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Once upon a time, a droplet leaked from the sun due to the God of Lights' curiosity during one of his creations. It had grown into a magic golden flower—one with healing properties that could help the sick or injured no matter what was wrong. Truly something that was one of a kind.
Centuries after the gods’ had left Earth, humans and Faunus progressed, allowing them to grow a kingdom. The kingdom was ruled by their beloved King Ghira and Queen Kali. When the news broke out that the kingdom was expecting another addition to the royal family, joy and excitement broke out. But then she got sick, so sick that no one knew if she’d make it to see another day. That’s when everyone started praying for a miracle and to the brothers to give them hope.
While some set out to find the golden flower.
A tiger in particular named Sienna knew where it rested because it had been keeping her alive for years, granting her the image of perfection that no one else could rival. No blemishes, wrinkles, or signs of aging were to be seen on her, and that’s how it was supposed to be kept. She traced the golden petals, filling her lungs with the cold night air as her body went back to the way it was perhaps a hundred or so years ago - Ears moving towards the sound of guards searching the forest. She had quickly covered it up, only to bump it, leaving it out for them all to see. That’s when the kingdom got their hands on it and rushed to use the magic to heal the Queen.
Then a beautiful, healthy baby girl was born. The princess whose name would be Blake. Beautiful dark purple hair with black roots, cat ears poking out, and golden eyes that shined brighter than both of her parents. At first her parents were surprised by how the majority of her hair was a shade of purple since neither had any in their own hair, but that’s what made her more unique, and they loved her even more.
As a celebration for the princess, right as the sun set, they would light up a lantern with the moon, giving it a soft purple touch. It would be a symbol of their kingdom, but also of her name, Belladonna, making everything perfect.
Until it wasn’t.
Sienna knew the flower was gone for good and that it was a part of the child, so without hesitation, she broke into the castle, stole the princess, and was gone within seconds, leaving the entire kingdom in disaster. They searched far and wide but none of it mattered as she hid in the woods in the tallest tower where no one could get in, raising the child as her own.
“Why can’t I go outside?” Blake asked late at night while Sienna brushed her hair.
She sighed, only because she was back to her normal, youthful self, “The outside world is a horrible, selfish place - One where it’s dangerous for Faunus like us. You must stay here where you’re safe. Do you understand, flower?”
“Okay, mama.”
But at the same time every year, once a year, Blake had the most amazing view of seeing thousands upon thousands of lanterns float into the night sky for the king and queen hoping for their lost princess to return.
Blake opened the doors and smiled when she felt the wind against her skin. Today was going to be a good day, she told herself - She would ask the question she’d been meaning to for years. She was finally of that age to ask for more things and this was the perfect opportunity to start with one of them.
She started and finished a new painting, the dress she had been procrastinating on was finally done, she had baked cookies for her mother to eat when she came home, started a bit of her puzzle she’d finish later, and brushed all of her hair - All before 7:30. Blake liked to think she was becoming a pro at this. Soon her ear flicked when she heard her name being called.
“Blake, let down your hair, my flower!”
She hurried to the door before stopping, looking back at the painting she made of all the lanterns that would happen tomorrow night. The only thing she’s wanted to see up close her entire life.
“Blake,” Her mother called again, “You know I don’t like waiting.”
“Coming, Mother!”
Her hair fell down the tower, long enough for her mother to use as a transport up - A security measure as she liked to call it since she was the only one who knew how to get up there safely. Blake pulled her up with a slight grunt, smiling brightly when she saw her mom come back from town.
“Oh, Blake, I can’t imagine why you took so long to get me.”
Those cat ears folded down, “Well, I was-”
Sienna kissed her forehead, “I’m just messing with you, don’t be so stiff.”
“R-Right,” Blake straightened up, “Mother, tomorrow is something really important and special so I was wondering if-”
“Can that wait just a moment?” She asked, looking at herself in the mirror, “The people out there were just awful today - Would you sing for me? You know how that always helps my mood.”
“Of course.”
Blake rushed to grab her chair and her brush, helping her mom sit down, throwing her hair onto her lap and started to sing quickly, making her hair glow bright. “Wait-” Sienna started brushing through it in a hurry but frowned, “Blake!”
“Tomorrow is the special day I was talking about and that special day is my birthday!”
She hummed, taking a moment to think about it, “Impossible, we did that last year.”
“By definition, a birthday is something that happens annually, so it kind of adds up.” She bit her lip, “I’m turning 18 - You know, the age you said things would change just a little, so I was wondering if… if I-”
Sienna’s face hardened, “When you want something I taught you to speak up.”
Holding her dress tightly, she just let the words spill out, “I want to see the stars up close tomorrow.” Sienna stood up - She never liked talking about going outside when it came to her, “I need to see them, Mother. I feel like it’s just- like something meant for me. I have to know what they are.”
“For years I have told you about the dangers of the outside world yet you still choose to ignore my words.”
“Mother-”
She turned around, a sad look on her face, “There’s a reason I call you ‘my flower’ - You’re fragile, something that must be kept safe and sound for no one else to hurt,” Hands threading through her hair before letting it fall, “I knew this day was coming, that you’d want to leave and explore, and that will be soon but not now. It’s far too risky.”
“But-”
“Trust me, Blake,” She said coldly, “The world is changing at a pace you cannot keep up with, especially with those humans.”
Cat ears folded down at the mention of humans - Her mother has shown her books about what has happened between humans and Faunus. She says if things were different, then maybe they’d be living like the rest of them, but it was too dangerous. They always carried weapons, ready to fight at any moment, and that none of them were good. It was for her safety and she knew that, she just wished her mother would let her go out one time.
Heels clicking against the floor, Sienna lifted her chin, “Blake.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t ever ask to leave again.”
She tried to hide her disappointment, but she couldn’t, “Yes, Mother.”
The older woman sighed, leaning down just a bit to be eye level with her, “I love you, this is all for you.”
And it was the truth, she knew it was, making Blake smile, “I love you more.”
“I love you the most.”
***
She held onto the side of the castle, feeling the tiles under her rough hand as they went with their plan. It took them so long to get up there and now that there was a breeze, she took a moment to stand at the edge and look at the entire kingdom below her.
“Wow… This view is amazing.”
“Ember,” Emerald hissed, “Come on, we don’t have the time for sightseeing.”
“Hold on, hold on,” Waving a hand dismissively before resting her hands on her hips and nodding, “Guys, I’ve made my decision - I want a castle.”
Mercury’s jaw clenched as he walked towards her, “Once you get us what we need then you can buy your own castle.” Grabbing her by the collar and shoving her.
A scowl spread across her face but she went ahead and tied the rope around her waist. They had a plan to obtain the crown to either sell it to a neighboring kingdom or demand anything their heart desired lest they break something that cost more than any of their lives.
The blonde was slowly let down by a rope toward their goal - Now that she was up close, none of the drawings could show how unique this was. She slipped it into the bag, careful not to push it in roughly, and buttoned it up. A sneeze came from the man in front of her, and it would be rude of her not to say anything.
“Bless you.”
“Thank you,” He said, as his gray canine tail wagged before looking back, “Wait- Wait! Stop!”
She couldn’t stop her laughter as they ran away quickly - What was the point of stealing without a little chase? Apparently Emerald and Mercury didn’t seem to agree with her ways but she didn’t care.
“You guys can picture me in a castle right? I’d be great!” They rolled her eyes and her smile grew, “Can you believe it? All the things we’ve seen and it’s only 8 in the morning! I can tell this is going to be a very big day!”
They ran into the forest, really there wasn’t anywhere else to do other than try to find at least a cave or something they could hide out in for the time being but either it was too obvious or too dangerous. Going further in, they passed by flyers of ‘Wanted’ signs, taking a break to catch their breath. That was until Ember saw her drawing.
“No, no, no, no, no, no!” Ripping it off the tree and turning it to her buddies, “They messed up my hair! They forgot my favorite strand! It’s the most obvious one!”
Emerald could feel her eye twitching, “Who cares? It looks like a stupid antenna anyway.”
She gasped in offense, “It’s just a stubborn one, thank you.” A frown started to form as well, “Aw, they made it shorter again-”
The horses sounded close so when they looked over their shoulder, they all saw the Schnee sisters with the soldiers behind them, changing direction to find a safe way down. Mercury was the first to run followed by Emerald then Ember until she almost ran into the dead end. She bit her lip before turning to them.
“Okay, help me get up there and I’ll lift you up.”
Mercury raised his hand, “Give us the crown then you can do that.”
