Here we are

Beta: College Fool

Cover Art: Kegi Springfield

Chapter 74

"We need to hurry," Qrow said. "The village is just up ahead."

"Why? Is there some reason we're rushing?" Jaune asked. "Oh, I get it. There's some girl there you need to molest. I guess that makes sense. It's been about four hours since you last groped someone. You must be going into withdrawal."

Qrow scowled at the little brat, and then at his companions too, when they burst into muffled snickers. Et tu, Ruby? He ignored it as best he could and pushed them on. You'd really think these brats would have forgiven me for that by now. It wasn't like I did it on purpose.

"You shouldn't touch women without their permission, Uncle Qrow," Ruby chimed.

"That thing wasn't a woman!" he said, or maybe it was a yelp. Hard to tell. "It was a Grimm!"

"You make that sound better. Do you normally assault Grimm that way?"

"It is!" he protested. "And no! Look, can we just forget about what happened yesterday and get to this damn inn. It's bad enough Nevermore have been dive bombing me all day." Qrow ducked another juvenile one at that moment, wincing when it slammed into the ground so hard it killed itself. "On top of this, I don't need you three judging me. At least not out loud."

"So, we can judge you silently?" Jaune asked.

"Not like I can stop you," he grumbled. And frankly, if it kept them quiet all the better. Their pace for the last day or so was nothing short of gruelling, made so because he wanted to be far, far away from ground zero by the time Salem heard what he'd been up to, and also because he wanted to find Ozpin and get some answers out of the guy.

A fine time to keep the fact Salem had kids secret, especially when said kids are capable of fighting on my level. Come to think of it, that might explain why she'd been unusually silent for the last twenty years or so.

Oh Gods, did that mean he'd groped someone ten or twenty years younger than himself? Argh! Qrow stared at his offending hand and resisted the urge to scrape it roar on the nearest tree. He was a huntsman, best uncle, all around cool guy. Creepy old man could not be added to the list.

The worst part – or two worst parts, really – was that the kids he was looking after kept giving him lip and lidded glares for what he'd done, and the Grimm seemed to be so pissed at him that they pretty much ignored those three. Oh, they'd put an occasional effort in and throw a swipe or two, but the Grimm's eyes never left his and it was clear who they were going for. Somehow, this was all Taiyang's fault.

To Qrow's relief, a distant plume of smoke revealed itself over the trees ahead, indicating at the approach of civilisation and, hopefully, some nice, thick walls to hide behind for the night. "Nearly there," he called to the rest of the crew. Or to Ruby and Nora, really, since Jaune didn't even seem to notice the fact they'd been trekking hard for over twenty-four hours now. Bastard didn't even have the manners to sweat or pant a little.

I hate kids.

As they cleared the treeline and reached the surrounding plains outside the village – most settlements cutting down at least the surrounding trees to prevent Grimm sneaking up on the walls – Qrow finally let a smile come forth. It would have been just his luck lately to find the place a smouldering ruin, probably inhabited by some big kick-ass Grimm with a wanted posted with his name on it. But no, his Semblance wasn't feeling quite that vicious, and the village was in one piece, lanterns and torches along the walls and visible in tall windows, and the pleasant sound of chatter and life humming from within.

"Finally," Ruby panted, falling onto her hands and knees beside him. The ginger girl looked about as bad but slammed down her hammer to lean on. "C-Can we sleep the night?" Ruby begged.

"Yeah, we'll be staying here – maybe even for two or three nights." Depended on how long it took Ozpin to find them. "Come on," he said, helping his niece up. "The sooner we get in, the sooner you can have a bath and a bed."

"Y-Yay…"

The four men guarding the gate let them in without much of a fuss, and Qrow knew the area well-enough to find the inn. It was a large building by the standard of the village, but not much compared to what you'd see in the city. The interior consisted of a wide, open area with a fire in a heart in the centre, smoke pooling up to a chimney above. There were round tables surrounding it, most filled with village folk chatting over pints of beer, food and the occasional game of cards. They paused to look at the four huntsmen as they entered, but aside from some curious glances at their bright outfits and expensive weapons, there wasn't much else. No fear, no suspicion and – thank the heavens – no one looking like a Grimm in disguise with a battle axe.

The woman behind the counter smiled as they approached, but backed away with a pinched nose when they got a little too close. Qrow accepted it without complaint. They probably did smell pretty bad.

"Rooms, please. We'll be down for food later."

"How many?" she asked. "And… would you like baths with that? I think you should have the baths with it."

Qrow's eyes brow twitched. "Yes, please. Thank you. We'll take two rooms."

"Am I sleeping with Ruby and Nora?" Jaune asked.

"Absolutely not! You're with me."

"Will I be safe with you?"

