Hunting or Bust: The Journey Onward

by Master Attlon

The paths we find ourselves on. Are they predetermined by fate? Or do we really have the power to change our future? Will we stick to the paths we find ourselves on? Or if a chance presented itself, would you take it? This is a new path. A new chance at life. A...did that kid just spew chunks all over the deck? Yes. Yes he did.

100. Let's Just Live

Hunting or Bust: The Journey Onward

Dust 95: Let's Just Live

And…here we are.

I…I cannot begin to describe how much it means to me that you all followed and read this story. This labor of love. I'm so happy with how far this story has come and I hope, when the journey continues, you'll be there to join me again.

Well…for now…here we go.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

It was odd to think that just a few days ago she couldn't have a single thought without it being steeped in dread and fear. The world was filled with monsters under the control of an all-powerful demon woman who had it out for her. She had been hunted by a psychotic scorpion Faunus who could still be watching her and the others from somewhere…

But most importantly her uncle was injured and might not have survived the night.

She and her friends had carried Qrow for miles as he suffered and thrashed around under the effects of Tyrian's poison. To be honest she thought about dropping to her knees and crying more than once from how hopeless things got. It was only by the help of Jaune, Ren, and Nora that she pushed on and kept it together.

Oh, that was until the most terrifying, horrific, and disgusting Grimm she had ever laid eyes on hunted them down and attacked them.

If Ruby was being honest and a little boastful she'd admit that she never really had a hard time against Grimm. She understood how en masse they were a threat and to untrained people, they could be terrifying, but Ruby had been training for years to fight them and knew she was pretty good. So for a while, the fear the Grimm posed wasn't one she truly felt when facing them.

Until she faced that monster. Strong. Fast. Unpredictable. And from what Ren and Nora told her, the reason that massive village they fought in was a ghost town to start with. That monster had traumatized them, killed their families, and the reason they came to Beacon alone. It meant a lot for them to face that beast down and come out victorious. And Ruby had to admit it was a far more hard-fought battle than she had anticipated it to be. More than once they had been knocked down and it felt like things were over.

But they made it. With some teamwork, coordination, luck, and a hint of desperation, Ren landed the decisive blow on the monster that haunted his memories. She truly hoped her friend would be able to find some solace now that he had slain the Grimm that took his family. Only time would tell.

And there was a hidden benefit to killing that monster too. The smoke it released was so vast and large it worked as a flare to signal some passing Airships for assistance. What had once been a hopeless situation suddenly turned and fortune smiled upon them. They got a ride out of the wilderness. They were in Mistral and taking shelter in a nice home. And most importantly…

"I'm getting antsy." Her bed-ridden uncle groused as he shuffled around atop his bed, "What I wouldn't give to go for a walk. Or run. Or crawl through Mistral's bar scene."

"None of that." Ruby quickly berated and shot down his complaints, "You're still recovering. No exercise that would stress you, plenty of rest, and no blackout drinking."

"Pretty sure the doctor didn't order that last one."

"Pretty sure she didn't have to when common sense is supposed to be in play." She countered, making Qrow pout and twist in his bed, "Please don't make a fuss."

"I'm not making a fuss. I'm not a kid. I'm old so im expected to be grouchy." Qrow let out a small chuckle at his own joke. She smiled, relieved beyond measure that he could make lame jokes and laugh at them after the close call he had. He leaned back against the headboard and stretched his arms, "Fine, I'll behave for now but when I'm on my feet you better believe I'm gonna be a little scamp." She giggled, "You know you can go hang out with your friends. You don't have to stick by my side like it's my deathbed."

"Hey, you got any idea how worried I was about you?" She pouted in return, reaching up and gently yanking on her uncle's cheek, "You could try to sympathize with your adorable niece's worries a little."

"Geez, you pack your bags for a guilt trip that long?" Qrow sighed before settling back and patting her head. Ruby looked up at her smiling uncle, "You did it, Kiddo. You saved me and got us here. I'm proud of you."

…

"After Beacon…" Ruby murmured as she looked down at her lap, "I was worried we wouldn't win again. And when I saw you suffering from the poison I thought…" She paused and wiped her eyes, "I thought this would be one of those situations where it would…it would have to get easier." She parroted the phrase he used when he consoled her in the bathroom after she woke up from the Fall, "I was so frightened. But-"

"But you did it." Qrow pulled his hand away and smiled, "You did what very few people could probably pull off, Pipsqueak. You should take pride in that." He patted where he had been stabbed, "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

Ruby sniffled and dried her eyes before it became too noticeable. With a small smile she nodded and grinned at her uncle.

The door to the room slammed open, "We're back!" Nora announced with a takeout bag in hand, "You would not believe how many options they had at that place! They all looked so good and tasty and my mouth was nearly watering!"

"'Nearly?'"

"Clearly she doesn't remember that someone had to clean up after we left."

"Hey, quiet you two." The short ginger quickly turned on her two teammates and chided them for revealing her secret. She turned back around and smiled as they carried the bags in, "We got your orders! And as payment for delivery I ask that I only get half your sides and one big chunk out of your main dish!"

"That's highway robbery!"

"Well that's the cost of convenience." Nora grinned as she pulled out Ruby's burger and fries to hand over, "You don't wanna pay your dues then go get your own food."

"I would if I wasn't being confined." Qrow grumpily remarked as he took his order from Ren. Her uncle sighed and started chewing on his fries before he looked up, "Uh, what are you doing?"

"Eating." Jaune said around a mouthful of chicken nuggets, "What does it look like?"

"I mean why are you eating around my bed?"

"We thought it would be beneficial to eat together during your recovery." Ren answered while forking some of his salad, "It's only right you shouldn't be holed up in here alone."

"That don't mean I need an audience while I'm enjoying my meal."

"Oh, don't be such a party pooper! Now hurry up and give me half your burger!"

"You said you'd only take a bite out of it!"

"Same thing!"

"You're a tyrant!"

She looked around as her family and friends bickered and joked and ate their meal in piece. A far cry from the last time they had all been together, about to learn the truth of their enemy.

There was still so much to prepare and plan. And they had a meeting with Professor Lionheart ahead of them. Even so…

Ruby smiled contently and enjoyed her meal.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Weiss smiled contently and enjoyed her snack.

"They did not use a picture of you and Velvet to drum up sympathy!"

"They did." She nodded, shuffling through the bag and putting a chip into her mouth, "And then after I heard some people say it was probably staged, Father invited me up in front of everyone to give a speech about how 'wonderful we all are for helping the cause'."

"Ugh," Fū groaned and pointed a chocolate bar at her, "Tell me you hit somebody! I don't think I could handle that without hitting someone in return!"

"I was tempted. I swear the thought crossed my mind a few times. But no I didn't hit anyone." She sat and shrugged whimsically, "Instead I told everyone that being around them made me physically sick and walked off."

"HAHAHA!" For the first time since coming back to Atlas, Weiss found herself surrounded by genuine, infectious laughter at the actions everyone else in this city would find reprehensible. The ox Faunus at her side snickered and nodded her way, "~Little lady, let me just say, you jump up our roster in a major way~"

"O-Oh, thank you." Weiss nodded at his kind but awkward rhyme of her praise. She looked around at all the new people she had met among Sasuke's group. They were strangers yet she felt so comfortable and familiar around them. Seeing as they got along so well to trust and travel with Sasuke and Kiba it made sense that it was like being around friends in Beacon again. She looked over at her friends and cheekily giggled, "So you traveled over Sanus and Vytal before coming to Solitas…you reached out to a huge number of eligible people to help…and you only have 3 to show for it?" She quickly turned to the people in question, "No offense."

"None taken!" Fū said around a mouthful of cookies, "I brought this up so many times!"

"We like them and admire their goal, but as far as convincing arguments…" Shisui shrugged, "They got lucky."

"I got to have a bitchin' fight." Bee said with a grin, "All the fun I need."

"We've been over this! We're not salesmen! How many times do you have to tell us what we already know!" Kiba griped as Sasuke sighed and shook his head.

Weiss tried to hide her laughter behind her hand while the others burst out loud. However steadily her elation got the better of her and she ended up joining them in their chortle. Even Kiba and Sasuke ended up sharing a look before laughing as well.

