Chapter 12

Glynda pulled up in front of the orphanage. Now there was another car out front, one Yang recognized. Winter had arrived. It was about time. Yang slipped out of the car and headed into the building with Glynda in tow. When she reached the playroom she was surprised to see a slightly sunburned Winter standing there wearing a bedlah. None of the children were around, but given the now late hour, that was hardly surprising. Winter was chatting with Blake, Velvet and Arslan, but as soon as she spotted Yang she rushed over and wrapped her in an embrace.

"Yang, are you alright?" Winter asked.

"I'm not doing great." Yang admitted. "But I'm better than I was."

"Then man you met with...was he…" Winter started.

"Yes, Summer's father." Yang confirmed.

"And her mother?" Winter asked.

"Uh-huh." Yang sighed. "My sister had a kid and never told me. She knew we couldn't afford it, so she gave her up. The father...Yatsuhashi's his name...he said Ruby didn't tell me because she knew I wouldn't let Summer go. Ruby...Ruby didn't wanna' be more of a burden than she already was."

"Yang I'm...God...I have no idea what to say." Winter sighed.

"That's alright." Yang shrugged. "How about you start by explaining that getup?"

"Oh...this...yeah…" Winter groaned. "I left my street clothes in the desert in Vacuo."

"You flew all the way home dressed like that?" Yang gasped.

"Coach." Velvet laughed.

"Wow, you did get here as soon as you could." Yang managed a chuckle. "You know, that's very see-through. I can see your thong...and your tattoo."

"Are you serious?!" Winter exclaimed. "Velvet, why didn't you say anything?!"

"I tried...but you wouldn't listen." Velvet replied meekly.

"Damnit." Winter grumbled. "The things I do for love."

"Thanks." Yang smiled. "I appreciate it."

"Um...I hate to interrupt...but it's getting late." Arslan cut in. "I'm afraid I have to ask you all to leave. You may return tomorrow if you wish."

"Oh uh...yeah, I guess it is getting late." Yang observed. "Alright...I guess we'll come back tomorrow. I'm pretty worn out anyway."

"We'll come back too." Blake agreed. Velvet nodded.

"Would you like me to as well?" Glynda asked.

"No, that's alright." Yang shook her head. "Enjoy your day off. Thanks...thanks for everything."

"Any time." Glynda smiled.

"Alright then, I'll pencil you in for a visit tomorrow." Arslan noted. "I look forward to seeing all of you again."

"...and then he gave me this photo album." Yang said, running her hand across the cover. She explained the situation in detail as Winter drove. "He was...he seemed like a good guy...really broken up about the whole thing."

"I can only imagine." Winter nodded.

"You do anything interesting today?" Yang asked.

"Besides taking a five hour flight dressed like this?" Winter laughed. Yang was not amused. "I...spoke with Summer."

"Yeah?" Yang sighed. "Thoughts?"

"I was thoroughly impressed." Winter declared. "She was well-spoken, intelligent and patient. She's also quite the little artist. I can see why she hasn't been adopted though, she's painfully shy. She seemed almost entirely unable to make eye contact."

"She sounds a lot like Ruby." Yang sighed.

"And she reminded me a lot of Weiss...before our father crushed her spirit." Winter added. She pulled the car to a halt in front of the house. The pair got out and headed inside.

Almost as soon as Yang got inside, her phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and looked at it. "Looks like Raven heard the news." Yang noted. "This should be an interesting conversation."

Glynda heaved a heavy sigh as she closed the door behind her, tossing her pocket book onto the table beside the door. "Welcome home babe." Raven greeted her from a position lounging on the couch. "Where were you?"

"This one's a doozie." Glynda groaned.

"Did Pyrrha have another freak-out?" Raven asked, sitting up.

"If only it were that simple." Glynda shook her head. She walked over and plopped down beside Raven. "It's Yang this time."

"Oh?" Raven gasped. "What hap…"

"Apparently Ruby had a daughter she never told Yang about." Glynda explained. "Yang was visiting an orphanage with Blake and wham, she's face-to-face with her."

"Holy shit!" Raven exclaimed. "You should have called me! If ever there was a reason to ditch work this was it!"

"We got Yang calmed down alright." Glynda continued. "Turns out the kid's father has been donating to the orphanage and giving Summer gifts, so we were able to contact him. Yang met with him, and he explained everything. Yang didn't give me all the details, and I can't really blame her."

"I should call her." Raven declared. "Right?"

"That wouldn't be a bad idea." Glynda agreed. "She could use all the support she can get."

"Hey mom." Yang answered the phone.

