Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Tales of Berseria they are the rightful property of RoosterTeeth and Bandai Namco.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

Bold are artes being performed

**Communications through scrolls and other devices

("") Ozpin speaking through Oscar


Chapter 55 The More the Merrier

(Location: Haven Academy Mistral upper District Anima continent Kingdom of Mistral Remnant)

The half missing moon was full tonight, it's light shine through the city of Mistral. It was bigger than ever before. Qrow and Oscar along with three members of RWBY along with Jaune, Ren, Nora, Cardin and Laphicet walked the empty path of the huntsman school. The breeze felt good, it wasn't that cold. Yet, it had that ominous feeling about it. They slowly walked passing the CCT tower of the region, which it was still intact just like the one in Vale. Leo has told them to come to main building where the auditorium and the classrooms were located. For Weiss, Yang and Cardin, it was the first time coming to this school. It had that uniqueness compared to Beacon. It was truly a beautiful sight. But they weren't here for sightseeing, they had a job to do. The possibility that they'll be finally heading for Raven's hideout. But some of them weren't so sure, they had a very bad feeling about this. A meeting in evening instead of morning and classes still hasn't commence yet.

Qrow were among those that felt like it wasn't going to go their way. After what Ozpin said about the lion faunus, chances were high it could be a trap. Still, it wouldn't hurt to think positive. That's right, he almost forgot about his semblance. Jaune was another person feeling unsettled about this whole thing. Turning to Laphicet, he was in the same boat. But it could be that he was feeling jealous again, because Ruby gazed at Oscar and the farm boy looked nervous. The Arc mentally chuckled shaking his head as he resumed walking. His training with Velvet has made his senses sharper especially, his intuition. And right now, it was screaming at him that danger was coming. He hated the feeling. If Lionheart was really a traitor then, they should be expecting trouble. The blond knight didn't wanted Haven to suffer the same fate as Beacon. It wasn't going to happen again, not this time.

Jaune's eyes were on Oscar, it was more on the former headmaster living in his head that he was paying attention to. Part of his bad feeling wasn't about tonight's meeting with headmaster Lionheart, but at what Ozpin has told them. It was starting to be hard to trust the man. The blond felt like something was right or maybe, something was incomplete. Was there more than he has said. Why keep things from them when they trusted him. It didn't made sense especially when Yang said it to him. No more secrets, no more half truths. So to him, it felt like he was hiding more. He didn't like it, weren't they on the same side. They weren't the enemy so he shouldn't be hiding things from them. They wanted to stop Salem and get relics before her people does. So why act so distrusting towards the group. The Arc was getting irritated and what they were probably getting into, wasn't going to help.

Ozpin and Qrow has told everyone the news. They were relief that they were finally heading to find the Spring Maiden. At least, that's what they think. If Lionheart wanted to see them now, it must be because he has good news. Still the former headmaster warned them to be careful. It was strange to be called so late at night. It will be appropriate it was the morning after but this, sounded too suspicious. Laphicet and Jaune were among those that really had a bad feeling about all of this. Once everyone left the house the Arc took his chance to approach the farm hand. He was still possessed by the former headmaster. They were alone while the young Crowe stood on the front door, about to go. Honestly, the teen wanted to ask him some questions himself. But it looks like the blond has beaten him to it. So eventually, he left.

("Mr. Arc, I already said we should thread carefully from this point on.")

"I know. But there's something I've been wanting to ask you. Have you really told us everything?"

("I believe this isn't the best time to talk about this.")

"I think it's the perfect time to talk about it. You haven't told us enough about Salem, about the relics. I want to make sure you don't keep things to yourself anymore. Just tell us everything. That way, we can be sure to trust you. I know this fight is very serious and that's why trusting you is a big issue through it. But you remember, you agreed to Yang no more secret or half truths, right?"

("Yes. I did agreed on Miss Xiao Long's request.")

"Yet it feels, like you're still hiding more information. I want to know more about the relics, what can they really do and why does Salem wants them so bad?"

