THE PARK

The faint hum of evening settled over a public park in Vale. A large wooden pavilion stood in its center, framed by lush oak trees whose leaves whispered in the breeze. The sun bathed the area in gold and amber, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement of an empty basketball court, now serving as an improvised arena for four restless figures.

Mercury Black darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the sharp buzz of Henry Marygold's taser. Henry lunged forward again, the weapon crackling as its electric arcs illuminated the space between them. Mercury grinned, confidence written across his sharp features as he sidestepped effortlessly. Henry, though determined, was beginning to show signs of frustration.

"Stop dancing around, Mercury!" Henry barked, swinging the taser in a horizontal arc. Mercury's reflexes proved sharper. He slipped under Henry's extended arm, swept low, and hooked Henry's ankle with a well-placed kick. Henry's balance crumbled—his body twisted mid-air before he landed on his back with a sharp thud, the taser slipping from his grasp.

Mercury stood tall over him, smirking as he offered a hand. "If you're going to use a weapon, you might want something with more reach. That little thing isn't cutting it."

Henry scowled, taking Mercury's hand and hoisting himself up. "Yeah, yeah, I've thought about it." He dusted off his pants, frowning thoughtfully. "If Melanie hadn't slipped up when we fought her, we wouldn't have won. Maybe I'll look into a stun rod or something."

Across the court, another clash raged on. Cardin Winchester charged at Coco Adel with all the subtlety of a freight train. His fists swung in heavy arcs, brute strength fueling every strike. Coco, however, was fluid and precise. She sidestepped his wild blows with calculated grace, her brown eyes sharp behind her signature sunglasses. When Cardin left his side open after an overextended punch, Coco seized her opportunity.

Pivoting on her heel, Coco struck him with a brutal knee to the ribs. The air left Cardin's lungs in a pained wheeze as he stumbled back, clutching his side. Before he could recover, Coco stepped in close and hooked his knee with hers, forcing him to lose his balance and drop to the pavement, landing heavily on one knee.

"Tap out, Winchester," Coco teased, a victorious smirk curling her lips.

Cardin, still breathing hard, tilted his head up and chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Damn… Alright, you win. I needed that, though. If I want to keep up, I've gotta build my stamina. Especially now that Yang Xiao Long's at the top of Beacon."

Coco offered a hand to help him up, and after a moment, he took it with a grunt. "You're getting there," she said, her tone equal parts encouraging and smug. "But stamina's only half the battle."

Once the sparring ended, the four of them made their way to a weathered wooden picnic table under the pavilion. The benches creaked faintly as they sat, exhaustion settling over them like a shared weight. From here, the view of the park was quiet and serene: the evening breeze rustled through the tall grass, and the soft hum of crickets echoed from the edges of the playground.

Mercury leaned back, his arms draped casually over the bench as he stared up at the sky. "So, Beacon's got a new queen now" His tone was casual "Nora's loss sealed the deal. Yang's number one huh."

Cardin grunted in agreement, still catching his breath. "If you beat her, you take the crown," he muttered, though his voice lacked conviction.

Coco looked at each of them over her sunglasses, a teasing glint in her eyes. "What do you guys think? You still believe you can take her down?"

Henry and Mercury exchanged a look before bursting into laughter, the sound reverberating through the quiet park. Henry shook his head first. "Are you kidding me? We barely managed Melanie, and she's not even close to Yang's level."

Mercury snorted, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. "It'd probably be impossible. But hey, we've still gotta make people respect us. A lot of people think Henry and I are the weakest of Beacon's pillars. At the very least, we've gotta close the gap and reach Belladonna's level."

At the mention of Blake, Cardin sighed, running a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. "Good luck with that." He glanced up, his expression one of reluctant respect. "I saw Blake fight. That girl's on another level. Formidable doesn't even begin to cover it."

Coco leaned back, propping her arms over the bench as a satisfied smirk played across her lips. "It's funny," she began, her tone both thoughtful and teasing, "Nora somehow managed to gain even more popularity despite losing. Her charisma and personality? Gotta admit, they're something else. People respect her even more now. That said," her gaze shifted meaningfully toward Mercury and Henry, "you two taking down Melanie helped you regain some credibility. I'm sure you'll win back a few followers."

Cardin scoffed, resting his forearms heavily on the table. "Hmph. Mercury should just accept new people, anyone who jumped ship doesn't deserve to come back. The cowards and traitors who switched to Nora's side can rot for all I care."

Henry nodded firmly in agreement, his expression resolute. "Yeah, no second chances for people like that." Then, as if a thought struck him, he turned his gaze to Coco, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "You know, there's something I've always wondered." He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table as he stared at her. "Why didn't you ever want to become a pillar, Coco? You've always been a bit of a mystery to me… and even more so because you decided to follow someone as incompetent as Mercury."

Mercury, who had been lounging comfortably with a cocky grin, suddenly sat up straight, feigning offense. "Careful, Marygold. Keep talking like that, and I'll have to kick your ass." His tone, though, was laced with humor. Then, with a slight shrug, he added, "But honestly? I've wondered the same thing. Coco, if we fought, I'm pretty sure you'd win."

