READ FIRST PLEASE: So a guest kindly let me know I made an error in the previous chapter that the Shrines didn't make sense, because the Maiden powers get transferred, they don't stockpile. I edited the last chapter so now the Shrines, increase the current Maiden's potential for magic for every previous Maiden wiling to temporarily merge with the current Maiden's soul. For example Raven can increase her magic with the help of another Spring Maiden can double her magic power, triple with two, and so on and so forth per previous Maidens that are willing to help as well as the knowledge of the predecessor.
So if u want u can reread the last chapter, but the Spring Shrine pretty much still does the same thing it's just a bit more lore friendly
Anyway, I apologize I should've reread the source material and everyone remember if u want your story to be lore friendly make sure to always check your sources when you want to make a new concept.
Thank you for pointing out what I did wrong and hope u can enjoy the story as well as this chapter.
Wanted And Unwanted Discoveries
It was late at night in the city of Vale.
Kron was walking on a sidewalk in new clothes Garnet got for him.
He was wearing a white T-shirt, black jacket, black pants, and shoes.
And his tail wrapped around his waist hiding under the shirt and jacket.
A simple disguise that always worked, even in Atlas.
The Saiyan stopped and glanced up at a building, called 'Junior's'.
From the outside, he could hear loud music that made him cringe, but he fought the urge to just leave it and walked in doing his best to ignore the obnoxiously loud noise.
Kron glanced around to see people, dancing, drinking, and whatnot. Almost like the bars back on Planet Vegeta, only the music wasn't as obnoxious, and there'd be fighting instead of dancing.
Soon he sees a man in a suit walking with shades talking to a couple of girls one with long black hair, dressed in white, and the other with short black hair dressed in red. Twins from the look of them.
That man looked like how Garnet described.
He walked towards him intent on getting any info he might have.
The subject turned to see the young man walking toward him.
"What are you doing here, you seem a little young for this place."
He said in an annoyed tone.
Whatever, Kron wasn't here for courtesy.
"I'm looking for someone."
The man shook his head and sighed showing he didn't want to bother with some kid.
Two girls that he had been talking to had gotten behind the warrior one dressed in white, the other in red.
Kron eyed the duo behind him.
They were ready to fight.
Sadly his blood wasn't pumping knowing that these two weren't going to do much to him. And he had to avoid fighting.
Best to remain diplomatic.
"Garnet told me you owe her"
Junior looked surprised and rose a hand.
The two girls walked away disappointed that they didn't give the unwanted guest a beating.
If only they knew they were saved from his need for information.
"Garnet huh?" Junior started to get a bit more accommodating. "Alright kid, who are you looking for?"
That changed his tune.
"A girl, about my age, long blonde hair and a brown jacket." He then remembered a more distinct clue. "And she might've asked where to find another woman with long black hair and red eyes."
Junior didn't say anything for a moment.
"Sorry, no one like that." He admitted without hesitation.
Figures.
"Alright fine, but if you do find her, make sure you contact Garnet, she and I are looking for her."
"Sure kid, tell the lady I'm looking forward to the match next week."
Kron didn't reply and walked out of the club.
The Saiyan sighed in relief, the people of this planet are strange for wanting to torture their ear drums this late at night.
But also he was frustrated that he didn't get any info on this girl.
He didn't know why he was surprised, he knew it wouldn't be that easy.
Oh well, maybe Garnet can find her in time
As he walked he glanced to see something that piqued his interest.
Tuskon's Book Trade.
Finding this daughter might take a while since he has to avoid being seen he'll have to kill some time while he waits, it's been awhile since he dedicated his time to reading. He can learn more about Vale's history.
With a shrug, the Saiyan walked in.
"Hello, how can I help you?" A man assuming to be Tuskon asked.
Kron looked at him and around the shop.
"Got anything on history?"
Tuskon pointed. "Should be over there."
Kron walked over to the line books and pulled a couple on while gazing through them.
He found plenty, "The Last King of Vale", "The First Vytal Festival", "End of the Great War" and many more.
Once he had everything of interest he got to the counter and placed the stack of books on the counter.
While Tuskon was checking the books, Kron saw no harm in asking.
"I'm looking for someone" Kron began getting Tuskon's attention. "A girl about my age, long blonde hair and a brown jacket. Seen anyone like that?"
The large man put a hand on his head.
"Uh, sorry, can't remember off the top of my head."
He figured that, why couldn't Vernal give him a better description?
"Right"
He made his purchase and left with the books.
It was time to head back to the Dead End Arena, it was getting late and he was still tired from his trip here from Anima.
"Ugh, so annoying." He already misses his role as the Scourge of Anima when he just did whatever he wanted.
Oh well, revenge will be worth it.
Dead End Arena Office
Kron arrived back in the office holding a bag with books he purchased.
Garnet sees her current partner.
"Thank you, give Neo my best."
She turned her scroll off and focused on him.
"How did it go anything?" The old woman glanced to see the books he was holding.
He didn't pay it any mind and answered the question.
