her cup) No, really. It's, it's no big deal.
Sam: You sure?
Blake: Positive.
Sam: Old habits, I suppose.
Blake takes a sip of her tea and winces with a tiny exclamation of pain.
Sam: Might wanna let it cool.
Blake: (slight pain in her voice) Right.
She sets the cup down on the table.
Sam: So... is it... warm... in Vale?
Blake: Huh?
Sam: It just... seems like your outfit doesn't cover very much.
Blake looks down at herself and crosses her arms.
Blake: It covers plenty.
Sam: 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.
Sam: I... (sighing) I know you can. I'm sorry.
He sets down his own cup. Blake's expression saddens, and she looks away, bowing her head.
Blake: Why?
Sam: Hmm?
Blake: Why would you say that?
Sam moves to be beside his daughter, going down to one knee and putting a hand on her back.
Sam: Sweetheart, what's wrong? What did I say?
Blake: How can you still love me after what I did?
Sam: Blake...
He gets up and sits beside her on the couch, putting his arm around her.
Sam: Your mother and I will always love you.
Blake: (emotional) You were right. I shouted at you and yelled at you. (looking up at him) But you were right. I called you cowards!
Remorsefully, she lowers her head closer to her father. He holds her.
Sam: It's okay.
Blake: (pulling back) I should have left the White Fang with you and Mom. I should've listened to you, and I'm sorry. (turning away) I'm so, so sorry.
Sam: (turning her by the chin to look at him and then wiping a tear from her eye with his thumb) 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! (sniffles) I was-
She lowers her face again.
Sam: 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.
Sam: 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: (sniffing) I...
Behind them, the porch door falls inward, Sun on top of it and yelping. Blake turns around.
Blake: (affronted and standing up) Sun?!
Sam is also standing while Sun gets himself upright and tries to recover from the situation.
Sun: D'yuh! Whoa! This isn't the bathroom! Uh, I'll just be going! Sorry to interrupt this tender family moment! (awkward giggle)
Blake and Sam both glare at Sun, Blake's right ear twitching. Sam takes a breath and closes his eyes for a second.
Sam: You have the worst timing, you know that?
With a groan of frustration, Blake slaps Sun as they are seen on the porch outside Sam's office.
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!
Angrily, she turns her back on him and marches a few steps away.
Sun: Look, I promise it was important! I needed to find you to talk to you!
Blake: (turning back, exasperated) What, Sun? What could be so important?!
Sun: I was talking to your mom and she said something weird about the White Fang!
Blake: (holding a finger up and striding forward) 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 yesterday! I even have a picture!
He pulls his Scroll out of his back pocket.
Blake: Sun!
Sun: (bringing up the image) Look, I'm trying to help!
Blake pulls his Scroll out of his hands and tosses it out into the trees.
Blake: I don't want your help!
Sun stares at his Scroll and turns to Blake, growling. The sound of the Scroll landing, followed by a feminine, gasping sound is heard from the trees where Blake had just tossed the device. Both Sun and Blake's eyes go wide for a second and they slowly turn, eyes narrowing.
The visual becomes a wide shot of the two of them on the porch that is slowly pulling back. It cuts to the dark trees, moving in slowly. A dark humanoid shape with a white mask can just be made out, perched atop a palm tree. The visual cuts to Blake as she gasps and cuts back to the figure, a female Faunus with thin, curved, dark gray horns and black, spotty skin. She is wearing a black, sleeveless stealth suit with a gold zipper and slightly lighter-black straps with gold buckles on it. On her face is a large, white Grimm Mask with elegant, curvy red markings.
The woman leaps into the air, giving a better view of her. The legs of her stealth outfit are short, and she wears high-top boots. Her black hair is pulled back in a ponytail that curls up at the end. The Faunus soon disappears. On the porch, Blake steps forward with a determined look in her eye while Sun throws out his arms.
Sun: A freakin' ninja?!
Blake: A spy!
Sun: But why would—
He cuts off as Blake jumps onto the railing and then off into the trees.
Sun: Hey wait!
Kali comes out from around the corner and inside the house.
Kali: What's happened?
Sun: (backing up toward where Blake leapt from as he speaks) The White Fang is evil, I totally called it, and I'm bringing your daughter back!
He leaps down off the second story deck. Kali's mouth drops open for a moment before she brings up her hand, worried. Kali then turns to Sam's office and enters.
Sam: Kali, what's wrong?
Kali: Blake and Sun went after a White Fang member that was spying on our house!
Sam's eyes widen as he looks out to the trees before his eyes glow blue and scales form around his face.
Blake and the masked White Fang member leap from tree to tree, Blake in pursuit of the other Faunus. They both pause for a moment, gripping different trees. A noise above the spy makes her gasp and Sun appears, dropping down.
Sun: Gotcha!
She leaps on, out of his path. Blake pursues while Sun lands on a branch.
Sun: Hey, wait up!
Blake: Don't let her out of your sight!
The spy emerges from the trees and onto a roof. She continues to run across the buildings, Blake right behind her. Sliding under some arching pipes, she finally turns and stops. Using her weapon in whip form, she slices the pipe, releasing steam to block Blake. It doesn't work; Blake moves right under the pipes through the steam.
