Raven's cocky smirk faltered, just for a moment, as she tracked the Nevermore circling above. But her confidence didn't break. She drew her sword once more, its blade catching the light as she locked her gaze back on Kakashi. "This changes nothing," she said icily, as though speaking both to Kakashi and the Grimm.Kakashi's response was calm, almost dismissive. "On the contrary," he said, his tone steady and unbothered. "It changes everything."He had anticipated the Grimm's arrival. In fact, he had counted on it. The chaos of the battle and the overwhelming emotions were always going to attract a Grimm of this magnitude, and he had factored it into his strategy.The Nevermore let out a blood-curdling screech, and without warning, it swooped down, its razor-sharp beak aimed directly at the nearest source of fear—Jacques Schnee.Kakashi's reaction was immediate. Without hesitation, he grabbed Jacques by the collar and launched him into the air, just as the Nevermore's beak sliced through the space where Jacques had been standing moments before."W-What are you—?!" Jacques barely had time to protest as he was hurled into the air, his body flailing helplessly.The Nevermore, having missed its target, screeched in frustration and veered off course. Jacques, still mid-air, let out a panicked scream. "WHAT THE HELL?!" he shouted as he hurtled through the air, narrowly avoiding the Grimm's deadly beak.The Nevermore crashed down onto the rocky floor where Raven and Vernal were positioned, causing the ground beneath them to shake. The impact sent debris flying, and the massive creature shifted its attention to the bandits, its eyes glowing with malice.For a split second, Raven and Vernal stood frozen, realizing they were now the targets of the enraged Grimm."Great," Vernal muttered through gritted teeth as she readied herself. "Now we're dealing with this."Raven's eyes narrowed with a mix of anger and grudging respect for Kakashi. "Stay sharp," she ordered. "We take it down, then we take him."Kakashi leaped into the air, his grip firm on Jacques as they plunged toward the edge of the cliff. The roaring sound of the waterfall grew deafening as they approached. Jacques' scream echoed through the forest, his arms flailing wildly as they fell."Are you insane?!" Jacques yelled, but his voice was lost in the rush of the wind and the crashing water.Kakashi kept his eyes focused, his body twisting in mid-air to position them for impact. Behind them, the Nevermore screeched in frustration, its massive wings beating the air as it tried to readjust its path. Raven and Vernal, now engaged with the Grimm, were too preoccupied to follow.The waterfall loomed beneath them, a sheer drop into a roaring river that cut through the dense forest. As they descended, Kakashi quickly calculated their landing, aiming for the deeper section of the river to avoid the jagged rocks below.In a heartbeat, they crashed into the water, the force of the impact sending waves spraying up in every direction. The cold water swallowed them instantly, dragging them into the swift current of the river below.*SPLASH*Jacques gasped for air, sputtering as he was pulled along by the rushing water. His hands flailed, trying to grab onto anything for support, but the river's force was relentless. Kakashi, however, moved with precision, his training allowing him to navigate the wild current. With swift, powerful strokes, he caught hold of Jacques' arm, keeping him from being swept away entirely.The current was strong, carrying them downstream at a rapid pace, crashing through rocks and debris. Jacques, coughing and gasping, barely kept his head above water, panic gripping him as he struggled to stay afloat."Hold on!" Kakashi shouted, his voice strained but steady as he pulled Jacques closer, guiding them toward the riverbank.With a final burst of strength, Kakashi managed to push them both toward a calmer section of the river where the current slowed. He spotted an outcrop of rocks and, with a swift kick, propelled them toward it. They hit the bank hard, tumbling onto the rocky shore, water spilling off their soaked clothes.Jacques lay there gasping, sprawled out on the wet ground, his body shaking from the cold and the shock. Kakashi, already back on his feet, scanned the area, his sharp eyes checking for any signs of pursuit.Above them, the roar of the waterfall echoed like a distant thunderclap, but there was no sign of Raven or Vernal. They were likely still caught up in the chaos with the Nevermore, and Kakashi knew they didn't have much time.Kakashi knelt beside Jacques, carefully pulling him up to a sitting position on the rocky bank. The river rushed past them, its current strong and relentless, carrying away remnants of their confrontation. "We're safe for now," he muttered, his tone calm yet firm. "But we need to keep moving before they catch up."Jacques, still panting heavily, looked at Kakashi with wide eyes, a mix of fear and disbelief washing over his features. "I—I thought we were dead back there," he stammered, his voice shaky as he processed the near-death experience.Kakashi glanced back toward the river, watching as branches and debris tumbled in the currents. "Not yet," he replied, his gaze hardening as he surveyed their surroundings, mentally plotting their next course of action. "But Raven won't give up. We have to stay ahead of her."Jacques Schnee, the man who had orchestrated their family's troubles, was visibly shaken, his hands trembling slightly as they rested on his knees. The gravity of their situation pressed down on him, and the fear in his eyes betrayed his normally composed demeanor.Kakashi felt a pang of sympathy for his father. Despite the turmoil that surrounded them, he knew Jacques had his own demons to face. He glanced toward the horizon, the setting sun casting a warm glow that felt all too peaceful compared to the chaos they had just escaped. It was a brief