Must. Not. Kill. Qrow's fist turned white and shook a little before him. He didn't dignify the question with an answer, though, and accepted the brass keys from the woman, handing over some lien in return.

Seriously, this whole trip had gone nothing like he'd expected it to.

Damn it. Where the hell was Oz?

/-/

"I don't think I should trust an old man who tells me to go into the forest alone with him."

"It's a little late to pull that card," Ozpin said. "You already trusted me enough to run away from your parents."

"Trust, trust… is that what this is? I kind of thought I'd only agreed to that to shut you up."

"And we both know how that ended."

Yeah, they did. Oscar scowled and stepped into the forest again, wondering not for the first time who he'd upset in a past life and just how many innocent people he must have killed. While it was cool to realise his karma was so bad he must have been some kind of epic warlord, the trade-off really wasn't worth it.

"Also, I'll have to ask you to stop thinking about that girl you saw in the last village we went through. She wasn't even sixteen."

"I'm not even sixteen!"

"Yes, but it's bad enough I have to deal with your raging hormones now. The last thing I need is for you to start lusting over one of my students when we catch up with them."

"I hate you so much."

"I am convinced that through a great effort of will I shall be able to survive your dislike. Now, eyes on the path ahead before you walk into a tree."

Oscar scowled and dodged the tree at the last second. He didn't thank Ozpin for the warning, though. It was his fault he was out here in the first place. His parents were probably worried sick, and if he was being honest with himself, he missed them. But whatever was wrong with him, Oscar had come to the conclusion Ozpin was real in some form or another. And, if he was to believed, he had enemies. Powerful enemies.

Which meant Oscar needed powerful friends, because – according to Ozpin – the fact he was in his head wouldn't mean much if they came under attack.

Honestly, they were fortunate no Grimm bothered to attack them. It almost seemed like they were distracted for some reason, and the Beowolf he'd seen earlier had barely paid him any attention before loping off in a random direction with a snarl.

"Tell me again who we're trying to find."

"Sigh," Ozpin said, and he did say it, seeing as how a voice in his head couldn't actually imitate such bodily functions. That meant he was only saying it to be an asshole. "We are looking for an agent of mine and a trusted ally, Qrow Branwen. We are also looking for any of my students from Beacon who he chose to bring along on this journey."

"You sure he'll have any with him?"

"He will have Miss Rose at the very least. There are… aspects around her that make her presence necessary. I also expect he will have Mr Arc, for the purpose of utilising the young man's Semblance. Anyone else is up in the air."

"What are these circumstances around the Ruby girl?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

"Uh-huh. You know, when you make it sound so ominous like that, it doesn't exactly make it any easier for me to trust you."

"And when you talk out loud to a voice in your head, it doesn't make it any easier for people to trust you, either. I've told you to simply think your responses to me."

"We're alone out here."

"Yes, in a forest filled potentially with bandits and Grimm – a perfect place to be walking around talking out loud like an escaped mental patient. Very well done, Oscar. Now keep moving. If we're lucky, we'll reach the meeting point sometime tomorrow."

And then what? Oscar had to wonder. Would the voices stop? Doubtful. Either way, he was in for the long haul, and not at all looking forward to it.

/-/

Jaune slipped out of the room he shared with Ruby's uncle while the man was having his bath. He crept down the hall to Ruby and Nora's room and knocked on the door. It opened a few seconds later.

"Speak the password," Nora hissed.

"Nora, it's me. Can I come in? Are you both dressed?"

"He knows the password," Nora voiced in the tone of a movie pirate. She pulled the door open, though even then Jaune paused to make sure Ruby didn't cry out for him not to enter. She didn't, so he stepped in, and was relieved to find both girls washed and dressed once more, Ruby laid back on her bed, arms to the side.

She sat up when she saw him. "Hey-" A yawn broke through. "H-Hey Jaune. What's up?"

"Not much. I just…" He sighed and looked away. Nora and Ruby must have sensed his seriousness for the former sat down and Ruby woke herself up and sat a little taller. Jaune nodded and took a seat in the room, legs spread and arms hanging down between his knees. "We need to decide what we're going to do."

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.

"I mean, we need to decide what we're going to do about your uncle."

"Is this about the groping thing? It was an accident, Jaune. I know it's bad and I'm going to give him grief over it too, but he didn't mean to."

"Not that." At least not entirely that. He had his fair share of indignant anger there, but even he could see Qrow hadn't intended it like it looked. "I mean about what Qrow wants us to do and what we want to do. Let's face it, Ruby. Our goals don't exactly align. Qrow has no intention of letting us go off to rescue Pyrrha."

"B-But-"

"Jaune's right," Nora interrupted, shocking Ruby. "He wants us to stay here for two or three days. He's waiting for someone – and whoever that is, it's not Pyrrha. He's basically walked in, taken command of us."

