Arthur Note: Did anyone else hear Blake's trailer music, From Shadows, in that last fight she did with Adam last chapter? I kind of did. On a music binge for them currently. Can't help myself. Enjoy story time!
Yang bit back a groan at the adult who stood in front of the group of five teens. They were gathered outside a wide single floored building that didn't have any large signs declaring what it was for. A much smaller sign, right above the glass door, stated it was the Vale Correctional Community Service Program Facility. The teens had either walked, were dropped off, or drove (if they were allowed) to gather in front of the building as their court cases dictated.
But the adult who was assigned to watch them always felt the need to start their time with a lector of 'responsibilities'. It didn't matter that none of them were late or missing. It didn't even matter why they were serving time, Yolanda Evanda was well known for her love of the word 'responsibilities'. Even among the other correctional officers. The lanky woman paced in front of her charges, her dark brown hair swishing behind her in an almost distracting way. The two girls were distracted at least while Yang tried to stare over Yolanda's shoulder blandly. The boys watched other aspects that the adult was currently oblivious to.
Teenagers ordered to serve time for varying reasons were split into groups based on their behavior, type of crime, and previous records. Those who were decently behaving and of non-violent or lesser crimes, could go home after their mandatory service and were expected to arrive back at the building at the required time to start their work. Those who were a constant danger to themselves or others, or who's crimes were more serve, had to stay under constant vigilance at the Correctional Facility. They also weren't allowed to serve in public places, making it harder for those with worst crimes to escape or cause further harm.
Yang thanked every lucky star she had that she was the former type; able to still go out and live a semi regular life after she had to do community service. But even as she was willing to work at a library, being lectured without cause was not on her to do list. So she allowed her mind to wonder blankly. A challenge as it felt almost like school which only reminded her about how and why she was there in the first place.
Feeling her agitation grow, along with a sense she's long since associated with her semblance, she tried to distract herself by studying the others around her. She had been assigned to this time frame and project a week ago and she wasn't holding much hope for the lot.
The four other teenagers were a mix bunch made up of two other girls and two boys, one of which was Cardin. Yang hadn't bothered to learn anyone's name from the group as they were more likely to know who she was and cause an 'incident'.The boys had already proven to be the type she's seen a million times in clubs and at school; thinking with their lower half and being overly fond of trying to flout their 'desirability'. Though the girls were mostly quiet and kept to themselves, luckily, as the blonde's had issues in the past with the levels of cattiness some girls were willing to stoop to.
One girl was short with long red orange hair that was naturally a little curly. If Yang remembered right, she also got into fights, and was put to helping the library to be in a more peaceful environment. The other girl had light brown hair that hung to her shoulders in straight lines. She had been caught after doing numerous graffiti vandalisms on the government buildings. Yang guessed the girl respected books enough to not try anything in the library at least.
The boys were a different problem. The lanky one with dirty blonde hair and tiny goatee had openly boasted about his constant joyrides of everything; vehicles, airships, and women. It was almost enough to cause Yang to knock him down a peg or two right then and there when they had introduced themselves their first day. But she held back, waiting for when their every move wasn't monitored, to do so. It was hours later, after they had finished their work and had split to return to their own ways, that she was able to teach him about personal bubble space. It got him to stop ogling her everytime she was within twenty feet and due to his embarrassment of the beating, he didn't dare tell any adult who had roughed him up so badly.
It was Cardin who was the most troublesome of the bunch. He had finally been caught being incredibly racist and violent towards the other students of Beacon. Something about almost costing a second year her life after pushing her out the window as he had pulled on her rabbit ears. Normally, that sort of crime would mean he had to be restrained in the facility but with his family's influence, he got a lighter sentence and was allowed to do the easier service projects instead.
Except that he seemed worse for wear today then when Yang left him yesterday. Cardin seemed to avoid everyone's curious sights and stared at their guard only out of habit. Yang checked out the new injuries from the corner of her eye while pretending to listen to the lecture. His arms showed heavy damage. The left was covered in bruises while his right hand encased in bandages as his aura tried to heal it, considering the flicker of light over the area. He also favored his right leg, while bumps along his limbs showed where he was hiding bandages under his baggy clothing. Nose was still broken though as indicated by a bandage that covered it, causing a please smirk to flash briefly over Yang's face.
