(Not my art, this chapter isn't mainly focused on Y/N)
Y/N
Y/N wakes up from his sleep and sighs as he looks around his new room. He gets up and goes downstairs to brew some coffee.
Y/N gets the coffee packet and rips it open, he pours the ground coffee into a cup and boils water. He waits until the kettle made it's high-pitched noise and turns off the stove.
Qrow comes downstairs and sits on the couch, still very sleepy.
Y/N rips open another packet and pours it's insides into another cup, he pours the hot water into the cup.
Y/N grabs the two cups and walks over to Qrow, he sets down Qrow's cup in front of him.
Qrow: Thanks. (grabs the cup and blows onto the cup)
Y/N: Your welcome. (goes to the balcony and drinks the coffee)
The hot coffee burns his tongue but Y/N doesn't mind, after all; he's been shot at, blown away by bombs, stabbed numerous times, fallen from numerous buildings and high places.
The next person to come down was Ruby, very unusual for her.
Y/N: Ruby.. You're up early..
Ruby: Oh, yeah.. (scratches the back of her head) I haven't been sleeping well..
Silence.
Y/N: You want coffee?
Ruby: O-Oh, no thanks! I-I don't drink coffee..
Y/N nods and walks away. Ruby sighs deeply and sits down next to Qrow.
Qrow: Wow, you used to date him?
Ruby: (lightly punches Qrow) S-Shut up! I didn't know he was your adopted father.
Qrow: I don't mind.
Ruby: Really? You don't?
Qrow: Why would I? You and him aren't technically related, so it's fine.
Ruby: But he's technically your father.
Qrow: Ehh.. he's like a father figure, I mean anyone can be a father figure.
Ruby: True. True. But I'm underage.
Qrow: Yeah.. That's the problem.
Qrow and Ruby shift their gaze at Y/N who was out sitting and drinking in the balcony.
Qrow: Can't imagine what it feels like to be him.
Ruby: (looks at Qrow) What do you mean?
Qrow: Yeah, I mean.. He's one of the last of his kind, and he's been hunted for all of his.. well.. life. He's just like a rare animal. (takes a sip of his coffee)
Ruby stays quiet.
Qrow: You should tell your friends to cut the annoying talk about him being a murderer. Your sister too.
Ruby: Uhh, that won't be easy..
Qrow: Yeah, but him being here is already such a big help for us. We don't want to lose him, trust me. I'm surprised Raven let him go so easily. (takes another small sip from his cup)
Ruby: What do you mean?
Qrow: (chuckles and sets down his cup) Guess he didn't exactly fill you in much about his life, huh?
Qrow relaxes and leans back into the couch and Ruby listens intently to his story.
Qrow: When I was a kid, he used to tell me stories about people who fought in the war, I always thought it was just a fairy-tale. But, as me and Raven got older, he eventually told us that it was his story. So all of these stories about this seemingly unstoppable warrior fighting in the great war, was of him. Well.. I passed the stories down to you didn't I?
Ruby: So.. The Iron Soldier was him?
Qrow: Yup.
Ruby: Aaaand the story about the Red-Eyed Warrior was him too?
Qrow: Ruby, he's got red eyes.
Ruby: What?! How come you didn't tell me about this?!
Qrow: Cause I thought he was long gone.. And there was no point in telling you this then.
Y/N walks in to rinse his cup. He approaches the two and sits down on another chair.
Y/N: (leans back) What are you two talking about?
Ruby: Oh, you know.. life..
Y/N: (chuckles and nods slowly) sure..
Qrow: Hey, you never finished that story about the two brothers.
Y/N: Right.. Uh.. I sorta forgot?
Qrow: What do you mean "forgot"? That was a good story!
Y/N: I don't know, Qrow! I guess I lost my memory! Didn't Raven tell you?
Yang: Tell him what?
Y/N and the others looks to the direction of the voice.
Y/N: (shifts his body posture) Nothing you need to know.
Yang: What's that supposed to mean, Y/N?
Qrow nudges Ruby.
Qrow: (whispering) You know what to do.
Ruby nods and goes to Yang before she and Y/N starts arguing.
Ruby: (trying to get her away) Yang, let's go buy some food for the others.
Yang: (looks at her sister) Why? Don't we have any in the house?