Coco laughed softly, her amusement evident. She tilted her head, the dim light catching the edge of her sunglasses. "Oh, please. Following someone like Nora, Yang, or the twins? That wouldn't be any fun." Her voice was light, but there was a knowing edge to her words. "They're all too strong. Their problems always get solved in the same, boring, predictable way. It's only when they go up against someone on their level that things get interesting."

She paused, her gaze sharpening as though observing something distant. "Take Yang, for example. The rookie who showed up and clawed her way to the top in no time at all. That was fun to watch… until it wasn't. Now? I doubt anyone will take that title from her. It's like watching a story with no twist."

Coco's smirk widened as she shifted her gaze toward Mercury. "But Little Mercury here? He's different. Following him gives me surprises, moments worth remembering. I like seeing an underdog rise up. It's a hell of a lot more exciting."

Mercury smiled at her words, a rare flicker of genuine pride crossing his features—until it hit him. His expression froze. "Wait a second…" His eyes narrowed, realization dawning. "Coco, you bitch! You're following me because you think I'm the weakest, aren't you?!"

Coco burst out laughing, the sound rich and unapologetic as it echoed into the evening.

"That's it! I'll give you a beating for that, right here, right now!"

"Sure you will," Coco teased, waving him off like he was little more than an irate child. Her laughter only grew louder as Mercury continued muttering curses under his breath.

Cardin, who had been watching the exchange with an amused grin, finally spoke up. "Laugh it up while you can. The news about Nora's defeat has already spread across Vale. You know what that means—every two-bit gang of wannabe delinquents is going to come after Yang. They'll want to take her down just to prove they're better than Beacon."

Henry, however, looked utterly unconcerned as he leaned back against the table, his arms crossing lazily over his chest. "Honestly? I doubt there's anyone out there who could beat Yang Xiao Long. People with that kind of ridiculous strength don't just pop up on every street corner."

(…)

THE CLUB

"Hello everyone, Jaune Arc here. Right now i am at The Club, a site famous for anyone who enjoys Vale's nightlife. If you're wondering what I'm doing here, well… I've decided it's time to start thinking about my future. And what better way to do that than to earn a little money? After exploring my very limited options, I ended up here. Miltia offered me the job, and in what can only be described as the strangest coincidence, this club belongs to Junior—yes, the Junior. The dimension-transferring demon himself. That was quite a surprise. Still, the pay is good, and though my parents were... let's say skeptical, I managed to convince them."

Jaune adjusted the silver tray balanced on his hand, laden with colorful cocktails. His attire matched the elegance of the club itself: a tailored black vest over a crisp white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows in defiance of strict uniform standards. A sleek black tie and matching slacks completed the look, polished shoes shining in the low light. He looked every bit the professional, save for the perpetual awkwardness in his posture.

"I've been here for about four days now. So far, no problems. I'm just working as a waiter, but Junior's been teaching me to prepare drinks. I think he's grooming me to take over as bartender when he's busy." Jaune thought, dodging a pair of rowdy dancers as he maneuvered through the crowd. "The other workers here look like mobsters—probably because they are—but honestly? They're good people. They've treated me well enough." He paused, spotting a particularly muscular guard in Junior's signature black uniform, complete with a crimson insignia emblazoned on his sleeve. "Very intimidating people, but good nonetheless. I'd say my only real concern is…"

Before he could finish, a slender arm snaked around his neck, yanking him backward.

"Jauney~" a voice cooed with mock sweetness, sending chills down Jaune's spine. Miltia Malachite had him in her grasp, her mischievous grin glowing like the Cheshire Cat beneath the ambient red lights. "Once again, you show up without so much as a hello. That's no way to treat the person who got you this job, is it?" Her grin widened into something positively sadistic. "Come on, now. Say it: 'Thank you for getting me this job, Madam Miltia. Please let me lick your feet in gratitude.'"

Jaune groaned internally as the tray wobbled in his hands. He managed to keep his voice level—barely. "Sorry, Miltia, but… I'm not really a foot guy."

Miltia released him, her hand sliding off his shoulder with deliberate slowness. Her green eyes glimmered as she tilted her head, feigning contemplation. "Not a foot guy, huh? And what about my thighs? You sure you could resist those?"

Jaune froze. A faint blush crept up his cheeks as his brain promptly short-circuited.

"Uhh… no comment," he stammered. "Look, can we just… not? I told you I'd take you out for dinner as a thank-you when we've got time."

Before Miltia could press further, her sister, Melanie, emerged from the private VIP section, radiating an aura of cool detachment.

"Miltia, quit bothering him," Melanie said flatly, crossing her arms. She turned her sharp gaze to Jaune. "And you, Jaune Arc. You should act more like a man. You've got something down there, don't you? Start acting like it, or I'll beat your ass."

Jaune sighed. "Yes, Melanie. I'll get back to work."

"Good," Melanie said, nodding toward the entrance. "Another group just came in. Go attend to them."

Miltia chuckled, watching him retreat. "You're always so cold to Jauney, Mel."

