AN: Hey everyone, I have the next chapter here. This one was a blast to write for the return of a very special character. All I can say is I really enjoyed the dialogue this chapter. Hope you enjoy this chapter, leave a review with your comments and questions, and have a nice day.

Chapter 13 – Misfortune

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Abigail and Lavinia walked down the hall together. However, the Foreigner girl stopped as she could tell they were followed. In turning around, she discovered it was Qrow, who waved with a smirk. Abigail waved back before turning to the girl with the horn, "I'll catch up to you later." She said with Lavinia having a look of slight worry, "It's okay, just play with the dolls until I get back to our room." Abigail said with Lavinia eventually nodding. The girl with the horn walked as the Foreigner girl stopped. Once Lavinia turned the corner, Abigail looked back to the unlucky huntsman.

"So, you enjoyed that little sparing session?" Qrow said as he stopped a few feet away from Abigail.

"It was quite an education experience," Abigail responded, "I had no idea how creative you hunters were." She then tilted her head with a look of confusion, "Hunters, that's what your kingdoms call Heroic Spirits, right?"

"Correct," Qrow said before his face turned slightly stern, "Now, you want to cut the crap already?"

"P-pardon?" Abigail responded.

"Look kid, I'm about four times your age. I've been in a lot of fights." Qrow responded, "And what I learned, you have to watch your surroundings as much as you watch your opponent. That includes people who are spectating the fight." He said before smirking, "You act as if you know next to nothing about where I'm from, that everything is new to you if it's not like something from Apocrypha."

"Over course," The Foreigner girl responded, "I was never able to travel this far before. I've only read about what you hunters are capable of: semblances, aura, dust."

"See, that's the issue." Qrow responded while pointing to himself, "You saw me turn into a Corvid to avoid Bazett's attack." He said with his mind flashing back to the event. As he flew in the air, the magus in the suit was unaware. However, as he transformed back. The other students had a look of shock. Except one, "With you, that was the only time you seemed…unfazed. Like this was something you already knew about me." He then smirked, taking a step closer, "But this is the first time we meet."

"Well, I have seen others with a shapeshift skill before." Abigail commented, taking a half step back, "I was just unimpressed, it was not new to me to see that ability."

"Except, my skill is more common in Apocrypha, not the other kingdoms. It's not something you can brush off as unimpressive." Qrow responded before taking another step closer, "You're smart enough to notice my other traits, but you're denying something as odd as a person turning into a bird at will. You said you read about what hunters can do, but I'm the only one who can do that."

"Well, it is odd for you to have that ability. However, I don't think it as special as you are making it out to be." Abigail responded as a line of sweat ran down her forehead, "Still, I'm sure it was given to you for a good reason." She said with a smile. However, her eyes widened as she placed her hands on her mouth.

"Wow, that's an unlucky slip of the tongue." Qrow responded as he focused his gaze, "I never said this power was given to me."

"I-I was, what I meant was given at birth!" Abigail corrected herself, "It is semblance after all?"

"Nope," Qrow responded as he took a step closer, "Mine's Misfortune, bad luck for everyone around me, including myself." He said before smirking, "It makes interrogations easy for me, people always slip up." He said before his expression went stern, "Especially when I know the person has something to hide."

"I see, but I have nothing to hide," Abigail responded with a slight curtsy.

"Oh yeah," Qrow responded, "Then, let me see what's under the bandage." He said with Abigail's eyes widening.

"I-I would rather not," the Foreigner girl responded, "It is a pretty unpleasant birthmark."

"I've seen the aftermath of Grimm raids," The unlucky huntsman responded, "I've seen friends who had their limbs chewed off," He then smirked, "I'm pretty sure your baby scar will not faze me." Qrow said with Abigail gritting her teeth, "So, what's your next move?"

Abigail then looked down, hanging her head low. Qrow waited, but he noticed her eyes. It appeared like she was listening to someone, but he was not talking. "…Fine," she said with him losing his smirk. Qrow watched as the X-shaped bandage fell off on its own, "I'm sorry, he tricked me."

