A/N: Please safe in this pandemic!
"You don't seem to embarrassed about having your baby pictures looked at." Owl said as he shuffled through another picture in his hand. He couldn't help the smile that came when he saw a picture of a little Yang standing on her own tiny, chubby legs with a stubborn pout on her face. Next to her was the man he surmised to be her father trying to help her. Coming to the conclusion that she wanted to stand on her own without help and was refusing her father's aid. He chuckled. "You were so adorable." He gushed.
"What's there to be embarrassed about? I was a goddamn cutie pie!"
"Well, I just hear of stories from the outside world that many are embarrassed when having their baby pictures shown to others." He shuffled against a tree to relieve some pressure from his back.
"Eh. Some people are like that."
There was a moment of comfortable silence. While Owl continued to coo at the various pictures of her baby and toddler years, Yang was content with laying on the forest floor looking up to the canopy. Marveling in the simple, serene beauty of how the leaves danced in the wind. How streams of warm sunlight filtered through the branches to create strange patterns on the ground. The pleasing sounds of the birds chirping their songs either to communicate with others or to court and attract mates. It was all the purest essence of beauty that nature could offer. Honestly, Yang realized that she had been missing out for most of her life.
Letting out a comfortable sigh, she closed her eyes to seep herself further into nature. Her face twitched as she felt a small weight on her nose. Opening her eyes she came face to face with a bird staring down at her. It had a crimson upper body with blue tail feathers and a yellow underbelly. It twitched it's head to the side as it looked down curiously at her. Before Yang could say anything, the bird let out a high pitched 'tzeeee' and started lightly flapping it's wings. It did this for only a few seconds before calming down. She raised a brow when the birds beak started to move and create a rasping grinding sound. "Aww." She cooed at the sound.
Bringing up her hand she brought down her index finger and started lightly scratching the top of the birds head. It clearly enjoyed her ministration as it leaned into her finger.
The bird jumped of her nose as she sat up. It immediately went to her wing and started to preen it.
"You little scamp." A playful tone evident in her voice. Feeling something land on her shoulder, she looked to it to see another of the same species of bird that was on her wing. Eventually, a few more came to land on her. She giggled as they perched on her other shoulder and the top of her head.
"It seems they quite like you."
Yang looked toward her elder only to find a parliament of owls perched near or on him. She grinned. "Seems those guys are rather fond of you."
"I have known these owls for a long time. Many generations of them in fact." He chuckled. Pulling several bits of jerky, he distributed them evenly to all the owls surrounding him. "Animals have the wonderful ability to be able to tell the character of a person. If you are evil, they tend to stay clear of you. If you have a good heart, then they wish to be around you. They feel safe with you."
Warmth filled her chest as one the birds on her shoulder nuzzled its head against her cheek. Hearing a rustling sound to her right, Yang looked over only to see what looked like a big, red raccoon. It came over to her and laid down on her lap. Several grunts came from behind her. Looking back she found a sloth of bears coming through the bushes. They walked in order of biggest to smallest. They all had black fur and a V shaped patch of white fur. Considering there were two small cubs with them, the blonde figured they were a family. Once they reached her, they laid down next to her and began cuddling against her. She laughed.
"Oh! You're a bit big aren't you?" Owl chuckled as a full grown panda decided to bump itself onto him. "And a bit far from your home." He raised a a hand and began to pet its white snout. In response, it wrapped it's arms around the elderly Faunus. "My, my. Rather affectionate aren't you?"
"I have never had this happen to me. It's actually really nice." Yang said as she hugged one of the bears next to her.
"That's because you never had the chance. Animals tend to stay away from civilized areas if they can help it."
Both great grand daughter and great grand father stayed in peace with animals surrounding them for some time until there was the faint sound of crackling thunder. All of the animals stirred and had began to fly or run. Likely, to seek shelter.
Yang smiled as she watched them go. She would cherish this lovely memory for as long she lived.
"Well, I suppose that's our cue to leave to. I'd rather not get caught out in a storm."
"All right gramps."
"Ha! Qrow use to call me that. I never minded it, but my son wasn't particularly fond of it."
"Really? Why's that?" Asking as she and her elder started their trek back to the Tribe.
Owl sighed. "My son was what you would call old fashioned. He saw such things as disrespectful. Constantly punishing Qrow for his casual behavior around his elders."
"That...seems unfair."
"Kept trying to tell that son of mine that he needed to relax." He shook his head. He sadly looked towards the graying skies. A rain drop fell on his shoulder. "You know, when we get back, there is something I wish to show you. If you would indulge this old man."
Yang smiled brightly. "Of course."
Once back, Yang came in front of the largest tent she'd ever seen. It was even bigger than her mother's. Unlike many other tents, this one was made from a pure, snow white canvas. There were many rectangular strips of brocaded silk with pieces of paper or wood enclosed in them with the old, written language of the Tribe adorning the walls of the tent.
"These talisman's are filled with our prayers. So that our dead may be at peace." Owl said as he gingerly rubbed on of them in his hand. He turned to Yang and motioned for her to follow him as he moved the canvas flaps apart.
Yang followed. Her jaw went slack as hundreds of tiny urns sat upon many shelved tables. A very earthy scent made its way to her nose. It was then that she noticed that there were multiple incense burners for every shelved table. Her and Owl weren't alone either. She could see multiple families burning incense and bowing to the very specific urns. Even going so far as to say prayer in their own native language. "Must be their ancestors." Yang thought.
"Come Yang. Meet my son and the rest of my family." Owl said as he motioned her over.
Once she stood beside him, he handed her an incense stick.
"Here. You should do the honors. This is the first time my ancestors and sadly, my descendants have meet you. I'm sure they are eager to meet you."
