"Alright, enough!" Qrow called out, uncrossing his arms and stepping off the sidelines of the training room.
"Aw, but I almost had him!" Nora pouted, pushing herself back up to her feet without missing a beat. She was eager to get back to the fight.
"Almost doesn't quite cut it, kid" He told her. "You did alright avoiding his semblance, and it wasn't a half bad idea to use his weapon to your advantage, but he had you on the backfoot almost the whole time. He's fresh, and you're exhausted from being out on patrol all day."
Marrow smirked, leaning his weapon against his shoulder. "You hear that? I won. That means you've been dethroned, miss queen of the castle."
"I can and will kick your ass, pretty boy!" Nora yelled out, gripping Magnhild tightly in her hands. She launched herself back at the former specialist, but Qrow snatched at the back of her shirt, bringing her to a halt. "Let me at him!" She growled, baring teeth. "I'm gonna smash his teeth in!"
Marrow took a few steps back, the smile wiped clear off his face, replaced with something more similar to primal fear. Nora hissed. "Not so fast there, kiddo," Qrow chided. "Or you'll miss that date with greenie you've been going on about all week."
Nora gasped, completely ceasing any struggle. "I completely forgot!" She shouted. "I'm going to be late!" Qrow let her go, and immediately her head snapped around the room, searching. "Where's Oscar?" She demanded. "He and Oz promised to help me get ready. And why didn't they remind me before I started training?"
Qrow opened his mouth to remind her that they had done exactly that, but before he could, Nora interrupted him. "Never mind, it doesn't matter. OSCAR! YOU BETTER HAVE MY DRESS READY!" Nora bolted away, stopping only to collapse her hammer and place it behind her back.
Qrow smiled softly, shaking his head. Marrow's shoulders sagged, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "And you," Qrow said, addressing the faunus. Immediately, Marrow tensed back up. "Aren't you supposed to be a professional? It's never a good idea to taunt someone after a fight, especially when you're on the same side."
Marrow shrunk away sheepishly, averting his eyes. "Hey, she shouldn't have made the bet in the first place!" He defended. "Besides, I'm not really much of a professional anymore. Not when there isn't a military left to be a part of."
Qrow grunted in agreement. True enough. After Atlas fell, there really wasn't much of a structure left to keep the military all together. Especially once they linked up with the other survivors at Vacuo. It became more of a, 'we're all in this together' kind of thing at that point, and took on a life of its own.
Course, Jimmy's death didn't help much in keeping everything together, He thought grimly.
He shook his head. "It doesn't matter if you're not technically a specialist anymore. You're still a Huntsman. And all these people in the city, all the refugees forced out of their homes? They're going to look to you for support, and they're going to expect you to act like a Huntsman."
Marrow nodded. "I understand, sir."
He rolled his eyes. "Oh, give it up with the 'sir' crap. I'm not your boss."
The faunus grinned, his tail starting to wag. "Are you sure, sir? After all, you're the one overseeing a lot of the training, sir."
Urgh. Atlesian bastard. He was enjoying this, wasn't he? "Yeah, me, and Oz, and Tai, and a dozen other Huntsmen and Huntresses. I don't hear you calling Robyn ma'am, now do I?" The kid did still slip up sometimes and address Winter by her former rank, but he could excuse that. It was easier to fall back on what's familiar, especially when everything is so much more stressful than it used to be.
Marrow frowned. "No…but to be fair, you do spend a lot more time with us, as opposed to some of the others who stop by. I was only messing with you a little."
Qrow shrugged. What could he say? None of them had much else to do but sit here and wait. Train. Occasionally go out and kill any Grimm that get too close to the city. He may as well make his time worthwhile and ensure the kid's are training properly. Besides, it took his mind off things for a while. Gave him something to do instead of wallowing in old habits.
"Anyways, I'm going to go catch up with Winter," Marrow said. "She mentioned something about Ozpin helping with her training, and I'm sure she's going to want someone to complain to. Thanks Mr. Branwen!" He waved a hand as he left.
Qrow nodded back, shoving his hands into his pockets. "No problem," He called back.
