A/N: Sorry I'm late again, it's finals week. Though they'll be ending soon.

Anyway, here's the new chapter!

I hope you enjoy!

I don't own RWBY or RT

Guilty Rose Chapter 27

Qrow couldn't help but sigh after the last of the grim evaporated, he had only gotten off his scroll a measly few hours ago to pursue this lead, but he could already tell it was a bust. He shook his head before taking a swig from his flask.

"Well at least I get to go back to Vale soon."

He stopped at that thought.

"Twelve years and we finally found her. I can't wait to see the little squirt."

Another sigh escaped his flask as he put away.

"Well, better head back so I can catch the first flight home."

….

Yang was marching through the halls of Beacon Academy to find Team CMEN. She had received a text from her stepmother inviting them over for a sleepover. She had gotten Weiss to text them but they had never responded.

So now Yang was hunting them down.

Normally she'd just shrug it off, but her stepmother said this was a cordially invitation. Which meant you showed up under your own power or she shows up and drags you there. So she was going to save everyone some trouble.

Finally, she arrived at their dorm door and pounded on it.

"Cinder! You and your team need to get ready for a sleepover over at my stepmom's!"

It was only a moment before the door open who looked frazzled.

"What's going on?"

"Like I said, sleepover at my stepmom's."

"Okay...and why are we invited?"

"She said Rose wants to see us."

"That's good enough for me. Give us a few, I think Emerald is still beating the crap out of Mercury."

"Are those two actually in love?"

"I can assure you that they are not. Emerald doesn't swing that way and Mercury likes girls with more."

"How do you even know that?"

Cinder facepalmed and shook her head in exacerbation.

"They forget their scrolls are not set to one side only at times."

"That's….fun."

"Yeah. Anyway, give us a bit and I'll text you when I'm ready."

"'Kay, see you in a few."

The door closed and Yang couldn't help but feel a little grateful that her team wasn't bumping elbows quite that much.

….

James covered his mouth and nose with a handkerchief out of reflex. The bodies were all several months old and left to the elements and beasts so there was no actual stench.

"Sir, are you sure this is the place?"

"Yes, this was their last known location. I guess we now know why. Have the men fan out and look for any evidence of what happened."

"Yes, sir."

James watched as his men followed their orders and search the grizzly site. After a moment he pulled out his scroll and dialed Winter's number. He needed to update her on this, as well as talk to his daughter.

The scroll rang several times before being picked up.

"General Ironwood."

James cringed, there was the famous Schnee disapproving voice.

"Hello Specialist Schnee, I wanted to let you know that we found what appears to be the remains of last base of the Oni tribe."

"I see. That is an excellent development, have you found evidence of where they went?"

James almost swallowed uncomfortably, he needed to think of some kind of reward for Winter.

"I should clarify, I meant we found what is left of the tribe."

"Oh."

"Yes, we are investigating the site now."

"I see, then I can expect you back soon?"

"Yes, I should be returning in the next few days."

"Good, it there anything else?"

James almost wanted to say no, but he pushed on.

"Yes, is my daughter helping you today?"

"She is."

"May I speak to her?"

"One moment. Miss Ironwood, the general is on the line for you."

"Sensational!"

James nearly snickered at his daughter's antics, she was so much like her mother was when she wasn't working.

"Yes, father?"

"You are in uniform miss Ironwood."

"Right. Sorry. Hello General Ironwood."

James couldn't help but smile.

"At ease, this is a personal call. I just wanted to see how you were doing."

"Ah, okay father. Well today has been an amazing day."

James' smile grew to a full blown grin as he listened to his daughter spin a grand tale about her day.

….

Rose couldn't help but shift nervously while she waited for her team and Cin's team to arrive. The reason for her being nervous was her new outfit that she and her mothers put together.

In all honesty, her new outfit wasn't all that much more modest compared to her previous one, at least according to her mother. She was wearing a black training bra now with the Rose emblem on the right breast. She got combat gloves, vambraces, and her new cloak as well. She kept her pants though. "Faunus-friendly" pants turned out to chafe her tail something awful, which her mother agreed with.

