AN: First-person writing style. This chapter is only 3k+ words long and it took me at least ten hours to finish. Takes four times longer than my old writing style. But I'm kind of happy with how it came out. Sad that it takes a while to write a chapter.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter.

Adam

The breeze of the sea. It has a salty smell to it. It's pleasant to not have multiple odors attacking my sense of smell. A good change for once. I wish to enjoy this bliss the entire trip. Though the thousands of thoughts running around in my head prevent me from doing so.

My fingertips brush against the skin of the Orca. The Orca is guiding me across the sea. It was inconsiderate of me to request its guidance. Traveling a far distance. Leaving his family behind to help me. I will always ask animals, land or marine, if they genuinely desire to assist me. I want to open their eyes. To acknowledge that there is more to enjoy about our endearing world. I do not enjoy taking advantage of their affection for my benefit. If I do. The guilt of them risking their lives to aid me weighs heavily on my mind. My balance of conscience wavers.

By the time we arrived near land, it was dark. The moon floats high above the sky.

I swam half a mile before my feet made contact with the sand. The shores of land. Sand stuck to the soles of my feet, somehow finding their way between my toes. If I were to forgo choosing to swim to shore. The Orca would have gotten stranded on the shoreline. Its life. Ending in solitude. However, If that were to happen. I would do anything in my power to avert that.

I push the thoughts out of my head. It's meaningless to think about 'if' scenarios.

Raven

The smell of blood permeated in the air. Death made itself known around her. Bodies of her people were scattered around her camp. Wherever she ventured, so did her tribe.

I, admittedly, am not one to confess my wrong-doings. My cynical demeanor… a facade that I take pride in. It kept me alive for this long. And will not end here. Not now. Not ever.

That is what I thought before I met him.

I hold myself up with one foot as my knee acts as support. It was a pathetic position to be placed in. I have trained in Beacon for four years. Not even the best Teacher could take me down in under a minute. Yet this man had put me on my knees within seconds.

I place a hand on my rib cage. Every breath I take sends a sharp pain coursing through my chest. A side stitch made itself known at the side of my abdomen. My movements are limited, and blood spilled from my bruises. Dozens of blades used by the man left an equal amount of gashes, some shallow, some deep. The deep ones reach lengths up to half a foot.

Blood poured out from most of my wounds. No matter how hard I resist. It is impossible to stop him. I cannot prevent him from killing my family. However, his actions speak clearly. He does not intend to go for them. I found it strange. Strange that he immediately went after me as he knew from a single glance that I was the leader. Someone must have informed him of my appearance and whereabouts. Despite the fact, it is anything but easy trying to locate me. Me and my tribe are nomadic. We do not stay in one place for too long.

I gripped the dirt. Blood. From hundreds of splotches to small streams of blood littered the soil. Bodies of my men, some foolish and self-centered, kissed the cold-hard ground goodbye. Their spirits move to a different realm from ours.

I look at the man. "Who are you?" I say. For what purpose did he have to attack my tribe? Who sent him? Was it… Salem? Just thinking of that monster brings shivers down my spine. No, I cannot jump to conclusions. I need to get a hold of myself. And quick.

The man said nothing. He gave me a look of disappointment and pity. Like I was… weak.

"Don't you dare give me that look!" I yelled. Swiping my arm in anger. It was just a typical day. Me and my people. We were all preparing for another raid. Resources were getting low, and so was morale. If being desperate can bring the worst of people. Then imagine the worst of the worst, desperate. Not a happy outcome.

I look at the man before me. He bore no weapons. Only stealing weapons from my people and using our weapons against us. But the moment he utilizes it, it shatters.

Now to the main question. Is this man a huntsman? If so, why had I not heard of him before? Someone this strong would not go unnoticed. Not for long, at least.

With shaky hands, I pick up Omen. I used up all my dust. All of it was gone due to my attempts to take down this monster wearing human skin. I set a firm grip on Omen. I only have a few more swings to take him down before the blade shatters. Becoming useless.

I have to make it count.

Pushing myself up. I ignored the pain in my legs. I glance over my camp. Blood soaked into the dry ground. Puddles of blood seeped under the grooves of my boots. It is infuriating to see family being slaughtered without a second thought.

No reaction. No remorse. No guilt. Anything that hints at a sign of regret did not form show on his face. It only fueled my anger and hatred for the man.

Regret materialized in my heart. I should have tested his abilities and prowess before making the move to kill him. If I left after I realized he was too powerful. I could have retreated with only aches for the next few days. Looking at my situation. I doubt I will leave alive.

