Hunting or Bust: The Journey Continues

by Master Attlon

Part 2 of the HOB story. Friends and family reunited. Paths crossing and converging once more. Happy reunions and fun times all around. But they don't last forever. Not when darkness spreads and evil conspires in the shadows. It takes a lot of work to change the world, not to mention stop an immortal witch. Oh well, time to get started.

6. Charge the Coward

Hunting or Bust: The Journey Continues

Dust 6: Charge the Coward

After a particularly brutal hiatus…we are back baby! Off to wonderland we go!

And now…here we go!

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"We should have something special for dinner, right? To celebrate a job well done!"

"Nora, you need to stop suggesting we celebrate every night. It's starting to lose its appeal."

"Well, maybe I wouldn't suggest it if we did it once!" The orange-haired girl whined, "It's crazy! We've been training and helping in missions for over a week now and we haven't taken a break! If we don't slow down and celebrate how awesome we are then we'll go mad! Mad I say!"

"Nora-"

"Mad!"

"Kid, you just don't get it." Qrow spoke up and got their attention as they walked back down the streets of Mistral, "Making it back is pretty much the only celebration a real Hunter needs. Not all of us get the luxury of coming home from a mission or job. Big dinners and parties don't amount to much for the people in our line of work."

…

Nora whistled, "~Every party needs a pooper, that's why they invited you~! Party pooper~, party pooper~!"

Oddly enough that seemed to slap Qrow out of his contemplative silence, "What? I'm not a party pooper! I'm the life at parties! They don't start until I show up and wreck at least three things in a room!"

"Wow~," Nora drawled unenthusiastically, "That's impressive that you managed to get a demotion from the life of the party to the pooper of one."

"I'm not-"

Ren wasn't sure what was more shocking; that Nora had decided to mock a professional Huntsman or that Qrow seemed to be falling for it. He quickly stepped in before they resorted to blowing raspberries at each other, "Alright, I think that's enough. I believe Qrow has a point. This is why we should count ourselves lucky that Ms. Tsunade has been giving us such simple jobs. I suppose she's erring on the side of caution."

"Yeah, you're telling me." Qrow grumbled and scratched his head, thinking back to all the jobs he had seen on the mission board and the people that had taken them. People he worked with many times over his years of traveling Remnant and Mistral.

People that hadn't reported back or had gone missing.

Losing others on the job wasn't anything new while being a Huntsman. Honestly, it was one of the harder aspects of the job that no one prepared them for in the academies. But all of them failing to call in or report? Some of the best Hunters he'd ever met?

This was starting to smell of something a lot worse.

But Nora didn't seem to focus on this or pay it any mind as she sped up and looked back at her dark-haired companions, "Come on, we gotta get back home! I bet the others are still in their PJs, lapping it up at home, and having fun!"

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"HA!"

Her fist sailed towards Oscar's face but caught in his palm. He pulled it down and she saw his little freckled face looking at her with confidence, "Very good, Ms. Rose. Your follow-through with your punches is far more impactful than before. You're taking your instructions to heart."

It was still kinda weird to think that she was being instructed in hand-to-hand combat by her former headmaster in the body of a boy even younger than her. If she tried to say that line to anyone not in the know she would probably have been committed in an instant.

But Ozpin's oversight of their training was benefiting all of them in the long run. His training and guidance while they were home while taking his advice and applying it during missions was helping them grow. And even Ruby was seeing a marked uptick in her combat abilities without Crescent Rose in hand. She could probably overpower Ozpin considering Oscar's body was still small and not that strong-

"But-"

Ruby suddenly felt Oscar's foot hook around her ankle and pull it out from under her. His hand struck her shoulder and sent her slamming into the ground as she groaned on her back, "Owwww~."

"You're positioning is getting better, but you haven't planted your feet deeply enough when you attack. If your foundation isn't sturdy, you will be knocked over very easily." Ozpin said, smirking as Ruby groaned and frowned up at him, "Would you like some help up?"

Oh yeah…time to turn the tables.

Ruby rushed off the ground, disappearing in a flash of petals around Ozpin before reforming behind him. With a little grunt, she swung her foot at his head and forced him to duck forward as she landed. She quickly raised her fists and smiled, "Don't get too cocky, Professor."

"Yes, I might be getting a little ahead of myself." Ozpin nodded as he squared up, "But you're not the only one who still needs guidance."

His eyes flashed and his entire demeanor quickly changed as Oscar returned. The young farmhand looked up at her and paled, "Oh no."

Some part of Ruby knew it was a bit vindictive to pick a fight with the young man just because of the older soul knocking her around.

She was still gonna do it though.

With a chuckle, Ruby rushed in and started throwing jabs and punches. Oscar panicked, stepping back and knocking her punches aside before they could land. He attempted to change the rhythm and attack her in return, but while Ruby might not have been stellar in direct combat she still had more experience in it than Oscar's short months of training. She pressed on and forced the aspiring young fighter to guard himself-

Until he clumsily lurched forward and headbutted her cheek.

"OWIE!" Ruby cried out and cupped her cheek gingerly, "W-What - what was that?!"

"I was trying to headbutt you." Oscar said as he rubbed her head, "Naruto taught me how to do the perfect one and I did it before but I still need practice."

"He taught you how to headbutt? That's so dumb." Ruby mumbled after her cheek had stopped stinging. Once it did she frowned and shrugged, "But I see that being the thing he teaches you."

Oscar's eyes glowed and put his hands behind his back as Ozpin spoke, "Yes, Mr. Uzumaki's guidance was beneficial for Oscar's early development, but I think he may have taken a liking to some of the more dangerous and thrilling moves he could make."

"I bet." Ruby grinned, "Hey, can we move on to weapon training now? I bet I'll be able to help Oscar with that a lot more than this!"

"He does need more practice, but you still need to focus on your training, Ms. Rose." She pouted as he easily saw through her attempt to deflect into more familiar training, "I say we should switch partners after they're done with their round."

