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The Hero and Villain of Our Stories

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Two sides to every fairytale,

Always engraved with a lesson and a warning.

Cautionary and Emboldening.

We can be the Light or the Dark.

The sides of us choose,

Which we will become.

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Among the heads and shoulders of Mistral's tallest mountains, clouds swept over the land like rapid river currents. Quick and smooth, it flowed between the peaks like rocks in a stream. The billowing whites reflected majestically in the sun above. A truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.

But this was only true from above.

Below the clouds, gales twisted and turned, powerful enough that if one did not lower their center of gravity, they would be swept into the skies with the smallest of ease—followed by a quick departure down the cliffside.

The Windpath claimed many lives for those ill-prepared. The trick to traversing the mountains lay in discerning where the gusts were weakest, or blowing in the same direction as one's intent. Small pockets existed, like eyes of the storm for resting points. Just as with most things that tested survival, patience was key.

For a moving band of five, the road was arduous but not unmanageable. Their progress owed to the one leading the party. An individual no stranger to the whims and tempers of the sky.

Qrow set his sights above, reading the clouds like a book. Their shapes, their breaks, their density, all signs gleaned by intuition and acute sense. Accustomed to traveling, the Huntsman didn't need to watch his footing as much as the others—mostly keeping his attention upwards. He often made sudden turns that appeared nonsensical, but were followed nonetheless by the four behind.

As Qrow navigated the Windpath, Team RNJR trailed in his wake step by step. One foot out of place was met with the violent force of peeking out of a slipstream. Unable to see whatever the man in front of them saw, they had no choice but to rely on him completely.

The land was mostly formed of weathered rock. The terrain, like rough hide. Few wildlife was present, save for some goats and foxes. A fair number of birds seemed to enjoy the windy environment.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect, was the distinct lack of Grimm in the vicinity. Some ways into their travel eastward, the creatures of malcontent became scarce. If the land weren't so turbulent, the Windpath would have made fine spot for habitation. Not to say such endeavors were never attempted. As proof came, when the party encountered more ruins of failed colonization.

Qrow steered the group towards a gathering of collapsed buildings. At its center, was a structure that was once a radio station. Now, little more than a concrete gazebo with its outer walls stripped bare and only support columns left standing.

The air here was still, but as evidence of the surroundings suggested, the eye of the tempest would shift in due time. But for now, this was where the group would make camp.

Team RNJR went straightaway to unloading their equipment and setting up tents. It was late into the afternoon and they had skipped lunch, so meals were a priority. They would stay there for the night as traversing past sundown was fatal on this terrain.

All the while, Qrow took to the roof to act as lookout. His paranoia reached out behind every rock, listening for every sound. As stormy as their surroundings were, nothing escaped his attention.

"—How can you tell so much about the wind, Uncle Qrow?" a voice beside him asked.

Feeling a little showoff-ish, Qrow turned to Ruby with a smirk.

"Well, kiddo, when you get to be a veteran Huntsman like myself, you pick up on a few things. Learning to read the weather and the way the wind's blowing can be vital to your survival. Case in point."

"Oh. I thought it was because you can turn into a bird."

"…Yeah. That helps, too."

Ruby snorted. "Trying to act cool, old man?"

"Hey! What have I told you about calling me 'old'?"

"Do you know how much farther it is?" Ruby changed the subject.

"Not far now, I think. Shouldn't be."

"You're not sure?"

"It's a gut feeling. I know we're heading the right way. It's instinct, but instincts are what's most reliable. Remember that, kid. Always trust your intuition."

"That's nice. Can't you just turn into a bird and chat it up with the other birds? You know, like, 'caw caw', ' howdy brethren of the feather. Might you know, which way to the Tower, caw', and stuff?"

Qrow made a sound akin to a cough and a laugh.

"It doesn't work that way, Ruby. But I swear…"

"Hm?" she titled her head.

"You remind me more of your mom every day. Summer asked me the same exact thing on one of our little outings."

"…You two traveled a lot like this?"

"Yeah. Doubt there are many corners of Remnant we haven't been to. And never a dull moment among them. Not a single one."

"Sounds like fun."