Qrow sighed. He'd spent long enough at the sparring ring. Someone else could take over watching the younger trainees. He had other things to do. Things like patrolling the walls, or grabbing a bite to eat. Things like visiting the kids.
He turned a corner, almost running right into a familiar face. He frowned. Things that'll have to wait, it looks like. Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face, was one of his oldest friends.
"Hey Qrow," Tai said nonchalantly. "What's with the kid running down the hall like she was about to kill someone?"
"Nora forgot she had a date," Qrow answered simply.
"Ah. I see," Tai nodded sagely. "What're you up to, then?"
"I was about to go on patrol," Qrow hinted, hoping for once Tai might listen.
His brother in law clapped his hands together with a smile. "Well then! It's a good thing I showed up when I did!"
Qrow sighed. Of course he wouldn't listen. It's Tai. The man was as stubborn as his wife was. Both of his wives, for that matter. Sometimes it seemed like he was the only one in their family with a lick of sense. Then again, you spent half your life passed out drunk a thousand miles from home, so how much sense can you really have?
He pushed his thoughts out of his mind. Better not to dwell on that kind of stuff more than he had to. "Guessing you got something else in mind, huh?"
Tai wrapped an arm around his shoulder, leading him down the hall. "Eh, nothing much," He said. Qrow didn't believe him. "Just figured I'd cut you a break. You've been working yourself to death these last couple months."
"Everyone has," Qrow pointed out. "Nobody can afford not to give it their all. Not anymore."
"But not everyone's losing themselves in it, Qrow," Tai said sternly. And here it is. Qrow braced himself for the inevitable scolding. "Seriously, you're not gonna let anyone down by taking a break every once in a while, Qrow. We're all in this together. You won't be able to help anyone if you wind up working yourself to death."
"You're exaggerating," Qrow defended, pushing Tai's arm off his shoulder. "I'm fine, Tai. Really. Best I've been in years. I've been staying around. I haven't let my semblance get to me. I even quit drinking!"
"And I'm happy for you," Tai said honestly. "It's good to see you sober, Qrow. But don't act like you're doing fine. None of us are, so stop trying to pretend. You're a horrible liar."
"Not too bad" He grinned. "Or I never would've made it to Beacon in the first place."
"First of all, pretty much everyone who mattered knew who you and Raven were immediately," Tai said. "And Summer figured it out herself pretty quickly. Second of all, quit trying to change the subject."
They came to a stop, Qrow refusing to engage him and Tai refusing to let it go. Don't say it. Don't say a fucking word, Tai. Tai's glare softened, and he seemed almost mournful, his eyes full of pity. "Qrow, nobody blames you." Bastard. "You did everything you could, and a hell of a lot more on top of that. You saved a lot of people."
"But I didn't save them," He spat bitterly. "The only thing I was supposed to do. The only thing I was good for anymore." He smiled sadly. "Brothers, you should have seen them, Tai. You'd be so proud. They didn't need me, not by the time we reached Argus. None of them did. But that was alright. I could be content to be there for them. To catch them when they fell. But I wasn't. I was sitting in a jail cell while they were fighting for their lives! I watched Atlas fall, and I thought my nieces were dead. Weiss and Blake, and Jaune too. All of those kids were my responsibility."
"Qrow-" Tai tried interrupting.
"But that wasn't it. Of course it wasn't. At least you had Raven to let you know for sure when it happened. But me? The entire way to Vacuo, I was devastated. But when I finally arrived, when I found out some of the refugees made it out through gateways made from the relic, I had hope." He scoffed. "For a little while, at least. Didn't take long to find out what actually happened. They're gone, Tai, and I wasn't there to catch them! I'm not going to apologize for making sure that doesn't happen again with the last few kids I didn't fail!"
"I know," Tai said softly. "I don't want you to. But like I said, you won't be able to help anyone if you keep going on like this. Take a night off, Qrow."
"I said I'm fine," He snarled. "Drop it."
