A bit overdue but not too shabby if I say so myself. Hope you enjoy, leave a review if you spot any mistakes or know ways to better the writing. Thank You.


Yang peered out the window of the airship as it flew over Vale on its way to Patch. Ruby sat a few rows in front of her quietly listening to music, her head bobbing to the beat of whatever she was listening to. The weight of the guilt that had built in her stomach since Ruby told her what happened has slowly grown. Even now she felt nauseous thinking about it, but how could she not?

What was dad going to say when they got home? Was he going to be furious with her? Yang could feel her heart begin to race as everything that could go wrong flashed through her mind. Standing up, she headed to the small washroom aboard the ship. Inside she turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on her face. Looking in the small mirror she saw that her face was paler than normal. Beads of sweat lined her forehead as her breath came out ridgid. Feeling the pit in her stomach grow as thoughts of home kept creeping into her mind her stomach lurched.

Rushing over to the toilet Yang vomited as she became light headed. Leaning on her arm she tried to focus her mind. Clearing her thoughts she slowed her breathing and stood up. Walking back to the sink once more she rinsed her mouth out and drank some water. Wiping her face once more she patted her cheeks before exiting the restroom. Looking back down the aisle she noted that Ruby had not moved at all during their flight. Choosing to stay quiet instead as they awaited their arrival. Sitting back down in her seat she closed her eyes as her head leaned back.

"Ladies, we will be landing shortly, please make sure you are strapped in," the pilot said over the intercom as the ship started to angle downwards. Peering out the window one last time Yang saw the trees and forests of the small island. A few tall buildings near its middle was the main city. Her family had a house just south of there just on the edge of the woods.

The landing pad was soon visible as she felt the airship slow its speed before the wheels touched the ground. The bird let off a loud hissing noise as the brakes released air. Unbuckling herself, Yang stood up and went to the back of the ship. Grabbing her bag and Ruby's she turned back towards the door. Ruby had stopped and looked at her before exiting the ship. Yang felt the pit forming again as she slowly made her way to the door.

Ruby was already halfway down the landing pad heading towards the parking lot. Yang started to run to catch up but stopped herself. She didn't deserve to walk next to her sister let alone ride in the car with her. She was surprised she rode on the airship with her at all. Nearing the parking lot she looked up from the ground in front of her. Just on the other side sat a beat up old pickup truck. A tall blonde man with striking blue eyes stood leaning against its hood. Ruby had taken off at a sprint towards the man in question. Leaping into his arms as he hugged her and spun around with a smile on his face. Of course he wouldn't be mad at her, but herself?

Yang felt a shiver go down her spine as she slowly approached the vehicle. Ruby looked at her sister and narrowed her eyes. Yang briefly met them before looking down at the ground again. Feeling a hand on her shoulder she glanced upwards at the soft blue eyes of her dad. "Hey there sport."

Her dads words fell softly from his mouth as he smiled at her. No hint of anger or resentment in his eyes. Yang opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She could feel the tears brimming as she leaned her head against her dad's chest. Short quiet sobs escaped her lips as she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her. His large hands rubbed circles on her back as they stood silently for a moment.

"Come on...let's go home." He whispered gently into her ear as she felt herself calming down. Wiping her eyes Yang nodded and placed her and her sister's bag into the back of the truck. Ruby opened the front passenger door and hopped in closing the door quickly behind her. Yang climbed into the back and buckled herself in as she waited for her dad to start the truck.

As the engine roared to life and she felt the metal body of the vehicle start to move she yet again trained her sights out the window. Soon the buildings were replaced by fields of grass and trees. White clouds dotted the sky as the sun shone brightly on the small island. Memories of her and Ruby came creeping back into her head. As they passed a small dirt road Yang couldn't help but smile. Just down that way was where Ruby first discovered her semblance. She and Yang were playing tag down by the creek. She was just about to touch Ruby when her sister noticed her and started to run. Soon there was a flurry of rose petals and Ruby was nowhere to be seen.