"Are you sure you don't want a proper top, Ruby?"

"Yes, clothing gets in my way when I fight."

"But there are tops that are feel like they aren't even there."

Rose shifted uncomfortably again, but this time due to conversation. Raven caught onto this and placed a hand on Summer's shoulder. Summer looked back and they had a silent conversation that resulted in Summer sighing in resignation.

"I won't push anymore, instead, let's talk about the remnants of your old cloak. What would you like done with them?"

Rose looked down to ponder the question.

"I'm really not sure, but I'd like to keep them somehow...They kept you with me for all those years."

Summer smiled softly before she began to think. An idea hit her after a moment.

"There's not much left, but I can make it into something like a scarf or bandanna."

Rose perked up at that.

"That sounds good."

"Great I'll get started on it as soon as possible."

As she finished saying that there was a loud pounding on the door.

"We're here!"

Summer and Raven facepalmed in unison.

"Why did she have to inherit that from her father."

"Trust me, if I would give anything for her to have been your actual daughter as well."

"Oh my, so you want me to have another of your children?"

There was a brief pause before both women cracked up and Summer went to open the door. Though upon open the door, she found Yang with a grimace on her fave while the rest of them were snickering.

"For the love of Oum, don't do any child making while we're here."

"You heard that?"

Yang opted to point a thumb at Blake and Summer connected the dots.

A brilliant blush painted the woman's face.

"I'm so sorry."

"It's fine mom. Now lets' get this party started."

"Right, though first, Ruby wants to show off a bit."

Summer shifted a bit be fore leaning in and whispering just loud enough for the group to hear.

"She's been pretty nervous about this, so make sure she knows how much you like it."

There was a round of nods making Summer smile wide.

"Alright! Everybody in, we'll figure out supper in a bit."

"'Kay!"

Before everyone charged in, Mercury raised his hand.

"One sec, Miss Rose. I gotta ask why I'm here, this seems like a girls-only kinda thing."

"Mercury, I know your the tough guy type, but I wasn't going to call everyone over but you. Plus you're on a team of all girls, so you can put up with a few more for one night."

"I-fine, I guess I have enough masculinity for all of yo-"

Neo and Emerald cut the boy off with aura-infused elbows to the ribs.

The seven then piled into the now shrinking apartment. They found Rose sitting on the couch wrapped in a snow white cloak looking at them nervously.

"Hey, sis, sweet cloak. Did mom get that for you?"

Rose nodded meekly. Rose then got up and revealed her new outfit and weapons.

"Whoa, You're gone one day and you change this much. Feel like a new woman?"

"Somewhat, watch this."

Rose drew Blossoming Rose and twirled the knives in her hand theatrically. After a moment, she gripped them and changed them to kama form. Rose then shocked the group with a final fluid flourish.

"Oh my Rose, you made new weapons too?"

Rose straightened up and blushed.

"Not exactly, Mommy gave me her old weapon and me and her modified it to suit me."

She presented the weapon to the group after changing it to its compound bow form. The whole time she was smiling just a little wider than she ever had.

Yang, listening to watch she called her sister instincts, rushed forward and picked Rose up in a big hug.

"It's amazing Rose, I'm so proud of you."

Yang spun around with Rose still in her arms, much to everyone else's dismay.

After a few spins Rose whined pathetically.

"Too much spinning Yang, I'm getting dizzy."

Yang immediately stopped and put Rose down before scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

"Oops, sorry, got a bit carried away."

"It's fine."

"So what else do these babies do, 'cause if mom helped you, they have to have something really special about them. And what about the rest of your new stuff."

A glimmer appeared in Rose's eyes and she began regaling everyone with everything. And though some of the stuff went over their heads, they were all happy to listen.

….

