Chapter 27: Mission Preparation

"We're home!" Umber yelled as we entered the house.

"He isn't here," I sensed," Odd."

I wanted to assume he's running late. My uncle never specified what mission(s) he was doing but I didn't bother to ask at the time. Whatever it is, I'm sure he can handle it.

Forgot it, I'm calling him now.

I dialed his scroll and waited for a response.

Nothing.

Nothing.

Nothing.

Why isn't he picking up?

"Are you worried?" Umber snapped me out of my musing.

"It's getting late," I said," He should be home by now. Maybe something happened to him. Maybe-"

I paused to catch my breath.

"Akame careful," my sister placed a hand on my shoulder," I can see your aura."

I look at my arms to see a shadowy red aura. My aura level has been growing steadily. It's visible for everyone to see if I focus on it. I calm myself down and watch it disappear. For a brief moment, I see another shade of red.

My uncle is okay.

Why the hell am I freaking out over it?

"Here," Umber handed me a water bottle for me to drink," You need to stop worrying. If he isn't here by morning, we will go looking for him."

I couldn't understand why I'm freaking out like this. It felt like something was pushing from inside my chest and threatening to burst out.

"Thank you," I took a huge sip," I'm going to take a quick look outside."

"Nope," Umber circled and hugged me from behind," You carried me to sleep last night so it is my turn."

"Hey! I can walk myself," I squirmed in her arms. She let go and laughed.

"Take a shower and go to bed," She pointed," I never figured you would be the scared one in unfamiliar territory."

"I'm not scared," I sighed," I just find it odd that our uncle wouldn't stay to make sure we are safe and comfortable."

Umber leaned against the doorway; deep in thought.

"He accepted specific missions," Umber guessed," I think they are the kind that makes sure nothing will bother us."

"It could be Grimm extermination or taking down potential threats near the city," I remarked.

I started thinking logically. Uncle Qrow is out there ensuring our safety. I can't leave to go look for him because that would be putting me at unnecessary risk.

"See? You answered your question," Umber smiled," Now take a shower and change. I think we still have stupid on us."

"Ver isn't an idiot," I defended," An idiot wouldn't ask for help even when they are wrong or when they can't handle a task."

Umber sat on the bed and lay back.

"What about the twins? Especially the one that turns herself in?"

I started gathering my sleepwear.

"Honestly, I expected the twins to be our enemies down the line," I explained," Do you want to know what Ver and I were talking about?"

I didn't want Militia to hear my plan so I sent her away.

"Militia doesn't know I'm planning to overthrow her mother. I only told Vernal about the plan and now you," I said.

Umber set back up. She stared at me with an annoyed and disappointed expression.

"Akame," She spoke in a low tone," You do realize this is part 2 of bullshitting your friends? Right?"

"This is a different scenario," I insisted," You were a mindless drone for the tribe. I wasn't sure you could think rationally. Militia is making her own decisions. That is great but unpredictable."

I motion to our current living conditions. My mission on this planet would have been so much simpler if I didn't mess up that day. I will end the war between Ozpin and Salem for the sake of this world. I don't know if I'll still be alive after the deed is done.

The Dark God never gives me the full answer to my purpose.

Which is why I'm going to ensure I don't leave the world in a horrible condition. It is a feeling in my very soul. Something will happen to me once my mission is complete.

"I'm predictable?" Umber asked and I nodded. I didn't dance around the question and she appreciated it. It's nice having someone I can vent my frustrations.

"The first Prime Minister of Mistral, Ms. Malachite is the direct result of my mistake," I declared," And my most powerful enemy."

I could tear through Salem underlings and Grimm without a shred of guilt. It is a secret war, I can do what I want to them. I could never defy Malachite on my own. I'll make the situation messier for Remnant.

"And? Tell Militia what you plan to do," Umber retorted," Melty should know what's up. She came here to broker a peaceful solution between you and her mother. You need to be direct to us."

"I understand," I sighed," I'm just stressed out about all this."

I left the room after admitting the truth. I thought about the family back in Patch. Should I tell them my secrets?