"Nothing," He said as he put his stack of books on the floor next to the chair he sat on. "He says he doesn't know anything."
His tail unwrapped and swayed next to him while he sat.
Garnet nodded as she stared at the books.
"Well I'm sorry to hear that, but not to worry, she will turn up." She couldn't take her eyes off the pile of books he had.
The Saiyan noticed it and rose an eyebrow.
"Something wrong?"
The runner of the Dead End Arena pointed at the books.
"Did you go to 'Tuskon's Book Trade' for those books?"
From the tone, she sounded like he wasn't supposed to go there.
"Yes, what about it?" Kron sounded annoyed.
Garnet looked slightly panicked but kept herself in control.
"I'm sorry to say, but that place has potential ties with the White Fang."
Kron's eyes widened upon hearing that.
"White Fang?" The Saiyan asked. "Here?"
"Yes, a few of their camps have been spotted in Sanus. And the owner of Tuskon's is likely one of their members."
Maybe she was mistaken. "How do you know that man is connected to the White Fang? Could you be mistaken?"
Garnet sighed.
"You don't make a living as a rich outlaw without knowing everything that goes on in this city," Garnet responded. "I have an informant in the White Fang who tells me where to avoid White Fang, that bookstore is one of them."
That didn't sound good for his plans.
The Saiyan tried to reason against it. "No, I saw no Faunus trait, he looked human."
"Some Faunus can hide their traits, such as you." Garnet pointed out.
Damn it she was right.
If the White Fang are here and recognize him they could make his plan to stay hidden difficult.
Kron shook his head shrugging off his worry.
"Even if he was, I haven't seen any White Fang since I took Daim's offer to be the Golden Knives Arena's champion." He explained. "No White Fang has seen my face since I was a child, there's no way they would recognize me."
Unless one of them saw his second fight against Sienna, or her, Adam, and Ghira.
Or Blake if she did join the White Fang.
But no, he has no reason to believe that they would be here, they must be new members that joined a while after his run-ins with the organization.
He's always been free to roam by not wearing his mask and hiding his tail. No way he'd be recognized so easily.
Kron's reasoning seemed to have calmed the Dead End Arena owner.
"Your right, you likely won't be recognized if they haven't seen you without that mask." Garnet gave a relaxed sigh. "Still if you ever want more reading material, I recommend going to another bookstore called 'Dusty Pages' it's completely clean of the law and they should have a wider selection."
While he didn't like being told what to do, this was for his benefit and he should avoid the White Fang's attention.
"Done"
He couldn't believe it, he might've put his plan in jeopardy by showing up in a store owned by the White Fang. But again, the chances of them recognizing him are minimal.
It was time to focus on more important matters.
"So, did you find anything with your friends?"
The redhead nodded her head.
"Yes, this blonde girl has been making trouble for a couple of other people, asking for Raven Branwen."
That was good, she really was in the city.
"Any pictures? Ideas on where she's going?"
"No, sorry, but I do have people on the lookout for her."
Kron looked disappointed but at the same time relieved, this girl does exist here at least. He was starting to think of finding the Branwen Tribe and punishing them for tricking him.
"So while we wait for more information, I would like to have a request in our deal."
The Saiyan felt like he wasn't going to like this but motioned her to continue.
"I recommend even after we find this girl, you give me some time before the fight between you and Raven."
He rose an eyebrow at that.
"Why's that?"
Garnet gulped before she continued.
"I need to announce that your fight will happen in my ring, to give my audience time to get excited, make their bets and all." She explained. "After all for such a fight, I should try to take as much profit as possible for helping you. No?"
From the sound of it, she understood that he held the power in this transaction.
"How much time?" Kron decided to humor her.
"Um," She breathed in and out. "A few months, at least, a bit late into Beacon's first semester."
That annoyed Kron.
"No way." He replied. "I've been chasing Raven too long, I want to fight her as soon as possible."
"Please, be reasonable," Garnet begged her partner. "If you were to use the daughter to lure Raven into my arena the minute you find her, I may not get what I was promised. Please. Did we not have a deal?"
Kron thought of this request, she was helping him with his search, and she might refuse to help any further if he doesn't grant this wish.
Still, he didn't want to agree.
"I've been at goose chase after goose chase," Kron explained. "What your asking for is too much, just start the bets when the fight begins."
Garnet looked like she had lost the argument but then smirked.
"Wouldn't you want the biggest audience possible?"
The Saiyan had a confused look.
"Why would I care how many people are there?"
She paused for a second trying to find the right words.
"I've seen your matches, at the end of every match you gazed at the crowd around you."
Kron's tail started swaying as he stood up.
"That doesn't mean anything, I was only looking at the crowd."
"That isn't what Daim told me."
The Saiyan scowled at the elderly woman.
"He told me that you loved the crowd, you enjoy the admiration for your strength and skill."
Kron squeezed his fists but remembered his time as the Golden Daggers Arena champion.
Like any Saiyan, he enjoyed the battles. But he also loved the attention.
