"I have.. more questions." Ozpin sighed, settling down from the, frankly, surprising revelation.
Qrow managed to get over his shame by now, folding his arms as he listened in.
"Were you recently in Menagerie?" Ozpin simply asked.
Yin figured this question was coming, especially after having him connect her to the God of Darkness. Given her Dragon form was seen on stream, of course he would correlate her being the daughter of the Dragon God with the actual Dragon.
"I was, yes. But there's a more important question you have, right?" Yin smiled, replying honestly.
Glynda and Qrow both seemed confused, but Ozpin and Yang both looked at Yin curiously.
"Yes, you're correct. My question is, were you that Dragon, Miss Xiaolong?"
Yin tapped her fingers against her cheek, making a show of her thinking of how to answer. Of course, at this point outright denying it would be more suspicious. But stating she was may invite far more questions. So she decided to go the middle route.
"I think so.." Yin replied after a few moments.
This made Ozpin more interested, "You don't know for sure?"
Yin shook her head. "No. Everything was too chaotic and I was forced into a fight against that Mythic Grimm. I blacked out and it was dead."
Ozpin cupped his chin and hummed. While Glynda and Qrow both stepped forward.
"Dragon!? Ozpin, what kind of question is that?" Gylda demanded.
"Are you saying you actually think she became a Dragon? Like I can become.. uh.." Qrow paused, looking at both of his nieces.
"A crow? Mom told me, Uncle. Yeah, I might have. I dunno for sure though." Yin shrugged.
Glynda seemed surprised, then thought it over. If they could both use magic, then a transformation magic like Qrow's wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility. Though if that were the case and such a transformation was able to kill a Mythic class Grimm, she could understand why Ozpin had taken such an interest in them.
Ozpin sighed. The lack of a confirmation was troublesome. But he figured it was incredibly likely Yin had indeed transformed. The most important thing to gleam from this was hope. Hope that, should he keep her close by, advise her and build rapport, that she could prove a valuable ally against Salem and the Mythic Grimm.
"Yes, well.. Regardless, I have but one more question. You came to Vale from Menagerie. I've heard good things from Menagerie, no doubt you had a hand in that. So I must ask. What are you here in Vale for?" Ozpin asked, his tense expression easing.
This question was far easier. She hadn't expected to come to Vale and start her plans without talking to Ozpin at some point. The plan needed a sort of cover operation. And this was the time to reveal it.
"I plan to set up a branch of the Branwen clan in Vale. You may know we've become a sort of mercenary group. We even tamed the Anima frontier. Of course, if you need confirmation I could call my Mother for you." Yin replied, leaning back in her chair.
"Huh..? Mom?" Yang looked at her sister questioningly. Yin simply nodded and pulled out her scroll after Ozpin nodded his head for her to do so.
*Ring~* *Ring~* *Ri-
"My dear Daughter. It's about time you called me. I know it hasn't been that long since we've seen each other but still- Oh.. It's like looking into a mirror.." Raven picked up the video call, seeing Yin's mature face staring back at her.
"Hi Mo-Close your robes, please. I can see your cleavage." Yin replied, seeing how disheveled Raven's yukata was.
"Hm.. actually.. I take it back. You look slightly different. If I didn't have wrinkles, then.." Raven paused and glanced at the people on screen. Glynda, Qrow and Yang were beside Yin. She figured Ozpin was also there and sneered subconsciously.
"I could get rid of those for you but right now we're sorta in the middle of something."
Raven hummed in response, though didn't bother adjusting her robe. If just to spite Glynda, who looked incredibly irritated at her. She sat upright and gave Yang a nod of acknowledgement.
"Hello, Yang. What do you need from me, Yin?"
"Uh.. hey..?" Yang greeted, confused about how she should feel about Raven.
"Headmaster Ozpin is here. He's curious about our plans to expand into Vale. Might wanna hear it from you." Yin explained.
Ozpin narrowed his eyes, staring at his former student. Raven snorted in amusement, "I see. Well, what must I explain? We're branching out into Vale. Worry not, we'll follow the guidlines made for the Kingdom of Vale's mercenary guilds. Gods, I can't wait to get April out of here.. She's been a pain to deal with. Of course, I'll send Ren and Nora to help set everything up too. Anything else?"
"April will be the Guild receptionist.. She's pretty much totally useless in combat." Both Yin and her Mother sighed in exasperation at once.
Ozpin cleared his throat while Glynda glared at the scroll in annoyance. While Qrow opted to stay neutral, he was actually happy the clan was moving in this direction.
"I have.. concerns. I would appreciate meeting with you while Yin sets up in Vale. There's also the issue with you and the Mistral government. While I'd be happy to pardon you, given what I'd heard so far.." He trailed off, though his intention was clear.
Raven shrugged.
"That's fine with me. I'll come by in an hour. I have things to prepare. Of course, I'll be bringing Ren, Nora and April with me, along with the things we need to 'officially' set up. See you soon." Raven answered before she ended the call.
"I have mixed feelings.." Yang muttered.
Yin gave her a wry smile and put her scroll away. Ozpin leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply. The meeting hadn't been as informative as he was hoping for. But it was better than being in the dark like before.
"Thank you for answering my questions. I'll save the rest for your Mother once she arrives. I'll leave you to your preparations." Ozpin stated while giving Yin a polite smile.
-♤-♧-♤-♧-♤-♧-♤-
After the meeting, Yin and Yang returned to the hotel. Qrow had stayed behind to talk to Ozpin and Glynda.