Placing a hand on her heart, she said, “After everything we’ve been through, you both still don’t trust me?” Neither of their faces changed, making her frown as she handed the bag over, “Thanks for the faith, I guess.”
The wall was too tall to have one person boost her up, so Mercury held Emerald while Ember climbed them both, celebrating when she reached the top.
“Now get us up there, blondie.”
“Sorry, but my hands are full.” Smiling as she waved the bag in front of them before running again, hearing a very loud, and most definitely filled with hate, call of her name. Ember was about to go one way until she saw the entire military coming her way, yelping and running in the other direction.
Head of the military, Winter Schnee, looked over her shoulder, seeing her sister on one side and the rest on the other, “Secure the crown at any cost - Dead or Alive.”
The younger Schnee nodded and followed right behind her sister. They knew what a nuisance the blonde was to the kingdom, she’d be sure to take care of it for them all. She made two excellent shots that forced Ember on the path she wanted, thankful that Winter seemed to notice when the others didn’t, stopping when the trees were in their way.
Winter smirked, “We’ll get her now, Weiss.” Unfortunately for them, they hadn’t noticed the thief had gone a different way, managing to kick her off her horse.
Weiss halted her horse in distress, “Winter-”
“Don’t stop! Retrieve the crown - I’ll make my way back!” As much as she wanted to protest, she hurried after the blonde.
Meanwhile, Ember was doing great, at least while she wasn’t speaking, “Come boy, pick up the pace!” Because the horse stopped right there, making her kick its sides, “Damn high-class fleabag, get goin’!” He lifted himself on his hind legs and since she was in the heat of the moment, she had nothing to stop her from falling off, “Ow, son of a-”
“Get her, Myrtenaster!”
There was no time to curse out the other horse, getting herself back on her feet and running, but whatever name the Schnee shouted seemed to be faster than the rest, already catching up to her and taking a bite of the bag. Ember looked at the horse and Weiss as they both looked down at her.
“Let it go!”
“You first!”
“You stole it!”
“Too bad!”
With another firm tug, Ember managed to get it away from them, only for it to land on a branch off the cliff - Both of them went after it but Ember fell and miraculously held on, peeking out from under the tree trunk. Weiss had the horse move forward and it seemed to purposely move only where the blonde’s hands were until she threw herself just enough to grab it - Sticking out her tongue at them.
Then they heard a snap and soon fell.
Ember groaned, picking out the leaves from her hair and standing up as she was about to lean against the grassy wall, only to find it wasn’t a wall, but a cave that led somewhere. She peeked inside, not daring to go any further but remembered how close the Schnee was, quickly hiding in there and behind a rock. She held her breath when she heard the footsteps from the horse get closer, hoping she’d leave soon.
Weiss’ brows pinched as she looked around, about to check one more spot until she heard a horse in the distance, it was probably Winter’s - She sighed and petted her own, “Come on, Myr - Let’s go.”
All the stress left Ember’s body knowing that the chase was finally done and that she was away from everyone, but she needed somewhere to rest for a moment - Enjoy her new reward for the time being. She saw that there was light at the end of the cave and walked out of it to be met with a tall tower that stole her breath. It was like her luck was never running out. A wide smile spread as she threw the bag around her neck and started to climb, opening the door with ease.
She took a deep breath in and looked at the crown, smiling down at it, “Finally, alone at last.” And then her world went dark.
The Faunus let out a scream after hitting the person in the head with a frying pan, knocking them down and running behind whatever was closest before peeking out to see that they hadn’t moved. Ears raising slightly in curiosity, Blake quietly walked up to the person. Other than her mother, she’s never seen anyone else. This one didn’t seem to have Faunus traits, leaving her cautious, this must’ve been a human, but she was too curious to stop herself.
They were blonde - Very tall considering she had to raise her arms to hit her head, big and seemingly strong, and looked at peace. Nothing like the art she’s seen in the books she’s read. All of them had humans carrying weapons or looking angry - This one looked different from all of those. A grumble came from her and before she could think, Blake hit her in the head again, knocking her out for good.
Her mother would be home soon to bring her lunch so it was a race against the clock. She looked around her room to see where she could hide this giant person and the only option was the closet - Stuffing her inside and pinning the chair to the handles.
“Okay,” She huffed, “I have a person in my closet, a human of all things, and I’m unharmed.” A rush of pride flowed through her when she realized she had done this all herself, “I have a person in my closet! I’ll show Mother I can go outside - Just for one day.”
As she was about to move away, she stumbled over the bag the blonde had dropped, showing something shiny. Blake got it out and wondered what to do, putting it on her displays and various things until she gave up - It was making her frustrated that she didn’t know what this went to. Ending up at her mirror, she looked at her reflection and back down to the item in her hands, raising it and placing it on her head.
It looked beautiful on her, and it seemed to be made for someone with ears like hers since it didn’t hurt. She’d gotten the gift of trying on a hat to match the outfits she’d crafted but disliked the feeling of her ears being pinned or poked, yet this didn’t do that.
Blake found herself never wanting to take it off.
“Blake, my dear, I’m back!”
Her heart dropped as fast as it was lifted - Mother was here and she could prove herself. She threw the items into a pot, rushing to put everything away, “I’m coming!”
“Well, hurry, I have a surprise for you!”
Mine is bigger, Blake thought to herself when she came in, smiling when her mom handed her the basket of food she brought, “You brought back salmon?!”
She nodded, “I’m going to smoke it later - Now, what took you so long this time?”
“That’s just what I wanted to talk about and I thought about what you said before you left-”
“I hope this isn’t about tomorrow.”
“Yes- Well- No, I’m leading up to that, but after you left something happened and I-”
Sienna sighed with a shake of her head as she moved to put what she brought away, “I specifically remember telling you not to bring it up again.”
“I know, but it’s only because you said you think I’m not strong enough to take care of myself.”
“My dear, I know you can’t.”
“Mother, please-”
“Blake.”
“I have proof that I can do it, I promise I can-”
She slammed her hand down on the table, her long ears folded back in anger, “Enough with this childish dream of yours, Blake! You are not leaving this tower, ever!”
Blake was just a moment away from showing her mother her accomplishment, only to flinch and move away, ears folding down from the volume of her voice and the disappointment she felt. Golden eyes landed on the painting she had drawn earlier of her dream, the thing she’d been wishing for years now.
Guilt pooled in her stomach but this was the only way.
“Great, now you’re upset and I’m the bad guy,” Sienna muttered, deflating with a pinch of sadness in her tone.
“I… I was just going to ask if we could get the books you got me for my 15th birthday together, but since you don’t want me to leave, it would just be you going.” Hoping her body wouldn’t betray her.
“You’re right, I don’t want you going, but that’s a three-day trip, sweetheart,” She said, walking up to her, cupping her cheek, “Will you be alright?”
Blake smiled, “As long as I’m in here I will be.”
***
Ember groaned as she lifted her head, squinting her eyes to get adjusted to the light only for them to go wide when she saw she was tied up - Not by rope, but by hair.
“What- What the hell is this?!” She yelled, making the chair screech against the floor.
“I’ll ask the questions.”
She turned her head to where the voice was coming from, seeing that the hair also ended there before her brows pinched in confusion, and slight worry when the girl continued to talk.
“I know why you’re here and I- I’m not afraid of you.”
“… Then why are you the one hiding?”
Ember didn’t get a vocal answer to that, but she did see a beautiful woman walking towards her - She didn’t pay attention to the frying pan that was above the Faunus’ shoulders ready to strike, she could only look into how beautiful her golden eyes were and how she was mesmerized.
“Who are you and how did you get here?”
She had to focus and get her head in the game, “My name is- The name’s Ember Celica and I don’t know exactly how I got here, but what I do know is this,” Leaning back with a smile, “You’re beautiful.” When she didn’t respond, Yang asked, “How’s your day going?”
She put the pan in front of Ember’s face, “Who else is with you, Ember Celica?”
“Listen here, pipsqueak-”
“Blake.”
“Sure thing. Anyway, I was running away from this crazy girl trying to take my bag and-” She froze before moving her entire body and the chair once more in distress, “Where’s my bag?!”
“I’ve hidden it somewhere you can never find.”
Ember huffed and looked around until her eyes landed on a pot a few feet away from them, “It’s in there isn’t it?” She saw the frying pan coming toward her so she yelled, “Wait! Okay! Okay- Calm down, I already have one big headache, I don’t need another!” Blake just rolled her eyes and used her hair as a blindfold while she found another hiding spot, “You really are something, you know that?”
“There,” Loosening her hair, “Now it’s hidden in a place only I know. So what’s your goal here? Are you trying to get rid of my hair? Cut it?” Putting the pan under her chin with a threat, “Sell it for your own benefit?”
