ANOTHER DAY
ANOTHER CHAPTER OF A SERIES
(A poorly done series lets be honest, I'm bogging myself down by trying to write multiple books at once but I'll push through for those who want to see how this specific book ends.)
<<<<<>>>>>
, it is early morning in Mistral. Ruby Rose is seen lying on the ground on the patio outside of the training room. She watches a group of four birds flying together, before one of them flies away from the group. As she watches it fly, Ruby sees Yang Xiao Long peek over her head.
Yang: You're up early.
Ruby: (smiles) Hey sis.
Yang: Boop.
Yang lets her hair down and uses it to tickle her little sister's nose. Ruby giggles affectionately at her older sister's action. Ruby then sits up as Yang sits down next to her.
Ruby: (sighs) What are you doing up?
Yang: Can't fall back to sleep.
Ruby: Ah, me neither.
Weiss: Well, fortunately, coffee exists.
Weiss Schnee carries a tray with three cups of coffee and walks over to join her teammates. She lowers the tray down so Yang can grab a cup.
Ruby: No, please!
Weiss: Don't worry, I put in blasphemous amounts of cream and sugar, just for you. (she holds the cup out in front for Ruby)
Ruby: Oh yeah! Nice Weiss strikes again!
Suddenly, Weiss pulls the cup away just as Ruby was about to grab it.
Weiss: I will pour this on you and it will burn.
She hands the cup to Ruby, who nervously giggles. Weiss sits down next her teammates and grabs her cup of coffee after placing the tray down next to her.
Yang: Can't believe we're actually in Mistral.
Ruby: That's what you can't believe?
Yang: Well, yeah! And all the other magic and stuff. But... Okay, you know what I mean!
Weiss: I honestly wasn't sure if I'd ever see you two again.
Yang: Well, here's to defying expectations.
Yang and Weiss clink cups together, while Ruby gulps her cup down in one go, opening one eye to glance at the others' cups.
Ruby: I just wish Blake could be here with us.
Yang: Yeah, well, she made her choice.
Weiss: What's that supposed to mean?
Yang: (showing bitterness) I mean she could've been here if she just stuck around. It's no big deal though. We'll be fine.
Ruby and Weiss have concerned expressions on their faces.
Ruby: Don't you want her here?
Yang: Why would I want her here?
Ruby: Are you still mad at her for leaving?
Yang: (scoffs) Oh, whatever gave you that idea, Ruby? No, I'm totally fine. I'm great.
Weiss: Okay, calm down.
Yang: (her eyes turn red) Don't tell me to calm down!
Ruby and Weiss gain startled expressions.
Ruby: Whoa, Yang.
Yang realizes what she did, and her eyes turn back to normal. Her hand shakes while holding her cup.
Yang: Whatever.
She gets up and leaves. Ruby and Weiss watch her go before exchanging concerned looks with each other.
<<<<<>>>>>
Back in Menagerie, Blake Belladonna leans against the railing on the balcony of the Belladonna Family Home. She looks up into the night sky as a voice calls out for her from inside her home.
Sun: Hey Blake! You ready to go?
Blake: Be right there!
She feels a note taped to the wooden railing of the balcony. She grabs it and reads the message written down:
"B
Things going too far.
Not sure what to do.
Find a quiet spot,
I'll find you.
Come alone. Please.
-I"
Blake looks around a bit before hearing the sliding door open. She quickly places the note in her coat.
Sun: We going recruiting or what? We've got the entire nocturnal section to hit up!
Blake doesn't say anything, still having a concerned expression on her face. Sun notices this.
Sun: You okay?
Blake: Yeah, I'll meet you there. I need to take care of something first.
As she walks away, there is a quiet sound of rustling in the trees behind her.
<<<<<>>>>>
Back in Mistral, Yang sits alone on a bed looking at the "New Friends!" photo of Team RWBY. She hears a knock on the door and quickly puts the photo away.
Yang: Yeah?
The door opens but Yang doesn't look up to see who entered.
Yang: Look Ruby, I really don't want to talk about it, okay? Can you just leave me alone for a bit?
Yang looks up, and is surprised that it was not Ruby, but Weiss who is at the doorway.
Yang: Oh. Hey Weiss. Did you need something?
Weiss says nothing. She closes the door behind her and sits on the bed opposite to Yang.
Yang: (sigh) I know she's our teammate, but I'm not just going to change my mind. I'm sorry, I just... I don't think you know what it's like to be left. You have a giant family, recitals to perform at, dinners to attend. I didn't have any of that. My mom left me. Ruby's mom left too. Tai was always busy with school and Ruby couldn't even talk yet. I had to pick up the pieces. I had to keep things together. Alone. (pause) Weiss, if you have something to say, then say it.
