A loud, resounding horn.

Thanks to the scuffle the night before, no one got a wink of sleep. Although, there was a blessing in disguise. The crew was able to gain more distance due to the high winds and tide than previously expected.

Vacuo was in sight at last. From this angle, it looked like a peninsula hanging off the edge of the world.

Impressed by the surreal sight, Ruby breathed in awe. "This is Vacuo, huh?"

"You're damn right," Sun replied.

"It's nothin' like Atlas, but it has its own charm," Yang observed, liking the greenery.

I can't believe I'm back! It feels like it's been forever," Sun chirped with glee and pumped his fist in the air. "Again, thanks a ton. I owe you guys big time. If you ever come back here, tell me. I can help ya with anything you want."

"Don't mention it," Yang replied with a grin, glad that he was free from the tyrant. "We've never been to Vacuo before, actually. It's been on our list of places to visit."

"This is a check off the list, then," Sun said as he faced the crew. His face was suddenly remorseful as his tone dropped. "Again, sorry about Adam. I had no idea."

Blake shook her head as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Stop apologizing. There's no way you could've known."

The rest of her crew nodded in agreement.

Sun only frowned when he thought about what happened. Unintentionally, he put this nice crew in danger. "You guys helped me out and then I brought that asshat on board that taunted you and then tried to kidnap the ice queen."

"Hey!"

A few giggles.

"If ya really want to make it up to us, don't get captured again," Yang advised solemnly. "I don't know about them, but I'm not risking my butt to save you again," she finished with a playful wink.

Sun smirked from the teasing. "Wouldn't blame you. So, where're you guys headin' to after this?"

Since Ruby was the captain, she answered for them. "Who knows. We might stay in Vacuo for a bit and see where that takes us."

"We're a go-with-the-flow kind of crew," Yang grinned widely.

"Vacuo has the best bananas," Sun informed enthusiastically. "Well, best fruits. There's also tons of fish. We have lots of lakes here too, so there's a good variety."

The mere word 'fish' caused Blake's mouth to drool.

"W-what kinds of fish?" the cat faunus asked, trying not to sound too eager.

On the sea, the crew normally caught plain cod. It was the same thing over and over again. It wasn't that appetizing compared to lake creatures such as salmon or bass.

"All kinds!" Sun exclaimed. "We got tuna, rockfish, sea perch, smelt, catfish, you name it."

"Catfish?!" Blake blurted in excitement. "How much?!"

It was official. She was drooling already.

"Enough to feed the entire city, I'm pretty sure," Sun said. "Catfish is my favorite, too. Though I prefer bananas."

Another loud horn. They were close to land. Close enough to begin docking.

"Hey!" Qrow yelled down at them. "Get your butts to work! We gotta dock!"

"Aye, aye!" Ruby saluted.

With that, the crew scattered to perform their individual duties. The bumblebee pair retreated to the back of the ship to aid Qrow with tilting the ship. Ruby gathered thick ropes, Weiss retrieved the pirate flag, and Sun grabbed the heavy anchor.

It only took a few minutes, but the crew finally managed to dock. With an extra person, it was much easier than previous times. It made all the difference. The land beneath was shallow to boot, so the anchor glued to the wet sand easily.

In excitement, Sun hopped on top of the handrails with the help of his tail. "They are gonna be so surprised."

Yang appeared next to him as they gazed at the nearby town. "Your family?"

"Yep," Sun replied as he stared at his hometown fondly. "We're not blood-related, but I consider those three brothers."

"Then go get 'em," Yang said as she jokingly slapped his back.

Slowly, Sun fell forward but didn't drop into the water thanks to his tail that had a grip on the railing. He looked like a smug dangling possum. With force, he pushed off the side of the ship. While he glided down to shore, he yelled.

"We'll see each other eventually!"

Since the crew was going to roam around his home, they were bound to run into each other again. Hopefully. It was a big city, after all.

Giddily, Sun sprinted into the crowd. For a moment, the crew only stared at the outskirts of Vacuo. It certainly looked like a welcoming place. Horses trotted all around and tons of vendors were on the streets selling all kinds of items with broad smiles.

When Sun was out of sight, Ruby commented. "He's energetic."

Her entire crew stared at the captain in shock and blurted in unison. "Says you!"

"Wha-" their reaction caught Ruby off guard. "I'll have you know I haven't had sweets for an entire day."

"The day just started," Yang pointed out, not so impressed.

"Irrelevant!" Ruby replied, lifting her chin defiantly in victory.

Blake only rolled her eyes. "Very relevant. Anyway, what should we do first?"

"Food should be the priority," Qrow answered without missing a beat. "We stock up first, then you troublemakers can goof around."

From the mention of food, Blake was drooling again. She couldn't help but think back to her earlier conversation with the monkey faunus.

"Catfish!" Blake blurted. "We have to get catfish first. Okay?"

"Deal," Qrow agreed.

"No one's against that, kitten," the blonde reassured. "We'll definitely get catfish."

"Catfish is easily the best fish," Weiss added. "Especially with ketchup."

Blake's eyes were glazed over as she stared at the townspeople. "I can't wait…"

"Catfish can be first," Ruby said. "Then we can get some turkey, or maybe milk. There should be another bookstore here, too. Or we couldgetsomemorevideogamessincewehavesomeextracash-"

Yang playfully elbowed her sister in the stomach, which caused her to stop rambling. "Worry about the necessities first, sis."

