The ship continued its trek to the island of Menagerie through the dark. Akito, after fighting off the Sea Feilong alongside Blake and Sun had retired to his cabin for the night, not in the mood to continue the conversation the three were having. After everything that had happened, how could he? He felt so cold... and empty. There would usually be this warmth he felt inside, as he could feel that his sisters were there. But now, there was nothing. Nothing at all, except for a cold, empty space.

He just laid there on his bed, looking at his scroll as on its holographic screen, displaying a photo. The same one that Setsuna had. It contained him, Setsuna, Blake, Mio, Adam and of course, the four maiden sisters, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. He just continued to aimlessly stare at the photo, to the point he didn't even realize that he was starting to drift off...

(Flashbacks)

Pyrrha: "Do you believe in destiny?" Cinder frowned at that.

Cinder: "Yes." With no more words needed to be spoken further, Cinder backed away and aimed an arrow straight at the redhead. Akito's eye widened underneath as he quickly reached out to her.

Akito: "NO!!!"

Cinder released the arrow, causing it to strike Pyrrha right in her chest. Both Ruby and Akito, along with his sisters were all stunned into silence as Pyrrha was letting out gasps for air. Slowly, her bright emerald-green eyes slowly became dull as her pained gasps stopped. Cinder placed a hand on her and with very little effort, completely disintegrated Pyrrha's body, leaving nothing behind but her golden headpiece.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Spring: "E-E-Ehehe! Seems like we finally get to protect you f-for once, big bro!" She said, a sweet and innocent smile on her face.

Autumn: "D-Don't look at us like that. You look so uncool r-right now! Hah!" She said, in her normal taunting tone.

Summer: "Y-You're always the one protecting everyone... protecting us..." She said, her more gentle smile present on her face through all the pain.

Winter: "S-So, allow us to return the favor! You're our dearest older brother after all." She said, her tone as mature and gentle as ever. Akito watched, pure shock on his face as he suddenly became startled, watching at the four girls' bodies suddenly began to glow their respective colors and multiple magic particles began to fly off of them

Akito: "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...!?" The four just looked at each other before putting on their best happy smiles as their bodies were gradually disintegrating, bit by bit.. They all turned to look at him.

S.S.A.W: "WE LOVE YOU, BIG BRO!"

(Flashbacks End)

Akito: "NO!!!"

With a sudden shout, Akito sat up, his eye shooting open as he was breathing heavily. He was covered in a cold sweat, tears running down his good left eye, while the eyepatch covering his right eye got a bit soaked from the tears running down. He looked back down at his scroll, which was now on the floor from falling off when he had suddenly jumped up. He gritted his teeth and punched the bed, with him growling.

Akito: "Fuck...! Damn you, you fucking... weakling!" He damned himself, clear anger and frustration in his tone, before suddenly, Cinder's face appeared in his mind, flames burning around her as she grinned an evil grin. He clenched his fist, his uncut nails digging into his palm, drawing blood due to him not having his Aura active "Cinder... It's on sight. I swear, it's on fucking sight when I see you again...!" His eye switched to blood red as embers burned in his hair, his magic activating from his sheer anger alone.

Little did he know, from outside of his cabin, Blake was listening to everything, her back against the door. Her eyes were wide in shock, but soon turned to sorry, and regret. She wanted to go inside and hug him, comfort him, tell him that everything will be okay... but she just couldn't... Because not only would she be lying to him and herself, but she knew that right now, she was the last person he wanted to see.

What a messy homecoming this was...

>Chapter 35: Menagerie<

The next day, the boat had finally docked at its destination, an island in the far corners of Remnant, a place welcomed to all Faunus; Menagerie.

Many Faunus began to unload onto the dock, with Blake, Akito and a surprised Sun not that far behind them.

Sun: "Woah... Woah... I've never seen so many Faunus in one place!"

Blake: "This is one place everyone can feel safe, no matter who or what they are." She explained, however as if to spite her, there were a few murmurs in the crowd.

Before they knew it, multiple eyes were on them, or rather... they were on Akito. Many of the Faunus around appeared to either be concerned for him, or wary of him. Considering his current appearance, his messy black hair, dirty clothes with a tattered cloak over his missing left arm and an eyepatch covering his right eye, he was sure to draw attention to him, for better or worse.

