RWBY Volume 6, Chapter 16

Menagerie Pt .12

3 MONTHS AFTER CH. 15

BELLADONNA HOME

Blake, sleeping on her bed, slowly opens her eyes to look up at the ceiling of her room. She sits up and stretches her arms as she yawns.

"Yang?"

Blake turns to see that Yang's space on the bed is empty, the blanket disheveled.

"Downstairs."

Blake yawns again as she gets up and puts on slippers. She also cracks her back and groggily walks out of her room. Going downstairs, she rubs her eyes and sees Ghira and Kali talking to Yang, who is smiling, prompting the former to smile as well. Blake proceeds to go to the three and sit with them. Yang rests her head on her wife's shoulder.

"I can tell that you slept well last night." Blake said.

"...I did." Yang said. "Thanks to you."

Blake turns to look at her parents. "What you guys talking about?"

"Yang here was talking about some sort of...food fight in a cafeteria?" Kali said.

Blake chuckles upon knowing what that was. "That was great day."

Yang sighs. "We all fought hard that day. But Ruby was the one to finish it." Her smile then begins to fade. "I wonder how is she? It's been a while since we talked."

Blake turns to see Yang staring at the table. "I'm sure she's doing fine. Ruby's all grown up. She can take care of herself."

"I know." Yang said. "But she's out there...all I have no idea where she is. That worries me every day."

Blake places her hand on top of Yang's. "I'm sure she thinks the same thing about you. Maybe she'll call one day. She'll want to check if you're okay."

Yang nods and lifts her head to look at Blake. "One day." She then turns to look at her step-parents. "Sorry for being a downer today."

"No apologies." Ghira said. "We completely understand your worries."

The sounds of footsteps coming downstairs makes Blake turn a little mad and making her stare down. Yang has done the same thing for a couple seconds until she turns to see who's coming downstairs. Ilia, dressed in a Menagerie guard outfit, walks down the stairs, grumbling as she adjust her new wardrobe.

"I've been wearing this for the past couple months." Ilia said. "How do the other guards handle this much discomfort?"

"They don't complain." Ghira said. "And given your new position, the outfit is required."

Ilia stops messing with her collar and sees Yang, who is looking at her with a slight angry look. She also notices that Blake isn't looking at her.

"Still angry." Ilia said, guilt on her face. "Understandable."

Kali proceeds to stand up and walk to Ilia, who lowers her head. "Where's your helmet?"

"...It's in half?" Ilia answered.

"And why is it in half?"

Ilia rubs the back of her head, trying to avoid the answer.

"Forget it." Kali smiles. "Now then. For now, you and I will be exploring the marketplace for some supplies. After that, I'll figure out what else we'll do."

Ilia groans in annoyance. "Why did I choose this again?"

"It's better than the alternative."

Ilia turns to see Blake angrily looking at her.

"Blake, sweetie." Kali said. "We talked about this. Now then. Let us go, Ilia."

As Kali heads to the front door, Ilia is still looking at Blake, who turns away. She would then proceed to follow Kali outside, while Ghira looks at Blake.

"How long are you going to keep this up?" Ghira said.

Blake sighs and rests her hands on her head. "I don't know, Dad. Every time I see her now...I just get angry. I don't even know why she's even out."

"We were all there, Blake." Ghira said. "She chose this. Remember?"

Blake growls. "I remember that."

3 MONTHS AGO

2 DAYS AFTER MENAGERIE BATTLE

Blake, Yang, Ghira, Kali are sitting inside a small house, where the Menagerie guard surrounds them. Ilia sits across from them, staring at the ground and her leg shaking.

"Ilia Amitola." Ghira said. "You are here, because you have been accused of attempted murder and siding with the enemy. Now normally, the sentence would be time served in jail for treason. But...your crime involved the attempted murder of my daughter-in-law, who thankfully, is alive and recovering. You've broken one of my sacred laws: no harm can come to any family member of the Chieftain. And for that...it cannot be ignored."

Ilia just stares at the ground as she talks. "I...I'd like to say something. If that's okay with you, Chieftain."

"...Go ahead."

Ilia lifts her and sadly looks at Blake. She sees the anger in her face. She then slowly stands up and walks to her. After stopping a couple feet from Blake, she is hesitant before she proceeds to speak. "I...I am sorry, Blake." She then turns to Yang. "I truly am sorry for what I did. I didn't want to. But I did. And for that, I deserve any punishment that give me today. I am guilty and will always be." She then turns to Ghira. "I am finished."

The four watches Ilia walk back to her chair and sits down. Ghira taps his fingers for a few seconds before speaking. "It is the events of the last few days that had led us to this. Your actions are indeed heinous, Miss Amitola. Your actions brought the Dark Seekers to our island. They slaughtered several of our people, while we were busy fighting the remaining forces. Treason. Attempted murder. Crimes very heinous. Crimes that could give you the gallows."

Blake sees Ilia clench her fists hard and lowers her head to stare down.

"However..."

She turns to look at Ghira.

"If not for your warning, we would've never anticipated the Dark Seekers being here early. Because of you, more lives were spared and we were victorious in our battle. And for that, I do want to thank you for that."

Ghira stands up, along with Kali and Blake. Yang just stays sitting.

"Therefore...I will be giving you 3 options. Options that you may choose on your own."

Blake begins to look a little confused.

"The first option: You get the gallows. Where you'd be hanged in private and buried in the cemetery."

Tears begin falling down Ilia's face.

"Two: You spend the rest of your life in a jail cell, with no possible early release."

Ghira then puts his hands behind his back.

"Or three: You work to redeem yourself for your actions."

Ilia lifts her head back up with confusion.

"It'll be like...community service. But not really." Ghira looks at Kali, who nods. "You would be my wife's personal guard, for the duration of your service. How long that service will be will be determined by me alone."

Ilia is surprised by the recent choice that she's been given. But Blake is a bit shocked at this.

"Again...these are choices that you yourself can make, Miss Amitola."

"What are you doing?" Blake asked.

Ghira calmly turns to Blake. "I am doing my job. And I am giving her these choices."

"Blake."

Blake quickly turns to Yang, who is holding her hand. Blake sighs and sits back down.

Ilia takes a couple minutes as she begins to think. And in her minds, she considers execution. But after a few minutes, she raises her head to give her answer.

PRESENT DAY - MARKET

Ilia lays her back on a wall as Kali is given a bag of fruit. Her arms crossed, she just stares at the floor.

"Alright"

Ilia looks up to see Kali standing next to her.

"I think that's about it for here." Kali said. "How about we head to the pier for a while? Got some things to talk about." She then proceed to take out a helmet from a bag. "And please wear this."

Ilia groans as she takes the helmet and puts it on.

Kali smiles. "There we go. Come on."

GRASSLANDS

Yang sadly sits alone in the grasslands, watching the breeze blow on the grass. Sighing, she drags her hand against the grass. She then notices that her it's shaking violently.

