A Cosmic Journey

A/N: Hello all. I have come to the realization thanks to a criticism-loaded PM that the last chapter was not my best writing. Less the direction of certain characters and their actions, and more the quality of the writing. A lot of work piling up before Thanksgiving break, but I've done my best to stay ahead of the curve.

Before I get to the reviews, I'll handle the comments and questions on Raven and Qrow. On Raven's side, Chapter 8 revealed Raven went to Patch, and Chapter 12 showed that she has some sort of interaction now with Taiyang, Ruby and Yang. She hasn't given up the tribe, but has taken measures to make things less murder-hobo-like. Rest assured, things aren't exactly copacetic between all parties though. As for Qrow, that's a slightly more comprehensible basket case of neuroses. Dealt terrible hands all his life thanks to his semblance, the only good things that have stuck around in this man's life are the good he's doing by working for Ozpin, and the Rose-Xiao Longs. My understanding of Qrow is that he's deathly afraid of losing Ruby and Yang, and even moreso of losing them because of his semblance, hence why he was away so often even while being a teach at Signal somehow. It's in the way he hangs back from RNJR while they're traveling to Haven, why he fought Tyrian alone and a ways away from the kids, and why the man even sleeps alone after meeting up with RNJR without even a sleeping bag or campfire. So to see his blood relative swallow her pride and make a return, conditional as it is, fills a hole in their family life that Raven herself and Summer left. Sure, he helped out after Summer's death and became the 'cool uncle', but that's not needed in a family, or at least that's what he's telling himself. With the benefits that his presence can provide in their lives shrinking and the ever-looming specter of his semblance remaining, it's hard to justify sticking around in their lives when it's just a matter of time before they get hurt, likely because of him. So even if it hurts, he'd rather see them safe than unnecessarily endanger them.

Whew, ok, that was a lot. Now for the other comments and questions in the reviews.

AlexFalTon: I also agree that the man needs to find someone. However, considering that the man is a self-proclaimed ladies' man, Qrow has had some rather lackluster interactions with all available prospects since his introduction into the show. As for Raven, her skillset is definitely extensive, but that what gave her the confidence that she could remain out of Salem and Ozpin's hands, until she couldn't.

Oblivious IJ: Good callback to Qrow's theme song. I find RT's usage of music during the episodes has some really obvious tones and insights into the characters' mentalities.

SkullWolfSteam: Good to hear from you again, and thanks for the review. Hopefully the kinds of shockers I've got aren't the undeserved ones.

Resurrection99: Well, the variables leading up to a Qrow-gets-injured special are certainly lining up; Qrow, a group of pipsqueaks, dire combat situation in Anima, prominent danger of getting stabbed by stingers.

Raidentensho: The layers that Kouzai keeps hidden from various parties certainly fits the tone of shades of gray. As for which legend he alludes to, gotta be honest, a person from Earth that ends up in Remnant shouldn't have a corresponding legend, but it's certainly an interesting idea, and one that Kouzai might draw inspiration from for weapons or such. As for dust clips, well…

Captaindrake123: 'Well' is a relative term. As for Raven and Qrow, all I'll add to that is that the interpersonal relationship between two of the most complicated and unstable characters in RWBY, twins at that, is criminally underrepresented for how much depth is likely there.

PyromaniacRabbit: Oh trust me, the butterfly is flapping its wings plenty at this point, and storms will definitely follow. As for Raven, not everything is kosher about what she's done, and that has various connotations.

Chapter 14: Architect of His Destiny

Chapter Date: 11/25/19

"Ren, we need some Tranquility, now," I hissed, as the Beringel looked directly at me. Immediately dropping to his knees, Ren slammed his palms to the ground and concentrated, and I felt a wave of calm wash over me as I turned to see Nora and Ren himself in similar states. Nora and I quickly regrouped with Ren and let him use his semblance with direct contact to lessen the Aura usage necessary. Meanwhile, the Beringel began sniffing around for the presences that'd been there but moments before.

"I've said this before and I'll say it again; Ren, your semblance has the potential to be bullshit," I whispered before clearing my throat. "QROW! A LITTLE HELP HERE!"

I was not above asking for help when I thought it was required, and by the gods, it was. Surrounded by about a dozen Manticores though, Qrow did not look to be in a position to give it.

"What're you-a Beringel? Seriously semblance, come on! Kid, hold out for five minutes! I gotta-rrrrgh-take care of these!"

'Sure, let's just hold off King Kong for five minutes.' I turned back to look at Nora and Ren's tired, fearful faces. 'Yeah, that's the general consensus, isn't it?'

CRASH

We whirled around to see the Beringel landing next to one of the buildings in the square, fist cocked back and ready to bring the wall down. 'No time at all.'

"Spread out, keep circling, and do not get hit!" I shouted, as we sprang apart. Ren went left, Nora went right, and I did what I did best.

"HEY! CURIOUS GEORGE! OVER HERE!" A shot from Mirror's Edge caught its attention, and the obvious fear I was likely exuding kept its eyes on me. Chronometry already active, I watched it leap off the ground and rocket towards me. 'Aww, grimmshit.'

Leaping back, I avoided the impact of two large feet hitting the ground, raising Mirror's Edge to block a fist the size of an endtable. Even with both arms bracing the blade, Mirror's Edge slammed into my chest and I went flying back.

"Dust, this thing hits hard!" I shouted, righting my posture to land on my feet. The Beringel wasn't letting it's prey get away though, and exploded off the ground with another fist extended in a superman punch. Twisting around, I used the momentum to bring Mirror's Edge in a full greatsword slash, firing the weapon to increase its rotational force. "HEIGH-HO, AWAY YOU GO DAMNIT!"

