AN: I know I said I'd upload the chapter next week and it would be 8k-10k words, but I can't extend this chapter any further, or else it becomes boring. So, we'll return to Raven in a chapter or two, or three.

Words: 4k+, double than the usual 2k+ words

Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

One more thing, do you enjoy this writing style than my previous one? Tell me in the Reviews. It would also be helpful to know what you like about it or dislike about it, I want to improve.

Edit: I got rid of a certain scene. It felt unnecessary for it to be there, didn't think much of it at the time since I was just typing away to get to 10k+ words. I was also thinking of redoing the second half of the chapter, but I already typed it out and it really isn't going to affect the story much.

Raven Branwen

The city of Vale was below me. It's beautiful from a bird's eye view, especially during the sunset. The thousands of bright lights make the city glitter at night. But down there, outside the residential district, is Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy. I never liked the man, from his confident strides to how he talks like a fox. He has good intentions, but those intentions lead hundreds to tens of thousands to a pointless death. Those deaths matter little to him. Sure, when he hears of the death of one of his students, we have a moment of mourning, and every student is given a day off. You would believe he's mourning, but it's hard to tell. Either he's an emotionless scumbag or has one unbreakable poker face. I'm sure it's both. If he genuinely cared about his students, he wouldn't send them on suicide missions.

As I stated before, there was no point. There was no point in fighting grimm. There was no point in doing anything but defending what you have now. However, Ozpin wants more for mankind. He wants to expand further. Take back what's ours from the grimm. It only led to death. Just look at what happened to Mountain Glenn. Day by day, the size of grimm attacks steadily increased till the day the city turned to rubble by a horde of grimm. Not a soul was left to tell the tale of their death, of their sorrow, nor having time to mourn the deaths of family and the destruction of Mountain Glenn. The remnants—the destroyed city. Claw marks, wrecked walls, old buildings crumbling. And bones, if you look in the right place.

The right place—the underground city. I won't say much about the underground city. It was Mount Glenn's last-ditch effort to hide from the grimm and strengthen their numbers through the metro system. And you can guess how that went—horribly.

I dive into a cloud. Exiting the clouds, I'm faced with Beacon Academy, the school I used to attend. I'm grateful to have learned so much, yet disappointed with the goals of the headmaster. The school matters little to me now. Although, because of Ozpin, Summer died. And my foolish brother is still in Ozpin's grasp. Playing him like a fiddle. Ozpin's little lap dog, if you will. Well, more like a pet crow. I mentally chuckle at my own joke.

I click my tongue. When will my brother ever realize he's just being used, used against an enemy that you can't defeat? No, not 'can't' but impossible to beat. Immortals who cannot settle their disputes. Yes, I know it's more than that, though I don't care. As long as my family is out of the crossfire, then I don't give a shit with what they plan to do with Remnant.

I close my wings tightly, my speed quickly increasing. The wind roared in my ears. I transform into my human form. Then, glass shattering replaced the loud wind. I crash through the window in Ozpin's office. Landing on the solid floor, ignoring the glass shards.

"You know, I'd very much prefer you not to break my window. Instead, use the elevator like a normal human being." A voice says. His monotone tone did not match in emotion with what he said. Ozpin was leaning back on his chair—facing away from his desk, drinking a mug of… coffee, or tea? I'm not sure.

He brought the mug down from his mouth. Ozpin sighs, "Raven… to what do I owe the pleasure?" He says, obviously not too pleased by my presence. I don't blame him. Whenever I get the chance, I try to cause property damage and rack up his bill. A guilty pleasure of mine.

"I need to speak with my brother. Where have you sent him." It wasn't a question but a demand. Ozpin sat in silence, sipping away the contents of the mug. "You mean, Qrow. It wouldn't hurt to call him by name. He is family. Might I say the same batch from birth?" Ozpin says. I sneer. Ozpin knew what he meant by that. It was an indirect stab at my tribe, who I call family. It was like he was telling me I care more for the family that raised me than the family I made. Which wasn't true.

