"Glad you could get cleaned up guys," Yang said as the cameras started rolling. "You're going to want to look your best since the next game involves a lot of self-reflection."
She put on her smile, feeling like she had most of today's filming, kinda awkward. When she had first started this job, Qrow had told her it was better to over act than under act. The cameras picked it up better and it was a high energy show to begin with. That had been weird but with no real experience, she had just gone with it and with the small spectators of mostly just her own crew, it had become fairly natural.
Now though with a whole audience filled with people watching, it was different. She couldn't slip up anymore and just redo the take. Sure, the people watching had all been warned there might be do overs but still Raven had lectured her on accidentally cursing for twenty minutes before they started. Once again, nothing technically wrong with it but a lot of families and it would make her look bad.
Not that Yang could remember cursing while filming even before an audience but now she was worried because Raven had put it in her head. Still, the lights did make it hard to see anyone properly in the crowd, and to Yang they all looked like shadow people past the second row, but hey those first two rows were intimidating.
"I feel that was directed at me," Weiss said, crossing her arms in an exaggerated manner. 'When we lived together you spent far longer making yourself up than I did."
"Hey, looking this good takes effort, what can I say?" Then she laughed. "Actually, I don't have to say anything, I'm not the one on trial today Weiss."
"She's got a point sister," Whitley said and internally, Yang groaned. "Perhaps if you listen more instead of complaining, you wouldn't be in this mess." He chuckled. "Or should I say, you wouldn't be going into the mess"
Man, Whitley really had a way of killing Yang's mood. How he was related to one her own best friends was beyond Yang... Actually, thinking about it, not that big a stretch. He was simply the worst of Weiss and far more aware of what he was doing than she had ever been. When Yang had first met Weiss, just after moving in, Weiss had offended her pretty regularly. This wasn't the usual 'brute' or 'oaf' that Yang took more as affection (now) than a means to insult.
No this was Weiss saying something completely oblivious to the connotations. Normally it had come to how much something cost. Not directly, Weiss didn't have much to her name at that point anyway but things like buying second hand were foreign concepts. Checking out the going out of date aisle in a supermarket had been abhorrent to her.
Why wouldn't you just buy it fresh?
The idea that someone people had to make do hadn't come naturally and Yang had to remind herself a lot in those days that obliviousness wasn't really a crime. And that was the thing she didn't like about Whitley. He was very much not oblivious but unfortunately Yang had a job to do and she would have to be professional. Having the host turn against one of the contestants so openly wasn't a good way to start a new season after all.
The worst part was she couldn't even just route for Weiss secretly since it was really only Winter who would face the consequences. Man, Whitley really was going to take all the fun out of seeing Weiss dunked. He really was the worst.
"Hey, I make the jokes around here," Yang said, half reproachfully. Really the best she could do. He'd probably sue if he got so much as a speck of dust on him. "But it is time to play our next game. Mirror Mirror."
"Should I be concerned that our next game is named after one of Weiss's songs," Winter asked dryly. "That seems like a bit of unfair bias."
"Winter I'm insulted. You don't believe all our games are fair?" She paused. "Though on this show yeah, it's always a good idea to be a little concerned."
She grinned and watched the screen behind the camera cut away from her and the three Schnees, and her own Chibi Avatar pop up in their place. On her mark she began to explain.
"Weiss will get a bit of a rest in this round since all she and Winter have to do is stand. Super easy right? They'll take turns standing on our runaway and one at a time, one of our custom built mirrors will be sent towards them. If they can pose to match the reflection, they fit right through."
The Chibi Yang grinned, facing down an advancing shiny mirror with a cut out silhouette of boxer punching sideways on it. With only a moment to think, her avatar quickly matched the pose and the mirror passed around her harmlessly.
"Of course, if they can make the pose in time then they'll be knocked backwards but don't worry, we got something to break your fall."
The animated scene repeated this time with Yang staring dumbfound at the advancing mirror, this time, the hole being that of someone doing a handstand. Her Chibi self-did its best but was inevitably sent flying backwards into a hole behind her, a cloud of yellow dust being sent up in its wake as the scene ended.
Back on her, Yang grinned at Winter and Weiss neither of which looked amused.
