Chapter 6 – Lighting the Fire
"Leo, I hate to be a bother," Watts lied. If there's nothing else in the whole world to love, he loved looking down on brainless cowards. Leonardo being right under Salem's surveillance meant that Watts had free range to pick his brain for every bit of information he could possibly desire. "But you sent those students a gift. I don't quite understand your reasoning for such actions." He lied again. He knew exactly why Lionheart sent the theatre tickets, he just wanted to hear it come from the headmaster himself.
"As you'd said about my acting skills, I don't believe Qrow fully trusted what I had to say," Leo said. "I figured that showing a kindness that they wouldn't have seen otherwise might provide an inkling of trust."
"Ahh, that does make sense," Watts worked to keep the fib going. "I suppose that going through the students would ultimately gain the trust of the hardened adult." He smirked. "Or do you truly think Qrow is that dimwitted?"
"I beg your pardon!" Leo bolted up from his desk. Watts struck the exact nerve he was hoping to go after. Even if he was upset, Lionheart would never take the motion to cross the room and confront Watts.
"No, by all means, shower the students with every gift you can think of. I'm sure they'll appreciate you," Watts folded his hands neatly in his lap. "But Qrow? Come on, Leo. He's a seasoned Huntsman. It's not just gifts that'll make him accept your word as fair. He's in a field where deceptive tactics are commonplace. He won't be that easily fooled."
"Now, see here," Lionheart pounded his desk. "I'm trying to do a semblance of right by those children. If they're here with Qrow then it means they've accepted the part of fighting for Ozpin. Trying to keep them occupied is more than just deceptive tactics, as you so crudely put it."
"Then what exactly is it, Leo?" Watts inquired. "Why are you trying to get on the students' good side?"
He balked. He wasn't prepared for this question. "To show them there's more to life than fighting in this silly brawl!"
"So, let me get this straight," Watts snaked in. "You're trying to instigate a change in their hearts and minds so that they'll abandon Ozpin's quest." Lionheart was stunned into silence. "Because that's exactly what you're hoping for."
"I don't want harm to come to children!" Leonardo pointed his finger directly at Watts. Watts figured that he better dial back what he's trying for. Going deeper at this moment could potentially cause Lionheart to side against Salem. Maybe not immediately, but it would be a gradual conclusion. "I think it might be best if you leave. I will not entertain this discussion anymore."
Watts stood. "Very well, Leonardo." He brushed his pants to make sure all creases were pressed away. "You've already given me the coordinates I need. I don't believe we'll be having another discussion as," Watts considered for a second. Then he finished his thought, "intuitive as this one."
Lionheart harrumphed in annoyance. "You can see yourself out, doctor."
"And I will," Watts smirked. "If we do end up meeting again, I'm sure you'll be happy to know it'll be under a different pretense." Watts grabbed the book operating the emergency door system. "One that I'm sure won't end up as delightful as this one."
Lionheart gaped at the man as he walked into the dim hallway. One of his favorite pastimes was getting to know cowards. Ruining them was more fun than reading any book.
"What do we do now, Blake?" Sun sat down on the couch opposite of the woman. "Ilia ended up ruining everything yesterday. What can we do?"
Blake took the time to analyze her friend. Him being the social butterfly he was definitely was going to come in handy. After the outburst, Ghira had to work overtime on damage control. The public remained unconvinced on how to handle the situation. What was worse? The Albain brothers were producing White Fang propaganda and acting more kindhearted than ever. But Blake and her family knew better. Blake could see them after Ilia made her escape. They were smiling as if everything was going according to plan. She knew they were going to allow Ilia to be their fall guy every time something was needed to be said or done. Blake was even certain that they'd have Ilia lead a brigade against them just to show that they weren't these wicked beings the Belladonnas were painting them as. It was frustrating, to say the least.
"We don't have much we can do," Blake said. She noticed that saying those words made her cringe. Stepping aside when they've hit a brick wall wasn't her style. "We can just remain on our set course and hope that enough of the people agree with us." She crossed her arms. "We don't need everyone to step up, we just need enough."
"Well, yeah, of course," Sun rubbed the back of his head. "I just don't know how we can get to that part of the plan."
Blake tilted her head slightly and cocked an eyebrow. "Well, there are a few methods we could take. Most of them are methods that we learned when trying to recruit new members in Vale."
"Oh yeah, I remember when we saw that Torchwick guy at that rally!" Sun brightened up. "So, we bring in super cool weapons and tell them they don't have a choice?" Clearly it was a joke, but it still caused Blake's expression to sour. "Oops, sorry."
"No, we need to not scare them away. The people of Menagerie are very different from the people in the other countries. Unlike those we saw in Vale, the Faunus here just want to be left alone," Blake stated. "We need to be able to convince them with our words. Fear tactics won't do us any good."
"Okay, then," Sun started. "How do we outsmart the Albains and win over the hearts of the public?"