"It's happening again?"

Yang slowly turns her head to see Blake, who has a worried look on her face.

"...Yeah." Yang answered.

Blake proceeds to sit down next to Yang, before taking out a syringe. She then takes Yang's arm, finds her vein and proceeds to inject the clear liquid into it.

"You know how much I hate this. Right?" Yang asked.

"...I know." Blake said. "But it's better than having the tremors."

"But it makes me sleepy." Yang said, whining.

Blake chuckles. "I'm aware."

Yang watches as her arm begins to stop shaking and calming.

"Shame." Yang said. "Your folks were going to be gone all day, today. I wanted some alone time with you."

Blake smiles wide as she blushes. "There's always tomorrow."

"Yeah." Yang said, before stretching her arms and yawning. "Whoa. Already taking effect. I don't think I'll make it home."

Blake sighs and proceed to position herself. Yang holds onto her wife from behind. Blake then lifts herself, with Yang hanging behind her as she slowly drifts to sleep.

"You're lucky I'm strong enough to carry you now." Blake said.

"...uhhh...I love you..." Yang said, mumbling in her sleep.

Blake just smiles as she carries Yang away from the grasslands.

PIER

Ilia sits at the edge of a pier, watching the ocean in front of her. As she stares at the water, Kali is nearby, speaking to another Faunus. Ilia slowly turns her head to see if Kali is looking away from her. She then carefully opens the rucksack that she had. And she would take out a small bottle of liquor. Ilia quickly takes the top off and hurriedly takes a sip from it. She then quickly puts the bottle back, before Kali sits next to her.

"All is quiet." Kali said. "As usual."

"That is...suspicious." Ilia said. "Would've thought we'd hear anything about the Seekers, by now."

"Well, we try our best to get any information." Kali said. "But no luck."

"Maybe they're too focused on the war that's happening." Ilia said.

"...Perhaps." Kali then turns to look at Ilia, before suddenly reaching her hand inside the latter's bag.

"Hey!" Ilia exclaims.

Kali then takes out the bottle and examines it, whole Ilia looks away. "Don't think I didn't hear this while I was speaking to the people." She sees that the bottle is almost empty. "I am disappointed in you, Ilia."

"...Well..." Ilia said as she stands up. She takes her helmet off and places it down next to Kali. "You have a right to."

Kali just watches as Ilia walks away down the pier. She then looks back at the bottle, before throwing it towards the ocean.

"Ow!"

Kali goes eye's wide, before seeing a Faunus with fins on her arms rub her head. She nervously chuckles and waves at her.

BLAKE'S ROOM

Blake grabs her blanket and proceeds to place it on top of the sleeping Yang, who slightly mumbles as she naps. Sitting back, Blake smiles as she watches her wife sleeps. But that stops when she hears the sounds of foo steps, making her smile fade. Turning towards the door to her room, she stands up and proceeds head to it. Opening the door, she walks outside and spots Ilia, who freezes upon being spotted. Looking at her with a mad look, Blake closes the door to her room.

"Where's my mom, Ilia?" She asked.

Ilia turns her head and sees the entrance to the house opening. Blake turns and sees Kali entering with another guard by her side. She then turns back to Ilia and growls. Ilia, afraid, tries to go into her room. But Blake quickly grabs and pins her to the wall.

"You had one job, Ilia! ONE JOB!"

"I'm sorry." Ilia said, shaking in fear.

"Sorry's not good enough!

"Blake!"

Ghira, having heard what happened and walked upstairs, is looking at the two. Blake doesn't look at him.

"That's enough!" Ghira exclaims.

Blake stares at Ghira for a couple seconds before releasing Ilia, who quickly goes into her room.

"I thought we all agreed, Blake." Ghira said. "No violence in this house. Especially with Yang around."

Blake doesn't answer and just walks past Ghira downstairs and head out through the front doors. But the doors suddenly open. Blake's eyes go wide as she and the others watch Saber and other Menagerie guards carry one of their own into the house.

"What happened?" Ghira asks loudly.

"Found him like this!" Saber exclaims back as he helps place the guy on the nearby table. "He said that someone shot him. Bullet went right through his Aura."

"Only one?" Blake asked, confused. She looks down and sees what makes her feel ill. The man's was violently coughing, and his veins all purple. And his eyes are now black, but retains his eye color. "What the hell? How...how's this-"

She is interrupted when her wrist is suddenly grabbed by the man, scaring her. She also notices something. The man is trying to speak, but can't.

"What's he trying to say?" Kali asked.

Blake slowly lowers her head, in order for her ear to be near the man's mouth. Listening to the man struggling to say something, and every word comes out eventually, Blake's expression turns to shock. Then there's silence. Blake turns and sees the man's blank face, having passed. She backs away from him.

"What is it?" Ghira asked as he approaches Blake.

But the girl stands frozen for a few seconds before she looks at him. "Stay here."

Blake walk past Saber and grabs Gambol Shroud. "Protect my family until I return. I'll be back soon."

"Wait." Kali said. "What is going on?"

"I want 2 guards in front of Yang's room immediately!"

"Whoa. Blake!" Ghira said. "Where are you going?"

"Not now, Dad!" Blake exclaims. "You and Mom should stay close." She turns to Saber. "Are you even listening to what I just said?"

"I will do as you ask, ma'am." Saber answered. "And I don't know what you're about to do. But whatever it is, I'm going with you."

"You will not." Blake said, her anger rising.

"Stop it, the both of you. Right now!" Ghira exclaims.

Saber begins to get mad. "I heard exactly what that guy said. We both know who killed him."

"You will do exactly as I say." Blake said as she opens the front door. "And you will stay here, and protect my family!"

"I can't just stand here and do nothing!"

Blake, having enough, angrilly slams the door shut. "YOU WILL DO...YOUR JOB!"

Saber looks surprised from her yelling and backs away. Blake quickly opens the door again and leaves. Ghira and Kali look with worry. Kali turns to look upstairs and sees Ilia, having heard the screams. Ilia hears a door opening and turns around. Yang, having been woken up, is looking outside her door with a scared look on her face.

"You don't want to know." Ilia said.

GRASSLANDS

Blake angrily runs out of Kua Koana, passing some trees and enters the grasslands, where the big battle had occurred 3 months earlier. Taking out Gambol Shroud, she continues to run until she stops. She growls upons seeing one of the Albains.

"I see you've gotten my message." Corsac said. "I do apologize that your guard had to die. He was supposed to deliver my message. But instead...he tried to kill me."

"Why are you here?" Blake yells, not caring. "TELL ME NOW!"

Corsac's expression doesn't change. "I'm here to simply relay something to you. Torchwick's personal message. He is going to return. And with a bigger army than the one he brought here 3 months ago. And...they now have a way to easily wipe all of you out. You probably noticed what had happened to the guard."