"So, during the break bother Whitley and Weiss got to pick out some lovely shapes for their opponents to fit through. We'll have three rounds, there first two worth thirty points, the last one and most difficult will be worth forty. Since Winter won the last round, she can go first and show Weiss how it's done. I guess we'll see if Weiss is right about you being too rigid, ey Win?"
"I told you not to call me that."
There was a burst of laughter from the audience at that as Winter smirked at her before taking her place at the end of a long runaway, next to a large pit filled with coloured blue and yellow dust. At the other end of the runaway was a large curtain where the backstage crew could fit mirrors onto the track without being spotted by the cameras. Stepping to the side, Yang found herself flanked by the two remaining Schnee siblings ready to watch how their elder would perform.
"Alright Winter, on the countdown, 3, 2, 1 Go!"
With a loud buzz of a klaxon, a whirring sound began to start up and from out of the curtain a large mirror began to advance towards Winter. Okay it wasn't actually a mirror. From what Ruby and told her it was a polystyrene board about half a foot thick wrapped in tinfoil, but it did the job. There also hadn't quite been as many shapes available to Weiss and Whitley as Yang had made out but from Winters face, Weiss had still picked well.
"This one is called 'The bossy boots," Yang grinned. "A little on the nose don't you think Weiss?"
"Well if the boot fits..."
Winter however didn't have time to make a reply, too occupied on the advancing wall. Sighing, Winter turned to the side, so she was now facing the audience, stepped back to be in line with the opening. She leaned forward slightly condescendingly, bent her knees, and stuck out her arm to wag her finger, as though telling off a naughty child. Just as intended.
Holding the pose, Yang could see Winter hold her breath, as the wall loomed towards her but she needn't of worried as, although it seemed to hit her slightly, it passed around her harmlessly, earning herself a cheer from the audience.
"Great job Winter, though you didn't have to scowl," Yang said.
"I didn't."
"Oh, I guess that's just your resting Schnee face then. Oh well. You grabbed yourself thirty points-" She was determined to downplay Whitley wherever possible. "-let's see if Weiss can do as well."
"I have no doubt of that," Weiss said with more confidence than she looked like she had. "How hard can it be?"
Ooft, famous last words. Still Weiss gamely headed over to her starting point next to the dust pit and waited for her mark. Another countdown and Klaxon and the runaway started up again. Her bravado vanished however when her own mirror appeared.
"That's not fair," she protested. "That's way harder."
Beside her, Yang saw Winters mouth twitch slightly in amusement.
"Well Weiss, this one's called 'The Yoga Pose," Yang called. "Just relax and you'll be fine.
"Let's see how well you can balance yourself without me," Winter said and Yang chuckled to herself. Winter was really getting into the spirit of this.
Scowling, Weiss turned to the matter at hand. Yang watched as we head tilted slightly, unsure of how to proceed before realising she didn't have time and that anything was better than nothing. She raised her left foot, turning her knee sideways and planting her sole against the other leg. She raised both hands above her head, placing the palms against each other, waiting for the wall to reach her.
That had been her mistake, raising her leg too soon. As the mirror got near, Yang watched Weiss wobble, struggling to maintain balance and as the wall was almost upon her, she wobbled, and reflexively her arms dropped a little in an effort to steady herself.
As the mirror passed it clipped the side of her elbow and Yang watched with a grimace a Weiss was spun into a pirouette, turning and practically facepalming with a squeak into the pit. Yang had thought for animation was exaggerating for effect, but Weiss really did send quite the spray of dust sideways.
Coughing, she emerged, her yellow shirt stained with blue patches and her hair no longer it's brilliant white. She looked a little dazed and Yang decided in the future this game should probably keep the helmets and pads. Still Weiss got to her feet and clambered out doing her best to brush as much of the coating off herself as she could. As she got closer, Yang couldn't help herself but laugh. Weiss must have fallen right in the middle of two piles since the right half of her face was completely blue while the other was canary yellow
"How did I do?" Weiss said dryly. "Top marks I assume."
"Not quite," Yang grinned. "Sorry Weiss. A perfect ten on the dive but no points for you this time but no points I'm afraid."
