Hello everybody! Welcome back to RWBHY: The Aura Mage. It's been a while (again) but here's that update I've been going on about. Just a notice this is a series of shorts compiled into one chapter, each section is marked with the 'x' This is a time skip chapter, so each one takes place months to years after the previous one. But age really doesn't matter here, so just enjoy the mainly fluff of this chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: What did the volcano say when it saw its true love?

This is unbe-lava-ble, it must be magma day!

(Boooo! Get off the stage!)

This chapter sponsored by the Punny Yang foundation and it's one and only member, who also happens to be the head of the foundation. And much like the foundation, I do not own it!

(exits through trapdoor)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Harry, can you please explain this grade you got?"

Harry's nervousness grew tenfold at the tone of his dad's voice, even more so when he held up a paper that had a 'D' on it in bright red ink, and then exponentially more so when he dared to look at the expression on his dad's face. It was completely blank, no emotion being shown, and Harry knew that it meant he was disappointed in him.

He remembered that test. It was the one right after another test that Neal said was hard, which Harry found mainly easy. I needed to get my grade lower, otherwise he wouldn't be my friend because I'd be smarter than him, and he wouldn't like that and then I'd lose him as a friend, Harry had thought. Now, he ducked his head and braced himself to be punished, keeping silent.

Taiyang looked at the suddenly submissive and meek boy and softened. Sometimes I keep forgetting that he's had a bad home life just two years ago, he thought. I can't imagine what he's thinking right now, but it's probably not good. And I really don't want to punish him, I just want to know why he didn't do so well when I know he's at this level. Past it even.

"Harry, I know you can do better than this," Taiyang said softer now, gesturing to the graded homework.

"Sorry sir," Harry mumbled, still looking down.

"Harry," Tai almost sighed, keeping the slight irritation out of his voice through long learned patience. "What have- we've been through this 'sir' thing."

"I'm sorry Dad! But I don't know what to do!" Harry finally broke, trying not to cry, but failing, feeling a tear go down his cheek. "I want to make you proud, but I don't want to lose my friend! I don't know what to do."

"Whoa, hey, slow down there kiddo," Tai said, crouching down and drawing Harry into a hug. Harry didn't stiffen, but didn't feel like he was worthy of returning the hug. I'm a failure. I can't do anything right no matter how hard I try.

"Let's start from the beginning. What's your thought process for thinking you'll lose your friend if you do well?"

Harry sniffed and started talking. "If I do better than Neal, then he won't like that because I'll be smarter than him and then he won't like me and won't want to be my friend anymore because I'm doing better than him." Harry rambled on, getting it off of his chest.

Taiyang just held him until he calmed down, then looked him in the eye. "Harry, it's fine if you do well on a test. You should always do your best in what you do, because no one else can be you," Taiyang smirked as he lightly tapped Harry's nose, causing him to wrinkle it in displeasure. "How long have you known Neal?" Tai asked, changing strategies.

"Umm, about a month?" Harry answered, wondering where his dad was going with this.

"And in that month, do you think you've gotten to know Neal?"

"I think so?"

"Then do you think he's the kind of person who would stop being somebody's friend because they did better than him?" Tai asked.

Harry thought about it for a long moment then slowly said as he thought it out, "No. He wouldn't. He's not like those other people."

"Then you shouldn't hold yourself back in doing well," Tai said, glad that they came to an understanding. "And if he was that kind of person, then you don't need him as a friend, and he never truly was your friend to begin with," Tai finished.

Harry was quiet for a moment. He's right. Neal isn't that kind of kid to do that. He'd still be my friend. That realization made him really happy. "You're right! Thank you dad!" Harry said, then leapt into Tai's arms in a big hug.

"Don't mention it son. That's what I'm here for. Now why don't you go play with your sisters and get your mind off of this," Tai flittered the test around before tossing it.

"Okay!" Harry said and ran off into the house.

"And don't forget to do your homework!" Tai called after him, earning a giggle from the boy.

I love dad, Harry thought with a smile as he found Ruby and Yang trying to form a jigsaw puzzle.

"Oh, hey Harry!" Yang noticed as their adoptive brother came into the room. "C'mon and join us. We're having trouble."

"This puzzle's hard!" Ruby groaned, but then immediately perked up. "But the picture's nice!" Harry came closer and saw the picture on the box. It was a picture of the CCT tower that was at Beacon, those glowing green orbs at the top.

"Sure! I'll help!" Harry agreed, walking over and giving Ruby a side hug, then another for Yang. The three of them worked together to solve the puzzle and all of them had a great time, Harry forgetting his earlier funk, his resolve to do better in class strengthened.

"Hey Harry, what'd ya get?" Neal asked, leaning over as he held the test he was just handed back. Harry had one too.

