Chapter 33

Much to everyone's regret, Kali had commitments in Menagerie, commitments she could no longer ignore. With the start of the school year fast approaching, the day came when she had to depart, on an early flight no less. Yang was already an early riser, jogging for an hour before returning, showering, and making breakfast for Winter and Summer. Today it was straight into the shower, wake up Summer, cook breakfast, take Winter's in to her on a tray, kiss her goodbye and leave for Blake's place, Summer ever so slowly waking up beside her. The Belladonnas were about to leave as they arrived, so they continued on to the airport.

Upon arrival they still had a little while before Kali's flight, and the security checkpoint was almost empty. That gave them plenty of time to say their farewells. Summer and Reese glued themselves to Kali's side, and Yang took the opportunity to discuss the future. "We've been discussing some locations. Mistral is obvious, but it's so overdone. Then, I thought, hey, we've got family in Menagerie now, and we've been there like...twice, didn't even get to go sightseeing, why not look into there."

"Oh, there's some lovely places in Kuo Kuana." Kali encouraged. "Ghira and I were married in this little local shrine a few minutes out of town. It was right on the edge of this cliff overlooking the ocean. I know the priestess, Sienna, I could speak with her for you."

"That sound awesome." Yang agreed. "I'd appreciate it."

"Who's Senna?" Summer asked.

"Sienna is a lovely woman who has always been supportive of me." Kali replied. "Over the years I paid many visits to her shrine to pray for Blake and…" She suddenly paused, eyes wide. "And she has been flirting with me this entire time!" Kali whined, blushing.

"Flirting?" Reese asked, confused.

"Sienna likes grandma Kali, sweetie." Yang chuckled.

"Ugh, I feel so stupid." Kali lamented. "How was I that ignorant? She was always so nice and giving me hugs and telling me how strong and beautiful I am and that my presence gives her faith and ugh, I thought she was just being dutiful!"

"What's going on?" Velvet asked, returning with Blake, bringing a tray of coffee and a bag of donuts respectively.

"Kali just realized she's got an admirer." Yang smirked, accepting a cup from Velvet with a thanks.

"Who, Sienna?" Blake guessed, opening the bag and holding it out to Reese, who took a pink iced one with a smile.

"You knew!" Kali balked.

"Yeah, she told me." Blake admitted, holding the bag for Summer. "She caught me and Ilia making out and did the whole 'when I was your age' thing. Said her tattoos were to pick up chicks."

"Well they are alluring, I'll give you that...I mean...they look...cool." Kali sighed as she blushed again, accepting a cup of her own from Velvet. "She told me they represented her attunement with the wilds. Her ancestors were warriors. When they came of age, they were challenged to hunt a powerful beast alone, and either kill or tame it. If they killed it, they were welcomed as a warrior. If they tamed it, they joined the priesthood."

"And Sienna tamed a tiger apparently." Blake chuckled. "I guess it has something to do with the Maidens' favor."

The PA suddenly announced the boarding call for Kali's flight, non-stop from Vale to Menagerie. Kali sighed. "Time for me to go." She said morosely.

Reese and Summer both wrapped their arms around Kali's. "We'll miss you." Summer sniffled.

"When will you be back?" Reese asked.

"As soon as I can dears." Kali replied. "I promise. I'll come back to you, and I'll bring Ghira with me so you can meet him Reese." Everyone stood, Reese and Summer clinging to Kali all the while, Velvet taking Kali's carry-on. They moved toward the security checkpoint. "You know girls, I wish I could take you with me, but your parents would miss you very much." Kali joked, but her voice was already straining.

"Do you really have to go?" Summer whined.

"Yes dear, I do." Kali answered. Nearing the checkpoint, she stopped, turning to kneel, setting her coffee down, and pulling both girls into a hug. "But I said I'd be back as soon as possible, and I said I promised, and I have never broken a promise...that I remember. And neither should you, which is why I want you to promise me you'll behave while I'm gone. Your parents are loony enough without you joining in." Kali smiled as the girls giggled. Blake rolled her eyes. "Lemme' say bye to everyone, okay?" She asked in a whisper. The girls reluctantly let her go, to be replaced by Blake and Velvet. "I love you two. I'm so glad to have met you Velvet, and to have seen you again at all Blake. If the plane crashes at least I'll die happy."

"Mom, don't joke about that." Blake admonished. "I love you too, and we'll try and visit you first, okay?"

"Good luck either way mom, thanks for your help." Velvet added.

"Thank you for making my daughter happy." Kali pecked them both on the cheek before letting go and moving to Yang. "You be strong Little Dragon." She whispered, feeling Yang's familiar, strong arms return the embrace. "You call me anytime you want to talk, okay?"