"And that makes sense given that he's more experienced," Jaune said, hoping to calm Ruby down. She looked devastated, and maybe even a little defensive. This was her uncle, after all. "But if we're going to stay with him, he's going to lead us even further away from our initial plan."

"You don't know that," Ruby whispered. "What if we're waiting for someone who can help us?"

It was possible, he supposed, but doubtful. Nora and he shared a quick look, with Nora shaking her head, leaving him to field the question. "Qrow doesn't believe Pyrrha is alive. Even if he was waiting for someone strong, he wouldn't let us go to the Grimmlands. Hell, even if he knew she was alive, he wouldn't let us go. He'd say it was too dangerous."

"And he'd be right," Ruby pointed out.

"Maybe he is. But does that mean you want to give up on Pyrrha?"

"No, no, no," Ruby shook her head, eyes wide and afraid. "She's my partner! I'll never give up on her!"

"Then we need to split off from Qrow."

Ruby bit her lip.

"I know he's your uncle, Ruby, and I know you love him, but this isn't about that." He tried to make his voice calmer, more understanding. "This isn't about calling him an enemy or anything. I'm just saying that sooner or later, he's going to point us in a direction that isn't the same place we want to go, and at that point we need to make a decision."

"But right now we're headed in the same direction," Ruby said, catching on and letting out a relieved breath of air. "So we can keep working with him now, right?"

"For now, I guess, but we're still going to lose a day or two if we wait here."

"Your mom won't hurt Pyrrha, though. Will she?"

"No…"

"Then it's okay. I… I know what you're saying and we can decide what we need to do later. But right now, we're all headed to Haven and we might as well have someone strong come along with us, right? Just in case your sisters attack again."

Jaune sighed. "Right. Just remember that we won't always be going in the same direction. Sooner or later, we'll have to make a decision."

Ruby nodded and retreated to the bathroom to think, leaving him and Nora alone. To Jaune's surprise, Nora came over to place a hand on his shoulder.

"I think she understands. It's just that she doesn't want to make that decision."

"I know, but… I'm going against my uncles because it's the right choice. I don't understand why she's hesitating."

"It's different. You still have your full family. Ruby lost her mom, and now her sister is injured. It's not the same, and she doesn't want to do anything that will upset her uncle. You know how much she admires him."

"I guess…"

"Eh, for what it's worth, you're pretty much right," Nora said, grinning once more. "Eventually, we'll have to make the decision to stay or break off alone. I'll talk with Ruby on my own and see if I can help her make the right one."

Jaune nodded, but then had an unfortunate epiphany. If Ruby said no and stuck with Qrow, he wasn't sure he would be able to himself. "If it comes to it, what will you decide?" he asked.

"I'll come with you."

"That easy…?"

"Eh, I'll come with you because I know you're going to meet up with Blakey and Renny," she pointed out. He broke out into a laugh. Trust her to focus on those two. In the end, picking between him and Ruby didn't even matter. "Once we find them, I'll probably just let them decide. If they want to help you, I'll come along."

"Thanks."

He just wished Ruby could understand what he was trying to say. Qrow was a decent guy, he knew that from the training they'd been through, but his and their goals just weren't the same. He'd come in like he expected to be the leader, and Ruby gave him that without a second thought. I'm sorry, Ruby, but I need to save Pyrrha and confront my mother. We don't even know what Qrow's goals are, let alone what he wants us to do or where.

He could give her time to decide, but only until Qrow decided to branch off. The moment that happened, she would have to make her choice.

He just hoped it would be the right one.

/-/

"I hate you, mom," Blake hissed over breakfast.

Kali simply smiled back, with the sort of expression that suggested butter wouldn't have melted in her mouth. Except that it did, since she bit down on a piece of toast and chewed away happily. Breakfast was eggs on toast with strips of bacon and some vegetables, filling in a way the ship's rations on the journey in hadn't been. Sun certainly seemed to be enjoying it, wolfing it all down as he was.

The fact she was sharing a room with Ren – the bed situation, as she called it – had been resolved admirably, mostly thanks to the two of them being determined in turn not to have a repeat of the embarrassing events of the night before. They may have shared a room with Team RYBN, but that was different. They knew what the rules were and she'd never walked in on Ren naked in the bathroom before, nor had Yang or Nora, though not for lack of trying on the latter's part.

Similarly, they'd never shared a bed before, and even though the dorm rooms were cramped, there was still enough space between beds to ensure nothing embarrassing happened. Ren, being a gentleman, had offered to take the floor, but since she had no idea how long they'd be stuck here, Blake assured him it was fine. They'd built a small wall of pillows between them and slept on either side, and thankfully neither of them appeared to be rough sleepers, so the wall held.