It was gone just as fast as she pondered on why he was so heavily injured. She exhausted his arua last night, which is why they were slow to heal, but she knew she stopped rather early considering she found they had an audience. After another second, she decided to let it go, not worth worrying about. It may even mean he was quieter than usual today. The blonde tuned back into the lecture just in time to find it wrapping up.
The older woman finished talking and waved them into the van they used for travel, oblivious to the sighs of relief from the whole group. The ride was silent as none of the teens made eye contact with anyone else. The vehicle was a plain pale blue, giving no indication that it was a correctional transport, and woved through afternoon traffic easily.
Yang was willing to keep her head down while authorities were watching, sticking to her side of the van and not talking to others. It kept her off their radar when they weren't looking. She had tried that tactic at Beacon but found it did little help, their teachers being much more observant than she expected. But since she has now 'taught' both boys a lesson, and the girls didn't seem to have any intent to mess with her, she hoped for a nice quiet evening working. Maybe even talk with that one girl some more. The brawler found a small grin grow as her thoughts turned to the raven haired teen and how she was willing to talk, even if it was just in whispers as they were in a library.
Once they reached the multileveled building, the group trouped in and were greeted by the head librarian Aqua once again. She gave the same instructions as she had every day: they would be assigned to specific floors so they would know who messed up the area and were NOT to create any sort of disturbance.
Yang found she was the target of a fisheye from the grownup. Yesterday's incident flashed through her mind at the comment and she chuckled apologetically with a tiny smile. The reminder shifted her thoughts back to the person she had been stunned by in the first place. Maybe not a lost cause after all… I wonder if I get to help her again…
She held her breath when they began to assign the work and internally did a little dance when she realized she would be working with Blake. She wasn't sure why her gaze followed the raven haired girl whenever they were near. Maybe it was the air of mystery she had around her. Maybe the way her eyes seemed to pierce through Yang's own gaze when they connected. Maybe because she seems so lonely… Yang mused as she grabbed the stack of books waiting to go up to the second floor. Her eyes say that she's lonely, at least. Like, life's been hard and she's alone in it all… She stopped mid step as the thought flashed through her mind. What am I thinking? Life's always hard. For everyone. Even as she argued with herself about how life could treat those unprotected from harsh realities, she felt her heart constrict at the idea of anyone having to deal with it on their own. Everyone needs a friend after all.
Pleased with the decision, Yang continued her trek upstairs. She used the set of stairs, being faster than the elevator, that were located near the front of the building, though there was another set in the far back as well. They lead her towards an open half circle with a few desks in the middle for computer searches. The open space then lead directly to the more square part of the room where rows were situated shortways across the room, with a central aisle and two smaller aisles in between each segment of shelf. Since this was the young fiction section, the shelves were only five feet tall, making it much easier to spot the big black bow two rows away.
Walking up, smile uncontrollably large, Yang noticed it wasn't just the two of them this time. A younger girl, nervous on what was most likely her first day, stood near Blake, hands twitching anxiously. The youth had a short bob that framed her face with orange red locks while her shorter height made it clear how much younger she was than the others.
The sight tugged at Yang's heart. For a second, a younger vision of her sister, anxious about her first day at Signal, overlapped the new volunteer. It caused the blonde to be predisposed to want to set the girl at ease. She beamed when she noticed Blake was also trying to get the girl to relax as well, melting her heart. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be working entirely. As Yang stepped closer, it became clear why as she overheard their hushed conversation.
"They don't have the really… bad... teenagers here." Blake shifted the books on her cart as she spoke, pausing to find the correct term since some of the teenagers were in need of peace to prevent their more violent tendencies.
When there was no response, she eyed the girl beside her for a second, trying to gauge how she was doing. However, feeling another's presence getting closer prevented her from trying another argument to assure the new volunteer. She spread her feet apart, creating a properly balanced stance, as she started to turn her head to locate the latest arrival. The movement drew the youngest girl's gaze as well but paused at the tall blonde standing there with a wide grin.
Yang made a large show of raising up then slamming down the stack of books in her hands, eyes on the two the entire time. Her beaming expression never changing. At the last second she slowed down enough to not make a sound while setting the books on the edge of the metal shelving, ready to be pre-emptively sorted.