"I will, thank you Kali." Yang chuckled, tightening her grip until she lifted Kali from the ground.

"Oh goodness!" Kali laughed as Yang set her down. She knew it was time to go. "Right...well, time to get this over with." She took her carry-on from Velvet and paused, taking a deep breath before grabbing Blake in another, tight hug. "I love you so much Blake. Thank you for coming back to me." She cried, sniffling.

"I love you too." Blake stammered, hastily returning the embrace. "I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner."

"I know, so am I." Kali responded. With a final hug for the children, and almost forgetting her coffee, Kali gave one last wave, and made her way to the metal detectors.

"You okay hon?" Velvet asked, reaching for Blake's hand as she rubbed her eyes.

"Yeah, just stupid emotions, blegh." Blake complained.

"Yeah, well I've got more on the way, taking the tot to meet her new cousin...other new cousin." Yang added.

"I have another cousin?" Reese asked.

"Yeah, but she's a bit scared of new people, so we're taking it slow." Yang explained. "You'll meet her eventually, if she doesn't run screaming from Summer here."

"I'm not scary." Summer protested.

"Sure you are." Velvet chuckled. "Red hair is a sign of the devil. Didn't you know?"

Summer looked up at Velvet, a bit confused. "Huh...cool."

Penny hid behind Glynda's leg, watching as Raven answered the front door, booming knocks having startled Penny out of focus on her documentary. She was starting to get used to that sound, knocking. Before, it always signaled temporary intrusions. Her father rarely left the house, food and supplies were delivered, Penny could always hide safely in her room, never forced to interact with strangers. But now, every knock brought something new. These visitors were not strangers, not truly. They were beloved friends and family of Glynda and Raven, her adopted mothers, making them her family too.

A part of her was excited by this, even if the rest was terrified. When Glynda had calmly asked her, if she would come and meet Pyrrha's partners, it had taken everything to not scuttle and hide in the nearest corner. But it was Glynda, the closest thing to a mother she had ever experienced, who had dedicated herself to helping Penny grow, in the hopes that one day she might be normal. So she had clung to Glynda's hand, taken a deep, shaky breath, and slowly allowed herself to be taken to meet these new people, her Uncle Sun and Aunt Nora. They were wonderful people.

Now Penny observed new visitors, Yang, Raven's daughter, and Summer, Yang's own adopted daughter. Technically Yang was her sister by adoption, making Summer her niece, but Raven asked that she be called her aunt, as Yang's younger sister had passed away, and it might bring up bad memories. And this way, Summer was her cousin, her first relation close to her age. And the most terrifying thing in the world at this moment.

"Hey mom, hey Glyn." Yang greeted, a stack of pizza boxes in her hands.

"Hello Yang." Glynda responded.

"Hey grandma." Summer chirped, reaching for a hug.

Raven bent down to scoop Summer up. "Hey pest."

"Who wants pizza?" Yang cheered, shaking the boxes gently so they rattled. "A little birdy told me I have a new family member to greet." She knelt down, meeting Penny's timid gaze. "Heya', I'm Yang."

Penny gulped, tightening her grip on Glynda's leg. "H-hi...I'm Penny." She stammered softly.

"It's great to meet ya' Penny." Yang continued. "Mom's been gushing about you for ages. You're just as cute as she said you were." Penny could not help but smile. It was surprising how different Yang was to Raven. They were almost exact opposites, despite their close resemblance. Her features were smoother, her hair golden, her eyes the gentlest shade of lilac Penny had ever seen, brimming with warmth. "Hey, I've gotta' grab something from my car, you think you can take these for me?"

Yang set the pizza boxes down, and Penny looked at them, then up at Yang, then down again, and nodded. "Yes I can."

"Thanks, I won't be long." Yang slowly stood, grinning wide, pausing only to poke summer in the belly with a "Boop" and running off.

"Hi, I'm Summer." She said.

Penny jerked, looking up at the other newcomer, and felt that familiar tightness grasp her heart and throat, a frightened squeak her only response. Adults were one thing, adults knew who she was, they were smart, considerate, patient...usually. Other children her age? Penny had never had the chance to find out. The very idea had always terrified her.

Suddenly, gentle fingers threaded through Penny's hair, stroking and massaging her scalp. It was a calming technique her father had used, and now Glynda, and sometimes Raven did the same. She did not know why it worked, perhaps it simply stimulated the pleasure center of her brain, maybe deep down she craved simple physical affection. Maybe she thought far too hard for someone her age. Regardless, it was time for her next social challenge. "Hello Summer." She spoke up. "I-it's nice to meet you."

