Yang Xiao Long had set out on a journey to reunite with her younger sister, Ruby Rose.Despite the trauma she endured after the Fall of Beacon, her resolve remained unshaken.If Ruby was out there fighting for the world, then Yang would be right there beside her.Her missing arm, now replaced with an advanced Atlassian mechanical arm gifted by her father, had become her greatest asset.Months of grueling training followed, pushing her to master the arm's capabilities.After countless sparring sessions, she could finally hold her own against her father, Taiyang Xiao Long, a testament to her determination.The day she set out came quickly. After heartfelt goodbyes, Yang embarked on her journey to find Ruby and their remaining friends.But first, she had another destination in mind—her mother, Raven Branwen.Finding her mother could save valuable time and provide the answers she needed.Yang retraced familiar paths through the bandit camps around Vale—territory she had once braved alongside Rinko to retrieve Jacques Schnee.She fought her way through the camps, demanding information.After a series of intense encounters, she finally extracted a promising lead—Raven was somewhere in Mistral.Equipped with an exact location, Yang rode from ship to ship, never letting exhaustion slow her down.With her trusted motorbike roaring beneath her, she finally reached Mistral's distant coast.Yet, the heart of Mistral was still weeks away—too far even with her motorbike at full speed.If she was going to find Ruby in time, she couldn't afford delays.Tracking down her mother first was her best bet. If anyone could help her cut through the distance and the dangers ahead, it was Raven Branwen.And Yang was ready for whatever it took.Within one of her journey, she made a quick stop at a lone gasoline station within the countryside.Yang wiped sweat from her brow as she stepped into the dimly lit gas station store, the cool air offering a brief respite from the sweltering countryside heat.Her sharp eyes scanned the rustic interior—shelves stocked with essentials, a few scattered tables, and a modest bar counter tucked in the corner.A mix of old wood and faint alcohol lingered in the air.She strode toward the counter, her boots clicking against the worn floor.The bartender, a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard, looked up from cleaning a glass."I need a drink," Yang said, her voice steady but edged with fatigue.The bartender raised a questioning brow. "Aren't you a little young to be drinkin'?""Water. It's hot outside.""Oh... right." He turned to the refrigerator behind him, pulling out a cold bottle of water and setting it on the counter.Just as Yang reached for the bottle, a raspy voice from the far end of the bar cut through the quiet."Young…? You call that young?"Yang didn't flinch, her expression remaining cool.The sound of a chair scraping against the wooden floor followed, and the source of the voice—a rugged man with a weathered face and tired eyes—sauntered over, plopping down on the stool next to her.He reeked of stale beer and smoke, his grin lazy but watchful."Been on the road long, huh?" he asked, glancing at her dusty jacket and the metallic gleam of her mechanical arm. "Not many folk out here travel alone... especially not someone like you."Yang twisted the bottle cap with a sharp snap, taking a long, refreshing drink before finally meeting his gaze with her piercing lilac eyes."I can handle myself," she said flatly.The man chuckled, shaking his head. "Feisty… you look like a regular Huntress, and a beauty at that...""I'm good, thanks, pal," Yang replied, rolling her eyes as she twisted the cap back on her water bottle."Seriously… not too bulky, not too lean… you're just—""Just right. Like I said, I'm good." Her tone sharpened, her lilac eyes narrowing.Undeterred, the drunkard smirked and reached toward her golden hair. "And your hair—"Before he could finish, Yang's hand shot out, gripping his collar with crushing strength.In one swift motion, she yanked him forward and drove a powerful right hook into his jaw with her robotic arm.CRACK!The man flew backward, crashing through the swinging doors of the bar and landing in a heap on the dusty ground outside.A few startled birds scattered from the nearby trees as the echo of the impact faded into silence.Yang exhaled slowly, her chest rising and falling as she stared at her trembling left hand.Her fingers twitched involuntarily—a lingering ghost of the trauma she couldn't quite shake.She clenched her metal hand into a fist and gently steadied her shaking