The rose petals scattered everywhere had made sleep a little awkward, but no more awkward than when Ruby got excited in their dorm and it ended up the same way.

"I hope you had a pleasant night's sleep, sweetheart," Kali whispered.

"Hate you so much."

She half wondered if Sun and Ilia had been forced to share a room, too, but discarded that thought on the basis that they were both fairly quiet this morning. If they'd been stuck together, she had a feeling they'd be anything but.

Idly, Blake turned to the only person not trying to influence her sex lie (as non-existent as it was) and said, "You wanted to talk to me, dad?"

"After breakfast," her mountain of a father said sternly.

Blake quickly swallowed her bacon and pushed the plate away, earning a sigh from her mother and a roll of the eyes from Ghira.

"As stubborn as ever, I see. Very well." He didn't push his plate away but rested his utensils down for a moment. "The White Fang has been in something of a crisis since the attack on Beacon. There are whispers in the streets and the leadership has been unable to crack down on it. They're fractured."

Intrigued, Blake leaned forward. "Really!?"

"Hm. Though the CCT went down, Beacon was repaired soon enough for it to be operational again and the news that the White Fang were involved was sent out. It reached us only a few days ago, but the stories have spread like wildfire. Opinion is divided," he said gruffly. "There are those who see it as a victory and an example, but more who are upset at the target. It's hard to argue huntsmen are responsible for our prejudice, and even less so children. The schools have always been equal rights, and since the Grimm don't discriminate, cutting off the supply of new huntsmen is seen as a foolish move."

"I don't think Adam really cared about any of that…"

"No, and therein lies the problem for the White Fang. Adam was a respected figure here, despite the things he would get up to. Corsac and Fennec have been busy trying to write it off as a rogue action, but people are angry and distrustful. People have noticed that they've worked with Adam in the past."

Well, that was interesting. She'd expected the news to have not reached Menagerie, but since Beacon hadn't necessarily fallen and Miss Goodwitch was in charge there, it looked like the news had gotten out a lot sooner. If Adam were still alive, she could well imagine fear of him suppressing the people's opinions, but with him gone they were confident enough to speak up.

The White Fang lived and died on the public opinion it had. While most would have said it was just a terrorist organisation, it still had to draw recruits and funding from somewhere, and that was normally done by carefully controlling what they did and what message it sent. A lot of their supplies and recruits were from Menagerie, which meant they couldn't afford to have a bad rep there.

"Do you think it will be enough for the White Fang to disband?" she asked.

"I doubt that. Even should Menagerie decide to kick them out, I believe they would take what supplies they can and try to form a base elsewhere."

It was a nice dream…

"It would still mean they'd be weakened, though, right?" Sun asked. He emphasised the point by poking a fork towards Ghira, who glared down at it like it was a deadly weapon. "That's a good thing. One of the main reasons no one has crushed them yet is because they're hiding behind the civilians out here and no one wants to start the faunus wars all over again."

"You are not incorrect," Ghira grumbled. It felt like any praise for Sun had to be dragged kicking and screaming out of him.

Blake rolled her eyes and turned to the blond faunus. "It would be good," she said, "But if that ever happened, then the White Fang wouldn't leave here peacefully. They'd probably retaliate with some kind of attack, maybe even bomb those who disagreed before they left – and they'd take all the supplies they could."

"They'd turn on their own people?" Ren asked, surprised.

It was Ilia who answered. "Unfortunately, I think Blake is right." Ilia let out a heavy sigh and focused her eyes on the table. "Most faunus wouldn't, but if Mr Belladonna's points are to be believed, it sounds like almost all of the moderates are thinking of leaving. If only the radicals and the fanatics remain, then they might be willing to see faunus who rejected them as traitors, and thus not worthy of protection or mercy."

"Yikes, that's kind of crazy," Sun said. "And the White Fang has factions? I thought it was just a big group of psychos." He froze, suddenly aware of all three members of the Belladonna family, and Ilia, glaring at him. "Uh. No offence?"

Smooth, Sun. Real smooth.

"The White Fang started as a political movement," Kali explained, indicating her husband, "And even though Ghira left, it still retains a little bit of that. Its members range from those who hate humans, to those who just want to make a point or feel the humans won't listen to them. There are members of the White Fang who go on raids, and others who will never do anything worse than canvass for support money, and sympathisers who only offer healing or help with lifting and carrying weapons and ammunition."

"Though the factions have fallen into something a little more black and white at the moment," Ghira said. "It's come down to two sides – both calling themselves the true White Fang, obviously. You've got what people are calling the Radicals, led by the Albain brothers and a few others behind the scenes. They're the ones that are siding with Adam's decision."

"That's the violent White Fang, then," Ilia noted. "Who is the other?"

