Branwen's CampYang stayed the night at Raven's camp-though it felt less like obligation and more like... a tentative truce.After everything they'd been through, after the guarded, honest conversation they'd shared, Yang couldn't deny that something had shifted between them.It wasn't forgiveness-not yet-but it was... something.Her mother had offered an alliance, not just out of necessity but with something bordering on sincerity.That alone was enough to make Yang reconsider her usual stubborn defiance.For one night, she allowed herself to stay-not as a prisoner or an outsider-but as family... however fractured that might be.After dinner-a freshly hunted boar roasted over the campfire-Raven approached Yang as the camp settled into its nightly rhythm."Yang," she called, her tone softer than usual.Yang wiped her mouth with a worn tissue, turning toward her mother. "Yeah?"Raven hesitated briefly before nodding toward a sturdy tent near her own. "That tent's available. You'll be warmer there."Yang blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected thoughtfulness. "...Thanks," she replied, her voice less guarded than before.Raven nodded silently, stepping aside to let Yang pass-but to her surprise, Yang paused."Hey... uh... thanks for talking things out earlier," Yang said, awkward but genuine. "It... helped."Raven's crimson eyes widened just a fraction before settling into something unreadable. "We still have a long way to go.""Yeah... but it's a start," Yang admitted, offering a faint, hesitant smile before heading toward the tent.Raven watched her daughter disappear into the tent, her gaze lingering with something close to longing.For the first time in years, it felt like she hadn't completely lost Yang-like there might still be a chance to mend what had been broken.Around the camp, her tribe moved with quiet efficiency-some preparing for tomorrow's tasks, others patrolling the perimeter, ever-vigilant.The crackling of the dying campfire filled the still night, mingling with the distant rustling of leaves.Raven tilted her head toward the sky, her sharp crimson eyes tracing the scattered stars.Her mind drifted back to a memory she couldn't seem to escape-the attack on the train a year ago.The moment she almost killed her daughter.The memory burned like an old scar, impossible to forget.For a terrifying instant back then, she had seen a world without Yang-a world she thought she could endure... until she realized she couldn't.Something in her heart had twisted painfully that day, a feeling she hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge in years.Love.Raven clenched her fists at the thought. She loved her daughter-always had-but she never knew how to show it.Watching Yang from the shadows, seeing her grow strong and fierce... it had been the only connection she allowed herself.Failure. Shame. Regret.She felt it all.She deserved to feel it.And something part of her, hated that she cared... because caring meant she could lose Yang all over again.The bitter thought settled in her chest like a heavy stone."You've come this far," she muttered bitterly. "Don't turn back now."She'd always been good at surviving, good at keeping people at arm's length... but Yang was different.Yang was-and will always be-her daughter.Her only child-the one person she could never truly sever herself from, no matter how hard she tried.And tonight, for the first time in a long while, there was... something.Not forgiveness-not yet-but a thread of possibility. A fragile, unspoken understanding that maybe... just maybe... it wasn't too late.With one last lingering glance toward the tent where Yang rested, Raven forced herself to turn away, retreating from the dying campfire.Yang's TentInside the tent, Yang shrugged off her worn jacket, tossing it onto a nearby crate.With practiced ease, she unlatched her cybernetic arm, setting it carefully on the small, rickety table.She flexed her remaining hand, pausing as she noticed the faint shaking in her fingers.Her breath hitched, but instead of suppressing it with stubborn will, she inhaled deeply, letting the tension ease naturally."You're okay... just breathe."The tremor stilled.Yang allowed herself a small, relieved sigh before turning toward the thin, makeshift bed. It wasn't much, but for once, she didn't care.She lay down, letting exhaustion pull her into a much-needed rest.For the first time in a long while, she felt... not at peace, but perhaps... less alone.The Next Morning: 4AMRinko zipped up his bag with a satisfying click, double-checking its contents before slinging it over his shoulder.The early morning chill still lingered, but his mind was sharp and focused."Good to go," he muttered to himself before stepping out of his room.The others were already gathered in the living room, fully geared up and ready. Weapons were secured, supplies packed, and determination etched into every