For some reason, he enjoyed the people around him reacting to his might. Cheering for him, excited to see what he does. Hell, he even liked it when they were rooting against him, it was fun to surprise them with how much stronger he was than their favored combatant.
He may actually enjoy the attention as much as fighting.
He remembered during his fight with Winter he wanted to take their battle out of the museum so he can enjoy the population's reaction to his fight. He was disappointed when she mentioned she'd hold back to protect the masses and so had to keep the fight inside.
It was one of the things he missed about fighting in the underground arenas.
An audience.
And this fight with Raven was something he wanted for years and wanted many to witness it. The final fight against his greatest enemy.
He was going to settle for whatever crowd there would be but to have every seat filled watching the fight was extremely tempting.
He yearned for attention.
Similar to how his father enjoyed the attention of the soldiers he entertained.
Kron finally broke out of his trance and sighed.
"I'll think about, it, find her first."
Garnet wasn't disappointed she could tell from his silent trance that he was interested.
Just as the two seemed to have gotten to an agreement the door opened.
A man with long gray hair and dressed in grey and white robes.
Kron and Garnet turned to him.
"Slate" Garnet greeted the man. "I thought you were training for your match next week, why are you here?"
Slate didn't say anything and stared down at Kron with a glare.
"You, so it's true you really are here."
The Saiyan was surprised he didn't expect him to recognize him without his mask.
Seeing no point in hiding this he decided to greet him.
"Slate the Mirror Wall," Kron said with mild interest. "It has been a while, haven't seen you since our match eight months ago."
Garnet looked concerned and tried to get in between her champion and her client.
"Slate, I thought you were getting ready for-"
The man pushed her aside and glared down at Kron.
"You, we're having a rematch, now."
Kron didn't get excited at all, normally a fight with someone strong enough to be a champion would be something he'd welcome, but he wasn't really in the mood. Also it wasn't the time for that.
"Sorry, can't, I kind of have to keep a low profile right now."
Garnet began to reason with him.
"Slate, please, the Scourge and I are in the middle of business, please go train for the matches tomorrow."
Slate growled and glared at the boy.
"No, he will fight me now, he's humiliated me in the Dead End Arena three times when he was Daim's champion." The Champion of Dead End explained. "I don't care if he's no longer a champion, he owes me a rematch."
Garnet tried to convince her champion that now wasn't a good time but he didn't have it.
Kron stood up and looked up at the taller young man.
"Look, Slate how about this?" He rose an arm. "If your semblance can work on my attack, I will agree to fight you whenever you want, if not, you will wait until my business with Garnet is finished, and keep quiet that I'm even here."
Slate glared at the younger man.
"Fine"
Garnet tried to stop the two.
"Wait please, don't ruin my office." She then looked at Kron. "And I need Slate to be in top condition, please."
Her champion glared at his manager for doubting his strength.
"Relax Garnet, I'll make sure he can still fight for you." He eyed Slate and pulled back a fist. "Ready?"
The gray-haired man put his hands apart.
A grey shield formed around him, and his semblance was activated.
Slate's Semblance: Mirror Force: He can send any attack at him back to the attacker. He can also absorb the force of attacks into his barrier and stockpile on it with the force of other attacks on top of it and send it anywhere he wishes.
The Mirror Wall smirked.
"Ready"
Kron then immediately threw a punch at the wall.
Slate smiled expecting the force of the attack to reflect.
But the barrier cracked.
The champion's eyes widened. "W-what?!"
The Saiyan wasn't in pain at all as his fist went through the barrier and into Slate's stomach.
Slate bent forward from the attack, his grey Aura showed that it was threatening to shatter.
Kron pulled back and looked down at the champion.
Garnet and her guards looked surprised, they were expecting Slate's semblance to reflect the attack back at him.
Slate did, he looked up at Kron shocked.
"H-How?"
He really didn't understand.
Kron explained as if it was simple. "Some semblances can be overwhelmed when you put enough force into the attack."
The champion shook his head.
"I- I know that!" Slate yelled. "B-but it's worked on you before, eight months ago!" He yelled. "How di-d you get this strong in such little time?"
How he wished he could've gotten stronger in that time.
"To tell the truth my strength hasn't increased much in the past two years, I was holding back." He said surprising the champion and Garnet. "The first time we fought years ago, I had to put a good amount of effort to beat you, the second time I had to hold back more, and the third time it was harder not to end the fight in a few attacks."
Slate looked terrified at the former champion of the Golden Knives Arena. He always held back against him and the champion of the Bloody Sands Arena? The entire time?
"These days I have to hold back to have any fun in a fight, if I didn't I would overwhelm semblances and the fight wouldn't be much fun."
He thought back to his fight with the Ace Operatives and the Dog Faunus's semblance. If he had fought all out against them his ability probably wouldn't have worked on him and the fight would be boringly over in seconds.
