Chapter 7: Goldilocks
A demon to some, a tragic tale to another.
Once upon a time there was a girl with bright yellow hair.
When the family shattered, she became the protector to her little sister.
With the mother dead and buried, it broke the girl with the red cloak.
The little sister was prey to the harsh world, protected only by her big sister.
But days of protecting the girl has taken its toll as protection turned into violence.
And then a destructive family secret revealed, the protector became disillusioned.
Then the girl with the bright yellow hair made a mistake she shall forever regret.
And all she was left with is the dark family secret.
The world was cruel.
Some days were better than most. She tried to remain positive. Yet, she had to sacrifice nearly everything for her sister.
Some days she hated it. However, most days she didn't regret it. It was a fact of life that she had to protect her sister. She just hated that she never saw her little sister smile. She'd like to blame their dad, but she couldn't.
"It's all your fault. All your fault," he slurred out loud before turning to face them. "Why do you look like her? I… Just get away! I hate you." She pulled Ruby away. Her little sister didn't need to see their father ranting in front of the mirror, but she could tell Ruby was thinking it was all her fault.
"You're worthless!" he yelled.
She grabbed Ruby away from their drunken father. Her little sister was crying. She didn't want Ruby to see that. She had to be strong for Ruby- she couldn't shed any tears, not in front of Ruby.
"It's alright. Daddy is just mad," she tried reassuring Ruby.
"Is he mad at me? Is it my fault?" her sister said in-between the tears.
"No. No. It isn't your fault. I'll be right back."
She angrily stomped toward the room where her father was. She was going to give her dad a piece of her mind. Her mom, Summer may be gone- but that didn't give an excuse for his actions.
The sight she came across was sad and pathetic.
Her dad was slumped over, an empty bottle in his hand.
"You're worthless. We're all so worthless. I.." he choked on his words. He took a huge gulp before finishing his sentence.
"I'm worthless. No wonder why they all left. I couldn't save her. I couldn't save her," he kept repeating that to himself. She couldn't deliver her pent-up anger at him. He was broken- a shell. She could remember the happier times and that stayed her hand.
Things had to get better. Dad would get out of his slump and everything would be better. She just had to weather the storm… but what about Ruby?
A few months later, and she had to wonder if things were improving? Their dad took a leave of absence in his Huntsman duties, and spent more times in the bars than with them.
It was probably a way to release his anger out. Then at home, he just stools in his own misery. Ruby stayed away from him. The first couple of weeks were the hardest and by the time the storm passed, the damage was done.
Ruby just bawled her eyes out over the months. Suffice to say, their dad didn't help, because the mere sight of him for Ruby only made things worse. Ruby was so utterly convinced that their dad hated her. She could understand where he was coming from, but his toxic behavior wasn't helping.
She longed for the days where he was a loving and caring dad. A day where he slung Ruby onto his shoulders and chased after her. A day where he smiled and talked about his adventures as a huntsman. A day where Ruby wasn't afraid of him anymore. A day where they wouldn't hear their dad's occasional drunken yells.
The death of their mother changed that dynamic.
Their only interactions were muted and non-verbal. Deep down, he probably still cared for them, but apparently his grief and misery took precedent over that.
Yet, Ruby wasn't happy.
Maybe it was because every time dad was home, he'd yell. Perhaps Ruby thought it was all her fault.
Maybe it was because Yang could not play the role Ruby needed. Yang was no mother. She cared for her sister, but she was no Summer.
So every look of anguish on Yang's face, Ruby probably took to heart.
Was it her fault? Was Yang not trying hard enough? She had pushing herself over the edge for Ruby. One could see it in her eyes.
While her life was now devoted to her little sister. The last month of school was when everything went downhill for her.
Some kids thought it would be funny to tease her 'cry-baby' sister. Whether it was borne out jealousy and resentment of them having hunter parents or something else, it didn't matter. That's when the fighting started. She traded in her role as a 'fun' girl into that 'mean' girl.
She just kept fighting and fighting. Sometimes it was for her sister. Other times, it was for her. She made no friends as the school days went by.
Of course, it was only a matter of time before someone escalated the matters. It had turned into simple schoolyard spats into beatings.
They had to gall to try and hurt Ruby- emotionally and physically. Was it Yang's fault? She had taken things to the next level.
She couldn't just hold back. Perhaps it was her way of dealing with the rage at her situation. The situation wasn't even improving. Their dad was a hollow drunk whom Ruby feared. Ruby spent most of her time crying, unable to properly grasp the situation. Yang did her best for Ruby. She emulated their mother- to no avail.
She tried baking cookies like Summer. She tried reading fairy tales like Summer. She tried to pretend that everything was getting better. She just wanted this family to get better. She wanted Ruby happy. She wanted dad happy.
She failed.
Perhaps, Yang tried to hard. She couldn't force this out, yet she couldn't do it with love and tender. Ruby took that to heart, and shut herself off.
Throughout the last, dying school months, she had been nursing bruises and headaches. Of course, she had to hide the wounds from her little sister. She didn't need Ruby seeing her fight. When Yang fought, everything was clear. The person she was fighting was the bad guy, someone that she could release all that fury onto them.
It didn't even matter that she won or lost.
In a way, the fight was for both for Ruby and Yang. Their cruel words would never reach Ruby's ears. Ruby's situation didn't need to get worse. She kept things from getting worse for Ruby and had an outlet.
"Fuck you! Stay away from my sister!" She punched the boy right in the jaw. She kept punching and punching before the boy backed away.
"Why would anyone care for that crybaby! But maybe I should teach her a lesson!" he shouted before he tackled Yang. Yang managed to headbutt the boy off her.
As she got up, the boy's fist collided with her ribs, causing her to gasp in pain.
"Nobody cares that your mom died! She should just shut up about it! Boo-hoo! Like the world revolves around her! She's just an attention whore!"
Nobody called her sister that!
She punched the boy in the throat.
Although, the school year finally died and it was just them. Again, their dad was off to wallow in his misery elsewhere. Maybe it was his way of sparing them his anger. Yang didn't know.
She focused all her time on trying to help Ruby. All her time devoted to Ruby. Yet, she could never replace their mother.
Maybe Ruby knew that too. Perhaps Ruby could see the slight resentment in Yang's eyes. Maybe that made it worse.
The revelation came when Yang looked into the mirror. Her once golden hair was disheveled- a faded sun. Her eyes a dull purple with bags under her eyes. It made her mad, the fury in her simmering. She didn't want this.
Despite all that, she swallowed that anger for Ruby. All that fury and rage, shoved down her throat. Ruby was her little sister, through and through. They were sisters and Yang was the eldest sister. It was her duty as sister to pull through. Her problems didn't matter.
"Come on, Ruby."
"No," came the weakened reply.
"Please, Ruby," Yang whispered through the door.
Eventually, Ruby gave in.
The door swung open, revealing a tiny little girl. Everything went wrong for the little girl. Ruby and their mother were inseparable. Maybe if Ruby was younger then the hurt would be lessened. The death of their mother set a spiraling course of despair.
Ruby needed a mother and Yang was no mother.
"You need to eat, Ruby."
Perhaps if their father would pick up the slack, things could be better. Yet, as Yang struggled throughout the days, she started to resent the situation- no, she hated the situation.
"No," Ruby replied.
"Ruby, please," Yang pleaded. She went closer to Ruby.
"Please," she said with more force in her voice. Ruby flinched slightly.
Yang took a small deep breath.
