Darkest Nights: a RWBY Story

Chapter 27: Menagerie

The hot, midday sun shone down on the shores of Menagerie as the military tug made its way carefully to a small dock on one of the less crowded parts of the island.
Jamison Steel switched on the automatic docking program in the ship's computer. Under normal circumstances he would have docked the ship himself, but these weren't exactly normal circumstances. To avoid any unnecessary attention, the boat was to be docked at one of the small, private docks reserved for ships of the Royal Army fleet. Even though Jamison was an officer of the Royal Army, the ship was still from the Vale security force and was tagged as such. This meant several calls to high ranking Royal Army officials on Menagerie just to get docking permission.
He understood the need for all of the security, but that didn't mean he liked it. Inputting several final commands into the ship's main console he left the bridge to join the group at the railing of the ship.
Talia, who was leaning against the railing of the ship, turned to look at him as he approached.
"It's been really good to see you again."
She said, smiling at him.
"It's a shame it wasn't for longer."
Jamison let out a small laugh.
"I'm actually staying on the island for a couple of days. Sierra is here, plus I'll be able to give your group a ride to wherever it is you're going next."
Talia smiles.
"How is Sierra?"
Sierra Redfield was Jamison's mate. Talia had met her several times in the past and the two had gotten along quite well.
"She's doing well. She's working with the new tactical division now, mostly doing defense work."
Talia smiled.
"It will be great to have you around for a little while."
Jamison smiles.
"Likewise."
The ship began its slow and careful docking process, making sure not to hit any of the rocks that jutted out of the sea in the cove.
Jamison excused himself to go check on the ship's console.
Yang, who had been leaning against the rail next to Talia during the exchange, smirked.
Talia looked at her girlfriend.
"What?"
"Your friend Jamison is kinda cute."
Yang said, still smirking.
"Maybe we could–"
"No."
Talia interrupted flatly.
"Oh come on Tal, you don't even know what I was gonna–"
"Yes I do and still, no."
Yang raised an eyebrow.
Talia blushed.
"Okay maybe."
The exchange was interrupted as the boat docked.
The group disembarked, stepping onto dry land for the first time in five days.
The castle of remnant was visible on top of a hill in the distance. Ruby, Weiss, Jaune, Nora, Ren and Oscar had volunteered to stay behind in vale and help repair the damage that the massive grimm attack had done to the town. Apparently, before it had been alerted to the group's presence at beacon, the dragon had managed to destroy a large part of the town. This meant the the only members of the group to make the journey to Menagerie were Jason, Talia, Yang and Blake.
Over dinner the previous night, the group had decided to make the recently rebuilt Belladonna house their first destination.
Once they unloaded what little luggage they had, they began to make their way towards the center of the island.
Yang had only been on Menagerie once before, several months earlier when their group had made the trip to the island to find Phoenix Fire. Even then they had only been on the island for 48 hours and had never ventured into the main part of the island.
Yang couldn't help but stare as they made their way through the market of small shops. She'd never seen so many faunus in one place before.
Talia held Yang's hand and kissed her on the cheek.
"Might as well get used to it, Yang. Menagerie's population is about 98% Faunus."
Yang grinned squeezed Talia's hand gently.
After 15 minutes of working their way through the complex system of rope bridges, they finally made it to the Belladonna. Following the fire, with some support from the Royal Army, the house had been returned to its former glory.
Approaching slowly, Blake raised a hand and knocked on the heavy, oak door. A second later, the door swung open.
Blake barely got a glimpse of the beautifully furnished hallway before she was wrapped in her mother's hug.
Kali Belladonna smiled at her daughter.
"Blake, if you'd told me you were coming I would have made tea."
Then she caught sight of the small group behind her daughter.
"Come in, all of you."
They headed to the living room. Ghira was seated at a small table, looking over what appeared blueprints when the group entered. Catching sight of Blake, he smiled.
The group sat down around a long table.
Kali left to go make tea.
Ghira looked at Jason.
"I can't thank you enough for what you've done for us. The Royal Army has helped to rid Menagerie of what is left of Adam's White Fang. For that, I am in your debt."
"I'm just trying to help where I can, sir."
Blake held Jason's hand under the table.
Kali returned carrying a tea tray with several cups and a teapot. They all, Ghira including sat around the table.
Kali grinned as she poured tea into each of their cups. She had noticed the marks on the side of Blake's neck.
"Mind telling us who it is Blake?"
Kali said with a smile, indicating the marks.
Blake blushed slightly and gave Jason a glowing look.
Jason leaned down and kissed her cheek gently.
Ghira's expression hardened slightly before returning to normal at a look from Kali.
"I'm very happy for you Blake."
Kali said as she finished pouring tea.
The group talked as they drank their tea. They discussed the war, as well as its effect on the island of Menagerie. Eventually, it was decided that they would spend their first night on the island in the Belladonna house before moving to the castle of remnant for the rest of their stay.
After a short while had passed, Blake stood up, taking Jason's hand.
"Come on."
She said, stretching a little,
"I'll show you where we'll be sleeping."
On their way out of the room however, Ghira stopped them.
"Actually Blake, I need to talk to Jason. Something has come up with the military that needs discussing."
Blake looked at Jason.
"It's alright Blake, you go on ahead. I'll catch up."
Blake nodded and Ghira led Jason into another room. Jason could tell by the overly casual tone in Ghira's voice that the topic of discussion was in no way military related.
Ghira closed the door and turned to look at Jason.
"So,"
He said, gazing intently at the prince.
"You've chosen to become my daughter's mate."
"Yes sir."
Jason's voice was calm yet respectful as he held the man's gaze.
Ghira nodded slowly.
"I don't disapprove. In the time I've known you, you've proven yourself to be strong and loyal. Blake speaks very highly."
Jason bowed slightly.
"Thank you sir."
"However,"
Ghira said, speaking in a more powerful voice.
"If you ever hurt her, I will make sure it is the last mistake you ever make."
Jason looked back at Ghira.
"Sir, Blake is the love of my life. I would never do anything to hurt her."
Ghira actually smiled at that as he opened the door and they walked back into the living room.
Blake was waiting for them in the hallway. As she led Jason down the hallway to her room, she looked at him.
"What did my father want?"
Jason paused for a moment, getting the sense that what Ghira had said to him was not to be repeated.
"Like he said, military stuff."
Blake gave him a quizzical look but decided not to press the subject.
The sun began to set over the island of Menagerie, casting a soft orange glow over everything. She was home.