Ember Legacy, Volume 3

Chapter 28: With Friends Like These

Near The Bronze Dragon Aerie

"What goes up must come down, unless a dragon eats it."

~ Brian Rathbone

Blake snuggled in tighter against the soft argent mane, her arms and legs adjusting slightly to keep from going numb where they wrapped around the Silver Dragon's neck. It wasn't a terribly long flight from the Hold to the Aerie, certainly shorter than the trip from Mountain Glen, but it'd taken up much of the day. The Cat Faunus had gotten used to the wind by this point, keeping her furry ears flattened against her head for protection and her black cloak firmly wrapped around her body.

Even with the constant stream of cold air playing across her body, she felt warm and secure on her perch.

So much so that she'd been unabashedly purring for much of the journey this afternoon.

There's no use denying it anymore, she thought ruefully. I am head over heels for this quirky, bubbly brunette girl. Who just so happens to be a Dragon.

She shook her head slightly, raven tresses streaming out behind her. I may have come to terms with that objectively, but I still do not know what that would mean for us. My lifespan would be the blink of an eye for one such as her. Would she even be able to regard the two of us with as much significance as I would?

Again she shook her head, though in irritation with herself this time. Questioning Ruby's feelings on the matter was presumptive at best when she hadn't even come out and expressed her interest. There had been some careful insinuations up to this point, and she was fairly certain her feelings were returned, but until then… Until she could summon up the courage to actually say the words, express her regard for the woman whose back she currently clung to… Well, they would have to make do with things the way they now were.

Uncertain, but at the very least, friends.

Blake gave a start as Ruby's head turned, peering at her with one stormy grey eye the size of a serving platter. "The Aerie is coming up," the Silver rumbled just loud enough for her Faunus hearing to make out.

She nodded in return, stroking the side of her neck absentmindedly. "I'll be glad for the rest," she replied. A blush crept up her neck as she realized what her hand was doing and she stilled herself abashedly.

If she didn't know better, she could have sworn a toothy grin had tugged at the edge of Ruby's mouth before she faced forward once more.

When this is done, our quest complete and Vale safe once more… You and I are having a talk, Ruby, she resolutely determined. Another blush made her cheeks hot as her mind wandered as it tended to do upon the results of such a discussion, or at least the direction she hoped it would take. If Weiss could make this work, so can I.

At the thought of her Elven friend, she snuck a glance to the side. The Mage had her hands and face buried in the golden mane from where she rode behind her lover's neck. Her brow furrowed as she imagined their flight had been far more uncomfortable than hers. The sudden lack of communication between the two was troublesome. Ruby had discreetly mentioned during the trip that Weiss had asked her to speak with her Gold Dragon sister.

The raven-haired girl desperately wished for Ruby's success in that endeavor, as she just as adamantly wanted the pair of them to be happy once more.

Why can't life be easier in such matters…

A shadow crossed her from the sun low on the horizon. Blake looked up again and easily spotted several massive forms circling around the small group, the light glinting off of their bronze scales.

She craned her neck around the other side of Ruby's neck, and her jaw dropped in astonishment.

Whereas the Silver Dragon Hold was a single wide cavern carved out of the side of a mountain, with a network of tunnels and passageways therein, the Bronze Dragon Aerie was far more open. It was situated around the circumference of a large, flat-topped mountain. If it weren't so immense it might have been called a mesa, but there was no denying the sheer size of the Aerie.

Caverns and caves dotted the sides, seemingly small enough for birds, but the forms of Dragons could be seen in and about them. The scale of it was staggering, but when the Silver she rode behind gained enough altitude that they could view the top of the mountain, the shock of what she now beheld was enough to almost make her lose her seating.

It was hollow.

And then Blake had to revise her understanding of the Aerie itself with the limited knowledge she'd gleaned from 'borrowed' geology books over the years. It wasn't a mountain at all, but a long-extinct volcano. More caves dotted the inside of the rocky formation, and the inside space was filled with wheeling, soaring forms of Bronze Dragons of all different sizes.

"Wow," she breathed.

At the lip of the volcano was an artificially leveled platform, smooth and ringed with sentries. Ruby followed Yang down to that point, coming in for a slow and graceful landing.

What was the name for this? A cone crater of some sort? Blake shrugged to herself, filing it away to be researched the next time she found herself in a library. Legitimately or otherwise.