Weiss remains silent for a moment, before responding.
Weiss: When I was ten, my dad finally admitted to my mom that the only reason he married her was for the family name. (sighs) It was actually on my birthday. He missed the big dinner, she got mad, he finally snapped. I think she already knew. Looking back, I think I knew too. But hearing him say it finally pushed her over the edge.
She gets up and sits down next to Yang on the other bed.
Weiss: First it was separate lunches and dinners, opposite balconies at my recitals, a glass of wine here, a glass of wine there. Then, it was no dinners, no recitals, a bottle of wine here and... well, you get the idea.
Yang: I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have assumed.
Weiss: You're right though. I don't know loneliness like you do. I have my own version. And, I'll bet Blake has her own version too.
Yang: She doesn't have to be alone though. I was here for her. We all were! She chose to leave us.
Weiss: Why do you think she did that?
Yang: Hm?
Weiss: The entire time Blake was at Beacon, she was afraid to open up to people. She tried to keep her past separated from us. She tried to protect us. Eventually, those walls she put up came down. And the moment they did, the one thing she was afraid of actually happened. The universe proved her right.
Yang: No one blamed her for anything! If she had just talked to us, she would've known that! How could I be there for her if she doesn't let me? What if I needed her here for me?
Yang buries her face in her hands and starts sobbing quietly. Weiss puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Weiss: I know it's not easy. I wish she hadn't left too. The only thing we can do now is be there for her when she's ready. When she comes back.
Yang lowers her hands from her face.
Yang: If she comes back.
Weiss: She will. Yang... You, Ruby, and even Blake are more like family to me than my brother or even my own father. I would do anything for you three, and I'm willing to bet Blake feels the same way. So, when she's ready, I'll be there for her. And I know we're not as close, but... I'm here for you too.
Weiss smiles and Yang calms down. They hear a knock at the door, which opens up and reveals Ruby.
Ruby: Is, uh... everything okay?
Yang: (smiling) Yeah, it is.
Ruby sighs in relief.
<<<<<>>>>>
Back at the Belladonna's home, a scroll is seen vibrating on the table with Blake's portrait and the text "BLAKE CALLING" on the screen. Gunfire can be heard. Suddenly, the table is knocked to its side as Kali and a Menagerie Guard take cover.
Guard: Get down!
The guard gets up to fire back at two White Fang soldiers. He manages to shoot one of them down, but he gets shot down by the other. With the guard incapacitated, Kali takes his pistol and starts firing back.
Kali: Get out of my house!! Ghira!!
As she calls out to her husband, Kali is forced to take cover again from the gunfire. Meanwhile, Ghira and a couple of other Menagerie guards fend off some White Fang troops in the entry hall. One of them tries to kick Ghira, but he grabs his foot and slams him into the wall. Ghira dodges a sword slash from another White Fang trooper. A guard manages to knock out another trooper after a brief scuffle, and Ghira knocks out the troop that attacked him by punching him in the diaphragm and slamming his head into the ground.
Ghira: Go find my wife!
Another White Fang troop approaches Ghira with his fist drawn back, but Ghira grabs his wrist and knife hands him in the neck, and then tosses him aside. Another guard gets shot while protecting Ghira and goes limp. Ghira catches the guard's body and drops it to the ground, with Ghira wincing at his fallen comrade. He then growls as he turns his attention to the Albains, who have their weapons out.
Corsac: I believe it's time our dear chieftain stepped down, brother.
Fennec: Yes brother, I'm afraid I'm inclined to agree.
Ghira lets his claws out and rips his coat off. He bares his fangs and makes a feral growl at the two brothers, before letting out a mighty roar
<<<<<>>>>>
it is daytime at the Branwen Tribe camp. Raven Branwen sits alone in her tent sharpening Omen. Suddenly, Vernal enters.
Vernal: Raven, we have a problem.
Raven: What is it?
Vernal: Salem's found us.
Raven's eyes widen briefly.
Raven: Salem... okay.
Vernal: Four of her followers are waiting to speak with you.
Raven: (standing up) Right. We planned for this... Bring me my helmet.
Outside of her tent, Cinder Fall, Arthur Watts, Emerald Sustrai, and Mercury Black all stand and wait while the bandits surround them, eyeing them carefully. Raven steps out of her tent with her mask on as she addresses her bandits.
Raven: I don't recall inviting so many guests into our home. Either I'm losing my memory, (raising her voice) or you've all lost your spines!
Cinder: Don't be too upset with them, Raven. Your men simply recognized the power of a Maiden when they see it. (her eye glows and trails fire) Which is why we'd like to have a word with you.
Raven: (addressing the bandits) Leave us. Pack your things, then break down camp. We're moving.