Akito: "... Tch... Let's just hurry before I suffocate here." He said in a low tone, before walking ahead of the two. While Sun rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, Blake frowned, her ears flattening as she rubbed her arm but followed after him, with Sun quickly following too.

Sun: "So... uh.... Sure is crowded, huh?"

Akito: "No shit." Their trek through the marketplace proceeded, with Sun looking around, his eyes widening more and more in awe, but he had to be careful as he ended up nearly bumping into a few other Faunus.

Sun: "Is it always so... cramped?"

Akito: "Well, when you try and take an entire race of species and put them on an island that's two thirds desert, then yes, it sure as hell gets cramped."

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

Blake: "It's not like the desert in Vacuo, Sun. The wildlife here is more dangerous than most regions."

Akito: "Just picture it, monkey. That Sea Feilong we fought along the way here, was just one of the many aquatic Grimm that inhabit the seas around here. If it's that bad, then just imagine what the desert portion is like." When he said it like that, Sun shivered, suddenly coming to the realization of how dangerous this entire area really is.

Sun: "So they gave us a terrible island in the corner of Remnant, to try and shut us up."

Blake: "That's a pretty good summary, yeah."

Sun: "Huh... Jerks."

Blake: "We've tried to make the best of it." She said as they proceeded up a flight of street steps before coming to a stop at the top, where they were able to overlook an entire district, lined with multiple houses and a much larger one in the dead center.

Sun: "Woah..."

Blake: "This is Kuo Kuana."

Sun: "It's... beautiful. I take it all back, this place looks great! Why would anyone ever want to leave?" The naive statement just made Akito roll his eye and shake his head.

Blake: That's not the point, Sun. We asked to be equal, to be treated just like everyone else. Instead we were given an island and told to make do. So, we did the best we could. We came together and we made a home where any Faunus could feel welcome."

Akito: "But this island, this town, will always be a reminder that we're still not equal... that we're still second-class citizens..."

Sun: "Well, hey, this guy's feeling pretty at home." They looked out at the view once more before Blake sighed.

Blake: "Alright, time to go home." In an instant, the blonde monkey wrapped his arm around her shoulder as Akito merely looked at him before shaking his head.

Sun: "Oh yeah? Which one's yours? Can you see it from here?"

Blake: "Sort of..."

Sun: "Is it that one?" He pointed to the right.

Akito: "Nope."

Sun: "How about that tiny one down there?" He pointed down to the left. "I like the paint job." Blake just took hold of his wrist and guided his pointing arm to the large house in the center.

Blake: "It's... that one."

Sun gained a confused expression before pointing back at Blake, only for her to nod. He then looked at Akito, and quickly jabbed his head in the direction of Blake, to which Akito nodded, confirming that she was indeed, telling the truth. Slowly, he began to back away, unwrapping his arm from around the feline as he held his head, his eyes widening in bewilderment as he squealed in complete and utter shock.

Sun: "EEEHHHHHHH!?!??!?!?"

Akito: "My fucking ears!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After making their way through Kuo Kuana, the three ended up in front of the massive Belladonna residence. As they began to step up the stairs, Akito swore he could feel eyes on them. He turned his head and looked around, but couldn't spot anyone. But even then, that wasn't really what he was most worried about... and he wasn't the only one too. Blake was also worried for the same reason, which was...

Her Father.

They stopped right before the front doors as Blake reached for the large knocker but soon hesitated, her ears flattening a bit.

Sun: "What is it?"

Blake: "I, um... It's just been a long time since I've seen my parents..."

Sun: "Well, you came all this way." She sighed, knowing that he was right. To try and turn back when she came all this way, wouldn't feel right at all.

Blake: "Right..." She gripped the knocker but before using it, looked back at her one armed boyfriend, who glanced at her. "Akito... if my Dad–"

Akito: "Don't." She flinched as his voice ended up cutting her off. "If he still hates me to this day, then that man really knows how to hold a grudge..."

Blake: "You're one to talk..." She mumbled before she pulled the knocker back before slamming it against the door's surface, producing a loud and ominous sound that caused the hairs on Sun's tail to stand up straight.

Sun: "Okay, if we're being honest, that was kind of intimidating."

Akito: "You'll get used to it."

A few seconds later and the sound of the door opening startled them slightly. As the door creaked open, an older Feline Faunus woman who looked exactly like Blake stepped out; this being her mother, Kali Belladonna.

