Shadow of Doubt

-Three Years Ago; Vale's Apartment 3G-

After Neo had found Cristal and Destiny on the streets, she was quick to bring them both back home. The first face they were met with when they stepped through the door was that of their father. They could tell from the look on his face he wasn't at all happy.

Why wouldn't he be? They both snuck out.

"Dad, just let me explain!" Cristal said.

"Broad daylight!" He said, "You two were out in broad daylight! What were you thinking!?"

"What, you expect us to do, be cooped up in here all day?" Cristal asked.

"Don't even start with that!" Roman said, "I don't need your sass today Cristal! To make matters worse, you didn't even have your disguises! What would happen if someone saw you!?"

"Well it's not like the Witch mom told us about coming out in broad daylight! Besides, no one has seen the Witch since we lost our home!"

"That doesn't mean she's still out there!"

"Dad, don't be mad at her!" Destiny said, as she stepped in, "Besides, it was all my idea! I'm the one that talked her into it."

Roman only groaned as he shook his head, "... Princess… Your sister, I expected this kind of behavior…. But you should know better than this."

Destiny looked to the floor as she had a sad look in her eyes, "... I'm sorry… Cristal and I just wanted to help. We didn't mean to worry you and Big Sis… But look--!" She soon took out the bag of money they had collected from earlier that day, "--We managed to sell a bunch of lemonade from the stand, and made tons of money! This way you won't have to worry about those envelopes with the red letters anymore!"

Roman took the money from his child's hands and looked at it. All children tended to exaggerate and Destiny had been no different. He could see the amount of it, and there wasn't much of it.

Sure, it was enough to pay for food and such, though not enough for the bills and her medicine.

He gave her a pat on the head as he said, "You did a good job sweetheart. You and your sister."

"Really?" Destiny said.

Roman nodded, "This is going to help out a lot, and I really appreciate it." He soon stood up, "But it still doesn't excuse the fact that you two broke a rule. I'm sorry but you two are grounded till the end of the month."

Their eyes widened at this as they knew what this meant.

"Are you kidding me dad!?" Cristal shouted, "You want to keep us locked up in here for a whole month!? Because we were trying to sell lemonade!?"

"You know it's so much more than that young lady!" Roman soon said, "And for the record, we're done talking about this!"

"No, we're way past that!" Cristal shouted as her eye started to glow red, "I know what the Witch did, but let's face it, she's a coward! She has never shown her face anywhere else but back than!"

"Like I told you, she's still out there! Trying to find you and Destiny!" He yelled, "You know I'm doing this to protect you!"

"By keeping us prisoners twenty four seven!?"

"I never said you were prisoners!"

"Really, because it seems like we are!"

"Dad, Cristal!" Destiny said, "Don't fi--!"

All of a sudden Destiny felt a stabbing pain in her chest as she let out a strained gasp, getting their attention. Neo was quick to catch her as she nearly fell to the floor as she started to let out a scream from the agony she felt.

The child's vision became hazy, as the last thing she saw was her father and sister calling out to her.

***

-Present; Menagerie-

The boat had just pulled up to the docks on the small island; within a short time the ropes were tied to the large bolts provided, to keep the boat from drifting. Blake, her younger sister Shae and Sun left the boat with the other passengers. Sun had been in awe of the view of the island. He hadn't seen so many people in one place, let alone his own kind! Blake and Shae weren't too surprised by the crowd in the market area .

"This is--Just wow!" Sun said to the two cat Fanus, "I've never seen so many Fanus in one place before!"

"This is the one place where anyone can feel safe." Blake said, looking around with a small smile, "No matter who or what they are."

The three of them started to go through the market area, as Sun had accidentally been nudging people. He occasionally mumbled an apology as he bowed his head. "So, quick question… Is it always this crowded?"

"Pretty much." Shae replied with a shrug, "It's like this everyday on the island."

"That's what happens when you take an entire species and put them on a small island with two-thirds of it being a desert." Blake added.

"Two thirds!?" Sun exclaimed, "You guys have that much space!? Why waste it than? A little desert never hurt anybody."

