Chapter 5: Relentlessly Grim

AN

Another chapter, I took a small break from TSTC but I'm back. Excited to start getting into the meat of things. Promise also we'll be getting more canon characters soon btw, but gotta work with what canon left me, which was not much lol.

Not gonna yap much. Story time lol.

The dying crackling of flames and unfortunate humans filled the tense

and brief silence following Raven's words. Something that she could

admit filled her with no small amount of smugness. Something she had learned from her mother and father had been simply the value of having guts. If your actions shocked and confused the people around you, it allowed you to get away with all sorts of nonsense. Perhaps that's why the woman and men of the Woodsman seemed so shocked by her flippant reply.

However, the woman began to bark out in laughter, the men around her following her lead. Raven held firm, however, showing no weakness as the group openly laughed at them. Qrow was sure to be concerned about being outnumbered and outgunned. Robin, the lunatic, was likely raring to go, but Raven recognized this for what it was. An opening, a way to establish themselves with the tribe. If they showed weakness, they would be consumed, but if they showed defiance, perhaps the woman would see potential in them, like Luuki had. "It's been a while since I talked to a kid." The woman said in a mockingly apologetic tone. "Forget they are impulsive shits who speak out of turn."

"Better than an aging bitch." Raven bit back. She could tell just by looking at the woman she was strong. She was covered in various knives throughout her person, her face was a canvas of marred features, scars peperring it throughout. Her orange hair was stiff-looking and tangled. Her green eyes seemed to sparkle with energy. Her stance was not unlike Luuki's; they nearly appeared relaxed. But after her repeated sparring with Luuki, she knew this was simply a baiting and feigning tactic. If the woman felt she needed to or wanted to, she would immediately launch into action. Though Raven noted she was shorter than her, she might be able to overpower her up close…

"I like your spunk kid." The woman snorted with amusement. "But can't let you make me look bad in front of my guys. My name is Ryla Artious, leader of the Artio Gang of the Woodsman Tribe." Raven blinked; she swore it had taken less than a second. However, within that time, Ryla raced forward, nearly within arms reach as Raven reacted. Luuki had taught them a rough dogfighting style he used himself. As such, with the weight, reach, and height advantage, Raven lurched forward low, aiming to wrap her arms around Ryla's knees and take them both to the ground. Raven was certain she was stronger and would easily ground the woman, allowing her to fight with an advantage. However, darkness took her vision for another instant; her head snapped up, and she stumbled back. "Tackles like that aren't great when I can smash ya face with my knee." Ryla critiqued as she then swept both of Raven's legs with a powerful kick. Raven barely felt herself hit the ground as stunned as she was.

"Ray!" Qrow screamed as he charged in, throwing a wild overhand swing. It was a heavy blow meant to drive space between Raven and Ryla. Ryla, however, charged forward into the blow, letting it hit but cutting its flight in half and thus its power. As she did, she smashed her elbow into Qrow's face, and Qrow cursed but stumbled forward and headbutt Ryla forehead to forehead. The woman merely snorted before she grabbed Qrow's shoulders and returned the favor, driving Qrow back as he fell to the ground Robin cursed as he aimed his crossbow, finally having an opening to shoot; however, Ryla merely flicked her wrist, burying a throwing knife into the shoulder of Robin, who responded with a scream of agony as he fell to his knees. Raven watched all of it from her ass, stunned the three of them had been single-handedly overwhelmed by the tiny woman. 'Luuki warned us the higher-ups would be no joke; she's tearing us apart!'

Ryla chuckled at Robin, who clutched the knife in his shoulder with heavy breaths. Deciding he was done she turned to Raven who scrambled to stand however the tip of Ryla's boot blocked her vision as Raven's head once again snapped back. Her world went dark again for what seemed an eternity before it and her wits came back. She was flat, looking up at the slowly brightening sky. Ryla's small boot was placed firmly between Raven's breasts, the woman smiling down at her as smug as Raven had been earlier.

"Honestly, the lot of ya shouldn't complain." Ryla began, now seeing Raven was fully back. Raven ignored her, glancing at the downed Robin, who glared hatefully at the woman, and Qrow, who now stood tall but was frozen, recognizing that they were at her mercy. "Most of the boys in there, including mine own, would've beaten ya pillar to post for even attempting to disrespect them. Me, I just make my point, though ya are lucky I'm here for something on the orders of Bossman."

