A/N: Qrow explains to Team RNJR what they need to know.

Around a campfire, Ruby, Jaune, Ren, Nora and Qrow sat on four logs positioned in a square. Qrow had just finished telling the story of the Maidens. There is silence and Qrow took a swig from his flask. He had a bandage wrapped around his abdomen over his clothing.

Qrow: Really? No questions?

Jaune: Of course we have questions. This is just... a lot to take in.

Qrow: "sighs" Sure, of course.

Ruby: So these... Maidens... They're powerful fighters that don't need Dust to use magic.

Qrow: Yeah. And they're especially the reason why everyone's good friend, frieza, is rotting in hell.

Nora: And there are four of them?

Qrow: Yup. Always.

Ren: Which means that, whenever one of them dies, the power transfers to someone - a female - that they cared about?

Qrow: Whoever was in their thoughts last. Important distinction. Best option is someone we can trust. Regardless, their souls become combined, in a way.

Jaune: And that's what you were trying to do to Pyrrha... the night the tower fell. You were trying to turn her into one of them.

Qrow: The previous Fall Maiden, Amber, had been attacked. She was young, inexperienced. And her assailant, who we now know is Cinder, somehow managed to steal some of her power, but not all of it. We were afraid that if we didn't do something, the rest would go to her as well.

Jaune looked angrily at Qrow.

Jaune: So you forced it on Pyrrha.

Qrow: We didn't force anything. We explained the situation and gave her the choice, and she chose. You were there, you heard her.

Jaune hung his head for a brief moment before getting up and walking several feet away from group. Qrow watched him go.

Ruby: That guy, Tyrian - why was he after me?

Qrow: Well, you definitely painted a target on your back with what you did at Beacon. I told you having silver eyes is a rare trait. And the fact that you were able to use them seems to have upset some very powerful people. Not many people know about the silver eyes. Those that do aren't very happy that one has surfaced. That's why I've been keeping an eye on you in order to make sure you were safe. All of you.

Ruby: Well, then, why not just travel with us? It seems like that would've been way easier.

Jaune answered her loudly enough to be heard, but with his back still turned to everyone.

Jaune: He was using you as bait.

Qrow: Look, I wouldn't put it like that - it's complicated.

He soon turned back around to face Qrow.

Jaune: What is all of this? Ruby's being hunted, the schools are being attacked, all for what?! What is the point of all of this?! Will you just tell us what's going on?!

Qrow stared at him before soon slouching over with a sigh.

Qrow: Would you sit down? You're stressin' me out, 'kid.

Jaune sat back down on his log and crosses his arms. Qrow started to take another swig, but changed his mind before the flask reaches his lips.

Qrow: Not many people are super religious these days.

He said as he capped and set the flask down.

Qrow: This world's been around for a long time, long enough that people have created dozens of gods. But if you believe Ozpin, two of them are actually real. They were two brothers. The older sibling, the god of light, found joy in creating forces of life. Meanwhile, the younger brother, the god of darkness, spent his time creating forces of destruction. As you can imagine, they both had pretty different ideas about how things should go. The older one would spend his days creating water, plants, wildlife. And at night, his brother would wake to see all the things that the elder had made and become disgusted. To counteract his brother's creations, the god of darkness brought drought, fire, famine, all he could do to rid Remnant of life. Life always returned. So one night, the younger brother went and made something - something that shared his innate desire to destroy anything and everything.

Ruby: The creatures of Grimm.

Qrow: You guessed it. The older brother finally had enough. Knowing that their feud couldn't last like this forever, he proposed that they make one final creation... together, something that they could both be proud of, their masterpiece. The younger brother agreed. This last great creation would be given the power to both create and destroy. It would be given the gift of knowledge, so that it could learn about itself and the world around it. And most importantly, it would be given the power to choose, to have free will to take everything it had learned and decide which path to follow - the path of light or the path of darkness. And that is how Humanity came to be.

Ren: But... what does that have to do with us?

Qrow: Well, that's the kicker. See, the four gifts to mankind - knowledge, creation, destruction and choice - aren't just metaphorical. Each of them exists in a physical form, left behind by the gods before they abandoned Remnant, and each of them is extraordinarily powerful. If someone were to collect all four, they'd be able to change the world. That's exactly what the enemy wants. The Huntsman Academies were created to train generations of Humanity's protectors, but they also serve another purpose - guarding the Relics. When Ozpin's predecessor founded the schools, he built them around the Relics to act as a fortress. Not only would they be easier to defend, but they would constantly be surrounded by trained warriors. The hope was that hiding them would keep mankind from using them against itself... and, of course, keeping them out of her reach. So yeah, there's that.

