The Right Decision

"I don't know about this, guys." Qrow hesitates, but Ozpin knows the he's feeling insecure.

"Fear not, Mister Branwen. I understand the concern regarding your semblance, but do remember: these two are not directly related. This blessing is only related in that it is a consequence of your individuality. Think of it as a chance. Your semblance is misfortune. There is no way to know exactly how this gift will manifest, but consider it a means to control your luck."

"Fine." I answer for both of us, casting aside my doubt. "What do you need us to do?" Qrow joins me as I step forward. Ozpin's speech seems to have won him over.

"Can I assume that is consent?" His question is directed at my brother. Qrow slowly nods.

Before he can begin, I speak my mind. "I hope you don't expect us to be pawns in your hopeless war, Ozpin." He can look elsewhere for his army. My brother and I will fight for our tribe—and no one else.

No one else.

By sheer willpower, I suppress remembering the lilacs I will no longer cradle into dreams.

He sighs. "That is not my intention. This is your birthright, and therefore your choice. Though I would be grateful if you both continued in your path as Huntsmen," and he stares into my eyes, as if passing judgment, "I cannot ask you to put strangers before yourself."

My birthright?

Very well. If destiny will deny me my daughter, then I will claim the power it offers instead. For myself and my tribe—my family.

I suppose I should also be grateful he never revealed our secret. There's no denying it—this bastard knew about me and Qrow from very the beginning.

"...Raven?" Summer's voice whispers from behind me. She can toss her emotions in the dirt. She doesn't understand what this heartache is. I glance at Tai before returning to Ozpin.

Qrow's answer to Ozpin cuts my conviction short. "Don't worry. I fully intend to."

"Then, don't move. You cannot leave or make sudden movements until this finishes. You have only one chance—This cannot be repeated again." Ozpin raises his cane, and circles of light appear beneath Qrow and myself.

Or is this a shadow?

At Qrow's feet is a glowing circle of pale gray, but below mine forms a void of deep black.

"The camp!" Taiyang suddenly shouts. Distant smoke towers over the treetops.

To my relief and disappointment, I manage to control my panic and anxiety. However, if Glynda fails to protect Yang, I'll make her wish the Grimm killed her first.

"Hurry up, we don't have time!" Qrow shouts at Ozpin.

An urge inside me begs to leave the circle and create a portal to my daughter. Raven Branwen, leader of the Branwen Tribe, ignores it.

Ozpin's scrutinizing eyes await my decision. He probably didn't expect me to stay still. "It can't be rushed, we must stay to the end. Mister Xiao Long, Miss Rose, both of you should hurry. We will join you as soon as we can."

"Damn it, Raven! We need to get back there!" Taiyang shouts at me, pleading me to break the ritual and open a portal.

"Please... Raven, this is our baby." The agony in his voice wrenches into my chest. Raven Branwen stands resolute in her circle of black.

I'm sorry, Taiyang. I overcome the anchors on my heart and stand my ground. I have to do this.

"Come on, Tai, let's go! It's already hard enough on her as it is—let's just hurry! There aren't enough people at the camp. We need to hurry back to Yang!" Summer Rose defends me as they both rush back to camp. Leave it to Summer to be right on the money.

If I could spit on this irony, I would.

Before she leaves, Summer turns to me. "I know this was hard, Raven. But in the long run, this was the right decision. I know you know this, too."

The right decision.

"Think of all the good we can do with this." Leave it to Summer to be dead wrong.

"Believe in us. I promise, Raven—I won't let anything happen to Yang." Just shut up! My mind screams at the sentiments behind me.

The sudden fluttering of her cloak signals the end of her speech. I'm glad she was behind me. I recall the haunting scene of Yang in her arms, no longer my own. Summer's smile brings me nothing but shame.

As he finishes this strange ritual, I sum up my conclusions of Ozpin's horrifying history lesson. First, the Huntsmen are mere figureheads to keep the world content. Second, the true enemy is an unstoppable monster. And last, but most certainly not least, Ozpin is a liar. This war is pointless.

Humanity's survival centers on hope.

And hope is completely and utterly useless.