Harry froze for a moment, but remembered the talk he had with his dad. Remember what dad said: if he doesn't like it, then he really wasn't my friend to begin with. He took a preparatory breath and then showed him ram Faunus friend his score. "I got an A-," Harry said, expecting to hear words of ridicule or scorn.

"Cool! That's really awesome!" Neal congratulated. He held up his own paper. "I only got a 'B' though," he said, slightly disappointed.

Now Harry had to rewire his thought process and scramble for a sympathetic answer. "That sucks. But it's still pretty good! You'll do better next time!" Harry said, hoping that was the right answer.

"I'll do my best," Neal said with a smile, that Harry returned, glad that they were still friends and feeling silly that he was worried about something that now seemed unimportant.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ruby was on a mission and she would not be distracted. Her entire goal in life was in front of her. She was trying to do this in front of all of her peers and family (well, not dad right now). If she didn't do this, she would embarrass herself and her friends, and Harry especially.

"C'mon Ruby, you can do it!" Ruby smiled at hearing his voice and it made her feel as light as a feather, and about a bunch more con… confadant. Like she could do this more.

He's right, I can do this! Ruby crouched and then jumped. She was in the air for a split second before her hands grabbed the metal pole. Her momentum carried her forward and she shot out her other hand to grab the next pole. I can do this! I can do this! She thought every time she grabbed a new pole as she continued her trial. Her arms burned, but she pressed on. But then she felt her grip slip.

I can't do this! she thought in a panic. There was nothing she could do however as her left hand slipped when grabbing the next bar. Her right wasn't strong enough to support her weight and she fell onto the tanbark of the playground amongst groans.

"Too bad Rubes, you almost had it that time," Ruby heard the voice of her older sister say.

"Just leave me here to be sad," Ruby moaned, putting an arm over her eyes to block her sight

"C'mon Ruby, up and at'em," Harry said close by. Ruby wanted to shrink into herself. I didn't do it! Now Harry thinks I'm a loser and-

Whatever she was thinking was cut off when Harry continued. "You'll get it the next time I'm sure." Ruby moved her arm and blinked, Harry's grinning face coming into focus. Despite feeling bad herself, Ruby smiled back at Harry.

"Sure. You're right! I'll do it next time!" Ruby accepted the two offered hands from her older siblings and was pulled up to her feet. "Just not today. My arms hurt a little."

"You still need to grow up a little more sis," Yang said, playfully ruffling Ruby's hair, ignoring the redhead's attempts to bat her arms away. Ruby didn't hate it when Yang did that, as she knew that it was her way of showing love and affection, but it didn't mean she liked having her hair messed up. And I know Yang hates it if anybody messes with her hair.

"I'm fine as is!" Ruby protested with a pout that she was told was simply adorable. Which is annoying because I'm not going for adorable.

"You are, and you're only going to get better," Harry said, making Ruby smile.

"See! That's why he's my favorite brother!" Ruby declared.

"Oh you wound me so," Yang deadpanned, trying to get the grin off of her face as she said so.

"Ahhh, you do know that I'm you're only brother right?" Harry said slowly.

Well of course you- ohhhh. It suddenly came together in her head. "Ahh, yep! Yes, you are both my favorite and, ah, my only brother. So that means you are the bestest brother I have!"

Harry snorted, laughing a bit, and the rest of the group was chuckling again, making Ruby smile as well.

Then an unwelcome voice broke in.

"I heard that he's not even your brother really, just someone that you picked up off the street." Ruby winced and wanted to shrink in on herself.

Zachary Indigo, one of the most infamous bullies of Cobalt. The one that tried to get them in trouble last year with Neal and was against Faunus. And he hadn't given up, just stopped every once in a while when he did get caught.

"Hey, buzz off, we don't want you here," Yang said, stepping forward menacingly, trying to intimidate Zachary and his cohorts that were just behind him. Yang knows how to make people not want to do things, Ruby thought, admiring her sister.

It almost worked because a few of the more shady ones took a step back, but Zachary glared back, smirking slightly. "Sure, do something. Rack up another detention. Just another tally added to the record of a girl with anger issues."

Ruby was surprised at that. A-Another detention? Than means… that means she's had more than one! But she's never said that she's had that many. She's always in those tu-tod-tutoring classes after school… She looked over at Yang for her to deny it, but she was shocked when she noticed Yang's expression had changed to one with uncertainty in it. That made Ruby afraid. Yang's always certain of what she does! She never backs down! I don't understand.

Harry stepped forward, putting a hand on Yang's shoulder, getting her attention. Harry turned his amazing green eyes towards Zachary and said, "As if your record is spotless too. Why are you here?"

Zachary smirked. "What record? According to the files the school now has after my dad arranged something, I'm a perfect student. Flawless record. And I heard awhile back that you were adopted and I wanted to see if that was true. That's kinda' pathetic, being adopted, am I right?" He asked the people behind him and got a few affirmatives and laughs.

