Muffled chatters lingered in the hallway.
A blonde blob blended with dozens of other students as she walked through the halls. The final bell rang less than a minute ago, so it was finally time to go home. When Yang rounded a corner, she spotted her sister by her locker. And someone else.
That's odd, Yang thought as she squinted, feeling like she was seeing things. Why's Cardin of all people talking to her?
She never liked the boy. Ever since he picked on several faunus last year, he was on her list of people to avoid. Not to mention, Cardin had also been suspended for physical fights and last year's food fight. Although the latter was fun, it sprouted from intolerance.
As Yang cautiously approached the two, she noticed the guy towering over her sister. Almost threateningly. She didn't like the look on Ruby's face, either. It looked like she was trying to make herself as small as possible. Her books clutched tightly into her chest.
He better not be bothering her.
From the sight, Yang felt the sisterly urge to protect her.
At Beacon Academy, the sisters were known to be close despite their occasional bickering. Yang wanted to give Ruby a chance to handle this on her own, so she reluctantly kept her distance. Although, Yang was far enough away to where she could pick out a few words that shot out of Cardin's mouth.
"... who gets orphaned? Your parents must've hated you…"
When Yang processed his words, she saw red. Those words were said with such vehemence that her fists began to shake. She bumped into several students along the way as she suppressed a growl.
"It must be hard to be so overwhelmingly likable, Cardin."
Ruby's words settled between them. His face twisted in disbelief since it dripped with bold sarcasm.
"What the hell'd you just say?"
Ruby cleared her throat. "You're such a nice person with so many friends," she finished with a kind smile.
When in arguments, Summer taught her to kill them with kindness…
When he raised his arm, a tap on his shoulder caused him to lower it.
Cardin whirled around before he saw who it was. "What the hell do you want-"
A fist screwed into the side of his face, rocketing him to the hard floor. The loud thud caused all chatters to cease. About a dozen students stared at Cardin, who was holding his bruised cheek. And then they looked at Yang, who flicked her wrist as she glared him down.
… and then there was Taiyang, who said to use force when necessary.
"Mind your own damn business, Xiao Long!" Cardin rasped as he fumbled to sit up.
"My sister is my business. If I see you even looking at her again, I won't be as kind next time."
From the sudden silence, Ruby stared at the crowd and began to worry about damage control. They were visibly shocked and gave the upset boy some space as he wobbled to stand.
Yang scoffed when he grunted. She said her next words loud and clear for anyone who had any questions. "Who the hell picks on someone for being an orphan?"
From the revelation, the lingering students went from being shocked by the suddenness of it all to visibly upset. Some sent him irritated glares, not willing to spare a little sympathy.
A hand grasped her shoulder, which caused Yang to lean down.
"Yang, I was handling it," Ruby whispered in her ear since they were still the center of attention.
"Now you don't have to."
"Yang Xiao Long!"
The familiar and angry voice roared from Ms. Goodwitch. She stood in the center of the crowd, which split down the middle from her yell. Their eyes widened the size of dinner plates.
Yang took that as her cue to walk toward the fuming teacher. She shot a death glare at Cardin, who finally stood and wiped his face. Not even a drop of blood. She went easy on him.
Various whispers faded as Yang disappeared into the classroom with her teacher. When Yang angrily took a seat, Glynda sat on top of her own desk.
"What were you thinking, Yang?"
Ms. Goodwitch asked her in a way that sounded beyond disappointed. Almost tired. That was different. Normally, she lectured her. This was somehow worse.
Yang clenched her jaw and curled her fists. "I wasn't gonna standby and watch the jerk pick on my sister. Can you tell me who the fuck makes fun of orphans?"
When Yang cursed, Glynda didn't even bat an eye. She simply stared at the fuming girl with her hands in her lap. Only two days ago was the anniversary of her parents' deaths. Cardin knew this and targeted Ruby when she was vulnerable.
"He's scum," Yang added as if that made her reaction better.
"And that makes it okay to use violence?" Glynda questioned.
"Absolutely, he raised his arm. He would've hit her," Yang said without missing a beat. "People like him don't understand until they're punched in the face, or when things personally affect them."
When she said that, Glynda let her words sit in the silence. She crossed her legs and used a lecturing tone.
"Do you truly think your parents would be proud of you right now?"
That clearly struck a nerve when Yang almost audibly snapped. She suppressed a growl and clenched her fists on the desk. She lowered her head and suddenly found the desk interesting. Deep down, she knew her parents were rolling in their graves right now.
"You think you can use them against me, too?" Yang breathed, irritated. "You're far from the first."
While Glynda didn't appreciate the rudeness, she understood. She understood Yang. More than most people.
"I miss them every day, too. Yang, I only ask that you think twice about your actions. Your parents would be undoubtedly proud that you protected your sister. However, they didn't condone violence."
Before her parents died, Glynda was friends with them. With the whole family. They'd gone out several times and sometimes she even gave Ruby and Yang free tutoring lessons. That was constant five years ago. And continued until their deaths.
"They said only to use it as a last resort," Yang recalled, thinking about her father.
Glynda took a deep breath and leaned back on her desk. Stoic green eyes met lilac. Glynda held a flimsy paper, which Yang recognized as a detention slip.
"I worry about you and Ruby. You both missed class twice this week. However, I understand one day due to their anniversary. You got another detention two weeks ago, you got a detention a month ago, your grades have dropped, and with what you did to Mr. Winchester, I have half a mind to give you another detention. You're on track for suspension."
From the information, Yang shrugged. "That might be for the best."
When Yang sounded defeated, Glynda bit her bottom lip. Her voice was broken and cracked halfway. At this moment, it appeared Yang had given up on her studies. Glynda understood why. It was easier to give up. Yang was so tired.
Even though Yang gave her a hard time, Glynda understood her. She understood how difficult her and Ruby's lives had been the last year.
"You must understand that detention is a given. One more will result in suspension. Don't let that happen."
A measly sigh.
"Counselor Port and I have recently agreed on another course of action."
Yang watched her with intrigue. "What might that be?"
"Along with your detention, you and Ruby will attend five weeks of grief therapy. The sessions are every Saturday starting this week and already paid for."
From the revelation, Yang was speechless. Glynda adjusted her glasses and adopted her usual lecturing tone.
"Clearly, your behavior will not change without intervention-"
Loudly, the chair screeched against the floor. Yang closed the distance and threw her arms around her.
It'd been over a year of neglecting her mental health. She'd contemplated therapy lots in the past, but other expenses took priority. Saving for college, saving for a car, and doctor's appointments. The list was endless. Now, she and Ruby could heal a little better.
"Thank you, Glyn," Yang murmured, beyond grateful. "Did I ever tell you that you're my favorite teacher?"
Glynda returned the hug with a genuine smile and lightly chuckled. The warm hug was full of trust. Yang was grateful for their bond. Glynda had always watched out for the sisters in her own way.
"And you're my favorite student," Glynda pulled away. "If you tell anyone I said that, I will deny it."
In return, Yang gave her a sunny smile. That's exactly what Glynda strived to see.
"Go on," Glynda dismissed and ruffled a stack of papers. "You don't want to miss volleyball again, do you?"
"No, ma'am," Yang said and grabbed her backpack.
Then, she was out the door. Only to find Blake anxiously waiting in the hall. Probably to pick her up for volleyball. The others must be in the tech club.
Blake narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Why're you smiling? Didn't she tear you a new one?"
"Oh, it's nothin'."
Watch Arcane. You don't need to know League to enjoy it. That is all.
Stay dandy,
~Toto