It was practically expected that the peace talks between the twin cities and Branwen Tribe would fail. After a disastrous encounter, the Branwen Tribe acquires a "good luck charm" and Qrow Branwen curses his luck for getting stuck with prisoner caretaker duty.
A Fantasy AU.
Legal Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or any of the show's characters. They are the rightful properties of Rooster Teeth.
Until the End
Chapter Six (of Six):
The children were playing out in the garden, laughter reverberating through the yard and the neighboring trees. "Tag! I'm it!" The boisterous blonde of the trio roared, jumping up onto a nearby tree stump and posing heroically.
There was a soft peal of laughter from the silver-eyed brunette who had previously managed to grab ahold of the back of her older sister's jacket before Yang had broken away to pose, "C'mon, Yang, that's not how you play!" She protested, though the grin on her face suggested she didn't mind the turn of events nearly as much as she'd tried declaring.
Violet eyes widened triumphantly as Yang puffed out her chest all the more as if trying to imitate a hero from one of the stories she always insisted that her parents or uncles read to her, "Forget that!" The young girl exclaimed, "My way's more fun."
Ruby frowned thoughtfully at this, as if the matter of amended rules to tag was of grave import. Perhaps to the young girl's mind, it very much was. "I don't know." She finally got out, tapping her chin with her finger in a considering manner that seemed out of sorts for her eight years, "What do you think, Oscar?"
"Um," the dark-haired boy blinked as two pairs of inquisitive eyes turned on him then, sheepishly looking down at the ground in sudden fascination as he kicked at a nearby stone, "I think both ways can be fun?"
Yang stuck out her tongue, pouting slightly as she jumped down from her perch, "That's cheating." She declared vehemently, stamping her foot, "You have to pick one!"
Ruby nodded her head in staunch agreement with her elder sister, "Yeah, that's right!" She echoed, clearly expecting the boy to answer the question.
Oscar blinked at their earnest decrees, a thoughtful crease furrowing his brow not a second later, "Why don't we test out the new rules first and see from there?" He tried to amiably reason.
Ruby and Yang both looked at one another, considering. The older of the siblings grinned not a moment later, crossing her arms over her chest, "Fine by me! We'll have so much fun we won't ever go back!" She declared triumphantly.
The children's peals of laughter carried over the garden once more as they continued their game, and Clover couldn't help but smile at the sight of the three chasing one another. Moments like this were probably some of his favorites, living in Patch. He didn't want to take them for granted.
His teal eyes only tore themselves away from the sight when a red-eyed crow landed on the bench next to him with a caw, transforming into Qrow not a moment later. Granted, the fact that Qrow Branwen could actually change into a bird was something that had taken him by surprise when he'd first seen it, but now he didn't even so much as blink an eye over it anymore. It was just another facet to a man who never ceased to catch him by surprise.
The dark-haired man smirked as he watched the kids at play, the trio so engrossed in their game at the moment that they hadn't even noticed his return yet, "They're already at it, huh?" Qrow asked, a fond note in his gruff voice.
Clover couldn't help but nod in response to the question, his gaze never leaving the young whirlwinds of energy as they raced after one another across the yard, the little corgi Zwei happily following after them as they loudly contested who was actually "it" now thanks to Yang's rule changes, "Tai and Summer are off on their rounds, I take it?" He asked the slightly older man.
Qrow had gone part of the way with his ex-brother-in-law and their silver-eyed teammate on their patrol of Patch to make sure nothing out of the ordinary had crept up onto the island, wanting to discuss any potential new surprises they should be aware of for their babysitting venture. Given how quickly he'd returned, there must have been no sudden changes to anyone's diets this time around. Yang in particular was a notoriously picky eater when it came to vegetables, and Ruby once swore she could live on her mom's cookies alone. Clover was grateful that Oscar seemed quite willing to at least try most meals once by comparison.
"Yeah. Seems like the patrol is going to be peaceful, all things considered." Qrow said, stretching out his arms along the back of the bench.
Clover leaned his back against the one behind him, Qrow shifting slightly to better accommodate the younger man's weight, "Hopefully our next one will go just as smoothly." He said optimistically. Qrow grunted in acknowledgement, though his red eyes narrowed slightly at the notion that they even had to still do so at all. The brown-haired Atlesian nudged him gently in a teasing manner then, "Hey, it's better to be overly cautious than not, right?"
They were most likely perfectly safe here on Patch, but remaining on alert given the heightened unease currently sweeping the rest of Vale wasn't a bad idea. One never knew when something unexpected might happen. They knew the reprieve they had at the moment wouldn't last forever. The four adults wanted to be ready for whenever the conflict finally reached even this refuge of theirs. They'd deal with it together when it did happen. They'd sworn it to each other.
