A BIG shout to PshycoSensei for the help with the chapter and editing as well as some amazing dream sequences.
Weiss Schnee, Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company and former Huntress for Team RWBY, never imagined she would find herself tracking down her former team. Normally she would not leave Atlas other than instances of the utmost importance. Now she finds herself in the lobby of a run down hotel in an area outside the Kingdom of Vale.
"Excuse me, I am looking for a Yang Xiao Long? Has she happened to stop by here?" She asked as she approached the front desk. Sitting in the chair was a rabbit faunus who upon seeing her icy blue eyes and white hair sat straight up.
"I-I.." The faunus stuttered trying to form a sentence as her brain worked to comprehend why Weiss Schnee was here.
Seeing the younger girl having a small panic attack Weiss placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do not fret, I am nothing like my family. I owed my life to a faunus once."
Taking a deep breath the receptionist looked at her. "I'm sorry, but you just missed her. She left probably as you were pulling in. She had said something about taking a mission."
Pinching the bridge of her nose she could feel the migraine coming. She had been too late yet again. What would her sister think of her tardiness to the most simplest of things. The thought of Winter stopped her for a moment as she felt a pang of guilt go through her heart. She can't forget why she is here in the first place.
"Where do Huntsman and Huntresses obtain missions here?" Eyeing the receptionist up and down one last time.
"Just down the street to your right. There is a small hub there where the locals post missions." Nodding in thanks, Weiss turned to leave.
"Gerard book me a room here, I will be back shortly." Bowing, Gerard left Weiss to go fill out the paperwork.
Outside, the sun was shining bright over head as it reached midday. The heat was intense compared to the dark, winter like conditions of her home kingdom. Shielding her eyes from the sun's rays she made her way to the hunters hub. Passing by, she felt the glares of the local resident faunus, she knew she had a target on her back, and being by herself did not help in the slightest either.
Rounding the corner of the street she could see one building in particular with the most traffic. Guessing that it was the one she was looking for she headed towards it. Nearing the building, she noticed many professional huntsmen walking in and out. Opening the door she found herself in a giant open room, to her left was the job postings, middle was the reception desks, and to her right were a couple of CCT booths.
"Wow, look at that! I don't think I have ever laid eyes on a lady this beautiful before." A voice cat called from across the room.
Ignoring it as they are probably looking elsewhere she walked up to the desks. Approaching the desk she found herself in the face of another Faunus. Looking up and without missing a beat they pulled up their screen.
"And how may we assist you today ?" Stunned by their quick response Weiss stumbled to find her words.
"Ahem, yes uh, I am looking for a Yang Xiao Long, I heard she had taken a mission from here today just before my arrival. If you do not mind, I was wondering if you could tell me where the mission location was." Straightening her dress, Weiss smiled politely.
"Ah, yes, Ms. Xiao Long, she took a mission about fifteen miles east of the town it seems." The clerk explained. "A simple mission to clear out a group of Ursa near a small village."
"Thank you very much." Bidding the receptionist farewell Weiss headed towards the door.
"Aww, leaving already?" The voice cat called out again. This time though Weiss could feel it being directed at her. Stopping, she turned to look at the owner of the voice. Standing in the corner, surrounded by what she presumed was his team, was a lean young boy.
Walking over to her he turned back and gave his friends two thumbs up. Slicking back his hair he approached Weiss, giving what she presumed was supposed to be a charming smile she cringed internally.
"You just walked in, why not let me show you around some?" Weiss just rolled her eyes as he attempted to flirt with her. "I know some good restaurants around here. What do you say? A ni~ce dinner...just me...and you?"
Rubbing her temple she did not have time to deal with this. Leaning in posture she crossed her arms. "I am going to have to decline. I am far too busy to go out to dinners with so called pretty boys...or tools like you."
Turning back towards the door she proceeded to walk out. Before she left she looked back one last time. "And by the way, it is 'you and me' not 'me and you'." With that, Weiss left the building. She could hear the collective laughter of his friends and others that were close enough to hear her.
In reality, there was only one person who she would have wanted to have ask her out, the image of her former hyperactive leader popped into her head. Heat soon arose in her cheeks as she could feel herself becoming flushed. Patting her face to refocus herself she had to find a way to catch up with Yang. Straightening her skirt, she headed back to the hotel deeming it best to gather some supplies and head out in the morning after some rest. Looking to the sky she watched the clouds list lazily above her mind began to wonder on its own.
"Weiss! Look what I can do!"Ruby had once yelled to her while she was trying to study for one of their exams. "I can balance a cookie on my nose- isn't that awesome!" Weiss couldn't get her high pitched voice out of her head. She wondered how she sounded now after all this time. Probably still squeaky and cute, but aged.
