Jaune: Nora, Sit Down.

Jaune: Nora, sit down.

Nora: Hold on, I'm taking the picture~

Yang: A picture doesn't take 20 minutes.

Nora: This one does!

Jaune legs crossed to hold it in: You're doing that meme thing, aren't you?  Hurry up so I can use the bathroom.

Nora: You want me to spoil the "morbin time" part?  I will.

Jaune: You cannot be serious.

Yang: Whatever you're doing, quit it and sit down before the movie starts.

Nora: Fine, in the third act when Morbius has to fight-

Jaune: Stop!  Yang, how must time until the movie starts?

Yang: 5 more minutes of ads.  You still need the bathroom?

Jaune:  What can I do to hurry this, Nora?

Nora: Smile and lean more into Yang.

Jaune: There.

Yang, lips tug upward: Lean in a little more, cutie.

Jaune, cheeks dusted red: Yang...

Yang, grinning now: Relax, I won’t bite just yet.

Nora: Yang, don't smile at all.

Yang, confused but complying: Uh, why?

Nora: Don’t worry, don’t worry.  Oh!  Jaune, your smile needs to be teethy

Jaune: Damnit, Nora.

Yang: 4 minutes, Jaune.

Jaune through a gritted-tooth smile: I'll get you for this.

Nora: Aaaannd done.  Was that so ba-

Jaune: Nora, sit in the back with Ren.

Nora: Yes, Mr. Cranky.

Jaune makes a beeline for auditorium exit as Nora walks back to meet Ren.  As she sits down, she brings up the photo of her team leader with the blonde member of their sister team.  When Ren looks over to see what she’s doing, his shoulders sag, mouth curling down in disapproval.

Ren: Nora, Jaune isn’t going to like that.

Nora: I’m sure he won’t mind~

They're watching Morbius 😙

Day Seven

Free Day.

Day seven of DragonSlayer week has started! Please remember the guidelines and rules for this event so everyone can have fun! Be sure to use #dragonslayer2021 or @ us!

Streaming now!

https://www.twitch.tv/mcmystery18

Gonna be working on a DragonSlayer commission! Come chill with me!

Ignited ch2:Reunion

Ch1 right here<-

How often do memories become a prison? Jael had wondered that recently. Being young and naive should’ve been time to make memories; Vale no doubt would be the birthplace of so many. Yet as she stood inside a crowded airship with people she might encounter in or school or by circumstance, Jael didn’t spare a moment to any of them. All she could do is think, remembering the last time she was in an airship…

xxxx

It felt like any other day in Menagerie. The sun blazed high in the sky and the desert air was dry, but it never bothered Jael. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and growing up here made her stronger than most. Jael put one foot in front of the other with her head held high and an ice box filled with fish by her side. All was normal, until…she saw it come into view from atop a sand dune. An airship. Suddenly the joy of catching a tuna was overshadowed by one simple thought.

“Dad’s home.” Jael dropped everything and took off flying, a grin and tears of absolute joy welling up inside her. It had only been six months since they said their goodbyes but each day felt a little more empty than the last without him. To think she worried about him being gone for ten years? How silly. He would never keep her waiting that long. Jael slid across the sand and ran right up the hangar door. Her voice was ready to say his name. Hey eyes wanted to his tired yet happy face, but that’s not what she got. Before Jael could even speak, her words were caught in her throat. The way she stumbled in had startled her mother who spun around towards her, eyes full of tears.

“Mom?” Jael looked to her left to see her older sister, Sienna, quiet as a deadman with her ears down and own set of tears streaming down her face. Then there was a third person standing in the middle further back. Yang Xiao Long; what she lacked in tears was made up for with the look of pure guilt and remorse plain on her face.

Whatever joy Jael had was killed instantly. Then, a beep echoed through the hangar. One Jael knew well from her many hospital visits. Her stomach twisted into knots when her eyes noticed a body laying behind Yang, it’s face out of view. “D…ad?” Jael only made it one step before Sienna’s arms tightly embraced her. Why was she hugging her? Why wouldn’t she let her go forward?

