Hi! So I thought of having another week off but then I started writing this week and felt the drive to come back.
Plus I finished Ragnarok. Great Game! It was a god damn masterpiece in my opinion. The story the twists, god damn it was awesome and am preying hard for a new one. I won't say much in case some of you want to avoid spoilers but round two with Thor is as epic as the first.
Anyway I ended up going back to writing after finishing the game and feel ready to have another go at this.
BTW I found some fanart someone commissioned awhile ago, it happened months ago and I didn't see it until recently. Warning, this one is a bit more graphic than what I usually get.
Artist: SoritaChan
Art: Blake x Kron X Yang
Again it's a bit more graphic then most of what I get. It's a censored threesome of Blake, Kron, and Yang. Just gotta say this being a scene is likely not gonna happen. That being said I appreciate the art regardless, it's cool to see people who read this story commission art for the story. Again the art is censored but it is kinda graphic in case u don't like to see that kinda art.
Commisioner: RavenKalderis
Anyway enough about me time for the chapter.
Hope u guys enjoy it.
Schemes For the Future
Somewhere in Anima.
A couple of trees had been ruined some time ago.
Beowolves crawled toward the damage and sniffed.
Realizing there was life nearby the pack dashed towards the crash intent on ending the life of whatever crashed there.
One got close to the core of impact.
And its head was slashed clean off its body.
The other beowolves looked at the man who had crash-landed here.
A figure stood up looking down at the beowolves, holding his right side.
Once he walked forward it was revealed to be a scorpion Faunus with long braided hair.
"Grr, that brat!" Tyrian yelled as he looked down at his side where Kron had kicked.
It tore his vest showing skin and dark purple area showing the damage he had done.
That one kick decimated more than half of his Aura and damaged his body.
He was pretty helpless at the moment; even common Grimm are a threat to him.
A beowolf jumped him.
He moved out of the way only for one from behind to slash him in the back.
It sent the assassin tumbling down on his back.
One beowolf got on him and grabbed his shoulders to keep him in place.
Tyrian did not have the strength to push the creature off and looked panicked.
The monster tried to bite down.
But Tyrian pulled something out of his pouch and slammed it across the creature's face.
The beowulf let go and backed away.
Tyrian got up showing what he pulled out of his pouch.
It was one of the many Black Dust crystals he collected.
The beowolf he struck showed that have its face was disintegrating. It roared as he charged forward again.
Tyrian again slammed the Dust across the creature's head disintegrating its head completely making it vanish.
The other grimm charged intent on killing the scorpion.
The Faunus reached into his pouch to pull another black crystal.
He then slammed them into a different Beowulf each of their heads.
With only one hit from the crystals in the right place the creature's heads vanished.
Tyrian fell onto one knee still in pain from where Kron had hit him.
He looked at one crystal and smiled.
Just as his goddess had said, these crystals are extremely harmful to the Grimm once they have taken a harvest. Comes in handy when you can't fight well with Aura for the moment.
And that is only the least of their uses.
Now they just need to ripen, and the boy will no longer be a problem.
"Tyrian"
He heard the sweet voice of his goddess.
The scorpion turned around and bowed before the voice.
In front of him wasn't Salem but a Grimm, an eyeball with tentacles. One of her Seers.
The eye opened showing Salem's face.
"What is your report?" She asked in a sweetened tone.
"I" Tyrian paused. "I'm so sorry my goddess! I had all but one of my targets! I even took Dr. Turquoise's ahead of schedule! I had the boy fight Sepia and her semblance showed the effects that Jax had theorized."
He started to tear up as he had to explain the worst part.
"I, I had the girl but the boy, he, he realized she was an enemy of the Branwen's and, and-"
"Tyrian"
The assassin closed his eyes in pain.
A tentacle came to his shoulder.
He glanced up at the Seer expecting his goddess to have a disappointed look.
But to his surprise, she had a warm smile on her face that he loved so much.
"My dear Tyrian, Dr. Turquoise was meant to be Hazel's target in weeks, and you harvested him ahead of schedule."
Tyrian's eyes widened but he had to make sure his goddess wasn't angry and point something out.
"B-but Sepia, s-she-"
"Can be harvested at our leisure." Salem interrupted with a smile and patted Tyrian on the head with the Seer's tentacle.
The Scorpion looked to have calmed down and smiled as his goddess was stroking his head.
"Hazel is almost done with his harvest, soon with or without Sepia we will have the power required to bring both Ozpin and the Scourge to their knees."
Tyrian cried tears of joy and bowed.
"Thank you for your forgiveness my goddess!"
Salem smiled and lifted the Seer's tentacles.
"Hand over the pouch containing the Dust crystals I handed you." She explained. "I will have this Seer deliver it to Dr. Merlot, Eclipse can start the next phase of his training."
Tyrian nodded and handed the pouch containing the harvested crystals.
He then looked down at the Dust he pulled out and was about to place them in the bag.
Bu the Seer rose a tentacle to stop him making him look confused.
Salem smiled.
"It will be take time before Hazel completes his harvest, I have a new task for you Tyrian."
Tyrian looked confused and listened to his goddess's wish.
With a twisted smile he nodded more than happy to fulfill his new mission.
Raven had followed the pathway she found for hours. How far does this place even go?
Suppose it made sense Ozpin would make getting to the Shrine so elaborate in case anyone else found it.
She walked past some statues of a young woman.
As she did the statues started moving.
The former Branwen Chief stopped and turned with her sword up.
Blocking an attack from the statue of the woman that was now animate.
Raven looked up at the creature.
'A geist?' Those were the Grimm that can think of that control inanimate objects.
She didn't see the mask anywhere on its body.
'No, it's made from magic.' She concluded. 'Ozpin's magic.'
She pushed her blade up forcing the statue to stumble backward.
Raven then put her blade in her sheathe and pressed the blue button.
She pulled out an Ice blade and slashed at its leg covering it in ice.
The former bandit Chief then cut all across the statue encasing it completely in ice.
Then with a well-placed kick the statue shattered into pieces.
Raven narrowed her eyes.