She felt the slight bump as Ruby's claws met with the rock, and shifted to the side as her friend bent and extended her wing. With now-practiced ease, she slid down and into a graceful crouch, straightening up to turn and offer the Silver a small smile.

"Thank you for the smooth landing," she murmured.

Ruby chuckled deeply, giving her a wink. "Anytime, Blakey."

The Faunus Rogue turned so that she wouldn't have to suppress the happy grin that always snuck up on her when she heard Ruby call her that.

But then she schooled her features into her customary neutral mask as a pair of Bronze Dragons landed across from them. She stepped to the side where Weiss stood patiently, hands folded in front of her demurely.

"Any progress?" she whispered.

The platinum-haired Elf just sighed and shook her head minutely. But then Yang took a few steps forward, barking out a laugh that sounded like thunder from so close.

"Yatsu! Fox! Oum's blood, it's good to see you two again!"

"Heard you kidnapped our little sister," the Bronze on the right rumbled good-naturedly. He leaned forward and brushed his snout alongside that of the Gold. Blake was a bit amused at the action, easily finding the similarities to how both cats and Cat Faunus greeted each other.

I suppose they're just enormous, scaly cats? With wings? And… breathe fire?

Well, the simile sounded better before she really gave it any thought.

She glanced to the side where Ruby was crouched, the pearlescent wing that was folded against her body close enough for her to brush her hand along it. In fact, she had to look away again and actively fight against the urge to do so, momentarily chewing on her bottom lip at the distraction.

Blake glanced sharply over towards Weiss at the almost inaudible giggle that spilled from the smaller woman's lips. Evidently, she'd not been as discreet as she thought she'd been.

"Oh, hush, you," she whispered without any heat behind the words.

"I didn't say a thing," the Elf retorted mildly.

"You didn't need to."

"It's just… cute."

"Cute?"

"Mmhmm." The corners of Weiss' mouth quirked slightly, though she kept her gaze serenely on the interactions of the three Dragons before them. "Your attempts at remaining subtle in your affections."

"I don't… I'm not…" The Cat Faunus snorted humorously. "Hush."

"Yes, dear."

Yang was stepping back then, crouching onto her rear legs so that she could extend a clawed hand to the side. "So, guys, this is Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna, and then this here…"

Both Bronze Dragons bowed deeply, chins almost scraping the rocky ground. "You finally found your sister," the one on the right stated warmly.

"Welcome to the Aerie, Ruthralynnaerias," the other Bronze stated with equal warmth. "I am Foshurelythansyllia, and this is my brother, Yatsuhashythansyllia. We are at your service."

"No, please," the Silver protested, her wings fluttering slightly at her sides in distress. "I'm just Ruby, there's no need for all that, really."

"Very well, then, Ruby." They both straightened up while the second Dragon gave the entire group a solemn nod. "Please call me Yatsu. It is a pleasure to meet friends and family of Yang."

"And by all means, call me Fox," his brother stated merrily. "Though it'd be hard to miss, as much as I get on Yang's nerves."

"I don't know what you're talking about," the Gold in question stated loftily, snout up in the air.

"Oh, then, I suppose you've already forgiven me for the sheep incident?"

"Fox!" she growled in return, crimson eyes swirling dangerously. "I thought we agreed never to mention that ever again."

"Oh, but surely your friends would appreciate a good tale-"

Yang loomed forward, and Blake was suddenly struck by the size difference between the two. In fact, it looked as if both of the Bronze Dragons before her were just a bit smaller than she remembered Coco being. Perhaps female Dragons are bigger than the males?

"Fox…" the Gold rumbled ominously.

"Yes?" the Bronze replied cheekily, though he shrunk back ever so slightly from the intimidating woman.

"Not. Another. Word."

"No sheep. Gotcha."

Ruby's snort of laughter almost blew the Cat Faunus' cloak from her shoulders. "I need to get some quality time with Fox," she giggled, the deep sound incongruous with the light, feminine overtones of the brunette girl. "I'm missing out on a lot of blackmail-worthy stories…"

"Alright, now," Yatsu interjected with the weary air of someone who had to come to his irrepressible brother's aid more often than he'd like. "Our guests have just arrived, no need to start another rumble."

"I don't mind the rumbling," Yang snorted, sitting back on her haunches once more.

"That's because you always win," the first Bronze deadpanned.

"One day, goldie," Fox sighed melodramatically. "One day I shall win against you."

"Oh, please, if your sister couldn't, there's no way you could, pint-size."

"Pint-size?"

