A/N:zacker1590-

Question, is Sun and Illa a thing? Will we get another kid or not?

Um, no. I didn't even know Sun x Ilia was a ship. Is it? Well, nah. It'd be weird to have Ilia end up with a guy. Anyway, we won't be seeing her until later down in the story anyway. I mean, WAY later.

Guest-

Awesome chapter XD You could definitely feel the sexual tension XD Bandits you say? More Raven and Sparrow?

Bingo!

guest-

Why do you take reviews so personally? For someone who writes about an overpowered character you sure can't handle a few sentences on a screen by strangers. To then go off on how humanity is irredeemable (lol). Grow up, the world was always brutal, you're just accustomed to the peaceful world of post WW2. This is just the natural order of things.
The dude in Texas has a drug addict for a mother, what do you think would have happened?

Why wouldn't I take it personally? It's a review of my story. You know, the thing I took time and effort to make? It's like cooking a dish or painting a picture. You don't just snap your fingers and it magically appears. Think about it like this: say you cooked a dish that you thought turned out well, but people look at it and say "this looks like crap. I'm not eating this." Or how about you spend hours (or in most cases) days painting something, and when you put it up for the public, they mostly say "Why use a frame like that?" Now do you see why people take reviews personally?

What's more, the review wasn't even helpful. It didn't talk about the story in the least.

Post WW2? Please. WW3 is around the corner and we all know it. I'm honestly surprised we haven't had a second Civil War here in America yet. We all obviously hate each other

And nice nonsensical analogy.

You all want to see an ACTUAL review?

Xealchim-

Tbh this whole back an forth between Ruby an Nim is ridiculous either set straight the whole relationship or just kill Ruby for Jaune's "needed" power up an be done with it. Like idk why this hostile back an forth is still a thing 30 chaps later. It serves nothing but to put down Ruby for being unfaithful and her attempts at being Argents mom, it just show cases how 'awesome' Sword Mom is when really it shows how much of a bitch she really is to certain people just existing IE Ruby an by extension Glynda.

Now THIS is a review. It's actually about the story, is understandably critical, and raises some pretty good points. This is something worth respecting. This guy is a true critic.

Of course, it's an old review but a great example of helpful reviews. Dude's obviously sick and tired of classic tropes and clichés, which I can only say... sorry. I've watched so many harem animes that I think its seeped into my writing. Let's face it, I wrote a harem fic. I honestly didn't want to, but I did it. No excuse. The most I can do... is do a spoiler and say Ruby isn't going to die. I'm not going to kill her! Yeah, Jaune's going to get some power-ups (that will most definitely be cliché) but not like that. I'm sorry, Xealchim, but clichés have endured for so long for a reason.

Anyway, onto the story.


As Neverflame was flying towards Vale, Jaune noticed that Argent was staring intently at Crocea Mors, doing his little laugh every now and then.

"Alright, kiddo, what did Dante do to the family sword?"

"Sorry, dad. It's a secret. Though I gotta admit, I can't WAIT to show off what she can do now!"

"You said you'd be able to beat Sparrow with how it is now. That's pretty confident talk, seeing as how much trouble he put your father through," Nimueh said as she was lying on Neverflame, her leg swinging back and forth. "And how many times have YOU ever come close to beating your dad," she asked as she opened up an eye to look at her son with a teasing smile.

"W-Well... Sparrow isn't dad!"

Nimueh shrugged. "Can't argue with that."

Argent then looked eastward. "I wonder what Sparrow and Great Aunt Ra... Wait, since Sparrow is my brother, does that mean I need to call Raven mom from now on, too?"

"You have enough moms," Jaune and Nimueh said in unison.

"So, what do I-"

"Aunt Raven," they said in unison.

"Okay."

"Seriously, how many moms does that boy have," Nimueh asked as she sat up. "There's me, Ruby, and now Raven. Is there anyone else we should know about," Nimueh asked as she gave Jaune a deadpan glare.

"Please don't look at me like that," Jaune said as he slumped down. "It was heavy enough to find out that I have four kids."

"So Argent might have five moms," Nimueh asked with a raised eyebrow. Jaune jolted.

"That is a lot of moms," Argent said. Jaune just sighed heavily. "Hm? Hey, speaking of Stepmom Raven-"

"Just call her Raven," his parents said in unison again.

"Speaking of Raven and Sparrow, where was Uncle Qrow this whole time?"

"Huh," Jaune went as he looked back at his son.

"Well, you fought Aunt Winter. It was an awesome fight that literally shook the entire kingdom. How come he didn't show up after you won?"

Nimueh looked at her son before looking at her husband. "He has a point. Wouldn't he have normal ran in trying to punch, stab, or shoot you?"

"No. . . He'd try to do all three."

"Sounds about right," Nimueh said with a giggle.