Raven growled as she attempted to force the woman's foot off her but was shocked at her strength. Even with both her hands she could scarcely budge it. "Fuck off me, bitch!"

"Also, I kinda like ya attitude, even if ya a dumbass for thinking I can't scrap." Ryla admitted with a shrug. "But now that you recognize ya place, I need some answers. We saw a pyro all the way from the main camp; we were sent to investigate, and what did we find? A fucking arson being committed, and you lot murdering three of ya fellow dregs."

"Those corpses deserved it!" Robin chimed in between pants of pain.

"Shut it, asshole!" Qrow snapped at him. "She has Ray! We need to-"

"No, he's right," Raven growled, her fury returning and her mind whirling as she schemed as much as rebelled. "We killed those bastards because they deserved it. They cut open our tent and left us for dead, but they should've finished the job."

"So why the bonfire kid?" Ryla asked with a raised brow. "We don't really care if ya dregs kill each other, I mean, ya weak and thus worthless. But that little stunt could've put the Woodsman Tribe's Main Camp at risk. And that is a massive no-no."

Raven grunted in pain as Ryla's foot increased with weight. Sending waves of dull pain throughout her body. "There was no risk… The flames were set up to be contained… the leftover snow would ensure it… besides, those bastards were all buddy-buddy… The chances of someone else getting involved… or taking advantage during the struggle were too great… It was the only way we could get our revenge…"

"So why kill 'em?" Ryla asked, sounding genuinely curious. "Surviving the winter obviously was possible for ya at this point. Why not simply live on? Survival makes us all do all sorts of things after all…"

"I refuse!" Raven hissed in pain. "I won't let people walk over us freely! We had the strength and means to get back at them. We used it!"

"So those dregs attempt to set you up for death. You survive and plot a scheme to pay them back." Ryla mused out loud, glancing around the partially torched clearing. The flames and previous show had ended, and the crowd of dregs returned. Seemingly determined to see how this played out. Ryla smiled as she faced the downed Raven once again. "Simple enough love, though I wonder. If I were to say something like this is a problem for the Woodsman Tribe and demand an apology? What would be the response?"

"Never, you bitch!" Raven cried out defiantly, even as she felt certain Ryla intended to make an example of them for the remaining dregs. She refused to bow but could admit this woman was stronger than her, she didn't want to die…

Ryla merely smiled for a moment before turning to the dregs before them. Raven braced herself. Qrow attempted to dash in, but half of Ryla's men rushed in and held him down, Robin was kicked to the floor by the others. Ryla's voice boomed as it addressed the crowd as Raven squirmed beneath her boot. "See, this little shit here has something we haven't seen from the rest of ya! She has spunk, takes what she wants, and doesn't back down from trouble. Something we in the Woodsman Tribe embody! That being said…" Raven was not sure of what was said next as her head bounced off the ground, and her consciousness slowly drifted away. Had she stomped her? "Know your places, ya shits~! Now, men tie up these three for the next event. The rest of you, dregs, get ready to march! Initiation starts today!" She roared, but Raven merely faded entirely at that point.

"So you think these bastards will kill us?"

"Calling the people who have us at their mercy bastards is how we got here."

Raven groaned pitifully. Her head felt as if it was splitting in two, and she felt exhausted and dizzy. She simply wanted to fall back into sweet unconsciousness.

"Don't tell me you're pussying out now?!"

"One, I'm not, but in case you hadn't noticed, the fights over, we lost. Two, you've lost it, haven't you?"

The voices made her headache and dizziness worse. Raven wished they would stop. Why were Qrow and Robin arguing anyway?

"I'd rather die than admit defeat!"

"You'll get your wish soon enough then."

"Can the two of you shut up and let me sleep?!" Raven barked, her eyes opening. The sight before her alerted her dazed mind something was wrong. She could not move in any way, even with her head securely tied. She was rocking and was obviously in motion, perhaps on horseback? In front of her were the numerous surviving dregs marching tiredly, seeming by her lead. The ratty grouping of tents was far in the distance as they slowly trekked on a now clear dirt road, only patches of snow and leafless trees at their flanks.