("All of those questions requires time to answer them Mr. Arc. Time, is something we don't have at the moment. We don't want to be late to meet up with Leonardo.")

"Even if it's a trap. I'm sure we can spare a couple of minutes for you to fill in on everyone. I feel like we're still blind on what we're getting ourselves into. I need to know more, because I'll be damned if I let someone else die because I was unable to do anything. Losing Pyrrha was enough."

("Mr. Arc") the man sighed.

"I'm not letting this go. You know we have a right to know, if Velvet were here she will be asking the same questions."

("I am well aware. You and everyone will get their answers. But for now, we must head to Haven and meet up with Leonardo. Whether it's a trap or not, we must go. I am hoping everything's well and we'll be able to infiltrate Raven's tribe to ensure the Spring Maiden.")

"Can you promise me? Can you give me your word, you will tell us everything after this is over?"

("I will give you my word.")

"All right."

For some reason, Jaune didn't believed Ozpin's words. The blond kept walking with the group heading to the main building of the school. The place was bigger and wider. The designs were as beautiful as other places they've been. Before them stood a large podium with small stairs on each side, below the middle was a beautiful statue of a woman with long hair with gold chains on her arms. She looked like a goddess but it add a nice touch to the place. Lionheart stood on the middle above, he was obviously waiting for them. The Arc felt the bad feeling growing stronger, maybe Laphicet was feeling the same way. Something wasn't right not to mention the lion faunus seems to be more nervous than usual. What if Cinder and her group shows up from out of nowhere, or the White Fang, what if they place bombs on the school like they did with Beacon and Amity Arena.

"Easy, just calm down. Keep your guard up, Ozpin said Lionheart wasn't being trustworthy. If he tries anything, we'll stop him. There's enough of us and only one of him. Even if he's a headmaster."

"Thank you for…Coming...There seems to be more of you than last time.

He sounded nervous, more than usual. Jaune and Laphicet didn't like it.

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

"Why...Did you bring your weapons?"

Okay that was a very weird question to asked. Seriously, it was a no-brainer to bring them. The Arc's feeling got worse. They needed their weapons for anything. They needed to be prepare. Especially, if there was a set up to be bound any time soon. Turning to Laphicet, the boy had the same expression. It's like they could read their minds. The others, were a little confused at the question. Why would he even asked that. They may not have graduated from Beacon but they were huntsmen and huntresses in training.

"Same reason you have yours" Jaune pointed out to the lion faunus, it was true, his weapon was equipped on his right hand that resemblances a braces at least, the Arc thought it was his weapon and he was right since the headmaster gave a nod.

"What?" the Branwen felt stupid at the question" Leo, we're Huntsmen. You okay?"

"Of course!" he replied quickly but he only sounded more nervous" of course, sorry. Just haven't had my evening coffee."

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

"…."

"Leo?" the scythe master seem worried at the faunus.

"I can't take it anymore" everyone turned to Jaune as the blond was gazing at the headmaster" Professor Lionheart, did you went to see the council? You said you had a meeting with them."

"Well, I…."

"You didn't?" he was shocked and everyone gasped" I'm sorry, but I think it's time you tell us what's going on here. Start, by telling us the truth."

"The truth? I...I don't know what you're talking about young man-"

"Look, I want to trust you, I tried, but I can't. Not anymore. Just tell us already because I'm not the only one who's had a bad feeling about all of this. Laphicet's with me and even Qrow" obviously the Arc wasn't going to mention Ozpin.

"What are you saying?"

"Leo…." the Branwen gave a sigh" just be honest with us. I really didn't want to believe it. But your recent actions since coming here has been very questionable. Myself along with these two are having trouble trusting you. The others might not see it, but we do."

"Seriously Qrow, how can you distrust me? After everything I've done for Ozpin and the other headmasters" the lion faunus sounded more nervous than shocked.

"Are you working for the enemy?" asked the blond knight" have you been giving information to the same people who are responsible for the Fall of Beacon?!"