(Kali Belladonna)

Kali: "Blake?" Her voice gasped in shock, her eyes widening at the sight of her only daughter. The girl in question sheepishly smiled at her mother and gave her a small wave.

Blake: "Hi mom." Without hesitation, the woman brought her beloved daughter into a warm, motherly embrace, tears threatening to escape her eyes as Blake froze in shock.

Kali: "Oh, my baby girl." The ravenette remained silent before smiling and gently embracing her mother back.

???: "Kali, who is it?" A man's voice called out, causing Akito to slightly flinch. Exiting the house as well was a much taller and buff man, who unlike Kali and Blake, didn't have any visual feline features, but his hair and beard almost resembled a bit of a lion's mane. This was Blake's father, Ghira Belladonna.

(Ghira Belladonna)

Upon spotting his wife embracing their daughter, his eyes widened. The two females turned to look at him happily, with the man's expression soon softening into a warm, fatherly smile. Akito watched the family reunion, at first having an expressionless face, but in the end, he ended up smiling a bit.

Kali: "Akito? Is that you?"

Her sudden turn of attention to him caused Akito to freeze, with him glancing off as not only did Kali look at him, but so did Ghiria and his expression was, to say the least, quite unreadable, also causing Blake's expression to quickly become one of worry. Sun looked between Ghira and Akito before he slowly understood the situation and slowly stepped back.

Sum: "... Awkward..."

Akito: "Um... Nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Belladonna."

Ghira: "What are you–" Before he could finish his sentence, his wife rushed over to the wolf Faunus' side.

Kali: "Oh my you poor thing!" She suddenly exclaimed as her eyes widened in horror as she noticed all the wounds he sustained and his general state. "What happened to you??" At first, Ghira seemed appalled to see the male here, but after seeing the state he ended up in, that initial hostile attitude disappeared and was replaced with one of complete shock.

Akito: "It's... a long story... But for now, please don't worry about me."

Kali: "Don't say that." She said with a firm tone, causing the wolf to flinch from how strict she had gotten. "You need a long bath, new clothes, and medical attention ASAP! Come, quickly!" Without waiting for an answer, the woman grabbed him by his right arm and began to pull him along into the house.

Akito: "W-Wait, Mrs. Belladonna, you don't really need to–"

Kali: "Upupupup!" She quickly shushed him. Akito's ears flattened as he gave up and allowed the woman to drag him.

Sun: "... Woah... Did that just..."

Blake: "Yeah... Yeah it did..." She facepalmed.

Ghira: "That's Kali for you..." he sighed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Akito: *sigh* "That woman really is resourceful..." He said, with him lightly humming as he was in a guest bedroom, changing into new clothes.

After being dragged away by Blake's mother, Akito was essentially forced into the bath to clean up. Not like he was complaining because he was thinking about asking them if he could use their bath, but Kali beat him to it. So after getting his wounds treated by the Kali and medical staff, and after taking a much needed bath, Akito had put on the new clothes that were given to him, which although wasn't his exact style, it would suffice for now until he could get himself some new clothing. There was a guard outside the room, just in case the male needed help, due to him only having one arm.

(Akito's current outfit. He has a pair of Geta to go with it. He still has an eyepatch on his right eye, but it's a clean one.)

While Akito was busy, Blake and Sun were seated around a table with Ghira and Kali, drinking hot cups of tea as they were talking about Blake's time at Beacon and the events of the fall.

Kali: "We were horrified when we heard the news. The Kingdom of Vale wasn't perfect, but it certainly didn't deserve what happened and now after seeing what happened to someone as strong as Akito... We were both so worried." Immediately, the man of the house let out a small laugh and crossed his arms.

Ghira: "Please, I knew she'd be fine!"

Kali: "That isn't the slightest bit true." She then turned to her daughter. "You should've seen him pacing." Blake merely sighed quietly to herself and began to take another sip of her tea.

Sun: "You guys have nothing to worry about. I've seen your daughter in action before! And trust me, she's got some moves! Not to mention, Akito was with her the whole way!" In an instant, the ravenette nearly choked on her own tea, her eyes widening and a crimson blush coating her cheeks as she instantly looked towards Sun.

Blake: "Sun!?" Both Kali and Ghira looked towards him as well, the latter having an expression of irritation on his face.