It was morning, a time he rarely woke up for. Though this time he had little choice as the bullhead was on its final approach to the Vale airdocks.

He pulled out his recently filled flask and, for once, debated on a sip. The liquor in it was homebrewed and given to him as a bonus for slaying the nest of grimm. Part of him wanted to throw it out and get more, not because it tasted bad, but because it was more suited as an antiseptic than a drink.

And he was Qrow Branwen.

"This is just sad, even for me."

The sigh left his lips as the bullhead shuddered when it touched down. The cargo door opened and filled the hold with fresh air and morning light. Qrow shielded his eyes as he walked out and began his trek to see his sister and niece.

He knew Ozpin was expecting him to report first, but Qrow figured he could wait a while seeing as he liked other people to wait on him. He pulled out his scroll once again and debated on calling ahead, out of courtesy. But then again, he needed to reestablish himself as the fun uncle with his youngest niece.

Besides, what could possibly go wrong with a spontaneous visit.

He continued on to Summer's apartment. Another sigh escaped his lips, his two best friends were on such bad terms. The thought made him want a drink, but for that, he'd need to replace what was in his flask.

"I hope Summer keeps at least something around her apartment."

He finished his journey to Summer's but stopped outside the door when he heard the cacophony of voices.

"This is quite delicious Miss Rose."

"Right! Mom's cooking is the best."

"Hey, what about me?"

"Eh...you cut potatoes like a pro?"

"Damn straight."

A chorus of laughter followed, which made Qrow smile. He knocked on the door once it subsided.

"Who is is it?"

Qrow's smile broadened and he pinched his nose.

"It's the police, we have a man in custody who claims to have a sister at this address."

"Oum dammit Qrow, that wasn't funny the first time."

"It was a little funny the first time, Tai did bolt out a window and go straight to the police department."

"He did what now?"

"Let your uncle in and we'll tell you all about it."

Qrow waited as Yang ran to the door, apparently tripping on a few people.

"How many people are packed in there?"

The door finally opened and Qrow found his answer. Too many.

"Uncle Qrow!"

"Hey firecracker, gonna introduce me to everyone."

"After, you came here to see someone, right?"

Qrow smirked and scanned the room. Soon he found the person he was looking for. Rose sat across the room with surrounded by her friends.

"Hey squirt, I don't suppose you remember me?"

Rose made no attempt to hide her chewing on her lip.

"It's fine if you don't, I wasn't always around back then."

Rose just looked down in shame in response.

"Oh, don't be like that."

Qrow gave his best grin to reassure her, which seemed to ease the girl some. Then he opened his arms wide and braced himself after motioning for her to bring it in.

However, Rose didn't move an inch. Qrow deflated and decided to take a swig from his flask.

"Ugh, it really is as bad as I thought. Yo, Sum, you got any of the good stuff?"

Summer scowled at him.

"You are not drinking around these impressionable young minds."

"Mom, we're all adults here, it's fine."

Rose looked at everyone with a thoroughly confused expression. Qrow was the first to notice her.

"Something you wanna ask?"

"Is there a reason for you to drink?"

"What do you mean?"

"Did you just come back from an assignment?"

"Yeah, but what does that have to with wanting a drink?"

"I thought people only wanted a drink after an assignment as celebration."

Qrow shrugged nonchalantly.

"Some of just drink to forget bad memories, or just to drink."

Raven marched up to her brother and smacked him.

"And we call people like that idiots. Sum, keep the alcohol under lock and key."

"Aw, why you got to do that."

"I will not have you fill my daughter's head with nonsense."

"Fine, but you ain't taking my flask."

The siblings glared at each other for a few moments before Summer got between.

"Come on you two, it's family time. No fighting."

….

Rose heard her mothers call what her Uncle Qrow said nonsense, but his words still reverberated in her head.

"People drink to forget...what if I could forget everything?"

It was that sinful thought that had been eating at her for the last few hours. And so she found that she couldn't help but glance at the flask her uncle left out in the open.