Qrow hummed in acknowledgement of Clover's words, "I know, Cloves." He let out a tired sigh, a faraway look in his light red eyes as he watched the kids play.
Clover regarded him carefully then, "Something on your mind, pretty bird?" He asked quietly, knowing the answer already.
A nod was Qrow's reply, "I was just thinking back to how we first got here."
Oh. Clover reached over and placed a hand on Qrow's knee. That was a story in and of itself, wasn't it?
The silence stretched on uncomfortably for a good long moment, no one daring to so much as breathe.
Finally, the suffocating stillness had become too much for Qrow, who hesitantly dropped Clover's hand to take a purposeful step towards his seemingly unaffected sister, "What the actual hell, Rae?" He all but snarled, stepping protectively in front of Clover and gesturing for young Oscar to move towards them a split second later.
He was surprised when Clover moved to stand by his side instead, Oscar turning hesitant hazel eyes over to Raven instead. The black-haired woman merely nodded her head slightly and the freckled boy raced over to Qrow and Clover, the brown-haired former soldier awkwardly placing his unshackled arm around tiny shoulders when Oscar wrapped his arms around his knees.
Raven merely stood there by the cell room's door, observing the scene with a stoic expression on her face before she crossed her arms over her chest and stared at Qrow with a pointed red gaze, "I want you to take them both away from here." She finally said at length, her breath nearly catching as if even speaking the words was somehow painful for her.
Perhaps, in a way, it was.
Qrow exchanged a surprised glance with Clover, the younger man's grip on Oscar tightening protectively as if this was some sort of trick. Qrow wouldn't have put it past his sister, after all, as some twisted test of loyalty to the tribe. "Are you actually serious?" He couldn't help but question his twin not a moment later.
Raven raised an eyebrow in consternation, "When have you ever known me not to be, baby brother?" She asked matter-of-factly, as if he was an idiot.
"Cut the bullshit, Raven!" He snarled at her, stepping forward once more as if to shield the other two in the room from her piercing red stare, "What about what's best for the tribe and all of that crap?"
She regarded him evenly then, tilting her head to the side thoughtfully, "I think you and I both know that this treaty with the Land of Darkness is only a temporary stop measure at best." She answered truthfully.
Her honest answer gave him pause and he frowned, "You're just using it as a distraction to buy time." He realized at length.
She pursed her lips, "I'd prefer for Salem to not get her hands on a constant source of good luck, or Ozpin's next host if I could avoid it." She told the trio in front of her, frowning, "Logically, that should mean terminating them right here and now."
Qrow reached for Harbinger, the motion not lost on Raven who put her hand on Omen's hilt. The room was charged with both twins' energy, as if it could ignite at any moment. Clover moved Oscar to stand shakily behind him as Raven's gaze turned considering, "But killing the boy would only be a stop gap measure considering a new host would ultimately emerge." She continued, "And I'd be hesitant to destroy a tool that could prove useful later on."
"Lucky us." Clover couldn't help but mutter sarcastically under his breath.
Raven ignored him and Oscar to gaze evenly at her brother, "Which just leaves the alternative of sending them somewhere far away. And who better to ensure their continued safety than you, baby brother?"
Qrow stared at her in open disbelief, "Just like that?" He asked, a bitter sort-of laugh ripping from his throat, "And where exactly could we go, Rae? You've been threatening everything I care for just to keep me here, how can I trust you now?"
"I've never told anyone about Patch."
He paused at that, noticing how Raven seemed to be averting her gaze now, "What?" Qrow asked in disbelief.
She frowned, "Yang is my flesh and blood as well, Qrow. I never intended to put her in jeopardy. Or Tai and Summer."
Understanding blossomed across his face then, and Qrow suddenly felt sick to his stomach, "You just wanted me to think you had to keep me here." He muttered. She didn't deny it and he growled with fists clenched at his sides, but Clover's steadying hand on his shoulder kept him from rushing his sister.
"Hate me all you want, but consider this your only opportunity if you want to leave here and take these two with you." His twin informed him imperiously, her expression softening marginally a moment later, "This is your one chance at freedom, baby brother. I suggest you take it."
With that, Raven stepped past Qrow and unlocked the manacle around Clover's wrist, refusing to meet either his or Oscar's questioning gazes. She conjured up one of her portals not a moment later, standing aside expectantly for the trio to go through it.
Qrow stared at her doubtfully, "How do we know this isn't some sort of trick?" He rightfully questioned.
Raven smirked in reply, "Wouldn't I just leave things as they were in that case, Qrow?" She asked plainly.