flesh-and-blood hand, taking in a slow, grounding breath.The bartender sighed, shaking his head with a mix of relief and mild amusement. "That one's on the house... that guy's been drivin' me crazy for weeks."Yang offered a weak smirk, wiping sweat from her brow before downing the rest of her water. "Glad I could help."The bartender leaned against the counter, eyeing her carefully. "So... what brings you 'round these parts? Don't get many travelers this far out—too far from the kingdoms, y'know?"Yang lowered the empty bottle, her expression softening just a fraction. "I'm… looking for someone.""Someone important, I take it," the bartender said thoughtfully. "Whoever it is, they must be special if you're crossin' all this way alone."Yang's gaze drifted toward the horizon outside, where her motorbike gleamed in the midday sun.Memories of Ruby, of Beacon's fall, and of her father's unwavering support flashed through her mind."They are," she answered quietly, determination hardening her voice once more.The bartender gave a small nod. "Well... good luck out there, Huntress. Gotta warn'ya! There are bandits 'round these parts, so please keep that in mind."Yang adjusted her jacket, her eyes fierce but grateful. "I can handle it."With that, she pushed the door open, stepping out into the blazing heat once more.As she mounted her bike, she pulled out the map and pointed at the specific location where Raven's currently stationed.She took a mental note to herself as she pressed the start button as the engine roared to life.Her journey wasn't over—not by a long shot—but she was ready for whatever came next.After hours of relentless travel through rugged terrain, Yang finally arrived at her destination: Raven's camp.The sight of the sprawling encampment brought a flood of emotions surging through her—anger, hurt, and a distant flicker of hope she refused to acknowledge.Her last encounter with her mother on that fateful train still burned in her memory—Rinko and Team RWBY fought to protect Jacques Schnee.Yet, the image of Raven trying to heal her—Ruby's words—after their brutal clash lingered just as strongly.'With all that talk about how family is a burden, she still cares...'Yang pushed the thought aside as she parked her bike near the outskirts of the camp.Dust kicked up as she swung her leg over the seat, her boots hitting the ground with a resolute thud.She adjusted her mechanical arm's gauntlet, ensuring everything was in working order.'No room for mistakes.'As she strode toward the entrance, two guards clad in makeshift armor brandishing crude weapons stepped forward, blocking her path."Hey, you! This is restricted territory—you're not allowed here!" one barked, gripping his axe tightly.Yang didn't falter. Her fierce lilac gaze locked onto the guards with unwavering confidence."I'm not here for trouble," she said firmly, though her stance suggested she was ready for it regardless. "I'm here to see Raven Branwen."The second guard scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "Nobody sees the boss without an invitation. Turn around before you regret it."Yang took another step forward, her mechanical fingers tightening into a fist with a faint metallic clink."You can either take me to her…" she paused, her tone icy and dangerous, "…or I'll make her come to me."The guards exchanged uneasy glances."No can do, missy."Yang crossed her arms, standing tall and unshaken.One way or another, she was getting inside."We'll see about that." Yang spoke as she approached them.Raven's CampFlanked by two bandit guards—the guards had black eyes—Yang walked through the rough, sprawling encampment, her eyes scanning the activity around her.Blacksmiths hammered away at makeshift weapons, others barked orders while organizing stolen goods, and armored sentries patrolled the walls with sharp, suspicious eyes.Despite the bustling chaos, Yang's focus remained sharp. This was enemy territory—but also family territory.They stopped in front of the largest hut at the camp's center.Before the guards could call out, heavy footsteps sounded from within.The curtain door was pushed aside, and out stepped Raven Branwen.For a moment, time seemed to still. Yang's breath caught in her throat as their gazes met.It was the first time she'd seen her mother since the battle on the train... since losing her arm.Raven's crimson eyes softened, flickering with emotions she couldn't suppress—guilt, regret, and something dangerously close to relief.Memories of that fateful encounter rushed through her mind—the pain she caused, the sight of her