"Well, that's easier said than done," Blake sighed. "The Albains have active notoriety in the White Fang. The people have worked with them for years. They may be sympathetic towards them and what they'd ask for."
"Those cryptic asshats are liked here? Really?" Sun frowned in disagreement.
"Yes, Sun," Blake giggled at his crude expression. "Suffice it to say, we have to do more than what they're doing."
"Which is?" Sun curled his tail into a question mark.
"We'll need to start with signatures. If we can get people to sign up for our cause, then we might be able to get word of mouth," Blake explained. "Of course, we'll need to fight misinformation with patience and kindness. Nothing will get through to people if you're just ready to insult their intelligence. That's how the likes of Adam grow and prosper."
"Adam…" Sun curled his lip upward. "Look, Blake, I don't want to offend you, so I'm sorry in advance if I do." She blinked as if preparing herself for an offensive question. "How was he ever a thing with you?"
Blake frowned. She had to contemplate exactly where their cursed relationship started. It wasn't easy to address this kind of thing with others. She was still overcoming a lot of dangerous waters that had threatened to destroy her when they were together. Although, she wanted it to just be a mentor and mentee are first…Adam always wanted more.
"Adam is a sensitive topic," Blake addressed Sun's question. "I figure that there's a depth to him that I still don't fully understand." Sun was about to object when Blake raised her hand. "If I figure out a way to explain it to you, then I will. But he's not really a topic I like to discuss."
"Okay, then I won't press it," Sun concluded. Blake smiled in response of his understanding. "That said, we might also want to discuss the not-quite-biggest elephant in the room." Blake cringed because she knew what Sun was getting at. "Or would you rather not talk about her either?"
Blake thought about it carefully. When she abandoned Beacon, she was abandoning everyone that meant something to her. Yang Xiao Long was never intended to be the wild card in Blake's heart as she expected her to be.
"There's a lot to be said about Yang. There were things that I admired about her and things that I rolled my eyes at," Blake looked over towards Sun. "You fit into those categories, too." Sun pointed at himself and smiled. "I don't think I've ever made as many mistakes in my life than that split second decision to leave everyone behind. I changed everything. My entire life's course." Blake heard the tremble as she voiced the thoughts she'd mulled over for months. "Obviously now I understand what I did wrong, but that won't change anything. My choices very well could've ruined everything."
"Hmm, I don't think I agree."
"What?"
"Yeah, I just know that Yang is someone that can bounce back from anything. She just needs time. Just like how you needed time. Even though your overall method was bad, I feel you made the right call for you in that moment. Being around her would just build up walls inside you."
Blake felt her ears droop. She didn't like considering the damage she caused. Every single thing that she did always came to her when she never wanted it. Replaying at night before bed or while doing training exercises with her father and Sun. Even sometimes when she was with Sun it felt like she was in the same room as Yang all over again. They were very similar among their differences. And she hated that she ran.
"Maybe so," Blake concluded. "But no matter what happens next, I'll never run again." Blake looked into Sun's eyes with determination. "I promise you, and more importantly, I promise myself that." Sun smiled warmly in response. She sighed again. "Okay, so we'll start with signatures tomorrow?" Sun nodded his head.
The vibrant sea of green whipped past them. Yang was getting annoyed with the vague instructions from the supposed bandit. All the driving and none of the reward. It was really, REALLY annoying to her.
"Are we there yet?" She called back to him.
"This should just about do it," he responded.
Yang slowed down Bumblebee to a crawl and let him off as carefully as possible. She took in her surroundings and looked at him. They had come to a stop in the middle of a clearing in the woods. The trail that had led them to this point was rocky and it was painfully obvious not many people traveled to this part of the forest. Either he was being truthful in their destination or this was a trap. Regardless, Yang needed to prepare herself for any possibility.
The man stepped off the bike, still visibly drunk, "just hang tight. I'll go make sure the coast is clear." Without another word, he stumbled into the forest and Yang lost visuals on him. She would just have to wait here regardless if she wanted to.
As she waited, she decided she may as well do stretches. Sitting in the same position for a while does tend to tighten up the muscles. She pushed her arms above her to their fullest extent and then spread them on either side of her body. It felt good for once to actually allow blood to circulate. She'd been cooped up in the same bed for far too long and it had taken a toll on her physically. Getting used to being active was just going to have to be a normal situation for her.
Naturally, she on her highest guard. If anything, her senses couldn't be heightened beyond where they were already. As a result, it didn't take her more than a second to raise her right arm to shield the incoming fire blast. They'd really tried to sneak up on her but failed to conceal the sound of the gun being cocked. How messy exactly were these bandits? She turned around to fully face the crew that had accumulated as an ambush.
"You're actually unbelievable," the man laughed at her. "How stupid can you actually be to drive right into bad situations? I mean, come on, I led you right to the bandit camp and everything."
"So, it's nearby?" She asked. "And this is it?"
The others, Yang estimated about six including the man she gave a ride, looked at each other. They all had the same expression on their face. She readied her weapons.