"Yeah! Heh! That's what Summer called it, too! But it was more like trouble followed her everywhere! Made us keep one eye open at all times. Always ready to run. Always ready for some really weird sh—stuff to go down," he took a swig of his flask and grinned to himself in a self-deprecating way. "Yeah. Trouble had a thing for her."

"I wish I could've gone adventuring with mom."

Qrow looked at Ruby sadly for a moment, before pulling her hood over her face.

"Summer would've loved that. More than anything in the world."

Ruby laughed as she fixed her hood and sat on the edge of the roof. Her feet dangled off the side.

"But I'm glad I got to go with you like this. It was on my to-do list."

"Oh, yeah? Guess it hasn't been what you hoped it would be, huh?"

"Nope! Still good."

"Really now?" Qrow scoffed. "Well, if you say so. To be honest, I think Tai would make a better traveling compadre. He had a thing for games and singing on the road."

"Maybe…" Ruby paused. "But traveling with the 'old man' has its upsides."

He was about to correct her again, but ended up taking a swig from his flask instead.

"Go figure."

Qrow didn't tell Ruby, but he could actually feel where their destination was with certainty. Almost like the way someone was aware of their own organs, without ever seeing them in their life. The Tower drew him to it, making its presence known.

He was tempted to shape into a bird and fly there directly, but he checked the impulse. Almost like Ozpin's voice cautioned him, advising that others were required to accomplish what needed to be done.

But what was it that he needed to do?

The mountain of questions grew as high as the Windpath peaks.

Would he really meet Ozpin there? Masa acted deliberately vague about the single line of instruction. A Tower, east of the Windpath. That was all she said. Nothing about how she learned it, or knew for certain.

You're almost there, Qrow. Then, we may proceed to the next step.

He could almost hear Ozpin utter those words, in his waking hours and while he slept.

"—Hey. Um. I kinda wanna ask…" Ruby started.

"Sure, what's on your—" Qrow caught the scent of food and looked to the campfire below. "Is that kid making pancakes again?"

"Oh. Looks like Nora asked Ren to do it while you weren't paying attention."

"We're eating pancakes for five straight meals now!" Qrow groaned miserably. "Anyway. You were saying?"

Ruby twiddled her fingers nervously.

"Nothing. Never mind."

"Okay, then."

Qrow continued his observation of the clouds.

"Why do you keep looking up there?" Ruby stared in the same direction and wondered. "Afraid the sky's gonna fall?"

Qrow went silent for a time, as he squinted at something far away.

"Something like that."

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X

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Up above Team RNJR's rest area, a lone baby Nevermore circled them.

Through its sight, Salem stared back at Qrow, who followed the bird's movement with suspicion.

"I always wondered where the old fool built it. Hiding always was a skill he excelled at…" the Witch spited.

Connecting her consciousness with one of her avatars of communication, Salem got in touch with the Black Family. The location of Qrow and Team RNJR was relayed.

"Two birds, one stone."

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X

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Taiyang wasn't sure what to do, or remotely what to say.

Yang stood in the middle of their living room, her mother beside her. He expected their visit. Raven notified him prior, but having his daughter actually here.

It left him breathless.

Likewise, Yang stood frozen at the sight of her father. Their reunion layered in uncertainty.

Taiyang remembered the small note she left, before leaving. Unlike Ruby's, there were few words of apologies or sentiment. She was so angry back then. So down on herself that it broke his heart.

And now Yang was home, and it made him worry.

Is she better now? Did her teammates hurt her? Was she eating well? Was she taking care of herself? Her eyes are different. Is the Semblance taking root? Can I hold you?

But the only words that came from his mouth were,

"Welcome back. I see you decided to let yourselves in."

Did that sound sarcastic? Did it sound genuine? Did it—

"Dad…" Yang said with a hush. The bottom of her lip quivering violently. "DAD!" She bull-rushed him, head into his chest and her arms thrown around his waist. "I'm so sorry! I'm sorry I left like that!"

The warmth of his daughter made everything alright. The unbearable tension broke, and Taiyang hugged her tightly back.

"I'm sorry!" she cried again.

"It's okay, sweetie," Taiyang consoled her. "It's alright."

"You don't hate me?"

"Honey, I could never hate you."

"I was so stupid. I should've said something!"

"It's okay."

