AN: Hi!
So this story began as just fun for myself to make backstory for a character i have for my friend's and I's Grimm Campaign tabletop but it has quickly become something I've deeply enjoyed making! I don't really write much to be honest, if at all anymore so sorry if it's not the smoothest writing. I just enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it. There will be fluff, some smut, triggers, trauma, angst, a few fight scenes, possible trans/intersex characters in some of the side characters (those chapters don't exist yet and i'm still deciding). So this is not for children.
Some things to note on the setting: This is a next gen RWBY story. The only characters I own are the ones I made up, all other property is not mine. I avoid addressing the final fight with Salem for now. I do acknowledge some rebuilding in the kingdom that used to be Atlas/Mantle but I don't go too far into it. The fight with Salem doesn't really end up being super relevant for this fluffy backstory of my tabletop character. All that matters on it is either they defeated her or found a way to prolong her again for another large spanse of time. Either way, no apocalypse! However, either way Grimm are still an issue.
This is more about the character's experience getting through Beacon (all the schools rebuilt and fighting Grimm and protecting people are now the soul focuses).
Yes, in this story women can have children with other women, no extra bits needed in the world of sexual fantasy. try not to think about it too hard i'm not going to explain it at any point in the story to any depth because it's not relevant. Theres so much advanced science in the world of Remnant before you skip 20yrs ahead and magic, i'm sure the way has been found. Just let people be happy without trying to put a penis on everything. Let's chunk it up to advances in science if need be.
There is gay in this. If you don't like, don't read. I will not be hurt. :)
If I get enough interest, I'll eventually add my notes on birthdays and star signs and stuff like that for characters as they appear in the story. I know it can be fun for people.
Some of the original characters from the show may at times be OOC. It's like 20ish years later and they are parents and stuff, so it's anyones best guess what they would truly be like. I took a stab at it.
Title is the ship name that is the main focus of the story.
A very brief explanation is given in the story for Jin's and Sterling's existence after dying when they were born. Will more than likely be more explained later if it becomes important. It's magic from the Brothers y'all.
Enjoy!
Ch 1: And So It Begins
Over the years, Beacon and the other academies had taken on changes and new form to repair themselves beyond the wreckage of all that had happened in the past. While Atlas was gone, in its wake, the city had found hope and rebuilt, standing outside the lost cities, known as Laurel, the academy built and renamed Spire Academy. Beyond these changes in the world, and the changes in the sense of community between people, human and faunus alike, the world of Remnant seemed to continue to turn in its time. As the new school year approached, so did the new prospects of young heroes to be.
Two orbs of shimmering swirls of gold and silver skimmed through a book nestled in the only visible flesh of the small form, the rest covered head to toe in one form of fabric or another. As the airship landed at their pickup terminal, the brilliant, rare eyes glanced briefly from the pages before glancing back down, finishing the sentence and closing the book. The being was toned though lean, as far as one could tell, but rather tiny standing from the ledge of the concrete walkway railing with a stretch of their weary bones. As they relaxed, they stood at only 4'5", their ties dangling from their chestnut hood almost to their knees behind them, drifting softly and gently in the light moving air, a chestnut mask wrapped around their mouth and nose, leggings and gloves of the same color covering their arms and legs, golden boots like that of a roman gladiator to their knees, feathery skirt and a leather vest tied on their top over a shirt. Their feathery short hair peaking barely out of their deep hood, fake imitation owl eyes printed on the back in black with white outlining them, the vest covered in white speckles and a chestnut color, the shirt under white and speckled in black with a single red stripe around each sleeve, the roman like skirt white with black striping detail, the dangling ties covered in black strips on white on the front but solid chestnut on the back. The open toe area of the boots and fingerless gloves revealed taloned fingers and toes, shining black and sharp to the touch.
They packed away their book, grabbed their duffle and their case holding their weapon, and headed onto the ship. The vessel was half filled with a variety of many other teens also headed for the same place. The taloned teen took a spot near a window in the back away from the rest, not much for social company. Rather than open the book again, they took to watching the scenery as the vessel took them from the pick-up station in their hometown outside the kingdom of Mistral on the long, long ride to Beacon. They thought of the many people in their small town that were curious why they didn't just go to Haven Academy. It was so close to home and was a good school. The truth really was quite simple. They wanted to go as far from home as possible and never look back.
The morning turned to late dusk outside the window. Before the faunus knew it, moonlight was the only light in the cabin of the ship and the rest of their shipmates were settling down for the night. They must have dozed off in the mundane scenery of trees and waters below with only their thoughts for company. Hunkering down into the curve of the seated window, they prepared for the night, pulling out their book, able to easily read in the moonlight. There would be a few more days before the slew of teens arrived at the academy and the faunus was just ready to get on with the next chapter.