respite, a moment to gather their thoughts before the storm returned.Sighing softly, Kakashi turned back to Jacques, who was staring into the rushing water as if it held the answers to all his problems. He slowly extended his palm toward his father, the gesture almost foreign but necessary. "Father," he said, his voice steady and reassuring, "trust me. We'll get through this."The words hung in the air, charged with an unspoken understanding. Despite the man's past mistakes, despite the tangled web of lies and betrayal, Jacques was still his father. And in that moment, Kakashi chose to believe that they could find a way out together.Jacques looked up, meeting Kakashi's gaze. The fear in his eyes began to shift, replaced by a flicker of hope. He nodded slowly, the weight of his decisions heavy on his shoulders but somehow lighter now that Rinko was by his side."Alright," Jacques finally said, his voice steadier than before. "What's the plan?"Kakashi pulled back his hand, a renewed determination settling in as he glanced toward the trees that bordered the river. "We'll follow the river downstream. It'll lead us to Argus and away from Raven's path."He squinted into the distance, spotting the familiar snowy biome that marked Argus. They had just passed through it earlier, and now they were making their way back. The route wouldn't be easy, but it was their best chance. Kakashi knew they had to keep moving; there was no other choice.As they rose to their feet, the distant roar of the waterfall faded into a mere background murmur, replaced by the urgency of their situation. Kakashi felt a sense of resolve building within him, a fierce determination to protect not just himself but also his father. They were bound by blood, and whatever happened next, they would face it together."Let's go," Kakashi said, his voice firm, a rallying call amidst the chaos that still lurked behind them. With a nod, he set off along the riverbank, his senses heightened as he scanned the treeline for any signs of danger, hoping the turmoil they had just escaped would remain a memory.Jacques followed closely, the ground beneath his feet feeling unsteady as his heart raced. A mix of gratitude and apprehension churned within him. He was still haunted by the shadows of their past, each misstep and regret weighing heavily on his mind. Yet, with Kakashi at his side, a flicker of hope ignited in his chest—a belief that maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to start anew.As they moved, the terrain began to shift, rocky outcrops giving way to softer earth dotted with patches of vibrant wildflowers, a stark contrast to the grimness of their recent encounter. Kakashi kept his pace steady, leading them away from the waterfall's tumultuous roar, but his instincts remained on high alert. Every rustle in the underbrush sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through him."How far do you think we are from Argus?" Jacques asked, trying to break the oppressive silence that hung between them.Kakashi glanced over his shoulder, assessing the landscape. "If we keep a brisk pace, we should reach it in a few days," he replied. "But we can't afford to get complacent, it's the nearest City from here. Raven will likely be regrouping, and she won't take long to realize where we're headed."Jacques nodded, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. "And if she catches up to us...?""We won't let that happen," Kakashi replied firmly, his gaze unwavering. "We have the advantage of surprise. If we prepare ourselves, we can confront her on our terms."Jacques swallowed hard, the tension in his throat a stark reminder of the dangers ahead. "You really believe that?" he asked, searching his son's face for any hint of doubt."I have to believe it," Kakashi answered, determination flickering in his eyes. "For both our sakes."The two pressed on, their footsteps echoing the rhythm of their resolve.Hours Later, EveningInside a small cave, Jacques and Kakashi huddled together, the biting cold of the snowy biome threatening to freeze them to the bone. Snowflakes drifted in through the entrance, creating a light dusting around them.Kakashi, focused and determined, gathered twigs and leaves, using his shinobi skills to create a flickering fire. The moment flames sparked to life, casting a warm glow against the cave walls, Jacques couldn't help but watch in awe. He had always known his son had potential but seeing him harness these skills in such a dire situation filled him with a mixture of pride and disbelief."Stay here, Father. I'll go get us food," Kakashi said, his voice steady as he rose to his feet, determination etched on his face.Jacques could only nod, a wave of shame washing over him. 'Useless,' he thought bitterly. Here he was, relying on his son for survival, feeling more like a burden than a father. The reality of his situation struck him hard—he had spent years prioritizing power and control, and now, in their most desperate hour, he felt utterly helpless.The warmth of the fire contrasted sharply with the coldness in his chest. He was a man who had once wielded great influence, but now he was reduced to this—dependent on a child to feed them both. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he fought against the swell of emotions that threatened to overtake him.'Hopeless,' he mused, a weight settling heavily on his shoulders. The life he had built was crumbling around him, and all he could do was watch as his son took charge, displaying a strength Jacques had failed to nurture.As Kakashi prepared to leave, Jacques finally spoke, his voice strained but sincere. "Rinko... be careful out there."Kakashi paused, glancing back at him, eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. "I will. Just stay put and keep the fire going."With that, he stepped out into the cold, leaving Jacques alone with the crackling fire and the heavy burden of his thoughts.The cave felt larger in Kakashi's absence, the shadows stretching and flickering ominously along the walls. Jacques leaned back against the cool stone, staring into the flames. Each crackle reminded him of the warmth they had lost in their family—a warmth he had allowed to slip away in pursuit of ambition and control.A deep sense of regret washed over him. 