"Uh, yeah, it's back that way," he cocked an eyebrow. His grin spread even wider.
"Cool, that's all I needed," Yang stretched her neck, popping the joints at the base of her skull.
The bandits laughed. "As if we'd let you get there." The man raised his gun again. "Here's what's going to happen. You're going to hand over everything you've got and maybe we won't kill you." He pulled back the hammer. "Or are you going to make things difficult?"
It didn't take her that long to react. Their reaction times were slower than her's, which was definitely something that contributed to her glee. It had been a long time since she felt like she was alive and these people were finally providing her that pleasure. She positioned her gauntlets behind her and used the blast to propel herself forward, the entire way bringing her fists forward to collide with the man immediately on impact. The connection was instant and hard, he definitely lost a tooth from that one, sending him sailing directly into the tree line.
The other bandits took the opportunity to scatter and send out individual barrages. Yang didn't waste time to figure out the pattern and vaulted into the nearby shrubbery. While using the bush for cover, she listened for incoming footsteps. The second they announced their presence, she threw herself from the hiding spot and blind-sided the bandit girl with her left fist. Her large cleaver flew from her grasp and Yang twisted her core, lifting her right leg to complete the momentum into the bandit girl's stomach. The blow sent her flat against the nearby tree, knocking her aura into a clean break.
The others had discovered her location by this point and were converging on her. A man with a long and slender sword gained ground on her. Yang decided that ambushing wasn't going to give her the upper-hand anymore and decided the evasive maneuvers were going to be in her best interest now. Duck and dodge to the right, duck and dodge to the left. Wait for him to create the opening and sock him right in his face. Another bandit down.
The remaining bandits were now attacking as teams of two. One pair closed the distance between them and her. She was hoping for this opportunity. They readied their swords to commit slash attacks, Yang dipped lower and widened her stance. As they entered her space, she cocked back on her gauntlets and forced her fists into their stomachs, twisting upwards. The shot was released and catapulted them over her head and collapsing flat on their backs nearly 20 feet back.
Yang turned to watch the remaining pair. She wanted to see what they'd do next. All of their previous attacks had seriously failed them and she hadn't shed a bead of sweat yet. Yang assessed her current status. Her vision quickly scanned how many shells she had remaining in her left gauntlet. There should be enough to last this fight, which was good. Then she looked down to her right arm and in an instance lost control of her focus. The reminder splashed across her mind and she cringed, her left hand began to tremble. The bandits took this opportunity and advanced. Yang snapped back to the fight. She had to think quickly or else this entire assault would turn against her. She crouched down and forced all of her leg muscles to not fail her now. She sprang into the air like a practiced gymnast and delivered a devastating axe chop on top of one of the men. The other jumped back but Yang's reflexes were still faster. She twisted her body in the same movement and propelled her left boot directly into his face. The last of the bandits was down for the count.
Yang allowed herself time to collect herself and breathe after the entire ordeal. Since the fighting was finally over, the adrenaline was fading and the tremors rippled up her left arm. Why did this have to happen now? A coughing sound behind her brought her back into an active stance. The first man was stumbling to his feet but ended up back on his rear.
"You've made a big mistake," he threatened her. "Once Raven finds out, you're dead!"
"That's possible," Yang scoffed. "But I seriously doubt it. I am her daughter after all."
She allowed the moment to relish on the growing expression of horror on the bandit's face. The realization lasted longer than she expected that it would. He laid himself flat against the dirt in resignation.
"I'm dead," he groaned.
Yang grabbed her gear on the bike and walked it over to him. He stared up at her. The cruel sun beaming down right into his eyes.
"Now, get up," she demanded. "You didn't take me to the camp like I asked."
Sienna Khan sat in the underground prison cell awaiting a fate she is all too familiar with. This was the sort of treatment that traitors, murderers, and other violent actions received. Sienna being forced to face death for actions someone else took is baffling and would normally be viewed as idiocy. But now, it's a truth that's real beyond words. A fact that seems to indicate manipulation and deceptive tactics at play against her.
The White Fang, while an enemy to most who refuse to heed the words of the Faunus, did not normally execute people. It was only the rare occasion that such an action took place. The fact that Adam was seeing capital punishment as fit for Sienna wouldn't have worked without planting seeds for years.
Sienna took this time to reflect on her life and the life of Adam Taurus. She had come to power when Ghira Belladonna was made aware that his diplomatic ways weren't yielding the results people wanted. Sienna stood as the embodiment of everything they desired. Her cunning and terrifying prowess gave her the advantage in the field. Most people begged for a leader who wouldn't hold back, Sienna provided that. She would aide her brothers and sisters on the battleground and not hold back until they'd met their goal. On basis of humanity, Sienna's orders stated to only shed blood if necessary. Most times, people who were disarmed in combat would surrender themselves and not fight anymore. On the off-chance that someone lied and they kept trying to fight, that's when they were allowed to be struck down.