“Mine’s perfect enough as it is and purple hair wouldn’t look good on me, so no thanks.”
Her ear flicked, “You… don’t want it?”
“Why would I want yours? I literally want to get out of your hair.”
Blake stared at the woman in front of her for a moment trying to pick out her lies but she couldn’t find any. If anything she looked bored. But she was the key for her dream to come true.
“Focus here,” Spinning the chair around, ear flicking to a thud but she was already up by her painting, “See this?”
“The lanterns for the princess?” Slightly muffled from half of her face being squished into the floor.
So they aren’t stars - She smiled, “Yeah, those - I’m willing to make you a deal. Take me to see them and bring me back home safely, and I’ll give you back your bag.”
She chuckled, “As fun as that would be, that requires me stepping foot into the kingdom again,” Lifting herself just enough to see Blake, “We aren’t on good terms so it seems like that’s a no-can-do.”
Jumping off the ledge, Blake spoke through clenched teeth, pulling Ember’s chair, lifting her back up, “I’m not one to believe in many things, but I do believe that something brought you here to help me-”
“A crazy girl.”
“-get out of here, and I’m making a decision to trust it.”
“A terrible one really.”
“So listen carefully when I say this,” Coming face-to-face with her, “You can tear this room down, tear the ceiling down, tear the entire tower down for all I care - You will never find that bag without my help.”
She cleared her throat to clear her head, “Okay, so what I’m hearing is this; I take you out to see the world, watch the lanterns, bring you back home without a scratch, and I get my bag back just like that?”
“I promise,” The blonde raised a brow in suspicion, so she added, “I won’t break it - I swear.”
Ember huffed, looking to the side then back at her, “It looks like you leave me no choice, Blake. Here comes the smolder.” When she saw the Faunus frown, she started to regret everything, “This doesn’t happen much if you can’t tell.” A loud groan escaped from her, “Damn it, fine! I’ll take you to see the lanterns.”
Blake gasped and let go of the chair, “Really?!” Also letting Ember fall as well. “Sorry…”
“You broke my smolder…”
+++
The world was right in front of her, it felt so close yet so far. Her nerves weren’t helping her either as she looked back at her painting - Blake was finally going to see them, she was going to be outside and enjoy the world around her, she was going to live. Yet that terrified her. This tower was the only place she’d ever known. Her only home and safe haven, once she stepped outside, that would all be gone.
“You still coming, pipsqueak?”
Blake didn’t realize she’d been stalling so long that Ember was more than halfway down the tower. She took a steadying breath - She could do this, she could do this, she was going to do it. Long purple hair fell from high above along with an excited yell as she got closer to the bottom, stopping just before she touched the ground, hesitant for a split second.
When her feet touched the grass for the first time, it felt weird. New. And she liked it. The grass was prickly yet soft and the more she walked through it, the more she felt new textures like the dirt or stepping into the cold water. With laughter, she ran to escape the cold. But Blake didn’t stop. She wasn’t bound to the tower anymore and she didn’t have to look at the same area she’d been in her whole life, the Faunus just kept running faster and faster, past the grassy walls until she saw the forest - A new view for the first time.
“I can’t believe it,” Staring in awe, looking at the wildlife around her, “Is this what you get to see every day?”
Ember shrugged, hands in her pockets as she walked forward, “Basically, nothin’ too special for me but you seem excited.”
Blake smiled, “I am. I really, really am.” Then her ears folded down, “Mother would be so upset if she saw me right now… What would she think?”
“Depends, have you ever broken her trust like this before?”
“N-No…”
A dramatic sigh left her, “Then she'll probably be crushed and never trust you again but hey, look here! You’re out of that stuffy ‘ol’ tower, right? You can see anything you want, go as far as your tiny little legs can take you, I mean, come on, that’s living the dream, ain’t it?”
“She’d never trust me?” Blake whispered, tangling her hands through her hair nervously, “That- That can’t be right.”
“Your mother hasn’t done anything to deserve this, has she?”
“Well, no-”
“Then there’s your answer - I wouldn’t want to impose on your relationship with your mother, it’s not right, so I’m afraid I have to cut the deal off,” Holding her shoulders and spinning her back around towards the wall, “It’d be better for you not to ruin things, I get my bag back, and all of this comes to a close-”
Blake pushed her away, the frying pan pointed at her face again, “No, I know what you’re trying to do and it’s not going to work. You’re going to take me to see the lanterns,” then hit her chest, “I will use this if I have to.”
She seemed unfazed by the pan but whined, “Brothers, what’s it going to take?!”
Tree branches began to snap and Blake rushed behind Ember, jumping on her back and protecting them with her weapon in front of them - At least that’s what she thought. Ember just stood there with a raised brow while she asked in a panic voice, “Were you followed? Are they thieves? Bandits?”
“Don’t know, I’m pretty sure you’ll get them with this though,” Hoping to show how sarcastic she was being. Soon a bunny jumped out, making her look behind at Blake, “Don’t move ‘cause they smell fear.”
“Shut up,” Getting off of her, “I’m just- I’m being jumpy, is all.”
Ember fixed her shirt, “Sure thing, but it would be best if we avoided those things you mentioned.” She couldn’t help but smile when she thought of something, “Actually, are you hungry? There’s a pub somewhere ‘round the forest I’ve been waiting to try.”
“Where?”
She threw her arm over her shoulder, “You’ll smell it before you see it.”
***
Weiss groaned as she looked around, “Still nothing, boy?” Myrtenaster let out a huff, at least she could chuckle at her horse’s theatrics, “She couldn’t have gone far, we’ll get her and when we do, I’ll make sure the ones in charge of the stables spoil you.” Patting his neck gently to continue.
Eventually, they both heard the crunching of footsteps like someone was trying to get over a fallen tree stump, so Weiss led Myrtenaster behind a big rock waiting for the right money to jump out - Only to scare a poor woman taking a walk.
“By the gods!” Sienna shouted, sighing when she saw the uniform and horse, “Just another palace guard-”
“I’m sorry ma’am! I didn’t mean-”
“Blake.”
The Schnee couldn’t finish her sentence before the woman ran away from wherever she came from and maybe ask her a question if she had bumped into a blonde. She tried to follow but whatever Faunus she was must’ve been faster than her horse because they were completely left in the dust that even Myr couldn’t sniff her out.
Her heart was racing, not due to the running, but due to the rising panic she hadn’t felt since all those years ago. 18 years ago to be exact. The tower was back in view, everything looked the same, there was hope, there was-
“Blake! My flower! I forgot something, I need you!” She yelled, anxiously waiting, “It’s urgent!”
There was no answer.
Sienna ran to the hidden passage she made in case of any emergency, clawing at the stone and pounding at the tiles to get through, rushing into every room and screaming Blake’s name. Blood ran cold when she was nowhere to be found. She ran her hands through her hair in a panic, trying to think of anything, before something shone in her eye from underneath the stairs. Something that hadn’t been there before. Ripping it open and rummaging through the bag, she saw the hideous item.
Blake’s- No, just a regular crown that belonged to the king and queen. The only question was how it got there.
As if the brothers had heard her thoughts, a paper slipped out from the bag with a thief’s name and face. The one who most likely had what belonged to her. There was nothing to do other than grab the weapon that she had kept hidden in case an intruder ever stepped foot into the tower.
Now there was a reason to use it.
***
“It should be around here somewhere…”
“I thought you said we’d smell it first.” Blake teased, making Ember send a smile in her direction.
“That I did - To be fair it’s early in the morning so there’s a chance they haven’t started yet,” Holding the Faunus tightly, she kicked down the door and shouted, “Table for two, please!”
Everyone in the tavern turned their heads and when Blake caught a glimpse of the kind of people they were, the humans her mother described flashed through her mind. A tall man was tending to the bar that looked mad, a set of twins who seemed to be the embodiment of mischief, a woman sharpening her weapon, and the rest sitting around drinking with angry looks. Blake couldn’t stop the gasp that tore from her throat, feet dragging as she was pushed deeper into the room.
“Oh yeah, forgot to mention, bad guys - People on the run,” Patting her back with a chuckle, “Don’t worry, I’ve heard great things about the food.”
“That’s a lot of hair.” One of them said aloud, grabbing Ember’s attention.
She gave a long whistle, “Look here, Blake, there’s blood on this guy’s shirt! Say what did you do?” The Faunus didn't stick around for the conversation, accidentally bumping into the tall man she saw earlier, yelping and running back to Ember’s side, “Seems like you can’t handle this, so why don’t we just go back to your tower so you can be safe and sound-”
Then the door slammed, the woman with bright blue eyes holding a paper to it, “Is this you?”
