Hi guys!
Another chapter before the end of the year, got lucky!
Finally got free time, not much to say except hope you guys enjoy!
A Risky Deal
Qrow was in huge trouble, he wasn't sure how he'd get out of this.
Kron looked every bit as vicious as Raven described. He'll have to be extremely crafty just to survive this.
He looked at the Scourge of Anima and backed away. In a straight fight, he's got nothing against him he knows that just from that one punch.
His misfortune can only level the plain field so much. He'll need to bring this fight somewhere different, somewhere where there was plenty of things can happen.
Kron brought his hand up and waved a finger toward himself.
Qrow just shrugged. He'll have to make this work somehow, he dashed towards the 'monkey Faunus' and swung his blade.
Kron swayed the swipe with almost no effort.
The former bandit then performed a side strike making him back away under a tree branch.
The Saiyan was chuckling at how easy this was it was to be expected but knowing this was Raven's brother made it feel so nice to show his inferiority.
Just then an apple hit his head, it didn't hurt but it made him look up in confusion.
Then he looked back at his opponent.
He sees him running away!
"Grr" Kron ran towards him with greater speed.
Qrow remembered his way here if he's right he can make the odds a little more in his favor.
But just then Kron appeared in his way faster than he can blink.
The huntsman immediately swiped with his blade, it cut through a tree trunk on its way to Kron's shoulder.
But Kron caught the wrist holding his blade and pulled him in for a headbutt.
Qrow hit his head and fell back, he immediately rolled back and rubbed his head.
The Saiyan walked forward but heard something he turned to see a tree falling towards him. He punched through it forcing it to split in half before it could land on him, once again he turned to his opponent.
He was running towards a cave.
"Grr, is running away all that your family does!"
Qrow glanced back at that. Huh, he really did know Raven.
He turned back towards the cave and sees the abandoned mining equipment.
And just like he hoped out came flying a swarm of Lancers came out of it.
That meant it was abandoned because of the Grimm not because it was cleaned of its resources.
Qrow immediately cut his way through the swarm, bringing out his sword and slicing three in half at once, then piercing through another through the abdomen, he pulled the trigger to shoot the one behind it and kept evading and cutting his way through the mine.
Kron sees the lancers now going for him.
Without losing his focus on Qrow, he opened hand strike one through the throat cutting it's head off, blasting one at his side and kicked threw one in the middle making them all vanish as he forced himself into the abandoned mine.
Soon the area was completely wiped of Grimm and Kron made his way inside.
'If he is running away he made a bad choice.'
In what seemed like the middle of the mine was Qrow standing with his blade in a defensive position.
"Done running?" Kron was annoyed, both brother and sister were cowards.
"Wasn't running, just wanted to go for a jog y'know?" Qrow quipped.
"Tch" Kron was annoyed by this old man, and he cracked his knuckles ready to get whatever info he could.
Qrow looked at the boy trying to find any sign of fatigue. None so far, none of those Grimm slowed him down at all as he hoped.
Oh well, hopefully, this place will give him an edge not to beat this kid, but to escape. Though he thought he should convince him even a little. "Come on kid, I don't know what she did, but I'm nothing like my sister, let's just talk."
He chuckled. "Oh, I can tell, you reek of booze." The Saiyan mocked.
Maybe today he should've been sober, too late now.
The huntsman charged forward with his blade and took a swing.
Kron merely tilted his head as his neck shot missed.
Not deterred Qrow threw a couple more slashes only for them all to miss by the boy's speed.
The elder man kept a straight face, but he was shocked on the inside. 'This kid, he's definitely faster than Ruby.' He noted as he kept missing his slashes.
Kron then caught the blade as it was aimed at his chest, he then pulled Qrow close and spun with a backhand across his face making Qrow fly off the ground.
The huntsman hit the wall making a spider crack behind him as he thought. 'Stronger than Yang, even Taiyang.' He pushed himself off the ground and felt his face blood already. Not looking good.
Just when he was wondering what to do next Kron appeared in front of his face.
Kron was ready to throw another punch but tripped and punched his hand into the wall behind Qrow.
The masked Saiyan looked at where he had hit and at Qrow. He tripped. Was he under a dizzy semblance again? No, he feels fine.
Qrow took his opening and punched Kron's face. But after making contact the old crow looked scared.
Kron was standing with Qrow's fist in his masked face giving no reaction.
The Saiyan chuckled and pulled his fist out of the boulder and punched Qrow across the face sending him flying again.
Qrow then put his blade into the ground to slow down, he looked up to see him already in front of him.
Kron then open hand struck Qrow's throat making him cough and back away.
The huntsman grabbed his throat and stepped back. As Kron got closer, he took his sword up and pressed a button.
He slashed hoping to take him by surprise.
Kron stood still wondering what he was thinking he was out of range.
But then his sword shifted, the blade banded, and his handle seemed to extend revealing a scythe.
The Saiyan was surprised as his scythe managed to cut across his black tight top, showing skin.
Qrow cursed, he landed a hit, but no blood.