The sound of blades clashing drew their focus to the other side of the lot. Where she saw Naruto's machete rapidly clash against Jaune's shield as he defended himself. The taller blond had to stay on the back foot and guard from all angles as Naruto mercilessly pushed on without pause in his attack. Aura appeared around his arm and he slammed his blade into Jaune's shield with some extra power-

Only for Jaune to bring his shield down with a slam into the ground. And as Naruto's machete slid along its surface he had to quickly pull it back and step away. And at that moment Jaune sprung back up and swung his sword over his shield and at Naruto's neck.

As Ruby gasped, Naruto fell back to avoid the swing and caught himself before he hit the ground. And with a kick, he sprung back up to his feet and flipped over Jaune and his shield. The taller blond swung up at him as he flew over and then turned to attack only to find the machete aimed towards his neck.

"Dang," Jaune sighed as he lowered his sword and shield, "Need to be faster."

"That was awesome, Jaune!" Naruto said with a grin as he sheathed his machete. He chuckled, "You've improved so much since Beacon! I can't even believe how much better you've gotten!"

"R-Really?" Ruby giggled at Jaune's embarrassed but gleeful tone as he scratched the back of his head, "I still got a ways to go, but I'm practicing my forms and training as much as I can. But wow, Naruto, I think you've gotten even better than when you were at school. Your Semblance is way better than it was back then."

Naruto's chest puffed out proudly as he raised his nose, "Oho, you noticed that? Yeah, a lot of practical application helped me get a better handle on it." He clenched his fist and immediately summoned his Aura around his knuckles, "What happened after Beacon wasn't fun but at least I've got something to show for it."

"Me too," Ruby nodded as she joined in on the conversation. She got her friends' attention as she looked up in thought, "I felt like I've gotten a lot stronger and faster since then. If fought way more Grimm since Vale, and different ones too. I beat a Beringel!"

"A Beringel? Seriously? By yourself? That's so cool, Ruby!" She giggled and grinned hearing her friend praise her like that, "I think the craziest Grimm I faced while we were separated was…" Naruto tilted his head, "Either the Sphinx and Manticore I fought while making my way through Anima, or the Hag on the coast of Sanus."

"You fought a Hag?!"

"I-I remember those from Port's class. The creepy things that look like old ladies hunched over, right?" Jaune gulped, "That must have been scary."

"It was. The noises it made. The cracks of its limbs are like bones. The orbs that knocked me out - I convinced myself; the Hag was the worst one."

Jaune looked over at her, "I hardly fought it alone but the worst one for me was that thing we fought in Kuroyuri. It was just way too tough."

"Yeah," Ruby shuddered at the thought of the monster's screams as they fought it, "Its weird lanky arms and the way it always followed after us was too scary." She groaned in disgust before looking at Ozpin, "That Salem lady…did she create that thing?"

"Sadly no." He shook his head, "I wish I could say all the worst monsters the world has faced have just been her work, but the truth is it's just the Grimm doing what they have always done; become stronger and more effective at destroying everything around them."

"Qrow said that the God of Darkness created the Grimm to destroy his brother's creations. Why would he do that?" Jaune asked their headmaster.

Ozpin sighed, "I have spent many years trying to understand their mindset, and in my experience, it is futile to try and attribute a mortal's sense of morality to a god. But if I had to try and compare it…it would be like your need to eat or breathe. Something you just know you must do."

For the God of Darkness, making the monsters that plagued their world forever was the same as breathing. That was a somber thought. Everything that had happened because of the Grimm…only happened because a god didn't like what his brother created.

"Now this is an enlightening conversation but it's distracting from our training." Ozpin said while looking her way, causing Ruby to nervously giggle as he saw through her ruse, "Now Mr. Arc, would you like to train with me while Ruby and Naruto continue close combat?"

"Aw, man."

"Wait, Professor Ozpin." Jaune quickly spoke up, "If we've been able to face Grimm as we have, then shouldn't we be able to charge the Branwen tribe at this point? They can't be worse than the Grimm so far."

"No, but they are able to think and react to us in ways we can't predict." Ozpin quickly answered, "While Grimm are certainly the greatest threat to our peace, it's the people that wish us harm and destruction that most often cause us trouble. It's why Salem relies on a group of like-minded people she can convince to help her that we are always in danger. And while we are probably more than capable of handling a fight with most of the tribe's warriors, it's their numbers and most powerful members we have to be wary of."

"Naruto, you said you knew the Spring Maiden we were looking for, right?"

"I think so. Raven's bitch of a right hand."

"She was a Maiden. Just like Cinder, and you're the only person we know who has fought one and…" She didn't finish her sentence when she noticed the complicated expressions on their faces, "What was it like fighting one?"

"I don't know if she was using magic to fight better, but she was fierce and ruthless. And loyal to Raven, so I don't think we're gonna be able to convince her to just join our cause." He crossed his arms in thought, "When I was fighting them there was this moment when the clouds suddenly became violent and a thunderbolt struck down. I thought maybe they used Dust or it was some freak weather - but that was magic she used, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Ozpin nodded, "The way each Maiden utilizes their magic varies between persons, but it usually involves controlling one or several elements to an immensely powerful degree."

Ruby raised her hand, "So like, can a Maiden fly and shoot lightning from their fingers and breathe fire?"

"Indeed." Ruby gasped with wonder in her eyes just imagining it, "It all depends on the Maiden's control of their abilities. And if they become a fully-realized Maiden with complete control then there may be no limit to what they can do."

"The Maiden was bad, but honestly…it was Raven that was even worse." Naruto stared at his machete, "The weight of each attack felt like my weapon was gonna fly out of my hands. When I felt like I was gaining an advantage or ground, she was suddenly there to attack and knock me off balance. And I knew even though my parents were friends with her and I knew her daughter…none of that would have stopped her from killing me."

Ruby gulped hearing such a chilling description of her sister's mother. Ozpin quietly nodded, "We must continue to train and wait until we have a proper fighting force on our side. Attacking the Branwen's haphazardly is the worst choice we could make."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Hmm~." Yang pleasantly hummed as she turned into the forest, "All you need is smiles~, lots and lots of smiley smiles~."

"H-Hey, can you go a little smoother down the road?!" Shay, one of the bandits she had tied up on her bike, yelled as they roughly turned through the trees, "There is no reason to be driving this fast!"

"Of course there is! To have fun!" She said over the sound of rushing wind.

"You don't have us secured to anything!"