“Dad?” She said with more effort, her body unable to move. Just like how his wasn’t. “What’s happening? That’s him right. He’s come back home safe just like he promised, right?” Jael was given no answer, and she began to tremble. “RIGHT!?” Tears flooded her eyes as Jael began to struggle against Sienna’s grasp, but couldn’t. “Sienna let me go.”

“Calm down…”

“Sienna! Damnit! Let me- Dad! Get up!” She yelled. The pain in her chest brought the taste of iron in her mouth but she didn’t care. “Dad! ADAM!! Why won’t he wake up!? He should be moving! You said he’d be safe! He promised; you both promised!!!” Jael started coughing violently. “You-”

Jacquelyn finally moved, lunging at both her kids and hugging them with all her strength. Through tears and gritted teeth she spoke, or rather started shushing. “Sshhhh~ stay calm sweetie.” Jacquelyn rubbed Jael’s head, looking into her eyes. Jael’s eyes filled with pure heartbreak. The girl's body gave out on her, dropping all them onto their knees.

“He promised…” her lip quivered. The air in her lungs burned. Eventually it escaped her body as she began to sob uncontrollably. “He promised.”

Yang couldn’t bear the sound of the girl’s voice shrill and cracking from the pain. It was too much to handle. Yang turned her head away in shame. What right did she have to cry before them, or offer any words? Still, Yang found herself crumbling from the weight of it all. Falling to her knees and forearms, Yang hit the ground in frustration over the only words she could think to say.

“I’m sorry. I am so, so sorry…”

xxxxx

“Jael?” Jacquelyn said, startling the girl from her trance. “You okay? It’s time to get off.”

“Right. Uhh sorry.” She shook herself off and walked out. Now wasn’t the time to be caught up in the past. It was easier said than done given where she was at. “Woah, so this is Beacon?”

“The old one, yes.”

Before them stood what was the former pride and joy of Vale. Unlike other reconstructed buildings, Beacon was repaired with the intent of returning to its original design. The difference was the path. What was once vastly open space with gray stone pathways had vanished. Stone became gold bricks, the original statue in the middle replaced with a sculpture carved into the shape of a candle lit lantern; the names of all who fell that tragic day were engraved on it. That alone would have meant a lot to the citizens, Jael thought. However, The path forward said otherwise. No matter where you looked, statues could be seen along the paths of the former campus. Not a single one was identical.

Jacquelyn took a minute to let it all sink in just like her daughter. “If you died that day then your name was placed on the lantern, but if you were a huntsman who stood their ground and chose to give up your life for the people…”

“You stand watch, immortalized and honored.”

“No student was ready to be a huntsman yet. Still, it’s only fair to remember them as one when they died being one. They’re called The Ignited.”

“If this is no longer the school then why rebuild it? Call me dark, but I would’ve left it as is and only built the statues.”

Jacquelyn pointed towards the dozens of people around them. “Tell me, do you see it? Really look at the faces of everyone staring at the statues; the young adults that will be your peers. Can you feel what they feel?”

It was hard to comprehend at first. Jacquelyn was always that kind of mom. Always making Jael dig a little deeper. She studied their faces. Maybe it was the way the air felt heavy or perhaps the light bouncing off the building. Whatever it was it made Jael curl her fist and brace her body for impact against…nothing. Nothing at all. Still, her body couldn’t help but try to prepare itself for the wor-

“Oh.” She said, “I get it.”

“No need to leave a wound open to rot. Best let it scar and fade with time and become a reminder. That aside, the building itself is now the central hub for huntsmen in Vale to receive missions, collect rewards, and be ready to defend the school. The natural flow here makes it so there’s always going in and out across the entire kingdom. A helping hand is never too far.”

“What? Why didn’t you lead with that explanation?”

“Because now you’re motivating.” She patted Jael’s back and started walking. “Move those feet. You go wait around the lantern and possibly make a friend while I put your name down officially since you didn’t go to combat school.”