"Fuck!" Their father's voice echoed throughout the house. Father was back and Yang saw Ruby flinch. Yang began to blame their dad for this situation.
He was the reason why things weren't getting better. He was the reason that she had to deal with all of this responsibility- this burden.
She began stomping toward their dad with Ruby following close behind. Despite all this, Ruby clung onto Yang. Yang was her only lifeline. Yang was the closer remaining link to those happier days.
"Dad!" she yelled.
Her dad ignored her.
"Dad! Will you stop this!" Her hatred began leaking into her voice. All the hurt, all the resentment threatened to flood out.
"Why?!" he raised his voice.
"Where do I even begin?!" She wanted to yell and scream, but held most of it back. "You're a wreck! You're useless! I had to do everything! I suffered for this family- my sister! You're no father!"
She could have been much crueler in her words.
Her dad looked down, with Ruby hanging in the sidelines, distraught at the unfolding scene before her.
"Mom would be ashamed of you!"
Her dad looked unsure before gaining a resolve- probably brought out by the alcohol. "She wasn't your mother."
"What?" Yang asked confused.
"Summer isn't your real mother," he muttered before stumbling onto a wall.
"What?!" Yang demanded. She didn't bother holding back. She was done!
Her dad reached into his vest and pulled out an old photo before flicking it toward her.
"That's your real mother." He then slunk onto the floor.
Yang tentatively reached down and picked up the photo.
"She left me. Maybe she knew how much of a failure I am. Raven left me and I don't even know where she. And I couldn't save Summer." Her father continued to wallow in his agony.
The photo displayed a happier scene. Uncle Qrow, mo- Summer, dad, and… her real mom. She looked happy. Bright, shining red eyes seemed inviting. It was of a happier time. A time she yearned for.
Then it hit her. Summer wasn't her real mom. Ruby wasn't her real sister. No wonder why Summer wanted Ruby to have her last name. There was a reason why Summer gave Ruby a red cloak and Yang nothing. Her small, orange infinity scarf from dad was not hand woven by Summer.
Yang was so conflicted. All of this suffering, the fights for Ruby, silently suffering as the burdens weighed upon her… was it all for naught?
She began feeling hot and started breathing heavily. She couldn't process this. She needed to get away- to yell, to scream!
She stormed out of the house and into the woods. Dad paid her no heed as she stomped out. She had no idea what she was going to do! There was no way to force this hate out.
The helpless cries of her sis- Ruby echoed behind her. Was she abandoning Ruby? Some part of her wanted to leave. Another part wanted to cry and break down.
Yang didn't stop. She had no self-control right now and didn't want Ruby to see her like this.
"Yaaaaang! Please stay!"
Yang turned around to face her younger sibling. Her rage was almost equal to Ruby's sorrow.
"Go away, Ruby," she said while grinding her teeth. She wanted to be alone.
Ruby didn't understand and tried approaching Yang. She just wanted to be alone! Why couldn't Ruby understand that! She sacrificed everything for her! Yang was out of control! She spent so long trying to hold her anger at bay.
Yet when Ruby came charging at her, she couldn't contain it anymore.
Months of trying to keep her angry in check blasted out. She shoved Ruby away from her. All of this suffering was because of her.
She ignored Ruby's cries and she started to rant. Once she began, she couldn't stop.
"I'm not your damn sister anymore! And I'm tired of helping of you! Your mom died! Not mine!" It was the easy way to deflect blame onto Ruby. Everything was because Ruby couldn't get over her mom's death.
Yang continued, "It was always about you! You didn't give a damn about me! I sacrificed so fucking much for you and you never helped me! Do you know how many fucking times I took the hits for you?! The beatings I suffered for you!? Or how much time I wasted protecting you?!" The aches and pain compelled her to speak her mind. All those cruel kids were gone, no one to project her rage except onto Ruby.
"You're weak! You never once thought about what I wanted! And even now, it's always about you. All you care about is yourself! Well, I am done!" she continued to rant. All the resentment was being reflected onto Ruby, and she didn't care. Months of pain and suffering had taken their toll.
"No. Please don't leave me," Ruby whimpered.
That somehow set Yang off, the months of sacrifice came crashing down and all her hate concentrated onto Ruby as she screamed, "I HATE YOU!"
She gave a harsh kick onto Ruby's head.
Only a mere moment passed before she realized what she did as her rage simmered down. It was in the heat of the moment, but that didn't stop Yang from hating herself.
"Oh no. No no no no no no!" She went onto her knees and checked if Ruby was all right. She gave small sigh of relief.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," she kept muttering as she picked up Ruby.
"We have to get you back home," Yang whispered to herself. Their dad couldn't ignore this.
She turned around and saw a beowolf towering over her. She turned to shoulder the oncoming blow, protecting Ruby.
The claws tore into her back as Yang cried out. She collapsed onto her knees and dropped Ruby. The beowolf swatted her away from Ruby and slammed Yang into a tree. Her back was on fire, as she felt her life ebbing away before suddenly a brief flash of yellow consumed her like a raging fire and slowly the pain in her back faded away.
Dad taught her enough to know it was aura. A raven's cry shocked her out of her thoughts.
The beowolf stood over the unconscious form of Ruby- it's intent was obvious. She wasn't healing fast enough! She had to move! She had to save Ruby!
She had to take this pain and her anger and turn it into something useful! It got her into this mess and she had to transform it into something else!
The glow manifested again through her bright hair.
She slowly got up, the pain stopped fading away. The intenser the pain was, the brighter her hair glowed.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!"
She ran and tackled the beowolf with all her might. The beowolf was pushed deep into the woods, trying to shake the enraged little girl off.
Her punches began carrying a lot more weight to them as she felt her muscles bulk up. She managed to pierce through the Grimm's hide and as the beowolf tumbled down as Yang continued to beat upon it. Time held no meaning for her. How long has it been? A few seconds? Minutes? She didn't know- didn't care. She managed to bring it down as they both collapsed onto a trail.
She laid upon the dead beowolf, as the adrenaline wore off and the full extent of the pain returned. The Grimm faded away and Yang closed her eyes, hoping Ruby was okay.
Acid sat with her brother and nephew, picking at her food.
"Have you even tried finding some real work?" her brother asked, the implications obvious.
"No, Arnica, I haven't."
Her nephew made some comment about her. It may have slightly infuriate her but he did take after her.
"What did you say punk?" she retorted with a playful tone.
"Don't encourage him, Acid," Arnica chided her.
"Why?" She gave a grin to her twin brother.
"He's been getting into fights during the school year."
Acid turned to her nephew. "You win?"
Her nephew looked down.
"Oh come on, Basuco! Who'd you lose to?"
"Some girl," he muttered.
"Of for the love of… I know you're pissed off because your mom, but that doesn't give you the excuse of being a dick."
"That's enough, Acid."
She could tell by her brother's tone that she had pushed a bit too far. Arnica was always the smart one between the two. The one who worked for everything in his life.
Sometimes she felt that he was ashamed of her. Maybe it was true. She wasn't a good person and not always the best sister. She even failed at being that 'cool' aunt. Maybe she was a bad influence of Basuco. She didn't want to send him down the path she took.
"Perhaps..." she started. "Perhaps, it's time I returned to Vale."
"But Aunt Acid-" Basuco started.
"I imposed on you guys long enough. Thanks for having me here." She started making her way to the door before Arnica stopped her.
He gave her a tight hug. "I know I don't always show it… but I love you. Just be safe… sis."
