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Wishes Not Meant To Be Granted
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Anger.
Eyes full of hate.
But a heart filled with Remorse.
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(Narrated by Raven)
The Branwens were once a powerful and feared family, Yang.
And for good reason.
Because we possessed the Reaper Semblance, countless lives met their ends at the hands of a Branwen. With the abilities gifted to us at birth, so too was a destiny of blood and strife. Our ancestors were so talented when it came to killing, the people of Remnant treated our appearance the same as dark premonition.
An ill omen of death—how fitting.
As dangerous as our family was, we were accepted for the most part. We proved useful.
Any community found need of such natural-born warriors, I suppose. Mistral was no different. Especially when it came to combatting the Grimm.
Countless stories exist, sung in praise of our ancestors' heroic exploits. Almost as many there are tales of infamy.
Because of that, the Branwens enjoyed a position of prestige for a long period of time.
That is, until the First Great War.
During those ten years of conflict, the Mistral Prime Minister and Head of House Vermillion was a Branwen. Even when the seats of power changed, the one pulling the strings remained the same.
With a ruler motivated by bloodthirst, the Kingdom took a highly aggressive stance. Ruthless in its attempts to conquer its rival nations. So many lives lost, and a number of those corpses had our family to thank.
When the War ended and the Four Kingdoms brokered peace at Vytal, the Branwens were dealt a serious blow. They were criticized for hostilities and efforts to prolong the conflict. That was the beginning of our family's fall.
By the time Qrow and I were born, the Branwens were already demoted far down the hierarchy food chain. Our family tried to stay relevant. They still made good killers for hire. But it also meant being hired for less than moral needs.
The Branwen's reputation worsened as enemies grew on all sides. Until finally, someone decided to get rid of us altogether. It was an easy way to gain credibility and standing for anyone gutsy enough to do it.
A heroic act performed for the benefit of Mistral…
That's how they saw it.
That's how the Kingdom still sees it. They just don't say it out loud.
…
It was a slaughter.
A deed done in the dead of night.
You'd think a house full of gifted killers could counter any attack, in whatever shape or form. But what I remember of our family was a bunch of arrogant nobles, drunk on their old power and legacy. They couldn't fathom anyone taking them out in one night.
But that's what happened.
If you ask me if I feel bad about the death of my parents and relatives,
…
Deep down, I think, the answer would be no.
No matter how I look at it, their deaths were inevitable. They were killers, murderers. Some of them took lives for sport…innocent lives included.
I just—
…
I just wish the children didn't have to pay for it, too.
…
Out of all our relatives, Qrow and I were the only survivors.
I don't remember much of that night.
Just dragging Qrow through the woods, away from our house dripping with blood. Running from all the screaming—all the fire.
A lone voice guiding me, whispering instructions on how to avoid our executioners…
If only I knew who that voice belonged to that day, I might've considered just standing still and letting death come.
…
Against the odds, and on the voice's directions, my brother and I stowed away on a boat headed for Vacuo. A situation not uncommon in those days.
Criminals, folks fallen into debt, or just individuals of plain poor circumstance—everyone wants to run away from something sometime. For many, their asylum would be Vacuo.
The mining refineries were always looking for cheap labor. They didn't care what form it took. Stowaway children were commonplace, as were those sold into slavery. It made little difference to them.
And all that time, the voice guided me, spoke to me. During work and sometimes in my dreams.
My only friend in the whole world. My mysterious benefactor.
Qrow used to get so annoyed when I talked to her. He thought I was going crazy. I wished I was.
It wasn't long until the voice informed me of life's next major turning point.
She told me Qrow was fated to die.
I was desperate to prevent it. Your Uncle was the only thing I had left in the world. I couldn't accept the idea of him leaving me behind. It was a selfish thought—a thought that was readily preyed on.
"Don't you fret, my poor Raven. Allow me to grant your wish true."
She warned me of an attack on the mine we worked. Qrow would be killed in the chaos. In order for him to survive, I needed to keep our mining equipment on until the very end…
And help the Faunus kill the supervisor of the facility.
…
I did as she instructed.
I took my first life that day.
I held my very first weapon—a tiny shovel I could barely wrap my hands around.
And I drove it right through the back of our foremen's head. Up the occipital bone, just above where the spine meets the skull—like carving fruit.