"No," Tai scowled, crossing his arms. "I won't. I lost my wife. I lost my daughters. I'm not going to lose you too. You've blamed yourself for every little thing that's gone wrong your entire life. I'm not letting you blame yourself for this. Ruby and Yang, and their friends all died as huntresses. They died saving people. They knew the risks, and they chose to help. Because that's the kind of people they were. You did everything you could. I know you wouldn't have done anything less"
"Like you're such an excellent judge of character," He accused. "Where's my sister then, hm?"
Tai frowned. "Raven's the one who brought me to you, Qrow."
"Yeah, and she was too much of a coward to walk through herself wasn't she?" Qrow spat. "She stayed behind in Vale. Almost got me to shoot you before I realized it wasn't Raven coming through the portal."
"She's grieving too, Qrow," Tai said. "She felt their links as they were cut off. She'll come back in her own time."
"Oh, fuck off!" He shouted. "She tried to kill us!"
"It's more complicated than that," Tai began.
"I don't care!" Qrow cut him off. "I don't care what you told me. I don't care if she regrets it, or if she never intended to kill me and the kids anyway, I care about what she did. And what she didn't do. Do you see her around anywhere?" He spread his hands out, gesturing around the main hall of Shade. "Cause I sure as hell don't. Because she's a coward. A coward who's going to spend the rest of this fight back in your old cabin, waiting for the rest of us to deal with Salem for her."
"You don't believe that," Tai said calmly.
"Oh, I don't believe that?" He repeated mockingly. "And why is that?"
"Because she's still your sister," Tai said. "And no matter what you say, she is trying. You know that, I've told you that. She'll make her way to Vacuo in her own time, and when she does, you'll greet her with a hug. Because right now, there's too few of us left to push each other away."
Qrow looked like he wanted to say more, but he let it go, turning away sharply. "I'm going to grab a drink," He said coldly.
"Qrow…" Tai warned.
"An actual drink!" He yelled back. "A water or something, relax."
Thankfully, Tai didn't follow after him. He didn't want to keep their argument going. It wasn't going to accomplish anything other than to make the both of them miserable.
Qrow sighed. Fucking Raven. Tai might have given her a free pass, but he sure as hell wouldn't. He still remembered Haven. She made her choice, and now she got to live with it.
And he had made his. He told her then and there she wasn't his sister, not anymore, and he had meant it. He still meant it.
So why did it bother him so much that she wasn't here?
Raven snarled, tossing an empty box of cereal across the room. That was the last of the food, she thought bitterly. Everyone else in the area had already abandoned Vale, choosing instead to try their luck with Vacuo
She could always go out and forage, but she doubted she'd even find enough to live off of, certainly not for long. Too many Grimm in the area had chased off most of the wildlife, and their numbers were only growing.
Soon, she wouldn't be able to put it off any longer. She'd have to bite the bullet and take her chances in Vacuo.
But she could damn well put it off for as long as she could. She had quite a bit of experience in avoiding her problems, she may as well put a bit of it to use.
Even if she should just get it over with as soon as possible.
She sighed, plopping down onto the couch. A small cloud of dust shot up into the air, and she coughed, waving her hand lazily around her face. She scowled. Of course. It wasn't like she had anyone else to blame, though. Ever since she sent Tai to Vacuo, no one was left to keep the house clean. The sink was filled almost to the brim with dishes, and clothes were strewn haphazardly on the floor.
She didn't see the point in trying to keep it clean. It wasn't her home. And soon enough, it wouldn't be anyones. She doubted it would stay standing once the Grimm started really picking up in numbers.
The only thing she had bothered to maintain was her sword, and what remained of her spare blades. And Summer's grave, of course. Salem could bring every red eyed bastard she had spawned in however many centuries she had lived, Raven would make sure Summer's grave was untouched. At least, for as long as she could.
She had spent more time with Summer lately, ever since Tai left. I suppose I must be feeling lonely, she mused. She let out a short laugh of disbelief. Raven Branwen. Feeling lonely. Vernal would have been more than a little amused at that. So would Qrow and Tai, come to think of it.
Maybe Yang would have too.