Tears soon trickled down her cheeks as she picked up her pace towards the hotel. Why did she have to start thinking of her now, she was taking a risk of running into her going after Yang, and even then that is a major risk in of itself. Yang probably painted a target on her back that she plans on hitting.
The front of the hotel was soon in sight and she breathed a sigh. A hot shower sounded like heaven to her right now. Despite being used to Vale's weather since having attended school here today was warmer than usual, maybe it was because she hadn't been to the kingdom since her team split up that she was out of her climate again. Once inside she visited the desk again to retrieve her room key.
The room was not particularly large yet not on the small side. The wallpaper was a dull grey that lightened up as the sun hit it. To her she felt like she was back in her Beacon dorm and the rest of her team would walk through the door any moment. Staring at the door for what felt like an eternity, Weiss closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment she grabbed a change of clothes from her bag and she headed to the shower.
The hot water pelted against her skin as she leaned her head against the tile wall, craning her neck from side to side she felt it pop. Stress usually never got to her as she has been around it for most of her life. The fact that she will have to face the people who she used to call family again has put a tremendous weight on her.
She had thought about trying to stay in contact with them after she had departed. One call was all it took for her to learn she could not go back. Yang was the one who had picked up the phone that day. When she found out it was Weiss calling you could feel the anger radiating off of her through the phone.
"You have no goddamn business calling!"Yang had once told her over the phone in a strained voice. "I do NOT want to hear from you, and I will NOT let you speak to Ruby! You've done enough damage already!" Weiss remembered how angry she sounded since then. She imagined Yang's eyes were glowing red during that call, hearing her scroll beginning to crack in her tightening grasp as she talked to the heiress.
Calling Yang, it has been an option since she has arrived, but the thought of it scared her. She didn't even know if Yang still has the same scroll from when she was in school. The different jobs they could take risk gear becoming ruined, thus why most huntsman have new scrolls every couple weeks or so. Nonetheless, she was terrified of what her teammate might do to her if she found her. But, on the other hand, maybe she'll be willing to help me.
Soon, she began to slowly doze off, closing her eyes and letting her mind wander off as she fell asleep on the shower floor. The water hitting her skin reminded her of a memory she had with Ruby.
Six years ago…
Spring
Thunder boomed over the city of Vale, strong winds blew wildly, and torrents of lightning flashed across the sky. The marks of a hurricane. Hurricane's weren't usually feared by many, mostly because they were one of the few forces of nature that could keep the Grimm away due to the extreme and dangerous weather.
Ruby and Weiss had to stay in the Schnee family vacation home in Vale for much longer than expected. The storms had made it unsafe for anyone to step outside as the winds alone would likely blow anyone away. As if it weren't enough. The wind knocked numerous trees over the road back into the city, leaving the two young Huntresses to fend for themselves, alone. As it stands, they've had to hold up in the home for another nine days.
Weiss sat on the ledge to a large window in the master bedroom. The glass was made for this weather and served as the perfect barrier between her and the violent smashing of the harsh rain. She checked her scroll which had been receiving the latest updates to the hurricanes progression. To her dismay, the latest reports were explaining the hurricanes onslaught in Vale would last for another three days and that anyone who needed supplies should activate the SOS on their scrolls.
"Weiss…" A young voice called the heiress from her thoughts.
Weiss turned to see Ruby standing in the doorway wrapped in a blanket, she must have just woken up from her nap in the living room because her silver eyes were worn with the look of fatigue.
"Hey…" Weiss said giving a soft smile. She spoke with a soft voice. "we're going to be stuck here for three more days," She stood up and walked over to her leader and friend. "maybe longer. Who knows?"
Ruby just nodded softly, she was starting to miss Yang. She wondered how her sister was doing right about now. Probably getting the same news as Weiss just received, maybe worse, reports have been saying that the west of a Vale was being hit the hardest by the hurricane. She imagined the damage being done to the city; windows broken, street signs bent, cars flipped over, not to mention the pain and misery many of the inner city residents were going through.
Weiss noticed her leaders weighted expression of homesickness. She'd never seen her leader so down before.
"Weiss…" Ruby once again said. "can I tell you something?" She asked timidly.
"Of course." Weiss responded with a pang of concern.
"I-...I don't like storms very much." Ruby hesitantly admitted.
Weiss' face took on the full shroud of worry. "Why don't you like them?"
"Back in Patch, they were always so loud." Ruby explained. "The thunder and lighting would scare me awake when I was little, it still does now."
Weiss sighed, not an exasperated sigh, but a soft one that spelled compassion. She brought her leader into a hug. "I don't like storms either…" She whispered in Ruby's ear.