"I'm shocked." Weiss sighed before smiling. "But since I remember what the next one is, I don't think I'm out of the running yet."
Winter looked slightly nervous at that, before the cool confidence returned and she strode without comment back to the end of the runway. If anything, she was a bit too quick there, Yang could have used longer to banter until the crew gave the signal the next run was ready. As it stood, all she had was Whitley with some snide comments on Weiss's dusty looks all of which she simply ignored. The editors would be working overtime today to cut round this dysfunction and Yang was exceedingly grateful when Ruby gave her the wave.
"Alright, ready or not Winter, here it comes!"
The whirring burst into life once more and the three of them watched as Winter braced herself, unsure of what to expect. After the first round, Yang wondered if Weiss would have stuck with the theme of poetic choices and when the next wall rumbled through the curtain, she let out her laugh.
"Now this is ridiculous," Winter said rolling her eyes.
"Not feeling very pious?" Whitley asked with a smirk. "Weiss might be a bit vain these days but it certainly couldn't hurt you to be me more humble, dear sister."
Yang decided the irony of that statement would be harder to miss than the obstacle currently speeding towards the oldest Schnee.
"I'll be sure to bear that in mind," Winter said. "Please try to remember we are on the same team here."
"Oh of course... Good luck sister."
The conversation ended with that as Winter was now running out of time and to Weiss's potential fortune, the exchange seemed to have distracted her. The 'Holy Maiden' as Yang's cue card read, was already halfway down the track, solidly advancing. Quickly, Winter reacted, trying to line herself up, drop to her knees and bow her head, hands clasped together in prayer.
The pose was pretty much spot on. Her positioning, however, was not, something Winter realised a fraction too late.
As it reached her, Winter tried to adjust backwards but only succeeded in pushing her feet into its path while the foiled wall, knocked squarely into her shoulders. By design it wasn't enough force to injure her, but it solidly pushed her and almost resigned to her fate, Winter toppled sideways into the dust, her own spray not quite as spectacular as her sisters.
She emerged, with a grimace and Yang stifled her own laugh at her predicament. Weiss and Whitely however, had no such compunction and for the first time that day were united in their shared glee at their usually pristine elegant sister, currently sporting a rather unfetching blotch of yellow down the side of her face and hair.
As she joined them back on the platform, she glared, at her siblings but the effect was somewhat diminished by her appearance. Yang supposed there was a limit to how icy you could look when you were sporting polka dots.
"Unlucky Winter," Yang said. "No points that round, though you fared a little better in your fall than Weiss and you are still ahead on the scoreboard."
"She's still got one more to go," Weiss pointed out. "And this will be nothing compared to the end of the show and I intend to ensure my sister makes a splash."
"Ooo getting confident Weiss. Let's see how you're feeling after you next go."
Weiss smiled and despite still covered in the dust, she headed over to the platform. Perhaps having fallen already, she figured there was nothing to lose. Or maybe she had just hit her head last time but either way she was confident, waiting patiently for the stagehands to sweep the excess powder back into the pit and then for the signal the next round was about to start.
"Alright Weiss, 3, 2, 1 Go..." Yang paused. "Or I guess just stand?
Once more the whirring started but this time the track seemed quicker to get going. Almost immediately the wall had burst from behind the curtains and was advancing towards Weiss, who's previous confidence vanished in a gaping stare at her challenge.
"En guard Weiss," Whitley said sweetly. "I hope you're not too rusty."
"Don't worry, Weiss you got this," Yang called. "And hey, it's my job to announce the names..."
As far as Yang was aware, Weiss hadn't fenced in more than a decade and would likely complain about the lack of proper form if given the chance. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, Weiss was too occupied with her current predicament to give that particular lesson.
For a moment she seemed to flounder, unsure on how to approach and it was halfway down the track before she started to move. Turning sideways, she bent her legs, one pushed forward and the other straightened backwards. Her left arm she pointed forward and her right raised high behind her in a curve upwards.
She struck her pose, only a few moments left and Yang grimaced, seeing from her position that Weiss was slightly too far forward to fit the hole properly. Part of her wanted to say something but she also knew she probably shouldn't, even if Whitley had also seen this and was smirking insufferably.