“Don’t trust me to put the correct last name?” Jael said. Her mother only looked back at her and gave a smile before leaving. “At least she’s not lying about it, in her own way.” She mumbled.

People trickled in at a steady rate. A blind person might’ve mistaken all the airships as a hive of Lancers the way the engines hummed from the constant drop offs and take offs. It was a miracle how people could carry out a conversation. Then Jacquelyn started thinking the quiet of the desert had simply gotten to her. That was until she heard one thing as clear as day.

“Is that Ruby Rose?”

Her feet stopped and head whipped in the direction she heard the question. Sure enough, Ruby Rose was several feet away. Right by Yang Xiao Long and more importantly, “Yujin.”

The young girl laughed nervously, standing behind her mother. Something about all the looks made her anxious.

“You alright?” Yang asked.

“Uh huh. I guess being out with you in front of all these people is a little frazzling. I’m used to being your kid, but now I’m your kid right next to you.”

“Haha, yeah~ didn’t really think about this happening.”

“What should we do?”

Right on queue, a shout came from yards away.

“Oh my god it’s TZ!” A girl yelled. Attention turned towards a new group of people bubbling with excitement around Tenzen’s street persona in his trademark light green tracksuit and fox. Before Yujin could question why, Raven used the opportunity to nudge her family off to the side where Ren and Nora stood waving.

Nora puffed out her chest with pride. “We are now accepting gratitude for another brilliant distraction.”

Jaune smiled at his teammates' antics. “So that’s why you stopped at your place first.”

“I see smiles but not feeling the gratitude. Bring it in! It’s only been a year of heroism.” Her lovable leader scooped her and Ren into a bear hug. “Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about.”

Ren ruffled Jaune’s hair. “I don’t see you for a year and you start letting this go wild.”

“Oh you know. Had to grow it out and try to steal your look. Fortunately a year is far too short. How are you feeling?” He finally let them go.

“Better than I’ve felt in a very long time. The miracles of modern medicine and motivation. Don’t even need the cane anymore.”

“Good, because I might. Keeping up with your kid for a year was like a never ending marathon. Especially whenever I heard footsteps at night. He’s a good boy but with the way he looks at Yujin…

Her face went red. “Dad! Nothing happened. We would never!” She looked at Yang and Ruby to see pursed lips and raised eyebrows. “We wouldn’t!”

Yang and Ruby laughed, teasing the love struck fighter. The joy was abruptly cut short however when Raven elbowed Yang. “Ow! Mom, what the-” Yang’s eyes locked with Jacquelyn. She stood right in front of them. Suddenly all who had returned from their long journey went silent.

Yujin, Jaune, and Tai all took notice of the sudden mood shift. They looked at one another to find an answer but we’re left with nothing.

“So you’re back, all of you. Is the job done for real this time?”

Yang nodded. “Yeah, I promise. No more cult.”

“I see. Well that’s good. I’m glad…” Her lips made a gentle yet tired smile on her face. Jacquelyn’s attention turned towards Yujin. “Hello Yujin. Your hair is longer than last time. Now you really look like your old lady huh?”

Yujin remembered briefly seeing Jacquelyn last year when everyone departed. They didn’t get a chance to actually speak and now that she was getting a good look at her, Yujin was stunned. So this was Adam’s wife? She was very beautiful and her eyes were hypnotic. They looked a lot like Yang’s.

“Hello. Nice to meet you officially. I’m Yuj- actually you already know that hehe. Ummm.” Yujin held her hand out to shake. Jacquelyn gladly accepted. Though she looked kind, something about the eye contact felt…intense, like the woman was looking into her something.

“Ready for today?”

“Uhhh of course!” She stuttered, I umm I’ve trained the entire year! Originally I wanted to take it last year but as you know, lots of things happened. If I was confident back then, then I should be fully equipped now. I even mastered a move that…you know who taught me. Speaking of him, is he here?”

Jacquelyn looked at pure joy and shyness all over Yujin’s face. To say she was ignorant would be unfair. It’s not her fault, not when she was kept in the dark from the start. A part of Jacquelyn wanted to bring her into the light. She spoke low, “Adam is…”

“Resting at home.” Jacquelyn cut off, gaining all the attention. “Dad’s tired. As I’m sure most of you are as well? Saving lives is hard after all.”