daughter bloodied and broken.'She survived... despite me.' Raven bitterly thought."Mom." Yang's voice broke the silence, steady but strained.Raven didn't answer immediately. Her feet moved on their own, closing the distance between them.Yang opened her mouth to speak again. "Mom, I'm here to—"Before she could demand Raven to take her to Qrow, Raven pulled her into a fierce, protective hug.Yang stiffened, stunned by the sudden gesture.This was not what she expected.Yang could feel Raven's grip tremble ever so slightly, the strength behind it still unmistakable—but the vulnerability beneath it was something entirely new.It was a fleeting crack in the hardened armor Raven wore effortlessly."I'm sorry, Yang... for everything." Raven's voice was low, almost a whisper, weighted with something far heavier than pride or regret.The bandit guards exchanged uncertain glances, stunned by the rare display of emotion from their otherwise unyielding leader.Slowly, they stepped back, retreating into the background to grant the mother and daughter their space.Yang's stiffened frame gradually relaxed. Her arms hesitated, then slowly lifted, returning the embrace—tentative at first, but real.A small, unspoken truce formed between them in that shared moment."I... I'm fine now, Mom." Yang's voice was quiet but firm, tinged with something faint—care, perhaps, though she masked it well.Raven took a measured breath, her expression hardening—but not entirely.There was something gentler in her sharp gaze, though still restrained by years of survival and instinct."Have you... been eating?" Raven asked awkwardly, the question stiff and unfamiliar on her tongue.Yang blinked, caught off guard by the sudden, almost motherly concern. "I... yeah. I'm managing."An uncomfortable silence lingered between them, thick with words left unsaid.Then, with a slight shift in posture, Raven stepped back, regaining some of her usual composure."You should come inside," Raven said brusquely, nodding toward her hut. "We can... talk."Yang met her gaze, searching for some hidden motive but finding only guarded sincerity.With a small nod, she followed her mother inside, uncertain of what she might find—but willing to try, for the first time in a long while.HutThe interior was surprisingly neat, with minimal but purposeful decor—a blend of practicality and quiet tradition.A low wooden table rested in the center, surrounded by floor pillows.Raven gestured silently for Yang to sit.Moments later, Vernal entered, carrying a tray with two cups of tea. She placed them carefully on the table before offering a respectful nod to Raven.Vernal's sharp eyes lingered on Yang for a heartbeat—curiosity mixed with caution—before she turned and exited the room.An uneasy silence settled as the two women sat across from each other.Raven wrapped her fingers around her cup but didn't drink.Her gaze lingered on Yang's mechanical arm, the soft light catching on its metallic surface."So..." Raven finally spoke, her voice measured but tinged with something almost hesitant. "What happened to your arm?"Yang stiffened at the question. Her breath hitched as fragmented memories flashed through her mind—Adam's twisted smirk, the searing pain, the overwhelming helplessness.Her other—fledhy hand trembled involuntarily, resting on her lap. She clenched it tightly, trying to suppress the lingering tremor.Raven's sharp eyes caught the movement, but she said nothing—just waited, giving Yang the space to respond.After a long, steadying breath, Yang met her mother's gaze. Despite everything, she could tell Raven was trying—awkwardly, but genuinely."It... it was the White Fang," Yang admitted, her voice strained but steady. "One of their leaders. He... took my arm."Raven's expression didn't change outwardly, but something flickered in her crimson eyes—anger, regret, maybe even guilt."I see," she murmured, her tone neutral but edged with quiet intensity. "So it was Adam Taurus that did this."Yang held her gaze, defiant yet weary. "Yeah... The one you tried to make a deal with using Jacques in exchange for weapons."The silence stretched again.Yang gripped her cup, "W-why..."Raven raised her eyebrow before Yang continued."Why did you really leave, mom? Why'd you leave me and dad..?" Yang couldn't help but ask the same question that had been brewing since she was a child.This time, she took the opportunity to ask her.Raven's crimson eyes flickered with something unreadable—regret, guilt, or perhaps even shame—before her expression hardened once more, though not with hostility.She let out a