Edited by: Marethyu, Priapus

– Reid –

Upon hearing the quiet ding of the elevator, I glance at the door opening as Qrow walks out of it, looking both concerned and a little upset. His frown worsens once he sees me, but he doesn't say anything accusatory as he approaches us.

"Ah, Qrow." Ozpin acknowledges. "It's good that you're here early."

"I came as soon as possible once I saw the message," he says, still staring at me. "Where's Yang?"

"Inside." I gesture at the patient's room with a nod. "Talking to Raven."

Qrow growls at my casual response but quickly calms himself with a sigh. I know how he's feeling. I don't even need my Haki to understand. After all, he's been trying to prevent the pair from ever meeting. Or, at least, not when Yang is still young.

Why? Simple.

"Damn it, Reid." He curses. "Raven is a cold, heartless piece of shit. You know this is only going to end up hurting Yang."

"Yeah." I agree. "But she needs it, Qrow. You can't hide this from her forever."

"As much as I disagree with Mr. Astera's… inelegant method—" He glares at me as I snort. He's just mad that Yang knows about this place now. "—Ms. Xiaolong does need to confront Raven."

"She's seventeen," Qrow argues.

"Qrow, we didn't know how long it could take Raven to wake up from her coma," I reply. "Hell, she only just woke up. It's a miracle she was still alive when she teleported to you. We can't delay this any longer."

I'm 80% sure it wasn't a mere coincidence. Being in close proximity to her daughter, who showed and unleashed her magic, even if accidentally, must've caused something to happen. I think Yang unknowingly sparked a connection between their mana, which acted like a defibrillator of some kind, shocking Raven out of her coma.

But something as delicate as this isn't one-sided. There is a chance that Raven unconsciously responded with her own impact on Yang. What can something like that do? No idea. It can mean several things. For all we know, Yang now has a second elemental attunement.

It's likely nothing terrible, so I'm not worried. I'll have to observe Yang and see if she exhibits any strange symptoms, though. Just to be safe.

Obviously, something like this doesn't just happen all the time. Considering the circumstances, though, with how Raven's soul is fragmented and her mana is a jumbled mess, it can happen. In a way, it's Yang subconsciously trying to cure Raven. It didn't work for obvious reasons, but it did wake her up.

"Right…" He drops it. "But how did she wake up? Why now?"

"Dunno, I'll have to investigate later. It likely has to do with Yang's mana interfering with hers." I shrug. I still have to confirm the hypothesis, but honestly, it's not very important. "She told us everything that happened, though. How she ended up that way."

I see Ozpin frowning once I mention Yang having magic, but he doesn't say anything. I told him we'd discuss it later.

"I'm guessing she just confirmed what Titania told us." Qrow said.

"Pretty much." I nod. "Got destroyed by those mafia guys who teamed up with Cinder."

"And this Cinder took some of the Maiden's magic," Amber adds. "Gosh, I can't imagine how painful that must've been."

"The rest of the tribe?" Qrow asked.

"Annihilated." Ozpin answers. "None were left alive."

"Good riddance." Qrow scoffs. "Those good-for-nothing bandits had it coming. I only wish I was there to see it."

Well, the Branwen tribe wasn't the only thing that got crushed. After Raven woke up for real, she looked utterly broken. As if she'd completely lost her will to live once she realized where she was and what had happened to her.

She felt empty, to a degree, like a doll. I don't know if this is a symptom of her fractured soul affecting her personality and emotional state in general or if seeing her entire tribe get destroyed pulverized her will to dust, but I almost feel bad. Almost. She still led a group of rapists and murderers. She's no different than the slavers I've been slaughtering.

Qrow is right. They were good-for-nothing bandits. The scum and parasites of society. The fact that Raven is showing this big of a reaction to their annihilation is laughable. Maybe I should start a crusade against bandits, too.

I can't fucking believe that they even exist in a world with monsters like Grimm.

"Fact of the matter is, now that Raven is awake, with her cooperation, we'll be able to search for Cinder Fall effectively," Ozpin says before glancing at me. "...According to you, at least. Admittedly, I've never encountered anything quite like this before, so I'm unsure how we should proceed. You said they're connected, yes?"