Ozpin wouldn't have such little security protecting this place.
She turned to see more of the same statue moving.
All rising in response to her being here.
Dozens of them in her way and behind her in the huge chamber.
Raven scoffed as she sheathed her weapon.
Hardly much of a defense for common huntsmen, let alone of her abilities.
She pressed the yellow button on her sheath and ran towards a good number of statues.
With one strike each they were cut in half with lightening down the middle.
One statue threw a punch from behind.
Raven turned around to effortlessly block the statue's punch.
Her eyes widened as she felt the statue's force noticeably stronger than the last one.
She was pushed far back.
Then as she stopped one statue stomped on her back into the ground.
Raven's eyes widened; this defense was a bit more than she thought.
A familiar red flame-like light appeared at her eyes.
The statue that held her down crumbled to pieces from the fire she surrounded herself in.
Raven pushed herself up surprised that she had to use her Maiden abilities now.
And she mentally scolded herself for thinking the Shrine would be so easy to enter.
These guardian statues are going to need more effort than she thought.
"Damn you Ozpin." She said as she rose Omen, her eyes glowing brighter ready to fight the numerous statues in her path.
Flying across the ocean was Kron heading toward Vale.
The Saiyan put a hand under his chin. Thinking of what to do first when he's there.
"Ok so the daughter likely lives in Vale if she's going to Beacon, and in a month Beacon Academy's first semester will start." He remembered Vernal saying that. "If I can't find Raven's daughter in a month, it should narrow down my search when she attends the school."
He looked ahead to see land, knowing the direction he was going means it has to be Sanus.
"Finding a blonde-haired girl, with a brown jacket, who knows how many fit that description." He complained. "She is looking for Raven so if I ask if there's any blondes looking for her that should help her stand out."
Finding Raven's daughter was important.
But there was one important thing that he needed to address.
His boredom.
What would he do if he had to wait for Beacon Academy to start?
"Normally, I'd just do whatever I want until the month is up, stir up some trouble, fight the strongest huntsmen I can find."
The Saiyan took his mask off and looked at it as he approached Sanus.
"But I can't do that." He sighed.
"If Raven's semblance has been undone then she thinks I'm dead."
With that conclusion, he had an annoyed expression.
"So if her daughter is in Vale, I can't just have my fun like usual, not like in Atlas, if Raven knows I'm here she might take her daughter somewhere far from here, especially knowing that I learned of her existence."
The Saiyan landed on the shores of Sanus and looked around.
He remembered the last time he was here.
And there was one place he knew that could give him some information.
Before he goes, he'll have to hide the mask and keep his tail and mask hidden.
The Saiyan groaned as he put the mask behind him, and his tail wrapped around it.
"I can't find her myself, but I have an idea of who can help me."
He looked in the direction towards Vale. He's never been to the city, when he traveled here working as Daim's champion he only ever went to one other place.
"I'll have some rest first." He said as he lay down tired from flying here, thinking of what to do.
Hopefully, he remembered Daim's passphrase.
In a bar in Vale
"I think you've really had enough."
"Fuck off and get me my refill."
The bartender closed an eye trying to figure out how to deal with this drunk huntsman.
"I'm sorry but I-"
The huntsman slammed his hand on the counter filled with lien.
"I got money! Just get me my refill!"
The door opened making a bell ring.
A blonde man walked towards the drinking huntsman as the bartender served another drink.
The huntsman tried to down the drink but the blonde man put a hand on his shoulder.
This seemed to have triggered the drunk and he turned around.
It was Qrow clearly worse for wear, he put a hand on the handle of his blade.
But he stopped when he saw who interrupted his drinking.
"Tai?" He slurred.
Taiyang looked him up and down.
"Geez Qrow, it's been a while since I've seen this."
His friend merely shook his head.
"I'm not in the mood, leave I gotta-"
Tai grabbed Qrow's drink and drank the whole thing in a sec.
"Hey, the fuck Tai!"
The blonde man put the glass on the counter.
"What? Only dullards drink alone Qrow."
Qrow in his drunken state glared.
"Get lost! I nee-"
"Need to kill your liver?"
Qrow cursed under his breath.
"Tai I swear to gods if you don't leave I'll'"
"Vomit?" Tai interrupted. "Trip over, pass out? What Qrow?"
The reaper stood up but stumbled a bit clearly affected by the drinks he was putting away.
"Look, you're my neeze's dad, so piss off and I won't have to beat ya again."
He couldn't even talk right.
Tai rolled his eyes as if he's seen him like this before.
"Beacon courtyard, let's go."
Qrow scoffed and looked at the bartender who looked like he was caught between two fighting goliaths.
"I'm not leaving, either you knock me out and keep going or I knock you out and you wake up early for your hang over."
"Tch" The former Branwen Tribe member looked extremely pissed at him.
"Fine, let's go."
Qrow walked out of the bar.
Before Taiyang left he turned and handed money on the counter.
"Sorry about that, here, this should cover it."
Taiyang then walked towards the door.
"Uh, sir, he already paid his tab."
The blonde man turned to him.
"That's a tip, for putting up with him."
He walked out the door following his drunk friend.
The Ruins.
Hours had gone by since Raven had set foot here.
Many statue pieces were on the ground.
Raven skidded across and stabbed her blade in the ground to slow herself down.
She looked up showing the glowing flame coming from her eyes showing that she was using her Maiden abilities.
The statues of the woman stood tall all, there were only six of them left.
One would assume they shouldn't be a problem if Raven had destroyed a couple dozen.
A statue came forward and tried to punch down at Raven.
She couldn't dodge and blocked with her sword.
Before she could block it.
But now she was knocked back and crashed against the wall making her cough.
Raven stood up breathing heavily, her aura showed flickering.
She realized the danger Ozpin had implanted in this place.
Turns out the more statues she destroyed, the stronger the rest get.
Each of these statues have the strength of dozens of them in their bodies now.
Not quite rivaling a Maiden's power, but still with six of them they were strong.
And if she destroyed five of them the last one would be too much for her with or without her powers.
The statues ran towards her intent on destroying the intruder.