It was oddly quiet, especially since Yang was accompanying her. They stopped outside their rooms.
"So.. what's on your mind? You've been quiet, Yang. Sort of weird, to be honest.." Yin asked.
Yang exhaled and turned toward Yin. She then placed her hands on the wall, on both sides of Yin.
*Thud*
'Did she just.. kabedon me..?' Yin blinked.
"When are you gonna tell me everything?"
Yin realized then. Of course Yang would have some questions.
"My plans for the mercenary branch isn't a lie. But I'm also doing something else. It's.. important but I can't tell you about it yet. I will, later. But I can't yet." Yin replied.
'Knowing her, she'd try to stay and help. Get involved in the criminal underworld. But that's not Yang. She's too pure for that. I'll just tell her after I take over the underworld.' Making up her mind, she stared obstinately into Yang's lilac eyes.
Judging by how willful Yang looked, she knew she wasn't just going to drop it. The two stood there in the hall, staring at each other.
*FSHH*
"Am I interrupting something..?" A crimson portal opened up next to them, Raven stepped out, witnessing the strange positions her daughters were in.
"Uh..! No! Hi, by the way..?" Yang coughed and awkwardly parted away from Yin.
Ren and Nora stepped through next, along with April. All carrying several bags with them.
"FEARLESS LEADER!!" Nora, carrying several bags ran over and hugged Yin, squeezing as hard as she could.
"H-Hey.. You really grew up..." Ren mumbled, trying his best to maintain eye contact.
For some reason Yang couldn't explain, Ren's reaction made her feel a complicated mix of emotions. It was a mix of pride, confusion, possessiveness and interest. She wrapped her arm around Yin's shoulder and greeted them.
"Yo! I'm Yin's twin, Yang. Nice to meet you guys! You're.. uh.. close to her right?" Yang guessed with a strained smile.
"OH YEAAAH!! Hey! I'm Nora! This is Ren! So cool to meet you, Blonde Fearless Leader! I love Sloths, Pancakes and sweet food. This is Ren! My friend, who is a boy!" Nora replied with all the excitement she could muster.
"What am I witnessing..?" Raven whispered to herself.
"I.. aah.. dunno..? Too tired.. Bags heavy...!" April complained, which was promptly ignored by Raven.
Yin snickered, strangely happy Yang felt so attached to her.
"Sorry about the whole Ozpin negotiation. In return, I'll help you with those little wrinkles you were complaining about." Yin stated, seeing the interest arise in her Mother's eyes. She had no issue giving Raven her blood. She was one of the closest people in her life, after all.
"Really? Well I won't complain then. Get settled in while I deal with Ozpin's shit. We'll have to secure a building so use the money in the bag to purchase a decent one." Raven said, looking pleased by the help Yin offered with her wrinkles. She then cut open another portal, leading over to Qrow.
"See you soon." Raven said, before walking through the portal.
"Woo! Right? We're setting up in Vale, finally! That's exciting!" Nora exclaimed in excitement.
Yin sighed and shook her head before replying, "Not really. We have to talk with Real Estate."
Nora dropped to her knees, looking incredibly disappointed.
"No..! Finally adventuring with Fearless Leader and we're going HOUSE SHOPPING!?"
Ren pat her on the back with a slight smirk.
Thankfully, Ren placated her before things became worse. "It has to be done. We need a place to stay while we build up our clan's presence here, after all."
"Mn. We'll go eat pancakes afterward. Let me just talk to Em and Shia before we go." Yin informed before escaping Yang's grasp and slipping into her room, where she saw Shia and Emerald, both looking ready to leave.
"Mistress! Welcome back. I've learned what I needed to, to help you." Emerald, now enthusiastic, proclaimed.
Yin just glanced at Shia, who nodded pridefully, before gesturing Emerald to continue.
"I know Vale's criminal side pretty well. Or.. at least who you should talk to. I know the gangs, the turfs and what kind of deals and fights went on. That kinda stuff gets around.. even to the kids. Though I never tried to go info-broker, like some of the others at the bottom. They were killed, often times. And whatever money they had was stolen. Or they just skipped town.." Emerald cleared her throat, seeing as how Yin just raised her brow in response to her rambling.
"Sorry.. The guy to talk to is the leader of the biggest Mistralian gang in Vale. Hei Xiong. He runs a nightclub as a legal front. He's also the biggest info broker in Vale."
'The guy who Yang beat up in the original? In order to look for Mom? Hm.. she actually doesn't seem too interested in Mom, now that I think about it.. Anyways.. it's a decent starting place. I'll pay him a visit.. after Yang goes home anyway. I'll have to go in disguise too..' Yin mused, nodding at Emerald. Her knowledge and skills were pretty damn perfect for what she was planning.
"Very good, Emerald. Now, get ready. You're about to meet someone.. special. Just prepare yourself." Yin smirked.
"Eh..? Oh, okay?" Emerald replied as Yin opened the door.
"HAMMER SISTEEEER!!" Nora yelled before diving into the room and hugging Shia.
"Waaah.. Hello, Nora!" Shia smiled and returned the hug. Nora then looked at Emerald and her smile widened.
"Hello! I'm Nora, this is Ren! Nice to have you added to the clan!" Nora greeted, grabbing her hand and shaking it.
Emerald just had a strange feeling she was suddenly adopted once more.
[AN: Eyy..! Are we able to get this to 1k stones!? Let's see!]