"Who are you talking to?" Qrow responded.

However, Abigail raised her head in responded. Her forehead showed a black keyhole, as well as a smile on her face, "The Queen of Grimm," She said before a red eye appeared in the black keyhole, "Go ahead, talk to her yourself." The foreigner girl responded before a black vail surrounded the arena.

"What!?" Qrow said before jumping back, thinking he could avoid the darkness. In realizing it was futile, he lunged towards Abigail. The unlucky huntsman wielded his Harbinger for a vertical slash. However, Abigail vanished in the darkness before the attack could connect. Qrow examined his surroundings, discovering he was in a black void of darkness, "What is this?"

My, it really is Misfortune for you as well?

"Who said that!?" Qrow called out as he reposed his weapon, "Show yourself!"

Then again, this is what Ozpin wanted,

Suddenly, a woman appeared in front of Qrow. She wore a black cloak and her skin was a pale as bones. Black veins protruded across her face. The irises were as red as any Grimm's were. Her smile caused Qrow to shiver in dread.

You to die at my hands.

"S-Salem!?" Qrow said with the Queen of Grimm giving a slight nod. Suddenly, Qrow gripped his Harbinger as he went for a vertical swing. However, Salem vanished in a black mist as Qrow's swing did nothing. He examined the area before feeling an ominous presence from behind. In turning around, he discovered Salem reappeared. He went for another swing, but his body froze mid motion. Salem expression remained the same as she spoke.

That is enough of this pointlessness. In my reality marble; dust, aura, and semblances mean nothing.

Salem said as her right hand was inside Qrow's chest cavity, her fingers coiled around his heart. She tightened her grip, causing blood to gather in his mouth, "If you're going to kill me," Qrow spoke thought the pain, "Just do it already!"

Kill you? Did you not meet with Cinder already?

Salem spoke with a slight smirk, tilting her head.

I still need you to help kill the Third Faction.

In responding, Qrow spit blood into her right eyes, "I will never help you!" He said with Salem's right eye closing, "You turned this entire world into a living nightmare!" he said with Salem's gaze growing more enraged, "It's because of you that I've lost so many friends." the unlucky huntsman said with him forcing a smile, "So, how bad can this Third Faction be?"

Salem then sighed as she closed her eyes, taking her left hand to wipe away the blood off her face.

Your simple mind cannot comprehend their horrors. So, I will try to make it easy for you to understand.

The Queen of Grimm then opened her eyes.

Ozpin's goal is to save this world; I wish to rebuild it; The Third Faction wishes to swallow it whole.

"What!?" he said before Salem ripped her right hand out of his chest, "AAAAAAA!" Qrow screamed in pain as he fell to his knees. However, he quickly discovered his heart was still beating. In examining his chest, he discovered no hole or wound.

I had assumed Ozpin would have brainwashed you too far for you to join my side. However, I also assumed you would be competent enough to know which one is a higher threat to Remnant.

"I am not brainwashed!" Qrow responded, but she smirked at him.

That exactly what someone who is brainwashed would say.

Salem chuckled, but Qrow was still enraged. She then sighed before continuing.

Regardless, Ozpin seems to have been eliminated.

"What?" Qrow responded, "I thought he was just missing?" she then clenched his right hand, "Who killed him?" The unlucky huntsman responded.

I said he was eliminated, not killed. Of all people, I would know if he is truly dead.

Salem said before crossing her arms, looking off into the void.

The situation is hard to describe, which is why I agree that the best way to describe his state right now is missing.

The Queen of Grimm then looked back to Qrow.

That is all I know about his status. Ozpin's other allies are focused on finding him. Which is why I need you to find the leader of the Third Faction.

"Why me?" The unlucky huntsman responded, "Why not your B.B.F. Cinder?"

I need her help with another matter. And as far as I can tell, you are not doing anything important. Your skills of deduction already figured out that I was at this school.

"And why are you here!?" Qrow shouted, "Why are you possessing a little girl?"

