Weiss, come on out. You won't make friends unless you actually talk to people. Yang reasoned with the girl hiding in the school bathroom stall. It seems her plan of just pushing Weiss into a crowd of - very nice - people, backfired epically. Yang had introduced her sister to her friends, then gestured for Weiss to say 'Hi' or something simple. But the silver-haired girl had trembled as her eyes darted frantically to all other kids staring at her, had opened her mouth to squeak, and then ran away.

Yang had hung around with her friends for a couple more minutes. She figured that Weiss would come out when she got bored or when she was ready. But when recess was almost over and Weiss still hadn't reappeared, Yang had gotten worried and went to look for that troublesome little sister of hers

I don't need friends. I have you. Weiss shot back through the door.

Friends are great. And they are really nice. I think you'd really like them. Yang tried again. Weiss was way too shy for her own good.

A pause. What if they don't like me?

Of course they'll like you! Why wouldn't they? And if they don't, I'll knock some sense into them. Plus, you're my sister. If they like me, they'll like you.

I'm not good at making friends.

You'll get better but you have to start somewhere. Yang sighed. Weiss, just come out, please?

After a moment, the bathroom stall door creeped open. Blue eyes peered through the cracks, blinking sternly at Yang. Promise they'll like me?

Promise. Yang responded easily, pulling the bathroom stall door open on her side.

A slumped Weiss walked out tentatively, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress whilst using the cuffs of her sleeves to wipe at her eyes. Great, now I'm a mess. Weiss pouted. And my ponytail is messed up.

I'll tie it for you, turn around. Yang offered, turning the younger girl around and pulling the hair tie out before Weiss could reply. Yang combed Weiss hair with her fingers.

Weiss smiled despite herself. That feels good.

Of course it does. Yang shot back, brushing her own hair behind her shoulders in a flourish. Who do you think is doing your hair, missy? Yang finished up the ponytail.

Weiss grinned, trotting over to the mirrors to inspect Yang's work. Then she frowned in disappointment. Yang! It's lop-sided!

It is? Yang cocked her head, looking at the ponytail that was slightly off-centre…. well, really off-centre. It looks better this way. Yang concluded. Definitely cooler than what you had before.

Weiss frowned. You're just saying that so you don't have to tie it again.

No I'm not! Yang smiled indignantly. Trust me, this can be your thing. No one else has a off-centre ponytail. It'll make you special. And you totally rock the look.

Weiss expression faltered slightly. Really?

Yup.

Weiss blinked. Okay. Weiss turned back to the mirror, straightening out the last deviant strands. I'll wear it like this from now on then.

Awesome. Yang nodded. Now come on, we're probably late already.

No sooner had the words left her mouth did the bell ring.

Weiss frowned at the cards she held in her hands, trying to make sense of all the different minions, traps, spells and whatever other sorcery the game allowed. There were colour-schemed figures scattered over a Remnant map… the blue ones were hers…? She wasn't actually that sure but her cards were blue so she figured that was a well enough assumption. But then, why did everyone else keep taking away her blue pieces? Were they allowed to do that? Peeking over the tip of her cards she watched Pyrrha, who wore a calm expression.

I end my turn. Pyrrha declared finally.

You really aren't going to attack? Yang raised an eyebrow, sitting on Weiss' right, her head on her elbow and her cards gripped casually in the other hand. Come on. The city of Vacuo could be yours for the taking, Yang taunted playfully.

Pyrrha shook her head. The best offence is a good defence. She cited sagely. Mistral stands down.

Yang nodded. Ruby, your turn then!

Weiss followed Yang's gaze to the red-haired ball of energy on her left. Ruby was two-whole years younger than Weiss, and yet, Ruby was in the same grade as the silver-haired girl. Apparently she was some sort of weapons prodigy or something that all the professors wanted to teach as soon as they possibly could. Ruby was 'destined for great things' apparently.

The supposed prodigy smirked and stood up dramatically, Yang of Vacuo, prepare your kingdom for battle! She proclaimed, slamming down a card on the table. I deploy the Atlesian Air Fleet! Ruby dragged the last word on like a battle cry.

Trap card! Yang shot back, also standing up and slamming the overturned card onto the table. Giant Nevermore!

Ruby raised her eyebrows, Ohhhh. If you don't get your roll, Vacuo is basically conquered.

That's just a chance I'm willing to take. Yang shot back, grinning widely and taking the dice in her hand, shaking.

Yang, Weiss interrupted, tugging on her sister's sleeve. I don't understand what's happening.

Yang paused in her schematics to take the trap card she had used and hand it to Weiss, pointing to the description underneath the art. Trap cards are activated when you are attacked and have special effects. This one is a sort of lucky draw one. If I roll high, then Ruby's forces are destroyed and she has nothing to defend her nation against next turn. But if I roll low, then not only do Ruby's forces do damage on me, but my own card will too. Yang smiled. Make sense sorta?

I guess… Weiss frowned. Why is that a good card though if it attacks you?

Pyrrha piped in. Because it gives her a chance to fight back instead of Ruby just attacking without any resistance.

Yup, Ruby also chimed in. And a fighting chance is better than no chance. The younger girl nodded enthusiastically.

Righty. Yang grinned. Now let's roll. Yang exclaimed, throwing her dice on the table in an overly flourished motion. The die spun and rolled for what seemed like an impossibly long amount of time, then settled on the table. Yang fist-pumped while Ruby simultaneously groaned. Aw yeah! Yang shouted. Atlas is mine!

You got lucky! Ruby shot back in righteous anger.

Takes skill to know I had to set that trap card down at just the right time. Yang replied smugly.

All the while Weiss rubbed her forehead, not understanding. Yang… Weiss called again, but the words were lost in midst of Yang's victory dance.

Your turn Weiss, Pyrrha gently reminded.

Weiss narrowed her eyes at her cards, as though maybe, if she concentrated, some invisible inscription would appear. Um... I don't...

Yang leaned, over and maneuvered Weiss' hand so that Yang could see. Just play this one, and then this one. She instructed, taking the cards out of Weiss' fingers and laying them on the table. Take advantage of your field card. Then that means that Ruby's dead, Ruby let out another groan, and you get all her troops and you can also choose to attack me and take my troops.

Really? Weiss beamed. Yeah, I'll do that then. Does that mean I win?

Nope, Yang teased, slapping down a card of her own. Trap card. Vale and Atlas are mine!

Weiss' expression dropped, turning a betrayed look over to Yang. But-

Yang just laughed, smiling and reaching over to ruffle Weiss' hair - messing over her perfectly off-centre ponytail. Don't worry, you'll get better. Just practice.