"Qrow my fangs hurt and I'm so hungry…" A pitiful whine filled the woods as Ruby griped, licking at her fangs where her once normal canine teeth used to be. It still felt weird, even after a few days having the geography of her mouth change was really something difficult to get used to. I haven't fed since I drank from Weiss… her blood was so good and warm. It kept me satisfied a lot longer than drinking my own blood but it only lasted for two days.

"Well you haven't fed in a while so of course you are." The forest was quiet, the sounds of birds carelessly chirping away in the trees saturated the air with a chorus of natural music as the sun streamed in through the branches, touching down on the forest floor. Their trek wasn't easy but Ruby was happy for the exercise after being stuck on trains for the better part of two days.

"Then will you at least let me drink from myself?! I can barely think straight. Being a vampire sucks." Despite the intense pain in her fangs and the gnawing bloodlust permeating through every fiber of her being, she couldn't help but smile at herself, showing off those stunning sharp fangs. Heh-heh… sucks. Yang would be proud.

"No, I want you to be miserable when we get there, it'll make them sympathize with you more. We want them to take you remember?" Qrow seemed agitated but he empathized with Ruby. Going without blood for a young vampire is miserable. Hell, going without blood is miserable for me. Her constantly griping about it is working up a hunger that I've buried away for a while. What a pain in the ass.

"How come it seems like you're not really confident that they'll take me?" She was growing more and more nervous since they left. She didn't pick up on it at first because of everything that was going on but now that she was adjusting to not being human, it seemed like Qrow was never really optimistic about his clan.

"Because I'm not." He shrugged as he slashed his sword, cutting down the brush in their path. "I didn't exactly leave on good terms. My sister is the only one a keep in contact with."

"What happened? Why aren't you and your clan on good terms anymore?" Her feet were sore from the long walk and she was tired but her curiosity and even more so her worry had been piqued.

"Vampires and Slayers used to get along really well a long time ago, protecting faunus and humans from Grimm. Things happened and over time, the Slayers were loved while the Vampires were shunned. There's bad blood between us and me falling in love with your mother and getting her pregnant with you didn't sit well with the patriarch of our clan. When you were born with Silver Eyes we knew you were a slayer like your mom… at least we thought we knew. Anyway, I left my clan and that's not really something you can just do. I haven't been back since."

"Why didn't you tell me any of this before I withdrew from Beacon!? What'll happen if they don't take me!? I can't control myself yet, I'm not safe to be around and my hunger is only getting stronger!" Now she was starting to panic. I left everything behind thinking I would be going somewhere that could help me get a handle on this and now he's telling me they might turn me away?!

"You had just awoken as a Vampire, you had a lot going on and this was your only shot. If it wasn't a sure thing I was worried you'd put up a fight." He didn't like having to lie to her but he felt he was doing the right thing.

"I left my team without their leader… all for a maybe." With a heavy and sigh and a heavier heart her pace slowly as she looked to the leaf littered ground. What will I do if they turn me away? I was barely able to pull myself off of Weiss and I drank enough of her blood for her to pass out. I'm a danger to them.

"Relax kid, I don't think they'll be able to resist at least checking you out, if out of nothing else but curiosity. Isn't that right Raven?" With a smirk Qrow came to a stop, Ruby nearly plowing into him before quickly stepping back while looking around the now deathly silent forest.

"Hello brother." A cold and inscrutable voice spoke up as a woman with long, lustrous black hair clad in red and black robes stepped out from behind a tree to their side, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword at her side. Her crimson eyes were piercing and fierce, they reminded Ruby so much of Yang's when she used her Semblance. So those are the eyes of a Vampire…

"I'm guessing you're our escort? How sweet of you." Ruby could practically taste the tension between Qrow and his sister as they stared each other down.

"I was ordered to." With a soft sigh she took her hand from her hilt and began walking towards them, her gaze fixed now on the young woman beside her brother. "Besides, I wanted to take a look at Summer's child, the Vampire/Slayer hybrid. Silver eyes like her mother, rimmed with the crimson of her Vampire lineage."

"You're Yang's mom… right?" Ruby couldn't help but falter under the eyes of the pure Vampire that looked down at her. She was strong, Ruby's instincts told her as much.