Raven jumped out of the way as it crushed the ground.
She put her blade in her sheath and pressed the green button.
Another statue stomped only for her to roll out of the way.
She stabbed the ground and dragged the blade up making a shield out of rock.
Raven then closed her eyes as the shield blocked a punch from one of statues punched it.
Over the years she had been the Spring Maiden she minimized her training to only control it, as she feared Salem would have a higher chance at finding her.
But that lead to her defeat, had she pushed her powers to the limit she would have discovered something and likely had defeated Kron no matter what he tried.
The past two years she had fought many Alphas Grimm in the most desolate areas pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion every day.
She had to once she decided she couldn't run from Kron or Salem forever.
The rock shield Raven had up crumbled to rubble.
All the statues surrounded her and were ready to crush her.
If Raven's power had stayed the same as her fight with Kron, these golems would've beaten her.
Raven opened her eyes and the red fire light coming from her eyes glowed brighter a large pillar of light showed from her body that lit the whole temple.
The statues were pushed back by this light of magic.
The Spring Maiden sighed as she glared down at the golems.
She had achieved this level months ago but still worried it was not enough to take on Kron.
Still the difference between this amount of power and what she had then was vast.
This was the power of a Maiden that had mastered her abilities.
Raven had become Fully Realized.
The former bandit slashed her blade in five directions each one encased in fire with Omen using a Fire Dust blade.
Five statues crumbled at the sheer power Raven had displayed.
The last statue then glowed showing that it had taken their power into itself.
Raven walked forward with no fear knowing that this power was enough.
The statue tried to punch.
But Raven caught it with one hand and used Wind magic to push the statue away and hit the wall behind it making the temple shake from her power.
Raven then rose her hands.
Fire came to her right hand.
Lightning came to her left.
She then thrust her hands forward firing a wave of fire and lightning combining at the statue.
The strengthened golem was struck in the chest.
Lightning and fire covered it.
As it was being burned and electrocuted at the same time it tried to throw a punch at Raven.
But just as the fist was about to reach it started to dissolve.
It turned to ash that covered Raven.
The Fully Realized Maiden had a stoic expression on her face.
She sighed as the light in her eyes stopped glowing.
That was surprising she didn't think she'd have to use that power so soon after breaking in here.
Those golems were strong, Ozpin must have spent a couple lifetime's building this place. He couldn't create a defense so strong without a considerable amount of time and magic.
No normal Maiden could've gotten past them.
Raven had taken a step forward but almost tripped.
Damn it, she wasted too much of her Aura fighting those golems before using her full abilities. She didn't want to risk destroying the ruins.
Oh well, no one knows where she is.
She'll rest for few hours before heading to the shrine.
Sanus outside of Vale
It was getting late and Kron had found what he was looking for just a bit away from Vale.
He had arrived at an unassuming little café called 'The Beowulf Brew'.
The only place he could go to during his time fighting for Daim.
"Ok, what's the phrase? I have to order a dessert, what was it again?"
He drummed his fingers on his arm.
Kron walked in as he believed he remembered the order.
"Hello sir, what can I get ya?"
The Saiyan had an unsure expression on his face, he wasn't used to doing things like this.
"I'd like to order the…. crepes?"
"We don't serve that."
Damn it he didn't have to remember, Daim always just got them in and he was looking forward to the fighting.
"I uh, like to order the donuts?"
The owner said nothing.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, you'll have to leave."
Should he force his way in? Damn it, no, he'll expose himself and Raven will know he's here! Then she'll take her daughter and move her somewhere he can never find them.
What was it? It was a desert what was it?
"Sir I'll have to call the police if you don't leave this instant."
Paid off officers to, he'll have to run to avoid being seen to the public and to Raven.
"I'd like to order the parfait."
The owner rose an eyebrow and he nodded.
"Right this way."
Kron followed, that was close he thought he screwed it up.
Once he was led to the back of the room, two large men came to his side.
"This kid's suspicious, take him to be the boss."
The Saiyan didn't say anything, it looked like everything was happening the way he wanted it.
He was brought to a door, and it opened.
In the room was an office a desk, a chair and a roll-around chair turned to a window looking into a huge arena almost as big as the Golden Knives Arena that Kron had fought for.
The chair turned to show an older woman with long red hair, she wore a pink, red suit.
He remembered her, she was the runner of the Dead-End Arena.
"Hello there," The woman said while sipping wine.
Kron fought not to scoff.
"Everyone who knows the passphrase to my arena is a known trusted member of the audience." She said as she sipped her wine.
The Saiyan knew this would happen, the Golden Knives Arena ran the same way, it was how they stayed in business.
"So, I'd like to know, who are you, and how did you find out that passphrase?"
Kron smirked.
"It's been a while Garnet since."
The woman glared and she eyed her men.
They brought their weapons close to Kron to intimidate him.
"Last time. Who are you?"
Kron reached into his cloak and pulled out a mask that many would recognize.
"You haven't seen my face yet, but you've seen this."
He held up the Berringel mask, still damaged from his fight with Winter missing the left eye.
Garnet's eyes widened as Kron stood up.
He unwrapped his tail showing his identity on full display despite his earlier plan to keep himself hidden.
"You, your, Daim's ex-champion, the Scourge of Anima." She said in surprise and waved a hand.
It signaled the men to put their weapons down they even backed away having seen him in action.
Garnet smiled all friendly.
"So, Scourge of Anima, would you like anything? Food, a drink?" She asked in a friendly tone.
Kron couldn't help but grab his stomach.
"Food would be good."
Garnet turned to her bodyguards.
"What are you waiting for? Go, get him some food!"
The two men walked away to do just that.
The older woman smiled at the boy.
She said as she closed her hands. "I heard you left the Golden Knives Arena, it must be true with all the buzz you've been causing."
Kron knew what she meant, he made quite a ruckus since he left.
"Yes, I left Daim some time ago, I'm no longer his champion."
"Really?" She asked and looked at him greedily. "Since you're here, have you come to take Slate's place? I'd be happy to begin your trial as my champion."