Kron sighed. "Sorry Slate, normally I'd agree and hold back, but now's not a good time, I have to avoid anything that'll spread word that I'm here." He then glared as he knelt down to the champion's level. "And since you lost, you're going to keep quiet right?"
Slate glared back at him hating his humiliation.
"Right?" The Saiyan squeezed his knuckles.
That seemed to have gotten his message across as the champion looked down ashamed.
"Y-yes, I-I will keep quiet and not disturb your plan."
"Great" Kron then stood up and looked at Garnet. "Make sure he keeps his word alright? I can't guarantee his safety if he decides to blab about me and ruin our deal."
The woman in red nodded. "It will be done, thank you for not doing any more damage."
Kron nodded, walked to the pile of books he left on the ground and started to walk away.
"So about where I'm staying." He spoke to Garnet.
"The guest room is ready for you, my guard will escort you."
Kron nodded. "Thanks."
"R-remember to think of my conditions."
Oh right, she asked if they could wait for a bit before dragging the daughter here and luring Raven out.
He'll remember to think about that during his reading.
Slate glared at the Scourge of Anima while holding his stomach in pain while his manager was instructing him to get to the medic.
He sighed and walked away knowing there was nothing he can do against this warrior.
With a glare, he walked away to the medic as his manager suggested wishing for the power to take him out.
White Fang Hideout
High leader Sienna was sitting on her throne with a thoughtful look on her face.
She was drumming her fingers on her armchair waiting for something.
"Ma'am"
Sienna turned to a subordinate holding her scroll.
"It's commander Taurus."
The Tiger Faunus gave no reaction and took her scroll.
"Adam, your report?"
From the other end, Adam spoke.
"High Leader Sienna, I bring good news. We've been getting a stunning amount of recruits, we got several dozen wanting to join us this week alone."
Sienna did not frown or smile.
"Happy to hear that, though may I ask why the sudden recruitment?"
Adam spoke in a mixed tone, excited tone, and hidden rage.
"The Scourge, Kron, his actions in Atlas have inspired many to come to our cause."
Sienna had a confused look upon hearing that.
"Kron? Do they believe that he's a member of the White Fang?"
That's a problem if that were the case. The damned council of Atlas wanted to lay out that Kron had ties to the White Fang
Everyone in the White Fang sees Kron as a danger to be avoided at all costs. There will be so much infighting if they allow sympathizers of the Scourge of Anima into their group.
"Few do" Adam replied in a thankful tone. "Most do not, they only see him as proof that one Faunus can challenge Atlas, meaning that they have hope in our cause."
Sienna listened, noting that he sounded too excited at the idea of these recruits.
"Adam it isn't wise to allow people like them into our ranks." She replied. "Many in our organization know about the incident, what do you think will happen when they find out he maimed the High Leader and defeated the predecessor?"
She eyed her cybernetic leg and thought of Ghira.
"It's an opportunity, many of them saw his actions in Atlas as a sign that the human oppressors are beatable." He replied the good side of this. "Most do not seek to meet the Scourge and understand he's no friend to the Fang, only as a symbol that revolution is possible, and also I have yet to inform you of the best part of this."
Sienna seemed confused hearing that and responded. "What is it?"
"Some of these recruits harbor a grudge against him."
Grudge? For what he did do to the White Fang? Doubtful.
"Why is that?"
"Many Faunus, Monkey Faunus in particular are being suspected of having links with the Scourge, mostly in Atlas or their family are being persecuted by authorities as well as beaten by humans who see the Scourge as another White Fang. They seek his demise."
Sienna had a dreadful expression.
"Adam" She had said with authority. "You remember what I said about Kron don't you?"
Adam was silent for a few seconds.
"High Leader" He began in an easy tone. "There are many who want his blood, with the right training, weapons, and planning we can put an end to Kron, we can finally get our revenge for what he did to your-"
"Adam!"
Sienna shouted so loud that the entire White Fang base couldn't help but shake at the sound of her roar.
"We will only take recruits who do not seek Kron, and if they sympathize with him they are to be turned away as well," Sienna commanded. "Kron has proven that he is far too much for us, and if he's left alone he will not attack the White Fang. If you provoke him, you will be putting your brothers and sisters in danger, do not make the same mistake as I did Adam. Understood?"
During the years she recovered from her injury Sienna resolved to commit fully to hunting Kron one day to finish him. But after learning from Kali about how Kron had at one point shown he wasn't a complete monster.
He had saved her daughter from a lancer and opened up to her about his past.
Yes, she will never forget that night, nor forgive it. But he believed that Kali had tricked him into lowering his guard and getting captured.
And that was a part of Raven's manipulation, he might've turned out differently had he been allowed to stay with the Belladonnas.
And Sienna believed that she also had a hand in enraging Kron. She was the one who captured him and painted a poor first impression on the White Fang. Not to mention she ignored his bloodthirsty tendencies for his power. If she hadn't tried to force her ideals on him that night might have turned out differently.
While Kron had done horrible wrongs on his own, Raven's manipulation enraged him and she captured him.