Sienna led the White Fang with a force of reckoning but not a force of revenge. She wasn't trying to embody a society that existed from the foundations of fear. Her end goals were still unity and equality for Faunus and humans. Trying to enact fear among the public meant subjugation. It's a very fine line between violence as a message and fear from violence. Sienna knew that walking that tightrope was ultimately going to lead to either salvation or judgment. She was hoping that day of judgment would never come or if it did that it was by the hands of an enemy.
Adam Taurus was neither an enemy or judgment. To her, Adam was a brother. They'd met when they were much younger and he less jaded. They watched each other's backs. Anything they tried to accomplish was always five steps in front of them and two steps too late to stop them. Sienna imparted her wisdom on the boy. Judgment was not something the Faunus should pass on the humans because then judgment will set the scales straight. What Sienna would put out in the world would be returned to her. These were her beliefs and she stood by every single one of them. It was her mission to make sure they never took a life unless it meant saving another. On the day that Adam first killed a human, Ghira had threatened Adam with a strong punishment. Yet Sienna saw the boy in the right. He had done a noble act of protecting their leader even if it meant spilling blood. Those humans who had assaulted them did not deserve respect anyway. They were trying to refuse them safe passage. Diplomacy will only go so far when sparring against the hearts of hatred.
And yet, Adam still did the one thing Sienna hoped would never happen. He was the one she stood up for and he was the one who dismantled her. And of all the things, he brought a human into their court. He had trusted someone beyond her in order to lead the organization.
Sienna slammed the side of her fist against the stone floor. It hurt but she let it sting. It was a reminder that she had flaws, too. She should've seen this coming. The minute reports were sent in stating that Blake Belladonna had abandoned their ranks to save lives, Sienna Khan let her go. She was familiar with Blake but never really talked much to her. A reserved girl who only spoke when necessary. But she'd also been deeply intimate with Adam. Something that confused Sienna considering their ideals were ultimately polar opposites. When she heard Blake had run away from the White Fang, it meant something had come up that caused her to leave.
The door to the facility opened with a clanging noise that rang down towards her. The sound of boots on stone echoed off of the walls announcing the arrival of someone. It must be time for the change in guards, Sienna figured. But she was wrong. Adam walked into view of her cell and stood before her. Millions of conflicting emotions raged within Sienna but not a single one created a word to convey them. If she was going to get through this and properly, she was going to need to steel herself.
"Adam," she addressed him with apathy.
"How are the accommodations? I hope this is to your liking," Adam attempted to not grin yet the corners were betraying him.
Sienna didn't respond immediately, she just breathed carefully. "On what grounds is this execution?"
"Execution?" Adam feigned shock. "Sienna, you've only just been imprisoned."
"I'm aware, but I've had time to consider things and I know that this is a process. I've only dealt with it twice before, but I'm very well aware of it," Sienna blinked intentionally. "I always instilled within our organization an idea of rehabilitation. Capital punishment was a last resort sort of thing. The idea of sentencing one of my own to death caused me immense sorrow." She walked closer to the bars separating Adam from her. "Does it keep you up at night like it does me?"
Adam stared at her. It didn't take Sienna any time to assume that took him off guard. She felt a shameful sensation of smugness over that emotion. In the small amount of time she has left, she figured that it wouldn't hurt to revel in it.
"Sienna, you know how you mean to me," Adam said. "So, I'll save my breath on describing how our relationship is."
"No, by all means. I'd love to hear how I mean to you."
Adam sighed. "We all call each other brothers and sisters. But you were very much like my sister in ways others could never be." He folded his arms across his chest. "Treating you like this was never what I had in mind. I'd much rather a situation where you'd agreed to listen to what Hazel had to offer and join in with us." Adam smiled softly. "There's still that opportunity. If you really want, Sienna, we can still achieve what we want together."
Sienna continued staring Adam down. "You seem to be under an assumption that what we want are still aligned, Adam." She tilted her head up and smirked at him. "If I'm given a choice of execution or being executor then I'd rather be the one staring down the barrel."
"Will you quit talking about execution already!" Adam slammed his fists against the bars. "You assume this is all a done deal and that's what I've come here to discuss."
"If your discussion is based around me giving up my ideals to join yours then you can turn around and leave."
Adam rested his forehead against the bars. "Sienna, I am giving you an out. Why are you so bent on rejecting this chance?"
"Let's talk simplistically, Adam," she said. "If I bend my knee to you just to save my ass, what exactly does that say for my resolve? My mission as a leader?"
Adam straightened up. "I guess there was no purpose in me actually coming down here, was there?"
"Not a single one."
"Then know this. I will not stop until every wrong has been corrected. Starting with the injustice you've served me here today."
"And what would that be, High Leader?"
Adam sneered at the woman. "You challenged a team of Huntsmen and intentionally lured them into our headquarters. Your actions have caused the deaths of innocent humans."
Sienna's eyes grew wide. "I would never act in such a reckless and vile manner! Anyone who's served with me would know my methods don't reflect that decision."