face.Their mission was clear-head straight to Raven and recruit her. Convince her. Somehow.Rinko took a moment to scan the room, ensuring nothing-and no one-was left behind."Mm... we ready?" he asked, his calm voice breaking the quiet morning air.Everyone turned toward him, exchanging resolute nods.The weight of what lay ahead sat heavy on their shoulders, but there was no turning back now.The sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention.Qrow emerged from his room, fastening his cloak and securing Harbinger at his back. His sharp crimson eyes met theirs, brimming with hardened experience-and just a hint of hope."Alright, kids..." Qrow's voice was steady, resolute. "Let's move out."Without another word, the group filed out into the cold morning light, ready to face whatever awaited them.Branwen's Camp: 7AmThe early morning chill still clung to the air as Yang stirred from her restless sleep.The thin blankets offered little warmth against the cold bite of the wilderness, but she'd endured worse.With a low groan, she pushed herself up from the creaky camp cot, stretching her stiff limbs.Her muscles protested, still sore from the constant travel and fights that seemed to follow her wherever she went.Yang ran a hand through her wild mane of golden hair, smoothing out a few unruly strands-not that it helped much.Her fingers lingered on the ends briefly, lost in thought, before she let her arm drop to her side.Her eyes drifted toward her cybernetic arm resting on the small wooden table.She reached for it and secured it in place with practiced efficiency, the faint hum of its systems activating bringing a sense of readiness she couldn't quite explain.The tent was dim, with soft rays of morning light filtering through the worn fabric, casting faint, shifting patterns along the walls.The distant sounds of the camp waking up reached her ears-boots crunching against dirt, faint voices exchanging orders, and the ever-present crackling of a campfire.With a sigh, Yang grabbed her jacket from the back of a makeshift chair and slipped it on, feeling its familiar weight settle on her shoulders.Her gaze lingered on the tent's entrance for a moment before she finally stepped outside.The brisk air hit her face immediately, sharp and refreshing. She inhaled deeply, letting the cold clear her mind.Scattered around the camp, Raven's tribe moved with quiet efficiency-preparing supplies, sharpening weapons, and fortifying defenses.Yang's sharp eyes scanned the camp until they settled on Raven, standing near the center with Vernal at her side, deep in conversation.Her mother's expression was unreadable, as always, though her stance was tense, guarded.For a brief moment, Yang wondered what her mother was thinking-but quickly pushed the thought away.There was no time for sentiment.Today, she would leave this place.After some time, Yang finished packing her things.Her movements were efficient, methodical, though her lilac eyes held a quiet intensity.Outside her tent, Raven stood with Vernal at her side, watching her daughter prepare to leave."Are you sure about this, Yang?" Raven's voice was firm but carried a rare edge of concern. "You know... you'll always have a place here. With the tribe."Yang slung her bag over her shoulder and secured it onto the back of her motorbike. The familiar hum of its engine waiting to be unleashed brought a strange sense of comfort.She paused, resting a gloved hand on the bike's handlebar before turning to face her mother."I appreciate the offer," Yang said, her tone steady but guarded. "But this... isn't my home."Raven's expression remained unreadable, though something flickered in her crimson eyes-something almost vulnerable."You could've had more here than just fighting other people's battles," Raven said, her voice lowering. "You could've been safe."Yang's gaze softened, but only for a heartbeat."I'm not looking for safe, Mom," she replied quietly. "I'm looking for something worth fighting for."The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and years of distance neither knew how to bridge.Raven spoke again, her voice steadier. "Since Qrow trusted you... if this is the only way to keep you safe, then convince him to join forces with me."Raven drew her sword, crimson eyes gleaming with quiet resolve, prepared to create a portal straight to Qrow's location."Take care, Yang."Yang nodded, ready to accept the portal-but before Raven could activate it, a sharp gunshot echoed from the camp's entrance."R-Raven!" One of her men came sprinting toward her, breathing heavily, panic etched across his face."What is it now?" Raven snapped, already drawing her blade.Yang frowned, her hand drifting toward Ember Celica."Y-your brother! He's back! And he's not alone!" the man stammered, fear making his voice tremble.Yang's lilac eyes widened in shock as yet another distant sound of gunfire echoed through the