"If what you're saying is true...and we are all going to die, as he believes." Blake said, her anger to the max. "THEN YOU'LL DIE WITH US!"

Blake yells as she charges towards Corsac, who doesn't move a muscle. But when Blake is about to strike, Corsac quickly dodges, surprising the former. Corsac then suddenly grab's Blake from behind and throws her to the ground. He then takes out a device, presses a button, and throws it near Blake before turning around.

Blake looks at the device as it rapidly beeps. She is about to get up, when the device suddenly goes off, emitting a very bright flash. Blake yells as she is blinded by the flash. She tries to swipe her sword around, trying to get Corsac. But she would scream in pain as she feels something piercing her left shoulder. As her sight comes back, she turns to see a pointed blade. Corsac pulls her weapon out of Blake and kicks her to the ground.

"Don't bother getting up." Corsac said. He then goes to grab Blake by her hair and force her to look up, making her wince in pain. "We both know that you'll just be back on the ground." He then proceeds to shove Blake to the ground. "Do you have any idea...ANY...idea...of what Torchwick did to us, after we failed. After Ilia fail us!" His anger begins to rise. "He killed him. He killed my brother! He killed him with no mercy! And it's all because OF YOU!" He proceeds to kick Blake's stomach, sending her flying to a close tree. Blake crashes onto it and hits the ground.

"He's dead...and it's all because of you. You and EVERYONE on the island. You have ruined everything!" Corsac grabs Blake and make her look at him. "EVERYTHING!

Corsac then proceed to stomp Blake's leg, causing the latter to scream in pain. As Blake grasps her injured leg, she begins to show fear as Corsac takes out his weapon.

"But it'll be okay. You wanna know why?" He places the tip of her weapon onto Blake's neck. "Because you're already dead!"

Tears begin to fall Blake's face, shaking violently as she feels the tip touching her throat. Corsac suddenly gasps and his eyes go wide. He lets go of Blake, who falls to the ground. He shakily looks down and sees something impaled through his chest. He feels it being pulled out and slowly turns as he gasps her air. Ilia, having decided to follow, looks at Corsac with a scared look, her hands and weapon shaking.

"Il...Ilia..."

Corsac tries to step forward, but only falls to the ground. Ilia just watches as the man exhales for the last time and is still. She drops her weapon and sees Blake, who is still on the ground. Ilia quickly goes to Blake and grabs her arm.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" Blake screams as she tries to free herself. "LET GO OF ME!"'

"You can't go anywhere, Blake." Ilia calmly said. "Let me help you get back to your house."

"FUCK YOU! I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!"

"Don't do this right now."

"I SAID LET GO!"

But Blake stops yelling when she receives a hard slap on her face by Ilia, who then helps the former up. Blake remains frozen in shock as Ilia picks up Gambol Shroud. When she puts it away, she just stares at Blake. She then notices the wound on the latter's shoulder.

"You're wounded." Ilia said.

Blake turns her head to look at the wound, before lowering her head down.

"Can you walk?"

Blake tries to walk, but winces in pain due to her leg. Ilia moves and puts Blake's arm around her.

"Come on." Ilia said. "My place is the closest. I can patch you up, if you want."

Blake doesn't answer, verbally. But instead, she just nodded. Ilia then goes to help Blake as they leave the grasslands.

1 HOUR LATER - ILIA'S HOME

Blake sadly stares at the ground as she watches Ilia wraps her leg, making a splint. He left shoulder is now in a cast and a cloth tied to keep her arm up. Ilia stands up and stretches her arms before heading to her kitchen.

"I may not be living here, anymore." She said. "But I always had it stocked and ready, just in case. You're lucky, Blake."

Blake just stares at the split that is around her lake as Ilia takes out a bottle. The chameleon girl then takes a couple cups and pours the contents into them. She then stares at the glasses.

"That was completely reckless of you, Blake. And completely dangerous. Going out there. By yourself. You could've died, you know." Takes the glasses and goes to Blake. "If I hadn't decided to follow you to the grasslands...I would've been the only to leave that place."

Ilia then sits next Blake and offers one of the glasses. Blake turns and and looks at the glass, before accepting it. Both of the Faunus stare at their glasses, before drinking. After Blake finishes, she squirms from the taste. Ilia doesn't react at all, surprising the former.

"...What do you think, I've been doing, on my free time?" Ilia asked. "Surprised that no one else but your mother even noticed."

Blake raises her eyebrows in surprise, before finally speaking. "You've been drinking?"

"Yep." Ilia answers. "Why do you think I act calm most of the time, when I'm on duty?" She would then stare at the glass that she's holding.

Ilia gets and walks around the room as she speaks.

"You and I both know...that I should've just stayed in that jail cell, from the very beginning. That I deserve to rot in prison for what I've done. I wanted that to be my penance, Blake."

Ilia stops as she begins to hear Blake sniffle. She turns to see the latter covering her face as she cries.

"I'm sorry." Blake's slightly muffled voice said behind her hand. She puts her hand down, exposing her face that is displaying sadess. "I was horrible to you. I pushed you around. I insulted you. I made you cry, and I didn't care. I'm a horrible person. I'm-"

Blake stops talking, as she feels Ilia's arms wrapping around, feeling the hug.

"I know you did." Ilia said. "You had good reasons. And I completely understand."

Ilia then helps Blake up. "Come on. Let's get you home."

MINUTES LATER - BELLADONNA HOME

Ghira is walking in a fast pace around his living room, grumbling. Kali and Yang are sitting nearby with worried looks on their faces.

"It's been 2 hours!" Ghira exclaims before he growls. "I should've sent Saber to follow her."

"Ghira, sweetie." Kali said. "We both know that Blake can take care of herself. Perhaps she stopped-"

She stops talking as the sounds of the front door opens. All three quickly turn and they see Ilia helping Blake inside. Yang quickly goes eyes-wide upon seeing the splint on Blake's leg and quickly goes runs to her. When she stops, she also sees the cast on her arm too.

"Who did this to her?" Ghira exclaims.

Ilia and Yang help Blake go to the nearby chair and helps her sit down.

"It was Corsac Albain." Ilia answered, surprising everyone in the room. "Torchwick killed his brothers So he decided to take revenge on Blake. Could've killed her. But I stopped him."

Kali crouches down to inspect the split and Blake's leg. "I assume this was your work, Ilia?"

Ilia nods. "I learned a thing or two while working with the Seekers."

"And where is Corsac now?" Ghira asked.

"...I killed him." Ilia said.

Ghira raises his eyebrows in shock, before sighing. "You're both safe. And that is the important thing."

Yang carefully hugs Blake without hurting her. "I'm glad you're safe."

All Blake does is nod as Ilia stands up. Yang notices the latter and proceeds to stand. Ilia sees Yang approaching her and lowers her head to look at the ground. The blonde stares at the the chameleon girl for a few seconds, before she proceeds to wrap her arms around Ilia, hugging the later. Ilia reacts in surprise as this was something she did not expect.