The bandits all leave to do so.
Watts: Little late to run and hide. You've been on our master's list for some time, so you must understand that we cannot allow you to slip away.
Raven: I know all about your master, but I don't believe we've met.
Mercury: We're the guys you should be afraid of.
Raven: I doubt anyone should be afraid of you.
Mercury: Oh yeah? Tell that to--
Cinder: Quiet.
Mercury relents.
Raven: That's what I thought.
Cinder: I'm Cinder Fall. This is my associate, Arthur Watts, and my disciples, Emerald and Mercury.
Raven: Two children you've tricked into following you, a disgraced Atlesian scientist, and a Fall Maiden with a surname so appropriate, she probably picked it herself. Something tells me you've got more than a slight case of egomania, is that about right?
Mercury and Emerald exchange a brief look, while Watts clears his throat.
Watts: Technically, I was also a doctor, but I must say, the rest was spot on.
Cinder: Aren't you perceptive.
Raven: It's what's kept me alive.
Cinder: I'm afraid the only reason you're still alive is because you have something our master wants. Of course, if I'm wrong...
Cinder activates her Maiden power again and holds out a small flame in her right hand, grinning evilly.
Raven: Vernal!
Vernal steps out of Raven's tent and walks up next to her.
Cinder: So, this is the long lost Spring Maiden. Prove it.
Raven and Vernal share a glance with each other, with Raven nodding. Vernal sighs and closes her eyes. She holds her hands out and suddenly, the wind starts to pick up gradually. The blue sky turns to gray as clouds cover it. Leaves blow in the wind. Watts, Mercury and Emerald cover their faces as thunder is heard, while Cinder smiles in amazement as she watches the Spring Maiden unleash her power. Vernal then lowers her hands and opens her eyes as her powers settle.
Raven: Vernal has done well under my guidance. I'd take that into consideration before you try anything.
Watts and Mercury brush themselves off as Cinder speaks.
Cinder: Raven, I won't underestimate you, so please don't insult my intelligence. There is a slim chance you and your Maiden could escape today, but if you know our master as well as you claim to, then you know you could never truly escape her. But we come bearing an olive branch.
Watts: (walking up to Raven) The Maidens are merely a means to an end. Salem's true desires are the Relics locked inside the Huntsman Academies. Come with us. Allow Vernal here to unlock the Relic of Knowledge, and all previous acts of defiance against Salem will be forgiven. (whispering up to Raven's face) It's the best deal either of you are going to get.
Watts walks away from them to rejoin his group.
Raven: You talk as if walking straight into Haven will be easy.
Cinder: That's because it will be. Headmaster Lionheart is loyal to Salem. And now, all we need is the key to the vault. (pause) You're not the only one to turn your back against Oz, Raven.
Raven: (gripping the hilt of her sword) I'm not helping Salem, I'm not helping Oz! I don't want a part in any of this!
Cinder: That ship sailed when you chose to harbor a Maiden. But if you come with us to Haven, we'll leave you, your tribe, and your little secret to live out the rest of your lives squabbling in the wilderness. We just... need... the Relic.
Raven: I need time to think this over.
Watts: You don't have time. In two days, Haven Academy will be destroyed by the White Fang. You're going to choose now.
Raven: Backed me into a corner, huh?
Cinder: So, are you with us, or against us?
After a tense moment, Raven removes her grip from her hilt and takes her mask off.
Raven: Agreements like these are built on trust. And forgive me for saying, but I don't trust a single one of you. You're going to need to give me more.
Watts: You are in a poor position to negotiate.
Raven: I want my brother dead.
Her unexpected declaration momentarily stuns the four.
Cinder: Qrow?
Raven: That's right. He knows I have Spring. And if I help you get your Relic, he's going to become a problem. I have enough problems to deal with. Qrow doesn't trust me, but he does trust Ozpin's other lieutenants. If Leo really is loyal to you, then you can order him to invite Qrow into an ambush. He arrives at Haven, we take him down, you get your Relic, and we all leave happy.
Cinder: Now this is a proposition I can get behind.
Watts: Alright ladies, let's pause for a moment. We have one objective - retrieving the Relic of Knowledge. Now Qrow Branwen may be on our list of individuals we would very much like dead, but he's not going to go down without a fight, and he's not going to fight quietly. Our advantage here is just as you said - we walk straight into Haven, no resistance, no one the wiser. A battle with your brother throws that all out the window.
Raven: He's good, but not that good. All of us against him? It'll be over in a heartbeat.
Emerald: But it's not just him. He has the students with him. He has Ruby!
Cinder: He certainly does.
Watts: If we leave that school a bloody mess, we will draw the attention of the authorities! The Kingdom will be on high alert, and the White Fang's attack will be ruined!