Ruby: Her. You mean Salem?

Qrow: That's right. Not much is known about her. Quite frankly, that's not what matters. What matters right now is that she wants the Relics, and if she gets them, it's not going to end well.

(Meanwhile).

Blake stood on a second story deck outside her father's office. The broken moon shined over the house. Blake stared at her father's door, when Kali spoke, She startled her.

Kali: You know, you can always go in and say hi.

Kali was carrying a tray with a tea set on it.

Blake: I don't wanna bother him.

Kali: A father's never too busy for his daughter.

Blake: Not all of my friends would agree with you on that.

Kali kissed Blake on the cheek and handed her the tray, to which Blake accepted, but was a bit taken aback by being handed it.

Kali: Here.

Blake: What? Where are you going?

Kali: You've never been very talkative, but that boy you brought home loves to run his mouth. I wanna hear more about the adventures of Team RWBY.

Kali walked away, her footsteps audible.

Ghira: Kali? Is that you, dear?

Blake gave a nervous start of surprise when she heard his voice. The tray shook in her hands, and she let out a quiet whine. The porch door slid open and Blake stepped inside.

Blake: Uh, hey dad.

Ghira: Blake! Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

Blake: I...

Ghira: Please, come sit.

Father and daughter both move to the oversized coffee table and lounge furniture, and Blake set the tea set at the end where her father sat.

Ghira: Don't worry, I've got it. Sit down, sit down.

Blake: I don't wanna keep you if you're......

Ghira: Nonsense, I've been cooped up in here all day.

He put a cube of sugar in the cup nearest Blake.

Ghira: You still take sugar, right?

Blake: Oh, actually, uh.....

Ghira: Oh! Sorry!

Blake: No, no no no, it's fine.

Ghira: Oh, here, take this one.

He said as he took her cup and gave her his.

Blake: No, really. It's, it's no big deal.

Ghira: You sure?

Blake: Positive.

Ghira: Old habits, I suppose.

Blake took a sip of her tea and winced with a tiny exclamation of pain.

Ghira: Might wanna let it cool.

Blake: Right.

She set the cup down on the table.

Ghira: So... is it... warm... in Vale?

Blake: Huh?

Ghira: It just... seems like your outfit doesn't cover very much.

Blake looked down at herself and crossed her arms.

Blake: It covers plenty.

Ghira: I mean, a little more armor might help. Don't you think?

Blake: I'm fine. I don't need armor. I can look after myself.

Ghira: I... I know you can. I'm sorry.

He set down his own cup. Blake's expression saddened, and she looked away, bowing her head.

Blake: Why?

Ghira: Hmm?

Blake: Why would you say that?

Ghira moved to be beside his daughter, going down to one knee and putting a hand on her back.

Ghira: Sweetheart, what's wrong? What did I say?

Blake: How can you still love me after what I did?

Ghira: Blake...

He got up and sits beside her on the couch and put his arm around her.

Ghira: Your mother and I will always love you.

Blake: You were right. I shouted at you and yelled at you. But you were right. I called you cowards!

Remorsefully, she lowered her head closer to her father. He held her.

Ghira: It's okay.

She pulled back.

Blake: I should have left the White Fang with you and Mom. I should've listened to you, and I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.

Ghira turned her by the chin to look at him and then wiped a tear from her eye with his thumb.

Blake, it's fine. We never held anything against you, and I never feared you would fail. The only thing I ever feared was that you would fall down the wrong path, and I am so proud to see you haven't.

Blake: But I did! I was.......

She lowered her face again.

Ghira: And you pulled yourself out. You came back. There aren't many who possess that kind of strength and even fewer that have the courage to face their demons again. Vale, Mountain Glenn, Beacon - you confronted the White Fang time after time.

Blake: I didn't do it alone.

Ghira: No, you didn't. Which is why I wanted to ask you... why did you leave Vale? Why did you leave your friends behind?

Blake: I...

Behind them, the porch door fell inward, Sun on top of it and yelping. Blake turned around, Affronted and stood up.

Blake: Sun?!

Ghira was also standing while Sun got himself upright and tried to recover from the situation.

Sun: D'yuh! Whoa! This isn't the bathroom! Uh, I'll just be going! Sorry to interrupt this tender family moment! 