But then at the last moment, as the wall was about to hit her, Weiss's eyes widened, and she shuffled forward. The sudden motion meant her raised arm clipped the side of the wall but despite a small wobble, when the wall passed through, Weiss was still standing and looked positively giddy.
"I did it," she cried out, raising her arms, and earning a cheer from the crowd. "I really did it..." She paused and cleared her throat. "I mean, I guess I'm not that rusty after all Whitley."
Yang laughed despite the fact being smug would likely have taken away a fair amount of good will she had just gotten from the audience. It was crappy but how it was, and Yang was just glad Whitley seemed irritated for the first time this episode.
"Yes, well. We'll see how you handle the last one won't we?"
"Speaking of," Yang interjected before things got hostile. "Winter, time for your last round, good luck."
"Of course," Winter said, striding with as much dignity as one could muster coveted in dust. Which for the eldest Schnee was a surprising amount? "I don't intend to repeat my last mistake. *
"You know it's a different shape so it's not really a repeat."
"Yes, I am aware."
"Good good. Remember this round is worth forty points but it will be a bit harder to make up for it."
See it had been Ruby who had described it as a bit harder. Yang should have known she was underplaying it. As the whirring of the track engine started up, shot from the curtains as almost double its previous speed. Winter barely had time for her face to contort in surprise before she had to move.
"This one is called the "bootcamp."
The foiled wall rushed towards Winter, who to her credit managed to compose herself rather quickly. Maybe the military background Weiss had thought would be funny to play against worked in favour for before Yang could sat stop and give me twenty, Winter was moving. In one fluid motion, she dropped to her knees before extending her form out until she was supporting herself only on her toes and outstretched arms. Pushing herself up a little above the ground, Winter held herself with what looked like relative ease as the wall passing above her.
"Wow that was meant to be the hard one," Yang said. "You know didn't have to actually do a push up right?"
"I prefer to not leave a task half done."
"Well you're all done for now. Now Weiss you're up, let's see if you can finish as strongly."
It was meant as encouragement but two minutes later when Weiss was lying in the pit spitting yellow dust out of her mouth, it probably came across as sarcastic.
Backstage Yang decided that her attempts to improve Weiss's confidence were doing more harm than good. After five minutes of trying to give her a pep talk, telling her the next game would be better and that she wasn't that far behind in points and really the dunk ramp wasn't that bad... probably she had been kicked out of the green room.
Pyrrha and Blake were with her now, Pyrrha to support her and Blake to remind her it was just a game. For now, Yang planned on going to see the backstage crew and see how they were getting on. The last game set up had sounded elaborate so she expected to be bounced back but if so, she could go hang out in the audience. It felt a little weird, but it was like Qrow said, they were half there to see her alongside the show. Besides, it might even be fun.
Unfortunately, she had chosen the path that led down by the other two green rooms and that meant she heard the shouting. Well not quite shouting or really raised voices. Just the slightly above normal noise level arguing that the Schnees had perfect like it somehow kept the illusion of civility going.
"I'm saying you're being unreasonable, and it will stop now."
"Funny Winter how you always seem to come back into my life after years and start telling me what's reasonable. As always, reasonable is just whatever you want."
There were few people who could stand up to Winters glare. Yang had seen even Weiss wilt under it before long and she thought she could almost picture it. Yet from the sounds of it, Whitley was paying it no mind at all. After a moment, Winter spoke again, a voice struggling to not rise to bait.
"And what is it that you want Whitley. To see Weiss embarrassed all while making her look like a bad sport. You realise that's precisely the opposite reason Weiss asked us to be on this show?"
"Yes, I know Weiss asked me to make herself look good and so that we can pretend the Schnees are one big happy family." Whitley scoffed. "Perhaps I simply decided that I didn't want to play that game."
"Weiss asked you-"
Once more, Whitley interrupted, and Winter bristled.
"Because she thought it would make mother happy, not that you really care about that."
"My relationship with mother is not the issue I wish to discuss."
"No, it never is."
"Whitley-"
"Are we done here Winter; I need to prepare for the next game. It's really in your best interests dear sister. It makes no difference to me if we win or lose. Though if you are so concerned, perhaps we should just throw the last game and let Weiss win." There was a smug pause. "I don't believe I've ever seen you in pink before Winter."