"Oh please Monkey Boy." Shae said, "If it were that simple, you would've seen houses on that plain a long time ago. It's just not as simple as you think."

"Really? How so?" Sun asked.

"What she means is the deserts aren't like the ones in Vacuo." Blake said, "It's filled with more dangerous wildlife than any other regions of Remnant."

"So… In other words…" Sun started to say, "... They gave us a small island on the corner of Remnant just to shut us up?"

"That's basically how it is." Shae said.

Sun couldn't help but scoff at this, "What a bunch of jerks."

"We did the best with what we got." Blake said.

It wasn't long before the three of them found themselves at the top of a set of a large staircase. They had gotten a view of the rest of the island, with houses alongside the hill and trees. In the middle of it all, a large house sat there with at least three stories along with a sophisticated rooftop.

"Whoa…" Sun said as he had been enjoying the view, "What is this place?"

"It's our home." Blake said, "Kuro Kuana."

"It's… Beautiful." Sun said in awe, "I take it all back! This place looks great! Why would anyone want to leave?"

"Thanks but…" Shae said as her ears dropped slightly, "... That's not the whole point we were trying to make."

"All we wanted was to be equal like everyone else…" Blake soon added, "... Though instead we were just given a small island and told to make do! We did the best we could. We came together and made a home where any Fanus could feel welcome! But on this island… This town… It'll just be a constant reminder that we're nothing but second class citizens… That even after all of this… We won't be equal."

Sun saw the look on their faces and he soon placed his hands on the sisters shoulders. "Well hey…" Sun said, giving Blake specifically a wink, "... This guy is feeling pretty at home!"

Blake smiled to Sun at this while Shae let out a sigh, "Speaking of…" Shae said, "... It's about time for us to see the folks… Though I'm still having mixed feelings about the whole thing."

"Well, it's bound to happen sooner or later." Blake told her.

"Sweet!" Sun exclaimed, throwing his arms over their shoulders, making Shae hiss a little, "Can't wait to meet them! Which ones are yours? Can you see it from here?"

"... Kind of." Blake replied awkwardly.

"Is it that one over there!?" Sun said pointing to various houses, "Or how about that tiny one? I like the paint job."

Shae rolled her eyes, before she took hold of his hand, pointing to the house at the center of it all, "It's actually that one."

Sun's eyes widened when he saw that Shae had made him point to the house with three stories, and he couldn't help but look dumbfounded at this as he looked to the sisters. They only nodded their heads as they both knew what he was gonna ask. All Sun could do was let out some sort of noise as he had just been surprised.

"Come on." Blake said, "We're not gonna get anywhere just by standing here."

"Ye--Yeah." Shae said nervously.

They both descended down the stairs, though Shae had noticed that Sun wasn't moving from his spot at all. Shae only let out a groan as she ended up dragging Sun by his tail.

It took them only but a few moments before they found themselves at the front of the gigantic doors. Both sisters had nervous looks on their faces as they were staring at the wooden door. Blake went to knock though had been hesitant in doing so; Sun noticed this from the girls.

"Something the matter?" He asked.

"I--" Blake started to stammer, "It's just been a long time… Since Shae and I have seen our family."

Shae started to back up, as her body shook slightly.

"You know what, I changed my mind! I think I'm gonna go check into one of the local inns for the night!" Shae said.

Though before she made a break for it, Sun managed to grab a hold of her by the back of her shirt, and lifted her only a couple of inches up off the ground. "Come on, don't chicken out scaredy cat!" He said, "You've already come all this way, just face it like a man!... EVen though your a girl."

"DON'T CALL ME A SCAREDY CAT MONKEY BOY!" Shae yelled.

"Shae…" Blake said, "... We've come this far already. There's no sense in turning back now."

Shae's ears had gotten droopy again, "Fine, whatever…"

With that, Sun let go of Shae just by Blake. She took the knob provided and knocked on the door, letting out a loud noise as it caused Sun to jump.

"Okay, if we're gonna be honest… That's a little intimidating." Sun said.