Blake hid her wide grin behind a hand as she turned towards Ruby once more. "I suppose, comparatively speaking…"

"And besides, Ruby over there is smaller than I am!"

"Hey now!" the Silver interjected. "Don't go pulling me into this!"

"Speaking of our dear sister," Yatsu interjected once more. There was an even chance he'd been the mediator between the Bronze and Gold for some time now, especially as they grew up in the Aerie together. "Where did you stash Coco, has she not accompanied you?"

"No, she remained with another group of our friends to protect them," Yang stated confidently. "We should be able to meet up with them in a day or so, with any luck. But first…"

The Gold turned her head inquiringly to her sister, who took a step forward. "We're seeking assistance," Ruby explained with quiet determination. "Our friends carry the Orb of Azure back to Vale, and as Yang said, we intend to join them. But Cindeshthyaleramathe, mate of Embalytherionyz, stirs. We would oppose whatever her intentions may be, though I have the feeling they are set against the kingdom to which we travel."

Fox and Yatsu shared a long look. "So, do you ride to war?" the calmer of the two Bronze brothers asked levelly.

"I truly hope that is not the case," Ruby replied with equal solemnity. "But if it comes to it, we must stop the Red before her plans come to fruition."

"But you do not know what those plans are."

"I do not, no. I have assumptions, but they are based upon what we learned the last time we were in Vale. The loss of leadership, rising crime and unrest… They all point to an undermining of the kingdom of humanoids who are unprotected from a Dragon incursion without the Orb's power."

Fox sighed as he flopped to the ground, snout resting in between his extended forelimbs. "It makes sense, never known a Red who didn't hold a grudge. And she'd have a powerful one against Vale."

"For the loss of her mate? Certainly." Yatsu regarded Ruby intently. "Have you come from the Silver Hold?"

"I have, and I have a number of Silvers who will follow. Qrow, also, has stayed behind to help convince more to our side."

"It's not an easy thing we ask," Yang added carefully. "In fact, it goes against the peace we have maintained the last dozen years or so."

"Twenty-four Dragons," Yatsu intoned in a deep murmur. "They all died on the battlefield, twenty-four Dragons is a considerable number for a dwindling race such as ours. But…"

"But it's the right thing to do," Fox added, his head perking up.

"It is indeed," Yatsu sighed. "I despair of what another conflict between Dragons might result in."

"Believe me, I feel the same," Ruby responded sadly. "But to let her succeed would invalidate the cause that my parents died for."

"We won't let that happen," Yang assured her sister firmly.

"No, we won't," Fox agreed, lumbering back to his feet.

The Silver inclined her head gratefully. "Thank you. Would I be able to gain an audience with the Bronze Matriarch?"

"On such short notice?" Fox snorted inelegantly. "Doubtful."

"But there is no need for that," Yatsu assured her. "We will speak in your stead as soon as we can approach her. We do not want to delay your journey any." The Bronze lifted his head and peered over the lip of the Aerie. "Will you be spending the night?"

"I think that might be for the best, if there is room for us," Blake spoke up timidly.

"We always have room, Miss Belladonna," Yatsu assured the Faunus woman. "Perhaps not so many guest quarters for humanoids, but I'm sure we can provide."

"Is…" The Gold glanced away for a moment before her crimson gaze settled upon the pair of Dragons once again. "Is the old room available?"

"You mean the one they crammed us hatchlings into when they wanted us out of their scales?" Fox grinned widely, showing rows upon rows of sharp teeth. "I'm sure it is."

Yang opened her mouth to reply but was overridden by a loud bellow preceding another Bronze's arrival. This one was considerably larger than most Bronze Dragons they'd seen so far, though still a bit smaller than the Gold.

"Yanzhiellewenayuros!" he thundered, rearing up on his hind legs. "You dare show that ugly snout of yours around the Aerie?"

"Oh, now that's just hurtful," Yang snorted, unconcerned with the bristling Dragon. "How've ya been, Sageithosrynnian?"

"I hunger for revenge!" the Bronze replied fiercely.

The Gold let out a sigh. "Always with the melodrama." She ponderously turned her head to regard her perplexed traveling companions. "Mind if I take care of this for a tic?"

"Um, no," Ruby murmured. "You go right ahead."

"Thanks, sis!" she chirped, the sound rather disconcerting coming from her massive maw.

"Sis?" the newcomer interjected, all traces of indignation gone. "Oh, you found her! Marvelous, it is a pleasure to meet you, Ruthralynnaerias!"