She believed she also deserved some of the blame for what happened. And vowed to never put the White Fang in danger ever again, by leaving Kron be.
"I" Adam for once hesitated with a reply analyzing if there was any way to convince her otherwise.
"Understood" He obeyed with a hint of disappointment that most would not be noticed.
Sienna, sharp as ever did. But chose not to comment.
There was something else she needed to confirm.
"Do you have anything else to report?"
He replied with a dull tone.
"No High Leader."
Sienna had an unreadable expression and hoped that was the case.
"Very good, so what will you do with these potential recruits?" She wanted to be sure she got her point across.
He replied to what she wanted to hear.
"I will seek their expectations, if they believe in our cause, inspired by Kron's attack in Atlas they will be permitted to join. And to turn away any who sympathize or target Kron."
She seemed to have eased up hearing that.
"Excellent, and Adam." She was silent for a few seconds. "I am sorry for my response, I hope you know that you are a very vital member of the cause, and I am very proud to have trained you."
That was the truth. At a young age, he asked her for training, eager to learn to defend himself as well as his kin. And he always showed dedication and loyalty to her and the White Fang. Nothing like Kron was, Raven found him so dangerous that she tried to kill him once and tried to deceive him.
Adam was nothing like Kron, loyal, and believe in fighting for something other than himself.
"No apologies necessary High Leader, thank you for warning me of the dangers of relying on the Scourge's influence, I will be more diligent going forward."
He sounded honest.
"Very good, let me know how the recruiting goes."
"Yes, High Leader.
And their conversation ended.
Sienna handed her scroll back to her subordinate and sighed. She still had to wait for something. Good news she hoped.
"High Leader Sienna"
The Tiger Faunus glanced down from her throne to see a Vulture Faunus with black wings bowing in front of her.
"Have you done what I asked?"
The Faunus stood tall.
"Yes, Madam, I scouted Adam's base as you instructed, he has been talking to three humans."
Sienna showed no facial expression she kept her composure.
"For how long?"
"Weeks High Leader, I'm not sure what for, but he's been speaking to them every couple of days."
She asked Adam if he had anything else to report. This means that her student hid the fact that he was talking to humans. She sent her best scouts to confirm what he's been doing.
So if he's talking to these humans he may be planning something behind her back.
Just like Raven had said.
She sighed.
No. It has to be bribing some officials, it wasn't considered good practice but sometimes it had to be done to further their intention.
But she had to ask.
"Who are these humans?"
"Unknown there's three of them, one a young man with grey hair, a young woman with green hair and dark skin, and their leader a woman with black hair and a red dress."
None of them sound like any figure they needed to keep quiet about their whereabouts.
Not to mention he would report if any bribes needed to be made.
Sienna squeezed her fists and stood up.
"High Leader Sienna, where are you going?"
The tiger turned to her subordinates.
"I am going to the training room, no disturbances."
She needed to take some aggression out.
Sienna convinced herself that leaving Kron alone was the right decision.
But then she finds out that his actions have ramifications for the people she's fighting for. He's been left alone, he has been leaving the White Fang alone as she wished he would, but he's still indirectly hurting her people.
Soon people in her ranks will want his blood as well and may see her as weak for not taking action. As well as what happened to her leg.
Worst of all is Adam.
He's hiding the fact that he's talking to humans.
She genuinely didn't believe Raven's warning and found it ridiculous.
Arrangements were made to see what he's been doing only so she can confirm that it was another lie.
But the fact that he's speaking to suspicious humans without notifying her checks out her claim.
She shook her head as she was about to head into the training room.
No.
Adam wouldn't bring down a prestigious school, he knows the devastation that would cause for their people and humanity.
He would never betray her, she trained him. He was like a younger brother to her.
And Kron, his actions may be affecting her people but only indirectly. That shouldn't mean they go to war with him. He's left the White Fang alone. Her people should accept that.
But still.
Adam was hiding something from her. Regardless of what Raven told her.
And if her words had some level of truth to them.
It made her wonder.
Raven had said that what her student was doing was a free sample, she had more intel to offer if she joined her fight against Kron.
What other secrets would Raven be hiding?
Once she was in the training room, she took her blade whip out and started an intense training session.
Hoping to take her mind off of Raven's words and decide what to do next.
Far Away
Raven was walking in a jungle on another island, to find the next artifact, hopefully, it will be more usable.
"Are we there yet?"
She looked down at the map focusing on where she was going.
"Are we there yet?"
If it was still intact it should help her get stronger.
"Are there yet?"
Raven kept looking at the map and kept going doing her best to avoid responding to the spirit.
The pink-haired girl Cher floated behind her with a smile showing that she was enjoying her constant question and without any effort followed Raven.
She's been like this since she visited the Spring Shrine, constantly throwing cheers for Kron to murder her.
"Are there yet?"
Raven refused to reply and kept moving.
Cher looked annoyed that she wasn't getting any response but smirked when she thought of something that can get under her skin.
"You know I didn't just watch your fight with Kron, I also saw what you've been doing for the past three years."