Both our strikes met, and my arms creaked as nearly a ton in malice and hatred threatened to warp my weapon. Weylin's craftsmanship held up though, and both Mirror's Edge and the Beringel's fist were forced back from the impact…only for the Grimm's other arm to come swinging for my head. I fired Mirror's Edge rapidly to deter the Beringel and accelerate back, but I was still on a very painful collision course.

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM

Near-simultaneous explosions of pink staggered the Beringel and enveloped it in a cloud of pink smoke, and a near-imperceptible hand grabbed my arm and yanked me to the side.

"How did your 'probing' go?" Ren questioned dryly, and I desperately tried to clear the cottonmouth that came with nearly eating a Beringel's fist three times now.

"It's going great," I shot back as Nora regrouped with us. "It's faster than me, stronger than Nora, and tougher than all three of us put together. Not to mention fiercely agile."

Honestly, it reminded me of my first fight with a Grimm, if it could be called a fight. Although not nearly as outmatched as I was back then, I'd not been so outclassed by a singular Grimm in a long time.

"We can't stay hidden with Ren's semblance for long, or the Beringel will start knocking down the villagers' homes!" Nora exclaimed, and we watched the Grimm wave its tree-trunk-sized arms through the smoke and clear the mess away.

"We can't all hide with Ren's semblance, but most of us can," I muttered, turning to Nora and Ren. "You two stay hidden, and I'll act as the distraction to-don't give me those looks, listen!-to draw his attention. You two use that to sneak up and land some free damage on him. If you can take out his eyes, even better."

"Nothing is free," Ren replied. "We will only be able to capitalize on his obliviousness so long as he is attacking you."

"Yeah, and I'm the only one quick enough to keep him from landing a solid hit, along with a semblance to help that. Now MOVE." I dashed away without hearing Ren or Nora's reply, wincing at my harsh tone. "They can yell at me later. I've got an appointment with one hell of a physical trainer."

Another shot with Mirror's Edge drew the Beringel's attention, and it lunged forward as I separated the greatsword into longswords. Like a car slamming into a bike, the Grimm's charge carried me along with it for a moment, before I flew back from the momentum. Landing on my feet, I immediately launched a dizzying array of slashes.

Deflect. Parry. Block. Parry. Deflect. Block. Block. Block. Block.

Punching faster than I could make full slashes, I resorted to bringing my longswords up to deflect and block the blows. My shoulders screamed with each jolt, but I clenched my teeth. "ANY DAY NOW!"

CRACK

Magnhild swung sideways, and the Beringel flew into Shion's fountain, the stone structure collapsing on top of it. I turned to Nora. "I didn't even…see you…there…" The reason for Nora's sudden appearance was latched onto her back in some version of a piggyback ride.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…My Aura is limited from the previous fights, and indirect exposure with my semblance is taxing. We needed a way for Nora to remain mobile while still being shielded with my semblance, so…" Ren looked determinedly at the ruined fountain, ignoring the flare of red across his cheeks.

"Well I'm not complaining, you're light as a feather, I can do this all day, whew is it hot right now!" Nora exclaimed, face nearly as red as her hair. Thankfully for them, and unfortunately for me, neither of them could see the other's face from their position, or were pointedly trying not to.

My hand wiped my face vigorously. "Y'know what, fine. Just keep doing it as long as you can, and try to hit one of the unarmored spots if possible."

Movement caught my eye, and I pushed Ren and Nora back while leaning back, only to see a gray brick whiz past where my head was. Spotting more flying towards me, I instinctively reformed and raised Mirror's Edge as cover as the flying stonework rattled against my weapon. 'Damnit, forgot about Volume 4! No Grimm around to throw, but plenty of bricks!'

CLANG

CLANG

CLANG CLANG

With the ruined fountain at his feet, the Beringel had a considerable supply of ammo, so I dashed forward behind Mirror's Edge to force him away from his projectiles. As soon as I got into swinging range though, a straight punch slammed into Mirror's Edge and knocked me back. Using Burst on my legs, I pushed off the ground and rocketed back forward to slash downward.

Only to slice through air…

WHAM

Air left my lungs momentarily as I staggered sideways, my right side throbbing as another brick dropped to the ground. To my right, the Beringel was already winding up for another throw, and I hissed as Mirror's Edge came back up just in time. 'Of course it's smart enough to hand onto the bricks.'

Standing between the Beringel and the ruined fountain, I saw a blur of muted pink and green rushing in from the side and grinned. 'They better make this one hurt.'

Bulldozing forward, I clenched my teeth as the Beringel threw the last of its bricks into Mirror's Edge. Seeing his hands empty, I split Mirror's Edge apart and dove in with a slash. 'C'mon, block this!'

Fortunately, the Beringel blocked both slashes by catching Mirror's Edge with his hands, occupying his arms. Unfortunately, that meant it had my weapon locked up too.

I lurched forward as the Grimm pulled back and released one of my longswords. Seeing it rear back, I got ready to block again, but…

'Take a hit to land a hit.' I stabbed Mirror's Edge into the Beringel's wrist as I came into range. The Grimm's momentum too powerful to stop, my blade nonetheless tore a gash up its arm up to its shoulder as the fist struck unimpeded.

CRACK

BOOM

CRACK

"GAAAGH!" Uneven cobblestone greeted my back and Aura, and I wheezed for air as I rolled forward with my one longsword at the ready. 'It hits like a literal truck…good thing those cracks weren't me though…"

The Beringel slid sideways and sank down to its hands and knees, its right leg a crumpled mess of bone and muscle, its left hip caved in and unstable. 'Two full-power swings from Magnhild…if this thing didn't nearly break my ribs, I'd feel sorry for…wait…'

Slowly, the Beringel rose to a stunted standing position, twisting to face a slowly-coloring Ren leaning heavily on Nora.