"Ghosts aren't going to start popping up are they?" She said with a playful lilt in her voice.
Owl chuckled. "No. They won't just show up, but that doesn't mean they aren't watching. Here, let me show you how to do this properly."
Yang allowed Owl to take her hands and guide them at a very specific angle into the burner sand. In no time at all, the stick was heated enough to burn and give that pleasant earthy aroma.
"There! Now, we bring our hands together like this." He instructed as his hands made soft clap. "Then we give a small bow and offer up a prayer. You don't have to say it if you don't want to."
Yang mimicked her elder. Her prayer wasn't anything special. Mostly just wishing the deceased well and hoping they were at peace. As well as introducing herself to them.
Both Owl and Yang held their bow for a few moments. She copied his movements as he rose up
"So, this is your entire family?" She said eyeing the dozen or so urns. All very well decorated with a litany of colors and silk wrappings. They were even put in chronological order from the eldest descending down to the most recent on different levels of shelves.
"They're your family too Little Bird." Eyeing the urn at the very top he said. "That one right there is my great great grandmother." He pointed.
Yang followed his finger. This particular urn was wrapped in a black silk with golden trimmings and small dark blue tasseles. At the center held an emblem that was her mother's and Qrow's. However, instead of the two emblems being separate, they were combined to make one emblem. Making it look like two eyes.
"Did you ever meet her?" She didn't think it impossible to meet her. Given how long Faunus can live.
He sighed. "Sadly, no. She died before I was born, but I've heard many stories of her strength and valor."
"Really? Like what?"
Owl smiled. "Well, it's somewhat of a long story so I'll try keep it as short as possible." Clearing his throat, he turned to Yang. "Long ago, the Tribe use to be a large country. Our empire spanned the entire continent. Not Anima mind you. It was the continent west of Sanus called Sokoku. We were the most powerful and technologically advanced nation at the time. The arts and philosophy also prospered greatly. Yes, it was a real golden age for our people. Then, disaster struck."
Yang frowned. "I'm guessing a certain 'Queen of The Grimm' happened."
Nodding, he continued. "Yes. She struck hard and fast. Starting with our capitol. Salem knew she couldn't fight us head on. We were too powerful, too large, and far too organized. She instead developed Grimm that could create large underground tunnels. They came up from underneath us. We were taken by surprise and had no chance to erect a proper response. With the epicenter our might fallen and many of our most brilliant generals dead, we were severely weakened."
"How long did it take for her to completely conquer the entire continent?"
Owl puffed out his chest. Old, tired eyes shone with pride. "Even being dealt such a devastating blow, our ancestors refused to give up. It took that witch around two-hundred fifty years to conquer Sokoku."
Looking towards his great great grandmother, her continued. "Near the end of that period, she was born. A great and formidable warrior. Also, a brilliant tactician and strategist. By the time she turned fifty, she lead our people to countless victories against the Grimm. They carved their way to the capital with the intent to take it back. Her plan was simple, she would leave the bulk of her army at the entrances of the city to draw the attention of the Grimm. Funneling them into a dust crystal minefield within an enclosed area between two large cliff sides. So when they stepped on them, they would crush them and explode. Well positioned archers on high cliffs would rain down dust arrows as the rest of the army would engage on foot."
Feeling his back ache, he paused for a moment. Eyeing a nearby chair, he sat in it.
"As this was happening, Sodainatori (her name) would be traveling the tunnels the Grimm made underground with a sizable force. They came up right behind the Grimm and pincered them. They didn't stand a chance fighting two fronts and dust arrows raining down on them. With most of Salem's forces spread thin due reacting to small contingents putting up resistance far away from the capital, she marched almost unchallenged through the city. Sodainatori knew Salem would overreact due to believing she had won."
"I'm starting to feel like we're getting to the part where everything falls apart." Yang said.
"Indeed. Had Salem been an ordinary person, Sodainatori would have been victorious. However, upon reaching the palace grounds, Salem came to them herself. Despite having many a great and capable warrior with her, Salem's magic was simply too powerful. It tore through entire ranks and platoons effortlessly. Eventually, Sodainatori realized that she would have to unleash a power she had kept hidden. A great transformation took hold of her as she unleashed the true power of the Faunus. It was so great, that it had taken the witch by surprise. She had used that moment of hesitation from her and quickly overwhelmed her. She swung her naginata at the witches neck and took her head clean off. The force from the swing was so great, that it dug deeply into the mountain that the palace was built in front of."
Owl took a deep, sorrowful sigh as he cast his eyes down. "Thinking her dead, Sodainatori turned her back to the body and yelled victoriously. However, it was then they learned a terrible secret. When we learned she was immortal. Hearing Salem congratulate her for her strength and accomplishments, she turned her head to see Salem's decapitated head turn to black smoke and fly over to her body and reform on her shoulders. So in shock was she, that she didn't have the time to react when Salem unleashed a terrifyingly powerful spell. The power of this magic engulfed her and the rest of the army in a devastating explosion. Now, there was nothing, but corpses. Satisfied, Salem returned to the palace. However, she didn't know Sodainatori had survived thanks to the new power she had. But not unscathed. There was a lot of damage done to her leg. It would cause it to be a lame limb and she would never be able to fight again."
Yang let out a tch. She knew how the battle would end, yet she still hoped for there to be some kind of victory. Anything really. Just pushing Salem out temporarily or something. The bridge of her nose crinkled at the sound of the word 'lame'.
"Her leg became lame? Like, uncool?"
Owl let out a hardy laugh. "No no no my dear. The word meant something very different back in my time. In this case it means disabled or crippled."
"Oh. I didn't know that." Quickly getting back to the story of her ancestor, she asked. "What happened next?"