That was the first time I'd use the Reaper Semblance.
The willingness to kill, it woke something in me.
When the battle ended, we were gathered and told to remove our masks. Someone had seen what I'd done and brought me before the leader who incited the workers revolt.
…
I'll cherish that moment until the day I die. I doubt even the voice knew exactly what that meeting would hold for me.
Her name was Temujin, and she was leader of the Red Fang.
When they took off my mask, she embraced me.
I didn't realize I was crying until she did. With one look, she accepted everything I was. Temujin had that way about her—an eye for people and a charismatic draw.
She became the mother I never had.
With time, Qrow and I joined Temujin's group. The Faunus accepted us as one of their own.
We learned to fight. We learned to survive. The wild steppes of Vacuo are an unmerciful teacher. It didn't forgive weakness or wait for children to grow into adults.
Shepherd, Temujin's brother, wanted a better life for us. He was kind, and good, and decent.
He knew the Headmaster of Beacon at the time, and arranged us a test to enter the school on a scholarship.
Qrow understood and didn't fight the idea. I, on the other hand, refused to be separated from Temujin. Unfortunately, she also, thought it was a good opportunity to experience life beyond what we had.
So, we took their test and passed it—to my dismay. I would've failed it on purpose if Temujin didn't trick me into wiping out a pack of Beowolves that were supposedly attacking innocent bystanders.
She later admitted she baited the Grimm into attacking them.
…
Their decision to ship us off to Beacon still irks me sometimes. I remember hating them so much for sending me away, and even promising never to come back.
They just smiled and waved us off.
I hated them so much…
But it was because of their decision, I met Summer and Tai. Together with Qrow, we formed STRQ Team.
We graduated. We became Huntsmen and Huntresses. Our team earned fame and recognition. We took part in a number of major Grimm suppressions and exterminations.
We did good for the world.
Life was…
...
It was good.
Your father and I married, and we had you.
And that's when I heard the voice again—for the first time in a long while.
I remember holding you in my arms when she spoke to me. When she told me Temujin was fated to die. That the comrades I grew up with were going to be enslaved once more, or worse.
I…don't plan on asking your forgiveness, nor do I deserve it.
I took a look around and saw how safe the world around me was. I knew you'd be okay. Tai was there, Qrow was there, and Summer. There was no one better than Summer, and no one I trusted more.
It's no surprise she became a Maiden. Not that I ever knew until much later.
I tried speaking to Tai and Qrow about it, to make them understand why I needed to leave. No surprise it went over poorly. I thought our team would give their support. You should have seen the way they looked at me. Like I was some sort of monster…maybe, they were right.
Ozpin ordered our team to avoid Vacuo's affairs. They obeyed his words like they were law. Even Qrow.
But they weren't my laws.
I left shortly after.
The voice told me my current strength wouldn't be enough to prevent Temujin's death. It led me to the continent of Spriggan, where I met the voice in person.
The Witch.
Salem.
The so-called wish granter.
She taught me to master my abilities and gifted me some new ones. I learned about the Never Realm under her tutelage and how to best use it.
Salem presented me with the sword I use now. Besides being the deadliest thing I ever held, it allowed me to traverse the Never Realm at will. It's the reason I can move between spaces instantly. An asset that proved invaluable in time.
…Nothing was without its price, however. I just didn't know it yet.
I returned to Vacuo and fought alongside Temujin. I supported the White Fang Shepherd founded. And while I fought for Faunus equality, I also answered Salem's summons whenever I was needed.
…
They were dark dealings, Yang. I'll never live down the sins committed on her behalf. Not for the rest of my life.
I've done more than kill people. I destroyed them and everything they touched. Left ruin in a lot of places that were peaceful. Some of them deserved it. Some didn't…
It was a different war I wasn't aware of fighting. The things I did, they put me at odds with Tai and Summer, and especially Qrow. I was a mindless pawn—we all were.
Sacrificial pieces in the ongoing chess game between Salem and Ozpin. A game that's been waged for an eternity.
I was so naïve, and the Witch loved to twist things to her advantage. The same goes for the Wizard.
They recruited us and pit us against each other.
…
I swear, I tried to make peace—find an alternative.
There were moments, I was so sure we would see eye-to-eye, but I was wrong. The old bonds didn't last. Tai and Qrow rejected me, and I'll admit, I did my part to end it. Those two always had a special way of pissing me off.