She gulped, and felt a pit begin to form in her stomach. Brothers she was pathetic, wasn't she? She couldn't even think about her daughter without breaking down now?
My daughter, Raven scoffed. Can I even call her that anymore? The last time they had spoken, Yang had made it quite clear what she thought about her. She had torn down every little lie Raven had told herself for the last nineteen years, and told her to her face that she was a coward. That she would let her own daughter take the risk of carrying the relic in her stead. And she had been right.
The last time she had seen Yang, she saw nothing but disappointment and disgust reflected in her eyes. She went back to Taiyang because she couldn't handle it. She couldn't go back to the tribe after that, not after getting Vernal killed, and betraying her own family. Even if she never intended for them to be truly harmed.
Tai had helped, as best he could. He made her comfortable, set up Qrow's room for her to use, joked and reminisced about day's long past. He'd taken her to visit Summer more than a few times, something she was grateful for.
A little bit of her old confidence had returned to her, in the few short weeks they had together. She had begun to hold out in the vain hope that perhaps, one day, her daughter might not look at her the way she had. That she might think of her as a mother again. That Qrow might see her as a sister.
She was away from home when Ruby's little announcement came on the television. She was actually out on a hunt. It had been almost twenty years since the last time she had taken on a contract, but she figured why not? She refused to live off of Taiyang's charity, now matter what he said. Besides, she thought it might make Yang proud, when she heard of it. That she was taking on Huntress work again, even if only tentatively.
She still hasn't seen the broadcast of Ruby yet. She was sure there were plenty of videos circling around, but she had avoided them. Taiyang had told her that Ruby looked a lot older than the last time he had seen her. Her hair was completely different.
The last image she had of Ruby was of the determined young girl had seen at Haven. How different did she look, Raven wondered?
She also wondered what might have happened if she had been at home during the broadcast. If she had known how bad things were in Atlas. She would have opened a portal to them immediately, of course. Could she have saved Yang? Or Ruby? Both of them?
Of course she could have. Why was she even entertaining the idea that she couldn't? Her semblance was eminently useful. She had been born with all of the luck her brother had been denied.
And yet, he was the one who had stayed with her daughter and Ruby. And she was hiding with Taiyang.
She was on her way back home, in the middle of the woods when she felt it. Her link to Yang was cut. It was so…sudden, so immediate, nothing at all like when Summer died.
One moment it was there, the next…she was simply hollow. It had shook her to her core, causing her an almost physical pain. By the time she realized what happened, Ruby's link was cut short as well.
She nearly burnt the forest down in rage that night. A storm had come to Patch the likes of which probably hadn't been seen in decades. She never did make it back to the house on her own that night.
When Tai finally found her, she was in a daze. It wasn't until they were both under the safety of the cabin that she had enough presence of mind to tell him what happened.
He took it better than she did, naturally. He knew as well as her that her semblance couldn't exactly be fooled. Ruby and Yang were gone. But Qrow wasn't. He told her she needed to open a portal, that they needed to go to him immediately.
She put it off, at first. Stupid, but she knew Qrow wasn't in any danger.
Her link…her link gave her a certain insight into those she shared one with. Before Yang…before their links were severed, she was in danger, yes, but nothing that Yang must have viewed as life-threatening. At least, not more than usual. She was a huntress, after all. Which meant her death must have been sudden, unexpected. She wasn't sure what Ruby felt when she died. Raven had still been recovering from Yang's loss.
She made excuses, telling Tai they had to prepare first, that Qrow wasn't in any immediate danger. He agreed, and she managed to hold out for almost two weeks while they gathered supplies.
And when the day finally came…she opened the portal, let Tai walk through, and shut it just as fast, cutting herself off from the only family she had left. Again.
She couldn't face Qrow. Not after Haven, and not after…certainly not after Yang and Ruby. How could she? When she already knew what he would say? That she should have been there. That she could have saved them. That it could have been avoided.
Everything she had told herself ever since.
Time was running out, now. Her options were fading fast. Sooner rather than later, she would have to go to Vacuo.