Melanie crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "Unlike you, I have standards. If I have to choose, I'd rather date Mercury or Henry than Jaune."

Miltia laughed, her voice rich with amusement. "Is that because you like it when they fight back? I prefer a man I can make scream without him putting up a fight. Don't tell me you've got a thing for those two just because they beat you last time."

Melanie flushed slightly, her composure cracking. "Please. The next time I see them, I'll make them cry like babies."

Miltia's grin widened as she watched her sister's rare display of flustered indignation. "Ah, my dear little sister. She's so adorable when she gets like that. I wonder which of those two idiots will have the misfortune of ending up with her."

A few hours later.

The club was eerily quiet at four in the morning, a stark contrast to the boisterous energy it had housed only hours ago. The once vibrant dance floor now lay still, scattered with discarded napkins and empty glasses waiting to be cleared. The dim neon lights bathed the space in hues of blue and violet, their glow soft and subdued as though even they had succumbed to exhaustion.

At the bar, Jaune Arc sat slouched over a stool, elbows resting on the polished counter. On either side of him were Miltia and Melanie.

Behind the counter, Junior, the towering club owner and demon of dimensional transfer, cleaned a row of glasses with practiced ease, his massive hands surprisingly gentle with the delicate crystal.

Junior set three glasses in front of them, the liquid inside shimmering a faint amber under the dim lights. Jaune furrowed his brows with mild suspicion as he peered into his drink. "Uh… this doesn't have alcohol, right?" he asked, ever the responsible one.

Miltia, perched playfully beside him, rolled her eyes before delivering a light kick to his leg. "Don't be such a wuss, Jauney. After a long night of work, you need to unwind a little." She grinned devilishly, her eyes practically glowing with mischief.

Junior, however, waved a hand nonchalantly, his deep voice rumbling with calm authority. "Relax, Jaune. It's nothing that'll hurt you. You've earned it tonight—good job, by the way. You're getting the hang of this."

Jaune exhaled softly and took a tentative sip of his drink. The liquid was smooth and surprisingly pleasant, warming his throat as it went down. "Eh, I guess. It's my first real job, so I've been a little nervous," he admitted.

Miltia, ever the provocateur, drained her glass in one swift motion. Without warning, she leaned over, draping her arms lightly around Jaune from behind, her chin resting just above his shoulder. "Heheh, watching you all jittery and clueless when you started was pretty adorable, you know? But I'm glad you're settling in. It would be a shame if you quit," she teased, her voice playful yet with an edge of sincerity. "Besides, once classes start up again, we'll only be here on weekends."

On Jaune's other side, Melanie sat quietly, swirling the contents of her glass with slow precision. She didn't say much but her presence was no less commanding.

Miltia, still latched onto Jaune like an overly affectionate cat, smirked wickedly. "Who would've thought Junior here was a demon from hell, and you, Jauney, were wrapped up in some massive supernatural mess? Yang being the sister of Hell's princess... I should've guessed there was something insane going on after she managed to beat Nora. Normal people don't pull that off."

Jaune chuckled dryly, draining the rest of his drink in a single gulp. "Heh. Yeah, Yang's never been… normal. But that's just how she is." He turned his gaze toward Junior, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Didn't think you'd tell these two about Ruby and all that stuff, though."

Junior raised both hands defensively, a sardonic smile tugging at his lips. "Sooner or later, something bizarre would've happened that I couldn't explain away. Better they hear it from me than start questioning things. Besides, their mother already knows everything."

Miltia tightened her arms around Jaune, feigning a shiver of fear."Ooooh, what if the demons invade us, Jauney? I'm so scared" she purred, though her grin betrayed her amusement.

Jaune groaned, attempting to wiggle out of her grip. "Hey, Miltia, quit it! You're gonna make me fall off this stool! And besides, you're way stronger than me!"

Finally, Melanie spoke, her tone sharp and indifferent as she set down her empty glass with a soft clink. "The less we're involved in this, the better. Jaune's already neck-deep in it thanks to his idiot friend being the sister of Hell's princess. Don't get too attached to him, Miltia."

Jaune's face fell, mildly offended. "Hey, hey! Don't talk about me like I'm doomed. Sure, I could die, but I'd rather stay optimistic about it, you know?"

Miltia laughed softly, the sound both sweet and teasing as she began to absentmindedly play with Jaune's blond hair. "Aww, don't say that Mel and Jauney. Please don't die. I'd hate to lose one of my favorite toys."

Jaune let out a weary sigh, his head slumping forward onto the bar. "I don't even know how to feel about the way you treat me anymore..."

Miltia only grinned wider, ruffling his hair as though he were some oversized pet. Melanie simply scoffed, looking away with an air of indifference, though a ghost of a smirk lingered on her lips. Junior, meanwhile, chuckled to himself as he continued cleaning glasses, content to let the banter play out.