STRQ Team.
It was a child's dream that I grew up from.
Each of us took the lives of someone we'd once called friend. It tore at me. I asked myself how it came to this. I wanted so much for it to end.
And Salem latched on to that feeling. She asked me to speak my wish and I answered her like a fool.
I wished our friends would stop fighting us.
Not long after, Tai was broken. It was going to happen sooner or later. He was always too bright, too optimistic…too hopeful.
The world crushed him, but it had a little help from me and Salem. The same happened with Qrow. Both of them took jobs as teachers at Signal Academy.
I thought they were being removed from the board, but Qrow's play was fake. He was Ozpin's favorite chess piece and the Wizard went to great lengths to keep him in the game.
Summer.
I'd give anything to truly understand what happened to Summer.
Salem told me she was being removed from the field, but something Ozpin did interfered. As far as I'm concerned, they're both the reason for her death.
You might ask me how I know the Witch wasn't lying?
Well, Salem can twist words and manipulate hearts, but…
She never lies.
She can withhold truths, but she can never break them.
I left after losing Summer. I couldn't work for Salem after that. A decision I should have made long ago.
The Witch doesn't take kindly to betrayal. Her promises and contracts are binding—and I broke them.
She began orchestrating the death of Temujin as payment. Attempts I was able to avert, and just barely, and at great cost.
Before I knew it, I was playing the chess game too. A piece for a piece. A hill of corpses in my name.
It was a bitter fight, but a fight I was winning. I'd never ally myself with Ozpin, but he did divide the Witch's attention.
She made one last gambit against us. Another pawn she coaxed into fighting for her side…
The Spring Maiden.
Temujin barely survived the fight, but together, we managed to push that abomination back, along with the Crusaders.
Vacuo was won.
But I knew that wouldn't be the end.
If Salem couldn't beat me one way, she would find another. And my idiot student provided her with the perfect opportunity. With Adam's help and his radical faction of the White Fang, she could destroy us.
I had to act fast, but also look for a decisive end.
I made one last deal to join up, a temporary truce of sorts. I was made part of her inner circle again, but I controlled the White Fang.
I'm sure she suspected me as a traitor from the start, but that was fine with me.
It was enough to stall. She needed my help to fight Ozpin, and I needed to stop Adam from destroying Temujin.
I brokered an alliance with Argent due to our mutual hatred for Salem. Everything we do now is with the end goal of killing the Witch.
As it stands, it's not a chess match, but a race to see who can clear the right conditions before betraying the other.
…
…
"And that, Yang, brings us to now," Raven ended her story, crossing her feet on the coffee table in front of them.
The two were sitting in the living room of their home in Patch. That is to say, the Never Realm version of it.
Yang had her hands knit, body bent forward. She showed no obvious reaction to Raven's story. Only appearing to be in critical thought.
"Well? Any impressions?" Raven asked.
"So, you left me for Temujin and the White Fang?"
"…Yes. The former mostly, but I do empathize with the Faunus. And Vacuo…Vacuo never stopped being my home, and its people were my people. I wouldn't go through so much trouble otherwise."
"…Okay," Yang breathed. "I can get that."
"What? There's no way—"
"You said Temujin was like your mother. I don't know what it's like to have a kid or begin to imagine, but if I heard you were in danger, I'd drop everything to help you, too."
"That's not what I expected to hear."
"Really? I basically betrayed my team and ditched dad to meet you already. If I had a daughter…who knows."
"…Is that all?"
"I'm still angry about it, don't get me wrong." Yang's fists clenched. "I wish you were there to raise me. But…I can't hate you."
"It would be better if you did. You have every right."
"All it would do is ruin what we have now. We found our way to each other. That's what matters to me more."
Raven reached over and patted Yang's head softly.
"I can tell you're holding back, you know."
"I am. I really am…!"
"You can punch me if you want."
"I want to—Damn, I really, really want to. So bad, but…." she gritted through her teeth. "I won't."
"Hmph. When did you get so mature?" Raven grinned.
"It's because you keep calling me naïve."
"Apologies. Another annoying habit I picked up."
"From Temujin? So, she's basically my grandma? The leader of the White Fang is my grandma."