Ruby was mad now. Nobody makes mean fun of Harry, my brother! "Go away meanie!" She shouted at Zachary.

"Go away meanie!" He mocked back, sticking his tongue out at the end.

"Hey! Leave Ruby out of this!" Harry shouted.

"She's the one that wanted to be in this," Zachary pointed out, admittedly truthfully.

"Look. This is my family now," Harry said gesturing to Yang (who had regained her confidence) and Ruby who beamed at him. "And I love them a lot. And," he added with a smirk, "at least my dad chose to adopt me. Your parents are stuck with you."

Ruby got it immediately, as well as Yang and their friends who started giggling, with Neal giving a "burn!" Zachary looked confused for a little bit, but then understanding came across his face and he got mad. "Why you!" He came closer, his fist curled up, ready to strike.

Ruby's vision was filled with yellow and brown as Yang stepped forward and said softly, but with something in her voice that made Ruby almost shiver, and many of the other actually do so. "I wouldn't do that Indigo."

Zachary checked himself at the last moment and just glared at her. Ruby almost wanted him to do something so Yang could do the something back… even if fighting was wrong. Nate seemed to want to fight as well and stepped forward…

Just as Mr. Winchester found them. Again.

"Alright you lot, now I've caught you again! This time I'll make sure that your punishment is more severe."

Ruby had to hold a groan, and was more successful than some of her other friends, and needed to hold Yang's hand to stop her from attacking Zachary because of the smug smile on his face. "Yang, please."

Yang deflated instantly when she looked at her and they all silently followed the teacher to the principal's office again. This feels like watching a movie again for the tenth time, Ruby thought. Even more so when Mr. Winchester started going off about them and the principal, Jefferson Greene, just listening with increasing disinterest.

"Look, Mr. Winchester," Principal Greene cut off the man's tirade. "I know as well as you that young Indigo has marks on his records, no matter what the online reports say. It's interesting how some of my paper records disappeared a few weeks ago and then were found in the staff lounge. Some of them I know to have been changed." The man seemed calm and like he was talking about the weather, but Ruby could feel the tension growing.

Winchester started to lose some of his bluster a bit and said a little slower. "Mr. Greene, only you have access to your paper files. I don't know how they got there, but we have a different matter to discuss with these five students."

"I think this is really about one student, Robin. Mr. Zachary Indigo. I know that Miss Xiao Long has a record that stands against her at first glance, but many of those incidences were provoked by others. Potter-Xiao Long has only two marks, but those have been excused. Mr. Tan has less than Miss Xiao Long, and most of it is because of his heritage. And Misses Rose and Pann have no faults.

"Now, past aside, there was no fighting today, and only verbal spats between school children. Admittedly some nasty comments were made which should be discouraged, but nothing that we can tack on any punishment." The principal turned to them and gave a soft smile. "You are all free to go."

"You're letting them g-"

"Enough!" Principal Greene suddenly barked, cutting off Mr. Winchester's sentence. Ruby tried to hold a flinch. I don't like it when adults use loud voices. There was a warm hand on her shoulder and she met green eyes again. She relaxed almost immediately, feeling a lot better.

"Not when the children are still here," the principal continued. "You are free to go," he repeated, not looking at them this time. Needless to say, they all left in a hurry, not interested in staying for the shouting match that would soon happen.

It was only after outside when they couldn't hear their raised voices did they stop. They were all silent and none of them felt like talking.

For the rest of the day they were all subdued. Even though they had gotten off and hadn't actually done anything, they all realized that something was… off about today now. And while it didn't affect anything with their work, other people definitely seemed to see their vibe.

It wasn't until Yang, Harry, and herself all were at their house, Harry using the spare key under the rug outside to get in, that she voiced the question that she had wanted to ask since learning about it.

"Yang…" Ruby started. How do I ask her about her getting in trouble because of fighting?

"What's up Rubes?" Yang said, trying and failing to sound nonchalant.

"Why do you have all those detentions?" Ruby asked, scared of the answer.

"Ah, they're nothing, stupid things real…ly…" Yang trailed off, looking between Harry and Ruby. Ruby took a glance and saw that Harry had a disappointed look on his face, his arms crossed, staring at Yang for her to explain. Ruby knew that she had a sadder look on her face, but still wanted answers.

Yang sighed and deflated, making Ruby worry for her. I always hate when Yang looks weak. She's the strongest one of us here!