For a moment it sounded like, Winter would argue further but through the door she suddenly heard a huff of anger and realised whatever Winter had come to say, she had said it. Thinking it would be more than difficult to explain eaves dropping, even if she hadn't intended to, Yang quickly darted back the way she had come, hoping Winter would go the other.
Luck seemed to be on her side, as moments after she ducked around the corner, she hears the door slam open and Winters loud footsteps on the floor. Peaking around, it seemed that Winter hadn't even cleaned herself off from the last game yet, still polka-dotted with coloured dust but she must have decided to confront Whitley anyway.
Sighing, Yang waited a few more minutes to be sure they were ready before continuing on her way.
"Fun family show," she muttered as she walked before sighing once more. "We should have just stuck with the gym teachers."
"Alright we're in the home stretch now," Yang said with a grin she didn't really feel. "Soon we're going to find out who's going to end up a Slimy Schnee."
Whitley, that would be her preference. He was already a slimy git in her mind but unfortunately, she couldn't make literal and since Weiss was her friend, Yang was starting to slide against Winter. It didn't help that despite how Whitley was acting, Winter didn't seem like she was planning to not compete. Maybe it was just the big sister in her but had Yang been in Winters position, Yang liked to think she would throw it... even if that stuff did look super gross.
Yang was probably being unfair. Winter suddenly throwing the last while Weiss was behind wouldn't make her sister look all that good which was still the point of all this. After all Whitley's efforts, Weiss would just look like she chickened out at the last minute and Whitley would win anyway. Maybe Winter had a longer term plan than Yang would come up with.
"But before all that, we have one final game to play which I'm sure Weiss is looking forward to as much as the rest of you."
Yang grinned over at her friend who rolled eyes but still managed a small smile all while the audience let out a cheer. Whether it was in support of Weiss, wanting to see the final game or just wanting to cheer, Yang couldn't tell but it seemed to boost Weiss a little.
"And why would that be Yang? So far, I've been covered in freezing water and dropped in technicoloured dust. I loathe to think what you have for me in this round."
"Slime," Yang deadpanned and Weiss bristled. "But mostly you've got the promise of redemption."
"Redemption?"
"Yeah I don't know if you've noticed but you're sorta losing."
"Thank you, Yang."
"And as much as I'd love to see my best friend dumped in our gunge-
"Thank you, Yang."
"-and I really do. Like it would be really funny. "
"Yang."
"Like if I had to pick three people, it would be my Aunt Raven, you then Ruby again."
"Yang!" Weiss said in faux exasperation as though Yang hadn't actually heard her the first time. "Do you have a point to this?"
Pausing, Yang cocked her head and tapped her chin while her friend stared up expectantly. Then she grinned.
"I guess not. Well good luck Weiss. Time to play 'Mineshaft Madness'!"
Yang turned and started to make her way towards the set up course, Weiss following reluctantly but gamely behind her. Honestly, Yang thought the name of the game was in poor taste considering the family but apparently it hadn't occurred to Ruby until she pointed it out. It had made her quite pale when she put it together and had been a little annoyed that no one had let her know but by that point it had been too late to change so they would just have to hope none of the audience put it together.
Whitley and Winter were already set up for the course and to Yang's small petty delight, Whitley didn't seem thrilled by his costume choice. Of course, Weiss didn't love her custard yellow overalls and faux miners hat but small victories. Both of them had refused the beards without argument. Winter was in her third set of the What You Deserve standards and had cleaned up quite nicely. Too all the world, it was like she wasn't about to play her third set of ridiculous games in half a day.
"Oh, that's right. I remember my point now Weiss," Yang said once she'd been given the nod. "This is the last chance for your to scoop up some points and if you're lucky, win yourself an advantage going into the finale. And we know Whitley will be wanting to secure that advantage."
"Well if the last few rounds are anything to go by, that shouldn't be too difficult."
"Oh please," Weiss said. "Winter did all the work last round and it was a tie anyway."