The younger Branwen twin glared and opened his mouth to respond when the door to the cell room opened once more, Vernal making her way inside. The short-haired bandit didn't seem at all surprised by the turn of events, and Qrow wondered if Raven had already shared the entirety of her plan with the other woman.
"You should hurry." Vernal spoke up without preamble, tilting her head in the portal's direction, "If you're going to leave, do so now."
"What about you two?" Clover spoke up then, already guiding the small boy towards the looming portal as it clearly beat the alternative of staying there.
Raven and Vernal both smirked at one another, "We'll figure something out." Raven said in way of reassurance.
Qrow met Clover's teal eyes then, and he nodded his head to indicate that they should take this strange opportunity now that it presented itself. Clover nodded back, gripping Oscar's small hand in his own and resolutely making his way to the portal. Qrow turned to regard his twin for a moment more before he began heading to the portal as well, adrenaline at the prospect of finally being free, of both Clover and Oscar being safe, filling him to his core.
"Qrow."
He paused at the sound of Raven's voice, letting out a sigh. It figured it wouldn't be that easy. Qrow turned to face her and Vernal then, the question dying on his lips as he saw his sister proffering him a blade. It was a small dagger, etched with glowing glyphs and runes upon its blade and hilt.
He raised an eyebrow at the sight, "What is this?" He asked, genuinely curious.
She sighed as if annoyed that he was asking so many questions in the first place, "A gift. To help you and your lucky charm stay hidden for the moment." Raven answered.
Realization as to the meaning behind the glyphs hit him then, having seen similar ones in Ozpin's study, "These are meant to temporarily cancel out semblance tattoos, aren't they?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
"No reason to search for you if you don't have useful abilities anymore." She informed him, holding out the dagger further, "The tribe will be told you and your escaped prisoner stole it."
He almost wanted to yell at her for having kept such a thing hidden from him for so long since she knew how his semblance had impacted his life as a whole, but he recognized it would be pointless. Everything Raven did, she did for the tribe. In a way, this was no different.
Instead, he simply picked up the dagger from her outstretched hand, "Whenever you're ready to return to the battlefield, baby brother, simply stop calling on the magic within the blade." Raven told him.
He smirked, "I have a feeling that won't happen for a long while."
A knowing glint was in her eyes then, "I imagine not." She said truthfully.
The two stood for a moment longer, regarding one another carefully. And then Qrow turned his back on Raven and Vernal to step through the portal as well, his hand clutching the dagger hilt tightly. When he emerged, it was to the far too welcome sight of Clover and Oscar crowding around him in vivid relief, his lungs taking in the peaceful air of Patch.
It had been a little over a year since they'd made Patch their home, since that night when Raven Branwen had surprisingly let them leave Mistral. Clover leaned against Qrow, the other doing the same as they shared the warmth the close contact provided. True to her word, no one from the tribe or the Land of Darkness had come looking for them here. The knowledge of their stolen "parting gift" probably didn't make Qrow and Clover top priorities anymore.
They weren't foolish enough to think that would remain the case forever though, not with Ozpin's host with them. Tai and Summer had already begun discussing possibly moving elsewhere with their daughters on the off-chance that it became necessary, and Qrow and Clover had already discussed the possibility with Oscar as well.
But for the moment, things were peaceful outside of the occasional Grimm raids. Blissfully so, some days, like what had happened to bring them here was nothing more than a fleeting memory. However...
"I received a missive from Robyn earlier." Clover conversationally began, Qrow's lanky fingers playing with his shoulder in a relaxing, circular motion that always made him want to melt further into the touch.
The other man hummed, "You don't say?" He muttered, light red eyes still taking in the scene of the kids and the pet corgi Zwei happily gallivanting around the yard, "What did the Councilwoman have to say? Jimmy and the others all right?"
The brown-haired man shook his head slightly in fond fascination for Qrow's lack of propriety when it came to his former superior, "Everyone is doing as well as can be expected, with the war moving forward." He answered, "The alliance with Vale became cemented just a few days ago."
Qrow hummed again, his attention turning further to Clover as his fingers stilled, "Do you regret not being with them anymore, lucky charm?" He asked, his hesitancy plainly obvious. After all, it was a question that the older man had poised to him in one form or another over the course of their time here, always tentatively asked as if afraid that the constant response would suddenly change.
General James Ironwood and the rest of the Council had given Clover an unofficial leave of absence from the military following everything that had happened. At least on paper, at any rate. It had been decided that Ozpin's new host would require protection and hopefully the chance to live his life as far away from the fighting as possible until he had no choice but to leap back into it, and Clover had been tasked with helping to protect and ensure that. Easy enough when he'd been officially declared "dead" by Atlas during the time of his captivity with the Branwen Tribe.