"The other is the Tradionalist faction. They're still violent, but they want to go back to what it was before, raids on SDC, convoys and mining operations. They're espousing targeted violence, and only at people they feel deserve it. Still bad," he noted, "but better than the Radicals. They're being led by Sienna Khan."

"Sienna is going against Adam's faction?" Blake asked, surprised. That was interesting. Really interesting! Sienna was probably the most well-respected person in the White Fang, if not the most well-known.

"Looks like it. News is, she wasn't best pleased to hear he went and attacked Beacon, and she didn't approve of it at all. Said it was too far over the line and sent the wrong kind of message. She's trying to lead a purge of those affiliated with Adam."

"That sounds like a good thing," Ren said.

"It is," Blake agreed, "If it works. By their very nature, Adam's allies are good at fighting, though. It wouldn't surprise me if they tried to have Sienna killed. With her gone, the Radicals could probably sweep the opposition aside." Her eyes widened and she met her father's gaze. "That's what you wanted to talk to me about, isn't it? You want to try and throw our lot in with the Traditionalists!"

"We don't exactly like them," Ghira said, nodding to Kali, "But better them than more people like Adam. Your mother and I have decided we can't sit by and pretend this isn't happening. Menagerie can ill-afford a civil war within the ranks of the White Fang."

"But we're too visible," Kali said, "And too well known. If we tried to support them openly, the Radicals might take an ill view of it. We've already been visited by Corsac and Fennec and we had to hide your friend in the cellar. We're sure they're watching us."

They almost certainly were. Ghira was the ruler of Menagerie. His public approval could sway opinion, which meant that discrediting or winning his approval would be a key agenda for both sides. And if they discovered that Ghira was harbouring a human, then that would be the perfect material with which to do so.

"They want our help," Ren said. Not that he needed to. "They've already spoken to me about it, and I want to offer what assistance we can. The White Fang will continue to be a threat otherwise."

Blake bit her lip. "I agree, and I want to help… It's just that Nora and the others are waiting for us."

"It will take them time to reach Haven, though, and more time to reach the coast. We have a week, at least, and if the fervour of these sides is anything to go by, this isn't going to last more than that. The entire city is a powder keg just waiting to go off."

So many good points, and she wasn't even sure why she was hesitating. She'd wanted nothing more than to stop the White Fang, and while going back to what it had been wasn't perfect, they'd at least done their best to ensure there were no civilian casualties. Maybe that was why she was so hesitant, because the last time she'd allowed herself to be obsessed by the White Fang, her entire team nearly got killed for it.

But if Ren was on board and Sun and Ilia were okay with it, what was she waiting for?

"Alright, I'm in. Sun, Ilia?"

"Stopping the White Fang, huh?" Sun said with a grin. "Sounds good. This Radical faction sounds a little too intense, even for me."

"I have no issue with it," Ilia added. "I actually enjoyed working under Sienna."

"Oh, I bet you did," Sun wiggled his eyebrows.

"Pig!"

"Money, actually."

"Looks like we're all agreed, then." Blake sighed and turned back to her parents. "I take it you have a plan."

"We do," Ghira replied. "Our first task will be to erode the support of the Radical faction, but we cannot do that openly until we find out what security they have on us, and disable it." He brought out a folder with a list of people within. "Here are those we've noticed paying attention to us lately. Since Ilia worked with Adam, and you did, too, for a while, we figured it might be possible for you to infiltrate their ranks and deal with them."

Blake leaned over the table along with Ren. The rest of breakfast was forgotten as they began to plan and scheme, Sun and Ilia arguing and Kali watching over it all with a patient smile. Despite the situation, Blake started to feel excitement build in her gut.

It was finally time to act.

/-/

"Grandma!"

"ARGHHHH!"

"Monster!"

"Watch out, she's armed!"

"Shit, shit, shit!"

Yang stood in the middle of what had fast become a whirlwind of activity. The bandits that had been watching with vague interest only a moment before were now scrambling for weapons. Some tripped over one another, crashing to the floor and crawling away with terrified eyes. For all intents and purposes, they acted like a Grimm had teleported into the middle of their camp.

Which, Yang supposed, it probably had.

"Love the enthusiasm, Yin," she called, voice raised to be heard over the carnage. "But I think we need to talk about subtlety."

"Subtlety? What's that?"

"It's the act of not causing riots by your very existence. That should be common sense…"

"Common sense?"

Yang sighed. They had a lot to work on. Yet again she had to remind herself Yin was less than a week old, and that what days he did have were probably spent with her in a coma, waking up from the trauma of her lost arm. He didn't have much experience, the poor thing.

The sound of a sword clearing a sheathe brought her back to reality. Raven had fallen flat on her ass – and that was an image Yang burned into her mind – but now she was on her feet, sword drawn and eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Yang," she hissed, "What is that…? What have you done?" Raven swallowed. "What have you become?"