The two siblings often bickered. They even said and did things to each other that weren't actions of a loving sibling, but at the end of the day, they always reconciled. They just had to see their act of love outshine the hate.
She gave a light chuckle and returned the hug. "Sure thing, bro."
She left the little house and went into the woods. She took out a small cigarette and lit it. There was a small trail of smoke left behind her.
As long as she stuck to the trail, she'd be fine. About an hour later, she was almost to the docks of Patch.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!" a faint, angry voice yelled out.
Acid dropped the cig and pulled out one of her revolvers. She took cover behind a tree and waited. Peeking her head at the unknown might get her killed. She heard thrashing and screaming but held her ground. About three minutes later, she saw something that was both fascinating and horrifying.
A little girl with blood-red eyes was riding and punching a beowolf. The odd thing was… that the girl was doing real damage.
Bright yellow hair shone through the darkened woods.
The little girl collapsed onto the ashes of the dead Grimm. Quickly and quietly, she looked upon the destructive path caused by the two. It led deep into the woods, and there was no one else there.
Acid was shocked that a girl that young had aura and a semblance, if the glowing hair was an indicator.
What was she to do?
She knew about Junior's little project, but he didn't whisk away kids off the street. Besides… that favor that bastard Winchester called in had left a bad taste in her mouth.
Acid checked if the kid was alright. The little girl was still breathing, which was a good sign.
The kid began to stir.
Yang awoke with a start. "Ruby!"
She turned to an unfamiliar face and immediately asked, "Where's Ruby?! Where's my little sister?!"
"I don't..."
She struggled to get up and began limping toward the path of destructive. The woman gasped as Yang turned her back to her. Despite the impressive distance, she still managed to see where… she kicked Ruby and told her… that she hated her. There was no one there. The implications were obvious. Ruby would have stayed and waited for Yang to come back.
She could never take back what she said or did. Ruby was gone.
Ruby was gone forever. That didn't quite registered properly until...
"I'm sorry kid. Whoever they were… the Grimm probably got them," the stranger said solemnly.
"But… but..." Yang started inching her way back to where Ruby was before the stranger stopped her.
"I'm sorry. The odds of a kid surviving that deep in the woods alone isn't high. And a little kid is like… a drug to them. They probably got her. I'm sorry."
Reality came crashing down onto her like a burning home.
"No." That lone word was all she could utter. Yet, she couldn't deny anything. It was all her fault. She had lashed out onto Ruby… and it got her killed.
Despite her unlocking her aura, she was too late.
"I..." Yang began breaking down, sobbing quietly. The stranger seemed sympathetic and gave her a small hug.
"I didn't mean it. She… I never got to say I'm sorry…. That I loved her!" She sobbed into the stranger's shoulder.
"Shhhh. It's all right… uh..." Acid started.
"Yang," she muttered.
"Yang, whatever happened… it wasn't your fault."
"But," she started to stutter. "But it was my fault!"
Yang hated herself, drawing all those negative feelings to herself.
"Listen, Yang. I know it hurts and you feel… empty but do you have any parents or-"
"Dad can't know! He can't know! He can't know," she pleaded to the stranger.
"Well… is there anyone else?"
Yang felt the weight of a crumpled photo in her pocket. Dad would never forgive her. Uncle Qrow wouldn't either. No one would forgive her… knowing what she had done. Summer… would disown her if she was still alive… because she wasn't her real daughter. Yet, there might have been someone else.
"There… there is my… mom." Honestly, that was the only person that she thought that might accept her. Mothers were caring, right? She left Dad, but she didn't want to leave her… right? Could her real mother make this guilt- this numbness away?
"Oh that's good. I'll call her and we'll bring you to a hos-"
"I don't know where she is!" Yang almost cried out.
"Listen… Yang. I know it's hard but I think it would be best if we went to your dad. I'll even be with you all the way." The stranger broke the hug and looked Yang right in the eye.
Yang just let the tears slide down her face. "He… he can't know. I… killed my sister. I'm a horrible person. He won't ever forgive me."
"Alright. Listen, it wasn't your fault. I'll take you back to my brother's and-"
"Hey, bitch-ass Acid!" The friendly stranger turned around and they both saw a lady with long black hair in a light purple trench coat, wide open revealing a dark purple bra. She had a small black shorts on with cowboy boots.
She had a cocky grin on her face as she approached the two.
"Hanging out with a cry baby now?" she sneered.
Yang wiped the tears off her face and gave a nasty look to the lady. The anger was a distraction- a way to temporarily halt the guilt.
The lady was taken back briefly before smiling. "Didn't know you had it in you, Acid! I'm proud of you. Finding a kid with a semblance. She's got fire in those red eyes! And nice, glowing hair to boot! Ooo-wee! Quite a catch!"
"Why are you here, Dian?" Acid asked with no love in her voice.
"I came to get your dumb-ass back," Dian retorted.
"Then piss off, I was on my way back anyway."
"Whatever, I'll leave you to snort your shit in peace, but the boss-man wants to see you. I'm sure you'll get on his good side with your catch." Dian then skipped on down the path.
"Who was she?" Yang asked, as her temper began flickering out.
"Dian Mei. Grade-A bitch," Acid muttered before looking up at Yang. "I'm sorry for what I accidentally dragged you into. But… you might have been… recruited in a certain sense to a gang."
That confused Yang out of her funk. "What?"
"A kid with aura is rare. A kid with a semblance is even rarer. And… Dian and me, we're suppose to recruit kids like you. Now that Dian knows about you, my hands are tied. I can't let you go now."
"So… I don't have any choice." Immediately her demeanor changed.
"Yang..." Acid started but couldn't finish that sentence.
"I… killed..." Yang couldn't finish that sentence. She never stopped crying. "I have no one."
"What about your mom?" Acid asked.
"I… I don't know. I just… I need to find her." Something inside her craved the days before Summer died. She wanted a mother to love and to tell her that everything was alright. Everything wasn't alright. She needed her mom.
She took out the photo and stared at it. Acid went over and looked alongside the photo.
"That's my mom," Yang pointed to a red-eyed woman with spiky black hair. "I need to find her."+
Acid looked down before looking back at Yang. "Listen, Yang. My boss isn't an unreasonable man. I might be able to get him to find your mom for you. You help us, then we'll help you."
"Are… you lying?" Yang asked suspiciously.
"No. But… it would be better for everyone if you just came with me. I really do want to help you."
Yang saw Acid's two revolvers and the pain on her back flare up. A raven flew in from the direction where she… left her sister. It screeched with sickening joy in the background. Yang wouldn't win. Besides, this was probably the only way she could find her mom. Yang got up and nodded her head to Acid.
Acid offered her hand to Yang.
Yang didn't take it.
Acid sat with Yang on the boat. She made sure that Dian wasn't anywhere nearby. Dian was a fucking monster.
A skilled and valuable monster, but a monster nevertheless. Acid was glad she never had to face Dian. She glanced over at Yang. The girl had tired herself out from all the crying. She just gave her a blank look.
Acid was familiar with the feeling.
When someone runs out of tears, all they could do was shut down.
Yang was similar in that regard. Yet, there was fire in those red eyes. Acid just hoped that the girl didn't redirect that anger to herself.
It would be better if she lashed out against the world. Nobody wanted or needed a whiny, self-loathing kid. At least, the anger could be used productively.
Although, Yang could be consumed by it. Nobody needed another Dian.
With time, maybe Yang could overcome this. Acid should just let Yang grieve in her own way. Yang wouldn't let Acid help.