Raven closed her eyes when she said that.
"After Vernal tossed you out of the tribe." She appeared in front of Raven who kept walking. "For the first year you tried to live alone in the wild, to avoid either Kron or Salem, you were going to live off the land."
Her face showed no reaction but she squeezed her fists slightly.
"Then at some point during that year, you went to a blonde guy and his two kids."
She never told her about them.
"Were they your ex-husband and kids?"
Raven fought the urge to correct her that only one of them was hers not wanting to give her more ammunition.
"As a bird you hid in a tree, looking at them," Cher explained what she saw. "Then after a bit of watching them, you flew off."
The former bandit Chief didn't respond.
"Were you working up the courage to beg him to take you back after your tribe threw you out? Did he leave you, or did you leave him?"
Again Raven didn't respond and kept walking.
"You made the right choice, if he took you back you'd probably kill him or the kids too huh?" Cher asked. "After all, you'll kill anyone around you, if it means you get something in return right? Even if their family."
The older woman's face softened for a second but kept a stoic expression.
Cher noticed and giggled. "After all, you did say I was a part of your family when you took me in right?"
The current Maiden didn't reply as she walked into a cave.
She sees that it has no security, unlike the shrine.
Not a good sign.
Once she got in she looked all around for anything of use.
"Hey look teach." Cher got her attention.
Raven turned to the spirit and sees her pointing at a door.
She walked forward and pushed the door.
It fell and shattered to pieces.
Raven fought not to sigh to give Cher the chance to taunt her more than usual.
"Hahaha! Wow, that didn't pan out huh? Guess that room was what you wanted right?"
It was.
Raven looked at the map and the structure. 'The Void Vault' is a dangerous training room that could raise a huntsman's level to Maiden level with enough use. So if a Maiden were to use it, their power would be beyond that.
Knowing that it was useless she burned the map with her abilities.
"Well too bad, where we going next teach?" Cher grinned. "Think we'll see Kron on the way?"
Raven didn't reply and pulled out another map.
She has dozens of these, they have to have something that can help.
Beacon Courtyard
Qrow woke up with his head in pain.
"Fuuuuuck"
"Finally awake?"
The hungover huntsman looked at one of the sources of his pain.
Tai stood, his clothes had cuts, and there were some cuts on his face.
"So, feel better?"
"Define better." He gripped his head.
"You don't feel like drinking three times your weight."
Qrow chuckled.
"Maybe only double my weight."
Taiyang sighed as he walked toward his former brother-in-law and offered a hand.
"Ugh" He took his hand and pulled him up.
"That's 27 to 26 by the way."
"Shut up this shouldn't count."
"A huh"
Tai looked over the forests where students go through initiation.
"Ozpin told me about your trip to the Void Vault."
"All of it?" He asked with a hint of anger.
He shook his head.
"Relax, he only told me it was extreme. Not what you saw."
Qrow said nothing while looking over the forests.
"Why're you here Tai? You couldn't have known what I've been doing, did Ozpin call you?"
The blonde huntsman chuckled.
"No, he didn't I wanted to talk to Ozpin that I wanted back in."
"What?" Qrow turned to him like he had a second head.
"You heard me, I want back in on the fight, I'm not just gonna sit around at home."
The reaper shook his head.
"You said you wanted to stay home to raise your daughters, I know Yang's gonna be in Beacon in a couple of weeks but Ruby, she's in Signal for two years."
"I know" Tai replied. "I'll just have to multitask."
"Why? You said you didn't want to continue after Ruby was born."
The blonde sighed.
"Yeah I did, after the Raven incident, I wanted to focus on being a father, I didn't want to leave my girls like Raven left us."
Qrow glared angrily for a second before having a neutral stare.
"But after what you told me about the Scourge being after Raven, I can't help but think what if Yang becomes a target."
The former bandit didn't want to believe it but he had a point. During his fight with the kid he could feel the rage from him, he wanted his sister dead.
And after his semblance caused a misunderstanding he may want to murder anyone related to her.
"So I'm gonna pay a visit to that room."
Qrow looked at him for a second.
"I'd say no but I know you, I couldn't stand one time in there." He thought of that child that he murdered when he was young. There are other victims that his father had him and Raven murdered. He wished he could say that he was the one that was reluctant to go for the kill.
As a youth, he was the one that was willing to murder 'for the Branwen Tribe.'
"You'd last longer, you'd definitely have an easier time in there."
Taiyang chuckled.
"You would think, but no, I have my share of troubles to Qrow, my share of regrets."
He sighed sadly.
"And I know this isn't the best time, but we need to talk about Raven."
Qrow sighed.
"Ozpin told you."
He expected Tai to glare at him but to his surprise he didn't he only had a saddened expression.
"You can't blame him, she is still the mother of my child, I have a right to know you were willing to have the scourge kill her to get him on our side."
Qrow fought the urge to reach for his flask wanting to focus on a talk with his friend.