"Heya'...Glynda told me what happened." Raven noted. "Hell of a shock...huh?"

"You have no idea." Yang sighed.

"I...I know." Raven struggled to find the words. "Just...if you need to talk, you can call me anytime. Just say the word and I'll come running, I promise."

"I know mom, thanks." Yang declared.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Raven asked.

"No, not now." Yang replied. "I'm tired...and there's a lot I need to think about. I'm just gonna' go to sleep."

"Alright, I love you." Raven said.

"Love you too mom." Yang responded. She ended the call and slipped the phone back into her pocket.

"Yang, do you…" Winter started.

"That's alright Winny, I'm just gonna' lie down." Yang cut her off. With a sigh she slipped into the bedroom.

Yang did her best to sleep but it was simply not going to happen. Her mind was full of questions, worries and guilt. After trying and failing for several hours, she decided to give up. She slipped out of bed as quietly as possible, successfully avoiding waking Winter, and headed into the kitchen for a snack. Some pretzels and even a can of beer did nothing to quiet her screaming thoughts, so she plopped down on the couch and started playing some video games. The blocky crafting game had always been good for calming Winter, at least when she was not enraged by Yang's legion of dicks, but even constructing ever more elaborate phalluses did nothing to help.

A little after dawn Winter awoke to a cold, empty bed. Upon stumbling into living room, she found Yang passed out on the couch. The television was on, a video game on the screen, but Yang's character had long since starved to death. Yang snored, something she only did when she was deeply asleep, and Winter decided not to wake her. In the end it was almost noon before Yang woke up. She was still not well rested, and her position twisted up on the couch left her with several annoying aches and a crick in her neck. Yang clearly needed some time to get herself sorted, so Winter called to push the orphanage visit back until after lunch.

Winter did her best to cook as Yang showered. Yang had taught her a few things, but she was still highly incompetent. The best that could be said of her cooking was that is was edible...most of the time. The food was still not ready when Yang finished her longer than usual shower, so she stepped out on the deck. Leaning against the railing, Yang gazed out at the sea until Winter called her in to eat. Yang remained silent through the meal, and Winter did not press. After eating they hopped in the car for a silent ride to the orphanage.

The phone rang, so Arslan pulled herself away from the children and ducked into her office. She glanced at the number and recognized it. She smiled as she lifted the receiver to her ear. "Hello Mr. Daichi." She answered. "It's so good to finally have a name to put to the voice."

"Good day Ms. Altan." Yatsuhashi greeted.

"You know, I'd love to put a face to the voice too." Arslan added. "Perhaps you could come visit, see Summer…"

"I'm afraid that's not possible." Yatsuhashi refused. "I just wanted to thank you for taking care of Summer, and all the children, for all these years. You're truly an angel."

"Thank you Mr. Daichi, but I'm just…" Arslan protested.

"You've gone above and beyond." Yatsuhashi cut her off. "Anyway, I've mailed a fairly sizable donation check. It should arrive in a few days. It will be my last donation, but it should be enough to secure the institution's financial future."

"The last, but why?" Arslan asked. "Is it…"

"Thank you again Ms. Altan." Yatsuhashi interrupted. "May you find happiness and good fortune. Farewell."

"Mr. Daichi, what…" Arslan started, but Yatsuhashi hung up. His tone of voice, the things he said, it all made Arslan very uneasy. She called him back, but there was no response. She was about to try again when the buzzer in the reception area rang. She sprung up and rushed to the front, finding Winter and Yang waiting there. "Ms. Xiao-Long, have you spoken with Mr. Daichi since yesterday?"

"Uh...no, why?" Yang asked, more than a little confused.

"He just called me and...I have a bad feeling." Arslan replied. "I fear her might do something rash."

"Oh shit...he is going to kill himself." Yang gasped.

"What?!" Winter demanded.

"I was wondering why he would give me the photo album, and his farewell seemed so final...it didn't seem right." Yang explained. "I've been thinking it over, and I didn't want to believe it but…"

"Someone's got to stop him!" Arslan shouted. "I can't leave. Maybe we should call the…"

"I'll go." Yang declared. "If anyone can talk some sense into him…"

"Less talking, more going!" Winter advised. "Time is critical!"

Yatsuhashi sat at his desk. He read the note he had typed on his laptop again. It said everything he wanted to say. It would explain his reasons to his family, not that he really cared. He was beyond caring what they thought, but at least they would know, not be forced to wonder. He turned his attention to the revolver set on the ornately carved mahogany desk. The weapon was richly etched with geometric patterns. The weapon's beautiful appearance made it no less deadly. It was a show piece, but it could blow his brains out all the same. When he had purchased the gun all those months ago, it had been with the intention that he would use it on himself, but he had never worked up the courage. Besides, he had to make sure Summer was taken care of first. Now that Yang had found her, he was no longer needed.