Y/N stands up and Qrow looks at him. Y/N walks towards Ruby and Yang.
Y/N: C'mon Ruby, if she doesn't want to go, then I'll go.
Ruby looks at Y/N with a surprised face.
Ruby: Well, I- Uh-..
Yang: I don't trust you with my sister.
Qrow: Yang, just.. let her go with him.
Yang: No, I'll go with her.
Yang drags Ruby upstairs. Ruby mouthed an "I'm sorry" to Y/N, he smiles and turns back to Qrow.
Qrow: You have to finish that story.
Ruby Rose
Yang stops dragging Ruby and smiles at her sister.
Yang: So! What are we-
Weiss steps outside from the room and greets the two.
Weiss: (rubs her eyes) Hey, girls..
Ruby: Hey, Weiss! We were going to go shopping for food.
Weiss: You're shopping this early? Are they even open yet?
Yang: We could try?
Weiss: (sighs) Alright, I'll go get shower and get changed.
Yang: Sure! I think I'm gonna iron my clothes first.
Ruby: (gasps happily and hugs onto her sister) Can you do mine? Pwease?
Yang: (happily) Sure.
Ruby: YAAYY! (dances around before stopping) I should shower too. (speeds off to get a towel)
Ruby uses her semblance to rush into the bathroom where Weiss almost got in. Ruby gets in and locks the door.
Weiss: Hey! I was going to shower first!
Ruby: (muffled) Nu-uh! The strong win, the weak die.
Weiss groans and sits down while crossing her arms. Weiss notices the rose petals on the ground.
Weiss: RUBY! YOU LEFT PETALS ON THE FLOOR!!
Silence.
Ruby: (muffled) What?
Weiss starts but decides not to continue.
A few minutes later, Ruby steps out of the bathroom, towel covering her.
Ruby: Alright, head on in.
Weiss: Finally.
Weiss stands up and walks inside the bathroom. Ruby goes to her sister and sees that her clothes are ironed and ready to wear.
Ruby: Thanks, Yang!
Yang: (while ironing her clothes) No problem!
Ruby takes and goes to her room to change.
Y/N
Qrow is explaining and telling Y/N the story so far. He explains the situation about Lionheart and the Huntsman and Huntresses.
Y/N: So what's up with Lionheart, then?
Qrow: Don't know, but Ozpin said he was not only being weird, but is also disobeying orders.
Y/N: Don't you think something is a little off about him?
Qrow: Pfft. Why would I not?
Jaune comes down to get some water.
Jaune: (tiredly) Hey guys.
Y/N and Qrow: Ey' kid.
Jaune: Woah, you sounded the same for a second there.
Y/N: (joking) Qrow's getting old.
Qrow punches him and laughs.
Jaune: It's good to have you back, Y/N. Well, sort of.
Y/N smiles.
Jaune: A-Anyways, I'm gonna go and have some cereal, you guys want anything?
Y/N: Nah, I'm good.
Qrow: Yup, me too.
Jaune: (nods) Alright. (walks away and into the kitchen)
Y/N and Qrow relaxes into their chairs.
Qrow: Ain't this great.. We're in an air-conditioned room, soft chairs.
Y/N: Yeah, that and I'm not stepping on dirt all the time.
Qrow and Y/N chuckle.
Y/N: Hey Qrow.
Qrow: Yeah?
Y/N: Why don't you show me some new tricks you've learned, teaching at signal.
Qrow: You're on, old man! (Qrow and Y/N run outside to fight/train)
Weiss Schnee
Yang: C'mon Weiss, it'll be hot out soon.
Weiss: Okay! Okay! (gets out of the room)
Yang: Lemme see. (turns Weiss around to see her makeup) You've barely done anything!
Weiss: That's because you were rushing me!
Ruby: Guys! Come on, the best food stand here is about to open in a few minutes!
Weiss: Then let's go!
The three run outside, ignoring the clashing of blades behind them. They search for bumblebee and see it parked.
Yang: Is the food stand close?
Ruby: We can make it by foot.
Weiss: Then let's go!
Ruby uses her semblance, Yang uses Ember Celica to speed her up, and Weiss uses glyphs to travel.
Soon, they reach the food stand and see no lines of people. The three immediately goes in line.
Shop Owner: What can I get you?
Ruby: The usual please! But make it double! Oh! Also, we're not eating here, we're going to eat back at the house.