"I get in trouble trying to protect you. Both of you." Lilac eyes looked at Harry and Ruby. Harry looked a little confused, and Ruby didn't follow either. "Most of them were fights because some idiot kid made fun of either one of you. If they were little things I'd just blow it off, but some… they make fun of mom too." Ruby sucked in a breath. If there was one thing she idolized more than anything, it was Summer Rose, their mom. And for people to make fun of her. "I just- I just don't want people to say or do things to you. How many times do you hear kids make fun of you? Not counting today."

Ruby frowned as she thought back. Y'know, I don't think I can remember any. There may have been one or two times, but that was last year I think. And most is because I don't get along with others well aside from Ginger and Nate…

"I don't think there has been any this year, and I do know that there was some kids saying things about me being adopted at first… but nothing in a while…" Harry said out loud, also thinking, coming to the same conclusion.

"Every time I hear something, I try to stop it," Yang explained. "I just can't help myself. I need to stop them. I don't want to see both of you hurt. So I take it, and put it to a stop. If that lands me in detention, then at least I earned it for a good reason…" Yang sat down heavily on the couch they had.

Ruby moved and sat next to her, moving her red cloak out of the way. Harry sat down on the other side of their sister. In unison, they started a group hug on both sides of Yang. "Yang, thank you for trying to protect us. I love you for trying to do the right thing. But don't put yourself in trouble doing it," Ruby said.

Ruby felt an arm wrap around her and pull her closer. Ruby smiled a bit feeling the familiar warmth of her perpetually toasty sister. "I know… but someone has to do it."

"Only for so long," Harry said. "As much as I hate it, we're growing up. We all want to be hunters and huntresses in the future. Ruby and I need to learn to take care of ourselves."

"You can still protect us, just let us share the job!" Ruby exclaimed enthusiastically.

Yang chuckled a bit and wiped some tears off of her face. "I'll, try. But I'm the big sister here. I still need to warn the ladies away from you," she said to Harry, "and beat the other boys away with my fists from you," she said to Ruby now.

"Yaaaaang…" Ruby whined, "Boys are icky and… I mean, not you or Nate!" Ruby added in panickedly. Oh please don't be mad, or worse, sad! I didn't mean that! I really like you and want to keep you ar… I mean I want you to be with… I'm-I'm just gonna stop my brain right now.

To Ruby's relief, Harry just smiled. Ruby felt her face heat up for some reason and distracted herself by looking at Yang. It didn't help as Yang had a mischievous smirk on her face, as she started looking back and forth between her and Harry.

Taiyang was walking back to their house when suddenly he heard from inside the cry of "Yaaaaaang!" from the other two children. He sighed to himelf, hefting the grocery bags in his arms before walking forwards again. What'd she do now?...

The next day they gang returned to school, but there was one person missing. Zachary Indigo was subdued and they soon knew why. Mr. Winchester wasn't working at Cobalt anymore. Apparently he had decided that he needed time to himself and was taking a leave of absence. And that also meant his office and classroom had been cleared out as well.

Even Ruby knew what that 'leave of absence' meant.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Umm, well yes?" Harry sighed at the answer question Ruby provided. It was her idea originally but Harry jumped onto it… until now. "Well, it's to help you so yes!" Ruby said a little more confidently.

The plan was to sneak into their dad's room and get the trunk, Harry's mom's trunk, that was found with Harry when he arrived in Remnant. It had a lot of magic stuff in it apparently, but Harry had never touched it because his dad had kept it away.

"Harry, look," he had explained, "there's some pretty cool stuff from the little things I've read, but some of it is dangerous. I don't want you reading it until you're older in a few years. I want you to get edjumacated first so you can actually read the stuff," he added with a grin, making Harry laugh.

In the present, Harry said, "Let's go." He opened their dad's door and started to look around, Ruby sliding in after him. It was an irrational fear that they were going to get caught sneaking into dad's room if he came home unexpectedly. He had been gone for a few minutes, but they couldn't wait, as they were too eager.

Harry knew that he had magic, and it was something he wasn't supposed to talk about with people outside the family, but it was starting to get a bit hard to hide. Harry could almost feel his magic growing, and because of that, more things were happening that weren't under his control.

It happened more often when he felt a strong emotion or really wanted something, but lately it was happening without those things more and more. Okay… it's true a little bit, but not as big as it seems. It was just getting tiring trying to think of excuses. Especially after what happened last Halloween. Don't ask. It wasn't pretty.

Hence why they were going to take a look into the trunk.

Maybe there was something to help with his magic outbursts, or they just wanted to look at something that had been hanging over them for a while, but whatever it was now, they were there.

"Where should we look first?" Harry asked, not wanting to find anything icky about his dad. Like finding old dad underwear or something.

"Maybe under the bed?" Ruby suggested. "It's where I put my old stuff."

Harry nodded at the logic and they went to the big bed in the center of the room, which looked like it could fit at least two adults comfortably. They ducked under it and almost shmooshed their faces against the object they were looking for.