Kron chuckled as he was still impressed. "Not bad, but you should put more force behind it."
It's as much as he could put into it, he was hoping he'd get lucky. He kept backing away while putting a hand on his throat still recovering from the attack.
"Better talk now." Kron declared now that he's proven who's stronger. "What do you know about Raven? Where would she go?"
Qrow knew that he was beaten, and he needed time to think of something so he answered honestly. "No idea, I've been looking for her for awhile to, none of her friends know where she is." He stated as he backed away.
"Tch" The Saiyan was annoyed, if the siblings were estranged than it would make sense that he wouldn't know. Still, he couldn't just let him go.
"Fine then, the fun will continue."
The huntsman scoffed. 'Shit'
Kron then dashed towards him and grabbed him by the neck and held him up. "How about you stop holding back? I know you got something up your sleeve."
Qrow looked down at the kid while he was being choked and glanced up with a smile.
Kron wondered why he was looking up and so he did so as well it was too late as an Ice Dust Crystal fell and hit his face.
Causing him to let go and the Dust to activate.
As Qrow got out of Kron's grip he jumped back.
Kron was once again encased in ice, but he was forcing himself out of it.
The huntsman aimed his sword at him and pulled a trigger firing a Fire Dust bullet.
His opponent was able to force through the ice and charged forward deflecting the Dust bullets away from him ready to hit him again.
But this time he slipped. 'What?' He thought as he started to fall back on a patch of ice.
'What is going on?' Kron asked in his head. 'Things like this are happening unnaturally, is it just coincidence?' He thought of everything, an apple landing on his head distracted him, a tree almost fell on him, he tripped when he tried to punch him, and now he slipped on ice.
It must be a semblance that affects the environment to his advantage. Though he can't say exactly what.
What would it be called?
Kron looked up and Qrow took the opening and ran forward with his longsword aimed at his face. He pulled the trigger shooting Fire Dust into Kron's face and knocking him down.
The huntsman knew that this was pushing it, but he needed to make sure the kid was down, he was so much stronger than anything he's faced. 'Sorry kid.' He really hoped this wouldn't kill him.
He pulled the trigger several times to knock him out.
Once he was out of ammo, he pulled back his weapon and tried to reload while backing away...
Qrow stepped back while watching the body of his target, he hoped that it just knocked him out but if it didn't, he didn't know what he was going to do against this kid.
And to his dismay Kron slowly got up, shaking, but not because he was in pain. No. It was rage.
Qrow knew that he was so done, his Aura reserves were already low from the attacks of this kid, even fighting in this abandoned Dust mine to help his semblance wasn't going to stop him.
Kron was seething, this fight, it's been just one mess. He's been tripping, slipping, getting hit by random dust. He's been a clutz. But he wasn't dizzy like with that fighter earlier today. Was it his semblance? It must be! Well, one way to end that.
The Saiyan fired one blast towards Qrow.
He was hit in the chest and landed on the ground.
Kron appeared right in front of him with his hand on Qrow's throat. "Listen Branwen! I'm tired of this, hurry up and use those powers!"
Qrow didn't say anything about that cause he was barely conscious. Powers? What did he mean by that?
Kron then punched him in the stomach making him cough some spittle.
The Saiyan then proceeded to throw as many punches as possible in Qrow's midsection.
"Come on Raven!" He shouted the name of his sister as he kneed Qrow in the ribs making a cracking sound. "Don't you feel that? Do you want him dead!?"
Oh, so that's what he's doing. Damn, he was going to die for something Raven did. It was kind of up there on the mental list he had on what would kill him. Right below alcoholism.
He was starting to black out as Kron kept beating him.
"And you!" Kron now focused on his victim. "Come on! Use your powers now or you'll die!" He yelled desperate for at least a real fight.
What's that supposed to mean?
Suppose it doesn't matter now.
Qrow no longer felt the pain as his vision went black, his last sight was Kron's fist heading for his face.
'Sorry, Oz, I botched this one up.' He thought as he closed his eyes. 'Sorry girls, please, run if you see him.'
His red Aura had shattered leaving him vulnerable.
And Qrow's eyes closed peacefully.
Far Away
There was a girl in a workshop near a house. She had out a crimson curved blade and placed it on the top of a staff, forming a scythe.
Then she was putting gears together at the top.
"Ruby? Ruby?"
She turned her head to who entered the workshop and smiled. "Hi dad!"
It was Taiyang, and he looked over the scythe.
"Upgrading Crescent Rose?"
"Yeah! I found a way to reduce her recoil when she fires."
Taiyang chuckled hearing his younger daughter calling her weapon she. He supposed that was fine, everyone has their passions.
"That's great to hear Ruby, but since you're two years away from finishing Signal, don't you think it's time to focus on ha-"
"Lalalalala!" Ruby covered her ears and childishly made a noise to ignore her father's words.
"Ruby" Taiyang sighed as she kept going.
When it looked like her father was done talking, she placed her hands and down. "I already hear enough of that from Yang, please, I really just want to use Crescent Rose."
"You didn't even know what I was about to say!" Her father complained.