Everyone else gasped at the question. So the rumor that Lionheart could be a spy might be true after all. Ruby, Yang, Weiss, Ren and Nora were shocked. Cardin glared at the man and it wasn't because he was a faunus. Laphicet didn't looked so surprised since he has suspected him for a while. Lionheart looked like he was cornered, where were they. They should have been here by now to ambush Qrow and the children. Yang was gazing up when she noticed a familiar raven bird in one of the wooden railings. She recognized it, anywhere.

"Mom?"

The bird flew towards Lionheart as Qrow has released his weapon. As soon as it went behind the lion faunus, it changed to it's human form. Raven stood with her Grimm mask on. Everyone aside Weiss and Yang gasped in shock. Not believing a bird changing the form to a human. That means, Ozpin was right and Qrow could do the same thing. The scythe master didn't know what to say. Having his sister will complicate things. As far as he has known her, she was neutral not supporting either side. Losing faith in Ozpin is the reason why she left and went on her own.

"Raven…." Ruby muttered.

"They...Really are magic…." Nora was still shocked.

"I saw it and I don't believe it" followed Cardin.

The female Branwen has removed her mask staring at the group. Her red eyes fell on her daughter, then on the boy who is Velvet's younger brother. It was exactly as the older Crowe predicted, seeing him here, being part of the group that her brother was leading.

"If you're going to shoot me, then shoot me. That was insulting."

"What are you doing here?!" asked her brother.

"I could ask you the same thing" she climbed down the stairs" you've been scheming, little brother. Planning to attack your own sister."

"Leo...What have you done?!"

"I…." he started.

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

"Then it's true…." Laphicet was shocked that he was right about the headmaster all along.

"You're a traitor!" shouted Jaune" how can you stand there and not feel sorry for what you did?! So many people were hurt and killed during the Fall of Beacon!"

"…."

"That is irrelevant, it doesn't matter. It's all in the past. He did what it was necessary to survive. Anyone with a desire to live, would do the very same thing" said the red eyed woman.

"You…." the Arc kept his glare.

"You have the Spring Maiden" Qrow decided to intervened.

"I do."

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

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

"You're wrong" spoke Ruby" 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."

"You sound just like your mother" Raven was disappointed with the girl, not just her resemblance to Summer was uncanny but her personality too.

"This better work Velvet or I'll be adding you to my enemy list."


Velvet stood at the top of Raven's tent. By now her entire tribe has moved everything and the only thing left standing was the large tent. They were probably miles away from here, heading to one of their secret locations. The only ones standing were Emerald, Mercury, Vernal and Cinder. The man with the mustache and suit has already left a while ago making one less problem to deal with. The former therion was waiting for the signal. Just like them, they were waiting for Raven's portal to appeared which will lead them into Haven Academy. Her chest nut eyes were on the amber eyed woman. As much as she hated her, she needed to stay calm and be patient. As long as she keeps her away from the school, from the Vault and the relic, then everything will be all right. Her students, her brother and Qrow can handle themselves. The black haired woman lowered her gaze as the red portal has finally appeared.

"The time has come to make our grand entrance. You two know what to do" Cinder turned to her disciples who nodded.

Emerald and Mercury were first to entered the portal leaving the Fall Maiden and the fake Spring Maiden.

"After you, dear" the amber eyed woman gave her a fake smile.

Vernal didn't replied as she entered leaving the target alone. Exactly as the older Crowe had planned. Before she was about to entered, she was surprised that the portal has suddenly vanished.

"Now!" she jumped from the top straight at the Fall Maiden.

"Soaring Dragon!"

The fire arte caught Cinder off guard as it hit her sending her to the other side. The woman hit the ground hard. She wasn't that hurt since her aura was already healing the wound. She stood on the ground face down while the former therion kept a glare while releasing Vertex Rose.

"Your traveling plans have just been canceled!"