She could somewhat relate to Yang but… she didn't know how to deal with Yang's guilt over her sister. Acid wouldn't… couldn't dare dream of a world without her brother.
Acid didn't know what to say to Yang. She wanted to reassure the kid that everything was alright, but that would be a lie.
Yet, Acid knew that she could do one thing that might help Yang.
She could find Yang's mom for her. Yang needed family to support her through this. Her dad didn't seem like a reasonable man from Yang.
"Hey, Yang." She tapped her on the shoulder.
"What?" Yang snapped. That shook Acid's confidence.
"I… nevermind." Acid needed to give Yang her space. She realized that she effectively whisked a kid away to a gang. A slightly decent gang perhaps, but a gang nevertheless.
Acid foolishly hoped that she was taking Yang to a better place. Her home life didn't seem all that great. Yet, that was a pathetic dream. Real life sucked… but it wasn't all bad. Yang was just going through… a rough patch. Things had to get better. Yang needed to know that.
Acid began to speak up again. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry."
Yang just gave a small huff but Acid continued. "I know… being… 'inducted' into a gang isn't the best-"
"Best place for a person like me," Yang muttered.
"For fuck's sake. It isn't healthy to blame yourself."
"Then who should I blame?" Yang asked exasperated. Acid shouldn't expect Yang to recover so quickly.
However, her boss isn't going to like a whiny, emo child. Those were reserved for terrorist organizations. Hei would probably prefer an angry little kid. It would be easier for him in the long run, just point her rage at something and let it rip.
Acid didn't like it.
"Blame the world if you have to but it wasn't your fault. Now listen… I want to help you. I really do."
Yang gave her a suspicious look.
"It's just that… my boss would probably help you. But you would have to-"
"Help him. I got it," Yang said with a hint of sadness.
"Don't worry. He just wants an oath of loyalty. He isn't going to force you to do anything for the time being. Hell, he might even start working towards helping you as soon as possible," Acid tried reassuring Yang.
Yang just turned away.
Sending a kid to do dangerous tasks was insane. Aura and semblances may have caused a massive boost in terms of power, they were still kids. Only a mentally unhinged person would actually do it. Case in point, Dian. It may seem like a good idea, but one has to eventually realize that they are kids.
Yet Dian advocated for sending what kids they gathered to the front lines.
Stupid.
Fortunately, Hei was a reasonable boss. He'd see Yang as an investment. Training a kid wouldn't be too much of a problem. While it may not be combat academy levels of training, it still would be effective. Perhaps in two to three years, Yang would be combat ready.
Although, certain errands wouldn't be out of the question.
She left Yang inside and went out into the moonlit deck. Dian was looking out onto the sea.
"Nice night for a boat ride, isn't it? Think I might even saw a motorboat on the horizon." Dian was using her semblance again.
Dian was skilled with both her aura and semblance. She managed to turn her crappy semblance into something to be feared.
Acid on the other hand was more skilled in terms of aura. Her semblance, on the surface, may have appeared to be better than Dian's, but it wasn't.
"Cut the crap, Dian."
Dian's eyes went from red to purple to pink to finally settling on Acid's green eyes. Acid shot her a dirty look before lighting a cigarette.
"You're on cigarettes, now? What happened to you crushing up pills?" Dian asked before smacking Acid's shoulder.
"Shut up, I'm trying to be better."
Dian looked back to the fading island of Patch. "Oh, for your dumb-ass family."
Acid faced Dian and blew smoke in her face. "Don't."
Dian smiled. "You'll go back to your old ways soon enough."
"I will shoot you."
"And I'll see it coming miles away," Dian sneered.
"Wanna bet?" Acid shot back.
The ship finally landed in the docks.
"Looks like we're here. I'll go get the kid." Dian began walking away before Acid grabbed her arm.
"I want you to stay away from her."
Dian chuckled. "You'll get her hooked on drugs and alcohol."
"As opposed to being a murderous maniac?"
"Well, at least I'm happy," Dian spat.
"What are you implying?"
Dian gave a devilish grin and said, "I'll get the limo driver."
Dian strutted away while Acid yelled out, "Bitch!"
She ignored her and left the ship while Acid went to get Yang.
She found Yang's head buried in her knees. "C'mon sweetie."
Yang got up, and once more, Acid offered her hand.
Yang reached out for it, but pulled it away at the last moment.
The car ride was quiet.
The two women were giving each other death stares. Yang would find it funny if hours before…
Acid told her that she shouldn't blame herself.
Maybe the situation wasn't her fault. She did her best! Everything was stacked against her! And the moment she lashed out!
Dian took out a large rifle… Yang stared at it. Uncle Qrow educated her on weapons. Everything from scythes to gauntlets. Ruby had a certain fixation with Qrow's weapon. Yang gave a melancholy smile as she remembered Ruby's toothy grin.
It wasn't her fault.
Dian flipped a switch on the gun and it began to hum. Yang remembered what type of gun it was. A railgun… designed to deliver a concentrated beam of Dust. It was a sniper's choice of weapon.
Acid took out her two revolvers.
"What's going on?" Yang asked.
"Trouble," Acid replied.
"Such a cliched line," Dian chimed in.
"Piss off. Just get ready to deal with the ambush," Acid said before turning to face Yang. "Stay here Yang. We'll take care of this."
The car suddenly stopped.
The two popped out of the limo and almost immediately gunfire was heard. Yang didn't cover her ears. There was a particular melody to the gunfire. Eventually, the car began shaking.
Yang unbuckled her seatbelt and went toward the car door. She began to unroll the window and saw a brutish, bald man draped in a brown jacket. There was a particular insignia on it. It contained a grinning bear with huge teeth.
The man turned and smiled a vicious grin. He then pulled Yang through the window.
Yang began screaming out, mostly in anger and pain. The pain drove her to start swinging.
Before the man could do anything else, Yang managed to hit the man square in the jaw. It made a cracking sound as the man hit the ground.
Yang dropped onto the man. He was beginning to stir and Yang couldn't stop there. The pain reminded her of that particular moment. She didn't want to remember! Once was enough! The all-too familiar came back.
She took all that fury and forced it onto the man.
Then she began bashing the man's head in. Alongside the sounds of his skull being bashed in, she heard screaming. It took her a moment to realize that it was her own screams.
"YANG!"
That one outburst broke her out of the rage.
She stopped hitting the twitching body and stood up, dazed.
It felt calmer… that the rage was… muted… but something was off. The protective feeling of aura was also muted. Muted in the sense that it was being channeled away. The pain, however, didn't hurt as bad… it was just… there. It didn't feel right nor wrong.
Acid grabbed her by the shoulders while Dian was laughing.
"Jolly good show!" Dian exclaimed before getting into the limo.
Yang looked away from Acid's concerned eyes. The streets were littered with bodies, all of which had that same brown jacket.
Acid took out a red handkerchief from her suit and wiped something off Yang's face. She couldn't see what it was.
"Come on, sweetie." Acid brought Yang back into the limo.
Yang just sat in the car, dumbfounded for a brief moment.
"Ah yes. The shock of the first kill. Savor it," Dian said.
"I… killed him?" Yang stammered. Did she really kill him? If… so… that would be the second person she killed.
No!
It wasn't her fault! It was the world's fault!
Just like this!
It had to be.
It had to be.
"Sweetie, don't listen to her-"
"Tell me… what do you feel? Do you feel the rush? The blood pumping! Your eyes even turned lilac for a moment. Of course, I like your current red eyes." Yang turned her head at that. "You must have felt something! Tell me all your juicy secrets!" Dian continued.