Ruby looked up and met Weiss' soft blue eyes. They glimmered with deep remorse. Weiss smiled, Ruby was like a little sister to her. She was someone Ruby could look up to, even if Ruby was her leader. I honestly couldn't be prouder to call her my family.
"Hey," Weiss said bringing Ruby to attention. "want to come sleep with me in here?" Heat arose in her face as she blushed with the question. To her relief, Ruby nodded with a warm smile.
The two then walked to the large bed in the center of the room, the soft fabric felt like laying in a cloud to the two girls. The sheets brought a comfortable warmth as they buried themselves under them.
Once the two settled in and got comfortable Ruby had something to say. "Weiss...thank you, for being there for me."
Weiss turned to face her. She smiled and said "I'll always be here for you. No matter what."
With that, Ruby smiled and fell asleep, Weiss would follow soon after. But before she did, she leaned over and kissed Ruby on the cheek.
"Sweet dreams, you dolt." Weiss said as she let her head fall back to her pillow. Her eyes and mind were then slowly taken by the sweet embrace of sleep. A slumber that would last for hours to come as the hurricane raged on outside.
Present day…
The water began to run cold, Weiss woke up suddenly with the discomfort and cut it off to get out. She had to be asleep for nearly half an hour. How long has it been since I've slept? She thought as she stood up and walked out of the shower. Heh, "no matter what." Yeah I guess I held up my promise didn't I? She snapped to herself as she walked to the mirror.
Wiping the steam off the mirror she looked at herself. Bags had formed under her eyes from the lack of sleep and immense exhaustion. Tracing her scar she closed her eyes as more memories filled her head.
"Weiss? I know- I know you don't like talking about it, but how did you get the scar?" Ruby timidly asked from her bunk six years back. Weiss almost didn't hear her as she was whispering so as to not wake the others. She couldn't remember what she had told Ruby, but if she were to guess it was not something nice. Drying her hair she finished up in the bathroom and dressed for bed. Laying down on the bed she stared at the ceiling. She hated to admit it, but ever since leaving she had missed the sounds of her team. From Yang and Ruby's snoring to the small flicks of Blake's book pages when she stayed up to read.
Her life was quiet now, just like she wanted when she first started Beacon. Looking back she hated how she acted. She pushed most everyone away in hopes of retaining her prim and proper look. By now she was disgusted of her former self and how she treated people. Living with the sisters taught her so much about life and how some people are only there for a moment.
Sleep finally over took her as she felt her eyes start to fall shut. In her dreams was everything like it should be. She and Blake never left the team, Ruby and Yang were still family to them, and they all stayed together. Come sun up she would be ripped from the world she wanted and forced back into the world she helped create.
The sun peeked through the window curtains as Weiss slept. The rays gently shown over her eyes as it poked her awake. Sitting up in bed she stretched her arms and let out a deep yawn. Looking at the clock she saw it was already past eight in the morning. Normally she was up much sooner than this and heading to work.
Stepping out of bed she opened her travel bag and gathered her daily clothes. Once changed and her morning hygiene was taken care of she set out. Taking out her scroll she opened it up to view the surrounding area. There was only one village near by that Yang could have gone to.
Just like yesterday the sun was bright in the sky with clouds dotting the horizon. Fixing Myrtenaster on her side she set out, hoping there was available transportation for at least half the way. Opening her scroll she looked for the nearest transportation terminal. Finding one only a block or two away she closed her scroll.
The terminal was quite busy as she walked up to the building with hunters going each and every way. The PA speakers loudly broadcasting messages over head for incoming and outgoing members. Making her way to the ticket counter she felt a pair of eyes behind her.
"You thought I was going to let you make a fool of me and just leave?" Turning around she came eye to eye with the young tool who had asked her out yesterday. Storming up to her he leaned in close. "You are going to apologize for what you did."
Weiss put three fingers on his chest before creating a glyph. "I am under no obligation to do such a thing. Afterall, it was you who decided to cat call me." Flipping her fingers upwards Weiss sent the tool of a boy flying backwards.
"Wah!" He screamed as his voice cracked from the sudden forces pushing him backwards. He landed on the ground rolling backward before stopping at his friends feet.
"Noah are you ok?" One of his friends called to him. Noah pushed his friend away as he sat up on the ground. Glaring at Weiss he stood up brushing himself off.
"You are going to regret doing that." Weiss only chuckled at the words that seem to have lost their intended ferocity.
"And how do you plan to make me regret?" She asked willing to humor the boy for a moment.
"Let's just say I have friends in high places." He said with a smug smile plastered on his face. "And I know you don't want to piss them off by hurting me."