Cinder: Then we wait. We wait until the full moon. Leo invites Qrow and his little fighters to Haven the same night Hazel arrives with the White Fang. As soon as the battle is won, the White Fang demolishes Haven, and any evidence we may have left behind is lost along with the school.
Raven: Then, Salem leaves my people alone. For good.
Cinder: You have yourself a deal.
Cinder holds her hand out to shake with Raven's, but Watts suddenly grabs her wrist.
Watts: Wait. Don't think I don't see what you're after. If this falls to pieces over your grudge with a child, I will not be taking the blame.
Cinder: (glaring at him) Then what are you worried about?
Cinder activates her Maiden powers and burns Watts' hand, causing him to remove his grip and hold his hand in pain.
Cinder: Fly back home and tinker with your machines. (she holds her hand out again in front of Raven) And tell Salem she'll get what she wants - and more.
Raven stands still for a moment, glaring at Cinder's hand in front of her, but then offers her own hand out and shakes it with the Fall Maiden, sealing the deal.
In the distance, Gryphon and Poe watch the deal be struck. Raven looks in the distance seeing them both, Gryphon gives her a thumbs up before walking into a portal leaving Poe to watch her.
Gryphon: Ugh i just realized i have to bring Adam back so Yang and Blake can kill him...fuck.
Reality begins to warp around the now irritated Gryphon.
<<<<<>>>>
Back in Menagerie, gunfire can be heard from within the Belladonna Family Home, as well as sounds of fighting grunts and efforts. Ghira Belladonna is leaping around the entry hall and uses his claws to hang from one of the pillars, before pouncing on a White Fang soldier and clawing him down. A female White Fang soldier charges at him with a spear, but Ghira grabs it, lifting her off the ground, and tossing her into Fennec Albain. Corsac Albain holds out his weapon, which starts to glow red as Ghira preps to launch the spear at him. A fireball is launched from Corsac's weapon as Ghira throws the spear. The two attacks manage to hit their targets, with Ghira's Aura shimmering from the fireball and Corsac getting pinned to the wall by his hood.
Fennec: Brother!
Fennec gets back up and activates his weapon, which glows white as a wind gust is conjured from it. Ghira brings his arms to his face to block the attack, and his feet drag backwards a couple of feet as a result. A White Fang soldier with an assault rifle is hiding behind a pillar and takes the opportunity in an attempt to attack Ghira. Suddenly, Sun Wukong bursts in from the window behind him and knocks him down. Corsac discards his hood and joins his brother as they prepare to launch a combination attack with their weapons. A stream of wind and fire whirls toward Sun, but he blocks the attack by twirling Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang. He then calls out to someone.
Sun: Hurry!
Gambol Shroud is seen being loaded with a new cartridge, getting the attention of Corsac and Fennec. Blake Belladonna jumps down from the terrace above them, dodging a fireball and a wind attack in the process. She does a three-point landing in front of them. The brothers attempt to stab Blake, but she uses her ice Dust-enhanced Semblance to trap their hands and weapons. She leaps away from them to join her father and Sun.
Blake: Dad! Where's mom?
Ghira: I'm not sure, I got ambushed right away.
Blake: Once we take down Corsac and Fennec--
Ghira: No, go now.
Blake: But--
Ghira: You keep assuring me your friend isn't a complete waste of space! Let's see him prove it.
Sun: We got this, Blake. I've wanted to sock these creeps since the day we met!
Corsac uses the fire Dust in his weapon to begin melting Blake's ice clone.
Ghira: You'll have to get in line. Blake, go!
Blake does so and leaves the room. Corsac and Fennec free themselves, and prepare to fight.
Sun: I won't let you down, sir!
Ghira: Shut up.
Sun: You got it!
The both of them proceed forward.
<<<<>>>>
Back at the Branwen Tribe camp, Raven sits on her bed leaning her forehead to her hand. She hears someone enter her tent.
Raven: (without looking up) Yes, Vernal?
Vernal: I followed them as you asked.
Raven: Did they spot you?
Vernal: (scoffs) Of course not. They have a ship two klicks west of here, looks like they're staying there for the night.
Raven: Thank you, Vernal. (looking up) Anything else?
Vernal: Do you... actually believe they'll let us go once they have the Relic?
Raven: Of course not. They'll never leave us alone. Once our purpose has come and gone, we'll be discarded. Salem only uses people until they are no longer useful. If we want to have any chance of defending ourselves against her, then we need this Relic. (she stands up from her bed.) If Qrow and those brats want to follow Ozpin, then let them. When the chaos reaches its peak, we'll grab the Relic and make our escape.
Vernal: And the fact that your daughter will be a part of all that?