"Well-" He started as he began stroking his beard. "-after her crushing defeat, Sodainatori knew that there would be no way to defeat Salem. She didn't have the man power anymore or the power. She had to limp back to where she left her horse named Nobu. Once she made it to him, they rode out as fast they could. Unfortunately, she wouldn't make it all the way. She would be ambushed by Grimm halfway. Nobu, sensing his companion's weakness, threw her off his back. Once she was able to stand up, he began pushing her in the opposite direction. Willing her to flee. She shared one last hug with her friend before she limped away as fast as she could. Once she got to a hill from which she could keep hidden while she rest, she peeked over to watch her stead's sacrifice. It was the least she could do for him. It didn't take long for the Grimm to cut him down as he let out pain filled neighs as their fangs and claws tore into him. For the entire night, she cried for the loss of her horse."
Yang felt someone bump into her. She looked back to see the members that were in the tent standing in front of their elder. How hadn't she notice them? Concluding that was just so enraptured by the story that she just didn't register them.
"Afterwards, she had finally made it to the coastal town of Kaigan-cho. A place for where she had made her base. She told her people of the events of the battle. Disheartened, they resigned themselves to defeat. There was nothing they could do now. They were the only ones left. What was once a population of millions, was now reduced to several dozen. Sodainatori knew they couldn't stay. They would most certainly be killed if they did. So, she ordered a boat to be made as quickly as possible. Once done, they loaded whatever resources they could manage and left. Many wept that day as they fled from their home. Watching as the Grimm swarmed and destroyed the last remnants of their once great civilization. Eventually, they landed here, in Anima, and formed the Tribe. With Sodainatori Branwen being the leader."
Owl smiled. "And that as they say is that."
Many of the people that were there bowed to their elder and thanked him for his story. The children on the other hand started to voice their displeasure of the story ending. It was clear they wanted more. The parent's were quick to softly reprimand them for their rudeness. After the little ones apologized, they too bowed and thanked Owl.
"Those little tykes really love your stories." Yang said as watched the last family left the tent. She smiled when a little girl waved goodbye at her. Of course, she returned the gesture with a wave of her own.
"And I love telling them. It brings me much joy not only to see our youngest take such vested interest in our history, but also to see their tiny smiles. The way their eyes light up with rapt fascination just brings a warm feeling to my heart."
"Do you have anything left from her? Aside from her ashes I mean."
"Oh yes. We still have her naginata. It's in your mother's tent. That weapon is a family heirloom. It is very precious to our clan."
"Ah! So this is where you've been Yang." Raven said. Standing with one of the canvas flaps being held over her head.
"Hey Mom. Owl was just telling me about Sodainatori and teaching me about this place." Yang greeted her mother. The blonde smiled as she saw a small, yet subtle fond smile grace her mother's face. It was rare to see such things, but she had been showing more of her true self little by little. No doubt an effect of Yang's presence.
"I see. That's why the children were smiling so much. Our little hatchlings always enjoy your stories and company."
He laughed. "The feeling is mutual!"
"Yang. I would like to show you something."
"Ah! It's that time already? My how time flies!" Owl said.
"Really? What is it?" She asked.
"It would be better to show you.
Once the pair left and he was sure they were out of hearing distance, he let out a torrent of coughs he was holding back. His old body was forced to it's knees as he feebly tried to breath. His right hand gripping his chest as his coughing transitioned into terrible wheezing. Sweat ran down his brow. It was getting harder and harder to recover from these. He looked at Sodainatori's urn. A weak grin spread across his face.
"Growing old is quite terrible. Isn't it, honorable ancestor?"
Raven had led her to an open field with an arena-like structure. Wooden walls erected high with the Branwen Tribe banner hanging off the sides of the entrance. The masks of numerous types of Grimm were propped up by scores of wooden poles. It seemed to be used for intimidation to deter any intruders.
Taking a seat by her mother in the stands looking down at the arena, Yang watched as dozens of teenagers around her age were grouped up in the center. Each of them armed to the teeth and looked ready to tear each other apart. She couldn't help the feeling of nostalgia worming its way into her mind. After all, it wasn't too long ago that she was in their position. Though, that feeling soon gave way to frustration and anger. Her exit from the that tournament was less than pleasant. It's part of what painted a target on her back by the world in the first place.
"What exactly is this?" Yang said. She doesn't know why she asked the question when she already knew the answer. She supposed that it was a subconscious effort to break her mind away from those unpleasant moments of her previous life.
"This is one of our traditions. When children become of age, they participate in a tournament of mock battles. Think the Vytal Festival Tournament, just on a much smaller scale."
"Am I suppose to participate too?"
Chuckling, Raven shook her head. "No. That wouldn't be fair considering what you are and the current level you are at. These kids are, more or less, at the same level. I don't think it would take a genius to know the outcome if you were to participate."
"What about Robin? Or is she exempt as well?"
"Robin won't participate either when she is old enough. Even though she really wants to." The bridge of her nose wrinkles as a sorrowful frown formed. "I don't like keeping her out of it, but I have to keep things fair for the other participants."
Yang stayed silent. She watched as a few of them converse with each other. Well, not so much converse. More like shit talking each other. Some of the other ones started shoving each other, purposefully trying intimidate or get in the head of their potential opponent. Whatever would give them an advantage over the other.
"Quit that shit hatchlings!" Eagle roared. His eyes holding a steely gaze over the teenagers. Daring any of them to try to challenge him. When none did, he smirked. "At least their smart enough not mess with me."