"It won't matter, Sienna," Adam shook his head. "In your time of isolation here, you lost control of yourself and that was all it took." He was playing up a remorseful tone but never once removed the grin from his face. "If you'd simply agreed to take up my offer, you'd never have to live through this."
"Your games won't work with me, Adam," Sienna gasped. "You don't even have the evidence in place to smear my name with!"
"We'll need to make quick work, then," Adam concluded before turning on his heel.
"You will never get what you want, Adam Taurus! Your life will end in justified bloodshed that you called for! Do you hear me? The lines you've crossed here will never allow you re-entry!" Sienna shrieked after him.
Another White Fang guard approached and she knew that he was gone. This was the new guard post. Sienna was exhausted from the entire ordeal but knew something had to be done. Adam Taurus could not be allowed to live with things like this.
It hadn't even been a full week since Holly Green announced publicly who team RNJR were and the donation to Faunus shelters in the city of Mistral. The results were equal parts good and bad. Both of which the team had been prepared for. Nora and Jaune had become tired of the constant attention they received whenever they needed to do a basic activity. Walking into the market meant risking having people run up to them and beg for an autograph. On the off chance that the team was allowed to have a nice outing without people begging, it was eventually spoiled by the stares they would receive from random people on the street.
Being recognized as fighters in the Vytal Festival was just one aspect of it. The part that ultimately won them the constant admiration was fighting in the fall of Beacon to try and save their school. Naturally, they knew that fighting in the fall of Beacon was a noble deed but they didn't do it so they'd eventually get accreditation for it. They fought for their safety and everything it entailed. The notoriety was choking. Even Ruby was starting to become mildly agitated when someone asked to take a picture with her. If anything, this new development made Qrow even more secretive regarding their extra guest and the goals they desired to achieve while in the city. It had become more imperative than ever that Oscar Pine not be allowed to leave the house.
This wasn't a truly fair request to ask of Oscar. He felt the sting of it a few times when trying to question why he couldn't leave. Surely, they didn't know who he was. Yet Qrow argued that it wouldn't take long for someone to go digging for the information either legally or through different methods. That information would inevitably wind up on Lionheart's desk and he wouldn't need to think twice on who the mysterious guest could potentially be.
The best result of the announcement regarding Faunus shelters was seeing firsthand how happy it made the shelter owners. They described their mission fully on the news and the beauty that the donation allowed. The shelters would now be able to expand on how many Faunus they could hold at one time and afford more hot meals to give to them.
The worst result of the announcement was the backlash from the humans in the city. Groups of people began protesting either nearby the theatre or nearby the shelters against allowing the Faunus in the city. Most of the anti-Faunus groups were led by people who spoke of the fall of Beacon and the White Fang. Reports had been coming out that some supply shipments meant for Faunus shelters were being raided and destroyed. Racism in Mistral had risen to an all-time high.
"Until the press of Holly's speech dies down, it might be best to wait around the house," Qrow suggested. "I know it's far from ideal, but it's just what's in our best interest." Nobody disagreed with him.
The teens stood in the middle of the living room. The fresh news report had just concluded its hourly update and Ren turned it off. The entire thing had become more than just the headache.
"I just don't understand how everything has evolved quite like this," Ren thought aloud. "What is it that Mistral has against the Faunus that they'd willingly do horrible things like this?"
"That's a tricky question to answer, Mr. Ren," Ozpin phased in. "Throughout Mistral's history, there has always been a pushback against the Faunus due to the relative proximity the country has with Menagerie. The White Fang being a large presence in the area has also provided a bit of uncertainty. Even without the fall of Beacon, the methods they've elected towards in recent years has turned some of the humans into people who refuse to accept Faunus as equal." He sighed. "It brings me nothing but misery to know that this division is still active and far-reaching."
"Maybe we could do something to help with the Faunus shelters that are being attacked?" Nora asked.
"I believe reaching out to them and promising to provide assistance might be a wise decision," Oz stated.
"Okay, I'll make that call," Qrow said. "I'm technically your guardian on this supposed extended training mission. I'll let you know what they say." He pulled out his scroll and left the room.
"In the meantime, perhaps it might be best to do some sparring in the practice arena downstairs?" Ozpin suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea!" Ruby agreed. "I've been itching to do something. All of the sitting around has probably made me lose my skills."
Ozpin laughed. "I doubt the teaching was that poor that you'd forget it all after a week of no training."
"So, what will we be doing today?" Jaune asked.
"I've been thinking hand-to-hand combat training could benefit. I've seen how most of you fight and if you're disarmed in the battle, you'll need to know how to defend yourself until you can be rearmed," Ozpin said. "Plus, Oscar could use some practice in wielding my cane among other things."
