Chapter 6
"Victory?"

Raven's eyes watched the fight and wasn't oblivious to what was happening to Yang before her eyes. Her daughter's skin was becoming paler than snow. Her hair was fading and losing its saturation. Negativity radiating off of her.

"SHIT!" Tai and Qrow scoffed in unison and began to move only to have Raven stand in front of them. Then the rest of Team Woodpecker as well.

"RAVEN! What the hell let us throu-" One of them was speaking she didn't care. She knew what was coming next. A blast of blinding blue light came from the battle field and Yang was flying through the air from it. Her Aura shattered as she collided into the dirt. The color in her skin returned, her hair still lost some of its color with white tips still prominent.

A dust cloud was formed where the light had burst from. Steps could be heard from it as a little silhouette walked from it of Ruby who had Moonshard in her hand, no glow came from its Dust blade.

Ruby fell to one knee as she steadied herself with her sword. Breathing heavy. "D- Did I win?" the girl panted out her clothes were in disarray, her mask was cracked but still there. Her wild hair was matted with dirt. She had cuts, scrapes and bruises all over her skin.

Raven smiled. Then, she looked down at Yang and sighed. She was unconscious. Unmoving but there were clear signs. Her skin was paler than it was earlier and while the deep dark red veins weren't prominent there was a darker color to the ones that could be seen. Her long blond hair now had frosted tips of pure white.

Grimmification.

That was a problem and something she'd address that to Tai and Qrow soon. For now Ruby had done well. "Excellent work Cardinal. You did better than I expected. I suppose since Yang is knocked out it should be your victory. Unless Tai and Qrow here would like to give a ten count."

They looked at Raven gobsmacked. They were still in shock from how the fight had went. Raven just smiled at them.

"Winner R- Cardinal" Tai spoke nervously, Raven picked up on him, almost calling her Ruby.

Ruby nodded then exhaled. "Sleepy time then…" She said before she then too collapsed into the dirt. Well would have if Ki didn't move quickly and grab the young girl before she connected with the ground.

Raven and Team Woodpecker chuckled."It's been a while since she collapsed from a battle. Team Woodpecker check her over for injuries." Raven's eyes darted to Tai and Qrow who were collecting Yang and the dog. "I need to have a chat with Yang's father and uncle." Raven's words held some bite to them as she stared into the two men.

Tai sighed. "Follow us inside." He spoke with a bit of guilt in his voice as if he had done something wrong. Raven nodded in response as she walked behind the two men from her old team.

[X]

Tai felt like a failure as he rested his eldest daughter onto the couch. Then looked out the window to see his other being cared for by her teachers. Tai felt defeated as he looked back at Yang. Seeing her blonde hair now frosted with white tips once again.

"How long?" Raven's words cut through the air like a knife. "How long has she been going through the process?"

Tai swallowed. "About three years now…" He sighed out. "... We unlocked her aura to slow it down but when her anger takes control she…"

"Loses control. Her semblance is based on her anger too so it's a bad mix." Qrow explained the rest.

Tai looked at Raven who wore her usual poker face. Her eyes didn't leave looking over her daughter. "Is this why you were looking for Ruby so much, Qrow?"

Tai looked to Qrow. He didn't know that Qrow had been on the hunt for Ruby. Probably for Ozpin. Tai scowled.

"Eh… Partly…" Qrow mumbled out. "Son of a bitch…"

Raven exhaled then looked to Tai. "We need to talk about multiple things and this will be at the top of the list." She gestured to Yang. "But firstly Ruby would not be able to help her sister. You both know this." She stated, eyes steadily on him. "Her eyes aren't usable at such a young age."

"Mayb- Maybe she could access them sooner!" Qrow made to argue. Sounding desperate.

"You and I both know that's not how they work brother." Her words cut through the air.

"Now I suggest you leave. You lost your bet but I still have business with Tai." Raven stated and looked deep into Tai's eyes and he knew this would be a long conversation.

"I'm not leaving Ray, my niece is hurt."

"This is a parent conference brother. Leave or I'll make you leave." Ray's words were cold.

"Qrow…" Tai finally spoke. "Please just head outside. Maybe check up on Cardinal or something." Tai eyed his oldest friend.

Qrow grumbled but stomped out the door to the house. A slam following it. Tai exhaled.

"Sh- She looks good. She's a monster of a fighter." Tai spoke and Raven just simply nodded.