But first, she had at least one last loose end to tie up.
Summer's grave was exactly as she left it. No surprise there. It was probably the last place on patch still looked after.
Raven sighed as she knelt on the grass, placing Omen gently on the ground beside her. She sat in silence for a while, taking in her surroundings. No matter how many times she visited her old friend, the peaceful feeling it brought her never left. Like returning home.
"I know," She finally said aloud. "I know I should just get it over with. I know they probably need me. Qrow probably needs me. Tai does. But…but I can't just go to them, not after everything that's happened!"
She smiled sadly. "Of course, you wouldn't have to think twice. You'd have been off to Vacuo in a heartbeat. Your family needs you, that's all that would've mattered." Her smile faded, and her eyes seemed to unfocus. "But not me, though. Your daughter is dead, my daughter is dead, and that still isn't enough to get me to go back."
Raven scoffed. "How did you put up with me for so long? All of you? Qrow at least knew what was doing, but how could you or Tai ever find a reason to stay around me? Qrow at least grew out of it. Learned to live like one of you. He stayed."
She grew quiet once again, letting the sounds of the woods fill the silence. "I wonder what would've happened if I had come back? After your death, I mean. Tai and Qrow would've been overjoyed. Would Yang? Would she be happy for me to be there, or angry that I was trying to replace you?"
"Not that I ever could've hoped to replace you," She laughed bitterly. "You were everything I could never be. As a Huntress, as a friend, as a wife, as a mother. I suppose I'm glad. At least Yang got to have the time she did with you."
Raven chewed her lip. "They should have had more time with you. Yang and Ruby both. I should have done more for them. All the times I've watched over the two of them, and the only time Ruby has ever seen me is when I tried to kill her." She paused. "Not that Yang has had much more. A few glimpses across the years, a few words, and most of them angry. And now, that's all we'll ever have."
She felt something wet fall down her face. "I-I won't ever be able to fix things. To go back, and tell myself I was an idiot. To try and make up for what I've done. To hug my daughter, and tell her I love her. That I was so proud that she managed to be so much better than me. To hug Ruby and tell her she was doing a good job. All I have…all I have to live with are those few moments we shared, bitter as they were. And that's all I'll ever have."
In the distance, she heard footsteps pounding into the dirt, moving fast. They were getting near. She took a deep breath, grabbing Omen and rising to her feet. "Yang and Ruby are gone," She said. "You're gone. But I'm still here. It isn't fair that I am, and none of you are, but I am. And so is Tai, and Qrow, and all of the rest." She glimpsed a small horde of beowolves breach the treeline, rushing her down. "And it's time I finally go back,"
Raven looked back wistfully at the gravestone. "Goodbye, Summer. I'm so sorry. But I'm trying." A moment's hesitation as she contemplated where to open her portal, before she unsheathed Omen, slicing open a tear in reality in one smooth motion.
She paused only a moment, before walking through.
Qrow sighed, setting down his glass of water on the counter in front of him. He recognized that sound. It was impossible for him not to.
Around the rest of the bar, a few heads turned in confusion, but most quickly looked away. It wasn't their business, after all.
For a moment, he was conflicted on what to do. He knew this was coming. Ever since Atlas, it was an inevitability. The time had finally come, and he was no closer to figuring out what he should do.
He could always just grab Harbinger. It was right beside him, leaning against the counter. It'd take only a moment to grab and swing behind him. It'd be cathartic, too. Brothers knew she sure as hell deserved it.
Damn it all. His nieces were dead. He was too tired to be angry.
He turned around slowly. His sister looked much the same as the last time he saw her. She made an effort to appear as confident as she always did, standing defiantly, but beneath it all he saw her nerves beginning to get the better of her. His sister was tense.
"Raven," He said, keeping his voice level.
She nodded slowly. "Qrow."
Once again, the urge to grab Harbinger flared up, but he shoved it away. He gestured towards one of the stools at his side. "Wanna grab a drink?" He asked.
Her eyes widened in surprise. She had come here expecting a fight, no doubt, or at least an argument. Accusations. He didn't have the energy for it, not today.