Raven: Doesn't matter. I warned her. She made her choice. (she approaches the exit of her tent) This path won't be easy for us either, but we must do what's right for the tribe.
Vernal: I know. I'll do whatever it takes.
Raven: Good.
Raven exits the tent. Vernal walks out to see where she has gone and notices a cawing black bird and the sound of Raven's portal activating. The scene transitions to the exterior of the Mistral Home. The sound of Raven's portal is heard closing as her bird form flies in. Qrow is seen drinking from his flask while sitting on a bed, and he hears the sound of Raven cawing, seeing her through the window. Oscar Pine walks up to his doorway.
Oscar: Hey, Qrow?
Qrow turns his attention to him.
Oscar: Oz needs to talk to you.
Qrow stands up and follows Oscar out of the room, looking over his shoulder at the window.
<<<<<>>>>>
Back at the Belladonna home, Blake bursts into the forked hallway. She hears the sounds of fighting to her right and proceeds down the left hallway. The scene transitions to show Ilia Amitola crouched on a balcony railing in a large room. She is donning her Grimm mask and hears the muffled sounds of fighting going on around the building. She then hears the door open and sees someone walk in on the floor below her. Blake takes a defensive stance as she notices her former friend standing up on the railing above her. The two reach for their weapons, with Blake gripping Gambol Shroud first. Ilia proceeds to grab Lightning Lash's hilt. The two glare at each other.
<<<<<>>>>>
Oscar Pine, who is currently letting Ozpin take over, and Qrow Branwen are seen sitting together. Qrow takes a sip from his cup.
Qrow: Things aren't looking good, Oz.
Ozpin: Ever the optimist. (sips from his cup) While I would not say our current predicament is... ideal, I think we can both agree that the situation could be much worse. Humanity is a resilient force.
Qrow: Oz, pro Huntsmen like that don't just bite it all at once. Salem's powerful. It seems like her reach is growing by the day. What does that say about Humanity?
Ozpin: That there are indeed a misguided few who have filled their hearts with malice. It doesn't take a great number of people to cause harm, but I still believe there are far more people in this world willing to prevent it.
As Ozpin is about to take another sip, Ruby Rose is heard walking into the room.
Ruby: Um, excuse me?
Ozpin: Ah, Miss Rose, join us. We were just about to gather everyone to discuss our next steps.
Ruby: Oh, uh, great.
Qrow: Something on your mind kiddo?
Ruby: Uh... uh, it's... if it's okay to ask.
Qrow: Of course.
Ruby: Well, uh... we've been talking about the Relic at Haven... and the Spring Maiden, but... what about the Fall Maiden?
Ozpin: Cinder?
Ruby: Does that mean... Salem has the Beacon Relic?
Ozpin and Qrow share a brief look with each other.
Ozpin: Very astute, Miss Rose, I was wondering who would be the first to ask. No, thankfully she does not. It's true that the Relic at Haven is very much at risk, and for now, that should remain our primary focus. Let's just say I made finding the Relic at Beacon a... bit more challenging than at the other schools.
Ruby: Oh. (sighs in relief) That's good to hear.
Ozpin: It is, but let's not forget the challenges that still lie before us.
Ruby nods.
Ozpin: Now is there anything else we can help you with?
Ruby: Oh, uh... well, I did have one more question.
Ozpin: No, my cane is not a Relic.
Ruby: I have no more questions.
They all giggle.
Ozpin: Yes, while this cane is indeed very precious to me, it is also just that - precious to me. While I admit it still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, I can firmly say that being a Relic isn't one of them. Now why don't you run and get the other students?
Suddenly, Qrow's scroll is heard vibrating. He takes it out from his pocket to see "LEO LIONHEART" calling. He takes the call.
Qrow: Yeah? ... Okay... yeah, we'll be there. (Qrow hangs up)
Ruby: Who was it?
Qrow: (sighs while taking out his flask) It was Leo, says he had a breakthrough with the council. Thinks he might be able to get together a small raiding party for the bandits. He wants us to meet up at the school tomorrow night to walk us through it.
Ruby: (gasps and smiles) Really? Oh that's great! I'll go get the others.
Ruby runs out of the room while Qrow takes a drink from his flask.
Ozpin: Mmm, that sounds drastically different from your original conversation, does it not?
Qrow: It does.
Ozpin: Interesting...
Qrow: Things aren't looking good, Oz.
Ozpin: I know...
Gryphon and Artoria walk in.
Gryphon: And it'll only get worse.
Artoria: So instead of reminding yourselves how bad you have it at the moment, remember you've got gods and kings on your side.
Ozpin: That is rather reassuring, thank you, Mrs Pendragon. Or are you Mrs. Light now?
Gryphon: I came up with the idea for our names to be changed and now I'm Gryphon Light-Pendragon, it sound pretty good to me.