'Ren's semblance! Damnit!' "NORA, GET OUT OF THERE!" I rapidly fired off shots from my one longsword and swiped the other off the ground as I streaked towards the Grimm. Far too slowly, I watched the Beringel rear back with its uninjured arm, just as Nora tossed Ren up onto a building's rooftop.

The fist slammed forward into the shaft of Magnhild, and the metal hammer groaned in protest as Nora was forced back a few feet. The Valkyrie turned to me with worried eyes. "Ren's Aura is too low from the Nevermore and Beowolves!"

'That means no more Tranquility surprise attacks, shit. Okay, mobility decreased, element of surprised lost in turn…' I reached behind me for Corona and whipped it forward. "NORA! Can you match the Beringel with High Voltage?"

Nora and even the Grimm seemed to freeze for a moment, Magnhild lowering as Nora's eyes widened. "You want me to wrestle with a Beringel?" I slowly nodded.

"I LOVE IT!"

"Grrr?"

"GET READY THEN! AND SORRY!" I slid the magazine into Corona and fired off every bullet, each round impacting against Nora and releasing painful levels of Lightning Dust.

"RRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!" Electricity crackled across Nora's skin as here nervous system became visible for a moment beneath her skin. Muscles tensed, and I waited for the scene that I'd only seen one time at this level. Magnhild went up again, and a Valkyrie gave a slow, feral smile.

I held both longswords up. "Go for his right arm. And make it hurt."

Both Nora and I rocketed towards the Beringel, who roared in response. Having already fought me, the Grimm turned to the yet-unknown threat in its midst, punching with its still-healthy right arm.

"BATTER UP!" Nora yelled, swinging an electrified Magnhild to meet the punch. A shockwave exploded from the impact, and I watched in literal slow motion as the Grimm's arm cracked and was repelled, the Beringel flexing its twisted fingers in some form of pain or distress. I gave the creature no quarter, rushing in toward its injured left side. One blade came up to block the brunt of its punch, and the other scored tore open the inside of its arm this time as I flew back again.

"I'VE-HAD-MY-FILL-OF BROKEN LEGS-TODAY, BUT NOW I'M IN THE MOOD FOR A BROKEN ARM!" Nora roared to match the Beringel, the pink-clad bruiser a whirlwind of electrified swings. The odd word punctuating impacts on its arm, the Grimm could do little in the face of the onslaught, and even less as I sieged its left arm from the opposite side. Further and further the Beringel's arm warped, until it slowly fell to its side out of an inability to move the limb. The Grimm was far from idle though, as it shoved me back and twisted on its debilitated lower body to throw a hook towards Nora.

Gritting my teeth, I used Burst to zip in front of the fist's path, burying Mirror's Edge into the ground to stop the punch. "Nora! Knock that arm off now!"

"You got it!" Once, twice, three times around Nora spun, Magnhild on a crash course for the Beringel. "This one's going out of the PARK!"

CRRRAAAAACK

THUD

Grimm muscle and sinew tore, and the tree-trunk-sized limb hit the ground and started scattering into ash. Staggering back, Magnhild hit the ground as Nora sank down. "Hah…hah…sorry Boss, I'm running on empty now…"

'Dustdamnit! I knew High Voltage ate up Nora's Aura like nothing else, but I hoped she could've gotten the other arm…' I stood in front of Nora as she leapt up to the same building as where she'd thrown Ren, and kept my eyes on the Beringel as we both circled the battle-torn square.

Crippled right leg. Shattered left hip. Viciously-removed right arm. Lacerated left arm.

I didn't enjoy my odds, considering I was running low on Aura myself. As it stood, I only had one card left to play, and I hadn't tested it out yet. 'If there was ever a time though…'

Taking a deep breath, I focused my Aura and channeled it, both to Chronometry, and to my body using a factor of Burst. 'This is going to wreck my body afterwards, but I just need to hold out…' I didn't dare take my eyes off the Beringel to appraise Qrow's situation, instead rocketing forward, discovering something in the course of my 'experiment'.

'I…I can move normally…' My limbs moved in normal time to the perception of Chronometry, and I ducked away from the Beringel's unbalanced punch and carved out another chunk of its arm. My legs began burning and my arms twinged while holding Mirror's Edge. 'Crap, less time than-ggghhh-than I thought…gotta hold on…'

Splitting Mirror's Edge apart to mitigate the muscle burn, I gritted my teeth as I faced the Grimm down. Death by a thousand cuts was coming for both of us, literal in the Beringel's case, and from muscle overuse in mine.

Downwards Slash. Calves searing.

Stab. Thighs shaking.

Upwards Slash. Lungs burning.

Cleave. Shoulders aching.

Tear. Arms spasming.

Rend. Fingers jerking.

I was locked in an eternity of battle, my body slowing down as the Beringel's movements dulled from torn muscles and shattered bones.

'Never stop moving…never stop fighting…'

I'd run out of Aura to use Burst already, and my attacks were even slower and weaker than before its application. My eyes felt like they were scorching my skull, but I slammed all the Aura I had left into them. With the Aura I had left, one errant punch would've shattered my Aura shield anyways.

'Only one of us…walks away…'

This is where the Grimm were truly fearsome. They would never tire. They would never stop. They were stronger, faster, tougher than each of us individually. Alone, no one stood a chance against them.

The Beringel roared as its smoking and distorted arm finally slammed into Mirror's Edge and knocked me to the edge of the village square. Looking up the side of the building, I smiled. Stumbling to my feet, I snarled and let out a roar of my own.

"NORA! LOCK UP ITS ARM! REN! GET THE EYES!" Good thing I wasn't alone.

Two figures of pink and green leapt from the rooftop above my head, pink Auras flashing. A Lightning Dust crystal glinted in Nora's hand as she shattered it, electricity coursing along her body.