Back at the school the red portal appeared revealing three people. Ruby and the rest of the group recognized two, being Emerald and Mercury. While Weiss, Yang and Cardin recognized Vernal. The portal vanished and Raven mentally smiled that Cinder was absent. Looks like Velvet has succeeded. Now, they needed to succeed in following the lead until they go to the Vault and take the relic. At the moment the double doors opened revealing a very large man. Oscar was nervous because he recognized him when he was on his way to Mistral. Ozpin warned him he was someone from his past and definitely not an ally. Emerald and Mercury, still unaware of their leader's absence grinned at the sight of Hazel, as he closed the doors behind him. Jaune and the other knew the sight could only spell trouble.

"The White Fang is prepping demolition and securing the school grounds" said Hazel" no one's getting in, and no one's getting out."

"This was all just a trap?" asked Weiss.

"It appears so…." replied Ren.

"We all should have seen this coming" said Jaune.

"Raven, tell me. How long have you been with them?" said Qrow.

"I have nothing more to say to you. As I said, I have made my choice just like all of you. You want to do the impossible in stopping Salem and I only want to live and survive. This is the only way."

"Wait?!" Emerald finally noticed someone important was missing" where's Cinder?"

"She was supposed to be here too" followed Mercury.

"My semblance has a time limit. The portals don't stay up for too long. If she took her dear little time, then it's obvious she missed her chance. Watts will have to give her a ride here."

"No, you bring her here right now!" the dark skinned girl glared at the red eyed woman, she didn't trusted her.

"If you haven't notice, we have a job to do. A mission. Do you really want to risk screwing it up just because your boss isn't here to order you around?"

"She's right, Emerald" said the gray haired teen he got close to her" I don't trust her either but we can't forget why we're here. Cinder will be upset if we don't follow the mission."

"She's up to something" the girl whispered" I think she left her behind on purpose. We can't trust her."

"Same. But we don't have a choice but to trust her. We are outnumber even with Hazel."

"Cinder…?" The Arc glared at the name of the woman who killed his partner.

Qrow didn't know what to think of this little outcome. It hit him hard when he realized what was going on. Raven must have left the Fall Maiden behind to increase their chances of winning. Meaning, she was playing along. This was all just an act in order for her to live. She was doing a pretty good job convincing him, so he will play the part as well. He needed to make it as real as he could. He bet, she was here to get the relic before Salem's people does. It wasn't a bad idea but, she was taking a big risk going with this plan. If any of them suspect a thing, her cover will be blown. Salem might even have her killed. There was nothing he could do but to make sure to put up a good act just like her.

"And you Leo?" said the Branwen" how long have you been working for them?"

"Don't know about her" Hazel replied not knowing of Raven's recruitment" but Lionheart has been aiding Salem for a very long time. Giving her enough information that was helpful in her mission."

"Then…." Laphicet was shocked gazing at the lion faunus" the forged transcripts, you did it. You made them so they can entered the Vytal Festival. You knew all along…."

"He's the one who sent Cinder and these two to Beacon" followed Jaune" I guess it makes sense now why it was so easy for them to posed as students from Haven if the headmaster himself allowed it."

"Velvet was right from the start" followed the young Crowe.

"You're responsible for what happened to Beacon" Cardin glared at the faunus.

"It was you...You sit on the Mistral Council. You had information of every Huntsman and Huntress in the Kingdom, and you gave it all to her."

"I-" the headmaster started.

"I couldn't find them, any of them! Because you let her kill them!"

"It matters not. Whether he gave her the information or not, the outcome would've been the same" said Hazel" either I or Tyrian would have found them. His aid however, was less time consuming. It made the job easier."

"This guy has killed Huntsmen…." Ruby was shocked to know someone has taken so many human lives, to be in the same room with someone like that made her nervous.

"And let me guess" the Arc has taken his sword and unsheathed his dagger from his gauntlet" you're here to take us all out?"

"That besides the point. The retrieval of the Relic of Knowledge and the destruction of Haven is our objective. But you're not going to let us, I assume as much. You all had the choice to back down and keep your lives intact. In the end, you chose poorly" Raven gave another glance.

"She really knows how to put up a very convincing act" thought her brother.

"Take out the heiress" said the red eyed woman" don't bother using your power, she's not worth it."