"You were about to say hand-to-hand!" She accused causing him to deflate. "And I keep saying I only need my scythe, I feel strong when I use her, without her I feel helpless."
"I know but sooner or later you'll be without your weapon and unable to defend yourself."
"That's not true!" She yelled. "I'm also making Crescent Rose more compact; I'll be able to carry her anywhere! I'll never be without my baby." She cherished her weapon with a smile.
Taiyang sighed. "You don't know that." He replied. "You know old Qrow can throw a punch on his own."
Ruby heard that name and turned to him. "W-well Uncle Qrow's had a long time to train, so I'll take my time learning hand-to-hand i-If I need it!" She said immediately as if she never wanted to learn hand-to-hand.
Taiyang sighed, his other daughter Yang was right she really is stubborn with that. Oh well, maybe in her last year of Signal he can convince her to take lessons from him or Yang.
He then sees her have a saddened face.
"What's the matter Ruby?"
"Uncle Qrow promised he'd help me upgrade Crescent Rose today, but he had a mission last minute." She sighed. "I thought he might have some cool ideas I haven't thought of."
Her father put a hand on her shoulder and smiled.
"Come on they'll be plenty of time for that, he'll be back before you know it, he's the second strongest guy we know am I right?"
His daughter giggled secretly wanting to say she thought Qrow was stronger but knew it would make him depressed.
Ruby had a beaming smile. "Yeah, I'm sure he'll be back with another cool story to tell in no time!"
After all her uncle was invincible, she'll see him again soon.
Anima
In the mines, Kron was looking down at his beaten prey for a few seconds before looking around.
Nothing. Nothing! He was hoping for any sign of a portal openeing.
He looked like he'd been waiting for a long time given the frustration he was showing on his face.
A groaning sound can be heard but he ignored it as he focused on his surroundings.
Qrow's eyes awoke with surprise, he gasped as he looked around to confirm that he was still alive.
"Grr" He grabbed his chest his ribs were in the worse condition they've ever been. Even Hazel never roughed him up this badly. He looked at the kid just turning his head back and forth. After a few seconds, he remembered what happened and got an idea of what he was doing.
Behind Kron's mask, he was glaring angrily not happy with the lack of result.
"She's not coming."
The Scourge of Anima turned around to look at his beaten opponent still lying down.
Qrow groaned as he forced himself to sit up, he wasn't getting away like this, he'll need to wait for his Aura to recharge before he's in shape to even walk. He figured he'll try to get more information out of the kid in case he manages to get out of this alive.
"So, you know how Raven's semblance works." He stated. "Kindred Link, allows to portal to anyone Raven bonds with, she can also tell when they're in danger."
He knows that it was how Raven 'saved' him from being captured by the Crown.
"So, Raven knows how badly you've beaten me, but she's never going to save me." Qrow explained dashing his hopes away. There was a fight with Hazel where he was near death and she wasn't doing anything, making it clear that she would never save him as long as he was with Ozpin.
The Saiyan growled in frustration.
Not sure what was going to happen the huntsman braced himself for his death.
But to his surprise, he just sat down on a rock.
Qrow noticed that his sword Harbinger was right next to him.
"She went on, and on about family this, family that." Kron remembered the many lectures on the importance of the tribes. "If she cared so much for family, I thought she'd save her brother."
Qrow was surprised to hear him talk in a somewhat civil tone. Ok, this was good they were getting somewhere.
"Raven has a different view on family." The scythe wielder said, he sees no reaction to that and took it as a sign to continue. "Ravens committed to only the Branwen tribe and no one else. She considers them to be the only family she has, any outsider even with shared blood isn't considered family."
Even her own daughter but he'll keep that to himself.
Kron heard this, it made sense. The tribe this, the tribe that, she was so focused on their protection to the point where she almost killed him for them. And Qrow was barely spoken about, and when he was it wasn't positive.
"Her tribe are just weaklings," Kron responded. "They claim to believe the strong live and the weak die, but if that were true she wouldn't waste her time protecting them, she should be letting them fight on their own and see if they're worthy of power and life."
That was how the Saiyans lived, either improve, be useful or die. And it was hell for him there. In the Branwen Tribe, he tried to live that way but only found out that the philosophy was a ruse.
Qrow heard this and was surprised, it sounded like he understood the philosophy of his former people and the hypocrisy of it all.
Now he had to ask one thing.
"Why haven't you killed me yet kid?" Qrow asked hoping that wasn't his death sentence. "I figured if you thought roughing me up wasn't gonna cut it you'd settle for ending it."
Kron looked at the former bandit and scoffed.
"I never saw you in the tribe" Kron began. "Your name came up every now and then, whenever I would ask Raven, she would just say that you lacked the mettle of doing what needed to be done and changed the subject."
When Qrow heard that he fought the urge to laugh. She was the one who ran away from her duty as a mother and the war against Salem.
The Saiyan continued. "She never spoke much else of you, so I knew that she didn't give a damn about you." He looked at him. "Killing you wouldn't do anything for me, even if she cared she's too cowardly to avenge you, I gain more from letting you live."