Turning away seeing as she humored him enough Weiss made to head back towards the ticket counter. "Don't you walk away from me bitch!"
By now a crowd was gathering to see what the commotion was. Closing her eyes, Weiss focused on remaining calm. What would her sister do in this situation was her thought process at the moment. Drawing Myrtenaster she poisd herself ready to defend if the need arose.
"I would choose my next words...very...carefully...if I were you." Weiss threatened pointing her rapier towards the boy.
"And I would not threaten a Huntsman who works for General Ironwood." Noah snickered.
General Ironwood? No way in hell that could be true, the General would never hire someone this idiotic. Lowering her weapon Weiss eyed him up and down. His clothes were not of the highest quality, but not cheap enough to be found around town. Sewn on the left shoulder is a patch that appears military. Maybe he does work for Ironwood, even still it would do him no good to call. She may yet be able to talk her way out of this.
Straightening her back she put on her most confident voice. "Go ahead, call the General, I am sure he will not be pleased. Being interrupted for something trivial that a Huntsman should be able to handle. You would be out of a job quicker than you could blink."
Noah's smirk quickly delved into a frown upon hearing the heiress' words. Murmurs throughout the crowd began as neither one moved. It seemed neither one wanted to make the first move less be liable for any damages.
"What the hell is going on now?" A gruff raspy voice called from behind Weiss.
Turning to see who was approaching her eyes widened. Out of all the people she knew how come it had to be him. Walking towards them was none other than Ruby's Uncle Qrow. Weiss despised him for his carelessness in appearance and mannerism. The fact that he was almost consistently drunk did not help his image either.
"Oh...I could have figured it was you, Ice Princess." Eying Weiss as he turned to look at the boy. "And from what I could hear, you are one of Jimmy's pets aint ya?"
Clenching his fists the boy glared at Qrow. "I work for him yes, but I swear if you insult him like that again I will-"
"You will what? Run to the nearest adult cus' words hurt your feelings?" Walking up to the boy Qrow practically towered over him. "You better piss off before I decide to make you leave."
The air became frigid as people waited for one to make the first move. After a moment of fearful contemplation Noah backed up. As he left the area Qrow kept his eyes on him to make sure nothing else happened. Once he was gone, Qrow sighed in relief seeing he was not going to have to talk to James about why another one of his contractors was hurt.
"Now, onto the other question of the day; why are you here?" He asked turning to Weiss who shied away some.
The trees flew past Yang as she drove down the dirt path towards the village. Anger still seething in her body as she could not get the picture of the Heiress' car out of her head. Of all the people that could have popped up around here why did it have to be her?
Closing her eyes, Yang breathed in and exhaled to calm herself down. She knew why it was Weiss considering their other ex-teammate was now part of a terrorist group. Shaking her head of the memories she refocused on the path ahead of her. Judging by the sun in the sky she has been riding for around half the day.
Pulling off the road she dismounted her motorcycle and stretched her limbs. The sound of water in the distance caught her attention as she headed through the woods a ways. Coming across a small pond she smiled as she bent down and splashed her face. The cool water ran down her face and neck dripping into the openings of her shirt.
Scanning the area around her Yang noticed it was in a decently secluded area and definitely off the beaten path. Standing up she started removing her gear until she was fully undressed, removing her arm and placed it atop her clothes. Looking at the pond she narrowed her eyes and smiled.
"Cannon ball!" She yelled as she ran and jumped into the water. The coolness engulfed her as she floated atop the water.
Memories of her and Ruby finding little swimming holes during summer on Patch flooded her head. The pools would always be so cool in contrast to the punishing heat. The ones in Patch were also so clear and clean in comparison to the one she was swimming in now, the solid rock beneath would make sure of that. This one was somewhat clear, had it not been for the dirt that floated around from below. Regardless, this was one of the rare moments Yang had where she could enjoy herself for once.
"Yang, stop it, ha ha ha!" Ruby laughed back when they went to swim and splashed each other in one of the ponds. She remembered that day well, hard to forget as it was the time Ruby brought her swimsuit but Yang had forgotten hers so she had to skinny dip. But it was fun, another good moment spent with her sister all those years ago.
The clouds over head drifted lazily by casting the ocasional shadow. Yang knew her hair was going to hate her for this, but the heat was too overwhelming. The heat...that brought another memory...
Six years ago…
Winter Vacation
Snow, ice, evergreens, and mistletoe, these things only meant one thing; Winter. A joyous time of year where children and adults alike can go out and have fun; throwing snowballs, building snowmen, ice skating; and for those who are more aesthetically relaxed, they can walk around taking in the luscious landscape bathed in white, sit by a nice warm fire, or just watch as the snow slowly falls one, by, one...