Kron thought of that. He missed fighting as the Golden Knives Arena's champion. Sure in later years they were becoming dull and hardly making him any stronger as his power level rose and began to stagnate. But he still enjoyed the fighting and the attention of the crowd around him.
He was tempted to agree.
But the Saiyan shook his head.
"Sorry, but I'm not returning to any arena anytime soon."
Garnet frowned at that and sighed sadly.
"Oh, and here I was ready to call Daim to tell him that I stole his prized fighter." These Arena managers always seemed to have fun digging at each other. "Very well, but why are you here then."
Kron smiled, he may not be their champion, but he will get to enjoy something out of this place if it works out the way he hopes it will.
"I want to make a proposition," He chuckled slightly clearly fighting back excitement for his idea.
He rose his hands and did something he hadn't done for a while.
"How you like the death match of the century, between-"
He formed Ki in his right hand and it took shape using an old trick his father taught him. It formed a glowing red mini version of himself with his mask and cloak.
"Myself, The Scourge of Anima-"
He then focused on his left to form Ki. It took shape of another small figure, this one was a glowing figure of a woman with long hair and a katana sword.
"And Raven Branwen-"
With focus Kron had the figures take fighting positions.
And the two clashed between his hands showing Kron's control of his Ki.
"-to be held, here at the Dead-End Arena?"
He asked finally finishing his sentence and the ki figures vanished in mini fireworks to show how grand he imagines this fight to be.
Garnet's jaw hit the ground.
"W-what?" She was a professional but was skeptical. "You and Raven Branwen will fight here? But when? Is she coming here as well?"
Kron wished it'd make this whole thing faster.
"No, not yet." The Saiyan admitted. "But I do have an idea to lure her here, and I need your help with that, specifically your connections with Vale's criminal underworld."
Garnet didn't look at all disappointed but still looked a bit giddy, she was definitely interested.
"Tell me what exactly do you mean?"
Kron smirked. "A while ago I found out that Raven has a daughter"
He began to explain in detail his plan.
Faraway Grimmlands
Salem was sitting on her throne.
A Seer floated to her indicating that someone was contacting her.
The eye opened revealing the face of the newest member of Salem's order.
A man with black hair tied into a top knot with a silver diadem over his head.
"Jax Asturias" Salem greeted. "I hope you are doing well."
The man nodded.
"A pleasure to see you again your grace."
The Grimm queen can tell that there was a hint of malice behind those words that most wouldn't be able to detect.
She didn't mind, if he doesn't understand who runs her group he'll learn in time.
"The harvest is almost completed, though unfortunate circumstances have led to the loss of Sepia Ugla's harvest."
Jax looked infuriated for a second but kept himself under control for who he is talking to.
"My lady, may I ask who lost such an essential ability?"
The woman can tell he wanted permission to punish her subordinate.
"It does not matter, we will harvest her in time."
Jax wanted to argue but he knew it wasn't the time.
She can tell how angry he was and decided to tell him.
"Jax, I thank you for all the information you have provided on our targets." The Grimm Queen stated. "However, I will not have you punish any in our order without my permission," She said threateningly. "Do we understand each other?"
Being the actor that he was he bowed before his superior.
"Yes madam."
"Good" Salem smiled. "Now, the ripening will begin soon, do you have the two test subjects I asked for?"
Jax smiled as he pulled up his scroll, with a few presses he found two he needed.
"These two, here."
He showed images of two individuals.
One named Bertilak Celadon.
A man with green eyes, a green mohawk, and a goatee wearing a brown cape and green chest armor.
The second was named Carmine Esclados.
A woman with long wavey auburn hair with a single silver streak and golden eyes. She wears a dark navy cropped long-sleeve shirt and a tattered scarf.
"These two can make fine test subjects, correct?" He asked and smiled. "Your grace?"
She can still see the rage in his eyes calling her that, again she didn't care.
"Very well, I will hand you a few crystals, you decide which will benefit each of them."
"Thank you, my lady."
This time he was better about hiding his disdain.
"Once all this succeeds as we hoped, you can have your select members of the Crown empowered and they can start new harvests. To empower your whole organization, and you will fulfill your end of the bargain?"
Jax smiled politely. "Of course, as we agreed the Crown is at your disposal and Vacuo will be mine."
She can tell he wants more than that, again it didn't matter to her.
"Very good, I will contact you once Eclipse has completed the ripening."
Jax bowed one last time before the Seer closed its eye.
She wondered how he will try to stab her in the back.
Should be entertaining, she shrugged remembering when Cinder tried to betray her when she gained half of the Fall Maiden's power and she learned her place. It's only more of the same.
She thought of Sepia getting away, that was unfortunate but understandable. The Scourge can only be fooled for so long.
Salem had more patience than anyone else, but she wasn't usually so forgiving of failure.
In the past, she would have reprimanded Tyrian for failing his part and left him be as a sobbing mess to motivate him to do better in the future.
Now though, she didn't feel the need to even scold him. She only felt the need to give him a new task.
Before she only felt the drive to end her long existence. How can any mortal live as long as she has and not yearn for death? Once you have lived long enough to see a new generation of mankind evolve from Dust, had done everything there is to do, and know everything there is to know anyone would want to end their life as quickly as possible.
Immortality was not all that most would enjoy.
But she didn't feel a need to rush to end her life as usual.
This new wild card that appeared, had her feel something she hasn't felt in a long time.
Excitement.
For once in her life, she couldn't predict how events would play out as they are.
There were things that she didn't know.
This boy, she doesn't know what his power is and what it's limits are. She thought of magic but no, with what Tyrian has shown her it wasn't it. It wasn't Aura either.
He has something that neither she nor Ozpin discovered despite their long lives.
In time she could likely figure it out with her everlasting life but not knowing was such a treat from the boring drivel of her campaign against mankind.
Not to mention there was something else she couldn't figure out.
She couldn't even fathom where he came from.
Was he sent by the brother gods like Ozma? Another obstacle in their cruel game?
Or did he come from another realm?
Perhaps.
Pocket dimensions have been created or found. Ozma sealed her in a couple of them during their war, until she figured out a spell that can take her back to the real world.
