Deception

The uneasiness keeps my eyes open, and my nightmares don't let them stay shut. I ended up watching Yang sleep throughout the rest of the night, satisfied that at least she could rest.

The thought of losing her so suddenly haunted my thoughts for hours. I rise from the bed, fatigued. I force my senses past the harsh irony that, in the end, I'll lose her anyway. What's harsher is that the image of Summer's smile haunts me even more. Yang's sudden crying saves me from my shame.

I fight through my emotions to remind myself that I am the successor to lead my tribe—and someone still has to answer for why our patrols allowed that Grimm into the camp. Still, comforting my daughter brings me peace. I wrap my baby in her blanket and enter the hallway.

The air in the lounge is heavy. Tai and Summer are seated on the couch. Qrow is leaning against the wall across from me.

"Raven," Qrow starts, "we need to talk." His eyes trail down to Yang in my arms before returning to meet mine. His gaze pierces deep into my mind. Does he already know? Impossible. I didn't tell anyone yet, and there's no way he could have reached father. We're not on the same continen—twe even cut ties electronically to avoid discovery. Word couldn't have possibly reached Patch.

Summer's empty voice returns me to the present. "She's dead, Raven." Our eyes lock as I turn to her, and I immediately look away. Her words don't even register in my head. "Raven." I hold Yang closer. "Ah..." Her voice softens. Do I look like that much of a wreck?

"Our babysitter." Tai explains, and the misunderstandings are lifted from my shoulders. "Summer told me about what happened when I got back. Summer was going to check on the patrols, but our babysitter wanted to let us rest after our mission. Scouts found her body this morning."

I'm too exhausted to feel anymore guilt. That Huntress helped us tremendously, yet all I feel is relief that Qrow doesn't know yet. I need to be the one to tell him about father's death. And my responsibility—my decision—to leave. "Raven? Hey... Come on, sit down." Tai stands and walks to me.

I guess I was brought to the couch. Summer places her hand on my arm. My eyes fixate on her pale fingers beside Yang's face. "Don't!" I pull away.

This isn't Raven Branwen. I can't even blame the lack of sleep. I'm just weak.

Weak?

Summer's hand recoils. I notice Qrow's brow raise as Tai sits down. His concerned voice beside me points out the obvious. "You didn't get any sleep, did you?" I shake my head. "Then Raven," and he turns me to face him. With hands still on my shoulders, he asks, "do you want to avenge her?" Though the motive is wrong, Tai at least knows exactly what to ask me.

Everyone is misreading my signs. It's better that way, at least. Qrow has become increasingly suspicious of my recent behavior, but he has no way of discovering the truth.

"Yes." I answer, though audibly without my usual conviction. Summer blinked twice after hearing me.

I didn't agree for that Huntress. I'm not so far gone as to have forgotten that I joined the Huntsmen for a different reason: to learn how to best cut them down. Right now, I just need something to slash at. I will steel my mind with the steel in my hand.

"Alright. We'll wake you when we're about to leave." He walks me back to the bedroom. For the first time in days, I have a clear goal in mind. I can sleep easily in anticipation of the battle to come. Until he leans closer. "Hey, it's almost time to feed Yang. I'll make breakfast for all of us afterwards, but..."

I understand. He's still confused from when I snapped at him. My objective judgment returns, and I leave my daughter with her father. Before I can ponder on that last thought, and the painful reality of its phrasing, I lose the war I've waged all morning against my exhaustion.

~~~

I'm surprised I didn't close the curtains earlier, considering what's happened. Tai and his bad habits. First letting the sun in, now the moon.

Moon?

I jump out of bed. Sword at my side, I run into the lounge to find two familiar faces. My daughter tugs on a stern young woman's clothes. The man sitting beside her greets me with a professional smile. The warmth from the fireplace contrasts the cold in my steps.

"It's been a while, Raven Branwen. Please, sit." I ignore Ozpin to gather my gear and spare blades. This man's tongue is as silver as the hair on his head, but I'd sooner cut it before I let it command me.

"Now, Raven. I know you must be upset, but rest assured—your team acted with your best interests in mind." He says, with his usual matter-of-fact tone.

"No, they didn't. They lied to me." Taiyang lied to me. Even Qrow left with them.

Ozpin's eyes narrow past his glasses. "Then let me clarify. I can assure you that Mister Xiao Long insisted on waking you. He mentioned a promise. Miss Rose, however, brought up several good points." Of course it was Summer. Of all people, it had to be Summer. "She said you had shown significant signs of stress as of late. Your younger brother also noted the changes in behavior."

Damn you, Qrow. You're supposed to be on my side, not hers. "Your team cares for your well being, Raven. But before you project blame, ask yourself this: Were you really in any condition to be fighting?"

The headmaster of Beacon Academy is a sly man with a keen ability to invoke many meanings out of so few words. But it's true. I wasn't ready physically—nor mentally. I glare back into the scrutinizing eyes. Beside him, my former sparring partner stands firm at unwavering attention. Tying her hair into a bun would fit the businesslike image better, I think to myself. That is, assuming Yang doesn't try to pull it all out.

He leans forward from the seat. His hands curl into each other before he asks, "Then, how about now, Miss Branwen? Shall we join them?" His regal poise is replaced by the tenacity in his tone. They didn't stay here to stop me, it seems.

"We?" I turn to Glynda who's still struggling as Yang's tiny hands pull on the straight blonde hair falling from her shoulders.

Ozpin regains my attention. He stands and begins walking to the door. "Not Miss Goodwitch, Raven. I will be accompanying you today. We should make haste, as well. I hear the fighting is getting fierce." I tighten my sword grip in agreement.

I look back into the lounge before heading for the door. Glynda doesn't exactly strike me as a babysitter. Children want smiles, not sentinels. I laugh at myself, noticing the irony. My sword hand will remain strong, and I intend to ensure this camp stays safe.

I ignore the Taiyang's note on the fridge. Right now, I hunger for blood.