I decided against telling them. I don't want my sisters or dad to be a part of the fight between Ozpin and Salem. I don't want to be a burden to them. Although, If Ozpin makes any move to recruit my sisters or dad, I will kill that man.

I closed the bathroom door behind me and thought about what I will do tomorrow.

I woke up to the sound of footsteps at the front door without the front gate opening. I immediately spring into action.

I quietly got out of bed without disturbing Umber, crouched around the house, and hid behind the front door. I suppress my aura and slow my breathing.

"I'm home-GAH!" I pounced on my uncle and wrapped my arms around his neck. Then I made sure to scan his aura before deciding my next move.

Good, This is his aura color and scent.

"Welcome home," I smiled and squeezed tightly. I let go before he started getting uncomfortable.

I would have knocked him unconscious if he was any other aura color.

"And that's you," My uncle shuddered," And I thought I escaped the cold Vacuan night."

"I'm not that cold," I crossed my arms.

"By the way," he yawned and crashed onto the couch," Nothing today. I still got *yawn* more work to do."

"Why all these missions?"

"Grimm elimination, tribal dispute, and keeping an eye on family," he revealed," Now go enjoy another day in the city but don't go into the business district. We can't risk the tribe recognizing you. Luckily, They're mostly recruits from Vacuo."

"I'll be careful," I promised," Vernal agreed to keep my existence a secret."

"Let's hope that trust isn't misplaced," he said before drifting into slumber.

We met back up at an abandoned RV near my house. Ver brought some snacks and Miltia a notebook with a pen for me to write on.

"I'm going to try calling Fang," I explained," You're right, Umbra. He could be using me to further his own goals. I want everyone to keep quiet for the duration of the call. I'll put it on speaker for all of us to hear. If you're going to give me suggestions on what I should ask him, tell me now."

One by one they voiced their concern.

"Why was he in Vacuo?" Militia asked," He is a wanted man."

"What did he do?"

"Fang helped the MTC and SDC plunder Vacuo resources," Militia explained," But this was before we were even born."

He could be a changed man by now. I'm still wanted in three kingdoms so I'm in no position to call him out. And by international law, Vacuo is supposed to extradite me if I'm captured. I would be a hypocrite for pointing it out.

"How does he know the Mirage is going to be a threat?" Umbra inquired," Shady organizations are a dime a dozen."

True.

He must be doing this to test me.

"Do you want to know why he leans toward the rich and wealthy?" Militia added," It's because he's the bloodline of royalty. I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to bring back the monarchy or the reign of nobility."

That could explain the money. He could be using me as a tool against his enemy.

"And word on the street is the Mirage is a fight club," Ver munched on some trail mix," It popped up three years ago. A recruit went there once."

That would mean they established themselves for only one year when I fought them back on Patch.

"I need to see that recruit," I requested," I want to make sure he isn't a spy."

"No problem, Akame."

I did my research on my employer. He did a lot of shady operations before he was taken down by Sky and his team. Nowadays, Headmaster Fang is pushing to scout and train more Huntsman and Huntress throughout the kingdom. The orphanages and homeless are being heavily recruited. This makes sense since half of Mistral Huntsmen are dead, retiring, or too injured.

"Ver? Is there anything you like to add?"

"No, it would be a lot of personal questions," Ver said shyly," I trust him."

All three of us looked at her like she had gone insane.

"You're the type of person he would kill," Umber exploded," You and the tribe are everything he hates."

"You have a point," She said with conflict in her voice," But we need to give him a chance."

"Fine," I nodded," We get this mission done first and worry about Fang's true intention later. But I would like to add one more thing."

The girls nodded.

"I decided the best course of action is to scout them out and engage in diplomacy," I suggested," There is no proof they did anything wrong besides having mercenaries with the same aura color. That isn't enough proof unless their motive is worth fighting against. They can be an ally."

"What if the Mirage is a front for a bigger operation?" Militia explained," I'm not, like, going to incriminate myself or my mother but that's the usual memo."