—-
Elsewhere in an island outside of Vale, a household full of life stood the testament of laughter, childish wonderment of loud squeals, and the attempts to a normal morning routine. Black cat ears twitched as the woman smiled, two kids of similar height running wildly past her through the kitchen in a chase after each other with elated laughter as she was making breakfast. A smaller, younger girl coming after them giggling. The woman chuckled softly. Her ears folded and flicked back as the tall, muscular blonde walked in behind her carrying a blonde baby boy and planting a kiss on her cheek, "Something smells amazing."
"Well, I just wanted to be sure Jin gets a proper meal today. Speaking of which… Yang, where is Jin?" Blake asked, taking the lion tailed baby blonde from her wife, a spitting image of Yang down to his lilac eyes.
Yang began serving up plates of the finished food, "Probably still in bed. Nothing sunny about that dragon."
Blake rolled her eyes but smiled at her giggly son nuzzling his nose with hers, "I'll get her. Think you can handle getting your brood fed at least?"
Yang knew when she was being poked by Blake but smirked regardless, "Don't worry kitty I'll feed your litter while you wake the beast."
Blake let it slide, tickling Leo before setting him down in his high chair. On her way up the stairs she heard Yang's call for the middle children and the pattern of their running feet as the three cat faunus ran back after each other into the kitchen. The two twins, Bao and Mao, one a boy with black hair the other a blonde girl both with red eyes. The little girl, Azure, a spitting image of Blake, black hair and amber eyes. All three of them had her cat ears. Every day this chaos made her heart swell with love. She looked back for a moment watching from the lofted upstairs floor as Yang tried to round everyone up for their food. Somehow after 17 years, Yang still struggled to get even a single child to behave long enough at the table to get the plates down without anything spilling. She shook her head and turned down the hall to Jin's room. Jin was the oldest at 17. The next were the twins who were only 10, then Azure at 8 and Leo was 2.
Blake knocked but mostly as a courtesy. She knew very well no one would answer. Out of respect for the teen's privacy, Blake waited a few minutes before entering. As expected, under a bundle of self-cooling sheets, ac blasting in the room, was Jin, the soft rhythmic sound of breathing that indicated she was asleep. Blake rolled her eyes but smiled, eyes spying the long blonde locks that splayed out from the top of the sheets in ways that reminded her of her wife. The woman turned the ac unit off first, her own body freezing. Something Jin clearly inherited from Yang as well was warm body temperature that Blake didn't share with them.
Rubbing her arms and leaving the door open she walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, watching Jin sleep. It was hard to believe 17 years had come and gone already. As she watched her peaceful first born, she couldn't help but remember back to the day she was born and the journey it took to even get to this day. They had lost her. Truly lost her. By a grace given through the Brothers magic and Oscar, Jin was given a second chance at life. Jin wasn't even born a faunus either but now here she was, dragon teeth shimmering in the morning sun through the window as she drooled on her pillow, no doubt part of the magic that gave her new life. After that there were also many issues in her infancy that made her ill often until she was around 4 or 5 that were severe enough to scare the young parents. It was the reason the twins were so much younger. Blake was so scared to have any more for a while. She reached out, brushing the wild bangs from Jin's face softly. Jin's brow furrowed and she frowned, squirming to bury in her sheets with a groan, "Nooo too early…"
Blake chuckled, grabbing hold of the sheet as it passed her hand in the attempt to hide the exposed face, "Come now Jin, it's time to wake up."
"Mooooommmm," Jin whined, refusing to cave as she tried to pull her sheet loose to no avail as Blake's grip was very firm.
Blake leaned over and kissed her forehead, "Come on, I have to go save your Mother from the mess before there's no breakfast left to get in any tummies. I know you don't like mornings but today is your first day at Beacon. You can't be late now can you?"
Jin groaned, "Finnneee but only because you didn't send mother to wake me up."
Blake just laughed and got off the bed as Jin sat up stretching, scratching her scalp through her wild head of blonde hair and yawning through her fangs, Blake saying softly as she closed the door, "That's my girl, see you downstairs."
Jin growled a bit annoyed. Not at Blake, she just simply hated mornings. She dragged herself out of bed, taking to managing her hair first and foremost. Once under control, she found her usual attire. Red halter top, jeans, suspenders that she wore dangling off her, and her red sneakers. She grabbed a duffle that was already mostly a mess of things she thought she'd want for school and tossed her scroll charger inside and some last few things before tossing in her combat bracers. Jin leaned back into her bed, sitting on the floor and rubbing her face.
She always wanted this. She just thought maybe she would feel more excited. She lightly patted her cheeks, "Okay Jin… get it together."
She stood up and left her room, slipping into the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. That helped wake her lazy, tired eyes for sure and start her day. As she walked back towards her room with her toiletries, she heard Yang shouting for her to come down for food. A nerve struck, she growled and yelled back, "Don't yell at me! I'm working on it!"
"Don't you snarl at me young lady!" Yang shouted back, working her way from the table to the living room beyond the dining area.