"So she's the Spring Maiden" the scythe master gazed at Vernal.

"I'll handle Ruby" Emerald fixed her sights on her.

"I believe you owe me an apology for my leg, blondy" Mercury grinned at Yang making her glared.

Hazel started cracking his knuckles as Ren, Nora, Cardin and Laphicet were ready to take him on. Just looking at his size, they could tell he was very tough. Jaune joined them, the more numbers they had on their side, the better. Emerald started attacking Ruby as she used her semblance to avoid her attacks and firing back with Crescent Rose. Yang was going all out on Mercury but the gray haired teen seem like he wasn't breaking a sweat. Weiss charged ahead at Vernal with her glyphs and summoning her ice knights. The young woman has proven to be quick on her feet and a good fighter, she was more than just a bandit. As to expect from the Spring Maiden. Oscar stood still where he was, not knowing what to do. Ozpin was urging him to fight. To put what he has learned so far in his training to the test. Qrow knew from the start who is his opponent.

His red eyes were on his sister as she has already drawn her sword. He did the same, unsheathing his blade. Both siblings charged clashing weapons. Might as well make this fight very real. Of course, Raven didn't know he has figured out her plan. Meanwhile, Lionheart stood in his place without moving. He honestly didn't wanted to fight anyone, he fulfilled his mission in luring the children and Qrow here. So there was no need to get further involved. Unless, he didn't have a choice. Hazel felt the same in not fighting children even if they were supposed to be huntsmen in training. But the mission requires force, so he will fight to ensure it's success. Not to mention, his opponents were five. It wouldn't be the first he fought many at once. Just looking at them, they were skilled and experienced, some more than others. Still, there was no need to use his semblance. There was only one person he would use it on, and he wasn't here.

"Running away was one thing, but this…You've crossed the line!" Qrow keep up his act.

"Sorry, brother. Sometimes family disappoints you like that."

"We're not family anymore."

"Were we ever?" she shot back.

"I thought so, but I guess I was wrong."

"You ain't that bad. Guess I was wrong about you being a Schnee. You're more than just a pretty face" said Vernal crossing weapon with the haired girl.

"I'm more than a challenge for you. I'll make you use your maiden powers."

"Now, don't get cocky. I'm only toying with you."

"Too bad, I'm not!"

The young woman gasped as she saw the ice knight attacked her from above. She barely had time to dodged as she was surrounded by many glyphs. Weiss summoning another one, this time, a clock glyph to increase her movement speed. Vernal's eyes widened as she was attacked rapidly in all directions. She added another one but she used it on her summon. The ice knight attacked the Spring Maiden in the same speed as she sent to the ground, not looking happy. She mentally cursed, she couldn't be beaten, not in front of her leader. And she couldn't be exposed as a fraud yet. Not until they get the relic. She dodged an attack managing to get close to the former heiress and hut her with her weapon. Killing her wasn't in her best interest. They just needed to keep appearance until Raven gives the call.

Hazel was able to grabbed the chain that belongs to Cardin's cross whip, before sending him flying away. The large man dodged grenades from Nora's weapon as well as Ren's. He was currently blocking attacks from the blond teen. Jaune kept using his artes but this man has shown that he was tougher than he looks. Laphicet went to join him wanting to show how he has improve using his weapon thanks to Weiss's lessons. He wasn't a pro yet but at least he knew the basics. Now, he was teaming up with the Arc while Hazel was still avoiding their attacks. For such a big guy, he was was quick on his feet. While Ren and Nora were attacking from a distance, it wasn't enough to hurt the big man. He was only using his fists and it was enough to inflict damage to the group. Does he have a weapon or more importantly, what was his semblance. No doubt this guy was pure trouble.