That made the huntsman curious.
"What do you gain?" He asked relieved that killing him wasn't his plan.
Kron chuckled as he looked at him. "The famed Qrow Branwen will spread a story of how the Scourge of Anima bested you." He chuckled at the thought. "You're the most famous huntsman I come across, even if you won't tell the story somehow it'll get out and you'll have to tell how I bested you."
He didn't expect that either.
"So, you want to be famous? People, to tell stories about you?"
Kron remembered back on his home planet that he and his father had to tell stories of many famous Saiyans. The tale of Galick, Fall of Yamoshi, Canba the Super Saiyan, Squaz the Brilliant and rise of the Vegeta family. His father would tell these stories and more he would use his Ki to make a show of it.
Here though on this planet, he get's to be the story. He gets to be a legend. Here everyone spreads word of the Scourge of Anima. The more people he leaves alive the more his name will be remembered as a story of the strongest being on the planet.
"Basically" Kron admits to the elder huntsman.
Qrow thought for a second and realized.
"Is that why you've left everyone you come across alive for years now?" He remembered that according to Raven Kron would always go for the kill and enjoy it.
Kron thought of that and remembered something Raven had told him the last time they met. Kali would be horrified knowing the deaths he caused, so he tried to minimize death as much as possible for the past eight years.
Of course, that's one reason he'll keep to himself, he'll only reveal the second.
"Exactly" Kron admitted. "Dead men tell no tales."
That wasn't really the reason Qrow was hoping for but it made sense. This kid doesn't seem to have much morality. Oh well he'll take what he can get, and besides now he knows one of his motives.
Now to ask something else.
"Can I ask" Qrow said slowly hoping not to trigger him. "what exactly did my sister do to make you want to kill her?" He asked bracing himself in case a beating comes. "Why is she the exception?"
Kron heard that and looked at the huntsman. He remembered how she brought the Crown's agents to him with the Alpha Ursa, pretended to save him from something she caused. Then even worse, tricked him into thinking Kali who had done nothing but helped him got hm captured by Ghira.
He'll hide that last bit of info.
"She tricked me," Kron said simply. "She had me thinking she was helping me, but she orchestrated a plan to manipulate me into being on her side." He explained angered at the thought.
Qrow can tell he was getting in a worse mood from explaining so he kept his mouth shut for a few seconds. Since he made it clear that he wasn't going to kill him, maybe he can try to get some more information.
"Hey kid" Qrow began as he got his attention. "What was it that you were screaming at me when you were beating me, you said something about showing my powers right?" He wasn't sure he heard that right since he was pretty much breaking him. "What powers were you talking about?"
Behind his mask Kron had a confused look, he should know about it, right?
"I was talking about Raven's powers." He explained like that was all he needed.
"What do you mean? I know you don't mean her semblance, what kinda powers?" He had an idea but he was in denial. There is no way she would. Would she?
From the sound of it he doesn't have what Raven has, the Saiyan found that disappointing, that means he wasn't holding out on him and doing his best in their fight. Might as well tell him.
"It's this weird power, her eyes glow red flame light, she can throw elements around without Dust, fly, and becomes faster and stronger." He remembered how her power was in their fight, at the time it was stronger than him, and he had to use his brain to get the upper hand. "You're her brother so I assumed you had the same abilities."
Qrow had a confused look like he didn't know what he was talking about. But he did, he is doing his best to do a poker face.
He had his suspicions when he was yelling at him to use his powers, but the description he gave now, there was no doubt about it.
Raven's a Maiden.
Shit!
But how? Leo. Did he lose the Spring Maiden?
And Raven! Why? Why would she do that? She had said that she didn't want to be involved with Ozpin or Salem. If she did this behind Ozpin and his back, then that means she didn't just run away from the fight. She betrayed them! She took a power that she had no right to! She's either with Salem or plotting something on her own.
Either way, she's a traitor!
Never in his life had he been angry at his sister.
But he kept his cool, he didn't want to give too much info to the kid just yet.
"That power" Qrow began. "Whatever it is, she didn't have it when I was in the tribe, that's for sure."
Kron hoped that he at least would know what it is but oh well.
"So kid" Qrow started. "What happens now?"
Kron grabbed Harbinger and pulled it out of the ground. "This is mine now." He declared as he rose the blade to rest behind his head and on his shoulder.
Damn, he was going to have to build a new one. Oh well, better to lose your weapon than your life. This reminds him, he'll need to remember to teach this to Ruby.
The Saiyan then began walking away with his sword trophy. "Make sure, to be honest with your story on how I beat you, and If you ever see Raven, tell her I'm going to rip her guts out." He said as he walked away.
Qrow thought this was a better outcome than he hoped, he was alive and got new information that he and Oz could use. But then a thought came to mind.
This kid beat Raven, and she was a Maiden. And the wielder was his sister, one of the strongest in the world before being a Maiden. That was eight years ago. What is he capable of now?
That settled it he couldn't just let him walk away; he was powerless to stop him physically. He had to try something, something crazy!
