When Coco said that the ship had docked at the port in Menagerie, I carefully departed from the ship, with help from Yatsuhashi. Immediately, I heard everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Children running around, playing with their friends, and generally it sounded like a peaceful place. As soon as I heard Coco ask Fox to unload the truck of Cargo from the Ship, I sensed a couple of weary Faunus guards slowly approach us.
"Umm... What business do you have here? We are a peaceful people." One of the Faunus guards said to Coco.
Instead of letting her explain, by herself I told Yatsuhashi to walk forward, so I could talk to them. He nodded his head as we got closer to the group and Coco.
"It is okay friends, they're with me. We mean no harm to anyone here. We have some cargo to deliver to Chieftain Belladonna for the Faunus. You may have our weapons if you wish." I said as I shrugged my arms off Yatsuhashi and grabbed my bow and arrows from my back and placed them on the ground. I motioned for Coco and Yatsuhashi to do the same. Thankfully, they complied as they placed their weapons on the ground. Now Fox had returned from the ship with the Truck to deliver the Cargo.
To make them feel more comfortable, I asked one of the Faunus guards to ride along with us as we delivered the goods to the Chieftain Belladonna. It took a while, but eventually, we made it. As I heard the Faunus guard leave the truck with Coco, Yatsuhashi and Fox right behind him, I left the truck with help from one of the other Faunus guards. The two Faunus guards led me forward, ahead of Coco, Fox and Yatsuhashi. Soon enough we had reached our destination
As I used my semblance, I discovered that I was standing in front of a huge mansion.
I never knew Kali and Ghira had this much influence. No wonder Ghira is the chieftain of Menagerie.
"What is your name?" One of the Faunus asked as he grabbed a hold of my combat gear and pulled me towards him.
"Hey!" Coco called out to him, as she and Yatsuhashi stomped towards us. She tried to jump the guard next to me, but was stopped by the other guards.
"It's okay, Coco. My name is Frandoll Scarlet." I answered as Coco, and the others calmed down, which seemed to calm down the guards.
"Wait here!" The Same Faunus guard spoke. I sensed him disappear behind a door leading into the mansion. I heard a couple muffled voices, before I sensed someone familiar burst through the double doors.
"Fran!" A familiar voice screamed at me as she ran into me and wrapped her arms around me. Pulling me into her chest. "It... It really is you, I can't believe you're here."
"It good to see you again, Fran." I heard another familiar voice said. It was deeper than Kali's. I felt him ruffled the long, black hair on my head.
Ghira... You're both here.
I returned the gesture as I wrapped my arms around her. "K-Kali... G-Ghira I...I..." I couldn't continue as tears trickled down my face.
"Let's go inside, Fran. Ghira will deal with your mission and your friends." Kali managed to say as I heard sobs escape from her as she led me indoors.
I didn't even notice that Coco and the others weren't with me... I was just glad to meet Kali and Ghira again.
***
A few hours passed by relatively quickly, Kali and I got caught up with everything that happened two years ago, as she re-dressed my wounds again. She questioned how it happened, so I gave the full explanation, which she didn't like. She chastised me for being too careless, but soon relaxed a little. She then went on to explain how she and Ghira had managed to become the leading force for a peaceful Faunus colony. She mentioned that it wasn't easy to keep the peace. They faced backlash over the recent activities of the White Fang. The Faunus living in Menagerie didn't want a 'leader' that would lead them to be feared and hated. The people understandably want to live peacefully. She said that throughout it all, Ghira remained strong and didn't back down from criticism from the other Faunus inhabitants of Menagerie. Soon enough though, the Faunus colony began to trust Ghira and Kira and they elected Ghira as chieftain for Menagerie.
Eventually, I sensed Coco, Fox and Yatsuhashi with an accompanied Ghira entered the living room, where Kali and I currently were. "I see you've settled in, Fran. How are you finding Menagerie?" I heard Ghira say.
"From what I've heard from Professor Ozpin and my friends, here, it's a Haven for our people. They say it's a beautiful place. Even though I cannot verify their claims, from the way our people were behaving, I must agree. They seemed like they were, living peacefully. I like it." I said with a smile.
"I'm glad you think that. With everything that happened to Markus and Rumila... I thought you would have ended up like Adam... and like... Blake." Ghira said and murmured the part about Blake so Coco and the others couldn't hear, but Kali and I could. I felt my ears lower.