Ghira: "And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?" She smile on the blonde's face slowly faded away as he realized what he said in the presence of both of Blake's parents.

Sun: "I, uh... well, you see, sir, it's just that... you know, she's such a good fighter and all, and, uh... As a fellow fighter, I have a lot of respect for her and Akito definitely does! And her fighting. But also for her... Uh, b-because of her fighting, not her looks!" Kali slowly leaned towards her daughter.

Kali: "I get Akito, but why is he here again?"

Blake: "He just... kinda followed Akito here." She shrugged.

Sun: "I-I mean, not to say she's not good-looking! She is! Very! Trust me, Akito couldn't stop talking about her back when we hung out at Beacon!"

Ghira: "Is that so?"

Sun: "I-I mean, uh..." He fell silent as everyone just looked at him. The sound of someone clearing their throat broke the silence as everyone turned their heads, spotting Akito who stood in the room, behind sun, with his arm on his hip.

Akito: "Why's my name being thrown around without me here again?"

Sun: "A-Ahahaha! A-Akito, hey there!" He stood up and began patting the wolf Faunus on his right shoulder. "Nothing bad's being said, trust me! Just telling ol' Mr. Belladonna and Mrs. Belladonna on how you and Blake were the ultimate power coup–"

Akito and Blake: "SUN!!!" They both yelled.

Sun: "Eep!" He yelped and quickly sat back down, with him blowing frantically on his tea as he proceeded to start sipping on it. "T-This tea is really good!"

Akito deadpanned and face palmed with a muffled groan as he went to take a seat between Sun and Blake, but sweat dropped as he felt Ghira's killer glare on him. Kali slowly leaned back over to her daughter.

Kali: "I like him."

Blake: "Mom!"

Suddenly, a loud knock on the front doors echoed through the house, gaining everyone's attention as Ghira suddenly began to stand up.

Ghira: "Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!"

Kali: "Ghira..."

Ghira: "Give me a moment." He excused himself from the room, to go answer the door. Akito raised an eyebrow and looked at the woman.

Akito: "Is something wrong?"

Kali: "No, no, just poor timing, I'm afraid. He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately." She said as she began to sip from her teacup.

Blake: "Dealing with who?"

Kali: "Mm?" She lowered the cup. "The White Fang." In an instant, the three teenager's eyes widened as she shot up onto their feet.

Akito, Blake and Sun: "WHAT!?"

Kali looked startled by their reaction and only grew more concerned and confused as she watched the three begin to make a b-line towards the front door. It wasn't long before they caught up with Ghira, who was standing at the open front door, speaking with two Fox Faunus males, one with Fox Ears and the other with a Fox Tail.

Blake: "Dad!" The male turned around to look at her, concerned.

Ghira: "Blake, what's wrong?" The two men at the door, Corsac Albain and Fennec Albain, gave a gentle bow upon seeing Blake and Akito make their appearances.

(Corsac and Fennec Albain)

Corsac: "Ms. Belladonna and Mr. Zara."

Fennec: "We had no idea you'd both returned." A scowl crossed over Akito's face as he aimed Alpha's muzzle towards the two, his eyes glowing blood red.

Akito: "You two have a lot of nerve acting all cool and welcoming."

Ghira: "Akito!"

Blake: "Dad, what are you doing talking to these people??" The man looked back at the brothers.

Ghira: "This is Corsac and Fennec Albain. They represent the White Fang here in Menagerie now."

Sun: "Those psychos are here, too!?"

Fennec: "Young man, I'm not sure of what you've heard of our organization, but I can assure you we're not nearly as ferocious as the media would have you believe."

Akito: "Heard...? What we've HEARD!? We've seen the shit your organization pulled off, first hand!"

Blake: "Exactly! And your fanatics slaughtered people!" Ghira remained silent, narrowing his eyes as he looked at the two brothers.

Ghira: "What are they talking about?"

Corsac: "Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace." Kali soon joined them, a concerned expression on her face as Sun just glared at the two, while Akito and Blake's expressions were clearly extremely hostile, the wolf Faunus' muzzle still trained on the two, his finger on the trigger.

Kali: "Is everything alright?"

Sun: "Wait, you guys seriously don't know!?"

Ghira: "Know what?" He glanced back at them. Akito merely took a small glance at Blake, sending a small nod towards her to tell them everything. She didn't even hesitate.