slow, measured breath and clasped her hands together on the table, her fingers tightening as if bracing herself for what she was about to say."I... I was afraid," she admitted quietly.Yang's brow furrowed, confusion mingling with lingering resentment. "Afraid... of what?"Raven's gaze never wavered, though her voice grew softer, more vulnerable than Yang had ever heard before."Of being a mother."Yang's breath hitched. She hadn't expected that."My mere existence... what I've done... what I am... I thought it would only bring you and your father pain," Raven continued, her tone steady but laced with suppressed emotion. "I believed staying would put a target on your backs... that my enemies would come for you."Yang swallowed hard, her grip tightening around her cup. "So you thought leaving would protect us?""I thought... distancing myself would spare you from my world," Raven confessed. "But I was wrong."Silence settled between them, heavy with words unsaid.Yang's voice trembled but held firm. "You did hurt us... but you could've stayed. You could've tried."Raven lowered her gaze for the first time. "I know... and I regret it every day."Yang's hands trembled, her voice breaking with emotion she'd long suppressed. "Do you have any idea... how many times Dad cried after you left, Mom? My earliest memory of him is seeing him trying to hold it together while making us breakfast... pretending like everything was fine."Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Even after Summer came into our lives... he still had those moments when he couldn't help but break down. He missed you."Raven clenched her jaw, her expression pained but resolute. "I know..." she whispered. "I was there."Yang froze, her breath hitching. "What?"Raven lifted her gaze, her voice steadier but tinged with sorrow. "I watched... from the shadows. I couldn't approach... but I needed to know you were all safe."Yang's fists clenched. "You watched us suffer... and still chose to stay away?"Raven's eyes softened with something akin to guilt and longing. "I thought... it was better that way. That my presence would only bring more danger... more grief."Yang's voice trembled with frustration and hurt. "You were the danger, Mom. The choice you made hurt us more than anything else ever could."Raven clenched her fists, struggling to maintain her composure. "I'm... I'm sorry, Yang. I know I shouldn't have left... I know you have every right to be angry... I—"The door curtain was gently pushed aside as Vernal stepped in, her expression calm but serious."Raven," Vernal said evenly, though there was a distinct edge beneath her composed tone. "We have a situation."Raven and Yang exchanged a glance, instantly on edge."What is it?" Raven demanded sharply, already rising to her feet.Vernal remained calm but resolute. "Salem… she's found us."Raven's eyes narrowed, her hand instinctively tightening around the hilt of her sword. "Tch… Salem.""They're demanding an audience," Vernal continued, her composure steady but with a hint of underlying tension. "They forced their way into the camp. They're waiting just outside."Yang furrowed her brow, unfamiliar with the name. "Salem…?" she muttered, confusion clear in her voice.Raven turned to her daughter, her expression unreadable beneath the growing tension. "Yang, stay here."Before Yang could protest, Raven secured her battle mask over her face, her demeanor shifting to that of a seasoned leader. Without another word, she strode past Vernal, stepping outside the hut.OutsideRaven's sharp gaze swept over the intruders waiting near the center of the camp. Six familiar figures stood with menacing confidence:Watts, calculating and composed.
Hazel, towering and impassive.
Mercury, smirking with cocky arrogance.Emerald, alert and wary.Torchwick, twirling his cane with casual amusement.Neo, silent but deadly, her piercing gaze locked onto the surroundings.The air was thick with tension as Raven came to a stop, her blade resting lightly at her side. She met Watts' smug stare with cold indifference."This is Branwen territory," she declared icily. "State your purpose—or get out."Raven's piercing gaze swept over the six figures standing before her.The bandits nearby shifted uneasily but held their ground.Despite the overwhelming threat, Raven stood tall, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword.From the center of the group, Watts stepped forward, straightening his coat with an air of self-importance. His calculating eyes met Raven's, unreadable but intent."Raven Branwen," he greeted smoothly, his voice