The REDS of war

Volume Five Chapter Three

In the front room of the Belladonna Family Home, Ghira Belladonna, Jaden Eclipse, and Sun Wukong burst in through the front door, angry. Kali Belladonna watches from the front porch.

"Unbelievable!" Ghira shouts. Ghira lets out a growl, and he and Sun turn to each other. "We can't let them get away with this!" The two shout in unison.

Kali smiles. "Well, at least you two can finally agree on something." They look at her, then back at each other. Sun gives an awkward chuckle while rubbing his head, and Ghira glares slightly and growls, fists clenched. Jaden crosses his arms thinking. The four soon have their attention called to Blake Belladonna, who speaks up from the porch.

"Guys. Everything's going to be okay."

"Is it?" Jaden retorts.

A little while later, Blake exits her father's study, stepping out onto the balcony where an armored guard is standing.

The guard turns and addresses her. "Good evening, miss. Can I get you anything?"

"Just a little time to myself, if that's alright." Blake says.

"Sure thing. Just call, if you need me." The guard walks into Ghira's study, shutting the door behind her. Blake takes a deep sigh and is soon alerted by a familiar voice.

"You need better security." Alarmed, Blake turns to see Ilia drop down onto the railing. The young Belladonna reaches for the door, but Ilia holds her hand up. "Please! I-I just need to talk."

Blake slowly takes her hand away from the door. "How could you take the fall for them, Ilia?"

Ilia stands up. "Blake..."

"Corsac and Fennec blamed you. We confronted them tonight, and they deny knowing anything and everything found on your Scroll. They talked about how disappointed they were to hear that you'd sided with Adam. But you and I both know they're guilty."

Ilia frowns. "You can't prove anything."

"That Scroll might not have been enough to lock them up, but it's enough to sway the Faunus here. When we go public tomorrow, they're not going to stand for any of it. And neither should you." Blake says.

Ilia removes her mask, a solemn expression on her face. "Your plan isn't gonna work, Blake. Please... just leave Menagerie before it's too late."

Blake stares at her in silence for a few moments. "You're going to have to make me."

Ilia remains silent for a few moments before responding, sadly. "I know."

The chameleon Faunus dons her mask once again and steps backward off the balcony. Blake turns away and gains an angry expression, her cat ears folding. After a moment, the anger fades, and she sighs, taking on a saddened expression.

During that night, Canary and Cindy walk the town. It's a peaceful night for the pair. The pair remain silent as they do so they enjoy shops open due to the nocturnal sector. Canary enjoys sweets bought from one of the vendors being a plate of dango. Cindy however uses the opportunity to buy more lollipops. As the two sit at a tea shop, Canary happily sighs taking a sip of his tea, the pair speak using sign language.

"So, what do wanna talk about?" Canary playfully asks.

"Two years ago." She responds.

"The disappearance?" He asks.

"What else?" She replies rhetorically. "We know Rei was part of it. His letter told us that."

"True. But something tells me it was far more than just her doing." Canary replies himself far more serious.