Those words made Yang’s eyes dart to the ground while Jacquelyn felt her own uneasiness with the way Jael’s right hand rested on her sheath.

Yujin’s face was lighting up while others went pale. “Jael!” Her voice was so energetic. She wasted no time stepping closer. “Hi. I was wondering why your mom was here. Now it makes sense. I had no clue you wanted to be a huntress, but that’s par for the course. I only know your name because of last year.”

“Dad never said a word about me?”

“He was very secretive about his life. Said it kept everyone safer and he wasn’t a talker anyways.”

“Well at least he was fair with information. I snooped to know you.” Jael examined Yujin. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting. A light blue overcoat with orange on the inside was certainly not it. Her hair was the only thing noticeably different. Same faded jeans with a plain white shirt. Same annoying face with the same aggravating eyes in them. Not to mention around her neck was that same sun pendant. Jael reached down her shirt and pulled out her star pendant.

“Oh! He gave you one too.” Yujin held hers up. “Guess we’re twins. Judging by that sheath I have no doubt he also kicked your but around and called it training. Looks like we’re sibling disciples.”

Jael breathed through her teeth quietly. Her hand left her sword and began casually rubbing her chest, applying slight pressure. “He trained you too huh? Interesting.”

“Yeah I learned a trick or two, but you probably have me beat.”

“You’re smart enough to know that much.”

Yujin pumped her fist forward. “Anyways, good luck out there. Not that you’ll need it. Maybe some of my birthday magic will rub off and we’ll both ace this.”

“No need. It’s not just your birthday.” Jael said nothing else and left Yujin stunned.

“Hold on…does that mean-”

“Jackie, may I speak with her?” Yang said quickly. Jacquelyn let out a stressful sigh. She shrugged before motioning in Jael’s direction. Yang took that as a yes and broke into a jog.

Tai leaned close to Raven. “What happened?”

“Not here. Wait until the exam starts, both of you.” She looked at Jaune. He nodded while Ruby rubbed her arm, feeling guilty.

Jacquelyn put her hands on Yujin’s shoulder. The girl snapped out her head.

“Y…Yes?”

“Jael gets really worked up about things like these. Could you do me a favor and let her be during the exam? She can be rather mean if things break her concentration.” This was for her own good. If today could end without incident, then hopefully the storm could begin to pass.

“Okay. I should probably do the same honestly. I can get to know her later, but about what she said. Is today…?

“Yes. You share more than a mentor. Jael turned sixteen like you today.”

Yujin’s smile grew. For reasons unknown to her, that really made her day. “Is that so? Heh~”

Warmth couldn’t begin to describe what Jacquelyn saw in Yujin. If you could make a drop of sunlight it would be her. Jacquelyn held no resentment towards Yujin or anyone for that matter. However, she couldn’t help but feel a little envious of Yang for having such a happy daughter. If only Jael could feel this warm again.

“‘Mrs. Frost!” A firm and all too familiar voice called, accompanied with the sound of clacking heels.

Jacquelyn stood up straight and turned around. “Hehehe, hi Glynda. Boy, did Oz make you a vampire instead of a bird, because you haven’t aged a day!” As much as it was blatant flattery, it was also the truth! What was Glynda’s secret? Jacquelyn wouldn’t mind getting in on that.

“Save the kissing up for after you’ve signed everything. You’ve had me waiting long enough.” She looked behind Jacquelyn to see a group of familiar faces. Glynda nodded.“Children.”

“We’re adults.” They all said in unison. Glynda gave a coy smile as if they told a joke, then dragged Jacquelyn away by the wrist.

On the other side of the courtyard, Yang managed to keep up with Jael until the girl stopped in front of May Zedong’s statue. Yang reached out. “Jael I know probably don’t want to see me but-”

Jael began coughing again. A thick gurgle came from her briefly before Yang watched her spit blood into a nearby bush. There wasn’t even a chance to question it. Jael finally looked at her, pupils shaking and a trickle of blood coming out her nose before she wiped it.