"Hey, wait" Qrow got the Scourge's attention.
Kron surprisingly stopped and turned around. "I told you, your weapon is mine." He earned it fair and square.
Qrow managed to stand up his Aura was healing his injuries enough to help him walk.
"No not, that, keep it." The huntsman replied. "Look kid, you got issues with my sister, and" He looked like he had reservations. "so do I, if you want, I can help you find her."
Kron scoffed.
"You said you have no idea where she disappeared to." He pointed out. "What could you do?"
"True" Qrow admitted. "But I do still have friends in high places, I know people, powerful people that can find her with enough time." Ozpin's influence, Jimmy's army, Leo, and Theodore Raven won't have many places to hide.
If she's alive, but he'll worry about that later.
Kron thought of this offer and decided to emphasize something.
"You do know I intend to kill that old hag, right?" Was this human was going to be alright with him killing his sister? Family on this planet was treated a little differently, he remembered his time with Kali and Blake. But right now this felt like a typical sibling relationship back home.
Qrow thought about that. Raven had run away to her tribe after seeing everything Salem can do and believed Ozpin was hiding something, she wanted to protect her people. He can forgive that.
The Branwen Tribe was their home. She abandoned Tai and Yang for them. She did try to take Yang to the tribe at one point, so she did care for her but in the end chose those bastards over her. He can barely forgive that.
But, stealing one of the four powers that can take the relics and give Salem an advantage. In his eyes that was too much, she didn't just leave him and Ozpin. She betrayed them, she put the world in danger for a bunch of murderers and thieves! He put her family, her daughter who she already abandoned in danger! He couldn't forgive that.
If Raven dies, he will mourn. But she's proven that the world would be better off without her.
Still, it was hard, she was still family. And he hopes that this was some plan to help them against Salem. But no, he knows his sister. It's all about the tribe. It's all about her. He's better off without her.
Yang's better off without her. Better off never meeting her.
But there was a complication.
"Raven's a backstabber, if you kill her, she has it coming" Qrow admitted though it hurt him to say it. "All I ask though is you give me and some friends of mine time with her."
Kron didn't like the sound of that.
"Time for what?" He asked in a threatening tone.
Qrow noticed that and tried to explain. "She took something that's very important, we'll just need time to take it, you can be there and watch in case she tries anything." Either bring another girl to be the Spring Maiden or put her in the chamber Ozpin has Amber in to extract the power.
"After that" The huntsman continued but still hesitated, he had to repeat in his head that she betrayed them. Everyone she cared about! "Do what you gotta a do." It still hurt to say that, Summer's probably disappointed in him now.
Qrow then extended his hand. "What do ya say?"
Kron thought of this offer. He didn't expect this to be the outcome of his encounter with the brother of his greatest enemy. It seemed to have everything he needed without asking for much. Can he really trust another Branwen?
He had no other leads, nothing to tell him where she is. This was the only option. And if it's a trap he'll be strong enough to take whatever they throw at him.
Kron extended his hand.
Qrow had a frown, he felt many emotions. He felt guilty that he might get his sister killed, even after all she's done she was still family, she still cared about Yang, but taking the Spring Maiden's power made him have doubts about all that.
He also felt like he made a huge accomplishment, this kid who's stronger than a Maiden might become a potential ally. He might be the key to taking out Salem! He might've found a way to save the world and put this war to an end. And if Raven had to pay the price for it, so be it, she dug her own grave.
Qrow's Aura had been fully recharged, and his semblance was active. It was a semblance that can never turn off and always spread misfortune to enemies or allies.
Just before Kron's hand was about to shake Qrow's hand a rock landed just behind the Saiyan.
Kron turned his head and sees a red crystal. It exploded in flames, this caused the Saiyan to trip and let go of Harbinger making it slide far out of their reach.
Qrow immediately jumped back out of instinct and his eyes widened. 'No.'
Kron's arms were covered in flames and yelled. He immediately patted himself using his Ki to on his hands to reduce the flames. Once the flames were reduced the Saiyan turned to Qrow.
He couldn't see his face behind the mask, but he knew that he had a look of murderous rage.
"Kid" He was about to speak.
"That was your semblance." Kron accused, which was right.
How did he know that? He didn't mention his semblance. Did he figure that out on his own?
Qrow was so shocked that he wasn't prepared to lie. "No, I mean, yes, but I-"
Kron fired a Ki shot at the second Branwen who tried to trick him.
Qrow was hit and hit the wall behind him, and he looked up to see Kron was already in front of him. "Look, kid this isn- gah!"
Kron grabbed his throat and smashed him against the wall, creating many spider cracks. One of them unfortunately triggered another Dust crystal.
"Your sister will join you," Kron said as he powered up a Ki ball.
The former bandit couldn't do anything against him.
Just then the entire mine was shaking.
Caught off guard Kron tripped and released the former bandit. He reached to try to grab him but only took a piece of his cape as the brother of his greatest enemy began to escape.
Qrow wanted to stay and try to explain that his semblance was uncontrollable but the entire mountain shaking indicated he didn't have enough time even if Kron listened.