"Yup," I confirm. "As I said before, not only did Cinder steal some of the maiden's magic, but she also took a fragment of her soul."

"Goodness…" Amber looks horrified. "That is… I don't know what to say. To toy with one's soul like this is taboo."

"It is." To an extent. I think some people deserve it. "But it does help us in this situation. When close enough, Raven will start to feel a 'pull' toward Cinder. Should make it really easy to find her this way."

"How close?" Qrow asks.

"As long as they're on the same continent, and the closer, the better," I answer. "It's only really a matter of time before we find Cinder."

"Wonderful news." Ozpin smiles, pleased with the news. "This will help us recover the Spring Maiden wholly, keeping the Relic of Knowledge away from Salem's hands."

"But what are we gonna do with them?" Amber questions. "I mean, are we gonna kill Cinder? Kill Raven? Both are terrible candidates for the Spring Maiden."

…I'd rather kill Raven than Cinder, but I should probably keep that to myself for now. That take is too hot to share.

"We'll discuss that when we get to it," Qrow says. "Right now, our priority is securing Cinder and bringing her to Vale."

"You're right." Ozpin nods. "Are you up for the task, Qrow?"

"Sure." He says. "Been holed up for too long. Might as well test my Haki for real. I've been working on it for a bit."

Yeah, he should be more than enough to handle it. Cinder didn't take too much of the Maiden's power, so she shouldn't be much of a threat.

"I'll prepare some golems to go with you." I offer. "Just in case. Also, we should probably wait and see if Raven shows any other symptoms. Give it a week. Not like we're in a hurry."

"Aren't we?" Qrow raises a brow. "Salem might beat us to her."

"If Salem cared, she would've captured Cinder ages ago." I point out. "A week, a month— it wouldn't change a thing, and I'd rather plan in advance in case I encounter any unwanted surprises."

"I agree." The Headmaster says. "Though, how can we be sure that Raven would—"

"She will," I answer before he can finish asking.

"Mr. Astera?" Ozpin blinks.

"How do you know?" Qrow asks.

"Because I'd kill her otherwise," I respond bluntly. "Either she helps, or she dies. The choice is hers."

And I know that a coward like her will choose the former.

"I-is that… really okay?" Amber asks nervously. "Kinda a bit overboard, no?"

"I'd rather we don't use force," Ozpin adds.

"You won't see me showing sympathy and kindness to a bandit, Oz," I say. "To me, she has less worth than garbage."

My statement causes the three to look at me with varying emotions. Ozpin disapproves, Amber is a little nervous, and Qrow agrees with me and is also concerned for whatever reason.

I honestly don't think I said anything wrong. Why should I care about what happens to her? If not for the current circumstances, I'd legit kill her in a heartbeat. All things considered, the bitch is lucky that I like her daughter.

I gaze at the patient room, hearing Yang and Raven talking to each other. Depending on how her daughter thinks about her afterward, she might not get killed.

We'll see if she can keep that sliver of goodwill she has left.

– Yang –

Yang had many things she wanted to say once she met her biological mother. So many that she would embarrassingly admit that she might've practiced in front of a mirror a few times, which wasn't something she'd ever do under any other circumstances. Saying she was nervous would be one hell of an understatement.

But now, facing the person she dreamt of meeting at some point in her life, Yang was at a loss for words. She hadn't thought she'd ever confront Raven so suddenly— she'd always thought she'd go on a long journey to find her, fight off her bandits one by one until she stood right in front of her mother like she was some final boss in a video game.

Having her boyfriend skip all that and just hand her Raven on a silver platter was… well, wild. Apparently, she'd been in a coma after her magic was stolen, which was even crazier to think about. Her mom was the Spring Maiden? And she was targeted by the leader of the Grimm?

Yang thought she was in a fever dream for a moment but then remembered that Reid was involved in this, so it wasn't that crazy. Somehow, his mere presence made the most mind-boggling things barely noticeable to her, and she didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

However, she was definitely surprised when Raven suddenly awakened when she arrived. Had they timed that? Was it even a coincidence? Yang didn't know. She didn't care. She just thought that she'd been fortunate enough to be there when her mom had woken up.