They looked at each other and back to the paper before the blonde moved her finger just enough to uncover the paper - It was Ember for sure, her face matched, but her hair looked weird like it was a short bob. Either the person drawing her had a personal problem with her or just couldn’t see.
“Okay, now this is just rude.”
“It’s her, all right - Shay D., go get a guard,” The bartender said, holding her by the collar as he ran out, “Her life will be able to get me a new setup.”
Then the twins stole her, wrapping her in their arms, “No! The money will go to us!”
Another stole her, holding her in one arm and holding out their weapon in the other, “I’m broke!”
All hell broke loose after that, the poor blonde being tossed around by all of them, wondering how much they would get once they turned her in. Blake knew she couldn’t physically do anything to stop them, so using her hair, she pulled one of the bars down as far as she could, letting it go to hit the bartender in the head - Stopping everyone's movements.
“Put her down!” Blake shouted, “Just- Gods, have some decorum! Some respect! Anything!” She ran her hands through her hair, staring each of them in the eye, “I don’t know where I am, she’s the only one that can help me see the lanterns I’ve been dreaming of seeing for years now - Haven’t any of you wished for something in your life?”
The tall man crept closer to her, not caring about Ember anymore which was good, but that left Blake in a bad spot. Her ears folded back as he towered over her, yet all he did was take off his red glasses.
“I’ve always wanted to make the biggest bar this kingdom has ever seen,” He said, “Lights everywhere, music playing, drinks from all the kingdoms all in one spot right at my establishment,” Crossing his arms above his chest, he added, “The name’s Junior and this is my tavern.”
She smiled, “It’s lovely.” Then the twins came over.
“I’m Meltila.”
“And I’m Melanie.”
“Anything with fashion is our calling.” She looked her up and down, “I like the extensions.”
Blake’s ear flicked at what she meant but then she was bombarded by the rest of the tavern telling her what they hoped for the future - Fairytales were one thing but hearing other people wishing for things that could be within their reach brought even more hope to her. She found herself laughing and talking with all of them until she realized why she needed to distract them, eyes landing on her guide hanging by a hook looking bored.
A quiet chuckle left her, “Sorry, I got distracted.”
“Yeah, I could see that.” Ember deadpanned.
Blake was just glad she was safe, turning to her new friends behind her, “Could one of you get her down, please?” Junior did, mumbling something under his breath as he set her down, “There, now we can-”
The door burst open, showing the guy from earlier named Shay D. wearing a bright smile, “I brought the guards!”
The Faunus couldn’t react before she was pulled by Ember, ducking under the bar and being told to hush as a woman stomped in, yelling her name, “Where is she? Where is Ember Celica?!” The general marched up to the crowd, “We know she’s here - We’ll turn this place upside down if we have to!”
Ember motioned Blake to stay put while she raised herself up just enough to peek bore the bar, heart sinking when she saw Emerald and Mercury in handcuffs. If the guards didn’t get her first, they would and they would kill her. She slid back down, hope leaving her body until a shot glass was placed next to her head - Junior was next to them and motioning them to a hidden door he must’ve opened when she was distracted.
“Go, before something happens to you.”
She smiled, “Aw, thanks Junior, I knew you would-”
“Not you, I was talking to her.”
Celica scoffed and slid down first while Blake stayed behind, “Thank you for everything.” Pecking him on the cheek, not noticing his smile.
Winter growled in anger when they couldn’t find her despite looking everywhere, whipping her head around when the door opened once more, “Weiss?”
“Myrtenaster led me here, must’ve heard you in the distance.” She got down, “What’s going on?”
“Celica is here, but it seems like they have changed their minds on the reward.”
Weiss hummed and looked around - If they searched all over there was no need for her to, but her horse huffed, pawing at the table in front of him. He only did that when he found something. She patted his neck to calm him down and saw that there were levers, pulling them all down until one opened a door. A smile filled with pride spread across her face.
“Good job.” Leading him down the way.
“Follow her,” Winter turned to one of the other guards, “Marrow, make sure they don’t get away.”
They waited until everyone left and once they did, Mercury knocked him out and got the handcuffs off of them. Emerald sighed, “Let’s make this easy - Get the crown.” Not noticing a woman watching them.
Meanwhile, Ember held a torch as they walked through the cave, shaking her head with a breathless laugh, “You just keep on surprising me, pipsqueak - I didn’t think you could get us out of that.”
“Right?” She said excitedly, her voice bouncing off the walls - Pink painted her cheeks when the blonde raised a brow, “Y-Yeah, I didn’t either… But, I didn’t get to hear your dream.”
“Don’t have one.”
She crossed her arms behind her back, “Well, can I know where you’re from?”
Blonde hair quickly shook side to side, “Now that is where I have to stop you - I’m not one for backstories, not from my end,” Lilac eyes looked down at her, “I’m interested about you though. I can’t ask about your mom.”
“Nope,”
“Can’t ask about the hair.”
“Absolutely not.”
“And I don’t really care about the tower that much so,” She turned to face Blake, “I guess what I want to know is if you wanted to see the lanterns so badly, why didn’t you leave sooner?”
Her ears shuffled back, “I…” Flinching when a small rock hit her head. The cave around them began to shake and her ears flicked, hearing footsteps, lots of them, “Ember?” She asked shakily as she grabbed her hair, that’s when she saw the guards, “Ember!”
“Celica!”
There were no thoughts as she picked up the Faunus and ran as fast as she could, surviving only on adrenaline. If this were any other moment Blake would be thinking of one of her stories she had read but now wasn’t the time. When they got to the end of the tunnel, it was a dead end - Sure there was a ladder, but two people came crashing through a blocked-off area. Damn Emerald and Mercury.
“Who are those people?!”
“They don’t like me that much.” Turning around to see the guards, “Oh, they don’t either.”
Another one came out on a horse and Blake in her stressed state asked once again, “Who’s that?!”
“The crazy one I told you about!” Blake groaned and shoved the pan into Ember’s stomach, using her hair as a rope to get herself to the other side of the cliff, leaving Ember by herself. She managed to knock out the others, but the ones left were the Schnees, “Brothers help me.”
“I’ve waited a long time for this, Celica.” Weiss started, “This is where your luck runs out.”
She could barely blink before swords were coming at her, somehow managing to dodge it just in time. They weren’t holding back in the slightest but the only reason she wasn’t getting hurt was because of the stupid frying pan. With one strong hit, she knocked the swords away from them.
“I really need to get me one of these!” One more sword appeared and without thinking, she took her stance, soon turning very confused when it was Weiss’ horse. It was swinging it just like her, eventually able to make it fly out of her hand. Ember looked at all of them with a sheepish smile, “How about the best two out of three?”
“Ember!”
Purple hair wrapped around her and her smug smile came back until she saw Emerald and Mercury coming right at her - She got on the cliff where Blake had been on, but the problem now was that she wasn’t there.
“Kick down the boards!” Blake shouted from below, running away already, “Break the dam!” When she saw where she was headed, she knew what she had to do.
If she went with the boards that would take too long, Blake wouldn’t be able to run away from them in time, so the blonde ran down the water stream and let her eyes turn red - The Faunus could ask questions later. She jumped down and punched the ground, causing it to shake the entire area. And just like she thought, it was enough to make a crack in the dam, breaking it in one hit, allowing the water to escape. The water drowned the guards first and then the two after them, but they couldn’t stop running as they tried to hide in the next cave, barely making it in time.
Despite finding safety, they still couldn’t relax. The water was rising and it was rising quickly. Ember motioned Blake to go as high as they could, but they reached a dead end - She wouldn’t let that stop her though. She held her breath and went under the water and tried to find a way out. Blake wanted to help too but-
“There’s no use,” The blonde coughed, “It’s too dark.” She started to wipe her eyes but heard a loud gasp, then saw Blake dive in, and she couldn’t let that happen - Immediately grabbing her and holding her against the cold cave wall, “Blake, there’s no point, it’s pitch black. Even with your traits, you can’t do anything, the water will stop you.” When the Faunus relaxed, she let go.
“… It’s all my fault. Mom was right,” She whimpered, “I- I’m so sorry, Ember.” Her ears folded down as she curled into herself.
Lilac eyes stared at her, soft and warm, wishing things wouldn’t end but if it was, she wanted to be herself, “Yang.”
Sniffling, she asked, “What?”