Jin growled, leaning over the railing on the loft, "I'll growl if I want Mother! Coming at me when I'm just waking up! Geez! Can't I catch a damn break with you!?"
Yang's eyes went red, "Watch your mouth! Don't you dare bare those fangs at me, I'm your mother!"
As the shouting continued, Blake's ears folded in discomfort, her eyes scanning over her children at the table. All the kids were suddenly silent, all cat ears folded like hers in discomfort and anxiety. Azure poked at her food while the twins just sat there. Leo seemed unphased, having been born and raised so far in this noise which bothered Blake the most. She put on a soft smile and stood gently, reaching over and running her fingers of each hand through the hair between the cat ears of each of the twins' heads, "Bao, can you get Jin's plate put on the counter than get me a wipe for Leo's face? Mao, why don't you get the table picked up and get the dishes for Mommy ok?" She grazed Azure's damp cheek, wiping a single tear away, "Let Azure help you alright?"
All three said together, "Yes Mommy!" They jumped up to their tasks, Bao returning with the wipe after setting Jin's food to the side.
Once cleaned up, Blake got Leo out of his chair and down at Bao's feet, "Honey why don't you take him to the play room and watch him for me for a bit, hm?" Bao nodded, taking Leo's hand, "Yes Mommy."
Blake smiled at him, kissing his forehead, "I love you. You're such a big help."
Bao smiled and walked Leo to the playroom that was through a different door out of the kitchen than the one that led to the now fiery verbal battle happening between mother and teen. As soon as the girls were done Blake sent them to join their brothers. When the playroom door closed her composure changed in a heartbeat. Ears folded in stern aggression, eyes radiating daggers as she turned the corner to her hot-headed blondes. Her voice could cut through diamonds; it was so sharp even without having to raise the volume, "Yang Xiao Long."
Yang froze in an instant, feeling her wife's eyes burning into the back of her. She could see the instant fear in her daughter's face who was currently able to see Blake. Yang whipped around to face her, "What?!"
That tone was immediately regretted as Blake frowned at her, "Go outside and cool off. You have 5 children, act like it."
Yang grumbled under her breath but did as she was told, slamming the door behind her. Blake's eyes darted to Jin who recoiled in response, confidence waning. In her entire life, she had never yelled at Blake, only Yang. "Jin Xiao Long, get down here right now."
"But I'm not done…" her weak protest fell on deaf ears.
"It was not a request. I am not going to raise my voice to talk to you now come here," Blake ordered, hand pointing near her feet.
Jin bit her lip, sighing and coming down the stairs, "Yes Mom I'm coming…"
Blake folded her arms and watched Jin come down until she was standing before herself, eyes wandering refusing to make contact as the dragon fidgeted. Blake sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Jin… this has to stop. Yang is your Mother. You two are so alike you know. Both hot tempered, strong willed, fiery people that are full of confidence and overflowing with alpha energy. I get it ok? It's really hard to back down. But you have to. At the end of the day, regardless of the situation, regardless who is right or wrong, she deserves your respect. Stop provoking her. And whether you like it or not my dear, you're still young and that means you are not in charge around here."
Jin looked as if she was about to argue but Blake put her hand up to stop her, "No Jin. I can't do this anymore. Your siblings are starting to be really affected by this and that is really, REALLY my uncrossable, non negotiable, I-refuse-to-hear-it-at-this-point line. Do you understand? They are little kids. I never want to see them like that again because of you two do you hear me?"
Jin stared out at Yang outside and bit her lip, both angry and upset, not responding for a while before nodding lightly. Blake reached out and wiped a frustrated tear from her daughter's face, watching her amber eyes, "Thank you. Don't worry, your Mother is next. Now go get finished then eat your food. I know originally Yang wanted to be the one to bring you but I'll get you there."
Jin just went back upstairs without a word. Her room door slammed behind her. Blake sighed and shook her head, "A copy of Yang all over. What am I going to do with them?"
Blake stepped outside, Yang kicking brush and ranting to herself. Blake came up on her, clapping her hands to both sides of the blonde's face a bit harder than something sensual and pulling Yang to look her dead in the eyes, "Yang, love of my life, woman who helped me bring five wonderful children into this world, get a grip on yourself so you can really hear me."
Yang's red eyes stared into the amber pools and Yang let out a hot deep breath before calming herself best she could, closing her eyes, "Yea ok I'm with you."
Blake released her, "I know you are mad that she yells at you and growls at you. I wish I had some faunus anecdote that would make it better but to be honest with you I didn't even know mythical creatures were a faunus type. What I can tell you though is much like human children, if not more so, faunus' animalistic behavior is a learned trait."
Yang frowned, "And? You like…never yell." Blake stared at her, folding her arms. Yang took a moment then pointed at herself. Blake gave a nod, "Wha…me?!" Blake gestured to most of Yang, "You and Jin have almost exact mannerisms, tempers, energies, similar semblances, fighting styles even. Unintentionally she has been learning through mimicry. I just wish I'd noticed sooner. Now, you two butt heads because your personality cannot handle having a duplicate in the room and neither can hers. To the point any communication is already tense from the start."