But now, seeing her right here in front of her very eyes, all the things she'd wanted to say were just gone. She couldn't remember anything. One singular word made it out, though, and that made Yang realize that it was all she'd ever wanted to say in the first place.

"Why?"

Raven didn't react, staring down at her lap as Yang uttered that word. Expressionless. Emotionless. Not a trace of acknowledgment. It was like she was talking to an object. Nonetheless, the blond gave her a few seconds, and after a bit, she asked again.

"Why did you leave?"

Once again, Raven said and did nothing, as if she was deliberately ignoring her daughter. A part of Yang felt like she was speaking to the wrong person, but that couldn't be it. This was most definitely Raven Branwen… right? She looked exactly like in the pictures. Older, yes, but that was about it. This was the exact same expression she had in that STRQ team photo as well.

"Was it Dad? Did you get in a fight or something?" Yang questioned. "...Was it me? Do you hate me?"

Raven glanced sharply at her but said nothing.

"I don't get it." The blond continued. "Was the Branwen Tribe really that important to you? So much that you'd abandon us?"

Her mother continued staring silently.

"What about your team? Dad? Uncle Qrow? Summer?" She asked. "Did they mean nothing? Do I mean nothing?"

"Why does it matter to you?" Raven finally responded verbally.

"I just want to know." Yang reiterated. "I've always wanted to know why you left us. I tried to make sense of it for years, ever since I figured out that Summer wasn't my biological mother. But I just don't get it. It doesn't make sense."

"It doesn't?" Raven frowned.

"You had everything anyone could ask for in Beacon." She clarified. "You were the best in your generation; you had wealth, made friends that would die for you, and more than that, a loving family. What else could you ask for? Why would you throw all of that away? What's so special about the tribe?"

For a moment, Raven stayed quiet, merely glaring at Yang, who was getting more nervous by the second. Eventually, the older woman responded.

"Do you know why Qrow and I, known bandits from an infamous tribe, entered Beacon?"

Yang paused.

"Not really."

"We were there to get better at killing hunters." She added bluntly. "Nothing more, nothing less."

The blond said nothing.

"The difference between Qrow and I is simple." She continued. "He enjoyed his time in Beacon. He caught feelings and ended up betraying us. I did not. I remained loyal to the Branwen Tribe."

"That's…"

"You believe I abandoned you and Tai," Raven said coldly. "But I've never been on your side in the first place."

"But that doesn't make any sense!" Yang argued. "I'm your daughter! You had me!"

"I had you by accident."

Yang had expected that response. It certainly wasn't a surprise considering that her mother was the leader of a tribe of fucking bandits. But even knowing that— hearing it said so bluntly didn't stop it from feeling like being stabbed in the heart.

Her following sentence felt like twisting the knife.

"The reason you're alive is thanks to your father." She said. "He begged me to keep you. He got on his knees and cried until no more tears could be shed, so I conceded. Anyone would after that pitiful display."

Yang didn't reply. Or rather, couldn't.

"When I said yes, he was convinced I would stay with him to raise you, forgetting that I'd already told him I'd be leaving after you're born," Raven added. "I don't understand what he was on about. I relented out of pity, not something as stupid as love."

It was strange. Yang knew that she was a terrible person. She was a bandit, for fuck's sake— wanted criminals that hunters were obligated to kill. But even then, hearing all of this coming straight from her mother's mouth felt beyond painful.

Yang had never felt this cold in her life.

"So you didn't want me," Yang said calmly. She wasn't even angry—just cold.

"No, I did not. Nor did I want your father," Raven answered bluntly. "All of you are a burden and a weakness."

"How could you even say that?" Yang chuckled mirthlessly. "You spent four years with your team. How did you not feel anything for them? How come Uncle Qrow changed his ways while you didn't."

"My brother is a weak fool who forgot the most important principle of this world," Raven replied. "The weak die while the strong survive."

"He is the weak one? Are you serious?" She scowled. "No. Uncle Qrow is stronger than you could ever hope for. He changed— he learned and developed while you didn't. You remained this immoral and idealless pathetic excuse for a person. You didn't try."