"I didn't come here to bicker with you." I say with disdain, "Where is my brother."

Ozpin sips away at his mug again. I was this close to smacking it out of his hand. Luckily, I know self-control. "Why ask me? Why not use your scroll or your semblance, that will take you directly to him." Ozpin says. I would use my scroll if it didn't break during my scuffle with the man who had attacked my tribe. Ozpin lowers his head, looking over the edge of his spectacles, making eye contact, and a heavy atmosphere forms, "Unless, something is preventing you from doing exactly that."

"That's none of your business-" I was quick to say, almost shouting. Ozpin was making me irritated, and it was showing.

"Correct. However, Qrow is currently on a very important mission, and with the information he has given me, he will be back this weekend. Which is in, four days." Ozpin says. Four days? I mentally panic. My entire tribe might as well be wiped off the face of Remnant by the time I come back to help.

"Raven, you seem to be in distress. May I ask why?" Ozpin says. The look in his eyes wasn't helping. Always calculating how 'helping' someone would benefit him in the long run. Hearing that my brother wouldn't be back in four days had caused my foul mood to worsen, but the look in Ozpin's eyes made my mood downright atrocious.

Ozpin eyes softened, though it was hard to tell if it was genuine or not, and he shook his head, "For you to act this way means that it's a matter of utmost importance." Ozpin says. Ozpin stood from his chair, placing the mug on his desk, "I will inform Qrow to return. However, I will only inform him if you promise to go spend your time waiting with your family. The family you had left here in Vale."

Hearing that made it feel like a knife pierced through my heart. Coming from Ozpin, it ticked me off, but I was willing to hold back. I need to get in contact with my brother as soon as possible. Our tribe… his family. They need me and him.

I have to negotiate. Try finding different terms for this offer, one that doesn't involve me meeting Tai again. "Ozpin… you know why I left them. If I go back it wouldn't change anything." I say.

"Raven, I have taught you for four years here in Beacon Academy, and a few years after graduation. Do you believe I don't know of the many things you aspire to be—one of them to be a great and loving mother. That is what all mothers aim to be." Ozpin says, taking hold of his cane. Walking to the opposite of his desk. "All I'm asking from you is to go visit them, not stay with them. When all is said and done, it's your choice whether to continue visiting them or not."

Of course, he knew. I do want to be a mother, but it's too late for me now. Yang… she must loathe me for leaving her, or worse, she won't recognize me. If I visit, why would she want to see her mom, who had left her when she was a baby?

My mouth opened to speak, but Ozpin beat me to the punch, "There's no negotiating." He says.

I grit my teeth, "Ozpin…" I struggle to get his name out of my mouth. Just speaking his name makes me feel like someone dumped a gallon of acid down my throat. He's more enraging than my brother. My brother can be annoying and a drunkard, but Ozpin is something else entirely. A smooth talker and a sly one at that. He knows just what to say. I don't like thinking too deeply about things, but Ozpin wants me to be with my family again so he could have another chance to recruit me back into his little group.

"That is my name," Ozpin says while smirking. "My brother better be here within six hours," I say.

"Eight. I can only promise he'll be here within eight hours. However, he will surely be tuckered out from covering a great distance in such a short time." Ozpin says. Ozpin knows I never come by to chat unless it's urgent. If I decline his offer, I'll have to wait for my brother for four days. If I accept, my brother will be here within eight hours.

"Fine." I say, walking to the edge of the broken window, "I'm not coming back, send my brother straight to me, I'll be at… Patch." I say bitterly before transforming into a bird and heading towards Patch.

I didn't bother to stay to hear what he had to say. I couldn't care less. An hour later, I arrive above Patch. Nothing too noticeable of a change, except the grimm in the general area, which seems to have decreased from before. The last time I was here was three or four days ago. I thought. Before the whole incident, however, I didn't stay for long. I only check into Patch to see if Yang is doing fine. And lately, she has.