"AAAAAAAHHHH!...Make it hurt, Kouzai…" Nora growled as she landed on top of the Beringel. Reaching around, she gripped the Grimm's fingers and mercilessly cracked them, forcefully bending the ruined limb behind the Beringel's body and driving it to its knees.

From above, Ren brandished Stormflower and scythed down into both of the Grimm's eyes, wrenching the Beringel's head down as it roared at the ground. Ren looked up towards the rooftop and nodded.

Heaving at having climbed the three stories, I grimaced as my entire body throbbed, before smiling down. "Nora! I'm taking a page from your book!" Using Burst one last time, I jumped high into the air and raised Mirror's Edge skyward, before firing to begin spinning downwards. My eyes burned as I tracked my descent, still firing to accelerate my momentum.

Once…'Let this…'

Twice…'Be a start…'

SSSSSSSSSSSCCCKKKK

THUD

'To fixing my mistakes…'

The Beringel's head dropped onto the ground, its body following it a second later. A cloud of Grimm ash rose up towards Remnant's broken moon, and all three of us toppled to the ground, Mirror's Edge stabbed into the dirt as I fell to my knees.

Eyes searing, my head spiked in pain behind my eyelids. "GGGAAAAAAHH!"

I slumped headfirst into Mirror's Edge as my vision darkened.

"Kouzai!"

"Kouzai! We need medical aid!"

'At least…they're safe…'

… … …

I wasn't sure when I awoke. Or if I'd ever been asleep. Whether this was real or a delusion.

I was standing on a circular platform of what appeared to be marble. Beyond the platform, there was only darkness.

I wasn't sure if the surface I was on was marble, but its gradient certainly appeared to look like it. Speckled white slid over to swirling silver where I stood, before transitioning over to a charcoal gray with hints of white, and then cycling back to white.

More important than that though, were the two other objects on the platform within my vision.

Doors. Both simple, elegant, white double doors of solid wood or metal. Emblazoned upon each were two black symbols. Walking up to one by the section of charcoal, I saw a jack-o-lantern and below that, a triple swirl enclosed within a circle. Walking over to the other door revealed a gear and a crown.

Those symbols were familiar, but from where…

Looking around the platform, behind where I'd started walking was a third door. Even from this distance, I could already recognize the two symbols upon that door.

The electrified hammer. The blooming lotus.

Nora and Ren.

Slowly, I walked towards the center of the platform, rotating until the point where all three doors seemed to be equidistant from one another. Where the shades of gray seemed to meet.

I looked towards the left door.

The gear.

Ozpin.

The crown.

Goodwitch.

The right door.

The jack-o-lantern.

Torchwick.

The tomoe.

Neo.

Perhaps a step towards one of the doors. But which?

Faster than anticipated. An oversight…

I whirled around, but the platform was still empty save for the three doors.

The first time you're all so close together, but it's still early. Too early for this. Give it a bit more time…

White filled the blankness beyond the platform, quickly encroaching and then engulfing the doors before reaching and filling my vision.

I wonder…

… … …

"-when he's gonna wake up? It's been days…"

"The doctor have said his vitals are all stable, and save for some unusual brain activity he appears to be making an unimpeded recovery."

I tried opening my eyes, but there was something in the way. I reached up towards my face and felt bandages over my eyes.

"Kouzai! You're awake!" A compact and densely muscled body landed atop mine, and I thanked the gods I didn't have broken ribs. 'A first time for everything…'

"What happened?" I groaned, beginning to unwrap the bandages around my eyes. "And why are these bandages here?"

"The doctors said that your eyes appeared to have strained themselves from the fight with the Beringel," Ren replied. "They determined that there miiigghhht bbeee ssssooommee uunnussuuaaall eeeffffeecctts…Kooouuuzzzaaaiii?"

I stared in confusion at Nora and Ren, now moving slow as molasses. Bringing my hand up to my face, I was moving just as slow. 'But I'm not using any Aura right now for Chronometry, so why…' I scrunched my eyes shut and covered them with my hands.

"Kouzai? Are you alright?"

I froze, then opened my eyes again, once again seeing the world in slow motion before shutting them.

"Ren, what color are my eyes?" I held my breath.

"…They're silver. Is something wrong?" I hissed out shakily, daring myself not to believe.

"I uhhh, I think…do we have our bags nearby? I could use my sunglasses. And either of yours if you have them as well." I tried very hard not to hyperventilate as there was some rummaging, before three pairs of sunglasses were pressed into my hands. Unceremoniously jamming them onto my face, one on top of the other, I made sure they were fixed in place before opening my eyes.

Near-complete blackness. From the varying positions of the three pairs of sunglasses I was wearing, only hints of light made it through, letting me see the barest forms of two bodies by my bed. I could barely tell which was Nora and which was Ren. Moving my hand in front of my face confirmed it.

"I…think my semblance has changed…it seems…constant now…" I spoke slowly, and not only due to my current perception. "It…seems to vary its level of effect, based on how much light my eyes are getting…"

"Are you telling me, Chronometry is always active now? And only stops when your eyes are closed?" Nora's tone was shocked, disbelieving, and I couldn't blame her. There was only one character, maybe two that I knew that had similarly working semblances.

A knock came from the door, and the door slowly opened.

"Oh, it's you." Nora's tone was uncharacteristically icy, making me wonder who the newcomer was.

"Sorry. I'll be out of your hair soon." Qrow's rough voice sounded out, and I sighed in relief that he was alright, before tensing up. 'Why does Nora have something against Qrow?'

"We would appreciate it if you departed now, Mr. Branwen." Ren's flat tone had even me wincing, both from its venom and the implication that both Nora and Ren knew about Qrow's family relations now.