"HAHAHA!" Raven launched into an uncontrollable laugh. The stiffness in her face strained at the unfamiliar expression. "I wouldn't call her that—strike that! I would love to see you call her that. It would wipe that all-knowing smugness off her face, and she'd scream, 'I don't remember having a granddaughter like you!' Hahaha!"
"Wow, you really enjoyed that…"
"Ahum…haha…" Raven wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'd be glad if you two met someday."
The woman stood from the sofa and drew her sword. With a swift downward slash, a new portal was opened.
"Time to go."
"…Alright."
Both of them entered the portal and reappeared the next second.
"Um…I don't think it worked," Yang said, looking around.
"It did."
"But we're still in the Never Realm."
"We're not."
Yang stared at Raven with a confused look.
"What do you mean…"
"—Hey, kiddo."
She'd recognize that voice anywhere. Her neck cranked slowly towards the owner.
"Welcome back," the man said sheepishly, standing in the doorway. "I see you decided to let yourselves in."
Yang couldn't believe it.
"Dad..."
.
X
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In Team ENMY's dorm, Emerald, Neo, and Mercury were doing their due diligence in maintaining their equipment, when a black envelop slid through the bottom of the door. Their leader picked it up and opened it to find a few sheets of paper inside.
Emerald's eyes darted across the pages, absorbing its contents quickly. A face of purest annoyance stemmed halfway through.
"Subject: Ruby Rose. Semblance Effect: Speed.
Subject: Jaune Arc. Semblance Effect: Healing.
Subject: Lie Ren. Semblance Effect: Unknown.
Subject: Nora Valkyrie. Semblance Effect: Electric Enhancement.
Subject: Qrow Branwen. Semblance Effect: Unknown.
Could we possibly have less reliable intel? We already knew all this! They don't even mention Ruby's other abilities either!"
Neo and Mercury stayed silent to their leader's tirade.
"And what's this added note say? 'Targets have been sighted in the vicinity of the Windpath. You are hereby ordered to take immediate action'?!" Emerald shifted her gaze to Mercury. "Like your idiot cousin can order us to search a whole mountain range for five people. Give us a more accurate location, and I'll tell you when we're moving out! Those stupid, freakin'—"
"You sure we shouldn't go? Their spies'll tell them we didn't go."
"YOU HEAR ME, YOU STUPID BASTARDS?!" Emerald yelled at the ceiling. "GET US A MORE ACCURATE LOCATION, OR I DON'T GIVE A CRAP WHO'S BACKING YOU, WE AREN'T DOING SHIT!"
She took a pen and scratched a big "FUCK OFF" across the pages, crumpled them, and tossed them out the window.
After Emerald took a few calming breaths, she rested her hands on her hips.
"Think they got the message?"
"Pretty sure the whole school got the message." Mercury continued tuning his prosthetics for the umpteenth time. "There's something off about all this," he whispered low enough for only them to hear.
"You think I haven't noticed?" Emerald hissed back. "Your relatives are supposed to be pros, right? There's no way their intel work should be this shoddy."
"So, they're making this job harder for us. Why?"
"Don't think too much about it. You concentrate on readying up for the fight and leave the mind games to me."
"If you say so," he shrugged.
The sound of metal scraping metal filled the room once again.
"…I think I just saw you unscrew that part, then screw it back in," Emerald couldn't help but observe. "What the hell's eating you?"
Mercury stopped fiddling with the screwdriver.
"I'm not feeling it. Whole thing's rubbing me the wrong way."
"Yeah, but that's not what's really bothering you. What is it? Suddenly getting cold fake feet?"
"What do you think?"
"Iunno, Merc. You haven't assassinated anyone in a while. Maybe you've gone impotent."
The young man inadvertently looked to Yang's empty bed. Their teammate had gone off somewhere, he didn't know where. And emotions he was unfamiliar with were hitting him in waves.
"You sure there's nothing else we can do, Em?" Mercury asked. "Some angle we still haven't played?"
"Like, what?"
"Like hightailing it out of here."
"And snub both Salem AND Raven! Good plan!" Emerald replied derisively. "Not like they'd hunt us all over Remnant. I'm sure they're the type to let betrayals be bygones."
"There has to be something."
"This is the best play, Merc. Trust me."
"Kind of a tough ask."
Emerald took a moment.