I lunged forward, swinging my sword at his chest. I have regrets. I have watched over my daughter whenever I could. But never made my presence known. I wanted to become the best mother, but I failed at that. I cannot be myself. Not when Salem is alive and breathing. Not when I have another family to take care of. Not when I cannot do anything to protect my daughter. For there will be people or grimm stronger than me.

Chink

I always kept my cool. I know whenever my expression became anything other than my poker face. But. Right now. My eyes were as wide as they could possibly go. The world felt so small. I'm the frog in the well. Everything in my vision had blurred as I focused solely on my blade.

This man. He was dangerous. More dangerous than Salem herself.

My blade shattered into pieces, falling to the ground, returning where it once lived. I was sure I still had a few more swings. My hands unwillingly began to tremble. I lost my grip on the handle. Allowing Omen to hit the ground. I grit my teeth. His figure loomed over me. His eyes stared at my existence like it wasn't worth any more of his time.

Who the hell is he? No. What the hell is he?

I jumped back. Opening a portal behind. Before I could make it through. The distance between us closed in an instant. A cry forced itself out from my mouth. My abdomen felt like it got caved in for a brief moment. It was like I got hit by a semi-truck at full speed.

I couldn't make out what happened next. It was blurry. I was only running on fumes. But I got the last laugh. I made it through my portal somehow. Now, I have to hope it's anyone but Tai. I don't want him worrying about me…

Lu Bu

That was disappointing. "What a coward," I say. I opened and closed my hands, testing my grip. I had no intention of killing her. It was just a spar. Not a battle to the death. Yet, when she escaped, it ruined my mood. To run away from battle... how despicable.

I flexed my muscles as the joints in my body made loud pops. I was expecting someone stronger. How boring.

And here I was. All excited for nothing.

Before long, a great deal of tribe members began gathering around me.

And not long after. The area is full of bandits circling around me, a good distance away. Dozens of shocked faces. And she left me with her subordinates. I pull on my neck. "Hey," I called out to the man who led me to the camp.

I'm not fond of caring for people, especially when I have to spend time helping them find resources or shelter. My old advisor was a strategist, but he was also the supervisor of the people who followed me.

It's a shame. I'm going to miss my old advisor. What was his name again? Chun- Chen something. It doesn't matter. I only tolerated him because he looked like my adoptive father. My heart pinched. I ignored it.

"Y-yes?" He says.

"You'll be the supervisor of this camp. Until your old leader comes back, Announce to everyone that Lu Bu is their new leader." I say.

"Take the injured into the medbay," I say. I wasn't sure if the tribe had one. If not, they'll have to make some room for the injured. I'm responsible for knocking them down a limb or two, though they'll survive. If given the correct medical treatment.

And I am also kind of responsible for their leader running away. If she refuses to return within three months, I'll have to leave this camp with someone else taking the role of leader. I do not plan on becoming a leader again.

However… there are bound to be some members who have deep-rooted loyalty to the old leader. Some who'd turn to violence… The tone of my voice darkened, "And if you are to attack me, expect death in return."

Raven

Was this the feeling of death? My body felt warm. It felt nice. It made me feel free. Free from Salem. Free from Ozpin. Free from responsibility. If I knew death felt this nice. Maybe… No, I can't die now. I want to see Tai again. I want to see my daughter.

I want to live.

Light invaded my vision as the world around me became visible. Bolting up. My breathing is rapid. I touch my face, my chest, and every part of my body. I'm still alive. I couldn't believe it. Wait, no, something doesn't seem right. I took a closer look at my body. My wounds and injuries are gone. Not a single one could be found.

I brought my attention to the field I sat in. Trees in every direction I look.

Looking down at my body again. I notice something I somehow had not noticed before. Why am I naked!? My arms instinctively moved on their own. Covering my private areas. I could feel the heat going up to my head and ears. Dammit Qrow! I'm going to kill you!

I groan. Qrow saw me… saw me without clothes. I wouldn't even put it beneath him to do such a thing. Next time I see him, I'm definitely going to kill him. I swear.

Albeit, my hatred for him. I really hope he left my clothes with me. While I was looking to find my clothes. I catch something beneath my arms. Why do I have fig leaves covering my private regions? How the hell did Qrow manage that? No, I don't think it was him… okay, maybe it was him. I'm not sure what goes on in his drunken mind anymore.

It took a little while before my anger had finally decided to dissipate. At least nobody is here. But… how come there isn't a single injury on me… even my old scars!?

What exactly happened?

Looking up. I use a hand to cover my eyes from the sunlight. It couldn't get any brighter than it is now. It was concerning... Thinking back to when I was attacked by that man. I remember it hadn't been in the morning or night. But in the afternoon. How long have I been out for?