Possessing!? Abigail is my companion. The two of us are merged to behave as one temporarily. She still has her own free will, as do I. While you seem surprised, I believe Ozpin has a similar trick he uses from time to time. However, I don't think he used it before going missing. Or rather, something is preventing him.

"You're insane," Qrow responded, but Salem smiled.

I understand your confusion. You are not used to someone giving you answers. Ozpin only ever gave you questions and empty promises of a better future. To ease you, I'll ask a question.

Salem's gaze narrowed as she looked at Qrow.

Do you think this world will be saved if I am defeated?

"Here's one right back at you," Qrow responded, but a line of sweat ran down his face, "Will Grimm vanish is you are dead?" Salem smirked in her first sentence.

It would be hard for me to know after the fact. They would have no way of reproducing without my influence, but they would not all vanish just because I am gone. At the most, a slight slowdown as their numbers dwindle.

Salem said with a grin, causing Qrow to answer her question, "I'll hunt down the remaining Grimm until your kind are gone from Remnant." He then smiled, "Then, the world will be saved!" The Unlucky huntsman readied is a weapon, "And as I said, I don't know how this Third Faction can be more dangerous than you. Swallow the world? Why did I even humor that idea for a second?" He said with Salem closing her eyes and sighing.

Oh, how I wish I was as ignorant as you. Grimm will only return if you think the solution is just to kill them, because that itself is a negative emotion.

Salem then opened her eyes with a serious gaze.

This world will never know peace if Ozpin wins. Even if I die, even if the Third Faction dies, a new opposition will rise to fight back against his ideals of heroism. And what will Ozpin do? Simple, he will send children to fight his battles. And they will lay down their life for him all because he said who the true threat was. That is Ozpin, A king on the chess board, the weakest peace in this game. And once he falls, it's over for his kingdom.

"And what's the difference if you win?" Qrow responded, "You don't think a new hope will rise to take you down?"

Because if I win, I will rebuild this world, not rule it like Ozpin will. The lifeforms that are the arborators of negative emotions that my Grimm are formed from will be executed. No matter how many there are, I will eliminate those who plague this world's existence. As I said, I influence Grimm's reproduction, but I am not to sole reason Grimm exist in this world.

"That's a look of crap," Qrow responded, "All coming someone who refers to themselves as the Queen of Grimm. Who I remind you, are monsters made of negative emotions!"

Grimm are the reaction, not the cause of negative emotions. I can create more because your kind cannot stop fighting each other. If only those of peace of mind occupy Remnant, then all Grimm will die out without the need of hunters like you. Life will then be ruled by the natural course, not by Grimm acting as a balancing tool, and not by those who deems themselves as the ruler.

Salem extended her arms to her sides.

With this, I will eliminate all conflict. I represent the Queen on the board. The most powerful piece to achieve the desired outcome of freedom, even if I fall as a gambit.

"That's not freedom!" Qrow responded, "You're just choosing who lives and dies, not even caring if you have to kill millions to achieve this goal." He then pointed at the Queen of Grimm, "What you're suggesting is genocide!"

Says they man who not five minutes ago wanted to kill every Grimm on this planet. Is that not Genocide because others have said Grimm are, dare I say, 'evil'?

Salem snickered, but Qrow scowled, "What will happen to you if you win? By the way it's phrased, you don't seem to live in this new world."

When I win, I'll die. Once I full recognize myself as the last Grimm, I will fade away in peace so that the threat will never return. A self-sacrifice Ozpin has never been willing to make.

"How noble?" Qrow responded in sarcasm.

I wish only for Remnant to experience harmony I once felt. In over a millennium of thinking, this is the plan I have committed to seeing through to my end. And I will not let Ozpin, or The Third Faction, impede my goals.

"You believe Remnant will only experience peace your way? That there is no other option?" Qrow as with Salem going silent for a second. She closed her eyes before continuing.

There was a brief time when humanity reached peace on its own. They had defeated Grimm and saved the world in a way Ozpin would approve of. However, I was not enraged at their actions. I was…happy.

"…Why?" Qrow questioned.