He said as he awkwardly giggled.

Blake and Ghira both glared at Sun, Blake's right ear twitching. Ghira took a breath and closed his eyes for a second.

Ghira: I really don't like you.

Back to Team RNJR, who was still sat talking to Qrow at the campfire.

Jaune: Alright. So, let's say we believe all this. There really is this crazy evil being behind these attacks, not just some thugs trying to become powerful. Why doesn't the world know? Why isn't Atlas going after them? Or Mistral?

Nora: And why aren't we in more of a hurry to get to Haven? Shouldn't we be getting them a message? What if they're next?

Qrow: The headmaster over there saw what happened to Beacon. He's not dumb. He'll be on his guard. Besides, it takes time to mobilize forces like that. Do you really think they planned out that attack on Beacon overnight? And to answer your question, it's the same reason we keep quiet about the Maidens. If the whole world knew about the Relics, about Salem, there would be chaos. There'd be another Great War on our hands, and this time, you'd have to fight.

Jaune turned away.

Qrow: Look, I had the same questions, too. But ol' Ozpin would always put his foot down. "We can't cause a panic." Heh, can't tell you how many times I've heard that. Salem's smart. She works from the shadows, using others to get what she wants, so that when it comes time to place the blame, we can only point at each other. She's trying to divide us - humanity, and so far she's done a pretty damn good job.

Leaning back, Qrow looked up at the broken moon and and sighed.

Ruby: Alright, so what should we do?

Everyone looked to Qrow.

Qrow: I don't really know.

The teens all looked at each other, surprised and nervous. They returned their gaze to him when he started speaking again.

Qrow: Ozpin has put a lot of trust in the headmasters. Like I said, the schools are an important part of stopping Salem. Atlas is going to be on high alert after the last attack, and Vacuo is - well, Vacuo. It'll be hard to hire thieves and scoundrels to fight against other thieves and scoundrels. Take that, add in the fact that Cinder and her crew claim to be from Haven, and I think it's likely the next target. So, we're on our way to the headmaster. Haven't heard from him in a while, even before the attack. I'm hoping he has the answers.

Qrow stood, but grabbd at where he was cut as he groaned.

Qrow: Alright, I think it's time you kids got some sleep.

Ruby: Uncle Qrow?

Qrow: Yeah?

Ruby: This is a lot to take in, and it all sounds crazy, but... I'm willing to do whatever I can to help because I trust you. But why couldn't you trust me? Why couldn't you just travel with us, instead of this secrecy, and, and--

Qrow: Look, this has nothing to do with trust. I-- It's a long story, okay?

Nora: Seriously? Now you're tired of telling us stories?

He stared at the fire in silence before speaking. As he talked, he kneeled down, picked up a stick and poked at the fire.

Qrow: Did you know that crows are a sign of bad luck? Old superstition, but it's how I got my name. See, some people can absorb electricity and some people can burst into rose petals and some people are just born unlucky. My Semblance isn't like most - it's not exactly something I do. It's always there, whether I like it or not. I bring misfortune. I guess you could call me a bad luck charm. Comes in real handy when I'm fighting an enemy, but it makes it a little hard on friends... and family.

He soon got up again.

Jaune: Well, you are just a real bundle of help, aren't you?

Ruby and Nora turned to glare at Jaune.

Qrow: Yeah.

He walked away from the campfire, slowly.

Ren: Where are you going?

Qrow: Taking a walk.

Ruby: There's nothing else you want to tell us?

A red-eyed raven landed on a tree branch with a quiet caw. Qrow looked at it, and it cocked its head, looking at him.

(That woman is being a constant eavesdropper). 

Qrow: Not tonight.

He continued his slow walk away, leaving the four teenagers to themselves for a bit. The log he had prodded earlier rolled out of the campfire. Ruby watched Qrow, concerned. 

(Back with Blake).

With a groan of frustration, Blake slapped Sun. They were on the porch outside Ghira's office.

Blake: Ugh! No concept of privacy, (slaps him again) no respect for personal space!

He put his hand to his face where she made contact the second time.

Sun: I'm sorry, okay?! Ow, I'm sorry!

Blake: Ugh!

Blake angrily turned her back on him and marched a few steps away.

Sun: Look, I promise it was important! I needed to find you to talk to you!

She turned back to him, exasperated.

Blake: What, Sun? What could be so important?!

Sun: I was talking to your mom and she said something weird about the White Fang!