"I guess he left the kingdom on a mission," Jaune shrugged. "Well, wherever he is, at least he's not bothering me," Jaune said as Neverflame cawed and flew towards the sunny sky.


Out of the sunlight flew a crow, the bird flying majestically through the cloudless, blue sky. It looked to be searching for something. Then, it spotted a camp... full of familiar looking bandits.

The crow flew into the middle of the camp before transforming into Qrow. The man stood in the middle of the camp, searching for one of two people.

"Well, aren't you ballsy?"

Qrow looked to see a bandit walk towards him, a hammer on his shoulder.

"Who gave you permission to enter, traitor?"

The other bandits finally began to notice Qrow.

"Tch."

"What is he doing here?"

"You're not welcomed here, Huntsman!"

"And yet Jaune is," Qrow retorted.

"There's always a special case," a female bandit said as she and others began to circle Qrow.

"He earned a place among us, if not an honorary one."

"You threw away that privilege."

"You insult us by calling yourself a Branwen."

"You're not one of us."

"And I don't want to be. Now, where is my sister?"

"Do you really think we're going to tell YOU where our leader is, HUNTSMAN?"

"You're just here for her bounty, aren't you?"

Qrow clenched his fist. "There's a lot of things I would want to do to my sister, but turning her in isn't one of them, least of all for money!"

"Do you really think we'd believe you?!"

"We'll give this one chance to leave, but only because you're the leader's brother by blood."

"In any other circumstance, we'd kill you dead."

"Now leave, or we'll send you back to your wife with broken wings."

Qrow sighed before he reached for his Harbinger. "Why don't you come and make me?"

"Heh, we survived a fight against the Grimm King."

"You're just one Huntsman."

"Don't press your luck, traitor!"

"Heh, you're the ones testing your luck," Qrow said as he took out his sword.

The bandits looked ready to charge Qrow all at once.

"Stand down!"

The bandits looked around before some began to part.

Qrow got a serious expression as he stood at his full height, but never lowered his guard.

"Young Master," various bandits went in a hushed tone as some bowed in respect.

Sparrow walked past his subordinates, wearing his mask, Qamar at his side. He then stood before Qrow, the older man towering over the thirteen-year-old bandit. "Well, well, Qrow Branwen. Should I say it's an honor to meet you?" Qrow didn't respond. "Yeah, you're right. You're kinda the black sheep of our tribe." Sparrow chuckled. "How ironic to be the black sheep in a tribe of bandits. Besides, you're not all that impressive to any of us," Sparrow said as he crossed his arms.

"Is that right?"

"Of course. Like one of my family members said, we survived an encounter with Jaune Arc. Not many Huntsmen can compare to the strongest of them all. Now, why don't you tell us why you're here so I can decide what to do with you."

"What YOU can decide?"

"Of course. I'm Raven's right hand, meaning I'm in charge whenever she is away. Ah, and speaking of our leader, I also overheard that you're not here for her bounty. Does that mean you're here for mine? Last I checked, I was worth quite a bit. Nowhere near as much as our leader, but it could still make your life with your dear General even easier than it already is."

"I'm not here to make money."

"Oh? Ah, are you here to do what Jaune likes to do and purchase information? If so, we can speak in my tent. I've been told I'm quite the merchant. We can make a deal, obviously depending on what kind of information you need."

"I'm not here for info, either."

Sparrow stared at Qrow. "Hm, you walk into a camp full of bandits who hate you, not after the bounties of the leaders of the tribe, not here for information, and I highly doubt you want to hire us as Jaune and others have done in the past. So, please, enlighten me: What could the great Qrow Schnee-Branwen possibly want with us?"

"I'm here for you, kid." Everyone pointed their guns and weapons at Qrow the moment he said that.

"And you just said you weren't after my bounty. Or are you looking to take me hostage to lure in our leader? It won't work, you know."

"I'm not here for anything like that. ESPECIALLY not the hostage part."

Sparrow stared at Qrow before motioning for everyone to lower their weapons. "Then what DO you want, Huntsman? I'm more patient than our leader, but only by so much."

". . . Do I really need an excuse to see my own nephew?"

Sparrow stared at Qrow before he chuckled. "Nephew? You have a nephew? Interesting. Qamar, the leader tells you next to everything, and you basically know practically everything she does. Has she been with Taiyang Xiao Long lately?"

"No, sir."

"Well, has our leader chosen a man in our tribe worthy of breeding with," Sparrow asked as he held out his arms, walking around his subordinates.

"No, Young Master," they all went in perfect unison.

"And there you have it. I don't know what 'nephew' you're talking about, but he's not-"

"They just called you Young Master," Qrow said.

"And? . . . What, did you think that automatically makes me related to Raven? Of course not. I EARNED the title of Young Master. I trained under Raven herself, working my ass off until she saw me as worthy of being her successor. Then I had to work even harder to earn the respect of the tribe. AND I DID A DAMN GOOD JOB OF IT!" The bandits cheered.