Weiss lounged back against the side of the couch, reveling in being able to relax like this among friends. And after a moment she spared a look around and admired just how large and accommodating their suite was. She looked at the others, "So how exactly did you manage to rent a place like this? I imagine this must've cost a pretty Lien."

"~With a little tricky deception and handy work by me, we managed to procure the humble abode you see~." Bee answered with a rhyme, "~Now we'll live in luxury with no wary looks our way, although next month I can't help but chuckle at my bro's wallet's dismay~!"

"Brigadier General Billings'?" Weiss had never met the renowned military officer, only really knowing him by reputation and name. She heard he was a no-nonsense, strict, and powerful solider that worked closely with General Ironwood in the army. She had been surprised to hear Bee was related to him, and that Sasuke and the others had run into him in order to get the ox on their side, "Is it a good idea to foot him the bill without his knowledge?"

"Fuck him." Kiba immediately, brazenly responded before anyone else could speak up. The tattooed man frowned after pouring the crumbs of his bag into his mouth, "That prick made us wait weeks to talk and settle things and we're supposed to be accommodating? Screw him."

"He's not that bad." Shisui countered, "Or are you still bent out of shape from that punch?"

"He introduced himself with a cheap shot. As far as I'm concerned that's his first impression and the only one I need." Weiss spared a look towards Sasuke and saw her friend shrug in response to Kiba's ire. She thought it might be too much, but then again she hadn't experienced the same kind of things they had in their travels since they separated. He crumbled up the bag he was eating from and looked her way, "Hey Weiss, what about that trip out of here? Can we still make it on time?"

"Oh yes, we most certainly can." Weiss said, a proud smile on her face as she pulled out her Scroll and found their map, "Klein made sure to plan a route of exit ahead of time. He even gave us a comfortable window of time to get to the air docks in case we needed to use some time to hide away. I guess in this case we just used it to talk and eat snacks but still useful." She looked down and smiled, "It shouldn't be too far from here."

"Alright! Let's go!" Fū exclaimed with glee, "Time to say goodbye to Atlas!"

"It was fun, but I'm gonna be glad to put this place in the rear view."

"~Yo, this my home, and I ain't ever left, but today is the day we be running like a theft! To the big bright world is what we're waitin' to see, so peace out dear Atlas say goodbye to Killer Bee~!"

"Beautiful Bee. Really shows you're broken up about this."

The others were making their way around the suite, grabbing whatever they could before they left. Weiss also reached down and hefted up her bag filled with the last belongings she had in the world. Without the Schnee name to fall back on, she was going to have to make this case and her sword work for her until she found Winter. She turned and saw Sasuke had stopped to watch her for a bit. Weiss couldn't help the small smile that came to her face, "What?"

He also smiled, not one ear to ear like some of their friends did, but it was so genuine and filled with warmth that Weiss felt happy just seeing it, "The last time I saw you was in the hospital. You looked so disheartened and miserable. And you had good reason - we all did - but seeing you smile again is such a relief."

She giggled, "Well like you're one to talk. You barely had any life in your eyes when I left." He shrugged and looked down at the missing hand on his left arm. She stepped up and gently gripped his elbow, getting his attention as she looked up at him, "I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that we're here together."

"It'd be better if everyone was together."

"Yes. Yes it would." She faintly smiled, "But one step at a time."

"Hey lovebirds! We're making our way out! You want us to tell the smugglers you need a minute?" Kiba ducked and Fū let out a squeak of shock as a decorative ashtray was hurled their way, "Then hurry up!"

Weiss frowned and Sasuke chuckled. He offered to take her bag but she declined, happy to do a little grunt work after all this time in Atlas being waited on hand and foot. Sasuke led the way out with his team by his side as she followed after him.

She walked out the door to her next destination.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

She walked through the door and gently closed it behind her.

Tenten was laid across a couch and resting from the attack she suffered. Part of her chest and shoulder were bandaged up after her wound had been patched. Once Tenten's Steel had receded and Blake had seen the piece of her flesh that had been gouged out after Mizuki dug his fingers into her, she felt a terrible disgust fill her stomach. Her friend had nearly been killed out here in her home country…

Out here because she stayed to watch over her. And out of the house because they had argued about something so foolish.

Blake slowly stepped over and checked on her friend's state. Her expression while she rested was no longer pinched and pained. Now she was simply resting while her body healed…

But even if she made a full recovery, Blake couldn't quell this guilt and shame in her gut.

After a few moments of silently standing over and watching her friend rest, Blake walked to the edge of the couch and gently sat down. She leaned back into the cushions and let out a hefty sigh as she tried to think about what to do next.

"Ugh." She looked aside as Tenten stirred. Apparently her jostling the couch had woken her up a bit. The brunette wearily opened her eyes and flinched, probably feeling the pain in her shoulder. When she noticed Blake by her feet she tried to sit up, "Blake-"

"D-Don't!" The cat Faunus nervously said as she raised her hands and tried to stop her friend, "You should still be resting."

"Rest - oh." She looked down at her shoulder and seemed to remember what happened, "Oh yeah, the medic came in and told me to get some rest." Tenten laid her head back on the pillow with a groan and looked at her, "How long have I been out?"

"A few hours. You haven't missed much."

"Really? So we haven't caught the jerks who jumped us?"

"No, not yet."

"And um…" Tenten rubbed her eyes and groaned before looking at Blake, "This might have just been the pain and the medication, but I think you said something about Naruto's mom? Was that real?"

Blake sighed, "Surprisingly yes, that was real. Both Kushina Uzumaki and Mr. Jiraiya showed up to help us while we were holding off the White Fang."

"Holy crap, I thought that was just a fever dream." She brunette chuckled tiredly before smiling, "And how have things been since then?"

Well there was a lot of work transporting several tired, injured, and new arrivals through the wilderness and into the Belladonna Manor without drawing too much attention. And after that it was a long explanation from Jiraiya trying to explain where they had been since Beacon fell and what they were doing here. Not to mention a lot of tension to smooth over between the former Red Death of the White Fang and her ex who had barely said a word since they arrived. In summation…

"They've sucked."

"I bet."

…

"If I asked you to leave on a boat now and go back home, would you?" Blake asked earnestly, looking over at her injured friend as she closed her eyes and tried not to put too much strain on her shoulder.

"Geez, are you still on that?"

"Well I think after the night we had a follow-up should be expected." Blake sat up from the couch and walked over, sitting on the table so she could look at Tenten directly, "You were just ambushed and assaulted by a rogue group that wished to hurt you. I think that backs up the point I made yesterday."

Tenten let out a quick chuckle, "Yeah, but if you remember I wanted to stay here to help with any rogue White Fang groups that could be in Menagerie. And if this gouge in my shoulder proves anything, it's that I'm right."

Blake wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh at the joke Tenten made in light of her injuries or yell at her for taking the problem this so clearly was like a jest. Instead, the black-haired Faunus simply sighed exhaustedly and rubbed her eyes clear of the sand and fatigue she had from staying up all night.

"Blake? Please say something."

At her friend's behest, Blake raised her head and looked at Tenten in disbelief, "I really didn't think this was going to happen." She confessed to her friend as Tenten silently listened, "After Beacon I couldn't think straight and I kept moving. I was just too scared to stop because I thought that if I did, he'd catch me." She noticed Tenten's confusion, "Adam Taurus. The leader of the White Fang. Have you heard of him?"

"In passing. From Naruto in his stories, and since Skyggen in the reports from Beacon. He's a big shot and one of the people responsible for that night."

"He was my partner and the reason Yang lost her arm. And that night…he said he was going to hunt down and destroy everything I cared about for revenge because I left him. And that's why I ran away. Because I'm not strong enough to protect what I love, and I'm terrified of facing Adam's wrath, and I just can't handle losing what I care about. So I ran. Like a coward I abandoned my friends and what I loved and ran. And I came here because I thought maybe…I could find some peace with my family again."

"Except they were already here."

"Yes." Blake muttered disappointedly, "And I can't lie and say the idea of running away again didn't cross my mind. Maybe if I left Adam's people will chase after me and leave this island alone. But if I did and they don't," She shook her head, "I'd be abandoning my family and all of you this time too."

"But you aren't going too, are you?"

"But I thought of it."

"Yeah because it was an idea. If we kept guilting ourselves for every idea that crossed our minds we'd be drowning in despair every moment of our lives."

