Vernal, Raven's second in command, was someone who was a force to be reckoned with. She knew it, with her life among the bandit tribe, she had trained extensively, and she rarely held back in a fight. That combined with her ferocity, was enough to earn her quite a reputation, not just among the other bandits. but also among a few small communities in Mistral. So it was because of this, that nobody in the tribe had objected to her taking command when Raven had left. It had been several days since the leader of the bandit tribe had departed, and now Vernal, as well as a couple of members of the tribe were out getting supplies for the camp, having robbed a shipment of supplies that were bound for Atlas.
"Hurry up and get those crates on the cart! I don't want to be here still when the cops show up!" Vernal shouted as she observed the packing of various crates.
"Yes ma'am!" Replied one of the others, before bending over and grabbing another crate.
Vernal turned around to go get something of her own to put in the cart, buy quickly snapped back around when she heard a loud explosion behind her.
What she saw utterly confused her, the three men with her had been sent flying in several directions, presumably when the explosion occurred, which appeared to have occurred when one of the crates was broke open. But by what, she couldn't tell, the only other thing out of place was a black, smoldering mark on the ground, smoke rising from it.
"The hell..?" Vernal whispered to herself as she readies one of her guns, only for the weapon to be hit with a fireball from her left. The orb-shaped flame collided with the weapon and sent it clattering to the ground, where it skid for a good four feet before coming to a halt.
"You shouldn't take things that don't belong to you. It's not nice," came a woman's voice, causing Vernal to get a chill down her spine.
"Who's there? Show yourself Huntress!" the bandit demanded.
"Oh, you're going to wish I was just some Huntress when I'm through with you." the voice said before another fireball slammed inti Vernal's back, knocking her to the ground and making her yell.
"Damn it! Who are you? Show yourself!"
It was then that Vernal felt a rush of wind, and as she pushed herself up with her arms, she noticed several smoking rose petals on the ground around her. She picked one up and held it in her fingers as it disappeared into nothing, then noticed the black boots out of the corner of her eye. Looking up, she saw a young woman, with red tipped, black hair, and she froze as she recognized the woman.
"You? Y-You're supposed to be dead!"
Ruby smirked as she stood over Vernal, face missing the mask, so that her damaged right eye was on full display. She leaned down so that her face was level with Vernal's.
"Funny how when nobody looks for a body, it's so scary when that person turns out to be alive," Ruby stated with a smug grin.
"What do you want?"
Ruby stood up, enveloping her left hand in fire and staring at it with disinterest. "You are going to help me. I want Raven, and if she finds out you're in trouble, she'll come running."
"What makes you think I'll help you? You're wasting your time," Vernal replied.
Ruby looked back down to Vernal, hand still engulfed in flame. "Because, you won't have a choice." Ruby answered before reaching down and grabbing Vernal by the arm, burning her skin and making the woman scream in agony.
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It had been almost a week since Ozpin had sent Raven out to look for the new Fall Maiden, and after she had initially tested Ruby's closest friends and come up with nothing, Raven was at a loss. She had been knocking on houses in Vale, for days, asking residents if they noticed anything different about the thousands of young women that inhabited the city. But again, she'd come up with nothing.
Raven was about to exit the motel she had been staying in, when the Scroll given to her by Ozpin rang. So with an annoyed grumble she fished it out of her pocket and stared at the screen. It was Vernal; which meant something was wrong with tribe camp... Answering the call, she held the phone up to ear and tentative stepped out of the motel room.
"Vernal? What is it? What's wrong?"
There was a deep womanly sounded chuckle on the other end, clearly not Vernal's. Raven knew what she sounded like.
"Who is this? What are you doing with Vernal's scroll?" Raven demanded.
"Vernal can't come to the phone right now, but I'll be sure to let her know you're worried about her," the voice said with a laughter in their voice.
It took only a moment for the gears in Raven's head to click, as she realized whose voice it was, and she felt her blood boil.
"Ruby, I swear, if you even scratch her-"
"Oh we're well past a scratch. And you owe me for trying to kill me. If you ever want to see Vernal again, you'll come to the address I'm sending you," Ruby interrupted.
"Damn you, Ruby Rose, I'm going to kill you; and this time, I'm going to make sure you stay that way," the Spring Maiden threatened.
"I'll be waiting," Ruby said before the line went dead.
Raven stared at the Scroll, and glared as the screen lit up with a message. It was the address that, presumably, Ruby had Vernal captive. Somewhere on the outskirts of Haven. Raven knew the area, she just hoped she wouldn't be too late. Sure she knew it was a trap, she wasn't stupid. Ruby, no doubt, wanted to try and take the power of the Spring Maiden AGAIN; she couldn't go in defenseless, it was suicide...
She hated to admit it, but she would need her brother on this one.
With a quickened pace in her step, she made for airdocks, dialing Qrow's scroll as she practically ran to get on a Bullhead. Within four rings, Qrow's husky, hangover-filled voice was on the line.