"Alright kiddos, listen up!" With his hands behind his back he started pacing back and forth. "You guys knew this day was coming, so for your sakes, you had better been training your asses off because this is where weakness will not be tolerated. None! You hear me?" He stopped in place and did a sudden spin on his heel to face the teens. Seeing their nods he nodded and started pacing again. "All of you will be judged on your performance. You don't need to win, just show promise. That being said though..." Letting his words hang in the air for a few moments, he suddenly turned to them with a nasty scowl and an advancing stomp. "You had better be trying your damnedest to win. You are all warriors now. And a warrior doesn't settle for anything less than being number one!"
He pulled back and went to stand in the center, directly in front of them. "Fight as hard as you can. Fight with passion. Fight with intelligence. Do what needs to be done to achieve victory. However, you are absolutely not allowed to kill. We will stop the fight immediately if we feel your opponent has lost. Understood?"
They nodded and Eagle let loose a crazed grin. "Then let games begin!" He roared with a fist held high.
Unlike the Vytal Festival, there was no ceremony or any showy nonsense to sell to audiences watching on their TVs. The fighters who weren't scheduled went to the stands and the two that were immediately started attacking each other. And Yang instantly saw the difference between them and the students she fought and saw in the Vytal Festival tournament. They were a lot more ferocious. Not only that, but they fought with more of an intent to kill. Though, that intent was never fully realized. And as the fights went on, it's when she comes to an understanding. These kids were far better combatants than the students she fought and saw. Yang was quite certain she would have gotten her ass handed to her by them back then.
The fighting went on for hours without many breaks before the final fight was reached. A seventeen year-old boy by the name of Go-shawk had impressed her and apparently many of the adults. It was clear he was going to be a great warrior. However, he had a fatal flaw. Like many people around her age, he was arrogant. His ego far to big for his own good. The only reason he hasn't lost because of it was that he had never fought anyone who was skilled and observant enough to see it and exploit it. Arrogance has been the fall of many great warriors. This was one of the first lessons her mother instilled into her.
Eagle had to come in and stop his weapon from committing the final strike. If he hadn't then that girl would have been killed.
"Enough!" He yelled. "Victory is yours Go-shawk. Stand down."
The boy yanked his weapon away with a tsk. He sneered at his beaten opponent.
"Definitely too damn full of himself." She confirmed with a slight nod.
Taking a moment to observe his weapon. A polearm with a spike at the back that resembled a bird's beak and another, longer, spike protruding at the top. The front of the head had a four pronged hammer. All of this attached to a seven foot pole. It gave him a great advantage in terms of reach. The length of the pole also gave the ability to strike with a great deal of torque with the hammer side. The spike at the top could split open to reveal the opening of the barrel of a gun and fold toward the pole with the other parts sliding closer to the hands to make sure the barrel wasn't front heavy, but not too close that it would put his hands at risk. If Yang had to guess, the rifle was a thrity-aught-six.
After a group of Dove's doctors helped the girl exit the arena, Eagle turned to the victor.
"Well, you're the winner of this tournament Go-shawk. As per the rules, you may claim any prize you want...within reason of course."
His eyes immediately meet Yang's and he grinned.
"I wish to fight her!" Exclaiming with a finger pointing at Yang. " She may be the Chief's daughter, but she's an outsider still! Let's put her to the test!."
Eagle's eye went wide with abhorrent horror. To insult the Chief's daughter took a level of stupidity that he could not even fathom. Breaking from his shock he grabbed the boy by the arm and tugged harshly. "Are you fucking crazy boy? I said within 'reason' not 'you can insult the Chief's daughter'."
Go-shawk pulled his arm away and scoffed. "So what? I don't care who she is. I guarantee you that the hype surrounding her is unfounded." He paused for a moment. A grin started forming across his features. "Besides, if she doesn't want to fight me, then I guess she's a coward."
The nerve of this boy Eagle thought. It was like he was asking for a death wish. He had personally witnessed how brutally efficient Yang was in combat. Seeing first hand her strength and skill. He would have to stop this before it went too far.
"Look here you damned fool-" Eagle was cutoff by the sound of a loud thump behind him. "Shit. Too late."
"I accept your challenge." She smirked before smugly adding. "Brat."
Eagle watched with some form of catharsis as Go-shawks cool looking demeanor cracked. Even if it was just a slight twitch of the eye from the word 'brat'. "Well, looks like you're about to learn your lesson the hard way boy."
He chuckled as set his weapon across his shoulders. "Well, at least you're no coward." Thinking for a moment he let out an 'aha'. "I know. Let's make a wager to make things more interesting."
"I'm listening." Her voice even and measured. Sounding much like her mother.
"If I win, then you promise yourself to me as my mate. Even if I don't believe your much, that bloodline of yours mixed with mine will produce powerful heirs. Also, you're quite the looker."
Eagle's eyes looked as if they would pop out of their sockets. Never mind having a death wish from Yang. He was much more worried about Raven getting her hands on him. There were only so many lines you could push before you incurred her wrath.
Yang lifted her head up slightly. Looking down at her younger peer. Eyes glowing a nasty red.
"And if you win." He continued. " You get anything you want from me."
"That won't be necessary."
"Oh. Why's that?" A brow raised as he leaned on his weapon.
"You have nothing of value that I want. Nothing about you or what you have is even the slightest bit interesting to me."
Oh that did it. His cool expression morphed into anger. "What!?"
"Besides, it wouldn't be proper of someone of my position to take from someone who is my inferior." That added twist of the dagger brought the response she was looking for.
"You dare! You dare insult me! I come from a prestigious bloodline! My family is one of the Tribe's best warriors!" He roared. Stomping repeatedly with each word coming out.
