With arms lethargic from sleep, Yang flung open the heavy drapes. Light dowsed her. The Vacuan sun hung low in the sky, its harsh brightness causing her skin and hair to glow gold. Not caring that she was in her underwear, she unlocked the large doors and padded out onto the balcony. The polished stonework underfoot was warm. Yang savoured the sensation as she leant upon the artistically carved railing, just taking in the view.
There were ways to wake up, and then there were ways to wake up. This had to top most of them. The thousands of buildings that constituted the Vacuan capital stretched out below her elevated position; the different periods of expansion and development were clear to see.
Nearest to her, in the oldest districts of the city, traditional Vacuan architecture reigned. Not small houses, but larger constructions loomed; they were built to display the wealth of all the merchant guilds that had once been so vital to Vacuo's growth. Beyond them there was a ring of traditional housing, only broken by modern office blocks with glittering windows.
The first and oldest of the two walls told the tale of the young burgeoning city overgrowing its bounds. Before the fall of Vale and the end of the age of peace, there had even been talk of the possibility of a third wall being constructed.
The city of Alfurat was certainly a sight Yang would remember. It was nowhere near as large as Atlas, nor did it have scores of towering skyscrapers competing to dominate its skyline, but in her opinion the traditional roots of the inner-city were so much more impressive.
And of course, if she had to view a city, she couldn't go wrong with her current location. Like most young girls, she'd once had the dream that she'd marry Prince Charming and live in palace. It hadn't quite worked out like the fables, but she never thought at least part of it would come true.
The residence of King Badr couldn't be described as anything other than a palace, and it was a breathtaking one at that. Situated right in the centre of Alfurat and with extensive grounds, many referred to it as one of the wonders of the world. Its numerous towers and spires allowed the ruler to observe his dominion. Just as she was doing now.
The room she'd been led to when they'd arrived wasn't right at the top of the building, and was likely only a guest room, but they must have thought her an important guest. It was outfitted for royalty. The ceiling was intricately painted, and every piece of furniture was trimmed with gold leaf ̶ ̶ including the four poster bed. It was a show of an incalculable fortune meant to impress foreign dignitaries. Yang supposed it had worked.
Her vast expanses of exposed flesh to tingled. The sun that had been her nemesis for months on end was now only an ally for banishing the remaining sleep from her body. Her appearance left much to be desired. Her body was still toned, but her skin was a patchwork of tan marks and pale regions that were always kept hidden. She'd have to find the time to work on that. Laying out here, on her own private balcony, for even an hour a day would work wonders. With the intent to do just that, she turned from the cityscape for the first time and became aware her private balcony wasn't quite as private as she'd believed.
"Enjoying yourself?" Blake asked from the next balcony over. She was lounging with her feet up on a couch, a book in her hand, and a pitcher of amber liquid on the table nearby.
Yang's go-to reaction in circumstances like this was to grin ̶ ̶ while desperately trying to work out just how much Blake had seen. Judging by the small smirk, the answer was enough. She decided to play it cool.
"Yeah. Some view isn't it?"
"You could say that." Blake's smirk grew, her eyes roaming up and down, Yang had serious doubts she was talking about the city below; her sleepwear was not exactly concealing.
Most might have been embarrassed, but she'd learned long ago the only way to stave off embarrassment was to try and embarrass the other person more. She made a show of yawning and stretched her arms behind her back, knowing her breasts would be attempting to escape her top. Her fingers traced each of her vertebrae before encountering her shorts. As if going for an itch she pushed beneath them and risked a glance at Blake. She'd pointedly returned to her reading, her cheeks red. Yang laughed, enjoying the victory.
"The book more interesting than the view?"
Blake turned a page and muttered something under her breath about having no shame. Yang could agree with that. Blake probably had a point though. They were guests here, and Vacuo tended to be more towards the modest end of the spectrum. Some of the older natives would probably have a heart attack if they saw her outside like this. Still, her attire was more than worth it for the effect it was having on Blake.
The heat had only exacerbated the thirst caused by sleep, and the jug next to Blake appeared more enticing by the moment. They had rooms next to each other. She could just walk into the hall. But where was the fun in that? With a quick jump her bare foot caught on the edge of the railing, and another propelled her across the half a dozen feet between the balconies. Blake fumbled her book.
"Did you?" Her eyes moved from her balcony to Yang's.
"Yep."
"You're crazy."
"Maybe, but that's why you like me."
Blake massaged her temples. This time Yang missed whatever she muttered. Perhaps it had been a little crazy, but it was a leap either of them could have made with ease. Yang plopped herself down on the couch next to Blake, squeezing her against the back.
"Drink?" Yang reached over to the juice, pleasantly surprised by the surviving ice cubes.
"I somehow knew you didn't make that jump just to see me." It was said in the dry tone that accompanied one of Blake's jokes.
"Well, no," Yang admitted. "You're just the happy bonus."
Yang refilled what she assumed was Blake's glass before slipping a cracker and a chunk of soft cheese into her mouth. Her sleep had left her ravenous.
"This is really good," she said through her full mouth. It was. The luxury of their rooms obviously extended to the food as well.
Blake raised an eyebrow. "Yes, it is. It also happens to be my breakfast."
Yang grunted and took another bite. "Thanks for sharing."
"You know, I do believe that room service would be able to deliver food to your room as well."
"Probably, but yours tastes so much better." She deliberately spoke with her mouth open, giving Blake a perfect view of the mush that was within. It was a strange truth that another person's food was always superior to her own. "Cracker?"
With a long-suffering sigh that hid a smile, Blake finally conceded defeat and marked her place in her book. "If you insist." She accepted the peace offering.
After portioning off what was left of Blake's breakfast, they both sat back and looked out over the city. "You sleep well?" Yang asked.
Blake shrugged. "Sort of. I dunno. I just couldn't get comfortable."
"Really?" After the full day of travel Yang had passed out the moment her head touched the embroidered pillows.
"Yeah. I think… everything just seemed a little too..." Blake struggled to explain her issue.