"Wow, that was easy," Harry muttered dryly. "Here, take the other handle and we'll pull it out together." He waited until he saw her slender hand grab something on the other side of the trunk. "One, two, three!" They pulled and managed to get it out into the open without much difficulty.

Harry finally got a good look at the trunk that had been his salvation over three years ago. The metal binding the dark leather to the wood was tarnished, but he could still see that it was a golden color. He saw the letters L.J.P on it, but now noticed that the 'P' wasn't as old looking as the other two letters, like it had been replaced at some point.

Harry just stared at it, feeling something bubbling up in his chest. This is the only thing I have of my mom's. Of the other world, he realized.

"Hey, a key!" Ruby said suddenly, holding up a bronze key that had a string on it. Ruby suddenly looked up and almost reverently gave it to Harry. "You-you should open it. It is your mom's anyway."

Harry took it, trying to force down the shaking in his hand, then put it into the first lock of the trunk. He twisted, and just before it clicked open he felt a tingling go up his arm. Was that some sort of magic? The lid popped open and Harry took his second look inside, with Ruby getting her first.

There were several books inside, some looking like journals while others were smaller books to fit into the space allotted for them. A few pieces of loose parchment were on top, if a little crinkled. Harry remembered which one that he saw and pulled it out and started to read it, this time able to understand what was written.

He felt himself tear up. He had a family. A loving family that brought him in when he desperately needed love and affection. Two amazing sisters. An incredible dad. A fun if almost always drunk Uncle. But there was one thing that they were missing was a mother.

Harry knew there was a history to their family. Yang was Ruby's half-sister since her mom left for some reason, and Ruby's mom was dead. And as bad as it sounds, at least they still had memories of Summer, who they called their mom, Harry didn't. He knew that Yang tries to fill the gap there, even now, but Harry could only see her as his caring older sister.

But to actually hold something that was written by his mother was something else. He felt the loss of something he never had, the pain of never knowing her, and also of his biological father that he only had a name for.

Harry was suddenly struck with a feeling of self-loathing. I've only cared about my mother and not my dad! How can I think that? I'm a terrible son!

"Harry! Harry!" He blinked and saw that Ruby was looking a little windblown for some reason. Then he realized that it was his magic causing a minor windstorm inside. Another emotional outburst. He closed his eyes and concentrated on feeling the magic in his body, something that he was kinda' able to do for about a year now. He lessened the flow and the wind stopped.

He took a deep breath and it was only when he felt a pair of slender hands wrap around him did he realize that his face was wet from his own tears. He saw red and black hair right below his chin and he returned the hug, trying to reign in his tears.

They stayed like that for a long while, Harry accepting the comfort Ruby freely gave. Eventually he calmed down and the tears stopped. He became more aware of the hug and thought, this feels really nice. But I can feel that she wants me to explain what happened. After a time, he pulled back slightly and sniffed. Green eyes met silver, and in them he saw concern and caring. She wants me to explain, but doesn't want to force me.

He sighed, getting some air. "I… I know this is from my mother… It's the only thing I have of hers… but I realized that I have nothing of my fathers. I wasn't even thinking about him all these years! Just about her! I feel like a terrible son."

"Nope."

Harry blinked. "Wha-?"

"Nope. You're not a terrible son. Just like how you're not a terrible brother. Or a terrible person. You're not, so don't think you are," Ruby simply said. "It's not wrong to never think about someone you haven't met…" she broke off and thought about what she just said, then she nodded. "You don't remember him and you don't have anything of his. How could you think of him if there's nothing to think of?"

Harry considered the words she said. I guess she's right… but I still feel bad.

"Harry, you want to know more about your birth family, and that's great! But you also have us. You're from another world and have two families. But… you're here, not back there. And you don't need to doubt yourself. You are a part of our family too. I… I… don't know where I'm going with this," Ruby muttered to herself, loosing steam.

Harry took a long look at Ruby. I think I know what she's telling me. I still feel a little bit like an outsider I guess. Unsure, even after all these years. But I don't need to be. I really don't. They love me and I love them. I am a Xiao Long-Potter. Without saying anything, Harry leaned forward and hugged Ruby again. She gave an adorable squeak in surprise, but then returned the warm hug. Harry gave a little smile as the scent of roses went into his nose; Ruby's scent. He backed away, but noticed that Ruby's face had the slightest hit of pink on it.

"H-hey, maybe there's more about your father in here," Ruby said, changing topics, looking inside the trunk. Harry followed her example and looked, and decided on a journal that had the oldest date on it, 1972.

"I think these are my mom's when she was young," Harry said aloud.

"Let's start with that then. Dad still needs to 'give' you this trunk later so let's not give ourselves away just yet," Ruby said.

"Hey, that's actually kinda' smart," Harry said with a slightly teasing grin.