For some reason, my memory is fragmented in that era. I do not know the why, but I remember that momentary feeling of joy, unlike anything I have felt since...

Salem then opened her eyes as she looked back to Qrow. A slight smile on her face.

I apologize. I seem to have gone off-topic.

The Queen of Grimm walked off into the void as she talked. Qrow gritted his teeth as he followed, knowing he could not stay in this void alone.

To answer a prior question I unintentionally dodged, I am here to observe this new school's development. To understand your enemies' capabilities, you must live among them for some time. I can better understand who I can save while I am rebuilding the world. Granted, I must say this is a tactic I learned from my friend, Cinder.

Salem then turned back to Qrow with a smile, her eyes closed.

And I must say, I'm having a lot of fun.

"You're sick!" Qrow responded with a scowl, "Shouldn't you be a little old to play student?" he asked with her opening her eyes, but the smile was still on her face.

You are never too old to try something new.

The Queen of Grimm then looked forward as she walked.

While at this school, I can continue my search for the Third Faction's leader. However, I would like some help. All you need to do is gather some information. You do not have to fight; I will be the one to kill the leader personally. If you aid me in my search, and I will reward you.

"Let me guess, you'll spare me in your new world." Qrow scoffed, "The typical bad guy ultimatum."

Oh no, you are too far gone for me to spare you.

Salem responded with a slight chuckle.

However, I will spare Ruby Rose.

Salem's words caused Qrow to gasp.

It appears Ozpin has not had the time to fully pull her to his side. She is still an innocent girl in all of this. I will spare her, as well as her friends.

The Queen of Grimm then heard Qrow repose his weapon, causing her to stop walking, "You BITCH!" he said through his teeth as Salem turned around, her expression showing a scowl as she rejected the foul language, "Stay away from my niece!" The unlucky huntsman screamed before lunging at the Queen of Grimm, attempting another slash.

However, the Queen of Grimm did not dodge this strike. Rather, someone from the darkness blocked the blade for her. Qrow's Harbinger clashed with a dark blade with red markings. The sword was wielded by a female black knight, whose armor looked as though it was bleeding. Her hair was a faded blond, her upper face was obscured by a dark metal. The female black knight gritted her teeth as she radiated a violet aura. She overpowered Qrow's swing, pushing him back. As he recovered, the female black knight held her sword lowed and aimed backward. The violet aura grew darker as the unlucky huntsman felt a wave of energy pass over his body, paralyzing him. Qrow's breathing became heavy as there was no stopping what was going to happen next.

"Excalibur-" The female black knight chanted but stopped as Salem placed her hand on her right shoulder.

No need to act rash, he is still my guest.

Salem spoke, causing the female black knight's aura to calm. As the Queen of Grimm removed her hand, the female black knight stood at her left side. However, her stance carried the weight of a king. No, in Qrow's eyes, this was a tyrant, "What is that?" he asked with Salem smiling.

Another effect of my reality marble. You see, when someone dies in this void, their greatest nightmare is manifested. What they are truly afraid of becomes my new ally. It gives me…inspiration for new Grimm.

The Queen of Grimm closed her eyes as she reminisced.

A woman by the name of Guinevere, who loved her husband's, but only as of the man she married. She went so far as to make an Alter to fill her self-made void. But in her death, it created that alter in the form she despised most.

Salem's eyes opened as she looked over to the black knight tyrant.

What you are looking at now is Arturia Alter.

"An Alter?" Qrow responded, "Ozpin told me those things were wiped out in the invasion of Apocrypha."

Ozpin is wrong about many things. A couple of those disgusting creatures slipped through the cracks of Apocrypha.

Salem said before smiling at Arturia Alter.

However, while I despise each one of those abominations of Grimm experimentation, I consider this one an exception to my rule.

The Queen of Grimm did not move her head but looked over to Qrow as she maintained her smile.

One more question. If you were to die here, who would my reality marble make as your greatest nightmare?

Qrow gritted his teeth, knowing Salem already knew the answer. The Queen of Grimm closed her eyes.