"Oh, good. You're awake; we'll need your help to escape," Robin said, moving from just out of sight to her left. "Hopefully you can move more than us!"

"Ray, are you okay?" Qrow's concerned voice sounded from the right.

"I feel like shit… why can't I move? Where the fuck are we?" Raven asked, confused.

"Damn there goes that idea, she got knocked stupid." Robin deduced unhelpfully.

"She's probably just dazed, you absolute ass. Ray, don't you remember what happened?" Qrow asked. "You took a hell of a beating…"

"I did… that bi-" Raven started before a strike hit the back of her head, nearly making her bite her tongue.

"I'd watch ya mouth if ya was wise~!" Ryla belted out from behind her.

"Seems you remember," Qrow noted with a sigh. "Maybe don't antagonize them further? They kinda have us by the balls here."

Raven grumbled, not admitting defeat but not prepared to receive another strike. She allowed the dizziness and pain to fade from her head, missing another argument from Qrow and Robin, though as the pain faded her attention sharpened.

"Anyway, after they knocked you out, they tied us up and gathered up the other dregs. Ryla and co are taking us out to meet with the Woodsman for "Initiation."" Qrow explained. "Personally, I think they tied us up to kill us with spectacle once we arrive. Bastard will need an example…"

"Maybe~!" Ryla chimed in.

"You scum!" Robin insulted before crying out in pain as Raven assumed the rider of his horse cuffed him.

"Thanks, Tony~!" Ryla cheered happily from behind her.

"Where are we on the horse?" Raven asked, confused.

"Where we've always been in life. The ass end." Qrow quipped.

"Since when were you such a comedian?" Raven asked, annoyed by his sour attitude. Combined with her headache, she had no patience for it.

"At this point, we've faced death so often I'm growing numb to it," Qrow replied flippantly. "Though, of course, we'll fight to the end, Ray." Raven couldn't help but notice he sounded defeated already.

"Of course!" Robin agreed. Though as time went on the facade he wore when he faced Luuki slipped. Raven could see plainly now Robin only cared for his goal of revenge and didn't seem to mind if he died chasing it.

"Right…" Raven decreed hesitantly. Her gut told her from the brawl earlier they were screwed. But she refused to show fear even now. "How much longer?" She asked Ryla, perhaps she could figure out an escape…

"We're here already! Time to meet ya fates!" Ryla decreed. Raven sighed as her hopes were crushed once again.

The rocking had stopped, and Raven watched as the dregs froze in their tracks at the bark of Ryla's men. Raven watched as Ryla and two of her men stood before the dregs. "All right, ya dregs, it's time for you to earn your way into the Woodsman Tribe. When the gates open, the lot of ya will proceed with orderly haste past them and to the large bonfire where our Chieftain will address ya!"

The dregs offered no resistance or complaints in response, merely slightly glaring and cowering back.

"The damn dregs are always so melodramatic," Ryla complained as she marched back behind Raven. "Well get to it ya bastards!" She roared louder stirring the dregs into a resigned march into the gates.

"What about us"? Robin asked. There was no reply, but the three of them cried out in alarm as a swish of blade sounded. They were cut free from their binds and collapsed on the ground. Raven attempted to stand, only to discover her hands were still tied. She managed to slowly rise to her feet, all the same as Qrow, and Robin struggled to follow suit. Allowing her brother and strange friend to stand, Raven turned to check out their surroundings.

The encampment of the Woodsman Tribe was roughly the size of her home village. It was surrounded by a simple and surprisingly large fence of cut-down and shaped logs, easily taller than most of the trees, offering the Tribe a fair level of protection. Trials of smoke lazily wafted up into the sky, showing several fires inside. Ryla turned to the camp's main gate and whistled sharply thrice. The gate split in two and slowly creaked open. A small group of gun-toting and spear-toting guards stood around the entrance, however, seeing Ryla split up to both sides of the gate to allow their entry. Ryla marched forward, followed by her men who dragged them along as well, most of the dregs mixed in as they seemed content to face their fate.