"Yeah but I'm the kind of person to act on the worst ideas I can have."

"Blake-"

"No!" She cut Tenten off before she could say anything else, "Please don't say it. All last night my parents were trying to convince me that it was okay what I did. That I would fix the mistakes I made when the time came. And I gave up on trying to convince them they're wrong because they're my parents - but please don't tell me you think I'm not going to make mistakes like that. Not after everything you saw me screw up at Beacon."

"You're right." Tenten said with a nod, "You are kind of a screw-up. You have made a lot of mistakes."

Hearing it did hurt, but more than anything Blake was relieved to know someone wasn't trying to spare her feelings. She laughed mirthlessly, "Exactly."

"But are you going to let making mistakes stop you from doing anything?"

"I will if my decisions just lead me to abandoning and betraying the people around me or getting them hurt."

"They don't. You think leaving the White Fang wasn't the right move?"

"What about Yang?"

"Yang would never blame you for what happened to her at the Fall."

"Then what about running away?" Blake stared deeply into Tenten's eyes as the injured brunette was left silent in response, "What about Naruto? Do you think if he was still alive, he wouldn't think me running away was a betrayal of everything I thought I stood for?"

Tenten just stared at her in silence. That look…the expression was enough to let her know that she couldn't come up with an answer.

With a heavy and beleaguered breath Blake shook her head, "If the White Fang are threatening this island then I will stop them. But I don't want you here getting hurt because you don't want to leave me behind. Be a Huntress. Help the people that need it. Look out for the others you can find." She stood up and started heading for the door, "You should help people that deserve it-"

"Ah!" Blake flinched when she heard the pained yell and groan that followed. She turned back around and saw Tenten forcing herself to sit up and turn, "Grh!"

"T-Tenten!" She called out to her friend. Blake quickly rushed back over as the injured Huntress righted herself into a sitting position, "What are you doing?! You can't move-"

"When-" She hissed, rubbing her shoulder and silencing Blake's concern as she took a deep breath, "When I first came home after Beacon, I barely did anything. Didn't eat. Didn't sleep. Didn't even talk more than 3 sentences a day to my father. I just couldn't accept what happened. Sasuke...Kiba…Naruto…" Her expression fell at the mention of her teammates, and it was a feeling Blake could unfortunately understand perfectly, "Everyone was gone…a-and Pyrrha-"

Her voice cracked and Blake placed her hand on her knee. The show of comfort seemed to help Tenten find a modicum of relief in her sadness before she breathed in and continued, "I-I couldn't do anything to fix the pain. No matter what I did I couldn't stop thinking about all of you and what happened. And then one night, Ino invited me out to take my mind off of everything. I don't know if I agreed or if they dragged me there but I ended up at a club. It was a blinding, deafening overload of sensation that I just couldn't handle. I was about to leave before…"

Blake couldn't describe what happened. The look in Tenten's eyes and the expression on her face shifted so subtly it was hard to explain but when it finished she looked completely different. Even though they were looking directly at each other Blake knew the brunette was staring at some far-off thing she couldn't begin to describe.

"There was this girl…dancing and laughing like the world hadn't ended. She was loud and free and…her hair…" Tenten's hands curled around something invisible, "So red and bright that for a moment I - I thought it was Pyrrha. And even after I figured it wasn't I walked up to her. We talked. We danced. We drank. And in the end she took me to her bed and we spent the night together. It was all such a blur I can't even remember the particulars. But the morning came and she had her back to me in the bed. So when I woke up the first thing I saw was that red hair. I reached out…I ran my hands through it…"

Tenten swallowed and hung her head…

"And I forgot." She admitted, "I forgot that Pyrrha died. I chose to forget what happened at Beacon. I forgot about everyone." She looked at Blake, "For a moment I forgot I was afraid and worried about all of you. I forgot my teammates and friends were dead or hurt. I believed I was in bed with Pyrrha and everything was fine." Tenten closed her eyes and shook her head, "But then I remembered everything and I just felt sick. I pulled myself out of her bed and ran. Threw myself into work tirelessly. Did everything I could to not think about what I did." Tenten scoffed, "Came to another country and tried to use helping you as an excuse."

Blake looked at Tenten and watched as her face shifted from one of unbridled sadness to…guilt? Self-loathing? It was something internal and plentiful as the young Huntress showed a self-deprecating smile, "So if you really feel like you're unforgivable and don't deserve help from others…" Tenten's eyes started to water as Blake was left breathless, "Just remember you aren't a monster that forgot about how your friends suffered and perverted the memory of the friend you lost."

…

Tenten just sat there in silence as the feeling of what she did must have felt like a weight crushing her. Blake looked at her friend's heartbroken expression and realized what she was seeing. Even if she hadn't been looking in the mirror when she spoke earlier, she knew that her face must have looked similar to Tenten's right now.

Blake reached out and touched Tenten's hand, grabbing her attention as the ponytailed brunette looked back up at her. Tears slowly trickled down both their cheeks before Blake leaned in and gently embraced Tenten. The brunette human let out a small gasp as Blake's arms settled over her and tightened the hug. And even though her shoulder was still injured Blake felt Tenten return the embrace in kind.

"Man, you two are the saddest pair ever." They flinched and looked over as Sun walked into the room while drying his eyes, "And you didn't make me cry by the way. These are allergies."

"S-Sun." Blake quickly pulled back and dried her own eyes, "What are you doing here? Weren't you in the other room with my parents?"

"Yeah but I wanted to check on you two." The blond Faunus sat on the table beside her to join their conversation, "Also things are pretty tense in the other room. So bad that even after hearing everything I'd still breathe easier being in here."

"You heard all that?" Tenten said, rubbing her eyes and letting out a small giggle, "Don't you know anything about giving girls some privacy?"

"You girls ever heard of whispering? It's super effective when you don't want people to overhear." Sun jokingly countered with a smile before it steadily stilled. Once it did he turned to them both and shook his head, "And before either of you try to warn me otherwise; I'm not leaving and you can't make me." He looked directly at Blake as he continued, "Doesn't matter if you don't think this is my fight or that I'm in danger. These guys attacked and threatened us so I'm fighting. They spied on the manor and they're up to something so I'll stay and stop them. And that's it."

Blake's resolve and determination had wavered in the face of Tenten's honest confession. Where just a few minutes earlier she would have argued the point and refused to let Sun risk that choice, now she felt so exhausted she just cleared her eyes and slightly smiled, "And I can't convince you otherwise?"

"No way." The energetic monkey Faunus smirked, "I know that if the others were here right now they'd do everything they could to help, even if you think they wouldn't. So in their place I'll pick up the slack and help you both. Until this is over, and until you're both safe and ready, nothing is going to make me leave."

…

"Heh," Tenten was the first to speak after Sun's exclamation, "You make it really hard to be upset at you. Is that by design?"

"Maybe~."

Blake looked between her friends and smiled gently. Despite herself a tear filled her eye again as she asked, "You really think they'd help if they were here?" She spoke softly as she asked them, "Even after everything?"

"Maybe they'd be upset at you but they'd never leave you." He looked at Tenten too, "And they'd never blame you."

Blake saw Tenten's expression ease with his words as Blake looked down thoughtfully. She thought she had done the unforgivable after leaving Beacon. She truly believed that the people around her were only alright being around her because they didn't know how broken she really was. And that it was her duty to warn them, leave them alone, and keep them at a distance for their own safety.

But that was just selfishness. She wasn't the only person who believed they did wrong or had guilt to carry with them. But unlike her, the others chose to face the mistakes they made and make up for them. The answer to her problem wasn't to cloister herself away and suffer. What she needed to do was face it, even if it was the harder and more painful choice.

And even if it felt stifling…it was clear she wasn't going to have to do it alone.

She flinched when a vibration in her pocket got her attention. Pulling out her Scroll and seeing the message from her mother, she looked to her curious friends, "They're calling us."

"Oh yay, right back into it." Sun cheered with a complete lack of enthusiasm. As they stood up, Tenten started standing up as well, "H-Hey-"

"I'm injured, not an invalid." She grumbled as she stood up, "If we're going to decide what we do next, then nothing is going to stop me."