"Ah, yeah…" The Silver waved one claw aimlessly. "Just Ruby, though."

"And you may call me Sage, my dear. Now, then, if you'll excuse me…" He seemed to draw himself up once more, bristling in anger. "Are you prepared to meet your doom at last?"

"Yeah, yeah, meet my doom, blah blah," the Gold grunted, stalking over towards the edge of the platform. "We gonna do this or what?"

Fox and Yatsu had sidled up to the trio in the meantime, one on either side of the girls. "She knows how much that annoys him," Fox snorted humorously.

"Er, are they about to actually fight?" Weiss inquired nervously.

"Have no fear, noble Elf," Yatsu rumbled mildly. "They do this every time they meet. Theirs is an odd friendship."

"If I didn't know better, I'd think he fancies her," his brother added with a Dragony smirk.

At that, Weiss' eyes narrowed dangerously and her hand tightened on her rapier. The Cat Faunus laid a restraining hand on her arm.

"Easy, now," Blake murmured.

"He'd better not have a fancy for her," the Elven Mage growled quietly.

The pre-fight dance between the two Dragons seemed to have ended with the Bronze in a heroic-seeming posture.

"Ready yourself for defeat, Yanzhiellewenayuros!"

Yang snorted derisively, not even rising to the bait. In fact, she looked to be downright lounging indolently on the ground, snout propped up on one clawed hand. "You know you're just gonna get your ass beat again, right?" she inquired levelly.

The Bronze let out a bellow, flinging himself forward and onto the prone Gold.

Only, she was no longer where she'd just been lying.

With a dexterity that seemed wholly impossible for a creature her size, Yang had twisted herself around, avoiding the charge and placing her in an advantageous position all at once. She landed a solid kick against Sage's side, sending him tumbling.

"So I guess the saying is true," the Gold jeered, pacing around as the other Dragon struggled to his feet. "You can't teach an old Dragon new tricks. Haven't you picked up any new moves in the past decade?"

"And this is why I always lose to her," Fox grumbled.

"She is one of the best fighters in all of Dragonkind," Yatsu agreed warmly.

"So, then, why does Sage challenge her?" Blake asked curiously.

"Well…" Fox shifted to peer down at the raven-haired Faunus. "Like I said, rumor has it he fancies her, though she's been beating him soundly since she was a hatchling."

"Keep in mind," Yatsu added, "he's a full century older than her. By now it's more a matter of principle than pride, even though the outcome is all but determined."

Weiss was shaking with the effort to contain herself but could do so no longer. "You kick his butt, Yang!" she shouted imperiously.

The Gold paused and glanced their way, giving them a smirk and a nod. "As you wish, princess."

"Princess?" Fox inquired. "My apologies, I did not know you were royalty!"

"No, no, it's not…" The platinum blonde let out an irritable huff of air. "It's just a nickname," she mumbled.

"Oh, I see…" Fox nodded slowly but then froze. His massive head rapidly switched between Weiss and the stalking Gold, who was easily avoiding yet another attack by Sage. Finally, his gaze rested upon his brother, who was shaking his head firmly. "Don't."

"But-"

"No, Fox."

The other Bronze bristled. "Does she even know-"

"Fox!"

"Fine, fine…"

Blake eyed the Bronze next to her warily. She could have sworn the Dragon was pouting.

"You know, don't you," Weiss finally stated flatly, watching her girlfriend finally go on the offensive and pummel her opponent mercilessly. "What it is she won't tell me. This bargain."

Yatsu sighed heavily. "We are almost as close as clutchmates, Yang, Coco, Fox, and myself. So yes, we do know of the bargain, just as we know we are not the ones to tell you of what it entails." He glanced at his brother sharply. "It is for her to explain."

The other Bronze nodded glumly. Weiss continued to watch the fight as it wound down, Yang finally pinning Sage to the ground and receiving his submission.

She remained tight-lipped as the Gold returned to their side, grinning widely. "Well, that went about as expected."

"You mentioned something about accommodations, Yatsu?" the Elven woman inquired sharply without looking in her girlfriend's direction.

"Of course, please follow us," the Bronze replied easily.

The group headed towards the edge of the platform, Yang following behind now somewhat deflated. There they reached a stairwell that led down into the rock, and both of their Bronze guides changed into their Human forms. Yatsu was a massive man, towering over even Yang, with a dark green tunic and brown pants, dark eyes shining with wisdom beneath exotic-looking features. Fox turned out to be dark-skinned and lithe, with burnt-orange hair that matched his own tunic. His eyes, curiously enough, had no pupils, though he seemed to be able to see just fine as he led them down and into the Aerie.