"Well just work on your balance or something."

"This is a violation of some basic rights!"

"Pfft, that's rich. The bandit's lecturing me about rights." Yang snarked before Bumblebee came to a slow stop and she kicked the stand out. As she stretched out her arms and legs, she looked at the two bandits she tied up facing each other on the back of her bike, "So, now that we're here, you bad boys are gonna show me the way to your camp, right?"

"You crazy bitch! You're gonna pay for this!"

"You left my partner back at the bar!"

"Oh yeah." Yang nodded with a chuckle, "I could only fit two others on my bike. I'd feel guilty about that but…I don't. Now," She turned to the bandits and smirked, "Are you going to cooperate, or am I going to have to get rough?"

She punched her fist into her palm, "Ow, damn!" She hissed as she whipped her hand around, "Ow, should've punched with the flesh one. Need to get used to that."

Suddenly she heard a loud and high-pitched whistle behind her and looked back. The other bandit let out a shrill whistle behind Shay's back before quickly shutting his mouth. Yang stared at the bandits with dry curiosity, "What was that?"

"We have no idea what you're talking about."

The sounds of rustling leaves and snapping branches drew her attention. And she immediately jumped back as she heard a bang and a bullet whizzed for her head. Yang turned toward the direction of the shooter and started firing shots. She heard multiple people curse and dash around as her projectiles flew in their direction.

She dashed to her bike, hearing the bandits she had captured laugh that she wasn't going to get away before their friends could get a hold of her.

Not like she wanted to leave anyway.

She grabbed them by their collars, "H-Hey, hold on!"

"You crazy-"

"Listen up!" Yang hefted both of her hostages up to protect her from whoever had her in their sights, "If you keep taking shots from the shadows, you're gonna end up hitting your buddies here! Now you all come out to the light of day and I'll give these two back! And if you don't, I'll force-feed them a shot from my gauntlets!" She cocked her arms to punctuate her point, "Point blank! What's it gonna be?!"

As Shay and the other bandit trembled in her grasp, Yang shielded herself and kept her eyes on the trees. It was a bit of a gamble threatening bandits with the safety of other bandits. There was a chance they might just wash their hands of them and start shooting anyway. This was going to be a gamble that she was prepared to barrel through at full power.

Never mind that her hand was trembling in Shay's collar.

After a moment she saw people start to emerge. Men and women walked out to face her, all dressed similarly and all armed with some weapon in hand. There were nearly a dozen of them, and Yang could tell that it wasn't all of them. But she spotted one with a sniper rifle, and they came out in the direction of the shots that had been fired at her.

"Okay," Yang shrugged as she tossed her hostages to the ground and stepped back. As she leaned against Bumblebee and crossed her arms to show she wouldn't make a move, she nodded to the grumbling pair on the ground, "You can take them back if you want. You held up your end, I'll hold up mine."

The other bandits either stared her down or looked at each other, skeptical that she would do this. They were probably waiting for her to untie them herself and then surrender. But as she narrowed her eyes and got comfortable against her bike it became clear that wasn't going to happen.

One of the bandits finally took the initiative and ran up to cut their restraints. As they did, another member spoke to her, "Who are you? And what do you want?"

"I'm Yang," She greeted them with a smile, "And I want to go to your camp."

"We don't invite outsiders into our camp."

"You didn't invite outsiders into your camp until you met me." She quickly corrected, "Because one way or another I'm going." Yang looked between all of them, "Now you could either lead me there willingly, or you'll tell me after some serious convincing." She raised her fist and punctuated her point with the barrel on her arm, "How about it?"

The bandits tried to stay stone-faced but she spotted the unease when they looked at each other. Shay was finally released and tossed the ropes off him, "You're gonna pay for this, you tramp! I swear when we're done with you we're gonna leave you crawling through the woods begging for the Grimm to finish you off!"

She heard the threats they levied at her and saw the weapons they waved. Even with all these bandits wanting to hurt her…she just leaned on her bike and waited. After all the things she had faced and fought during her time at Beacon, a bunch of selfish idiots too scared to make a move didn't intimidate her in the slightest.

And from the way they hesitated, it was clear they could tell this wasn't a fight they wanted.

"Why leave it to Grimm?"

Yang's eyes widened as she saw flashes from a muzzle in the corner of her eye. She raised her fists and weathered the gunfire against her arms before she saw something flying toward her. With a yell, Yang knocked the crescent-shaped blade that came flying toward her until it was embedded in the ground.

All the bandits stepped away and looked back as a young woman with a second crescent blade emerged, "V-Vernal?"

"We're sorry."

"We were going to take care of her."

"Well, you're sure taking your sweet time." The bandit named Vernal said as she stood across from Yang and rested her weapon on her shoulder. Yang lowered her fists and was stared down by the other woman, "You wanted to come into our camp?"

"That's right."

"Not gonna happen. We'll kill you, take everything you have, and leave you here in the forest for whatever comes next to find you."

"That's cute. You think you and your goons are enough to handle me?"

"Don't flatter yourself. I'm more than enough to handle you, blondie."

Yang scoffed, rotating her shoulders and squaring up with Vernal. They both glared each other down…

Yang fired backward and sent herself flying. Vernal rolled to the side and avoided her mad rush as Yang slid to a stop and followed her. The bandit recovered her other weapon and immediately attacked Yang.

The blonde brawler ducked under her slashes and countered with jabs and crosses. Vernal stayed on the back foot, jumping out of her range to avoid her fists. The moment Yang left an opening to bring her fists back, Vernal's weapons swung up at her face.

Leaning back just before the blade could graze her chin, Yang yelled and fired at Vernal's chest. The bandit skillfully dodged and leaped back to get some distance. Once she had some space, she started firing rapidly and forcing the blonde to run. Yang circled Vernal and desperately avoided her gunfire before launching herself into the air and then launching herself down so she could strike the bandit at an angle.

Suddenly a beam of fire shot out of Vernal's blade and slammed into Yang's chest. She gasped in pain but let her rage fuel her as she fired down and blew Vernal off her feet. Yang went flying through the air and slammed into a tree hard enough to crack it before she dropped to her knees.

