.
Welcome to Vacuo
.
I survived because the fire inside me
Burned brighter than the fire around me.
.
.
From a distance, Team ENMY watched the endless desert expanse of Vacuo grow from just above the horizon to all around them. The golden sands shined, baking in the untethered sun. Barren mountain scape curbed the land like spined bone. And just past the continent's beautiful shores, was a city.
Great walls erected around the continent's capital. If the four looked closely, they could see the glimmer of Dust line the coating, as to ward away most species of Grimm. The barriers were reinforced with every manner of security possible, physical and electronic. The Kingdom spared no expense in making their home a fortress. A vast difference in technology from what lay inside.
Team ENMY's airship passed over the wall after providing their credentials. Below them stretched the heart of the nation. The buildings were short, few taller than two stories. The roads were large and bustling with people. The vehicles that navigated through had passengers hanging off the outer exterior.
Even at such a height, Team ENMY could tell the tech the city used was outdated by most standards. Having recently lived in Atlas, the height of modern innovation, drove the vast technological gap deeper.
Still, there was an energy that emanated from the ground that overshadowed anywhere Team ENMY had been previous. A heartbeat in this nation, like blood rushing through the settlement's body.
"Damn," Yang couldn't help but utter. "I've heard about it, but words really don't do it justice. I never knew a place like this existed."
"What? Primitive buildings and people?"
"You don't see what I see, Em."
Yang pressed against the windowed glass. Her face only millimeters from its surface. She saw the Life in All Things.
To the Spring Maiden's specialized sight, she watched Aura overflow the streets. The sparking veins revealed in a person's body was mimicked in the city itself. It radiated brighter and more brilliant than the sands or the sun combined. Whether it was Yang's ever evolving Semblance, or just the nature of the Kingdom, Yang could see the city breathe. There was only one conclusion she could draw from it.
Those who resided in Vacuo—
"They're really alive."
"Yeah, surprised they haven't just cooked in this weather," Emerald sniffed.
"Seriously, Em?"
"Look, blondie. You may be born as the girl on fire, but the rest of us saner people—Neo excluded—would rather not live in a pile of sweating mess."
"C'mon. It's not that hot."
"Dude, you can't even see the city clearly with all that heat haze! Look at the squiggles, Yang! THE SQUIGGLES!"
"But look, the temp gauges aren't reading that high."
"That's 'cause they broke one mile inland. Vacuo's crazy ass desert air broke Atlas's newest airship sensors after one mile."
"Oof. Well, it's probably cooler now that we're in the city?"
"Oh, right. Cause whatever's inside the frying pan is so much more cooler than what's outside it."
"Maybe the heat'll do something about that sass, if we're lucky…" Yang said under her breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. Hey, look! It's the welcoming committee!"
"Oh, joy. Time to make some new friends—or some new enemies."
"Pretty much the same thing, when it comes to us."
Mercury maneuvered the airship to land in one of the transport hangars. Immediately upon touching down, they were surrounded. Various warriors stood at attention with weapons in hand. Although they did not aim them, they clearly wanted their arms visible to the visitors.
As Team ENMY stepped out the cargo door, Yang's attention fell on the leader of their greeting party.
"Oh, it's you." She crossed her arms. "Of course, it's you."
"Yeah. Me," Ilia Amitola glared back. Although tasked with the job of receiving the guests, it was clear she didn't intend to do so politely. "I guess this is the part where I welcome you to Vacuo."
"Peh!" Emerald spat after being hit with a thick wave of heat and sand.
"Welcome to Vacuo."
"Yup. I can tell. Totally gonna love it here."
"Hey, hey, hey! What the hell is that?!"
Behind Emerald, Neo and Mercury herded what appeared to be two rows of twenty chained prisoners. The shackles on their wrists and feet clanged loudly as they shuffled off the cargo hold door. Each wore gag cloths around their mouths, as well as blindfolds.
"Who the hell are they?! We weren't told there would be more than the four of you!" Ilia demanded.
"Yeah, they don't count," Emerald answered. "They're just luggage."
"We're going to have to detain them."
"Then, detain them," the mint-haired girl readily answered with a bored tone. "They're yours now. We were only the delivery people. Careful not to break them before your boss gets to have her word. No returns or store credit."
"Who are they?"
"Vacuo's biggest fans."
"Who are they really?"
"Wasn't lying, sweetie. You can stop with the four-star hospitality already. Time to take us to the big dog."
Ilia clinched her teeth and stopped herself from responding to the barbs.
"…We have to run you through some procedures first and a customs check."
*Sigh* "'Course you do. How bad could it possibly be?"
The team was immediately stripped naked, and thrown into an almost pitch-black room. There, they were lined up against a white wall, holding up an information placard, to have their pictures taken like criminals.