Qrow returned to the room. "It's settled. You'll be going to help them in a couple of weeks." The teens groaned. "I know you want to help, but they explained that due to your increase in popularity and the numbers they have to work with daily…it would benefit them more for the entire thing to subside." He sat down on the couch. "Just the entire fact that all of this is happening in the city is off. It got me thinking how the treatment of things here are beyond bizarre. Maybe I should consider making a list and checking in on my old hunting pals in the city." He produced his flask. "We're going to need everybody we can get in order to make that raid on the bandit camp." He took a swig. After replacing the cap, he looked to see them gathering their weapons. "Yeah, yeah. Go train."
Ruby walked over to her uncle and gave him a hug. "Thank you for everything you've done for us, Uncle Qrow."
He rolled his eyes. "Don't sweat it, kid." He paused and contemplated. "Actually, do sweat it. I want to see that you're actually training and not just reading comics again."
"Hey, okay, that was ONE time!" Ruby exclaimed. The others giggled with her as they walked down the stairs.
The downstairs training arena was stocked with plenty of wooden swords they could clash with. Qrow had already put a decree against the teens using their actual weapons when indoors, so the wooden weapons would do. Even still, Ozpin was wanting to train them with hand-to-hand combat. In an odd way, this idea reminded her of when Yang tried to teach Ruby hand-to-hand back at their home on Patch. An unexpected Ursa attack caused the practice to be cut short. After that, Ruby went on a trip into Vale. That's where she got involved with Roman Torchwick as he tried to rob a dust shop. She felt vaguely nostalgic for this encounter despite the strong possibility she could have died.
"Okay, Ms. Rose," Ozpin turned. "I feel you should be the one to decide. Shall we spar in here or outside in the garden?"
"Please, let it be outside! It's so stuffy in here," Ruby grumbled.
"Very well," Ozpin chuckled. He opened the sliding door behind him and they filed outside. "I believe I want Oscar to take his turn first and the only person I trust here to do it properly is Ruby Rose. I hope you don't mind."
"Well, he won't really learn much from me," Ruby started. "I only know what I know from Yang."
"Then that'll suffice for now," Ozpin said. In an instance, he vanished and Oscar returned.
"Oh, please go easy on me," Oscar pleaded.
While Ruby and Oscar duked it out and attempted to learn how to properly fistfight, the others either stood watch or meditated on themselves. Ren was using the relaxing breeze as a time for self-reflecting while Jaune was actively trying to hone his aura into producing his semblance. Nora didn't have much to do but watch Ruby and Oscar's fight.
Oscar threw a right hook but his movements were stiff, his action was entirely telegraphed which allowed Ruby to dodge him. She smirked before delivering the weakest overhead kick Nora had ever seen. Oscar recognized that Ruby left herself open and the moment he recovered from the attempt, he headbutted her chin. Ruby lost her balance and tumbled backwards.
"Oh, my gods, I'm so sorry!" Oscar moved forward to help her up and Ruby grabbed his arm, tossing him over her head. He landed flat on his back and the wind was knocked out of him. "Ow, okay I get it. Don't leave myself open. But geez, that really hurt!"
"You forgot to engage your aura, Oscar," Ozpin chastised him.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Oscar barked.
"Because this way you'll be less likely to forget," Ozpin chuckled in amusement. "In time, you'll come to know the exact muscle memory that I once had. It'll become second nature to you."
Ruby held out her hand to him. Oscar smiled and accepted her offer and she helped him off the ground.
"Ozpin's words of advice are to be more calculating in your strikes and be mindful of openings," Oscar relayed.
Ruby sighed in annoyance, "got it."
"He also wants me to remember to engage my aura," Oscar felt apprehensive. "I've been trying but it's really hard."
"That makes sense," Ren stood up. "You're doing multiple activities your body isn't prepared for. Fighting and trying to keep up your aura?"
"What even is aura?" Oscar balked. "I've read about it in books and heard about it constantly from Huntsmen."
"Aura is the physical manifestation of your soul," Ren stretched his back. "Our connection to our souls is what allows us to properly shield ourselves from potentially fatal attacks. It's a bit difficult to bring out at first and it becomes taxing. Once you understand how to do it naturally, then it'll be no different than breathing." Ren crossed his arms over his chest. "Of course, our aura does have its limits. After we experience aura break, we're left vulnerable to any form of harm."
"Aura break?" Oscar's eyes grew wide. "Well, wait, does that mean my soul's been destroyed?"
Ren chuckled. "No, it just means that the shield you've been using has been broken. Your soul remains just fine inside of you, the difference here is that the manifestation needs time to be brought back up. At first, it could take an entire day to properly recharge itself. When you're at the level of a professional Huntsman, then it could only take an hour or two. During that time, you cannot use your semblance."
"I really do feel like I'm asking too many questions," Oscar blushed in embarrassment. "How does aura relate to semblance?"
"Think of your semblance like your own personal superpower!" Nora chimed in.