"Damn, most people get caught off-guard when my blast hits them, but you still managed to hit me." Yang groaned hearing Vernal's condescending voice, "You're pretty impressive, Blondie. But like I told you I'm more than enough to-"

Yang growled and looked up as Vernal approached, letting her Semblance rush over air ignited like flames around her as her eyes turned red.

A red that startled Vernal and made her pause before raising her weapon again.

Yang narrowed her eyes, "Yeah, I'm guessing you recognize me, right? Starting to click now?" She picked herself up and faced down Vernal as the other bandits surrounded her, "Everyone who knew her says I look just like her."

"Doesn't matter."

"She'll want to see me."

"You have nothing to do with her."

"I think she's the one that decides that, not you."

"Whatever you think you're going to find here, you're wrong." Vernal spat, "Her responsibilities are to the tribe only! You have no place here! And you won't find anything other than rejection-"

Her fist swung back and shattered the tree behind her, "YOU DON'T GET TO DECIDE THAT! NONE OF YOU DO! MY NAME IS YANG XIAO LONG! AND I'VE COME FOR MY MOTHER! NOW STOP WASTING MY TIME AND TELL ME WHERE SHE IS!"

The tree toppled behind her and shook the ground when it did. Some of the bandits nearly tumbled back in fear seeing her rage and realizing she was related to their leader. They looked to Vernal for an answer as the short-haired woman just clicked her teeth.

But as she lowered her weapon, Yang knew she had gotten what she wanted.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"What's the catch?"

Raven frowned, "What do you mean catch? It's an apple. I'm offering it as food."

"Right, but is it poisonous? Rotten? Am I going to get dysentery after taking a bite?" Weiss asked as she made sure to lean away from the offered snack. As Raven quirked an eyebrow at her, Weiss glowered, "Don't look at me like that. If you were in my position and the crazy woman holding you hostage suddenly offered an apple, you'd be suspicious too."

"Fair enough." She shrugged and pulled out a knife to cut off a portion of it. She ate it and tossed the rest through the bars and into Weiss' hands. The young Huntress stared the bandit leader down before reluctantly taking a bite of it.

It wasn't the best apple but it was leagues better than the slop she'd been fed since coming here.

"So, what do you want?"

"Came to talk. Clear my mind." Raven said, "Atlas is closed off by the way."

…

"You knew?"

"I heard before I left." Weiss answered. She hoped Sasuke and the others got out before it was too late.

"Well it's put a bit of a damper on our ransom plan. I'm sure you were expecting as much, but kept quiet and just waited for us to trip up, didn't you?" Weiss simply bit into her apple again and chewed. Raven chuckled, "You are devious, you know that?"

She shrugged, "I've been called worse."

"I bet you have." Raven sat down outside her bars, "You know, if there wasn't more value in handing you off than keeping you around, I'd offer you a spot here. You seem like you have a good head on your shoulders."

"I do. And if you offered I would throw that offer back in your face." Weiss bit into the last of the apple before sticking her hands through the bar to give the core to Raven. As the bandit took it and tossed it aside, Weiss asked, "So what now? With Atlas closed off are you just going to sell me to the highest bidder?"

"I'm sure you'd fetch a pretty Lien, but no, we're eyeing Argus now." Raven answered, "As much as the seedy filth of this land like throwing around their cash, nothing would match the desperation of a nation trying to save face."

Something about the way she spoke so casually about ransoming her off made Weiss' stomach turn. Like she had wholeheartedly thrown away any humanity she once had and never regretted it, "You disgust me."

"Then you need a stronger stomach, girl." Raven scratched her head, "In this world the only way to survive is to adapt and be strong. Do what others aren't willing to do. Become something far more than what can be beaten. Otherwise you're just leaving yourself open to being used and thrown away."

"And this is your answer? This makes you the fittest for survival? Preying on wrecks and weakness to sustain yourselves? Throwing away your souls and decency to make some quick cash?"

"It's how most people made due until they got all judgmental and started saying it was wrong. Hell, I'm sure the Schnee family started off the same way. You want to tell me they didn't exploit, terrorize, or kill to get where they are today?"

Weiss narrowed her eyes, "No, I can't say that. But just because they did it doesn't mean it's right! Didn't you used to be a Huntress?"

"Oh, please tell you're not naïve enough to think all Huntsmen and Huntresses are altruistic and just."

"No! But you must have learned how important it is to rely on others while you were training! How they can help you make up for your weakness and propel you past what you can't handle yourself!" Weiss stated, remembering everything she had learned in her time at Beacon to try and appeal to some part of what Raven might have experienced.

She didn't expect her to be moved by her words…but she also hadn't expect such a cold and heartless expression on her face in return.

A chill ran up Weiss' spine before Raven spoke, "I know you must think having connections and building bonds with others will help strengthen you. That's the kind of ideal the schools force down your throats until you're suffocated by it. And they implant this misconception that throwing your life away in pursuit of helping the helpless is noble and something you should be proud of. That tethering yourself to others would do you good, instead of tightening around your neck like a noose. They sell you on committing to these obligations like it's the right thing to do…until those obligations turn to weakness and endanger your life."

"That's not-"

"You know my daughter? I'm guessing that means you were at Beacon when it fell?" Raven scoffed, "Tell me then; even when you were surrounded by your friends and your teammates and fighting for a just and noble cause…did all that unity and strength help in the end? Did everything you had help you deal with what you couldn't handle by yourself?"

Blake and Yang critically injured. Ruby unresponsive. Kiba's throat torn out. Pyrrha's shield and circlet in her hands. Watching the Wyvern eat Naruto after she sent him up there. Sasuke missing his hand. Holding Velvet as she sobbed. And all of it just being disregarded in Atlas.

Weiss' lips thinned and her bound hands balled up in her lap. And Raven seemed to notice that as she sighed, "This world…takes more strength to live in than you can possibly imagine. Relieving yourself of unnecessary obligations and weakness…and taking what you can from those that wasted their time not finding their own strength…it helps you get strong." She stood up and turned, "It's what helped me get strong."

"And Yang? Was she just an obligation to you?"

Even with the tenseness of the conversation, Weiss still asked her captor that question. And Raven simply turned back and glared at her in response.