"You bet we aren't so bad. Except for the boys. And some of the girls." The blonde gave the youngest teen a jaunty wink. "But not me. I'm pure gold."
Quick as a whip, Blake shot a line back with a single brow raised and half-smirk in place. "I thought you were pure 'Yang'?" After stating the joke, the hidden Faunus froze, worried how the wit might be taken. With no threat or outward appearance of being upset at the teasing jab, she relaxed her tense form.
Yang felt a thrill in her chest at the tease and leaned back to laugh, remembering at the last second to be quieter. "That too, of course!"
Feeling her core thrum with joy, something it had missed for a while now, Yang winked playfully at the raven haired girl, smile still in place. Then turned her brilliant smile from Blake to the other girl. "I'm Yang. If you ever have someone bother you, you let me know." She thrust one of her hands towards the kid and shook it lightly when it was reciprocated.
"I'm Madeline." Madeline giggled at the situation she was now in. Most of her anxiety was draining away at the obviously playful nature of the older girls she was to work with. She looked between the older girls, excited. "I'm volunteering for the first time today!"
Blake tilted her head, watching the two interact with open pleasure. The article she had found didn't say how well the blonde got along with younger kids, but she was happy to see the care and ease that Yang did have with them. It was also a relief to know that one of the boys or more sullen girls wasn't going to be working with them that day. One less thing to watch for.
Yang picked up on the much more relaxed feeling in the air and leaned closer, whispering theatrically. "Honestly? You probably got like the smartest mentor here, so you're in good hands." The blonde beauty felt successful when the girl she was referencing laughed with a small blush on her cheeks. She watch, grin never losing an inch of its shine, as Blake waved off the compliment and took some books off the returns cart to put away.
With the ice officially broken, Yang was able to get both of the others laughing, though not at her horrendous attempts at puns, as they worked that evening. The very first thing she did was help the new girl learn the library system, much to Blake's amusement. Yang waited until the bow wearing teen had traveled several paces away and was diligently putting books on the shelf to wave Madeline closer. She kept her voice low, as required in a library, as she explained the optimal way of putting books on the cart and back onto the shelf. It was to her shock and embarrassment that Blake snuck up behind her and pointed out a mistake she was teaching. Yang flushed at being caught but didn't stop the lesson, nor admit how she knew it. The dark haired girl merely smirked and continued her tasks, teasing the blonde every so often about the system. It was the most at peace the brawler had felt in a long time.
It didn't last long. A few hours later, Cardin snuck away from his floor to hide among the shelves of the second floor. His taller frame was not easy to hide in the shorter shelves of the floor, and so he kept on the move, head twisting to keep a watchful eye out. Finding no obvious place to duck behind, he bent low instead, causing two sets of eyes to immediately track his suspicious movements.
Yang had a special place for Cardin; the ends of her fists especially liked the way the boy's face crumpled as they made impact. Protectiveness and almost territorial urge shot through her veins, sending her temper into high gear and feet to a quick dash. She didn't bother to hide her presence unlike the other girl who had noticed the lad's odd behavior.
While Yang practically stomped her way to Cardin, Blake's travel was silent and unnoticed. She debated for a half second who she should intercept. This was decided when she saw blood red orbs ablaze. She noticed with a pinch that the perpetual smile Yang had been wearing until that point had dropped away. Sensing an explosion if she didn't hurry, she pushed past what was soundless and tried to reach the blonde's side first.
Rage had a way to speed up Yang however, and she turned around the last corner standing between her and the lad. Cardin was still mostly bent over but had on his 'intimidation' face as he spoke with Madeline. The two were halfway in the aisle, Madeline with books still in hand to be put back, while Cardin spoke furiously with the girl. Slowly, the younger girl's face changed from surprise to fear as she leaned back, eyes darting downward away from the boy's.
It was as he raised a fist that spurred the brawler to be even faster. Semblance roaring to life, Yang charged down the aisle, growing the lad's name in warning. Her steps shook the ground and signaled her approach for the whole of the floor to hear.
Cardin, noticing all these signs, turned in open fright to watch his doom arrive. Yang shot an arm out, wrenching the boy around to slam his back into the shelf behind him. The force caused the bookshelf to shake precariously. The blonde brawler didn't notice as her vision tunneled a bright red onto the reason for her troubles. She raised the other fist, about to make some new dents in his face, when a call rang through the air softly.