Just than they heard a voice coming from the other side of the door.

"Coming! Coming!" It said.

The door opened revealing a fairly tall girl with a set of wings on her back, having a single fang poking out. Her eyes were that of gold and her long hair had been a little wavy and in the shade of a red ruby color. She looked to be in her early twenties. She wore what looked to be a short yukata in black and white that reached up to her knees as she had worn a set of black leggings underneath with a set of wooden sandals.

"Hi, can I help you--"

She looked completely shocked as her eyes laid upon the two sisters.

"Oh my God…" The girl said shocked, "... You're back…?"

"Yeah… We are." Shae said awkwardly.

"Who's the dragon?" Sun whispered awkwardly.

"She's… My third sister…" Blake whispered back as she gave the girl a smile.

"Third sister!?" Sun nearly yelled.

"Angel!" A voice called out, "Honey, who's at the door?"

Another young woman came into view. This time she bore a resemblance to Blake, and Shae. The only difference being she had short black hair and the cat ears above her head had golden earrings; Two on her left and one on her right. She wore a black traditional outfit with one sleeve trimmed and a pair of black hakamata bottoms with sandals to go with it.

Her golden eyes widened when she saw the two young teens standing before the front door.

"Blake…? Shae…?" The woman said.

"Hi… Mom." Blake said with a wave.

"We're back…" Shae added with a smile.

The woman, being their mother, was moved to tears, as she gave the sisters a hug. The girl named Angel couldn't help but cry out of joy.

"My dear little babies…" Their mother said.

"Mom…" Shae groaned awkwardly as she turned red with embarrassment.

"Well can you blame her?" Angel said tearfully though still with a smile, "You two have been gone for so long, we didn't think you would ever come home!"

"Kali! Angel!" A man's voice soon called out, "Who is it?"

The woman named Kali turned and said, "Ghira! Ghira! It's Blake and Shae! Our children have come home!"

A tall muscular man came into view; he had black hair and a beard as well and had a pair of golden yellow eyes. He had on a violet jacket that revealed the hair on his chest and had a sash around his waist that matched his jacket. He had on a pair of beige pants with black leather boots and had some kind of shoulder armor and the same silver armor on his abs as well.

He almost didn't believe his wife's words but soon saw them with his own eyes; his expression changed, and saw them at the door by his wife's side. Both Blake and Shae gave a smile to their father, and they silently waved to him.

The father, by the name of Ghira smiled back at them, just as happy as his wife was to see them both.

***

Once everything had settled, they had proceeded into the dining area, where they had rested from their travels. Blake and Shae filled them in on what they were doing since they've been away from home; though Shae kept the fact that she was part of Vale and Beacon's destruction since she wasn't ready to tell them. They knew he was in Vale but not the fact he was a part of the destruction. They were shocked to hear some of the stories of course, but still they were just glad to see them back home.

Angel had been pouring them tea, as their parents took it all in.

"We were all horrified when we heard the news." Kali admitted, "The kingdom of Vale wasn't always perfect… But it certainly didn't deserve what happened."

"We were all worried." Angel added.

"Please, this is Blake and Shae we're talking about!" Ghira said, "I knew they would be alright!"

Kali scoffed, "That isn't even the slightest bit true."

"He was pacing… A lot." Angel whispered.

"More so than usual?" Shae asked.

"Yup!" Angel replied.

Sun had soon spoken up, "Hey, hey you guys, Shae here was able to take herself just like Blake! And I've seen her in action, and trust me, she's got some moves!"

Blake froze at this while Shae spit out her tea, "YOU WHAT!?" Shae shouted before coughing a little.

Ghira soon gave a glare, making Sun shiver, "And what exactly do you mean by that Mr. Wukong?"

Sun started to sweat nervously as he started to try and explain himself, "I--Uh--Well--You see--Sir, it's just that--She's a good fighter and all--And uh--As a fellow fighter, I respect--"

"Who the hell does he think he is…?" Shae grumbled as her pupils dilated, "... Making a move on you like that like he's king of the--"

"Shae, it's not like that." Blake said.