"So, sorry, old man, but as much as I wish I was hers, I'm not," Sparrow said as he turned his back to Qrow. "Now leave. You have no business he-"

"Drop the act, Sparrow. Argent was the one who let us know." Sparrow jolted. "He was so excited to talk about his 'cool older brother' that he couldn't keep his mouth shut if he wanted to. That means I know you're my nephew, just like I know who your father is."

Sparrow was quiet for a bit before he gave out a deep sigh, scratching the back of his head. "Oh, Arie. Ratting out your brother? You have a lot to learn before you can be a proper bandit."

"Don't even joke about that," Qrow growled.

Sparrow then turned towards his uncle. "So, you learn you have a nephew and decide to visit. What, are you also here to give me thirteen years' worth of birthday gifts, too?" That got a few chuckles from the bandits.

"I'm just here to talk. Though, I'd rather talk face to face. Mind taking this off," Qrow asked as he motioned to his face.

"You want me to remove my mask," Sparrow asked with a chuckle.

"If you don't mind."

Sparrow stared at Qrow with his arms crossed. "And why should I do that? You want to see my face that badly?"

"You could say that."

"Are you hoping I look like my mom? That I look like you?" Qrow didn't respond. "Hit the nail on the head, did I? You REALLY don't like my dad, do you?"

"Well, I don't exactly have a good relationship with your mom, but I'm even worse with your dad."

Sparrow chuckled. "Well, at least you're honest." Sparrow then reached for his mask. The moment he removed it, he flipped his long, black hair out of his face, his bangs framing his face, his cowlick sticking up, his red eyes looking right into his uncles as he smirked. "Disappointed?"

Qrow sighed. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."

Sparrow chuckled. "So, you said you wanted to talk. What about? Something happen to my father? To my little brother? Have you been hearing less than savory rumors?"

"It's a family matter."

Sparrow spread his arms. "Then start talking. I'm surrounded by my family, uncle."

"Sparrow. Please. I just want to talk to you."

Sparrow's smile went away as he stared into his uncle's pleading eyes. He then sighed. "Qrow Schnee is now an honorary guest. Back to what you were doing."

"But Young Master-" a bandit began.

"Don't even think about questioning my orders. Only my mother has that kind of authority."

"S-Sorry, sir."

Sparrow then looked at Qrow. "My tent is right next to Mom's. If you want to talk, we'll do it there. Alright?"

"Fine by me," Qrow said as the bandits started to return to their previous posts, many of them giving Qrow glances and glares. Some even flipped him off.

Sparrow then placed his hand on Qamar's shoulder and leaned in close to her ear. "Tell everyone to prepare for transport. Site Nevermore."

"What about the Leader?"

"She's linked to both of us. She'll just open a portal to you or me. Just make sure everyone's ready to leave the moment my uncle is gone."

"Alright." Qamar then walked away as Sparrow led Qrow to his tent.

Once inside, Sparrow began to prepare some tea as Qrow sat down.

Qrow looked around his nephew's tent. "You really are her son. You're practically her clone." He then saw his Revelation in the corner of the tent. "Even your weapon is based on hers."

"Is it any real surprise," Sparrow asked as he poured the tea, carrying the cups to the table, placing a cup in front of Qrow and one where he sat. "She's only the woman who gave birth to me, raised me, trained me, and taught me everything I know," he said as he took a sip of his tea. "She still hasn't properly taught me how to make good tea, though."

Qrow looked at the steaming beverage before lifting it, swishing it around, and taking a swig. "Tastes alright to me."

"Well, you're not as picky as me. My mom says it's delicious, but I always like the way she brews it better."

Qrow stared at Sparrow. "You really are close to Raven, aren't you?"

"She's my mother and my leader."

"Your leader is one thing, but just because she's your mom doesn't mean you'd be close to her. I think we both know that."

Sparrow was just about to take another sip when Qrow said that, stopping just before the cup reached his lips. He then lowered it. "I'm honestly surprised she wasn't with you. Did my dear older sister not want to see her little brother?"

"It's not like that, Sparrow. The Branwen Tribe is incredibly hard to find."

"We try to be."

"She only found your mother through sheer luck running into Shay."

"Mmm. So you found us by luck, too?"

Qrow was about to say something before he looked down at his tea. "Something like that." He stared at his own reflection in the tea. "If she knew where you were, she would look for you, you know."

"Why?"

Qrow looked at Sparrow in confusion. "What do you mean why. You're her little brother. Of course, she'd want to see you. Your family."

Sparrow stared at Qrow. "You know, for a man who abandoned his first one, you like to throw that word around."

Qrow stared back at Sparrow. "You know, you said Qrow SCHNEE was a guest."

"Of course, I would say that. You're not a Branwen. Not a real one, anyway."

"You don't have to be one either."

"Huh," Sparrow went with a raised eyebrow.