Blake saw the thought Yang had and was quick to adjust, "I want to be clear; I'm not saying this is all your fault. You were just being you. And our daughter just grew up just like you. I think in a way, it's honestly beautiful. What parent doesn't cherish that sort of thing? But you two are strong personalities and it's starting to scare your other children. That's a problem. Also, I know you want to be able to have a relationship with her. That won't happen if this keeps up like this. It has to stop Yang. Your other children will end up afraid of you."
Yang's face fell, lilac eyes watery, "I…I don't ever want that."
Blake touched her cheek, "I know. I also know you care about that mini me of yours upstairs. I know you were excited to bring her to her first day on your way to work. But I think we both know that can't happen now. I'm sorry Yang. Maybe when the twins go."
Tears rolled down Yang's cheeks, "Y… yea… maybe."
Blake let go. She could comfort Yang, but this was Yang's to reap what was sown. "Yang, I love you, but this is yours to carry. I agree that you have a right to be mad that your child was challenging you but… meeting it with anger is not the way to fix it with her. I've been telling you this for years. I sat at our dinner table and watched our children's broken faces. You will not get my sympathy this time."
Yang rubbed her face and stopped herself. Nodding as she grabbed her bike helmet, "Yea you're right. I'll make it up to them tonight. I promise. I guess it makes sense why Jin likes you so much more if she's just like me. I'm going to go ahead and head out then since I'm not bringing her so I won't be late."
Blake nodded and their usual goodbyes were exchanged. Before Yang could ride off Jin came stumbling out barely ready with her duffle dangling from one shoulder, waffle hanging out her mouth panting, "Wait! C… Can I still ride… Mother?"
Blake and Yang both seemed surprised. Yang smirked and tossed her Blake's helmet, "Always."
As Yang tied down her things, Blake fixed her hair and pressed her forehead against Jin's, "You're going to do great. Don't forget you can call if you need anything and if you have any faunus issues don't hesitate and I'll be there to aid in whatever way I can."
Jin nodded. Blake kissed her forehead, "I love you. We are very proud of you."
"Love you too Mom," Jin whispered before getting on the bike, waving to her siblings who had run outside as the bike revved, Yang popping a wheelie to get them to squeal with joy before riding off.
—-
Within the same town. On the other side, was a very different home. This one stood quiet, almost suffocated with the tensions living inside it. Two women sat on either ends of a table with their morning brew but no words were uttered. A teenage boy entered, silver white hair and silver eyes with pale skin as he made coffee for himself. He glanced up at the woman with red tipped hair, "I'd thought you would have left for your next mission by now Mother."
She flinched at the spite in her title in his voice and his cold tone. Ruby looked up from her scroll at her son. His stare was as cold as his tone. She rubbed the back of her neck, "Actually… I will be after my coffee… I was sort of hoping to talk to you one more time about Beacon before I left though…"
At the other end, Weiss set down her cup and her scroll, frowning at Ruby, "No. Leave him be. He has been clear over and over again that this is his dream. Let him be Ruby."
It stung how their son had obviously inherited Weiss' tone and composure, only amplifying her own absence strongly to herself. She sighed heavily, "I just…"
"Ruby. Let it go. We aren't doing this again. Now finish your coffee and go do what you do best, leaving us," the cold woman interrupted from her place at the table.
Ruby felt the burn deep into her core. For a decade now, aside from some time off while pregnant with Autumn, she had been constantly running headlong into mission after mission to run from her family problems and in exchange, her home was broken. Weiss and her were still technically married but they had been unofficially separated since shortly after Autumn was born, sleeping in separate rooms and having little to no communication really between the two of them. The decision to just stay together mostly came from the struggle in trying to decide what would be best for the 7-year-old daughter who still loved seeing both of them so much it was too hard on either of them to change things for her. However, any romance had died long ago between them.
Their son, Sterling, resented Ruby for basically abandoning them and for trying to constantly control his future. His aura didn't work like others. It was incapable of self-healing or self-defense. His semblance was like Weiss' though he could not summon creatures. He could however summon the knight armor his mother could and a werebeowulf form over his own body but it rapidly drained his aura. He was also incapable of using his silver eyes in the ways she could. While Weiss often worried for his safety, she refused to hinder his dreams or stifle him like her own family did to her. Ruby however let her fears control her over it. To this day it was still tearing their family apart.
Much like his cousin Jin, Weiss had complications with him. Unlike Jin, Sterling was born almost far too early, and still born. Receiving the same grace from the Brothers delivered through Oscar, Sterling was saved but as an underdeveloped baby it was a tough ride. He did not end up a faunus as Jin did but his life came from the brother of darkness, not light, so he would never be able to use his silver eyes. He would also have issues with being prone to illness and weakness for the rest of his life. Luckily, not bound to a bubble or bedridden but vulnerable to things far more than most.
