Author's Headnote: Intermission time? Intermission time. While the heroes are out to Mistral, let's see what's in store for them in this version of Volume 5.

RWBY: Festival of Blood: Intermission: The Plan for Mistral

Branwen Bandit Tribe, April 1, Sunday, 10:00 PM, Camp Interior

After countless hours of wave of grimm and bandits, Mercury and Emerald have managed to push their way inside the camp. The camp looks mostly in damaged condition from the bodies and destroyed tents. Which will get in more detail later in this part. And through perseverance and stubbornness, they managed to fight their way to get an audience with the head of the branwen tribe.

The tribe itself is filled with bare-bones fortification and tents. Likely so that they can't be bound to one single location. Being that they're nomadic in nature, makes sense. Since the Branwens are apparently from Vacuo.

And the largest tent holds the leader of the bandit chief, if rumor is supposed is a ruthless vampire who moved from Vacuo after the great war. The large tent also has a wooden foundation, unlike the others, where the ground still lies at the bottom of the other tents.

And the man himself, covered in fur and steel. His armor and attire are quite more tribalistic. He appears to be 7' in height. Has large muscle mass, and notably, covered in animal furs. And steel plating. The parts that aren't covered are his face, and his forearms. All of which bear scars. He has but a single eye-patch, though it doesn't cover the eye on his right, which has a scar on it. It covers the seemingly undamaged eye on his left, instead.

He also wields a standard two-handed battle-axe. Like the kind one would swing like a sledgehammer (two-handed), not a warhammer (one-handed). His head is covered in a metallic helmet. Though, without horns. He also has a large beard, with a dark grey hair. His eye is also red.

"Now, what brings you children to my camp?" the man asked. "I am Odin Branwen, leader of the Branwen bandit tribe, the scourge of Anima." He added.

"Riiight, I guess you're done with introductions." Mercury stated.

"It's quite rude to interrupt your elders, isn't it?" Odin intimidated.

"Ya, ya. Gramps. We get it, you don't like visitors. But our boss wants to talk to you."

"And where is your boss? The only other person I see here is an infuriated young girl... which would make a fine addition to the tribe."

"I'm not for the sale, creep." Emerald retorted.

Odin then casted a green flare, in which a conjured hand had covered emerald's mouth.

"Do not talk back to me that way, consider this your first and only warning." Odin threatened.

"Anyways, our boss doesn't want to speak in person right now. So... he sent us to negotiate with you..." Mercury stated.

"Negotiate for what?"

"Our boss seeks a maiden."

"And who do you work for?"

"Well, our boss needs it for his boss, and she's not gonna be happy if she doesn't get results."

"Remind me again why I should work for her? She, along with everyone else here wants me dead. So, I suggest you turn around and go back the way you came."

"I can assure you, we have ulterior motives from the Witch."

"What are they?"

"It's best if we don't discuss this with your men. Also, can you unseal Emerald's mouth? She's the one with the motive, I'm just here for the ride."

"Very well, come on in. But if you dare try anything, I'll make sure you two make fine additions to the tribe." Odin threatened whilst inviting them in the tent.

White Fang Headquarters, April 1, Sunday, 3:00 PM, Throne Room

For a civil rights movement, the White Fang headquarters is quite well... well funded is to put it. Well, civil rights movement on paper, terrorist organization in practice. Though a single individual has arrived, carrying a bag. His name is obviously, Arthur Watts. On the throne is the leader of the White Fang, Sienna Kahn. With guard across the throne room.

Even more to the label, the room is mostly black and red, only lightened up by flames.

Arthur approaches to Sienna. In which Sienna gives an intimidated look.

"A human? Explain yourself!" Sienna demanded.

"I'm only here to deliver a message, and then I'll be on my way out." Arthur said, opening the bag. Only for a seer to come out. Arthur then left on his way out. The seer then let out a loud screech, which scared the guards to leave the room. Sienna went to arm herself, only for the Seer to grab onto her.

"So... this is the leader of the White Fang?" Salem spoke from the Seer. "I must say, if she goes down like this so easily, Cinder should have gone after you instead of Adam."