"Thank you, Nora," Ren said. "From what we've learned from Ozpin, I believe semblance to be our soul's own magic. Unlike the Maidens, we cannot perform huge feats that one would believe to be magic. However, we have the capability to use something that stands above the natural law in either combat or passive senses. Depending on what you draw in naturally, your soul will reflect supernaturally. The tie between aura and semblance is a careful relationship. Since a semblance is a powered-up kind of move projected from the self, then it stands to reason that aura is linked to it. Using your semblance constantly will drain your aura as you're now asking that manifestation to work double time to project a shield and this power." Ren smiled at Oscar. "Why don't you try projecting your aura?"
Oscar figured it was worth a shot. He focused in that moment to try and bring his aura up. For a moment it worked but the physical and mental toll was enough to break his focus entirely. He was out of breath and it hadn't even been five seconds.
"That's really hard, wow!" He breathed heavily.
"Once you have aura down, your semblance will find you," Ren concluded.
"Yeah, if you even have one," Jaune mumbled.
"How did you guys unlock your semblance?" Oscar asked.
"Ren experienced intense stress which brought about this moment of bliss," Nora explained. "I was struck by lighting and didn't die." Her nonchalant attitude about getting hit by lightning somewhat scared Oscar.
"And mine just kicked in during training one day," Ruby added. "So, we're not entirely sure when it will activate." She looked over towards Jaune with kind eyes. "And I'm sure it'll happen for you, too. Just give it time."
Jaune inhaled deeply and nodded his head. Even if it wasn't the easiest thing in the world, he knew this much to be true. Pyrrha did always tell him that training his aura will naturally bring out his semblance. He hoped she was right.
"May I have a word with them?" Ozpin asked. Oscar nodded his head and gave Ozpin the reigns. "Another thing regarding your semblance is that training it is as important as training your physical selves. Managing it might also bring about its own evolution. Don't think of unlocking it as the end, think of it as a graduation into another level of responsibility."
The group all nodded their heads and decided that continuing their training was for the best. Ruby nodded her head towards Ozpin and he swapped back over with Oscar. They immediately went back to trying out hand-to-hand strategies.
Weiss and Fenix were far beyond sore from how long they had been sitting in the cramped cell. Every opportunity she could, Weiss would summon the small knight to try and saw their way out. Weiss had to pretend every so often that her hands were still bound as to not alert the bandits into what she was planning.
It took her by surprise when there was a sudden interest in the center of the camp. Even their two guards had taken their leave to see what was going on. This was giving her the best out that she could possibly had. She brought the little knight back and had him work on the bars again. She, meanwhile, grabbed hold of the front and strained to see what was happening. Fenix scooched forward and tried to gain a visual as well, all while providing cover for the knight.
Raven Branwen stood in her tent. It had been quite the week for their tribe. Hearing the crash nearby just when they happened to be searching the shoreline was a blessing. Finding the dust cargo and passengers on board was a miracle. Discovering one of the passengers was a Schnee? The gods worked in mysterious ways, but Raven knew that holding on to the girl would provide them their best reaping ever.
She was thinking so intensely that she wasn't even aware of the commotion outside her tent. It was only when it broke her focus that she decided to see what all the fuss was about. The second she opened the flap she knew that trouble had descended upon them now. All around the camp, her family watched in either disgust or concern as a new figure showed up into their ranks. Vernal was watching and waiting from the side, she eyed Raven and moved to stand beside her. They both stood together as the blonde woman strode down the path heading straight for Raven. Behind her were multiple of Raven's own who were nursing their own wounds. They stopped a good distance away from Raven's tent, but the woman kept moving forward.
Raven looked down at her and the woman smiled. Raven never would've expected to be greeted by her own daughter. Especially not in this way.
"Mom," Yang said loudly enough for the other bandits to hear.
Raven smiled warmly. "Yang." Vernal looked up at Raven incredulously. "Never in my days would I see my own come seek me out. I can't help but say I'm impressed!"
Yang clenched her fist. It was imperative that she kept the shaking under control. She could not allow herself to show weakness to the bandits. They'll take advantage of that and be on her in an instance.
"You know that I looked for you. I spent years of my life searching for you."
"And you found me," Raven nodded her head. "Your work paid off entirely in the end. Your patience, determination, and strength led you straight to what you've been wanting." She looked at the bandits standing behind Yang. "You've done well. But did you really need to hurt my men so much?"
"It was a fight they started," Yang smirked.
"And you finished it clearly," Raven's smile vanished. She breathed deeply. "Well, seeing as how you've succeeded in your goal, I will assist with answering any questions you have for me. If you'd like, I could even get the cooks to make some warm meal for you."
"That's not why I'm here," Yang stood her ground. The bandit camp around her went totally silent.
"Hey, girl. That's not any tone you should take with her," Vernal stepped forward.
"Vernal," Raven stared her down. Vernal moved back into place. "Perhaps I misheard you. What did you say?"
"I said, that's not why I'm here," Yang enunciated. "I'm not here for you. I know that my little sister is somewhere in Mistral and I'm trying to find her. I have a good feeling she's with Qrow since he promised me that he'd watch after Ruby and I need you to take me to her. She's going to need my help."