“… Yang - My real name is Yang Xiao Long,” Not looking at her and only to the water below, “I should have at least one person know before,” Shrugging with a sigh.
That made her smile, “If we’re telling secrets, I have magic hair that glows.”
“Okay, but mine was the truth-”
“I have magic hair that glows!” The water was right at their necks, so she had to be quick, “Flower, gleam and glow, let your power-”
They took one more gulp of air and Yang shut her eyes, wondering what she was doing before she noticed a purple hue next to her. She yelped when she saw that Blake was telling the truth but covered her mouth lest she actually die. Long purple hair lit up the area just enough for them to see that there was a spot the water was escaping from, and Yang used every ounce of energy she could to push the rocks out - Letting them fall into the river.
Blake and Yang crawled onto the grass and coughed, trying to regain their breath, before Yang flopped on her back, looked up at the sky, and whimpered, “Her hair glows.”
“We’re alive!”
“It glows like a- like a damn light!”
“Yang.”
“How is that possible?!”
“Yang.”
“What?!” She yelled, looking at her with distress.
Only able to chuckle, she grabbed her hair to get rid of the water, “It doesn’t just glow, it can do more.”
The blonde let her head fall, “What the hell did I sign up for?”
***
Sienna waited near the exit she had almost killed info out from the bandit but he didn’t lie, that’s the only reason he was able to keep the rest of his teeth. Her long ears flicked to the door banging - She’d be there any second now, making her pull out her knife and creep up slowly, only to stop when it wasn’t the one she wanted. It wasn’t either of them. Just a green-haired girl and a grey-haired boy.
“I’m gonna kill her!” He shouted, kicking down the tree, leaving an impressive dent in it, “I’ll kill Ember!”
“Not if I do first.” She muttered. “Well cut through the kingdom and get the crown that way, block her path.”
That’s when the tiger smiled, this would make her job easier and her hands… less bloody.
“Or you can stop being, shall I say, incompetent?” The Faunus teased as she held the bag up - They pulled their weapons out on her which only made her laugh, “Oh, please, that’s just a waste of time and energy. Here.” Throwing the bag at them, “Well, if that’s all you wanted- I was going to give you an even bigger reward which would be the best part of your lives but you seem happy already- but never mind that, enjoy your crown.”
“Wait,” The boy asked, falling for her trap exactly how she wanted, “What’s the best part?”
Holding the paper in her hand, she could only grin, “The death of Ember Celica.”
***
“So- uh- Wrapping my hand in hair to heal it, huh? That’s a new one.”
Blake rolled her eyes, “When I do this, promise you won’t freak out?”
“I’ll be super cool, I don’t know what you’re talking about-” By the stare she was being given, she blushed and looked away, “Yeah, I promise.”
A relieved sigh left her, “Thank you.” She couldn’t help but bite her lip - Yang had already seen her hair glow, her mother was the only one, but now she was going to see its full potential and it made her nervous. But she swallowed down that fear.
“Flower, gleam, and glow. Let your power shine…”
Yang couldn’t help but stare at the woman before her, how her hair was glowing just like it did in the cave, beginning at her roots and descending from there - Hair that was once dark purple was now glowing. Another thing was how beautiful her voice was, how it seemed to soothe her despite her panicked state. Before she knew it, Blake was done singing, sending a soft smile her way.
Carefully moving her hair, she saw that the deep cut she had gotten was gone and now fully healed. Yang blinked, and blinked again, then a chuckle left her before a scream started to build in the back of her throat and-
“Don’t freak out!”
She could only gasp until she was out of breath, “I told you I wouldn’t freak out. You’re the one freaking out, I’m just totally not interested in how the hell this is possible or anything. Did this just happen?” Talking very fast which made Blake relieved.
“It’s been like that ever since I was born,” Combing through it gently, “Mom said people wanted to cut it and when that happens, it stays black and never goes back. That’s why it has to be protected, and why I…” Blake shook her head with a sigh.
“You never left the tower,” Yang finished, frowning when she leaned closer, “But you’re still gonna go back even after-”
“No!” Blake shouted before she could stop herself, “… I don’t know, I haven’t thought much about it and I don’t want to start now,” Eyes landing on the fire as her ears perked up, turning her body towards her, “That’s right, I wanted to know more about you, Yang Xiao Long.”
“I thought I said I don’t do backstories?”
“Well, Ember said that to me, Yang didn’t.”
She sighed, “I’ll save you the trouble of the sad parts of being on the run my whole life, but that’s all there is to it.” Blake only got closer, making her chuckle and roll her eyes, “There was this one thing I was given as a kid by my parents. A story of the strongest there ever was - Emberlynn Celica, she’d travel all over the world fighting monsters, drowning in money, and flirting with every woman in her path,” Blake hit her arm, making her smile, “But she never bragged about it.”
“Was she an outlaw too?”
Yang looked away, “Uh- No… She could do anything she wanted and I guess for being a kid who had to run with only a story and strength like no one in her town… It just seemed easier.”
“Can I ask what you mean about your strength?” She asked softly - The blonde faced her with an expression she couldn’t pinpoint, so she added, “I know I can’t say much about people, but you really are strong. You made the whole dam break from a punch!”
“You saw that, huh?” Blushing slightly. She messed around with her hands and nodded, mostly to herself, “I was told to use my strength for good, hone it to the fullest extent - I never knew what my mother meant until I learned that my eyes can change from this,” Closing her eyes and exhaling, showing the Faunus who was now in awe, “To red.”
Blake’s eyes widened, she knew her hair glowing and healing was something that was out of this world, so she liked to think she wouldn’t be surprised by things like this. By the gods was she so wrong. Her body moved before its own, cupping surprisingly soft freckled cheeks.
Purple changed to red with only a blink, she couldn’t believe it, they were so- “Beautiful,” She whispered, “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Her heart skipped. It was suffocating, amazing, she wanted to bask in it, Yang never wanted to leave this moment. Never wanted Blake’s hands to leave her face, but she didn’t want her to feel how hot her cheeks were getting.
Thankfully she looked over to see that the fire was getting low, so she pulled away, missing the touch already, “I need to get firewood before- um, it goes out, even if we have your hair as backup.”
Blake felt cold and it wasn’t from the lack of fire, “Okay, but before you go,” She smiled up at her, “I just wanted to say I like Yang Xiao Long more than Ember Celica.”
“You’d be the first one to think that,” Smiling as she looked down at her healed hand, “Thanks, Blake.” Walking off before things could go any further. She watched her leave, heart thumping faster at the thought of holding her face and she almost giggled.
“I thought she would never leave.”
Then the thumping stopped, overcome with fear and anxiety as she shot up from where she was sitting, seeing her mother standing right behind her.
“M-Mother-” She stuttered as she was wrapped up into a hug, and not a loving one, “How- How did you find me?”
“Oh, I just followed the sweet melody of betrayal and it led me right to you.” Sienna grabbed her hand, “We’re going home, now.”
“No, just wait a moment,” Snatching her hand back, “I’ve done so many things and I’ve learned so much, more than all the books have shown me and it’s all thanks to-” A tinge of pink coated her cheeks, “Well, I met someone.”
“The outlaw? Oh, I saw.”
But she didn’t falter, she only held her hands together, “I think… I think she might like me.”
“You’re acting like a child, Blake. You should’ve never left - You’ve read fairy tales all your life and think you’re going to live one, that’s not how it works,” She held Blake’s hair, “Look at you, would you consider this impressive?”
“Mother-”
“Don’t act like a fool and come back home-”
“No.”
Sienna could feel her blood boil and her patience run low but if this is how her daughter wanted to do things, then so be it. She stalked up to her and watched her shrink slightly, “So you think you’ve gotten more mature, don’t you? Well then, give her this.”
Something was shoved into her arms and she knew exactly what it was, “How did you…”
“That’s the entire reason she’s still here but you’re too blind to see you’re being deceived, so go ahead and give her it.”
Her ears folded back, gripping the bag tighter in anger, “I will!”
“As soon as it leaves your hands, she will be gone, and I won’t say ‘I told you so,’” She walked deeper into the forest, “Do not come crying back to me.”
“Mother, wait!”
“Blake? I wanna ask you something!”
She turned around to see Yang coming back with firewood in her arms just like she promised, but when she looked back to find her mother, she was gone. Even as she strained her ears she couldn’t hear her footsteps - That probably wouldn’t have worked anyway, she never made a sound unless she wanted to.
“Blake? Everything okay?”
She sat back down, placing the bag behind the tree so she wouldn’t see it, not yet, “Sorry, I got lost in thought for a second.”