Inside the wall were various large tents and odd structures. Some looked like they were crafted by hand with the hide of multiple creatures, while others looked to be military-grade tents; even the bizarre shack was present. Various campfires were placed carefully, and shared fire pits were used between tents. There were even a couple of trailer homes, one decked into something of a mess hall, the wall having been cut out to allow a massive grill and counter at which various people were fed. Another was used as something of a shared bathhouse. And the final one in the back seemed to be gated off. A large porch and on the front and electric lights shining from inside. At the center of the camp, a massive bonfire was lit, and a stage had been erected in front of it where several men and women armed with rifles stood lined behind the leader of the Woodsman, James Woodsman.

The tribe members were a unique bunch. Some looked no different from ordinary hunters, others almost like normal people, and some wore armor and coats. But all of them were armed, some with guns, some with swords, bows, or maces, but seemingly each carried what looked like an ordinary hatchet. They all sneered and jeered at them, happily attempting to intimidate the dregs as they passed. But they all remained distant and did not actually hamper their walk. It seemed to be more for amusement than anything.

As the group assembled, Ryla and her goons kicked the three down to their knees and ordered the rest of the dregs into silence. "Bossman! These little shits are of note; it turns out it was our own dregs responsible for the pyro. These three lit it to separate and kill their fellow dregs!"

"Oh, I see. Is this true, you three?" James asked, extending his hands casually. He wore a massive fur pelt coat that seemed to have come from a bear fashioned into a grim-like appearance. He wore fatigues that marked him of Mistral Military, though the scratched dog tags suggested it was not a relationship he maintained. His hair was buzzed down unevenly as if he had done it himself with a razor, and he had a short beard with twinges of gray. The man's tanned skin and fit form made it clear he was athletic and ready to go. His eyes were a vibrant brown and shined with mirth and intelligence. "Such wanton violence…"

Robin went to speak but seemed to choke, his teeth audibly gritting as he glared at the man. It was clear his emotions were overwhelming him and drove him to silence. Qrow matched his hatred but seemed more temperate, his eyes darting to her as if to ask if she wanted him to speak. He shouldn't have bothered.

"They attempted to kill us earlier in winter; not even head on they struck while we slept. Foolishly they left us for death, and we survived. When we realized they were alive and well, we knew we couldn't let it go. They deserved what they got. And proud to have paid our debt to them." Raven declared, standing boldly facing James, focusing on her hatred of this tribe to motivate her enough to face him.

James chuckled warmly as he marched down the stage and toward Raven. He stopped just short of her and calmly drew a handgun from within his coat and placed it against Raven's head. "What gives you the right? I didn't tell you to kill each other. You were merely supposed to survive…"

"Because we were strong and wanted revenge. They were simply foolish and weak enough to let us get it… besides there weren't any rules for us dregs…" Raven explained with ease.

"And the risk you put the rest of us in?" James asked. "That fire could've engulfed this camp…"

"I didn't care then. Don't care now!" Raven snapped back.

Silence filled the clearing as James laughed hard, his frame shaking as if enjoying some sort of inside joke. He sheathed his pistol as he did and faced Ryla.

"Was she as fiery with you?" He asked merrily.

"She sure was, the little bitch was fiery even after I kicked her ass," Ryla replied. "Personally, I think she's a bitch."

"Defiant?" James asked with a raised brow.

"You can see it yourself right now, bossman." Ryla flippantly replied with a shrug.

"Well then…" James trailed off as he marched past their group to stand before the rest of the dregs. "The time has come, at one point or another, we're conquered during one of our raids. As my rules dictate, you dregs have been subjected to the cruelty of winter and the wild. Now that nature has preened the weakest of you, it's time for your final test. We have devalued you, starved you, and treated you like scum, yet even now, you all bow to my whims. Make no mistake, this is how it should be; that being said. These three children in front of you are different; they raged against our injustice and sought vengeance when able. They show more potential than the rest of you. Hell, the girl has more balls, too. But fret not for those who are worth a damn an opportunity approaches." He announced that his voice was rising in volume and energy. "As I'm sure you noticed, we at the Woodsman Tribe operate differently from most folks. We don't care for society's norms, advancing humankind, or working some soul-draining office job. We have a hunger that cannot be sated by living under the constraining lives of normal life. So we don't. We have struck out and found like-minded individuals and formed this little group years ago. We live under simple rules: the strong get and take, and the weak lose and are crushed. As such, we gather many of the strong and take and do as we please; our leader is decided not by the richest or intelligent or those born into the good life. But by the strongest of the camp, myself. Soon, we will once again live by our trade; we live as the conquers of the past did. We take from anyone we cross, take what they have, sell or use it, hell we even sell them. If they attempt to stop us, we kill them. And soon you will have the opportunity to do the same. As I said earlier, we live by taking, and you all will be tested during such. When we have a fair bit of dregs like this, we launch a unique raid. One you dregs will be fully involved in; in fact, you will be something of a vanguard."