Ruby, now in her red-cloaked brunette form, walked by Blake's side, their hands brushing up against each other's. The Cat Faunus glanced aside to see a pair of twinkling silver eyes peering up at her inquiringly. With a soft smile, she allowed the shorter girl to slip her hand into her own.

The group eventually ended up down a long, twisting passageway and into a series of chambers. Yang stepped around them as they paused on the threshold.

"Been a while," the blonde stated softly, her lilac eyes roaming the suite of rooms. They widened as a figure stepped out from one of the smaller rooms.

"Hello, Yang," the raven-haired woman greeted her levelly. "I had heard you had stopped by."

Blake's eyes widened as well as she took in the other woman's appearance. She was dressed in a layered red dress with black accents and feathers, but aside from the color of her hair and her crimson eyes… she was the mirror image of Yang.

"Um, hey… mom," the blonde grinned hesitantly. She gave herself a shake. "Raven, this is Blake Belladonna, Weiss Schnee, and… Ruby. Guys, this is Ravanaerayuros, my mother."

"A pleasure," the other woman stated without much inflection. "So, you finally found her, hm?"

"I did, yeah."

The group stood around rather uncomfortably under Raven's intense scrutiny.

"Why did you return to the Aerie?" the raven-haired woman asked with only a hint of curiosity.

"Oh! Well, me an' Ruby… Well, Ruby, mostly… Anyways, we're gathering help to defend Vale."

"Defend from whom?"

"Ember's mate."

Raven's stare seemed to intensify, impossible as that seemed. "I see."

"We could use all the help we could get," Ruby interjected weakly, obviously a bit intimidated by her sister's mother. "W- Would you consider-"

"No." The abrupt answer made them all jump slightly. Blake noted idly that both Fox and Yatsu had already slunk back into the hallway they'd just traversed, wisely retreating from the family reunion.

"Why not?" Yang asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Raven turned to regard her daughter dispassionately. "I am not one to help out in the world, you should know this. Additionally, I gave you the skills you need to survive, you do not require my assistance."

The blonde nodded slightly, but before she could respond, Raven was already walking past them.

"My presence is required by the Bronze Matriarch, and then I need to travel once more." She paused, giving Yang an unreadable look. "I am pleased I could see you again." With that, she left.

"Wow," Blake murmured incredulously.

"Yeah," Ruby agreed, taking a step closer towards the Cat Faunus and shivering slightly.

"Pretty callous, if you ask me," the Elven Mage snorted.

"Well, yeah," Yang shrugged with a sigh as she stepped forward. "Qrow got most of the charm in that clutch. She's not a bad Dragon, she's just… aloof." The blonde sighed once more. "C'mon, I'll show you guys where we're bunking tonight."

o o o

Ruby stalked down the passageway, her enhanced vision allowing her to place one foot carefully in front of the other without making a sound. The environment was unfamiliar, but she'd grown up hunting out in the woods. She might not have the stealth of her Faunus Rogue… friend, but she could be pretty damn sneaky when she tried.

"I can hear you, Ruby."

The brunette sighed as she stood up from her crouch. "Goblin-fucker," she cursed bitterly.

Her sister laughed, the sound muted and lacking her usual boisterousness. "I can honestly say I've never done that, no."

"Well, color me surprised," the brunette grumbled, walking the rest of the way down the tunnel to join Yang at the ledge at the end. The view was rather spectacular, overlooking the entirety of the inside of the Aerie with the occasional torch twinkling like fireflies along the edge. "So, did you used to come out here much when you were a hatchling?"

"Yeah," the blonde sighed. She had one leg dangling over the edge while the other was pulled up against her chest with her arms wrapped around it loosely. Her chin pensively rested upon her knee.

Ruby nodded as she plopped herself down next to her sister, booted feet swinging out, back and forth. They sat together there for some time, just staring out and into the dark.

"It's a nice place to brood," Ruby finally commented.

"I don't… brood," Yang stated flatly.

"Yeah, you're kinda doing all sorts of brooding right now."

"Like you're one to talk."

"Hey, I got a lot on my mind."

Yang turned her head, grinning suddenly. "Like a certain kitty cat?"