"I like your name." Summer responded.

"Thank you." Penny managed. Her name was rather interesting. "I like your hoodie." She had never thought much about her attire, only that she was neat and orderly, but that hoodie looked very comfortable.

"Thanks, it's my favorite." Summer smiled. "It's really warm. You should ask for one."

"I might do so…" Penny and Summer seemed to find themselves at a standstill.

Raven and Glynda exchanged a look. "Penny, why don't you show Summer your models?" Raven suggested, setting Summer down. "She's always been curious about them."

Penny, to her credit, only froze for a few moments before plastering on a nervous smile. "Okay." She agreed, and Summer beamed, bending over to pick up the pizza boxes herself, an act at which Penny was silently relieved. It meant she would not have to approach her, yet. No, that would come soon, but not now, a comfort, however slight, which she clung to as she slowly led the other girl down the hall and toward her room, leaving Glynda and Raven to grin at each other.

"It's working!" Raven cheered.

"It is?" Yang suddenly piped up from outside, having held back to avoid interrupting.

"So it seems…" Glynda murmured, looking down the hall. "Let's go spy on them."

"Where do you want this?" Yang asked, revealing the large, box shaped bag in her hands. It rattled when she shook it.

"Lounge room." Raven specified, before following Glynda down the hall. Yang hurried to set the package down before she too followed. Reaching the end, she found Raven and Glynda peeking through a partially opened door. They made way for Yang between them, and she peeked through as well.

Penny held a model before Summer. "It was the first Grand Prix car to use disc brakes in its design, and it won the World Championship because of the advantage it held."

"So it won because it could slow down better?" Summer suggested.

"Yes, exactly!" Penny cheered.

"Oh my God, they're nerding out together." Yang almost squealed.

"Let's give them some privacy." Glynda suggested, leading the others to quietly creep away.

"She's even more adorable in person." Yang observed as they entered the lounge, taking one of the armchairs for herself.

"It's criminal, isn't it?" Raven chuckled.

"Oh, you love her." Yang scoffed.

"I know, I can feel my shrivelled heart swelling sizes, I'm in constant agony." Raven whined as she flopped onto the couch.

"I'm so proud of her." Glynda said, voice thicker than normal. "When I met her she was scared of every spec of dust in the air. Panic attacks were common. It took a year before she let me hold her hand." She chuckled, moving to sit beside Raven, who immediately pulled her close. "I guess I never thought about it before it happened but...I've always cared for her more deeply than I professionally should have. Maybe I always saw her as a daughter, like Pyrrha. I just assumed the role and never questioned it. I just did what felt right."

"You've always done what's right by us, and we've always seen you as a mom." Yang noted. "Team mom, to all the little broken children, putting us back together piece by piece." She meshed her fingers together.

"Edgy, sweetie." Raven rolled her eyes.

"Eh, the goth phase was fun." Yang shrugged.

"Regardless, thank you Yang." Glynda continued. "You always made my actions feel appreciated. You all did, but you? Even at your worst you put on a brave smile, and never truly gave up. I know at times you thought yourself disappointing to me, but your willingness to fight on regardless always left me with great pride in you. You were as much a help to the others as Pyrrha, what with your sunny disposition."

"Aw, you're gonna' make my cry Glyn." Yang croaked, wiping away a fake tear with a grin.

"I think we've cried enough for a lifetime." Raven observed.

"Hah, ain't that the fuckin' truth." Yang laughed.

"Language!" Summer admonished. Everyone turned to see Summer and Penny standing in the doorway, each holding several pizza boxes.

"Oh, heeey girls." Yang chuckled guiltily.

"Mother, Mom, our pizza is getting cold." Penny stated, moving forward to hand them out.

Raven looked dazed, blinking only when Penny beamed at her, and turned to give Yang her pizza. "I...I'll get us drinks." She stood, moving her pizza to the coffee table, and walking out of the room. Penny and Summer seemed oblivious, setting down to open their own meals.

Glynda and Yang exchanged a look. "I'll go help." Yang volunteered.

Raven shakily pulled glasses from the cupboard, along with a bottle of soda from the fridge. When she closed the door, Yang had joined her, a soft smile on her face. "Hey mom."

"Fuck emotions." Raven half-whispered, half-chuckled, turning back to the glasses to fill them.

"You know Summer does that." Yang observed. "I'm mom, Winter's mother. Makes sense ya'know. Win's the proper one, I'm the normal one. I wonder who she'll grow up to be like."