He may have come from a different dimension entirely. One where there is life. She'd be interested to find it and know if there's more like him.
And his actions against both her side and Ozpin's have been more than thrilling to see.
This boy motivated her to gather more resources and increase her side's power in any way she can. It was how she recruited Dr. Merlot, the Crown, and how she created a new Dust. One that trapped a person's soul.
Salem was always passive during this long game she and Ozma were forced to play, not seeing a need to rush her inevitable victory, but this boy motivated her to do so much more.
She couldn't help but wonder. Was Ozma doing anything new as well? Or perhaps using an old trick? For once she was looking forward to what her love came up with to stall her of victory.
If she ever manages to see the boy. She'll have to thank him.
He's made this brother god's game fun for her.
For once she was waiting anxiously for what the boy will do next.
Such excitement.
Near Vale, Dead End Arena
Garnet took all this information in and only spun the wine in her glass.
While she was thinking her guest was devouring the tray of food that her guards had brought him.
As Kron devoured his chicken leg and stared at the woman who was thinking of the deal.
"So, does my deal sound up your alley?"
Garnet put the wine down.
"Hmm, I am definitely interested in having my arena have a battle between you and Raven." It would make her for such an exciting match, she heard she was either on par or surpassed her champion Slate and Mul the champion of the Bloody Sands Arena.
That would give her quite a profit.
"However" She began. "Do you know for sure that this daughter exists?"
Kron devoured some noodles and replied.
"The people who told me, are too terrified to lie to me."
Garnet nodded trusting his word on it, she remembered from Daim that the master and student had a falling out.
"I would like to help but, long blonde hair and short sleeve brown jacket isn't much to go on."
"I told you; she's also looking for Raven, asking questions, all over Vale, she's also going to attend Beacon Academy." He pointed out. "That should help her stand out and be easier to find."
"Mmm" Garnet sighed. "I'll agree with your proposal, I will do my best to help locate her with the resources I have, just remember to bring the daughter to my arena before you give her the beating to attract Raven."
As Kron devoured another dish, he looked at her.
"I will, and you remember what I said, it's very important that no one knows the Scourge of Anima is here." He replied. "Raven thinks I'm dead, she might not come for her if she knows I'm the one who knocked her out, or she might take the daughter somewhere else knowing that I was close to Vale."
Garnet nodded understanding her client's plan.
"Hmm, I have some ideas to find her, I can enlist help from some friends of mine." She replied. "I do know where you can start though if you wish to head to Vale now."
Kron nodded and leaned forward.
"Go on."
"There's an informant who usually knows everything that happens in Vale, named Junior." She replied. "You should go see him he has a bar in downtown Vale."
She replied but then looked concerned.
"But if you prefer I can send someone to do it instead?"
Kron shook his head.
"No, I'll head to this bar right now, just tell me where it is."
"Very well, I can have my men give you a change of clothes, I'm sure you'd want to blend in with the crowd."
The Saiyan nodded readily to begin the search for Raven's brat.
If he's lucky he may find her before Beacon Academy's semester even starts.
The Ruins
Raven looked at the paper in her hand and looked ahead at a door with some writing on it.
The former bandit pressed a few portions of the door while looking at the paper in her hands.
Once it was done the door began to split apart revealing an entrance.
She stepped into it and looked surprised at the sight.
It was a pocket dimension like Ozpin described the vaults of the relics to be in.
It was a place of cherry blossoms scattering and bright sunlight.
Raven looked around and smirked.
She found it.
The Spring Shrine.
Raven stepped closer into the room and looked all around.
It was time to see if all the notes Ozpin had hidden had been right about this place.
She sat in the center of the Shrine and took on a meditative stance.
It was the same form an Aura user does to be more in tune with their Aura and a chance to awaken a semblance.
In this room, it should have a different effect.
"Hello Raven"
Raven's eyes widened and she stood and pulled out her weapon and aimed it forward at whoever spoke.
She looked shocked at who spoke.
"Whoa, jumpy huh?" It was a young girl with long pink hair, she wore checkered red and black clothing like Raven's outfit.
Raven slowly put her sword down and focused on the girl.
"Cher?"
She asked wondering if she was really seeing her.
Cher giggled and rose a hand two fingers.
"Cher Bloss, at your service!"
Raven couldn't help but shake she had a mixture of emotions looking at Cher.
Relief, sadness, and guilt.
"So this shrine really does work."
Cher nodded and pointed behind Raven.
The former bandit turned to see herself still meditating.
"Yep, the Spring Shrine lets you communicate with previous Maidens."
Ozpin's notes really were true! All the artifact hunting was worth it.
"So I know that part is true but Cher I need to know, what else can this do for me?"
Cher smiled at her former mentor.
"Well, this room makes it possible for previous Maidens to help you out."
She squeezed her fists she was hoping that meant what she thought it meant.
"In more detail please, do you mean as in giving me advice?"
That wasn't what she was hoping for.
Cher shook her head.
"No silly, they'd be able to give you the power and knowledge they had in their lives as Maidens," Cher explained happily which more than peaked Raven's interest and continued. "See, we'd add our souls to yours and increase the amount of Aura you have by what we have."
That was something she hoped for.
"I'd gain the amount of Aura of my predecessors." She realized.
Just as she hoped, Aura doesn't increase at the same pace that Kron wields. It'd even the plain field if she took even one of her predecessors Aura.
"The prizes don't end there." The ghost of her apprentice got her attention. "Not only will you get our Aura, but once you have mastered your magic you become the strongest you can be as a Maiden, but our souls will increase your room to grow, if I become a part of your soul your potential will increase, with enough training you will reach twice the amount of magic you possess now, and that's just with me."
Raven's eyes widened at that, that part she wasn't expecting or even hoped for. The magic was passed down, she didn't think it could be increased any further than Fully Realized.
"Just imagine, I can increase your magic potential and Aura by what I had in life, which you'd still have to work for the magic increase but you'd still get a huge boost in power from my soul," Cher explained and then rose her arms. "Now imagine more, you'll have the potential to have the strength of three maidens, then four, five, dozens of Maidens that have gone before us! You would be unstoppable!"
