A new dawn in Remnant: Volume 5

The More the Merrier

The full moon illuminated the night sky above Haven Academy. On the school grounds, Qrow took the lead as the currently present members of Team RWBY, the remaining members of Team JNPR and Team AAMB, and Oscar followed close behind. Ruby stopped and looked up to admire Haven's CCT tower, before following the rest of the group to a nearby building. They entered the building and were greeted by Professor Lionheart, who was standing on a terrace at the top of the stairs that was being held up by a statue of a woman in chains.

Lionheart: Why hello. Thank you for... coming. *nervous* There... seems to be more of you than last time. *chuckles nervous*

Qrow and the rest of the group stopped to look up at Lionheart.

Qrow: Eh, you know what they say, "The more the merrier". So what's going on with the council?

Lionheart: Why... did you bring your weapons?

Qrow: What? Leo, we're Huntsmen. You okay?

Lionheart: Of course! Of course, sorry. Just haven't had my evening coffee.

Qrow: Look, it's nice to see you, but we got work to do. Are we getting support from the council or not?

While the two talked, Yang noticed from the corner of her eye a black bird perched on a balcony railing.

Yang: Mom?

Everyone's attention was turned to the bird. It flew away just as Qrow shot at it, but he missed. The bird flew down behind Lionheart, transforming into Raven, donning her mask. Everyone glared at her.

Ruby: Raven...

Nora: They... they really are magic...

Raven: *takes her mask off* If you're going to shoot me, shoot me. That was insulting.

Qrow: What are you doing here?!

Raven: *walks down the stairs* I could ask you the same thing. You've been scheming, little brother. Planning to attack your own sister.

Qrow: Leo... what have you done?!

Lionheart: I...

Raven: Leo did what any sane person would in his position - he looked at all the information he had in front of him, assessed the situation, and made a choice. And it seems you all have too.

Qrow: *angry* You have the Spring Maiden.

Raven: I do.

Qrow: Then hand her over and let's work together! We can beat Salem!

Raven: All that time spent spying for Ozpin and you still have no idea what you're dealing with. There is no beating Salem!

Ruby: You're wrong. We've done things that most people would call impossible, and I know the only reason we were able to do it is because we didn't do it alone! We had people to teach us, people to help us, we had each other. Work with us. At least I know we'll have a better chance if we try together. Please.

Ruby held her hand out. Raven glared at it.

Raven: *scornfully* You sound just like your mother.

Suddenly, Raven drew Omen and created a portal with her Semblance. From the portal, a fireball was launched and was about to hit Ruby. Byleth shoved her away and swung his sword at the fireball, making it vanish.

Yang: Ruby!

While Yang ran to her little sister, Cinder stepped out of the portal.

Cinder: Hello boys and girls.