"I'mjustsoexcitedwhatiftheyhavethatnewninjagameJaunewastalkingabout-"

While Ruby ranted to her crew about the new video game, the ship swayed. It was barely, but it was enough to grab Qrow's attention. Until now, it felt like they'd been standing on land. Casually, he glanced behind his shoulder.

Abruptly, his neutral expression warped to a frown. Red eyes widened from the unpleasant sight.

What the hell is he doing here?

The last thing he expected to see in Vacuo was him. They never got along. From his mere presence, Qrow was annoyed beyond comprehension.

Signature streamers danced on the edge of the massive ship in the distance. The ship was like a painting against the blue sky and clear waters. Countless sails waved as it glided to them rapidly. Clearly marked, it was a Manowar.

Only he would make his ship that gaudy. Show off.

Curious about what her uncle was staring at, Ruby asked. "What's that, uncle Qrow?"

"A huge pain in my ass," Qrow replied, irritated.

Interest piqued, Yang asked. "You know who's on that giant thing?"

Instead of answering, Qrow said. "I'm out of here."

Before Qrow could jump off The Howling Thorn and hide in plain sight, a black glyph appeared in his peripherals. Silently, Weiss rocketed directly to the Manowar and glided across the sea. This left her crew stunned.

"What the…" Ruby mumbled in shock as realization set in. "Weiss!"

Not intimidated, her girlfriend zipped directly to the military ship. It must've been important, otherwise Weiss wouldn't make such a rash decision.

Under Blake's bow, her cat ears flicked. "She mumbled 'Winter' before she took off."

"What?!" Ruby yelped. "That's her sister's name! Is her sister here?!"

"Holy shit!" Yang exclaimed as the ship quickly approached. "That's a military ship!"

Annoyed more than ever, Qrow gathered his crew and started to push them toward the exit. Like he was trying to protect them, he kept shoving them, despite some resistance.

"Even more reason to avoid it," Qrow said.

Ruby halted in her tracks and refused to budge. "If Weiss is on there, then I'm going, too!"

Qrow let out a long sigh. There was no changing his troublemaker's mind. Once she made it up, it was hard to change it.

"You really shouldn't," Qrow advised.

"Bet you can't stop me," Ruby said with a smug grin.

With her speed semblance, Qrow knew he couldn't. "Bet you're right."

Together, they watched Weiss skid across the air. Slowly, the glyphs melted away into the clouds. It looked like Weiss landed safely since any traces of her path had vanished.

Expertly, Weiss landed with a flip. From the unknown territory, her adrenaline began to pump. She was met with several guards that had their weapons poised. While that was expected, she didn't anticipate that to happen so quickly.

She was astonished from the sight for a moment, but then recalled.

Right, it's a military ship. I was so excited at the thought of seeing her, I didn't think about security measures.

Deliberately, Weiss lifted her arms to show she was no threat. While she didn't have her rapier, she did have the switchblade strapped to her thigh Ruby bought her. Although she didn't intend to use it, it was nice to know she had something.

"Intruder!" an armored guard yelled with a gun aimed at her head. "State your purpose!"

My sister, you buffoon, Weiss thought.

She wanted nothing more than to shout that, but that wouldn't be the smartest move. They were military. Odds are, if they realized who she was, they'd drag her back to Atlas and collect the reward money. She figured the fewer words, the better.

"I'm here to speak to-"

"Denied!"

What was she thinking? There was no way they'd let her see her sister. They never had any intention to. They were always going to treat her as a threat no matter the answer.

Gritting her teeth in frustration, Weiss stood still. There were at least five guns aimed at her. Cautiously, she examined the scene. Guards surrounded her with lethal weapons. If they decided to fire, she could summon a few glyphs to protect herself. Then maybe she could slingshot back over to the Howling Thorn, but then they'd surely follow.

As she pondered a plan, a new authoritative voice entered the conversation.

"Don't be foolish. Lower your weapons. Can't you see she's defenseless? What was your plan? To shoot her dead?"

"Sorry Colonel," an armored guard apologized as he pointed the gun at the wooden floor. "She jumped on ship with no warning!"

From the new presence, Weiss was in pure awe. Mesmerized. She couldn't take her eyes off her. It had been a few years since she last saw her. She'd gotten taller, although her bun remained the same. Poised, Winter drifted down the stairs without a hint of emotion.

It was tempting to call out to her, but Weiss managed to keep her mouth shut. There was a commanding aura around Winter. Something told Weiss to let her handle it. Let things play out.

"You are all dismissed," Winter stated, which earned confused expressions. "I've assessed she's no threat," she elaborated. "Should you point a weapon at her again, there will be consequences, understood?"

In unison, the men shouted. "Yes, Colonel Schnee!"

Like nothing transpired, the armored guards retreated to their original posts. Dumbfounded, all Weiss could do was watch as they did as ordered. When they were gone, Winter at last met her little sister's gaze.

"Weiss," Winter called firmly, her expression softening. "Come with me."

With that, Winter turned on her heel and headed for the nearest door with her hands behind her back. From the call of her name, Weiss thought her sister was a different person. Like the military changed her. That is, until she noticed her poker face shifted to a faint smile. She really was the same Winter.

Grinning widely, Weiss followed her sister inside.


Holy shit this chapter was written after 6 months of no writing. Can you tell I'm rusty?

Stay dandy,

~Toto