Blake: "The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon." Kali's expression slowly turned to one of shocked horror while Ghira's turned more stern. "They attacked innocent civilians and they released Grimm into the school."

Silence befell them as Corsac and Fennec briefly glanced at each other. Ghira then turned to them, his expression not as lax as it was before as anger was boiling up inside of him.

Ghira: "Is this true?"

Fennec: "Sadly, Your Grace, it is."

Akito: "Don't fucking act like your sor–"

Ghira: "That's enough!" He held his arm out in front of Akito, causing him to quiet himself and slowly train his sights off of the two brothers. "Explain yourselves." With another brief glance to each other, Corsac began to speak.

Corsac: "Though it pains us to admit, it has become apparent that the Vale branch of the White Fang is no longer operating under orders from High Leader Khan. Rather, they've elected to follow the rule of one Adam Taurus. I believe you're all familiar with the young adept and his... extreme philosophies."

Just hearing his name made Akito's blood boil, with him grinding his teeth together as he remembered how he fought Blake, Yang and Setsuna wounded at Adam's feet and it made him even more angry that his last remaining blood family, Mio, was still clinging to him.

Sun: "You know, Beacon wasn't the first time the Fang started shooting up Vale!"

Fennec: "The High Council had their suspicions of a splinter group, but they could provoke nothing until this latest incident." At that moment, Akito just snapped.

Akito: "'INCIDENT'!? People fucking died. One of my friends got her entire arm chopped off and both Blake and Setsuna got stabbed by that red-headed asshole and you call it a fucking Incident!? Hell!" He instantly gestured to his left side, where his left arm should be. Small flames began to burn in his locks of hair, while a frosty aura coated his hand and the wind picked up around them, with crimson red flames burst from his eyes, similar to the Maidens. "I lost my fucking arm, lost one of my best friends and lost my ENTIRE FAMILY due to the Fall and it's just a fucking incident to you!?"

Before he could continue further, a soft hand grasped his hand. Glancing down to his right, Akito saw that it was Blake, who ended his rageful rant, the soft and tender feeling of her hand on his calming him down. Even despite how he felt about her currently, he still couldn't deny that she had this strong of an effect on him. The flames and frost disappeared, while the wind calmed down as the Magic Flames disappeared from his eyes. While Blake was confused by what that was, she was more concerned for him himself. Besides, they could talk about that another time. For now, she just needed to be there for him and gently squeezed his hand, silently telling him that, 'it was alright'.

Fennec: "It truly is a tragedy. Your Grace, we came to assure you that Brother Taurus and his followers do not represent the will of the White Fang."

Ghira: "And how can I be sure of that?"

Corsac: "We understand if you bear any skepticism towards these claims. The White Fang's tactics are admittedly more aggressive since you stepped down as High Leader and became Chieftain of Menagerie. But this... this is no way to make our message heard."

Fennec: "We have ample documentation from the council meeting as well as several strategies to apprehend and punish these strays if you'd care to review them."

Ghira: "I will." he then looked towards his daughter. "But another day. I would like some time to reconnect with my daughter."

Corsac: "But of course, Your Grace."

Fennec: "We completely understand." he then turned to look at Blake and Akito. "It was a pleasure to see you both again, young Blake and especially you, young Akito."

Corsac: "We were saddened when we heard of your departures from the White Fang, but we understand if you both can no longer support our cause."

Fennec: "It is a wearying fight, after all."

Blake: "Who says we're done fighting?" Akito said nothing and just narrowed his eyes at the brothers.

Corsac: "Hmm... If either of you ever wish to return or even young Setsuna, wherever she is now, you need merely to come find us."

Fennec: "Sister Mio and Sister Ilia would be elated."

Akito: "Don't you dare bring up either of their names." He said, the venom in his tone clear. Before anything else could be said, Ghira stepped forwards.

Ghira: "Goodbye, gentlemen." he said before closing the doors.

In an instant, Akito turned around and began to walk back into the house, not saying a word to anyone. Blake wasn't far behind him either as she followed after him. Kali was silent, her heart hurting from seeing her daughter and Akito vent everything just now to the brothers while Ghira sighed. Even though he never particularly liked Akito, hearing everything the young man said in that agonizing tone of his did make him start to second guess things.

Sun: "So... those guys were creepy."

Ghira: "... I really don't like you."

_______________________________________________

Next Chapter: Tipping Point