"Yang!"
Even spoken in whispers, the voice immediately cut through the searing rage, enough to give the blonde pause as her vision widened out once more. With her senses on high alert, Yang was able to tell that Madeline had moved further away while the owner of the gentle voice was now at her shoulder. She didn't startle at the hand that came into her peripherals but her heart jumped when the soft touch rested on her raised fist.
"If he still needs a lesson, wait until after work." Blake stated flatly, eyeing the lad dispassionately. She looked up to the taller girl, gaze turning pleading. "Let him go…"
Breathing heavily, Yang stared deep into the amber gaze, trying to figure out what the hidden message was that was locked deep inside. As her breath evened out, she released Cardin, right arm lowering enough to not be a threat. Lilac orbs shifted back to the young man, holding a stern warning. As Yang spoke, enunciating each word and letting it finish before saying the next, a comforting grip remained on her hand, helping keep it at her side. "Remember bastard, hands, eyes, and stupid ass comments to yourself."
Cardin nodded as fast as he could, mouth firmly shut, and scrambled away once he was sure they weren't going to say anything else. He didn't try to keep a low profile, the ploy already ruined. The other two girls watched his hasty retreat silently. Blake waited a second to give the boy a head start before removing her own hand from the other girl's and letting it drop down by her side.
When Madeline drew back, uncertain about the situation, it caught both girls' attention. They took in the uncertainty in the younger lass' gaze and tried to loosen their stances. Yang straightened up, bringing her fists to her sides, and froze when the action caused Madeline to flinch. When she tried to make eye contact with the younger girl, she felt a whole open up in her chest at how the younger teen shied away. Yang took a step back, away from Madeline, and turned to try and gauge how Blake was going to react to her little her surprise, she didn't find the usual fear but concern shining in the amber gaze.
While maintaining eye contact, surprised inching its way into her core, Yang felt her heart sink when Blake's eyes widened briefly before jutting away. The raven haired girl moved quickly, zipping silently out of the aisle and towards the front. Despair reigned once more, leaving Yang without any energy or drive. Spirits low, she exited the aisle as well, though she didn't head towards the front, willing to keep her distance from those who didn't want her around.
Blake, unbeknownst to to the brawler, had sought out the librarian who had been sent to discover what was going on and head her off. She lied handily about the cause; their cart, turning too soon, had crashed into the shelving after being chased down the aisles. When the adult tried to find out who had sent the metal cart going too fast, Blake took the blame, explaining she had bumped into it while putting away some books. Considering how long she had been working for the library, the hidden Faunus was given leeway for her excellent past behavior.
Once the grownup was on their way, the Faunus let out an exhale of relief. She turned around to double check where everyone was and felt her heart sink. The mass of wavy yellow locks were determinedly walking towards the other set of stairs while the newest volunteer peeked towards the retreating figure. Blake sighed and walked over to the youth, ready to start patching up things between the three. And to make sure she wasn't about to give away the lies she just told.
Yang didn't hear any of this as she was well on her way to get more books to put away. She didn't try to crack any jokes, kept her words short, and avoided overstaying her welcome in the same space as the youngest worker. It was almost like her very color dulled.
Since she moved quickly between tasks, the others never got a chance to try and talk with her at all. Especially after an adult joined them on the same level, watching the blonde do menial tasks. As there had been a terrorist attack on the harbor, a feat claimed boldly by the White Fang, there was even less visitors than usual as no one wanted to risk being out too late. This meant that there were less jobs for all the volunteers to do.
The CCSP were required to do some sort of work however, and the librarians managed to find them what they could. Dusting shelves, changing posters, straightening books, and anything else the adults could think of. Considering how these tasks were much more boring and liable to be shirked, the adults were dispersed among the different levels of the library, watching.
The children who weren't there because of court decisions were given more free time and leeway. Some took to reading, some went on the computers available for everyone to use, while others browsed. Blake took this chance to convene with Madeline about what had happened that evening.
Yang tried not to stare longingly to the two girls she thought might have started to become friends. It was especially heartbreaking, especially as Madeline reminded her of her younger sister. She would never forgive herself if Ruby looked at her in as much fear. She didn't know what Blake was telling the younger girl, but considering how much thought it seemed to provoke, Yang wasn't sure if she want to.