"Hey guys, please keep it clean," Yang said. "At least for this round but in any case, Whitley you'll have to be working hard on this round, they'll be no doubt about that. And for once Winter, you'll get to sit back and relax."
"And that I doubt," Winter remarked, hands behind her back.
"I'm hurt, Win. Don't you trust me?"
"No."
"Well that's probably smart but seriously all you gotta do is sit down in that seat there-"
"The one in the Minecart?"
"Yeah and-"
"On the track that has a shower at the end of it?"
"Yeah that's the one." Yang grinned. "You'll just be sitting in there trying to direct your brother through our little maze. Oh, by the way Whitely, you'll be running a maze."
Shooting a grin at Weiss, Yang watched her friend suppress a smirk while Whitley tried not to scowl. Maybe this last game would be some fun after all. Then she remembered the rest of her script and winced internally.
"I wouldn't look too happy yet Weiss, you'll be doing the same thing as your brother."
She frowned.
"With Winter directing me? That feels a little biased."
"I assure you I could remain impartial," Winter said before smirking. "Even if you are trying to drop me into Yang's vile concoction."
"Technically my sister made it," Yang said while Weiss went a little pink. "But Weiss is right, so we got someone used to assisting Weiss to come help her out. Everyone can you please give a warm welcome to the show, Weiss's lovely assistant, Olympic bronze medallist and most importantly, Weiss's beautiful girlfriend, Pyrrha Nikos."
Of course, Weiss wasn't actually shocked to see Pyrrha. They had gone over Pyrrha's role while still setting up Weiss's appearance. It would be one of their first proper appearances together that wasn't a press release so Yang wouldn't have dropped it on them without notice. So, the fact Weiss was staring so intently at Pyrrha could only be because she was wearing shorts.
Come on Weiss, you're on TV here, keep it together.
Pyrrha must have noticed too since she came out looking somewhat self-consciousness. Then again, Yang had felt a little silly when she had worn the bright yellow t-shirt and unflattering black shorts. It was like she was back in gym Pyrrha wasn't on TV much anymore and from what Weiss had told her, she had never liked it much, even in her athletic heyday. So best to keep it simple.
"Hey Pyrrha," she said, trying to be more friendly even than she had been with Weiss. "Glad you could join us."
"I'm glad to be here..."
"Really? You don't seem so sure about that."
She laughed, rubbing her arm nervously.
"I admit it's a little more intimidating in person. I wouldn't want to let Weiss down."
"Nonsenses," Weiss waved her concerns away. "I'm sure you'll do wonderful just like you always do."
"I wouldn't worry about that either Pyrrha," Yang said. "She's not the one on the line."
Pyrrha's attempt at a shocked face probably wouldn't have fooled a toddler. Talk about over acting.
"What does that mean?"
"It means," Winter said in exasperation. "That I was right to be concerned about the showers."
"Well they aren't really showers. Showers kinda imply water."
Winter frowned. In fact none of them looked particularly thrilled by that particular revelation. Except, rather annoying, Whitley was looking smug again. In fact, he looked positively gleeful, though oddly it was Pyrrha who he seemed to be smirking at rather than Winter. Unlike Weiss, Yang doubted Whitley's thoughts were so pure... actually Weiss's thoughts probably weren't pure either just less nefarious.
"Well we should probably quit nattering and explain the game."
As she spoke, her Chibi version took to the screen, acting out her explanations for the folks at home. Funnily enough, Yang hadn't been consulted on the miners beard for her avatar.
"Weiss and Whitley, you will be crawling through our wonderfully constructed mine. Like all mines it's a bit wet and dingy but fear not, you each have a lovely operator to guide you through. Together you will try to find as many crystals as you can using their handy map. Each crystal is worth ten points but if that ain't enough for you, you can play with dynamite. Get all three and you'll get fifty points and end the round but only if you get all three. Oh, and I should warn you, it might also cause a bit of a cave in above your partner so if I were you Pyrrha and Winter, I'd keep away from them."
"I'll bear that in mind."
"Well, I did know there would be some risks..."
"Good to know all the partners are willing to risk it all. I'm sure my girlfriend would do the same for me, right Blake..." She grinned dumbly as though actually expecting a reply. After a few moments and a few chuckles, the audio guys would no doubt boost, she frowned. "Blake?"