He looked at Kron who was starting to get up, he looked down to see his weapon, he grabbed it quickly and ran out looking at Kron with a guilty look.
Kron fired another Ki blast at the fleeing bandit.
A large boulder got in front of it and was destroyed followed by more boulders, so Qrow was out of sight.
"Qrow!"
As soon as he knew that he couldn't be seen Qrow's body began to shift smaller and into a black bird, a crow. After swiftly dodging many boulders and dust crystals of the exploding mine he made it outside by ironic luck.
Still, in bird form Qrow flew up to a tree and looked down at the mine below.
He didn't believe that the kid was all bad anymore, but he was ashamed that a part of him hoped that the kid died in there.
Now that he considers him an enemy, he'll be another problem, or worse he might join Salem.
The rubble of the crumbled mine began to shake, a fist came out of the rubble.
And as he predicted Kron had flown out of the mine his outfit had more holes from the burns and shocks of the Dust, and in his hand was a piece of the tattered piece of Qrow's cape.
Kron scanned the area around him and sniffed. His sense of smile should be able to find him. He glared down at a tree and flew right down.
Qrow as a bird was terrified to see him coming at him.
But to his relief, Kron crashed through the tree not knowing of his other ability.
Qrow flew off as far as he could away from the forest while observing the destroyed mine.
As he predicted a fist popped out from the ground.
It was best he fly far away, he was aware of his semblance so if he stays he might get a hint that he's here.
Kron popped out from the ground and screamed in fury.
Qrow got close to the town Kron came from and once he was in between buildings he shifted to human form again.
The huntsman landed on his knees and punched the ground.
"Damn it!" He shouted not caring how loud he was. He was so close! The kid not only gave him some info, but he also was going to help him reclaim the Spring Maiden, and maybe in time come to their side against Salem.
But his semblance. His damn semblance acted up just before they could've been allies.
He should've explained that his semblance acts on its own! That he can't turn it off! If only he didn't figure out his semblance, then he could've played it off as actual bad luck!
And now, he might've just gotten a bigger problem for everyone to deal with.
Qrow sighed and stood up. He took out his flask and took a bigger drink than usual, chugging the whole flask and being disappointed when it was empty.
'Gonna need to restock. But not here.' He didn't want to risk an encounter with him again.
He just cost his comrades a powerful ally and might've created a new enemy.
But that doesn't matter right now, he needed to get out of there before the kid finds him. He walked on the road intending to head to the closest route to Vale.
Ozpin needs to know the situation he created.
And that his spineless sister took a power that she had no business wielding.
Today was just bad luck.
Kron was still in the area looking for any trace of Qrow, up in the air he scanned the area for any scent or sight of him.
Still nothing.
'The bastard got away!'
He took out a piece of Qrow's tattered cape, not much of a trophy but he'll take it. He made both cursed siblings run.
Still this was far from a pleasant day.
He thought he had found someone that can track help her down and exact his revenge.
After a few minutes he calmed himself.
'Ok, but at least it tells me one thing, he maybe on Raven's side but she's not willing to risk defending him .' He gave Qrow a thorough beating broke a couple ribs enough to make her show up, so he told the truth that she wouldn't defend her, but he must be on his side to try a stupid stunt like that. 'So next time I see him he's dead, if he doesn't tell me how to find her, if he won't then it serves him right for tricking me!'
Originally he wasn't going to kill him regardless if he was useful or not. But not after that little stunt, he's sure that he knows something and kept it from him, now if he still refuses to talk he'll put him down.
One thing is clear, no one in Raven's family is to be trusted. When he sees any more relatives, he'll interrogate them and if they refuse to be of use he'll crush them with all he has, no exception.
Now to focus than where else can he go to get some more intel for Raven. He bled Kuchinashi dry for information and many others
He'll just have to go around the cities and hope something turns up.
Kron was about to fly off back to his hideout when a gunshot went off.
The Saiyan turned to where he heard that sound and looked around.
He flew down to where the sound originated, good he can blow off some steam.
Kron landed and encounters the one who fired the shot.
"Hello~" Tyrian greeted in a sing-song voice.
Just a weakling, whatever.
Kron dashed forward.
Tyrian didn't see as he was being tackled and pushed against a tree by his elbow. Such ridiculous speed, his goddess was right about his power.
In his mask Kron was glaring. "You, caught me in a bad mood Tyrian." He might make another exception for his no-kill policy with this weakling.
"Gah!" He smiled as he was threatened. "My, my, y-you've really gotten so much stronger." He remembered back when he had to escape the Crown agents he hired, at this level he'd likely be able to destroy them. "I can help you find Raven."
Before Kron would hear him out but he was already tricked once he won't be again in one day.
The Saiyan rose a fist ready to attack, he threw a punch.
Tyrian brought it to Kron's face.
Something on the paper made Kron stop just inches away from hitting Tyrian.
Tyrian's smile didn't waver even facing the young man's knuckles.
Kron took the paper with his other hand, and even pulled back his elbow to let him drop to the ground.