Ozpin: Indeed, congratulations you two.
<<<<<>>>>>
At Leonardo Lionheart's office, the Haven headmaster sits at his desk in front of a blue holographic screen with the text "CALL END" before deactivating. Raven Branwen stands a few feet away from him, arms crossed and smiling.
Raven: I still have questions for you.
Lionheart: You're not alone in that.
Raven: (walking in front of his desk) You know, I never expected you would be the one to have the guts to betray Oz. Which makes me wonder, what does she have on you?
Lionheart: I'm helping her for the same reason you are - I'm afraid. We... we can't stop her... no one can...
Raven: That's why I tried to leave when I did. I'm not afraid, I'm smart.
Lionheart: You can call it whatever you want, it doesn't really matter. We're here... helping her. (burying his face in his hands, sighing) I've crossed a line... I've done things that Ozpin will never forgive, and he shouldn't! I don't know where I go from here.
Raven: (placing her hands on his desk) Man up! You did what you had to do to survive, there is no shame in that.
Lionheart: Who are you trying to convince?
Raven doesn't say anything, she just leaves the room, Poe still following, while Lionheart sadly leans back sighing.
<<<<<>>>>>
In Menagerie, the assault on the Belladonna Family Home continues. In the darkened tea room, Kali Belladonna and a guard fire back at unseen assailants. Kali runs out of ammo in her pistol and throws it to the ground in annoyance. She then picks up a tea tray to block another shot. She looks to a wounded female guard leaning against a pillar, who just stares back.
Kali: Do you have a better idea?
Suddenly, Yuma flies in and knocks down the other guard to the ground. He wraps his hands around the guard's throat to choke him out.
Yuma: Quiet now...
Kali then lifts the tea tray above her head, and does a loud battle cry as she runs toward Yuma.
Female Guard: Ma'am, no!
Yuma lets go of the guard's neck as he looks back in surprise as Kali approaches him. The sound of a thunk is heard as it transitions to the next scene.
Elsewhere, Blake Belladonna and Ilia Amitola stare at each other from their positions, both holding their weapons.
Blake: Did you come in here to hide?
Ilia: I told you, I didn't want this.
Blake: But you're still here!
Ilia: I don't have a choice!
Blake: Of course you do!
Ilia doesn't say anything, she just looks away.
Blake: Just... stay out of my way.
Blake puts Gambol Shroud on her back and starts walking away. Suddenly, Ilia leaps and charges at Blake but her form disappears. Blake then reappears a few feet away behind Ilia. Blake holds Gambol Shroud in a defensive stance, while Ilia begins to attack with the whip form of Lightning Lash. Blake dodges and rolls. She runs along the desks and chairs in the room as Ilia tries to use her whip to hit her. Blake manages to dodge and block Ilia's attacks, and uses her ribbon to wrap around Ilia's wrist. Ilia is pulled toward Blake, followed up with the latter kicking the chameleon Faunus to the ground. The two then lock blades with each other.
Blake: Why do you feel like we have to hurt people to get our way?!
Ilia: (grunts) Because it works!
Blake: That doesn't make it right!
Ilia pulls the trigger on her weapon, generating an electrical charge that causes Blake to drop her katana a few feet away from her. Blake pulls out her cleaver, but Ilia jumps from the desk and does a turn kick that knocks Blake over another desk, causing her to drop her weapon. Ilia whips at Blake again, but she uses her Semblance to get out of the way. Blake takes cover behind a desk.
Ilia: Stop lecturing me!!
Blake peeks from behind the desk and notices Ilia's Grimm mask left behind on the ground. Ilia quietly turns the lights off in the room, causing it to go dark. Blake quickly goes to pick up her katana while Ilia sneaks around the room camouflaged. Blake hears a creak on the floor, Ilia quickly knocks her back. Blake uses the pistol form of her weapon to shoot at Ilia, who quickly evades the shots.
Ilia: Why couldn't you just leave?!
Blake: (transforming her pistol to katana form) Because I run away too much.
Blake dodges a couple more whips from Ilia who has moved up to the balcony. As she takes cover behind the desks, Blake takes out two cartridges - one with fire Dust and the other with ice. She loads the fire Dust cartridge in her weapon and aims at the shrubbery at the top corner of the room.
Blake: Sorry, dad.
Blake fires her weapon and the spreading flames start to light up the room, revealing Ilia's location. With camouflage not an option anymore, Ilia engages Blake in combat. The two start off with a mixture of sword clashes and hand-to-hand. Blake dodges out of the way of one of Ilia's attacks and starts shooting at her with the pistol form of her weapon. Ilia deflects the shots with her whip.
Ilia: Quit taking potshots and fight me like you mean it!!