Blake: Why are you watching me?
The girl smiles and lowers her weapon. Sun lands on the roof behind her, causing her to turn around.
Sun: Give it up! I'm not above hitting a girl, you—
He gets cut off when the spy's whip comes at him in an attack, which he falls back to avoid. Blake takes advantage of the distraction to kick the Scroll out of the spy's hand. The girl is surprised, avoids Blake's next attack, responds with a kick of her own and attempts to retrieve the Scroll. Sun tackles her instead.
Sun: Grab the Scroll! Seems someone thinks it's important!
Spy: Get off!
She headbutts Sun, cracking off the part of the mask covering her left eye, and tries to race Blake to the Scroll. Instead, first one and then a total of four clones tackle her. Sun is holding his pose to control his Semblance and Blake pauses.
Sun: Quit staring and grab it!
Blake listens, and Sun finally releases his Semblance, which he had been struggling to maintain, and falls to his knees. The clones disappear from atop the girl. She rises and aims her weapon at Blake.
Sun: Blake, watch out!
Blake turns, rising with the Scroll in her hand. She sees the broken Grimm mask crumble from the spy's face.
Blake: Ilia.
Sun: (getting to his feet) Wait, you know her?! But she doesn't even look like a f—aagh!
He gets cut off when the color-changing Ilia strikes an electric hit near his shoulder with her weapon. Sun cries out and falls.
Blake: Sun!
Ilia: Give it to me.
Blake: No.
Ilia changes color again.
Ilia: You shouldn't have come back.
Before Illia could swing her weapon at Blake, she is slammed by a reptilian-like tail as Sam is seen in his Godzilla hybrid form and roars at Illia.
Before Illia could swing her weapon at Blake, she is slammed by a reptilian-like tail as Sam is seen in his Godzilla hybrid form and roars at Illia
Sam then curls his tail around his daughter as he means to protect her.
Sam (beast): Leave now, and do not come near my home again.
Illia gets up and uses her weapon to create a rush of dust, which allows her to escape.
Blake briefly acknowledges that Ilia has disappeared before rushing over to Sun.
Blake: Sun! Sun!
Sun is lying on his back, bleeding from the wound Ilia caused. Blake covers the wound with her hands.
Blake: No, no, no, not again, please! Help! Somebody!
Sam reverts back to his human form and rushes to aid his daughter.
Sam: Blake, help me get him up.
Blake and Sam grab Sun and Sam carries him back to the house with Blake staying close to her friend.
Blake: Hold on, Sun, just hold on.
Timeskip
Sam is seen standing by the doors to his office as Kali comes out to join him.
Sam: Good morning, Kali.
Kali: Morning dear. How is he?
Sam: He...He'll live, as long as Blake doesn't kill him first.
Kali: What do you mean?
Kali's ears perk up as the muffled sounds of her daughter arguing with Sun can be heard. Kali moves close to the door to listen in better.
Blake: Shut up! Do you think I like being alone? Every day... every day I think about them! Ruby, Weiss, Yang... they were my friends! I loved them like I never thought I could love anybody. And I hope they hate me for leaving.
Sun: (raising himself up to reach out to her) You don't mean that.
Blake: Yes, I do!
Sam is saddened by Blake's hurtful words to herself.
Blake: Everyone thinks they can help me, but they can't. You saw Ilia last night and she's not even the worst! No. No more. They're better off without me. I made my choices and I'll deal with the consequences because they belong to me.
Sun: You think you're being selfless, but you're not. Yeah, that chameleon friend of yours got me pretty good. But I'd do it all again if it meant protecting you. And I can promise Yang would say the same. You can make your own choices, sure. But you don't get to make ours. When your friends fight for you, it's because we want to. So stop pushing us out! It hurts more than anything the bad guys could ever do to us.
The room goes silent for a moment.
Sun: But, if it makes you feel any better, the next time I go up against Lizard Girl, it won't be for you - it'll be to get even.
Blake: (laughs) My hero.
The door starts to creak as it crashes down again. This time it is Kali embarrassing herself by eavesdropping too closely. Behind her, Sam looks down at his wife on the ground with his hand on his hip. Kali pops upward again.
Kali: (in an affected tone) Oh! Oh dear, would you look at that, he's awake! Thank goodness!
Sam: (covering his face with his hand) Ah jeez, Kali.
Blake: Mom!
Sun: Hey, Mrs. B!
Blake: (walking over to her mother) What are you doing?!
Kali: Well, sweetheart, your father needed to speak with the two of you.
Blake: Huh?
A Scroll is set down on the coffee table. It shows a master folder labeled W. F. with six subfolders inside. The subfolders are labeled: Assignment, E.L., P.R., E.W., S. F., Untitled.
Sam: I'm afraid you were right to be suspicious.
Blake: What do you mean?
Sam: Adam Taurus is planning to overthrow the leader of the White Fang, and stage a full-scale attack on Haven Academy. It would be the Fall of Beacon all over again.
Sun: Not if we destroy the White Fang once and for all.
Blake: No.
She stands up, full of decision.
Blake: We're not going to destroy the White Fang. We're going to take it back.