Oscar got away from everyone as he managed to climbed the stairs. His sights were on the headmaster that was watching the fights from above. He was scared, nervous and definitely not in the mood to fight. Ozpin was telling him to face the faunus and let him know of his mistakes. Truly, the former headmaster was disappointed of his betrayal. It was no wonder how Beacon fell when Cinder and his group was being aided by none other than a headmaster. He was hoping than others were still loyal. At least he knew, James will always be trustworthy. As for the farm teen, he was nervous too. Fighting when he has barely had any training to make him good was just crazy. Maybe Lionheart wasn't that tough, but Ozpin told him, he was skilled otherwise he wouldn't be a headmaster. The lion faunus has finally noticed the boy that wasn't that far from him.

"Young man, I don't know who you are or what you think you're doing, but for your sake, I suggest you leave. Now."

But Oscar ignored his warning as climbed the stairs getting closer to him.

"I'm warning you!" the lion faunus unleashed his weapon a shield.

But the farm boy wasn't intimidated by it. He was about to reach the cane that was on his back.

"That's enough!" he formed a red glyph with his weapon pointing to a red dot, fire dust.

He released a fire ball that went straight at the boy. But as the smoke cleared, he was still standing as his body glowed with green aura for a second. The short training really paid off after all. Lionheart was a little taken back as the teen got closer to him and pulled out the handle from his back. Oscar finally released the cane. The sight of it was enough to make the headmaster gasped in shock. There was only one man in Remnant with a cane like that.

"Ozpin?"

"Not quite" he was ready to fight.

He charged with some quick thrusts and attacks that made the lion faunus go on the defensive. Oscar was being a little quick just like the rightful owner of the cane. The headmaster kept using his shield to blocked attacks, unable to take the time to countered. He was still shocked to know that he was here. He has reincarnated again.

"This can't be...I knew, you would be back, but...You made it here! You found Qrow! How?"

"Leo. What happened to you?" said the former headmaster.

"Wait. You can't have this form for long. You're...Not really Ozpin right now. Boy. Child. If I deliver you to Salem, she'll have to be pleased with me, and I can finally get out of all of this! I can finally be free!" the man formed another glyph on his weapon.

"What do I do?"

"Fight."

Vernal has somehow gotten the upper hand. Managing to destroyed Weiss's ice summon. With her double weapon she was now gaining the advantage over the former Schnee heiress. While Jaune, Laphicet and the others were still busy fighting Hazel, the man was holding his own just fine and he still hasn't broken a sweat yet. Meanwhile, Yang wasn't having any luck in gaining an advantage towards Mercury. Was he always this strong, or maybe she has gotten weaker even, with the training she did with her father. The gray haired teen was owning her badly, and her eyes red. So even with her semblance, she wasn't strong enough to beat him. Her left arm started shaking again, this was exactly what she needed now. Taiyang did said she wasn't ready to go, that she needed more time until she ready to go into the world. But being too stubborn her own good wanting to find her sister.

Ruby dodged Emerald's twin sickles as she used their chain mode. Thanks to her semblance it was easy to avoid her attacks, so she countered firing from her rifle feature. But the red cloak girl decided to stopped. Using her semblance too much will drain her aura. And she needed it for this fight so now, she was even with the dark skinned girl. Changing her sickles to twin gun modes, she fired a barrage of dust rounds while the silver eyed petite was blocking them with her scythe.

"Why are you doing this? Salem's-"

"I don't care about Salem! But I owe Cinder everything" her eyes narrowed as she glance at Raven who was still fighting her brother" and she isn't here…."

Ruby took the chance that she lowered her guard as she charged firing her weapon to get a jump start. At least, that's what she thought. But she suddenly was staring at Yang who was shocked and scared. The red cloak reaper gasped as she stopped her attack, only to get hit by a barrage of rounds from the dark skinned girl's guns. She actually forgot about her semblance. She was downed before she was met with the girl's twin guns. Once more the petite used her semblance to avoid and get behind her, firing. Emerald was quick as she changed her weapon two twin sickles blocking the fire. Both stood still, looks like they might be even. It was going to be a long fight.