Blake dodges another one of Ilia's whips and lands on the balcony above her. She takes cover behind the railing as Ilia rants at her.
Ilia: You used to see things the way I did! The way Adam did! If no one's going to do anything to stop the humans that attack us, then the only choice we have left... is to attack back!!
Blake loads another cartridge in her pistol and begins to fire at Ilia again. Ilia deflects the shots, but when she goes to use her whip again, her weapon is frozen in place. Suddenly, a ribbon is wrapped around her weapon as Blake pulls it away and she leaps from the balcony to kick Ilia to the ground. Blake holds Ilia down.
Blake: You're wrong, there's always another choice.
Ilia struggles to get up as Blake continues to hold her down.
Blake: Ilia... please. You're a good person but you're making all the wrong decisions!
Ilia: SHUT UP!!
Blake: Is this really what your parents would've wanted?!
Ilia: (voice breaking) I don't know what else to do!!
Suddenly, Ilia ceases her struggling and her eyes start to well up.
Ilia: (sobbing) I don't know what else to do...
As Ilia continues sobbing, Blake hears a rumble. Corsac Albain is thrown through the wall, dropping his half of Cyclone and Inferno. Ghira Belladonna jumps into the room as he growls at Corsac. He then notices his daughter pinning Ilia to the ground.
Ghira: Blake!
Suddenly, Fennec Albain stabs Ghira in the back, who cries out in pain and slumps toward the ground.
Blake: Dad!!
With Blake distracted, Ilia gets her off her and kicks her into a nearby chair, knocking Blake out momentarily. Ghira then gets Fennec off his back and tosses him away as Corsac runs to him. Ghira pulls the wand out of his back and clashes fists with Corsac. The two then struggle to push each other as their hands interlock. Ilia just stares in disbelief at what's going on around her, before a voice snaps her out of her trance.
Fennec: Ilia! What are you doing?! Fight!!
Fennec pulls out another wand and charges at Ghira. The chieftain manages to push off Corsac and dodges Fennec's swipes as he begins to fight both of them at once. Fennec doges a swing then leaps at Ghira as he drives Corsac back, only be caught and tossed onto the floor. As Ghira defends himself Fennec recovers and begins to charge his weapon while the pair continue exchanging blows. Fennec then charges in again, giving a loud battle cry. Ghira notices him and grabs his wrist, pointing his weapon as it fires at Corsac, who gets blown back several feet away and is knocked unconscious.
Fennec: BROTHER!!!
Fennec tries to attack Ghira again, but Sun Wukong jumps in and kicks him away. Sun sees Blake struggling to get back up and clenches his fist. He then angrily glares at Ilia who continues to stand watching the fight.
Ghira: Go help Blake!
Sun: On it!
Sun pulls out Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang and engages Ilia in combat. He slams the staff down but misses, then jumps back to dodge her sweeping leg. Ilia back-flips away from his next swing and tries to kick him. Sun turns to dodge then splits his weapon, landing a blow on her back. He delivers a flurry of attacks with his shotgun nunchucks that overwhelms Ilia and leaves her open to a kick in the side. Rejoining the split halves to block Lightning Lash, which finishes thawing as they struggle. Ilia smiles before trying to shock him, only for the trigger to jam. Her eyes widen as she tries again while Sun shoves her back. She is then pushed against a pillar by Sun with a jab to the stomach. Before she can move he pins her against it with his weapon. Nearby, Fennec ducks under Ghira's claws then blocks his left arm, only to be punched back through the hole by his other hand. As Ilia struggles to get out of Sun's hold, the pillar she is getting pushed against starts to crack.
Blake: Stop!!
Sun and Ilia stop to look at Blake.
Blake: Please... (tears start streaming down her eyes)
Ilia manages to push Sun off her and falls to the ground as he hits the pillar. Suddenly the pillar starts to crack even more, Sun moves out of the way quickly as the balcony above Ilia starts to give way. Ilia yelps looking up in terror as the balcony is about to fall on her. Suddenly, Ghira is shown lifting the broken part of the balcony with his own strength. Ilia stares in awe.
Ghira: Go!!
Ilia quickly gets out of the way as Ghira is forced down on one knee to keep the balcony from falling on him. Sun uses his Semblance to summon two light clones that go and help Ghira lift. Blake grabs her katana and transforms it into kusarigama form. Unbeknownst to them, Fennec gets back up and sees his brother still unconscious. He grabs both of their wands and runs towards Ghira. Blake sees this and quickly tosses her weapon, wrapping it around her father's torso and pulls him out as Fennec lands just below the falling balcony. Fennec is then crushed by the balcony, and the Dust in the wands explode from impact, ensuring the younger Albain's death. Afterwards, Kali enters the room dragging an unconscious Yuma, who has his hands tied behind his back.