"Thank you." Yang said. "For protecting her."

"...You're grateful?" Ilia asked. "Even after what I did to you?"

Yang separates the hug and looks at Ilia. "I am. Because I forgive you. I've always forgiven you."

Ilia just stares in surprise as Blake carefully stands up. The two of them would then stare at each other as Yang backs away. Blake tries to speak, but is finding it difficult to say anything. But eventually, she says something.

"I still have anger towards you, Ilia." Blake said. "I'm still mad at you, for what you did. I want to hurt you so much, because you almost killed Yang. I so do."

Ilia lowers her head in sadness.

"...But..."

She lifts her head back up.

"You were like a sister to me, Ilia. And despite everything...I'm willing to forgive you, too. I want you to prove to me...to us...that we can trust you again. That Menagerie can trust you again. I know you can do it. And they do, too."

"...Blake...I...I don't know what to say." Ilia, in shock of Blake's words.

Blake slowly smiles at Ilia, before speaking. "Stay with us. At our home."

Ilia raises her eyebrow. "Aren't I already am?"

"Well...yeah." Blake said. "But not as my mom's bodyguard."

Ilia begins to realize. "You mean..."

Blake nods. "You can live here. With all of us."

Ilia is shocked to hear this. "Are you serious?"

"We'd be happy to have you, Ilia." Ghira said as he wraps his arm around Kali.

Ilia looks at both pairs with her face still surprised.

"It's okay."

Ilia looks at Blake, who smiles and raises her hand, offering it. She clasps her hand together and slowly walks forward. When she is in reaching distance, Blake then wraps her arm around Ilia, pulling her so that Yang could do the same. The three of them embrace each other in a hug as Ghira and Kali happily watch.

"Thank you." Ilia said, tears falling and smiling.

NIGHT - BALCONY

In the balcony of the Belladonna home, sitting alone and staring at the moon, Yang is silent. She turns to look through the glass door. Blake is sleeping in her bed, making the blonde smile.

"Sorry I was late."

Yang slowly turns her head and sees someone landing on the balcony. Ruby, wearing a red hoodie, takes her hood off and stares at her sister.

"Had some difficulties while traveling here." Ruby said. "Dark Seekers were in the air, looking for me. Guess they're beefing up their efforts to kill me, now."

"It's okay." Yang said, before standing up. "And thank you, for coming, Rubes."

Ruby smiles for she goes to give Yang a hug. "I missed you, sis."

The sisters separate from the hug, before they both proceed to sit down.

"So...how are you and Blake?" Ruby asked. "I...I was told about what happened after you got here. Ilia...Torchwick attacking the island...you getting shot."

"...Yeah." Yang said. "A lot had happened then. You can thank Weiss, though. She saved me. Had to push a heavy piece of machinery to do so. Boy, did she complain."

Ruby smiles for a few seconds, before it fades. "Was she...upset? You know...about me leaving?"

"She kept saying she was fine." Yang answered. "But I knew...she's not doing fine. She's...angry."

Ruby sighs. "As expected. Now, we're not here to discuss about that. You didn't want to speak about it in your call. What's up."

Yang immediately doesn't answer. Ruby notices that her leg is shaking up and down.

"I...I wanted to ask you something." Yang said. "Something that I've been thinking the past couple days. And...I might do it."

"...Do what?" Ruby asked, confused.

"I um...I'm thinking about...I wanna fight again."

Ruby looks surprised upon hearing this. "But...are you sure? With everything that happened to you-"

"That's why I wanted your opinion." Yang said. "Because...I feel like...I need to. But at the same time...I don't. Blake and I are living the life we wanted without constant fear of getting killed in or sleep. I've slept better because of this. But...I just know, Rubes. That it's not going to last."

"And that's why you wanna fight again." Ruby said. "So that you and Blake can keep that life going again."

Yang nods her head. "I wanna live the rest of my days, being with Blake by my side. I wanna live in peace. Maybe...maybe start a family of our own. But I can't have that, as long as Torchwick or Cinder or the Seekers are still out there. So yeah. I wanna come back. Help Jaune and the others win the war." She stands up. "You should too."

Ruby waits a few seconds before talking. "I...I don't think I should. I'm not sure, I have what it takes to lead again."

"I'm pretty sure, you can." Yang said. "Because you can inspire people...in a way that none of us ever could. You've inspired us to keep fighting. Because we believed in you. And I bet they still do. I sure still believe in you. And Weiss too."

Ruby lowers her head as she stands up. She then raises her head. "I'll think about it. Okay?"

Yang nods before she proceeds to give her sister a hug. "I love you."

Ruby slowly wraps her arms, hugging Yang back. "Love you too."

They separate their hug and smile at each other. Ruby slowly begins to rise into the air and flies away. Yang nods before she goes to the glass door. But she suddenly stops and sighs. Yang then lifts her head and looks up to the edge of the roof.

"Done eavesdropping?"

Then that's when something that looked like a shadow, suddenly shift into a pair of feet. The shadow would slowly shift until Yang could see Ilia, who looks surprised.

"Sorry." Ilia said. "But in my defense, I was here before came outside."

"And you didn't think to say anything?" Yang asked.

"...I was scared." Ilia answered. "Again, I'm sorry."

"It's fine." Yang said. "Just...let me know when you're out here. Okay? And don't look like a shadow, next time. It's kinda creepy."

Ilia nods.

"You coming inside?"

"No." Ilia said. "I'm going to stay outside for a bit longer."

Yang nods. "Not too long. You need to sleep. Big day tomorrow."

"For you, maybe." Ilia said.

Yang opens the glass door and enters, closing the door behind her. Ilia then lies back down on the roof, staring at the stars in the night sky.

Inside, Yang sighs as she proceeds to lie down on the bed, facing Blake. She smiles as she takes Blake's hand and slowly falls asleep.

THE NEXT MORNING

Ilia groggily stands outside the Belladonna home, as she yawns. Blake and Ghira are standing nearby, stretching. Blake was still wearing for cast but her leg quickly healed due to the injury was minor and her Aura helped.

"I really appreciate you helping out, Dad." Blake said.

"Of course." Ghira said. "Besides. I am in need of a good jogging, myself. It has been a while."

Blake turns her head and sees Ilia, her head down, and snoring happening. She sighs and shakes Ilia awake.

"Wha...what?" Ilia said.

"That's what you get, for staying up half the night."

Ilia, Blake and Ghira turn around. They see Yang, wearing her orange tank top and sweat pants, going down the stairs and joining the three.

"Why am I part of this again?" Ilia asked as she wipes her eyes.

"Just because you live with us now, doesn't mean that you'll be staying inside all the time." Blake answered.

"Yep." Yang said. "If I'm going to be training again, I'll need all the support that I can get."

Blake's face shifts to worry. "Are you sure, you want to do this again? You know you don't have to."