Yang could sort of understand her dilemma. Though she appreciated the luxury and extravagance, it perhaps wasn't something she would want to be surrounded by all the time. Sometimes a cosy room and a warm fireplace were worth so much more than gold. "Was it the bed?"
"I guess. After sleeping on the ground for who knows how long, I just can't get used to something so soft."
"It was too big as well wasn't it?"
"Exactly," Blake nodded as her main complaint was realised.
"I could make it smaller for you," Yang put on her most lecherous voice, thoroughly pleased that Blake had walked straight into her trap.
Blake punched her playfully on her shoulder and muttered something else under her breath. Yang wished that she possessed even half of Blake's hearing. To hear the contents of those utterances would be interesting to say the least.
"So that's a no is it?"
"Not necessarily."
Yang's heart soared. In truth, her thoughts about the size of the bed had been from her own mind as much as any intent to tease Blake. The two of them had spent so much time huddled in a single sleeping bag that she'd gotten used to drifting off to the gentle sound of Blake's breathing.
"But," Blake continued and Yang grimaced. There was always a 'but'. "I'm not sure we should while we're guests here."
As usual, Blake was the sensible one. The pompous servant who had shown them through the gilded halls to their rooms would have been scandalised to see her attire, let alone to think of the two of them sharing a bed. In Vacuo there were some things that simply weren't done; Yang knew she'd probably done them all at some point. She was not one who held herself to religious conservatism.
"I suppose." Cinder had largely kept them in the dark as to why she had brought them all to Alfurat, or just what role she had here. Judging by their reception, it must have been an important one. She spoke as if she were on personal terms with the king ̶ ̶ and it may well have been the case.
She was certainly stuck up enough. If what Raven said was true ̶ ̶ and Yang still had her doubts ̶ ̶ Cinder might share her blood, but the liquid in her veins provided her no immunity to Cinder's commands. When Cinder gave an order she expected it to be obeyed. No matter what. Even Raven would jump to whatever was requested of her.
It should have been comical. It wasn't. Yang never though she'd let anyone push her around, she was too proud. But an exception was made for Cinder. Cinder scared her. She didn't mind admitting that. It only showed that she was sane. In her life she'd encountered many dangerous people: from hardened criminals and psychopaths like Torchwick and Neo, to bodyguards and soldiers like Erashan, but Cinder topped the pile. To look into her eyes was to stare straight at death. If the mood took her, Cinder could likely kill every person in this palace and there was nothing that anyone could do stop her.
As far as she was concerned, Cinder was a god, or at least as close to one as it was possible to be. Not in a religious sense, but in terms of power. She just existed on a different plane to the rest of them. Her demonstration with Dust had shown them that.
In all honesty, Yang didn't know if she'd made the right choice by agreeing to join her. It had been her choice. Ultimately Blake, her dad, and her uncle, had all followed her. She could have said no, and walked away, but that wouldn't have made the world safer as Cinder insisted she was doing. Maybe made the world safer for Ruby.
As it was, after a few more days spent in Airtafae, Cinder had summoned them. It had been a summons. That was what Cinder did. When she called she expected everyone to drop what they were doing and come running immediately. In a matter of hours an airship had landed and whisked them away. Now they waited. Cinder worked on the basis of keeping everyone in the dark. It was annoying, but at least it meant that, while she and Blake remained unsummoned, they could just enjoy the morning sun.
At some point after their breakfast, their positions on the couch had become reversed. Yang's hopes of working on her tan had come to nought with Blake laying up against her, Blake's soft hair tickling the skin of her cleavage with every breath. It was hard to remain annoyed though, not with how Blake's ears stirred in the soft breeze right in front of her.
As so often happened in moments of idleness, Blake had gone back to reading her book. It had been the one luxury item that Blake had always refused to budge on. No matter the precariousness of their finances. She would happily forgo chocolate, and even Dust, before conceding that she wasn't allowed to buy any more stories to escape into.
For a time Yang tried to read the story over her shoulder, but Blake devoured her books with such an appetite that attempting to keep up was futile. Her eyes trailed away from the pages, and looked out over the cityscape. Alfurat was buzzing with life, but even the sight of the city failed to alleviate her boredom.
"Do you mind?" Yang asked stretching for Blake's nearby scroll.
"No," she seemed more annoyed by her pillow moving under her.
"Thanks. You know you really should put a passcode on this."
"Where's the point? There's nothing that needs protecting."
"What about the nudes I put on there?"
Blake started for a moment before she realised it was a joke. She went back to her book, attempting to ignore the silent giggles coming from underneath her.
Yang's good mood didn't last long. The internet had been a bad idea, but then it so often proved to be these days. Her lack of presence on social media just reminded her of how much her life had changed. Not to mention the news. One look at all the sites still going on about the Schnee Ball was enough for her to close the browser. Thinking about Weiss enjoying herself was one of the last things she wanted to do.
Not being able to put it off any longer, Yang did the very last thing she wanted to do. She typed her sister's name into a search engine, praying that she wouldn't get a result. For the last two years it had been a macabre obsession that found her whenever she was near a keyboard. She couldn't help but look. Finding a story covering Ruby's arrest would have been bad enough, but an obituary would be so much worse.
Hitting enter, she squinted her eyes, unwilling to face the truth of what was just about to appear on the screen. Her unconsciously held breath escaped her as no recent news stories topped the results. Ruby was safe, at least until next time. Yang was just about to close the window when the eighth website caught her eye.
lonelylittlerose.com
And underneath in the description:
Please find me. I'm waiting for you.
Yang's breath stilled. There was no way she'd missed that site before, not when it was on the first page of results. Surely it couldn't be? Any other time, she would have clicked on it in a heartbeat. Now though, after the near miss with the Tinmen barely a week ago, the timing was nothing but suspicious. Ozpin had lost track of them. He might be trying another tactic.