"Sparrow. . . You don't have to be a bandit."

Sparrow narrowed his eyes at his uncle. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying... that you can leave this life behind before it's too late."

Sparrow glared at his uncle. "You want me to betray my family, is that it?"

"Kid, this isn't a family. This is a gang. The Branwen Tribe is nothing more than a clan of thieves and killers."

Sparrow closed his eyes and sipped his tea. "Then I'm right at home."

Qrow's eyes widened. "What?"

Sparrow opened one eye. "I didn't get a bounty on my head from association only, and it's not because of the mask either. I'm a bandit, old man. I've robbed a few Schnee Dust Company convoys, as well as other Dust trading companies. I've also held ransoms before."

"You've kidnapped someone?!"

Sparrow looked at what was left of his tea. "Of course, they were someone important to criminal kingpins most of the time. Usually, a wife or a child or something. It really is amazing how much a drug lord will pay in order to take back his pretty daughter or his 'favorite secretary'. Sure, most of them end in fights, but as you can see, I've made it out of them."

Qrow shot up in anger. "What the hell is your mother doing?! You're a kid! You shouldn't be putting your life in danger like that!"

Sparrow finished his tea before putting the cup to the side of the table. "Are you sure YOU have the right to question my childhood? Mom isn't exactly afraid to talk about her past. Thinks I can learn from her... 'past mistakes'."

Qrow glared down at Sparrow before sighing and looking away. "I've made a lot of mistakes. Done things I'm not proud of." He then looked at Sparrow with sad, sympathetic eyes. "I don't want that kind of life for you. You could live with your father, have a normal life, and have a childhood. You don't need to be what your mom wants you to be."

"Good, because I'm not."

"What?"

"I'm being what I WANT to be." Qrow's eyes widened. "Qrow... I love this tribe. I said my mother raised me, but that's not entirely true. This whole tribe did. They taught me how to cook, how to hunt, how to read my enemies, sneak around, and even how to cheat. I owe these people everything, which is exactly why I want to succeed my mother as the next chief and protect my family. Besides... can a murderer really have a normal childhood?"

Qrow's eyes were filled with horror. "No. Please, no."

"You said that this tribe is full of thieves and murderers. Then I'm absolutely right at home. I've taken a life before. Many, actually. And I don't regret killing any of my victims." Sparrow then looked down. "Especially not HIM." Qrow then noticed how Sparrow tightened his grip around his fist. "No way could I have let that madman roam free. Especially not after what he did to Cotton," he mumbled sadly.

Qrow recognized the look on his nephew's face. A look he wished he didn't see on a thirteen-year-old kid. The face of someone who lost a good friend.

Sparrow looked up at Qrow. "It's true that I respect my father. His power and skill are incredible. How could I not? And the fact that he's the new ruler of the Grimm? That makes him even more amazing. But I'm not about to leave my tribe for him. These are my people. They are MY responsibility. I am going to become the chief and protect them. Got it?"

Qrow stared at his nephew before looking away with a sigh. "I really do have the worst luck."

Sparrow stared at his uncle, raising an eyebrow as he analyzed the man's facial expression. He then reached behind him.

Qrow's eyes then gained a new sense of resolve. "No. I'm tired of failing my family. I'm not about to leave one today, only for Raven to show up at my doorstep, crying about her son being killed by one of my wife's soldiers. Sorry, Dark Arc, but you're coming with me."

Qrow then looked towards his nephew, only to be surprised to see a Fire Dust Blade pointed at his face.

"Dark Arc, huh? I think I like that nickname." Qrow narrowed his eyes at his smirking nephew, resting his chin on his free hand as he pointed his sword in Qrow's face. "I am basically a darker-looking version of my dad."

Qrow stared at Sparrow before looking down. "You had blades attached to the bottom of the table."

"Neat trick, eh? I learned about this during a ransom negotiation with a weapon dealer. Almost got my head blown off by a bazooka."

Qrow's eyebrow twitched. "You're really not convincing me to let you stay here."

"I'm not trying to. You're not my father, old man. You're just my estranged uncle who ran away from our tribe because you fell in love with an outsider."

Qrow gripped his fists tight enough for the joints to pop. "Is that what Raven told you?"

Sparrow was quiet for a bit. "From what she told me... Arie's grandma was an amazing woman. She must have been to earn that much praise from Mom."

Qrow chuckled dryly. "Amazing. That doesn't even begin to describe Summer. She really did hold the team together. . . It's why we fell apart when she. . . I think you would have liked her, kiddo. Your aunt had a way of attracting people. I think she might have even convinced you to leave the tribe. She almost did with Raven."

Sparrow stared into Qrow's eyes. "I believe you. But that was then. She's not here, so my Mom never got led astray from the tribe. Everyone needs a leader, uncle. Even bandits."

"But you don't have to be that leader, Sparrow."

"Uncle, I'm only going to give you this one chance: LEAVE."