"She's given us no choice, Tai." The scythe wielder explained. "We had the Spring Maiden at our side, she was going to be trained and help us fend off Salem and her allies, to keep her from taking the relic."
He didn't want her to die, but she put them in danger by doing that.
"She left us when we needed her, murdered a girl younger than Yang, chose bandits over you and Yang, and decided to raid villages instead of doing good." He explained sadly. "I want there to be another way Tai, but we can't trust someone like her with being a Maiden, I bet she'd be willing to put Yang in danger to get what she wants."
Tai heard this rant and didn't respond, he only sighed.
"I get it Qrow, but we shouldn't resort to that, you know Summer wouldn't want that, she's still Yang's mother, she risked her life to save people in the past ."
She did, back then both of the Branwen siblings were finally doing good instead of murdering innocent people at their father's command.
He even saw Raven seemed to have been happy protecting people like a huntress should.
"Summer only ever saw the good in people, never the bad." He replied looking away. "And Raven's far from the person she used to be."
Taiyang sighed hearing his depressing take on the situation.
"Whatever the case, I'm using the Void Vault, I'm going to protect my girls from the Scourge, and knock some sense into Raven."
Qrow scoffed at that.
"Sense left her a long time ago."
Tai smirked at that but didn't respond to it.
"Look Qrow, we'll discuss Raven later, I can go in the vault myself, but if you do decide to go back, we can team up and do what we can to put what's left our team back together," Taiyang said. "To protect what's ours, like old times."
He walked towards the school.
"Tai"
His former teammate turned to him.
"Thanks"
He nodded.
"By the way, this fight still doesn't count!"
"Whatever you say Qrow!"
Qrow stared at the forest and remembered what he saw in the Void Vault.
His younger self killed a child younger than he was just because his father ordered it.
Raven hesitated but he didn't that day.
He sighed as he put his head against the railing.
Taiyang's going back to the fight.
Maybe he won't need to go back to that Vault.
He really didn't want to go back to that vault, didn't want to see Corvus or any of his past misdeeds with that cursed tribe.
Thoughts of the girls losing their father started hanging on his mind.
He squeezed his knuckles.
"Damn it."
Qrow started dragging himself to the school, if he has to relive his sins to get stronger then so be it.
One Week Later
In the Dead End Arena guest room, Kron awoke and yawned.
The Saiyan sat on his bed thinking of his week here.
It's gotten kind of dull, he hasn't fought in too long.
He looked over at his pile of books. Most of them were already read.
Suppose he'll go over to Tus- no, the other one 'Dusty Pages'.
So far he's avoided detection for a week, he didn't want to ruin it.
Also, he found it best to avoid the White Fang, he didn't want to do any more damage to them than he did already. He did too much damage to Blake's friends and family.
At least he can't bump into her here, she has no reason to come all the way to Vale.
Kron shrugged his shoulders.
Guess he'll check out Dusty Pages now.
As he was about to leave the door opened revealing Garnet.
"Kron! We have something, look what Junior sent me!"
The arena owner showed her scroll.
It showed an image of a girl with blonde hair, with a brown jacket.
The Saiyan looked at the face and hair.
While her hair is golden, her eyes are purple, but he can see it. Their face was very similar to Raven's, even her hair was the same shape as Raven's. Even that cowlick on top was the same shape.
"This is an image from one of their security cameras," Garnet explained the image to the boy. "Last night she tore Junior's club apart, after demanding information on Raven Branwen."
Kron didn't have to know that he can tell this was Raven's brat.
"Hehehe" The Saiyan chuckled. "Finally, a step closer, won't be long now before I find that hag."
Garnet giggled and put the scroll down.
"Yes, but, remember my request? We can find a name with this image easily, but are you willing to wait?"
He frowned at that, he was asked to wait a few months before his match-up.
The final battle with that hag he's wanted for years. An audience surrounding him was very tempting but he also could hardly wait.
"I'll think about it, get me the name first then I'll decide."
"Very well, but please, really consider it!" Garnet begged one more time.
Kron said nothing as he looked at the scroll with the daughter of his most hated enemy.
When he sees her, he'll show her how weak she is compared to him. Like her mother, she'll try to run away like the coward he knows she is. She'll be so terrified of his strength, then he'll bring her to the arena and force Raven out of hiding.
He can just imagine how terrified they'll both be.
Of course, he'll make sure the brat can't run away.
Abandoned Warehouse in Vale
A woman dressed in red walked inside a warehouse, she had an annoyed expression on her face.
Two people with grimm masks approached her.
"Cinder, thank you for coming." One of them said.
The woman nodded her head, fighting the urge to scoff.
Both of the guards escorted the young woman into the warehouse.
"I'm here, what is it?" Cinder crossed her arms in annoyance looking.
Someone walked out of the shadows, a young man dressed in black with a rose on his back, he also had a familiar sword and sheath. A personalized grimm mask with red lines over the eye lines. And bull horns can be seen with red hair.
