The Huntsman of Red V2

Chapter 40 Prelude: 'Sword of Remnant' (Arc 5 End)

Shirou could tell that there was something that Qrow and Raven weren't telling him at some point in their journey. In fact, it wasn't that obvious when staring at Raven, but the odd way Qrow seemed to be putting himself between Ruby and Emerald out of some sort of concern wasn't missed, no matter how subtle the man was being.

The frown that occasionally made its way onto Qrow's face when he thought that no one would notice, was something that Shirou could relate with. He himself would rather shoulder everything on his own if it meant keeping others out of danger or harms way. Hence, if he felt that he could handle things on his own without endangering others, he too would likely keep his thoughts to himself. In this regard, Qrow's actions were easy to notice.

The subtler Qrow was, the more distinct his movements became in Shirou's eyes. After all, Shirou would probably act in a similar manner in Qrow's shoes.

Inwardly sighing, Shirou speculated that there were many supernatural undercurrents flowing through Remnant, excluding him, that he wasn't aware of. The story of the Four Maidens Raven had divulged was obviously one of them. Nonetheless, this didn't change the issue of whether or not he should pry.

He was already exasperated enough that he found himself helping settle issues with bandits, but there was a reason for this.

It wasn't explicitly stated, but the Branwen Tribe ruled a large area of Anima's lawless sectors. Their influence could easily trounce any upstart bandit tribes, and their reach insured a type of civility and order in the area's underground groups. If the Branwen Tribe were to suddenly disappear from the picture, then the ensuing power grab to fill in the spot would lead to further violence and bloodshed.

At least the Branwen Tribe never participated in abusing women and children during their raids, but the same couldn't be said for any future tribes. Of course, a solution was to eliminate all banditry, but this was entirely unlikely as Anima's lawless zones were both huge and many.

At least with Raven, her words were laws in the tribe, and it was simpler to ask her to control her tribemates than the latter options.

Still, it felt like he was walking on some sort of tight-rope.

Keeping his pace even, Shirou surveyed Raven and Qrow from atop the canopy he was using as a vantage point, before glancing at Ruby pestering Emerald by trying to make idle conversation. Ruby was never the most social of people, and her attempts at buttering Emerald up were tipping on the point of cringe-worthy. It was a miracle Emerald was able to endure her, but if Emerald had to choose between Ruby or Vernal slinking near the back, then Ruby was the obvious choice.

Already a group dynamic was forming.

If Yang were around, Shirou had a half-a-mind to believe that a squabble would have already started from behind Qrow and Raven's backs.

Qrow and Raven were just too absorbed in whatever talks that they had, that they weren't bothering with anything else.

Qrow appeared a tad subdued, while Raven had a perpetual crease in her brow. Both carried a heightened sense of resolution that ironically enough, revealed their uncanny disposition as siblings.

Up ahead, the magic tracker pointing everyone in the right direction was gradually vibrating stronger and stronger. It wouldn't be long now until the target of the tracking would be apprehended.

As the dense trees gave way to a veritable mass of foliage consisting of shrubs, bushes, and rooted plants, a stream that cut a distinct clearing in the forests of Anima came within view.

Smoke trails from a small fire wafted up into the air, the crackling of wood burning giving way to a small haphazard camp situated at the banks of the stream. Clothing, bent pots and pans, and various empty sacks of pilfered food were strewn around.