Yang at first thought it was great that her little sister discovered her semblance but soon it started getting dark and there was no sign of her. Panicking she began running around calling for her. She must have run miles around in the forest looking for Ruby. Soon though she heard the small cries of her little sister and ran to her. She found Ruby sitting on a stump in a small clearing with tears running down her face. As soon as she saw Yang she ran to her and didn't let go. Yang carried Ruby back to the house and to her room where she helped clean her up.

Those were tough times as well. Tai had pretty much shut down after the news of Summer's death. Ruby didn't really understand what was going on except that her mom had not come home yet. Yang was the one who had stepped up to the plate as the caretaker of the house. She made sure Ruby was always fed and ready for school while doing the same for herself. Occasionally Tai would make them food, but it was like he didn't even try anymore. Yang always found herself throwing out Tai's cooking and making them all a meal before doing her homework and helping Ruby with hers. At night Ruby would sleep with Yang instead of her own room. She could still remember the sounds of Ruby calling for her mom in her sleep.

Soon the truck rolled to a stop in front of an old wooden cabin that sat just off the edge of the woods. The faded blue paint gave it a rustic homey feel as the green grass made it pop out. A small bed of flowers sat on either side of the front door. Both had a various assortment of flowers embedded in them. Ruby hopped out of the truck and grabbed her bag from the back bed. Yang followed slowly behind her hesitating as she neared her sister by the door. Rocking side to side slightly she slowed her breathing down. Peering over at Ruby she decided now is as good a time as ever. "So how does it feel to be home again?"

Not bothering to look over at Yang, Ruby, kept her eyesight on her scroll. "Would be better if I wasn't suspended." With that she walked inside as their dad unlocked the door.

The house had not changed since they were little as the pair walked inside. The old couch sat against the wall of the living room. Zwei was curled up in his little bed in between the TV and the fireplace. He picked his head up and looked at the girls before going back to sleep. The stairs creaked underneath their feet as Ruby and Yang headed to their old room. Walking in a small breeze blew in through the window bringing in some fresh air. Two beds were on opposite walls of the room with a dresser in between the two. Ruby had used the dresser for her clothes while Yang had the closet. Looking around the room Yang couldn't help the guilty feeling that gnawed away at her. "Guess we should unpack."

"You unpack here I am taking the guest room." Ruby told Yang as she turned around. As she was about to walk out she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. Glaring back at her sister she felt her heart lurch in her chest. Her sisters once bright lavender eyes were dull. The fiery passion she once had seemed to have been doused. She soon noticed her sister seemed to be waiting for a response. "What did you say?"

"I said you can have this room. I will take the guest bed." Yang dropped Ruby's stuff off on her bed before turning around and walking out. The door to the other bedroom could be heard opening then closing. Ruby made her way over to her bed and sat down. She was angry-..or at least she thought she was. Yang had screwed up big, and both of them took the hit for it. She should still be furious with her sister, but the look in Yang's eyes, the lifelessness behind them, how can she?

A knock on the door grabbed her attention as she looked to her visitor. Tai stood in the doorway with a solemn look on his face. "So, mind telling me what happened?"


Yang flopped on the old bed that sat in the middle of the guest bedroom. A small amount of dust coming off the old covers as she waved her hand around clearing the air. Rolling onto her back she stared at the ceiling as she heard Ruby's and Tai's voices mumbling through the door. Sighing she pulled out her scroll and checked the time. An unanswered message caught her eye however as she opened her device.

Yang?

If you can read this I want to let you know that I am sorry for everything, sorry for not doing more. If I had known this is how it would have ended up I would have done more. I don't have much time left. If I am caught messaging you in could mean the end of my school career as well. I found out about a loophole though since only faculty and family can message you. Everyday at 6pm sharp the scroll service for your phone will erase messages to make way for new ones. I will message you again in a few days time, but in the meantime don't lose hope. People are still rooting for you here.