"Really? Well, they must of have skipped a generation then. Because you're really not all that great. Especially considering that prestigious bloodline you talked about. If anything, I bet you're just a big disappointment." Her voice set in the exact same condescending voice her mother would use from time to time to set someone straight if they got out of line. Even the uninteresting look in her eyes was a trait from Raven. The look of 'this is just such a bother. I have more important things to be doing'.
From the tantrum he was starting to throw, Yang gathered that she had sufficiently hurt his pride. Now. Now was the time to bruise his big, fat ego. And she wouldn't have to wait long either. Sensing his attack she casually sidestepped his thrust. Grabbing the pole portion of his weapon she guided the weapon further away from her. Not even bothering to put her strength into it. Just letting his momentum take control. Yang stuck her foot out in front of him and watched as he tumbled away from her. His back slamming against the wall of the arena.
Go-shawk's face was red with embarrassment as he heard laughter in the stands.
Getting back to his feet, he glared daggers at her. "You think you can humiliate me and get away with it!? You just got lucky!"
Yang shrugged.
"I'll get you, you bitch!" His anger rising to even greater heights as she answered him with a yawn.
The boy let loose every thrust, cut, and swing in his repertoire of techniques. Even sometimes opting for just plain shooting at her. However, not a single attack hit it's mark as she effortlessly danced around him.
"What's wrong!? Too scared to attack back? Is dodging all you're good at coward!?" He screamed in between attacks.
Her only answer was grabbing his arm after moving off to the side of his swing. She squeezed. Hard. Yang was now quite done with playing. It was time to teach the boy a lesson. One she sincerely hopes he will not forget.
"Argh! Let go!" He demanded as he grabbed her hand with his free one to try and pry it off. Needless to say. He did not succeed.
"Make me." Sounding more like a threat than a challenge. She felt him putting all of his strength in trying to get her hand off. She responded by squeezing harder. Yang was being careful though. She didn't want to break his bones. Only bruise him.
Go-shawk yelped as her iron grip forced him to his knees. He stopped pulling and started punching her arm. He instantly regretted it as blood shot out from his hand. It didn't feel like he was punching a person. It was more like punching the strongest atlesian metal created.
Once again, Yang kept herself measured. She deliberately lowered her defenses just enough so that he wouldn't break his hand. However, his hand was now unusable due to the damage to his tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
It was time to end this.
Yang pulled her fist back and gave a controlled punch straight to his jaw. She let go of his arm and watched as he bounced up and down on the ground. He stopped just shy of the stands. He wasn't moving. Not because he was dead. No. Just that he couldn't muster the energy to move. His jaw and neck were going to be very sore though.
Yang squat beside him and looked him straight in the eye. "You're arrogant. The type of person that thinks his shit doesn't stink. Well, guess what. It does. I'll be honest Go-shawk. You're good for your age. Really good. You're biggest problem is your ego though." Gone was the haughty, condescending tone. Replaced with something much softer. More nurturing. Comforting even. A trait she garnered from Summer.
Yang reached around his back and gently propped him up against the wall. "The only reason it hasn't bit you in the ass until now is because you haven't faced anyone who was skilled enough to take advantage of it. You were so blinded by your own rage that you allowed it to control your actions and how you fight. There were so many ways I could have ended that fight. So many ways I could have killed you and you didn't even notice." Flashbacks of her fight with Neo and her confrontation with Adam flashed before her.
Conjuring a small flame, she held it on his bleeding hand. There was an audible sigh of relief. It wouldn't be nearly enough to heal his hand, but it did wonders for taking away the pain.
"You need to get rid of that. It puts you and the others around you at risk. Arrogance is unbecoming of a warrior. Especially one who is suppose to come from a great line of them. I'm sure your parents can attest to that." Satisfied with her work, she stood up and began walking away. She stopped briefly and turned to him with a genuine smile. "Also, that whole mate thing wouldn't have worked out. On account that I'm gay as hell."
She walked away to allow Dove's team to work on him. Yang really hoped he took this lesson to heart. Much of what she saw in him was something of how she was back at Beacon. Thinking she was invincible. That she was on top of the world and nothing could bring her down. Only to be meet with reality. A lesson she learned in one of the hardest ways possible. She grabbed her right arm and held it close. Better he learned it this way than the way she had to.
"I'm surprised you let her go down there."
Raven shrugged. "It was her challenge to answer if she choose to." Try as she might, she couldn't stop the smirk that pulled on her cheeks.
Dove chuckled. " Really now. It looks more like she was doing the job that was expected of a Chief and not the daughter of one." Folding her hands on her lap, the older woman sat back. Mischief sparkled in her eyes as she stared at her leader. "Almost as if you've been grooming her to take the reins someday."
Raven rolled her eyes at the look her friend gave her. "Someone needs to lead our people in the event that I die. Which is hopefully, no time soon."
"Well, hard to believe that something or someone is going to kill you."
"I'm not invincible Dove. Salem can crush me. Destroy everything that I am. Then of course, some random punk could get a lucky shot on me. Hell, I could even die to disease. You've lived long enough to know that." With a sigh, Raven stood up. "Though, when the day comes for her to take over, it will hopefully be because I'm going into retirement and not because I died."
Dove mimicked Raven and followed beside her. "Well, she certainly has many of your qualities. In time, I'd say she'd make a great leader for us."
She hummed as she ran a hand through her hair. "Perhaps, but I'd say she takes a lot from her father and Summer too. Yang has a good mix of us all. When the time comes, she wont be like me. She'll better than me."
If you were to ask how was Weiss' day was going, she would tell you it was fine. That is until she started training with her sister. Winter was a harsh teacher. Every mistake was punished immediately and brutally. She had tried everything, but Winter had countered or predicated all of it. The gap in experience and skill was apparently very big.