Yang had debated long and hard, both internally and with Blake, whether she should create a website with her details on it. Allowing Ruby to get in touch again was her most wanted desire, but a website would have come with a risk. Judging that Ozpin wanted Blake enough to send assassins after her, hacking a webpage would have been nothing. Yang probably could have got in touch with Ruby, but the cost would have been her best friend's life. As much as it had hurt her, she'd chosen the lesser of two evils. Yang could only assume that the reason Ruby hadn't created a website before was similar. Or that it was a trap. She couldn't afford to discount that possibility.
"Hey Blake, what do you think of this?"
"What?" Blake looked up from her book as Yang pointed the site out. "That's… interesting, and…"
"Suspicious," Yang supplied.
"Yeah. Why would Ruby put something online now and not before?"
"I don't know."
"Hang on, give me that." Blake took the scroll and typed in a few words before navigating to a webpage. She was met by her own photo, the one which was on her Beacon ID. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Blake was one of the most wanted people in the world. Yang wasn't in the top five ̶ ̶ she was only an accomplice ̶ ̶ but the most surprising thing was that neither was Ruby. Blake scrolled down, going through scores of wanted criminals. Ruby was entirely absent.
They exchanged a look. Neither of them knew what it meant. There had been an international warrant out for Ruby's arrest for over two years. It wouldn't have just disappeared without the story breaking in the news. There was something the pair of them was missing. If there was even a chance the website was real, her conscience demanded one course of action.
"Blake I've got to."
"I know. Just hang on." She tapped another app and entered a couple of settings, before passing the scroll back to Yang. "There. The connection's being bounced off two encrypted servers. It should be safe."
"Should?"
"Probably. We used it before. You know when…" Yang didn't need Blake to finish. "Anyway it should be untraceable. Unless there's a physical tap on the outbound connection that is… It's the best we can do. Try it."
The precaution wasn't exactly reassuring when put like that, but it was better than nothing. Her finger trembled with hope and trepidation as it hovered over the link and. Steeling herself, she pressed it.
The website was somewhat of a disappointment. It appeared to have been created by someone with no programming experience. The only professional looking graphic on it was the rose in the upper corner. Yang's throat caught. It was identical to the motif Ruby had always begged her to sew onto new clothes when they were growing up.
The rest of the space on the screen was taken up by a number of large buttons: Sis, Dad, Uncle, Bookworm, and so on. Ruby, if this was in fact Ruby, had gone to great lengths to avoid displaying any personal data.
She exchanged a look with Bookworm before clicking her own identifier. The screen went dark before a line of text appeared.
What was my teddy called?
That was easy to answer. At least for her. Pausing in the middle of typing the name Yang's excitement grew. Only she and her dad, and maybe Qrow, would have known. And Ruby of course. If the site accepted the correct answer there was every chance that this might be the real thing, and only one person could have created it. As a precaution she deleted what she'd written and entered Mr Snuggles. Nothing happened. She tried the truth.
The teddy bear that she'd bought Ruby in the wake of their mum's death. Nothing more than a futile apology. A way to make amends after one of the many times she'd lost control and shouted at her grieving sister's snivelling. Nothing could ever have made up for that, but her guilt had needed appeasing. As she always did, Ruby had forgiven her in an instant and crushed both her and the teddy in a hug. For over a year after, the teddy bear had barely left her side. She'd treasured it, and had given it a simple name that ultimately came from the one that they had both lost. Rose.
A new question appeared.
What was my favourite toy?
The doubts Yang had harboured were beginning to disappear. Sure it might have been possible to gather the answers to these questions, but it was highly improbable. Ruby's favourite toy growing up hadn't been one that she'd owned, it had been Yang's. In fact many probably wouldn't even have classed it as a toy.
A Red Trailer.
When younger, Ruby had loved nothing more than being placed in that trailer and being pulled along at, what was to her at the time, a terrifying speed. Yang smiled unconsciously. Her sister's desire to constantly go faster really had been the first hints of her Semblance. The pair of them had spent so much time playing with that trailer in their large garden under the watchful gaze of one of their parents. It was those types of memories she would always be able to cherish.
The verification process continued as another question appeared. Ruby ̶ ̶ and Yang was certain it was her now ̶ ̶ had been thorough when setting up the website. It might have been for her own benefit if she was still on the run, but it also provided security for Yang. She was no longer unsure if she wanted to see what was on the end screen.
The rewards for her effort were better than she could possibly have imagined. An email address and a scroll number. Yang pressed the number with such force and eagerness she almost broke the screen.
They were forced to wait for several long seconds, just staring at the waiting to connect graphic as the request was routed through the CCT. Then the scroll began to ring. One… two… three… four… fi—
"Hello?" Despite the poor quality of the line, the familiarity of the voice caused Yang's heart to seize.
"Ruby!" Yang almost screamed. Only Blake's quick reactions managed to save the falling scroll. She'd known, she'd always known that Ruby was still alive. That she made it through this. Her fist punched the air, the tempest of emotions overcoming her.
"Yang!" Ruby's reaction was no less ecstatic, but her cry was immediately followed by a curse. That was different. "Sorry. Yang?" She sounded if she couldn't believe her ears. Yang didn't blame her; she was suffering from the same malady.
"Yes," Yang said. Her body seemed unsure whether to laugh or cry. It compromised by doing both. It was her sister on the other end of the line. She was talking to her sister. Ruby. She was talking to Ruby.
"Yang?"
"Yes," her tears were free flowing now.
Ruby laughed. "Hold on." There was the noise of something heavy being dropped to the floor. "Yang?"
"Yes. Ruby it's me. It's me."
"Just one more time. Yang?"
She laughed. "Yes. I've missed you so much." So much she couldn't put it into words.
"I've missed you too. How have you been? Where have you been? What have you been doing?" The torrent of questions flowed from Ruby, and they were ones that Yang wanted to receive answers to just as much as give them.
"How am I now? You don't even need to ask. It's you."
"It's me."
"Can I see you?" She wanted nothing more than to look into the face of the person she loved above all others.
"Umm… I don't know. I don't have a great signal. Hang on, there's a hill not too far away."
The next minute passed with only the sound of running before an invite to a video chat popped up.
For the first time in over two years Yang saw her sister, and there was only one thing she could think to say.