Whatever Yang planned to say was completely derailed. “What in…are you doing okay-”

“I’ll be fine when I’m done looking at you. Now what do you want? Came to clear your conscience again? You know it’s almost too perfect today of all days you all come home. Yujin must be having one hell of a birthday. I’m only surprised you didn’t tell her about dad.”

“You’re the one who told me not to.”

“And thank goodness I did. That right belongs to me and only me. On a big day like this, Yujin should only be at her best right? Today wouldn’t matter otherwise.”

“Beacon exams are brutal, not to mention random. If this is your way of trying to prove something against her, then quit it. She has nothing to do with what happened and I don’t want you getting hurt because you aren’t focused. I…I promised to look out for you.”

“…I hate you.” Her voice was calm, each word said as easily as breathing. “Don’t even pretend you give a damn. Just keep looking at me the way you looked at my father, then walk away. No need to be scared for your daughter. I’m not like you.” Jael walked away. “I don’t tear apart families.”

Yang found herself speechless yet again. In a way, Jael was right. Maybe there wasn’t anything she could do at this point? The right to parent anyone wasn’t hers to begin with. She had given that up long ago. Still, looking back at her daughter brought peace of mind. That girl, she very much still wanted Yang to be a parent. Jael no doubt wishes for the same of Adam. Apologies were never going to cut it.

“You better not die, not at a time like this. We have things to mend. I’ll keep my promise, but Adam, she needs you.” Yang rubbed the bridge of her nose, resisting an oncoming headache as she walked back towards her family.

It wasn’t long after that nearly everyone had finally made their way. A grand bell rang throughout the courtyard. All participants gathered in rows to stand before Mrs. Goodwitch in front of the stone lantern. Any parents stood aside to the right or already left. Tenzen somehow managed to wiggle his way over right next to Yujin. They bumped fist discreetly before focusing on what might be the unofficial first day of a four year journey.

Glynda stood with as much confidence and grace as ever. New faces were always the best part. “Greetings children. You may already know me as Mrs. Goodwhitch, Headmaster of Beacon academy. After today, some of you might even come to know me as the woman who wrote your detention slip.” Scattered chuckling proceeded. “Hmm laugh at it while you can.” She smirked. “Now I originally this is where I’d introduce- ah, well never mind.”

She pointed out towards one more airship on the horizon. Everyone looked to witness it glide through the air at astonishing speed, the Schnee symbol painted on the door.

Tenzen whistled, “Woooo, that’s pretty. Did you know Weiss was showing up?” He looked at Yujin to see her standing rigid. “Jin?”

“That’s not Weiss’s ship.” Yujin went back to facing forward with absolute focus.

The ship swung around over Glynda. The door opened and the woman who secretly paid Yujin’s home a visit came free falling out, doing a flip midair that landed her perfectly beside Glynda. Unlike earlier, her overall straps were now properly on her body and she added a lab coat that had a splash of tranquil blue at the bottom of the back of it. It kinda resembles water flowing on a table, stopping a third of the way up the coat; a little odd considering the rest of her outfit was either white, red, or black. The airship took off to land properly.

Glynda crossed her arms, “You were supposed to be here at least five minutes ago.”

“Turbulence never cares about flight schedules, with all due respect. It all works out though. Those extra five minutes was more than enough time for me to prepare a speech.”

“Is that a fact? Well then, show me what you got.” Glynda brought her forward. “As I was saying, this is where I introduce not only one of your examiners but also Beacon's newest teacher. My right hand, Canary Branwen.”

If Raven and Tai weren’t invested before, they sure as hell were now. Both of them had no idea of her arrival today. Yang’s eyes went wide while Ruby put up her hood, moving behind all of her family. Today was one surprise after another.

Yang inhaled like she’d been gasping for life. “Talk about a reunion, huh Rubes?”

“When it rains, it pours.” She mumbled.