At the end of the day, just before the CCSP were set to gather, Yang felt a hand tug on her jacket. Feeling like she just popped out of a river, she suddenly realized that the two other girls were nearby, the one tugging her sleeve being the youngest. She froze, turning only her head as she tried not to make any sudden actions that would startle the others.
Madeline let go once she was sure she had the other's attention and tapped her pointer fingers together, uncertainty written all over her face. "Yang, I am glad you were trying to protect me…" Madeline spoke even softer than usual, half eye on the adult that was starting to come closer. "I was surprised… And maybe a little scared. That boy wasn't… nice." Her face scrunched as she thought of the polite way to describe Cardin before finishing her explanation. "You moved really fast! That was surprising."
Yang perked up slowly. Numb senses started to come back to life, hopeful. She twisted to face the younger girl head on with a wavering grin. "Well, uh, yeah, the hero has to swoop in fast to save the day after all." She tried to play up the joke, flexing her arms minutely.
"And here I thought you just wanted to enter with 'Yang'."
The soft tone, every inch oozing with playfulness, came from the blonde's other side, causing her to whip around to face the other teenager. A grin lit up her entire being as lilac and amber eyes made contact. Blake wore a tiny smile of her own, posture calm and collected.
The grownup, noticing the open smiles and relaxed atmosphere of the group, didn't chastise them as she originally planned and continued past them to the floor below. The motion caused the trio to also start their trek to the next level down, though Yang's step had it's old bounce back.
"Ah, I see my masterful list of jokes has been… checked out!" Yang put both hands on her hips, jokes flying fast and free as relief washed through her. It seemed like she hadn't lost her new potential friends after all. "I sure hope they're… returned soon!"
Madeline groaned in mock pain at the poor puns. She pulled out her scroll and yelped. Holding it up, the other girls could see she had unanswered messages from her parents. "I have to go. But it was nice meeting and talking with you Yang, Blake. I'll see you later!"
The younger girl had her own peppy step as she rushed down the stairs with a wave goodbye. Speaking to Yang seemed to have helped whatever was causing her to be withdrawn before, leaving a ball of happiness in the blonde's chest. Even better was how the raven haired girl seemed to not mind at all what had happened. Blake was actually at that moment giving an exaggerated eye roll at the puns the brawler enjoyed. A tiny smirk showed she enjoyed something of the situation. Yang hoped it was the jokes, or even that she herself was in better spirits, but couldn't be sure. She watched as the dark haired girl went for the elevator, pushing the cart in front of her to be brought downstairs.
Yang didn't miss a beat and joined her inside. "So does this mean I'm still in your good books?" She asked with a laugh but couldn't bring herself to look at the dark haired beauty beside her. Nerves rolled off her in waves as she hoped that everything was indeed good between them.
"I don't know, if the book is only horrible puns…" Blake joked in return. Noticing the stiffness of the blonde brawler, she leaned over to bump shoulders gently. She tried not to think about how warm it was in the tiny space or how it seemed to be emanating from the other girl.
Yang relaxed at the touch and smiled warmly before adopting a hurt expression. She put a hand to her heart, half pouting. "Horrible puns? I have it on good author-ity that my jokes are best sellers!"
Blake groaned, playful, as Yang cackled quietly. The blonde leaned over, going with the flow even as her heart began to race at what she was about to say. "Besides, if I tried pick up lines, you'd accuse me of plagiarism. Because you're too pretty not to have heard them all already." Yang whispered right besides Blake's ear. She pulled back, eyes drinking in the sight of the beauty when she noticed the black bow moved. She froze, trying to decide if it was a trick her eyes were playing on her or the wind. She watched the girl until she got lost in how prettily Blake blushed, even if the girl was almost unnaturally still.
"Blake? Remnant to Blake, come in Blake." Yang waved a hand in front of the other's gaze, growing concerned when there was no reaction. When the girl did show signs of life, Yang felt her own cheeks heat up, realizing her words may have been the cause.
Amber orbs slowly redilated as the raven haired teen peeked to the blonde as she continued to face the doors. "I'm sure you could come up with some horrible pun filled versions no one would have dared tried." Blake tried to recover and control the blush on her cheeks.
"Does that mean I'll get more chances to try?" Yang almost seemed like a different person, bubbly and chipper. She could barely keep the huge grin off her face as the ache in her chest filled with an almost forgotten warmth.