Weiss grunted as she was put on her back yet again. There wasn't enough time to get up as the blade of a saber came hurling down towards her. The only logical option for her was to roll away and put distance between her and her sister. However, she figured it wouldn't be easy to do. Being on the ground in a fight put her at a significant disadvantage. One Winter would press relentlessly. Weiss needed to distract her. Smirking as an idea came to her.
Again Weiss was forced to roll away and yet again, Winter pursued her. However, this time when she tried to take a step she nearly fell over as she felt something tug on her ankle. Looking down, there was a miniature version of her sister's familiar holding on to her.
While her sister was thoroughly distracted, Weiss had already formed a glyph on the ground ahead of time in the area where she would stop. Once her back hit stone tiles, the glyph glowed. Energy pushed out and sent her on to her feet. Now that she was vertical once again, she pressed her advantage. Speeding up her advance with small glyphs appearing on the ground to push her. Her long strides were reminiscent of a ballerina dancing their way across a stage. At the prenuptial moment of her advance, she leaned her body forward with the tip of Myrtensater leading her. This was it. She was on the cusp of victory.
Unfortunately for her, Winter's response was to just lean her body slightly right while also swatting the tip of Myrtensater with the middle of her sword toward the left. Weiss stumbled forward a step. She didn't have the time to recover before the pommel of her sister's weapon found it's way to her face. Once Weiss was dealt with, she swung at the tiny familiar. It disappeared as soon the blade went through it.
Once again, Weiss was on the ground and this time she was holding her face. Flashes of light blue enveloped her. Once she removed her hands from her face, she was greeted with the point of her sister's weapon. The younger Schnee frowned.
"That was better." Her sword was replaced with an outstretched hand as soon as it was sheathed. Weiss accepted it and Winter pulled her up. "But not good enough."
An audible, frustrated sigh escaped Weiss' mouth as she was pulled up. Nothing she did was good enough. Every move, every technique, and every ability she knew (barring her Maiden abilities) only gave her one result. Defeat. She knew that the gap in skill and experience between her and her sister was rather sizeable, but it shouldn't be big enough to the point where she couldn't even land hit. All of it was frustrating. To make matters even worse. She had no idea what she was doing wrong.
With a sigh, Winter shook her head as she observed her sibling's pensive state. "Weiss." She looked up. "You're too flashy."
"Too...flashy?" Her face contorted into state of confusion as the question left her lips. Placing Myrtensater back on her hip, she crossed her arms and leaned forward. "Winter. I'm afraid I don't understand."
"In our entire time of training I was hoping you would be able to figure it out yourself." Running a hand through some loose strands of hair to move them back into place. Crossing her arms behind her as she marched a few steps toward her sister. "I will be blunt Weiss. In a fight, you need to disguise your intentions and not attack with wasted movement. Not prance about like a ballerina doing a play on stage. You also have a tendency too take far too long to get your summons out. Not only that, you actually close your eyes and have your back to your opponent as you concentrate. Surely I don't need to explain to you how terrible that is. Do I?"
"No." Her voice no louder than a whisper as she held her arm. Finding the stone she was standing on more interesting to look at rather than the steely gaze her sister was giving her.
"Look me in the eyes Weiss."
She did as her sister commanded.
Nodding, Winter continued. "Good. Then you should stop doing it. Many of the problems you had before Beacon are still there. I'm afraid that place has done nothing, but help reinforce your mistakes instead of correcting them."
Frowning at the sight of shame covering Weiss' face. Winter raised her hand from behind her and gently cupped her sister's face. " None of this now." Her tone velvet soft. She rubbed her face affectionately. "Such a look is rather unbefitting of you Weiss. If you've time to sulk, then surely you have time to improve. Sulking never got any of us anywhere."
Unable to stop the smile that was starting to tug at her, Weiss placed her hands on her sister's. "You're right Winter. I didn't get this far by feeling sorry for myself."
Winter allowed genuine smile to cross her features. One rarely ever shown. One only reserved for her sister.
"Good. Now, let's get to breaking those terrible habits and replace them with something far more practical."
Both sisters snapped their heads at the sound of a strangled caw. However, they only saw black feathers floating down gently to the ground. Shrugging, the Schnee siblings went back to their work.
"I got ya!"
Tai sidestepped out of the way as Magnhild came thundering down. He countered with a right cross into Nora's face. The blow sent the hammer wielder tumbling along the ground. Raising an arm to block a kick from Ren, he smirked. "What was that? A kick? Let me show how that's done."
True to his word, Tai latched his hand onto Ren's leg and held it in a vice grip. He then performed the same kick, but with more power. Just like his partner, he too tumbled along the ground. His aura flashed and then evaporated once he came to a stop.
"Game, set, and match kids! The Taister wins again!" He gave a cheesy grin when he heard the two groan at him. "But credit where credit is due. You guys lasted longer. That means you're getting better, but the two are still committing the same big problem."
Ren rubbed the area of his chest that was kicked. "What exactly do you mean by that sir?" He stood and dusted himself off. Shaking his head as he watched Nora flail around like a wild animal while holding her face.
Before Tai could answer, Nora suddenly jumped back on to her feet. "Yeah. What's that supposed to mean huh?"
"Simple! Both of you have extreme personalities." Seeing the confusion on their faces made Tai remember those kids he used to teach back at Signal. It made him want to laugh. "What I mean is that neither of you have any kind of moderation. For example, Nora. You are far too passionate. Passion is great, but not to the degree you have. It makes you reckless, blind, and too emotional. There's more to fighting than just raw strength and passion. As matter of fact, it's so extreme in your case that I'd actually call you crazy!"
Nora grinned and leaned on her hammer. "Damn straight!"