"She's a good girl. Loves the stories I read for her. Wants to help people just like Summer." Raven stated her eyes looking down to Yang. Tai froze up and felt the tension in the room. "We both know Ruby can't help Yang. Yang needs to get her emotions under control"

Tai walked over to his recliner and slumped down into it. Hands falling to his face. "I– I know… I got Zwei for her and it helped. Emotional support dog and all." Tai was distraught beyond belief. "Cou- could you take her?" Tai asked and got a glare in return. "You've done such a good job with Ruby… I just thought maybe you could do the same with Ya-"

"I've done the best I could with her." Raven spoke. "I'm not a real mother, Tai. Not the kind Yang would need." She explained. "Ruby and I have a bond because she gained an interest in weapons. In turn that led to me being able to train with her." She explained. "I am not the most compassionate or emotionally supportive person Tai. You know this."

Tai remembered all the times there was misunderstandings in their relationship. How he and Raven always would argue about the most petty stuff. Stuff he didn't understand why it made her mad. He sighed. "I know…"

"When Ruby gets hurt I teach her to accept it and move forward through the pain. When she's upset I teach her to use her emotions towards a goal. When I read her the fairytales I feel sick because they are a lie. I eventually started reading her the stories each fairy tale originated from. Not the children's stories." Raven paused as she looked towards the window and saw Ruby slowly getting up. Even through the mask Raven saw the clear smile on Ruby's face. "She loves them." Raven sighed. "I'm not a traditional mother. I'm more like a strict teacher that has a child that follows them. I let her make mistakes and let her learn from them. I guide her on the path she wants but do not direct her towards my own personal goals."

Tai was honestly impressed by Raven. She was being a mother, whether she realized it or not. A good mother too. She wasn't comforting but realistic and analytical. She was doing a better job than Tai was doing with Yang he couldn't help but feel.

"Yang needs someone to give her positive reinforcement now. If I took her now she'd be surrounded with harshness and blunt words. Which would just make her negative emotions run wild and speed up her process." Raven clicked her tongue. "Something Yang doesn't need."

He couldn't help but agree. "Wha- What can I do?" He felt lost at this point. It had been almost five years of being a single parent.

"Well, I'm not a mother like that so I wouldn't know. Maybe get her another pet. Maybe start rewarding her when she does well. Encourage the things she wants to do. Honestly I couldn't tell you. I'm not a good mother by any means. I was just forced into the role by Summer." Raven stated with a sigh. "I'll be by to check up on Yang quietly from now on. Maybe once or twice a month. Depending on how busy I am."

That relieved Tai somewhat. "Thank you Ray…"

"Don't thank me. I'm partially the cause of all of this. I abandoned Yang cause I felt it was best for her. I took Ruby and couldn't save Summer. I am the reason Yang has such strong negative emotions. If not for me Yang most likely wouldn't be going through the process." She explained and Tai couldn't help but agree. "I'll be back with Ruby when she turns fifteen per Summer's instructions. I suggest you keep Qrow on a leash till then." She stated and turned to walk away.

Tai sighed, not sure what to say. He felt like a failure.

[X]

Ruby was sore. She had wobbly legs and most importantly was thirsty. Sadly for her, her tutors thought it best to start applying every bit of first aid on her while going on about how cool she was.

"You were totally like WHACHAAA!" Raw exclaimed doing karate chops in the air. Ruby blushed then winced as alcohol was applied to a scrape on her knee.

"Heh, you really were mad when the blondie destroyed my weapon." Amatsu spoke up and Ruby just scowled at that memory from the fight.

"She was being a meanie." Ruby pouted, crossing her arms only to have them undone as Nino start wrapping her right forearm with bandages.

"Yes." Ame spoke softly with a smile as she made eye contact with Ruby. "Yes she was."

"Gaaaah! Look at her girls! She's the bee's knees and not even seven yet! Soon she'll be taking on full grown adults." Ki giggled out with a smile. "Or she might even beat you soon Raw with how she fought."

"Hey!" Raw shot back. "At least she used my weapon!"

Ruby giggled at that whole moment though something bothered her. "I- I'm nothing special… I'm just me."

"Do not take their compliments lightly my Little Bird." Mom spoke as she exited the house. A smile on her face that only Ruby could recognize as warm.

"Mom!" Ruby jumped free of the first aid and winced at the pain as she rushed over and hugged her. Sheepishly she spoke. "Did I do good…?"

Her mom crouched down eye level and patted Ruby on the head then chuckled. "Yes you did, Cardinal. Perhaps I should consider giving you the Trial of Blood sooner rather than later."

Ruby couldn't help but feel pride in those words. That was until this moment was rudely interrupted. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" Was all she heard shouted from Uncle Qrow. Her eyes darted over to the man who had his flask in his hand.

She heard her mother sigh in response but continued looking at Ruby. Ruby had a concerned look but decided if her mom was ignoring the man Ruby could too. "I- Is that girl gonna be ok?" She asked quietly. "Sh- She's my sister isn't she?"

Ruby was concerned she said something wrong when her mom's smile fell a bit. She then nodded. "I'll explain more at home, Little Bird." Which was all Ruby needed to hear as her mom always did her best to explain things.

