Topaz and Neo are walking around the deck of the ship, taking in the salty ocean air enjoying how peaceful it is. Topaz hears footsteps approaching them from behind so he turns and puts a protective arm in front of Neo. Facing the person approaching them, Topaz sees an older gentleman wearing a captain's outfit. Topaz relaxes and gives the gentleman a smile.
Topaz: "Captain Ahab?"
Ahab: "That's the name kid, do I know you?"
Topaz: "Actually we met around thirteen years ago. You took me to Summer and Tai's house."
Ahab: "As I live and breathe, how have you been kid? Actually, I don't think I ever got your name back then."
Topaz: "My name is Topaz sir, and I'm doing well."
Ahab: "I'm glad to hear you doing well. May I ask what you are doing heading back towards Menagerie?"
Topaz: "I got my memories back recently and decided to go and visit my family. And after everything that has happened Neo here wasn't comfortable with me going alone, so she's tagging along."
Ahab: "Pleasure to make your acquaintance little lady. You two be careful out there. Menagerie's deserts are no joke."
Topaz: "I know, we plan on being as cautious as possible."
Ahab: "Good, good. I'll leave you two to enjoy the rest of your journey. It was good to see you again kid."
Topaz: "You too old man."
Topaz and Neo spend the rest of the trip enjoying each other's company. They relaxed in the sun and watched the waves go by. They soon found themselves at the bow of the ship watching Menagerie getting closer and closer. Stopping completely at the docks, Topaz and Neo walk out into the crowded paradise that is Kuo Kuana. Walking through the marketplace that line the docks, Topaz looks around in fascination at the many different types of homemade wares that are being sold. Topaz notices Neo looking at a necklace that is being sold by a wolf faunus with gray hair and ears to match. Making his way over, Topaz purchases the necklace and puts it around Neo's neck.
Topaz: "There we go, a beautiful necklace for a beautiful girl."
Neo blushes at his compliment and gives Topaz a kiss on the cheek. Typing on her scroll quickly she sends Topaz a message.
{Thank you so much Topaz. You didn't have to do that.}
Topaz: "It doesn't matter if I had to do it or not, I just like seeing you smile Neo. Just consider it a thank you for coming along with me. I'm actually rather nervous to see my family to be honest with you."
{Don't worry Topaz. I'm sure they will be thrilled to see you.}
Topaz: "Thanks Neo. I needed to hear that."
{Anytime Topaz, all you have to do is talk to Ariel or me, and we will do what we can to help.}
Topaz: "I love you Neo, thank you truly."
{I love you too Topaz.}
Making their way to the edge of Kuo Kuana, Topaz and Neo stare out into an open expanse that is the desert. They both prepare to head out but are stopped by a large man with black hair. He wears an open purple coat with white fur trimming.
????: "Excuse me you two. I apologize but I would advise that you refrain from entering the desert. It is not a safe place to be, the grimm there have developed to become ambush predators. There are select paths that have been made to ensure a safe journey, but even then, it's not guaranteed."
Topaz: "I thank you for the warning sir. Do you know if there is one of those paths to the Nemea tribe? Oh, and I am Topaz by the way, and this is my girlfriend Neo."
????: "Forgive me, my name is Ghira Belladonna. And you said the Nemea tribe? I believe they have their trader visiting later today. I don't think I have seen either of you around here before, are you visiting?"
Topaz: "Technically yes and no. I was born in the Nemea tribe but due to certain circumstances, I was forced to leave and have been in Vale since."
Ghira: "I see. As chieftain of Menagerie I welcome you both. Please follow me to my home while you wait for the trader to stop in later today. My wife will be thrilled to have children the same age as our daughter to take care of."
Topaz: "You said your name was Ghira Belladonna, correct sir?"
Ghira: "Yes, why do you ask?"
Topaz: "Would you happen to be related to a Blake Belladonna?"
Ghira: "You know Blake?! Is she alright?"
Topaz: "She must be your daughter with that reaction."
Ghira: "Yes, she is my daughter. It's been a long time since we last saw her. My wife and I have been so worried after hearing what happened to Beacon."
Topaz: *Sigh* "That's a night I think everyone involved wants to forget. Too many good people hurt or lost."