How many of my people have been slaughtered by now?

Slamming my fist against the ground with all my might did nothing to ease my anger. "Dammit!" I yelled out in frustration. If only I was stronger. If I had a relic. No, if I had the power of the maidens, I could have won. Who knows what that man is planning with my people?

"Are you feeling well?" A voice called out. The hairs on my body stood up. This feeling… Tai? I turn my head towards the source. Expecting to see Tai. But, much to my disappointment. It wasn't him. That, and the man who stood before me is naked. Nothing but a fig leaf covering the private part of his body.

My suspicions stand correct. It really wasn't Qrow. It would have been odd for siblings to pull these types of pranks, well… never mind.

It wasn't hard to deduce that this man was the one who had taken my clothes. Considering my clothes are sitting in his arms.

I grit my teeth, "My clothes. Give. Them. Back."

"Ah, I planned to. I washed off the blood… but your clothes are still torn…" He says worriedly. "What happened to you?" His eyes had a look of concern. Do I know this man? No, I don't. I've never met him once in my life.

But why does he seem so familiar? I notice my chest tightening. Am I sick? Considering I have no clothes on, most likely. And being out almost bare-naked in a field of grass. With nothing but fig leaves barely covering certain parts of my body. Most definitely sickness.

"My clothes. Now." I say sternly with a cold demeanor. Internally, I was screaming in embarrassment. I extend a hand towards him, waiting for my clothing to be given to me.

"Ah, sorry about that. Here you go." He walks up to me, dropping my clothes in my arms.

"Not so close." My eyes narrowed on the man.

I will admit that this man is the definition of eye candy. His toned muscles. His elegant sky-blue eyes. His platinum-blonde hair… And his muscles….But I can't trust him. Currently, I'm at my weakest. I don't have Omen or a way back to camp.

I need to inform Qrow that our tribe has been overtaken by a powerful man… But, before I do, I've got to get to Tai. I look down at my body. I can't approach my brother almost bare naked. If I do I won't ever hear the end of it. I can already see him bringing it up every time we meet.

I opened a portal. Entering, intending to reach Tai. I could already imagine seeing Tai's face turning red. Blushing at the sight of my body.

I smack my face. No, Raven, stop thinking that way. Me and Tai are not like that anymore. I left that life behind a long time ago. All I need is strength. Besides, I have little time to stay and chat. Qrow needs to know our tribe is in danger as soon as possible.

I took a step out of the portal. Alright-

"Ah, you're back." The piece of eye candy- I mean, the man I met a moment ago called out.

I look around, confirming it myself. I didn't teleport to Tai, but instead to this man. That's not possible. I can only teleport to those I have bonds with.

I tried teleporting to Tai again. But instead of teleporting to Tai, I ended up in the same place. What the hell? I tried to teleport to Qrow. It happened again. A sense of dread seeped into my being. I tried teleporting to Yang, then Tai, and then- Dammit! My portals keep on taking me back to this man!

"Are you lost?" He asks. Am I lost? Is he seriously asking me that?

"I'm lost because of you!" I shouted before quickly covering my mouth with my hand. That was… out of place. I never had outbursts, well, not ever since I was in my teens.

"Is that so?" He says. His tone made me uneasy. My brows furrowed and my posture became rigid. Did I offend him? I can't fight, not right now. I don't have Omen and my CQC is mediocre at best, compared to my honed swordsmanship, it's like night and day. However, without a blade, I can't exactly use Laido.

"I'll try to help you to the best of my abilities." He says with this kind look in his eyes.

I look at him dumbfounded. I guess I was wrong in his intentions. "There's no need." I say, "I'll make it back on my own." Not by foot.

I turn to leave after dressing myself. A tug in the back of my head made itself known. Curiosity. I want to stay and learn more about this man. Why am I capable of opening a portal to him? Why does he give me this odd feeling? Why do I feel a sense of safety? Is he someone I knew once before but forgotten due to the passing of time? I don't have the time to wait for answers.

I continue to leave. But the man took me by the hand. Preventing me from taking a step farther. My eyes narrow in irritation as I turn towards him. The man spoke before me. "Take care of yourself, alright?" Hearing this confuses me greatly. Standing in silence. His worries did not go unheard, but it wasn't needed either.

I swipe my hand away from his. "Worry about yourself," I say. I left into a clearing far from him. Transforming into my bird form. Flying away in the opposite direction of where I met that man. If I can find a familiar village I've been to I could get a grasp on my sense of direction. It's my only hope. Although, I'm not looking forward to the trouble I'll have to go through finding my brother. Wherever he is.