At first, the White Fang felt sceptical towards the Human's request for help. Although, they too witness the growing strength of the Grimm, being informed of many areas within Remnant under attack by these creatures. The Faunus War inflicted a damaging blow to the White Fang's strength. Understanding they are outnumbered to face the Grimm, pressured the White Fang to offer aid. They decided to send some of their most esteemed members to Fort Beacon, in a burning hope that the Grimm can be stopped. Though the White Fang believe enmity between the two races will remain to linger, like a slow burning flame that is unable to cease in the winds of peace. For now, the White Fang are watchful over the Grimm, though making sure to remain vigilant towards the true nature of the Humans.
Fort Beacon, a heavily defended stronghold; acting as a crucial target through the Faunus War. Many attempts to capture the Fort resulted in failure, claiming the lives of many fallen Faunus. The blood shed in past hostilities held it's own truth to the poor etiquette portrayed by the Humans. They didn't want to work alongside Faunus, though they would have to in order to save their own skin.
Meanwhile, a request of assistance from Fort Beacon reached Onyx through the White Fang. They'll be sending a Bullhead to escort him from Menagerie today; he'll also be briefed during mid-flight to prepare for what awaits.
You would find it difficult to blame Onyx on feeling dubious towards the request, willingly invited in with no resistance at all. He believed it would involve great pressure before Humans made the decision to cooperate with the Faunus again. Therefore, Onyx found the truce was just an egocentric resolution. Although, for the sake of Remnant, he will have to fight alongside those who once scourged his kind.
Onyx's Mother became troubled over the realisation of her son going to join another conflict. She knew Onyx is perfectly capable of handling himself in Remnant, his Father after all had taught him well. However, Remnant appears to become more dangerous by the day. Onyx's existence is the spark in her small world. A small spark that continued to flicker within her, even when the Humans came and set out in masses, turning Menagerie into a labour camp.
Onyx's Mother observed first-hand the poor treatment given to the Faunus in times of war. The Faunus would be beaten if they did not comply with orders, or even given lashes for unacceptable behaviour. It was made clear that Humans viewed Faunus as the subordinate race.
During the war, Onyx's Mother often thought of his safety, though she wouldn't let the possibility of Onyx's death cross her mind. Longing, to be united with her Son again, she would tell of Onyx to her fellow Faunus, savouring the day till he returned. "Such a brave man he's turned out to be, just like his Father", usually sighing after but said with a tone felt with a warm sense of pride. Often, she spoke of how she would feel to see her Son, that the hair on her neck would stand, her heart would burst, and she would hold him close once again
With the truce implemented, the Humans began to withdraw their forces from Menagerie. Not long after, Onyx found himself back home from the trifles of war. The warmth was diluted in his eyes, with an overworked body that appeared to be shaking mildly. Bandages, both tight, or partially hanging loose, covered previously obtained wounds. New injuries, scars, and scratches became apparent on his skin. Onyx certainly seemed as if he had survived the brunt of the conflict.
His Mother felt the toll that the war had taken from him, holding him tight enough to want to squeeze the pain from his body. Though, the pain of course, grew. She hurried him to a bed where he would lay, and tended to his health. Though Onyx recovered from his injuries, his mind wouldn't revoke what he saw. The animosity the war concocted was spilling out among the lands, villages turning against one another, cities going up in flame, and all because humans couldn't stand to live alongside Faunus. Even after all that the Faunus had sacrificed through the Great War, they were still treated as in-equal. Onyx's Father fought for Faunus equality, giving his life to prove to the humans once again, that the Faunus were not their enemies. Some Faunus say the truce is an early call for setting equality between races, but regardless, Onyx became adamant the Humans called a truce for their own sake.
He hoped to spend more time with his Mother before heading out again. Especially after a truce was called between the Faunus and the Humans. However, he recently acknowledged the growing risks based around the recently formidable Grimm, hearing news of Mantle falling under Grimm's power. It was clear that even Atlas struggled to claim back Mantle. This indicated that the Grimm were not to be underestimated, especially when both sides had suffered greatly at the hands of the past.