Clover raised an eyebrow at Qrow's question as he always did, "I'd be lying if I didn't say there were some days when I missed it, but being here to help watch over Oscar, being here with you?" He leaned his forehead down until it was touching Qrow's gently and he hoped the simple motion would convey all of his fondness to the other man, "I wouldn't trade the world for it."
There was a sharp intake of breath following his declaration, "Cloves—"
...Right before a bundle of fallen leaves suddenly hit the side of the light red-eyed former bandit's face, the tender moment dispelled with a faint hint of laughter from his companion.
"Um, oops?" Yang said, still holding onto a clutch of foliage that she'd intended to throw at her little sibling and Oscar instead.
"Uh-oh!" Ruby breathed out, her hands flying to her mouth in response to what her sister had unintentionally done, "It looks like Uncle Qrow is It!"
"Were we really playing anything by then though?" Oscar asked her, an endearingly thoughtful expression clouding over his freckled features.
Qrow glanced over at Clover then, eyes dancing with mirth as he pulled them closer together briefly, "Looks like you're It now too, shamrock." He joked to the other man.
Clover smirked, "Wouldn't have it any other way, Qrow."
They pulled away from each other, though they interlaced their fingers all the same as they rose from the bench. "All right, you brats!" Qrow yelled out, the cheer in his voice regardless downright infectious, "We'll show you how you really play!"
All three children shrieked with laughter as Qrow began chasing them across the garden while pulling Clover along beside him. Unlike during his captivity, the motion was kind and gentle. The brown-haired younger man couldn't help but smile even as his arm was pulled in every which direction, squeezing Qrow's hand back and relishing in the joy that the day contained.
Qrow leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Clover's lips as he held the strangely glowing dagger between them. They'd already removed their clothes this evening, the swirling green lines of Clover's tattoo having already started to pulsate and become prominent once more. It would probably be another week before his own red and black tattoos would start to trace his pale skin once again. They'd repeat the process in reverse when that happened.
...Which is why Oscar was currently having a sleepover once again at Tai and Summer's, as the adults had long since decided that that this ritual should be as private as possible.
Qrow placed the flat of the blade at the small scar on Clover's chest where he made sure the cut always happened, "You ready, lucky charm?" He asked, voice always hesitant still despite how they'd both agreed to this long before, despite how they'd often repeated this act since escaping the tribe.
Clover's hands and nimble fingers trailed up and down his arms then as he leaned back in their shared bed, nodding softly. The motion was reassuring, "Of course, Qrow. Always." He murmured before pulling the lanky man down once more for another kiss to quell any lingering concern.
When they finally pulled away, Qrow gave a slight nod and brought the tip of the dagger to the white line of scarring dotting the other's flesh. He only pressed down deep enough to draw a faint trail of blood, but the effect was immediate all the same as the dagger's runes glowed with the contact and both pairs of light red and teal eyes watched, transfixed, as Clover's tattoos started to fade away to mere faint lines once again starting from the small cut.
"I hate that we have to do this every few weeks." Qrow muttered with a sigh as he removed the dagger and promptly brought up a towel to the slight wound he'd inflicted. It figured that would be the only way to unlock the sealing magic inherent in the item. His sister wasn't without her own twisted sense of humor.
Clover's hand rested atop his over the towel, and the brunette smiled reassuringly at him, "It beats the alternative of being hounded constantly for our semblances though." He noted wryly, teal eyes practically smirking. Even without his luck to back him up, Clover couldn't help but be confident when speaking to Qrow.
"Right." Qrow replied, allowing himself to be pulled up to the bed into a comforting embrace against Clover, melting into the other man's side with his hand still resting on the towel though he knew the bleeding had no doubt already stopped. It was strange to think that they'd come so far from their odd, nearly tragic start. But Qrow found he wouldn't change it for the world now.
"What are you thinking, Qrow?" Clover asked him, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
Qrow merely smiled and leaned further into Clover's embrace, kissing him once more, "Just thinking how fortunate we both are, even with our diminished luck." He told him with a smirk, before leaning in to steal a second kiss from the smiling man beside him.
Clover's hold on Qrow tightened and he met him halfway for the third kiss, the towel falling to the ground forgotten as they moved to become even closer to one another still, "Lucky us." He breathed out, positively beaming.
Qrow couldn't help but laugh as both he and Clover held one another close, refusing to ever let go. This time, no one was prisoner to their semblances nor Atlas nor the Branwen Tribe. It was their choice to stay together until the end.
Author's Notes: I always find I have a harder time closing out stories than I do with starting them up, but I hope you all liked the ending regardless. This was a fun story to explore and write. I hope you enjoyed it at least a little bit too! :D Thank you for reading! :)