Sun looked to her for her opinion and Blake knew she couldn't match her friend's stubbornness. The cat Faunus stepped to her injured friend and stood by her side, offering her arm for support until they reached the discussion room. Tenten smiled and took her offer, holding her bicep and putting her weight on her arm for guidance.

With that, Sun opened the door and let them through to the hall.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

With that, Bumblebee stopped and let her off on the edge of the hill.

Her sunglasses thankfully blocked the worst of the shine coming from the horizon as she approached the edge of the cliff. As her boots dug in the mud and grass, she arrived by the small stone marker with the rose over its front. She pulled her glasses off to look down at it properly.

"Hey Mom," Yang whispered her greeting to her beloved and lost mother. She slipped her glasses into her collar and knelt down to clean the grave of leaves and dirt around the insignia and words, "Sorry it's been so long. You think I'd have plenty of time to visit since I was here for so long but," She chuckled and scratched her head, "Been busy, you know?"

Even though she was just speaking to an empty grave marker, it felt like she could imagine her mother's stern expression looking at her. Not angry but disappointed that she wasn't being honest.

Yang sighed, "No, I - I just didn't want you to see me like that. It felt way too hard to drag my way out here, come face you, and drop all my problems on you just to sulk my way back. I know you might be disappointed to hear it but your Firecracker was in a bad way since it all went down." She looked down at her new painted arm and scoffed, "'Was'. You know I was pretty convinced I had gotten over the worst of it but Dad says I should watch out otherwise. He thinks trauma and loss aren't something that disappears so easily. And I guess he'd know pretty well so…fingers crossed."

She stared down at her mother's grave for several long moments before grunting as she sat down in front of it. The young blonde stared out into the vast distance over the cliffside and just let her mind wander. Her thoughts lingered to whether she would ever see this view again if she proceeded to follow the path to the dangers that caused the attack on Vale. Looking down at her mechanical hand she fretted about the idea that more could be lost in the future. And finally she thought about her little sister…

"Ruby came to visit you, right?" She rhetorically asked the marker, "What am I saying? Of course she did. No way she wasn't gonna say goodbye before she left. She did at least with me." Yang scratched her cheek and sighed, "Should I have left with her back then when I had the chance? I-I know I wasn't in the best condition b-but it was Ruby! If she was going into danger then I should have left right then and there. She's my little sister and I promised that I would…"

…

Yang struggled to find the words to express her frustration. Months of second-guessing and regret came bubbling back up to the surface as she tried to express the feelings of wanting to join Ruby even when she herself wasn't in the best condition. Her father's voice joined with Ruby's to tell her she should focus on her own recovery. But her mother and Qrow sounded off on the other side reminding her to always look after her baby sister. It was a consistent argument that sounded off in her mind and one she never could settle. But whether she should have focused on recovery or thrown caution to the wind to chase after Ruby, what mattered was…

She failed to help her sister when she needed help…and she had to make up for that now.

"I know she's somewhere in Mistral. That's what she told me before she left. And Dad's sure that Qrow is with her, and I totally believe he's there. So when I find them - well actually I don't know what we'll do." She chuckled, "Might be one of those things that we have to figure out when we get there. But I'll be there for Ruby when we do. And we'll have Qrow too. And JNPR. And Bla-"

She caught herself before she could make the mistake.

At her side her hand had balled up into a fist that crumbled the grass. Yang took a breath and opened her hand before lowering her head, "I've still got a little longer to go before everything is settled Mom but I'll get there. I promise." Yang pulled out her glasses and fixed them over her eyes before she stood up. Wiping down her pants she looked at her mother's grave and smiled…

"I'm going."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"We're here."

Weiss walked alongside the others as they entered the designated port Klein had told her about. It was a Schnee Airship port that was used for Dust trade and was almost completely unmanned. The only ship that would make trips out with a pilot was a cargo ship dropping off supplies to a Schnee warehouse in Anima near the capital of Mistral.

A ship driven by a pilot willing to carry some unexpected cargo the same way.

"Hey Bee, this is your home turf." Kiba stated as he turned on his feet and marveled at the size and scope of the hanger they walked through, "I doubt we're supposed to be walking through here without permission. What can we expect if we get caught?"

The buff ox Faunus let out a sharp breath, "Well we got four foreigners making their way through restricted grounds uninvited which is a problem. There are also two Faunus here which is only going to go badly for us. And we've got the missing heiress to the SDC stalking around so-"

"Yep, got it, this will only go badly if we fuck up. Cool."

"Eloquently put as ever." Weiss snarked and earned an annoyed growl from Kiba. She giggled to herself at the small bit of enjoyment she got at ribbing a friend again after all this time. And from the corner of her eye she saw Kiba snicker and shake his head. The young Schnee looked straight ahead as she walked with purpose, "As long as we don't dilly-dally we should be fine."

"Fū, you okay?" Shisui asked and Weiss looked back to see the green-haired girl turning on her feet.

"This is so cool." Fū murmured in amazement as she looked around the hanger, "Sneaking around hangars, meeting up in secret for shady transport deals, and all with the threat of what might happen if we get caught. This is so much fun! I never got to experience stuff like this back in Vacuo!"

The older Uchiha chuckled, "You know you almost make it seem like this isn't a tense situation."

"Which it totally is by the way."

"Oh come on! You guys need to lighten up!"

"I'm sorry you won't be able to appreciate the thrill of this adventure for much longer." Weiss apologized as Fū pouted, "Hopefully we'll be able to locate the pilot soon."

"And you're sure this guy is gonna show up?"

"Klein set up the meeting so he should be here."

"Can we trust this pilot?"

"I trust Klein with my life." Weiss said with firm determination, "He's the only person in the Kingdom I can trust." That admittance must have surprised or disheartened some of the party as they looked between each other quietly. It was probably unsettling to hear that in such an advanced and prosperous Kingdom that housed her entire family line, without the presence of her sister there was only one person she trusted who wasn't even related. Sad but true. She frowned, "So if Klein said the pilot is here then-"

Sasuke raised his arm and stopped them from continuing. She looked at his back and hesitated to say anything before he pointed towards an Airship. A small cargo ship on the edge of the hangar towards a landing bay.

The only ship in the hangar that appeared to have someone working on it.

Weiss took a deep breath and braced herself, steeling her nerves and stepping forward. Sasuke looked like he wanted to follow her but a quick shake of her head signaled that she was going to approach alone. He seemed to understand her intent as he stayed back with the others and watched her approach the cargo ship.

She coughed and cleared her throat, "Excuse me?"

"O-Oh, hold on!" The pilot called back with a nervous laugh, "Um, just doing some last minute maintenance! I know my run is coming up and I just want to make sure that…" When he looked down at her whatever act he was putting on was dropped instantly, "Oh, it's you. About time, I've been waiting."

"You're the transport off Atlas?"

"I am." He started climbing down to join her on ground level, "And let me make this clear; if we get pulled over or caught or anything then you snuck on and I didn't know. I'm not taking the fall. I'm not making excuses. I'm your ride out, not your buddy."

Weiss frowned at his insistence but nodded, "I understand."

"Alright, as long as we're clear." He nodded and then looked around, "Is it just you? I heard I'd be transporting multiple people."

Weiss turned and waved to her friends who started making their way over. She saw the relief and excitement on their faces as their passage out was so close-

"W-Whoa, hey, what's this?" Weiss turned back to the pilot as he looked at her and her friends in confusion. Even with his helmet covering his eyes she could see just how perplexed and confused he was looking at them, "Why - why are there so many of you? Did you bring - like - an entourage to see you off on an unsanctioned voyage?"

"W-What?" It was Weiss' turn to feel confused by his reaction, "No, we're here for the trip out. Why else would we be here?"

"I'm not transporting all of you."

"Huh?"

"What'd you mean?"

"Oh shit."

"W-Wait!" Weiss quickly stepped forward, a small panic filling her chest as their sure-thing was suddenly at risk of falling apart, "I don't understand. I thought we made an agreement for transportation to Mistral?"

"We did but I wasn't prepared for an entire group of people like this. That short freckled guy warned me that it would probably be two people at most."

"Two?" Weiss repeated in confusion before her eyes widened in horrified realization.

This was her mistake. She had only seen Sasuke when she was down in Mantle and had been keeping an eye out for him since then. And when she spotted him in the security footage she hadn't even known Shisui or anyone else was with them. So when Klein made the preparation for their travel…

It was only for two. They hadn't prepared for a whole group of them.