-I.Q

"I.Q huh?" Yang chuckled to herself as she locked her scroll. She really needed to teach her friends about coming up with better secret identities. In the meantime though she might as well unpack. Grabbing her back she unzipped it and started to pull out her clothes and separate them. As she neared the bottom of her bag she noticed something sticking out of one of the interior pockets. Setting down a shirt she was holding she pulled out the small piece of paper and flipped it over. Staring back at her was a picture of Ruby and herself taken by their dad the morning they left for Beacon. Ruby was smiling shyly while Yang had her pulled into a hug with the proudest smile she could muster. After all Ruby was skipping two years ahead and would be attending school with her big sister.

A teardrop soon found its way to the picture as Yang wiped away at her eyes. A sniffle followed as she composed herself, patting down her outfit she readied herself to walk outside. Walking towards the bedroom door she listened to see if Tai and Ruby were still talking. Upon hearing no voices she slowly opened the door and peeked out. The upstairs hallway was empty, Ruby's door was closed as well. She could hear the clanking of dishes downstairs in the kitchen. Cautiously Yang made her way down to the first floor. Entering the living room again she spotted her dad moving about the kitchen getting dinner ready.

"Dinner will be ready shortly." Tai said as he heard a chair pull out at the table. "I sent Ruby to go grab some things I missed from the store."

"Oh..ok." Yang mumbled as she clasped her hands together and twiddled her thumbs. "So..how have things been here?"

Stirring a pot on the stove Tai raised the spoon to his mouth and tasted the contents. Humming to himself he looked over his shoulder to Yang. "Things have been alright, but that is not what's on your mind now is it?"

"Straight to the point like always huh dad." she chuckled to herself as she felt the air densen around her. What will he tell her? That she is as dangerous as the other adults say she is. That she doesn't belong at Beacon Academy.

Smirking he set down the spoon and put the lid on the pot. "You know how I am. Now while that simmers and we wait for Ruby how bout we have a chat."

Yang could feel her heart starting to race more and more. His eyes were calm but her fear was messing with her mind. Every breath felt like daggers in her stomach as she watched her dad. Slowly he sat down across from her at the table and clasped his hands. He sat quietly for a moment going over in his head what to say. "I'm..not angry Yang. I am just disappointed that it happened. I thought you had control over your anger by now."

Each word was a punch to her gut as the weight of guilt returned. She would rather him just be angry with her. Then at least she knows it would pass with time, but disappointment. That lasted for a while no matter what you did. Yang took in a deep breath and released it. "...oh."

Tai felt his face drop as he looked at his daughter. Everything that made her Yang was gone, from her smile to her exuberance. Reaching across the table he grabbed one of her hands and squeezed it. "I know you are not a violent person Yang."

Yang scoffed at his remark, "Well you are the first one to tell me that."

"Ruby told me she tried to stand up for you in Ozpin's office." sitting back in his chair Tai just stared at Yang. She had begun to shift around in her seat as their conversation continued. "She put her own career on the line to try and help you."

"Well I didn't ask her to do it," Yang snapped. "I know how much she wants to be a huntress. I don't want to be the reason she can't be."

"It doesn't matter much now though since what's done is done." Tai raised his voice some in recountance to Yang. "Ruby still cares about you Yang."

"Well she has a funny way of showing it!" She finally yelled standing up. "They all have a fucking hilarious way of showing it!"

"I will not tolerate that language in this house especially about your sister!" Tai snapped back standing up as well. "She took a huge risk doing what she did yet you want to act like it doesn't matter! Well guess what it does!"

"I don't care if it does or does not matter!" Yang sobbed as tears started to pour down her face. "ALL I WANTED WAS FOR SOMEONE TO TELL ME I'M NOT A MONSTER!"

Tai felt his breath hitch in his chest as he looked at Yang. Her face was red as tears poured down her cheek. Her breath was shaky as was her body standing there looking back at him, begging and pleading for him to comfort her. "Yang I…"

"They all looked at me like I was a murderer-.." She quietly interrupted him. "..even my own sister."

Before Tai could respond Yang trudged back up stairs towards the guest bedroom. "I'm not hungry tonight."