The ex-Branwen tribe member couldn't help but be marveled at that thought.
It was all true.
If she can harness the power of previous Maidens then she'd be more than anything she can imagine.
Ozpin, Salem, and even Kron. All of their combined might couldn't touch her if she managed to take all this power!
She feared she had wasted her time for the past two years scouring Ozpin's artifacts looking for anything that she can use to boost her power.
But was it all too good to be true?
"Cher, why didn't Ozpin ever mention this shrine or the others? He's had Maidens at his side before, with this room he can have any Maiden surpass Salem easily."
Salem's power is terrifying but trained enough huntsmen can fight back, like a Maiden. So a Maiden using the combined power of their predecessors? There's no way even Salem could stand up to that.
"Well from what the others said Ozpin only ever wanted to use these shrines once all four Maidens were on his side. He's had them under his command before but either they weren't trained enough, too old, or he had reasonable clues that at least one of them was a double agent for Salem."
That sounded like Ozpin, he's always had one secret behind another. Always knew more than his pawns. It was one of the reasons she couldn't continue to fight at his side.
"So by trained enough, do you mean Fully Realized? If so I have reached that level."
Cher nodded her head.
"Yes, but there are two requirements to obtain the power of your predecessors before you can attempt it."
Raven nodded cueing her to continue.
"First, the Maidens must master the power they have before they can attempt to add another. For example, if I were alive and try to use my predecessor's power I would probably die because my body wasn't in tune with my own powers yet. And if you were to take in another Maiden's power as well as mine, you might kill yourself as well if you refuse to train yourself first. But with training your potential will be twice as much of Fully Realized and if you become capable to gain another, your potential rises to three times than now and so on and so forth."
So, there is a catch, fine. Even one Maiden's added power should be enough to match Kron. And maybe if she's given enough time, she can master the added power to gain another.
"And second you need the willing aid of the maiden. In other words, we must be willing to help you."
Raven sighed, that second one might be a problem she wasn't sure how many of the previous Maidens would accept her. But she'll figure that out, for now, she needed to focus on her past pupil.
Hopefully, she is unaware of what led to her death.
"So, Cher, will you help me?"
With her help, she'll be able to gain a good boost in power. Maybe enough to take down Kron.
"No"
The former bandit was shocked to hear that, she didn't know, did she?
"Cher, I really need your help, am I not strong enough yet?"
The pink-haired girl shook her head in disappointment and started walking around Raven.
"I just, don't want to. And I really hope Kron kills you."
She opened her mouth to ask how she knew Kron's name but stopped. How much more does she know?
"During the fight, I was watching." Cher continued. "I was rooting for Kron, I kept yelling, kill her Kron! Kill her!" She giggled.
Raven looked as though she was shocked hearing that but then wore a neutral expression.
"I see, so your ability to know everything about me aren't you?"
She squeezed her fists this wasn't what she anticipated.
"Sort of. I can't see anything in your past without your approval." Cher said smiling. "But I can see everything you've been doing after I died anytime I want." Weirdly she kept the same happy-looking expression. "Including giving Vernal praise over my corpse."
Raven couldn't look her in the eye at that. She looked away with closed eyes trying to keep her composure.
"You had Vernal snipe the back of my head after a training session," Cher said still smiling remembering her death. "I'm surprised that Vernal was willing to kill me, she would always try to push me to do better, I thought maybe we were getting along." The happy expression did not change. "Looks like she was faking it to soften her kill."
The former bandit lord remembered that night. It was when she thought Cher was a lost cause and the power needed to be passed on to be of any use against Salem or Ozpin.
The previous Spring Maiden continued.
"I remembered talking to you, you gave me sweet lies about how Ozpin would send me to my death, that I made the right decision coming to your side, and then nothing." She explained remembering her last moments before she was murdered by her fellow student and teacher. "I didn't suffer which you did want, so good for you." She smiled at Raven's disappointed face. "Does that bring you comfort? That I died quick?"
The former bandit sighed and looked at her pupil.
She didn't think that she would know. She hoped that these Spring Maiden spirits were unaware of what was happening in the real world.
"I am so sorry Cher," Raven replied with a saddened expression.
Cher scoffed at that.
"Do you think an apology is going to have me help you?"
Raven knew that wasn't the case, in her situation she'd do the same.
"No, I understand." She did, she regretted killing her, but she knew that she can't get forgiveness or convince her to help. "But please, tell me where I can meet other Maidens, surely of the many that have passed before there are those who'd be willing to help me."
Cher said nothing but sighed as she spoke.
"You'd be right, there are Maidens who'd be willing to help, those who pity you and those who sympathize with you. Though that is a very low number."
She had a smug smirk on her face knowing how unpopular she was to the previous Maidens
It was better than nothing.
Cher then pointed at a gate.
"Through there is the Spring City where all previous Spring Maidens live after death."
Raven turned to the gate and back to Cher. "Thank you" She fought the urge to say sorry again. That wasn't going to do anything it'd just make her angrier.
Cher watched her walk to the gate and then smirked.
Raven tried opening the gate but to no avail, it wouldn't budge.
"Oh right, one more thing." The previous Maiden smiled. "To open the gate and interact with the many previous Maidens-"
The former Branwen Chief sighed, it was so obvious.
"I need my predecessor's approval."
This was getting more and more hopeless.
"Ding ding ding!" Cher yelled laughing. "Give the ole gal a prize!"
Raven didn't respond she didn't ask why she didn't tell her that first.
It was to give her hope, let her know of the potential power she could have. Then to have that hope crushed by explaining why she cannot talk to other predecessors.
Raven didn't face her pupil having a saddened expression on her face looking at the door to more power.
Power that can solve all her problems.
And she will never have it.
All because she gave in to her fear and murdered Cher.
"So how long do you think it'll take Kron to find you?"
She didn't turn to her late disciple she just took the ridicule and sighed.
There were other options. Hopefully, they were other artifacts as active as the shrine.
Once Raven left the ruins, she took up the map that brought her here.
She rose a hand.