The shop owner nods and goes into the back to prepare. Mechanical sounds could be heard. The Shop Owner comes out with plastic bags.
Shop Owner: (hands the bags) careful, don't touch the bottom, they're hot.
Yang: Got it. (grabs a plastic bag)
Ruby pays and the three walk away.
Weiss: Are you sure this food is good for you?
Ruby: Pfft. Of course..
Weiss: The way you said that made me feel like I should be worried.
Yang: Chill out, Weiss. Whether you like it or not, you still have to eat it.
Weiss: That's true.
Timeskip, Ruby Rose
Weiss, Yang and Ruby arrive back home to see all the people awake.
Yang: FOOD'S HERE!
Nora: Ooh! Guys! Come check it out! Qrow's fighting Y/N.
Ren: Sparring, Nora.
Nora: It's the same, Ren.
Ren: No, it- wait..
Ruby: Ooh, I'll go drop these bags.
Ruby, Weiss and Yang drop their bags at the kitchen counter and they go to the others.
Y/N dodges another Scythe slice from Qrow, Qrow moves to the left to attack at any openings Y/N had.
Ruby: So what's the goal?
Jaune: One has to land a hit on the other, Qrow said he trained with Y/N by playing this game with him.
Ruby: Awesome!
Y/N blocks 5 consecutive slashes from Qrow. Y/N puts his left foot to the ground behind him to stop himself from going any more backwards. Y/N shifts the left foot 50° and kicks at Qrow, creating a small crack on the ground.
Qrow jumps back and swings his scythe around. Y/N jumps and spirals in the air, doing an airborne attack. Y/N lands and Qrow attacks in a zig-zag pattern at Y/N. Y/N is fast enough to block all the attacks.
Y/N sees another slash coming and catches the scythe with his left claw. He seathes his left claw, causing Qrow's scythe to drop and hit the ground. Y/N moves to dodge the scythe's uppercut attack.
Y/N zooms back. The two takes a breather for a few seconds before getting back at it. This time, Y/N goes in on him, he hits with his right claw, Qrow blocks it. He then quickly hits with his left claw, Qrow blocks it again.
Qrow: (blocking Y/N's claws, left and right) How about we step this up a notch?
Y/N: (still attacking) What are you trying to do?
Qrow: (still blocking) Oz? Wanna join in?
Y/N: (stops his attack) Wait, seriously?
Oscar flashes Green and white for a few seconds before getting into a more formal pose.
Ozpin: (extends his cane) Let's begin.
Qrow and Y/N goes back a few feet to get ready. Qrow puts his scythe down. Y/N has a confused look.
Qrow: (stretches) Since he's using a staff, we should probably be using our own blunt force objects too.
Y/N: You wanna fist-fight? You aren't exactly good at those.
Qrow: You'd be surprised.
Ruby: Oh my gosh! This is gonna be so cool!!
Nora: Right?!
Pyrrha: Shouldn't we step back a little?
Jaune: Yeah.. Uh.. That's probably a good idea..
Y/N is on the left, Qrow is on the right and Ozpin is in the middle. They give each other looks as if they are telepathically counting down to start the match.
3. 2. 1. Begin!
Qrow rushes in and Ozpin hits away at his feet. Qrow jumps and spins above Ozpin and tries to kick Y/N, to which he dodges. Ozpin steps on Qrow and swings at Y/N effortlessly.
Y/N dodges his cane and Ozpin releases a combination of attacks:
First, he hits the ground; causing dust to fly into Y/N's eyes. Y/N uses his echolocation skills to navigate and dodge his attacks.
Second, Ozpin retracts his cane and zooms forward.
Third, Ozpin puts the cane onto Y/N's stomach. There is a 0.5 second window in where Y/N has to move. Y/N sees this as an opening and pushes Ozpin away.
Ozpin: Very nice, Mr. Y/N. Not many people can escape from that move.
Y/N: (taking short breaths) Oh, I've fought ninjas before, they use the same technique.
Qrow moves Ozpin to the side and rushes at Y/N with amazing speed, he throws jabs at Y/N, and Y/N dodges by quickly moving his head away from his fist. Y/N throws the same technique and Qrow backs away. Qrow jumps and does a butterfly kick in the air, he fails to hit Y/N and land on the ground beside him. Qrow does a leg sweep and Y/N zooms back.