"Hey, I'm plenty smart! Did I tell you about just how many variations of the ADR-17 there are in use?" Ruby said indignantly.

"No, but it is the most customizable rifle that Atlas has made so far, so who knows?" Harry said in response. One thing's for sure, Ruby knows her weapons. Dad had to buy a subscription to 'Weapons' so he could give her the magazines so she'd stop pestering him.

"I think the coolest one is the I-T Grimm Hunter laser sight. Average range is 500 yards, but with the added on barrel it can be boosted up to an extra 150 yards."

Harry just smiled and said, "C'mon, before dad gets back let's take a look at this." He also wanted to cut Ruby off before she really got into it because she could go on for ages. They closed the trunk and returned the key to where it was and exited their dad's room, taking only the first journal with them.

Unbeknownst to the two, Yang had been watching them since Harry's minor breakdown. She was going to barge in when she saw that Harry and Ruby were having a moment and decided to stay away, thinking that her presence would disrupt what they were having. So they're trying to get into that trunk then, Yang thought as she saw it open in front of them. I wonder how they managed to open it since when I tried it shocked me something nasty. Ruined my hair too which was the worst of it. She patted her un-braided hair, soothing it in memory of that event. A few months ago she stopped wearing it in pigtails, realizing that she was older and it really didn't fit her personality anymore. She was focusing on growing it out now.

She listened in on the conversation and Harry's confession and understood where he was coming from. He wants to know more about his parents, but only has one source: from his mother. He literally doesn't have anything from his father… like I don't have anything from my birth mother, she thought, frowning a bit. But… I had Summer. He didn't. But he's turned out pretty great, and he's grown from when we first found him. He just needs to be reminded that he is a part of our family.

However, Ruby beat her to it and Yang smiled as Harry hugged Ruby. Y'know, they are cute together, Yang thought to herself before she realized what she thought. Uhh… really brain? I mean, they are but they're brother and sister… not like actual brother-sister related kinda' way, but still…

She looked inside the room again and saw them, or rather, Ruby start talking about weapons, and decided to take her leave, still thinking about what her mind and heart were saying about the two of them.

Harry and Ruby got away with the journal, but in the end it really didn't matter as a month-ish later, Taiyang gave Harry the trunk and moved it to his room. Ruby, and sometimes Yang, would join him, but there were a few instances where Yang would give funny looks to him and Ruby. He shrugged it off and delved into the realm of magic and his parent's history, but not forgetting that he was a part of this family too.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Well, this is it then," Yang said as she hugged her dad, then Harry and Ruby. This is one of the biggest days in my life, right now. "I'm off to Signal. I can't believe it."

"You better believe it," Ruby said in response. "And you better believe that we're following you in a year or two," she said in a slightly challenging way.

"Hey, don't fret it, you'll get in. We've been doing the prep work together and you'll definitely get in. Not to mention Uncle Qrow's been helping us out from time to time."

That was true. All three of them had their sights set on being Hunters and Huntresses, though admittedly for different reasons. But they were all going to do it. And Signal Academy was the first step in that dream.

"So you're going to be fine on your own right?" Taiyang asked. Signal was a weekday boarding school, where the students would stay from Monday to Friday, and have the weekend back at home, prepping them for the other academies which were all semester long, like Beacon on the mainland.

And there goes dad being dad again. "Yep! I'm all set. And if I do need anything I could just signal for help, eh?" She smirked as Harry and Ruby groaned, and fistbumped her dad in celebration.

"Can she get out any faster?" Harry commented dryly without salt.

"Well, she will be gone most of the week, so that's a plus," Ruby said back.

"Nah, you'll miss me and my puns," Yang said with a smile.

"So we'll miss about half of you then?" Harry instantly replied.

"Har har," Yang drawled and then put her sunglasses on. "I will miss you guys though," she said in all seriousness.

"Not for long! Every weekend plus in two years all of us will be at Signal!" Ruby said.

"I'll be sure to get the school ready for all of us," Yang said, ruffling Ruby's hair and doing the same with Harry, both just a tad too slow to avoid getting their hair messed up. "Though the school really just needs to get ready for me, then they'll be good."

"Hey, just think if I was back in my origin world then I'd already be going to that Magic school," Harry said. Yang needed to stifle a snort, remembering the name of the school. Seriously, Hogwarts? What kind of name is that for a school?

"Next year bro," Yang said in return.

Ruby came over for another hug which Yang let her get. "Hey, c'mon, it's not like I'm moving to Atlas or something. I'm still staying on the island, just next to the city." Signal was located right along the coast, and part of it stretched to the lighthouse along a cliffside.

"I know…" Ruby adorably whined, still holding on. Yang looked at Harry who just had a smile on his face watching the two sisters hug.