camp, shattering the early morning stillness.Raven stiffened, her sharp crimson gaze snapping toward the camp's entrance, her expression darkening like an approaching storm.Slowly, she slid her blade back into its sheath with a practiced motion."Rgh... great," she muttered under her breath, her tone edged with irritation and something more guarded-anticipation, perhaps.Her gaze shifted to Yang, unreadable but tense. "Your uncle's here. No need to teleport you to him, I suppose."Yang clenched her fists, her mind racing. She paused before nodded, switching off her motorbike with a sharp click.Without wasting another second, Raven turned sharply on her heel and strode toward the camp's entrance, her steps purposeful and commanding.Yang followed close behind, her heart pounding in her chest.Vernal walked on Raven's other side, hand resting cautiously on her weapon, her expression wary.As they neared the entrance, the shouts of Branwen's men grew louder.Yang could make out the distinct sound of heavy boots crunching against the dirt and the low rumble of a familiar voice barking orders.When they reached the camp's gates, a small group of armored bandits stood with weapons raised, though none dared attack-yet.Their eyes were locked on the approaching figures in the clearing beyond the camp's perimeter.Emerging from the dense forest, Qrow Branwen led the group, his sharp, weathered features set in grim determination.His weapon, Harbinger, rested over his shoulder, ready for action if needed.But he wasn't alone.Yang's breath caught as familiar faces followed close behind.Ruby, her younger sister, stood with Crescent Rose folded on her back, her silver eyes gleaming with fierce determination.Beside her were Weiss, her elegant stance composed and regal, Myrtenaster at her side, and Rinko, whose sharp eyes and composed aura radiated quiet strength.Behind them were Team JNPR-Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora-all armed and ready, their resolve evident despite the tension in the air.Lastly, Yang noticed a girl she didn't recognize-Selene-who carried herself with a calculated grace and a deadly shotgun-parasol hybrid-that spoke of someone far more dangerous than she appeared.Yang's hands clenched at her sides, emotions swirling within her-relief, confusion, and something dangerously close to hope.Raven's eyes narrowed at the sight of her brother, though she kept her expression guarded. "Lower your weapons," she commanded her men, her voice cold and authoritative.The bandits hesitated but eventually obeyed, though their eyes remained wary.Qrow stepped forward, stopping just outside the camp's entrance. His gaze met Raven's with thinly veiled contempt before softening ever so slightly when he spotted Yang."Long time no see," Qrow drawled, though his tone lacked its usual sarcasm."Yang..?" Rinko spoke, noticing Yang near Raven.Yang took a shaky step forward, her voice trembling. "Qrow-! R-Ruby!"She ran past Raven's men.Ruby's silver eyes sparkled with joy as she rushed past the others, crashing into Yang with a tight, bone-crushing hug."Yang!" she cried, her voice breaking with relief.Yang let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, wrapping her arms around her sister as tightly as she could. "Ruby... I missed you, squirt."Weiss approached more calmly but with clear relief etched on her face. "Yang... it's good to see you again."Yang met her gaze and nodded. "Weiss..!"Raven stood silently, watching the reunion with an unreadable expression. Her fingers twitched near her blade but never moved.Qrow's gaze shifted to her, his expression hardening once more. "We need to talk," he said curtly.Raven's eyes narrowed. "So it seems."The tension in the air crackled like an unspoken storm, waiting to break.LaterThe gang sat cross-legged on cushions spread across the wooden floor of Raven's hut.The dimly lit space was warmed by the crackling hearth, its flickering light casting long shadows across the worn walls.Vernal moved efficiently, handing out drinks in sturdy wooden cups.When she reached Ruby, she wordlessly placed a cup of milk in front of her. Ruby's silver eyes gleamed with joy."Milk! Thank you!" she exclaimed, hugging the cup like a cherished gift.Vernal raised a brow but smirked faintly before moving on.Raven and Qrow sat at opposite sides of the low table, locked in mutual wariness despite the temporary truce.Rinko settled beside Qrow, his sharp gaze trailing Vernal with clear distrust. The tension between them was unmistakable-remnants of a past clash neither had forgotten.Yang sat next to Raven, her posture rigid but composed, while Ruby nestled beside her sister, her cheerful presence a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere.Further down the table, Selene and Weiss sat shoulder to shoulder, their expressions cautious but attentive.Team JNPR occupied a quieter corner, instinctively ready