Vol. 4 Chapter 5

An air horn blares. An offramp 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.

Sun and Blake make their way from the deck to the offramp. She proceeds without pause while Sun stops to look at the town, "Huh."

Several Faunus in summer wear meander casually at the dock, some waiting for friends or family among the new arrivals. 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, "I've never seen so many Faunus in one place!"

"This is the one place everyone can feel safe, no matter who or what they are."
"Wow, sure is, uh, crowded, huh?"
"Yes. Yes, it is."
Sun dodges a Faunus carrying a box, "Is it always so... cramped?"
"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."

"What! You guys have that much more space? Why waste it? A little desert never hurt anyone!"

"It's not like the desert in Vacuo, Sun. The wildlife here is more dangerous than most other regions. Even Miss (Y/n) had trouble with them."
"So, they give us a terrible island, in the corner of Remnant, to try and shut us up."

"That's a pretty good summary, yeah."
"Huh. Jerks."
"We try to make the best of things. It was a lot worse when I was younger, until Miss (Y/n) joined the military at Atlas, she was in charge of making sure everything was stable in Menagerie, no loose Grimm, no famine, she went as far to make sure we had security, if she didn't help out this island would have become ruins."

The two paused in their walk to look at the view of the town the road affords. The path they are on goes downhill and to the side, bordered by palm trees and homes that have either canvas or wood roofs. 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 widens his eyes, fascinated by the view, "Whoa..."
"This is Kuo Kuana."
"It's... beautiful. I take it all back. This place looks great! Why would anyone ever want to leave?"

"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. That we're still second-class citizens." Blake lowers her face.

Sun puts his hand on her shoulder, "Well, hey, this guy's feeling pretty at home."

"Alright, time to go home."
"Oh yeah?" Sun moves 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, "Kind of."

Sun began pointing at random houses; he would see, "Is it that one?" He continues to looking away from Blake, "What about that tiny one down there, and I like the paint job."

Blake takes 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 an amazed noise. "I feel the pressure that the world has on you now." Blake sighed as walked toward the building. Blake and Sun walk up the stone steps to the front door of the house. Blake hesitates when she moves to use the knocker, "What is it?"
"I um... it's just been a long time since I've seen my parents."
"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.

"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, almost in disbelief, "Blake?"

Blake awkwardly lifts her arm in greeting, "Hi, mom."

Kale steps forward and hugs her daughter, "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 an open doorway. Kali lets go of Blake and turn behind her at the sound of Ghira Belladonna's voice, "Kali? Who is it?"

Ghira stands with his hands on his hips, waiting to greet the visitor. His joking expression changes to wide-eyed surprise, before his hands, shoulders, and face all fall in an apparent, 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. Ghira says nothing, but smiles, clearly happy. Blake smiles back, relieved.

Kali grabs her daughter's hand, "Come inside, sweety." She sets up tea for Blake and Sun after she fills everyone's cups, she takes a sip of her own and sets down her cup on the table. She, Ghira, Sun, and Blake all sit on the floor at a square table. "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. How's (Y/n), is she doing well?"

"Please, I knew Blake would be fine! With us as her parents!"

Kali scoffed at her husband's remarks, "That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing. He kept pestering (Y/n) to check on you. How come she didn't tell us you were coming home?"

"I told her not too." Blake's ears drop down slightly, "When I left, she made sure that I wasn't hurt, I think something must have happened." Kali nodded at her daughter's response.

"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. Ghira glares at the young man on his right. "And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?"

Sun freezes and slowly turns toward his host. "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 leans in to ask quietly, "Why is he here again?"

Sun continues to ramble on, "...And her fighting. But also for her..."

"He just kind of followed me home." Blake looks back at her mother.
"...because of her fighting. Not her looks. I mean, not to say she's not good-looking. She is! Very! Or..." Sun was slowly making the situation worse with every word that came from his mouth. "I see."
"...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. "This tea is really good."

Kali not quietly enough for an aside, "I like him."
"Mom!"

The loud sound of the front door knocker resonates, catching everyone's attention, "Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!" Ghira hits his fist onto the table, and Kali quickly covers it with her hand, "Ghira..."
"Give me a moment." He gets up and walks out.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yes, dear, just poor timing. He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately."
"Dealing with who?"

Kali sips her tea before continuing, "Hmm? The White Fang."

Sun and Blake rise to their feet,  "WHAT?!"

Blake and Sun rush to the door, where Ghira is speaking with two fox Faunus. The two visitors maintain respectful, formal postures, keeping their hands clasped before them, "Dad!"
"Blake, what's wrong?" Ghira turns to face his daughter with concern.

"Miss Belladonna."
"We had no idea you'd returned."
"What are you doing talking to these people?"
"This is Corsac and Fennec Albain. They represent the White Fang here in Menagerie now."
"Those psychos are here, too?!" Sun places his hands over his head.
"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."

"What we've heard? We've seen firsthand. Your fanatics slaughtered people!" Blake glared at the brothers.
"What is she talking about?" Ghira asked sternly

"Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace."
"Is everything alright?" Kali hears the commotion and in worry approaches the group, "Wait, you guys seriously don't know?"

Ghira asks dangerously, "Know what?"

"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. Ghira slowly turns to face the two White Fang representatives, "Is this true?"
"Sadly, Your Grace, it is."
"Don't act like you're s-"

"That's enough!" He blocks Blake from continuing and faces to the Albains, "Explain yourselves."

"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."

"You know, Beacon wasn't the first time the Fang started shooting up Vale!"
"The High Council had their suspicions of a splinter group, but they could prove nothing until this latest incident." Fennec states.

"Incident? People are dead!"
"And it is a tragedy."
"Your Grace, we came to assure you that Brother Taurus and his followers do not represent the will of the White Fang."
"And how can I be sure of that?"

"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."
"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."

"I will, but another day. I'd like some time to reconnect with my daughter." Ghira places a hand of Blake's shoulder.

"But of course, Your Grace."
"We completely understand. It was a pleasure to see you again, young Blake."

"We were saddened when we heard of your departure from the White Fang, but understand if you can no longer support our cause." Corsac turned to Blake, "It is a wearying fight, after all." Fennec added.
"Who says I'm done fighting?" Blake answers back.

"Hmm... If you ever do wish to return, you need merely come find us."
"Sister Ilia would be elated."

"Goodbye, gentlemen." Ghira firmly closes the door on them. Kali moves to stand closer and face her husband while Blake walks off.

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, "An interesting development, wouldn't you say?"
"Interesting, indeed. Luckily the one they dubbed Saint isn't here with Young Belladonna; she would have caught on right away." Corsac talks as he takes the last few steps. "So, shall we inform Brother Adam?" Fennec turns to his brother.
"Oh, we shall."
They exchange unsettling grins.

End of Vol. 4 Chapter 5
More coming soon!
Michaelis~