"Raven? Why are you calling me so early? Did you find the Fall-"
"Qrow, shut up and listen to me. I need your help. Ruby's alive; she has Vernal held captive, and I need your help getting her out."
Qrow made a few noises as if he was sitting up an cleared his throat. "Did I just hear you correctly? Did you just ask ME for help?" he asked with amusement in his voice.
"Damn it, Qrow! Now is not the time! Now are you going to help, or not?"
Qrow was quiet a moment, then sighed. "Yeah, give m a bit to catch an airship, but I'll meet you at Beacon."
"Okay, see you in a bit," Raven said softer. "And Qrow?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
Qrow merely sighed before he hung up.
"Just hang in there Vernal." Raven said as she boarded an airship.
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When Qrow finally showed up, Raven was already in Ozpin's office, practically screaming.
"I don't give a damn if you WANT to give me back my weapon, or not!" She shouted as Qrow entered the room. "She has Vernal, held hostage somewhere, and the best, AND FASTEST way to find her, is one of my portals, and you know it!"
Ozpin let out a heavy sigh as Glynda crossed her arms. "I understand what you think you may have heard, Raven. However, you and I-"
"Think?! She fucking called me! The only person, other than you guys, who even knows the number, is Vernal."
Raven was practically seething with anger, and everyone in the room could tell. And that was when Qrow stepped in.
"I don't think we should play this one off, Oz."
Ozpin looked to Qrow, raising an eyebrow curiously. "And why is this?"
"Because, Raven ACTUALLY asked for my help. She hasn't asked me for anything since STRQ. I think she's telling the truth," the Huntsman explained.
Ozpin and Glynda both looked at each other, staying silent for a few moments, as if they were both thinking of the same thing.
"Fine, you may have it back. However, neither of you are to harm Ruby in any way. I want her brought back here. Is that perfectly clear?"
"Oh, I'm killing that little cretin, period," Raven stated firmly.
"NO! You bring her back! Do you understand?" Ozpin said, raising his voice in anger. "You already caused enough trouble when you tried to kill her the first time. If she's still alive, she will have the power of the Fall Maiden. Killing her will just result in it being lost and given to another, and we can't have that."
"Grrr, fine! But I'm not making any promise not to hurt her," Raven agreed, crossing her arms.
"Do what is necessary to bring her back. Alive." Ozpin said in a calmer tone.
Glynda handed Raven her sword, heavily frowning as she did, then moved to the side.
Qrow nodded his head to the two as Raven opened a portal via her connection to Vernal, then pulled her Grimm mask on as she stepped through.
"Thanks Oz."
"If it comes to it, Qrow, you drag her back here if you must."
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When Raven and Qrow emerged from the portal, they found themselves in a small, barely lit-up room with a metal door that had a push bar. The light, an industrial style bulb flickering with pale, yellow light. Raven looked to Qrow briefly before running ahead to the door, kicking it clean of hinges.
"Raven, wait!" Qrow shouted after her as she went out of sight.
Uncle and Aunt Branwen! I'm so glad you guys could make it!
Qrow pulled his sword from off of back, looking at the ceiling as the building's PA system crackled to life.
You guys are just in time! We've been waiting, and Vernal is just so anxious to see the both of you. We're in the management office, I'll be waiting, Auntie.
Ruby's voice by the end, sounded venomous, and it made Qrow grow worried for both his sister, and for Ruby. Raven wasn't thinking clearly, and because of that, could really get hurt, or worse.
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Ruby sneered as she clicked off the PA system, watching the screen on the security system.
"That's it... come and save her," Ruby muttered as she grew more and more angry.
"She's going to kill you, brat," a voice came from behind Ruby, who sighed in annoyance.
Turning around and crossing her arms, Ruby approached a locked door and stared at the lone occupant within a broom closet.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you," Ruby taunted as she addressed Vernal. "Damn... that's one heck of a burn ya got there, are you okay?"
Vernal snarled as she clutched her left arm and glared at Ruby.
"Shut up," Vernal said in anger.
"Aw, what's wrong? Scared she's going to die?" Ruby asked. "News flash Bandit: Raven isn't leaving this place alive."
"She's going to make you regret this. I hope I get to see you die in agony before I bleed out."
"Oh, I'm not killing her, but I'm going to enjoy making her scream. And you get to watch. Isn't that fun?"
"Go to hell, brat."
Ruby merely smirked as she turned back around and looked back at the security monitor
"C'mon Raven, come and get me."
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When Raven finally reached the management office, she barely hesitated before kick the door in and drew her sword, a burn Dust blade equipped. The office was, for the most part, dark, save for a half burned out ceiling light that shone over another door inside. Through a window in the door, she could see Vernal. The woman was holding her left forearm and staring at the floor. Raven gave a quick glance around the room, checking to see if Ruby was somewhere inside, lying in wait.