The brunette's face flushed as she looked down in embarrassment. "Maybe," she squeaked.

"Mmhmm. So, when are you gonna tell her how you feel about her?"

Ruby shrugged uncomfortably. "I think she already knows."

"You think?"

"Well… Yeah. I mean, no, I know she knows. At least, she should."

"Oh, you are so precious," Yang chortled quietly. "Ruby, you gotta actually talk to her about it at some point, y'know?"

"I know," she replied softly. "Maybe when things aren't so crazy…"

"Might be too late, then."

"Might be," the brunette agreed. She glanced at her sister out of the corner of her eye. "So when are you gonna tell me what this bargain was all about, huh?"

Yang's cheerful face immediately closed off as she returned to her ruminations.

Ruby waited for the span of a full minute before speaking up again. "I can't help you if you don't tell me."

"You can't help anyway," the Gold whispered.

"Yang…" She sighed morosely. "Weiss is my best friend. She's hurting, you're hurting, and that hurts me."

"Nothing to be done about it."

"Well, I don't know that for certain because you won't tell me."

The blonde closed her eyes wearily, shifting so that her forehead was now resting on her knee. "You can't tell Weiss," she finally murmured.

"Yang…"

"No, Ruby, I'm not gonna tell you unless you promise me. Give me your word."

Grumbling under her breath about gods-be-damned stubborn Golds, Ruby shifted her position around so that her back was against the rocky wall, legs outstretched before her and crossed at the ankle. "Fine. You have my word, I will not tell Weiss what the bargain is."

Yang nodded before tipping her head back and cracking her eyes open again. They were now a swirling crimson, but so full of despair that it made the brunette's breath hitch.

"I am being forced to choose a mate to continue my bloodline," she finally whispered. "I'm the last, and it runs strongly in my blood as a Gold. So… there you go."

"But…" Ruby blinked her eyes uncertainly. "You don't have a choice?"

"Well, sure, I have a choice." Yang laughed bitterly. "And I need to make it the next time I return to the Gold Dragon Matriarch. Which, I'm guessing, will be as soon as I finish helping you."

They were silent for a few minutes as Ruby digested the news.

"So, who is it?" the brunette inquired softly.

"No idea yet," Yang stated with a resigned shrug. "If I don't pick one, the Matriarch will pick one out for me." She twisted her face up into a scowl. "And the worst part isn't even that I only ever liked males for rutting, and not even that most of the Golds I know aren't ones I want to spend a lifetime with… Nope, you know what's the worst?"

"What?" Ruby breathed.

Tears were trickling down Yang's cheeks as she stared out into the night. "I've never wanted hatchlings," she finally whispered. "I know, deep down, that my mother cared for me in the best way that she could… but it wasn't enough, not nearly enough as the Bronze mothers I knew like Coco's… and I'm terrified that I'd end up being the same sort of mother, cold and callous and resenting my clutch when all I ever wanted was to explore the face of Remnant." She shrugged once more. "But it's the Dragon way, I have to continue my bloodline. It's my duty to the Ancestors."

The blonde turned her head to give her sister a watery smile. "It will happen to you, too, eventually, being of the Matriarch's line. So just… Just don't get too attached to Blake, okay? Not in the long run, just enjoy what you have together now."

Ruby clutched at her cloak anxiously. "But what about Weiss?"

Yang just gave her a sad smile as she clambered to her feet. "What about her?" she murmured brokenly. With that, she took a step forward and dropped off the ledge. From below, a Gold Dragon emerged, flapping her great wings in a slow, steady beat as she gained altitude.

The brunette watched her sister fly out into the night sky. She sniffled, wiping her cheeks on the edge of her cloak.

"It's not fair," Ruby whispered disconsolately.

She stayed out there for some time, hoping for inspiration, but none had revealed itself by the time the sun crested the horizon.

A/N: Yeah, just about everyone (except poor Weiss) had figured out what the deal with Yang was. And that wraps up Volume 3, with the next chapter starting Volume 4! Brace yourselves…

Much love as always for my stalwart Beta, KellyConnely (seriously, I'd finished and sent it to her late last night, and this morning she's done; this girl is too awesome), and hugs all around for you lovely readers and reviewers! RatedRSuperStar87, carpenter656, Boombox94, Ninjapandas0010, kinigget, ZHsteven, OverDude12, OneManOneBand, Crescent Sunrise, Haley Earthstone, Lavits Dragoon, and a guest, cheers and welcome new faces!

Stay shiny!