The two had a bit of a stare-down.

"Sorry, kid... but not without my nephew." Qrow then kicked the table up, abstracting Sparrow's vision.

The boy then kicked back on the table, lunging towards his Revelation. As soon as he had it in hand, he used the sheath to block Qrow's downward slash before kicking his uncle away. He then slashed open a portal before jumping through it, Qrow jumping in after him.

When Qrow came out, he saw that he was on a plateau. He looked up to see his nephew standing before him in front of a cliff, sword in one hand, sheath holstered on the opposite hip.

"I'm not going to lie, Uncle Qrow, I was actually hoping for this scenario."

Qrow sighed. "So you want to fight your uncle, did you?"

"Mhm. Though, let's be honest, it didn't have to be this way."

"If you can say that, then your Mom doesn't talk about her little brother nearly as much as she should. This is how it always goes."

Sparrow couldn't help but chuckle. "Say what you want, Uncle Qrow. . . But I really do like my family. I don't mind this at all," he said as he took his stance.

"It's weird. . . But I'm happy to hear that," Qrow said as he took his stance.

The two then charged at each other before lunging, sword clashing with sword, the battle of nephew vs uncle now begun.

Sparrow and Qrow clashed many times, their swords sparking. Qrow was being careful since Sparrow's blade was Fire Dust. Hit it too hard and it would blow up in both of their faces.

However, Qrow wasn't being careful of Sparrow himself.

He didn't know how strong of a fighter Sparrow really was. When Qrow thrust his sword, he didn't expect Sparrow to parry and redirect the momentum of his attack. He most certainly didn't expect Sparrow to plant his elbow in Qrow's gut, winding the Huntsman. Sparrow then followed up his attack by slashing Qrow directly in the stomach with enough force to ignite the dust. Sparrow then pulled the trigger to release his blade and jump out of the way in time to avoid the explosion.

Sparrow smirked as he clicked his handle back onto Revelation before he was blasted to the ground by a shotgun. He skidded a bit before jumping to his feet.

Qrow walked out of the smoke, the barrel of his sword still smoking. "Did you really think it was over already," he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Right. Aura. I'm too used to fighting idiots who never unlocked theirs. You'd think I'd learn after my fight with my dad," he said as he pulled a trigger.

"That just shows you need more training, kid," Qrow said as he lunged at Sparrow.

Sparrow then performed an Iai, sending waves of spiked icicles charging at Qrow.

'Ice Dust,' he mentally yelled before jumping to avoid a spike. He then started to run up and across more of the spikes, rushing towards Sparrow.

When he reached the end, he received a knee kick to the chin. Sparrow then grabbed Qrow by the forehead and threw him toward the ground. Next, he pulled a trigger, switching blades, before lunging towards Qrow.

When Qrow landed, he held up his sword in time to block Sparrow's next Iai slash, their clash crushing the ground around them and completely shattering the ice behind Sparrow. 'Earth Dust this time, huh,' Qrow thought as he looked at Sparrow's brown blade.

Sparrow then flipped over his uncle, preparing to slash him, but Qrow was able to block the slash and followed with a kick to Sparrow's back, making the boy stumble forward.

Sparrow then jumped forward to get some distance away from Qrow before pulling two triggers. He then slashed at Qrow, sending a tornado his way.

Qrow couldn't help but smirk. 'Damn, he's good.' Qrow then ran towards the tornado and jumped into it.

Sparrow watched the whirling wind disappear, seeing no trace of his uncle. Not liking that, he looked around, wondering where his uncle would appear before realizing that he was fighting his mother's brother. The brother who could transform as she could. He then looked up to see a crow diving toward him before it began to morph.

In the next instant, too fast for even Sparrow to react to, his uncle's fist slammed into his face, slamming him to the ground. The force of the fall made Qrow skid away from Sparrow, but he was still able to see Sparrow jump up to his feet before turning towards him, the boy rubbing his face. His Aura then flickered, showing that he took a lot of damage from the blow.

"Ow."

Qrow chuckled. "Not going to lie, kid, you're doing much better than I thought you would. You're making this old man proud. You'd make a hell of a Huntsman."

Sparrow shook his head before looking at his uncle. "I wouldn't have gotten this good without the Tribe. They're the only reason I'm this good." Qrow's smile lessened. "Still, this fight is showing me that I really do need to get better." Sparrow then pulled all five triggers. "No more holding back," he said through the roaring mechanism.

"Alright. Fine," Qrow said as he pulled the trigger to activate his scythe.

Sparrow then smirked before he performed his Iai.

Qrow was shocked to see a massive wave of energy rush towards him.


As Qamar was giving orders to her fellow bandits, an explosion caught everyone's attention. They all looked towards the nearby mountain to see a huge laser rush out of it. 'Sparrow,' Qamar thought.