"I—I was so angry," Yang choked. "At Ruby, at my team, at everyone. And you were the only one around, and I—! I took it out on you like some spoiled brat!"

"It's okay. I understand."

"I'm so sorry, dad!"

"I forgive you, sunshine. It's okay," he cooed her. "It's alright."

Yang sniffed loudly. She turned her face up to him, a complete mess of tears and snot. Taiyang's was no different.

"I WUB YOU, DAD!"

"YANG!"

…

After a few minutes more of ugly crying, Yang and her father composed themselves.

"Where did mom go?"

"She probably went to visit Summer's grave," Taiyang answered. "Raven always hated the mushy stuff, so I think she stealthed out the second you started bawling."

"Shut up! You were, too!"

"Making a grown man cry…"

Yang gave a light chuckle.

"So, she went to visit mom's grave, huh…"

Taiyang looked at her curiously.

"You're still calling Summer 'mom'?"

"Yeah… I felt like I couldn't for a while, but—they're both my moms. Besides, deciding which is which or like there's a big load of difference is too complicated," she waved off. "I got enough to worry about."

"Like the war and the nobles? Or Team ENMY, for example?"

"Does everyone have spies keeping tabs on me?"

"No, I just follow the news. And that thing with the nobles, the Branwens are a big name. Paranoid much?"

"Okay, point taken." Yang sat down on the couch.

She took a cookie from the center coffee table and threw it in her mouth.

"But, you know…About this girlfriend of yours…" Taiyang broached the topic.

*Pbbbttt!* Yang spat out a fountain of crumbs. "THAT'S DEFINITELY NOT IN THE NEWS! How do you even—?!"

"Raven… may have mentioned it."

"We are not having this conversation. Nope! Putting a stop to this. Right now!"

"I just want to know who you're choosing to spend your… time with."

"Daaaaddd…."

"It's nothing to be shy about. Or did you think I wouldn't approve because she's a girl?"

"DAAAAAADDD!"

"You know, I just assumed you had a thing for the broody one on your team. Blake, I think? She reminded me of your mother a little, so I thought maybe—"

"I wanna die. I wanna die. Iwannadie!" Yang repeated. Her hands bracing her face with unmitigated embarrassment.

"So, is it like…serious?"

"Someone. Anyone. Please, kill me now."

At that moment, the front door swung open, and there stood Raven.

"Careful what you wish for. And are we finished with the fluff, yet?"

"Yes!" Yang answered. "We are done! We are SO done!"

"Good. Now, let's get down to the real reason for our visit, shall we?"

Yang blinked. "The real reason?"

"You didn't think I brought you here just to reunite you with your father."

"I…did." She turned to Taiyang, who only showed a bitter smile.

"We're here to help you manage the Reaper Semblance," her father answered.

Getting up, Taiyang went outside with Raven where Yang followed.

The sun was about to set, lending a flood of orange splash across the sky. A veil of violet encroached from the opposite horizon.

Yang crunched the dirt and gravel under her boots. The grass was soft but hardy to the touch. She'd forgotten how much she loved home. How peaceful and freeing it was. No spies, no politics—no enemies. No complications.

Yang made a note to visit Summer's grave when she got the chance.

When the three of them reached the makeshift sparring grounds, they stopped.

"So, what do you guys mean managing the Reaper Semblance?"

"We're actually going to fully awaken it," Raven clarified.

"Temporarily," Taiyang interrupted. "It's a requirement to overwriting it."

"I'm confused," she admitted.

"This idiot," Raven pitched her thumb to Taiyang, "thinks we can overwrite the Reaper Semblance. A fool's errand."

"We can!"

"Yes, because blind belief is always rewarded."

"This is what's best for her."

"What's best for Yang is strength. Naïve, wishful thinking isn't going to save her, Tai."

"And giving herself to a life of murder is?"

"—Alright! Both of you, STOP!" Yang interjected herself between them.

Truth be told, she secretly enjoyed seeing her parents together. Although they were fighting, it did carry a special warmth.

"What do you mean overwrite the Reaper Semblance?"

Taiyang looked to Raven, expecting more protests.

"By all means," the woman crossed her arms. "Explain your ridiculous theory."