(…)

MENAGERIE

"Hello, everyone! Deery here—the beloved, gorgeous, and utterly adorable deer Faunus everyone loves... or at least, that's what I like to believe! After all, the writer completely forgot about my existence until now. I mean, seriously? My first appearance and I'm already breaking the rules here. Oh, wait, that's not what I meant to say. Uh, let's go with: I was totally in the hospital for some vague, mysterious reasons and have just now made a miraculous recovery. Heheh. Anyway, you'll be seeing a lot more of me now as both a student and a proud member of the White Fang. Speaking of which—"

"The air here in Menagerie is so fresh, don't you think, girls?"

Blake Belladonna, who had decided to visit her birthplace, was walking alongside her close friends Ilia, Trifa, and, of course, Deery.

Ilia seemed particularly excited. "The vacation's ending soon, so it's great we managed to come. I missed Kuo Kuana!"

The bustling streets of Kuo Kuana were alive with energy. Vibrant market stalls lined the cobblestone pathways, shaded by colorful canopies that fluttered in the sea breeze. Merchants called out to passersby, offering an array of exotic fruits, handmade jewelry, and finely crafted goods. The scent of fresh seafood mingled with the aroma of sizzling street food, creating an irresistible invitation for anyone with an appetite. Faunus of all shapes and sizes moved through the streets, their chatter blending with the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.

The town's unique architecture stood out—homes and shops built from rich, dark wood with intricately carved patterns, their windows adorned with woven bamboo blinds. Everywhere, the air felt alive with a sense of community and pride. Children played near a fountain in the town square, their laughter ringing out as the cool water sparkled in the sunlight. The ocean, visible just beyond the edge of the town, stretched endlessly, its deep blue contrasting beautifully with the vibrant greenery of the island's foliage.

The girls, immersed in the sights and sounds, walked side by side.

The group strolled through the lively streets of Kuo Kuana when Blake's sharp hearing picked up a familiar voice. Turning, she spotted her mother, Kali Belladonna, expertly balancing a precarious number of shopping bags in each hand. Despite the load, she moved with her usual grace.

"Mom?" Blake hurried over, a mix of surprise and exasperation on her face. "What's all this?"

"Blake, dear!" Kali's face lit up at the sight of her daughter. "Just a few things for a proper dinner. I thought I'd make a feast tonight."

Blake sighed, already knowing she couldn't dissuade her mother. "Mom, we're only here for two days. You didn't need to go overboard."

"Nonsense!" Kali replied with a warm smile. "Food is important—it brings people together, and it's been so long since we've all been here. Now, girls, would you mind giving me a hand with these bags?"

Without hesitation, Ilia, Trifa, and Deery stepped forward to help. "Of course, Mrs. Belladonna," Ilia said, her excitement palpable. Trifa took several bags, balancing them skillfully, while Deery, still playful, pretended to struggle under the weight of just one bag. "Oh no, so heavy!" she teased with a grin.

"Drama queen," Trifa muttered with a smirk, earning a mock pout from Deery.

The group made their way to the Belladonna mansion. Nestled at the edge of the town, it was a grand structure that exuded both elegance and warmth. The mansion's dark wooden exterior gleamed in the sunlight, its carvings depicting scenes of Menagerie's rich history. Large windows framed by intricate latticework let in plenty of light, while a veranda wrapped around the first floor, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. The garden was overgrown but still beautiful, with vibrant flowers spilling over the edges of stone paths.

Blake paused at the entrance, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. "It feels strange to be back," she admitted softly. "We rarely visit since moving to Vale."

Kali's smile faltered slightly. "It's not the same without your father," she said, her voice tinged with melancholy. She shook her head, quickly regaining her usual cheer. "But enough of that! The house needs some serious cleaning, and I'm counting on all of you to help."

The girls set to work. Inside, the mansion was dusty but still stately. The high ceilings and polished wooden floors gave it an air of timelessness. A grand staircase dominated the foyer, its bannisters intricately carved. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the walls.

As they dusted and swept, the girls chatted., "So, Yang is the strongest in Beacon now?"

Blake nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "She is, but we don't have to worry about her. She is not evil. Jaune's her friend after all."

Trifa raised an eyebrow at Blake, her expression skeptical. "You're awfully confident about Jaune Arc. Something you're not telling us?"

Blake rolled her eyes. "Don't start, Trifa. Jaune's proof that humans and Faunus can get along. He's a good person, that's all."

Deery, listening intently, thought to herself with amusement "Wait a minute... Is Blake going to end up in a harem or something? This Jaune Arc seems to have a lot of potential love interests and some are not even in this story yet. Wait, do I even know him? Am I going to end up in a harem too? Naaaaaaah."

After hours of cleaning, the mansion gleamed. Kali clapped her hands together in satisfaction. "You've all done an amazing job. Now, why don't you head to the beach and enjoy yourselves? I'll take care of preparing the banquet."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Belladonna," Trifa said, echoing the sentiments of the others. Blake led them upstairs to change into swimsuits for the outing.

Blake chose a sleek black one-piece with subtle silver accents, simple yet elegant. Ilia opted for a sporty teal bikini that matched her active personality. Trifa donned a floral two-piece in shades of red and gold. Deery, ever the playful one, wore a pastel pink swimsuit with ruffled edges, a perfect reflection of her bubbly demeanor.

