A/N: Another day, another chapter. Thank you all for your continuous support, it means a lot. Enjoy the chapter and have a great day.
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Ghira: "Not that I am complaining, but what brings you all here?"
Topaz: "Oh right, sorry. I wanted to stop by and let Blake know that my family and I will be returning to Vale."
Blake: "You're leaving?"
Topaz: "Yeah, mom wants to see her sister and I want to make sure Yang and Ruby don't do anything dumb before everyone gathers up again."
Blake: "Well good luck with that. Don't tell them that you saw me please, I don't want to hurt them anymore."
Topaz: "Blake, no one blames you for what happened. Yang is a little angry with you, but that's only for you leaving without saying anything. Ruby isn't mad, just worried like she always is. They just want to see you happy."
Blake: "But after everything that happened, how can they not blame me? Yang lost her arm trying to protect me."
Topaz: "Yes, Yang got hurt. But to her, the pain of losing a limb doesn't hurt as much as losing a friend who's support she relies on. Take your time here, but know that as soon as you allow yourself to open up, they will be waiting."
Blake: *sigh* "Thanks Topaz, I'll keep that in mind. Be safe out there."
Topaz: "I will Blake, you do the same. I'll see you when you're ready."
Alex: "Hey Topaz, it's about time for to board the ship."
Topaz: "Thanks dad. As I said Blake, see you soon and take care of yourself."
Giving Blake a quick hug, Topaz turns and faces his family. Saying their goodbyes to the Belladonna family, they made their way out of the house and began working their way towards the docks. Seeing the ship they will be boarding, Topaz smiles as he sees the recognizable old man running around the upper deck, making sure everything looks good to go for their next voyage. Making their way over to the ship, Topaz calls for the captain.
Topaz: "Hey Captain Ahab, how's it going old man."
Ahab: "Topaz? It's good to see you again kid, ah and you as well miss Neo. Hope he's been good to you."
Neo nods her head with a smile before giving Topaz a hug to show he's been good to her.
Ahab: "Good, you keep taking care of her kid. Now, who is the rest of your large group here?"
Topaz: "Captain Ahab, I would like for you to meet my family. Mom and Dad, this is Captain Ahab. He's been the captain for all of my trips so far."
Ahab: "It's a pleasure to meet the parents of Topaz. I'm very glad to see that your reunion went well and you are all together again."
Alex: "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Captain. Thank you for taking care of my son while he was aboard your ship."
Sara: "I hope he didn't give you any trouble while under your care captain."
Ahab: "Oh none at all. The first time around he slept the entire voyage, and the second time through he spent the entire trip relaxing with Neo there. From what I've seen he is a great kid."
Sara: "Good, I'm glad to hear that."
Topaz makes his way away from his parents and the captain and stands at the rail, looking out at the open ocean once again. Neo walks up next to him and lays her head lightly on his shoulder. Topaz smiles and kisses the top of her head.
Topaz: "Time to head back and see the others again Neo. You ready?"
Neo turns to look Topaz in the eyes, determination evident in her eyes. She gives him a short nod and them smiles.
Topaz: "Good, because we have a long road ahead of us. I'm planning on going to Mistral at some point to get Ariel so we can all be together again."
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After another long journey over the ocean, Topaz and his family can see the coastline of the island of Patch. Making their way to the side of the ship to prepare to make landfall, Topaz watches as his mother bounces in place.
Topaz: "A little excited there mom?"
Sara: "You hush, of course I am excited. I finally get to see my sister after so many years."
Haley: "Momma, what is your sister like?"
Sara: "Well, for starters, she looks a lot like me, but with darker hair. She has a big heart and always goes out of her way to help those that need it. Topaz can probably say more about her than I can. It's been too long since I last saw her."
Topaz: "Well, she is still very similar to what mom said. The one thing she didn't say is that she is scary when she is mad."
Sara: "How did you possibly make her angry?"
Topaz: "I didn't, Tai did."
Sara: "Tai Xiao Long?"
Topaz: "Yeah."
Sara: "I thought he and Raven were together, did something happen?"
Topaz: "I don't know to be honest. That conversation was always taboo when I was there The only thing I know for sure is that Tai and Raven had a daughter, and now Tai is together with Summer with a daughter themselves."
Sara: *sigh* "As long as she is happy I don't care."
Feeling the boat come to a complete stop on the docks, Topaz leads his family through the docks, waving to the people he recognizes. Looking around as he leads his family through the small town, Topaz is quick to realize how much everything has changed since Beacon fell. The usual lively walkway was nearly empty of any pedestrians, and the few that were walking about had a look of paranoia on their faces.
Alex: "Topaz, is it normal for everyone to look so paranoid?"
Topaz: "No, it's not. This just shows how much Beacon falling affected everyone."
Alex: "I see. I hope something or someone comes that gives them the hope they need to live peacefully again."
Sara: "Give them time. The attack is still fresh on their minds, and will be for years to come."
Topaz: "That night will cause nightmares for a lot of people for a long time."
Emma: "What exactly happened that night?"
Topaz: *sight* "I'll tell you another time. It's something that I don't want Haley to hear."
Emma: "Is it really that bad?"
Topaz: "Honestly, it's probably worse than you're imagining."
Emma: "Worse?"
Topaz: "Probably."
Emma: "I guess we will find out when you tell me."
Topaz: "Yep, now come on everyone we have a family to see."
Making their way down a long dusty road, Topaz chats with everyone and answers any questions they have.
Sara: "You were kidnapped?!"
Topaz: "Yeah, a long time ago."
Sara: "Just how many secrets are you keeping from us young man?"
Topaz: "Nothing important that I can think of. It's been such a long time that it's kind of lost the whole effect."
Sara: "How can you be so calm about it?"
Topaz: "I mean, it was like twelve or thirteen years ago, so that helps."
Alex: "Sara dear, let it be. He's alive and with us. That's all that matters."
Sara: "Fine, you're right."
Topaz: "Thanks dad. We are almost there, so prepare yourself mom."
Sara: "Hush young man. I'm always prepared."
Topaz: "Really, why did you look so embarrassed when I pointed out that you were bouncing in place then?"
Sara: "One more word and you will find out that not only my sister is scary when angry."
Alex: "Topaz, you shut your mouth now. Trust me."
Topaz: "Fine fine. I was only kidding mom."
Continuing down the road, a familiar wooden cottage begins to come into view. In the front yard, two blondes are seen sparring. Topaz watches as Tai knocks Yang to the ground and then helps her up. Summer makes her way into the sparring area and hands the two some drinks.
Topaz: "Hey old man, didn't anyone teach you it's bad manners to knock a lady to the ground?"
At Topaz's shout, the group of three turns and sees the familiar faunus smiling and waving towards them. They then notice that he isn't alone.
Summer: "Sara!?"