"You can say whatever you want. This won't change anything." Her mother scoffed. "I refuse to be Ozpin's puppet. I refuse to fight his war for him."

"So now it's Ozpin's fault? Bullshit." Yang hissed. "You were never even obligated to be a huntress or fight for anyone. You could've literally just quit and stayed home, and Dad would've happily taken care of you, but no, a couple of disgusting bandits were apparently more important to you than your husband and daughter."

She didn't budge.

"And look how good that did for you." The blond stated. "You're spiritually wounded, and your entire tribe got crushed. How do you feel about that?"

Raven's eyes narrowed.

"They were weak." She replied callously, ignoring Yang's other point. "That's why they died."

"And seeing that you're still alive…" Yang muttered. "...This means you're strong? Even though you were lucky to survive? Even though you were in a coma for months? Do you know how ridiculous you sound right now? You're not even consistent because, by your logic, Qrow is still alive, meaning he's strong. But no, he's weak because he betrayed your beloved group of rapists and thieves. You make no fucking sense."

The bandit queen had nothing to say, staying quiet once more. It was like she was saying random things she didn't believe in. Either she'd gotten hit in the head so fucking hard that she'd completely lost her sense of self, or she'd just never thought about that ludicrous mindset for more than three seconds.

Yang stared at the older woman for a few seconds, this exchange having drained all her mental energy. She felt tired. Her chest hurt, and she could feel something in her throat, almost blocking the oxygen from going to her lungs.

…This was a waste of time, wasn't it? Why did Reid even— No, no. It wasn't Reid's fault. He was a wonderful guy who only wanted her to be happy. He'd only answered her wishes. The blame lay purely with Yang.

Because why had she asked Reid about Raven? Disregarding everything her father and uncle had told her about this cold-hearted monster in front of her was a mistake. Why couldn't she have just ignored her existence completely? All she'd ever accomplished with this was confirming her suspicions.

Yang was a bastard child. She wasn't wanted. She was worthless. Born out of pity? Was this a joke she wasn't getting? She felt sick to her stomach like she was on the verge of throwing up.

Yang had thought she'd needed to know, but did she really? Was this necessary? Had she known that she was going to feel this way, she would've chosen to live in blissful ignorance. Knowing this felt more like a curse.

This person in front of her was a terrible, terrible woman. Closer to animals than humans. She shouldn't have hoped for anything better.

Why do I care? She thought to herself. Why do I care when she never did?

Yang sighed shakily. She didn't want to think anymore.

"...Uncle Qrow was right." She said, getting up from her chair. "You're an awful person. I should've never tried to look for you."

Raven said nothing.

"The things you did to me— to my Dad…" Yang paused, her stomach twisting into knots. "Hah...I don't know why, but for a time, I really thought you had a justifiable reason. That Uncle Qrow and Dad were just biased. I really, really wanted it to be this way. Because then, we could rebuild. Connect."

No response.

"But I also expected this. Not everything is going to be sunshine and rainbows." She continued, feeling incredibly tired. "They warned me about you for a reason. I'm not that naive."

Though, admittedly, Yang had expected herself to blow up. To angrily shout at Raven for being a selfish and disgusting individual. To hate her for everything she did to her wonderful father. And yet…

There was nothing but pure apathy. Yang had never felt so empty.

"Maybe it really was for the best that we never met," Yang added, moving away from the bed. "...Goodbye, Raven."

Yang, with a hollow heart, exited the patient room, meeting with the concerned gazes of four people. She said nothing, content with walking past the group and into the elevator. That is until Reid put a hand on her shoulder.

This prompted Yang to glance at him.

"Yang—"

"Stop." She said. "Please. I don't want to talk about it."

Reid frowned and pulled his hand away.

"...Right."

He was probably trying to help, but she didn't want help right now. She just wanted to sleep.

Yang said nothing back and got into the elevator, pressing on the dorm floor and resting her head against the glass.

What a waste of energy.

– Raven –

This wasn't the way she'd expected to meet Yang. Bedridden, straight out of a coma, deep in the secret room of Beacon. Then again, she also thought she'd died that night. Waking up at all was a surprise.