"Guess we'll see." The doors opened with a soft ding, catching both of their attention. "Have a nice night Yang." Blake gave the tall blonde a full fledged smile as she exited with the metal cart.
The brawler almost tripped on the way out of the elevator, having forgot where she was for a moment. Luckily her inner balance saved the day and prevented an embarrassing slip. Together, they walked to the front desks to put away the remaining books without speaking in comfortable silence.
None of the other adults seemed to mind that Yang was half glued to Blake's side, even if she didn't do it before. Finished with what she could help with, Yang gave a tiny wave as she walked backwards towards the gathering group of teens. She wanted to watch for as long as possible, trying to unravel the mysterious girl, even if it was silly looking.
Blake smirked at the motion and waved back in the exact manner. She continued on her way and put away the cart behind the desks, making sure the stack of books were in the correct order. She could feel the lilac orbs still on her and glanced over her shoulder with a amused grin at her correct assumption.
Yang ruffled her hair in embarrassment when she got caught staring. Once she arrived at the group of delinquents, Yolanda didn't wait any longer and led them outsides to the van waiting there. The good mood the brawler was in ended after noticing how the other teenagers were boys both sneered at the blonde while the girls purposely avoided looking towards her. Yang dared them to make a comment with a gaze that was growing darker as red seeped into it.
"The Blonde Beauty of Vale strikes again." The long brown haired girl muttered loud enough for the other teens around her to hear. She continued to avoid looking at the brawler directly.
Yang went stiff at the implication. Hesitant to admit how much she already was interested in the dark haired teenager, she tried to shrug it off. Keeping a sharp hold on her temper, she chose to flick off the girl instead, not saying a word.
"Yeah, but when will the Bastard Beast of Vale strike?" Cardin couldn't keep his own mouth shut and added his two Lien to the matter.
They were getting close to the van but he managed to keep quiet enough that it didn't draw their guard's attention. The rest of the teens did catch it though as they started to clump together. They all saw when the blonde's fists clenched tightly and she turned to stare down the lad.
Yang could feel the heat of her eyes but didn't let that deter her. Instead, she imagined how it would feel to just pound the lad into next century. The weight of the mental image came through her glare and shut down Cardin's bravo. Knowing that dirty looks wouldn't be enough for long, she began to plot for the opportunity to demonstrate her annoyance with his 'wit'.
As they piled into the vehicle, Yang used the chance to shove Cardin against the far side roughly. She sat up with a grim smile, a fake apology already being muttered for the adult's sake. When she saw that the boy held his arm in pain from the extra shove, she leaned over and whispered.
"Teaches you to mess with the 'beast'…" She allowed herself a tiny hum of pleasure in her core at the terror that flashed across his face. No longer caring if anyone said anything about it, she leaned back in her seat, thoughts wandering between a pair of amber eyes and tinkle of laughter. Not too bad of a day I suppose… Not too bad...
Arthur Note: So I was asked if we can trow a bike at Cardin too while the story was going on. I am tempted, but can't promise anything. I'll probably make a little video for that though. Sounds cathartic. I have read the comics/manga for RWBY, and it goes into a little more detail why he doesn't just get kicked out. Ticks me off some, but I guess it makes sense. Funny enough, before I went back and edited this chapter, it was just about 3,000 words. Goes to show some spit and polish can definitely add to a chapter. Though some of the made up names aren't the greatest, I know. Names, especially in this world, are tricky. Please don't be afraid to review, and I'll see you guys next chapter!
EXTRA SIDE NOTE: I mention making a video of Cardin getting hit by bumblebee. He wouldn't be the only one. Salem, Emerald, Cinder (she gets 3 or 4 hits), and Adam (who will get at least5 repeats of the hit) are much higher up my list of villians who's ticked me off. Cardin is special in that he is a bully who is manipulative, verbal and physically abusive, and extremely racist. The first we see in the show. So I am using him to help show some aspects of bullies and racists. But the focus of the story IS Adam, Blake, and Yang. I just needed a starting point to show how deep the racist and bullying hole goes. ALSO, Yang is NOT doing the right thing here. She's fallen quite a ways and has more to learn. This is just a starting point, is all. Thank you for your time and reading of this story.