"Why would we fight for you?!"

"I don't wanna hurt anyone!"

"Where's our family!"

"Always a few who haven't caught on," James said with a relaxed smile. Within an instant, he drew his pistol and shot rounds into the crowd. Several people fell, heads split open, and bodies perforated by his shots. There were screams, but the tribesmen instantly moved in and quickly hoarded the dregs. Forcing them to stand in place even as James continued to aim at them. "That's to make it clear you have no choice. You are the weak I spoke of earlier; now, some of you have a hidden reserve of strength; you will survive this and become a member of our tribe. By then, you will see things the way I do. Those who fail will either perish or be sold off. That's why you'll fight for me. Understood?"

None of the dregs dared speak after James's bloody display. "Excellent. Now, my men will separate you into three groups and arm you. I welcome you to attempt to escape or fight back if you wish. But assure you, just like those now, you will die."

There was no resistance as the tribesman herded them into groups, only silence as James cackled with joy. Raven worried little about that as the three of them were separated and led into a large tent by Ryla.

"What to do~ What to do~..." Ryla trailed off to herself as Qrow, Raven, and Robin were dumped onto the surprisingly soft tent floor. The tent they had been led into was a nicer green one, usually used for large groups during camping. Ryla had turned it into something of a single-room living space. There was a small shelf stocked with spirits and various candies that suggested it had been looted from a village during a raid, a small coffee table, and a pair of stools to serve as a dinner table. The back end of the tent had been converted into a massive pile of blankets Rave had assumed served as her bed, and there was even a weapon rack in the back corner.

"We should just kill 'em, sis." The apparent shorter brother of Ryla spoke. His hair was tied into a rough, loose-looking ponytail as if the man did it for convenience more than any proper care. The man was even shorter than his sister, though his mop of spiky orange hair made the relationship more obvious. "They obviously are trouble, and the little bitch doesn't seem to play nice. Better to get rid of wild cards like these."

"Now ye of little wonder, I think they have potential." Ryla countered with a snort. "Maybe not all that much, but I like their guts. They seem a lot more promising to me than those other dregs. Spineless bastards."

"Perhaps, but my gut says we should just be rid of them." The short man responded.

"Your gut nearly has led us to death countless times," Ryla said with a roll of her eyes. "Mine says they have potential, and we're always looking out for more men for the gang."

"Twin's sake, you can't mean to scout 'em!"

"We won't join you," Raven responded boldly from the ground in front of them.

"Yeah, you kicked our asses and stabbed me!" Robin roared in agreement.

"We are kind of past the ally stage, and we've had our fill of people we can't trust." Qrow echoed their agreement.

"I figured ya spirited bastards may not play ball. But after my favor and some time among the Tribesmen, you'll change your tune." Ryla assured. "I've embarrassed the three of you enough to teach ya a lesson, now to help you survive."

"Why would you help us?" Qrow objected with a frown. Raven allowed him to take the lead. Her brother may not be as strong as her, but he had always been the better diplomat. "We're not stupid enough to take a favor and not expect a cost."

"Wise shits ya are." Ryla snorted. "Accurate, the Woodsman Tribe is one of constant evolution. As James said earlier, our leader is considered the strongest in the camp and can even be challenged for it. Due to such, however, most of our leaders don't stick around. Well, usually anyway, James has proven unusually lasting. But all the same, the more time passes, the more likely we are to have a new leader. I want to be ready for that time and claim it for myself."

"Why tell us? We have no loyalty to you, and after your beating, maybe we'll sell you out to James." Raven interrupted pointedly.

"No real concern for me, lass; he's more than aware of my plotting, it's not just my group after all. We Woodsman don't care for lifelong leaders; we seek out the strongest for our leaders and ensure they stay like that. Between raids and duels, the leader can expect challenges, assassination attempts, and even outright mutiny. All of which has happened throughout our tribe's time. Besides, as I said, I will wait until James is ousted or killed; I do not intend to challenge him directly." Ryla ranted as if explaining the weather rather than her own future goals. "For such, I need more manpower and decent bodies on my side. My gut tells me you three won't only survive the raid but flourish in this tribe. If I'm right, I'll want you in my gang."