But was it a welcome one? She didn't know. Perhaps it would've been had she'd woken up literally anywhere else that wasn't Ozpin's lair, but it was what it was. Her daughter being here at all was also surprising.

And feeling the girl's magic was something, alright. Was she a Maiden? Was it why she was even here in the first place? This underground bunker was reserved only for Ozpin's most trusted confidants, including the Maidens.

Speaking of her daughter…

She's even weaker than I thought. Raven glanced at the door. To show so much care for someone who was never there for you…

What a sentimental idiot. She'd grown up to be exactly like Tai and Summer. Honestly, Raven almost felt bad for her. Maybe she should've taken Yang with her and raised her to be a mighty warrior. Not some sappy moron like them.

Mere words were enough to break her spirit so thoroughly, she looked like she was about to take her own life right there in front of her—such a travesty. Raven felt disgusted that someone like Yang was even related to her in any capacity.

Honestly, she felt displeased after this interaction herself. Why had they even allowed the girl to see her? Ozpin should've known that this was how it would end up. The stupid girl was now heartbroken because Mommy Dearest never cared about someone as miserable as her.

And to think she would dare claim that Qrow, of all people, was stronger than her. He was a betrayer who'd left the same tribe that raised, fed, and trained him to be the man he was today. Without the Branwen Tribe, they would've both died.

The least he could've done was remain loyal.

"What a shitshow," Raven murmured.

What were they going to do with her now? Keep her here until they'd gotten rid of the woman that attacked her? Raven didn't know. She'd teleported to Qrow because she didn't want the relic to fall into Salem's hands.

Because as much as she hated Ozpin and his circle, he was still the lesser evil of the two. One was an immortal, all-powerful witch who wanted to destroy the world, while the other tried to stop her by uselessly throwing as many lives as he could at her.

And she wanted nothing to do with either. She was only here because of the previous dumbass Spring Maiden, who'd tried to wipe out the tribe years ago, giving Raven two choices: kill her or be destroyed. Thus, Raven was ultimately doomed to be forever entangled in that shadow war.

Even in death, that 'heroic' bitch was a pain in the ass.

The door suddenly opened once again, and in walked the Titan Slayer. Alone. Who closed the door behind him and glared at her. Of course, he'd be in the know. Ozpin would definitely recruit someone who single-handedly defeated a Titan.

But why was he here alone? She'd expected Ozpin again or Qrow to show up again, only to insult her. But Astera? Besides the apparent tidbit of him killing Fenrir, she barely knew anything about the guy. Did he want something from her specifically?

"You must be real proud of yourself," He said quietly, hands in his pockets. "Saying all that disgusting shit to Yang."

…Was he seriously here to lecture her?

"Was it funny? Was it satisfying to say that to her face?" he questioned, getting closer. "...No, that's not it."

"What do you want?"

"I just wanna know why you'd say all that vile stuff to your own daughter…" His glare sharpened. "...Even though you clearly love her."

Raven froze, then glared back.

"Love her? Are you joking?" She scoffed. "Who would love a disappointment like her—"

"Stop fucking lying, Raven. I can sense emotions." He cut her off, making her flinch. "You can deny it all you want. Pretend those feelings don't exist."

He inched closer with every word.

"But you can't hide it from me," Reid added. "Which is why I don't understand how you could be so despicable to your kid."

"You're delusional if you think I ever cared." Raven denied it. "What do you even know?"

"Are you deaf?" His eyes narrowed. "I told you I can sense your emotions, you stupid bitch."

"Then you've either never felt love to know what it is, or whatever power you have is faulty." She responded, not impressed. "Yang is a weak, sniveling brat who I'm embarrassed to call a daughter."

For a moment, Astera said nothing, then closed his eyes, looked down, and took a deep breath before speaking.

"It would've been so easy for you to admit it." He said. "You could've just said, 'I'm sorry for leaving'. Told her that it wasn't her fault that you left. Anything comforting because at least it would've been the truth instead of just lying to hurt her."

Raven waited for him to finish.

"Because then—" He raised his head to look at her directly with slit pupils that belonged to a reptile. "I wouldn't have hated you anywhere near as much."

She unconsciously clenched her fist, feeling a weird pressure pressing against her entire body.