Yang just shrugged it off as she placed the wood down, “I wanted to ask you since I got healed with magic, do you think I could have superhuman strength with it - like more than what I’ve trained my body to handle? Have you ever tested it out?”
Despite leaving, Sienna stayed just close enough to watch them. She heard the bushes rustle by the slightest amount which made her hold up her hand, “Be patient,” She whispered - In truth, she did not care for humans, but right now the two were necessary to get her flower back, “Good things come to those who wait.”
Now she was used to the same routine every morning with a few differences here and there - The birds would be chirping outside or she’d wake up to the sound of the rain hitting the roof which made her want to sleep in some more. This morning was different.
This time she was woken up by loud bickering and a loud neigh. Blake shot up to see Yang being dragged by a horse with its rider, so she quickly grabbed her hands and tried pulling her away.
“Who are you?!”
“I could ask you the same thing!”
The horse stole Yang’s boot and made him and his owner fall back, while Blake and Yang fell into the grass. They groaned but there was no time to stay there since both the horse and the woman were coming after them separately.
Blake stood in front of the horse, hands up and trying to calm him down, “Hey, hey- Down boy, it’s okay, just settle down, alright?” And surprisingly, he did. “Thank you, can I have the boot back?” She laughed when he huffed like he was trying to give it to her, and once she got it back, she went to go back to Yang, only to stop in her tracks.
“You’re an outlaw! A thief!” She yelled, trying to push her, “I order you to turn yourself in!”
Yang just looked down at her, “Why would I do that?”
“Why you little-”
“Excuse me?”
The short white-haired woman looked at her, “You. Why are you harboring this outlaw?”
“We’re in the middle of the forest.”
“Shut it, Celica!”
“Well, today is kind of a big day for me, like the biggest day of my life, and in order for my dream to come true I need her to not be arrested,” Blake explained, smiling innocently, “Just a little more than 24 hours - Then you can chase each other and do whatever you do.”
Yang scoffed, “I’m not shaking hands with a Schnee.” Blake hit her in the stomach with her pan, making her hiss, “Alright, alright, jeez…”
A smug smile was plastered on her face seeing the blonde get hurt, “Very well then,” Shaking hands with a tighter grip than she needed.
“I’m Blake, by the way.” The Faunus said afterward.
“Weiss Schnee, and this,” Petting her horse, “Is Myrtenaster.”
Yang crossed her arms, “Snow Angel fits you better.”
“As soon as the time is up, I swear I will get you, Celica.”
“Oh, joy.”
+++
Blake couldn’t believe it. She was in the kingdom. There were so many people, houses and stores, outdoor stands with things filled to the brim - So much that she’d never seen before. This was a whole new world for her, but what was new for her was a regular thing to everyone else. She was bumping into people and apologizing endlessly, Yang even came to help her hold her hair, she didn’t know how this was going to work.
Luckily Yang had seen a group of little girls playing with each other's hair and asked for their help, they were quite excited if their pulling had anything to say about it. All she had to do was sit down on the ground while they did their work - Which was cute considering they were mostly just jumping around and letting the hair fall in place. When she stood, it was up nicely with flowers, it was so pretty.
She didn’t see the look Yang was giving her, nor the smirk the Schnee held that made her push her away.
Her ear flicked to a little girl talking to her sister which made her smile. They were talking about the lost princess. She looked to see where they were but instead, her eyes landed on the giant painting of the king, the queen, and what she assumed was the princess as a baby. Brows knitted together, a question on the tip of her tongue, a distant memory that seemed so familiar, but she couldn’t ponder on it long when Yang called her name.
They had hours until the night came and one of the girls had offered her to join them in painting with them and she couldn’t say no to that, but she didn’t have an idea of what to do. Not until Yang came over with a cloth that had the symbol of the moon. It made everything clear the symbol was what she needed to draw. She finished it just in time before the boats came.
Yang took them away from the docks before turning to see Weiss and her horse, “Hey Martin,”
“His name is Myrtenaster.”
“Same thing,” She threw a bag towards them, allowing the apples to roll out - Weiss held out her hand to stop him but Yang shook her head, “Come on, I bought them!”
She smiled, resting her hand on his back as he ate, “Thank you.”
“Most of them at least.”
“What?!”
Blake raised a brow when Yang laughed at her distant yelling, “Do you always have to cause trouble?”
“That’s my middle name.”
“You know, I wouldn’t be surprised anymore,” She looked around. The sun was setting but the moon wouldn’t be out for a while longer, “Why are we on the boats?”
“Well, I was thinking about what you said - Originally you were just going to watch this from a mountain or a hill, huh?” Blake nodded, “Why not be underneath them?”
She stared at her, gold shining, “You really did that for me?”
Yang smiled, “Yeah, so just sit back and enjoy.”
It was now dark with no stars in the sky, no lights on from the kingdom, just pitch black as they sat in the middle of the sea. Blake looked at her reflection, her face downcast. Yang couldn’t help but notice.
“Are you okay?”
“… I’m terrified.”
“Why?”
“What if this isn’t everything I was hoping for?” She held her arms, looking out to the kingdom in front of her, “I’ve been looking at them from my tower for 18 years, holding on to this dream for so long, and now that it’s actually happening… It’s scary.”
Yang hummed, “Well, I can say for certain it will be everything you’ve wanted.”
A gentle sigh left her, “Then what? Say it is, what do I do after?”
“You’ll get to find a new dream. One that you love.”
Blake smiled and stared at her. They stared at each other. She couldn’t tell her how thankful she was for everything she had done to lead up to this moment. The words were there, a simple ‘thank you’ worked, or she could tell her how her view of the world changed by just one person. But none of that seemed like the right thing to say. Maybe there weren’t words to say at all.
She saw a shine in Yang’s eyes that wasn’t there before that moved, and when she looked away, she saw the first lantern flying high in the air. Not caring that they were on a boat or that it was rocking, she stood and leaned against the back, staring in awe as she saw hundreds, no, a thousand more floating. Even people on the ships were letting them go - It made the sky look so different, so new. After years of waiting, she finally saw the light. It was warm and real and bright - Making her world shift. Yet something pulled her away from the view.
Yang did.
Yang held two lanterns that seemed to be handcrafted, a sheepish smile on her face, “I’m obviously not allowed to ask the guards for the special lanterns so I thought I’d make my own.”
Blake sat down, heart thumping fast, “Thank you. Actually… While we’re doing this, I have something for you too.” Reaching behind her and grabbing the bag with the crown inside - She saw her eyes look down at it, “I was scared to say anything but- but now?” Staring into bright lilacs, “I’m not scared anymore, you know what I mean?” But then Yang set the bag down, discarding it as if it didn’t matter, only looking at her.
“I’m starting to.”
Letting their lanterns go, Yang felt something lift off her, like a heavy burden she’d been carrying or something she’d been too scared to admit to leaving. And even though she had a sight only one could dream of seeing, she could not help but look at Blake - How she was still excited, pointing at the lanterns of all shapes and sizes, or the one almost reaching the water before she managed to lift it up gently so it could go back to the sky.
That’s when she realized that as long as Blake was there, her world was clear. She knew where she needed to be. Where she was meant to go. Maybe that’s why she rested her hand on top of Blake’s.
The Faunus’ ears lifted, feeling the warmth of her hand on hers, noticing the blush on freckled cheeks when she moved closer to hold both her hands. Neither of them realized the difference between them - How Yang’s was bigger than hers or how it was rougher, nor did Blake notice how many scars the blonde’s held. She could feel calloused fingers push back her hair behind her ear and how her heart was begging to be given to Yang, leaning in and closing her eyes.
The hairs on the back of her head rose when she saw them. Emerald and Mercury in the distance, waiting. She swallowed thickly and she must’ve taken too long because Blake had already opened her eyes, looking at her with worry.
“Is everything okay?” She asked, ears swiveling back as she looked behind her.
“Y-Yes! Of course,” Chuckling nervously, eyes landing on the bag - If she just gave them it this would be all over, “I just… have to do something.” She quickly rowed them to the shore, grabbing the bag and throwing it over her shoulder, looking back at Blake one more time with a smile, “I’ll be right back.”
Fear crept in but she trusted Yang so she nodded, “Okay.”
Brothers, did she want to say more but if she did that would just cause more trouble for the both of them. So she held her tongue and walked away, not liking how far they were from where she last saw them standing. Soon she found Emerald sitting on a rock, sharpening her blades like normal - At least it was nothing out of the ordinary.