"...I know." Yang said. "But I need to do this. I don't want to be scared anymore."

"With us helping you out, you won't ever again." Ghira said, holding a sledgehammer over his shoulder.

"Uh...what's with the hammer?" Yang asked.

Ghira smirks.

BEACH

The four of them proceed down the beach, where no one else is present and the nearest Faunus is about 40 feet away.

"Why are we here?" Yang asked.

Ghira lowers the sledgehammer and hands it to Yang, who takes it.

"This warm-up will help strengthen your muscles." Ghira said. "Will be a rough start. But eventually, you'll be able to strike the ground harder and faster. Go ahead. Strike the sand."

"...Um...okay. For how long?"

"Until I tell you to stop." Ghira said.

He, along with Blake and Ilia back away as Yang stands and raises the sledgehammer. She yells as she strikes the sand.

"Harder" Ghira said.

Yang proceeds to repeat, striking a second time.

"Harder." Ghira said again.

Then the third time.

"Keep going."

Ghira, Blake and Ilia watch as Yang repeatedly strikes the ground with the sledgehammer.

The next thing they do is with Yang and Ghira slowly jogging through the streets of Kua Koana. Yang is heavily breathing as she tries to keep up. But after only a couple minutes, she begins to stop. Ghira sees Yang and heads to her. He watches as Yang suddenly let's out her breakfast from earlier onto the ground.

The next thing they do, involves Yang repeatedly punching on a stack of tires, that were brought by a merchant from Vale. Then she goes to lift several heavy objects, with some difficulty at first. But she starts to lift them from modest to almost no problem.

Blake would then oversee Yang pulling a tire, tied to rope as the latter pulls the rope and the tire.

At a training floor for the Menagerie guard, Yang and Blake are at a circle, looking at Sabre. He is cracking his knuckles and smirking.

"It's simple." Blake said. "Force Sabre off the circle, and you win."

"Yeah." Yang said as she goes into a fighting stance. "I can do this."

She and Sabre look at each other, as they prepare to fight.

"Side note." Ilia said. "No one has ever succeeded in getting him off the circle, before."

Yang is surprised and quickly turns to Ilia. "Wait. What?"

When she turns back, she takes a punch from Sabre, forcing her off the circle instantly. Blake squints her eyes at Ilia, who chuckles nervously.

"You had to say something." Yang said, growling. She proceeds back into the circle.

"You could at least try." Sabre said. "Or you could just give up?"

Yang yells as she goes to strike Sabre.

LATER

"I couldn't beat him." Yang said, as she applies an ice pack on her head and Blake sits next to her.

Blake wraps her arm gently around her wife. "Maybe one day. But right now...we got more training."

Over the course of the next couple days, it repeats. The jogging around Kua Koana, the punching of the tires, the striking with the sledgehammer, lifting heavy objects and repeatedly losing to Sabre.

Every night after training, Yang would then put herself into a bath tub full of water and ice, in order to reduce her muscle pain and recover faster, completely submerging all but her head under the freezing water.

And after the 5th day, as she and Ghira continuing their jogging, Yang begins to slowly feel like she's about to pass out. She suddenly falls to the ground as Ghira stops and looks with worry. Yang is slowly moving as she tries to get back up, denying any nearby Faunus from helping her.

During training, when she is taking a break, Yang would sit and stare at the sky, the clouds and the ocean as she contemplates many things going through her head. One time, she would take her Scroll out and look at a picture. One with her, Ruby and Taiyang happily eating at a restaurant in Patch. Seeing this makes Yang sadly smile.

"Come on." Ghira said, loking at Yang on the ground. "Get up, kid."

Yang still struggles to get up.

"Get up."

In the evenings, Yang would practice her punches while near a barrel, with a fire on the top. Kali watches from nearby as the former almost burns her left hand.

Ghira begins to nod. "That's it, kid. You can do it."

Finally, after minutes of struggling, Yang slowly starts standing up. And after she does, she would continue to jog.

The next couple days, would be the same routines as she's done the last few days. Only this time, she's striking the sand much harder. She's lifting heavy objects with no ease. She would punch the stack of tires hard enough to almost make it topple. And even holding her own against Sabre. And she would be jogging with problems. Even to the point, where to Ghira's surprise, Yang is running faster than him.

And at long last, after so many losses, Yang would repeatedly find weak spots in Sabre's fighting style and uses them to her advantage, finally breaking Sabre's streak by kicking him off the circle. Yang yells in celebration as Blake hugs her, proud her wife's accomplishment. Sabre, impressed and not showing anger, smiles and goes to shake Yang's hand.

Yang would then start jogging on her own, smirking as she runs past the citizens of Kua Koana, proud to have made it this far, without giving up.

NIGHT

"Am I done?"

Yang lays flat on the floor of the living room, having just returned from her jog. Blake chuckles as she begins to help Yang up.

"Are you kidding?" Blake asked. "We've only just started, Yang. Those were the just easy part. Tomorrow...those will be the hardest."

"Oh, goody." Yang said as she slowly stretches her arm.

"I'm kidding." Blake said, as she proceeds to hug Yang from behind. "But I am proud of you, Yang."

Yang places her hands on Blake's and smiles as the sounds of classical music starts to play. Confused, the two of them turn to see Ilia, who had turned on the radio that was on a nearby table. Smiling, Ilia rests her hands on the back of her head.

"Just thought I'd play this." Ilia said. "Now I'll leave you two alone for the rest of the night." Yang and Blake awkwardly watch as Ilia walks past them and goes upstairs.

"...Um..." Yang said.

"Yep." Blake said before she goes around and is now in front of Yang. "Now come on. Dance with me."

Yang chuckles as Blake takes her arms and the two of them go to the center of the living room. They they proceed to wrap their arms on each other and dance around. As the two of them spin slowly around, while the music still plays, they then rest their heads each other. Yang then takes one of her hands and grabs Blake's chin. She then moves her lips closer to her wife's before they meet as the female singer begins to be heard.

THE NEXT DAY

Yang is in the living room doing some push-ups as Blake is watching her nearby while drinking a cup of tea.

"How many does that make?"

Blake turns to look at Ghira, who was watching too.

"68." Blake said. "And she plans to go 100."

"Geez." Ghira said. "I can't even go past 60. She clearly has the stamina, despite the months of no training."

"It's her willpower, Dad. She knows that we need to fight. Otherwise...our time of peace will be taken from us."

"...I'm aware." Ghira said. "But if we are to fight, Blake...we need to bring enough of our people with us."

Blake sets her cup down. "I know. That's why I'm hoping your speech today will help rally them. We will need them."

Blake then watches as Yang slowly stands up and walk towards them.

"We do need them, Blake." Yang said. "The more we have, the stronger our combined forces would be. The speech has to work."

"And it will." Blake said. "Right, Dad."

Ghira sighs. "I can only hope."