"So you want us to join you when you're too weak and scared to get the throne yourself." Raven declared that she was still upset at Ryla and her headache. "Sounds like a bad deal to me."

"Strength is a funny thing; it isn't as simple as combat prowess or something. Strength is measured by a single metric. Survival of the fittest, to be strong, ya don't have to be the one crushing people but the last one standing." Ryla explained as she slowly marched and kneeled to be face-to-face with Raven. "I intend to survive whatever may come my way; that is strength…"

Raven frowned as she mulled over the words and offer.

"Don't answer now. I intend to get your answer after you prove your worth." Ryla stopped Raven from deciding at the moment. "Killing some unaware dregs is one thing, but surviving the chaos of a full-scale battle will confirm it. Now to aid with that, Brother!"

The man sighed as he snapped, and two younger faunus stepped into the room, dutifully, presenting leather armor and three basic steel shortswords. "The armor won't save you from much, so don't run around and get shot. The three of ya aren't worth a damn in a fight and will be smaller the most. The shortswords will allow you decent reach and are simple enough to use."

"Wouldn't iron armor and some guns work better?" Qrow asked quizzically. "These won't protect you much and even a small village will have guns."

"Hell, give me a simple hunting rifle, and I'd be a threat." Robin agreed. "Though I doubt you'd be so kind, you probably gave us subpar gear to ensure we were tested thoroughly."

"Aye, lad." Ryla nodded. "Though you being a decent shot will be useful for your own role. Arm yourselves as I explain James's role for you, dregs." The three did as they were told, and she continued. "We use dregs as something of vanguard for initiation, just as our leader said. But it's not all that simple; your dregs will be divided into three groups. The first wave will infiltrate the village and warn them of our approach before causing a shit storm once we do approach. Little bitch we intend to put you on that team. Simply enter a public space, spread the message, and spill bloody chaos. Team two, brother of little bitch will be on this one, will be a wave of close-range fighters that will hit the village's defenses hard. The third team will support em', setting up our special weapons and supporting the second and third teams with longer-range attacks. Injured idiot, you'll be on that one."

"They intend to use this attack to get us bloodied and prove our worth…" Raven mused out loud. "And with them getting even more dregs from the attack, they risk little and gain plenty from using us this way."

"Bullseye!" Ryla cheered. "We don't expect your little attack to achieve much but soften em' for the real blow. Besides, it guarantees loyalty as well; once you make this little attack, you will be a criminal and murderer like the rest of us. No redemption for a member of the Woodsman Tribe. Besides, there are the requirements of the tribe. You must engage in a raid, survive a hard winter, and spill blood for the Tribe. Now that the three of you are armed and ready, it's time to send you on the

First, the dregs marched as a large group through the night. The pace set was complex, more complicated than anything Raven had done. For hours, they marched through the cold, rough terrain and harsh treatment by the Woodsmen. Several weaker dregs collapsed or even gave up lying on the ground. Ryla and other Woodsmen quickly dealt with them, often brutally slaying the weaklings in front of the others. After a few deaths, most marched regardless of their strength.

As they marched through the woods, the occasional bark of a gun or curses and grunts of effort were heard, often due to the odd grim happening upon them. Raven, Qrow, and Robin had resorted to clinging to each other during their march by the time they stopped.

Through the partially white forest, they could see dozens of smoke trials crawling through the night into the clouds. From what the Woodsmen said, they were mere minutes from their targeted village. The target was a miniature village named Trojane. The town was unremarkable and poor, known only for its ability to produce cloth. A relatively safe target they had claimed, but one with some level of defense. Their groups and roles were discussed again before they began to split into formation.

Raven was separated from Robin and Qrow as the dregs were drilled into their groups. Most of the half-dead men, women, and children were armed with weathered and light weapons and armor worse off than themselves. Raven was brought to the smallest and worst-off group. Apparently, this bunch was the most impressive and reliable of the dregs, a group Raven recognized as all older males except for herself. Unlike the other dregs, these seemed more alive and alert; they bristled from the barking and snarled at their captors. Raven did the same; the small group seemed to be handling the defiance of all the dregs. Despite being armed and enraged, however, none of them attempted to unleash their wrath on the Woodsmen before them.