Y/N moves to the left, narrowly dodging Ozpin's cane. Ozpin still has his cane forward, he swings to the left, almost hitting Y/N. Qrow slides in and kicks at Ozpin, in which he dodges. Y/N also jumps in to attack Ozpin, as Ozpin is being double-teamed, He ducks down, causing Y/N's fist to hit Qrow's foot, Qrow is sent a few feet back.
Qrow: Wait! What?!
Ozpin: It appears that you have been hit.
Qrow: That's real douchebaggy of you, Oz.
Qrow goes inside to rest. Y/N looks at Ozpin.
Y/N: Guess it's a one on one, old man.
Ozpin: So it would seem.
Ozpin spins his cane, using his tornado-like attack; Ozpin charges at Y/N with full speed. Y/N back-flips his way out of the attack and uses his foot as a brake.
Y/N jumps and punches at Ozpin, he dodges and hits Y/N's back.
Y/N has a look of surprise. He falls to the ground and rolls.
Ozpin: Now, that was some fight.
Y/N groans and lays on the ground, exhausted. Ozpin turns to the group, watching them.
Ozpin: I hope you took some notes from that fight.
Oscar flashes Green and white. Oscar looks at Y/N and immediately goes to help him up.
Oscar: (scratches his head) S-Sorry about that, he gets carried away sometimes.
Y/N: Yeah, that's alright bub, I've had worse fights.
Weiss: Now, could we all please go and eat? It's almost noon!
Qrow: Yup, that's probably a good idea.
The scene changed and now, Weiss and Yang can be shown handing the food. They hand Jaune the food, then Pyrrha, then Qrow, then Oscar, Ruby, Ren, Nora.
Y/N: Wait. Where's mine?
Yang: (sitting down and opening her own food) I dunno, must've forgot.
Y/N glares at the two and sighs deeply.
Pyrrha: Do you want mine?
Jaune: N-No keep yours, he'll have mine.
Nora and Ren: Here take mine. (the two looks at each other)
Y/N smiles.
Y/N: No, keep your food. (stands up) I'll go buy some myself.
Qrow: Yo, you want me to come?
Y/N: Nah, kid. Eat your food. Don't worry.
Y/N pats Oscar's back and goes outside to buy some food.
Weiss: (under her breath) finally.
Ruby looks at her teammates with a sad expression and then at the door.
Y/N
Y/N is walking down the sidewalk, admiring the buildings and just enjoying his little Me-Time. He sees a bakery.
Y/N: Ruby's been good to me.. Maybe I'll buy some..
Y/N goes inside the bakery and comes back out with two bags of foodstuffs in his left hand. He looks around and sees a food store.
Y/N buys some noodles and beer. He goes to the grocery store and buys some food the group at home can cook with. Y/N's stomach rumbles and he saw that he had been spending an hour just shopping.
He makes his way back home. He sees a cat in the streets just minding it's own business. He sits down at a local bench to drink some beer.
The same cat he saw, jumps on him and lays down on his lap. Y/N looks at it mid-drink and carresses the cat.
Y/N: (picks up the cat) C'mon bub, I gotta get a move-on.
Y/N sets down the cat and continues his way back home.
Y/N sees the door locked and he knocks on the door. Ruby was sweeping the floor when she hears the knock. She goes to answer the door.
Ruby: Y/N, you're back!
Y/N: Here, why don't you take these cookies and go back to readin' your comics.
Ruby: Oh my gosh!! (hugs Y/N) Thank you so much, Y/N!! (runs away with the cookies)
Y/N smiles as he looks at her. He goes to the kitchen and opens the fridge.
Y/N: Damn.. It's nearly empty.
Y/N opens the plastic bags and put the foodstuffs into the fridge, some into the freezer. He finishes unpacking and takes the plastic bag. He puts the plastic bag to cover the trash can, so they can easily move the trash.
Y/N opens his food and breathes in the nice smell. He goes to the living room to turn on the TV. He stops when he sees Yang asleep on the couch.
Y/N sighs and picks her up. He gets her upstairs and knocks on Ruby's door. Y/N looks Yang and covers her cleavage.
Ruby opens the door with earphones still on.
Ruby: Y/N, Oh! I'm assuming you're moving Yang upstairs?