dripping with practiced charm. "A pleasure, truly."Raven's grip on her blade tightened. "Cut the theatrics. I don't recall inviting you all here. What do you want?"Watts smirked, pacing leisurely. "Ah, where are my manners? Arthur Watts, at your service. A pleasure, truly." His tone was mocking, almost playful.Watts turned to his allies, "These are my associates, Hazel Rainart, Roman Torchwick, Neopolitan, Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai.Watts paused before he continued, "I appreciate your bluntness, so I'll return the courtesy. We've come with… an opportunity."Behind the wooden walls of the hut, Yang crouched low, peering through a small crack in the planks.Her heart pounded as she watched the tense exchange, her mechanical fingers twitching instinctively."I'm not interested," Raven stated coldly.Watts chuckled, unfazed. "I think you'll reconsider once you hear me out. Our organization is evolving—stronger, more unified... and in need of capable partners like yourself."Raven's eyes narrowed. "You expect me to trust you?""I expect you to see reason." Watts adjusted his glasses, his calculating gaze steady. "Your tribe is formidable but isolated. Alone, you're vulnerable... especially now that Salem's attention has shifted toward Mistral." His voice darkened. "She doesn't tolerate loose ends."Yang clenched her fists as she listened, her mind racing. 'Who is Salem? Why are they so interested in my mother? And is that.. One of Cinder's teammates?! And Torchwick is there too...'Yang's jaw tightened, "What the hell is going on...?" She muttered to herself.Raven scoffed, her expression hard. "You think threats will work on me?""No threats," Watts replied smoothly. "Only inevitabilities. Join us, and you gain protection, power… survival."Raven's gaze burned with suspicion, though a flicker of calculation crossed her features."And if I refuse?" she challenged.Hazel stepped forward, his imposing figure radiating quiet menace. His voice was low, steady, and final."Then you'll face the consequences... and they won't be merciful."Raven didn't reply immediately, her sharp eyes scanning her gathered tribe.Tension hung in the air like a coiled viper ready to strike.Torchwick flicked his spent cigar onto the ground, grinding it under his heel with deliberate slowness."Do not even try escaping us, it's futile." Torchwick said as he yawned.Watts took a measured step closer, hands still behind his back. "Indeed. You've been on our mistress's list for some time. Surrendering gracefully would be... wise."His gaze sharpened as he continued. "The Spring Maiden—we believe you have her. And honestly, we only need the relic."Raven's expression darkened. "You're already risking your lives just standing before me."Watts met her glare without flinching, a thin smile tugging at his lips.The camp fell into uneasy silence until—"Tch—Vernal!" Raven barked.Vernal emerged from the shadows of the hut, her steps deliberate and steady, showing neither fear nor hesitation.Everyone's attention snapped to her as she stopped beside Raven."So... she's the little Maiden," Torchwick mused, his grin widening. "Prove it."Yang, still crouched inside the hut, clenched her fists. "Mom... what are you doing?" she whispered.Vernal closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. A sudden gust of wind stirred the camp, rustling the tents and sending a chill through the air.The clear sky darkened as thunder rumbled ominously overhead. Electric energy crackled in the atmosphere as wind spiraled around the camp like a living force."Hoo~!" Torchwick's grin grew wider. "This might be the real deal!"Mercury smirked, arms crossed. "Impressive..."Hazel remained unmoved, his stoic gaze fixed on Vernal.Watts's eyes gleamed with intrigue as he admired the brewing storm.Vernal lowered her hands, and the wind and storm dissipated as quickly as they had come. Her eyes remained ordinary—no mystical glow—though none of Salem's agents seemed to notice.Watts adjusted his glasses, visibly pleased. "Magnificent."Raven's jaw clenched, but her mind was already made up.Facing Salem's forces was risky—and she couldn't risk her tribe's survival.Raven's expression steeled.Torchwick stepped forward as they needed her final answer, "So, what's your call? With us or against us? Either choices doesn't bother us.""We'll... cooperate. Besides, it was already too late when you all barged in."Torchwick chuckled, "Smart choice, sweetheart."Neo nodded just beside him.Watts smirked approvingly. "A wise decision. Salem rewards loyalty... and punishes