"You're all grown up."
Even on the small screen Yang could see her sister blush. Some things never changed. It might have embarrassed her, but it was the truth. Though Ruby would never stop being her baby sister, it was no longer fair to call her a child. The endearing chubbiness had disappeared from her face, her cheekbones were defined and elegant, and she was wearing her hair long. Her sister had grown into a beautiful woman, just as Yang had always known she would. The exultant grin though, that was all Ruby.
"You know, even though you're there I still can't believe it's you." Ruby moved closer to the screen and consequently her camera. "Wait, is that?"
Yang almost punched herself. Inconceivably, despite having half her body pressed up against her, she'd managed to completely forget Blake's existence. She'd just been too caught up with the momentous occasion and ̶ ̶ not wanting to intrude on the special moment between sisters ̶ ̶ Blake had managed to render herself almost invisible.
"Yeah it is." Yang held the scroll out at arm's length and pulled Blake into view. "Say 'hi' Blake."
"Hi Blake." Despite Ruby's giggle, Yang elbowed her in the ribs. She did not need Blake to develop that sense of humour. "It's fantastic to see you again Ruby."
"Wow, yeah you too." Ruby's reply wasn't quite as ecstatic as Blake's was. She seemed to be distracted by something and peered at her screen. "Yang… Are you in your underwear?"
"Yeah?"
"With Blake?"
"Umm… yeah."
"And she's ok with that?"
"Yes she is." Blake spoke up.
Ruby laughed. It was such a good laugh. One that even a dodgy connection couldn't diminish. "So please tell me you two are finally a thing now?"
"Sort of," Yang answered. "Wait, what do you mean finally?"
"I might not have seen it at the time, but you were all over each other at Beacon. You've finally seen sense."
"Hold on a minute, I am not going to be lectured on relationships by my baby sister." Ruby might have been all grown up, but there were some things that simply could not stand. It was against the way of the world.
Ruby laughed again, her joy overflowing. "I'm happy for you both. Really. It's fantastic."
Yang choked up and Blake squeezed her hand. No matter what trials and tribulations Ruby had gone through since they'd parted, her sister, her baby sister was still there. Still able to laugh.
"Thank you Ruby," Blake said in Yang's stead.
"It's great, truly. Have you kept in touch with anyone else?"
Yang slapped herself on the forehead. "I'm an idiot. Dad and Qrow are here." She should have mentioned it straight away.
If possible Ruby's smile became broader. "I'd hoped you'd all stayed together. Are they nearby? Can I?"
"Yeah."
"I'll go." Blake extracted herself from the tangle of limbs on the couch. "I'll be right back Ruby."
As much as she would have liked to be polite, Yang simply was unable to wait for Blake's return to continue talking to her sister. "Where have you been? What have you been doing?"
"I think I asked you that question first." In their time apart Ruby's confidence had definitely grown. She would never have talked back in that tone before.
"Fair enough." Yang spun her scroll around and gave Ruby a brief look at the city below her. "I'm in Alfurat."
"Wow. I never quite managed to make it all the way there." Ruby returned the favour. From the top of what must have been a hill all Yang could see were trees in one direction and plains in the other. "As you might have guessed, I'm sort of in the middle of absolutely nowhere. I think eastern Vale, though I might have crossed over the border in the last couple of days." Ruby… she sounded happy about it. As if she were enjoying whatever life had served up to her.
"But why?"
"Uhh…" For the first time some hesitancy showed. Yang watched as Ruby's face contorted in something that might have been fear, or apprehension, or a mixture of the two. Ruby debated something internally before opening her mouth again. "Look, I know this is going to sound crazy. I don't really have any proof, just a lot of coincidences. I'm not going to make you promise to believe it, just promise me you'll consider it. I know it's all true."
"Go on try me." Whatever it was, Yang very much doubted it was severe as Ruby was making out.
"I need you to promise."
"Fine. I promise."
"Thank you. I'm just going to spit it out. You can ask me questions afterwards."
"Ruby." If she let her, Ruby would likely keep talking all day without revealing anything.
"Ok. Over the past two years I've been researching Ozpin. I'm not insane, but he's thousands of years old, likely immortal." Ruby's large silver eyes begged someone to believe her.
Yang worked very hard to keep her face straight. In her most nonchalant voice she replied with a shrug of her shoulders. "Oh, yeah."
"Now listen ̶ ̶ " Ruby halted, realising that Yang hadn't refuted the statement. "What?"
"Everyone knows that," Yang said as if Ruby had just told her that Remnant wasn't flat.
"What?" Ruby's mouth hung open.
"The sky is blue, water is wet, and Ozpin's an immortal god. It's no biggie. I'm hanging out with another. She's pretty cool. Well, actually she's not."
"What?" Her voice was even smaller and more distraught.
After the third aghast repetition Yang was unable to maintain the charade. The sheer look of bewilderment in Ruby's expression was enough to make her laugh until her sides hurt. When she finally found the composure to pick up her scroll again, Ruby's face had turned a bright shade of crimson.
Yang struggled to breathe. "You're not crazy. Well, if you are the rest of us are as well. Ozpin is thousands of years old, and you've somehow worked that out by yourself. I just got told. I'm so proud of you." What Ruby had managed all alone was nothing more than miraculous. To have the drive and strength of conviction to keep chasing something which, at first glance, appeared entirely outlandish was incredible.
"You believe me?"
As best as she could through the grainy image, Yang looked straight into her sister's eyes. "I believe you." It was as if the three words lifted a huge weight of Ruby's shoulders. She even appeared to unconsciously stand straighter.
"You can't know how much that means to me. I always thought, somewhere, that I might actually have been crazy. You're the first person I've told."
"You're not. How did you work it out anyway?"
"Stories. Blake's stories in fact. You remember that book she gave me for my birthday? Ozpin appears in a load of them. Well, not him, his sword. The white one, and his Semblance." The explanation was disjointed, as though Ruby was merely repeating her thoughts rather than processing them for other people. It wasn't that surprising after how much time she'd presumably spent along, but Yang was able to follow.