Yatsuhashi picked up the gun and turned it over in his hands. He checked that it was loaded, for the third time, and slid the cylinder back into place. He was vaguely aware of some thumping sounds, but ignored them. He took a deep breath and positioned the barrel under his chin. His whole body tensed, but he could not do it. Hyperventilating, he lowered the weapon. He took another shot of whiskey, his fifth, but felt no drunker, or braver. He poured himself another. He was determined to do it. They may have called it the coward's way out, but he was finding himself entirely lacking in the courage to take it.

WHAM!

The commotion was now too loud to ignore.

WHAM!

It was coming from the front door. With a sigh, Yatsuhashi got up and walked toward it.

WHAM!

He could hear grunting and heavy breathing outside now. He opened the door. Yang was standing there, soaked in sweat, her shoulder already starting to show a bruise. "Ms. Xiao-Long." He said.

"Don't Ms. Xiao-Long me!" Yang shouted. "What were you doing?!" Yatsuhashi said nothing. "Answer me!"

"I was planning to end my life." Yatsuhashi admitted.

Yang stepped forward and slapped him, hard. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" She demanded.

"Summer has you now." Yatsuhashi replied. "She no longer needs me. No one needs me. I am free to join my love in the next world."

Yang slapped him again, just as hard. "Are you fuckin' serious?!" Yang raged. "Do you have any idea how pissed Ruby would be? If you think I'm angry, shit…"

"I do not desire to live any longer." Yatsuhashi declared.

"Too fucking bad." Yang seethed. "I'm not going to let you harm everyone who cares about you like this. Get your head together and stop being an idiot."

"I…" Yatsuhashi started. He paused. "I'm sorry." He bowed his head and his shoulders drooped.

"How were you going to do it?" Yang asked.

"I have a firearm." Yatsuhashi answered.

"Give it to me." Yang commanded.

"Yes ma'am." Yatsuhashi sighed. He led Yang inside to his office. She could not help but notice how red the room was. There were red paintings, red curtains, red wall hangings and a red rug. The paintings in particular caught her attention, she recognized the style and immediately realized who the artist must be.

Yatsuhashi picked up the revolver and handed it to Yang. "Any other guns?" Yang pressed. She slid the cylinder open and dumped the bullets on the floor before slipping the weapon into her pocket.

"No." Yatsuhashi replied.

Yang reached into her other pocket and pulled out her wallet. After searching it for a few seconds she produced a card and handed it to Yatsuhashi. "You're going to call that number, and you're going to get help." Yang ordered. "Dr. Goodwitch helped me when I was in your shoes. Now she's going to help you. You're going to get better, for Ruby, for Summer."

"I will call." Yatsuhashi promised. "I will...do my best, for them.

"Good." Yang huffed. "Now, do I have to hang around to keep an eye on you, or can I trust you to not do anything stupid?"

"I won't kill myself." Yatsuhashi declared. "I am truly sorry. Thank you for caring."

"You need to thank Arslan too." Yang noted. "She sent me here. You're going to do it in person too."

"Yes ma'am." Yatsuhashi agreed.

"Now, I'm going to leave, but I'm going to call every once in a while." Yang warned. "You are going to answer immediately. If you don't, if you even consider doing something stupid, I swear I'm going to come back and kick your ass."

"You are a strong woman, Yang Xiao-Long." Yatsuhashi observed. "I can see where Ruby got her determination. You did well raising her."

"Thank you." Yang smiled. "But don't think being a kiss-ass is going to make me any less angry at you."

Yang returned to the orphanage feeling a little worn out. Aside from the workout she had gotten while trying to bust down Yatsuhashi's door, the whole situation was a real drain on her energy. With a heavy sigh she walked inside and was immediately approached by Arslan. "Is he alright?" She asked. "Did you get there in time?"

"Yeah, I got there." Yang replied. "I took his gun away and gave him my therapist's number."

"You left him alone?!" Arslan demanded.

"I wouldn't worry too much." Yang shrugged. "After the talking-to I gave him...well...I bet he's afraid that if he killed himself I chase him down in the afterlife just to beat the shit out of him."

"You have that effect on people." Winter chuckled, walking up behind Arslan. "I guess that means Glynda has a new patient. If she had kids we'd be putting them through college."

"So, what did I miss?" Yang asked.