"Ready to hit the beach?" Deery asked, striking a dramatic pose. The others laughed, and with spirits high, they headed out to enjoy the rest of the day by the ocean.

(…)

The warm glow of the late afternoon sun filtered through the wide kitchen windows of the Belladonna mansion. Kali hummed a soft tune as she stirred a simmering pot of fragrant spices and herbs, the aroma of her culinary craft filling the entire room. Just as she reached for a fresh orange to prepare juice, her Scroll buzzed softly from the counter. With a practiced grace, she wiped her hands and answered.

"Hello? Oh, Hei—it's been some time," she said warmly, her voice carrying its characteristic charm. "Ah yes, I'm in Menagerie at the moment. I've come with my daughter and a few of her friends; she's making the most of her summer vacation." She tilted her head slightly, hearing the weight of his tone. "Oh? If it's something important, then no trouble at all. You know where this old house is—come by whenever you can."

After ending the call, Kali set the Scroll aside and began squeezing oranges into a pitcher, humming all the while. An unexpected visit from Hei Xiong, she thought. "I wonder what is this about." Once the juice was prepared, she set it in the icebox to chill and disappeared upstairs to shower and change.

By the time the soft knock echoed through the mansion, Kali was more than presentable—her dark hair pulled neatly into an elegant bun, a simple yet refined black dress flowing effortlessly to her ankles. She made her way to the door, opening it with a graceful sweep, only to blink in mild surprise at the group standing before her.

Hei Xiong stood at the forefront, his imposing figure impossible to miss, but behind him were four younger faces Kali did not quite expect. Ruby Rose, all bright-eyed and red-cloaked; Yang Xiao Long, whose presence was as vivid as the golden locks cascading down her shoulders; Jaune Arc, whose nervous smile betrayed his discomfort; and finally, Neopolitan, whose mismatched gaze and dignified poise struck an interesting contrast.

"Oh my," Kali said with a pleasant lilt, her sharp eyes taking them all in. "Hei, you said this was an important matter, but I didn't expect you to bring children along."

"Apologies for the surprise, Kali," Hei replied, stepping aside to gesture toward the others. "Please, may we come in?"

"Of course, of course! Make yourselves at home." She stepped back, allowing the group to enter the mansion. Ruby and Yang marveled at the grandeur of the space—high ceilings, ornate furnishings, and the faint scent of cedar that clung to the air. Jaune, however, couldn't help but feel an inexplicable tension as he stepped inside, his gaze briefly flitting to the impressive Belladonna crest that adorned the far wall.

"I didn't think I'd ever meet Blake's mother," Jaune mused internally, his discomfort growing. "The fact that she knows Junior? It's obvious she's aware of the demons, but… something tells me Blake has no idea. She probably hasn't been told anything."

Kali returned shortly with the pitcher of freshly squeezed juice, expertly balancing a tray of delicate glasses. She moved with the refined confidence of someone who had once been a warrior—each step deliberate and poised. "Please, take a seat," she invited, gesturing toward the plush sofas arranged in the spacious salon. Once everyone was settled and their glasses were filled, Kali lowered herself into an armchair with a gracious smile. "Now then, Hei. What brings you here with such unexpected guests?"

Hei cleared his throat, his expression serious as he began. "I apologize for the intrusion, Kali, but this is a request from the royal family." He gestured to Ruby, who shifted slightly under the sudden attention. "This is Lady Ruby Rose, the daughter of Madam Summer."

At the mention of Summer's name, Kali's expression softened with a smile that carried both fondness and nostalgia. "Oh my," she said, her voice tinged with delight. Her sharp gaze turned to Ruby, taking in the girl's red cloak and wide silver eyes. "You're as adorable as your mother. The moment I saw you, I knew you had to be her daughter. How is Summer, dear?"

Ruby's face lit up at the praise. "Oh, mom's doing great! She's been spending time with dad recently, so she's really happy."

"That's wonderful to hear," Kali replied warmly before shifting her attention to the others as Hei continued.

"This young woman is Yang Xiao Long, Ruby's contractor." Yang raised a hand in greeting, her confident grin unwavering. "And this young man," Hei said, gesturing to Jaune, "is Jaune Arc—a friend of the family."

Kali's expression shifted slightly as her golden eyes settled on Jaune. Though her smile remained, there was something knowing, almost mischievous, in her gaze. "Jaune Arc," she said slowly, as if tasting the name. "My daughter's friends have mentioned you a few times. A human boy who somehow befriended Blake." Her tone was calm, but there was an edge of curiosity that made Jaune shift nervously.

Scratching his head awkwardly, Jaune offered a sheepish smile. "Ah, it was really just a misunderstanding with Ilia and Trifa. I'm harmless, I promise! Blake's cool—we met in the library while I was studying Faunus history."

Kali's laughter rang softly through the room, and she rested her cheek in the palm of her hand. "Oh my. You certainly do seem harmless enough. Blake always had such a closed mind when it came to humans. It worried me, truthfully. But you… you seem like a good boy at first glance. If you're involved with the royal family, I suppose I don't need to worry about the kind of company you keep."