"I swear to god, Dian! Today is the day I shoot yo-"
"Numb. I… didn't feel like anything after-" Yang started.
"What about during?" Dian asked with intrigue.
"Yang, you don't have to tell her anything."
"It felt good to let it all out," Yang shamefully admitted.
"Ha! Suck it, Acid!" Dian exclaimed with glee.
Acid seemed downtrodden.
"I'm sorry," Yang apologized to Acid.
"No… no… you shouldn't be. Perhaps it's best. It's a rough business after all. It's just that… you're a kid. It shouldn't be like this for you."
"Don't worry, kiddo. It's not all about killing, unfortunately, but there's the parties, the drugs, and the boys. Or girls. Acid could teach you all about that. Or me. I have been around the block." Dian winked at Yang.
Yang looked down before popping her head back up. "What about the police?! Or huntsmen?!"
Both Acid and Dian laughed.
"Oh those jokers? They can't do anything. They don't know about our semblances, so they won't crack down on us. And we got our weapons permit. Besides, no one is going to testify against us. We keep our neighborhoods relatively safe. People like the status quo. 'Sides, huntsmen are more needed in those villages outside the kingdom," Acid explained.
"Other than over-righteous and over-zealous huntsmen and huntresses, we have nothing to worry about," Dian added in.
"What is so special about semblances?" Yang asked.
"You see, Yang. People with aura, or 'rogues', are a lot more common than people suspect. They just hide their abilities and let them languish. See, the powers that be don't want to discourage people from hiding even though the hypocrites snatch up any kid with aura. They would rather find a use for someone with semblances. They would rather categorize them than have them as a potential enemy," Acid filled her in.
"Personally, they're a bunch of pussies."
"As opposed to creating a witch-hunt with the awakened and the enlightened?"
"Cut it with your old man lingo!"
They got into a small punching bout.
The limo stopped.
The two immediately ceased their bickering.
"Ready to meet your new boss?" Dian asked with a smile.
Hei poured himself a drink.
His crew was steadily growing, more than capable of butting heads with the other two gangs.
Although, he thought in long term. Semblance users were already becoming more and more common.
He considered hiring freelancers and drop-outs but they were loyal to the money. Hei preferred true loyalty.
He didn't need unloyal men. His crew, be them grunts or normals, they were loyal. Even if some of them were incompetent. Even if some of them talked shit behind his back, but that was because they were scared of his ambition.
Hence his little plan.
It was a genius plan. He was surprised that no one else thought of doing it. He did take a page out of the combat academies' book.
He already acquired a pair of 'awakened'. He gave a brief sigh. Acid was rubbing off him, with her outdated terminology.
Still, his two enforcers were invaluable.
And he hoped to duplicate the effect.
The two twins were bought off, due in part to… apathetic parents.
Of course, he wasn't going to be like those parents. The twins did deserve better. He shuddered what would have happened if he didn't buy their service. Hei liked to think he was a good person.
Well, he wasn't but he was better than most.
He was going to give these kids a chance at a somewhat normal childhood. There was a reason combat academies were nigh-indistinguishable from regular schools aside from one of them teaching how to fight. They needed warriors not weapons.
Same principle applied here.
The Malachite twins were quite a catch.
They had aura. Unlike those older mooks, they were still kids- still malleable. Of course, with most of the grunts, lazily exploited a supposed loophole with how they awakened their aura. It was a stupid move anyway. An 'enlightened' could only unlock an aura once. The younger they are, the stronger their aura could be.
With time, they could even gain a semblance.
Which was his hope.
Hei took a sip of the bourbon before straightening his tie. Appearances were important. He was going to check upon the Malachite twins soon.
He did plan to occasionally train them, in order to strengthen a connection to them. Many would scoff at that, but a lifetime of loyalty is invaluable.
Setting down the glass, he began making his way toward the exit of his club until his two enforcers came in with a little blonde girl.
"Hei," Acid greeted him.
"Junior," Dian almost giggled out.
"So who is this?" he asked as he peered into the little girl's red eyes.
Dian opened her mouth before Acid shoved out of the way.
"Scat! I'll handle this."
Dian stuck her tongue out at Acid before going to the bar.
"This is Yang. And she has a semblance."
Hei tried to hold back his enthusiasm. A semblance? This young? He heard rumors and myths that children of huntsmen and huntresses were more susceptible to unlocking and 'awaking'.
It was a distinct possibility.
"Hello, Yang," he greeted the kid.
Yang mumbled something back.
"Yang, is it okay if I could borrow your photo for a moment?" Acid asked.
Yang shook her head.
"Please… I want to help," Acid pleaded.
Yang handed Acid a worn-out photo. "Please give it back, when you're done."
"Sweetie, I need to talk to Hei for a moment. Go to Dian… but don't talk to her, please."
Yang walked there, but there was… a certain emptiness to it.
"So, what is it?" Hei asked.
Acid showed Hei a photo and pointed at the red-eyed woman.
"This is the kid's mother."
"Looks like a group of hunters," Hei commented.
"They do, but Yang is set on finding her mom."
"And you want me to help locate her? What about her dad?" Hei asked.
"I don't think Yang and him are on the best terms… especially now..."
"What happened?"
"She and her sister were in a Grimm attack. And..."
"Her sister didn't make it," Hei finished for her.
"Yep."
"And you want me to find her mother?" Hei paused. "Hmmm, a mom and daughter reunion. A favor from a huntress could always be invaluable."
Acid seemed a little pleased. She always had a tiny, soft spot for kids.
"So, what now?" Acid asked.
"Right now, I need you to oversee a transport. It's going to be on the fifth and sixth. And I'm going to send Yang with the other two."
"To where?"
"I secured a room at Charon Apartments. Acid, their training is going to start soon and I might need you and Dian to pitch in."
Acid nodded before walking out of the club while Dian groaned in the background.
"Dian! I need you to play babysitter!"
Dian's groaned louder.
"Get in, you scamps," Dian said as she opened the door for them.
Yang was herded in with a pair of twins. Hei had given her the photo back. First impressions were… decent. Dian got into the driver's seat and sped off.
"Hey, what's your name?" One of them asked. She was wearing a white flower pin.
"Yang," she mumbled. The muted feeling was fading away.
"I'm Melanie. And this is my sister-" Yang flinched. It wasn't her fault! "- Miltiades."
"Call me Miltia," the one with red and white feathers in her hair.
"Miltiades-" Melanie started while Miltia shot her a dirty look. "- and I are excited!"
Yang cocked her head.
"Why?"
"We finally get to live in a better place. A taste of the upper class," they both exclaimed in unison.
"Yeah," Yang muttered.
"What's wrong?" Miltia asked.
Yang remained silent.
"Hey, don't bother blondie! She had traumatic experiences and shit! I think she lost her sis-"
It was the world's fault! She was going to make it pay! Not her fault!
"-and she even killed someone. Mighty fine if I might say so," Dian finished.
"Really?" they exclaimed with a morbid curiosity at the last comment. They knew what they were training for. There was no delusion on what they were going to be.
Yang just nodded with a twisted sense of nostalgia. Not the memory of the action, but the feelings. The calm, the sense of peace.
It helped solidify the blame onto someone else.
The twins looked at each other when they remembered the first comment made. They had realized the implications that Yang had lost her sister. They said nothing, only giving her a hand on each of her shoulders.