"I am." She had few words to say on the subject. "You have fangs. Have you fed yet… aside from on yourself?"

"Just once, on my partner back at Beacon. It's been a few days." Raven's question brought hunger back to the forefront of her mind and her fangs were begging, screaming at her to bite into someone.

"Our village isn't far. If our leader accepts you, there are people who will allow you to feed on them there. Young Vampires require more frequent feeding, we can accommodate that. It's rare that we allow outsiders into our clan but since your blood ties to ours you should be welcomed home." Raven was aloof and detached but somehow Ruby didn't get a sense of optimism even from what appeared to be her attempt at comforting her.

"Thank you." All Ruby could do was give a nod of understanding and appreciation but still, an unease was welling up in her chest as Raven looked at her with those cold crimson eyes.

"Come, they're waiting for you." Without another word Raven turned around and began walking deeper into the dense woods. Qrow muttered some profanity in annoyance under his breath before he followed along with Ruby in toe. Something about coming home was putting her father in a really bad mood and she guessed there was more to his embitterment than he was letting on.

The woods only became thicker and thicker the further in they went, Ruby imagined that the thick, tall trees and rough terrain kept the Grimm at bay while keeping the largest ones out entirely. They had run into very few Grimm since leaving the safety of the kingdom the ones they encountered were easily dispatched by Qrow. I had to leave before Crescent Rose could be fixed so I'm weaponless… I really don't like that but maybe going into a village of Vampires that might not trust me would go smoother without a weapon on my back. That's why Qrow was trying to keep me from feeding on myself, because it would make look sympathetic, being unarmed would help that too.

Raven said there would be people that would let me feed on them… what exactly does that mean? Do they have humans that stay there? Are they captured and held against their will? The only thing I know about Raven and Qrow's clan is that they're Vampires and bandits. I- I don't know if I'm okay with being a part of something that involves hurting people but… I need blood. It was taking every ounce of will she had not to bite into her own wrist again, to not just cut herself a little on her tongue or lip.

Just as Ruby began to gently stroke the tips of her surgically sharp fangs with her tongue, a new sound and new scents filled the forest air, taking her attention from her increasingly unbearable bloodlust, just enough to give her some of her higher reasoning back. She could hear people talking and working, she could hear food being cooked and children playing as well as the sound of swords clashing. It sounded a lot more normal than Ruby would have imagined a Vampire clan to sound like.

The trio crossed the forest's threshold, stepping from the dense woods into a large clearing filled with rustic buildings and many villagers of various ages, faunus, human and Vampire living together, only distinguishable by the distinctive crimson eyes of the Vampire race. As they approached however, the bustle of the daily life of the villagers were interrupted and all eyes were on them. More specifically… on Ruby.

"Word still gets around as fast as ever I see." Qrow shrugged, his hands tucked into his pockets and his flask at his side frustratingly empty.

"A newcomer is rare enough but even Master Calister couldn't resist meeting the hybrid you're responsible for." Raven spoke in utter disregard for Ruby's presence, never turning to look at the nervous girl nor did her gaze meet the eyes of any of the curious villagers. Instead, her vision was focused forward to the largest and most central home in the village that they were walking towards with her guidance.

The hybrid… I don't really like that. Until a few days ago I thought I was human, I thought Qrow was my uncle, Yang was my sister and Vampires didn't exist, I didn't know what a Slayer was or what was special about my Silver Eyes. Everything is changing so fast… but it's not, I'm just learning the truth that was always there I guess. Still, I'm not a hybrid or whatever, I'm Ruby and Vampire or not, I'm still me… aren't I? That doubt that had been festering in her heart was only growing as grew more comfortable with being a Vampire. I nearly bled Weiss dry, I nearly killed her and all I could think of was how good it tasted, how close and connected I felt to her. I drank her blood and almost lost control and still, all I can think of is how I want more of her blood, more of her. I don't feel bad, even though I should.

"Huh?" Ruby was pulled from her head by a strong, rough hand grabbing her wrist. At both her sides, Raven and Qrow were kneeling and looking up, Raven stoic and Qrow nervous and wary. A quick scan around her showed that the entirety of the village seemed to have congregated around them, watching from a short distance away with curiosity and some with amusement as their eyes met Ruby's who was apparently silly for standing up. When she turned around, she realized why.