"I wish Blake would come back to us. I... I miss her. I want to know that she's okay." Kali cried out.
"She's doing fine, Kali. She's at Beacon Academy with myself and my friends, here." I answered to her, as both she and Ghira let out an audible sigh of relief.
"Good... I'm glad." Kali said as I felt her ruffle my hair.
***
Kali and I stayed together, while Ghira had explained what it was like growing up in the White Fang, before it changed. He talked about, how we lived peacefully, together with humans that would accept us and to those that did not. With my permission, he also talked about what happened when Adam dragged me away from my parents, to carry out that mission.
"So... you were telling the truth?" Fox asked.
I nodded my head. "Yes... That is correct. I-I would understand if you wanted to hand me over to the authorities." I said which caused Kali to gasp.
"Fran, what you did... You didn't have a choice." Kali muttered as she wrapped her arms around me.
"No one's doing anything like that, Fran." Coco said as Kali's arms started to lessen. "After hearing what happened, I'll explain it to the Ice Princess when we get back. As far as I'm concerned, you're not responsible for the Assassination of the Schnee business man or whatever he was."
"Yes. With the version of the story that you provided and the version that Mr. Belladonna gave, they correlate so close, that they might as well match. Because of that, I have to believe you." Yatsuhashi said as he walked close to Coco, his footsteps echoing louder in the silence.
"Now as for myself, I didn't believe your story about murdering the Schnee business man, frankly, I don't give a shit about the Schnee's. I just wanted to hear the truth. This changed what I thought before, I can't blame you for it. It wasn't your fault." Fox said.
Th-they believe me? They believe that I'm not to blame?
Hearing what they said, that they believe me, brought tears to my eyes. "I-I'm glad... y-you believe me." I stayed in Kali's arms as the Coco and the others went to unload the truck and handed it to Ghira's guards.
As hours passed, and with everything delivered, I met up with Coco, Fox and Yatsuhashi.
"Are you feeling alright now, Fran?" Coco asked as I felt wind blow against me.
I nodded my head. "Yeah."
"You don't seem so sure? Is something troubling you?" Yatsuhashi asked.
"You said you'd speak to Weiss on my behalf, why?"
"If anyone could convince the Ice Queen, it'll be us. There's nothing to worry about. And besides we're friends, right?"
Friends? They consider me a friend?
"You think of me as a friend?" I asked as I raised my head.
"Well of course, why wouldn't we? You've done nothing wrong, and you're pretty good in a fight, You and Coco will get along." Fox said as I sensed Ghira and Kali approach us.
"Are you going back to Beacon?" Kali asked as I felt her hand touch my shoulder.
"Yes, we'll need to report back soon, and I'll need to have my wounds looked at." I answered as she let go of my shoulder.
"Well, try to be safe and be sure to write a letter to us. I don't want to wait another three years to see or hear from you again." Ghira said as he patted me on my shoulder.
"Don't worry sir, we'll make sure she gets back in one piece." Coco said. "Yatsu, Fox go and get the truck ready, we'll be leaving soon."
"Got it."
Fox and Yatsuhashi then walked away from the four of us. "Now with the boys gone is there something you want us to tell Blake?"
"I-I... just want to know if my little girl is alright." Ghira asked as I heard his voice quivered a little.
"As soon as I return to Beacon, I'll check on Blake and write a letter to you. I promise." I said as I approached Ghira and wrapped my arms around his rather large chest.
"Thank you, Fran." He bellowed out as he tapped my shoulder. "Your friends have returned, you better go."
"Coco, truck's ready, you two coming." Fox said.
"Yeah."
"I'll be right there. Just give a minute to say goodbye." I said as I turned around to the direction Coco and the others were. Shortly, the three left for the truck, which left me alone with Kali and Ghira.
"You've made some good friends, Fran." Kali said as she ruffled my hair and my ears.
"Yes, I have." I said smiling.
"Please watch out for Black, Fran. She might not want to talk about her problems, but please be there for her when she needs it. And remember, you'll always have a home here. If you want to make Menagerie your home, just drop by, we'll set you up." Ghira said as he patted my shoulders.
I nodded my head. "Of course, Ghira. I'll look out for her and I'll have to take into consideration if I take you up on your offer, Beacon Academy has grown into my second home." I said as I waved goodbye to them and ran towards Coco and the others.