"And I thought it was just the contestants who were meant to be embarrassed on your show Yang," Weiss quipped.
"Hey, I'm sure she just can't hear me, but you make a great point Weiss. Take your positions and lets started."
It didn't take long, though both Pyrrha and Winter were a little apprehensive as they took their seats with screens sticking out in front to show where Whitley and Weiss were in relation to the crystals. Both had been talked through all the effects that might occur during the game and how all their equipment worked. While the torch on Weiss and Whitley's miners helmets was just a prop, both sets did hide headphones that connected back to their partners.
Yang quickly made her way up to her control panel. A control panel in the sense Ruby called it that. Really all it was several screens giving her different views of what was happening in the mines. Winter and Pyrrha had similar smaller screens that would hopefully stay out of the splash zone should it come to it.
"Miners Ready?" She shouted.
Both Weiss and Whitley gave her a look through the cameras. With all the gear they were wearing the only way to tell them apart was the colour of their gear. Both of them looked decidedly nonplussed.
"Navigators ready?"
Those two looked slightly happier though their job was easier Yang supposed.
"I am," Winter said.
"Ready when you are," Pyrrha said, sounding more confident than she looked.
"Go!"
Despite their understandable reluctance, both Weiss and Whitley practically shot into the tunnels like a couple of rabbits. Out of site, Yang had to resort to her screens to see and hoped the love audience were getting a good view from whatever screens where set up. Judging by the cheering, it couldn't be too bad.
The maze itself wasn't huge. There was only so much you could fit in the studio after all. The challenge more came from the low ceilings meaning both siblings had to crawl their way through. There's had been a little worry that the maze designed for kids and teenagers wouldn't fit two adults very well, but the Schnees short genes seemed to work in their favour.
In fact, Weiss had already stopped to pull a bag containing her first crystal from the roof. Tucking it in her bag attached to her waist, she pressed on. Despite herself, Yang found herself mostly following her friend, her words of encouragement vague enough to not be construed as favouritism but in her mind, were into for Weiss.
"That's your third crys-" oh wait no Weiss has gotten her first dynamite!"
Looking up, Yang watched as the back of Pyrrha's chair lit up, mimicking a fuse as sparks flew up. Pyrrha seemed to jump at the sudden sound before covering her mouth in nervous laughter. With the end of the brief burst of pyrotechnics, her chair rolled halfway down the track.
Resisting her own laugh, Yang grinned and tried to give Winter and Whitley a fair showing.
"Weiss has had a good start but looks like Whitley has reached his first crystal. Oh, it's another dynamite."
Unlike Pyrrha, Winter didn't flinch at the sparks and in fact looked almost smug, her arms folded casually as she was pulled backwards towards the tank.
"Two sets of dynamite found but remember it's not with anything unless you get all three."
A fact Pyrrha seemed to remember as she directed Weiss clearly through a route that netted her three more crystals before they found the next dynamite.
"And that's dynamite two for the yellow team. Times half gone and I'm starting to think Pyrrha wants to get slimed."
"Really?" Weiss said through the screens. She sounded breathless from the crawling. "I thought we agreed to focus on just the small points?'
Pyrrha shrugged as the second set of sparks ended. A gesture unseen by Weiss but somehow the message must have been conveyed as Pyrrha then answered slightly more sheepishly.
"It's just a little hard to see all these symbols, I guess. Still if you're winning Weiss..."
And Weiss certainly was that. This game in particular relied on cooperation with the one in the maze unlikely to find much on their own. It wasn't like it was huge, but it was dark with sudden flashing lights that made crawling around disorienting. Without guidance it was pretty hopeless, but normally it was in the pairs interests to help each other out.
It seemed however that Winter didn't seem to agree with that assessment. Yang giggled as she watched Whitley complete a section of tunnels for the second time as Winter directed him in a figure eight, a slight smirk pulling at her lips. Occasionally he would run into some crystals of his own, but he likely wouldn't be pleased to know he had only gotten thirty compared to Weiss's seventy. Oh, make that eighty.