Soon he could hear a door close as the house creaked in response. Sitting back down at the table Tai laid his head in his hands. The sound of a door knob turning caught his attention as he peeked over his shoulder. Standing in the doorway to the front of the house was Ruby. She had a look of shock, horror, anger and a mix of other emotions on her face. One emotion stood out above the rest though.

Getting up from the table Tai stood there cautiously waiting to see what she was going to do. Quietly he asked her. "How much did you hear?"

The sound of bags hitting the ground echoed in the house as Ruby ran and hugged her dad. His shirt soaking up the teardrops that fell on it. He could feel Ruby's soft sobs as she clung to his shirt. All he could do was pat her back and whisper comforting words to her as she let it out.

"Everything is going to be alright" He whispered to his youngest as he rubbed circles on her back. "Things will get better I promise you that."

"How will things get better?" Ruby questioned him as she stepped back and rubbed her eyes. "Yang believes that I think she is a murderer."

"It's a hard situation for both of you right now." leaning against the table Tai ran his fingers through his hair. "Yang is looking for comfort, you are looking for answers. What neither of you are doing is being there for each other."

"Well it isn't like she offered." Ruby mumbled as she took off her shoes.

"From what it sounds like you didn't help from the start." Tai said over his shoulder as he stepped back over to the stove to check on his food.

"I tried to fight for her in Ozpin's office!" Ruby quipped back at her dad."I tried to help, but-"

"You were angry with her from the start so don't lie to me." Tai almost growled at her. "I'm not an idiot. I saw how you were acting with her when you arrived. I heard what happened upstairs when you got home. Through all this did you ever stop and try to think about what she is going through, both physically and mentally?"

By now Ruby was standing still in a state of shock. Her father had never raised his voice at her like he just did. "While everyone was thinking about themselves Yang was by herself on this!"

"That isn't true Weiss was helping her!" Ruby yelled out shakely.

"Oh that's much better." Tai sarcastically laughed. "Someone who isn't even related to her had more sense than you!"

"That's a low blow and you know it!" Ruby started to feel herself get defensive. She felt herself shaking and leaning against the wall for support. "I wanted to be there for her."

"But you were too wrapped up in your anger to do so." Tai scoffed, "too wrapped up to even see that she thinks of herself as a monster."

"But she isn't a monster!" tears started to fall down her cheeks as she slid to the floor. "She isn't a monster."

"Well did you ever tell her that?" Tai finally said quietly as he looked at the broken look of his daughter on the floor. He hated seeing her like this but dammit she can be stubborn. "Things won't get better until you two talk."

"How...how can I look her in the eyes." Ruby's voice was quiet almost hollow sounding. "I burned the bridge down and I don't know what to do."

"It's going to take work..a lot of work, from both of you." walking over Tai sat down next to Ruby and hugged her. "What matters most though is who will be the first person to lay the foundation."

Ruby nodded quietly as Tai got up off the floor. "Well I still need to finish fixing supper."

Standing up herself Ruby dusted off her skirt and shirt before wiping her face. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it. Turning she looked at the stairs that lead to her room and the guest room where Yang was. Slowly she started in their direction.


Yang covered her ears with a pillow as she heard Ruby and her dad begin to yell at each other. She closed her eyes and forced herself to picture a time when the house was quiet. Summer would be baking a fresh batch of cookies and Ruby and her would be reading a book on her bed. Summer would call for them and they would run downstairs to a fresh batch of their mothers famous cookies. Soon after that they would go outside and help her in the garden for a few hours. Ruby always found a way to get dirtier than what the work she did required.

A knock on her door caused Yang to jump up from her bed. She pondered for a moment before crossing the room. Reaching the door she leaned her head on it. "Yeah?"

Not hearing a response Yang sighed and proceeded to unlock the door and open it. Lavender eyes met Silver and she felt her breath catch in her throat. "Oh..Ruby..I uh-.."

Ruby put her hand up in front of Yang who stopped talking. The two of them stood there quietly for a moment when Ruby finally spoke up just above a whisper. "Yang..can we talk?"