"That... huntress... from... Haven?" Sienna asked, choking on the seer.

"It was all but a ruse to get rid of the insufferable kingdom of Vale."

"Wait... that was you?"

"Directly? No. It was all Cinder. Though her success costed her life, she had everything go exactly to plan... that was until I had lost contact with one of your subsidaries."

"You... mean... Adam?"

"The very same. Which is why I want you to take his place. You will do as I say."

"And... if... I... refuse?"

The seer's tendrils choke Sienna harder.

"Well, your successor will have a lower willpower than you."

Sienna nodded her head; the seer's tendrils have let go from her. Sienna dropped and gasped for air.

"Your task is simple, you are to destroy Haven Academy at night time. You are to fulfil this task by the end of the month."

"And if I don't?"

"Well, my reaction wouldn't be pleasant."

"Very well... I will organize a plan."

"Good." Salem spoke through the seer, which self-destructed soon after.

And now Sienna needs to plan an act terrorism, for she fears for the faunas if she doesn't. If she can control grimm... she could have them selectively attack faunas at any time. It's bad enough that she has to fear the humans with their retaliation against Vale. Ever since Adam pulled that little stunt and ditched the White Fang, the morale here is at an all-time low, and now the entire organization is branded as terrorists across all the kingdoms. Even with a 'shoot-on-sight' policy on her and the other members of the White Fang. All that effort she had put in was now in vain. But now she's going to have to end up working for the actual grimm queen, not an approach she'd normally take. But one that she has to, out of fear of her.

Haven Academy, April 1, Sunday, 5:00 PM, Headmaster's Office

Haven academy was once a grand palace built for an empire long gone, but after the great war, and the residence of the monarchy changing... the building was re-shaped into a huntsman academy. With the dormitories being built around the massive servant's quarters. And the various halls built for combat arenas and ballrooms. Though, there has been more built onto it, using the same materials as the building was built on... except the VR-room. Though, the VR room is quite smaller than the combat arena. It's used to practice combat against grimm.

In addition, the classrooms are quite smaller compared to the ones in the other three academies. So, they have more class periods, but smaller class times. So, they can split up the student-body easier.

Well, explaining the structure of Haven academy is not what Roman Torchwick is here for. He's here to discuss terms with the headmaster of Haven Academy. Leonardo Lionheart. Though, despite his reputation of being a brave and fearless huntsman... the reputation doesn't match the man himself.

"Now... where were we? Ah yes, discussing your new transfers?" Roman asked.

"Just team SSSN, along with five beacon students. I still need to arrange a team name for them." Leonardo stated.

"Okay... and what are their names?"

"Well, there's Jaune Arc and his two teammates, along with Violet Jasper filling in for the fourth slot. There's also Yang Xiao Long of team RWBY. Which apparently has been decommissioned."

"And they're in the school right now?"

"Yes, class is in session until April sixth. And then the school year ends."

"mmm... noted."

"So, are they a problem by any chance?"

"Just adding some variables for the plan. All we need is for Emerald and Mercury to find that woman we're working for and we'll be on our way."

"Abd to think this thing would all end after Cinder died."

"Believe me, I never liked working for her either, and her replacement's quite worse in terms of time management. Now if you excuse me, I'll have a 'business meeting' to attend." Roman said, announcing his leave. " Oh, Neo!"

And just like that, Roman Torchwick once again leaves the Huntsman Academy, keeping a false smile to hide his disgust of the place. On the bright side, at least he knows that little red is out of the picture and won't cause any more trouble.

After all, it's basically confirmed that she's KIA after missing for a whole three months, if not more. Which all but good news to Ol 'Roman Torchwick here. Though, Neo is a bit disappointed that she didn't get to kill her herself. Now he's got to do some crime before Mr. W pesters him to do another mundane task.

Island of Patch, April 1, Sunday: 4:00 PM, Vale Refugee Tents

"Awaken!"

Author's Footnote: And I end with a teaser of what's to come in the first chapter of Volume 5. It's a bit short, but no less. It'll show you what may be in store for Volume 5. Since I hardly do things from the Villains perspective in this story. But ya, see ya when I actually start the Volume.