Qrow sighed heavily. "Look, I get that you have beef with my sister from a couple years back, regardless of how she's turned things around since then. I get that you probably have a bone to pick with me too for the last few days. Fine. But I'm just here to say that someone wants to talk to you three, someone pretty damn important. That's it. I'll be leaving now."

The door opened again. "Qrow!"

The room was silent before the door closed again. "Yeah, kid?"

My shades were off, and I stared straight at Qrow's pained face as I used every second to think before closing them. "Before you leave, once I'm back on my feet, let's get a drink." I glared around with newly silver irises, cutting off any protests from Nora and Ren before they happened. Looking back at Qrow, I realized as he flinched that my now-constantly silver eyes must've reminded him of Summer and Ruby. 'Two people who probably weigh heavy on his mind…'

I slipped the shades back on to hear Qrow's response. "Sure. Just come find me. I'll probably be at the same tavern." The door opened again and Qrow stepped out, but as he slipped out another figure stepped through the doorway.

Even deprived of almost all light, his features were obvious. Silver hair and spectacles. Black and green suit and vest. A timeless cane and near-indestructible mug.

"Good afternoon. I hope I'm not disturbing your rest and recovery, but I wished to take a few moments and speak with you all before departing." The door closed and the mug was placed on a nearby dresser as he assumed an authoritative position. "I am Professor Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon Academy."

"…"

"…"

"…"

'…Shit…what the hell is Ozpin doing here? There's no way he found about my otherworldly status right? No, I told no one about that, he'd have to be aware of the event and have tracked me down which is impossible. But wait, what if he knows I'm the Specter?'

I made no effort whatsoever to speak, so Nora was the first to recover. "AWESOME! What're you doing in a small village like this?" Her blunt inquiry had Ren slapping his face and Ozpin chuckling.

"Well, I suppose my presence in Shion is two-pronged at the moment. Having been present in Mistral for the Vytal Festival when this Grimm attack occurred, I was sadly unable to rouse the Mistral Council into providing official support to aid in Shion's defense due to an ill-timed heist by Roman Torchwick. Forced into mobilizing independent and discreet support, it took slightly longer than anticipated to arrive in Shion, and by then reinforcements were tasked with the recovery effort instead. That is the first reason. The second involves 'checking in' with those that defended Shion on their own, which I was amazed to discover were only comprised of Qrow and you three brave individuals. So I am here to formally thank you on behalf of Beacon Academy, and Huntsmen as a whole." Ozpin bowed to general astonishment, and the wheels were still racing in my head when Ren spoke.

"Forgive me for asking Headmaster, but does this mean that Qrow Branwen was in your employ at the time of this incident?" There was no noticeable change in movement or posture from either party, but the air in the room seemed to tense.

"Yes. I'm afraid that Qrow has been having personal issues as of late that clearly began to bleed over into his professional work. I was oblivious to the level of such influence before, but now that innocent lives have been endangered by his behavior, I will be taking measures to ensure that-"

"You should give him some time off. Let him visit his family." I slapped a hand over my mouth, but the damage was already done as everyone in the room turned to me. Ren and Nora's expressions were obviously ones of outrage, but Ozpin's was far too nuanced for me to read while nearly-blind.

"How intriguing…even after all that has happened, you would see the man who endangered innocent lives, as well as your own, be given a proverbial slap on the wrist?" If Ozpin found my impromptu getup at all bizarre, it didn't show on his face or in his tone.

I swallowed. "He mentioned during the attack, that his negative mental state is due to issues with his family. He also mentioned that his work is important to you somehow. Forcing him away from work that might have repercussions in his current state, and forcing him to confront such issues with his family would be a very firm decision, and one that betters everyone overall."

Ozpin stared inscrutably. "…How very right you are. I suppose such insight should not be ignored from the defenders of Shion. Very well. I will give Qrow some leave from his work with the explicit condition of returning to his family." Ozpin reached for his mug and took a sip of cocoa. "In that case, we may progress to the other reason for my visit. Would you all be so kind as to tell me your names. And young man, could I trouble you to remove your sunglasses?"

Slowly, I took the three pairs of sunglasses off, and stared directly at Ozpin with my silver irises. A moment passed, two moments, before I closed my eyes. "I'm Kouzai Higure."

"My name is Lie Ren."

"And I'm Nora Valkyrie!"

"Wonderful…" Ozpin murmured as I placed two pairs of shades back on. Still slow, but at a level where speech didn't crawl. "Qrow informed me of your unique condition as a result of the grueling battle with a Beringel. To confirm, your eyes were not always silver?"

'Oh come one, I get that it's a unique color, but when you've got Yang, Tyrian, Klein and gods knows who else around, this really isn't that surprising!' I sighed. "No sir. My current eye color is due to my Aura being silver, as well as some change in my semblance making this eye color constant."

Ozpin's fingers visibly loosened around his cane. "I see. Qrow also informed me about aspects of your semblance that he observed, and I believe that you would do well to consult him about your new condition. But I digress. The main reason I wished to visit you all today is to express the gratitude of the people of Shion Village, of Mistral and of huntsmen and huntresses as a whole. For your brave and selfless actions, Beacon Academy would like to extend an offer to attend Beacon Academy in the coming year."

The spinning wheels ground to a halt. 'Ah damnit…so that's what this is about…'

"W-We're still underage," I stammered automatically.

"The mark of a true huntsman or huntress is determined by strength of character, of skill, and certainly not of age," Ozpin chuckled. "There have been various cases of early acceptance by those one or even two years younger than the age of adulthood at seventeen. Why, even Qrow was merely sixteen when he first attended the Academy, much as he attempted to conceal that fact."

I looked over at Nora and Ren, both of whom seem to have made up their minds already. My heart seized. 'Crap, what if they both accept? Do I go along with them? But then what about Team JNPR? Too many variables!"