I absorbed the information and decided to call Fang. I considered the timezone and noted it would be midnight in Mistral. The call went through without any issue but he wasn't the one to pick up the phone. It was a voicemail.

"I'm going to make this quick," He answered," I will send you a full text encrypted email detailing what I know. The password is your birthday: Day, month, and year. She's onto us."

The call cuts off and on cue, a pop-up on my scroll appears. I clicked yes and the file started loading into my scroll.

"Huh," Militia said," So that's why my mother can't track you."

"Two-point identification with scramblers," I explained," I'm guessing the underworld uses the same?"

"Nearly impossible to compromise unless the specific signal is intercepted, and patterns are discovered. But that's only if two sides make calls often and on the continent," Militia explained what we already know," You don't call him often?"

"Only 4 times since he gave me his scroll number and directed me to the program. In no way is that considered often."

"The MIAs are good but they're not omnipotent," Militia spouted," Your employer is just being careful."

The Mistral Intelligence Agency is Lil. Ms. Malachite's strongest asset.

"Be honest with me," I pointed at her with my scroll," Has this scroll been compromised?"

"No, I think the signal will be detected but not the scrolls or content itself. The MIA should only know an outgoing message is heading to Vacuo. My mother already knows we are here so it's useless. They have no jurisdiction over the other kingdoms' towers."

"Unless she pays off some workers," I countered.

"That's even more unlikely because vital communications personnel are loyal to Vacuo and the Academy," Ver revealed," Theodore did a counterplay against all of us last year by embedding his loyalists into comms. Neither the tribe nor Malachite could pay or intimidate those workers without tipping off the Headmaster."

Mistral is no longer just a criminal empire but slowly turning Into a surveillance state, too. Fortunately, there are still plenty of blind spots in the countryside and unaligned cities. Argus is the most open about their distrust for Malachite.

She did improve the infrastructure and communication within Mistral. The kingdom has become more interconnected and thus easier to rule. The news paints her in a good light but I know what's going on.

There are civilians mysteriously disappearing. Malachite is passing laws that increase control over the kingdom. She's even buying all the weapon surpluses from Atlas and training a self-defense force that works for her. Plus, She becomes the second richest person on Remnant even if she has the humble salary of a councilor.

I've seen this trend before but can't recall the exact details. It will only be a matter of time before your true color is revealed to the world.

My fixation on Malachite has made me think about the world governments.

The council system preserves the people's freedom but it only works for Vale and Atlas. Mistral is too large and complex to run with a few people and Vacuo is run by one person, Theodore, anyway.

"Excuse us but we don't speak the language of crime," Ver voiced.

"You're one to talk," Umbra sneered.

"It ain't a crime, it's rebellion," She said proudly.

"Same shit."

The file finally finished downloading and I began to go through it.

The information is accurate so far. The Mirage is a secret fight club outside of Vacuo. A warehouse/refinery with steel beams and shiny, reflective walls. There is a large steel door at the front of the warehouse. I doubt I can break through it but maybe…

"Are you strong enough to break down the doors?" I showed Ver the scroll.

"I can do more than that," She came up with an answer instantly," I can weaken the foundations, collapse the refinery, and kill everyone inside."

"You are losing your mind aren't you?" Umber scoffed.

"No killing even if you can get away with it," I insisted, being well aware of what happened in the desert," I only want the doors open. You're going to kill both of us if you drop the whole place."

She hates killing yet does it so efficiently. I want to blame the spirit inside Vernal but this is entirely her doing.

"What?" She uttered fearfully.

"Yes, You're coming inside with me."

I found it weird that Fang happened to find the place until it hit me. He must have known about the old refinery due to his past connection.

Another folder labeled, MTC BP S-A got my attention. I click it and a detailed blueprint with some notes about the Mirage pops up.

Mistral Trading Company: Blueprint Site-A

Fang put in his note that he came to speak with Theodore in person. He explained how he came to scout out his old headquarters and got in trouble with the locals.

The next note added to the mystery of the Mirage.