Jaune's shoulders relaxed slightly, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Kali was testing him with her words.

Finally, Hei turned toward the last member of the group. "And this is Neopolitan," he said, "Lady Ruby's personal servant and a close friend of mine."

Neo bowed slightly, her mismatched eyes glinting with a quiet intelligence. "It's an honor to meet you, Kali Belladonna," she said in a smooth, respectful tone. "One of the renowned warriors from the last Great War in hell."

Kali's expression flickered briefly with a distant nostalgia before she waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, please. I'm just a mother who lost her husband long ago. Whatever fire I had in those days has long since faded, dear." Her smile returned, though her voice carried a hint of sadness. "Now, while I'd love to sit and reminisce, I must ask—what exactly brings you all here? I do have a dinner to prepare, after all."

(…)

The private dojo within the Belladonna mansion was an impressive space that exuded both tranquility and strength. Its walls were crafted from smooth, dark wood, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings of fauna and floral patterns, reflecting Menagerie's lush and vibrant life. Soft beams of afternoon sunlight filtered through narrow paper-paneled windows, casting a warm glow on the polished tatami mats that lined the floor. Calligraphy scrolls bearing philosophical sayings hung along the far wall, and a small altar, crowned by a simple yet beautiful incense burner, completed the serene aesthetic of the room. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, mingling with the quiet, rhythmic creaks of the wooden beams overhead.

In the center of the dojo, surrounded by the watchful eyes of Ruby, Neo, Jaune, and Hei Xiong, stood Kali Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long.

Kali, graceful as ever, seemed entirely at ease in this space, her lithe frame and calm demeanor a sharp contrast to the eager tension radiating off Yang.

"And to think," Kali began with a small, bemused smile, "that the royal family holds me in such high regard to request this." She shifted her golden gaze toward Neo and Junior, her voice carrying the faintest hint of amusement. It was no secret that Kali had been a formidable warrior in the last great war, and today's request was simple: test the potential of Yang Xiao Long. Though Yang's strength was well-known—especially after her bout with Nora Valkyrie—there was value in hearing the opinion of someone with Kali Belladonna's experience.

Yang smirked confidently, stepping forward with her usual swagger. She cracked her knuckles, her lilac eyes gleaming with determination. "Alright, let's do this."

Kali raised an eyebrow, her smile deepening. "Well then, my dear, give me your hand."

Yang paused briefly, then reached out, extending her hand toward the older woman. "Huh", she thought to herself, inspecting Kali as she did so. "So this is the mom of Kitty Cat? Doesn't look like much. I mean, she's refined and all, but how tough can she really be?"

The moment their hands touched, everything changed. In one fluid motion, so swift it seemed almost supernatural, Kali shifted her weight, twisted Yang's arm at a precise angle, and used her momentum against her.

A loud thud echoed through the dojo as Yang landed flat on her back, blinking up at the wooden ceiling.

"Huh?" Was all Yang managed to say, her lilac eyes wide with disbelief.

The room remained quiet for a moment, though Ruby stifled a giggle behind her hand, and Neo's smirk widened in quiet amusement. Hei Xiong simply nodded knowingly, as if he had seen this outcome long before it unfolded.

Jaune, however, broke the silence, his voice an incredulous whisper. "Holy shit…" He looked from Kali to Yang, then back again. "She threw her like she was a ragdoll! I mean, seriously—how does someone that delicate-looking have that much strength?"

Yang quickly scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushed with irritation and embarrassment. Her fiery spirit flared up as she jabbed an accusing finger toward Kali. "Hey, you—! That was totally a cheap shot! I didn't think you'd actually attack me like that!"

Kali raised a slender hand to her cheek, her expression one of feigned surprise and delicate amusement. "Oh my, that was hardly an attack, dear. Just a little greeting." Her voice remained smooth and unshaken, though a subtle teasing edge lingered in her tone. "But I must say, you have an impressive spirit. Perhaps you're worth giving a brief lesson after all. Heheh."

Yang clenched her fists, her lips curling into a determined grin. "Fine then. I don't care if you're Blake's mom—you're going to see what I can really do!"

Kali merely smiled, her golden eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and wisdom. "Well then, show me."

With a sudden BOOM that shook the floor, Yang propelled herself forward, her fist hurtling toward Kali like a cannonball.

Kali tilted her head slightly, golden eyes narrowing with calm assessment. "An explosive start," she murmured, stepping into Yang's advance with disconcerting ease. At the very last moment, her hand shot out, catching Yang's wrist mid-strike. Yang's momentum jerked to an immediate halt.

"...But far too predictable."

Kali shifted her weight and began the same maneuver she had used earlier, twisting Yang's arm and attempting to throw her to the ground once again.

Yang's eyes widened. "Not this time." With a fierce growl, she planted her feet and pivoted sharply, breaking Kali's grip with a burst of strength. Spinning on her heel, Yang lashed out with a sharp backhand aimed directly at Kali's midsection.