A wall of rock rose and blocked the entrance just as it was before Raven uncovered it.
It was no longer of use and shouldn't be left open to be of use. Ozpin was right about one thing; Salem shouldn't know about this.
She incinerated the map.
"So what will the backstabbing bitch do next?"
That made Raven jump slightly and she turned.
It was the pink-haired girl Cher sitting on a rock near the entrance.
Raven didn't see this coming.
"Cher? Why are you here?"
She thought she could only see her in the Shrine.
Cher looked surprised.
"Wait you can hear me?" She asked surprised. She then vanished and appeared in front of her.
The young-looking girl waved her hand in front of Raven.
Raven followed the hand with her eyes.
"Whoa, you can see and hear me now," Cher said amazed. "Wow! I didn't know this would happen, I guess that's another effect of the Spring Shrine your able to see and hear me even after you leave!"
The former bandit stared at her predecessor and shook her head. None of Ozpin's notes mentioned this part, at least none she found.
"Hmm" Cher smirked as she gripped her knife and pulled it out. "Ha!"
Raven on instinct rose her hand to block the knife with her gauntlet.
The knife phased through her hand and her neck harmlessly.
Nothing happened.
"Aw, man!" Cher whined. "I was hoping you could feel me too."
Raven didn't reply or looked shocked, not even relieved that she couldn't slash her throat in her sleep.
"Oh well," The pink-haired girl shrugged as she sheathed her knife. "I can't hurt you, but this isn't so bad." She giggled with mischief.
The former bandit just stared at her with a stoic expression.
"At least now you and I are inseparable, no hidden snipers are going to keep us apart this time." Her murdered student chuckled. "We're going to have a much better teacher, student relationship from now on. Let's get along, ok?"
Raven knew what she meant.
She was going to distract her as much as she can, perhaps peeking into her head and poking at her fears. Try to distract her during battle, she'll verbally and visually torture her in any way she can. Until the former chief draws her last breath.
That was more than fair.
Raven pulled out another map she took from one of Ozpin's hideouts. Hopefully, this will have something more usable.
"Hey! What do you think of this? It's my cheer for when Kron finds you!"
The current Spring Maiden glanced at her predecessor.
Cher's clothes had changed into a cheerleader's uniform with pom poms.
She'd ask how she did that but she was a spirit, perhaps she can change her physical appearance.
"Go! Go! Go! Kron! He's our boy! Kill this ugly hag! Go! Kron Go!"
She cheered while dancing with her pom poms.
"And there's this one. K-R-O-N!" She yelled. "What's that spell? The death of Raven!"
Raven didn't reply and only looked at the map to her next destination.
Perhaps she should also check with Sienna to see if she's willing to agree to their alliance. Since these other artifacts should be useful to non-Maidens.
Not to mention there are so many maps she collected over the past two years. There were too many to search for on her own, if Sienna would agree she can have White Fang members help with the explorations.
No. It's only been two days. She should give Sienna a couple of weeks, hopefully, she's looking into what Adam is doing and be motivated to join her side. Then with her organization, they can search and look through the maps she acquired in her travels.
Maps of several ruins that predate the four kingdoms abandoned by both Ozpin and Salem, surely one of them has something that can help her.
She'll spend a couple more weeks looking into more ruins then check on Sienna hopefully getting the answer she needed.
Her thinking was disturbed by her predecessor doing more cheers for her most dangerous former pupil.
"Hey come on! Which cheer do you like more!" Cher asked giggling. "I need your opinion! Don't you want to die hearing one of your students support the other? With the best sounding cheer possible?"
She smiled sweetly, she remembered how she did that whenever she was happy.
Raven's regrets only keep piling up.
But that didn't matter, she'll go do anything to destroy both Kron and Salem.
And then, everything would be the way it should have been.
And now Raven is haunted.
I feel like I'm bullying her at this point. But I promise this isn't bullying it's all for the good of the story not for bullying. Ok? Trust me I'm not bashing and I never will.
So Cher Bloss. Easy name just shortened Cherry Blossom which is a big thing for spring in japan. And their pink hence the pink hair.
Fun fact Cher Bloss was meant to be early in the story she was going to be kinda like a big sister for Kron during his time in the Branwen Tribe. She was going to be the first character Kron bonded with that wasn't trying to use him for his power. Then Raven would have her killed to take the Spring Maiden powers for herself and start the rift that grew between Kron and Raven.
But at the time I wasn't confident I could make Kron a decent character and making another important OC felt like it out was out of my reach so I bailed on it so I could try to focus on making Kron somewhat likable.
Which I seemed to have succeeded with most of you since a lot of u seem to be ok with Kron which is good.
Hope u guys liked the Spring Shrine. I based the power up on the Avatar State from Avatar the Last Airbender. Hope u guys liked the idea, sucks for Raven that she can't access that kind of power.
Now Raven is moving on to look for other plans that Ozpin or Salem have left behind.
Question is what else can she find and will they also be something with negative effects? We'll see.
Guest: In a twisted way, u can say that. U can also say Raven and Yang aren't really mother and daughter since Raven wasn't apart of her life. They're first meeting will be interesting I promise that.
sevenkeller19: Only because u asked so nicely. Enjoy. :)
Johan641xd: Doing good you?
Possible especially now that one of her victimns is haunting her. Though Kron well, if she doesn't fight and just lets him try to kill her. Maybe, he doesn't go after anyone who won't fight back but the massive grudge may make him want to just go for the kill regaurdless of how easy it is.
Maybe though not sure how long he'd be able or willing to hide as a student.
We'll be seeing how Blake will interact with him soon.
Hope you look forward to it.
Greetings from the U.S.A.
Guest: And now even more karma.
Raven being a Maiden is not betrayel, not if she got it naturally. But how she got it counts as betrayel. The previous Spring Maiden was being trained to hone her powers and one day be on Ozpin's side. She basically murdered a comrade and robbed them of an advantage over Salem. Plus add this to what she's done in the past, chosen bandits over her family, murdering villages, abandoning Yang, this was the final straw that broke the camel's back.