Yang sobbed quietly as they comforted her the best they could.
Eventually they reached the apartments. Yang couldn't really recall the walk to the room. She just remembered locking herself in the bathroom and crying. Eventually, she had passed out.
It wasn't…
She was sorry!
Please!
She just wanted everything to feel alright.
"I'm sorry, Ruby," she nearly choked out. All the events of today had blinded her from the grief. Now, in the quietness of the bathroom, it all came crashing down.
Ruby was gone. Whether it was her fault or the world's fault, it didn't change the fact that Ruby was gone forever. The fact that they weren't from the same mother didn't negate all the memories she had of Ruby.
All the hardships that broke her…
She won't ever be broken again.
She wouldn't make the same mistakes again. She won't ever bottle in that anger again. It led to...
Ruby was gone.
No amount of promises was going to change that.
"I'm so sorry."
She hated this feeling. She wanted it to go away! The feeling couldn't be pushed back. It had to be let out.
Her eyes opened suddenly and she faced herself in the mirror.
Red eyes greeted her. Yang heard those comments about them in passing, but she was seeing them for the first time.
Yang took it as a sign.
Keep moving forward, no matter the pain and heartache but she won't ever forget.
Her eyes briefly flashed lilac- her old eye color- as she punched the mirror. Her aura must have shattered, but that muted feeling returned and she felt… more in control.
Emerging from the bathroom, she found Dian trying and failing to make eggs.
"Oh, babysit them, Dian! It'll be a breeze!" Dian said loudly, making no effort to conceal her disdain for her current role.
Dian turned to Yang and said, "I think I'll order pizza. That cool?"
Yang just shrugged.
"Listen, I could give less than two dicks about where you sleep, but be a dear and get the twins." She then took out her scroll and began ordering.
Yang went into the bedroom and found three sets of beds.
The twins were sound asleep.
"Hey!" Yang shouted.
Both of them shot up and glared at Yang.
"Breakfast," Yang simply said. They both groaned at Yang.
Yang sat down at the table and soon the twins joined her.
The twins happily chatted while Yang sat in silence.
Miltia tried getting her to join in on the conversation, but Yang stubbornly refused.
Dian eventually sat down alongside them.
"Yang, stop being such a fucking buzzkill."
She bore into Dian's… now red eyes.
"Boo-hoo. Bad stuff happened, no shit. Life is a goddamn rollercoaster, but it's better to be mad than sad. Whatever pain or emo bullshit you're feeling is going to pass eventually. Might leave you with a few emotional scars or whatever. But! I can't teach shit if you're mopey. So..."
Dian took out a bottle.
"Take a swig." Yang stared at it. It was like dad's. Would she? Could she?
"But..."
"You need to loosen up! You can't bottle in your feelings. Be happy! Be mad! But don't be a fucking shut-in! Now take a swig."
With that, Yang took the bottle and took a big gulp.
She immediately coughed, the taste was foreign to her tongue but the feelings of peace returned. The fury was muted and everything felt clear. She could see what dad saw in alcohol.
The rage was no longer bottled in, and she felt more free.
"Better?" Dian asked.
"Yeah," Yang said half-heartedly.
"A little more enthusiasm!"
"Hell yeah!"
Ding-dong!
"That must be the pizza." Dian got up and went to the door.
"Are you alright, Yang?" Milita asked.
"A bit better," Yang admitted. "Might take another swig..."
Dian yanked the bottle out of her hand. "No! Don't over do it, you dummy! I just wanted to give you a little boost, not turn you into an alcoholic."
She slammed the pizza onto the table. "Now eat up ya brats. When training starts, you're going to hate the fuck out of me."
Yang and the twins went through four whole weeks of training.
Yang liked it despite Dian's promise that they would hate her. Acid ironically was the least favorite despite her being more easier on them.
The training provided an excellent outlet. She always felt more calm on the mat than anywhere else. She felt a bit better about herself.
A little more free.
A little more destructive.
She didn't stop grieving, Ruby would always be in her heart, reminding her not to make the same mistakes.
It was better to be mean and driven most of the time than to let it all out in a single, annihilating burst of sound and fury.
"Come on, you three," Acid called out from the sidelines.
Yang was facing both Melanie and Milita. Melanie adopted a kick-boxer's stance. Yang always had trouble with Melanie.
Yang always preferred quick and hard punches. Milita was of the same sort. Yang could always brute-force her way with Miltia.
That might not apply here.
Yang won more than the both of them combined hence this little fight session.
Two versus one.
The twins circled around Yang.
Yang put up her fists. Ever since Hei's little lessons, she became enthralled with his particular fighting style. It was a boxer's style.
Of course, Hei was heavy on ducking and weaving before slugging away.
'Fists up. Keep them close put not too close!'
She swung at Hei.
'Put your back into it! You will hit harder.'
She put her weight into the punch.
'Good! Now come at me!'
Yang launched a series of punches but Hei managed to avoid them before tripping Yang onto the mat.
'You can obviously throw a punch, but landing one is a different matter. Now again!'
She did it a different way. Her aura was weaker than normal, but that helped her semblance immensely. It was easier to figure out that pain made her hit stronger.
Today's fight would not allow her to do that. Acid wanted Yang not to be so reliant on her semblance, citing that aura was a life-saver.
She didn't want to learn all these aura techniques.
Why would she?
One punch was all it took.
So, Acid switched it up. First one to have their aura depleted was out.
Milita charged from the front while Melanie charged from the back.
Yang managed to grab Miltia's wrist mid-punch and threw her into Melanie, knocking the two to the ground.
She tried slamming her fist into them, but Melanie kicked her away. The two of them got up and charged at Yang together.
Melanie kicked her in the stomach before Miltia smacked her to the ground, her aura already depleted.
Yang slammed her fists onto the ground and took off the bracelet.
"Deep breathes, Yang," Acid called out helpfully.
Yang just went to the punching bags and began punching it. She let out several cries of frustration. Every swing sent it flying further and further.
Acid clapped her hands and said, "Well, this was a… productive session. Good teamwork, Melanie and Miltia. A bit sloppy on your form, but nothing that can't be fixed. And Yang, you can't just keep tanking hits. The fastest way isn't always the best way."
Yang stopped punching and let out a sigh.
"C'mon, that's enough for today. I don't suppose any of you want to go out and eat?"
The twins eagerly agreed while Yang pondered about it.
"What did I say about being a mope?!" Dian called out as she entered the room.
"Fine, fine. I'll go."
The car ride there was eventful. Yang let herself smile… just a little bit. The twins did their damnedest to try and get Yang to smile. Even when Yang was angry, they didn't hate her.
'Come on, don't be so yangry,' they both said together.
'Next person who says a pun has to spar with me!' Dian hollered.
Sometimes it was dumb little jokes.
'Why did the Ursa cross the road?'
'Because it couldn't bear the woods!'
Other times, they told happy little stories.
'One time Melanie tried wearing a pair of high heels and fell down the stairs.'
'Miltia!'
'Oh come on, it was funny. You swore off high heels after that.'
It was a little competition between the twins. They knew Yang wasn't always so hard-headed and Yang had to admit she couldn't be angry all the time.
Of course, Yang didn't want to be angry all the time.
It was just the best way to deal with her problems. Although, she couldn't be… 'mopey' all the time. Dian would make her training harder.
Still, there was a certain emptiness to it all. Her anger and frustration was real, but it was reserved for being her drive to train. Her sorrow, while it has forever tainted her, was subsiding away slowly.