As Weiss' breath shuddered out and dread filled her heart, Sasuke must have realized the situation and stepped up, "Well then how much more would we have to pay in order to accommodate all of us?"

"A lot. Probably more than you can scrounge up quickly if you guys are in a hurry." The pilot looked between all of them, "And even then I can't actually bring this many people. We won't have enough fuel for the ride all the way to the capital and I can't promise it'll be comfy for all of you."

Weiss looked between the pilot and Sasuke in quick succession. She pulled on his arm and drew him back, "P-Please give us a moment. We need to discuss this." She dragged him back to the others and looked between them, ashamed by her folly, "I-I'm so sorry. This is because of me. I-I didn't know all of you were here with Sasuke. If I did I would've-"

"Weiss, it's fine. We're not blaming you for not preparing for us." Kiba assuaged her guilt before crossing his arms, "Question is; what do we do now?"

"Uh, can we pay? Can we get the money to pay him for travel?" Fū asked innocuously, "H-How much would it cost anyway? I mean it wasn't too bad paying that guy to get us up here. Is it a lot for travel to Mistral?" Weiss solemnly nodded and watched her expression fall, "O-Oh."

"The only way we could come up with that kind of Lien that fast would be if we stole or robbed somebody. And that would make things a lot more difficult in getting us out of here without notice." Shisui rubbed his chin, "I could use Flicker, have Weiss board the ship and the rest of us could sneak on, and then we could be off. But my illusions only last a minute and if he finds us on his ship after we short-changed him I'm not sure how he'll react. Plus that doesn't fix the underlying problem."

"We weigh too much." Bee added in, "If we were stopping off in Argus we could risk the chance of jumping on the ship. But if he's going to the capital and over Lake Matsu, that's a risky situation."

"So what do we do?" Weiss asked. The former heiress looked back at the cargo ship with a forlorn expression before shaking her head, "Let's forget about this ship. We'll find another way out to Mistral. There has to be another transport we can use that will carry all of us."

The others didn't look enthused with her idea. Probably for the same reason she thought it was risky and too hasty to entertain, "Weiss, people are looking for you. They're going to start policing ships and exits trying to find the missing Schnee daughter. The only reason this guy probably hasn't turned you in is because he hasn't heard about a reward or anything. The longer we wait the harder it'll be to get you out-"

"That's fine. We'll handle it." Weiss assured them. Even when they looked doubtful she kept a firm expression. Whatever they had to do they would get out of here together. Even if she had to stay and risk getting caught here-

"Why don't you and Sasuke go? We'll be fine."

"What?!"

She and the others looked at Kiba in shock. The tattooed man simply looked around and shrugged, "If the pilot's only carrying two people why not you two? You can get to Mistral and find Weiss' sister there. I'm sure we'll catch up. You should get out of here now."

"Kiba-"

"Yeah, hey that works." Fū agreed, putting on a smile to hide any misgivings she might have as she wanted to help move the situation along instead of worrying and arguing about the best move they could make. Bee nodded confidently and Shisui agreed with the idea. No. This wasn't right. She couldn't accept this. She looked to Sasuke for some support-

…

He looked conflicted. Like a part of him wanted to argue and say they should stick together…and another part would agree and leave with her…just so she would be safe.

It was a greater relief than she could describe being able to see him and the others after all this time. But causing this sort of reaction from him wasn't something she wanted to see again. She looked around at her old and new friends and realized they had made it all this way together. And now this choice threatened to separate them.

Because of a mistake she made. And no matter how much she wanted to be together, she couldn't break up their partnership just so she could be happy.

Weiss closed her eyes, stomached the swirl of negative feelings in her stomach, and sighed. She opened her case and drew their attention as she started collecting a handful of Lien. With a solemn smile she looked at Sasuke and handed him a portion, "Here. I know it won't be a lot but use this how you can to help get you out." She then looked at the group, "You shouldn't separate from your group. I'm sure you'll be able to figure a way out together instead of working apart."

"W-Weiss, are you sure?" Fū asked, "You don't have to leave alone."

"Well we'll be here all day arguing about who should leave and why if we stick to the two person rule." She looked up at Sasuke as he looked at her, "And I know you won't be able to ignore the guilt if you left everyone behind. You gathered this group so you should stick around and make sure they're okay, right?" From the look on her face she knew she had read him correctly, "I knew it."

"I'm…I'm sorry."

She shook her head, "Don't be. You all have worked so hard together to get this far. It'd be cruel to try and separate you with a choice like this." Weiss tried her best to give a confident smile, "I don't like it but if this time in Atlas has proved anything it's that I can survive by myself for a time. And like Kiba said we'll catch up again soon. If we managed to meet after what happened at Beacon then there's nothing that's stopping us from doing so again."

Weiss' compromise seemed to leave them all worried but without a preferable option they didn't know what else to do. So the first one to act was Shisui, stepping forward and offering his hand. She took it and gave him a firm handshake, the older Uchiha nodding and wishing her luck. Bee patted her shoulder, made a terrible rhythm that offended her musical integrity but filled her with a brim of confidence.

She was surprised when Fū rushed in and gave her a big hug. Weiss was startled but quickly returned the affectionate gesture, "Stay safe okay? We'll be catching up to you real quick, okay?"

"I'll be fine. It's you all that need to be careful." They separated and she looked at them, "Don't forget that General Ironwood will be closing the borders in a week. I don't know how but you have to get your transport out by then."

"Don't worry. We're most effective when we're on a clock." Kiba scooped her up in a big hug and lifted her off her feet, illiciting a startled gasp from her as he laughed, "Try not to muck up your pretty outfit until we find you, Princess."

"Why don't you make sure to wash before I see you again, huh?" She jabbed back, smiling contently as Kiba let her down and she wished him good luck. Finally she turned to Sasuke…

Weiss stepped forward and hugged him tightly. She was relieved when his arms circled around her and hugged her back. As they embraced, Sasuke leaned down to her ear and whispered, "Ruby, Jaune, Ren, and Nora are somewhere in Mistral too. I'm sure they'll have reached the city by now. When you get there, look for them."

That information sent butterflies in her stomach as the idea of finding her partner and friends again after all this time ignited her spirit. Sasuke pulled back, left a gentle kiss on her cheek, and stood up tall. As she touched the spot he had planted a farewell peck in return to what she did months ago, he smiled fondly…

"We'll see you soon, Weiss."

She made her way over to the pilot and offered the payment. He seemed perturbed by the fact the payment was lower than he expected, but as he was only carrying one passenger he seemed to understand and take the Lien without a fuss. With one last look back at her friends as they waved her off she stepped into the cargo ship.

It lifted off the ground and out the hanger in just a matter of minutes. And as the sight of her friends started to disappear, so did the hanger. And soon enough Atlas was less of the imposing city weighing over them it had been and instead just a landmark in the distance.

The regret of not staying back with the others came quickly, but she pushed that down and resolved her choice. She'd arrive first and welcome them all with a gleaming smile and her other friends at her side when they finally got to Mistral. This wasn't goodbye. She hated goodbyes. Instead it was a promise…to see each other again soon.

She looked down at her lap, her hands nervously clutching each other, as she prepared for whatever came next.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

She looked around the room and was shocked to feel how tense the atmosphere was.

Blake gulped as she walked in with Tenten still holding onto her arm for support. Her mother and father noticed their entrance and smiled seeing them all together. Minato sat across from Jiraiya and looked to be deep in the middle of a conversation. And then to the side, staring out the window with her back to everyone else, was Kushina Uzumaki.

When they had snuck back to the manor and while Tenten was receiving treatment, Blake introduced their two new companions to everyone. Her parents seemed familiar with Jiraiya, which wasn't that surprising considering his not-so-subtle allusion to her family during their outing back in Beacon. That part was easy…

It was explaining Kushina Uzumaki's presence that was the hard part. Her mother and father had heard her name in passing when speaking of the White Fang's illegal activities and the people in charge. And even if her direct involvement was in question, the moniker of 'Red Death' came up too often to be ignored. So there was a lot of nervous questioning and inquires to be made.