"Between the two of you?" Raven smirked. "Winter's got none of me in her, so fingers crossed."

"Mom." Yang's arms wrapped around Raven's midsection, and she paused to take a heavy breath.

"Daughter." Raven said.

"Two of us now." Yang noted.

"By some freak miracle...I'm so fucking terrified of fucking this up Yang." Raven sighed.

"Just do your best, and take it one day at a time." Yang advised. "It's all I've ever done, and so far it's working out."

"And if it doesn't?" Raven asked.

Yang chuckled. "That's when Winter steps in."

"Cemeteries are where dead people are buried, right?" Summer asked.

"That's right." Winter confirmed.

"So, is mom buried here?" Summer asked as Yang guided the car through the silent Patch cemetary.

"No...uh...she's not...she's not really buried anywhere." Yang struggled. "Her mom and dad are though."

"Oh...okay." Summer did not really understand, but she was not going to ask further questions. Winter was giving her a look that told her not to do so. Earlier, Winter had explained that the trip meant a lot to Yang, and that even if Summer thought something about it was weird, she should not press too hard.

"I know it's strange, but this is the only place I really have for her." Yang explained. "Ruby's physical body might not be here, but I like to think her soul is." She regretted the timing of the trip. Kali had just returned to Menagerie, but she was exactly the person Yang most wanted to talk to about it. She had been able to open up to Kali about Ruby in a way she could not with most people. Kali's faith was comforting, even if Yang did not quite share it, and her hugs were magical. Now the best Yang could do was give her a phone call. It was not the same. "Well, here we are."

Yang pulled the car to a halt and shifted into park. She pulled the lever to open the trunk and got out. She retrieved some cleaning supplies from the trunk, and Winter brought along an intricate flower arrangement as the trio walked to the gravesite. Yang stepped forward, cleaning the stone before removing some weeds that had grown at its base. It was quick work thanks to her relatively frequent visits, even if it had been a little longer than usual since the last one. With everything tidied up, Winter placed the flowers in front of the stone. She stepped back, lining up beside Yang and Summer.

"What do I do?" Summer asked.

Yang opened her mouth but words failed her. Winter stepped in to help. "There's no set thing you have to do. Yang likes to talk to Ruby and her parents, and I talk to Weiss when I visit her grave. Some people pray, others just try to remember the good times they had with the deceased."

"Okay." Summer responded. She had no memories of her mother, knew few prayers, and could not think of anything to say, so she just stood there, head down and silent.

After a little time - to Summer it seemed uncomfortably long - Yang spoke up. "Uh, could you guys give me a few minutes?"

"Of course." Winter replied. She picked up the cleaning supplies led Summer back to the car.

Yang crouched down by the stone, running her hand over Ruby's name. "Hey sis. Sorry it took so long to visit again. I guess you already know, but I found Summer." She paused, taking a deep breath to suppress the emotion in her voice. "I wish you woulda' told me. I mean, I understand why you didn't, and I'm not mad about it or anything, I just...I guess I just wish I coulda' been there for Summer sooner. And I know things were rough when you got back, but if you told me...I don't know...maybe we could've talked about it, maybe it would've helped a little. I never wanted you to feel like a burden, you weren't. I'm sorry I couldn't do a better job of providing for us...maybe then you wouldn't have had to hide it."

Yang wiped away a stray tear and managed a smile. "She's really great, ya' know? It's like having a tiny you running around the house. Maybe...maybe this is my second chance. I can give her the life I couldn't give you. I'm gonna' do everything I can to make it a happy one. I just...wish you were here to see her...to see her smiling and laughing...I know how happy it would've made you. I hope it does make you happy, wherever you are." Yang looked back. Winter and Summer were leaning against the car, chatting. "I shouldn't keep them waiting much longer. I promised Summer I'd take her for ice cream. She loves her sweets just as much as you do. I'll uh...see you soon. Bye sis, love you."

Yang stood and walked back toward the others. Summer looked a bit uncomfortable, but Winter offered an encouraging smile. "Ready to go?" Winter asked.

"Yeah." Yang nodded. "You ready Summer?"

"Uh-huh." Summer confirmed.

"Wanna' visit Uncle Qrow before we head home?" Yang asked. "After ice cream of course."

"Okay." Summer agreed. Winter rolled her eyes.

"Great." Yang smiled. "We'll bring him a sundae. We should get Mel something too."

"Maybe then she'll actually smile." Summer giggled.

Yang could not suppress a laugh, despite the somber setting. "Don't count on it kiddo. If there's anyone on the planet who wouldn't smile for ice cream it's Mel."