Acid and Dian were like Uncle Qrow when she thought about it. They acted like aunts, but not like a parent.
She wanted her mom.
Hei said there was rumors she was in Mistral but it wasn't a certainty.
She needed her mom.
"So ice cream?" Acid asked.
"We had ice cream last time," Melanie said.
"Barbeque?" Miltia suggested.
"Is everyone in agreement?" Acid asked.
There was a sound 'yeah!', Yang even joined in.
Life was getting better, however slowly. It wasn't like before with Summer… and Ruby, but it was nice having people to support her. They gave her space when she needed it, and when she needed a shoulder… Acid was there.
They pulled up to a small little shop.
'Nature Town Barbeque.'
As soon as they got seated, Acid went over to the counter to place their orders. The owner was phoning someone. Yang wasn't particularly picky. And Acid knew enough about the twin's personal preferences to order for them.
A car rolled on by and Acid stared at it.
About a second later, she yelled, "Get down!"
She flung the table to make cover. The twins and Yang ducked behind it.
"Listen, they have guns. And you are not ready. Stay here and don't do anything, do you understand?"
They all nodded.
"Good."
Acid shot out of cover and started running toward the car, guns blazing. Sounds of gunfire and screams filled the shop.
Yet, the store-owner had a weird grin on his face and sped toward the three. He tried grabbing Miltia but Melanie kicked him the crotch while Yang tackled the man away.
However, more men wearing those brown jackets came in from the back and dragged Yang away.
She punched and kicked to no avail.
The men got fed up with the struggling child and knocked her out.
Yang woke up, tied to a chair.
"Didn't know Acid decided to adopt a couple of kids," the man said.
He had a scar over his face and had dirty yellow teeth.
"Do you know who I am girlie?" he asked, leaning in.
Yang spat in his face.
She won't break!
He chuckled for a second before slapping her with his backhand. Her aura was already down.
"You will learn respect."
"Such a cliché line," Yang replied.
The anger was the only thing keeping her from panicking. She had to stay strong.
"Funny, you're more in line with Dian than Acid. Now tell me, why in this line of business, would they take you kids in?"
Yang had to think. She couldn't break these bonds with her aura strength, but…
Her semblance.
"Fuck you!" Yang hollered at the man.
He punched Yang again. The pain burned, but it was fuel.
"You think I'll talk to a bitch like you?!"
"I'm Red 'Motherfuckin' Ripper! And I'll make you talk!" He pulled out a small pocket knife and stuck into Yang's leg.
Yang screamed in pain, the pain was too much.
She began to feel hot.
She took a deep breath. The pain was fuel. All she had to do was light it. She had to be more powerful. Strength wasn't enough, she needed more.
A sudden roar of flames shot out.
The man screamed as Yang broke the bonds tying her down.
"Semblance user!" Red yelled out in fire.
Yang brought her fist into the man's stomach, and when she brought it back, it was covered in red.
The smell of burnt meat filled the air. Several men entered with guns and baseball bats.
Like the dragons of myth, she radiated fire.
She struck her palms together as hard as she could.
A wave of fire blinded the men, giving Yang the chance to attack.
One punch was all it took.
Every punch further engulfed the men in flames. She was a whirlwind of destruction and fury.
As the last man pleaded for her, she brought her fist down.
She yelled.
It was a cry.
Everything was being let out.
The pain, the hate, the fury, the sorrow.
Everything.
She didn't want this.
She wanted her mom.
If they wanted to stop her, she would have to stop them.
She collapsed into an arriving Acid's arms.
"They took Yang!" the twins cried out.
Their concern for Yang was sweet, but Acid couldn't focus on that.
She took out her scroll and called one of Hei's men to pick up the kids.
There was a limited time frame of interrogation. The owner would have hell to pay. Good thing Yang managed to keep him from running.
She grabbed the man and threw him into the wall. "Talk!"
The man looked terrified but remained silent.
She took a chair and broke off one of it's legs.
"Listen, fucker. You know what I'm doing?"
The man shook his head.
"I'm channeling my fucking aura in this. It might not channel properly, but suffice to say, it will hurt a fuckton. Hell, it's what some people use for torture. So where did The Brown Ursas take her?!"
"They took her to one of the abandoned buildings near the highway! Please don't hurt me."
"Which fucking building?!" Acid screamed.
"I don't know!" he cried out.
Acid yelled back and swung the chair leg at the man's head, cracking it open.
Her hands started shaking and she started feeling itchy again.
No!
This was the longest she had gone without it. She had to focus! She had to find Yang.
The highway wasn't that far off. She broke off into a sprint toward the highway, revolvers still in hand. Five minutes had passed, but that was too long. Yang could be in trouble.
A raven's caw beckoned her attention to the third abandoned building.
Screams came from it.
Yang!
She was going to make those bastards pay!
Bursting through the door, she found Yang, covered in blood. Her lilac eyes, pleading for something. Her hands were twitching and there was tears paving through the blood.
Acid went up to Yang and she needed someone to hold her. Acid holstered her guns.
Yang collapsed into her arms.
Acid carried the bloodied child out of the ruins. She had to get Yang back to Charon Apartments without being seen.
Her semblance was probably the only way she could do it. She looked to the rooftops. It was probably the safest way.
She took a deep breath and using her aura, leapt on top of the rooftop.
Every leap, she was the wind, unseen to the naked eye. She could only be the wind for a few seconds at the time.
If anyone saw her, it would only be for a moment.
Transforming Yang and herself into the wind was an exhausting task, but she had to get Yang to safety.
Eventually, she made it to the apartment. She managed to enter through the window. She almost didn't the jump. Yet, she did have to climb the rest of the way up.
Reaching the room, Dian and the twins yelped in surprise.
"Holy shit! You look like shit!" Dian yelled.
"Take Yang and clean her up!" Acid commanded her before lurching over.
"Oh god," Acid muttered before puking out her brains. Side-effect of overusing her semblance and she used it way too much.
The twins stood there helplessly as Dian went to the bathroom with an unconscious Yang while Acid felt weak and powerless.
Eventually, Acid wiped the puke off her face and stumbled to the bathroom. Dian finished cleansing the blood off Yang.
"Making me a nanny," Dian grumbled. "What the fuck happened?"
Acid coughed for a moment before answering, "Ambush. You need to dress any wounds she has. It was Brown Ursas. Kidnapped Yang."
"Let me guess, you slaughtered them all?"
Acid shook her head. "Not me, Yang."
"Holy shit," Dian picked up Yang and making their way to the bedroom. "Proud of this little killer."
Acid didn't say anything, instead merely plopping down onto the couch and passing out.
Yang awoke, unable to move without feeling intense pain.
She tried calling out for someone, but her voice was hoarse.
"Hey, you're finally up," Dian said.
"What happened..." Yang started to ask, before she realized what happened. "Oh my god… I killed them all. I'm… a..."
"Made me proud," Dian said with a smile.
"What?" Yang asked in a daze.
"For proving me right. Tell me, are you feeling better?" Dian asked.
"Despite the pain, a little better."
"Yeah, you got a knife to the leg. Forgot about that." Dian took out a bottle of pills and tossed it to Yang alongside a bottle of water.
"Take two, you'll feel much better. Actually take four. You deserve to feel good."
Yang took the pills and that muted feeling returned after a few minutes.
"Can… can I get up?"
"Be my guest, Acid might bust your balls but after what you did, you deserve it."
Yang got up slowly. She felt better. Everything wasn't muddled down.