'What kind of father lets his son take on such burdens?' He remembered the times he had dismissed Rinko's efforts, believing that strength meant wielding power rather than nurturing it.Moments passed, and the fire's glow began to dim. Jacques reached for more wood, the act grounding him as he fed the flames, forcing himself to focus on the task. He wanted to be strong for Kakashi, to reclaim that lost fatherhood, but he felt like a man stumbling in the dark, blind to the path he needed to take.Just as he contemplated their uncertain future, a noise from outside the cave caught his attention. Heart racing, he grabbed a nearby branch, ready to defend himself. The shadows loomed larger as he strained to hear.Rinko was carrying a bear on his back as the blood leaked from its neck. Kakashi used a sharp stone to cut the bear's throat.Jacques' grip on the branch loosened as he saw Kakashi step into the cave, carrying a massive bear on his back, blood still seeping from its neck. His son's strength was nothing short of astonishing, and the weight of what he had just accomplished left Jacques momentarily speechless.Kakashi, with a strained grunt, let the bear fall from his shoulders to the cave floor. A small, tired smile tugged at his lips as he wiped sweat from his brow. "I—rghh! I got us dinner," he said, his breath visible in the cold air. Despite the exhaustion in his voice, there was pride in his accomplishment.Jacques stared at the lifeless bear, its sheer size almost overwhelming the small space of the cave. He couldn't help but feel another wave of inadequacy wash over him. Here was his son, doing what Jacques would have never been able to do—providing for them both, showing an extraordinary resilience that Jacques had never nurtured in him."You... you did this?" Jacques asked, his voice shaky, trying to mask the awe and guilt swirling inside him.Kakashi gave a nod, kneeling next to the bear. He used a sharp stone he had found earlier to expertly slice the creature's throat, ensuring it was properly drained. His movements were precise, methodical—instinctive, even. It was clear Kakashi's skills that went beyond anything Jacques could have imagined.As Kakashi worked on preparing the bear for their meal, Jacques felt a painful tightening in his chest. He had spent so many years underestimating his son, dismissing the strength that Kakashi was now displaying right in front of him."I didn't know you were capable of this," Jacques muttered, unable to tear his eyes away from his son.Kakashi glanced up, his eyes meeting his father's for a moment before returning to the task at hand. "There's a lot you don't know, Father. But now's not the time for that. We need to eat. You'll need your strength."Jacques swallowed, his pride bruised but his heart aching with a strange sense of relief. Perhaps it wasn't too late to be the father Kakashi needed. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance to be part of his son's life in a meaningful way, to walk beside him instead of in the shadows of his own failures."I can help," Jacques offered, his voice tentative, almost unsure of itself. "Let me... let me do something."Kakashi paused again, looking at his father, his expression softening just slightly. "Alright. Start gathering more wood. We'll need a stronger fire to cook this."With that small task handed to him, Jacques felt the tiniest flicker of purpose. It wasn't much, but it was a start—a chance to contribute, however small. As he gathered more wood, feeding the flames, Jacques thought that maybe this was the beginning of something better, something different. A path that, with time, could bring them closer.Vale, RWBY Dorm"Hey... Weiss?" Blake's voice broke the quiet atmosphere as she scrolled through her scroll, her brows furrowing in concentration."Hm? What's up?" Weiss replied, her pen pausing mid-sentence as she glanced up from her diary, curiosity etched on her face."You need to see this..." Blake said, her tone laced with urgency.Weiss raised an eyebrow, setting her diary aside as she got up from her seat and moved over to Blake's bed. "What is it?" she asked, peering at Blake's scroll.Blake slowly turned the screen towards her, revealing the glaring news headline. "Jacques Schnee and his son, Rinko Schnee, are missing."Weiss's eyes widened, disbelief washing over her. "What? Missing? How could this happen?" She leaned closer, scanning the article for more details. "Did they say where they last were?"Blake shook her head, "No, just that they disappeared a few days ago. It sounds like there was some kind of incident." The implications of the news weighed heavily on her mind.Weiss's concern grew as she processed the information. Rinko was involved in this. Despite her feelings toward him, he was still her brother. Memories flooded back—Rinko's laughter, the way he'd always seemed to light up a room. He used to be a sweet, innocent boy before Jacques had taken him away from their family, from her. After that, he had changed, hardened by the burdens thrust upon him."I hope you're doing fine, Rinko... wherever you are," Weiss muttered, her heart aching with a mix of nostalgia and sorrow. She wished she could reach out, to tell him that she still cared despite everything.Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides. 'Why had things turned out this way?' The world felt as if it were unraveling, and the pain of family ties weighed heavily on her. Jacques had been a looming shadow over their lives for too long, and now Rinko was caught in the middle of it all.[End]