Tai sighed. He looked at Ren. "And you. You are way too calm and detached. There's no passion when you fight. While having a good grip on your emotions is good in a fight, it becomes a detriment when you have a stranglehold on them. Emotions are what gives us our strength. It's what fuels our will to power through adversity. It is the very thing that allows us to dig deep within ourselves to find that extra bit of strength we need to overcome things that are seemingly impossible to overcome. But only when tempered." He continued to eye his younger counterpart with a studious gaze that was trying to get to something deeper. "It's also not good to bottle things up either."
Ren's eyes went wide. Despite not knowing each other for a very long, this man was able to pick up on things of his character that he really shouldn't have been able to. "How does he know these things?"
"Listen kid. I got a lot of experience dealing with people who repress or bottle up things. My former partner and Yang's mother are two very good examples." He answered with a cheesy grin.
"I..." The rest of the words died in his mouth. With a cough, Ren composed himself and stood up straight. "Yes, well, as much as I appreciate these lessons Professor Xiao Long, I am wondering something."
"Please. I'm not a professor anymore. Pretty sure I got fired when the government branded me criminal for helping my daughter. So just Tai will do." He waved dismissively. "Anyway. What are ya wondering?"
"I was wondering when you and Qrow are going to teach us how to sense aura."
"Ah. That. Well, we thought it would be better to make guys stronger first and make sure you have a better understanding and mastery of the basics. Since you guys have what? Not even a whole year at Beacon."
"But-"
"Sorry to cut in here, but I got a call from Leo." Qrow interrupted. He took a swig of his flask before putting it away and walking over toward the group. "He wants to meet us."
Tai noticed something. He inched closer to his former partner. Squinting his eyes to get a more focused look.
Qrow raised an eyebrow. "What? Something on my face? Or are you admiring it? Didn't think you rolled that way Tai, but I got to say. You're barking up the wrong tree."
"Is that..." His train of thought stopped for a moment as he tried to get a better look. "...a blush?" Sure enough, there was a very faint, thin line of pink that almost blended in with his skin. Tai's mouth split into a wild grin as he pulled away from his colleague.
Qrow didn't like that face. It only meant trouble.
"There sure is something on your face. A little thin line of pink. Wonder where that came from. Huh, buddy?"
"The hell are you going on about? If I got a little bit of color on my face that just means whatever I'm drinking in here." He shook his flask. "Is really good. Besides, no one has time for your games. We got to go meet up with Leo." His gaze fell upon Nora and Ren. "Makes sure you bring your weapons. Always gotta be prepared."
On the outside, Qrow had played everything coolly. Never breaking character. Dismissing Tai's rather suggestive accusation in his usual nonchalant manner. However, that was the outside. On the inside he was screaming. He couldn't believe that he had allowed such thing to show on himself. Especially around Tai of all people. "Damn that woman!"
Yang was ecstatic. After gaining information on another large White Fang camp, she was able to convince her mother and the council to help her destroy it and seize all of it's valuable assets. This time it was near Lake Matsu. Which meant she and the rest of the Tribe would have to make this quick once the attack happened. Even though the lake was beautiful, it was home to a dangerous group of Grimm. The Lancers. Who hid in the floating rocks. Waiting for prey. They would most likely be drawn to the fighting.
The light she saw coming over the tree line told her she was close. Once she had the camp in sight, she would make for the north eastern side of it. It was the side with the most cover and gave her the best chance to creating a distraction that would put the lake at the backs of the White Fang.
Yang landed at her destination and she instantly frowned. Something was wrong. A feeling that was creeping more and more the closer she got to the camp. Questions began forming in her head. Why couldn't she sense any of her enemies aura? Why was it so quiet? She sniffed the air. Her eyes narrowed. "Why do I smell blood?"
Stepping through the makeshift wooden buildings and tents, Yang was greeted by a most grisly sight. All through out the center of the camp were corpses. Human and Faunus corpses alike littered the ground. Many of whom were killed in a brutal and painful fashion. Blood soaked the soil while intestines and various other organs blanketed the ground. It was quiet clear to Yang that these people were killed in slow manner. The way the wounds were formed and the frightful, pained expressions told her so.
It wasn't the macabre scene that disturbed her. She was, after all, a good creator of them. No. What disturbed her was the why of things. This wasn't what the White Fang did. True, they were fanatical bastards who reveled in the pain and suffering of anyone who wasn't with them, but this act of brutality was not something they were known for.
Bending down, she reached for one the bodies. Her eyes narrowed. "Still warm. This was very recent." She tested if she could bend the limbs freely. She could. "This was done at least an hour ago. Two tops." Standing up, Yang summoned fire around her hand to sanitize it. Putting the fire out, she gazed out to the other side of the camp. "But why? Why do this?"
The gears in her head started to turn. The faces contorted into pain and panic. The fact that they were kept alive long enough to experience such negative emotions. Lancers had nests nearby...
Yang's eyes bulged with the sudden realization of her situation. She was tricked! The Tribe and her mother were tricked! Immediately, she set herself into a fighting stance as fire swirled around her.
"IT'S A TRAP!" Fire shot out from her fist a she punched above her to kill a Lancer that was aiming at her. She jumped to the side to avoid three more barreling down at her with their stingers.
A red and black wave of energy sliced right through them. Killing them instantly. Raven and the rest of the Tribe she brought with her started attacking the Grimm. Yang was strong, but this was a swarm. Without her intervention her daughter would be most certainly be overwhelmed by their numbers.
Even with the added help, they were still outnumbered by a great deal. For every one Lancer they killed, five more took it's place.