"You worked it out from a book?"
"Not all of it. I've sort of… been an archaeologist. You know finding ruins and lost cities. It's been fun." Ruby made it sound so casual as if anyone could do it.
"Wow. Just wow. Really?"
"Yep. I found the Lost City of Calakmul. I took photos," she added as if she were discussing a holiday, not rediscovering a wonder.
Ruby was truly more remarkable than even Yang remembered. "I hope you took more than a few selfies."
"I might have. I guess I'll just have to show you at some point."
"When?" The eagerness in the single word was palpable. Now that they'd reconnected all Yang wanted to do was to hold Ruby again.
"Umm… I'm not sure. Soon hopefully. But not straight away. As you saw I'm in the middle of nowhere. I'm… sort of busy."
Disappointment dowsed Yang. "Busy? Doing what?"
"Digging. Well, actually I hope there's no digging involved. I've been there, done that. It's really not fun. I think I've found another lead on Ozpin. I just want to check it out first."
"But why? Didn't you hear? I have a much better lead. You can just ask her anything that you want to find out. As long as you come home." For Yang, home had always been where her family and friends were.
Her emphasis on the final word invoked something that appeared like longing and guilt in Ruby. "I know. I will. I want to. It's just…" she shrugged and looked away from the screen, "I dunno. I feel like I'm on the verge of something big. Something massive. It's hard to explain. It's just a feeling I have. This might unravel it all. I keep having dreams where I solve everything. Stop Ozpin. Make the world a better place. And it always starts in the same place."
It didn't surprise Yang that Ruby wanted to make the whole world a better place. She'd always had big dreams. Always fantasised about being the hero. Yang was past that. In truth she didn't think the world would ever get better. Someone would always find a way to mess it up. But Ruby's dream was a beautiful one, one that everyone should strive for, and Yang would do anything for her sister.
"I can help. Whatever you want, whatever you need. Just say the word."
Ruby smiled. It was such a good smile. One Yang had missed so much. No teeth, just curved lips, dimples, and happiness. "I know. But there's not much you can do. Though you mentioned someone else. I take it it's that woman from Vale? The one Ozpin fought."
"Yeah, it is. How'd you know?"
"She is, was, his partner. She's in a lot of the stories as well. The two of them. The two… gods, I suppose."
"It's not just the two of them."
This time it was Ruby's turn to appear surprised. "What?"
"She keeps mentioning others. She's got a plan. I don't know what it is. She hasn't told me. But it's something big." Yang saw the look of horror on Ruby's face. They both knew what had been the consequences of Cinder's last big plan. "I'm not saying we help her. She's probably going to be just as bad as Ozpin is… But Ozpin has Vale. What can we do to stop him? Cinder might be bad news, or she might not be. I still don't know. What I am certain of is that she hates Ozpin. We could use that. If you don't find anything, she must know his weakness."
Yang could have said more. She could have told Ruby just who Cinder was to her, but she didn't want to complicate this predominantly happy moment. Especially when she herself still hadn't formed a solid opinion on her grandmother.
"I suppose. But if there's more of them, what do we do? Just the two of them have caused all this. Tearing the world apart… We can't stop them all."
"I don't think it's like that. I think it's just Ozpin and Cinder. The rest are caught in the middle somewhere, but we can cross that bridge when we come to it. You said you want to stop what Ozpin is doing, then let's concentrate on doing that first. You go to that place you want to visit, and then you come here, or I'll come to you. Then we can work out what to do next."
No matter what had happened, she was still Ruby's big sister, and making things easier for their sibling was what big sisters did. Regardless of it being a question on a piece of homework… or saving the world.
Ruby took a moment to process what Yang had said before she grinned. "Yeah, thanks. You're awesome. You know that, don't you?"
"I try my best. Now tell me how you've been, truly."
Ruby shrugged. "I've been ok. Better recently. There were some rough patches, but they're behind me now. I'm ok Yang. You don't need to worry."
If only. Yang very much doubted a day would ever dawn where she didn't worry about her little sister. "That's my job Rubes. I'm always going to worry about you. Just like I'm always going to be there for you, and I'm always going to love you."
Ruby moved her scroll closer, almost as if she were trying to pass through the screen. "I love you too. I've only realised how much over the past two years." Her eyes glazed over and she tried and failed to put on a brave smile. "I missed you so much. You, and Blake, and dad, and ̶ ̶ "
The door behind Yang banged off the wall and a large figure burst onto the balcony. "Speaking of which… Dad! You'll never guess who's on the phone!"
After that morning there was nothing that could have dampen Yang's mood. Not even being summoned by Cinder. She doubted her broad smile would fade for days. She must have spent close to another hour talking to Ruby after Blake, her dad, and Qrow had arrived. She would have spent another day if not for Ruby's limited battery. As it was there had been a tearful goodbye and a promise to talk for a short time the following morning. She held that promise close to her heart. Still, being summoned irritated her.
"So what does she want?" Yang asked the figure in front of her.
There was an almost imperceptible pause in Emerald's gait before she continued. It was almost possible to hear her grind her teeth. "You'll find out soon."
"She didn't tell, did she?" Yang often found the best way to get information was to push people from their comfort zones. Though Emerald had at least appeared friendly when they were at Beacon, it had been an act. Emerald had shown zero interest in socialising with them since their reintroduction.
Emerald didn't look back as she replied in a tone meant to halt any further conversation. "She did, but wishes to tell you herself."
Yang laughed. "She didn't. You're just playing the messenger aren't you? What's the bet she orders you out of the room again?"
Emerald spun on her heel at the provocation, her finger raised and threatening. "You are…" she bit down on whatever she was going to say.
"I'm what?" Yang kept her voice light only because she knew it would annoy Emerald more. Since their arrival Emerald and Mercury had been pushed to the side-lines. Mercury didn't care much, but it was clear that Emerald savoured every single moment she had with Cinder. The girl was head-over-heels in love. In love enough for someone as proud as her to act as a mere go-between.