But probably the hardest part…was that Minato and Kushina hadn't said a word to each other. It wasn't a beautiful reconciliation or a violent outburst of emotion. They recognized each other, were surprised to see each other, but hadn't said anything since. Blake thought that might be because they didn't know what to say after all this time apart…

But she had an inkling that it was more about what they had both lost and how they didn't know how to deal with it.

She helped Tenten sit down and listened to her friend sigh in relief as Jiraiya spoke to Minato, "I'm sorry I didn't give Tsunade more details before I left. If I told anyone I was going to leave and travel with Kushina then word might have spread. And then people might have followed us and…well I thought it best we do things out of the public eye." The toad Faunus looked at Minato sadly before shaking his head, "I'm sorry I didn't stick around until you woke up. If I knew you-"

"I'm glad you're okay." Minato interrupted, nodding to Jiraiya before sparing a look to his former lover, "And I'm glad you were looking out while you were away."

If Kushina heard him she didn't say anything, instead simply staring out the window as her tail hung pensively behind her.

Blake stepped up to get their attention, "So what did you want to talk about? Have we learned anything?"

"We've gotten some information from Jiraiya after his travels." Her father answered, showing a grim expression before shaking his head, "It is…not welcome news."

"Since Vale, Kushina and I have been making our way across Sanus. We stayed in Vale, chasing after any remaining White Fang sects we could find that were trying to establish control after the Fall. After it seemed like they pulled out of Vale completely we followed what trails we could to Vacuo." Jiraiya leaned back on the couch with a groan, "We did the same thing there, except this time we started to notice something. While White Fang members have always had some basic form of training, these ones were more disciplined and tougher."

Sun scoffed, "I'll say! I've taken down my fair share of those guys in the past but last night they were just relentless! I didn't have my weapon on me but they just didn't stay down!"

"We had to take care of these tougher soldiers and get some information out of them. Needless to say we got what we wanted." He didn't elaborate on how exactly and Blake was certain he wasn't jumping at the chance to tell them either, "What they told us was that they had been trained either personally or by association here in Menagerie. And although they didn't know anything important, we can guess that if the strength of the members in Vacuo were one thing, then the ones working by their headquarters in Mistral are even worse. Which means-"

"There's going to be another attack." For the first time since they walked in Kushina spoke up, still looking out the window but speaking loud enough to be heard, "We don't know when but we think it'll be in Mistral. The White Fang are gathering their power and preparing to attack Haven."

"W-Why?!" Tenten voiced their disbelief with frantic denial, "After Beacon they already made the statement they were looking to make! What could they possibly gain from attacking again?!"

"It's actually more likely that the White Fang's partners and benefactors are looking to attack. There's something at Haven that was also at Beacon and…" Jiraiya spared a look back at Kushina before shaking his head, "I'll tell you about it later but it's enough of a reason for them to warrant an attack. And the White Fang are going to follow along."

"We can't let them!" Tenten yelled with determination, "We have to stop them!"

"Sienna would never allow that." Ghira denied the idea completely, "She and I had our differences, but there's no way she would sanction an attack on Haven after what happened in Beacon."

"She doesn't have to sanction anything." Kushina warned, turning around and eyeing them carefully, "If Adam wants it, he'll make it happen. He cut down Danzō to give himself control of Vale. He shook hands with evil incarnate. If Sienna isn't along for the plan then she's just an obstacle to get out of the way. Haven is going to be attacked, and I'll bet it's when the White Fang are under new management."

It was frightening to think just how accurate that statement could be. When she thought back to Adam, a chill ran up her spine and the scar on her abdomen ached. If the opportunity presented itself to score another victory in his revolution…

"She's right." Blake nodded, "If Adam wants the White Fang to rally behind him he'll make it happen one way or another. And if he thinks attacking Haven will benefit him the way Beacon did…" Her mind was reeling as everything started to connect into place. The Albain brothers' secrecy and hiding information. Yagura's suspicious appearance while guards were failing out and joining the White Fang. Mizuki's presence and attack last night. And Ilia keeping watch on the Manor. Blake trembled, "Mistral…Vacuo…and Menagerie…"

…

"We need to stop them." Tenten grumbled as she sat up, "We can't let Mistral fall like Vale."

Sun pounded his fists together, "Good, let's put those guys down for good."

"We've gotten into the habit of wrecking White Fang bases in our travels." Jiraiya said as Kushina closed her fists, "Give us a chance and we'll sort these bastards out too."

The room's interests quickly turned to one happily looking forward to making the White Fang pay. And honestly Blake couldn't blame them. Every person in this room had been hurt or affected by the White Fang's actions personally in the last few years. Not to mention the hand they had in crippling the world's communication and bringing a Kingdom to ruin. When Blake thought back to everything they did to her and her friends, she felt a sense of relief at the idea of them being defeated completely.

A sense of relief mixed with something else. Something that twisted and turned like lead in her gut. Was that…regret? Disappointment?

Blake spared a look to the side and saw her mother and father look conflicted by the turn of conversation. The idea of turning their back on and destroying the thing they gave so much of their time and energy to must have been devastating. Even though they knew it would be for the best before it could become any worse, saying goodbye to their legacy must have felt like losing a piece of themselves. But it was for the best…the White Fang had to – h-had to-

The thoughts of Hiruzen, Naruto, Yang, Ruby, Weiss, and so many other people in her life flashed through her mind.

"Wait." She spoke up loud enough for everyone in the room to hear her. Blake stepped up, swallowed the lump of apprehension in her voice, and spoke her feelings, "We need to stop Adam and the White Fang…but I – I don't think we need to destroy it."

Thankfully there wasn't a loud response of outrage to her point, but everyone else in the room went quiet as they looked at her in varying levels of surprise. Tenten looked up at her, "What do you mean, Blake?"

Blake caught her breath and tried to get her thoughts into order, "If Adam and his people get their way then I know things will only get worse. If the Albain brothers and their people are listening to his orders then we need to stop them too. They have to be beaten, but if the White Fang is destroyed after that…then they win."

Sun looked around bewildered, "L-Like they have a plan after they're beaten? Some kinda counter or-"

"No not literally." Blake quickly stated, "If somehow we beat all of them and destroyed the White Fang then that would be it. They wouldn't hurt people anymore and we could sleep easy…but then that would be their legacy. All the terrible things they did and all the atrocities they committed in pursuit of their goal will become their legend. If the White Fang is destroyed," She looked towards her parents who understood what she meant, "Whatever it stood for or could have been will forever be lost by what they turned it into."

"You…want to redeem the White Fang?" Minato asked, shocked by her line of thought if his voice was any indication, "After what they've done?"

"It isn't the organization that did it, it's the people that run it. The people like Sienna that let it happen. Like Danzō who wanted more power. Like Adam who believed the way to help Faunus was this misguided and horrible method of hurting people. The people who let it become the thing it is now…" Her ears twitched when she heard the person on the far side of the room shuffle on her feet, "People like me who let this happen."

"Blake you-"

"Yes I did." Blake interrupted her mother. She looked her way and tried to show that she wasn't speaking deprecatingly this time, "The way it is now…what it's done…I have a responsibility to stop it and fix it. And I want to make things right. Put it back on the right path. Make it do some good again and fix the damage they caused to Faunus and people everywhere."

Jiraiya hummed, "You think people would ever be able to forgive them even if they tried to do good again?"

"In this life?" Blake shrugged, "Maybe not. But whose to say what could happen in a few generations? The White Fang could stand for something good and noble again. No one says the past has to dictate the future." She smiled, "One of my friends is the descendant of the Uchiha scourge that haunts Faunus everywhere and another is the daughter the vile SDC. I could hate them for that, but I would put my life on the line to help them because I know they'd do the same for me. You never know what change might be waiting around the corner."

Jiraiya shrugged and relented the point. Blake turned to her friends and family and gave them a small, apprehensive smile, "You believed that I could get back on my feet and fix the mistakes I made. Honestly I didn't believe that…but I want to earn your trust in me. I know it won't be easy but please…help me stop them from getting any more victories."

Her parents and friends shared looks between each other. Slowly they started smile and look back-

"We stop them by destroying them. Plain and simple."