The Scorpion Faunus sighed, his plan almost went horribly wrong for a second. He stood up dusting himself off and observed Kron. Even with his mask on, he could tell that Kron was most interested in the picture. Good.
His potential murderer didn't turn to Tyrian at all he just couldn't stop looking at the photo.
The photo was of Raven, on a stretcher being carried by two men in black outfits and masks. She was looked to a breathing device on her face and her covered in bandages, about to enter a bullhead along with her sidekick, Vernal at her side.
Was this why he wasn't with the tribe for three years? Was this from their battle eight years ago? He smiled at that, he knew it. He really did hurt her, put her in a coma! A sense of accomplishment washed over him.
But he had to ask.
"Where did you get this?" Kron still focused on the photo.
Tyrian smiled as he explained. "You have not been the only one searching for Raven. I found a member of the Branwen Tribe, after some 'discussions' he gave me this photo."
The Saiyan growled, this weakling has had better results on his search than he did. But he's been tracking Raven to, so he has some useful info.
Finally, he looked away from the photo and focused on the Faunus. "You found an active member of the Brawen Tribe? How? Where was he? And why would he have this?"
Tyrian giggled at him. "Kron, you may be stronger and faster than anyone I've met." He began buttering him up with facts. "But you don't quite have the skill of tracking as I do, I can find anyone, no matter their semblance or where they hide."
Kron wanted to beat him for saying something he can't do. But the assassin was right, all Kron's been doing is beating any criminal he found and demanding to tell him what they know of Raven or her group. It led him to a former Branwen Tribe member, but he ended up with only little info and no idea where to go next.
"Also" The Scorpion Faunus continued. "Years ago the Branwen Tribe member took that picture, he was one of their best scouts and got annoyed with taking orders from Vernal and so followed her on one of the days she disappeared, he took that picture in an attempt to persuade the other members to follow his lead."
That made sense, the Branwen Tribe were weaklings but even they will be blindly loyal for so long, with Raven missing one of them would want to know what was going on and try to take her place. Since he had all his questions answered there was only one thing left to do.
"Take me to her." The Saiyan threatened. "Now"
With his hands up the Scorpion Faunus tried to calm him. "Easy, it isn't that simple, I still have yet to find her, as I said I need time." He can see his hands clench. "However, I do have a good idea on where her doctor is."
That calmed Kron down. Her doctor? Close enough.
"Well, who is he? Where do I find him?"
Tyrian chuckled, it was working. He got him interested.
"Right now, my sources say he's in Solitas."
"Solitas?" Kron asked as he thought for a second. "That's the continent Atlas is on, why would he go there? General Ironwood keeps his land on a tight leash." That's the reason there was no underground arena there.
"Oh my dear boy." Tyrian said smiling making Kron feel like punching him. "No matter the kingdom there will always be someone of our lifestyle hidden in the cracks."
The Scourge of Anima didn't say anything and just stared at the picture of his wounded enemy.
"Is she still with him?" Kron asked hoping that finally he could exact his revenge.
"I cannot say for certain." He answered honestly. "But the Branwen member I interrogated had said multiple times that Raven was still not with them to this day." More like screamed it multiple times as he was being tortured.
That gave Kron some hope if it was true.
"So if she's not with the tribe for eight years than she can still be receiving treatment." Kron concluded as he looked at the photo, proud at the damage he'd done to her.
"Correct" Tyrian replied. "His name is Dr. Turquoise, he's an underground doctor who provides service for the right price, I will help you find him in exchange, you let me take the doctor."
So he wanted the doctor? Probably to recruit him or something, not that it mattered to him. But he needed to make one thing clear.
"I am never joining you." Kron was no longer going to answer to anyone, that part hasn't changed.
Tyrian predicted he'd say that.
"Perish the thought." He replied. "I now understand that you are a free spirit, independent, I will never make such a disrespectful attempt to recruit you ever again."
And yet he will still be of use to his goddess.
Tyrian brought his hand out and offered a handshake. "So? Do you accept this offer?"
Kron thought of Raven, just like he thought of Qrow's offer he had the pros and cons in mind.
For the first time he has a picture of Raven, proof that she survived and now knows that she's receiving treatment from their battle. All this weakling wants is this Dr. Turqoise, and with the picture chances are this is no lie. He might be just a step away from finding the old hag.
And even if this were some trap, he doubts, he, Hazel, or any weakling they have can harm him. He's been fighting teams of huntsmen casually, destroyed any kind of Grimm, made Qrow Branwen a legend look like child's play, and of course put Raven the strongest he's seen on the planet in a coma.
For the second time today, Kron brought out his hand.
The two shake on it.
Tyrian gave a friendly smile and was giddy like a schoolgirl, but then he went down as his hand was being squeezed.
He looked up at his 'ally' wondering if he wasn't accepting after all.
Kron glared down at the assassin. "If this is a trick, I will find you, tear your tail off and pierce you with it." He still didn't trust him.
Tyrian only smiled up though he was in pain. "Of course, partner."