Taiyang sighed and approached Yang. A patient smile surfaced on his expression. The kind she remembered him using to teach classes.

"Sunshine, there are always two forces fighting within us, each vying for control over our soul. Light and Dark. Good and Evil. Do you know what fairytales are supposed to teach us?"

"Uh…Well, there's always some life lesson about doing the right thing. So, I guess, to be a good person?" Yang replied uncertainly.

"That's true. More concretely, they teach us to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories. To make the good decisions, however difficult. To stand for what is right. And at the same time, they act as a warning," Taiyang urged seriously. "They warn us that, if we're not careful, we can just as easily become our own worst villains. Both sides of the tale live in us all. And we have to choose which one we are going to be."

"Al…right."

"It was something Ozpin told us when we became Huntsmen and Huntresses."

"—Idiotic drivel," they heard Raven murmur in the background.

Choosing to ignore her, Taiyang continued.

"You don't have to give in to the Reaper Semblance. You can choose a better path."

"…"

"As you know, there are individuals who carry two, or even three Semblances. Each of them, a reflection of a soul's character. Sometimes, they merge or one erases the other. In any case, you in particular, were born with two."

"Right…?"

"It's normally tradition to let you discover the meaning on your own and name it yourself. This used to be the rite of passage for Huntsmen and Huntresses—but these are different times. Which is why your mother and I have decided to explain them to you and arrange all this."

Taiyang took a deep breath before continuing.

"The Semblance you inherited from me is referred to as the Valor Semblance. It activates in the midst of battle. Your Aura builds with the progression of the fight and your physical condition is heightened. In a clutch, it can renew your strength for a limited time, enabling you to carry on fighting. It is the embodiment of the warrior spirit, for good or bad. And it relies heavily on the wielder's state of mind. Understand?"

Yang thought back to when she fought Weiss. The transition between fighting by way of pure emotion to concentrated will. The difference of controlling her feelings than being ruled by them.

"With you so far," she nodded.

"That is the nature of the Valor Semblance. Now, your other half…"

"Is the Reaper Semblance," Yang finished.

"Yes. Remember what I told you? You can choose which path to take. The Reaper Semblance can be suppressed, or even erased completely. It's been done before."

"—But you'll naturally choose whichever is stronger," Raven interrupted. "The soul attracts to what it needs most. And the Reaper Semblance is a very dominant trait. Since the beginning of your journey, it's been taking root this whole time."

"Semblances can change, Raven," Taiyang argued.

"Not in the way you think."

"You said you would let me explain."

"But I didn't say you could fill her head with false hope. If she doesn't accept who she is, the trial can kill her."

"She can change! I know it!"

"—STOP!" Yang was forced to pacify them again. "Okay, so we're trying to somehow change my Semblance, or overwrite it, or whatever. I get that. But if Semblances are a part of myself…"

"You are in fact, denying a part of yourself, or essentially destroying a piece of who you are. Yeah," Raven finished the line of thought. "Now, you can see why I have my doubts. It's impossible to quarantine-off sections of your soul. No one can change who they really are—who they're meant to be."

Yang shifted stares to her father, who remained unperturbed.

"I'm not trying to change you, but I know you don't want this kind of path," Taiyang explained. "I want you to have a choice in who you become. And overwriting a Semblance may sound crazy, but it's been done before. Trust me."

"You mentioned that," Yang said pointedly. "How did the Reaper Semblance get overwritten before? Who did it?"

"It's an old story I heard, and the person in question isn't important. But I swear, it's the truth."

Yang cocked her head to the side with doubt. Experience with Team ENMY made her more sensitive to lies, and she raised an accusing brow to her father. At the same time, Taiyang avoided her gaze.

The statement was suspicious. Yang was about to press more, when her own answer came rushing to the surface.

"Duh!" Yang smacked her head. "It's Ruby!"

"Huh?"

"Ruby's the one who overwrote the Reaper Semblance! But…how?"

"Wha-?! Why would you think it was Ruby?"

"Uhhh, cause Qrow's her dad?"

"HUH?! BUT—"

Raven gave a harsh scoff through her nose.

"Only you and Qrow still think you're fooling anyone. Typical."

"Yeah, dad," Yang joined. "Ruby and I figured it out years ago."