Kali slid out of reach with a single graceful step. "Good," she said approvingly, her voice calm. "You learn quickly. But still—"

Yang didn't let her finish. Frustrated by Kali's calm demeanor, she surged forward again, unleashing a rapid barrage of punches and kicks. Left jab. Right hook. A sharp roundhouse kick followed by a downward elbow strike. The air rippled with the sheer force of each blow, her movements fueled by adrenaline and raw strength.

Kali, however, seemed untouchable. She moved through Yang's attacks with unsettling ease, her body flowing like water. She ducked beneath punches, stepped aside from kicks, and pivoted out of range before Yang could close the gap. Her expression remained serene, her breaths measured, as if Yang's flurry of strikes was little more than a passing breeze.

"You have excellent reflexes, my dear," Kali remarked, stepping smoothly around a particularly wild punch. "But you lack true agility. Your movements are too rigid—there are far too many unnecessary flourishes."

Yang's temper flared, her cheeks flushed with exertion. "You're so damn slippery, you old hag!" she snapped, throwing her weight into another heavy punch.

Kali sighed softly, sidestepping with grace. "Oh my, such language."

This time, Yang leapt into the air, her golden hair trailing like a fiery comet. She came down with her fist. "Let's see you dodge this!"

Kali's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. At the last moment, she turned her body sideways, letting Yang's punch crash into the floor where she had been standing. A shockwave splintered the polished wood beneath Yang's fist. Before Yang could recover, Kali slipped effortlessly behind her.

Yang froze as she felt a light touch on her back. Kali's voice, soft yet commanding, echoed through the dojo.

"Crushing palm."

In an instant, a massive surge of force rippled from Kali's palm. The floor shattered, sending cracks spiderwebbing across the wood as Yang was driven face-first into the ground with a resounding crash. Dust and debris erupted into the air as silence followed.

Everyone stared, wide-eyed.

Jaune was the first to break the silence, his voice trembling with disbelief. "Did she just… did she just one-shot her?"

Ruby, clutching her sides, burst into uncontrollable laughter. "Oh man, Yang! You always act so tough, but seeing you get buried like a weakling is hilarious!"

From her position on the floor, Yang managed to lift a single hand, her middle finger pointed firmly at Ruby before she let it drop back down.

"She's alive!" Jaune exclaimed, only half reassured.

Kali stood calmly, brushing dust from her hand as she turned to face Junior and Neo. "She has tremendous potential," she said warmly, her tone layered with genuine respect. "Her strength is raw and explosive, and her reflexes are admirable. But she's a diamond in the rough—no polish, no refinement. Her movements are too straightforward, too easy to read. Perhaps she should come to the Belladonna house in Vale. I would be more than happy to lend her a hand in training."

Neo's smirk widened slightly, her eyes glinting with silent amusement.

Ruby, still giggling, wiped a tear from her eye. "Cheer up, sis. You're strong—just not legendary warrior-level strong yet."

Yang's muffled voice responded weakly. "Shut… up… Ruby."

Kali chuckled softly, watching as Yang lay motionless in the shattered floor. "What a spirited young woman," she said fondly, her voice tinged with admiration. "She'll do just fine."

The air in the dojo was filled with lingering tension, the splintered floor still holding the impression of Yang Xiao Long's very abrupt and very unconscious defeat. As Jaune Arc took a cautious sip of his orange juice, mentally celebrating that he was not the one flattened into the ground, Kali Belladonna's voice rang out sweetly but with an unmistakable undertone of amusement.

"Well then," she began, her eyes settling directly on Jaune. "It's your turn now, dear. After all, I must see for myself the potential of the boy who has managed to gain my beloved daughter's interest."

Jaune's orange juice erupted from his mouth in a spectacular spray, his eyes going wide with panic. "Wait, what?!" He coughed, pounding his chest as Ruby and Neo looked on, clearly amused. "Miss Belladonna, with all due respect, we're just friends! Barely friends! Acquaintances at best! I have zero of those intentions with Blake!"

Kali tilted her head, her serene smile absolutely unshakable. "Oh my," she replied innocently, placing a delicate hand to her cheek. "It's just that when Blake takes an interest in something—no matter how small—her fascination tends to grow exponentially over time. I would know. She takes after me, after all."

"Interest?!" Jaune squeaked, waving his hands frantically. "There's no interest! Zero interest! Nada! Negative interest! Blake is great, sure, but not like—uh—that!"

Before Jaune could backpedal further, Neo silently appeared behind him. Her delicate hands lightly grasped his shoulders, making him jump in surprise. "Come on, Jaune. Didn't you say you wanted to get stronger? I read your mind the other day—you do want strength, don't you? This is your chance to train with the legendary Kali Belladonna."

Jaune's expression turned to that of a hunted man, and he stammered, "H-Hey! Miss Neo, what did we say about invading people's minds? You really shouldn't be digging around in the thoughts of an innocent young man like me!" He raised his hands in mock protest. "And besides, I'm not looking for that kind of strength. I'm aiming for something, you know, more realistic. Something grounded in this dimension!"