"Effin' figures!" Emerald shouted, then started looking Yang and Neo up and down. There were hickies all over their bodies in places usually hidden by clothes. "You guys are such freaks."
"I wonder if they haze all their guests like this," Mercury wondered.
"Probably just us. What with our sparkling personalities and Yang having banged our welcoming committee's love of her life."
"I never banged Blake," Yang growled.
"Really? I swear you and the kitty cat…" Emerald stopped after receiving Neo's pointed stare. "Ooookay. Never mind. Least it's cooler in here. Probably cause we're naked. Guess, we got that goin' for us."
The steel door opened with a violent screech and Ilia strode in with a clipboard and some assistants.
"Stand forward, and state your names for recording."
There was a slight pause before,
"Hand me the keys, you fucking cocksucker," Emerald said with bored tone, but a hint of a smile.
"Give me the fuckin' keys, you fuckin' cocksucker, MOTHER-LELELELEHHHH!" Mercury yelled nonsensically.
"Hand me the fuckin' keys, you cocksucker. What the fuck?" Yang followed with a giggle.
Neo held up the other side of her placard, which was somehow written in permanent marker:
"Hand me the keys. You fucking cocksucker "
Along with an obscene drawing.
Ilia breathed a long, pronounced sigh.
"We're taking some blood samples," she said matter-of-factly. "Also, you're each going to take one of these."
Ilia held up a small shard of Dust between her fingers.
"Dust?" Yang asked. "You want us to take Dust?"
"In front of us, yes. It's procedure."
"For what?"
"Do you wanna see Temujin or not? Or we could just have you killed. Your choice."
"…Is it poisoned?"
"There are easier ways to dispose of you."
Team ENMY glanced at each other and shrugged. They simultaneously dry swallowed their shards, while having their blood taken by the medical examiners. Emerald, Mercury, and Neo received a short charge of energy after downing the substance, while Yang showed none whatsoever.
Ilia and the assistants paused at the peculiarity.
"Yeah, I'm a bit different," Yang told them. "Not a big deal."
Their hosts made no reply and Team ENMY instantly went on their guard. Their sixth sense told them they would be attacked at any moment. But as if to cut through the tension, Ilia reacted to a voice on her in-ear comms.
"You sure? How certain are you? It's not personal! It's a fact she doesn't react to Dust. I know what usually happens but—Fine!" Ilia motioned with her hand to ease the others. The hostile air dissipated.
"What was that all about?" Yang side-whispered to Emerald.
"Dunno. That definitely wasn't normal. We'll let this play out for now, but things get a little more dicey, and you guys are off the leash."
"Looks like everything is in order," Ilia drew their attentions. "Last things last, we need to confiscate your weapons."
"You already have them," Emerald placed one hand on her hip, unfazed by the fact she was still naked.
"Don't play dumb. Those two's prosthetics. Detach them and hand them over."
"Um, yeah. How about, fuck you?" Mercury sneered.
"We'll get you a wheelchair."
"Nah. No, thank you, fuck you very much."
Ilia silently pressured them a moment more before receiving more orders on her comms. She turned around and walked to the doorway.
"Follow me."
.
X
.
Outside, on the city's main thoroughfare, Team ENMY rode on a roofless jeep escorted by Ilia and a number of Vacuo soldiers.
The blazing sun continued to beat down on them without a single cloud for reprieve. An occasional gust of wind would scrape coarse sand across their skin. It was as if the nation itself constantly ripped away whatever laid on the surface. Nothing was left covered or hidden. The core substance of a person down to their bones were laid bare for everyone to see.
It was a harsh, but also cleansing place.
The escort passed through the market, when the smells of fresh, delicious meats filled the air. Mixed with it, was the scent of burning Dust and steelwork. They could hear shouts from all sides, some of laughter and others of arguments or haggling price. There was nothing empty about the city, no space left unoccupied.
"Hm," Emerald turned the apple in her hand conspicuously.
"…Where did you get that?" Ilia asked from the front seat.
"From the food cart back there. Relax, don't get your ponytail curled more than it is. I left payment."
"Vacuo doesn't work that way."
"I know," Emerald pulled out a shard of Dust. "We've done our homework. Your economy functions entirely on trade. Dust, weapons, essentials, food, even owed favors. Zero dependency on any type of currency, including lien."
Emerald took a bite of the apple and felt electricity tickle her tongue.
They Dust their food?
"I see," Ilia didn't take her eyes off her. "So, I assume you know about our Code."
The mint-haired girl listed them off disinterestedly—
Survival of the Fittest.
Strength in Numbers.
Respect is Earned.
Honor Rewards and Service.
Eye for an Eye.
"The laws that aren't laws," she ended with. "Even if you don't call them that, if someone breaks them, they face some pretty creative consequences. We've read the stories."