Eagle grunted as he slammed his weapon right on top of the head of a Lancer. He back flipped in the air
and transformed into his bird form to avoid being skewered by one. He instantly transformed back into his humanoid form and landed on the Grimm's back. Bringing up his KanabÅ over his head, he smashed the spiked weapon right on it's back. Splitting open the hardened carapace of the Grimm. It careened down into the ground. Eagle jumped off as soon as it crashed. Once he landed, he spun to his left. A stinger narrowly missing it's target. At the end of his spin, his weapon crashed into it's abdomen. The added force from the rotational motion of his spin caused his weapon to break the abdomen in half. The Lancer cried in agony as it slammed into the ground. It's legs and arms kicked and twitched for a few moments before finally dying.
Eagle turned as he heard a wet smack. He found Hawk twirling two weapons that each had a metal sphere attached to a medium length pole standing atop a defeated Grimm.
"You're welcome!" Hawk called out.
"Bah! I didn't need your help." He said as he killed another Lancer. "But thanks anyway."
The fight went on for another ten minutes before the Lancers had enough and retreated. They didn't fancy the idea of losing anymore of their swarm than they already have.
"I don't get it. The information I got never said anything about this. Not even a single hint!" Yang punched the ground in frustration. Causing a small crater.
"Hm." Raven hummed as she sheathed her weapon. "Perhaps they didn't know what was about to happen. A trap like this would be a closely guarded secret. Only the most trusted of Adam's men would be trusted with the intricacies of such a plan."
Yang ran a hand through her hair. "But still doesn't answer the question of 'why?'. What exactly was the purpose of this trap?"
It was a good question. Why would Adam do this? This trap seemed like it was designed to kill Yang and yet. It didn't feel that way. Yang dying felt more like bonus. Raven's gut was telling her that this trap was not designed to kill. It felt more like it was designed to stall. To preoccupy and distract.
A dark revelation made it's self known to Raven as she finished putting the pieces of the puzzle together. She immediately turned to the direction of where the Tribe was camped. "No." She said under her breath.
"No?" Yang gave a confused look.
Raven's face twisted into panic and then quickly to anger. "Salem has tricked us! This trap was designed to divide the Tribe so that it would make attacking it easier!." If Salem's forces were attacking then that meant that she knows. "Salem knows! She knows about Robin! Quickly! We must return! NOW!" She internally cursed. Her portals were only able to transport three people at most. It would be some time before they made it back. Raven could only hope they made it back in time.
Raven and the rest of the warriors she brought with her turned into their bird forms and flew as fast as they could back to their home.
Yang obeyed the command as well. She was shocked to see her mother in such distress. Though, it was understandable. Shaking that initial shock off was easy. However, the entire way back was spent with one lingering question repeating itself in her mind. "How?"
Dozens upon dozens of yellow orbs radiated in the darkness of the forest. The Grimm began to pour out. Growling and grunting as they smelled the flesh of prey. From the center of the treeline stepped forth Cinder Fall. Her eyes lit up in magical flames. She was flanked by her two subordinates. Mercury and Emerald.
A sinister grin formed across Cinder's face as she gazed upon the Branwen Tribe camp. "And so it begins."
Man, I hate that my upload schedule is so erratic, but I can't really do much about it. I've had mandatory OT for months now. Pay was nice, but it still sucked. I also had moved into a new house. That was an experience I never want to go through again. Thought I was gonna be homeless at one point. Fucking sucked. Never been so stressed out before in my entire life. Thankfully that is well behind me.
Anyway, Some parts of this chapter required some research on certain things. Like the tent with all the ashes of the dead. That entire thing is a mix between Shintoism and Buddhism. Like I said, needed to do some research...Probably still got some things wrong with it. Hopefully no one gets offended. It's not my intention to offend. I made the tournament short because there was already a tournament in RWBY and if I did do anymore with it then this chapter would be way too long. Same thing with the training of the other characters. Thought it would be fine if you just know that they haven't been sitting on their ass doing nothing.
I was eager to make a chapter where Yang and Raven were outsmarted. I understand that so far, Yang and Raven seem unbeatable or don't make any mistakes. Hopefully this dissuades that notion. Please tell me what you guys think of the back story of the Tribe. I really wanted to have them have one since they are so important in this story. Well, at least for this part of the story. Thought it couldn't hurt for you guys to more acquainted with them and see more of their culture. Just know that assholes and idiots exist in the Tribe too. No society is free of them.
I know there are some in the comments who are a bit confused as to why Weiss has the Winter Maiden powers. For that answer, you will have to wait until the Atlas arc. That arc will be vastly different than canon. Volume 7 has a lot of things in it that irk me and Volume 8 is already having quite a number of things that I don't like about it. I won't get into detail since I don't want to be a negative Nancy and just want people to enjoy my fic. However, just so you know. Ruby is purely a speedster in this fic. No matter manipulation nonsense for her.
Some bloke: Remember, Ozpin is able to experience everything through Jaune. It also helps that that info is coming from a source he trusts. That's why he believes now. The group really isn't at a point to really question Qrow or Ozpin. Most of them trust them. Exceptions being Jaune and Tai.
dudebladeX: I didn't like that they made her into a spoiled brat. Like, yeah. People die. It sucks, but it's what happens. That's no reason or justification for her doing what she does. This version, I she has more of an understandable position. Still not a good thing to do, but at least you understand her and can actually admit to yourself that 'Yeah. I'd probably be the same way.'
Lexi21: Thank you!
Mol2311: New chapter is out. ;)
Well, I'd like to once again thank everyone whos been patient and reads my story. Time is a very finite resource and it humbles me that you use that very limited resource to read my fic. Seriously. Thank you. I hope all of you remain Covid-19 free. See you guys next time! Which is hopefully very soon.
P.S. I am still Edeleth trash and I stand Top Edelgard rights!