Given free rein, Emerald would likely have been content to throw down right there, but Cinder kept everyone who served her on a tight leash. It might well have been Emerald's wish to punch her, but it would only make her infatuation even more hopeless. It was cruel, but Yang knew she could prod Emerald with almost complete immunity.
"Extremely frustrating." Emerald finished lamely, treating Yang to a look at the back of her head as she started off again.
"So you don't know?" Her question went unanswered. "Well I guess it's above your pay grade." Emeralds fingers twitched towards the pair of revolvers holstered on her back.
"Yang," Taiyang warned.
Yang shot him a glare. Her approach had been paying off. Perhaps his warning was because he didn't want the day he'd reconnected with Ruby to be marred by a fight involving his other daughter, or maybe it was because he sympathised with Emerald's hopeless situation.
Her dad didn't back down. Making use of his experience raising one well-behaved daughter and one unruly one, he met her glare and returned it with interest. Yang blew out her cheeks. She supposed they would find out soon enough.
The extravagance of the palace did not only extend to their rooms. The corridors were floored and walled by polished stone, and the roof was carved with intricate patterns. Jewelled chandeliers threw brilliant displays across the walls as beams of radiance passed through them. Any servants that saw their group moved out of the way with a low bow and didn't rise until long after they'd passed.
Emerald led them to one of the state rooms ̶ ̶ one not big enough to host a banquet or dance, but still more than sufficient for them. The wide windows were thrown open and sunlight blazed in. If not for the silent air-conditioning the room would have been unbearable. As it was, Cinder lounged in the rays. In truth, it wouldn't be fair to call it lounging, Cinder had a poise which never left her. Still, she seemed to be making the most of the luxury.
Raven appeared decidedly less comfortable, but then she'd been content to spend her nights in a cave rather than an apartment when in Vale. The third woman in the room was one Yang had never seen before. Plump and short with mousy brown hair, she'd dressed for comfort rather than style. Despite that she appeared to be at complete ease. She studied the group as they arrived. What she decided, Yang couldn't tell.
"Take a seat," Cinder addressed them at large before turning to Emerald. "You," Emerald tensed as Yang's prediction played through her mind, "may stay." Emerald couldn't help but smirk at Yang the moment Cinder looked away.
Yang sat next to Blake. The stranger's gaze had followed her. "She is your daughter?" she spoke to Raven.
"Yes."
"You must be very proud."
"Of course."
Yang's heart clenched. Raven might have abandoned her, but now she could at least understand what had been going through her mind at the time. What neither of them was able to change was that Raven had given birth to her, and that she was proud of the woman Yang had grown to be in her absence.
Emerald sat on the same couch as Cinder, close enough that she was pushing the limits of personal space. Her eyes lingered on the smooth thigh exposed by Cinder's high-cut dress. She might not have been interested in Emerald, but Cinder still took great pleasure from the attention. Almost as if it were without thought, she swapped her crossed legs over.
"Emerald sweetie, could you fetch me another drink?" Cinder dangled her empty glass between her fingers.
"Sure," Emerald jumped up only too eager to please. In Yang's opinion it was sad; she'd been on the end of a hopeless crush before, only she'd come to her senses. It didn't appear Emerald ever would as long as Cinder continued to lead her on.
As Emerald busied herself at the table, Cinder spoke to the room at large. "I think that introductions are in order first." She gestured at the stranger. "This is my good friend Juno." Juno inclined her head in silent acknowledgement.
Friend. Yang hadn't thought that Cinder was the sort of person to have any friends… unless, "Is she?"
"Am I what dear?" As Juno spoke a wine bottle materialised in her hand. Across the room Emerald gasped, her fingers clutching at thin air over a half-filled glass.
Yang stared at the magic bottle. Sure it could have been a Semblance, one different from any she'd heard of before, but… from the side Raven nodded.
"That was overly dramatic," Cinder raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow.
Juno chuckled and topped up her own glass before setting the bottle down. "I don't believe you of all people can accuse me of theatre. Or are you oblivious of where we are currently sitting?"
"It was a convenient place to meet. Besides, we're guests of the king."
"Ah yes, the king. I take it he won't be joining us?"
"No. This doesn't concern him."
"I see. I wonder whether he would share the same opinion?"
"Regardless, he's engaged." Cinder appeared to be enjoying the verbal joust with someone she classed as her equal. "And weren't you just telling me that you were pressed for time?"
"Indeed, Dione won't see to itself." Juno admitted her defeat, leaning back against her chair. "Shall we proceed?"
"Let's." Cinder turned her attention back to the rest of them, on Yang especially. "Back in Airtafae you all gave me your word that you would obey. You all harboured a desire to put right the wrongs that Councillor Ozpin has committed. I can give you that opportunity."
Yang had agreed before, but only because she thought stopping Ozpin was the right thing to do. Now that Ruby had set her sights on the same goal, Yang knew she would do almost anything to accomplish it. Almost anything. They all knew what Cinder's previous plan had resulted in.
"And I will say this out of courtesy more than anything, but if anyone breathes so much as a word of this conversation outside of this room, I will kill them." The threat was delivered matter-of-factly as if would be a mundane task that had to be accomplished.
"With that out of the way, we are going to stop Ozpin."
"How?" Yang asked.
"He has a weakness. And we are going to exploit it."
That came as news to almost all of them; only Raven and Juno didn't appear surprised. Yang had talked about him at length with Blake, and the conclusions of their talks had been that Ozpin was nigh on untouchable. He had a country, a military, Tinmen, an alliance with Atlas, and, even ignoring all that, was perhaps the strongest fighter on the planet. They hadn't even been able to begin concocting a way to loosen his grip on power.
"Then why haven't you?"
Juno answered. "It has always been a last resort. And, in all honesty, we are unsure just what the consequences will be. But, it's the only option. Ozpin has always been the strongest of us, and now he has gone too far. He won't listen to us. He won't stop." Sorrow filled her eyes as she spoke. "He is taking us down a path that we never dared to tread for we know what lies at the end. Though it saddens my heart, we can't allow that future to come to pass. No matter the cost."
