A/N: Sotz is the worst and the squad is the best. Change my mind.
Anyways, I'm another year older now and still writing this nonsense, woot woot. We're in the home stretch now- last ten chapters, which is wild to think about. Let me know what you think!
What We Call Home
Once upon a time, the Branwen Tribe's reach covered vast swathes of Anima. Their tribe's power had extended far and wide. Their name was one to fear.
This was not the legacy Nora knew them by. No, by the time Nora had learned what the Branwen Tribe was, they had already lost the majority of their power. Their old ways, their infamy and fearmongering, had crumbled into divisions as the central powers fought amongst themselves for control.
But with every revolution came vultures, splinter groups using the Branwen name to justify their own crimes popping up left and right. Nora knew that Sotz had once upon a time been a part of the Branwen clan, truly- his bitterness and rage had been proof of that. The ugly burn mark left by former Branwen leaders covering his right eye, eyebrow long since singed off, scar raised in purple welts stark against pale skin, did nothing but augment his bloodlust.
Sotz had been a unique one amongst most of the tribe members. He had gone to Haven Academy. He had been a Huntsman before giving it up in all ways but name.
Nora knew this was a dream. She had always been short, yes, but she had definitely grown since she was ten- since she was a child looking up at Sotz's leering expression, glaring at him despite how her knees quaked together. With that awareness, it was naught but a detached fear that she felt, settling over her like a cloak, but not truly penetrating her heart.
It still made her want to vomit.
She held it in, however, as she felt a familiar hand in hers. Ren. The boy stood beside her, fingers laced in hers, squeezing with as much strength as he could muster- which, admittedly, was not much after their wearying day.
Sotz's face split into a wide, predatory smirk. A voice from behind her growled, "The girl's a fighter. Let's just use her."
She glanced over her shoulder, wincing under the glare of the clean-cut, muscular man. Sculpted arms folded across a built chest as Varin narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing every flaw in her tattered clothes, her scrawny form. "She managed to take down that Beowolf. The boy wasn't bad either. Rather than just having liabilities to feed, you might as well put them to use."
"This isn't the Atlesian military," Sotz said, rolling his eyes. "Calm down with your strategies, Colonel-"
"Shut your mouth, welp."
It was an old routine. Nora had seen it time and time again. She always wondered when Varin would say enough; the former Atlesian soldier clearly hated himself enough as it was for losing his standing in Atlas. Sotz's jeers only poured salt into the wounds.
Yet, he stayed. Perhaps it was because a thieving Huntsman still had it easier than a traitorous one. Perhaps.
"They're plenty useful as bait," Nick said from his seat on the floor, refilling his cup with rum for the fourth time that meeting. He downed half the glass, the ruddy glow painting his cheeks visible even in the dim tent. "Let the Grimm enjoy watching them squeal."
She felt callused, rough hands seize her cheek, jerking her face upwards. She flinched, trying to pull away, but the hold was too strong. "You know," Sotz murmured, his breath hot and foul in her ear, long tongue flicking out between parched lips, "she's coming along nicely. She could always pay her keep in other ways."
Nora knew he didn't mean her combat skills.
She was going to be sick.
Nick's guffaws shook the poles holding up their ramshackle main tent. "Don't go too far," he roared in amusement. "Those eyes will curse you!"
In a heartbeat, the point of a dagger's blade was mere centimeters from Nora's eye. She froze, breath caught in her throat, watching the tip of the weapon shine in the low light cast from their weak gas lanterns. One move, and the blade would be in her skull.
Her heart pounded in her ears, the edges of her vision going grey and fading into static as she tried to ignore the weapon so close to puncturing her cornea. The shaking of her knees was almost painful, her toes and fingers going numb as dizziness began to set in.
"If she tries it," he hissed, "then her eyes can go." His lips curled into a sadistic grin, leaning closer and closer until his face was all she could see along with the dagger. "She doesn't need to see for the boy to fear for her. Maybe it'll even be better that way."
"The girlie won't even see the Grimm? I love it!"
Varin spat on the ground, pushing past Sotz through the flap of the tent. "Make sure you don't go too far," he said as he left, bitterness oozing from every word.
Sotz dropped Nora's face and her knees gave way, the girl collapsing to the dirt floor. Ren was beside her in an instant, holding her tight as she trembled. "Nora," Ren whispered, "it's okay." He didn't let go of her, somehow mustering up enough of his Aura to cast his Semblance on her to calm her down before the bandits beat them for attracting Grimm with her fear when they weren't supposed to.