Jaune and the others were giving it everything they've got. Even with his strategies, they were having so much trouble fighting this large man. And worse of all, it didn't looked like he wasn't putting so much effort in the fight. His artes weren't having an effect it made the Arc think that he could have a lot of aura, just like him. Ren and Nora teamed up, while Cardin used the dust from his weapon. Laphicet used his sword skills and he realized he will have to use the bigger guns. The young Crowe cast some long range artes but Hazel avoid them while countering the other's attacks. It was no wonder he was very tough or the reason why he has killed so many experienced Huntsmen. He was as good as the crazy scorpion faunus Tyrian. Yet, it felt like he wasn't being serious this entire time. Laphi kept his distance going for a strong arte, it was the only way if they wanted to stand a chance against this strong man.


Outside of the school building, the White Fang were getting ready for their operation. They were planting charges all over the school and the CCT tower. Other members were on the perimeter checking for the grounds. Adam stood on the middle of it all. A grinned was formed on his lips, tonight, Haven was going to fall. With this, the humans will see the might of the faunus. They will finally fear and respect them. They will have no choice but to even get on their knees and praise them as the superior species. And if they don't, then they can die with the rest of their haters. If it's not enough they can go after the rest of the schools. Atlas and Shade, the new High Leader was expecting that was the case. Then he thought of the Belladonna family. By now, they should be dead thanks to Corsac and Fennec's brotherhood branch. It won't take long for Blake to be brought to him.

Adam could imagine what he will do to her. He will make her his, if that's what it takes. But first, he will want an apology for leaving, for causing him so much trouble. The cat faunus would learn to obey him, and love him. There was nothing else to argue, he was superior and she was inferior. His twisted thinking was interrupted when he heard gun fire, he turned to his men, they were being attacked by heavy fire. The masked commander glared, who would dare attacked them. There were mechanical, Adam recognized them as soldiers of Atlas. But what they were doing here. They should be back at their kingdom. Were Mistral getting support in secrecy. It didn't mattered as he ordered his men to fire back. This was troubling, they haven't finished planting the charges yet. So he couldn't press the button that will destroy the entire school. He readied Wilt and Blush as he charged at one of the robots, destroying it.

"Destroy them all! Do not let a single one alive!"

The masked faunus fired their rifles while others were throwing grenades to smash through the robot soldiers. There were quite a lot of them. They just came out of nowhere. The more they destroyed, the more were showing up. Then, more soldiers arrived and this time, they were human troops. Adam was furious, these bastards just showed up and attempting to ruin their operation. And just when they were going to counter attack, another troublesome showed up. The new High Leader stood shocked as a couple of Altesian Paladin Knights arrived. He knew about the models since he had helped getting their hands on them to try and attack Vale. The commander growled as he unsheathed his sword going after the robots and human soldiers. Striking like a mad man. He ordered his army to not stop firing and to call for reinforcements. This wasn't over. They weren't leaving until they get the job done. Haven will burn to the ground no matter what.


Cinder didn't know what happened. One minute, she was about to entered one of Raven's portals that will take her to Haven Academy and the next, she was lying face first on the ground. As she recovered getting up, something caught her ears. A very familiar voice, that made her blood boil in pure anger. Amber eyes were now burning with yellow flame, she was never wrong. That voice, it was HER. She was here and her anger grew stronger. Memories of the fight at Beacon when she cut her arm and took her eye. The Maiden's powers increased wanting to unleash her wrath. As she got to her feet, she slowly turned around and there she stood. The young woman that ended up in a coma as a result of their fight. Velvet Crowe stood far before her, wide awake and glaring at her. This day couldn't get any better. Before she gets the Spring Maiden's powers and the relic, she will have her revenge. They say it was a dish best serve cold.

"Velvet…."

"Cinder…."


To be continued

-Velvet vs Cinder round 2 coming up.

-I know what you're probably going to say. Cinder isn't in Haven the fights is going to be way easier than in canon. All I have to say is you're right. For now, I can have something up my sleeve. This will keep your curiosity in check.

-As you all noticed since Cinder isn't in Haven no Weiss getting stabbed. I hated that part so much it brought me to tears. Even if I know she was going to be all right because RT used her as a plot device to make Jaune unlocked his semblance.