Y/N: Yeah.. I mean.. I wanted to watch the TV but Yang was in the way, and I'd feel bad if I woke her up.
Ruby: You.. you'd feel.. bad? After all the words she's said to you?
Y/N: Of course. I mean, I'm at the point where words don't make me feel pain, Ruby.
Ruby: (stares at him) You are some guy, Y/N.
Y/N: Yeah, thanks.
Silence.
Ruby: A-Anyway! Enjoy your f-food!
Y/N nods and smiles at her.
Y/N: (goes to the door) Alright, you too.
Ruby: (before closing the door) Oh, I definitely will. (closes the door)
Y/N goes downstairs to eat his food. He picks up his plate and turns on the TV. He happily eats and watches the TV.
The scene changes into a speeded up version of the continuation of the day. The time-lapse stops and Y/N is now sleeping on the couch.
Jaune goes downstairs to get a drink when he sees Y/N asleep.
Jaune: Poor guy, (looks back upstairs) can't they just give him a break?
Jaune: (talks to himself as he goes to get a drink) I mean, sure he kills people. But it's not like he regularly kills people. He doesn't come home with blood on his shirt.
Jaune drinks his glass of water and opens the fridge. He's surprised about how many food that are in there.
Jaune: Holy crap! Did he buy all of this?!
Jaune closes the fridge and goes to get a blanket to be put on Y/N. He carefully covers Y/N with a blanket and puts it on him. Jaune goes back to his room.
Y/N spent the night on the couch. He wakes up at midnight. He looks around and sees everyone still asleep. He looks at his arm and searches for the QR code.
Y/N: Did it go away after I used it on the facility? How?
Y/N looks to the balcony and sees a Raven perch on the railing, the Raven bows and flies away again. Y/N smiles and goes to the kitchen to cook something up.
It was morning and Ruby as always comes out first. She smells the wonderful scent of the food.
Ruby: Wooww, that smells goooood..
Y/N takes a quick glance at Ruby before returning his focus onto the food.
Y/N: Seriously Ruby, this isn't you.
Ruby: Whaddya mean?
Y/N: You wake up so early! You clea-
Weiss: Everyone woke up early, Y/N.
Y/N: Oh, they did?
Ruby: Yup, cause today is go-day!
Y/N flips the omelette and serves it onto a plate.
Pyrrha: You've clearly outdone yourself, Y/N.
Y/N: I learned some tricks from the cook back at the camp.
Nora: This. is. AMAZING! (immediately grabs a plate and takes two of each plate) I know this is going to be good.
Weiss: Whatever, I'm not eating that. I'm just going to drink some coffee.
Yang: Ditto.
The two brewed some coffee and goes outside to the balcony. Ruby looks at Y/N, but he is still smiling at the group who are eating.
Y/N: You go eat too, Rubes.
Ruby: Actually I'm going to check on them, first. Be right back.
Ruby goes out to them.
Ruby: Hey guys!
Weiss: Oh, hey Ruby! Come sit.
Ruby goes over and sits down.
Weiss: I made you some coffee.
Ruby: Please no!
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.
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.
Blake Belladonna
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.
Yang Xiao Long
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.
Blake Belladonna
Back in Menagerie, Blake approaches a darkened alleyway.
Blake: Ilia?
Ilia: I'm here.
Blake draws Gambol Shroud. Ilia walks out from the shadows with her hands up and drops her black camouflage.
Blake: Ilia, I know you're scared, but you don't have to be. My family and I, we can keep you safe.
Ilia: I'm sorry.
Blake: You can make it up to me by helping us stop Corsac and Fennec.
Ilia: No. (her tone turns hostile) I'm sorry.
Ilia's right hand curls up into a fist. Footsteps can be heard running on the rooftop next to them. Blake looks up and sees Yuma fly down and land on her back, forcing her to the ground.
Blake drops Gambol Shroud which lands at Ilia's feet. Blake gasps, regaining her breath and struggles to get up as Yuma presses his foot against her back. He gets off her as two more Faunus join him. Blake gets back up on her feet.
Blake: Wait--
Suddenly, Blake gets wrapped in spiderweb silk. One of the Faunus grabs the silk strand holding Blake from her hand.
Trifa: I've got her.
Yuma: Well done, Sister Trifa - and to you, Ilia.