For Team RWBY, however, they had something else in mind.
The island of Patch had been covered in snow, A truly breathtakingly new world that was just as ravishing as it was during the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. Yang and Ruby invited Weiss and Blake over to their cabin for the break, and the sisters knew of a place that they knew their friends would love.
"It's this hot spring in the middle of the forest," Yang had told them. "completely untouched by ice, it's absolutely amazing." She closed her eyes and looked up, relishing in the thought of just falling asleep in the warm waters.
"That sounds like fun, Yang." Blake said with a warm smile.
"A hot spring? In Winter? I can't believe it." Weiss shrugged. "It's got to be freezing by now."
"Nope," Ruby commented. "me and Yang have already been there a couple days ago. It's still warm, even now." Her eyes were beaming with excitement as she took to Weiss' side, wrapping her arm over her shoulder. Weiss just rolled her eyes.
Weiss, thought it over. The idea of a hot spring sounded nice, and spending it with her team made it sound even better. How bad could it possibly be?
"Alright...I'm in." She said releasing herself from her girlfriends grip. She couldn't help but smile seeing Ruby's glowing enthusiasm.
"Great, follow me." Yang said as she hurried out the door. The rest of the girls nodded and followed behind her.
The team gathered around the pool Yang and Ruby were talking about. The cold air made the warm water steam on the surface, confirming that was indeed a hot spring.
"Ok, I take it back, this might actually be fun." Weiss commented as she knelt down to run her hand through the water. Though, she had to pocket her hand in her coat pocket seconds later as her hand started freezing soon after.
"So…" Blake spoke up. "did we bring anything to wear?"
"Ha ha ha, yeah, Yang," Ruby elbowed her sister. "did you forget your swimsuit again?" Yang blushed with embarrassment.
Weiss brought her palm to her face. "Ruby...I don't think any of us brought swimsuits."
"Yeah…he he he," Yang started scratching the back of her head. "we could always just skinny dip." She then said blushing even more.
Yang wasn't the only one. The four looked at each other with faces of both shock and intrigue as they contemplated Yang's proposal. Needless to say, standing out in the cold and thinking about it wasn't helping anyone's case. After a long pause, the four all laughed and began to strip down. The cold hit their skin like a wave of freezer burnt fire prompting them to hurry up.
Now down to just their underwear, the four hurried into the warm pool of water. The flash of heat was a great and instantaneous change from the blistering cold as they let the warmth wrap around their graceful bodies. It was also strangely comfortable to sit in although the bottom of the pool was made of bedrock, either way, it was therapeutic.
"This is nice…" Blake sighed. None of her friends could hear over the water but she was purring.
"Yeah, it is." Weiss followed up sinking further down into the water.
"Told you this would be great." Ruby said swimming up to Weiss, she splashed her in the face which provoked a heated glare from the heiress.
"You dolt!" She laughed as she splashed some more water back at Ruby.
Yang and Blake just sat and watched as the two playfully fought, laughing with sheer delight as the two wrapped their arms over each other's shoulders.
"Ok you two, come on, let us enjoy this." Yang said while laughing. Weiss and Ruby came to their senses and stopped, laughing to themselves.
The four once again relaxed as the water began to settle down from the prior splash fight. This was something they needed. Just a moment of camaraderie and bliss from the trials of the duties of being Huntresses.
"I'm really glad we did this," Weiss said with a bright smile, something rarely seen from her. "I hope this never ends for us." She then said with a sigh.
"Yeah." The three other girls said in unison. They then sank into the water, lay their heads back, closed their eyes and let the embrace of sleep take them over.
Present day
Her eyes opened. I always liked that time of our lives...sucks that it didn't work out though. She thought as she floated around like a piece of stray wood. After around an hour of being in the water Yang finally exited the pond.
"I should have brought something to dry off with..." She mumbled to herself as she came to the realization she was going to have to sun dry.
She made the swim back to solid ground where her clothes lay. She'd have to wait a while before she could put them back on, she did, however, need her arm. Never know when it may come in handy.
She picked her arm up off the pile of clothes and snapped it back onto its stump. Truth be told, she thought it would feel weird, taking her arm off and expecting to lose the feeling, but nope, it just felt like any other sensation; numb, and normal. It didn't take away from the fact that she still wanted to kill the person responsible for what had happened all those years ago. If only things had been different. If Blake hadn't betrayed me- betrayed us. If I had reacted differently, instead of my 'brute force' self, if I would've kept my head...I wouldn't be left with *this* pain, *this* reminder of everything that happened that night. Adam, wherever you are, when I find Blake and deal with her...you're next. And I promise you, I *will* be in control, and it *will* be bloody. Her thoughts of that night swirled in her mind as her arm clenched it's fist in her rage. She wanted to rip the masks off both of their faces and beat them to pulp. She wanted to look into Adam's eyes and see the scared man she wanted to see under the slits of that mask.