I never liked sitting on the sidelines watching close ones going through rough times, but I can't do anything about it. I have to be strong. They have to be strong. Yet, they show weakness, and I show strength. We are not the same…. That is what I believe. Yet, back there, Ozpin saw right through my facade, and I hated that he could do so with just a glance. I couldn't do anything—he's essentially twisting my arm.

I swoop down into an open field, a singular cabin in the middle surrounded by trees. The front entrance had a dirt path that led into the forest to who knows where. Probably transportation to leave this island. I'm not here to have a tour of the neighborhood. Just here to visit, nothing else. I remind myself.

I dive closer to the ground, transforming into my human form, landing directly at the front door—only a few feet apart. My hand hovers over the doorknob. My heart rate increased, my palms icky from my sweat, and everything seemed surreal. The forest was quiet, but I could hear the noise from the house. The laughter of children, the little taps of their feet hitting against the wood coming from the second floor. The TV was on a random channel, background noise that soon was blocked out.

My stomach churned and twisted. It felt impossible to get my hand around the doorknob. An old life I left behind, a family with it. Abruptly, faster than I could react, the door opens. "I'm going out you two, you better-" Our eyes crossed paths. "Raven…?" Tai whispers under his breath. I barely heard it.

I heard my heart thumping in my ears. The man who I once loved, parallel to me, only a few feet. I was internally screaming, but I was externally scowling, trying my best to hide my emotions. I've never felt this giddy since I was a teen full of wild ideas of love. I fear these emotions but yearn for them.

I push him aside, entering the house. "R-raven! Why- what- all of a sudden… why come back?" Tai says, stuttering over his words. I threw myself onto the couch, back against the back pillows, head facing up, and arms hanging over the couch.

I cross my legs. "What? Can't family come and visit once in a while?" I say, knowing full well that isn't the reason. I may act confident now, but on the inside, I'm panicking. I felt like a fish out of water. I didn't want to come here.

"Raven… you can't fool me. You know why." Tai says, closing the front door and then leaning against the wall under the stairway, his arms crossing.

I click my tongue, "I just wanted to come to say hi, it's not always about something else." I say. I glanced over to Tai, he wasn't believing any of it. I can't exactly tell him that the reason I'm here is because of Ozpin. This is the last place I wanted to visit in Vale. Scratch that. It was a place I never wanted to see again.

I chuckle, "Fine. You caught me." I say sarcastically. "I'm here for the food."

"Raven." Tai replies with a serious tone. Guess it isn't the time for jokes.

I sigh, "I'm here for my brother, I can't exactly get in contact with him right now." I say. Tai raises an eyebrow, "Is that really the only reason you came here?" Tai says, disappointed, "Can't you just use your semblance to get to him?"

"If I could I wouldn't be here." I say, uncrossing my legs, leaning forward, and resting my arms on my thighs, "Something…" I drag the word. How much should I tell him? My semblance isn't working right now. Tai will definitely ask why. What do I say then? I don't know. Do I tell him I keep teleporting to a random naked man stranded in a forest? He wouldn't believe it, it sounds outlandish.

"Something?" Tai repeats slowly. "My semblance. It's not working the way I want it to. I can't get to my brother." I say. I glance over to Tai, his eyes a little wider than before. I'm not surprised he's shocked. I've never had a problem with my semblance before, except now. Usually, you never have problems with your semblance unless you're out of aura, which is a problem some people overlook. But I have enough aura; I can still open my portals. It just keeps taking me to that man. I don't want to try opening one right now.

Creak. Rustle.

I saw movement in my peripheral view near the top of the staircase. Yang and Summer's Daughter, Ruby. I thought. They're probably eavesdropping, and Tai knows that. Just what is he planning now? I make eye contact with Tai. He was always a troublemaker, a prankster, but a horrible one. Though we all loved his pranks, even if they were terrible or destructive.

"I see…. Well, I'm guessing you contacted Ozpin already." He asks.

I nod. Tai places his hand on his chin, "Makes sense, he always had a way with his words, somehow making us do favors for him." Tai says, shaking his head before lighting up, "Remember when he asked you to go on a solo mission but you declined. I wasn't expecting him to bring up that one time he allowed you to skip some school days because you got sick."