"Must be difficult for a thief of your reputation to contain yourself."
"Oh, I have a reputation? Shucks, I hope it isn't anything too grandizing. I'm the bashful type."
"Just know that people know who you are—what you are, thief," Ilia narrowed. "Everyone is watching and you won't be let off with just a fine or warning for any crimes you commit."
"Yeah, you guys like to use a bone saw instead of a slap for wrists. But you know, there's always a loophole for my kind, no matter what laws or codes you guys got in place."
"And what would that be?"
"No consequences await those who don't get caught."
"…Another word, and it won't matter whose envoy you are. I'll cut the tongue out of your mouth to shut you up. Did your research on Vacuo tell you that?"
It did actually, Ilia Amitola—one of Temujin's most trusted spies and lieutenants. Specialized in nighttime operations, transportation, surveillance, and counter-surveillance, Emerald thought, but stopped herself from saying aloud.
"Hey," Yang nudged her side. "How far are you gonna push her? At this rate, you'll piss her off more than she is with me. Not that I'm complaining."
"Gotta test the waters, Yang. Can't get a handle on something if you don't push its limits."
"Yeah, just be careful not to get something decapitated at the same time, thief. Or you and me are gonna have a lot more in common."
"That's what you three are for—to make sure that doesn't happen. On a more serious note, this place is as ruthless as we've heard. Real cutthroat type of culture."
"Sounds like a world made for us."
"First thing I've found to like about Vacuo."
The group's car arrived at the Hanging Gardens, Vacuo's "former" palace of governance. After the revolution, and the previous governing body was overthrown, Temujin claimed the building as her personal residence.
It stood in stark contrast to the rest of the city. For one thing, it was the only structure to reach over thirty stories, which meant it could be seen from anywhere in the capital. It also possessed a lush green terrace on every floor. A world almost onto itself, when compared to the rough stone and gold sands surrounding it.
Team ENMY was led through the entrance and onto the elevator. With every floor they passed, it seemed more soldiers were added to their escort. It reached the point where small crowds covered their sides and back. Their hosts exercised complete control over the direction of their movements—a tactic employed to obviously intimidate.
"These guys sure like to flex their muscle," Emerald hallucinated a whisper to her teammates.
Their large posse stopped before a tall door where two massive guards stood sentry on each side. Upon receiving orders on their comms and a nod from Ilia, they opened the gates to the throne.
"Alright, criminals. You know the drill. Everyone's trying to kill us until they aren't. Heads on a swivel and call out marks."
Emerald's order put the rest of her team on edge. It was the on switch they could only develop after bearing through countless life or death situations. Their senses honed to their finest point. They reacted to everything and acted accordingly. And maybe most importantly of all, they assumed that anything bad that could happen, wouldhappen—until it didn't.
The moment they stepped over the precipice of the great hall, their brains went to identifying the biggest threats in the room. And to their expectation, Temujin did not disappoint.
The setting of the floor was tranquil. Vines entangled every pillar, water rushed between the ceramic tiles beneath their feet. But in vast deference to the palace's decor, a small standing army populated each side of the center aisle. Every single warrior bearing a menacing demeanor.
Unabashed, Emerald took the lead in striding her way to the far end of the hall. A subtle light-heartedness could be detected in her gait. Surrounded by Vacuo's strongest, and the lead ambassador never lost her smile.
On the other hand, Yang, Neo, and Mercury were the polar opposite. The three glared back with the same hostility they received. They knew standing their ground was vital. Every attendant present was a caliber fighter. Even so, the three shot-called the top threats. Among them were even a few familiar faces.
"Glynda Goodwitch, Sun Wukong, Neptune Vasilias," Mercury whispered, as they passed them in the audience.
The four stepped deeper into the den of hardened warriors.
Taiga Fei-hung, Neo made note of a Faunus martial artist with a tiger tail whipping behind his back expectantly. Chain Nai, she spotted a warrior covered in blue ring blemishes on his skin with chains wrapped around his hands like gloves.
Yang spared a glance at the ceiling.
"Charlotte Silk, Dober Anu."
Mercury marked the Spider Faunus hanging upside down by a thread. With her, was a figure with a canine head wrapped in bandages, which were used to suspend from the roof.
"They're mine," the team's specialist flyer called out.
As they drew closer to the throne, their attentions fell on those standing on the steps leading to it.
Minerva Calico, Headmaster of Shade Academy. Temujin's best friend and most trusted advisor.
Neo's irises changed color in response to the viable threat. There was little doubt the woman was the second most important individual in Vacuo. Minerva seemed to pay special focus in return.
"And those two," Yang narrowed her brow, "—have to be Mouse and Knives Rakis."