Canary put her hands together and stretched them forward, loosening up. “Mmm ahhh~ okay, let’s get the major thing out of the way first. From the looks on most of your faces you either recognize the last name, or the very obvious symbol on my ship. I don’t if you call me Ms. Branwen, Ms. Schnee, or even Lady C. They all work so don’t overthink it. Just don’t call me ma’am; I’m 22 for crying out loud.”

The tenseness of the crowd softened a little. Good, now they were ready to actually listen. “I’ll be blunt. Beacon only expects the finest, and I don’t see that right now. Whatever dreams and fantasy you have about huntsmans should die right here because the grimm will do it if you don’t.”

Tenzen clenched his fist. She definitely wasn’t lying. After what happened last year in the forest with his mom, he knew he had to step up. The peers around him shared mixed expressions of reservation and anxiety; but not Yujin. She remained focused.

Jael, a few rows down, also wasn’t unnerved in the slightest.

Canary continued, “Today my job is to look at every single last one of you and look for that spark you all claim to have. Show me just how brightly you can shine; be a beacon. As for the many who will waver, who give it they’re all yet fear their flamed being snuffed by today’s hardships, don’t be stupid. Shining bright and burning out are not the same. Take a breath and give up. There’s always next year. You all see the statues. Beacon has had enough losses. Don’t be one because of an exam. So with that said, who wants to leave right now?

No one budged an inch. More importantly, Canary could already see several students trying to shine, while others rightfully looked nervous. “Hmm I’m pleasantly surprised. Not a single one huh?” She reached behind her and pulled out Harbinger, spinning it around in her right hand as it transformed into a scythe from the start. The legendary weapon was spun over her head before resisting on her shoulders. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained I guess. Well then let me get to the part you’ve all been waiting for. Part one of your exam is…a knowledge test!”

In that moment, all flames of determination seem to flicker out. “Whaaaaaaaat!?!?” They all said collectively.

“What? I said Beacon wants the finest and I meant it. We’re not here to teach bricks ya know. It should be no problem for anyone who paid attention in combat school.”

Jael’s face went pale. She didn’t go to any school! Yes her parents and sister made sure to teach her many things for life as well as being a huntress, but was any of it up to the standards of a curriculum!?

“Of all the things to fall short in…”

“Roughly 12 minutes after I’m done explaining, the test will officially start inside the building. It’s 60 questions and you’ll have 45 minutes to complete it. Anything unanswered is wrong.”

“That’s less than a minute per question!” A random participant yelled.

Canary smiled, “And you figured that out in less than a second. I think you’ll be fine. Use those 12 minutes wisely. Ready? Start!”

Yujin immediately grabbed Tenzen by the arm and ran off towards the former school. She glanced over at Canary to see her cousin staring at the two of them.

“You have time for a hug ya know?” Canary said, watching Yujin completely ignore her words. “Hehe, maybe I was too obvious?” Canary mumbled.

“Ten- I mean TZ, pick up the pace!”

“Wow! We have time to-”

“Canary doesn’t mince words. The test officially starts in 12 minutes. That doesn’t mean we can’t take it sooner. If we start the moment we get in then we technically have about 55 minutes to answer all the questions.”

“…..You can’t tell but I’m going bug eyed under the mask.” He freed his wrist and started sprinting. “Keep up slow poke!”

“Hey!” A gust of wind blew byYujin, whipping her hair in her face. When she moved it out the way she saw Jael ahead of her. She went by so fast it was almost like her feet didn’t touch the ground! “Woah. Talk about being a light steeper.” Yujn picked up the pace.

Glynda approached Canary while all the kids left. “Not bad. A little unconventional, but not bad.”

“Unconventional? This school has Professors Port. I think I was as average as a person could get.”

“Yes we’ll no one flips things on their head quite like that man. I will personally watch over the students' tests. Not that I don’t trust you but I have a feeling you don’t have an eye for catching cheaters like I do.” Glynda walked off. “You’re grading them though.”

Her eyes squinted. %“Of course I get the boring part.”% At least now she had a little time to kill. Canary’s eyes shifted left to see her relatives were still standing in place. “Wel…l well…well, if it isn’t half the family tree? Plus a few.”