"We thank you for your kind offer, but we believe that it would be best to apply at the regular age along with our friends of the same age as us." Ren's smile was warm enough to relax my terrified heart. "We might regret it were we to leave our friends behind at the chance of an early acceptance and attendance."

"Yeah, and we're not sure if we're up to snuff just yet," Nora added, gesturing with her bandaged arms and wincing at what seemed like muscle twinges. "We wouldn't wanna go now and fall behind compared to those who put the proper work in. Better to give it another year and be better prepared."

Ozpin nodded as if he'd expected this. "Wise of all of you to consider such factors. I am now further reassured of your acceptance to an academy when the time does come. Should you wish to apply at a different academy other than Beacon, Qrow and I would be more than willing to provide recommendations espousing the virtues and skills you three have exhibited. In addition, should there be any other Huntsmen-related requests or questions you may have, please feel free to reach out to Qrow or I. Here is our contact information." Ozpin handed two cards over to Ren, before opening the door and turning back.

"I wish you a swift and painless recovery, and best of luck to your futures, be they as Huntsmen or in whatever field you desire. Good day." The door closed, and I sagged back against the bed, eyes closed.

"I've had enough surprises for the year. And enough fighting. Hell, I've had enough of everything." The room was silent for a moment, and I looked over at Nora and Ren as they looked back. "What? Is it something I said?"

"Why'd you stick up for Qrow when he was on the chopping block with Ozpin? You were the one who was pissed at him during the fight?" Nora questioned.

"In addition, the matter of his now-obvious relation to Raven Branwen should have made you furious at the man. Instead, you offered to have a drink with him. Why?" Ren added.

I sighed, eyes still closed. "The whole thing with Raven isn't a big deal with me. He's not his sister, so he shouldn't be held accountable for the things she's done. And I didn't stick up for Qrow so much as condemn the man to facing his issues, which he seems deathly afraid of confronting. Whether or not that's merciful or cruel is subjective. And…in part, I genuinely feel bad for him. With a semblance like his, decades of suffering have probably warped his opinion on whether people want him around or not, on whether he should be around people or not. To hear that he's adrift without a singular anchor to ground him…in any case, I'll be giving him my own stern talking-to, one that you both won't be present for. If you've got issues with him, bring them up separately, alright?"

"That's fair."

"Fine…"

"Good. Now I'm taking the mother of all naps. Something tells me I'm gonna need it."

… … …

I found Qrow at a table by one of the intact windows in the tavern, limping over and taking a seat. The man glanced curiously at the dark sunglasses I was wearing in a dim tavern at night.

"Turns out I've got a passive semblance now, one that get's very annoying when I want to talk to people. The more light I filter out, the weaker the effect gets, until I close my eyes and everything's normal." I turned to the waitress passing by. "Could I get a double of whiskey?"

"You sure you should be drinking, kid? You look like you got run over by a grounded bullhead. Not to mention you're underage."

"Qrow, I'm nearly seventeen, and I just survived a fight with dozens of Nevermore, over a hundred Beowolves, a nest of Manticores and a Beringel. I'm having a double of whiskey."

"Hey, I handled the Manticores," Qrow mumbled as the waitress walked away with the order. "Alright fine. What'd you wanna talk about? Oz tells me I've got you to thank for my newfound free time, and the trip I've gotta make back to Patch."

"Patch? That where the dreaded family is?" I asked needlessly as Qrow glared. "Or is it with Raven and her band of merry and murderous men?"

"So you know about Raven and the Tribe. Can't say I blame the hostility now," Qrow muttered, taking down more of his own whiskey. "I take it the other two aren't pleased with me on that."

"Not in the slightest," I exclaimed cheerfully as my drink arrived. Raising it to Qrow, I took a sip and laid it on the table. "But my issue with you was never about that. It's about you ignoring your family just because you think they don't need you anymore."

Qrow froze, before his hand tensed around his glass. "Careful what lines you cross, kid. I'm not exactly at my most restrained at the moment."

"That works for me, it's easier to get through to someone when they're blubbering," I shot back. "So, tell me about your situation and how awful it is."

"You a shrink now, kid?"

"Nope. I'm just the guy who was unconscious for two days from injuries caused by your moody demeanor."

"Tss…fair enough." Qrow took a gulp of his whiskey, calling for yet another. "Fine. We got the blonde bastard who gets all the ladies, my sister who was just human enough to own up to her mistake of abandoning her family, and two teenage nieces who've spent nearly their whole lives without a mom. Cue dear ol' sis waltzing back in through the door, and suddenly all's right with the world."

I somehow simultaneous deadpanned and gaped at Qrow. "Are you really telling me your sister, Raven Branwen, bogeyman of Anima, stealer of candy from babies, went back to her family and they accepted her? Just like that?"

Qrow winced, finishing off his first, or rather first in my presence, double before moving onto his second. "Not quite. There was a lot of screaming. Like, a lot. Like, 'making up for over a decade of abandonment' a lot. And things have changed with the Tribe, loath as I am to admit it. 'Stead of murdering and thieving villages, it's more a mercenary service. Prices are high as all get-out, sure, but it's as legit as you can get with a tribe of crooks." Qrow noticed my now-just-deadpan, coughing and taking another gulp. "Still, Firecracker's worked out some of her issues with Mom of the year, and Pipsqueak's happy to see her sister happy."

"Who in the holy hell are 'Firecracker' and 'Pipsqueak'?"

"…Ah, fuck it. Their names are Yang and Ruby. One with a temper just shy of supernova, and the other a hyperactive, socially-awkward, sweets-obsessed munchkin." Qrow's tone had shifted to wistful. "Love 'em to death."

"And that's why you decided to stay away from them? Because they got back something that was missing in their lives, you thought it best to take away something else that they love?" Qrow's smile snapped into a scowl. "Hey, your words, not mine."