***
It had taken another day to get back Vale, and by the time we got back to Beacon Academy, we were all exhausted to do anything. I wanted to head back to my dorm and snuggle up in my bed, but Coco and I had to report to Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch. I managed to drag myself to the former's office as we both entered his office.
"Ah, Miss Adel and Miss Scarlet. You've both returned. A little birdie told me that you had some trouble. I'm glad that you all returned safely."
"Yes, professor. Fran was wounded quite badly, so I recommend the doctor take a closer look at her stitches just in case it infects." Coco answered.
"I see... How was it talking to the chieftain and his wife? Was it enlightening?"
"Yes... I see things about Fran clearer now. Weiss will want to know."
"It's okay, Coco. I'll explain it to her... But could you and the others come with me? Just in case it turns... sour?" I asked as Coco shortly answered.
"You bet, Fran. What are friends for, huh."
"I see you two have grown close." Miss Goodwitch asked.
"Yes, we're friends after what we went through getting the supplies to Ghira and Kali." I answered.
"Good. Now Miss Adel, you and your team should get some rest, it is terribly late." The professor said as Coco walked out the room.
Before she left, she wished me goodnight.
"Now, with Miss Adel gone, you should go to the infirmary to get your injuries checked out. You can debrief us tomorrow about your attackers." Miss Goodwitch said as she patted my shoulder.
I nodded my head as she guided me to the infirmary.
***
We walked there in silence, until she suddenly spoke, catching me of guard.
"How was it seeing the Belladonnas again?"
"It was hearing them again... well you know what I mean." I said as Miss Goodwitch giggled a little.
"I understand. You know, a couple of your friends will be excited that you've returned.."
"They are?"
"Of course. Miss Belladonna has been anticipating your return, as has Miss Schnee. Miss Rose, Miss Xiao Long and all of team JNPR have been waiting to see you return."
"O-Oh... I see. I-Is Weiss still mad at me?"
"After she talked to Ozpin, she... saw things from a different perspective."
She's not angry at me anymore? What if it's an act to fool Professor Ozpin and Miss Goodwitch?
"I see that you are worrying about something? If it's about Miss Schnee, there's nothing to worry about. I can assure you that." Miss Goodwitch said as we had reached the infirmary.
"Now, I have to explain to the doctor that you will need to be seen to, I don't know the extensive details as of yet. That is for you to disclose. I will see you in the morning for classes." She said as she walked away from me.
I let out a small sigh and entered the infirmary.
***
"Ruby, be quiet. She'll be exhausted after her mission yesterday." I heard a voice say as I felt my ears recognise the voice.
Weiss...
"Sorry, Weiss. I'm just so excited to see her again, she was gone for a while." Another familiar voice spoke.
Ruby...
"Well, you can wait a bit longer sis. She'll need time to rest, she got beat up pretty bad."
Yang...
"She should've been more careful. Fran and I are former members of the White Fang, we've got targets on our backs, so we need to be careful. Now, she does something as stupid as this..."
Blake...
"Mmmm." I squirmed in the bed, which seemed to catch everyone off guard.
"Fran, you're awake?" Blake called out.
"Yay, you're alright." Ruby said as I felt her jump onto my bed and forced her way into my arms.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired." I said to the four girls.
"Well you could have been more careful, you've had Blake worried since you've been gone." Weiss said.
"M-Miss Schnee..." I stumbled out.
"None of that... I've already been filled in. I... I understand what you went through in the White Fang. Professor Ozpin and Coco from Team CFVY explained what happened to you all those years ago." I heard Weiss say as I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"I might have jumped to a conclusion too soon. I'm sorry, Fran. Can we start over. Please call me Weiss"
"Of course, Mi-Weiss." I said as I heard Yang laugh.
"I know you can't see this, Fran but the princess must not be used to apologising. She's blushing like crazy."
"Sh-Shut up!" Weiss growled out, we however couldn't stop laughing so Weiss let out an audible sigh.
The laughed soon died down as Ruby started to kick her feet as she sat up on my bed.
"So... how did the mission go? I heard, you got to go to a place called Menagerie that's an island that the Faunus have inhabited. What's it like? Is it anything like here, in Vale or is it more... understanding?"
And the questions from Ruby kept on coming until Ruby, Blake, Weiss and Yang needed to go to their classes for the day. It felt good, being back at Beacon. I'm glad Weiss and I are on good terms now. At least I hope things will get quieter.