"Damn it Raven! Don't ignore me!" Qrow shouted out and that got a glare from everyone and even Tai stepped out of the house.

Ruby glanced at her uncle. Why was he so angry and yelling at her mom all the time? It was decided, she did not like her uncle Qrow.

"Hey!" Ruby shouted only to receive a glare from her mom.

"Enough, Cardinal." Her mom's words were stern and Ruby shrank beneath them. Her mom's attention then turned to Qrow. "Whatever do you mean brother?"

"You know what I mean! First not unlocking that girl's Aura, then letting an animal join the match, then not stopping it when Yang was going too far!" Her uncle was clearly angry for all the wrong reasons. The match went fine. "Now you're saying you're gonna have a six year old take the Trial of Blood!? So I ask again, Raven. What the hell is wrong with you!?"

What was so bad about a trial? Sure, it had a scary name but that just meant it was gonna be tough, probably. Ruby didn't understand why it was any of her uncle's business.

"She has shown to have the ability to complete it, not to mention the strength. You're questioning my abilities as her teacher Qrow?" Her mother asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"I am! Damn it Raven, that was given to us when we were twelve! Not six and we both barely completed it!" Her uncle snarled out. His words did make Ruby wince and become a bit nervous at it.

"Your point? She's already as strong as we were back then." Mother's words were steady and even in tone. "It is a tradition that isn't a part of the tribe anymore but it will be a part of my family. I'll determine when my child is ready for it." Her mom looked down at her. Ruby tried to stand tall. Though she still felt uneasy.

"Tsk, whatever don't complain to me if she dies then. Can't believe you're being so irresponsible. No actually I ca-" Qrow was cut off from Ki stepping in front of him and pointing her index finger in front of his face.

"Alrighty, I've heard enough from you." Taka Ki spoke, her ginger her moving in the wind. "First of all, Raven is responsible, she takes care of the tribe and everyone in it like family. Secondly she loves Little Bird like crazy. and lastly, you're a drunken idiot, you have family come and visit and you decide to let yourself stink of alcohol. Who does that?" Ki scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"You cast stones in glass houses and you just better hope that glass is harder than those stones." Ki was clearly defensive.

"You don't get it bandit! She abandoned her daughter and husband here and then when her best friend was killed and her friend's daughter went missing, Raven here did nothing!" Qrow shouted out.

"BANDIT!? I'll have you know the Nidoto Nai are not bandits, you filthy drunk." Ki shouted out. Ruby was starting to feel uncomfortable listening to this argument.

"Enough." Her mom's voice boomed out. "Brother why don't you look up the Branwen Tribe and see when the last time a crime was committed by them. Then perhaps you'll have a better understanding." Ruby watched her mother cut her sword through the air forming a red and black swirling mist. "We're leaving. We have stuff to do."

"Yes Daimyo!" Team Woodpecker shouted out but there was clear disdain coming from Ki towards Qrow. Ruby just nodded.

"Yes mother."

"Goodbye brother and Tai." Her mom's eyes gave a meaningful stare to Taiyang the blonde man Ruby was curious about. "Make sure Yang doesn't have to be put down." Her mother said pushing Ruby through the portal as her mom stepped through as well.

"You bi-" Was all they heard from the other side before the portal blinked from existence.

Ruby took the time to look around and saw they were back in the camp. A few feet away from Fontaine. The familiar smells and sounds from the camp. It was home. Ruby closed her eyes taking it all in. She ignored her mother as she spoke to those around her. She didn't begin to move until she felt her shoulder get nudged.

"Come Cardinal, it's time to rest for the day. Tonight I have much to teach you." Her mom spoke, Ruby following side by side while they walked towards their tent.

"Is this about the Trial of Blood?" Ruby asked curiously, she had many questions, about the Trial, the blonde girl being her sister apparently and so much more.

"Yes, and for me to answer any questions you might have."

Ruby just nodded in response.

[X]

Raven sat at their coffee table on a pillow with crossed legs. She looked at Ruby, eying how the young girl looked after the match against Yang. Raven sighed internally thinking back to the blonde haired girl. Yang was her daughter for sure, but it was in blood only at this point. Raven saw the anger and hatred in Yang's eyes during the match with Ruby. There were a lot of things that could've gone wrong, however, they didn't.

Raven looked Ruby over again. The girl had just taken off her mask and began pouring their tea. "Ruby was able to hold her own even when that dog jumped into the fight." Raven mused to herself. She could see the pay off from the dodge training, it worked. Ruby was becoming more and more aware. Still the dog joining the fight wasn't the main issue Ruby had to face down.

"Yang…" Raven thought solemnly as she picked up her fresh hot tea that Ruby had poured. "... She's going through the Grimmification process. I can't believe I didn't notice this." Raven's face scowled before she drank from her cup. The hot tea soothed her. "I need to make sure it doesn't progress too much. Her Aura will slow it down but the process is something we don't know too much about."