On the left side of the steps, two siblings gazed with a trance-like stare at the Spring Maiden. Round ears poked out the holes of their hoods. Their eyes gleamed with silver in polished black.
Cinder's intel said they were the x-factor of Temujin's inner circle. Capabilities, role, skill level—all unknown.
Silver eyes… same as Ruby…
Yang made a special note in her head to watch them.
And at the center, occupying the throne, was the crownless ruler of Vacuo herself—Temujin. One arm rested on the end of her missing leg. The other tapped on the handle of her cane. Her single eye pierced them like an arrow, projecting a presence similar to being held at gunpoint.
All the weapons and all the soldiers in the hall did nothing to shake Team ENMY, but this woman alone, elicited a reaction from one. Yang immediately grabbed Emerald's wrist to stop her from walking closer.
"Yang, what are you doing?"
"Trust me, Em. You don't want to take another step."
Emerald thought about pressing on. Showing weakness like this was not the best way to make first impressions. Neo and Mercury had roughly the same thought. But Emerald rationed if Yang cautioned it, she should listen. Her trust in her teammate dispelled any remaining doubt.
"Greetings and salutations!" Emerald hollered cheerfully over the twenty paces of distance. "I'm Emerald Sustrai, leader of Team ENMY. We were tasked as ambassadors—"
"Why don't you come closer?" Temujin interrupted. "This old woman can't hear so well, you know."
"I think I'm speaking clear enough. Sorry. It's not like we have anything against you, but we just don't trust you." She briefly scanned her surroundings. "Apparently, like you don't trust us."
"Rather rude. Shouldn't you be more courteous as our house guests?"
"So, you can hear me. Look, we're already surrounded by your very, very intimidating followers."
"Them? They're just curious about the visitors and wanted to have a look see."
"Sure, thing. What I'm trying to say is, your gods of death are breathing so far down our necks, I can practically smell what they ate this morning. And now, you want us to jump in our own graves, too? Little much of an ask, don't you think?"
The residents of Vacuo couldn't possibly fathom what was going on. The ones less sensitive only remarked that Team ENMY were showing cowardice by refusing to move closer. The more experienced veterans sensed there was a reason to keeping a distance and prepared to leap to Temujin's defense at the fist sign of danger. Even Minerva didn't comprehend the purpose of such precaution.
The only ones who knew the truth of this bizarre issue were Yang, the Rakis siblings, and Temujin.
A dry-cracked smile broke across the old Faunus's expression.
"Hahaha!" Temujin slapped her shortened thigh. "There aren't many who've ever spotted that. Hoho~ The Spring Maiden is as impressive as rumors let on."
Yang forced a cringy grin. A few beads of sweat fell from her forehead, not from the heat, but from the pressure Temujin exuded.
She couldn't properly describe what she was seeing. Vacuo's ruler possessed an Aura unlike anything Yang had ever witnessed. Lightning crackled in a ring encircling the throne. It was like a storm raging inside a snow globe. All she could really understand was stopping her teammates from entering Temujin's "territory" was her top priority.
"Hm…" Vacuo's leader glanced to her left.
So, this is what the siblings were referring to. Only they and Raven have ever detected my Semblance in this form.
"Oh, fine. You can speak from there, I suppose," Temujin feigned a sigh, while observing them closely. "A girl with no voice, another with no arm, and a boy with no legs. Tell me, girlie. Are you missing something, as well?"
"Nope, I'm pretty whole," Emerald replied. "'Cept for maybe a crippling lack of empathy. But fuck other people, am I right?"
The whole chamber went tensely silent for a moment.
"Heh!" Temujin cackled. "I like you!"
"Most don't!"
"All the emissaries these days do all this bowing and ceremony. Blah blah blah, majesty something, lord of sands and Faunus. As if they can hide the fact they hate us on the inside."
"The Black Queen specifically ordered us NOT to do that."
"What do you think of Vacuo?"
"I hate it. Your weather is just the worst, scenery is shit, and I haven't seen them yet, but I hear you guys have a serious Grimm problem. Like, something about having the most recorded Nightmare-Classes between the other three Kingdoms combined?"
"Anything to your liking?"
"Food looks good. Our boy here, Merc, couldn't stop drooling on the drive over here. Diverse culture's a plus. You also look like you run a tight crew, real blood and fire type of lethals. Respect for that."
"Hoho~ You are a gutsy little rascal."
"Like you said, there's no real point trying to lie to you. So, here's me and my team. What you see is what you get. We're here as ambassadors on behalf of the Atlas Kingdom to set up an alliance with your nation. The Black and White Queen send their regards by the way. They regret they couldn't make it here themselves but want to someday—'specially our boss."
Emerald added a small pause after her last word.
"She's very interested in you, and after meeting you, I can kinda see why. You're both similar."