But it wasn't okay. None of their followers would protect Nora should Sotz act on those words.
Nora's eyes opened and she sat up in her wide bed, taking a moment to collect herself and process the memory. Her forehead was streaked in sweat, heart beating against her ribcage with such intensity that she felt physically pained. Every move she made sent stars swimming through her head, and trying to swing her legs off the side of the bed made it even worse.
It had been a long, long time since she had awoken with such vivid dreams- such vivid memories. But Carob's eyes had been true when he had said those words. Sotz was still alive. She was in his grasp, after eight years of trying to piece herself back together again in his wake.
No- not 'trying'. I made it. Ren and I made it.
Finally, she glanced at her Scroll. It was quite early- not enough for Jaune to be up, but probably enough for Ren to be meditating and trying to wake himself up for the day.
Her guess was correct. She stumbled into the room he shared with Jaune, barefoot in her pyjamas, pushing open the door just wide enough to stick her head in. "Ren?" she whispered, trying to keep a smile on her face.
Ren was already dressed, seated cross-legged on the floor by the window at the other end of the room. At the sound of her voice, however, he silently stood, striding across the room in just a few paces and slipping out of the door. Without a word, he guided her back to her bedroom and sat her down on the bed, closing the door behind her with one hand and extending the other to her, his palm already shining magenta with his Aura.
With a grateful smile, Nora grabbed onto his hand, sighing in relief as his Aura danced along her skin, encasing her in the safety of his Semblance. He didn't say a word, simply taking a seat beside her and holding onto her hands with his own, concern painted clear as day on his face.
When her heartbeat finally settled, she took in a deep breath, leaning against his shoulder. "I… um…"
"What Carob said is still on your mind."
"He's in the city, Ren," she breathed. "He's here."
Ren lay his cheek atop her hair, his warmth soothing her more than his Semblance ever could. "And if we find him, we'll do the same thing we did last time. This time, he won't be escaping," he said. There was no hesitation in his voice- only firm, unyielding anger.
Nora couldn't restrain her smile, giggling despite herself. After Sotz's eye on Nora had turned predatory, Nora and Ren had wasted no time whatsoever. It hadn't been safe for Nora to stay there anymore.
So, the two of them had stolen back Ren's father's dagger, grabbed as much money as they could, and set the entire camp on fire. All it had taken was Nick's stash of higher-proofed alcohol, a few matches Ren had managed to nick from their sundries, a few rags, and Nick's complacency when drinking around Nora and Ren.
The whole thing had gone alight right under his nose while Varin and Sotz had been off collecting more Huntsmen missions. Nora and Ren had never looked back, Nora using her growing strength and speed to catch game and protect them both from Grimm, and Ren using his Semblance and wits to hide their tracks from the gang and Grimm alike. Weeks had been spent like that, the two ten-year-olds hiding away in caves and nooks and hidey-holes as they made their way through Anima's forests.
"I doubt we need to run as much," Nora chuckled. "I mean, we've gotta get to Atlas at some point, too." Ren hummed, the sound reverberating through his chest and into Nora. She took another deep breath, finding calm at last. "I should probably get dressed, huh?"
"Jaune will be waking up soon." Ren squeezed her hands, finally retracting his Semblance and standing to give her privacy.
Before he left, however, Nora murmured, "Should we try calling Howl and everyone?"
Ren paused, then surprisingly enough, he shook his head. "Let's go through Carob for now," he said. "We don't want to do anything that might give them away if they're in the middle of an operation."
She groaned, but they both knew she didn't mind. There was a lot weighing on both of their minds, but for now, they had a mission; find a way to Mantle. They could check in with Carob after exhausting their current resources.
After all, if their guardians were indeed hunting Sotz down, they wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
A quick shower later, Nora skipped downstairs to the smell of fried eggs and bacon. She smiled, walking over excitedly to the kitchen. However, it wasn't Saphron in the kitchen; instead, a woman just a bit taller than Nora stood by the stovetop, gazing intently over small, red-rimmed spectacles at the sizzling contents of her pan. "Saph, bring Adrian downstairs-" she began, stopping short when she turned to see Nora instead of Saphron.
"Hi!" Nora waved sheepishly. "I'm Nora."