"So, this is the Vampire/Slayer, the child of Summer Rose and our disgraced Qrow Branwen." A deep and dominating voice spoke out, projecting over the crowd from the steps above them. It was a large, muscular man covered in scars. He had hair as black as night that flowed down nearly to his ankles a good two meters in length at least. His crimson eyes seemed to glow with an intensity that made Ruby kneel without even knowing why. He had a well maintained but long beard that was made uneven by a scar along the left side of his face. Heavy metal soled boots echoed off the wood as he walked slowly down the wooden steps, his red and black armor on his chest and abs shined in the sunlight as well as the manacle on his right arm that was otherwise bare save for his scars.

"Tell me young Rose, what's your name?" He came to a stop, towering over them, easily taller than Yatsuhashi, but still, his smile wasn't threatening or forced, rather it was amiable while his voice softened to address the child before him.

"R-Ruby. My name is Ruby Rose." Her instincts, she wasn't sure if they were her Vampire instincts or not, but her heart was compelling her to give this man fear and reverence.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Calister Et Mors Rubrum, patriarch of the Rubrum Clan." He gave a gracious and suave bow, his eyes never leaving Ruby's even for a moment. "You know, you look so much like your mother, even with your fangs and crimson stained silvers."

"You knew my mom?!" Her fears and apprehension melted away to wonder and curiosity as she looked up at him from her kneeling position on the dirt.

"I did. Qrow brought her here when he found out that she was pregnant with you. She was strong willed and fierce woman but also incredibly compassionate and understanding. It took some getting used to but I respected her, that's a rare thing from an outsider." His eyes were distant with nostalgia as was his smile. Ruby could tell her mother definitely left an impression on him.

"Thank you…" A fond, wistful smile pulled at her lips with a bittersweet melancholy. "She passed away when I was little so I don't remember her very well. Dad doesn't talk about her much… no one does. It makes me happy to hear the things you said about her."

"Even your personality reminds me of her in a small way." A huff of laughter left his lips. "When was the last time you fed?"

"On my partner back at Beacon, three-ish days ago." Without even realizing it, she began pressing her tongue into the tip of her fang, the slight pain stopping her before she could draw blood, but his actions didn't go unnoticed by the patriarch.

"That's quite a lot of time to go without feeding for a young Vampire. One of our acolytes has already agreed to feed you. After that Raven will show you to your new quarters." His own smile brightened as he saw Ruby's face take on a look of relief and immense gratitude.

"You mean I can stay?!" She was beaming, all her anxiety was gone and now she finally felt like she wasn't a threat to everyone around her. And I don't feel so alone.

"This is your home now. It won't be the easiest life but I think in time, you'll come to like it here." With a warm and friendly grin he extended his hand down the Ruby, offering it to her, watching as she looked tentatively at it for a moment before gingerly putting her comparatively tiny hand in his.

"Heh-heh, I was pretty scared but you're really nice! Thanks for letting me stay, I don't know what I'd do if I had to go back. I want to learn about being a Vampire so… I really appreciate it." She felt his very strong and rough hand pull her up with effortless ease, hoisting her onto her feet.

"You're a very honest girl, just like Summer." He gave a firm shake of her hand before letting it go and then… his expression darkened with cold and sorrow as his gaze moved to the man still kneeling behind her. "However, Qrow was banished and our laws are clear. He may not return home. Raven will be your mentor and guide here, she'll take you under her wing, you couldn't be in more capable hands."

"But-"

"Don't worry kid." Qrow interjected, standing up before Ruby's caring got her on the wrong side of Calister. "I knew this was how it would be. Raven is a good teacher, I'm sure she'll warm up to you now that you're part of the family."

"Qrow…" She turned to face the man that had been her uncle her entire life and her father for just a few days and despite the glistening in her crimson and silver eyes, he smirked the same cocksure, laidback way he always did.

"You've got a lot ahead of you but don't think I won't still be watching over you. Your dad would kill me if I let anything happen to you." With a chuckle Qrow turned away, his cape flowing behind him in the light, warm breeze. He wasn't sure if anyone could hear but as a long, pain filled sigh left his lungs he transformed into a crow… and flew away while he could still bring himself to do so.

"Bye Uncle Qrow… I'll see you again. I know I will."