Back when the Humans advanced on to Menagerie, they forced the Faunus to live within the many labour camps that had been set up. Due to this, the settlements around Menagerie became desolate, and soon the many buildings began to appear gaunt. Now that the Faunus have been set free, there is substantial work to be carried out to recover Menagerie to its former beauty.
Menagerie Walls consisting of wood surround Onyx, its dusty crooks cornering off here and there.
A firm breeze repetitively rolls its way through the building, forming a subtle whistling noise as it passes by.
Decrepit furniture also took up its respective setting, looking splintered and torn.
The house appears to be previously unoccupied and unkempt, it will be needing a fair bit of maintenance now that Menagerie has been set free.
After spending a few days recovering, the worst of Onyx's injuries merely gave off a dull stinging sensation.
He sat slouching forward on top of a brittle stool, his elbow leaning against the table top, with chin held securely in palm.
He was in thought about his new assignment, and what challenges awaited him on arrival. Onyx felt great dissatisfaction on where he is being sent.
To Fort Beacon of all places, a Human stronghold; a place where prisoners of war were held, tortured, and then killed. He is clearly distrustful of the coming scenario, though he would not oppose the wishes of the White Fang.
"Did you sleep well?" A feminine figure stretched out from the other side of the room.
Onyx's Mother sauntered towards the table, grabbing a chair, and seated herself with one leg thrown over the other. Her eyes drifted towards Onyx, who appeared to be wide awake, and slightly troubled.
"
Not quite, Mother." Onyx respired deeply before responding, and slid his palm to support his forehead, continuing to lean his elbow on the table.
"Well..? What is the matter..? Onyx.?" Her eyes seemed more awake than they had before. Her ears began to twitch, ready to hear Onyx's next answer.
"
The White Fang informed me that I am to depart from Menagerie today." Onyx began to stand, facing his shoulder towards her.
"Onyx. I don't understand...?" His Mother's voice almost seemed to break down. She could only imagine why the White Fang had called for Onyx's return.
Onyx turned to explain himself, his eyes filled with the courage to tell his Mother what she deserves to know.
"
It's the Grimm. They threaten Remnant. While the war caused devastation to both sides, the Grimm have grown stronger."
Tears began to form around his Mother's lower eyelids, her cheeks raised as if to hold back her tears.
"
I am leaving soon. They're sending an aircraft to take me to Fort Beacon. They are using it as a base of operations to combat the Grimm." Onyx finished his explanation, unable to look his Mother in the eyes.
"Fort Beacon?! You will join the Humans! After all they have done, they will more likely feed you to the Grimm!" A fiery temper become of Onyx's Mother. She knew the brutality Humans had shown in the past, and there was little evidence to change her mind.
"
Mother, it is the White Fang's order. I will not go against the will of the White Fang, nor will I join any Human. Though, it is for the sake of Remnant." Onyx's efforts to win his Mother's grace was tepid. He knew his Mother would not approve, nor would she want him to leave her. Especially the time after the war being only a few weeks.
"For the sake of Remnant? Whose sake was it when the Humans rounded us up like cattle and set us to work? Beating us! killing us! For their own sake it was. Humans will not change just because a larger threat has came into view. They will turn on us, mark my words, it will happen again." She almost gave in to her anger until diverting to an overcoming sadness. Hurrying over to Onyx; gripping him tightly, and burrowed her face into the material of his large robe.
Onyx's Mother held him for a brief moment. She began to take a couple of steps backwards to look at him, and used a thumb to catch the tears from under her eyes.
"My boy. What a brave man you've turned out to be, just like your Father" Sniffling whilst forming a ditsy smile, daydreaming as if she was comparing the two.
"Sometimes, I wonder what the fate of our family would be if the males didn't share a semblance... That war didn't have to call them to aid. To die on the battlefield, for the sake of Remnant.., for the sake of Faunus. Meanwhile, Remnant does itself no favours, dragging countless lives into conflicts that only make the Grimm stronger. Though the Ebony's are still there, fighting to the last man. Our men has gone to war for so long we are practically driven by it. But what of the women? who must stay, unsure of when they will come home." Onyx's Mother sniffled again before dropping her smile, lowering her eyes to his chest.