"Raven!" A bandit spotted them and ran up to their leader, "Vernal left the camp in a hurry but she's coming back! And she's bringing a stranger!"

Weiss watched as Raven considered what her man said before she nodded and sent him away. She spared Weiss one last look before stomping away and leaving her in her cell.

If she was distracted, then this was going to be her best opportunity. Fast and quick.

Weiss summoned a Glyph to her hands and watched as a tiny blade came out of the formation and cut her rope.

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Ruby! Ruby, you're burning it!"

"Y-Yeah, I'm moving the veggies around but they won't stop!"

"Turn down the heat. And Nora, you need to stir the broth and noodles a little more gently."

"I gotta make sure these babies are delicious!"

"Uh guys, I think I cut my finger. I - y-yep, yeah I cut it. Yeah, that's not even clotting."

"Don't get it in the food!"

"Does that give us iron?"

"Nora, that's disgusting."

"Too many cooks in this kitchen!" Naruto yelled over the cacophonous noise around him, "Anyone who isn't sure about what they're doing or doing a bad job needs to step back! Let the pros handle this!"

Ruby and Nora pouted and left their stations while Jaune stumbled along, clutching his fingers before dropping down in a seat. Naruto and Ren stood by the stove as the green-clad man warned him, "You know you just took out most of our manpower, right?"

"Heh," Naruto chuckled, "Just have to make up for it ourselves? Think you can handle it?"

"I will not let a good meal go to waste before my eyes. Let's begin."

Ruby and Nora sulked at the table as they watched the two men effortlessly resume all the cooking between them. They sighed and turned to each other, "I get I was burning veggies but they didn't have to kick me off the staff. They're vegetables! What are we losing not having them?!"

"I get it! I mean who cares that I was stirring until the broth looked like a whirlpool and all the noodles were stuck to the side? They're noodles! They can handle it! Right, Jaune?"

"Can someone get me a bandage?"

"Quiet from the peanut gallery!" Naruto called back as he rushed over to the broth and noodles as he extended an Aura hand behind Ren and moved a pan to sauté the vegetables.

The girls pouted and watched them cook away. Ruby watched Naruto extended and retract his Aura while cooking before a thought crossed her mind, "Hey Naruto, does your Semblance have a name?"

The others looked at her before looking at the whiskered Faunus, "Well, I inherited my Semblance from my mom, and she did from the rest of her family. And she referred to it as Manipulation because she was able to fully control the shape and form of her Aura. So…I guess just that."

Nora groaned, "Meh, that's kinda boring, isn't it? I mean having to stick with the same name generation after generation is no fun!"

"I mean Weiss did it too, didn't she?"

"Yeah, and you wanna be as stuffy as Weiss?! Change it up man!"

"Yeah," Ruby nodded with a big smile, "You should give it a different name!"

Naruto shrugged, "Well then think something up."

"Huh? Why do I have to name it? And why do you keep dumping the job of naming your stuff on me?!"

"Because you're the one that always brings up your gripes with the names." Naruto then nodded to the cutting board in front of him, "Plus I'm cooking! What more do you want from me?!"

Ruby blew a raspberry at his back before slumping on the table, "Man, I thought I was done with homework."

"Well. Hey, there's a bright side." Nora smirked diabolically, "Now we can force the funniest, most wicked name in all of existence on him! And he'll have no right to complain! Bwahaha - BWAHAHAHAHA!"

Ren watched his friend cackle like a madwoman before he nudged Naruto's shoulder, "You're probably gonna regret giving them all that power."

"Y-Yeah, I might have to workshop it with them later."

"Hey, heard a commotion." Qrow walked in with Oscar following up beside him, "Heard the cackle of pure evil-"

"You know it!"

"-and instead I find you kids playing house. Cute~." The older Huntsman leaned against the table and pulled out his flask, "If you kids are making dinner, put mine in some foil so it stays good."

"You're going out again?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah, have to keep checking my leads." He took a quick swig as Oscar walked around him and checked as Jaune used his Aura to heal his cut, "Even if we don't have Huntsmen to rely on, I'm sure there are some other forces we can look into. Military or police. Anything to help our side."

"But I'm sure they've also tangled with the Branwen tribe before." Oscar pointed out, "They've been operating for a long time, right? So I think the problem isn't so much finding people who can fight, but…"

"Yeah, finding those willing." Qrow sighed, "When you're right, Pipsqueak, you're right. Branwen tribe has dug itself pretty deep into the heart of Mistral. Has for a long time - or as long as I was running with them. And Raven being in charge has only made things worse."

"Naruto told us what it was like fighting her." Jaune said, "She sounds terrifying."

"If we find them and have to go into a fight, I'll face Raven. You kids shouldn't have to deal with my family issues."

"Uncle Qrow, I don't want you having to fight our fights for us." Ruby thought back to having to watch him hold off Tyrian and getting hurt, "Even if she is as powerful as you say, we will do what we can to help."

"She's powerful but…there's something about her." The others looked to Naruto as he stopped cooking and spoke, "When we were fighting, and I knew I couldn't beat her, there was a moment when we heard the Grimm coming. And while everyone was panicking, I saw her eyes dart aside in fright before trying to focus again. And when I saw that I bluffed and told her we were going to have to fight off the Grimm."

He shrugged, "It was the first thing that came to my mind. I knew she was strong and she could handle Grimm with that kind of power, but the look in her eyes was just fear and panic. She left and took all her people before the Grimm arrived and never let that look show on her face while she did." He thought back to the bandit leader that sent shivers down his spine, "She's incredibly powerful but…she's a coward."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," He nodded, "I mean I'm pretty sure she had the same look on her face as I did. I felt like running away too."

"Naruto," Oscar spoke up, "I told you, you're not-"

"You're not a coward, kid." Qrow interjected, "I mean sure it sounds like you nearly pissed yourself out of fear, but being afraid only seems natural considering what you were facing." The grey-haired man shook his head, "Nah, a coward makes excuses. A coward lies to themselves and others to convince them they aren't." He looked at Naruto, "Fear does a lot of things to people, but it doesn't make them cowards. It just reveals the cowardice inside them all along."