"…What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing."
She continued to glare at Mercury, while the young man fiddled with the screwdriver again.
"This is about Yang, isn't it? She has you guilt-tripping over this."
"No, she doesn't."
"And why wouldn't you?" Emerald mocked sarcastically. "You're BFFs now! She's even helped you with your new prosthetics. The exact thing you're going to use to turn her Uncle into pink mist. Wonder what she'd say if she knew."
"Shut up."
"You think she'd break down and cry? Blame herself for what happened?"
"SHUT UP!"
"You wanna go tell her? Just admit everything and ask for her help? That the alternative you're looking for?"
"And what if it is?!"
"Then I'd tell you to pull yourself together, idiot," Emerald snapped. Her tone containing a serious warning. "We have a mission and it's on your dime. Or did you forget we're in this mess because of your stupid family problems? You don't get to be more selfish than this! We don't care who we have to hurt. We look out for our own—and only our own!"
"And Yang isn't?! Like she hasn't been one of us?! Like we haven't risked our lives for each other a thousand times!"
Emerald crossed her arms testily.
"Since when did you start buying into what you were selling?"
"…"
"Maybe, if you ask her really nicely, she'll forgive you after we kill her Uncle. You can bond over the loss of drunk adult figures together."
"YOU DON'T GET TO THROW THAT AT ME!" Mercury roared and stood square with her. "'We look out for our own, and only our own'? The only reason you and me are partners is because of Cinder! And Neo's only along for the ride so she can get revenge for Torchwick! You tell me what makes us so close?"
Emerald's glare narrowed so sharp it was venomous.
"…I guess, nothing at all. I'd probably walk out this moment, if my name wasn't on the hook, too."
…
"Em, I—"
"Stop," she held up her hand. "I'm out of here."
And with that, Emerald walked through the door and slammed it behind her.
"Damn it!" Mercury stabbed the screw driver into the nearby nightstand. He ran his hand over his face and through his hair. He could feel his skin was hot.
Mercury turned to Neo, who remained nonchalant through the whole ordeal. Her legs folded atop her bed. Only quietly reassembling her weapon after cleaning its parts.
"You don't have any problems with this?" Mercury asked her. "You and Yang are…something. No second thoughts about betraying her?"
Neo connected the last attachment and flipped Torchwick's cane in his direction. The barrel end of the gun trained right on his forehead. Not a trace of her usual playfulness or fun-loving nature could be gleaned. Only the single focus of revenge.
Mercury didn't have to hear her speak to know what she was saying.
Ruby Rose dies, no matter what.
"What do you think happens after this?" Mercury asked. "Are you still gonna try to be with her?"
A crack appeared in Neo's façade—a transparent sadness. She didn't know what lay ahead, but she didn't want to let Yang go. After Torchwick was avenged, she would care little for what came after. If Yang couldn't forgive her, dying at her hands wouldn't be so bad, Neo thought.
"I'll go with you," Mercury muttered. "After the job's done, I'll go with you and tell her it was on me. My family problems, and all that. I owe you both that much."
Neo looked at him curiously.
"You don't owe Cinder anything. We'll go our separate ways. Me and Emerald one way. You and Yang the other."
Then, standing on her bed so she could be taller than him, Neo pinched his cheeks. The smile on her face and the words she didn't say couldn't have been more clear.
There's no way she would believe that.
.
X
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On the northern border of Vale, two airships docked midair. One, flying the flags of Atlas, while the other bore the banners of Vale.
In the meeting room of the high-tech dreadnought, bodies laid about its once pristine metal floor. While many stood on death's precipice, there was not a single fatality. Grievously wounded, but survivable if provided medical attention in time.
Among them were the members of Team CRDL. Former students of Beacon Academy, they were in one way or another, related to the powers that be of Vale. As such, they accompanied a number of their leaders as attendees and bodyguards.
But as soon as the meeting was underway, they were attacked.
Their foes seemed to appear out of nowhere, striking them with overwhelming force. So swift was their assault, Cardin, leader of Team CRDL, assumed there was a whole company of them. Only now did he have a clear view of their attackers.
A mere two had taken out every guard, android, and soldier on the ship.
"You…!" he groaned at one. The fiery loathing in his stomach helped him to his feet. "I should've known a dirty Faunus like you was responsible for this. After what happened at Beacon!"