“Been trying to find you guys since we got separated,” Ember said, trying to put on her best act, “Did you cut your hair? ‘Cause if you did, I like it.” Emerald just stared at her and she knew needed to get this over with, “Well, just wanted to drop this off, tell you I’m done, and you never have to see me again which will be for the… best.” Seeing that Mercury was blocking her way from leaving.
“Holding out on us again, Ember?”
“What?”
“Saw you found something more interesting, more valuable than any crown could ever buy,” She said, putting her blades away, “We want the girl instead.”
Blake’s ear twitched when she heard the rocks moving, smiling when she saw a silhouette walking towards her. She sighed a breath of relief, “Here I thought you ran off and left me since I gave you the-” The words died on her tongue when it was two people coming towards her - They were the ones she had seen in the cave.
The grey-haired one smiled wickedly, arms crossed, “She did.”
“N-No, she wouldn’t, stop lying-”
“See for yourself.” Throwing his thumb over his shoulder to the water.
She didn’t like the idea of getting closer to them to see what they were talking about, but once she saw bright blonde hair sailing away on a boat, it felt like her world shattered into a million pieces.
“Yang…”
“I’d say it was a fair trade for a girl with magic hair, don’t you think, Merc?”
He nodded, “How much do you think people would pay to stay young and healthy forever?”
Her heart dropped when she saw them hold out a bag, “No, no, no, please.”
Blake ran as fast as she could, jumping over tree stumps like they were hurdles until her hair got caught in one of its branches. Tears pricked her eyes from the pain and from the fear of being caught, soon hearing grunts of pain from where she had been.
“Blake!”
“… Mother?” She whispered into the night as she got herself free, peeking to see if it was true and it was - She had just thrown away whatever she had used to knock them down, seeing her relieved face, “Mother.”
“Oh, my darling flower… Are you hurt?”
“No, but- but how did you-”
Sienna shook her head, “I was worried so I followed you and saw them attack you and- brothers I’m so happy I made it just in time.” She hugged her once more, “We need to leave before they follow us.”
Blake nodded but couldn’t help but look back, still watching Yang get farther away from her, tears clouding her vision. She liked to think they were okay, better than okay even, or maybe more but… that seemed to be just her. When she turned to leave, she saw her mother’s arms open for her, allowing her to run in and break down.
“You were right… You were right about everything.”
She patted the top of her hair, “I know.”
***
Yang groaned when she got knocked forward, noticing how she was tied up with the crown in her hand, “Blake? Blake!” But there was nothing she could do as the palace guards started to roughly untie her and make her get up, “Wait, you have to listen to me! No, guys-” There was no use, and for the first time in her life, there were tears in her eyes because she had a reason to escape, “Blake!”
What she didn’t know was that Weiss and Myrtenaster were still there and while Weiss was top of her class, just behind her sister, she wasn’t in charge nor old enough for them to listen to her so she stayed behind where they couldn’t see her. But they both looked at each other and then at the place where they first met. The horse huffed, and that’s all Weiss needed as she jumped on his saddle.
“Okay, but we have to hurry.”
***
Sienna plucked the last flower out of her hair, humming with delight, “Now we’re done. Get changed so you can have dinner - I’m making your favorite.” Blake didn’t move, only stared down at her hands. She could only sigh, “I tried to warn you, flower. The world is dark and cruel, especially those humans. Whatever light you bring them, they destroy it.”
She didn’t say anything as the curtains were shut, she could only look at the cloth Yang had given her with the kingdom’s symbol, falling back into her bed and lifting it to see it above her. Blake couldn’t help but see how similar the cloth was to the paintings she had made in her room, and the more she went back and forth between them, the more the memories followed.
Years ago she remembered being under the moon with two blurred faces next to her, and the painting on the wall she saw the day prior, they wore the same outfit - It was the king and queen. Another was how the baby in their arms looked, how the crown covered her head, now that she thought about it, the first time Blake tried it on, it fit perfectly without hiding her traits.
Gasping as she bumped into her dresser, she panted as she thought back to everything that had led up to that moment, hearing her mother’s yell. Blake still wasn’t prepared, but that didn’t matter. She walked up to her curtain and held it tightly, not looking at her.
“Are you alright?”
Voice quiet, she said, “I’m the lost princess.”
Sienna sighed with a roll of her eyes, “Stop with the mumbling, Blake, I told you before I-”
“I’m the lost princess, aren’t I?” Staring at the woman in her eyes, noticing how she turned pale, “Did I mumble, mother? Or should I even call you that?”
“Do you even hear yourself?” She asked after regaining her composure, “Why would you even ask such a foolish thing?”
Blake couldn’t help but push her, “It was you! It was all you! The tower, the lies, staying away from people, saying that humans and Faunus were still separate after all this time!”
Amber eyes turned cold, “Every word I spoke was to protect you.”
She scoffed and pushed her away again as she went down the stairs, “After all this time, you’re the one I should’ve been hiding from.”
“And where will you go, hm? She won’t be there for you.”
“… What did you do?” She asked, looking back as her ears shuffled down.
“The outlaw will finally be hanged for her crimes.”
Gasping, she held her dress just above her heart, “No…”
“Do not worry, justice will be served.” Going to pet her hair.
Blake grasped her wrist tightly, a scowl on her face as she yelled at the woman before her, “No! Everything you said was a lie - You were wrong about the kingdom, the world. You were wrong about me, and I will never let you use my hair again!” Shoving her away, not caring that she made her bump into a mirror and make the glass shatter.
Sienna stared at the back of her head as she walked away, “This is how you want to act? Fine, then I’ll be the bad guy.”
***
Ember’s jaw was clenched as she walked the halls. She didn’t care that she was about to be hanged, she just wished she would have done things differently so she could have spent a bit more time with Blake… It was no use. But what caught her eye was how Emerald and Mercury were in the cells - She knew her eyes were red as she headbutted the first guard, and jumped over her cuffs to slam the other guard into the ground, knocking both of them out.
She grabbed Mercury by his shirt, shoving his face into the metal bars of the cell, “I’m gonna kill you! How did you know about Blake?! Tell me now!”
“I-It was the old lady! She set us up, we swear!”
“Old lady…” It all clicked as she was taken away by more guards, “Wait, please! She’s in trouble! You don’t know what you’ve done!”
Winter had finally joined the fray, punching her in the face and effectively shutting her up as they got closer to the end of the hall, “It’s a shame my sister isn’t here to witness this, but with you gone, everything will be lighter on all of us.”
Yang growled and wanted to say something back, perhaps something snarky, but a shot glass caught her eye, making her confused, and then all the doors closed. Leaving her and the guards stunned.
“The hell?!” The older Schnee hissed, “Open up!”
A small window opened up, showing the woman with the light blue eyes from the tavern, who was now looking the Schnee up and down, “Well, aren’t you something? If you wanna come through, you gotta tell me the password.”
“What?”
“Wrong.”
“Open the door-”
“Wrong again.”
Yang had to keep in her laugh when the guards next to her were being taken away by the others from the tavern, Vernal must’ve been the distraction for Winter. When she turned around, Yang could only smile, which was the perfect opportunity for Vernal to wrap the Schnee in a hug.
“Unhand me you bandit!”
“Hazel, go show Ember the way out.” Not caring about the woman in her arms. “Now that I think about it, you’re too much for my liking.”
The door burst down with more soldiers coming in, forcing Yang and Hazel to run away as fast as they could. They made it out but had to stop when it seemed like the entire kingdom’s guards were coming after them - Yang couldn’t stay there long when she was picked up and placed next to Junior.
“Put your head down and your arms in,” Yang did as he said so he kept going, “And keep your knees bent and apart.”
She looked at him confused, “Why would I have to keep them apart-”
Before she could finish her sentence she was launched into the air, screaming for her life. She’s fallen from heights before but that was because she wanted to! But she landed with her eyes closed, peeking to see if she was still alive, shocked to see the beautiful white horse and the one who hated her guts there.
“You looked like an idiot,” Weiss said, along with the horse’s huff after her.
“Weiss? You brought them here?” She smiled and nodded - Yang shook her head like it was unbelievable, “Thank you.”
“It’s nothing.”
“No, really, thank you. We’ve been playing this game of cat and mouse for so long that-” The Schnee stared at her which stopped her rambling, “Yup, okay, I’ll shut up.” Grabbing the reins and getting into position.
Weiss rolled her eyes and turned to her horse, “Listen to her just this once, okay?” He nodded at the same time the doors opened, “I’ll hold them off - Go.”
Myrtenaster galloped fast, dodging the arrows that were being sent his way as Weiss fought off her fellow soldiers, who seemed to be stunned by her betrayal. Yang didn’t care about that though, she only saw that he wasn’t stopping, he was heading toward the edge of the castle.