Ruby stood and walked over to the sink, as she passed Sterling he side stepped out of her way towards Weiss. Ruby mentally admired how loyal he was to Weiss. Maybe too much as it had been a crutch that allowed her to run away so easily knowing Weiss had Sterling around taking care of her. Once her mug was washed, Ruby turned to the two, "Well, I wish you would find something else more risk free for your future. But I know I can't stop you. Just… know I love you and forgive me if I can't bring myself out to anything…"
Sterling and Weiss both frowned. If this was supposed to be some sort of attempt at anything positive, Ruby was flopping hard. As she tried to figure out how she could salvage it or just run, Autumn came running in. The short 7-year-old girl had long red hair and icy blue eyes. She hugged onto Ruby's leg, "Momma!"
Ruby smiled and knelt down hugging her, "Hi Autumn! Did you sleep well?"
Autumn nodded, "I did cuz I knew you were back!"
Ruby gave a weak smile. Sterling frowned, "Come on Autumn, Mother is already leaving again. Don't get too excited."
Autumn's face fell in an instant, tears welling up rapidly in her eyes, "But… you just got back Momma… I miss you…"
Ruby shot Sterling an ugly look but Weiss stood up and came over, a hand on Sterling's arm, "Autumn dear, why don't you let Momma make you breakfast and you can eat it with her while she packs ok? That way you can see her as long as you can."
Ruby softened. Even if Weiss hated her these days, the woman's love for their children would always be something that she would admire and trust when she was gone knowing they would be safe and loved while she's away. Autumn nodded, rubbing her face. Ruby scooped her into her arms. Weiss turned to Sterling, "Go I'll be with you soon."
Ruby set Autumn on the counter much as her own mother used to do when she was young, and began gathering things for chocolate chip pancakes, "Thanks Wei…"
"Ruby… let's not pretend it was for you ok… Autumn deserves to be able to spend time with you without Sterling upsetting her just because he's mad at you."
Ruby stopped, fidgeting with the pan. Autumn noticed and Ruby went back to entertaining their daughter to distract her. Weiss leaned against the counter on the other side, "Ruby… I'm not sure you know this, but you were, are and will always be our children's hero. Autumn's… and Sterling's. That's why he is so mad at you. All he has ever wanted on his journey is to make you proud. The fact you are ok with Autumn wanting to walk your footsteps and not him is not helping either."
Ruby got Autumn onto mixing the chocolate morsels in the bowl to keep her busy, "Yea well… Autumn isn't sick, is she? She isn't going to die if a single grim hits her too hard."
Weiss frowned, "Ruby that's enough. If you weren't always running off maybe you'd be around enough to see how well he can handle himself. I'm scared too but I'm not going to… you know what. No. I'm not doing this again with you. You never listen anyway and it ends up the same every time we talk about it. I'm done. You enjoy ruining your family and their lives. I'm going to help my son pack for his dreams. And don't let Autumn have too much sugar unless you plan to actually be around for once when it all kicks in later!"
Weiss stormed off. Ruby sighed. Autumn stared at Ruby as they both giggled, pouring in the rest of the bag, "Shhhh don't tell Mommy ok?"
Autumn nodded. While in the Xiao Long home, Blake had birthed all of their children, in the Rose home, Weiss had Sterling and Ruby had Autumn as a predetermined choice to share said responsibility and physical efforts as well as Weiss just preferring to plan things in her life. Oftentimes, Sterling did accuse Ruby of some favoritism because of this which did hurt the woman greatly but there wasn't much she could say on the subject that would help while also crushing his dreams and lifting Autumn's.
Weiss entered Sterling's room, the boy finishing his packing. "Sterling, we've talked about you doing that to your sister," she said as she came over and sat on the edge of his bed, looking into his face.
He glanced at her before looking out the window at the clouds, "I'm sorry. It just slipped out. I wasn't trying to hurt her, I was just mad."
Weiss watched his face, his hurting and longing in his silver eyes were so clear it angered her that Ruby couldn't understand it too. "Sterling, you know she loves you right? She lost her mother to the profession. It was really hard for her for a really long time. I'm not saying what she's doing is ok because you know very well, I do not think it is but I'm just saying she's terrified she will lose you too. We already lost you once and it was the most terrible feeling either of us ever felt in our entire lives. I don't know if she will ever stop running from it. I know you are dying for her approval and her pride in you but…maybe you might want to just blaze your trail and not worry about what she thinks. Find solace in being proud of yourself and knowing I'm proud of you and your aunts are proud of you."
Weiss wasn't sure if he was really listening or not but reached out and touched his hand. He turned and looked at her for a moment before sliding his hand away and zipping up his bag. He heard her sigh deeply and the bed release as she stood, his voice soft, "You still love her, don't you? Where do I fit in forgiving her for abandoning you… and me… and Autumn?"