Ghira: "Were you there?"
Topaz: "I was sir. I wish I was stronger and faster to have been able to help more people there. Ow, what was that for Neo?"
{You said you would stop beating yourself up over it Topaz.}
Topaz: "I'm sorry Neo. It's not that simple though."
Ghira: "I apologize if I brought up some bad memories Topaz."
Topaz: "It's alright. I just saw too many friends get hurt."
Ghira: "I understand. I hope you are able to overcome those memories and use them to grow stronger."
Topaz: "Thank you sir."
Ghira: "Don't worry about it. Now please follow me."
Topaz and Neo follow Ghira through Kuo Kuana and eventually arrive at a very large building. Ghira walks forward and pushes the large door open. He walks in and calls out a name.
Ghira: "Kali, I'm back and we have guests!"
Topaz hears small footsteps quickly make their way into the entryway. A small woman enters the entryway and gives Ghira a quick hug, before turning to face Topaz and Neo.
Kali: "Welcome, I'm Kali Belladonna."
Topaz: "Pleased to meet you Mrs. Belladonna, it's easy to see the resemblance between you and Blake. My name is Topaz and this is my girlfriend Neo."
Kalli: "You know Blake? Is she ok?"
Topaz: "She was a classmate of mine at Beacon and she was on my adoptive sisters' team."
Kali: "Was she close with her team?"
Topaz: "Yes, from what I could tell they were the best of friends."
Kali: "Good."
Topaz and Neo spend the rest of the afternoon with the Belladonna family. Kali and Ghira asked a lot of questions about Blake and her wellbeing. Topaz was preparing to leave when there was a loud knock on the door. Kali gets up to see who it is, and after a while of silence, Ghira follows after asking who it is. Topaz and Neo stood up and followed into the entryway to see Ghira hugging Blake while Sun stands a little behind them.
Topaz: "Blake!"
Blake jumps away from her father at the familiar voice.
Blake: "Topaz? What are you doing here?"
Topaz: "I learned that I'm from a tribe of lion faunus that are out in the desert here in Menagerie. I came to see my family for the first time in thirteen years, and happened to meet your father who invited us here while we wait for one of the tribe's traders. You know Ruby and Yang miss you right?"
Blake: "Why would they miss me? I cause nothing but trouble for them."
Topaz: "You know, for how good you were with your studies, you're rather dumb when it comes to friends."
Blake: "Hey!"
Topaz: "Blake, Yang and Ruby don't care about the trouble. They care about you and your well-being."
Blake: "But everyone I care about ends up getting hurt because of me."
Topaz: "So? I can't speak for them, but I'm pretty sure they share the same mindset, but for me, when it comes to the people I care about, I'm willing to put my life on the line to protect them."
Neo walks towards Blake and gives her a small hug, then shows her, her scroll.
{He's not kidding. He didn't even know me at the time, but the night we met he faced off against three ex-huntsman who were about to violate me. He didn't hesitate for a moment.}
Blake: "Is that true Topaz?"
Topaz: "Yep, I was kidnapped a few years ago because the people going for me had Yang captive. Even if it cost me my life, I didn't care. I just wanted my family to be safe."
Blake: "I hope they share that mindset. But for now, I just want to take things slow and be with my family."
Topaz: "Thats perfectly fine. I'm doing the same thing. I'm sure the rest of your team will be waiting for you with open arms. Yang might take a little while though. She's struggling with the fact of her losing her arm. And no, she doesn't blame you for that, she blames the one attacking you."
Blake: "Thank you Topaz."
Topaz: "Don't mention it, it's what friends do. Neo and I will get out of your guys' hair so you can enjoy your family time. It was great to meet you both Kali and Ghira, and it was good to see you again Blake and Sun."
Ghira: "Yes, it was a pleasure to meet you Topaz. We hope to see you again shortly."
Topaz and Neo wave goodbye and begin making their way back towards the market. Arriving at the market, they see a new stall set up at the edge closest to the desert. The gentleman running the booth looks familiar to Topaz, and Topaz realizes that it is the same man who brought him to Captain Ahab when he was younger. Topaz leads Neo over to him and greets him.