Blake: I'm stopping you right there.

Sun: But.......

Blake: I told you, I'm not here to fight the White Fang, I'm not here to fight anyone. I'm here to rest, to figure things out, and to see my family.

Sun: Your mom said White Fang members don't wear masks in Menagerie. But I saw one at the market yesterday! I even have a picture!

He pulled his Scroll out of his back pocket.

Blake: Sun!

He brought out the image on his scrolls.

Sun: Look, I'm trying to help!

Blake pulled his Scroll out of his hands and tossed it out into the trees.

Blake: I don't want your help!

Sun stared at his Scroll and turned to Blake, growling. The sound of the Scroll landing, followed by a feminine, gasping sound was heard from the trees where Blake had just tossed the device. Both Sun and Blake's eyes widened for a second and they slowly turned. Within the darkness of the trees, A dark humanoid shape with a white mask could be slightly seen, perched atop a palm tree. Blake gasped. The figure was a female Faunus with thin, curved, dark gray horns and black, spotty skin. She was wearing a black, sleeveless stealth suit with a gold zipper and slightly lighter-black straps with gold buckles on it. On her face was a large, white Grimm Mask with elegant, curvy red markings.

The woman lept into the air, giving a better view of her. The legs of her stealth outfit were short, and she wore high-top boots. Her black hair was pulled back in a ponytail that curled up at the end. The Faunus soon disappeared. On the porch, Blake stepped forward with a determined look in her eye while Sun threw out his arms.

Sun: A freakin' ninja?!

Blake: A spy!

Sun: But why would........

He got cut off as Blake jumped onto the railing and then off into the trees.

Sun: Hey wait!

Kali came out from around the corner and inside the house.

Kali: What's happened?

Sun back up toward where Blake leap from as he spoke.

 Sun: The White Fang is evil, I totally called it, and I'm bringing your daughter back!

He leap down off the second story deck. Kali's mouth dropped open for a moment before she brought up her hand, worried. Back with Team RNJR, at a much more later time. It was morning time at the campsite, and the birds were tweeting. All four teenagers were in their sleeping bags, the campfire burned out in the middle. Qrow sat up against the base of a tree, facing the group. Ren soon sat up with a sigh.

Ren: We should probably get moving.

Jaune: Yeah, yeah.

Both turned at the sound of Qrow coughing, which grew louder and sounded worse with each cough. Nora and Ruby sat up, and Ruby quickly went to her uncle's side.

Purple staining was visible on Qrow's bandage, which he was holding his right hand over. He lifted his left hand to his mouth as he continued to cough. Qrow pulled his hand away with a groan, and the whole palm, including up over the wrist and his fingers, was covered in the purple stain.

(To which I am surprised he still managed to survive something like that).

Ruby's eyes grow wide, and she gasped. Qrow looked at his hand.

Qrow: Well...

He looked up at Ruby.

Qrow: That's unfortunate.

With a groan, he lowered his hand and head before going still. Back at your ship, you were drawing the Sea Feilongs away from the ship while the soldiers, Penny, Velvet and Coco were taking down the weaker Grimm.

(Y/N): These damn things don't know when to just let up already.

You said as you charged a destructo disk and tossed it to one of the dragons, which got sliced in half by the attack.

(Y/N): good, one down, now for the other one.

But the other Sea Feilong moved more faster than the other as it flew right at you and knocked you away into a tree.

(Y/N): Damn it!

You yelled before pulling the tree off from it's roots and shoved it into the dragon's mouth. You tried to force it down it's throat, but it charged it's electrical beam in it's mouth and set the tree on fire and out of his mouth.

(Get the Reference)?

You dodged the flaming tree and grunted.

(Y/N): I guess you really want to get a more worse punishment.

You charged and slammed into the Sea Feilong, fell to the ground. You rammed two of your ki blades into it's neck as it thrashed around.

(Y/N): Die already!

The dragon wrapped it's tail around your whole body before tossing you across the forest.

(Y/N): Fuck!

After crashing to the ground, you looked up to see the dragon about to snap his jaws into you, but it was soon met with it's lower jaw being slashed off by both a red and white blur. The beast screeched before it's neck was slashed open by the same two blurs. The Sea Feilong was dead.

(Y/N): Huh? Was that.........?

Two people soon land in front of you and saw that they weren't who you thought they were. But, Two other familiar faces.

(Y/N): 0_0.

A/N: Guess who's back.