Neo's smirk widened, her expression devilish as she gave him a light shove toward the center of the dojo. "But why stop there?"

"Hey, hey!" Jaune protested, digging his heels into the wood. "No need to push!"

From the sidelines, Ruby's voice chimed in cheerfully. "Come on, Jaune! What if I give you a little kiss for motivation? My mommy told me that kind of stuff really inspires boys to try their hardest!"

Jaune froze mid-step, turning his head toward Ruby with a deadpan stare. "Ruby, you're cute, you really are, but let's be real. Not even the promise of a kiss from the most sexy woman alive would make me risk my life needlessly."

Neo, not missing a beat, decided to drop her trump card. "If you don't go through with this, I'll tell Yang about a little… fantasy I saw in your mind. You know the one—where you imagined your best friend in that particular maid situation."

Jaune's face went from pale to crimson faster than anyone thought possible. His arms flailed wildly as panic set in. "WAIT! WHOA! TIME OUT! No need to go that far! I—I'll go! I'm going! Don't spill any of that!"

Ruby blinked innocently, tilting her head. "Maid situation?"

"It's nothing!" Jaune yelped, his voice cracking as Neo gave him one final push into the center of the dojo. He stumbled forward, landing near the crater where Yang's unconscious form still lay. Pausing, he glanced down at her, sighed deeply, and muttered under his breath, "Well, at least I know I won't be alone in this."

Kali watched the scene unfold with a soft, melodic laugh, completely unfazed by Jaune's obvious distress. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you too much. After all, you're a friend of Blake's, and I wouldn't dream of damaging someone she cares about."

Jaune's face paled further as he thought bitterly to himself, "This is becoming a trend. Beautiful women keep beating me into the ground. What did I do to deserve this? Does Jaune Arc ever get a break? Or does the universe—and the writer—just hate me?!"

(…)

A couple of hours had passed since Yang and the others had left. Blake and her friends finally returned home after a long, sun-soaked day at the beach. The sky had begun to melt into twilight, streaks of orange and purple painting the horizon.

"Hey, Mom, we're back! Oh, that smells amazing," Blake called out as she stepped through the door, the scent of something rich and savory curling through the air. Her ears twitched instinctively at the warmth of the aroma.

Kali Belladonna's voice drifted from the kitchen, smooth and sweet. "Welcome back, Blake. Dinner's almost ready. Go get yourselves cleaned up while I finish."

The girls began to disperse toward the hallway, but Ilia's voice suddenly rang out, sharp with surprise.

"Hey! What the hell happened here?! The dojo's in pieces!"

Her exclamation made the others pause. Blake arched an eyebrow as her gaze flicked toward the open sliding door that led to the family's training space. From her position, she could spot the faint glow of moonlight reflecting off splintered wood and a few tatami mats that looked beyond saving.

Kali's serene smile didn't falter. "Oh, that. I got a little carried away during one of my routine training sessions. Nothing to worry about." Her voice carried the same practiced calmness one might use to explain a broken vase—except, in this case, it was half the room.

Ilia blinked incredulously. "Carried away?" she muttered under her breath.

Trifa, the most polite of the group, immediately stepped in to redirect them. "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Belladonna. Girls, let's go freshen up, as she suggested."

Deery, however, wasn't about to let the situation go unnoticed. Her golden eyes narrowed, her expression morphing into something between a detective unraveling a mystery and a dramatic performer in the middle of their monologue.

"Wait, wait, wait! This is suspicious." She jabbed a finger toward the dojo, then spun to face her friends. "We're just gonna ignore that? And hang on—did no one want to see how much fun we were having at the beach today? I mean, seriously! Who wouldn't want to see me strutting my stuff in the sun?" Her voice grew increasingly theatrical. "I'm telling you, someone out there robbed us of precious screentime. Someone like…Jaune Arc! I don't even know that guy, but I feel like this is his fault. That bastard's gonna be my competition when it comes to breaking the rules, huh?"

Her dramatic flourish was punctuated by a sharp thwack! as Trifa smacked the back of Deery's head with a practiced ease.

"Stop spouting nonsense," Trifa sighed, her tone weary but fond.

"Ow!" Deery whined, rubbing the sore spot. "I was just saying what we're all thinking."

"Literally no one was thinking that," Ilia replied dryly as she grabbed Deery by the arm and began dragging her toward the hallway.

Kali chuckled softly to herself as the sound of their bickering faded up the stairs, leaving her alone in the kitchen with her thoughts. She stirred the simmering pot on the stove, her expression pensive as she looked out the window to the darkening sky.

"Yang Xiao Long," she murmured quietly, "the daughter of Tai… She's even more impressive than I expected. The royal family may very well be in good hands." Her brow furrowed slightly, and her smile faded.

"But Jaune Arc…" Kali's voice dropped lower, almost wistful. "Someone as fragile as him stands far too great a risk in meddling with demons—especially Belphegor." She set the wooden spoon down, her fingers lingering on its handle.

"I just hope he doesn't lose his life over it."

Greetings, I've been a little busy but I managed to write at least one chapter, see you next time.