It just sat there on the table unguarded.

So easy to take.

"To forget everything I've done, everyone I've killed."

The thought became more enticing as the seconds ticked on. She couldn't resist the temptation much longer. She had to try this just once. See if it would actually work.

Her breath slowed as she stalked her prey.

Silence was a thing she mastered years ago.

Her hand reached out. This was a prey that would not haunt her afterwards.

Only centimeters separated them now, but she would not rush.

Rushing led to mistakes, mistakes she could not afford.

Finally her fingers closed on the flask and she pulled it to her.

She could retreat, but that would take too much time. She needed to sate her curiosity now. She twisted off the cap and brought the metal container to her lips. She tilted her head back and let the burning liquid pour into her mouth. It took all her self control not to gag.

"Hey where'd it, oh no, Ruby!"

Before she could let anymore in, the flask was snatched from her and her only choice was to swallow what she had gleaned.

The liquid fire felt like it was boiling inside her. Suddenly, Qrow grabbed her and held fast.

"Are you okay, Ruby? That stuff was powerful, even by my standards."

Rose couldn't respond as the burning went from her stomach, to her, and finally her vision blurred and her mind swam.

They could only stand there and watch in morbid curiosity for what the unknown substance would do to their precious Rose.

They didn't have to wait long as the girl released a hiccup and then devolved into a short fit of giggles. Not the meek ones she had let slip before, but truly happy ones.

A smile grew on her face and she grabbed Qrow's face with both hands.

"Your face looks so wishy washy, how's it do that?"

Rose smushed and contorted his face.

"Rose?"

The girl turned to look at Weiss and grin grew even bigger.

"Weiss!"

Rose charged the white clad girl. She crashed into the girl and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"D-dolt what are you doing?"

"Hugging you."

"I s-see."

Weiss looked around for a way to distract Rose. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy this close contact, in fact the opposite. Her heart was beating so fast, she was worried it would explode.

Then she saw her chance.

"Hey Rose, you wouldn't want Cinder to to feel left out."

Rose's head snapped to Cinder, who now looked like a deer in the headlights. Rose released Weiss and charged at Cinder. But Cinder caught her first.

"Aww, let me hug you."

"I'd like nothing more than that Rose, but your drunk right now."

It was now Cinder's turn to search for a solution. Strangely enough, her eyes fell on Summer. The woman immediately motioned for her to stop her train of thought.

"Hey Rose, doesn't your mom make the best cookies."

Rose's eyes opened wide as she slowly turned to her mother.

"Mommy, you do make the best cookies. Are there any left?"

"Heh, we ate the last of them last night."

Rose stared pathetically at her mother.

"C-can we make more?"

Summer gritted her teeth in resistance.

"We only have so many ingredients."

Her lips began quivering.

"So, no more cookies?"

"Rose, it's okay."

Rose sniffled and her eyes became more pathetic. Everyone tried to look away, but were unable to.

"Fine we'll make more cookies, just stop it with they eyes!"

"Yay!"

"And everyone's helping."

"Even better!."

A/N: And that's all I wrote for now.

Heh, Anyway, that was fun. I don't know quite why I liked combining the sleepover and Qrow's return, but I did.

So recap and discuss.

Qrow is now a full part of the story. I sped things up with his mission, and you'll hear more about that later.

Not much to say about the second scene besides it was quite fun.

James found the ruins of the tribe, what answers will he find there though? Oh, quick note on why Ironwood acted the way he did. Let's all be honest, Winter can be damn scary. There's nothing else besides that. Also, more on his daughter!

Now for the last two scenes, these were planned points I wanted accomplished. The sleepover was mainly a fluff scene long planned, but the drunk Ruby a more serious point. Though the scene turns humorous, it has meaning behind it. She's gotten better, but still can't forget what she's done. But then she is offered a way to forget, even if only temporarily. And it consumes her.

I thought it was clever, but I'll leave you guys to pass final judgement.

Well, that's it for me.

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