'I spied on them before they opened. They mentioned a King and Queen with a crown-shaped birthmark.'

I silently read to myself.

Crown-shaped birthmark? Where have I seen that before?

I look over to…Ver?

Hmm…

"Ver? Do you remember where you were born?" I asked her.

"I do now," She nodded," You remember why I wanted to go to eastern Mistral? It's the oldest memory I have of my home before I lost it."

"Where are you from?" Umber asked.

"Vacuo."

We all have different reactions to that information.

"I'll believe it," Militia shrugged and accepted it.

"Hahaha! You're from Vacuo?!" Umber started laughing hysterically," This place will eat you alive without your maiden power."

"You don't belong here, Atlesian," she hissed," Maybe having your head in the cloud is a genetic trait."

"So what? Now I can look down at all the crap you're causing," Umber snapped back," Stop being EVERYONE'S problem!"

I tuned out their argument.

I thought it was odd for her to go eastward. Ver looks of Valish descent but people tend to move around a lot in this world. The only land beside small islands is the western shore of Vacuo.

It's a coincidence if it's true. I'm born in the Kingdom of Vale but grew up in Mistral. Umber is from Atlas. While the twins are born in Mistral. Just because I met Ver in Mistral doesn't mean she is born there.

I have a suspicion that Ver is about to be a valuable member of this investigation.

'I was discovered soon after. I wouldn't be suspicious of fairy tales if their armbands and emblem didn't tip me off.'

I spotted the picture he took of a silver, three-pointed crown.

Afterward, I searched for a few keywords; Mistral royalty and crown birthmark. I found what I was looking for despite the spotty connection in Vacuo. Malik the Sunderer is the first king of Vacuo and ruled the kingdom 1000 years ago. I read further until a few sentences caught my attention.

There's a rumor that descendants of Malik have crown-shaped birthmarks as proof of kingship. It's a legend that has no basis and the bloodline is untraceable. It could be faked with tattoos or branding.

I looked up from my scroll to see Militia standing at the door looking outside. I can hear two fools going at each other.

"It's your turn to take care of the kids, sweetheart," I looked back down.

"Husband is mean," Militia teased.

I choose to ignore her.

The technology in this world always impresses me—all the public, relative knowledge for this mission at my fingertips. And I didn't need to see Fang personally to know what he found. But I am aware of misinformation and being hacked. Fortunately, My old training works well to detect lies and inconsistency. Every piece of intel seems accurate so far.

I watched the fight and examined them. Umber is the better fighter while Ver is great at evading.

Umber threw high jabs at Ver's face and low kicks at her ankles. Ver rapidly swung her head in all directions to dodge the oncoming strikes. Umber kept pressuring Ver but never overextended her hits.

They both improved significantly.

Ver is waiting for a chance to grapple Umber and drag her to the ground. Umber twisted her body, dropped to her knee, and attempted a telegraph leg sweep.

Ver stepped back with a smug.

I shook my head at the predictability.

It wasn't until Umber fully rotated out of the sweeping kick and threw sand at Ver's eyes.

"Cheater!" Ver recoiled in pain.

Excellent work, Umber.

Umber took the opportunity to end it.

A double jab.

A lightning-fast left fist connects to her chin and mouth.

A cross.

She steps forward and plants her right foot down while her right fist connects with Ver's cheek.

And defe-

Umber isn't done?

She stepped closer into Ver's personal space and unleashed the most devastating combo I had ever seen.

Vernal chest, neck, and jaw are pounded with lightning-fast jabs. Umber turned Vernal into a drum for five whole seconds before a right hook sent Ver tumbling 10 feet back.

Vernal aura flared but didn't break. She swayed back and forth but was able to catch herself. Dad and Yang would be proud if they saw that.

I'm impressed with both of them. How is Vernal even standing after that?

"What was that about me being a feeble Atlesian? Huh? You can't beat me without your maiden power," Umber insulted.

"Now we fight with weapons," Ver straightened her back with anger in her eyes.