Raven released a sigh and set down her tea. "Let's focus on Ruby for now. I'll have to look for the old Gearwork Labs around Remnant and see if anything was ever found on the process later on."

"So before I explain the trial you will take, in time. I suppose it's time to test your knowledge on the tribe and what you have noticed so far." Raven spoke with a natural tone for her. Her voice was casual as she spoke to her daughter. "What do you think the job and goal is, for the Nidoto Nai?"

Ruby's young face scrunched up and she brought a hand under chin as she started to think. Raven smiled when she saw her do that. "Well, the tribe offers protection to a few nearby villages and towns… clearing the roads of Grimm. In return they pay us for it." Raven was impressed by Ruby's explanation. The young girl did pay attention in her lessons, it seemed, her vocabulary was the most impressive thing.

"Good, you're mostly right, though there are things I never explained to you in the past. For a few reasons. The first being your age. The second being the matter of the topics." Raven stated, lifting her tea cup up to her lips. She sipped from it once again. "I'm gonna go ahead and tell you now Ruby. I'm not telling you these till you are ten. Then you will get to choose your job and purpose in the Nidoto Nai."

Raven paused watching her daughter nod her head. "When you do, there will be a ceremony and a trial. The typical trial for the tribe is fairly mundane and meant to test your will and loyalty." Raven explained. "However, since you are a part of my family… you will be taking an older trial. Do not get it twisted you won't be taking this trial till you are ten, no matter what Qrow thinks. This trial… is the one that I took back when the tribe was still bandits. This was around nineteen years ago."

Ruby gasped. "Wha- What kind of trial is-is it, mom?" she stuttered her words out.

AN:

And that is the end of the Family arc and before the end of Ruby being six. The next timeskip will be to when Ruby is nine and a week before her tenth birthday. So you all will get to see how much better of a fighter Ruby is in that time.

I know there were a lot of questions you all probably have left over on things.
"What's the trial of Blood?"
"What's Grimmification?"

"What the hell is going on in this universe?"

Well. Remember Salem and Ozpin aren't like how they are in the canon show. Relics don't exist and "Maidens" don't exist either.

"So how did Raven get her bird powers?"

All will be revealed in due time. Perhaps with the Gearwork Labs. ;)

So with that being said. I will answer one spoilery question in the replies of this story on Ao3 and FFN. Out of the four questions I listed above.

I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It's nice to finally have this arc done and over with and able to allow me to move on. Maybe this will help with my writer's block.

That being said, tell me what you think of the story so far and tell me what your favorite chapter and moment was from the first 6 chapters.

Now onto other matters. I got some major announcements.

The first one is… I'm gonna start outlining a RWBY Reboot of sorts. Its not gonna be coming out any time soon. Probably gonna try and have season 1 wrote before I release it but it will come with changes to characters and things in universe to make it more cohesive following the story. Chapters will be wrote as if they are meant to be 20 minute episodes. I wont say much other than the main thing I plan to do is make the characters have more connections to one another.

The second big announcement is that… I'm working on a RWBY Evermorrow story supplement. No not something for official RWBY. RWBY Evermorrow is a fan project on youtube as a "What If" Remix of RWBY and it's universe. It's really great and available to watch the first six episodes on youtube right now!

So what is my "supplement" material over? Well in it there is a team made called Team FORG. I spoke to the creator, Kale, of Evermorrow and Kale is allowing me to try my hand at writing a story for the team. The thing is I'm not gonna upload the chapters for it until a few things 1. The chapters for the first arc are done. I'll be uploading them a story arc at a time. 2. Kale has to approve the chapters. Make sure nothing breaks what he is doing with his universe as I'm trying to make this story canon to his show.

That being said I hope you all are as excited for it as I am. I can't say much else for now.

LASTLY!

I'm gonna let you vote for Ruby's partner in HUNTERS:

I was originally gonna have it be Mercury. But I have a few ships I like and could potentially happen in this AU easily.

So here are the options.

Ruby x Mercury

Ruby x Coco
Ruby x Sun

Ruby x Adam

IF you have a suggestion for a ship go ahead and drop it in the comments but I don't want to do anything that isn't a rare pair. So no Weiss, Oscar, or Jaune. Jaune already has a planned ship in this AU. Same with Weiss. Oscar I have no story plans at the moment…

Can't wait to see what you all thought of the chapter and can't wait to see who you all vote for and think of the news (As for the stories I mentioned before last chapter they are still being worked on but in my spare time. The Evermorrow Team FORG and the RWBY Reboot I'm sinking some actual time into when I'm not distracted with Baldur's Gate and writing up reviews for RWBY in my spare time.)

See you all next month or sooner for Chapter 7!

~ Cawme