“Myr? Myr?!” They landed on a building and, surprisingly, made it down safely onto the ground, which made her rub his neck, “Okay, boy, let’s see how fast you can go.” And he went even faster.
Yang had never been more thankful to see the tower again, getting off the horse before he had even stopped. It was dark and cloudy. Days like this were never a good sign. But she had hope.
“Blake! Blake, let down your hair!”
She got no response, quickly making the decision to climb the tower herself just like the first time, but she only got up a few feet before she heard the doors open and saw that beautiful black hair fall, grabbing it and climbing up.
Huffing as she reached the top, she jumped in with a smile, “Oh, Blake, I thought I’d never see you again. I’m so sorry I-”
The sight before her wasn’t what she thought it’d be. She thought Blake would be right there, maybe waiting to jump into her arms, yell at her for being an idiot and leaving her. Instead, she was chained to the floor with a cloth over her mouth, muffling whatever she was trying to say, with panic in those beautiful golden eyes. It was then that she realized why Blake was acting the way she was.
A big, long knife had been stabbed into her, making her hiss and suck in a breath of pain, falling to the ground. Yang groaned, clenching her teeth together, this was bad.
“Look at what you’ve caused,” Sienna told, kicking her over so she’d be out of her way, “But don’t worry - Our secret will die with her.” She chuckled darkly and grabbed the bonds that were holding Blake down, “And as for us, we will be going somewhere where no one can find you.”
Blake kept squirming and shouting through the cloth in protest, doing everything in her power to stop, to think of something, anything to save Yang. She didn’t care that her mother was shouting at her. Nothing mattered except for Yang.
The gag fell just enough for it to leave her mouth, so she let herself fall so it’d be harder to pull her up, “I won’t stop,” She panted, “I will keep trying to run away from you every second of my life, every time you look away from me, but if you let me save her, I’ll go with you.”
“Stop, please, Blake.” Yang coughed out.
Blake didn’t listen, solely focused on how the grasp on the chains loosened ever so slightly, “I won’t fight, I won’t run, I’ll be yours. I promise.” Staring into cold eyes, “Just let me save her.”
Sienna agreed, putting the cuffs around Yang’s hands instead with a snarl, “Don’t even think of following us.”
She fell by her side, cupping Yang’s face, “Oh, Yang…” She was terrified to see how bad the wound was, but it would be okay, she was going to heal her - Despite that, she moved Yang’s hand and saw how big and deep the wound was, “I’m so sorry, it’ll be okay now, everything will be, I swear.”
Yang pushed her hair away, “No, Blake, don’t.”
“You have to trust me, just keep breathing.”
“I can’t- I can’t let you do this.”
She teared up and whispered, “And I can’t let you die.”
“But, you- if you do this, then you will die.” Eyes slowly getting heavier and heavier, but Blake just hushed her and kept her head up.
“Don’t worry about me, it’s going to be okay.” She sighed, resting her hair and hand on Yang’s wound.
“Blake,” Yang said weakly, moving her hair behind her ear, “Wait.”
Goosebumps trailed the skin Yang touched. This wasn’t how their first kiss was supposed to go but… this would probably be their only kiss. Blake leaned down as Yang used all her strength to push herself up, ready for what she wanted since the lanterns. Instead, the weight of her hair was gone. The sound of something being sliced was so quick.
Yang had cut her hair.
The glass fell from her hand and Blake touched her scalp, feeling its new, unfamiliar length, watching the color purple disappear from her, leaving black in its place, making her gasp, “Yang…”
Golden eyes snapped up when she heard the scream from the woman whom she once called ‘Mother’ asking what she had done, trying to use the magic in her hair to no avail, screaming more and more when she saw herself in the mirror. She pulled the hood over her face as if she were trying to hide, which was her downfall - Tripping over the now useless hair and falling from the tower. Blake tried to reach out to her, save her in some way, but when she saw that there was nothing to save, she gave up.
Turning back to Yang’s side, seeing her still lying down and unmoving, she cried, “No, no, no, Yang?” She was coughing - A sign she was still there, “Look at me, I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere.”
“Blake- hey,” The Faunus wasn’t listening, singing the song in a rush despite there being no power left, “Blake…”
“What?”
Lilac eyes opened just enough to see her golden eyes once more, whispering weakly, “You were my new dream.”
She chuckled sadly, “And you were mine.”
A small smile spread on pink lips as she took her last breath. Blake could only stare - Watching, waiting for her to open her eyes or say this was a joke. She was old enough to know that wasn’t the case. Slowly letting her hand go, Blake held her face, feeling how it was cold on her fingertips, heart breaking when she remembered how warm she was by the fire. She knew it wouldn’t work, not anymore, she just wanted to say it out loud.
“Heal what has been hurt, change the fates’ design, save what has been lost, bring back what once was mine.” Resting her head on Yang’s, finally letting her tears fall, “What once was mine.”
Minutes or hours could have passed by and she wouldn’t have known. All she did was cry. That was until a bright glow, just like her hair, shined across the entire room - Starting where Yang’s wound was. It was in the shape of a flower, something she hadn’t seen before, but when it left, her wound was healed.
Blake looked at Yang, seeing her exhale, eyes fluttering as she asked, “Blake?”
Whatever happened just then, it worked, “Yang?”
“Did I ever tell you I’ve got a thing for short-haired girls?” Smiling at the end.
A gasp tore from her, “Yang!”
The Faunus tackled her and Yang had never been more happy to be near someone in her life, to be given a second chance, wrapping her arm around her as she broke down in her arms. Yang could only sigh in relief, thankful for everything. When she pulled back, the blonde was going to make a joke, asking if she missed her, but she didn’t get the chance to. The collar of her shirt was pulled and her lips were smashed against Blake’s - She could feel the blush running down her ears to her chest, that didn’t matter to her though. Yang only cared about the woman in her arms.
***
The queen sat on her throne while the king stood in front of the window, looking at his kingdom with distant wonder until their doors were opened wide. They looked at the guard with a question on the tip of their tongues, but before they could even ask, all the guard did was nod in amazement.
Kali and Ghira just knew.
They ran down the halls of their palace, stopping at the door to look at each other. They waited for this day and now that it was here, they were nervous, excited, happy. So many things were going through their heads.
18 years of pain. 18 years of begging the gods for some sort of miracle. 18 years of waiting.
18 years had now come to an end, their daughter was just behind those doors, and they couldn’t wait to open it.
When they did and saw their daughter turn around, they couldn’t believe their eyes. Kali stepped down the stairs first slowly, wondering if this was an illusion or mirror. She looked almost exactly like her, stray from the earrings and gray hair from over the years. When she reached out and touched her cheek, she could feel it in her heart as her eyes watered that this was right. This was hers.
“My baby girl…”
Blake sniffled as she was brought into a tight, loving hug, soon looking up to see her father next to them. Tears were pouring down his face as he brought them down to the ground and held them tightly, protecting them from the world. All of them sighed and relaxed into each other.
This was Blake’s home. Her family.
Kali’s ear flicked at the quiet chuckle near them, so she smiled and lifted her hand to the blonde, pulling her down quickly when she was caught off guard and forcing her into the hug.
Yang couldn’t help her exaggerated sigh, “You can imagine what happened next - The king and queen announced the princess had returned, and the whole kingdom rejoiced. It lasted an entire week, and to be honest, I forgot most of it.”
“But dreams came for all of those they met, Weiss became second in command since she helped find the princess, Myrtenaster got named the best horse, and now that I think about it all the apples were gone by morning. But Blake was reunited with her family, a princess worth waiting for.”
“And as for me - I went by Yang again, never stole, and stopped all the thieving, basically turned my life around,” Smirking when she saw that raised brow from across the room, “Now you might be wondering the best part, did they ever get married?” Laughing when tiny hands held her face, “Well, I’ll tell ya - After years of asking and asking and asking and-”
“Yang.” Blake scolded.
“Okay, after a few years of asking… I said yes.”
She sighed, closing her book and getting up, “I’m taking her before she starts picking up your dramatics.” Smiling at their baby’s babble.
“Okay, fine, your mother said yes.”
“Mhm,” Her head tilted to the side, “May I ask why you were speaking to her as if you were narrating something?”
Yang just shrugged, standing up to hold her favorite girls in her arms, “It just felt right.”
Blake’s heart warmed, “If that’s the case,” Kissing the tip of her lover’s nose before melting into her embrace, looking down at their daughter - a mix of black and blonde hair with purple eyes that held gold specks in them, “We’re living happily ever after.”
“Yes, we are.”