The woman, who was clearly Saphron's wife from all of the photos from the mantelpiece, relaxed after a moment, a welcoming smile illuminating her tawny face. "Hey! Saphron told me about you all." Beckoning Nora over, she pulled out a stack of plates. "I'm Terra, Saphron's wife. I hope you're feeling a bit better- Saphron told me that you all were exhausted after your trip."
Before Nora could respond, Saphron stepped into the kitchen. Nora felt a smile come unbidden onto her face as she saw the sleepy young toddler with Terra's colouring yawning in Saphron's arms. "Who is this?!" she squeaked, clasping her hands together, enraptured. The child was adorable, the sleepy flush on his cheeks rosy against his tanned face.
Saphron chuckled. "Meet our little boy, Adrian."
Nora giggled as the boy raised a chubby fist up to rub doleful brown eyes. "Ooh, the man of the house. Hiya, Adrian," she cooed.
Terra laughed. "Help me get breakfast into the living room?"
"For sure!"
The small dining table tucked into the corner of the kitchen was nowhere near enough to seat them all, especially as Jaune and Ren made their way down the stairs. After introductions and reunions were had, the atmosphere stayed light in the foyer, the group enjoying the simple breakfast Terra had prepared for them.
Saphron was wiping Adrian's mouth when Terra asked at last, "So, what are you going to do for now? Saph said you're waiting for your colleagues."
Jaune smiled, tentatively glancing at Nora and Ren. "Yeah. We kind of need to get to Atlas."
Terra choked on her coffee, dark eyes blazing. "What are you talking about?! You can't go to Atlas right now- the borders are completely closed!"
"Honey," Saphron said, brows furrowed in concern. "It's for a mission. Huntsmen should be okay at least, right?"
Ren offered, "Well, we were thinking of starting with the military base. What we're dealing with has to do with General Ironwood, so it shouldn't be an issue."
Terra still looked doubtful, clearing her throat and slowly picking up everyone's plates. "I don't think starting with the base is your best bet. Civilian craft or transport craft might be a better option… or maybe… oh, I don't know. I guess you can start with the base, but I'm still not so sure you'll be able to get to Mantle anyways, even if you do get an audience there," she said wearily. "Everyone's been a little too jumpy lately, what with the embargo, and the CCTS down and local comm lines glitching out-"
"Terra works in communications," Saphron explained as she lifted Adrian off her lap and set the little boy onto Jaune's. Jaune accepted the baby with weary resignation, but he smiled despite himself when Adrian beamed up at him. Nora chuckled, standing up to help Terra clean up the table.
"Yeah," Terra said, "and then there was the whole Argus Limited incident-"
"Incident?" That perked Saphron up, the woman looking suspiciously at the three young Huntsmen-in-training. "What incident?"
Terra didn't see Saphron's doubtful expression as she headed into the kitchen. "Half the train was missing! Some of our repair supplies were lost on that train. They've sent crews to retrieve the cargo, but apparently it derailed along the line, so they're going to have to do air retrievals in the middle of snowy Grimm country."
Nora's mouth dried up, voice refusing to leave her throat. The train's second half derailed? They were stranded in Grimm country? What?!
"Everyone's gonna be okay," Jaune whispered. Nora looked up at him, watching him bounce Adrian on his lap with a tight smile on his face. His eyes bore nothing but frantic hope.
He didn't have much else to cling onto, either.
She swallowed thickly and carried the rest of the plates into the kitchen after Terra. When she returned to the couch, Ren had stood, securing StormFlower in its holsters. "We should get started on our search," he murmured. "Should we start with the military or a civilian ship?"
Jaune sighed, handing Adrian back to Saphron. He stood and stretched, making his way to the staircase. "I'll grab my weapon," he called.
"Grab Magnhild for me!" He gave her a thumbs-up and continued up the stairs. In his wake, Nora turned to Ren. "Maybe we should start with civilian? Qrow probably would know someone at the base. We're not exactly convincing, especially not without the lamp."
Ren nodded slowly. "That's probably true."
Terra stepped out of the kitchen, leaning against the empty doorframe and crossing her arms. "Do you know where you're all going?" she asked, her worry evident in her tone. "If you wait till I'm back from work tonight, I can-"
"Thank you! But we've got a couple of leads," Nora replied. "I'm sure we'll figure out something!"