Wordlessly, she took a seat, still unsure of how to react to his nonchalance. They sat there for a while in silence, neither of them knowing what to say, and neither of them wanting to be the one who spoke first. When was the last time the two of them had been together like this? Without sniping at each other and trading barbs, that is. Years and years, had to be. Back before she left.
Raven was the one who broke the silence, surprisingly. She frowned, looking down at his glass. "That's a glass of water."
He raised it to his lips, taking a sip. "Observant of you. All those years with the tribe must have done wonders to hone your skills." Ah. Well, so much for not trading insults.
Her frown turned into a scowl. "Asshole. I was trying to ask why you have a glass of water. In a bar, no less."
He shrugged. "I don't drink anymore."
Again, her eyes widened in shock. "Since when?" She asked incredulously.
Since Brunswick, he thought. Not the first time I almost failed them, and not the last. I almost let Tyrian get them, because I was trailing too far behind them. I almost let the Apathy get them because I was bitter over Oz. Then Atlas, of course. She didn't know any of that, though. "Since Argus," He said simply, and left it at that.
She didn't push him, and nodded once more. "Good, then. I'm glad."
This time, it was his turn to frown. Are you, now? Even she seemed surprised by her words, but he couldn't spot any deceit written on her face. Wasn't that something? Raven Branwen, glad her brother got back on the wagon. A sharp difference from the woman who tried to kill him at Haven.
He let it drop. They were dancing around the subject, and at this rate he'd cave and ask the bartender for an actual drink. Not that he'd give it to him, but he'd still ask. "So what finally drove you off?"
Raven flinched. "I…couldn't wait any longer. Grimm were starting to overrun the island, and I had run out of food. I couldn't put it off anymore."
"So it took Salem showing up on your doorstep for you to finally pull the trigger and show up, is that it?" He asked.
Instead of the vicious comeback he was expecting, Raven seemed to shrink, looking down at the counter. "Yes," She answered, her voice quiet and hollow in a way that sounded wrong to Qrow. Raven Branwen was many things, but quiet and hollow were not among them.
Damnit, Rae. You even suck the fun out of arguing. He sighed, standing up and fishing out a bit of lien to place on the counter. "Come on," He said, nodding towards the door.
She looked up at him confused. "Why?"
"You got something better to do?" He asked. Finally, she managed to take a hint and rose to her feet, following behind him.
They left the bar in silence, walking down the streets of Vacuo. Behind him, he was sure Raven was staring in wonder at the city. She had been here before, of course, but Vacuo was very different from how it was twenty years ago. Refugee's from all over Remnant had turned the city into a sort of melting pot of cultural variety.
"Where are we going?" She asked.
"You'll see," He answered mysteriously.
"Qrow, I…" Raven faltered, unsure of how to continue. It didn't matter. Qrow knew what she was trying to say, all the same. She was his twin, after all.
"Save it," He told her. "There'll be plenty of time for moping soon enough. Give it a rest for now."
He decided he wouldn't bring her to the Mural. Nice as it was, he figured that would probably be too much for her right now. Besides, she was never one for big public displays like that. She did her grieving in private.
There was, however, one place that was thankfully empty.
Raven raised an eyebrow. "You brought me to a sparring ring? That's it? You want a fight?" Beneath her veneer of haughtiness, he could see the hurt in her face. The disappointment.
He shook his head. "Nah. Just wanted somewhere we could have a little privacy." He opened one of the coolers at the edge of the room, tossing her a drink.
She caught it, thrown off once more. He resisted the urge to grin. She had to be so annoyed right now. He sat down with a groan, leaning his back against the wall, waiting. Raven stepped forward slowly, almost like she was expecting a trap. Eventually, she slid down next to him, clearly uncomfortable. That was fine. He wasn't much better. It had been a long time since the two of them had gone so long without starting a fight with each other. This was uncharted territory for the both of them.
"You're here now," He finally said. "So I guess it doesn't matter much how long it took you." There. He could be diplomatic.