"Hm, the Black Queen, you say. I've heard quite a bit surrounding Cinder Fall. She seems as vicious as her reputation. I can only assume she was the one who sent those 'gifts' without the White Queen's knowledge."
Emerald revealed a devious grin that was extremely Cinder-esque. Temujin was referring to the group of prisoners Team ENMY brought over from Atlas, who Ilia detained on arrival.
"I very much doubt Weiss Schnee is the type to send imprisoned Crusaders as a peace offering."
"Nope. The White Queen's gift is the airship we came on," Emerald answered. "Top-of-the-line model, fresh from R&D, and at your complete disposal."
Temujin massaged her chin thoughtfully.
"If your transport was a gift, how do you expect to return?"
"Eh, we'll figure something out," Emerald shrugged. "Plus, I heard you guys got a talented smuggler somewhere. Maybe, we could hire her."
Temujin chuckled, while spotting a fuming Ilia at the corner of her periphery.
"Is that it for your gifts, then?"
"We have more bargaining chips, but that's only until we get to the real nitty gritty negotiations. Those were just appetizers."
"Oh? But I swear, you've come to me with at least one more present, it seems."
Emerald immediately didn't like how Temujin phrased that sentence. Neither did the rest of her team for that matter, because they all inadvertently tightened their muscles and shortened their breaths.
The old wolf Faunus released an Aura of bloodlust that was almost palpable. ENMY could hardly believe she could manifest such a threat with her age and body being what it was. But it was displayed for them as real as any Maiden. The target of Temujin's aggression fell solely on a single member of the team.
"I'm not sure if you're aware, but I have some rather unsettled business with your predecessor." Temujin bore her fangs in her grin. "Little Spring Maiden."
Yang didn't move, but within her center of gravity, she was already gathering her Aura. Her crimson eyes focused on the elder verbally advancing on her. The cracks of light radiated the woman's weakness as well as boast her overwhelming strength.
"I can smell her in you. She was the one who did this," Temujin patted her shortened leg," And this," she pointed to her missing eye. "Tell me. Is it true, whosoever kills you, takes your power for their own?"
"Yeah," Yang confirmed with unabashed confidence. "But you better be ready to lose the rest of you, if you wanna try," she challenged back.
"Are you sure that's wise? Not to mention we have you surrounded, but any aggression towards me would mean a breakdown in negotiations."
"This and that are two different things. If you can't separate business from personal, I don't think Cinder and Weiss need an alliance with you, anyway."
Hostilities filled the hall like a freshly opened wound. Semblances were activated on all sides of Team ENMY. The weapons that were held passively up to this point, were now clearly aimed in the direction of the four.
"This is a serious matter, youngster," Temujin spoke deep, without the playfulness she once displayed. "I've allowed your disrespect because it was a bit entertaining, but you're wearing out my patience. One wrong move, one wrong word slipped, and Vacuo may very well side with Mistral and Vale in this war. Are you aware of that?"
Yang didn't need to, but she paid a brief glance to her teammates. Emerald seemed as carefree as ever. Mercury never took his sights from the ceiling but wore a cheeky expression. Neo gazed right at her with a glint as sharp as glass—as if urging her partner to do it.
"Yeah," Yang nodded grinningly. "And I say, bring it on, fossil queen. I accept any and all challengers."
The Spring Maiden brandished a fighting stance that roared defiance against those surrounding her. Mercury and Neo followed suit. Their weapons drawn and poised with murderous intent.
The whole throne room was about to move on them, when the cracking of Temujin's cane on the floor put a stop to the motion.
"BAHAHAHA! YOU KIDS ARE HILARIOUS!" Temujin cackled without an ounce of discretion or cordiality. "Ahahaha…! Haha…ha… You'll have to excuse me. I haven't laughed like that in a while. You may leave," she made a brushing motion.
""What."" It was not only Yang, but Ilia, who blurted the same word.
"I won't kill you, Yang Xiao Long—at least not today. We will postpone our discussion for later and leave it at just introductions. Personally, I want to see to these Crusaders you've brought."
"Fair enough," Emerald piped up, and turned on her foot. "I have no doubt you'll find us when you want."
"Oh, yes. Very easily."
"WAIT!" Ilia ran in front of Temujin. "Aren't you going to ask them about Blake?! They were the last ones to see her!"
"Enough, Ilia."
"But, Temujin!"
"I said enough!" the elder snarled.
It was then, Ilia realized how foolish she looked.
"I'm sorr—"
Temujin reached out to pat her head.
"That is enough." She looked past the girl to Team ENMY caught between staying and going. "You may leave."
Emerald and Yang nodded shortly before continuing to exit the room. The crowd of soldiers that once blocked them in, now made way like a parting sea. To them, Temujin's word commanded absolute obedience. If ENMY were allowed to leave with her blessing, they were christened untouchable.