"Ruby, Yang needs to get going for her to be on time," Taiyang said, looking like he wanted to let them continue hugging so she wouldn't leave. But he gave up. He gently broke the two sisters apart. "You can head there on your own?" He asked one last time.

"Dad, I'm fine. I'll be fine." Not to mention that the Hunters recently did a clearing of the Grimm here on Patch… not that dad needs to be reminded about it though, the worrywart he is. "I'll get to town, then hop on the bus and since we set up my room last week I'll be ready to go!"

"Alright, if you're sure…" Tai said.

"I'm heading off then, going to learn to kick some butt!" Yang declared, making at least Harry and Ruby laugh. "Xiao long for now!" Yang said walking out, grinning in pride as she heard two groans and a bark of laugh behind her.

She started walking down the road to the city. Well, this is where I can finally learn to be a Huntress. Then afterwards I can go to Beacon and then see the world and meet new people. See what the world has to offer. In the dark places of her mind, she added, and maybe I can track down my own mom and ask her 'why'. But those thoughts didn't reach the forefront of her thoughts and she continued on, light of heart and mind.

Though she did wonder why it felt as if someone was watching her even though there was no one there.

Yang sighed as she sat down on the couch in her home. It had been a long three months at Signal and they were finally on their first extended break. Her Aura had been fully unlocked by the end of the second month, which is about when the teachers could tell if someone was actually serious about trying to become a Hunter/Huntress, and then proceeded onto the next step with Aura unlocking. She was lucky enough to have Qrow unlock hers for her. A nice golden glow lit up the room when her Aura activated.

On the more practical side of Signal, Yang found that none of the weapons really worked for her (though melee weapons were her favorite so far) and she liked using her fists to punch through something. However she still needed to discover her Semblance. She was in the middle of the pack for that as some were early bloomers who had their Aura and Semblance figured out. Kinda' like Harry now that I think about it, with his magic partially controlled, and the other part uncontrolled, she thought to herself as she just rested.

Of course for her, she wasn't very patient and it felt like it was taking forever for her to get her semblance.

I'll get it, though I just want to get it sooner.

"Hey Yang!" Harry said, looking around a corner.

"What's up?" Yang asked.

"Could you come with us for a moment? We want a third opinion on something that we've read," he said, a second head popping out over his, causing him to slightly stumble with the added weight.

Probably some magic-y thing, Yang thought. "Alright, I'll be there." She stood up and started walking.

Then her bare foot kicked the coffee table.

Specifically her little toe hit it.

There was a beat. Everything paused and the universe held its breath.

Did I just…?

Then the pain hit.

"OOOOOOWWWWWWW!" Yang screamed in pain as she hopped on her good foot, holding up her wounded foot, cradling it, specifically her toe. That hurts! That HURTS! God that hurts so bad! I'm an idiot!

Strangely enough, while her toe hurt, the rest of her felt really strong for some reason. And her head kinda' felt hot too.

"Yang! Yang! Your head's on fire!" Harry suddenly shouted, his eyes wide in panic.

What? Yang looked over at the turned off T.V screen to see her reflection and sure enough saw literal flames coming off of her head. "AH! DAD! MY HAIR IS ON FIRE!" She screamed for Tai.

"I don't want Yang to die!" Ruby shouted, tears of worry and fright coming down her face.

"Get to the kitchen!" Harry shouted, rushing forward, pushing her in the direction.

"What in the blazes is going on h-" Taiyang thundered into the room to this scene. Yang looked up at him and their eyes met. His eyes grew wide and he seemed to freeze in place. She thought he muttered something under his breath, then his eyes flickered upwards to her head. Then the panic set in. "Oh shit! Kitchen! Now!" Time resumed again and they all ran into the kitchen. Taiyang opened up the faucet and Yang stuck her head under it.

There was a sizzling and steam filled the air, but thankfully Yang wasn't feeling the fire anymore after shaking her head around in the water stream. She finally felt fine and turned off the water. Harry was there with a towel, which she took, drying her hair. "Okay, so what happened?" Taiyang asked.

"So…" Yang got her thoughts together. "I stubbed my pinky toe. It hurt really bad and I got mad at myself… but… my toe hurt but the rest of me felt strong for some reason."

Taiyang was silent, as well as Ruby and Harry. The three kids were looking at the one adult of the room. Tai hummed in thought then said, "This happened after you stubbed your toe?"

"Yeah."

"You hit yourself, and when you did, you felt stronger?"

"I guess I did," Yang agreed. Where is he going with this?

Making a decision, Taiyang stood up. "You know how to project your Aura to protect you, right?"

"Duh, it's one of the first things we learn," Yang said.

"Do it right now," Tai said.

"O…kay?" Yang concentrated and felt that comforting and protecting feeling come forward, going around her body, expecting something.