"Of course it does!" She snapped. "I should have come here with Tai! I should have opened a portal to Ruby the second I felt Yang's link fade! I-"
"Can it," He interrupted. "Tai told me everything himself once he got settled in here. You've made a lot of mistakes Raven, but you didn't do anything wrong then, at least. You were in shock."
She shook her head. "That's not an excuse. I should have been there!"
"So should I," He said. "I should have been with them. I've been beating myself over it ever since, but I'm beginning to think Tai was right. I did what I could, Rae. And so did you. That's all that any of us can really do, in the end."
"But I…I…" Her eyes were desperate, begging him to blame her for something. For her to be held accountable. Her guilt demanded it. It was a familiar look, one he had seen in the mirror for as long as he could remember. Once again, he was struck by how wrong it looked on his sister. Raven Branwen was not desperate.
"You fucked up," He said, and she flinched again. "So did I." At Brunswick. "So did Tai, after Summer died. He left the girls on their own. So did Summer, when she ran off and left us to deal with the aftermath. None of us are perfect, Rae. None of us are even close."
"She didn't even hate me," Raven whispered. "You didn't see how she looked at me, Qrow. I could have dealt with hate. She pitied me. She was so disappointed in me. My daughter is dead, and she died disgusted with me. And no matter what I do, I can never change that."
"Bullshit," He said, and her head snapped up.
"What?" She asked.
"You heard me," He answered. "Look, Obviously you didn't part on great terms. But as the only one of us who was actually around for most of her life, I'd say I have a better idea of what she would feel."
Her shoulders slumped at his words, but he carried on. "You came back," He said. "Took you twenty years and enough disasters to make Oz raise an eyebrow, but you finally came back. I didn't think you ever would. For the longest time, none of us did. So tell me, why are you here? To sabotage us, maybe get on Salem's good side?"
Her face twisted in rage. "Of course not!" She roared. "I'm here to help you, asshole!"
He shrugged. "Well there you have it. You're here to help. After everything you've done, you came back, and you're here to help. And if Yang were here right now, I can tell you for a fact she'd be glad to see you. She'd be proud of you, for trying to do the right thing."
Raven's eyes widened, and threatened to spill tears. "Qrow," She croaked hoarsely.
He slung an arm over her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. It was strange, but not unpleasant. "Ruby would too. And Summer for that matter. Tai for sure." He paused. "And I know I am." He grinned. "Glad to have you here. "Kept me waiting too long, asshole."
She refused to lean her head on his shoulder, but at least she didn't pull away from his lazy attempt at a one armed hug. "They should be here. Not me."
He nodded in agreement. "They should. They were a hell of a lot better than us, that's for sure. But they aren't. And despite what I would prefer, I know they wouldn't want us to mope around like we have been. Tai was right, the bastard."
She sniffed. "He usually is."
Qrow laughed. "Eh, sometimes."
Raven sighed. "It's hard, Qrow."
"It feels impossible, sometimes," He said. "But I figure we ought to give it a shot, don't you think? For them, if not for anything else. It's what they would have wanted."
She smiled then, the first genuine, nice smile he had seen on his sister since…he couldn't even guess. She nodded. "Yeah. It is."
They fell back into silence after that. Only, it wasn't that awkward silence of before, where neither of them knew what to say, or who should speak. It was the familiar silence that they used to share so long ago. Where they didn't need words to talk to each other. They only had to be there for one another. It was nostalgic, almost. It was nice.
His nieces were dead. Most of Remnant was on the verge of being overrun, and Salem held all the cards.
But he was sitting side by side with his sister again in peace, after decades of thinking something like this would be impossible.
They would never be the same. They would never come close.
But that didn't have to be a bad thing.
I know the last chapter was supposed to be the end, but I wanted to add something that covered Vacuo, after Atlas fell. It didn't really feel complete without it. I may decide to add another chapter or two once we know what happens after RWBY returns, but probably not. It depends.
If nothing else, it was fun to work on this again.
Please, leave a comment if you enjoyed it! I love reading people's thoughts on my works!
As always, I crosspost on AO3!