betrayal."Raven exchanged a silent glance with Vernal, something unspoken passing between them.Yang, still hidden, watched with rising dread as her mother made a pact with the enemy.Soon after that, Salem's agents left the camp as Raven and Vernal watched them go. They then went back into the hut.HutAs Raven entered the hut, she was met with a swift fist flying toward her face. With practiced ease, she tilted her head, Yang's punch grazing mere inches from her cheek. "You bastard!" Yang roared, throwing another punch, then another. Raven sidestepped smoothly, her expression unreadable as she dodged the furious flurry. Vernal instinctively reached for the knife hidden at her side but froze when Raven shot her a sharp, warning glance.Reluctantly, she backed off, staying watchful. "You're siding with the people responsible for everything that happened in Vale! In Beacon!" Yang shouted, her voice cracking with rage. She spun into a powerful kick aimed at Raven's midsection. Raven moved like water, letting the kick smash into the wall, leaving a jagged hole. Yang growled in frustration and lunged again, throwing a relentless barrage of punches. "How could you?! AGH!" Raven weaved through the strikes effortlessly, her calmness a stark contrast to Yang's explosive anger. With a swift, fluid motion, Raven dropped low, sweeping Yang's legs out from under her. Thud!Yang hit the ground hard, air knocked from her lungs. "Enough." Raven's voice was sharp, authoritative—but not unkind. Yang gasped, trying to push herself up, her blazing eyes locked on her mother. "Calm yourself," Raven continued, standing over her. "I'm not siding with them." Yang scowled, fire still burning in her gaze. "But I saw you—" "We're playing them," Raven cut in coldly. "We'll stab them in the back when the time comes." Yang's breath hitched, her fists still clenched. "And I'm supposed to trust that?" Raven met Yang's glare steadily. "I don't expect you to trust me... but I do expect you to survive."Yang's clenched fists trembled, her fiery gaze unwavering—but for the first time, doubt flickered behind her burning eyes.Raven sighed, her voice softer yet firm. "If I fought them now, I'd be risking everything—everything I've built... everything I still care about." Her crimson eyes briefly darted toward Yang, exposing a rare vulnerability.Yang's breath hitched."And with you here," Raven continued, her voice steady but tinged with something deeper, "if I make the wrong move... I'd risk losing you too."Yang's tense posture eased ever so slightly as she saw something she hadn't expected—sincerity in her mother's usually cold, calculating gaze."And I'm not taking any chances."For the first time in a while, Yang wondered if her mother's choices, twisted as they seemed, had been born from something other than selfishness.Yang rose up as she met her mother's gaze."Mom.. You've changed."Raven's gaze softened further."I realized... being too hard on you would only cause more harm—more suffering, for both of us." Her voice was low but steady, tinged with regret and acceptance.Yang blinked, still processing her words."Besides..." Raven took a slow step forward, resting a firm but gentle hand on Yang's shoulder. "You're stronger than I ever was."Yang paused. For so long, she had sought acknowledgment from her mother—had dreamed of hearing words like these.Yet now that they were spoken, they carried a weight she wasn't prepared for."Mom..." she whispered, her voice cracking despite herself.Raven squeezed her shoulder gently. "I see it now... even when I couldn't admit it before."For the first time in a long while, Yang felt the smallest flicker of hope—not just for herself, but for the fragile bond still tethering her and her mother."Mom—I... I can help you," Yang urged, her voice steady but imploring. "If you could get me to Qrow, he and the others could assist you! We could join forces!"Raven's expression hardened, her defenses rising instinctively. "I don't know about that, Yang. Qrow doesn't trust me... and I don't trust him."Yang stepped closer, determination burning in her lilac eyes. "But he trusts me. Please, Mom... we don't have to do this alone."Raven's gaze lingered on her daughter, conflict warring within her. Trust had never come easily—not with Qrow, not with anyone—but Yang's sincerity was undeniable.After a long pause, Raven exhaled slowly. "…Fine. If it means keeping you safe... I'll take that risk."Her voice softened, almost imperceptibly. "But don't make me regret this."Yang managed a small, hopeful smile. "You won't... I promise."[End]