"Really Pyrrha," Yang heard Weiss say in her ear. "There's no point you getting slimed anyway. I'm too far behind in points for it to make -" Weiss stopped talking and Yang could see she had just grabbed the next crystal only to find the third dynamite in its place. "Well that's just great."
A large bell sounded and Pyrrha gave a slight squeak as her chair was pulled backwards for the final time, locking in place with a gush of smoke right underneath the tank. She laughed nervously bracing herself and gripping her seat, eyes but nothing happened. She frowned, rubbing her arm before tentatively looking up at precisely the wrong time.
A torrent of yellow slime released down on her and Pyrrha let out a cry of surprise before she vanished from Yang's sight. Yang winced, knowing from her own show experience that stuff was likely cold but as her friend came back into view, she couldn't help but laugh. The slime was translucent but still tinted Pyrrha's normally vivid red hair a mustard hue. Her clothes were likely soaked through and while Pyrrha had a smile on her face, from the way she held herself, Yang guessed she had been right about the temperature.
Soon both siblings had emerged, rather bedraggled from the mines. Whitley in particular, Yang noted smugly was looking a little worse for wear. He didn't look like the most physically fit and the crawling around seemed to have worn him out. Still he seemed to smirk a little more than usual when he noticed the state Pyrrha was in and Weiss just shook her head in annoyance. She had a look of half annoyance and half amusement that Yang normally elicited from her
"That was so not the plan."
"I'm sorry," Pyrrha said with a giggle. "But you are always telling me I should stand up for myself more."
"Only you could call this asserting yourself. " Weiss shook her head but smiled. "You're not getting a hug you know."
"I'll remember that if you lose."
"Hey!"
"Fairs fair." Pyrrha laughed before pushing her hands up her face and slicking her hair back to try and clear some slime. A bit futile really considering the tank was still releasing a slow trickle on top her. "You really better win now dear."
"Well then," Yang said once they had started rolling again. "That was certainly an explosive last game for the day."
Her joke was off script and earned her a groan from Weiss. Obviously, that just made Yang grin harder at her. The two of them were standing on side of Pyrrha's tank, Winter and Whitley on the other. Pyrrha herself was centre shot, in all her slimy yellow majesty. Poor girl couldn't even get cleaned up till they finished filming this segment. To avoid making her stew in goo longer than necessary, Yang decided to be make this brief.
"Let's start with Whitley then. Winter managed to navigate you to find four crystals. You got a dynamite too but unfortunately that's only worth points if you get all three."
"Judging by Pyrrha predicament, I have to say I'm happy with that," Winter said
"Well if you lose the final showdown, you might think differently," Yang said with a shrug. "One point could be all you need to get a dunking. A small blue shower might seem tame by comparison."
"I doubt that," Whitley said. "Weiss was quite far behind after all. I think Pyrrha dear is likely just giving us a small look at her girlfriends future." He smiled sweetly at Pyrrha. "Perhaps yellow is a fitting hair colour for you, if you're making these types of decisions."
Yang had been on the receiving end of enough dumb blonde jokes to pick up on the implication. She gritted her teeth wishing for the first time ever that Pyrrha was a meaner person who would hit back to something like that. Instead she just smiled back, matching his faux sweetness.
"I do hear they have more fun. Isn't that right Yang?"
"Well I'm having fun. Also helps I can count I guess, unlike some people." A low blow but worth it as Whitley shot her a look. "How are you feeling after your gold rush then Pyrrha?"
"I'm starting to think it's overrated. Perhaps next time I should stay with bronze."
"I don't know. You are the first Olympian to literally wear gold now. If you prefer, we can get some bronze and redo it?"
"What was that about counting?" Whitley interrupted and Yang grinned.
"Right Weiss's scores. You managed to get eighty points worth of crystals and the fifty point dynamite bonus. That's a whopping one hundred and thirty points which puts your final score at two hundred and twenty points." Yang grinned watching Whitley scowl as he realised what that meant. Winter too, seemed to have gotten a little paler. "So, adding forty points to the blue teams previous points gives them a total of two hundred and ten points. I don't know how you did it Weiss, but you just won yourself the advantage going into the final showdown."
Weiss's jaw had dropped, and she blinked, staring from Yang to Pyrrha and then back to Yang.
"I won?"