Though that something didn't include the scenario of her own father punching her in the gut.

"Ooof!" Yang was almost winded from the blow, but her Aura absorbed it, not causing any real damage. And at the same time, she felt a massive rush of energy and she felt stronger. Way stronger.

She looked up at her dad, eyes narrowed slightly because he, even though for a good reason, still punched her. Once again, his eyes widened slightly and this time Yang heard him mumble, "Just like her's…" He shook his head again. "Well, how do you feel now?"

"Annoyed, slightly angry, stronger," Yang admitted.

"Wow Yang, you have red eyes now," Ruby said in amazement.

"What?" Harry quickly snapped a photo and showed her. Indeed she now had red eyes instead of her normal lilac color iris. "That's strange."

"Well," Taiyang said, getting their attention. "The teachers at Signal would be better to further test this, but I think this might be your semblance: to get power from hits you take."

That hung in the air for a while before Yang said, "Okay, that's seriously like O.P. right there."

"That's… wow." It wasn't often that Harry was at a loss for words, but here was one moment right now.

"That's so cool!" Ruby cheered. "Yang you're like super strong already! Now you're even stronger!"

Yang had a growing smile on her face. This is incredible, finding my semblance… over something so stupid though. "What was with my hair though?" She asked.

Taiyang shrugged, though he did say, "I don't know, but fire is something we Xiao Long's know about." He breathed in a bit and then huffed out, but instead of just normal air, a lick of flame came out of his mouth. "There's a reason our name has 'dragon' in it."

"Oh. And here I was thinking it was our fiery personality and natural hot-headedness." This time however, there were snorts and chuckles all around.

Okay, life is good, she thought with a smile.

Taiyang stared at the screen, waiting for the call to go through. After a moment, the screen showed the face of his old teammate. "So, what's the special occasion Tai?" Qrow asked over the video. His flask was in his hand again. Seriously, I wonder if he just pops off that hand and exchanges it for the one with his scythe, since it seems that it's either one or the other that's glued on.

"Yang discovered her semblance today," Tai said.

"Oh? And…?"

"Well, for one, she deserves the name firecracker now. Apparently it's some sort of power-up semblance, where she gets power from getting hit."

Qrow blinked his dull red eyes. "Huh. That sounds seriously O.P."

"That's what Harry said," Tai said with a smirk.

"Smart kid. But that's not it though. What's the wes- rest?" Qrow said, becoming serious again. Well, as serious as he could when he's buzzed and starting to slur.

"It's… I… I think when it activates… her eyes… they're Raven's," he said, sounding pained to say so.

Qrow narrowed his own eyes. "You sure?" Tai just stared at him. Yes I know. I was on a team with her for four years, and married for another two. I know her eyes. "Alright then," Qrow said when he got the message Tai was sending. "She is her daughter by genetics you know."

"Yes yes, I know, it's just that…" Tai trailed off.

"You think that she might learn of this." It wasn't a question.

"Yes," Tai admitted.

"Well, look at the bright side," Qrow said, taking a swig.

"And what's that?" Tai asked, slightly aggressive.

Qrow fixed him with a dead stare. "If she wanted to, she probably already knew before you called."

In the time that it happened and the time Taiyang called, ten minutes had gone by. Ten minutes after he had gone straight to the phone. Ten minutes in which she probably somehow got everything she wanted to know when she wasn't anywhere nearby.

And wasn't that a cheering thought?

Today's the day.

Today's the day I've been waiting for.

The dream that I had for years finally flowering.

Harry looked up at the buildings in front of him, surrounded by a thick wall.

Today's the day I'm going to Signal.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

And thus begins the Signal Academy arc! The next true arc of this story! We'll get to see exactly what Harry can do and what weapon he's going to get. And more Harry/Ruby as well! There were hits of it in here, so I hoped you liked the fluff. Strangely enough, I have a hard time with fluff. It doesn't flow as much as other things, unlike other authors that can ship it by the cargo freighter. Hope it was good enough!

And don't worry, we'll actually see more of what was inside the trunk during the Signal arc, and what was written too.

Lots of references in here if you can find them. The last one was inspired by I believe it was RTX Australia where they had the mocap of Ruby and Yang answering questions, and Yang/Barbara said she stubbed her toe for her semblance (I think, it's been a couple years since I've seen it) and a recent picture I saw where Yang's head was on fire and the dialogue was almost exactly as is.

And now for some of the reviews... well, I won't admit that this is my strongest or most thought out story. The numerous re-writes attest to that. But it is what it is, and either read it or don't. I'm sorry if I disappoint, but I try not to. ( ``/)

Anywho, thanks for your patience for this story! I'm going to get started on the rest of my queue after I sleep a bit.

Remember to R.R.F.F (Read, Review, Favorite, Follow)

-OrangeGalen