When the four were gone, the rest of the hall's attendants dispersed, save for Temujin's closest advisors.
"They are a good team," Temujin assessed. "Did you notice how the one called Emerald left her guard completely open?"
"That was careless," the blue-ringed Faunus commented with a hollow voice.
"No, it was trust, Nai. The girl left her defenses completely to the other three. It allowed her to divert her sole focus into speaking with me without any worries. Those four… what a collection of little monsters."
"They did appear formidable as a combat unit."
"I want them!"
"Could you please refrain from adopting the opposition—again?" Minerva scolded sternly.
"Hmph! As if you weren't already scouting them for your school!"
"That is an entirely different matter."
"Peh!" Temujin rested her chin on her cane for a few seconds. "Team ENMY…."
"If only those miscreants had been born in Vacuo."
.
X
.
Even as they reached the first floor of the building, Yang showed no signs of dropping her guard.
The elevator doors opened, and she took point at the front of her team. After her, Emerald followed with Mercury at her side. Bringing up the rear was Neo, who continuously watched their backs and blind spots.
All eyes fell on them as the four crossed the lobby. As well as a certain familiar figure waiting by the security desk.
"Hey, Kiddo."
"…"
Yang's heart stopped. She took a deep breath and blinked away the tears threatening to burst.
"Dad."
"Yeah. It's me, sunshine," he answered with a warm grin.
Her body went rigid. She was about to step away, but duty stayed her feet. Yang couldn't break formation.
Just then, she received a swift kick in the tush.
When she turned around, Yang saw Emerald rolling her eyes and gesturing her forward. As if to say, "Go say hi to your dad, idiot. We'll wait."
Without another second to spare, Yang dashed into her father's arms for a tight embrace. Taiyang picked his daughter up and swung her around in pure joy.
"Oh, I knew you'd get here, Kiddo. I always knew."
"Dad…! DAD! I have so much to tell you!"
"Hehehe! I'm sure you do."
They both let go and wiped the tears from their eyes. Her father was exactly the way Yang remembered. Although, he did put on a bit more muscle and his skin was tanned a couple shades darker. But other than that, he was still the loving father she knew, and that went a long way.
"I have to admit, I was worried when I wasn't allowed up there," Taiyang palmed the back of his neck. "But it looks like you received a better welcome than I did."
"I kinda doubt that…"
"Glynda and Minerva had to stop Temujin from having me executed."
"Eesh. Well, she practically unhinged her jaw the moment she 'smelled' the Spring Maiden in me."
"Yeah. Your godmother isn't the most tenderest of people."
"Godmother? Wait, who are we talking about?"
"…"
"…"
"She… didn't tell you?"
Yang inhaled sharply.
"TEMUJIN'S MY GODMOTHER?!"
"Raven was really stubborn about it being her," Taiyang sighed. And then, in a quieter voice, "Despite all my objections…"
"SHE ALMOST TRIED TO KILL ME!"
"It's possible she forgot."
"She FORGOT she's my godmother?"
"That seems entirely plausible for that senile buffoon," a voice resounded behind them.
As the group turned, they watched Minerva and Glynda approach.
"Contrary it may be to your first impressions, it seems Temujin has taken quite fondly to your group," the Headmaster of Shade Academy explained. "As such, she has invited your leader to breakfast tomorrow."
"Alone?" Yang cocked her head.
"Yes."
"Fat chance."
"Yang!" Taiyang was about to remand her, when Minerva held up her hand.
"On another note, would you be interested in enrolling in Shade Academy?"
"Minerva…!" Glynda groaned, while shaking her head. "This is hardly the time. Besides, have I not brought your school some of the best and brightest Vale has to offer?"
"There is always room for more. In any case," the Headmaster turned to Emerald. "Accommodations have been made for you and your team at our student dorms. Another subject our illustrious leader failed to recall during your vocal boxing match of wits."
"Sounds good," Emerald replied. "Probably easier to keep an eye on us too, huh?"
"Quite so."
The group exited the lobby to a cargo truck standing by. Team ENMY and Taiyang piled on the back, while the two Headmasters took the driver and passenger seats. On the way to the school, Yang filled her father and former Professor on the events leading up to the battle of Atlas. She also made sure to tell them about Masa, which was one of their previous concerns.
Meanwhile, although an unofficial discussion, Emerald and Minerva spoke at length about what an outline of alliance treaty terms would look like. They exchanged imaginary benefits, verbal hypothetics on what each nation had to offer. There was even some touched topics on strategies they could employ against Mistral and Vale.
"Of course, I feel it necessary to inform you, Temujin may very well veto any content of our conversation on a whim," Minerva admitted.