A scowl forms on my face, "Don't remind me. That bastard sent me on a suicide mission. I thought with the amount of grimm I'd slain in that mission I would get bonus pay. In return, I got a lifetime of free lunch pass. Cheap bastard." I say with scorn.

"You still have it?" Tai asks. "No, I gave it to my brother." I say.

"Ah, that's how he kept on getting free lunch, lucky drunkard." Tai shakes his head before returning to the topic at hand. "Raven… I have something to ask you."

My brows furrow. "What is it?" I reply. "Yang… are you going to go say hi to her? She's your daughter. You might as well since you're here now." Tai says. I look up at the top of the stairway, well, as much of the top as I can see. I couldn't exactly see Yang. But I could hear their weight making the wood creak.

"That little brat?" I chuckle, "She'll get the chance to see me once she gets strong enough to find me." I say. "Unless she wants to try fighting me now? I don't mind fighting a child." I shrug, "She might as well make an attempt. It's better than waiting another—let me see—ten, fifteen years?" I say.

Tai let out a sigh. He knew they were eavesdropping, and he also knew that I knew. In a way, I did want to see her now. But she has to get stronger, if her aim is to find me, it might allow her to get stronger. And by the time she does, she will be capable of fighting against most of the strongest huntsmen in Remnant. Those are the results I'm hoping for.

"Raven." Tai moans, rubbing his temple, "Why are you so stubborn." Tai says. It wasn't a question but a statement. "I could be worse, and you know that," I say. Tai pulls his hand away, making eye contact with me, and his shoulders slump. "They're sleeping right now. You should go see Yang since she's sleeping, and It shouldn't interfere with your whole 'find me' task for her, right?" Tai suggests. I actually thought about it.

They were awake, definitely not asleep. "Fine," I say. I wanted to see what would happen if I did say yes, and as expected, I heard a light pitter-patter sound. They tip-toed silently, sneaking back to their room. I internally chuckle. And, finally, a quiet click was heard from upstairs. Closing the door behind them.

I quietly laugh. "That wasn't nice of you, Raven," Tai said in disappointment while giving me a look that said, 'Really?' I miss this, a lot. I thought. Sometimes I wish I could go back to this life, but I can't, not anymore. Especially not when my tribe needs me. Regardless, I should enjoy it while I can. Then an image of Salem flashed through my head, and it caused my mood to sour. Inevitably, Salem is going to be taking over Remnant. The question is, when?

I stood up and passed Tai, taking the stairway to the second floor. I'd feel bad leaving now, especially when Yang heard me say I would go and check on them if they were sleeping. I was curious if she really would, and she did. "You coming, Tai?" I ask.

"Yeah, I have to make sure you don't start giving them lessons on how to fight beowolves or people." Tai jokes, following me upstairs. "Please… it's too late for that now, I like to teach them young." I play along.

"How young—three?" Tai says in surprise. "Preferably when they're still developing in the womb," I say, giggling. It's been so long since I've genuinely felt so happy—so free. I thought. But another thought sat at the back of my mind. It's not going to last long.

I ignored it.

I open the door to Yang's room. There were two beds, one where Ruby slept soundly, the other where Yang slept. They're young and, assuming they haven't seen the horrors of the world, naive. The moment I took a step in, my hands started sweating again. My thoughts ran wild. Should I really be here? I'm supposed to be cold, selfish, cynical, all the horrible traits a person could have. Not a loving, dotting, mother.

Tai places his hand on my shoulder, "Raven. You've done, how do I say this—stuff in the past that you shouldn't have. Some of you may regret it. I, Qrow, and Summer, even if she isn't here with us now, we all know you're trying to stay strong to not be scared. We understand. We were there too, but that doesn't have to get in the way of being a mother." Tai says, trying to cheer me up. I'm not scared. It's far from that. Salem is indeed scary with her grim appearance. But It's the fact that she's immortal that makes her terrifying. Fighting against a being who, technically, cannot ever lose.