"Really starting to regret agreeing to drink with you…"

"And yet, here we are, or rather, here you still are."

"…I…my semblance is misfortune, plain and simple. Bad luck for you, bad luck for me, bad luck for anyone and everyone around me. I've lost plenty in my life; money, possessions, friends, family. But the thought of something happening to either of my nieces…my blood chills just thinking it."

And here was the crux of it all. "Are you scared that your semblance might cause something to happen to them, or just scared that it might change what they think of you?"

Qrow's hand shot out and gripped my shirt before the man himself seemed to register it. Letting the momentum pull me forward slightly, my glasses dipped down my nose as I looked Qrow right in the eye, silver irises and all. Shaking, the hand released its grip as Qrow drank the rest of his double. "I don't care what they think of me…okay, I don't care what they think of me as much as I care about what might happen to them. I'm stayin' away 'cause I know my semblance'll get to 'em if I stick around. Sure, it hurts not seeing 'em, but I'd rather I hurt than them."

I straightened my shirt out. "Newsflash, that's a colossal failure. If you were trying to make it so that they wouldn't be hurt by you being around, why even become part of their life in the first place?" I held my hand out, cutting off his sharp retort. "Rhetorical question, I know you did it because Raven left and it was just Dad with Ruby and Yang. Fact is, you still became a part of their lives. A pretty treasured part too, I'd wager. So I'd say they do need and want you."

"But with Raven around, they don't need someone as dangerous as me! Or they shouldn't," Qrow said heatedly.

"And who gets to decide who's needed in a person's life? You? Hell no, that's up to the person themselves. You ever ask Ruby or Yang whether they want you in their lives?" Qrow's guilty look was telling. "Trick question, it's implied they still want you in their lives, dumbass. All you're doing by traveling halfway across Remnant to hide from them is hurting them."

"But their lives will be better off without my semblance going off on them, instead of sticking around and leaving it free to hurt them!"

"Then let them decide that! Let the person themselves decide the benefits or drawbacks of having you in their lives. Or better yet, talk! If you're so gung-ho about living the hermit life so that no one you care for gets hurt, why not just tell them about your semblance?"

"…"

"Is it because they probably wouldn't care? Or maybe because they'd do something like stick closer to you because of it?"

"…" Qrow looked about to topple over, and for once it wasn't solely due to alcohol. I'd thought this argument over, rehearsed it even. If there was something, anything I needed to fix on Remnant, it was this. One of my own mistakes. I could not, would not allow a family to break apart because of me.

"Ruby and Yang have gone though enough hardship in their lives as it is. Don't let your absence be added to that pile." I laid a hand on Qrow's shoulder. "Talk with them. Talk with everyone in your life, and be frank. If you truly care about the people you have in your life, let them make an informed choice about it."

Qrow blinked rapidly, and I silently stacked the various glasses on the table and brought them back to the counter. As I returned, Qrow's eyes were dry, but also resolved. Reaching behind him, he placed something leather-wrapped on the table.

"Take it you have an idea of how Raven and I were raised." I nodded. "We did things I'm not proud of, and this' one 'em. No one in the tribe was strong enough to bring down a Huntsmen, but Raven and I together managed it a year or two before Beacon. The first Huntsmen kill the Tribe ever made…the spoils went to Rae and I. I got the huntsman's knife, and Rae got that gun 'round your waist."

I silently touched Corona in its holster while staring at the knife on the table.

"No one knew what the knife did, and everyone thought it was just a good blade. It wasn't till Beacon that I found out what passive semblances were, and that I had one. Turns out, so did this knife's owner." Qrow slid the knife out of its sheath, and held the gleaming white blade up to the light. Maybe it was the tavern's wavering light, but it seemed to glow red and yellow for a moment. "The blade's made with Orichalchum, native to Vale. Known for having all sortsa weird reactions with Aura, and each weapon's unique. This one…draws Aura from passive semblance users."

I sucked in a breath I didn't know I'd been holding and Qrow chuckled. "Relax, it ain't gonna suck you dry or anything, more like little wisps here and there and the rare spike. It's helped smooth out some of the jumps in my semblance. I always meant to hand it down to Ruby or Yang, tell 'em to have a backup weapon just in case but…"

"It exudes the properties of the Auras and semblances absorbed," I finished as Qrow nodded. "Meaning that knife has two decades of your Aura and semblance in it."

"Right in one. I'm worried about what it might do if Ruby or Yang has it, but you? You're a badass tough guy." We both shared a laugh at my expense. "I'm not worried about handing this over to you, not if Rae's already seen fit to pass that pistol on. I've just got one condition."

"And that is?"

Qrow leaned forward. "Oz told me you three plan on goin' to Beacon in a couple years. Same as Yang. If I give you this, promise to look after her, and after Ruby when she's old enough to get in. Do that, an' maybe I'll follow through on your advice."

'Well, when you put it like that…' I laid my hand on the knife, and I swear the blade shined with a silver sheen. "You have my word."

… … …

"And heerrree you go!"

"Nora, I don't think it was necessary to carry Kouzai up the boat's ramp."

"But he's trying to walk around with his eyes closed! What if he slipped and fell? What if that possessed knife of his caused something bad to happen to him?"

"…Regardless, I don't believe it was necessary to carry Kouzai up the ramp. I also don't believe you should be squeezing him to the point of strangulation.

"HHAAAAAAHHH," I gasped for air as Nora released me. "Thanks for the urgency, Ren." Ren smiled that near-smirk expression that only he could do.

Having since recovered from the attack, we resumed our travel to Anima's western shore to where the boat to Sanus and Vale was. After discreet calls to Weylin on how my project was going, and even more discreet calls to Lil' Miss confirming the status of my accommodations, we made haste in order to make the departure time and date.