"A mother, apparently," Yang drawled. "Oh, and this is Yin. Your grandson. He says hi."

"Hi!" Yin said dutifully.

"That… That thing-" Raven sneered. "What the hell has happened to you?"

Yang was surprised to feel a bout of anger when Yin wilted at Raven's words. Sure, she hadn't expected him to be welcomed by her mother any more than she'd expected to be welcomed herself, but somehow, it pissed her off to hear Raven act so high and mighty now.

"That thing has a name, thank you very much. It's called Yin."

"Yin and Yang," Raven scoffed. "Imaginative."

"Yeah, you don't get to accuse me of that. Taiyang and Yang, anyone?" Yang waved her good arm before her, tugging Yin back in case Raven chose to attack. She wasn't sure what would happen if Yin was actually cut off at her elbow. Would he die, or would he reform inside of her? It probably depended on whether the thing currently out now was actually him, or just a projection in the shape of him. "And you can put away your weapon, mom, I'm here for a portal. Nothing more."

"You have been possessed by some kind of Grimm."

"Oi. Don't go making up your own conclusions."

Raven ignored her, levelling her crimson blade towards them both. "I suppose I shall have to excise it from you. I thought you were strong, Yang, but I suppose I was mistaken if you've chosen to accept her aid."

"You don't have the right to judge me," Yang hissed, falling into a ready stance. "And it's not her help. It's his. My boyfriend's."

"You're beyond help."

"And you're a piece of shit," Yang growled. Her eyes flicked to her arm. "Looks like negotiations didn't work out. You ready to try out what we practiced before?"

"I'll make you proud, mom!"

"Ugh." Yang's cheeks flushed. "A-Atta boy…"

Raven had seemingly had enough of their conversation and rushed in. For a second, Yang froze. The red sword was so like his, both in shape and colour, and as it arched towards her arm, towards Yin, those memories came rushing back with a sound like crashing water. She was weak, slow, and terrified. She was going to lose her arm. Again.

"Mom!" Yin suddenly cried. "We can't lose here. We have to save Auntie Ruby!"

And then she was moving – because damn it, but Yin was right. The sword rushed in, and rather than dodge, Yang swung Yin into the way of it, focusing aura down into the limb – which even though it wasn't hers, was still connected to her body. Aura and Grimm mingled and Yin gasped. Not in pain, but excitement.

Raven's sword struck with a mighty clang – and to the shock of all watching, bounced off Yin's hardened flesh.

"YA!" Yang roared, powering her fist around and into her mother's chest. The blow struck centre-mass and Ember Celica let out an angry bark, blasting the woman back. Not ready for it and sure her attack would connect, Raven was blasted off her feet and straight into the palanquin behind them. She crashed through the wooden stairs and underneath, struck a post holding it up, and was buried as the tent above tumbled down on her.

"Heh, not bad," Yang said, testing her fingers. She turned to the bandits around them. "Anyone else want some?"

"KILL HER!"

"Guess so." Yang hopped to the side as a bullet tore through the area she'd occupied – but the bandits were upon her before any more could come. She ducked under a hatchet, kicked the legs out from under a man with a spear, and then thrust Yin forward. Her black arm exploded into four thick limbs, each of which splayed out in an almost random direction, striking numerous bandits and launching them back with force reminiscent of an Ursa's kick.

She swung the limb to the left, bowling over three more, before Yin's tentacles reformed into one whip-like appendage that cracked up and down. He caught one bandit by the arm, right behind the wrist, and then used him as a flail to strike another, before the unfortunate soul was flipped up and over Yang's head to crash down on the guys behind her.

While that was happening, Yang dealt with any who dared get close. Twisting and turning, she ducked under blows and blocked others with her good arm or legs, dishing out broken noses and bones with every return blow. They'd only sparred a little, and mostly in practice, but Yang had quickly realised something terrifying about Yin.

He didn't need her approval or attention to do his work. He didn't even need her shoulder, since even if she waved him randomly, which she was doing right now; he only had to focus on where he was going. If she suddenly turned left, dragging him with her, he had a moment to rethink and come up with a new shape, adapting easily because he didn't need to think about footwork, positioning or any of the things she did.

And in turn, she didn't need to worry about him. Yang only had to focus on what was an immediate threat to her, all else being his business. Rather than what she'd expected – that they'd have to work together and it would be awkward as hell – fighting actually turned out to be a damn sight easier. It wasn't one person against however many, but two people. Or one and a half, given that she only had the one arm to work with – but Yin's shape shifting made him worth more than one anyway.

"Shit, guns," Yang warned, suddenly noticing that the horde had backed away, realising they were outmatched in close combat. Six or more men and women with guns were now aiming at them.