Sparrow, still in his pose, looked at the blast radius before glancing to his side. He then quickly raised his sword in time to block Qrow's slash. It was the only one he blocked since his sword was now too big to defend against the faster scythe. He instead bobbed and weaved out of the way of his uncle's slashes, even jumping up to avoid a slash aimed at his legs.

Qrow used that as an opening to kick Sparrow in the chest, sending the kid flying before he landed on his feet and clashed with his uncle.

Qrow now had a chance to look at Sparrow's sword. It was a combination of five Dust blades, red for Fire, blue for Ice, brown for Earth, and green for Wind. The final blade was black, making it Gravity Dust. That sword was a combination of all the elements into one powerful weapon. That Dust Buster Sword was now deserving of the poetic Dust nickname, Nature's Wrath.

"Pretty cool, right? Took me a long time to make this."

"So you built Revelation, huh," Qrow asked with a proud smile.

"Of course. What, did you think mom gave it to me?"

"My sister giving a gift? That doesn't even sound right."

"That's my mom. Her idea of a birthday gift was letting me rob whoever I wanted or letting me give out a mission. I used those 'presents' to rob the necessary Schnee Dust trains to build Revelation. . . And maaaaaybe to steal a cake every once in a while."

Qrow's eyebrow twitched. "Was one of those cakes about three feet tall with about five layers and had a Schnee Dust Company symbol on it?"

"One of the best ones I've ever stolen and one of the few Mom actually liked. Why?"

"So YOU'RE the reason my daughter didn't have her birthday cake that year. Your aunt was furious, you know."

"Oh. . . Oops?"

The two then jumped away from each other, both pacing around the other.

"You do realize that Winter's going to make you work your butt off for about a year for that, right?"

"You make it sound like I'm going to see her soon," he said with a smile.

"Yeah. You are. After all, I'm taking you back home to New Mantle."

"Hmph. Good luck with that, uncle."

"Heh, poor choice of words, nephew."

Qrow then jumped towards Sparrow, spinning around before he slashed down with all his might, Sparrow countering with a slash of his full-power Revelation, the clash causing another explosion.

The two continued to fight, dodging the other's slashes, Sparrow avoiding Qrow's bullets while Qrow avoided his energy blasts. And all the while, as they fought... uncle and nephew were smiling, having a blast fighting each other.


Nearly an hour passed. Both Branwen's were panting, using their weapons as leverage.

Qrow was standing, but only because he was holding onto his scythe. His right eye was swollen, a tear on his shirt and a burn mark on his arm. Sparrow was on one knee, holding onto his sword to keep from falling. He had a nasty mark on his left cheek, a shallow cut on his chin, and some blood trickling down his forehead.

Both of their Auras have long since been shattered, but neither one wanted to give in to the other. Both were too stubborn and prideful.

Sparrow then struggled to get back onto his feet. When he got back onto his wobbly legs, he tried to lift his sword. As soon as he did lift it, he dropped it back down onto the ground, breaking the ground a bit, heavily panting from exhaustion. He wouldn't be able to swing his sword and he knew it. So, with what little strength he had left, he sheathed his sword, pulled the triggers, then dropped Revelation. "That's... a load... off," he panted with a bloody smile. He licked his teeth before spitting out said blood.

Qrow chuckled before he tried to lift his Harbinger, only to stumble forward and drop it when he fell. "Ow."

Qrow groaned as he got back on his feet, brushing the dirt and rock off his face, feeling some blood on his hand. He realized that he scratched his face a bit with his little trip. "That'll leave a mark," he said as he got back on his feet, panting as heavily as his nephew.

"Wanna give up, old man? No shame in it," Sparrow panted out.

"Heh, so you're so afraid of losing to me that you gotta throw out that old line? If you wanna quit, I'm not stopping you," Qrow panted out.

Sparrow chuckled. "Screw you, Uncle Qrow."

Qrow laughed tiredly. "That's your Aunt Winter's job."

Sparrow and Qrow tiredly limped towards the other before taking off in a run. With a roar, they threw a punch at each other. Their fists collided, only for the two to slip past each other and land on the ground, panting heavily.

"Don't you... know how... to give up," Sparrow complained.

"I'm not... your mom. You bandits... run away... don't you?"

"Only... in unwinnable... situations. This... isn't... one of them," Sparrow groaned as he got back on his feet.

Qrow chuckled as he got back on his feet. "Aren't you stubborn? You... really are... your mom's son." Qrow's smile then immediately went away as his eyes widened. "Oh."

"What? Finally realize that I won," Sparrow chuckled before he noticed the look on his uncle's face. After analyzing it a bit, the realization hit him. "My mom's right behind me, isn't she?"

"Yes. I am."

Sparrow shuttered before looking behind him to see an irate Bandit Queen. "Sparrow Branwen, mind explaining to me what this is about? My bandits are prepared to leave, my son is a beaten-up mess, and worst of all, my dear brother is here. Why," she asked with narrowing eyes.