Blake turned and everyone looked towards Kushina. The redhead fox looked at her with a deep glare as her tail stood up behind her, "There's no reason to complicate this more than we need to." She finally moved from her spot, walking forward at a steady pace towards Blake and not taking her eyes off her for a moment, "If they're here on this island we destroy them. If they're in Mistral we destroy them. That's it." She stopped in front of the young cat Faunus and glared her down, "We don't need to redeem them. We don't have to fix anything. We just clean up those pieces of shit while we have the chance."

Blake stood her ground even as a bead of sweat ran down her chin. She simply calmed her nerves and stared the redhead down in return, "But if we take back the White Fang, not only could we stop attacks like Beacon from happening again but also discredit any admiration Adam and his methods might have earned among Faunus-"

"I don't care." She callously said, her eyes firm and empty with no real emotion behind them, "I don't care about the White Fang's name or message. I don't give a damn about what could happen to the Faunus reputation afterwards." The redhead's voice went low and bone-chillingly cold, "I want to make Adam and that bitch Cinder suffer for what they did. That's all."

"No that's not all!" Blake argued, "What about what happens after? Even if you stop Adam and Cinder what happens after that? The world still fears the White Fang after what they did and distrusts every Faunus they meet! The answer to solving this doesn't stop at them! It isn't an answer to stopping the cycle of hatred!"

"Cycle of hatred?" Kushina scoffed mockingly, "It's too late for that. Vale's gone. Beacon's gone. All the people there are gone. Or did you forget that?" Blake flinched at her words and she felt people behind her shift to interrupt or counter her, "No one is going to forgive what happened. That's the kind of shit that sticks in history books as an atrocity we'll never forget."

Blake gulped, "Maybe, but we can try to move forward and stop it from escalating."

Kushina stared at her in silence before shaking her head, "You're just in this to make yourself feel better. You can't handle the shame of fucking up and now you're trying to hide it by suggesting we do some grand work to fix it. But we don't need to. There's no point trying to alleviate the shame and guilt when we could just do the thing that would solve this all sooner. Rein in your ego and focus!"

"Hey!"

"Watch your mouth-"

Blake raised her hand and stopped her friends from snapping at Kushina. She didn't back away even as the bitter woman's words dug into her. The cat Faunus nodded her head, "You're right, I'm trying to ease my guilty conscience. I didn't want the White Fang to keep ruining the world after I had a hand in making them what they are." She stared at Kushina and shook her head, "I can't sit by and let that stand. Can you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Naruto told me about how you were recruited into the White Fang. I always thought you were a loyal follower of Danzō's like Adam. But I know now you were threatened and coerced into joining his side. He used your name and your abilities to convince others to join his cause. And I'm sure even after he died Adam must have done the same." She shook her head, "You don't deserve to be branded like the monsters they were. You-"

"I didn't stop them. I didn't convince them otherwise. They made a threat to my family and I let them use me however they needed. And now we're here. And what we've lost is too great." She waved her arm out, to the whole world outside their walls that had changed so drastically, "You might think there's something worth salvaging…but there's nothing left in this world I'd bother with."

Because she had lost her son. There was no point in trying to save or redeem her name or the organization she worked with after their part in Naruto's death. Blake watched Kushina turn away and walk, knowing she was resolved to kill and lay to waste anything she could until some form of justice was reckoned.

"I'm still going to try, and maybe when I'm done people will know you aren't to blame for this."

"I didn't ask for that!" Kushina marched back at her and snarled in her face, "What is wrong with you?! Did you not hear me?!"

"I did."

"Well I don't want your help!"

"You're getting it."

"You little-" Kushina stomped up directly into her face, and grabbed her shoulders before yelling, "Stop wasting your time!"

"I'm not." Blake said, unfazed by her intensity and anger, "This is exactly what I need do to."

Blake reached up to her arm and slipped the purple bandana off her bicep. She looked directly into Kushina's eyes as she grabbed her hand, placed the purple cloth in her palm, and closed her hand around it. The former White Fang leader looked down and back up at her in confusion…

"Someone I cared about and gave me so much help when I needed it loved you." She watched Kushina's eyes widen before they settled down on the bandana, "He thought about you every day and wondered how he could see you again. And no matter what happened he believed he would find you, get you home, and you would all be a family again." She spared a look aside and saw Minato watch them wistfully, understanding the meaning of her words. Kushina continued to stare down at their hands, "He isn't here to help me or find you anymore. But I know he would want to do anything to make sure your life had some modicum of happiness and normalcy in it. So you can disagree with me if you want. You can yell and be angry at me if you want. Naruto would want you to be safe and happy…so I'm going to make sure that happens."

Kushina opened here mouth and closed it again and again trying to find the words she needed. But not once did she take her eyes off the purple cloth in her hand. Blake pulled away and watched as the hardened fighter that traveled the world in search of vengeance crumbled. All that remained was a grieving mother clutching one of the last reminders she had of her son.

Kushina fell back into the couch and gripped the purple cloth like a lifeline. Jiraiya patted her shoulder from the side before looking up, "It would be a lot easier just destroying everything they had."

"Yeah, maybe," Sun stepped up to her side, grinning and pumping his fists, "But it's gonna feel so much better taking away their victories, don't you think?"

The old toad chuckled, "That's sadistic but I love it."

Blake's ears twitched and her smile grew a little wider before she turned to the other couch. Tenten watched her with a big smile of her own and nodded, "You can count on me."

Blake nodded and turned to the last person. Minato didn't look excited or disheartened by the idea. Unsurprisingly he watched Kushina hold their son's bandana and clutch it to her chest. Seeing the way she was acting after the cold exterior she had put on since their reunion must have left him feeling a myriad of things. Before she could speak up and ask through, the older blond looked her way, "I'll help however I can."

Blake paused before nodding, "Thank you."

"Blake?" Her mother and father called for her at the door, "We're going to grab some refreshments for everyone. Would you mind helping us get everything?"

She recognized her parents' attempt to get her attention and quickly followed them out of the room. Blake followed her parents down the hall and to the kitchen, noticing her mother look at her with eyes filled with pride and love. Her cheeks flushed a little under her gaze, "What is it?"

"Nothing." Kali said with a giggle, "I'm just proud to see the kind of person you've become with my own eyes."

Blake blushed a little harder, "I-It's not that big a deal." Despite her words the ears flicking atop her head betrayed her. They arrived in the kitchen and Kali quickly went to get everything ready while Ghira walked up to her, "I'm sorry I turned the conversation around in there."

"Don't be." Her father smiled down at her and squeezed her shoulder gently, "I didn't want to speak up while they were so adamant but I am glad you changed their minds. As much as I know the White Fang has changed and hurt, I don't want to see it fall with the people that corrupted it. But you know the task ahead is going to be a much harder one to accomplish, right?"

"Change is never easy, but nothing worth it would be."

Ghira smiled proudly before looking back the way they came, "That Kushina woman…looked so lost and empty. I think people can change but they have to be willing to change themselves first. And I wasn't certain she would be…so how did you know?"

Blake shook her head, "I didn't…but I'm sure you and the others didn't stop when I was being so stubborn. Everyone has helped me so much along the way…" She shrugged, "I just thought it was time to try and do the same for others."

"Well we'll follow you wherever you go."

"We're with you, sweetie." Kali said as she started handing them trays of tea and snacks, "Let's see how we can change things for the best."

"Thank you."

"But things are certainly changing on this island." Her father begrudgingly admitted as they started making their way back.

"Well that's not so bad. Things haven't been boring here for awhile."

"I wouldn't consider peaceful boring." Blake giggled as she heard her mother and father bicker, "I quite enjoyed the halcyon days on this island."

"I'm not saying I didn't either but a little excitement isn't too bad."

"A little excitement? Those bandits and pirates weren't just a little excitement. They were a menace!"

"Oh here we go again. They didn't cause that much trouble."

"They kidnapped you Kali!"

"And somehow I'm the least riled up about that fact."

"I will never forgive them for putting you in danger like that!"

"And what about the boy who freed me? Are you okay with him?"

"Grr." She heard her father grumble, "I don't know. Something about that boy didn't sit right with me."

"Just more proof you have a stick in your butt. He was fine."

"I still can't believe one of those bandits turned and helped you, Mom." Blake said back to them as they walked into a noisy room filled with plans and ideas of what to do next, "What could have come over him?"

"I think he felt guilty about how things had escalated. He didn't look like he wanted to be a part of any of it and just wanted to go in peace. I can tell he was a good man."