"We have a problem," Adam explained as he held up a picture. "This was taken in by a security camera in 'Tuskon's Book Trade', he's hiding his tail, but I know that this is the Scourge of Anima, here in Vale.
At first, Cinder didn't look worried but she remembered an image shown by Tyrian when he took a picture of the boy before he wore a mask.
"He was a child the last time you saw him correct? How do you know that this is him?"
Adam shook his head.
"I remember that fight like it was yesterday, I memorize that hair, his face isn't even that different either." He reasoned. "Also the Scourge hasn't been sighted for a week, so we know he's hiding somewhere, also he only bought history books."
Cinder looked confused when he said that.
"How is that important?"
"Sienna told us that while he was hiding in the Belladonna's household he always read history books."
Ok, so the Scourge might be here.
"Weather he's the Scourge or not, we can't ignore him, if he really is here he can put a huge dent in our plans we can't risk leaving him be."
While Cinder didn't want to believe that he was right Adam had a point.
They needed to deal with this threat.
But she remembered how Salem warned her countless times to avoid the Scourge at all times. Do not engage until she had the power of at least two Maidens.
Cinder pinched her nose fighting a headache.
"If this is the Scourge then we can't fight him right now." She sighed. "I'll need to contact my colleague, he might have what we need.
Her most annoying colleague, hopefully, he'll get himself killed getting rid of the Scourge.
Well Kron got a picture of Yang. Now do you think he'll be willing to wait for his revenge or just take her to arena and force Raven out?
And now he's discovered all because he went to the wrong book store. Well he lasted a week in hiding, that's good.
(Edit: 3/04/23 : Forgot to clarify, we do not know what Tuskon did for the White Fang nor when he defected, in my story he gathered information on who's in Vale from his book store and handed in video footage to the White Fang before it was discovered he was planning to leave the White Fang and ended up dead. Sorry forgot to explain that the first time.)
Raven found the first Void Vault, sadly for her it didn't work out, what do u think she'll find next? Hope for her sake it's something useful.
Anyway hope u guys and enjoyed and look forward to the next one.
Review Responces.
DBZLover: Well hopefully Kron gives her time to find something to help her.
epantoja521: Glad to hear, thank you. Ya I kind of feel that way too, that's why I decided to have the shrines. Winter would definitely have a better chance than Raven or Cinder.
Bear295: Thank you glad u liked Cher, and the art i got. I might not use the Sword of Destruction until I see what rules it has, but yeah that might be a cool reference to do.
Lelouch of Zero: Glad u enjoyed it! You'll see very soon what the Ripening is, definitely before my next break. I imagined Salem would welcome something new since she's been around forever. Glad u liked the Maiden shrines, ya there's a Shrine for every Maiden only works for them respectively. Lol, wow, I'm only mad I didn't make that joke, nice.
ThatSaiyaGuy: Thank you! They kinda do the same thing but I would say more Avatar state since that's what pretty much what Maiden powers are, avatar powers. Lol, glad u liked that little twist.
Maybe, either way now he's found a picture of her, question is, is he willing to wait for it.
Qrow or Taiyang might interfere if their aware he's in town.
Remember Daim? Kron's manager when he was fighting for the arenas? In chapter 21, he asked Kron if there's an outfit he'd like to wear, Kron suggested a Berringel mask which was inspired by Raven's helmet.
Glad u liked what I did with Salem. Hope u like this chapter to.
Runeion: Oh I could've done that, lol oh well.
That's possible, there's a lot of magic items and structures she can find.
anon9919: Thank u I hope this chapter didn't disappoint either. Ya, I just wasn't sure how well I could execute two OC's early in the story. Well we don't know how the previous Spring Maiden was, all we know is that she wasn't fulfing Raven's expectations and she was terrified of Salem so she might have only joined the Branwen Tribe out of desperation instead of believing their ways. I think you'll like what I do with Cher. Oh and do not worry, I'm not stressing about pairings, I will pair Kron with whoever I feel would be the most fun to write not what other people want, I don't give into peer pressure. But thank u for letting me, hope you enjoy it whoever chooses
Shrine: Do not apologize, you are right I was wrong.
It's not exactly what u wanted but I think it makes more sense than what I had previously, I didn't go with what u suggested because I think knowledge and skills would only take her so far.
Thank u again for letting me know my error, hope this makes more sense to u even if it still might not be what u wanted.
Honestly, I have no plans for Amber at the moment.
You'll be happy to know I intend to make Adam different than his creepy canon counterpart.
About Kron x Blake x Yang. I didn't think anyone would, neat, honestly, though feel it would be better to write Kron settle for one girl just cause I don't think if I can write a good harem even if it's just with two girls.
BunkerfreakHD: Lol, well, we'll see if he can ever use it or even need to.
sarmadsadiq95: Huh, maybe I was subconsciously inspired by Cyberpunk to do that, at least Cher can't take over Raven so good for her.
Alright, guys hope u guys look forward to the next one.
And remember if u write a story, check your sources if u care enough for lore accuracy.
Have an awesome day :)