My 'facade' telling me to leave and not form a relationship with the weak. Yang, she's not strong enough. You can't talk to her now. My 'facade' is starting to feel like an alternate personality than what it's supposed to be, a guise. Then there's my motherly side. I want to stay with her, talk to her, love her, and show her how much of a great mother I was meant to be. But… I couldn't.

I turn around to see Tai blocking the door entrance, a frown on his face, "Do you really want to run now? Your daughter, Yang, a few more steps and you could see her." He says. I furrow my brows, "Get out of my way, Tai." I say, sternly. I couldn't do it. I have another family to protect, to save. Yet, I allowed my feelings to get swayed by the thought of meeting my daughter.

Tai moves to the side, allowing enough space for me to walk out. I felt a pang in my heart, but I ignored it. I keep the thought of meeting my daughter in the future in the back of my mind. It brings a small smile to my face. Eventually, I'll see her again.

Thump, thump, thump.

"Whoa-" Tai gasps. Suddenly, something tackles me from behind, forcing me to fall into a wall face-first. What the hell? Rage fueled my emotions. I hold my nose, feeling like it has been broken in some form. Luckily, my aura healed it.

I try to stand up, failing. Something was wrapping around my legs. I look down to see yellow hair and then the lilac eyes of my daughter, Yang. I tense up, my skin turns pale, and I freeze in place like a deer caught in headlights. I wonder what kind of expression I'm making right now. I thought.

"M-mom?" Yang says, her voice trembling. I try to find a way out of this but see Tai standing by the door, smirking, and his arms crossing. Yang's eyes start to moisten, tears running down her face. Seeing her face brought pain. "W-why'd you leave?" Yang asks, barely able to get the sentence out of her throat.

This was exactly the reason why I didn't want to come back when she was young. If I leave now, I'd feel awful, horrible, disgusted with myself. "Say something!" Yang shouts through her cries. Hearing that shook me out of my stupor.

"I-…" I couldn't say anything. Well, It's more like I didn't know what to say. What am I supposed to tell her? The reason I left is because I have another family out there. I would indirectly be saying that she's less important than them. What do I tell her?

I reach my hand out towards her—pulling back immediately. I can't. Yang releases her hold on my legs, and I use that time to get back up. I can't stay. I would have to be the one to tell her that. "Yang-" I was interrupted by Yang launching herself forward, hugging me. I move my arms up and away from her, unsure if I should do anything.

I looked to Tai for help, but he shook his head. I sneer. Damn you. The sneer vanished as soon as I saw my daughter looking up at me. She wasn't tall, her height reaching up to my waist. My hand hovered over her before lying on her head, stroking her head. "I-I'm sorry..?" I say with uncertainty. Yang didn't look happy one bit.

I remember. Hugging is a way to show affection, so simple yet effective. So, I did that. I crouch down, embracing her. That's when she finally let the floodgates open. Her tears. Her sobs. Her sorrow. Everything that I left unattended, untouched, spilling out. And I felt awful for that.

I held in my tears... but a few managed to escape.

AN: I wish there were more scenes about Raven in RWBY, it's hard to grasp her character and what she'd do. I've only gotten up to volume 4.

Yeah, I think what I wrote is out of character for Raven, hard to say. I explained why already. At first, I thought Raven was a cynical or heartless woman, but I went to watch a Raven scene complication on YouTube, and it feels like she isn't as heartless as I thought. She still has emotions, she can be sad or regretful. I was thinking of making Raven run away, and it sounds something like she would do. But I wanted to make a scene where it ends up a little heart-warming, without being too out of character. I was stuck at that part for an hour, deciding if I wanted to make it a good or sad ending to the chapter. Ending with Raven running away made more sense, but then I decided that it really wouldn't matter. I won't further explain because I don't want to type four or five paragraphs.

One more thing, Raven isn't going to be staying with them. Just want to make that clear. She's leaving as soon as Qrow is there. After she explains the whole situation.