MARKET

At the market, where numerous Faunus are either browsing or walking past, Ilia sees a basket full of fruit, at a produce merchant's stall.

"Skipped breakfast this morning?"

Ilia turns and sees Kali approaching her.

"Kinda." Ilia answered. "Didn't feel hungry earlier. But I'll manage."

Kali stares at Ilia before proceeding to pick up an apple, receiving a nod from the merchant.

"Here."

Kali gives the apple to Ilia, who accepts it.

"...Thanks." Ilia said.

Kali smiles and nods. "You'll need your strength."

Ilia nods back and turns around. But as she does, she accidentally bumps into someone. The person yelps and drops a couple books, while Ilia drops her apple.

"Oh!" The girl said. "I'm so sorry! I'm sorry!"

The girl, who has fins on her hands and wrists, quickly crouches and picks up her books and the apple before standing up. As she finally lifts her head as she offers the apple. Both she and Ilia look dumbstruck as they stare at each other. Eventually the stares would be interrupted by a snap of fingers. The two of them break eye contact, with Ilia taking the apple.

"Thanks." She said. Then she notices the books. "History and culture?"

The girl just nods as she held the books tightly.

Ilia smiles. "Those were my favorite subjects in school. Glad to see someone with similar interests."

"Th...thank you." The girl said. "That's nice of you to say that."

Ilia can also see that the girl is blushing, despite the latter's attempts to hide her face behind her books.

She then proceeds to extend her arm. "I'm Ilia. Of course, you already know who I am. And it's a bad reason."

The girl was at first, hesitant. But she would accept Ilia with a handshake. "Lucy. Lucy Steele."

"Lucy Steele." Ilia said. "Sounds badass."

All Lucy does is slightly smile. "I try." She then looks at her watch and her eyebrows raise up. "I'm sorry. But I have to go. It was nice meeting you."

Lucy proceeds to walk past Ilia, who watches her. Ilia would then hear a chuckle, before looking at Kali.

"Looks like love at first sight."

"Hey!" Ilia said. "Come on."

"Ilia, dear. I've been married for 30 years to the same man. And you wanna know about how our 1st interaction was? Same as yours."

"How long it took for you to actually hook up?"

"Hmm...about a week. Made it official at his room in-"

"Okay, okay!" Ilia said as she walks away. "I do not wanna hear that part!"'

Kali chuckles. "Yes, you're right." She follows Ilia. "But I'm serious right now. I can tell that you like her. And I can tell she feels the same."

"...So what should I do?" Ilia asked.

"Well...I would start by getting to know her. And after maybe a day or 2...ask her to meet somewhere, I guess?"

"Hmm...I could give it a shot."

"Good." Kali said. "Now, then. Let's head back home. Ghira's speech will be happening shortly."

The two of them begin to walk down a street, when a yell is heard. Ilia, being the closest, walks towards where the yell is coming from. Stopping behind a house, her eyes go wide upon seeing the same girl she met, Lucy, being held at a choke hold, by a Dark Seeker. Another Seeker notices Ilia and charges at her. Ilia quickly gets out her weapon just as she gets tackled. Kali backs away and notices several Seekers beginning to emerge from hiding spots. She quickly takes out her Scroll and slides on the screen.

BELLADONNA HOME

Yang is drinking tea with Blake and Ghira when his Scroll goes off. Ghira looks at it and he quickly stands up.

"Dark Seekers!"

Blake and Yang stand up as Ghira heads to the front door.

"Blake! Go to the market. Find your mother and Ilia and brink them back here. I'll go rally our fighters to combat them."

"What about me?" Yang asked.

"I need you to warn every family that the Seekers are here and tell them to hide."

"You're kidding." Yang said, surprised.

"Absolutely not."

"I trained for weeks, just to get back into fighting shape. And you want me out of the fight?"

"Once you've warned the families, you can join us."

"But-"

"Yang."

Yang turns to Blake, who picks up Gambol Shroud.

"Last time the Seekers attacked...we weren't prepared. And a lot of people died. But we have the chance to prevent more." Blake places her hands on Yang's shoulders. "Please."

Yang stares at Blake before nodding. "Okay. I gotta grab my gauntlets. Just in case."

Blake moves forward and gives Yang a quick peck before separating. "Be safe."

Yang nods again before heading upstairs. Ghira and Blake quickly run outside. Yang rushes inside her room and grabs the box that contained her stuff out from under the bed. Opening it, she just stares at the stuff in front of her. Taking a few seconds to calm her breathing, before picking up her gauntlets. As she puts them on, rumbling then begins to happen, causing her to fall to the ground. Yang then hears the sounds of explosions and the rumbling getting worse. Her eyes go wide as everything around her start to collapse. Yang tries to run to the door, but it too late as a part of the Belladonna home collapses to the ground. Outside, a group of Dark Seekers watch the collapse happen, before they run towards the city.

MARKET

Ilia yells as she tries to strike the Seeker who was choking Lucy earlier. Lucy is being escorted by Kali out of the area as Ilia and the Seer fight.

The two of them fight a spot under a pier and hide there.

"Are you okay?" Kali asked.

Lucy nods fast. "I'm fine. I'm fine."

As the two stay there, they hear footsteps on top of the pier. They remain quiet as the footsteps get louder. And it keeps happening until they suddenly stops. Kali notices that Lucy is shaking and tears fall down her face. Kali takes a moment to close her eyes for a few seconds. Sighing, she turns to Lucy.

"Stay here. I'll be back."

Kali the proceeds to quietly exit the pier and is able to see only two Seekers looking at the ocean. She then proceeds to take out two fans. Kali then climbs to the top of the pier and opens the fans. On the edges of the fans, blades reside there.

Kali screams as she charges at the two surprised Seekers as the turned around. Lucy covers her ears as the fight above her occurs. After a minute the sounds would stop and Lucy would just sit there. She would then hear Kali's voice.

"Stay where you are. You'll be safe there. I promise."

On top of the pier, Kali would sadly look at the two dead Seekers, before putting her fans away.

"Don't come out until it's over."

Kali would then see Blake arriving to assist Ilia in fighting several Seekers and would run to the two.

BELLADONNA HOME

Part of the Belladonna home is partially collapsed with a several small files occur in the rubble. Suddenly a gasp is heard and an arm reaches out. Several pieces of rubble move away as Yang wakes up. She realizes what happened and knows that she's pinned by the rubble, but is able to have space for her upper body. Fear starting to kick in, she places her hands on the ground and desperately tries to use her strength to lift herself and the rubble in top of her. But she struggles to do so and after a few seconds, she stops. The fear fully kicks in as she begins to whimper.

"HELP!" Yang screams, desperate for help. "HELP! Help, please! Someone! Please! I'm stuck! I need help! I need help!"