"I've got it!" Yin cried. She brought him before her and grinned as he spread and expanded, somehow building more mass than Yang thought he could actually hold in her body, to form a shield three feet wide and six or so tall. The crack of gunfire echoed and she felt her aura take the hits, but there was no discomfort or impact, the shots failing to pierce the shield.

"I need eyes," she said. Before her face, a small slit formed. "Thanks." With a grin, Yang picked up the shield and charged forward, causing those firing at them to curse and try to flee. Bad choice. The second she was close enough Yang leapt into the air, the shield sucking back into her arm in a fraction of a second. She arched high and came down hard, swinging her arm – aware that Yin had transformed into something resembling a giant club.

They struck the ground hard, cracking dirt and rock and throwing the shooters from their feet.

"You know, I could get used to this."

"We're the best team!"

"Hell yeah."

"Hell yeah!" Yin echoed.

Aw, he was learning swear words already. That was so adorable.

An explosion of wood behind told them mommy dearest was back on her feet – and angry, too, judging by the bright red eyes that glowed with some unusual light. "Something is wrong," Yin said, suddenly anxious. "I-I don't like the way Grandma feels. It's different."

"Bad different…?"

"Dangerous different."

As Raven strode towards her, Yang was forced to admit she could see it, too. She could feel it as well, though only because the wind had picked up in a manner that was comically unnatural. Fire seemed to burn in Raven's eyes, and, if Yang's weren't lying to her, the fire also built up around the woman, flicking in the air.

"That's new," she called. "I thought your Semblance was portals."

"Time changes a woman," Raven replied with an angry scowl. "I see it's changed you. You've become a monster, Yang, or allowed one to live inside of you."

"And what, you're going to be the one to kill me? Is that how this goes?"

"If I must."

"Tch, what a load of bullshit! There's no `must` here. I just wanted a sodding portal. You're the one making this into a life or death situation. Give me what I want and it'll be the last you ever see of me. I certainly don't want to see you anymore."

"And let you tell Salem of my existence?"

"Who!?"

"Other grandma," Yin said. "Queen of the Grimm."

"Really feel like this is information I could have used before, Yin." Yang groused. Oh, and by the way, she may or may not now have been Grimm royalty herself, or at least carrying the child of one. This was getting more and more complicated as time went on.

"Sorry."

"I'm not on Salem's side," Yang said. "I'm just trying to catch up with Ruby before she gets herself in trouble. I literally couldn't care less about you as anything other than a dispenser of portals. Yowch!" Yang ducked back as the air superheated, burning her skin. She waved her hand, wincing at the skin that had been tinted cherry red. "Okay, that's definitely new."

She's actually going to try and kill me, Yang realised, eyes growing wide. Of all the uncharitable things she'd though about Raven, this one never crossed her mind, but it was impossible not to see the intent in the woman's red eyes, flickering with golden light as they were.

Raven was going to kill her only daughter.

"Fine," Yang spat. "I'll leave. It's pretty obvious you're not interested in helping, so I'll make my own way to Mistral."

"I'm afraid you won't, Yang," Raven said, almost softly. "I really am sorry for this, but perhaps you will survive. Give in and I'll remove this taint from you once and for all."

"Pretty sure that'll kill me."

"You will survive it… if you are strong."

"M-Mom," Yin said nervously. She could feel his fear now – echoing inside of her. This wasn't Raven, or it was, but the power she was displaying was far beyond anything she'd seen or felt before. Yin wanted out, and if she were being honest with herself, so did she.

"Hold on," she whispered to him. "We're not dying here."

Yang leapt back and brought Ember Celica forth in mid-air. She twisted, flipped upside down and drew her fist back, feeding two explosive shells into her weapon with a twist of her thumb. As she landed, she thrust it down into the dusty ground and blasted at point blank range. The explosion launched her back, but also kicked up a mighty cloud of dust.

The second her feet touched the ground, Yang was running – an angry ball of fire and wind hurtling in behind her.

/-/

No Ozpin to be found.

Qrow sighed as he realised it, his eyes scanning the numerous guys in the crowd but not finding any that made him think of an aloof and mysterious wizard. Not that it would have mattered if Oz wanted to hide, but even if he did, little things would show. Oz would approach me if he was here anyway. He must still be en route.

Qrow ran a finger over the cane attached to his hip as he drew up the flagon to his mouth and took a long drink. He followed it with a contented sigh and a muffled burp into his hand. After so long on the road, a long bath, a drink and some food were like gifts from the gods. A shame the kids weren't interested, but he supposed they were tired after the long journey. Ruby had grumbled something into her pillow when he poked his head in their room, while the other one had tiredly asked him not to slap her ass.