She took a deep breath, her anger quelled down to an ember. One of these days... one of these days, I'll see them both. She thought as her fist unclenched. For now though, I'm just a girl standing nude in the middle of the forest.
She walked away from the pond to see if she could find a clear place to dry off, she'd lay next to her stuff in the shade of the trees, but she wasn't going to dry off as fast and she had something of a schedule to keep.
She cleared her way through some branches, the foliage scratching everywhere at her bare skin as she failed to break away some the branches that blocked her path through.
As she was pushing through the branches, one thick branch slipped from her hand and whipped her in her face and chest. She grimaced in pain before her aura healed the scratches and bruising seconds later. Dammit. She thought as part of her wished Ironwood had the foresight to include some kind of cutting device into her new arm, or at least wished that she would've brought a machete or something to make the trek easier. Of course, her grief was short lived as she finally found a clearing; a nice big plain of grass, glittering and gleaming in the afternoon sun.
"Perfect." Yang smiled. It was the perfect spot to lay back and dry off. She sat down and stretched back out, putting her aviators on to block out the sun. Yang would usually never be outside like this. She may be a flirt and show off some skin but in reality she was very self conscious about herself.
She laughed to herself as she imagined what Ruby would be saying to her right now. "Yang, put clothes on; Yang, stop jiggling your boobs;" She rocked her body sideways for emphasis as she spoke. "Yang, this; Yang, that." She said impersonating her sister.
Her mind was filled with happy memories from the years before everything fell apart. She and Ruby were happy with their new family. Yang once again drifted off to sleep as she laid in the grass.
Five and a half years ago…
Summer
Two girls sat on the edge of a cliff, looking over the city below as the sun set in the most beautifully vibrant pinks and oranges. The dusk light bathed the land and sky in a hue of gold marking the final moments of days end. It was truly a breathtaking sight, looking over from the city, to Beacon, the Forever Fall Forest, all the way to the dilapidated city of Mountain Glenn, a less sightly place to look to but the sunset took away from its ominous and desolate view and left it to look like any other city.
"Thank you, for taking me with you up here." Blake said with the warm smile she'd always given her girlfriend.
Yang laughed. "I guess you could say this is 'pur'fect?"
Blake laughed along with her. She couldn't get over Yang's humor no matter where they were. Even if some puns were kinda bad. But I love her anyway. She thought as she knelt her head on Yang's shoulder. This drew a bright smile from Yang and prompted her to kiss Blake's forehead.
This really is perfect. Yang thought as she put her arm around Blake's shoulder. We're alone, just me, and her, looking at the sunset. I don't think I could ever ask for a better time in my—our—life.
Yang and Blake went up to stay in a cabin high up in the mountains of Vale while Ruby and Weiss were up visiting Atlas. It was a great place to stay for many reasons, but only two mattered; it was isolated from the Grimm for one. And for two, it was just plain beautiful. Just you, and me, Blakey.
The grass swayed with the soft gusts of the wind, keeping the two girls cool in the summer sunset day. The air was very refreshing as they continued to take in the view. Being so high up was like being in another world, cut off from the one below which suffered from misery and malice. This world was theirs, full of love and bliss in soft shades of red and pink.
"Yang, can I ask you something?" Blake asked craning her head up towards her lover.
"Of course, what's up?" Yang replied taking her arm from her girlfriends shoulder to meet her gaze.
Blake took a moment to think of what she wanted to say, she didn't want to ask something that would hurt their relationship. After a long minute she finally found what to ask.
"You know about my family, my childhood...what about you?" She asked. "What was your childhood like?"
This brought Yang to a long moment of pause. She almost want to shut Blake down for asking, but she couldn't be mad, of course she couldn't, it wouldn't be fair to either of them if she didn't tell her about her childhood, growing up without a mother, then practically raising Ruby after a Summer disappeared. But she's the friend, more than a friend...she's family. It's only right if I tell her. She took a breath and told Blake the story.
"My mom was never there to raise me," Yang finally said. "she left shortly after I was born. She left my dad and I alone for whatever reason and never even bothered to come back." Her hand balled into a fist. "I always hated her for that, leaving me, without so much as an explanation. I bet she doesn't even know about Ruby, or about what happened to Summer." Her aura began to flare in a fiery rage. Blake scooted herself a away so as to not interrupt, still listening intently as she let her girlfriend vent. "If she had- if she had been there, to see me grow up, to help dad when he needed it. If she had at least come back to explain why she left then maybe things would be different."