"This is the first time we'll be apart in years…" Nora said, tearing up. "Who's going to make sure you live after getting hospitalized every fight? How will you ever survive?"

"I think I'll be fine," I replied dryly. "And it'll only be until the practical examinations, which you'll both be coming to Vale for."

"Nonetheless, it does seem slightly hazardous to attempt surviving alone in Vale without your eyesight," Ren added. "It's also a shame that you won't be present for the unveiling of the CCT relay tower in Yozakura at the next flower viewing festival."

"Like I said, I'll be taking things easy while I'm in Vale, to get used to things without seeing, or at least find a way to mitigate Chronometry's effect." I leaned in. "And considering that we agreed to not tell Ms. Fujiko we fought an invasion of Grimm until you two return to Yozakura, it's not me I'm worried for." We all collectively shuddered at Ms. Fujiko's impending wrath.

'And here I'll have the last laugh.' I wrapped my arms around both their shoulders in a hug as I smirked. "And so help me, if you two haven't gotten together by the time you come to Vale, I'll conspire with whoever your teammates are at Beacon to lock you in a room until you start banging."

"EEP!"

"…"

The ship's horn signaled the impending departure as I pushed my two fiercely-blushing friends down the ramp. "Be well, and stay safe!"

I watched as Nora and Ren stood alone for the first time since my coming to Remnant. It was undoubtedly sad, but in a year's time, I'd look them proudly in the eye and say it was worth it. 'The how will remain silent though.'

The journey towards Vale was beginning. Towards Cinder. Towards Amber. Towards the fight.

And I'd be ready for them.

TIME REMAINING UNTIL START OF CANON: 1 YEAR

… … …

… … …

Qrow sat along in one of his favorite Mistral haunts, waiting for his company to arrive as he swirled a glass around in his hand. His thoughts were still on the calls he'd just gotten off of.

To Oz, thanking him for giving him the chance to make it up to Ruby and Yang, even if he himself didn't see it that way yet.

To Rae, actually having to apologize for acting like a 'birdbrain with a pint of whiskey where his brain should be'. There was also a surprising question or two about the kid, meaning he'd better send a heads-up message the kid's way.

Eh, he'd be fine.

To Amber, letting the poor girl know he'd be back soon and they'd resume travelling Vale. He'd also be closer at hand this time, and yes, he understood about how Amber had magical powers, and yes, he understood how Misfortune would do little to mitigate how terrifying and powerful those powers were to most people.

To Ruby, Yang and Tai. Tai accepted things easily enough, but his nieces…gods, he was going to need a lot of sweets, weapon mods and fancy clothes to smooth how long he'd been gone over. Tai had apparently told them he'd just been gone for an extended mission, softy that he was.

A knot he hadn't even known was in his stomach finally loosened at the thought of seeing Ruby and Yang again. Taking a hearty sip from him glass, he heard the chair opposite his scrape slightly as Winter Schnee sat down.

"Finally done with all that Torchwick heist paperwork?" Qrow asked, watching Winter run a hand through perfect white locks.

"Indeed. The reports required after such an incident, especially for those from other kingdoms involved, was quite frankly staggering," Winter muttered, before her eyes narrowed. "I heard you were involved in your own incident in Shion Village, something about a Grimm attack. Why are you not similarly buried in paperwork?"

Qrow grinned gleefully. "Oz saw fit to give me vacation time, and I took it to mean vacation time immediately. As in, so immediately either him or Glynda will be handling the paperwork."

Immaculate brows furrowed as Winter scowled, before one raised. "And Headmaster Ozpin accepted this?"

Qrow winced. "Well…part of the vacation involves going back to Patch to visit the nieces, who I've…kind of been avoiding…"

"Ah, your punishment has already been administered, I see." Winter smirked as her one drink for the evening arrived. "I take it your nieces were not pleased with your absence?"

"Understatement of the century," Qrow groaned. "I'll probably spend the next year or so trying to get back in their good graces. Not to mention, I've gotta hear about Yang's drinking exploits, and Ruby's secret Grimm-killing excursions, and all the stuff happening at Signal!"

"I am placed in a similar, yet perhaps more rewarding situation," Winter replied, sipping at her drink. "Father has seen fit to increase Weiss' studies, likely in a bid to dissuade her from trying to apply for Beacon Academy, or at the very least dash her chances of training for it. I have been the recipient of countless questions regarding training, studies, and 'conniving, rotten little brothers'."

"Ouch. Trainings easy enough with Ruby, and Yang usually takes it up with her dad," Qrow chuckled. "Come to think of it, you're not upset your sister's aiming for Beacon instead of Atlas?"

Winter placed her drink on the table and laid both hands flat. "I may wish she could follow in my footsteps, but Weiss is her own person, and may take what path she wishes. If teenage rebellion against Father has her attending a prestigious academy such as Beacon, then I have no complaints."

"Ha, aint that right." Qrow raised his glass. "To teenage rebellion, and all the joys and woes that come with it."

"Hear, hear." Both glasses clinked as a comfortable silence fell for a moment. Setting his glass down, Qrow considered something, before leaning forward.

"Care to hear a secret of mine?"

"…I cannot say I am opposed. Is it vitally important?"

"To me it is…it's about my semblance."

A/N: Whew, another year for the history books. I hope things hashed out in a satisfying manner regarding Qrow for readers. I'm getting better at getting all my ideas down into my writing, but it's still not a perfect process. Also, not that it was a hard and fast rule, but I came back to Qrow again because of the new ramifications on Kouzai's actions, not to mention the effects on those involved.

As for the other parts of the chapter, hopefully those turned out well too. Kouzai's semblance has undergone some changes, and those will have their own effects. As for the other thing? Well…

No Omake this week, figured I'd leave things with Qrow. Happy Thanksgiving!

-SE

Next Chapter Date: 12/02/19