"Maybe, but why do I get the feeling you're the real brains behind the logistics of this Kingdom?"
"Hmph." The Headmaster smiled at Emerald's subtle compliment. "You are a clever girl. With some guidance and a proper bit of tutelage, you could very well become one of the greatest minds in Remnant."
"Does she always lay it on this thick?" the girl asked Glynda.
"Yes… Always."
At the same time, Yang showed her father a picture on her scroll taken from the Ashen Heir's Ball. In it, Ruby was wearing a suit while dancing with Weiss. Taiyang covered his mouth to hush his surprise and joy.
"She's grown so much…"
"Right?"
"That's not just the picture, right? I can't believe how tall she is!"
"Seriously! She's even taller than me…! Freakin' growth spurt."
"Guess Ruby took those genes from Qrow than Summer on that one."
"Yeah. Now that you mention it, she is starting to get a little of that lanky look to her."
"We have to make sure she's eating well!"
"Dad, her girlfriend is the standing coregent of the wealthiest Kingdom in the world. She's eating just fine."
"No, not enough. As soon as you guys send someone to upgrade the CCTS Tower, I'm putting a call to Ruby. Make sure that's included in one of the treaty terms!"
What a nagging parent, Emerald and Minerva nodded, but didn't say out loud. Though, the CCTS Tower was one of the first things they discussed.
After some time, their vehicle was engulfed in a great shadow. The drastic change of atmosphere tricked them for a moment into thinking it was suddenly night. Not only was the sun gone, but the air became significantly cooler. Sand was no longer blowing in their faces or clogging their ears.
When ENMY turned their attentions skyward, they awed at the sight of the single enormous tree enshrouding the campus around it. The school buildings gathered at the base of this miracle of nature. Small rays of sunlight cascaded down in the gaps between the leaves.
"Shade Academy," Yang muttered. "Pretty literal."
Minerva navigated them to the student dorms with ease. On the front quad, the team was surprised to see children playing with those highschool age.
"Yes. Unlike the other capitals, Vacuo possesses only one central academy," Glynda answered their question for them. "As such, grades elementary into advanced are more intermingled."
A group of adolescents rushed the newcomers with excitement in their eyes. Most of them especially gathered around Neo for some reason.
"Oh my gosh! Your hair is like candy! It's so pretty!"
"I've never met anyone with pink eyes before!"
"Hey, hey, you're super strong, but super small!"
"Play with us! Play with us!"
"How come you don't talk?!"
"Whatever! Actions speak louder than words! That's what Professor Pan always tells us!"
"YEAH! Let's go play!"
They hopped up and down incessantly, trying to pull the girl. Yang was the only one to notice a certain unease in her partner. She also knew the reason why.
Neo's childhood was anything but pleasant. One of the main contributions to her habitual change of appearance and her silent demeanor were the children that bullied her when she was young. Maybe seeing these kids dredged up bad memories. Although, a single glance, and Yang could tell these children were nothing like the bullies of Neo's past. The petite girl must have known this as well, as she found herself about to go along with them.
Still, she hesitated. The trauma was deeply rooted. It did not loosen its grip so easily.
Suddenly, Neo felt a warm hand press against her lower back. She knew the touch anywhere and felt the encouragement that came with it. How simple the small gesture from someone so important to her could make such a difference.
"Go on," Yang's voice tickled Neo's ear.
""YAY~!"" the children cheered as they led Neo to an elevated platform.
In the chaotic bustling, Minerva and Emerald continued ahead, resuming their previous discussion. Playing the bodyguard, Mercury followed his partner, as Glynda also took her own part in the negotiations. Leaving the father and daughter alone to watch Neo from afar.
"What is that by the way?" Yang asked, pointing to the ring.
"Oh, it's a game the students play a lot," Taiyang answered. "Apparently, it's called Sumo. You try to push each other out of the ring without any weapons, punches, or kicks. Only grappling and shoves are allowed."
"Looks fun."
The two watched as Neo imitated the children. She mirrored the ritualistic stomping of their feet. After placing their fists on the sand, they charged. The petite girl hoisted one of the helpless boys into the air by his belt, tossing him off the platform, and onto the grassy ground with supreme joy. Her face alight with silent laughter.
With one hand, she cockily ushered on the next challenger. In the absence of language, Neo had no problems communicating with the children here.
Yang couldn't help but wonder how different things would have been if she had been raised in Vacuo. This unbelievable place where there was little room for misunderstanding. This place where—
"Strength is the language," Taiyang commented. "They have a common saying here, you know."
"Yeah," Yang nodded. "We've heard about it, but actually being here, experiencing it for myself. Only the Strongest Survive Vacuo, huh?"
"It's a simple principle. But sometimes, simple is all you need."