"Uh... uncle-nephew bonding," Sparrow answered sheepishly.

Raven's eyebrow twitched before she sighed in annoyance.

"Ow," Sparrow went after Raven bonked his head.

"You and I will speak later, Vice Chieftain," Raven said as she walked past her son.

"Y-Yes, Chieftain," Sparrow said, dreading one of his mother's infamously terrifying lectures.

"And you," Raven said as she approached Qrow.

"Hey, sis." SLAP. "Aaaw. Damn. Those are worse than Winter's."

"You have some nerve coming anywhere NEAR my tribe, LET ALONE MY SON!"

Qrow rubbed his cheek before looking his sister dead in the eye. "You mean my nephew? I think I'm allowed to meet a member of my family."

"Excuse me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say we weren't family anymore back at Haven? You're not even a member of the tribe."

"Raven, please. We can start over, can't we?"

"Not interested," she said as she turned to walk away. "Sparrow gave you plenty of punishment. Leave and lick your wounds."

"You know, she'd be jealous." Raven stopped. "It's pretty obvious you love him. She'd wonder why you care so much about your son yet abandoned your daughter."

Raven was quiet for a bit. "She has nothing to do with this."

"I disagree. She's every bit your child as Sparrow is. Even after all this time, she still wants a relationship with you. She was heartbroken when she didn't even see so much as a raven's feather at her wedding."

"Then she wasn't looking nearly hard enough."

Qrow's eyes widened. "What?"

"I still can't believe Tai let her wear that gaudy sun yellow suit. Served her right to have that Faunus smash that slice of cake in her face."

Qrow's eyes softened before he chuckled. "So you were there. . . Yang will be overjoyed to hear that."

"Did you only come here to bother me about my daughter?"

"Actually, he's been trying to convince me to leave the Tribe," Sparrow said.

"You've been WHAT," Raven roared angrily at her bother, her eyes ablaze with her Maiden powers.

"Come on, Raven. This isn't the life for a kid."

"THAT ISN'T FOR YOU TO DECIDE!" Raven then took a deep breath. "But looking at you now, I see it was a colossal failure." She then smiled. "Sorry, little brother, but my son won't be leaving the tribe any time soon. Now, if we're done here-"

"Sparrow isn't the only reason I came."

Raven sighed with a roll of her eyes. "Now what?"

"It's about Jaune."

Raven glanced at Qrow.

"Well, that sure got your attention. You really do love him, don't you."

Her eyes narrowed as she turned directly toward him. "That man is practically a member of the tribe."

"Is he, now?"

"Unlike you, he's earned the respect of the tribe. He's shown that he's willing to do what must be done. That he's strong enough to do what most can't and smart enough to run away when necessary. Time and time again he's proven himself. He has done much for my tribe. He's taken out rival tribes, exterminated Grimm that came too close to us, and isn't afraid to ask for our help. Yet, even with all that, he gave something priceless and irreplicable to me that I can never repay." She and Qrow then looked back at Sparrow. "He gave me the Heir of Branwen."

Qrow stared at his nephew before looking back at his sister. "You know, Tai isn't Jaune's biggest fan."

"And why should I care," she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Because you just said a lot of crap that would make him hate Jaune even more," Qrow chuckled.

"I. Don't. Care. Now, get on with it. What do you need to tell me about Jaune?"

Qrow then took a deep breath before standing at his full height.

"He might need you."

Raven raised an eyebrow. "Since when did he need someone else to ask for my help?"

"He doesn't know I'm here."

"Then I'm not interested in what you have to say," Raven said as she turned her back to Qrow.

"He's in over his head."

Raven groaned. "What are you talking about this time," she growled as she turned towards her brother. She then caught something. "A scroll?"

"You're going to want to see what's on it."

Raven looked at her brother before looking back down at the scroll and turning it on. The first thing on it was a video. She immediately tapped on it, not caring that her son was next to her to watch.

Both of their eyes widened.

"But... Grimm can't get that big," Sparrow said as he saw the fight against the Elder King Ice Dragon.

"I've seen big Grimm before, but nothing like that," Raven said.

"Raven, you know the Grimm are evolving. They're becoming far more powerful than ever before in history. Not even Salem made monsters that dangerous."

"Darkness," Raven said.

"What," Qrow went.

"The God of Darkness. Jaune said he heard his voice. Apparently, Jaune is committing blasphemy against him."

Qrow's eyes widened. "THAT'S who we're up against?! One of the Brothers?! One of the creators of Remnant?!"

"And which 'we' are you referring to," Raven went.

Qrow's eyes narrowed. "Oh, you are not pulling that."

"You're not Jaune, Qrow. You're the one asking for help, not him. If he asks for help, we'll give it to him, for a price of course."

"You're charging family?"

"He understands how the tribe operates. Something you were never able to do."