"My sister is a lot of things - most of them I shouldn't be saying before you kids have your meal - but believe me; Raven is a coward."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

This place looked super shabby. Some of these guys looked like they hadn't bathed ever. And she was regretting letting them lead her bike back to their camp while she trailed ahead.

Yang let all these thoughts run through her head to distract from how nervous she was stepping into the Branwen camp. Not enough that the shake had returned, but enough that her throat felt unnaturally dry.

As Yang followed Vernal through the center of the camp, she knew she was being watched from all angles. She wasn't going to try and pick a fight but she did stay prepared in case things took a turn and she had no choice.

"Stay," Vernal spat back, "I'll go see if she wants your company."

"Don't take too long." Yang snarked back as she crossed her arms and waited outside a particularly large tent. As the other members of the tribe started to gather around to see what was so important, Yang's heartbeat skyrocketed. This was what she had spent so many years wanting. A chance to finally face her mother again. And now-

The flap of the tent pulled open and a tall woman in red and black strode forward, a katana sheathed at her hip and a Grimm mask over her face. She stood on the steps leading up to her tent and looked down at her before pulling off her mask.

Yang finally faced her mother. And all her expectations felt like they disappeared.

"Hello, Yang," Raven greeted her in a surprisingly soft and calm voice, "It's a pleasure to see you again."

"This is actually the first time I've gotten to meet you." Yang responded, "Or at least the first time outside diapers."

"Yes, I suppose it has been a long time, hasn't it?" Raven paced around the porch of her tent, "I have to say I'm quite impressed you made your way here."

"I've been looking for you for a long time. I'm still bitter finding out Dad and Uncle Qrow knew where to look, but I'm here so I'm sure that'll pass."

"Yes, and you did a good job convincing my people to let you in. Glad to see you have a warrior's spirit. Although did you have to rough them up like you did?"

"Right, I'd say I'm sorry…" Yang shrugged, "But I'd be lying."

"Hmm." Raven nodded, "So why have you come here? I'd love to think you've come this far to finally get your answers, but I get the sinking suspicion this is about something else."

Yang frowned, "Take me to Qrow."

"Qrow? You come all the way to me…to find Qrow?" She scoffed, "He's in Mistral somewhere. If you were able to find me I'm sure you'll find him easily." Raven turned, "Bit of advice; start at the seediest bar you can find and just keep going lower. You'll find him eventually. Now if that's all-"

"Use your Semblance." Yang interrupted, causing her mother to stop walking away, "I know you have a connection to Qrow just like you have to me. You can get me there in an instant with a portal. And then we're done with each other."

"Ugh," Raven rubbed her brow, "I wish Tai didn't have to go and yap about my secrets. So you know my Semblance…why should I let you use it?"

Yang scoffed and shook her head. She felt appalled by her insistence for a reason, completely devoid of any feeling of responsibility or obligation with her own daughter. Swallowing the bile she felt building up, Yang started counting off her fingers, "How about because I'm your daughter? If that isn't good enough, how's about you owe me? 18 years of neglect washed away with just one portal to your brother? Seems like a good trade."

"Heh, in case you forgot I already paid my debt."

"Oh yeah! I heard about that little rule you have! Save anyone you love once and you're golden!" Yang cackled, "What a rule! Real sociopath thinking right there! But can I raise some grievances?" She raised her right arm, "In case you didn't notice you did a piss poor job of helping! Couldn't step in a few seconds earlier before the madman cleaved my arm off?!"

"I stepped in to save your life before you could be killed. I wasn't about to fight off a foe you had no right fighting in the first place. The next time you're faced with someone above your caliber, think before you leap."

Her fists gripped so tightly she wasn't sure which one would break first. But with a calming breath Yang tried to quell the urge to rage and spoke up, "Qrow and Ruby are probably together. If you take me to him I can get to her faster. That's all I want."

"She's with Qrow?" Raven inquired before quietly thinking to herself "Then I'm definitely not going to help you."

"Wha- why?!"

"I know it might not sound like it, Yang, but this is me doing you a favor." Raven said, "Qrow is many things but clear-headed he is not. He follows Ozpin like a fanatic and would do his bidding even if it led to his death. And he'll drag your sister to her death wholeheartedly and without thought." She turned to her tent, "If you still want to find them then that's your choice. But I won't-"

The sound of her gauntlets cocking echoed through the entire camp. The moment that sound was made, she knew every bandit was on edge and arming themselves with her in their sights.

She let her anger boil over and bleed through. Her eyes turned red and her hair glowed as heat came off her in waves, "I'm not leaving…until you send me to Qrow."

Raven sighed before looking back at her, "What did I just tell you about thinking before leaping?"

"RAAAHHHHHH-"

Yang stepped aside and avoided the club swinging at the back of her head. She palmed the face of the bandit attacking her before planting him in the ground.

From all sides the bandits started to charge at her. Yang let out a guttural roar as she turned and started to meet her attackers head-on. She bobbed and weaved around the blades and bats before landing her punches and sending bandits flying left and right. She fired shots in every direction, watching some land on those around her while others ignited the tents in the camp.

She was doing exactly what her father warned her about; she was letting her swells of anxiety and anger take her over. But the sheer gall Raven had while speaking just set her on edge! And no amount of calming breaths or meditation was going to bring it down!

As she sent one bandit flying through the air, she heard a massive crash from the side. She turned - expecting to maybe see a Grimm rush in with her heightened emotions. But instead she saw a giant white suit of armor run through the camp and try to climb the wall. And in its hand was a small girl with white hair-

"Weiss?!"

"Yang?! W-What are you - look out!"

The armored solider dove in and smacked a bandit away before they could blindside Yang. Weiss quickly jumped out of the hand and landed by her side as Yang was still in disbelief at seeing her teammate here, "It's you. It's really you. What are you doing here?"

"I ran from Atlas and got caught by these bandits." The shorter girl nodded her way, "Your mother's a peach by the way."

"You kidnapped my friend?! Oh, you suck on every level!"

Raven just stared down at them as bandits surrounded them from all sides. Yang raised her fists and Weiss had her armored suit step over them-

"That's enough." A quiet but commanding order from Raven halted everything. The rage that had eagerly been building in Yang's chest suddenly stopped and turned cold as she looked at her mother's uninterested expression, "Leave them be. They're more trouble than they're worth. Tend the wounded. Fix the damages. You two," She pointed at them, "Come in here."