"Remind me again…" Angel said, "... Is he supposed to be your boyfriend?"

"No." Blake replied, shaking her head, "He's just a friend."

"Why are you here again?" Kali asked.

"He… Sort of followed us home." She replied.

"Ah, I see." Kali said while nodding.

"--She's definitely above average!" Sun finished awkwardly, only earning looks from the whole Belladonna family. Just to delude them from it, he picked up the teapot sitting nearby and poured it into his cup. "This tea is really good!"

"Aww…" Angel said, "... I like him, he's good for you Blake!"

"I agree!" Kali added.

"MOM!" Blake shouted.

"ANGEL!" Shae exclaimed with her face red.

It wasn't long before they heard the door knock again, making most of them alert. Ghira seemed to know who it had been as he looked troubled.

"Darn!" He said, "I completely forgot about the meeting!"

"Father?" Angel said worried.

"Ghira…" Kali said, putting her hand on his, as to calm him down.

"Give me a moment." Ghira said to them, giving his wife a reassuring pat.

He soon stood up from his seat and went towards the door. "Meeting?" Shae said before turning to her eldest and mother, "What kind of meeting?"

"Is everything okay?" Blake asked.

"Yes dearies, it's just poor timing." Kali replied, "He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately."

"Them?" Shae said, "Who do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Angel replied, "... The White Fang."

Sun, Shae and Blake's eyes widened at this as they jumped from their seats. "WHAT!?" They all exclaimed.

They soon ran out of the room and towards the front door where Ghira had been. There they spotted two men standing outside, both looking exactly the same, bearing the same outfit, yet one had the ears of a fox, and the other had the tail of a hound.

"DAD!" Blake exclaimed.

"PAPA!" Shae shouted.

"Blake, Shae?" Ghiria said surprised, "What's wrong?"

The two, one named Corsac, and the other named Fennec bowed their heads to the sisters.

"Young Belladonna's." Corsac said.

"We had no idea you both returned." Fennec said.

"Why are you talking to these people!?" Blake said.

"Who are they anyway!?" Shae shouted.

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

"Are you kidding me!?" Sun shouted, "You mean to tell me those psychos are here too!?"

"Young man, I'm not sure what you've heard about our organization…" Fennec began to say, "... But I can assure you, we're not nearly as ferocious as the media has us believe."

"What we heard!?" Shae exclaimed, "We didn't just hear about it! We saw it with our very own eyes!"

"We all saw what you did!" Blake said, "We all saw it in Vale! Your finatics slaughtered people!"

Ghira seemed surprised to hear this, as he turned to the two brothers, "... What are they talking about?"

"It is precisely what we came to discuss with you, your Grace." Corsac replied calmly. It hadn't been long before Angel and Kali came into view, as they had a concerned look on their faces.

"Father?" Angel said, "Is everything alright?"

"What's happening?" Kali asked.

"Wait, you guys seriously don't know?!" Sun shouted as he noticed the looks on their faces.

"... Know what?" Ghira said dangerously.

Blake looked to her younger sister as she noticed she had a guilty look in her eyes. Her ears have gone down as she turned away, knowing she had to tell the truth. Blake took a deep breath, "... The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon." She explained, "They attacked and released Grimm into the school. What's worse… Before all of it… They kidnapped two people! Both of them are sisters! A human child and a girl, nearly as old as I am! They took them hostage, and kept them apart from their family, before the Vytal Festival began!"

Shae's eyes widened at this, as did her family members at this newfound information. "Are you serious!?" Shae exclaimed, "They kidnapped humans!? Adam never told me…"

"Is this true?" Ghira said, turning to the two brothers.

"Sadly your grace… It is." Fennec replied.

"Don't act like you--!"

"That's enough!" Ghira said cutting Blake off; he soon looked back to the brothers, "Explain yourselves."

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

"You know, Beacon wasn't the first time Fang started to shoot up Vale!" Sun said.

"The High Council had their suspicions about there being a splinter group, but they could prove nothing until this latest incident." Fennec said.