Upon seeing that she was alone, Raven walked inside and made a beeline for the door, disengaging the lock and throwing open the door.
Vernal looked up and smiled weakly. "Raven... you came..." She started, then frowned. "You should have stayed away.""
"What are you talking about? Come on, we're leaving." Raven said as she helped Vernal to her feet.
"It's... a trap," Vernal said weakly.
Raven looked out the door, then to Vernal. "Yeah, I figured. That's why I brought Qrow."
As the two of them reached the door in the office, they were both silent while Raven reached for the handle. Vernal looked behind the pair, only for Raven to groan quietly.
"Damn! The door is locked!"
"What? How?!" Vernal hissed.
"I don't know! She must be here somewhere."
"Aunt Raven, it's so good you came!"
Raven spun around, brandishing her sword and pushing Vernal behind her. Instantly, the end of the blade was grabbed by Ruby's bare hands, being shattered before the bandit could do anything.And it was quick followed up as a huge fireball that hit Raven in the chest, knocking her back and causing her to slam into the wall.
"We have SO much to talk about," Ruby said, tapping into her Semblance and speeding towards Raven, colliding with the Spring Maiden and dealing a big chunk to her Aura reserves.
"Go to hell!" Raven growled.
"You first, murderer," Ruby said smugly.
The two of them starting to use their respective Maiden powers, with Ruby using scorching, shin searing flames, whilst Raven used solid chunks of ice, snow and extremely cold winds. Vernal just lay on the floor, covering her head with her arms as the pair fought it out.
Finally, after several minutes, Qrow showed up outside of the office, and he slammed his body against the door as he tried to break the door down.
"Argh, damn it! Raven open the door, don't hurt her, you heard Ozpin!" Qrow shouted.
Raven either didn't hear him, or didn't care, evident by the way she didn't acknowledge him.
Raven roared in anger as she sent a flurry of needle-sharp icicles towards Ruby's face, who brought up her hands and caused the chunks to instantly evaporated from the amount of heat radiating from Ruby's body. Again, Ruby used her semblance and charged into Raven, slamming her against the wall and grabbing the other Maiden by the wrists and letting her body temperature increase, searing Raven's skin to the point of almost third-degree burns.
Raven screamed as her skin burned, with Ruby viciously sneering. "What's wrong? Too hot? Her, let me help!" Ruby taunted as she increased the heat, causing Raven to scream again.
Qrow watched in horror from outside, then transformed his sword into a gun, blowing the window open.
"Ruby! Stop! Stop it right now!" Qrow shouted, reaching his arm through the broken window to reach for the deadbolt.
Ruby was silent as she let Raven go, the older woman shaking with pain, and dropping to the floor, staring at her blistered wrists.
"Fine, I have what I need anyways," Ruby said, her demeanor calm and collected now.
"Wait, what..?" Qrow wondered aloud.
Ruby raised an open palm, pointing it at Raven, and a moment went by before her special Beetle Grimm revealed itself, jumping onto Raven's face where it began the process of ripping the Maiden powers free and feeding them to Ruby, a process that made Raven begin to cry out in pain.
Qrow was snapped out of his stupor as the cries of his sister spurred him into action. Deciding to use a different tactic, he shot the handle off the door and charged inside, swinging his sword at Ruby to get her to stop. Surprised by his actions, Ruby could only watch in horror as the blade severed her right hand clean, unable to get away in time.
"AHH! Damn you! My hand! I'm going to kill you!" Ruby said with pain-filled rage.
"That's enough! Come on Ruby, we're taking you back."
Ruby held her hand tight to her chest as she spurted blood from her forearm. "I'm not going anywhere with you..."
Ruby took several steps back, reaching into an ammunition pouch and producing a solid Burn dust crystal. She turned her head to look away before hurtling it at the floor. The crystal slammed onto the floor, the harshness of the impact causing it to detonate. The explosion was merely a distraction as Ruby ran and fled, leaving Qrow to deal with the aftermath.
Raven lay unmoving for several moments, only letting out soft whimpers of pain. Qrow, however, stood on alert in case Ruby came back, then threw his sword to the side and scooped his sister up off of the floor.
"Raven! Are you okay?! Come on, talk to me!"
Raven stayed quiet for a moment, then shook her head slowly. "It's gone... she took it, she got what she wanted."
"What? But I-"
"You weren't fast enough. She won,"Raven interrupted.
"Damn... well what do you want to do now?"
"We need to report back to Ozpin, tell him about what happened. And to get me to a doctor."
"Okay. You feel up to walking?"
There was a brief pause as Raven grabbed Omen off of the floor and used it to open a portal to Beacon. Afterwards she let out a shaky breath and passed out. Qrow merely sighed before picking her up off of the floor, as well as their weapon's then walked through.
"Damn it all, why Ruby?" He muttered under his breath.