Raven crossed her arms and shifted her weight to her right leg. "That's amusing." She wasn't laughing. "And why would I do that?"
"Because we're family!" Yang smiled and made a heart out of her hands.
Raven scoffed. "Family. Yeah, family that only comes around when needing something." She turned to leave. Vernal smirked at Yang. She stopped and turned her head. "I won't lie, this is rather disappointing. After all your journey, I was hoping we could actually talk for a change."
"You know what I want," Yang stopped smiling.
"You're a smart girl, Yang. You should be able to use that drive and determination to find her. Shouldn't take you that long." She started moving once more.
"Oh, I know I could. But dad told me how your semblance works and I figured that would help shave weeks off my search time. Your portals take you directly to people you connect with, right?"
Raven stopped in her tracks. Her hands tightened into fists. "So, you want me to give you direct access to Qrow."
"I'll be out of your hair entirely," Yang nodded.
Raven's attitude had turned from inviting to spiteful. Yang's tactics were wearing down on the woman. "It's very noble of you to want to help your sister. But given that she's with Qrow, then you should just forget about her. She's a lost cause now."
"What does that mean."
Raven looked over to her daughter. Yang was confused and briefly taken back by the expression her mother now wore. It was a look of sorrow mixed with apprehension.
"You don't want to get mixed up in all of that, Yang," Raven said. "Getting in with Qrow means getting in with Ozpin. He's not the man you should be trusting and Qrow's foolishness has only gotten himself in deeper where he shouldn't be either." Raven closed her eyes and now bore a smile that bordered on forced. "I should know. I trusted him once myself."
"Thanks for your warning," Yang said. She was truly thankful that even after all of this, Raven still had the nature to express this kind of information to her daughter. "But I really don't care."
Vernal ripped Mytrenaster from a bag of weapons. Raven passed another look at her subordinate and caught her in the last moment possible. Vernal growled obscenities towards Yang.
"Your choice is your own, Yang," Raven stated. "I'm just trying to help you from something that might be way over your head and you don't even know it. You don't belong in that." She softened her voice and attempted to be inviting again. "Maybe you've already found the place you belong."
"If it's here with you, then I'll pass. You can say whatever you want but my resolve is clear."
"Well, aren't you stubborn?"
"I get it from my mom."
Raven raised the corner of her lip. "Then we have nothing else to say here." She turned and headed back inside the tent. "Get her out of here."
"What? Hey! Didn't you hear me!" Yang screamed at her. "Send me to Qrow, goddammit!" Her eyes glowed a dangerous red.
"Hold your tongue!" A bandit shouted at her.
A bandit ran over and gripped Yang's arm. She whipped him around and launched him through a tent, flattening it entirely. On the other side of the tent was a prison cell. Weiss and Fenix locked eyes with the woman who was causing the commotion.
"Yang?!" Weiss called out in surprise.
"Weiss?" Yang was just confused.
"Hell. Looks like the subtle approach won't work now," Weiss focused on herself and raised the knight enough to burst through the jail. "Come on!" She pulled Fenix along with her as they ran over to her old teammate.
"Uh, what's that?" Yang prepped herself but shot anxious glances towards the massive knight that stood beside them now.
"Never mind that," Weiss brushed it aside. "What are you doing here?"
"I was having a wonderful conversation with my mom over tea," Yang snapped a look towards the tent. Raven stepped out from the tent again from the renewed commotion.
Weiss pointed at Raven. "Your mom kidnapped me!"
Yang whipped her head over to Raven. "You kidnapped her?!"
Raven grimaced. This wasn't going well and fast. She gripped the helmet she wore and threw it on. Vernal took notice and watched. Yang and Weiss prepped themselves for a battle as the bandits started to close in on them. A sudden bolt of lightning caused everyone to stop what they were doing.
"ENOUGH!" Vernal shouted with authority. She lowered her right hand. All amusement or anger wiped from her face.
"Thank you, Vernal," Raven said removing her helmet. "If we don't quit with this now then we'll be infested with Grimm before you can even ask how." She threw a look over at Yang, Weiss, and Fenix. "Yang. You and Weiss can join me inside my tent."
"Why would we do that?" Yang was still geared up to fight.
"If I'm going to be sending you to Qrow, there are some things I would like to tell you," Raven stated. She looked at the pilot. "Certain things should not be known. Are you okay with that?"
Fenix nodded his head. "Uh, yeah. That's fine. Just tell me where to wait."
"Then come on," Raven spun around and re-entered her tent.
The excitement of the day was waning at last. The bandits returned to their duties and left them alone. Yang looked down at Weiss.
"Weiss, I have a lot of questions for you," Yang started but was cut off entirely by Weiss throwing herself onto Yang, hugging her.
"I missed you so much!" She had begun crying. The knight behind them fizzled out, no longer needed.
Yang returned the hug and allowed herself to cry as well. "I missed you, too."