"Either way," Ren mused aloud, opening up his contact menu on his Scroll, "we've got time. We have to wait till everyone gets here."
Nora watched him tap on each of their friends' contacts. There was no signal for any of them. They were still somewhere outside of Argus, out of reach from the communication towers Terra apparently manned.
Saphron looked anxiously between Nora and Ren, and Terra. "Were… were you three on the train that derailed?" she asked quietly. "I didn't ask how your journey was yesterday- I was so caught up in seeing Jaune again and meeting you, I didn't want to ask- but was it really your train?"
Nora smiled sheepishly. "Um… maybe?"
"It was unavoidable to protect the passengers," Ren said. Always the pragmatic one, he explained, "Our team was separated as a way to protect the civilians. That's why we're trying to find an airship before they get here- it'll be one less thing for them to worry about."
By that point, Jaune had made his way down the stairs. Crocea Mors was strapped to his hip, and he tossed Magnhild's compact form to Nora. She caught it with ease and clipped the hammer into its holster on her waist in one fluid motion. "Are we ready to go?" Jaune asked.
Nora melted, seeing how desperately Jaune was trying to cover his fear with a smile. "They'll be okay, Jaune," she said quietly. "Let's believe in them."
The blond's expression softened, his smile more genuine. "Yeah. You're right. Let's go."
After waving goodbye to a worried Saphron and Terra, the trio left the house, ready to take on the long list of contacts sent by Carob. Time to see what Argus is all about.
In the daylight, Argus was actually quite a beautiful city. Completely unlike Mistral, the city completely lacked the traditional flair of Mistral's sloped, triangular shingled roofs and paper-and-wood construction, despite the similar incline of the entire settlement. Instead, the cobblestone and brick roads of Argus were neatly lined and manicured, topped with light dustings of snow which seemed to garnish every surface so smoothly it almost seemed decorative. Tiny evergreen shrubs where planted every few feet, injecting a bit of colour in an otherwise oblique cityscape. The entire city was surrounded on three sides by dense coniferous forests, the icy cold of northern Anima dulled by the sea breeze wafting in from the coastline and military base at the bottom of the hill. Brick and mortar fought off the chill, and unlike the claustrophobic atmosphere of the vertical city, Argus was much wider, much more spread out, given greater room to breathe.
The only thing that made her uncomfortable was the ever-present Atlesian forces, their base visible from almost every longitudinal street in the city going down to the harbour. It was an ugly thing, the concrete structure jutting crookedly into the sky, breaking an otherwise-scenic skyline of the ocean meeting the horizon, stretching vastly into the distance. With their presence so notable in the city, it was impossible to forget that if anything should happen, Atlas forces would be on them in seconds.
Everything about the city screamed carefully-controlled peace. It didn't feel natural- and yet, she could understand why Saphron had settled down here. For civilians, the city must've been a perfect haven in a scenic location, protected by the strongest military force in the world.
After the Fall, Nora knew that this wasn't the place for her.
Nora liked the scent of the icy sea. It was invigorating. What she didn't like, however, was being turned down at every single location Carob had sent them.
"Oh, come on," she groaned, plopping herself down on the curb bitterly as yet another shop owner turned down their request to rent an airship. It was impossible with the embargo, they all said. There was no way, by neither air nor sea, to make it to Mantle.
"At this rate," Ren said, crossing off another name on the list, "we might have to go to the military before Qrow gets here."
Jaune frowned, taking a seat wearily beside Nora. "But will they even believe us without actual Huntsmen's licenses?" he asked, pulling out his Scroll bitterly. His student license appeared on his screen, eliciting a pout from him.
"Ren, how many options do we have left?" Nora asked, twisting around to look at the quiet boy.
Ren shook his head, a sense of defeat playing on his features that disheartened even Nora. "Honestly? Nothing except for the base."
Nora pulled out her own Scroll, opening up Carob's contact information. "Maybe Carob has others?"
Jaune's stomach rumbled. "Do you think we could ask him while we get some food?" the blond chuckled awkwardly. "We've spent all morning on this."
She jumped lithely to her feet. "Ooh, can we go see everyone today?"
Jaune stood as well, stretching his arms high above his head. "For sure. You all let me see Saph yesterday- let's go visit your friends."
The prospect lit a fire even in Ren's eyes, and so, Nora sent Carob a message. Can we come see everyone?