Raven could feel a familiar feeling creep into her. One she had often hidden from her father during his drunken rages, she had felt the night their home had been destroyed, the nights she spent waiting for Luuki to harm them. Genuine and earnest fear rang through her being. Just hours after her first taste of real battle, she was heading for an even more intensive one. And yet…

There was fear in the air, both from herself and the other dregs, but there was more than that. The Woodsmen, as they marched around them, were a stark contrast. Cavalier and excited, they poked and prodded the dregs, seemingly attempting to bait them into a fury. Raven found they were incredibly successful.

The dregs, usually tired and docile toward the clan, became as aggressive as the Tribe itself. Screams of curses and rage filled the air, and pure hatred seemed to bristle through the air. The swelling rage caused Raven's hair to stand on end. She was lost in it as her own cries and fury joined the mobs.

They stomped and raged, some even beginning to close in on the Woodsmen as if to attack them. Raven bared her teeth as she pointed her blade at the Tribe woman nearby.

"Seems they have gotten you all suitably motivated." James Woodsman's voice managed to cut through the commotion with ease. The man was relaxed as he sat at a tree behind them. The dregs aggressively turned toward the sat leader, though most flinched when they saw who they threatened. Raven could not believe the gall of the man; separated from the tribe, the dregs could surely rush the man and kill him with ease. Though he leaned against a tree heavily, a leg bent as he did, James seemingly had no fear, nor was he prepared to flee. "That rage you feel is familiar, isn't it?" James called out, stopping the dregs for a moment. "That feeling of being a victim of injustice and cruelty hurled upon you repeatedly. Doesn't it fill you with rage? Are you not tired of hurting? I know I have been in the past…"

The crowd slowly crept forward as if scared for James to notice they intended to seek vengeance. But James, if anything, seemed excited as he continued his rant. "But you have no one else to blame but yourselves. You've settled for this life of conveniences, helplessness, and victimhood… In truth, this world has become unfit for true living. One cannot live as they please; they are policed in nearly every aspect of living. But now I give you a choice and some much-needed venting…"

The crowd was getting close now. Raven stood behind them in shock, as did Qrow, but Robin marched forth, looking just as cautiously murderous as the rest. Yet James did not shift or even draw his gun or hatchet; he merely chuckled to himself as escape became impossible.

"See, that anger you feel is the beginning of strength, the tingle of opportunity bristling against your skin. You've lived weak and helpless, but now I offer you change. That rage you feel that fuels now to want to kill me can be used for anything. If you value your life and wish to finally feel what it is to truly live, you will fight as I command. You will fight hard if you truly feel that shame and rage bubble within as it did once. If you truly wish to be strong… you fight passionately…" James finished as he marched forward, closing the distance between him and the dregs. "What will it be?"

Raven expected the rage to continue, for the crowd to surge forward and tear James limb from limb. But they didn't. James's words seemed to freeze them in place, and his confidence as he marched through them seemed to keep them stunned. He even winked at Raven as he passed.

James was now back with his men, who levied several automatic rifles at the dregs and prepared to execute them all. "I must've not been heard, I ask again, what will it be?"

The dregs answered Raven, shocked to hear her voice among the group. "RAGE! RAGE! RAGE!" they cried, which made James's face break out in a cruel smile.

"Then let it begin!" James screamed. "Group one! Infiltrate the village and warn them of our arrival. Once you've stirred up fear and their trust, you'll use the gifts we gave you to sow chaos… now GO!"

James hadn't even finished the word now before Raven and the rest of the first groups of dregs began to race to the village. As part of their ploy, their armor and weapons had been removed, and each carried a dangerous tool and dagger on their person. They spread forward and barely looked haggard and scared, then enraged and desperate. Raven felt her blood pump through her violently as they closed in.

Raven wasn't sure why, but she couldn't wait to see it all happen…

AN

Sorry this took longer than it was supposed to. Been busier than hell and took a little break from writing in the meantime. Perks of an unpopular story however, would not disappointing too many people with slow updates.

Thanks for reading, have a good one, Peace~!