"It's funny. If everything you told Yang were the truth, then I would've actually felt some respect for you." He added. "But no, it had to be a lie. And for what? It's like you're actively trying to be the worst kind of person imaginable. A lie with every word. A bandit through and through."

"What's the meaning of this silly lecture of yours?" She asked, growing tired. "If you have nothing important to say, then leave me."

"...You don't seem to understand." He said coldly. "You're not exactly in a position to act bitchy with me, Raven. I can kill you before you even realize what happened."

As if he would do something like that. If he wanted her dead, he would've killed her already, but it was very likely that Ozpin was holding the leash on the boy because that old fool needed her for something. Or rather, because none of them wanted the power to go to Salem's pawn.

"Do it, then. Since you hate me oh so much." She challenged. "It's not like I have much to live for. The Branwen Tribe has been destroyed, and death would be a better alternative than working with Ozpin's silly soldiers."

In an instant, Raven was suddenly pinned against the wall, Astera's hand gripping tightly around her neck. Her eyes went wide as the boy exploded with magic, intensely hot blue flames roaring to life. The entire bunker shook, cracks forming on every surface of the patient room.

"Don't you FUCKING test me!" He bellowed, slowly choking her. "You think I wouldn't do that?! Do you actually think I can't sense just how afraid you are?!"

Raven felt fear like never before—heart pounding in her chest so violently it felt like it was going to leap out of her chest. Her fight or flight response going wild. She grabbed his arm, weakly trying to pull it away as her desperation to breathe grew rapidly.

"Do you think you're that important to us?!" He roared. "You're less than the fucking dirt beneath my shoes!"

The bed broke down, as did everything in the room. The lamps flickered and died, the small coffee table suddenly exploded, and the glass of the cabinets shattered. The cracks on the floor, walls, and ceiling kept growing bigger and bigger.

What the hell was this? What was happening? This— this thing was not some boy. This overwhelming power he was unleashing was anything but ordinary. She could feel the hand around her throat heating up with every second.

A monster. Raven thought as she looked at his eyes, petrified in terror. He's a monster.

"The only reason I haven't incinerated you to ashes is solely because of your daughter. In reality, I would love nothing more than to kill you in the most painful way imaginable." He growled, his tone becoming quieter. "I don't give a fuck about the Maiden's magic. Salem can have it for all I care."

She choked and coughed, genuinely terrified for her life, as tears began gathering in the corners of her eyes.

"So I'll tell you again. You're in no position to act bitchy with me or anyone else, for that matter. Your life is hanging on a fucking thread, and you better act agreeable with us, or I swear to god, death would be mercy." He hissed, relaxing his grip just enough so she could speak. "Are we clear?"

"I-I– yes!" She said weakly, her calm and jaded persona shattering into a million pieces. "I-I'm sorry! It won't happen again!"

Reid kept eye contact for a moment, which only terrified her further, but eventually, he let go of her, letting her fall back on her broken bed as she shook and trembled. The blue raging flames slowly fizzled out as he looked down on her.

Raven put a hand on her throat, feeling noticeable burn marks, only serving to scare her further. Any more, and this could've been lethal. He wasn't kidding— he really would've killed her without hesitation.

And that fire just now… that was magic. Who the hell was he? Where did he get that kind of power?

"And you have the fucking guts to call Yang pathetic." He said, making her flinch violently as she cowered in fear. "You make me sick."

Raven would've been offended at that had she not been terrified out of her wits. Thankfully, Reid decided to walk away, leaving her alone in the destroyed room. But before he walked out of the door, which had fallen off its hinges in that event, he spoke.

"I'm going to give you one last piece of advice: reconcile with your daughter. Because if you don't, I will kill you." He said, glaring back at her. "You're fucking lucky I could still sense Yang's love for you."

After that, he walked out of the room, leaving Raven alone with her thoughts. The bandit queen, still trembling, curled up into a ball, trying to calm her beating heart.

"He's a monster…" She said quietly. "Exactly like Salem…"

Just what was he? To have a presence so powerful it affected his surroundings… Just what the fuck had Ozpin recruited? No wonder he'd killed a Titan.

…Raven wasn't sure if Oz's side was the lesser evil anymore.

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