He'd been the bigger man and refused to rise to that, instead placing two plates of food down in the doorway with a cover over them. They'd be cold come the morning, but he had a feeling the brats wouldn't care too much. He'd even grabbed one for Jaune, who still seemed to be giving him evils for some reason.

It's not like I wanted to grope her, damn it. I thought she was a Grimm.

And no, no matter how that sounded, it didn't mean he groped Grimm regularly, either. The whole situation was messed up on a scale so unbelievable he could barely comprehend it. Was it his Semblance acting up? It felt like it, since there hadn't been a single ounce of bad luck since coming to the village. Maybe it had run out of juice orchestrating such a frankly bullshit situation.

It certainly looked like it might have, since Qrow noticed a pretty looking woman watching him from a few tables over. She wasn't subtle about it, not at all, and neither was she subtle about her intent, for she flashed him a coy smile and flicked some golden hair behind her. She was young, but looked pretty mature, with shoulder-length blonde hair, bright green eyes behind a silver-rimmed pair of glasses and a long, blue dress that showed off a generous portion of cleavage. She noticed him looking and placed a single elbow on the table, leaning forward just enough to bunch her breasts together and make those valleys all the more enticing. The invitation was clear.

Semblance, don't fail me now, Qrow practically begged, standing up and moving to the bar. "Ale," he called, noticing her drink. "Two."

The bartender poured it, and even managed to hand it over without somehow spilling it on him or someone else, inevitably causing a fight that would get him kicked out or lead to the girl checking him out to leave in a huff. It had happened before, his cosmically shitty luck. He tossed some lien on the counter, enough for a generous tip, and made his way carefully over to the woman's table. She noticed him coming and smiled, kicking the chair across from her back with one foot.

Qrow managed to sit down without tripping. The chair didn't break, and when she took the drink he offered and her fingers brushed against his, the world didn't end, nor did a Nevermore burst through the ceiling and dive-bomb him like the world's most aggressive air to land missile.

"Cold night," he said, instantly wishing he had a better one-liner, and that Taiyang had shared at least some of his tricks with him. To be fair, he didn't normally get this far without something going wrong. "You from these parts?"

"Not quite," the woman said. She brought the glass to her lips and took a dainty sip. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips, and there was no way that wasn't on purpose. "I'm just visiting. You might say I'm looking for something."

Qrow could recognise an invitation when he heard it. "Oh? And have you found what you're looking for?"

"I might have. It's something that caught my interest a while back. This is just me verifying it."

"Strange way of putting it."

"My sisters often tell me I'm strange." She smiled at him. "I hope that doesn't bother you."

"Not at all. I don't have the best relationship with my sister, either." Sensing the conversation going the wrong way, Qrow nodded to the book she'd laid on the table. It was open, pages upwards, which meant he couldn't see the cover. "A good read?"

Her smile grew. "Hm, I like it, but it's an acquired taste." She turned it around and pushed it towards him. Qrow took it and brought it up to take a brief look, prepared to feign interest in whatever it was.

His breath caught a line later and he spluttered wildly. He thumped a fist into his chest to try and regain his breath. Holy shit. This… well, calling it smut might have been gracious. It was the most hard-core pornography he'd ever seen written. He eyed her over the top, suddenly feeling even more out of his depth.

But shit, this wasn't exactly making anything worse, was it? Was his Semblance asleep or something? Where was the bad luck!? No, he couldn't afford to look a gift horse in the mouth. He brought out his most roguish smile and put the book down.

"You like this kind of thing?"

"I don't know," she said with a shy titter. "I've never tried it." Her finger touched the back of his hand and ran a small circle on his skin, giving him goose bumps – and something a whole lot beneath the table.

"The name's Qrow," he introduced, bringing up her hand to his lips and placing a kiss on it. Laying it on thick, perhaps, but judging by her smile, she approved. "Can I get the name of the beautiful woman before me?"

"Coral," she replied, "And it's nice to meet you, Qrow. I'm looking for my brother, but I've found myself distracted by something. Or someone." Her eyes met his with obvious intent. "Come help me search my room for him."

Well, there was no missing that invitation. Qrow rose with a wide smile, drawing the woman up beside him, who brushed her hips against his and smiled, her hair fluttering beneath his chin. It smelled of junipers. With a coy smile, she tugged him towards the stairs. No interruptions, no disaster and no Taiyang to steal the girl at the last second.

Maybe his Semblance was taking a turn towards good luck for once!

Or maybe not, Qrow. Maybe not. Sheesh, his Semblance really is working overtime. Well, Ozpin is catching up, Yang's attempts to reach them take a turn for the disastrous and Ruby is confronted with the fact she'll have to choose between following the Ozpin and Qrow brigade or sticking to her guns. Meanwhile, the White Fang is in shambles. Enter Blake and her harem.

Next Chapter: 19th July

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