“Did you take that from the house?” Raven was the first to ask, her tone a bit irritated. “You should’ve called.”

“Why? This by all means is mine. I even spruced it up. Yujin has a talent for tools but sometimes less is more. It was like surgery up in the gears.”

“That doesn’t justify-”

“Ya know I haven’t heard a hello yet, Auntie. It’s only been forever, but you’re pretty used to not seeing family so this must be normal for you.”

Raven scowled. Tai put a hand on her shoulder before stepping between the two. “Can we not meet like this? Canary, hello.”

“Hey Uncle, you well?”

“I’m fine. Especially today.”

“Glad to hear it, seriously.” She walked closer with Harbinger still resting on her shoulders. “For the record I thought Jaune and Yujin were still at home. I was gonna say hello, ask for this, and offer to drop my cousin off. How was I supposed to know this was a big family event?”

“It…sorta sprang up on us too. They all just got back.”

“Riiiiight, for the second time. Ya know it would’ve been nice to get a call or anything the first time around. If mom didn’t inform me then I wouldn’t have a clue.”

“It’s not like we forgot, not exactly.” Yang admitted, “We were only back for roughly a week and the entire time was craziness. Next thing we knew it was time to leave again. I know that’s not the best answer but it’s the honest truth.”

“Relax, I get it. I’m just saying the send button is on every scroll. A quick text goes a long way. Oh well. I forgive you.” Her attention shifted to Ruby. “Nothing to say?”

Yang sighed, “Canary, don’t-” a glyph popped up under her feet and moved Yang out of Ruby’s way.

Ruby stood silently ashamed as Canary strutted closer and closer until she was close enough to remove the red hood. Ruby looked up into the icy blue eyes that threatened to swallow her up. “You’ve gotten so big. I…see him in you.”

“Those really the words you want to say to me right now? Better than Auntie’s I guess. So you finally killed the people who killed dear old dad? Feel better?”

“Listen, it’s not like-”

“Not like what? Vengeance? It was absolutely that. Oh wait, no no no, that’s not what you were talking about. You must’ve thought I asked if you felt better even though the only reason my father died in your burning home was because your husband invited him over after another argument broke out because of you. You know, instead of being at home with his wife and child? I wasn’t talking about that but please let me know Ruby, has that guilt gone away?”

“CANARY!” Winter shouted several feet away, “Leave her alone. You know as well as everyone else who hurt the most that day and who’s to blame. Do not pin that on her. Qrow wouldn’t.”

“Yeah…he’d chalk it up to bad luck.” Canary looked at Ruby. Not once did she turn away or blink. She just…stood there, taking all the harsh words. Canary pulled Ruby’s head back over her head. “I got papers to grade.” She left towards the building, but it wasn’t even five steps before she stopped. “For what it’s worth, I’m truly happy you're back in one piece, all of you. I don’t think I could handle another funeral. Also…Ruby?” She let out a sigh, “Actually I’ll tell you after all this exam stuff is wrapped up. Stick around for me will ya?”

“Okay…”

Canary threw her hand up. “Bye everyone. Later auntie. Stick around too. I know that’s a little hard for you.”

“I’ll be here damnit.”

“Hehe.” Canary walked away, controlling her emotions. It was her first day after all. Now was not the time for any drama.

Winter walked over to Ruby and hugged her. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. She didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. That’s not what really bothers me.” Ruby kept looking at Canary. The way she walked, her gaze, even the way she spoke, it all was too much. Ruby put her hand over her mouth while eyes watered. “It’s just…seeing her all grown like this, It really makes me wish more than anything that he could see it.”

Everyone gathered around Ruby to comfort her. All except Yang, who stood silently replaying her sister’s words through her head. Over a decade yet anger and grief weighed on her sister’s and cousin's heart. Is that what she was in for, more indefinite heartache? Yang wasn’t sure she could handle that. Selfishly she closed her eyes and repeated her silent plea.

“Adam, don’t you dare fucking die on me.”