"Incident!?" Blake shouted, "People are dead! And it's because of the White Fang, the sisters are gone! One is in a coma and the other is missing!"

"And it is a tragedy for the citizens of Vale, and the sisters' family." Corsac said sadly.

"Your Grace, we came here to assure you that Brother Taurus and his followers do not represent the will of the White Fang." Fennec assured Ghira.

"... How can I be sure of that?" Ghira asked.

"We understand if you bear any skepticism of these claims." Corsac said, "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."

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

Ghira nodded, "... I will… But for another day." He turned to Blake and Shae, "... For the time being, I'd like to reconnect with my daughters."

"But of course." Corsac said as he bowed, "We understand."

Fennec soon turned to the sisters, "It was a pleasure to see you both again, Young Blake… Young Shae."

"We were saddened when we heard of your departure and of your sisters." Corsac added, "But we understand if you both no longer support our cause."

"It is a weary fight after all." Fennec added.

"... Who says we're done fighting?" Blake said.

"Yeah…" Shae added, "... You shouldn't write us off just yet."

The two brothers nodded in understanding. "If either of you ever wish to return, you need merely come find us." Corsac said.

"Sister Ilia, would be elated." Fennec added.

"Goodbye gentlemen." Ghira said, as he shut the doors on the two brothers. Blake and Shae looked at one another as they both let out a sigh. Angel soon took them both aside as she lead them away from it all. Kali noticed the troubled look on her husband's face, as she was quick to comfort him; all Ghira gave was a smile.

"So…" Sun soon said, "... Those guys were creepy."

Ghira only turned to him unamused, "... I REALLY don't like you."

As Corsac and Fennec descended down the stairs, as they had a thought come over them.

"An interesting development…" Corsac said, "... Wouldn't you say?"

"Interesting indeed." Fennec replied.

"... So… Shall we inform Brother Adam?"

"... Oh we shall."

***

-Three Years Ago; Vale's Apartment 3G-

The minute Destiny had started to cry out with agony, Roman, Neo and Cristal had been quick to act. Neo headed straight out the door to get the doctor while Roman and Cristal grabbed what little IV they had and started to pump it into the child's heart. They made sure Destiny was taking deep breaths, as to not choke on her own spit.

It wasn't long till Neo returned with the doctor where it was at the point, Roman himself had been on the verge of panicking when Destiny seemed to cry even louder. She had been quick to replace the IV drip they had provided.

It hadn't been long before she examined the child, as she had been giving out labored breaths.

The young doctor possessing brown hair and light tanned skin gave a sigh as she wiped away the sweat.

"Well?" Roman asked the Doctor, "How is she?"

"The medicine should take effect in the next few minutes." The Doctor said as she fixed her hair a little, "She should be alright."

He and Cristal couldn't help but give a sigh of relief. "I don't know how to thank you enough Vera." Roman said, "I know how troubling it is to take the time off your schedule--"

"Please Mr. Torchwick, it's alright." The woman named Vera said, "I'm just happy I can help her. Don't worry about the fee, I'll take care of it."

"No, you shouldn't do that!" Roman said, "I told you I'd take care of it!"

"Please." Vera said, "We both know that my boss isn't going to give you time to pay off your debt, and that he's only in it for the money. Besides, we both know he knows your a criminal for a living."

Roman let out a sigh at Vera's statement. It was true the hospital he had taken to his daughter to after they arrived in the city of Vale. He had hoped when he started to get back into the underworld business, he had to keep it under wraps, though Vera and her boss had been able to figure it out after he himself had come to the hospital the fifth time around.

Her boss had decided to take advantage of this, though Vera thankfully had been sympathetic towards them; she had been the only person to show them kindness which he had been thankful for. Even though he was used to being a criminal, he wished she didn't go through all this trouble for them. While it was true she knew about his daughters, that didn't mean he told her everything.

"I just wish there was more that I could do for you." Vera said, "You still have to pay for her surgery."

"It's alright, you've already done plenty for my daughter." Roman said before he shook her hand, "Thanks again Vera."