Her aura began to cool down and her fire started to quell, tears started rolling down her face as she finished her thoughts. "What kind of person abandons their family like that? It feels worse than anything that could ever happen to anyone!" She looked down in despair. "To leave a child to suffer all alone…" She quietly finished.
Blake crawled back to her girlfriends side, taking her into a warm hug. "You're my family, Yang…I would never leave you." She couldn't allow Yang to feel alone, she had to show her that she cared. That she could be her light in the dark world she was left too.
Yang looked up, meeting Blake's bright amber eyes that burned with deep empathy and compassion. She returned the hug, burying her face in Blake's shoulder.
"I love you." Yang said still tearing up.
Blake smiled. "I love you too." She leaned in to kiss Yang on the lips.
Overcome with passion and desire, the two shut out everything else and embraced each other letting nothing else but their instinct take over. We needed this. I needed this. And she needed this. They both thought as they lost themselves in their love. As they were enjoying themselves, they didn't notice the sun had finally set. Night had shrouded the mountains in the bright glow of the moonlight.
"I won't ever leave you, Yang..." Blake paused their moment to say. "I promise, to the end, I will never leave your side. You have my word." With that, the two got back to enjoying each other, with the soothing embrace of sleep slowly taking them soon after.
Present day
She awoke from her dream. That was she and Blake's anniversary when they took their relationship a step forward. Too bad the moral of the story is a broken promise. Yang thought as she bitterly awoke from her slumber.
The warm sun dried her skin relatively fast as she relaxed. Once dry Yang stood up and walked back to where she left her clothes.
Once she dressed herself again. She hopped back on her bike and resumed her trip down the road to the village. Her hair was still damp but the wind would do that part as she drove.
The roofs of houses soon started to peek over the trees ahead of her. Nearing the edge she was able to see a few villagers out and about. Slowing her speed as she entered the town Yang could feel eyes just staring at her.
In the middle of the town was the Main Hall where the village elder should be found. Disembarking, she dusted herself off and straightened her hair as best as she could. Opening the wooden doors to the Hall she quietly entered.
"Hello? My name is Yang, I'm a Huntress sent to help with the Ursa problem." The hall was completely empty except for a few chairs and a small table.
Assuming no one was in the building she exited and looked around outside. From what she could gather the town was relatively small compared to others she's seen. A few shops dotted the square mixed together with some housing. The local watering hole seemed to be the only place active right now.
Walking quickly she darted across the road and headed to the bar. Nearing the front door she could hear the muffled sounds of conversations taking place. Pushing open the doors the entire establishment went quiet as everyone looked at her. Eying the crowd she entered the room and sat down at the bar.
"Now I don't know about you all but when a Huntress agrees to take care of a job you all posted, one might offer information on said job." Leaning on the counter she motioned for the bar keep to pour her a drink.
"We were expecting a real Huntsmen to come, not some girly." A rather burly man said from the back of the room. Eliciting a few agreements with his statement, Yang looked to him.
"Well this girly can beat your ass three ways to Sunday without breaking a sweat." Grabbing her drink as the bartender set it down in front of her she downed it in one go. "Now...let's get down to business, yeah?"
Not a single one of the bars patrons moved. Opting to return to their drinks instead with a few mumbles here and there. Yang narrowed her eyes as she mumbled to herself.
"Damn villagers, I didn't have to take the job. I could have just let this town become overrun." Tossing some lien on the counter to pay for her drink Yang stood up. As she headed to the door she spotted a younger looking boy just outside the window. When he saw she had spotted him his eyes went wide and he took off.
Running out of the bar Yang barely managed to see the kid dart between some buildings. Sprinting after him Yang hardly broke a sweat. Stumbling over the loose rocks in the ground the kid took a spill and landed on his face.
Walking up to him Yang extended her hand. "That was a nasty spill kid." Grabbing his as he extended his arm she pulled him up in one go. Helping the boy brush off she smiled to herself.
As the kid adjusted himself all she could see was Ruby when they were younger. Shaking her head she got her mind back on track. She can't afford to reminisce all day as she kneeled down. Putting her hands on the boys shoulders she looked at him sternly.
"Listen kid..I don't know why everyone here is hesitant to help but I need information." The brawler said in her calmest voice. The boy could not have been older than six. "Now what is going on here?"
Fidgeting in place as Yang waited for an answer from the kid she sighed. "Listen this is just between us alright?" She said trying to ease the boy into talking to her.
"All the Huntsmen that take the quest never come back." He finally spoke surprising Yang.