With that Kron let go of Tyrian from his tight grip.
The Scorpion Faunus stood up holding his wrist for a second before reaching into his back pocket. "Here" He handed out a piece of paper.
Kron took it and unfolded it to reveal a map of the icy continent of Solitas with an X on it.
"Meet me on that spot on the map in three days." He instructed as he began walking away.
"Three days?" The Scourge of Anima asked frustrated.
Tyrian turned with a calming smile. "Remember, I still need the right time."
Kron said nothing and just nodded.
"Oh and, keep the picture, hope it brings you comfort." The Scorpion Faunus then waved and started running into the forest.
The Saiyan still wasn't sure if this was a trick or not. But when he looked back at the photo he knew it made any doubts dissapear.
He looked at the photo he was given of Raven looking like she was clinging on to life.
But seeing this made him feel that today was a lucky day..
Damn, Qrow almost had the strongest on their side only for it to go wrong because of his semblance. And Tyrian managed to take a deal instead.
So for those that don't know, Qrow's semblance is always active, the only way it shuts off is when his Aura is broken, when it recharges it works full blast. Especially dangerous in an explosive mine, so, unfortunately, pun not intended, his semblance activated as soon as Kron was going to shake his hand.
If only his Aura stayed low for just a few minutes.
And now Qrow knows that Raven has the Spring Maiden powers early, and was willing to throw her under the bus.
Qrow willing to have her die, seems sudden but I think to him, Raven taking the Spring Maiden powers for herself meant she was plotting something either for herself or Salem, and it put the world in danger, including her brother and her daughter. The reason he didn't get this upset in canon was that Raven at least let Yang get the relic so it made him think she didn't go completely, traitor. Plus, since it's evident that Kron can beat a Maiden, then I believe he'd be willing to sacrifice his sister to end the war with Salem, especially that she stabbed him and Ozpin in the back like that.
That's my reasoning for why Qrow was willing to let Kron do his thing, let me know what ya'll think.
And now Kron is working with Tyrian, well this could only end well.
In his defense, he's got good reason to be cocky and think he'll get the better of Tyrian if he is tricking him. We'll see how that goes.
Review Responces
guest: Lol prop for an original idea.
not a guest: Understandable why u want that. Who knows you might get your wish, Raven is still not with the tribe.
epantoja521: Thank you, I hope this chapter also made it interesting.
Abege: Lol Eww, that'd make her a groomer. Lol
Hashka: Long story short.
Raven put Kron in a situation where he was almost captured and 'saved' him. Ch11
Raven basically tricked Kron into thinking Kali lured him into getting captured by Ghira. Ch 16
Kron found out that Raven had made all that happened and now wants to rip her head off.
If you want a more detailed explanation read the last couple scenes of Ch 18, it explains in detail what Raven did.
ThatSaiyaGuy: Thank you! That's a good point and it'll come up soon.
Lol, it was a huge mess, anyone would freak out if they saw it, and thank you lol. Your on the right track you'll see what the dust does soon. So no it can't absorb Ki, but just remember, in Ch 21 Salem said it would level the playing field, with Kron. The question is how. You'll see hints on what the Dust does and you'll probably piece it together.
Agreed :) Yeah, i guess your right, Raven did help take care of that weakness and had them bond over him getting stronger. If only she didn't screw up.
Lol, yep, well at the very least Kron probably won't hurt her, he's got too much of a soft sport for her and Kali.
Yeah, I was debating whether to take my time with it, but I thought it would push the plot forward at the right pace I want. And Tyrian's not done playing Kron for a fool yet. The crafty bastard. And it almost worked out for Qrow, but damn he's too much of a bad luck charm.
Ok, thank you, I hope this chapter had the quality you like to.
Lelouch of Zero: Thank you! Well, Qrow's semblance works on everyone around him, not on himself I believe. I was only joking when I said it looked like it worked on himself since he was led to one of the strongest on the planet who has a grudge against his sister. The only thing is he can't turn it off and doesn't get to decide who it affects. Like here when he almost made a deal with Kron. Trust me I got their meeting planned out, I think you'll like it.
Guest: Thank you
mattyread: Thank you lol glad someone liked it. Yeah, well at least he got away, and now he might be next after Raven.
Runeion: Thank you. Hell yeah Ragnarok is awesome I haven't finished it and I'm still having fun. Yeah I kinda agree with pokemon, I think it's about time they stop using types for gyms, that might make it better. No worries, it's good to talk about other things every now and then.
No problem, I just had to use it when I read that lol. Well Kron wasn't going to kill him and Qrow almost got an ally. If only the damn semblance didn't interfere.
BunkerfreakHD: Thank you. Well Kron's toned himself down, he doesn't really go for the kill anymore. He's panning on Raven being the acception to that rule. Even Qrow wasn't going to be a victim, well he might be now after this incident. So close. Also Kron probably won't hurt Blake too much, he still has a soft spot for Kali and her to an extent, now that he knows Raven tricked him
Well that's everyone, ok hope you guys have a good holiday I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Have an awesome day! :)