Chapter Text
The sky looked beautiful.
That was all Qrow Branwen could really think of at the moment. It seemed so ethereal, something that was strange as this was what he was used to seeing.
Perhaps it was because he was dying that he began to truly appreciate this planet. The accursed rocky grounds, ethereal night sky, and hypnotizing shattered moon.
He had many regrets and wronged so many. He won’t deny that he will never be able to repay or atone for them no matter how hard he could try. It came with the life he lived — life he will be remembered by.
But perhaps death could be his way of atoning. A way of redemption, and giving justice to all he had wronged. It must be as he felt his mind and body feel so much more… Relieved. He felt weights of burden lifting off him, all the pain sizzling away to give him what little strength he needed to breathe.
It would be his last time on the mortal plane. And rather do it watching something so captivating.
His head tilted, and his red eyes stared at the- two moons high up in the night sky, one being larger than the other.
They looked so beautiful. More beautiful than the shattered moon he was so used to looking at during restless nights, and he supposed this would be one of those nights.
There was a big question of where was he. The afterlife? That can’t be the case, can it? What afterlife sends a soul to a chaotic city?
But Qrow knew better than to just mull about something he can think on later. This city was dead by his standards, yes, but his time on Remnant hardened that not every place you go to is safe.
Years of huntsmen experience kicked in. He needed an understanding of his surroundings, and what or who might be in this city.
He felt behind his waist, mentally relieved when his fingers grasping the sandpaper feeling wrap of his weapon. At least that wasn’t gone, but there was a problem.
He was a rather big target.
If it wasn’t his weapon, it was his clothing palette contrasting against the dark, depressing environment. He was asking to be spotted by less than friendly creatures, and that will happen if his semblance is anything to go by.
‘I really dislike how cramp it always feels.’ He scratched his chin. ‘But I really don’t got a choice.’
With a hefty sigh, Qrow Branwen stepped on the edge of the rooftop “sanctuary” and dove onto the streets below.
Not a minute later a crow would come flying up.
It was obvious to Qrow he wasn’t the only one in this city, but what he didn’t expect was a colorful cast of… People, he will call them, running amok here.
He would say something, but his current predicament as a bird meant he could only caw at them. That was better than nothing in his book, and honestly he felt it was useless now to be in his bird form. All that thinking he was a target but here are a bunch of armored people wearing all white.
‘What an odd dress code.’ Qrow thought. ‘But it shows communication and order despite running wild in this city. Terrorist organization? Probably why they would wear masks… Makes me think of the White Fang.’
He needed closer view of these people, but kept his distance as to not draw attention to him. Crows usually fly in flocks, and he had the brain to know they aren’t dumb enough to just not ignore a single crow that kept eyeing them.
Qrow jumped from his perch, wings out as he glided himself to a nearby alley. Transformation was still something he disliked, especially going from bird to human. And even if he had an itch for combat, he hoped to have waited longer before getting his hands dirty. He wanted to silently observe, and get information.
But he would soon realize getting information was easier said than done, because the most annoying problem in all of mankind. Language barrier.
What a load of bullshit, and Qrow thought he would have it easy this time around. ‘I’m good at reading body language, but that doesn’t help when all they’re doing is standing in place and occasionally shrugging.’
The veteran huntsman pressed his back against the wall, hands flat against the damp, mossy bricks with slowed breathing. He wasn’t sure if they have faunus traits or something similar, so it was best to keep his breathing in check.
He lowered himself, taking a quick peek around to see four of those masked people walking down the street. Maybe he could lead one astray with a noise, take them out, and grab their uniform. That was betting on if they would split up for that, and having basic knowledge of their language. The road wasn’t wide though, so he might have a chance at booking across when they pass his alley.
“Почему мы все еще здесь?” one of the soldiers questioned. “Мы уже начали беспорядки.”
“Мисс Талула хочет, чтобы мы остались здесь подольше, чтобы все получилось.” another soldier said. “Они говорят, что может прийти третья сторона и закрыть его.”
The third soldier guffawed. “Что за чушь, невозможно подавить бунт такого масштаба…”
Qrow couldn’t gather what they were talking about, but it didn’t matter as they soon got father away, giving him his chance as he began to run across the street.
He needed to find a way out this city, and the quickest way is to find a map. Maybe he would find something familiar.
He did not find anything familiar on the map.
In fact, Qrow felt very stupid. The two moons in the sky should’ve been an indicator this place wasn’t on Remnant. But he was willing to be more open minded for once.
Judging by the map he found in the souvenir store, where he was, Terra as the planet is called, had no separate continents. It was one single large one surrounded by a body of water. It was odd obviously, but he can’t imagine it being so good if your neighbors were enemies. The map key was in a foreign language, but he could still use his brain to rack up what symbols mean. There were a lot of kingdoms, around twenty if he counted correctly.That was a lot of places, but it seems not every area of the map is under anyone’s control — a lot of free land and he was sure they had good reason for it.
Besides who wants to occupy sand? He suddenly felt bad for the people living in Vacuo.
Shoving the thought aside, he saw on the other map that he was in the biggest kingdom on this planet. ‘If I were to guess, these other kingdoms speak different languages too… Just my luck.’
Qrow pocketed the maps for later use, standing back up as he walked out the abandoned souvenir shop. The street here was dead, but the distant screams, gunshots, and explosions reminded him he wasn’t alone.
He didn’t need a reminder. Chaos usually follows him like his misfortune. Now that he really didn’t need a reminder for, especially when minutes ago he had his foot kick through the shop’s door. He could imagine his nieces laughing at him if she saw that, along with the pompous Winter.
Maybe he should go to the source of the fighting. He might find something worthwhile and it could provide insight on what he should expect on this planet.
Qrow turned an alley, giving himself a head run start before quickly transforming back into his bird form. If only there was a flock of crows around to make him less suspicious, but right now beggars can’t be choosers.
If the man had clairvoyance he would realize just how crazier Terra is compared to Remnant.
Time wasn’t on anyone’s side. It actively worked against Amiya as she began to try and take a breather. There just wasn’t enough time to catch a break.
“Dobermann,” she huffed out. “I need… To catch…”
“We can’t stay here,” Dobermann said, rolling up her whip. “Reunion forces will be all over this place searching for us. We need to leave while we can.”
Amiya shook her head. “But the Doctor… She -“
“We need to leave. Now,” Dobermann cut off.
‘The Doctor hasn’t even woken up yet…’ The Chimera-Cautus girl turned, looking at one of the operatives carrying them before back at Dobermann.
This entire rescue operation was FUBAR. Sure Amiya expected resistance but she didn’t think it would take them this long, or have Reunion on them this fast. They were running out of time, and fumes because their extraction might not have enough fuel to get them back at this rate.
A breath of air left her lungs before giving a slow nod to the Perro woman, who gave one back before turning around to continue their jog.
It was quiet so far, but Amiya knew better than to think this will return to smooth sailing.