A shiver ran down Yang's spine. Just how many terrible acts had been carried out under the justification of 'no matter the cost'? She didn't know. Surely too many.
There was just something about the way Juno and Cinder spoke, or maybe their poise while doing so, that cemented the fact that they different from everyone else. If Cinder was to be believed they had seen civilizations rise and fall, it was no wonder they didn't set much in store by the way of a normal person's life. To an immortal, all their lives must have been flickering candle flames just waiting to be snuffed out.
"I'm not going to let you hurt any more people."
Though Cinder's face hardened at the outburst, a warm smile appeared on Juno's face. "So precious. Child, you need not fear. The cost I mentioned was to us."
"You?"
"Yes. Ozpin's weakness is one shared by us all."
"What is it?"
"That is not for you to know. Not right now." Cinder cut across Juno's answer. "All you need to know is that is exists and there is plan to exploit it. The discussion of which is why I summoned you. The key to toppling Ozpin's rule lies in a very dangerous location. It lies at the heart of Menagerie."
It might have been intended to be a reveal, but Raven had spilled the beans beforehand. Only Qrow reacted overtly.
"And why the hell would we want to go there?" Up to this point he'd kept his own council, but at the mention of the island that was taught in schools to be both the origin of the Grimm and the Faunus, he spoke up.
Cinder's eyes smouldered, her brow narrowing at the curtness of his question. "Were you not listening?"
Few would have missed the very real danger in her tone. Qrow was one of the few.
"Oh I was. I just must have misheard. I've actually been to Menagerie." Yang's head snapped around. That was one tale that Qrow had never shared with her. "Back when I was young and stupid. When I thought making a name for myself and coin were the most important things in life. We thought we'd find our fortunes on the island. That we'd return rich. Instead, though we captured our cargo, only a fraction of us made it back to the ship. Anyone who seeks to go there is a fool." He looked straight at Cinder as he said it, the shadows of lost comrades heavy behind his eyes.
Perhaps sensing the precipice of danger they were approaching Juno drew their attention to her. "It will be dangerous yes, but it can't be avoided. That's where all of you come in. You will be the vanguard of the expedition."
"No." Qrow glared at both her and Cinder. "I will not allow you to put Yang or Blake in danger."
"They are adults. They must decide for themselves."
Yang understood where Qrow was coming from. Evidentially the memories of his last trip to Menagerie still haunted him. His concern was endearing, but Juno was right. They were both adults. They'd taken down some of the most dangerous Grimm in the world over the past two years. They couldn't be called inexperienced hunters any longer. At the end of the day, if this would help Ruby, she was willing to put herself at risk. All it took was a look at Blake to know that she would be by her side.
The way her jaw jutted made her internal decision obvious; Qrow knew that if he continued that line of argument he would lose. "It's irrelevant anyway. You're crazy if you think the eight of us will be able to achieve whatever you've concocted. You'd need an army."
Cinder smirked. "And we will have one. King Badr has been most cooperative. Your worries are well placed. To reach the centre of Menagerie will be difficult, but you would do well to remember that there are people, myself included, who are much, much smarter than you are. This is not an operation that was thrown together. It has been meticulously planned. It will be successful. With or without your help. As it is, you all indicated that you wished to bring a halt to Ozpin's tyranny. I am giving you the opportunity."
Cinder's generosity didn't appear to placate Qrow much, but Cinder's remarks had reminded Yang of an old tale her mum had once told her. There was a legend ̶ ̶ an old, old legend ̶ ̶ that spoke of Menagerie and the supposed riches at its centre. The tale might have been full of glittering gems and gold, but she didn't think that Cinder was much interested in wealth.
"What's in the centre?" she asked.
Cinder sipped her wine, letting the tension build. "No doubt you've heard the stories. There are significant mineral and Dust deposits on Menagerie, but any attempt to mine them ultimately proved futile. The Grimm are far too numerous. But as to what's at the centre? I assume you've all heard of Miliaturris, but you should be more interested in what guards the thousand spires."
"A dragon," Yang breathed. It must have been at least the dozenth time she'd repeated it since leaving Cinder's presence.
"I think you've mentioned it once or twice," Blake said with a smile. They were sitting at a table on her balcony, looking out of the darkening city.
"But a dragon," Yang emphasised the word. "A dragon. She had to have been kidding right?"
"You know, I don't believe Cinder has much of a sense of humour."
"But… they can't exist." Dragons were from fairy tales. From stories of knights, of Uther Pendragon, of wizards. They weren't real.
"Yang, you've just spent the afternoon talking to two people who quite possibly predate the written word. I've given up trying to decide what is plausible any more. Cinder said there's a dragon, so there's a dragon. I'm more concerned of how we're going to fight it if it wakes up."
Blake's logic was sound. She had spent several hours talking to two people who also belonged in a fairy tale, and then the rest of the afternoon quizzing Raven as to whether any of what they said was true. Even now with the setting sun, she hadn't quite managed to absorb it all.
"Yeah, let's hope it doesn't." The idea of an angry dragon charging at her was not one which filled her with anticipation. "Do you think we should ask anyone?"
Though Cinder had sought to assure them that the forces she'd prepared would be sufficient, she'd also suggested hiring others. As long as they were certain they wouldn't leak any details of the operation of course.
Ruby was a given. Even though Yang felt something similar to what Qrow must have, Ruby was no longer a little girl. She'd probably done more than any of them to stop Ozpin so far. It was only right that the opportunity was offered to her. Though she had no doubt of Ruby's skill, if there was really a dragon on Menagerie, there was one person she wanted to have her back above all others.
"I was thinking Velvet," Blake took a sip of her wine. Yang nodded. There was a strange, furtive energy filling her tonight, but at least she and Blake were on the same page there. If there was anyone capable of going toe to toe with a dragon, Velvet was that person.
"So was I. Do you think she'd want to?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe. She didn't go back to Vale after being discharged, and she saw what Ozpin did to the White Fang as well. I'd say there would be a good chance."