A strong wind started to kick dust through the open window-way. A Bullhead descended from the sky, clearing the dust from underneath its landing. Four White Fang members departed from inside the Bullhead, and began to travel towards the house.
Onyx's Mother could of easily burst back into sobbing. Although, she knew he would have to go sooner or later, having grown used to the ways of the Ebony men in the times of war. Although, Onyx's existence is the spark in her small world. A small spark that continues to flicker within her. A spark so vulnerable in a world so threatening.
His Mother stopped Onyx as he was about to make his way to the Bullhead outside. She placed a hand on his chest, gaping her trembling eyes towards him.
"Promise me one thing." She gasped.
Stopping in his tracks, he remained watchful of the door. In all fairness, Onyx struggled to harden his emotions in this instance, though he couldn't allow thoughts of home to break his focus.
"Promise me you'll return. If it gets too rough out there. Just come back to me, you don't need to die for them." Sniffling once again through her shuddering voice.
Onyx regaining eye contact towards her, planted a single kiss on her forehead.
"
If I die, I die for all of Remnant. I fight for the honour of Father, to reunite Humans and Faunus. I die for it all. I also fight to return, But whether I return, or whether I die. My place is not here, for now, my place is to rid the land of Grimm. So you can live another day, and I can return to you." Onyx smiled, placing both hands on the outer sides of her arms. He then proceeded towards the door as knocking began to sound.
"Just make sure you return then." She replied with her back facing him.
Pausing briefly at her response, he knew he couldn't promise his return, though he would ensure to survive what dangers awaited him. Onyx twisted the door handle and jerked the door open. Two White Fang members stood on the opposing side of the doorway.
"Onyx Ebony?" One of them enquired.
"
Yes. I will be with you now." Onyx replied, gazing back at his Mother as he stepped outside, her back still facing him. Lowering his eyes, he shut the door behind him.
Onyx followed the White Fang members through the gale that the Bullhead whipped up with its thrusters, the hooded robe on his back flapped violently from behind him. When he jumped inside, he made his way to the window. Onyx watched his house dot away into the distance, thinking of when he would return again.
A hologram appeared to brief Onyx. He turned to focus on all of the information he would need for his coming assignment. Once the hologram shut down, Onyx inspected through all the files regarding his team-members. For now, he can only imagine what truly awaits him at Fort Beacon. Fate is such a strange occurrence after all, even when all seems clear, there are still surprises around the corner. Surprises Onyx had to be ready for.
An expanse of VTOLs are seen toing and froing from the fort on arrival. During the time that the Bullhead landed, the White Fang members took either side of Onyx. Once they entered the world outside, the faces of both Human and Faunus looked upon Onyx and his fellow members. Opinions murmur among those around them with mixed emotion.
On the way through the crowd, Onyx overhears a Human babbling nearby.
"Fucking Faunus, why can't they just stay in Menagerie, where nobody can look at their ugly hides." The soldier on the receiving end of the comment scored into laughter.
Onyx immediately drew the back of his hand onto the front of the man's shoulder. The man in surprise of being overheard turned to look up at Onyx.
"You mind repeating what you just said?" Onyx's eyes darted at the man.
The man threw Onyx's hand away, spinning his body around whilst gritting his teeth.
"What's a matter? Those pussycat ears of yours not working?" The man replied with a smirk.
"Hahhah! Good one Vern!" His friend cheered from behind.
Onyx brought his face closer as if to talk directly into his brain, and narrowed his eyebrows.
"No. Actually, I was giving you a chance to take back what you said. But, never mind." And with that, Onyx lunged a leg up, sending Vern crashing into some supply boxes.
The crowd parted to dodge Vern's oncoming body. Pieces of broken wood scattered across the floor where Vern landed.
"Ughhh.." Said Vern whilst his head spun in a thousand directions.
Click Me For Epic Fight Music"Hey! He just hurt my friend! Get him!" Vern's friend pointed, shouting as he stuck his head out from the crowd's parting.
"Come on Faunus! Whose with me!" Onyx roared, throwing a clenched first above him.
Other clenched fists accommodated Onyx's as the crowd clashed into a brawl that soon spread across the courtyard.