It took barely a minute for the man to respond. The first message was an address, one which Ren plugged into his Scroll with ease. The second message was short, sweet, and more than enough to make her giddy disbelief bubble up again in her gut.
I haven't told them you're here yet. They'll be happy.
Nora squealed in delight. "Let's go, you two! We can't waste any more time!"
Jaune chuckled and nodded, following after Ren obediently as the boy began to stride ahead, following the map through twists and turns of the quaint streets of Argus.
After wandering up the hill to the edge of their district and two tram rides later, it was well-past a reasonable lunch hour by the time they found themselves in front of the address Carob had sent. Jaune gulped by their side, uncertainty darkening his face. "Guys, are you sure this is it?"
Nora understood his concern. Normally, there would be no reason to be lurking outside of a small, fairly dilapidated building that was going to be demolished within the upcoming months- it was clear that the old grey apartment building hadn't had consistent tenancy for years, judging by the sheer disrepair of the stairwells and some of the shattered windows on upper floors.
However, she also knew that this sort of building was perfect. If Sotz was around, then they would've wanted to set up some sort of headquarters to discuss how to bring him down outside of Atlas' watchful eye.
So, with a tentative hand, she rapped upon the door with her knuckles and waited.
It took a few moments for them to hear anything. No, that was wrong- for Ren to hear something. He sensed it first, hands immediately dropping to StormFlower's grips in their holsters and crouching low. Nora wordlessly flipped open Magnhild, holding the grenade launcher ready. Looking at them both in panic, Jaune drew Crocea Mors, holding the shield open, sword in hand.
Then, the door swung open, revealing no one inside.
Jaune's breath hitched behind Nora and she spun around, ready to blast a grenade at whoever was there. To her surprise, it wasn't a stranger standing there. Instead, pressed against Jaune's throat from behind was a blade jutting out from a boot, the attacker maintaining perfect balance on one leg while his other was paused mid-kick. Underneath a heavy, glowing hood, green-grey eyes glinted impassively at Jaune, a thin mouth drawn into an unfeeling line.
"Hey, kids. You made it." Nora glanced up. Carob was leaning out of a window on the third floor, watching them all in amusement. Over his shoulder, a grin split Oliver's face as he stuck his head out the window as well, waving excitedly at the trio.
"I do not comprehend," their assailant murmured.
Nora stepped out from behind Jaune. "Hi, Howl. We're back."
The calculating gaze which had been staring at Jaune as a threat immediately softened, and before she could say anything else, the dagger was gone from Jaune's throat as Howl returned to a normal standing position. He stepped forward, looking between Ren and Nora, processing everything that was happening at light-speed. A green glow washed over his face- his Semblance at work.
Nora laughed, grabbing Ren's hand and pulling the other boy forward. Ren complied. So, while the Huntsman was lost in thought, calculating every possibility that could've brought the two children back to the Ember base, Nora and Ren simply reached out and wrapped their arms around him- Ren around his shoulders, Nora pressing her face into Howl's chest.
"What the-" a gruff, brash voice called out in shock.
Nora felt her eyes fill with relieved tears as she lifted her face to the side, sticking her tongue out at the redheaded man who had turned the corner to see Nora, Ren and Jaune. "Hiya Kal."
From behind the redhead came a tumble of shiny black braids, Caelus' sepia-toned skin practically glowing as he took in her and Ren standing with Howl. "Lil' Valkyrie?!" he squeaked in disbelief.
Before she knew it, Kalian and Caelus had pulled her away from Howl, checking her face for injuries, with Caelus eventually picking her up and spinning her around delightedly while Kalian went on to check Ren. Out of the corner of her eye, Nora laughed as she saw Jaune lean back against the wall, arms crossed and a tender smile on his face.
Nora melted in their worried affections, grabbing hold of Ren's hand proudly when she finally stepped back from them. "We heard you needed some help kicking butt," she announced. "Huntsmen-in-training, at your service."
Jaune's stomach growled again, and even Ren snorted at his ensuing embarrassment.
Howl nodded, his Semblance finally fading, his calculations complete at last. His face split into a small, adoring smile. "Welcome back."
"Welcome home buddies," Caelus beamed. At his side, Kalian had to fight to hide the proud smile on his own face, trying and failing to keep his normal taciturn grimace in place. And, with Jaune behind her and Ren's hand in hers and her guardians in front of her, Nora finally felt like it was alright. She was home.