She then lowers her head to the ground and starts to cry. As she does, Yang notices something in another open space. A picture frame. And the picture in front of her. It's her and the rest of Team RWBY from their Beacon days. Her sister and her friends. People who gave her strength every day, even in the darkest of times. Using this, Yang finds strength in her.

"Okay. Let's do this."

Yang would then place her hands on the ground and would try to lift her and the rubble again.

"Come on, Yang. Come on, me!"

As she does, she closes her eyes as she yells.

"Come on! You can do it!"

The rubble above her begins to move from her strength. When she opens her eyes, the are red and her hair glows. Yang is able to have room to move her legs and positions them so that she would be able to help her lift the rubble up. After a minute, the upmost top part of the rubble fall away. Coughing, Yang manages to climb to the top of the pile, breathing heavily from her attempt. She looks at the damaged done and starts to walk.

MARKET

A Dark Seeker is being dragged by an angry Ghira, who throws him to the rest of the surviving Seekers. Nearby, Blake is placing a bandage on Kali's arm before wrapping it in gauze. Ilia is walking around, seeing the injured who fought the Seekers. Among the people helping them, Ilia sees Cora, the one who treated Yang, helping someone standing up. Her daughter, Lily, sitting nearby. She then notices Lucy sitting nearby, scared and shaking. Ilia walks to the girl and sits next to her.

"You okay?"

Lucy just nods before she lowers her head. She would then lift her head back and look at Ilia. "You saved me."

Ilia smiles. "Of course I would. I wouldn't let you or anyone get hurt. Not anymore."

Lucy lowers her head again. "Thank you."

The two of them remain in silence for a few seconds, before Ilia raises her arm. She would then places it on Lucy's shoulder, doing her best to comfort the scared girl.

Blake stands up and looks at the surviving Seekers. She notices that all of them are Faunus. Anger begins to rise in her and she begins to walk to one of them.

"Blake" Ghira said. "Don't."

Blake ignore her father and proceeds to grab one of the Seekers, the latter looking scared.

"WHY?" Blake screamed. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS? TRYING TO KILL YOUR OWN PEOPLE! TO CHILDREN! ANSWER ME!"

The Seeker is now afraid and shaking, tears falling down her face.

"That's enough, Blake!" Ghira said, forcing the two to separate. "Blood has already been spilt from only their side today. And we will not spill any more. We will interrogate every one of them, until one gives us any information."

"They attack us, Dad!" Blake yelled. "tried to kill their own people! All for what? What do they get in return from this?"

"I get my son back!"

Ghira and Blake turn to the crying Seeker that Blake was screaming at.

"The Seekers came to our village. Slaughtered most of the people. And the ones that were left were taken to that monster. Torchwick. They took our children prisoner. He told us that if we didn't kill everyone here...they'd killed my son. They'd killed all of our children. And we have failed. When he finds out...my son..."

The Seeker doesn't finish her sentence, due to sobbing. Blake begins to feel guilt upon hearing this and lowers her head.

"Where are they?"

Blake lifts her head. Ghira was the one asking the question.

"Where are your children?"

The Seeker looks at Ghira. "They...they're holding them in an island not far from here. About an hour away."

"Is it fortified?"

The Seeker nods. "Only a small group of Seekers are guarding them. Maybe 10 or 12. I don't know. The Seekers there, though...they may be human...but they don't want to kill them. I can see it from their faces. They're as scared as we are."

Ghira nods. "I see."

Blake's ear twitches and quickly turns her head. Her eyes go wide upon seeing Yang, slightly limping down a road towards her. Blake runs to her wife and wraps her arms around her. Yang lets out a small groan of pain.

"Easy." Yang said. "Please."

Yang then hears sniffling and sees that Blake has buried her head to her shoulder and is shaking.

"It's okay." She said, holding Blake tightly.

Yang then sees Kali approaching her.

"What happened?" She asked.

"...You may need to find renovate." Yang answered.

"I'm not worried about the house." Kali said. "As long as you and Blake are safe, then that's all at matters."

Blake lifts her head and rests her head on Yang's. Ghira approaches the three.

"I'm going to propose an idea." He said. "And I need to know if you are willing to support it."

"Well let's hear it." Yang said.

Ghira takes a few seconds before answering. "The Seekers here attacked us, because Torchwick has their children hostage in a nearby island. And in return, these Seekers would turn themselves in to be tried for their crimes. And I can't make the deal, unless we all agree."

"Well I do." Kali said. "If it means rescuing those children safely, then yes."

"Same." Yang said. "We can't just let them die. Blake?"

Blake is silent, trying to decide an answer.

"Blake."

Blake turns to see Ilia nearby. "You know about the things that I did. And you were willing to forgive me. Can't you do the same for them?"

Blake stares at Ilia for a few seconds before nodding. "Okay. Let's get those kids outta there."

2 HOURS LATER

In a little island, a group of Seekers are standing around, guarding a large cage, where a group of scared, crying children are residing in. 1 Seeker notices something and raises his arm. The Seekers group up and see a small ship approaching the island.

"They better have good news." One Seeker said.

"I hope so." Another said. "I don't want to kill a kid."

"Same."

When the ship docks nearby, the Seekers see the ones who attempted to attack Menagerie exiting and approaching.

"So...any news?"

The crying Seeker from earlier lowers her head, causing the Lead Seeker to be confused.

"I want an answer. Did you kill them all?"

"Unfortunately, they did not."

The guarding Seekers look shocked to see Ghira exiting the boat.

"No one in my island died today. Some from your side. But none on mine." Ghira said.

The sounds of feet landing, causes the group to turn around. Next to the cage, Blake and Yang stand nearby. Yang has her outfit on, and Ember Celica ready.

"We don't want to hurt you." Blake said. "We know you don't want to hurt these kids."

"Just let them go." Yang said. "And we'll let you go with your lives."

The lead Seeker turns back to see Ghira right in front of him.

"Please." Ghira said. "Blood doesn't need to be shed here."

The Seeker lowers her head and just sighs. He then proceeds to take out a key, giving it to Ghira, who throws it to Blake, who catches it.

EVENING

Blake and Yang sit nearby the Faunus crowd, where Ghira is about to speak to them. They watch as the attacking Seekers are being escorted away. The crying Seeker stops and looks at the two of them.

"Thank you." She said. "My son is now safe, because of you."

Blake nods before the Seeker walks. She sighs and lowers her head.

"There's no telling how many more Seekers are unwillingly working for him." Yang said.

"...I know." Blake said. "But we can help them. We can free whoever we can. We have to. I don't want to kill innocent people."

"Me, too." Yang said.

The two of them then sees Ghira approaching the crowd, causing them to stand up and walk around in order to be by his side, along with Kali and Ilia. Ghira takes a few seconds before speaking.

"Earlier today...a group of Dark Seekers attacked Menagerie, under orders from Roman Torchwick, who if they didn't comply, would order the deaths of their children. The Seekers failed in their mission. And in desperation, pleaded with us to rescue the children in exchange for trials for their crimes. Now the good news, is that the rescue mission was a success, and no more blood was spilt. But unfortunately...today's events have left us with a reminder. A reminder that hovers our minds, even at this moment."