"Why would we-"

"Get in here now. I'm not asking twice." Raven insisted as Vernal stood at her side, "If you're so eager to go to Qrow, you should know what's waiting for you."

"Ahem!" Weiss stepped forward and made a loud, deliberate cough that drew their attention. She glared at Vernal and snapped her fingers before extending her hand, "My sword. Now."

…

Vernal scoffed and withdrew Myrtenaster before tossing it into the dirt. She turned and followed Raven inside as all the bandits returned to their duties.

Yang looked around in surprise, taking a moment to catch her breath and center herself. Remembering her father's advice, she tried to get through the anger and fear until they weren't so bad. Once she was a little better she noticed Weiss kneeling on the ground to retrieve her weapon, "You okay?"

"Yeah," She nodded while inspecting her rapier, "I mean I didn't get to clean myself and the food was terrible but nothing untoward so I'm fine." The white-haired girl nodded, "Although it wasn't exactly fun to escape Atlas and immediately get picked up by bandits. But it seemed to work out in the end."

"Yeah." Yang nodded, still staring at the back of white hair in disbelief, "Weiss, I can't believe-"

Her hand reached out and gently squeezed the fabric of her pants. Yang felt her trembling grip and heard some soft sniffling. But still she kept her head down so no one would notice.

Even though it was hard for her not to.

Yang smiled warmly as she knelt and hugged her long lost friend. And as Weiss' arms tightly squeezed her back, she giggled, "I'm glad to see you too."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

After reuniting, sharing some abridged summaries of how they got here, and spending a longer amount of time than Weiss was comfortable admitting getting their emotions in check, they finally walked into the main tent.

To walk in on Raven gently sipping tea with two more offered across from her was not what she expected. The bandit leader sighed contently, "You took your time."

"You're lucky we came in at all." Yang snapped back, "Coming into your tent is hardly a welcome offer."

"Yet you're here anyway. That's good." She offered the two pillows across from her at the table, "Your tea probably got cold so make due."

What a truly unpleasant woman. Weiss shared a look with Yang before they begrudgingly took the offered spots. Weiss sat on her knees and tried to get comfortable while Yang dropped on her butt, never taking her narrowed eyes off her mother. Raven nodded, "I'm glad you're willing to listen to what I have to say at least."

"Don't flatter yourself." Yang grumbled, "I still want a shortcut to Qrow and you're going to give it to me. Plus it doesn't matter what you say - we have no reason to listen to you."

"Oh? I'm offering you information. Why not accept it?"

"Because you're crazy. Because trusting you would be stupid. Because a few minutes ago you told me to abandon Qrow and Ruby!"

"You took me hostage and was going to sell me back to Atlas!"

"You took my friend hostage and tried to sell her! Take your pick!"

Raven just rolled her eyes, "If all we're going to do is talk about things we already know, then we should just go our separate ways." Weiss' eye twitched with annoyance watching the condescending woman take another sip of her drink, "Instead, let's talk about things you don't know. Like Salem."

"Salem? What's a Salem?"

"The leader of the Grimm and the one behind the attack on Beacon."

It took a moment for what she said to register in Weiss' head. And after it did she spared Yang a look, seeing the baffled shock and disbelief that spread across her face as well, "But the Grimm don't follow anyone."

"They do. They follow her."

"No! No way!"

"The attack on Beacon happened because of the White Fang working with Cinder Fall on the inside!"

"And I assure you they were getting their orders from Salem or someone she worked with. That's what it always is. That's what we were always supposed to fight. You think Ozpin and his people were training you to protect mankind and save the day? Heh, he's been training an army to fight this war with Salem forever. That's all he's ever done."

"That can't be."

"It is." Raven looked between them, "He takes team after team every year and makes sure they are up to snuff. But every few years his eyes landed on one team, maybe two, with exceptional potential. For them it's extra guidance, words of wisdom, and a looser restrictions when they get in trouble. Doesn't matter what they do, or what they're dark backgrounds may be, all that matters is that these exceptional students continue to grow and develop and become the best they can be. Is that ringing any bells?"

Looking back she thought Ozpin was just being lenient with them. The mistakes and trouble they got into were always for a reason they believed was right, but she had been afraid of getting caught and punished. Had Ozpin been protecting them…because he wanted them to become stronger for a purpose?

"You're lying!" Yang snarled out through gritted teeth, "There's no way that's true!"

"I'm glad you're holding doubts now, but it is true, daughter. There is more to this world than you can possibly comprehend. An evil that controls all the monsters in the world. A liar who will never stop consecrating more to his cause because he can never die. Magic that makes Dust and Semblances look like child's play." Raven leaned back on a hand, "Ozpin shows all of this off and convinces people to fight with him. That's how he got all the headmasters to join his cause. That's how he convinced Qrow to be his lapdog. That's how he got your father to listen to his every word. And that's how he got Summer to throw away her-"

A sudden, violent crash made Weiss jump in surprise as the table in front of her broke into splinters. Yang's clenched fist had obliterated the table as her breath came out sharp and heavy. Weiss nervously looked up and saw her piercing red eyes glaring at Raven, "Do not talk about them like that."

Weiss was surprised by how angry Yang was. She had seen her friend sometimes lose her temper and getting hotheaded at times, but this anger felt so much more substantial. And Raven seemed to take the fury and threats in stride. Yang looked ready to pounce-

Weiss grabbed Yang's arm and pulled her back. The blonde girl's head snapped her way and Weiss quickly whispered, "Yang, please…you have to calm down." The tall blonde girl caught her breath and stared at her in silence before she blinked, reverting her red eyes back to their normal lilac. Weiss nodded before turning to glare at Raven, "There is so much about your story that doesn't hold any weight. There's no way the Grimm could have a leader. There's no way Ozpin could still be alive. And everyone knows magic isn't real."

"You are still limiting yourself to what you have been told, and letting others tell you what is real." Raven stood up and strolled to the back of the tent to open it, "If you want to see what's real for yourself…I'll show you."

Raven stepped out and left them behind. Weiss and Yang shared a look before they rushed out to follow her. They exited to the farthest point of the camp but could not see Raven anywhere.