"No…way…"

"Anywho! Since Qrow is Ruby's dad, that means she's a Branwen by blood. She's supposed to have the Reaper Semblance, too. So…how did it get overwritten?"

"—That," Raven elected herself to explain, "was extremely exceptional circumstance. Summer passed on a trait more powerful than the Branwen's, and it targets the eyes specifically. That's the only reason the Reaper Semblance was overwritten."

"Silver Eyes…Emerald told me a little."

Her mother nodded. "It was something Ruby was born with. Not something she had control over."

"It's impossible, then?"

Raven's adamant stance loosened a bit. In spite of her frequent denials of the method, if she was offered a choice between subjecting Yang to the Reaper Semblance or not, she would obviously choose the latter. But fate was rarely so convenient.

"It's not impossible, but the odds are definitive. And it's never been done before. Chances are, the Reaper Semblance is too deeply engrained already."

"—But if anyone can change it, she can," Taiyang puffed out his chest.

A small smile curled Raven's lips.

"We can agree on that. Our girl has a lot of fight in her."

"And that means the Valor Semblance should win out."

"Don't push it, Tai." Raven addressed Yang once more. "Personally, I think the most-likely scenario is one Semblance becomes more dominant, while the other is greatly diminished. That's how it normally turns out. And you already know which one I'm expecting. Either way, the Reaper Semblance will always be there, in some shape or form for the rest of your life."

"I see, that makes sense," Yang replied.

"…But if it's you," Raven paused. "I'm not sure what might happen. Above all else, just do everything you can to survive. Got it?"

Yang nodded.

"Alright. It's time to choose your path, Yang."

Her mother and father both held out shards the size of a pinky, and dropped them into her glove. One was black and purple, with a glossy sheen. The other, white and glistening, electric to the touch.

The crystals were highly condensed versions of Dust and Bane.

"Digesting these at the same time will awaken your Semblance to their fullest," Raven explained. "From there, we see which side of you wins out. It's a dangerous and outdated practice, but a necessary one at the moment. We can only do this once and your best chance is now, while you're at the peak of your growth. You game?"

"Yeah. I'm all in."

Raven braced Yang's shoulder.

"Remember. You'll need strength and resolve to defeat your enemies."

"But you'll need what is right to temper your spirit," Taiyang advised.

…

"Great," Yang couldn't help but break into a crooked smile.

"Yang…" Raven looked at her worriedly.

"Yeah, mom?"

"…. Do everything you can to come back. It doesn't matter what choices you make, or how much you change. I'll be here waiting until you return. Do you understand?"

Yang revealed a reassured grin and nodded.

"And you know the same goes for me," Taiyang added. "We love you, sweetheart. No matter what. So come home."

Yang gulped and sat herself on the ground with her legs folded. She rolled the crystals in her palm from one side to the other. They gave off a small, shattering crackle every time they touched, like natures at war.

"Okay…bottoms up!"

She tossed the shards to the back of her mouth and they tumbled down her throat.

…

All was silent for the first seconds.

And the seconds turned into minutes.

"—Raven," Taiyang spoke as they watched their daughter. "Whatever happens next, I want to thank you for bringing Yang here."

"Hmph. If you're so grateful, you can cover our travel fee. The Bane it took to get here wasn't cheap."

"Can you take an I.O.U.?"

"You've given me so many of those, I wonder if I can collect them all in my lifetime."

"You know I'm good for it."

"You've never made good on them before."

Yang slowly stood from her meditative stance. Aura blasted from her body in shockwaves. A low growl escaped between her teeth.

"Even if you weren't good at paying back your debts, at least I knew I could count on you in a fight."

"It's nice to be counted on. Reminds me of old times."

Raven grasped the hilt of her sword and the scabbard rotated to load a fresh blade. At the same time, various tattoos drew themselves along Taiyang's arms.

"Don't screw up, Tai."

"I won't. Not when it comes to our girl."

Yang's Ember Celica went haywire as veins webbed across her skin. The whites of her eyes turned black and her irises blazed a deep crimson. Her stray locks of hair turned into licks of fire.

She was on them in an instant.

Raven drew her blade and Taiyang loosed his fist.

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NOTE

(Two Chapter release)