Yuma tosses Ilia Lightning Lash.
Blake: Ilia! What are you doing?!
Ilia: I tried to warn you, Blake. I'm sorry.
Blake: Don't tell me you're sorry!
Ilia: But I am. I am sorry it has to be this way, but you and your family are holding the Faunus back!
Blake: Because we're trying to protect people?! In what world do you live in where attacking the innocent is the right thing to do?!
Ilia: The same one as you! There's no such thing as innocent! There's no right thing to do! Only what's best for us! There's the humans that still hate the Faunus, and there's the others who stand by and let the hate happen! But you know what snuffs out hate? Fear. I don't like hurting people. But I'll tell you this... (she points her weapon at Blake) ...it's gotten us results.
Blake: Yeah, look where it's gotten you.
Ilia's eyes widen and she briefly ponders Blake's retort, but she just shrugs it off.
Ilia: We all have to make sacrifices for the greater good, no matter how much it hurts.
Blake: And you think killing me is really for the greater good?
Ilia: No, but getting rid of your family is.
Blake's expression turns shocked and fearful.
Blake: You wouldn't! You can't! I won't let you!
Ilia: I know. That's why you're being sent to Mistral. To Adam.
Blake's expression grows more afraid, almost on the verge of tears.
Blake: (struggling to get the webs off her) Ilia, please! You don't have to do this. This isn't you!
Ilia: Yes. It. Is! But I guess back then you were just too busy falling for Adam to notice.
Blake's expression turns confused.
Ilia: I was always jealous of the way you looked at him. (her spots turn pink) I wanted you to look at me that way. (she closes her eyes, and when she opens them, they are suddenly pink) But we can't always get what we want! (Her eyes then turn back to normal) Yuma, with me. You two, get her to the docks.
Ilia and Yuma leave while the other two Faunus prepare to bring Blake with them.
Trifa: Let's go, traitor.
Trifa tugs on the silk holding Blake, but Blake remains stationary.
Blake: Now!!
Trifa: Huh?
Suddenly, Sun jumps out of nowhere and knocks down the Faunus next to Trifa.
Trifa: What?
Trifa draws her knife and engages in a brief duel with Sun. He blocks her attacks with the staff form of Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang before disarming her.
Blake, now free from her bonds, then grabs Trifa's shoulder and punches her square in the face, knocking her out.
Blake: Thanks for the backup.
Sun: Thanks for the invitation. You okay?
Blake picks up Gambol Shroud and places it on her back.
Blake: No. You heard Ilia, my family is in danger. Call the police and let's go!
Sun: Right!
The two exit the alleyway and begin running toward the Belladonna's home. They both take their Scrolls out to call their respective contacts.
Blake: (worried) Come on, mom, pick up!
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.
Raven Branwen
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 you 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 and Adam arrive with the White Fang.
Cinder: 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.
The Belladonnas
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: Let's do this, sir!
Ghira: Shut up.
Sun: You got it!
The both of them proceed forward.
Raven Branwen
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: What about Y/N?
Raven: Even if I fight him, he won't be able to muster up the courage to kill me. And with how Y/N reacted to the arrow Cinder shot him with, I suppose we can do better than her failed attempt.
Vernal: But, won't he die?
Raven: (looks down and sighs) That's the hard part.
Vernal: 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. Y/N walks up to his doorway and drinks his whiskey.
Y/N: Hey, Qrow?
Qrow turns his attention to him.
Y/N: Oz needs to talk to you.
Qrow stands up and follows Y/N out of the room, looking over his shoulder at the window.
Blake Belladonna
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 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.
Qrow Branwen
Y/N, 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.
Y/N: Something on your mind, Rubes?
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.
Y/N: 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.
Y/N: Now, why don't you go and get the others?
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)
Y/N: Who called? (taking another drink)
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 Y/N takes a drink from his whiskey bottle.
Ozpin: Mmm, that sounds drastically different from your original conversation, does it not?
Qrow: It does.
Ozpin: Interesting...
Y/N: (looks at Ozpin) Things aren't looking good, Oz.
Ozpin: I know...
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 while Lionheart sadly leans back sighing.
The Belladonnas
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. 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 she struggles to get out of his 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 charges them 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.
Blake: 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.
Blake: 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.
To be continued..