She swaggered in and sat down to the twins.
"Yang, are you alright?" Milita asked.
"Better than alright. Just dandy. Good. Great."
Yang stretched and put her head on of the twins. "So tired."
"I don't like feeling mad. I just wanna be happy. I love you guys for putting up with me," Yang slurred.
"Yeah… no problem," Melanie said, carefully removing Yang's arm from her shoulder.
"I know… I'm a bit of a bitch sometimes, considering I win all the time. But… I just don't want to make the same mistake again. I'd… rather be honest when I get upset. I can't hold my feelings back. I need to be open."
"Open?" they asked, with a curious look in their eyes.
"Yeah… You guys are my friends. I don't think I ever thanked you. See, back at Patch. Nobody stuck with me. I was alone, pretending everything was alright. That led to… I made the biggest mistake of my life." Yang started tearing up.
The twins returned the hug, letting Yang to bear hug the both of them.
"But… despite all this. I want my mom. I want to be a part of a family again… I want a mom to love me again. I don't want to feel angry all the time. I don't want to constantly drive out my anger. I want to be happy! I need my mommy." Yang started breaking down.
The twins hugged Yang a little tighter. "We'll help you, Yang. You're our friend."
Yang gave a small smile through the tears before passing out.
Hei went through several pieces of info.
He was practically tracking several people at once.
Some bitchy lady wanted him to find Lopez. He's got a lead, but he still needed to follow through with it. Lopez was a slippery bastard, but recently he had gone silent.
Obviously something happened. Hence, Hei was going through the records of mercenaries in Vale.
Then there was Yang's mother. With all he has done for Yang, he knew there would be no problem having Yang's loyalty.
No doubt, Yang could work with him under her free time… if he could even find this damn Raven. She was a ghost.
She operated as a huntress, but she felt more like a mercenary. She didn't scream good mother material. Hell, it was bad enough that Hei considered his organization raising Yang more healthy than Raven.
Then there was her brother. Qrow Branwen. He was back in town after reports of him in Mistal. There was a lady with him, but Hei hasn't got anything on her. Perhaps just some floozy he picked up?
And Yang's father, Taiyang Xiao Long. They had apparently teamed up trying to find Yang. Initial thoughts? A shaky alliance.
He considered limiting Yang's interactions with the outside world until the heat died down and she was ready. Actually after today's events, he was going to do just that. He wasn't going to isolate the kid. That could lead to having a socially awkward kid or worse. Besides, kids were going to do what they pleased. Better to do it safely.
He might need to change Yang's general appearance. Perhaps let her hair grow out?
Then there was the matter of today's little ambush. Yang went above and beyond. The underground news had nothing on Yang or his organization.
Yet, the ambush was clearly a rush job… and the Brown Ursas clearly escalating. Hei had been making moves into their territory.
Vale effectively had three large gangs: Hei's organization, the Brown Ursas, and the Predators. That wasn't even including the smaller groups like the CCC and the Fake AH Crew.
Speaking of which, there were rumors that the Fake AH Crew was wiped out a few hours ago. The word on the street was that they robbed Torchwick of something. Hei speculated that they had overheard Torchwick's heist plan and tried robbing it first.
Hei didn't tell. He had a reputation to uphold.
Torchwick must have finally hooked up with a crew or hired someone to take them out. The Fake AH Crew was actually skilled and slightly competent for people that didn't have auras.
Still, hopefully he wouldn't meet the person that slaughtered them. Whoever they were, they were bad news.
The Brown Ursas were also bad news. Clearly they had tried attacking him through his two enforcers.
Which was a big mistake on their part.
Ever since they buried their only semblance user six feet under, they were getting antsy. They were never too hot-headed to think things through.
Through his organization and the police putting pressure, they were going to be fast-tracked into the ground soon enough.
The Predators were a different story.
'They were a group of cold motherfuckers' as Dian so eloquently put it. Hei was more than aware of the fact that they were waiting for the Brown Ursas and his group to finish their fighting and then take out the winner.
Well, that wasn't going to happen.
Hei made a mental note to assign Acid to taking out the Predators and Dian on the Brown Ursas.
Acid was calm and rational enough to take on the Predators. Lord help everyone if Dian decided to fight the Predators. Dian's plans of attack usually ended up being drive through the front gate and kill everyone.
Which was why Dian was more suited to finishing off the Brown Ursas. They were in their dying throes. Dian was just the spark that finished them off.
The Predators needed nuance. Acid was good at sabotage. She was going to put the pressure on them. Until they cracked, and then Hei could finish the rest of them.
He was going to prove to them that he was the best. He was going to crave his mark onto this kingdom. Everyone had underestimated him. That was going to be their last mistake.
He was going to bury them.
She watched through the trees.
The blonde one shouldering the blow for the red-headed one. She had the anger- the fury- the courage to take on a beowolf with her pair hands.
She was struggling but one couldn't survive without experience. The blonde one had tools to save herself. So the one who watched stayed her hand.
She saw the red-headed one. Too young to comprehend what had happened. She ran and ran, becoming one with the wind. She was like her mother when the summer was young. She considered saving the red-headed one. Out of respect for those who were lost.
Although, she got to stay her hand for the second time. A mysterious stranger saved the red-headed one. The red-headed one was no longer her problem.
She returned to the blonde one. She was victorious over the simple Grimm.
Perhaps, the blonde one had potential. An older blonde took the kid.
She watched through the trees.
She watched through the skylines. The wolf wouldn't be hunting the strangers tonight. The strangers may had protected the sheep through insidious means, yet the one who watched knew extinction for the sheep was not an option.
For the third time, she stayed her hand. A one bearing a helmet and a shield came and captured the wolf. If the one who watched wagered that the one with the helmet and shield worked for the strangers.
She watched through the skylines.
She watched the tower. A Beacon of hope- of unity.
The crow was there alongside the witch and Ozpin. There was another one there. A girl with a staff. An unknown piece.
They shared secrets and then the crow seemed outraged. He flew toward the island of the dragon.
She watched the tower.
She watched the bar.
The little crow took on the slumbering dragon. The dragon didn't fight back. Perhaps out of penance. The crow nearly killed the dragon. The two then gained a mutual understanding.
The crow and the dragon set forth to reclaim what was lost.
She watched the bar.
She watched the abandoned building.
The blonde one was significantly more impressive during this bout. Fire roared as she slaughtered them all.
The one who watched considered swooping in at that moment, but for the fourth time stayed her hand.
Another took her place and carried the blonde one back with a gust of wind.
She watched the abandoned building.
She watched the crow's message.
Desperation forced the crow and the dragon to use the common masses to help find what they had lost. The red-headed one was fine as far she knew.
The blonde one?
When the time came, perhaps she may claim her.
The one who watched knew that the slumbering dragon was not at his prime. He hasn't been in his prime for a long time.
Bogged down by age, he grew weaker… indulging in eccentricities not meant for the battlefield. The dragon was not the one whom she fell in love with.
Besides, the life he intended was not for her.
The one who watched could not be tied down. The offspring did try to force her into a role she could not play.
If she was to take up the blonde, then the blonde would not play the role of the offspring but an apprentice. Was it possible for an apprentice to be a daughter at the same time?
Perhaps.
Yet the one who watched would not dare to find that out.
She continued to watch the crow's message.
Then she made her choice.
She found the crow searching and made contact.
Landing down, the two locked eyes.
"Qrow."
"Raven."
She watched the dusty old crow.
Next chapter: The Three Bears