-Replying to reviews and PM's:

*Shadow Joestar- thank you and things are going to be very different from canon. It's uncertain if Yang will have a chance to talk to her mother.

*CT7567Rules- Sienna used to be the former High Leader of the White Fang so of course she can fight. We saw it at Adam's character short. It's a shame RT nerf her when she got killed. As for Raven she has been cleared she only wants the survival of her tribe while in secrecy she wants her family to be safe. It's hard to tell with how complex her character can be. Either she doesn't care about them or she does and doesn't want to admit it. Judging by how hurt she got with Yang's words I think she does, deep inside. I always thought there was more to her semblance than those red portals because Qrow's semblance is bad luck I thought hers will be bringing death upon others, explaining why she left Yang and Taiyang. The raven is supposed to be a sign of death, a bad omen. If her semblance is really the red portals then my theory is debunk.

*The Emerald Mage- I know lol I imagine the same thing of Monica and Tara talking and doing the high five in real life. Did you know Monica Rial voices Seres and Bienfu? As for Tara Plat she's well known for voicing Temari in Naruto, in games she's Zero Drakengard 3, Claves Eternal Sonata and of course Temari in the Naruto games. As for Berseria in chaos it's not that hard I only died during dangerous encounters in which the enemy level increases double and of course the wandering enemy or Dire Foe in the American version. So far one of them is very easy I always kill it whenever he shows up but there's another looking like a big ape that is freaking hard and the only way to beat it is using Velvet's break soul over and over. But I'd say I'm doing good for my first time in chaos. Also I'm happy you're looking forward to the future Tales crossovers I can't never thank you enough for your support and love the story.

*darkvampirekisses- you will see I bet you won't see it coming and Merry Christmas to you too.

*M.H Pinter- lol can't do that. But something close you will see.

*Saul'keth- I'd say you're not too late because I'm still thinking of those dual mystique artes. Thanks for the suggestions I will check them out. And I'm glad you like Velvet's theme is my favorite song in the Berseria soundtrack. And there's a big reason why I don't want Velvet to become a Maiden. If you read further into the story you will know why. Because of a certain ability that makes her stronger. If I add in the powers of a Maiden she will be OP. As for the aura thing I can't give them such. Because if that was the case then they will eventually unlock a semblance furthering making them up as OP. Not to mention I have plans for the Crowe siblings when it comes to a secret ability that will be reveal at the end of volume 5. But eventually both Laphicet and Velvet will grow strong throughout the story.

*speedkarate37- thank you happy to know you're enjoying the story.

-SPOILER ALERT for volume 6 episode 9 we get some insight on Mercury turns out I was right or maybe everyone was right about him. There was a reason why he killed his father, he was a real cold heart bastard who hated him and even stole his semblance as part of his semblance. Looks like what Qrow told Velvet in this story is spot on, who would have thought lol. But it looks like Emerald who's been having second thoughts since the start of the volume might have a chance at being redeemed. Without Cinder she feels out of place. Won't she be upset when she finds out Mercury was right all along and that she doesn't give a crap about her or him. It's true, Cinder only cares about power and nothing else. She will use those at her disposal to get what she wants. Emerald and Mercury are nothing but pawns to her, he knows it but she doesn't. She IS in denial. Then FUCK the Pyrrha memorial statue God damn it Rooster Teeth STOP pulling the strings of my heart the Arkos feel I can't take them! The woman who brought the flowers definitely it was Pyrrha's mother, no doubt and she must have known about Jaune from her daughter who told her about him, sending her letters or calling her. I'm very happy RT did this giving some background to Pyrrha, even if she's dead. But it also served more as development for Jaune too. Then Ruby standing up to Qrow wanting to hear Jaune's plan that was so awesome for her character development. They're going to get into a whole lot of trouble. And finally Tyrian and Watts going to Atlas, no surprise there.

-This is officially the last chapter of the year I wish you all a Happy New Year cheers!

-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.

Next time: Vault of the Spring Maiden