Weiss stopped where she stood, quiet for a long moment before speaking, "Whether I love her or not anymore is irrelevant. The course of events that have happened have made the idea of her and myself as an us something I do not want because I can't forgive her either. But when I figure that out son, I will let you know."
She began to close his door, "I'll be waiting downstairs for you to take you to Beacon. Winter is the headmaster there so we shouldn't be late."
—-
The airship was on its last stretch, the early morning rays bothering the faunus' eyes as they looked away squinting. A crew member brought a round of a simple breakfast and coffee, the owl taking it earnestly. As they held the cup under their chin, letting the steam warm their face, a girl approached. She wore a white cropped hoodie adorned with circuit style etching print in a deep violet on it with black shorts and a pair of black short tactical boots with long violet socks that went up to her knees with the same printed circuit pattern on them in a shade of lavender that almost looked to be glowing it was so vibrant against the dark color it sat on. She had intensely vivid sapphire colored eyes that felt honest and welcoming with long straight black hair. "Hey, I've been watching you most of the trip."
"Yea… I know," the faunus said calmly, having noticed long ago and simply pretended not to.
The girl grinned big, "I knew it. I thought I caught you glancing over once or twice from the corner of your eye! Heh, you know you're the only person on this entire trip who hasn't said a word to anyone else until just now?"
The faunus shot the girl a stale look from over their cup, the girl laughing, "Geez lighten up will ya? I'm just saying! Anyways, I found it really interesting so I figured I'd come talk to you. My name's Indiga but everyone just calls me Indi."
She stuck out her hand. The faunus stared at the fair colored digits for a long while before sighing and reaching out, "Spadix."
Before the owl could react, the girl pulled the faunus with her grip, grabbing the hood with her other hand and flipping it back, deep dark blue eyes turning purple and glowing as her face leaned within inches of the faunus' face, scanning rapidly over their features as if analyzing every inch. Spadix felt more than exposed with this type of look over. As they felt Indi turn them around robotically, they protested to no avail, "H…hey!"
That's when Spadix heard it, the soft murmuring brushing past their ear from the girl, "Female, faunus, trait talons, animal pygmy owl, 4'5", sight-based semblance, athletic build, introvert, well read, distance fighter, preferred weapon bow, close combat weapon choice arm blades, not likely to easily work well in a team setting…"
Spadix ripped herself from her shock, even her androgyny exposed as she pulled out of Indi's grasp, "Stop it will you! Ever heard of a thing called consent!"
At this point people were staring. To others it probably looked a lot worse than it was. In truth, it was harmless. Indi's eyes stopped glowing and returned to normal as she blinked a bit confused. She glanced around and blushed, hands raising in surrender, "Oh no I'm so, so sorry! I guess I did it again oops! Sometimes I trigger my semblance without even realizing it when I'm really curious. Here let's sit and I'll explain yea?"
Spadix was apprehensive. Being groped would've felt less invasive in ways than what had just occurred. "I promise I won't do it again, please sit?"
With the reassurance, Spadix sat, a few feet of space for comfort between them, "What the hell was that?"
Indi scratched the back of her head, embarrassed as the other travelers went back to their own business, "So, I have a sort of analysis-based semblance. Combat wise, I can scan the battle and see all the probability of the battle and its outcomes and the like, so long as I know the information in front of me. Having a super keen eye for the details helps there. But it applies to things outside battle too. Like I can analyze people and places too, and figure things out just by the things I can deduce off them when I activate my semblance. My parents were always really great about helping encourage me in my curiosity and desire to grow in my abilities and I'm an only child so boundaries were probably not well taught in my house and well I sometimes get carried away when I get really curious. Sorry about that. I swear I just found you fascinating. It wasn't vile or sexual in any way. I'm totally Ace by the way if you don't believe me."
She turned her bag, showing a small asexual pin on it. Spadix had not realized she was covering her small chest and hiding in on herself until Indi said that. She felt a bit silly and relaxed, "S…sorry. It felt… really… violating. Like suddenly there was nothing personal left of me anymore."
Indi bit her lip and frowned, "I'm sorry I did not mean to pick you apart. If it helps, I don't think anyone else could hear me. And most of what I learned compartmentalized in my head. I won't have access to it unless something triggers it where I need the info or like… it is the answer to something or my semblance is active or something. Since it's not right now, I can't recall any of it at the moment except maybe that I knew you were a girl."
When Spadix sighed, Indi panicked, "Unless that's not right or is a secret or something I'm sorry!"
Spadix smirked and shook her head, "Nah I just always found with my height I get taken more seriously if people don't know. I don't have a different identity than the physical. You're fine. But thanks for making sure."
Indi smiled and pumped a fist down excited that she sparked a positive response from the faunus, "Cool so you aren't still mad. Awesome. Friends then?"