"I still can't believe you offered to let him stay on the island."

"He looked lost! And isn't it our obligation to offer Faunus sanctuary here of all place?" Her mother smirked as her father grumbled in response. She started making tea as she giggled, "Plus those little whiskers on his face were so cuter I couldn't stay mad at him. Now does anyone want…cream?"

She stared at her mother in shock. Everyone in the room had gone completely silent after they heard her say that sentence. Blake's breath hitched before she wheezed out, "Did…did you say he had whiskers?"

"Y-Yes, why?"

"Whiskers?" Kushina said behind her, "D-Do you mean like a beard or-"

"No, they were along his cheeks." Ghira said, "I think they may have been birthmarks-"

"Was he blond?!"

"Did he have fox ears?!"

"What was his name?!"

"When did you see him?!"

"Mom, did he-"

"Blake!" She turned back as Tenten frantically pulled out her Scroll and tossed it. Blake snatched it and held it up for her parents to see…

A picture of Team NKTS smiling together.

"Did that boy look like this?!"

…

Her mother looked between them and the screen in shock. Before slowly, as if hesitant to set them off, she nodded her head.

Blake stumbled back as she felt the air rush out her lungs in disbelief. She looked back and saw the shock in everyone's faces. Shock that slowly turned to joy and disbelief and teary-eyed relief at the impossible.

Blake looked down at Tenten's Scroll and stared at the picture of her long-lost friend. Her eyes watered as she let out a faint laugh…

"He's alive."

((((((((Epilogue))))))))

"I'm lost."

"You're lost?! What do you mean you're lost?! You said you've been here before!"

"Once! Almost a year ago! For two weeks! And I only ever traveled between two places at most!" Naruto yelled back at his exasperated friend as he looked around in baffled confusion. Oscar threw his hands up in the air as Naruto gripped his hair and growled through his teeth.

Here they were! After weeks - almost months - of travel along the paths and roadways of Anima! After wrestling with indecision and conquering fear! After battling hordes of Grimm and besting the bandits that threatened safety! Finally they were in the capital of the Kingdom, the city of Mistral!

And they had no idea which way to go!

Naruto yanked his hands down and made a guttural, audible groan. It earned a few odd looks from the curious passerby before he turned to his freckled friend, "Okay, the only places I really know were my dad's house and his place of work. So we'll go up the city, look for a landmark, a-and try to work out our location from there?"

"We're gonna wing it?" Oscar sounded skeptical, "That doesn't sound like a great idea."

"Well unless you wanna whip out that thing where you suddenly know everything then it's our best shot."

"W-What? I don't-"

"Dude, you do not get to pull that after the argument in the forest." Oscar sweated and tugged at his collar in response. Naruto eyed him suspiciously before turning back around, "We just have to travel up. So there has to be some form of transportation we could use." He heard a caw and looked up as a black bird flew overhead, "Be useful if we had a bird's eye view."

"That was a crow."

"Yeah well bird-watching isn't part of the deal. So c'mon, we gotta find the…" He paused when he didn't feel the presence behind him anymore. He looked back, "Oscar?"

The former farmhand was nowhere to be seen.

"Oscar? Oscar! OSCAR?!" He called out, running around and yelling his friend's name hoping for a response. As he made his way around the same city level and was getting no closer to getting an answer, a vein started to bulge in irritation on his head, "Oscar! Oh I swear if you're still okay I'm gonna make you pay for this! Osc-"

"Uncle Qrow!"

He paused as the voice reached his ears. That was…

But…

There's no way.

Naruto looked back in the direction he heard the call come. Without a moment of hesitation he started running in that direction. His breathing started picking up and his heart hammered in his chest like crazy. It was impossible! It just wasn't happening! It couldn't-

"Uncle Qrow!"

"Come back already!"

"Olly olly oxen free!"

"We're not playing hide-and-seek."

His breathing shuddered as he reached the corner and turned. He walked out into the street and…

"Ah, where is he?" The red-hooded girl stomped her foot and complained to her blond, black-haired, and ginger friends, "He understands he just recovered right? He shouldn't be moving around!"

"Well do we have any idea where he would be?"

She grumbled to her armored friend, "He's probably at a bar."

"Seriously?" The blond asked, "I mean I get the meeting with the headmaster wasn't great but is that really the answer?"

"Always been kind of a temporary solution for him."

"Well okay! Then why don't we leave liquor bottles in the street and trail them back to the house?" The little orange-haired girl excitedly offered, "There's no way he could refuse that trap!"

"First, I'm not sure we if we know where to get alcohol in this city. Second, even if they sold to us, we don't have the Lien to spare." The quiet boy at her side poked holes in her plan.

"Okay…then we steal it~."

"That's not the solution I was suspecting."

"Gah! He has to be here somewhere!" The hooded girl said as she turned, "Let's split up and we can…look…"

She turned to him. Their eyes met. They stared at each other across the street. And even from here he could see her and he knew for certain. That it wasn't a trick or some kind of illusion. It was her. It was really her.

"Ruby?" Nora saw her friend's odd reaction, "You alright?"

Jaune stepped up and followed her gaze, "Did you find Qrow or - huh?"

At their own pace each one of them turned and saw him as well. Their eyes widened at various sizes and they looked at him like they had seen a ghost. They just stared and watched him like they were waiting for him to fade away at any moment.

And he was so surprised to see them that he didn't make any move. He didn't even blink. He was afraid if he did they'd vanish.

Finally it was Ruby who took the first steps. The little red-wearing Huntress slowly made her way across the street and approached him. She was wary to make any sudden moves and watched him carefully with each step. Until finally she ended up in front of him, Naruto looking down as she looked up at him with wide silver eyes.

Her hand slowly reached out, hesitated to make the final distance, and touched his chest. They both flinched at first, but slowly her hand settled on his shirt as she realized he was real. And as he realized who was actually in front of him, he let out a strained laugh.

Ruby gasped, "Naruto?"

He nodded, "Hey." He gulped and looked between her and JNPR, "Fancy seeing you guys here."

…

Ruby dove into his chest and hugged him as tightly as she could. Jaune, Nora, and Ren rushed over and smothered him in a group hug. They tried to ask questions; tried to discern what happened and where he'd been and how he got here. But despite their best efforts all that came out were gasps and sobs and blubbering. Their eyes started to water and Naruto could have sworn that if they squeezed any harder then they would have broken a bone. They squeezed just to make sure he was real and didn't slip away again.

And even though he didn't realize it, part of the crying came from him. Realizing he had made it back…that his friends were alive and here and holding him…made the whiskered Huntsman break down. Whatever he had been holding back or keeping down in his months of travel found its opportunity to slip out in the reunion.

Naruto cried fully for the first time in months. The weight and despair and misfortunate of everything he'd been through piled on him and begged for release. Because for the first time in a long time Naruto felt hopeful and relieved…that things might finally be better.

He hugged them back as tightly as he could. And he didn't let go.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Done

And there we go. I wasn't sure if I'd make it in time but it looks like I did. I hope this chapters acts as a good end to the story thus far, and an effective segue into the next part of the journey.

Ruby has finally reached Mistral. Yang prepares for the trip to follow her. Weiss has left Atlas, even if the departure was bittersweet and with her longing to be with friends again. Blake has resolved to stop the White Fang and free it from the tyranny of those that lead it astray and fix the indifference of those that let it happen. And finally, Naruto arrives in the city…and reunites with friends he'd thought long gone and to never be seen again.

I originally wanted just one fic to encompass the entire story, but as the chapters went on longer I realized if I did that this would be a mammoth. So instead it'll be about three strokes, covering four volumes each, and I promise they won't each be a long as this one. I think the chapter count may have been higher than expected, but I do believe it was necessary to flesh out the changes to the world and what that meant for the characters. I mean I was fusing aspects of the Naruto world with RWBY, I can't just leave that in passing.

I hope you enjoyed this story. And I hope you return for the next leg of the journey. The story is complete but I will update one last time with maybe a short story or notice when the next story is updated. I think I'll update when the next volume of RWBY premieres, unless it's late in the year then I'll just update sooner.

I love you all. And I hope when I update again, you'll join me once more. Happy holidays everyone, and I love you all.

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Thank You For Everything and Goodbye For Now