for anything despite the apparent ceasefire.For a long moment, silence reigned. The only sounds were the soft clink of cups being set down and the crackling of the distant fire.Suddenly, Qrow broke the stillness, his voice rough but resolute. "Sister... let's get to the chase." He took a steadying breath, then bowed his head low over the table. "Join us."Raven's crimson eyes widened ever so slightly-caught off guard by the sincerity of his request. She turned her gaze to Yang, who looked equally surprised by her uncle's uncharacteristic gesture.For a moment, Raven didn't respond, her sharp gaze calculating as she studied Qrow's bowed head. Finally, she let out a quiet, almost exasperated sigh."Raise your head, Qrow," she commanded coolly. "I was about to teleport Yang to your location... to convince you to join forces."Qrow's eyes widened as he slowly lifted his head, disbelief flickering across his face. "Wait... really?"Raven met his gaze steadily. "Yes." She turned briefly to Yang, her expression softening just a fraction before returning to her usual stoic demeanor. "My daughter convinced me."Her voice dropped, tinged with reluctant honesty. "I know you don't trust me-and you know I don't trust you either." Her gaze sharpened, steel returning to her tone. "But... what's coming is bigger than any of us."Qrow stared at her, momentarily taken aback by her rare display of sincerity.The room remained still, heavy with tension and unresolved history. Rinko and the others kept silent, watching the exchange with wary curiosity.Qrow's smirk faded, replaced by a grim seriousness. "Salem's forces are here. Rinko crossed paths with Torchwick in the upper levels of Mistral just a few days ago."Raven's crimson eyes narrowed, her fist clenching instinctively. Yang lowered her gaze to the table, her expression darkening."We know," Raven said coldly. "In fact, they found me before you did.""What?" Rinko's sharp gaze locked onto her, suspicion flaring.Without a word, Raven pulled out her scroll and placed it on the table, its metal surface clinking softly against the wood."They asked me to join their forces," she stated flatly. "And I accepted.""What?!" Jaune shot up from his seat, his voice echoing through the hut."R-Relax, guys!" Yang raised her hands quickly, her eyes darting between her friends and her mother. "Let her explain!""Yang..." Ruby whispered, her voice laced with concern.Qrow's sweat dropped, 'But.. Only us and Leo knows where Raven is located.. How in the hell-?' Qrow's thoughts were interrupted.The others exchanged wary glances but slowly sat back down, though their guarded postures never relaxed.Raven's piercing gaze swept over the room. "I accepted... but only to play them from the inside. My goal is the same as yours-to stop them. Their goal, however , is to claim the Relic of Knowledge."She pushed the scroll forward. "Here. A transmission they sent me explaining the plan."The scroll's screen lit up, projecting a flickering hologram. A distorted, robotic voice began speaking:"Phase One: Headmaster Leo Lionheart will unlock Haven Academy's vault under the guise of protecting the school from an 'imminent threat.'""Phase Two: Spring Maiden will retrieve the Relic of Knowledge from the vault and deliver it to our agents on-site.""Phase Three: The White Fang will detonate the main structure of Haven Academy, ensuring complete destruction and irreversible chaos throughout Mistral.""Final Phase: Our forces will retreat as disorder consumes the city, securing Salem's hold over the kingdom."The hologram flickered off, leaving a deafening silence in its wake."This is insane...!" Nora whispered, her fists trembling, eyes wide with disbelief."Blowing up an entire school... just to destabilize the region?" Pyrrha murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, horror etched across her face."This can't be allowed to happen." Weiss's tone was ice-cold and resolute, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, trembling only slightly.Raven deactivated the hologram with a sharp press of her scroll, her expression unreadable but tense. "As you've heard... Haven's headmaster, Leo Lionheart, is working for Salem now."The room fell into stunned silence."Leo...! That traitor!" Qrow roared, slamming his fist on the table with enough force to make the cups rattle. His face twisted with equal parts fury and betrayal."No wonder he's been acting so suspicious," Qrow growled through clenched teeth, pacing the room like a restless predator."It explains how Salem's forces found Raven first," Pyrrha added grimly, her emerald eyes burning with quiet intensity. "He must've fed them intel."Qrow's mind raced as he pieced the horrifying puzzle together. "No wonder there haven't been any Huntsmen patrolling the streets lately... He must've sent them on suicide missions-sent them to their deaths!"His fist slammed against the table, making