"Well they weren't Yang Xiao Long were they." She grinned pointing to herself. Eliciting a small smile from him she smiled herself.
"Now how bout we discuss these incidents a little more ok?"
Walking back towards her bike with the kid in tow she began thinking. 'I wonder where the other Hunters went? If the mission was this dangerous they would have made it a team only mission.'
Reaching her bike she picked the kid up and set him down on the seat. Opening one of the compartments she pulled out a candy bar, her hidden stash kept secrete from her sister. Eyes widening the child quickly opened the bar and chomped down. Chocolate covering most of his mouth at this point Yang could not stifle her laughter. Patting him on the head she looked him in the eyes.
"You mind telling me what has been going on?" Swallowing the kid nodded as he finished the candy bar.
"Lots of Hunters go out to the woods to take care of the Ursa but none come back. The town can't afford a team so they say the Hunters keep quitting." Wiping his mouth off he looked to Yang. "Miss please don't go out there. I don't want no more people to go missing like my mom."
Those words hit Yang like a cinder block. Picking the kid up off the bike she set him down on the ground. Without a word she mounted and fired up the engine. She did not need to hear those words at a time like this. Not now, not ever in her opinion. Heading for the far side of the village she spotted what looked like claw marks on the side of a building. Figuring that is where the Ursa have been coming from she proceeded forward.
The last place on Remnant Weiss thought she would find herself was sitting in a cafe while being questioned by Qrow Branwen. Sipping on her coffee she closed her eyes and let the hazel taste take over her taste buds. Cracking open an eye she peered across the table at the older man. His black hair was slicked back with a few streaks of grey dotting its form. He had long since removed the cape from his outfit after it had become tattered beyond repair.
"Alright enough of the silent treatment why are you here?" His gravely voice filled the void between the two. "Last I hear you were heading the SDC after Mr. Moneybags fell ill."
"I was heading the company yes but due to a immediate emergency I had to step away." She said setting her cup down on its saucer. "I do not know how much information you can gather out here but to shorten this meeting I will cut to the point."
Raising an eyebrow Qrow leaned back in his chair. Something big must have happened to drag her away from her work if what Ruby had told him meant anything. Looking Weiss up and down he noted that her posture is somewhat off. Normally her and her sister would be what he would call ass rods. "Alright let's hear it."
Breathing in Weiss mentally prepped herself. "Winter is missing, we do not want to fear the worst but no one has had contact with her for weeks." Patting the edge of her eye with a napkin she dotted away any tears that may have started forming. "I am here to make an attempt to requisition a team to help find her."
Fitting the puzzle pieces together Qrow was able to figure out what she was planning. While it would be nice to see her being taken down a peg he'd rather save her the reality. "I can safely assume you were looking into getting Ruby and Yang. Am I right in this assumption Princess?"
Nodding slightly Weiss confirmed his statement. Looking up to the sky Qrow rubbed his temples. Why did this have to happen today of all things. She was going to need top notch Hunters if a rescue is needed. With a situation as delicate as this he too would ask for Yang and Ruby knowing they can think fast on their feet. As of right now though it would only be her and Yang seeing as Ruby is still out on a mission.
"Alright kid here's the deal. Yang'll probably want to punch the lights out of you until there is nothing left to punch." He stated bluntly. "And that is putting it lightly."
"I understand the risks involved with contacting my old team. There is no one else I trust to handle this however so it leaves me no choice." Weiss stated standing up from the table. "I thank you for your warning but I must be off."
As Weiss walked away from the table she heard Qrow yell out one last thing. "Watch out for her left hook. If she lands that you can say goodnight for a week."
Returning to the terminal Weiss made sure to keep an eye on her surroundings less she be bothered yet again. After paying for her ticket she made her way to the transit vehicle. Around halfway there the sirens dotting the road ways started to blare. Covering her ears she looked around as a few Huntsmen and Huntresses went wide eyed. Turning to see what they were looking at her heart fell. On the ginormous display board was the word EMERGENCY. Before she could ask what was going on a message was played over the PA system.
'Attention all available Hunters we have a Huntress down. I repeat we have a Huntress down. Coordinates are as follows X01, C79, C52. All available Hunters please assist immediately.'
As the message continued to broadcast Weiss quickly pulled out her scroll. Typing in the coordinates given a feeling of dread over came her. Typing in the last one her scroll zoomed into what appeared to be a village. Upon closer inspection she realized it is the same one Yang had been sent to. Quickly pocketing her scroll she grabbed hold of Myrtenaster and headed out. Yang was not allowed to die today, not if she had anything to do with it.
Well this has been long over due I hope you all enjoy and I am happy to announce a new story is in the works. Bye all see you next chapter.