I think we are done talking for today. I'll leave you to find the leader of the Third Faction on your own.

Salem said as the space between them was being to fade. Qrow looked around in panic as he felt the reality marble breaking, "Wait, I'm not done yet!" He called out as The Queen of Grimm and the black knight tyrant walked away. However, Salem stopped, turning back to him.

While I know her end goal, I cannot put a face or name to it. All I can offer is a hint from my investigating.

Salem said before turning to her walking into the dark depths of her reality marble.

Try looking for a Woman in Black.

Suddenly, the reality marble vanished. Qrow discovered himself not where he once stood, but a short walk down the hall. At that moment, he remembered walking in her reality marble. But more to his focus, the one who sent him into Salem's void, "Abigail!" Qrow said before sprinting down the hall. He searched for the Foreigner girl with a look of panic in his eyes. However, in turning the corner, that panic was magnified by ten.

"There you go," Ruby said as she fixed Abigail's bandage, "Good as new."

"Thank you," Abigail said with a smile, "You're a good person." Her commented caused Ruby to smile back.

The red hooded girl then looked over to see her uncle, "Oh, Qrow!" She said before running over, "There you are, I was trying to find you." She said as her silver eyes showed sincerity, "I heard to fought Professor Bazett." She said as she looked away, "Yeah…I understand the feeling."

Qrow glared at Abigail, "That girl is-" Suddenly, Qrow's whole body froze. Time had seemed to have stopped around him. Only one thing was moving, his beating heart. However, he soon felt the Queen of Grimm's grip around the organ. Her grasped tightened as he struggled to breathe. As time resumed, the pain was gone, but Qrow's panic shot up twenty-fold. He then looked back to Abigail, who smirked at him before walking away.

"That girl is …. Strong?" Ruby inferred they were still talking about the magus in a suit, "Yeah, she packs a punch." She said before having a small smile, "Knocked Yang and I out cold." She then looked up to see her uncles face covered in sweat, "You okay?"

"Ruby…" Qrow took a breath, then smile, "…I'm fine."

"Uh, you barely call me Ruby. And I know when you're lying." Ruby responded in confusion, causing Qrow's panic to shoot up a hundred-fold. Suddenly, Ruby realized, "Oh! It's because Professor Bazett made you stop drinking and smoking for the rest of our time here." She said before putting her hands on her hips and smiling, "Well don't worry, this will be good for you!"

"Yeah, you're right. I'm just going through some sudden withdraws." Qrow responded with a forced chuckle, he then placed his right hand on his head, "I think I just need to lay down."

"Yeah, just get some rest," Ruby said with a smile, "Don't worry, I believe you can do this!"

"Thanks, Kiddo," Qrow said while he walked past his niece. Ruby waved goodbye as he lifted his left hand. As the red hooded girl gleefully walked away, tears ran down Qrow's face at the sudden change to his trip at Clockwork Academy.

AN: There you go, the Queen of Grimm is here! I will say, Salem has always been fun to write for me. I still love that her dialogue is shown completely different from the other characters. Her mindset and goals may be different than the cannon of the show, but this is just how she is meant to come across in this story. You also learn more about her reality marble, which like I said in Fates Collide, is stupid overpowered. She debuffs nearly everything hunters use and can make nightmare appropriations of her those she kills in this void. Which that means she has her own Arturia in this reality marble, but this one is the true female alter. She still has her ability to pull people in who experience negative emotions but is restricted due to her merger with Abigail, (Which is similar to the whole Ozpin/Oscar thing, but those two guys did not do that thing in this story because of what happened to Ozpin here). Overall, Qrow has a lot of reasons to be afraid of her. Especially, since Salem cursed him with the inability to tell people about what just happened, (If you have seen Re: Zero, Subaru can attest to this not being a pleasant feeling). Ruby almost figured it out but had an unlucky guess. Qrow needs to find who the Leader of the Third Faction is fast. Next chapter, we close out the day with Blake back in Vale. That is all for now, thanks for reading, and hope to see you in the next chapter.