"I don't see her."

"She must have teleported away." Yang growled, "Dammit. She won't use it for me but will do it just to spite me? Classic." She shook her head, "We should have just left after we reunited. We shouldn't-"

"Sorry about before," She interrupted Yang's melancholic anger.

"Huh? What?"

"Do you remember that argument we had in the first semester? When Mr. Minato showed up for Naruto? You and I argued about families and I said you were blessed with a good one and I couldn't understand why you were so angry! I get it now." Weiss scoffed, "My family sucks but your mom takes the cake."

Yang just stared at her for a moment…before a faint smile and giggle slipped out, "God, I don't even remember that. And you're bringing that up now?" She laughed a little harder and covered her mouth before she sighed, "Man, I've missed this."

"Me too." Weiss nodded, trying not to well up again, "There's so much I wanted to tell-"

"Caw!"

They looked up in the direction of a black bird perched on a branch. It cawed once more before flying off, "A bird? What's that doing here?"

Yang stepped forward, "I - I feel like I've seen that bird before."

"Does your mother keep birds? Maybe it-"

The bird flew up before flipping and flying straight down. It passed by the branch it was perched on-

And Raven landed in a crouch the next instant.

Weiss' mind tried to comprehend what she just saw but couldn't rationalize it. The branch was too small to hide behind. A-And the speed of the bird's dive matched her drop, but the size didn't make any sense. Weiss stuttered, "W-What did you-"

"That wasn't my Semblance. It wasn't anyone's Semblance. It wasn't a trick of the light or some other excuse. What you just saw was real…but impossible, right? That's magic." Raven said as she stepped forward to face them, "Ozpin changed us to suit his needs, and dug his hooks into us in the process. I didn't let them stick, but Qrow did, and now he's going to get himself and everyone along with him killed." She looked to Yang, "Yang, I do care about you, so I'll give you a choice. Stay with me; learn more about the world, become someone strong, and make up for lost time. Or-"

She swung her katana down as a red and black void cut open in space, "Go to your Uncle. Join his cause. Prepare to be used and wasted and disposed of like so many others." Raven shook her head, "This battle with Salem has raged for generations, even though he has so many people at his side and power at his disposal and armies at the ready. But still she lives and still she plans. And I think that's true because he can't beat her. So if you go there…know you are throwing your lives away…and know that I won't be there to save you again."

…

Weiss watched as Yang suddenly turned and stomped back into the tent. She almost felt the need to chase after her friend to try and calm her down. But a moment later she heard the roar of an engine as she came around the side on her bike. Weiss spotted Yang's bag on the back along with her white suitcase from Raven's tent. And she knew they weren't going to stay. She hopped on the back and hugged Yang's body tightly as they slowly inched towards the portal.

"Schnee girl," Raven called before they passed through, "Remeber that it takes more strength than your given to live in this world. And Yang," She looked at her daughter, "Don't blindly follow them…and don't die for them."

Weiss and Yang said nothing as they passed through the tear. And once they emerged they found themselves in an open city street surrounded by people. With one man directly in front of them staring in shock with his flask in hand.

"Well…I did not expect that."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

"Okay! Grubs on!"

"Hooray!"

"Gimme that meat! I wanna-"

"Nora, no. You get your plate and take your pick with everyone else."

"But I crave food!"

"Ruby, Jaune, can you guys set the table?"

"On it."

Ruby and Jaune set the table as Naruto and Ren put the last preparations on the food while holding back a voracious Nora.

Jaune licked his lips, "Man, it all smells so good."

"I know!" Ruby grinned while holding a bunch of utensils for them, "I've been so hungry! I'm gonna eat like a horse!"

"Ruby?"

The little redhead looked back towards the entrance, "Uncle Qrow, is that you?"

"Yeah. I - uh - I've got some guests here."

"You found people to help? Awesome!" Ruby paused in her task and ran out to the lobby, "Hi there! Nice to meet you! I'm Ruby-"

The sudden crash of chopsticks, spoons, and other utensils startled everyone. And as they looked at Ruby, they saw the reason for her sudden butter fingers.

Qrow stood behind both Weiss and Yang as they looked at Ruby in silent surprise. And Ruby could only stare at her friend and sister in disbelief. She couldn't believe they were here in front of her out of nowhere.

Which was why she stepped forward and gently poked them both in the shoulder.

Weiss raised her brow, "W-What are you doing?"

"S-Sorry," Ruby pulled back, "I-It's just, I-I guess that's just how I make sure you're real. C-Cause I can't believe - I-I mean," Ruby's eyes watered, "You're here?"

"Yeah," Yang gave a faint smile, "We're here."

"I-I-"

"Yeah," Yang immediately leaned forward and encircled her little sister, "I missed you too."

"I-I'm sorry I didn't stay."

"I'm sorry I didn't come with you."

Weiss welled up and tried to dry her eyes before Yang's hand reached out and pulled her in. The former heiress almost raised a complaint - before shutting up and relishing the reunion with her friends after so long.

Ruby pulled back after a moment, her face a mess of smiles and tears as she dried her eyes and giggled. She turned and pointed them back at the kitchen-

Both girls were shocked when they saw the whiskered boy standing along with the rest of their crew.

Naruto was at a loss for words before Nora pushed him forward. He stumbled but quickly caught himself, "Uh - hehe, I guess I should-"

He was nearly knocked off his feet when Weiss barreled into his chest and hugged him. And again when Yang quickly followed after her. Naruto was startled but quickly hugged both girls and tried to hold his breath as they crushed him.

"Group hug!"

Oscar came out when he heard the commotion and spotted the sight of all the former students reuniting after so long. He whispered as he watched Naruto get bombarded with questions from the two new girls as RNJR laughed and Qrow sipped his drink, "What's happening?"

"A miracle, Oscar. We are witnessing that which only occurs ever so often…a miracle."

((((((((Hunting))))))))

Done

About time for some reunions! I know everyone's not together yet but it has been a long time since I wrote some of these characters together! Y'know, outside of the side story. Anyway, we're getting closer and closer to the end, and I'm gonna have to start pulling out the big plans for the rest of the volume! Look forward to it!

Glad to be back, everyone!

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