Also he doesn't want to kill her, he just thinks that Raven has proven she can't be trusted and it isn't safe having her wield that power. Even if the power could be transfered safely he can't imagine she wouldn't try to take it back somehow. I mean would u trust her with Maiden powers even if she was family? Also terrible family?
Yep Kron was following the Branwen way to the letter, and yet got punished for it. That's why he never really liked it. The only thing he enjoyed was the fighting.
It's funny that I said I thought Vernal was boring in the show, but I enjoyed writing her betrayel towards Raven, it made for a fun twist.
Possibly, but Kron has a hard time listening to anyone. It depends how badly he'll want his revenge or if Yang will be concious for the decision.
Kron answering for his crimes, possibly. Right now the only way he's willing to pay is by someone's strong enough to kill him but it doesn't look like that'll happen anytime soon. That being said he may have comeuppance at some point. Glad u like him though.
epantoja521: Glad u liked the Void Vault so far.
Guest: Thx, funny thing when I looked through Raven's Wiki it explained in the trivia that both birds came from the Corvus Genus. So can't take the credit for that.
Yep, that could happen, he is going to Juniors so he may find her then.
DbzLover: I think most don't feel sorry for Raven because no one really forced her, she did everything of her own free will. And most would agree that fear cannot excuse all she had done, so you can say that she dug her own grave.
Well as u can see it's not another Void Vault it's meant to help the Maidens exclusively. Too bad for Raven though she needs the previous Maiden to willingly help her. And since she murderered her well, that's not likely to help her.
There is some fanart that fans kindly commissioned for two artists. 1. is Kron x Yang by BlueGraves7 on deviant art, it's of Yang kissing Kron. And then I don't know if you'd count this but the fanart I described above Blake x Kron X Yang So far those are the only pairing fanarts that my fans have kindly commisioned. I intend to commission my own fanart once I have more income.
And thank u I'm glad u support this story and my need for a break.
WingNUT48: Glad you enjoyed it hope u enjoyed this one to. Also appreciate the support for my break.
Guest: Considering Kron's feats in this arc. I'd be worried if you did think Yang could pose a challenge.
Your assessment of Kron and Yang makes sense, they could be a thing if it wasn't for his carelessness of fighting whoever he wants and his need for revenge. And there are a couple hurdles they'd have to go through but it's possible they can get past them as they fight each other, honestly I think the hurdles make the pairing extremely tempting to write. And if he redeems himself or does what u said with a deal with Ozpin it could happen. We'll see though Kron has trust issues, remember how he was with Qrow?
Mercury and Emerald? I do have plans for those two but not leaving Cinder, at least not at this moment. But who knows maybe I'll try something like that. He may not like Emerald cause of her semblance and her boot licking to Cinder, the only reason she ditched Cinder was that Salem intended to end the world, if it wasn't for that she may have stayed with Cinder and Kron would hate that being reminded of Vernal way back. Mercury maybe because he's only loyal to himself and those who benefit him. So he might get along with him.
I do have some ideas for having Kron's crimes pardoned, and motivation to do so, just not sold on how yet.
ThatSaiyaGuy: Thank you! What do u think hurts more? Being called out by her daughter in canon or her sidekick?
Yep that's what annoyed Kron that he couldn't get a better description lol. But now he has help so who knows.
While I do greatly appreciate the fanart it doesn't guarantee those scenes will happen. That fanart was made before I had decided on how this arc would go. But i did take the outfit as it was too tempting not to have that be Kron's outfit. And Kron thinks that Raven assumes he's dead now cause the link was disabled, so he's gonna try to lay low until he finds Yang.
Kron would be entertained as it had ben awhile since he fought someone who was good at unarmed combat. If he holds back he'll have fun. Well as u can see she has trained and it paid off but her next power-up isn't so easy to get. And now she's haunted.
Good guess, but no, the Spring Shrine. A shrine where Spring Maidens can gain the power of their predecessors, if they were willing to help. Unfortunately for Raven that's not happening for her anytime soon. Also btw there's a Shrine for each Maiden out there somewhere hidden. Hope u liked it.
I did enjoy it thank you.
Lelouch of Zero: Good catch. That's why Kron still doesn't like the Branwen Tribe. They are still hipocrites. But in Vernal's defense, her point was Raven had plenty of opportunity to kill Kron when he was a child and proven dangerous for the tribe and she refused to do it, making her unfit to lead in their eyes. But their still hypocrites. Yep, we don't know what Raven and Qrow had to do in their childhoods, but I don't imagine it was nice. We'll he's got like a month so he might find her first, who knows maybe they'll be complications. I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far, thank you. I did enjoy my break and am ready to write again.
Guest: Well Kron does like to get to know his opponents as he fights them. Remember when he got annoyed that Winter wouldn't talk much? He might enjoy Yang's rage and fighting if he intends to hold back on the daughter of his greatest enemy. Also happy to say I do have plans for Taiyang.
anon9919: Thank you! I always worry about chapters that don't have many fight scenes, good to know u enjoyed it. Glad u liked what I've done with the characters so far. Qrow's unfortunately coping the only way he knows how, hopefully Tai can knock some sense into him. As for Vernal maybe, Kron is still terryfing for her and her tribe. She did wake up from a coma and got kicked out of the tribe she wanted to protect. That is kinda sad and now she's haunted.
Good theory though there's a couple things. Remember in chapter 2 when Kron had a scouter? It read their ki but Kron struggled against the one with Aura when his power level was clearly less than his own. Showing that Aura and Ki are different power sources in this story. But don't worry, Qrow will gain something from the Void Vault I think you'll like it.
BunkerfreakHD: Well he's gotta find her first. Also damn, poor Yang.
Ruenion: Lol, nice, that'd be quite a first impression huh? We'll see how long it takes to find her.
Also thank you I did have a nice break.
sarmadsadiq95: Well hope u enjoyed this suffering.
Holy crap I think we've broken the record for how many reviews for one chapter in this story.
Guys thank you so much for taking the time to review! I hope I can continue making this story entertaining for you guys and look forward to see what u think of future chapters!
Have an awesome day! :)