"Bring it, coward," Umber grabbed her sawed-off, bladed shotguns.

"Enough," I jumped in between them," If this keeps going, I will fight both of you!"

They both backed down. I turned to Militia who stepped back. She pretended to have no part of it.

"They were determined," She raised her hand defensively.

"Back on topic," I ordered," Vernal will be my partner for this operation and Umbra will watch over Melty."

"Fine/Sure," Ver and Militia accepted without complaint.

"But I want to be your partner," Umber whined.

"The mission is infiltration focus and Vernal semblance is perfect for a front door approach," I found a plastic chair to sit down on," I'm going to explain it and expect everything to be followed. I can't afford another disaster from two years ago."

I started asking more questions.

"How many tribal members are with us and to what extent they're going to listen to you?"

"Around fifteen Branwen and twelve Ana's," She revealed," A bunch of locals volunteer, too. Oh! Ms. Robyn Hill and her happy huntresses came by to yell at me."

"Ana?" Milita questions," And was it over the rioting you caused?"

"I don't know why she is so mad. Only her group, Flaxen Fangs, and Branwen aligned gangs are in Mantle," She forced a smile. Ver caused dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries, and millions in property damage. It took Atlas almost everything to hold off the Grimm.

I'm worried for her. She's in a lot of pain and regret. But from a certain angle, She did an amazing job weakening Atlas.

"The Ana's are locals from Mistral who tagged along for recruitment," She explained," I don't have control over anyone. They respect me and take my suggestions. That's why I want Akame's vocal confirmation after all this is all over."

"Ana," Militia echoed," I guess that's what the rebels call themselves now."

"Why isn't the leader of the tribe leading?" Umber spoke maliciously. Ver opened her mouth to talk back to Umber.

"Girls, On topic," I snapped my fingers," I need the tribe as a last resort. We could be facing an army if this goes badly and I won't use my semblance nor will you use your maiden power to fight. I don't want to ruin our image with this kingdom if we kill its people."

"I can tell them you're here," She said," But if that leaks, We just attract half the city for either an autograph or to fight you."

I close my eyes in thought. Who and what can I use to accomplish my goals?

I figured it out.

"We are going to the tribe compound and then the Mirage," I stood up and began walking," Lead the way Vernal."

"But Uncle Qrow told us not to go," Umber reasoned.

"I know but we will wrap up this investigation tonight. I can't justify it going on for too long. My uncle will figure it out," I explained," I'm not going to reveal myself to everyone but only to whoever is in charge. While also seeing if there are potential traitors, Understood?"

"Understood," the girls repeated.

I started explaining the plan while we made our way into Vacuo.

Vacuo

Afternoon

Branwen Recruitment Center

I didn't need to sneak in. The compound is a three-story minimalist building with no perimeter fence or wall and easy access to the public. Anyone can walk in and out of the place. I can see a handful of stands selling food, refreshment, and other merchandise on the premises. There are even a few recruitment booths near the front entrance with 40 people in line.

The slogan on the banner is crude but to the point.

'Come fuck up the other kingdoms.'

I'm glad the tribe isn't my responsibility. Vernal and Umbra is a full-time job with overtime. I looked around and didn't see any red-eyed crow.

We chatted like normal. Vernal and Miltia even waved at a few tribesmen we passed by. None of them recognized Umber or me. I don't recall seeing them either. I'm impressed that contacts and hair ties are all it takes to pass by unnoticed.

My sword wouldn't give me away either. I usually have it wrapped up in linen strips or I won't draw it. There have been a lot of copies of my weapon as well as tattoo markings. I'll lie if confronted.

I am Akame Branwen's biggest fan…

I don't want to say that out loud. I'm going to sound narcissistic.

This is perfect but I'm not going to lie when I somewhat miss some of them. I haven't talked to Flaxen in years. While Shay is entertaining and supportive.

Ver stopped in place and lifted one hand. We were in an empty hallway with a few doors on each side. She pointed at the room one door down and to the right.