Spadix thought for a moment than sighed and smiled softly under her mask, "Sure why not?"
Indi squealed with joy. Spadix squinted then glared at her. Indi giggled, "Sorry. Oh, this is gonna be fun!"
The two spent the rest of the trip in chunks of both silence while Indi played on her scroll and Spadix read her book, with the other chunks filled getting to know one another. Spadix learned of Indi's loving home, two working class parents who were supportive and earnest, humble people, and that Indi had 2 pet cats, Gale and Miko. Indi learned of Spadix's small town, a good distance from where Indi's was. Spadix's explanation of her youth was doctored up to seem less bad. Instead of saying her parents never once told her she was loved or that she's never been hugged before, she simply said they were always busy. Instead of saying she was from an abusive home, she said she had a rough childhood. As she spoke and Indi listened intently, she unconsciously rubbed the aching scars that ran hidden along the length of her arms, the damaged nerves burning. With how well Indi listened and never tried to over step or butt into Spadix's past, Spadix knew one day she could tell her more, just not today in such a public setting of people.
Before they knew it, they were landing at the station of Beacon. Indi tapped Spadix to raise the girl from her book, "Spadix look, the academy!"
Spadix glanced up, eyes roaming out the window Indi was pressed against and locked onto the building in awe. She slowly closed her book and watched as the castle-like building came into full view in all its glory. Spadix's jaw went slack as she stood, staring. It was better than the brochures. She felt a slender hand lift her chin to close her mouth and heard Indi giggle lightly, eliciting a frown from Spadix as she snapped her head to Indi, "Hey!"
Indi burst into a giggle fit, "You should've seen your face!"
Spadix's frown deepened at first before she laughed a bit too, the airship grounding and the overhead ushering them off the ship with its instructions. The two made their way off board to their luggage. Indi only had a large neon blue and black duffle. The girl tucked her black hair behind her ear and tossed her back pack over her other shoulder. Spadix looked around as she grabbed her duffle and case, "Your… weapon?"
Indi patted her duffle, "I only have some small caliber gear, so it's in here already. Come on or we'll be late for orientation."
Spadix nodded and followed the tall friend. Indi was easily 5'6" at least, putting her above Spadix. This was something Spadix was quite used to but it still annoyed her nonetheless. With the hustle and bustle on the ground of all the airships unloading, Spadix quickly lost sight of her friend among the many tall and taller still students.
She cursed under her breath and groaned as the groups began to thin out, figuring it would be easier to learn the route she was taking if she could also actually see it over the heads of people. Hopefully Indi would save her a seat, she did not want to be stuck with strangers now that she knew someone. While she waited for the stragglers to be down to just a few people, a bright yellow motor bike came up a side road fast, screeching to a halt in the parking area across the quad. The area seemed to be for faculty, however this vehicle in question had a teen passenger in tow. Spadix narrowed her eyes to see better, crosshair sights flashing in her irises as she activated her semblance to hone in to see as if looking through a scope or binoculars. Her peripherals blurred and became very circular, however her dead ahead focus was precise and eagle-eyed focus and zoom, like the vision of a deadly bird of prey on its target.
The older woman got off the bike removing the helmet. Spadix had seen that woman's face in pictures before. She was a legend. Yang Xiao Long, a professor at Beacon as well. She taught one of the semblance, grimm, or training classes Spadix was pretty sure. As the woman was removing the baggage the teen removed the helmet. A girl, blonde, wild, long hair like Yang, muscles toned like the taller brawler. Amber eyes and iridescent, pale teeth that were all sharp with fangs and an off white almost silvery shimmer like, like faunus teeth? Spadix was pretty sure Yang was married to a faunus right? Was this maybe her kid? And where was this girl's shirt? Just a tiny top that barely covered the chest that was clearly another trait she got from the woman who drove her here. Sure, it was still summer and it was hot and sunny out so the exposed skin was helping cool off all that chiseled, sweaty muscle.
Spadix realized quickly her face felt warm. She lost focus and her semblance released. She rubbed her red cheeks feeling foolish and tucked her face harder into her mask. "This is stupid. Why do I even care if some girl tramps around in a bra for a shirt? Not my problem. Her mother doesn't care so clearly, it's fine."
Spadix collected herself with enough time to follow the last few people before everyone was gone, easily tossing the girl from her mind as quickly as she had seen her in the first place. Spadix didn't have time or patience for any of that anyway.
—-
As Yang parked and got off the bike, Jin grumbled, yanking off Blake's helmet, "Mother… I hate this bike…"
Yang smirked and laughed, "Yea…so does your Mom. Come on, let's get you to orientation."
Jin shook out her hair, getting off the bike with wobbling legs. As she helped Yang gather her things, she glanced around, frowning. Yang stared at her, "What's wrong?"
Jin shrugged, "Dunno just felt like I was being watched or something for a sec. Weird huh?"
Yang shrugged, "First day jitters maybe?"