"Who else?" The intensity of her stare appeared to unnerve Blake; she looked away at the rising moon. The lunar light played across her features and caused shadows to dance in her rippling hair. Blake had always looked better in the twilight. Not because it hid her, or maybe because of it. She was suited to it perfectly. Blake was as comfortable in the shadows as anyone else was in the sun.
Yang drained her glass. The wine was good, very good. Anything would have been after living on the frontier for the best part of two years, but this bottle had come from the king's own cellar. It was older than she was, and the richness of it had only mellowed with age. Between them they'd already finished off two bottles and she was of a mind to ask for another.
Blake shrugged. "I'm not sure. I think we'll need to sleep on it."
"I suppose." Mainly to stop herself from talking, she shoved a spoonful of gateau into her mouth. The weary non-committal nature of Blake's answer had been a subtle suggestion that they change subjects. They were meant to be on a date after all.
As locations went it would have been harder to pick a better one. They had fine food, fantastic wine, and quite the incredible view. She could count on one hand the number of times she'd had a date anywhere better. But the location never mattered. Only the person that she was with. She and Blake would have been content with a muddy field; they'd eaten in much worse places.
Still, it always felt good to be able to treat the special someone in her life. Technically she might not have been paying for all this, but it had been her idea, and she had made the arrangements completely unknown to her girlfriend.
It might have been Blake, someone who she knew intimately, but as she swallowed her food she struggled to come up with a topic of conversation that didn't revolve around Menagerie. It really shouldn't have been that hard. She'd always considered herself to be quite the smooth talker, especially on dates, but right now her mind was blank.
As the heavy drape of silence weighed on her, she blurted out her first thought. "How's your book?"
Blake started slightly, tearing her gaze away from the vista. "Sorry?"
If she were on a date with anyone else Yang would have been glad of the diminishing light hiding her blush. As it was Blake would be able to see the evidence of her embarrassment perfectly. Really? That was the best she could come up with? But now she was committed to it.
"Your book." The book in question still rested on the couch on the other side of the balcony and she pointed at it. "The one you were reading this morning. How is it?"
"Oh… it's good." Blake's eyes glittered as she attempted to deduce why Yang had mentioned it. If there was one fault Blake had it was that she always thought there was an alternate meaning behind every utterance. Not that Yang's brain had simply been unable to come up with a topic of conversation more interesting.
"Could you read it to me?" She loved listening to Blake read. The sound of her voice. The way her tongue glided over the words, transforming them into a soft, melodic symphony. More than once it had been enough to send her into a peaceful sleep. Now though, she had something different in mind. The subject of reading might have been clumsily formed, but her mind was racing ahead with it.
"Sure," Blake opened her jaws in a wide yawn and massaged her stomach, "as long as you get it for me."
That was a bargain Yang was more than willing to accept. She jumped up but, rather than return to her own seat, she settled down across Blake's lap. "Can you start from the beginning?" she pleaded softly, her mouth a scant inch from Blake's ear.
As so often happened, Blake decided to just roll with the change in her girlfriend's behaviour. They shifted around in the chair, attempting to get comfortable.
Yang ended up with her head resting on Blake's shoulder, the subtle fragrance of raven hair washing over her, the warmth of Blake's breast pressed against her side and an arm wrapped around her. She breathed in deeply, filling her lungs. To be held was a special thing, one that many didn't get to experience. Too often it was her doing the holding, her providing the strength, at this moment she wasn't. Blake cradled her. In the lunar light and a soft timbre, she began to read.
Into this wild abyss,
The womb of Nature, and perhaps her grave,
Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
But all these in their pregnant causes mixed
Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight,
Unless the Almighty Maker them ordain
His dark materials to create more worlds,
Into this wild Abyss the wary Fiend
Stood on the brink of Hell and looked a while,
Pondering his voyage…
They didn't make it far into the story. Yang was sure it was a fine book, and Blake's voice brought it to life, but something else enticed her far more. It was the same for Blake. Halfway through a sentence, their individual resolves crumbled at the same time. Their lips met, and the book tumbled to the cooling stone, entirely forgotten.
If there was an advantage to the complexities of their relationship, the number of false starts and near collapses, it was that their lust for each other had been somewhat dulled. Not that it didn't exist, but they both knew what the other had to offer. They didn't frantically mash their lips together. They didn't fight. They took it slowly, tenderly. Savouring the perfection of the moment. Of the balcony beneath the stars and the moon. Of the person who they were sharing it with.
Yang traced each of Blake's ribs with a finger through her thin shirt. She nibbled Blake's ear. She kissed her neck, cherishing the tang of her sweat. She brought her lips upwards again. To face Blake. To see her eyes glitter in the lunar light, impossibly bright and alive. And she saw all the feelings that she harboured deep within her soul, where they were safe, futile, reciprocated. Their mutual love flowed between them. They kissed again, their lips barely brushing each other's.
Yang rose, pulling Blake up after her. She'd done this so many times, she'd done it with Blake, but she'd never felt like this before. She'd never felt so vulnerable, but at the same time so safe. So apprehensive, but so eager. Gently, slowly, she set her fingers to work unbuttoning Blake's shirt. One at a time. There was no needy ripping, no haste, only great care, a need to cherish every moment.
Blake did the same. There didn't need words. No complications. They both knew. They'd both always known. There a link between them, perhaps forged at Beacon, but steeled by the world. That they were still together was lunacy, a miracle.
They were living in a fairy tale.
As their clothes lay pooled on the floor. As the wind cooled her fiery skin. As Blake's hand pressed her abs, Yang allowed herself to be guided down on the soft cushions of the couch. Blake followed her, entwined herself in her arms. Their hearts beat as one.
And in the open air, on a palace balcony, looking out over one of the oldest cities on the planet, beneath the shattered moon and bathed in its light, the pair of them made new memories.
Ones they would remember.
A/N: So even more fluff. It took the pair of them long enough. And we got the reunion a lot of you have been waiting for. Maybe not in person, but I hope you still enjoyed. Does anyone recognise what book that intro was from?
Anyway, if you haven't follow/favourite, and please leave your thoughts.