"Shh…" She whispered," Ms. Robyn Hill is inside and she isn't going to be happy to see me. Militia should go in first and you two follow. I'm going to stay outside."

"What is her alignment?" I spoke softly.

"The Happy Huntresses, Robyn's group, are aligned to Mantle, and Mantle views you as an equal to her," Militia explained in a hushed tone," She isn't going to turn you in or leak your location. That's going to alienate herself."

"She hates our guts," Vernal sighed

"No, That isn't true. She hates the tribe and your guts," Umber pointed her finger at Vernal," Aka saved an entire kingdom and has no control over what you did."

"She has a truth-seeking semblance, correct?" I asked the spring maiden. She turned to us and nodded.

"My friend used it on me to find my motive," She said softly. I watched a woman with blonde hair and a dark green scarf step out of the room. She narrowed her eyes at us and slowly approached Vernal from behind.

The three of us let it happen.

"Go on," Umber motioned," Tell us more about Ms. Hill."

Your situation awareness is crap, Ver.

"I consider her a friend but she keeps telling me we aren't. Everyone's my friend, if we are on the same side," She puffs her chest." I don't care if she is an old lady."

Militia, Umber, and I looked up to see a stress mark on Robyn's forehead.

I watched three women stick their heads out of the door. Robyn signals for them to get back.

"Is someone behind me?" Vernal glanced left and Robyn stepped to the right. Vernal glanced right and she moved to the left. Robyn Hill shifted behind Vernal when she focused on us.

Unbelievable.

My friends resisted the urge to laugh. Militia bit her lip and Umber buried her mouth in her hands. I'm disappointed in her.

"How do you feel about her?" I asked.

"A workaholic that doesn't shut up with equality this and inequality that. Even Auntie Flax knows revolution talk doesn't belong at a dinner table," She complained," And don't get me started on her nagging. Robyn is such an unhappy Huntress. She is still more polite than you are Umbra!"

"She's behind you."

"You're right in front of me, Umbra," Vernal responded.

A round of laughter broke out from Militia and the three people eavesdropped.

Wha-oh," She turned around fully to see Robyn staring down at her. She looked back at us," You are all traitors."

"I'm only twenty-nine years old you runt," She gritted her teeth.

I step forward and gently push Vernal behind me. I tossed Shūsen over to Umber and she caught it. Then, I extended my hand toward her. She looked at me and my sword with suspicion.

"It is nice to meet you, Ms. Robyn Hill. I'm told I can trust you," I smiled," The other rooms are empty, Vernal?"

"Should be, this is the foreign relation wing," She nodded.

She reached out and shook my hand.

"I need you to use your semblance on me," I asked. I watched as all three of her huntresses stepped out of the room.

"You're Akame Branwen," A large woman with short-dark green hair and beige eyes revealed.

"Yes, I am," Our hands glow green. We let go and step back.

I'm not surprised at all. It only works for people that haven't met me personally or aren't searching for my whereabouts. This lady isn't a relative and I have never met her before.

"This can mean either of two things, She's a spy working for another faction and she will not make it out of this place alive," I threatened. Vernal swung her rifle around while the Happy Huntresses were ready for a fight. Umber beckoned me to use my sword. Militia takes several back steps to avoid the crossfire.

I don't blame her. She has no reason to fight with me.

I simulate our battle in my head. The moment Umber gets hurt is when I'm using my semblance. Ver isn't merciful when threatened either. Even if they somehow escape, This entire compound would be on them. Afterward, Ver can turn their body into ashes and sweep them under the rug once this is all over. There's going to be a lot of bloodshed and whatever trust we have with Mantle is going to be destroyed.

But this isn't my intent.

"Everyone calm down. I don't think treachery can escape your semblance, Ms. Hill," I lifted my hands to push gently Umber and Ver back," The other reason is she's a fan of mine and you'll be the first person ever to get my autograph."

"REALLY!" The larger woman perked up.

"See?" I motioned.

"I get it," Robyn sighed," You're hiding out in Vacuo? Can't say I'm surprised and with a minimum amount of effort. What do you want from me?"