"Anytime." Vera said with a smile, "It's always been my pleasure."

With that Vera left the apartment as she waved to him; Neo leading her out of the apartment. He let out a sigh as he ran his hand through his hair as he looked at the little one resting in bed. Giving her a kiss on the forehead, he treaded softly so as not to wake her, before he shut the door.

He soon entered the living room where he found Cristal sitting in a fetal position on the couch. "Hey there Little Gem…" Roman said, "... Room for one more?"

Cristal only let out a grunt as he took this as a sign as he sat by her. "Everytime Destiny has an attack, you seem to go through this." Roman said, "You sure your okay?"

"... I… I don't know." Cristal replied as she picked up her head a little, "... I hate this… I hate this feeling I keep having… This unwavering guilt I have…"

The young girl's body shook as she couldn't help but inhale sharply, "It's all my fault that she's like this! I told mom--No I promised mom that I would look after her! But I let her get shot by that damn--!"

"Cristal." Roman said to her sternly, "... You don't think I want the same thing? You and Destiny are everything to me, and I want to protect you both the same way you want to protect your little sister."

"But I feel like I'm failing at that!" Cristal exclaimed, "Not only did she nearly die from getting shot at, and now has a bullet stuck in there, but I couldn't even protect her from getting punched at! If only I did something but--"

Cristal only let out a groan in frustration as she couldn't help but kick the coffee table in front of them; though she ended up regretting soon afterwards as she cried out with agony, and held onto her foot like it was going to fall off.

Roman sighed, before he gave her a pat on the back, "Just let it out hon."

"... It's not fair…" Cristal said as her body shook, "... Why do all the bad things keep happening to us…? Is this the world's way of punishing us…? Does mom… Hate us after all… For letting her down...?"

Immediately he shook his head, "Cristal, you know your mom doesn't hate you. She never has, and she never will. Even if she's not with us anymore, she still loves you and your little sister, more than anything else in this world like me."

"But look what's happened to me and her!" Cristal couldn't help but exclaim, "Her eye's been replaced with a Grimm's eye! Our Auras are long gone, and I'm--I don't even know what I am anymore!"

"Well I know what you are." Roman said, "You're my daughter, you both are. You always will be, whether you have Aura or not."

Soon enough tears started to fall, as Cristal couldn't seem to stop them. Roman bought her in for a hug, as the tears didn't hit the floor; but instead disappeared with black mist. Her red eye started to coat itself with black as a red eye insignia appeared on her forehead.

"I hate this…" Cristal said as her voice cracked, "... I hate this so much…"

"There, there, Little Gem…" Roman said as he stroked her hair, "It's alright… Just let out. Just let it all out…"

***

-Present; Higanbana-

In the tavern of Higanbana, the young waitress had been helping out with closing up shop for the night. While her other co-workers helped out with cleaning the tables, a couple of others cleaned up the tables, while the bartender was cleaning up the dishes leftover from that busy night.

Though just as they were finishing up, two people entered the small establishment, which had gotten the bartender's attention. Only one of them had been cloaked.

"We ain't serving right now." He said, "Won't be serving until tomorrow."

"We're not looking to buy a drink." The one cloaked had said.

Before the bartender could say anything more, their hand reached out to him, touching his forehead. A faint color of red glowed for a moment before the bartender fell to the ground with a thud; he let out soft snores as he appeared to be sleeping.

Some of the other staff looked at the cloaked figure fearfully as the red light seemed to have glowed a bit more violently now and saw what had been underneath the hood.

It had been that of a Geist Mask, and the person appeared to be hiding horns underneath.

It was revealed to be Elise.

She approached the other staff, as they stood paralyzed with fear.

Her companion on the other hand approached the last waitress who had been oblivious to the situation at hand as she proceeded to clean the floors with soaped water and a brush.

"Excuse me." He said, getting her attention.

She saw a man standing before her, wearing a brown trenchcoat as his chest revealed a set of scars. Her companion had been revealed to be Tyrian.

He chuckled before licking his lips, "I was hoping you could… Help me find someone."