A/N: Bonus scene that didn't make it into the last chapter, because it would have messed up the flow.
It was late when Yang returned to the room, but she was still the first one back.
After their conversation days ago...well, killing Grimm might be the simplest task any of their team had. Ruby had her notes and theories, and Weiss could only follow along in hopes of helping.
She changed in a rush, looking forward to the bed, passing by the desk with the sealed letter and the raven's feather, stopping for a moment by the empty bunk as she did every night, before-
Wait.
She spun back to the desk, eyes widening slightly. That wasn't there this morning. Did one of the others...? Slowly, she walked towards the desk.
She shifted the feather to one side, revealing the elegant letters spelling out her name.
Slowly, she opened the letter, and began to read.
Yang;
You have grown strong. At first...I thought you were like the other students. Empty strength, devoid of reason and conviction. But I hoped for more, and so I watched.
And in every match you fought, your aim was flawless...and deadly. I do not know what your teacher has shown you, or what secrets they've shared. But it is clear that you understandhow the world works. To win is to live, and to lose is to perish.
You are truly, in every way that matters, a Branwen. You will always have a place among us.
And yet, I am afraid. Your team reminds me too much of Team STRQ. Once, Ozpin told us stories and secrets, and embroiled us in his war, and there was a time when we fought together against hisenemies. In time, I saw the truth that he concealed, and understood the pointlessness of his battles.
He used us, and now Summer is dead.
You have clashed with his enemies twice now. The first time, you succeeded. This time...you, too, have lost a teammate, and seen Ozpin's plans and walls come crumbling down. Yet you demonstrated strength, and if you have not yet been inducted into his army I have no doubt that Qrow or another of Ozpin's minions will seek you out.
I have always hoped that you could avoid this choice...but with your uncle in his service, there was always doubt.
If the time comes that you wish to know the truth they conceal from you - the truth about Ozpin and all his secrets and enemies - place the feather in your hair, and I will open the way to me. I will tell you what they will not, and you can make your choice with knowledge instead of ignorance.
Do not throw your life away.
Raven
The paper crinkled and shook, and Yang realized her fists had clenched. The wood of the desk creaked within her grip. Slowly, very slowly, she loosened them.
"You-you're fucking joking, right? You can't...you don't get to use what happened to her against me, you f-fucking bitch..."
Her vision was blurry as she stared at the feather on the desk. After a moment, she snatched it and shoved it into her bag in one movement, not trusting herself to hold it.
Part of her wanted to use it, after all.