the cups tremble. The room fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.Raven's face remained stone-like, though her fingers tightened around her folded arms.Rinko Schnee cleared his throat deliberately, breaking the stillness.His steely gaze fixed on Raven, cutting through the tension like a blade."Since their entire plan revolves around the Relic of Knowledge, the simplest way to stop them... is not giving them the key." His voice was calm and measured-but beneath that control lay a sharp, undeniable edge of suspicion.Raven's crimson eyes narrowed ever so slightly, the challenge in his tone not lost on her.Rinko leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "And that key... is you, Spring Maiden."A charged silence fell over the room. Yang's eyes widened as she whipped her head toward her mother, searching for denial-but finding none.Raven stayed perfectly still, the tension crackling in the air like a coiled spring. Then, slowly, she allowed a smirk to curl at the edge of her lips."I'm not surprised," she admitted smoothly. "After everything... I expected you to figure it out."Rinko's expression didn't change. His voice remained even, almost bored. "It wasn't exactly a mystery. Just... plain observation."His tone was as sharp as ever-calm, direct, and unmistakably cutting. The room stayed still, everyone processing the full weight of what had just been confirmed."Figures," Qrow muttered darkly, his eyes burning with restrained anger. "My sister... the Spring Maiden. You cold-blooded murderer." His voice dripped with bitter contempt, recalling the fate of the previous Maiden.Raven met his gaze without flinching. "I did what had to be done." Her tone was cold, detached-unyielding. "That power isn't meant for the weak-minded. Only someone capable should wield it."Her words hung in the air like a sharpened blade, cutting deep.Yang clenched her fists, her heart pounding as she tried to process the revelation.Weiss frowned, her expression hardening. "You speak of 'capability' like it justifies everything... like lives are just pawns in your game.""I did what neither of you could," Raven said coolly. "It was a necessary kill."Qrow's fist slammed against the table, the sound reverberating through the room. Everyone flinched, their gazes snapping toward him."You sound just like her-Salem! Is that how far you've fallen?" His voice dripped with venom, anger simmering just beneath the surface.Raven's crimson eyes narrowed, though a fleeting emotion-regret or defiance-flickered in their depths before vanishing behind her icy facade.Raven's crimson eyes flicked toward Qrow, unbothered. "In this world, power determines survival. Sentimentality gets you killed."Qrow scoffed, his glare sharp as steel. "Right. Like when you almost killed Yang? That's rich."Raven's hand drifted toward the hilt of her sword, her eyes flashing dangerously.Before either could escalate further, Yang shot to her feet."Enough!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the thick tension like a blade.Everyone froze, turning toward her in stunned silence."We're here to form a truce, not rip each other apart!" Yang's lilac eyes burned with conviction. "There's something bigger than all of us at stake, and we must stop Salem!"Her words hung in the air, their weight undeniable.Qrow slowly unclenched his fists, his expression still grim but less volatile. Raven's hand eased off her weapon, though her piercing gaze lingered on her daughter, assessing.Ruby rose next, voice steady and resolute. "Yang's right. Fighting each other won't fix anything... but working together might."Raven exhaled sharply, placing her hand firmly on the table. "Hmph. Don't get the wrong idea, Qrow." Her crimson eyes gleamed with cold detachment. "I'm doing this for Yang. Not for the world. I couldn't care less about the rest of you."Qrow's jaw clenched, but he didn't argue. He met Raven's gaze, searching for any glimmer of sincerity. There was none-only the fierce, unyielding resolve of a woman hardened by survival and betrayal.A tense, suffocating silence blanketed the room.Weiss's icy gaze hardened, but she held her tongue. Pyrrha and Ren exchanged uneasy looks, while Nora's fists clenched beneath the table, trembling with barely contained frustration.Before the quiet could stretch too long, Rinko cleared his throat, breaking the stalemate. His voice was calm, measured, but firm. "Then it's settled. If we're doing this together, we'll need a plan."Everyone exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the truth in his words."And perhaps..." Rinko added, leaning forward with calculated precision. "I have something in mind to bring to the table."Raven raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt. Qrow crossed his arms, listening warily. Whatever his plan was, they're all willing to listen. And THEY must be prepared for what's coming.[End]