Yang takes her hands and holds Blake's.

"No matter how many battles we fight. No matter how many people we manage to save. No matter what we do...we are not safe. None of us, here in Menagerie, are not safe."

Some people in the crowd look in worry.

"As long as the Dark Seekers are out there...as long as they are active...as long as Roman Torchwick still stands...we will never be safe. We will never live our lives in peace. What I am proposing here, tonight...will change the lives of everyone here in Menagerie. The remaining tribes on the island as well as the sister islands have agreed in my proposal. But I am asking you, the people of Menagerie, to be a part of this."

Blake feels Yang's grip tightening.

"In order for us to live our lives...in order to ensure that your children will no longer live in fear...we must take a stand against the Dark Seekers. And not just here in Menagerie. But in the main land as well."

Murmurs and concerns are being heard in the crowd.

"My daughter, Blake will be taking the stand, to speak to you right now. Blake?"

Yang nods at Blake before releasing her grip and allowing the latter to approach the crowd. Blake looks nervous to speak. But is assured when she feels a hand on her shoulder. She turns to see Ilia, who nods. Blake nods back before turning to the crowd.

"People of Menagerie. Some of you are aware. And some of you are not. So allow me to explain."

The crowd goes silent in order to listen.

"Yang, my wife, and I had been a part of a special squad, dedicating to fight the Dark Seekers, when nobody else could. For the past year or more, we successfully weakened their forces by a lot, destroying outposts and defeating many Seekers in our way. We traveled all over the world, in order to help those in need, hoping that one day, this war would end. But I know that it'll never end, as the Dark Seekers grow stronger every day, either from willingly recruits or getting them by force."

Blake takes a few seconds to breath slowly before continuing.

"3 years ago, when Salem threatened to destroy us, it took Huntsmen and Huntresses from all four Kingdoms to rise and help kill her. It was Winter Schnee of Atlas who helped ensure our victory. And two years later...when Roman Torchwick and Cinder Fall became bigger threats, my squad was approached by General Ironwood of Atlas to help fight them."

Murmurs begin in the crowd again.

"We were stationed in Vale before we suffered heavy casualties. We then moved to Atlas for our new base of operations and had been there ever since. And for over a year, the squad had worked with Atlas to fight the Seekers, along with many military factions all over the world. And when Atlas was nearly overrun by the Grimm...we all united and help take the Kingdom back. Both Human and Faunus, working together to fight a common threat, despite the Atlesian's history with the Faunus. We inspired people to help join the fight. And as of right now, based on reports and phone calls, more people volunteer to be a part of the fighting all over the world. Many of them fighting in small cells in the Kingdoms and smaller cities. And I'm not forcing you to do so. I am asking you. If you want your children to be safe...to ensure that their lives will never fall under fear again...will you join the fight? Will you help us fight the Seekers and end this war? Will be fight for your right to live?"

Ghira then approaches the stand to speak. "For those willing to fight, you will remain in Menagerie for the time being in order to protect your loved ones, in a future attack. And a small number of us will be flying to Atlas, to discuss with the current leader of Blake's squad and with the hopes of speaking to General Ironwood. Saber will take charge of Menagerie until it is time to summon you. Now, then...who is willing to fight? If you don't wish to-"

"I'll fight!"

Ghira raises his eyebrows. He sees Cora raising her arm up, while holding Lily.

"I'll fight for Menagerie."

A man with horns on his head raises his arm. Blake looks surprised.

"I'll fight, too." Says a woman with scales on her face.

"For Menagerie."

"For our children."

"I'll stand with you."

More and more of the Faunus of Menagerie raise their hands to show that they are ready to fight. Ghira smiles upon seeing this. Ilia then notices that among the crowd raising their hands, Lucy is among them. She raises her eyebrows in surprise.

"Excellent." Ghira said. "Thank you all. Now then...for anyone who wishes to travel to Atlas with me, there will be an airship waiting to take us there, tomorrow morning. But for now...go home. Be with your families. For tomorrow...we go to war."

THE NEXT MORNING

Yang and Blake both carry a large chest out of the rubble from the Belladonna home, while Ilia is helping Kali packing. Ghira sighs upon looking at the damage.

"This home was built by my grandfather 80 years ago." he said. "Had it build so that any Chieftain and their family could to live in. The look on his face, he would have if he were to see this."

"He'd be upset." Blake said, as she and Yang set the chest down. "Plus he would've ranted about how hard he built it with his bare hands."

Ghira chuckled. "Glad to hear that you remembered the stories I used to tell you."

"Of course." Blake said. "I'm your daughter, after all."

Blake then proceeds to open the chest. She is surprised to see something in particular. Ghira watches as as Blake take out a blue flag, with the symbol of the White Fang, back when it was a peaceful organization.

"You still got this." Blake said.

"And we will need it." Ghira said. He then sees something and goes to pick it up. He would pick up his shotgun and inspects it.

"All these years and you're still in working shape. Good."

Resting the shotgun on his shoulder, he turns back to the group. Kali and Ilia had finished packing and look ready. Ghira sighs.

"I never thought that in my lifetime...I would be leading my people to war."

"I know." Kali said. "But we have to. For our future."

Ghira nods. "Yeah. And for our people. Now, then...let's go."

EVENING - AIRSHIP

In the airship carrying the Faunus to Atlas, Ghira is overlooking the cockpit, while the pilot is making sure everything goes smoothly.

"We'll be arriving in Atlas within the next couple days." The pilot said. "We'll need to stop by a couple stations to refuel."

"I understand." Ghira said. "Keep it up."

In a room in the ship, Yang is sitting on her bed while holding Blake, the side of their head resting on each other.

"You scared?" Blake asked.

"Damn straight." Yang said. "I've very scared. How about you?"

"...Same." Blake answered. "But we know we have to."

Yang turns her head and gives a kiss to Blake's cheek before they lie down in bed. "I don't know if Ruby listened to what I said to her. I am hoping that she's back in Atlas, helping to end the war."

"She will." Blake said. "And we'll see her...and Weiss...and everyone else again. Together...we'll be stronger. And we will win. We must."

Yang stares outside the window, watching the clouds zoom past by. "Yeah. We must."

END OF CHAPTER 16

HOLY SHIT! This took SO MANY MONTHS to write. I do apologize. But please understand that my life is more important than the stories that I write. But I wish to finish my Volume 6 story. And I will. Chapter 17 & 18 will focus mainly on Weiss and those in the squad will have Weiss trying to cope with her sister coming back, with Ruby leaving and with her leading the squad when Jaune and Velvet leave unexpectedly.

It may take another 6 months to write the next chapter, along with the chapters for my other stories. But it'll come. So please be patient. And have a nice day or night!