"Blake, Velvet and I talked to Summer a little more." Winter replied. "She's wonderful."

"She really is." Arslan agreed. "I just wish the other kids could see it."

"What does that mean?" Yang pressed.

"She has some...difficulties, with bullying." Arslan explained. "She's different, and that makes her a target. She lacks confidence, preferring to read or draw instead of playing with the others. When they tease her, she takes everything to heart, she withdraws, and it just repeats. I do my best to keep an eye on her, to shield her from the worst of it, but I'm the only one here a lot of the time, and most of the other children require much more supervision. I'm sorry I haven't done a better job."

Yang's fists were tightly clenched, her knuckles white. Her head was bowed, face hidden by hair. "T-that's Ruby to a t-tee." Yang struggled. "You don't have to apologize...it's not your fault." Yang looked up with tears in her eyes. "Can I...can I meet with her?"

"Of course." Arslan nodded.

"Do you want any of us to be there with you?" Winter asked.

Yang shook her head. "No, this is something I should do alone."

Yang took a few minutes to compose herself before taking her seat in the meeting room. She had to wait a little longer while Arslan went to get Summer. She spent the time alone thinking about the situation and what she would do to make things right. Summer could not remain in the orphanage, that much was certain, but where could she go? Yatsuhashi was not going to take her in, and in his state it would be a bad idea anyway. Yang could do it, but would she be a good mother? The entire situation showed she had clearly failed Ruby in that respect. If she had been a better mother, maybe Ruby would not have gotten pregnant and hid it from her, maybe the whole mess never would have happened. Where had she gone wrong? She had done everything she could, everything she thought was right.

The door opening snapped Yang back to the present. Arslan smiled at Yang as Summer walked in, her head down, as she slowly made her way to the seat across from Yang. Summer hopped into the chair, clasped her hands in her lap, and kept staring downward. "If you need anything just shout." Arslan offered before closing the door.

"Hi...Summer." Yang struggled, doing everything she could to suppress the emotions bubbling just below the surface.

"I'm sorry." Summer apologized.

"Sorry...for what?" Yang asked.

"Miss Blake told me I scared you yesterday." Summer replied. "I didn't mean to. I'm sorry."

"Oh, no, you don't have to be sorry." Yang replied. "You didn't really scare me. I was just...really, really surprised."

"Why?" Summer asked.

"You...look like someone…" Yang sighed.

"Who?" Summer asked.

"My...my sister, Ruby." Yang answered. She pulled a picture from her wallet. "Take a look." She held the photograph out to Summer who hesitated but took it. "That's her when she was your age."

"I guess you're the other girl." Summer suggested, finally looking up. Yang nodded. "Are those your parents?"

"Yeah, my father's name was Taiyang, and that's Ruby's mother...her name was...was...Summer." Yang managed. She choked back the tears she could feel coming on.

"Summer...I...I don't understand." Summer said.

"Ruby...Ruby's your mother." Yang explained. "I...never knew she had a child."

"I have a mother?" Summer asked. "Then why am I here? I thought only kids without parents live here?"

"Ruby...we didn't have much money." Yang sighed. "She knew we couldn't afford to give you the life you deserve, so she gave you up, hoping you would be adopted by a family that could."

"Can I...can I meet her?" Summer asked.

"I'm...afraid not." Yang looked down.

"Why, where is she?" Summer pressed.

"She's...she's with the Maidens now." Yang choked a sob.

"Oh...so I don't have a mom after all." Summer slumped in her chair. "I thought...maybe I could leave. I don't like it here. Miss Arslan is really nice, but the other kids are mean to me sometimes."

"I...I heard." Yang wept. "I...I can't let it continue."

"Does that mean you'll adopt me?" Summer asked.

Yang looked at Summer wide-eyed as tears streamed down her face. "I...I don't know." Yang admitted. "I'm not...I don't think…" Sobs overcame her, cutting off her speech.

"Miss Yang?" Summer gasped. She hopped out of her chair and wrapped Yang in a hug. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"No, don't apologize." Yang cried, draping an arm over Summer's back. "This isn't...it was very nice to meet you. I'll...be back. I'm...I'm going to get you out of here, I promise."

"It was nice to meet you too Miss Yang." Summer smiled. She held out the photograph. Yang took the photo and slipped it back into her wallet. "I can't wait to have a real family."

"Here, have this." Yang offered. She pulled another photo from her wallet and passed it to Summer. "That's your mamma all grown up. Keep it."

"She's really pretty." Summer declared.

Yang managed a smile. "Yeah, she...she is."