"Maybe… hey look, it's Aunt Weiss and Sterling," Jin said pointing out the car as the family members arrived.
Yang was thankful for someone to join them. The ride here had actually been long and quiet, the two too scared to say anything and accidentally ruin this. Yang waved as Weiss and the boy got out, getting Weiss with a hug. "Hello Yang, Jin." Jin waved to Weiss before her and Sterling frowned at each other. Weiss rolled her eyes and shook her head as Yang smirked, "Hey knuckleheads, you can bash brains later, let's go before you two are late."
The cousins both snorted but obeyed. Weiss and Yang leading with the two in toe. Weiss smirked, "Those two never change. Still in some sort of constant ego war with one another I see."
Yang laughed, "Luckily a more harmless one than what me and Jin have. Those two just want to out shine each other and it drives them to push each other to keep growing. Me and Jin… we just fight until I think I might actually burn down the house…"
Yang felt Weiss touch her arm. "Yea I know Blake already fussed us both this morning. I think her dorming at Beacon might actually help honestly. There's always so much high energy at home and I think she's just in need of more independence and space than we… I can give her anymore."
There was comfortable silence for a while before Weiss spoke, Yang could hear the smile in her words, "You know… I think I couldn't agree more…"
Yang glanced, seeing Weiss looking back at her son who was arguing over something trivial with Jin. She smiled and patted Weiss on the shoulder before she asked, face more serious, "Where's Ruby off to this time?"
"I'm assuming you knew she went somewhere because she always is or because she isn't here?"
"Both. And because you seem solemn and Sterling seems more annoyed than usual."
Weiss sighed, "I don't know. She never says anymore. I'm lucky enough if she says when she might be back and that's mostly for Autumn nowadays."
Yang frowned, "Weiss… I know I've said it before, and I know it's not the most ideal place, but you know you and Autumn are always welcome at our place if you ever want to just leave all that mess. You don't have to keep living like that."
Weiss shook her head, "Yang I know you mean well and all, but it's not really like it's a problem. Ruby is never around enough for it to really affect me anymore. It used to hurt. I used to cry, some nights ending up in your kitchen even with my children on your sofa while I fell apart. But now, I don't feel anything at all over it. It's just routine. The hardest things now are keeping Sterling calm so he doesn't upset Autumn and making sure Ruby stays long enough to bother spending any time with Autumn at all without opening her mouth to Sterling about being a huntsman. The rest doesn't phase me anymore."
Yang frowned, "That's my point Weiss. Can't you see how sad and messed up that is? You deserve better than what my sister did to you and the family."
Weiss shrugged, surrendering, "Well, this is our life now. Autumn is too old for her to forget it all and too young to understand. So here we are. I'm not worn down by it enough to care or change it. So, can we not discuss it anymore? I'll remember your offer and I appreciate it ok? Leave it at that please. Kids, we are here, go on ahead, I have to go be with the headmaster and Yang has to join the faculty."
Jin and Sterling stopped their poking and prodding at one another and joined them. Weiss straightened up Sterling's attire and sent him in. Yang ruffled Jin's bangs and whispered, "knock em dead kid, I'm proud of you."
Jin frowned, fixing her hair, but looked into Yang's eyes with amber eyes identical to her faunus mother, soft and loving watery from her mother's praise as she headed inside. Jin bumped into something small on her way inside, folding over it as Jin herself was 5'8" pushing 5'9", "Oof, what the…"
She glanced down, two false eyes on the back of a hood staring up at her as a small hand rubbed the back of the head, "owww…"
"I'm sorry I didn't…see you there ok yea that sounded like a cruel joke but I honestly just did not expect to have to look down that low, are you o...k…" Jin stopped as Spadix turned around, "Do I know you? You feel…familiar…"
Spadix frowned, "I think I'd remember someone who can't watch where they are going…"
Jin squinted, "Your aura feels familiar. I swear I know it from somewhere…"
Spadix flinched as Jin grabbed her arms, "I just can't put my finger on why…"
"Hey let go of me you're hurting me!"
Jin wasn't listening over all the commotion of the crowd, Indi appearing out of the crowd and swatting Jin away just as Jin's brain realized where she noticed the aura from, "Get your hands off of her!"
Sterling slipped in to grab Jin's arms as the semblance recoiled in bright gold semi translucent shapes like Jin's arm swinging back into place from where it was before hit, Sterling taking the sting, Spadix's and Indi's eyes stunned and wide at the sight. Spadix rubbed the painful areas of her scarred arms. Before anything else could happen, mic feedback filled the air.
Yang headed to her place with the rest of the staff watching Weiss, as the headmaster's assistant, take her place at the headmaster's right, noticing the scuffle out of the corner of her eye in time to see the flash of gold of Jin's unmistakable semblance before the mic feedback went off. Yang covered her face with her metallic hand, "Oh man…"
It was time for the new year to begin.