Right as he was about to make his move, a sword was driven into his shoulder, pinning him to the floor.
"What were you saying, human?" Adam snarled, as he gave the blade a twist.
Cardin's screams echoed the ship's hull.
"Adam, stop!" Blake yelled.
"I won't allow this scum to insult you."
Blake's blade sang through the air and sent a wave of violet light soaring at Adam.
The young man pulled his sword free and cleaved the attack in two.
"I told you to stop," Blake warned again. "We do not kill!"
Adam sheathed his sword with dissatisfaction.
"Of course. Wouldn't want to upset you, partner."
"Let's just get the ones we need and leave."
"Alright."
Blake and Adam began looking the people over, turning over their bodies trying to match faces to the images on their scrolls.
"This one," Adam called.
"Found the other one here. Bring them close."
"—Father!" Cardin shouted. "Don't you dare!"
Blake stared at him with a sorrowful expression.
"I'm sorry."
"BLAKE!"
Shadows rose and wrapped their figures in dark tendrils. Nothing but Blake's yellow eyes were visible.
The mass of black substance was disappearing, taking representatives of Atlas and Vale along with it. Before Adam made his exit, he threw a card in front of Cardin.
Then the abductors were gone, save for the pair of amber glowing spheres that were Blake's eyes. They stared at the young man with the same sadness their owner felt. And then, they too faded away.
Cardin picked up the card Adam tossed with a trembling hand.
It read:
Vacuo Declares War.
.
X
.
A pool of black miasma burst forth from the center of a circular stone room.
From its well, Adam dragged their abductees, and tossed them forth. A pair of White Fang members rushed to collect them and administer treatment.
"What was that card you threw him at the end?" Blake's voice distorted.
"Nothing important. Just a parting taunt," Adam lied.
"AdaM…!"
When the young man turned around, he was not met with the figure of a young girl, but an enormous shadow in the shape of a cat.
Pupils as sharp as needles held Adam in their sight. The pressure Blake emitted in this form was immense. And the thought of being chased and eaten like a mouse both frightened and excited him.
He grinned in the face of the monstrous hissing.
"—Blake. Adam. I trust the mission went well."
Salem approached the pair through one of the doorways.
The black miasma dispersed and retreated from Blake's form.
She fell to her knees, coughing trace amounts of mist. The light in her eyes fluctuated. Darkened veins could be seen pulsing beneath her skin. As if the burden of her transformation wasn't enough, traversal through the Never Realm added their toll to her body.
Salem reached down and caressed Blake's cheek.
"You're fighting it, Blake. That is why you have yet to master it."
The girl's body relaxed to the Witch's touch. Something about her tamed whatever dwelled within. Like a master pacifying her pet.
"Let the darkness embrace you."
Salem retracted her hand and Blake stood, perfectly well.
"Better, dear?"
"Yes. Thank you, Salem."
"Good. You two should rest now. I may have another task soon that requires special attention."
Adam bowed, and together, he and Blake made for their rooms.
As the pair walked the palace's obsidian halls, the young man turned to her.
"I'm sorry, Blake. I'm…trying to do better."
"I know, Adam…"
"I would do anything for you."
"I know you would." Blake turned and paused at her door. "But if you ever do anything vicious like that again, I swear—I won't stop next time. You can change, I believe it. But you have to choose to."
"I understand…"
"And if you can't change, I'd rather end you than see you become worse."
"Blake—"
"Get some rest, Adam. I have a feeling Salem's going to call us sooner than we expect."
Blake entered her room and pressed the door shut with her back. She slid down, bringing her knees to her chest.
I promised I would do everything to save them…
All of them.
I turned my back on Adam before, and he turned into a monster.
I left Yang behind and she came back like that.
I don't plan on making the same mistakes. I'll save them, if there's any way at all.
Blake breathed a weary sigh.
The girl was promised salvation for the Faunus and the end of the war with as little bloodshed as possible. With the possibilities of an alliance between Vacuo and Atlas erased, she had to find an alternative.
An alternative Salem presented her.
The Witch offered power to achieve her goals. Among them, the ability to return Yang to who she was, before she lost her arm.
Blake's thoughts went to Team RWBY, as they often did.
Ruby.
Weiss.
Yang.
…
I miss you all so much.