Qrow glared at Raven. "You know, seeing how Sparrow is, I honestly thought you changed."

"What are you talking about?"

"Look at the kid. Look at how he was raised."

"He's strong. He's brilliant. He's a natural AND developed leader. In short, he's the perfect successor to me."

"HE IS LOVED!"

"Huh," Sparrow went while Raven's eyes narrowed.

"You love him. You actually raised him. You were his MOTHER!"

"I was his leader and his teacher!"

"And the woman he looks up to as his parent! Something Yang had to get from Summer!"

"If you bring either one of those two up one more time-"

"You're a part of this, Raven! Whether you like it or not, you're a member of this family."

"The Tribe is my family."

"And according to you, Jaune is a part of that tribe. Honorary, but still a member. You care about him. The fact that you looked worried when you saw that Elder Grimm is proof of that." Raven just glared at Qrow as he turned his back to her. "Personally, I'm not Jaune's biggest fan. He got both my niece AND my older sister pregnant, after all. Kinda strange that I ended up caring about his kid so much BEFORE I found out he was my nephew. Even stranger that I actually like my bio-neph," he said as he smirked at Sparrow.

"You just like me because I kicked your butt," Sparrow said with a smirk.

"Hey, kid, we tied at best. You're just lucky your mom showed up to save your ass," Qrow said with a smirk. Sparrow playfully stuck out his tongue while flipping his uncle off. Qrow chuckled. "Already love the kid." Qrow then got serious. "I'm willing to protect the kid. He's my nephew, whether you like it or not."

"And I don't," Raven said.

"Well, a family takes care of each other. Hopefully, when Jaune gets over his head, and we both know he will... I just hope you'll be there to drag his ass out of the fire. I don't plan on rescuing the hero who banged my niece and sister."

"We're bandits, Qrow," Raven said as she crossed her arms. "We don't rescue. We don't play the hero around here."

Qrow chuckled. "Guess Jaune's screwed then." Qrow then transformed and flew away. He was a bit wobbly, but he was still flying.

Raven watched him vanish beyond the clouds before she sighed. She then slashed open a portal. "Come on," she said to Sparrow. He just wordlessly picked up his Revelation and walked to his mom.

She stopped him before he could enter the portal, confusing the boy. She then knelt down, cupped his face, and analyzed him.

"Ow," he hissed as she grazed her thumb across his cheek.

"Hard to believe he did that much damage to YOU."

"So he got in a few lucky hits. I woulda won," Sparrow muttered as he looked away with a blush, embarrassed with how his mom was doting on him.

Raven smiled. "I know," she said as she stood up. "But you still need more training," she said as she walked into the portal. Sparrow sighed as he followed his mom.

When they appeared behind Qamar, activity ceased.

Raven walked in front of her protegees, looking around sternly. "I don't remember hearing either my Vice Chief or his right-hand giving orders to stop! Does my appearance automatically give that order?! Double-time! I want us to be at Site Nevermore before the moon illuminates the mountains! MOVE!"

"Yes, ma'am," the bandits yelled before getting back to work.

Sparrow blinked before he leaned in towards Qamar. "Did you tell her we were heading towards Site Nevermore," he whispered.

"She's your mother. Of course, she would know where you planned to move our base to," she whispered back.

"Mm. That's my mom," he snickered.

"Young Master!"

"Hm?" Sparrow looked to see one of the best scouts in the camp run towards him.

"Destella? What's wrong?"

The woman stopped in front of him, looking nervous. "I... don't know how to tell you this, sir."

"Hm," he went with a raised eyebrow.

"It's... better that you see for yourself," she said as she handed him a scroll.

"Oh, hey. Nice model. Was this in the crates we stole," he asked as he took the scroll and turned it on. "What am I looking for?"

"It's... in the photograph album."

Sparrow entered the app and saw a familiar ship and the date. "Tch, someone actually rebuilt that thing?"

Qamar looked at the scroll. When she saw the ship, her eyes narrowed in anger. "We should have burned it down when we had the chance."

"We were too exhausted, Qamar. Plus... Cotton needed to be buried." Qamar looked sad at the mention of their old friend.

"Sir, the ship isn't what's important," Destella said. Sparrow looked up at her. "It's... what's on the ship. It should be the third picture," she said softly as she bowed.

Sparrow raised his eyebrow again before swiping the scroll. In the third image, his and Qamar's eyes widened in shock and horror.

"B-But that-" Qamar began.

"That's impossible. I stabbed him through the heart! I KILLED HIM!"

"It's him, Young Master." He looked at a now shivering Destella. "It's the captain of the Soaring Animan."

Sparrow glared at the image of the pirate captain he thought he killed four years ago. The monster who cut out the tongue of his oldest friend and mentor before stabbing the man's own sword through his heart right in front of Sparrow's eyes. The beast with the octopus face that he stabbed through the heart and threw into the ocean.

"David Oceanus."