"An alliance."

A/N: I keep telling myself I'm done with this chapter but keep writing…

I try to build up on canon material and use real-life references. The council system works in smaller populations or closely concentrated ones. It doesn't work in places like Mistral and Vacuo. It is something the show doesn't address due to time constraints and the story path. Akame would be dealing with the untouched part of the canon.

That would make her seem like the bad guy from Ruby's and her friend's perspectives. Among other things, even if it isn't her fault.

I read most of the book and the Crown would just be starting. This is six years before the book setting and wouldn't be as big of a threat. Akame doesn't need an entire academy fighting back against them. Hence, There isn't a focus on missing people like in the book. The number of missing people would fall under the radar.

And compared to the Beacon Brigade, She has a strong support network, the towers are still working, and can use her fame to negotiate with them. They are only going to last 1-2 chapters. Especially when Akame overestimates them.

The Crown is Akame's warm-up for larger threats.

I still have several stories planned out for Vacuo and cameos. A few members of NDGO, Sun, and Fox will appear during Akame's time in Vacuo.

It would be a waste not to build up on the plot points I have with the Spring Maiden. Vernal could be a good ruler for Vacuo but doesn't have the mindset or aptitude to fill the role yet. She is still a scared little girl that overly relies on her Maiden powers. She will become Esdeath if Vacuo and the Branwen Tribe influence her too much.

The bad ending for Vernal is Akame killing her or they both die. It would be Akame vs. Esdeath round 2 but they know each other's combat capability, are evenly matched, and Vernal will fight seriously.

Extra material:

After dealing with the Crown

Aura Technique

It took him five minutes to set up an outdoor classroom. He bought an outdoor canopy to create a proper teaching environment with other essentials.

Qrow stood in front of a whiteboard with a marker in his hand while the other was adjusting fake glasses.

In front of him are four desks lined in a single row. It is a smaller class than he used to but just as important. He even went through the extra effort to get school supplies for Vernal and Militia.

"Before we start today's lesson, Do any of you girls want to ask me a question?" He lifted his marker," C'mon, There are no dumb questions."

A student raised her hand.

"Yes?" He pointed.

"Why am I here?" Militia asked," We aren't interested in being huntresses."

"Education is important and this is punishment for what you two did. Next question," he randomly selected Ver.

"When is recess?" Ver jokes.

"That isn't a bad question but a wrong one."

"But-"

"No butts," he crossed his arms as his eyes linger on Umber," You could go back inside and lay down."

"Ughh," Umber groaned through her bandage wrapping," I can handle it."

"Are you sure? You still aren't fully recovered," Qrow said with concern.

I looked away, ashamed.

"Thank you for protecting me," Militia gently patted Umber on the back.

"You welcome," Vernal smiled smugly.

"Today's lesson is the difference between aura technique and semblance specialization," he lectured," Can any of you tell me what's the difference?"

"Aura techniques are abilities that can be trained by anyone and semblance specialization is a boost to a specific technique that is far above any training," I answered.

"I need an example from someone who hasn't answered yet," he pointed to Ver," Name a technique."

"Protection from harsh weather," Ver answered.

"And that magic of yours means you have no reason to fear a blizzard unlike the rest of us," he called out," Now class, I want you to think of a semblance that specializes but could be trained."

"A heat shield," Militia responded without being called on," One of my bodyguards can stand intense heat and would handle fire dust barehanded."

"Lucky guy could live in Vacuo and say it's easy," My uncle chuckled," I'm guessing if he walks through a blizzard, it's going to affect him the same as anyone else?"

"Yep."

The lesson continued for another hour. I enjoyed every second of it.

Militia is taking notes despite her initial resistance. Umber pulls herself together to follow along. I occasionally need to nudge Ver awake.

After a while, We moved on to different subjects. It felt like a normal school day even if the grades wouldn't matter in the end.

Is this what an actual school feels like?

I should be doing this alone but he insisted Ver and Militia join in. I wish my sisters were here, too. I'm glad I have a family who wants to make me feel normal.