"This is where mom grew up… it explains a lot."
"Yeah. Yeah, it does."
Taiyang fell silent with introspect. A somberness traced the edges of his smile.
"…So, Summer is alive."
"…Yeah."
"I had a feeling that was the case."
Yang turned abruptly.
"You knew?!"
"I had my suspicions," Taiyang frowned. "I looked everywhere for her, Yang. The more I searched, the more it felt like Summer didn't want to be found. Any evidence linking to her possible whereabouts were too conveniently erased."
"…Masa mentioned a way to find her. The Tower in Vacuo, she said. Know anything about it?"
Her father's expression darkened.
"There is a Tower like the one at Beacon. Professor Oobleck and Port made it there a while back. It probably has what you need from what I've heard. And if Masa was the one who told you, that practically makes it a guarantee."
"So, why are you sounding like it's not a good idea?"
"Peter…said learning something there changed Bart. A disturbing truth of some kind."
"Really? We're talking about the same Professor Oobleck, right?"
"I've never seen anything shake that man, much less knowledge. He's the most bonafide truth-seeker you'll ever meet. But he discovered something in that Tower—and it shook him to his core."
Yang knitted her brow.
"I don't look away, dad. Not ever, not anymore. It's probably one of the few things I can really take pride in. I'll go, whatever horrible truths I find."
"Hm," Taiyang braced his daughter's shoulder. "I don't know~ Learning Temujin was your godmother seemed to shake you up pretty good."
"Yeah, that was a curve ball. None of our intel included that little tidbit."
"Just imagine what else you don't know."
"Speaking of which…" Yang threw her father a penetrating stare. "I've wanted to know something for a while now."
Tai shrugged. "Ask it."
"So, you and mom—okay, I'm using their names to avoid confusion—you and Raven had me."
"Yes…?"
"Qrow and Summer had Ruby."
"Also, yes…"
"But Raven and Summer. They were in love with each other…weren't they? I'm right, right?"
"Oh god…!" Tai buried his face in his hands.
"Hey, you said, ask it. Seriously, what's the deal? How did that even work?"
"I was really hoping you'd never bring that up."
"Well?"
With a long sigh, the older Huntsman seemed to resign himself to his daughter's question. He unburied his hands and looked straight at her. An obvious reluctance lingered in his cadence.
"Things were…complicated with your mothers. Summer especially. She was a little free-spirited, when it came to those kinds of things. Do you know what kind of things I'm talking about?"
"…Are we talking—bisexually?"
"No. Well-yes and no. You know how polygamy is prohibited in Vale and Vacuo, but accepted in Mistral and Atlas?"
"Yeah."
"Well, you're right in thinking Raven and Summer had… feelings for each other. That said, they also had feelings for Qrow and I. As a result, because of the monogamy only thing in Vale, Summer married Qrow and Raven married me."
"Alright…"
Tai exuded a solemnness before continuing. As if there was something he was still holding back, but wanted to get off his chest. And with a sad smile and a long exhale, he did.
"Raven and Summer…were deeply in love, Yang. Which is why they chose to marry here—in Vacuo."
Yang wondered why that was so difficult to say, until she gave it more thought.
Raven took Summer here.
This was the place her mother risked her life defending. Raven made no effort to conceal her dislike for Vale, Mistral, or Atlas, much less show them any loyalty. But Yang remembered how she looked when she spoke of Vacuo. She spoke of home. This place was special.
Yang's thoughts went to Temujin. Raven brought Summer here to be married before the eyes of her only parent. The person that was probably most important in her life up to that point.
And then, there was the atmosphere of this place. A fire and sand that cleansed away everything unnecessary, leaving only what was at the core intact. The Kingdom that commanded you bared your soul true.
Yang fully understood now why her father struggled to admit that single fact.
…
In a sense, Raven's marriage to Summer carried a significantly deeper meaning.
"Only the Strongest Survive Vacuo," she heard Taiyang echo. "It doesn't refer purely to just strength, Yang. It's all the things they are. Their minds, their spirits—their friendships."
"…"
"And, yes. Even their love."
"…"
Yang frowned to herself and saw the saddened visage of her father. Saddened, but now content with admission. A crucial moment had come to pass for the wizened man.
"Love is a strange thing, Yang."
She followed his line of sight to Neo still wrestling with the children.
The petite girl had just overthrown her most recent opponent and was now flexing her bicep at her partner with mock fierceness. She never looked more beautiful or happy in Yang's eyes, and an all-consuming heat that outrivaled Vacuo's desert blossomed in her chest.
…
Is this what mom felt?
I wonder.
Yang strode forward, answering the silly taunts Neo was throwing her way. She spoke over her shoulder before joining.
"You're right, dad—"
"Love is a strange thing."