Blake: Mom!
Kali drops Yuma as her daughter comes up to hug her. Their embrace is cut short as a voice gets their attention.
Corsac: (darkly) What have you done? (standing back up) You ruined everything... (inhales) EVERYTHIIIIIIING!!!
The Belladonnas and Sun take defensive stances. Corsac angrily runs forward, but suddenly, Lightning Lash wraps around his body, electrocuting him and knocking him unconscious. With the battle over, Ilia starts to cry and falls to her knees as she breaks down, with the Belladonnas and Sun looking on.
<<<<<>>>>>
Outside of the Belladonna's home, a large crowd of Faunus gathers outside, noticing the smoke coming from the building.
Guard: Back! Everyone, stay back! We've got people inside doing their best.
Faunus: Look!
From the smoky doorway, Ghira walks out carrying the motionless bodies of a White Fang soldier and a Menagerie Guard on each of his shoulders. He hands the bodies to two guards as Saber Rodentia arrives.
Saber: Get in there! Search for any stragglers!
More guards walk out keeping Corsac restrained, followed by Blake, Kali, Sun, Ilia and others.
Saber: (to Ghira) We came as soon as we got the call. (he notices Corsac being forced to his knees) And Fennec?
Ghira sadly shakes his head. Saber walks over to Corsac.
Saber: (snarkily) Was it worth it?
Corsac looks down, defeated. As the commotion continues, Blake shares brief looks with Sun and Ilia. Blake takes a deep sigh as she goes down the steps. Ghira notices his daughter walking away.
Ghira: Blake!
Before Ghira could go any further, his wife stops him, and both look on. Blake then stops at one of the steps as she begins to address the crowd.
Blake: Humans didn't do this. (she points at the smoke coming from her house) We did this: Faunus. We did this to ourselves. We are just as capable of hate and violence as the humans, but I don't think any of us would jump at the chance to point that out. So why are we letting Adam do it for us?! By doing nothing and staying silent, we let others speak and act in our place. And if we're not proud of the choices they make, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. This is the message that Adam Taurus will bring to the world if no one stops him. But we can stop him! You have to understand that all of you are looking for simple answers to a very complicated problem. And I can't give that to you. I don't know how to make hate go away, I don't. But I know that this kind of violence is not the solution. I understand that to ask you to leave your homes and protect Haven Academy is asking you to put your lives at risk. But that's what's at stake. So I'm going, and I'll stand by myself if I have to.
Ilia: I'll stand with you!
Blake turns around with a surprised look on her face as Ilia stands up. Her pained expression then looks down.
Ilia: If... if you'd have me.
Male Faunus: Isn't that the White Fang girl?
Female Faunus: I thought she hated the Belladonnas.
Despite some of the crowd's murmuring amongst themselves, Blake smiles at her old friend. As Ilia proceeds forward, Saber suddenly stops her.
Saber: You're not going anywhere!
Blake: Let her come.
Saber: Huh? You're just going to forgive her? After everything she did?!
Blake: I am.
Saber looks to Ghira, who nods to let Ilia go. Ilia continues to walk down the steps to stand next to her friend.
Saber: What does she think she's doing?
Ghira: (smiling) She's learned a lesson that evaded me until I was much older: That there is strength in forgiveness.
Blake puts a hand on Ilia's shoulder, sharing a smile together.
Mata: I'll go!!
Mata the ram Faunus steps forward and raises his hand, followed by many more.
Female Aquatic Faunus: I'll go too!
Various Faunus: I'll stand with you! I'll go!! Yeah!! Me too! Let's go! Yeah, let's go!!
As more Faunus start to give Blake their support, Sun walks down the steps to join her and Ilia. The crowd is heard cheering as a majority agree to volunteer. They all smile at the crowd.
Sun: Looks like we've got work to do.
Blake: Thank you.
Sun: (pointing to Ilia) You stabbed me.
Ilia looks down sorrowfully.
Ilia: I-- (Sun playfully pinches her arm) Ow!
Sun: There. Let's just call it even.
Ghira and Kali then walk down the steps to join their daughter and her friends.
Ghira: We have about two weeks before Adam's attack on Haven. We're going to need shields, training, whatever we can do to protect as many people as possible.
Kali: We'll need transportation too. For everyone.
Blake: (smiling) I think I know a ship captain who owes us a favor.
Sun grins and nods in agreement
<<<<<>>>>>
(Gryphon wasn't really prominent in this chapter huh? After the proposal at the end of last chapter I figured that this chapter wouldn't really have anything to do with him but when the fighting starts I'm gonna try my hardest to make Gryphon's fights better so sorry in advance.)