CHAPTER 8: GREED

Just by the village border, Jaune and the small team of Huntsman went into one of the homes for cover overlooking an open valley. Seeing to their surprise in the distance a small army of the same bandits that Jaune eradicated earlier, it seems his message has gone through the leader.

"there's a lot of them." Fox whispers

"Yeah, but we can still take'em. Based on that video we saw with the Grimm Knight, they don't have aura." Coco smirks in confidence.

"true, but what makes you think that these bandits don't have aura?" Yatsuhashi asks the leader, freezing her on the spot.

"his right; we need to be careful. Who knows, there might be more." Velvet said in concern.

"no, that's all of them, no doubt," Qrow announced as everyone in the group turned towards him with questionable looks of how he knew that.

"What makes you so sure?" Jaune ask

"Because they're the Branwen Tribe. And looks like she brought the entire Tribe. She has always been too Prideful." He smirks

"Branwen?" Jaune ask turning to Qrow

"Relax, I'm not part of their Tribe. Couldn't stand doing raids for selfish reasons. That's why I became a huntsman."

"Then why didn't you go after them?" Jaune ask

"they're nomads, good of covering their tracks, and somehow they can leap the entire Tribe to other kingdoms within just a day." Qrow replies, surprising the 2nd years of Qrow's knowledge of the bandits.

"if I have to guess, she must've used her semblance." He leers to the Tribe in the distance

"You keep referring she. I assume you know the leader of this Tribe?" Jaune ask

"Yeah, she's my twin sister..." he sighs, assessing the situation. Qrow is confident that he and the second years can take the entire Tribe. Cause knowing Raven, her "Tribe" doesn't unlock aura with the aria. To them, it was a show of sign of weakness, that aura needs to be opened on their own, to prove their worth. Plus, putting their weapons and gear in piss poor condition won't cause too much damage to the kids.

However, he stares at the Grimm Knight, focusing on the Tribe with intent. Qrow hesitated to ask for his help, fearing for the worse that Raven brought the spring Maiden with her. And worse if this Grimm knight serves Salem, but his declaration from earlier of protecting humanity above all is accurate and content just like a real knight from those stories his niece loves to read about. Yet the control of the Grimm is disturbing, but if he does work for Salem, why protect this village? It doesn't have anything of importance. The only thing to the significance of this land is the forbidden Valley. The SDC states that the Valley is literally sitting in the very largest vain deposit of Dust in all of Remnant. Salem has no need for dust, equipment, or money to operate a mining operation. If she did, it would stand out and attract unwanted attention. Salem rarely works directly. However, the Grimm Knight literally announces himself to all of Remnant and even shows his control of these Grimm. He needs to talk to Oz once this job is done and bring the Grimm.

"Grimm Knight." Qrow calling for Jaune's attention.

"I would like to hire you. Name your price?" he asks while still eyeing the Tribe.

"I'm sorry, but I have to decline." He replies, shocking the group.

"What!? Why? With your help, we can take these Bandits out." Coco argues while her team agrees with her argument as Qrow remains quiet, assessing the Knight's response when he turns to Coco.

"Than tell me. Are you willing to take those bandit's lives?" He states, shuddering the second year in dread of what they just heard.

"The Branwen Tribe will not stop. They'll continue this life and will kill without remorse. Even if you send them to prison, that won't stop them raiding and destroying lives. Isn't that right, Qrow?" he turns to Qrow as he stays silent as Jaune is right. They won't stop; they'll become more careful and innovative if any.

"and the reason I refuse is that I'm giving you a chance to save them. Even if they deserve to die, I won't deny their chance of survival; at the same time, you need to prove yourself." Jaune states.

"Prove? Prove of what?" Yatsuhashi asks calmly.

"To the villagers." Jaune states

"I'm sure you noticed of the chief expression when you arrived." Which they all remember, shaming the Huntsman-in-training, while it didn't bother Qrow. By the look of the Chief's expression, he was disappointed and losing fate to the Huntsman, even if they were in training. He has the right to be furious at them. If it weren't for the Grimm knight, the village would've been long gone, and the bandits would escape. Thus dampen the team's morale, Qrow sighs in disappointment and sees what's the Grimm knight is doing.

He gave the Huntsman a chance to redeem themselves and already thought of a plan.

"Fine, this won't be a problem. We'll take care of the Tribe while you stay and protect the village." Qrow suggests while he took out his flask for a drink.

"I had no intention of leaving this village till those bandits are dealt with." Jaune response

"Then we're in agreement." As he took a sip and passed it to Jaune but refused.

"Just to be safe, I'll send some of my Grimm as support in case the bandits try to sneak past. But they will not interfere with your battle."

"Good point. It'd be a bad image if word got out that Huntsman is working with the Grimm." Fox states, with his team nods in agreement.

"Alright, we got a plan. We'll face the Tribe and lead them away from the village. I already requested backup, so we'll have to stall until backup arrives. Any questions?" Qrow states while team CFVY nods to agree with the plan without concern and agree with Qrow's method.

"Good, you four wait outside. I need to talk to the Grimm knight." As instructed, they follow Qrow's orders till they are alone.

"There isn't any backup coming, is there?" Jaune questions the drunk, Leering in intent.

"Nope, this village is too far remote. It'd impossible to get in touch with a Vale." Qrow sighs

"so why lie to them? Are Huntsman these days don't value their own lives?"

"no, that's why I'm here to ask you. Well, in this case, more like begging you." As Qrow shows a strong indication of begging towards Jaune, he is about to bow his head towards Jaune. But stop as Qrow felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up towards the Knight.

"there's no need for you to go that far, Qrow. I understand. I will protect this village, and if the worst arises, I will protect you and your team. I would even place my title as the Grimm Knight on the line." To Remnant of the past, placing a person's title is a sense of honour, like putting your life on the line but in a more moral, mental and psychological insight. But in today's society, a person's title on the line isn't worth anything to many people if lien is involved. Qrow understands with a sigh of relief of the Knight's word. He's head by the door with a smirk toward the Knight.

"Thanks...by the way, when this is over, there's someone I want you to meet. He may be old, but I bet you two will get along."

"I'll think about it. By the way, catch." Jaune replies, throwing a small object towards Qrow as he caught it in time before it hit his face.

Qrow opens his clutch hand and sees a small wood carving of a soaring eagle.

"Take it. I insist."

"a gift?"

"hand-carve by my sister. May it protect you, as it protected me."

Qrow smirks at the gift and puts it in his pocket.

"Thanks; I'll be sure to return it when this is over." Jaune nods, with Qrow leaving with team CFVY following behind, leaving Jaune alone in the building. With a moment of silence, watching out of the window, seeing Qrow and team CFVY approaching the Tribe.

"you can come out now," Jaune calls as a figure walks out from the shadow. Slipping the scroll into her pocket and joined Jaune by the window.

"did you get everything?" he asks as Cinder nods but scowls towards Jaune.

"Jaune, we need to leave, now." Cinder states

"It's about Qrow, isn't it?" he replies as he notices Cinder's arms tighten around Ember.

"His Ozpin's right hand. So why are you so calm in the situation?" She scowls at the seriousness of the dangers associated with Qrow. Not only do they know of Jaune's existence, but Ozpin sent his best Huntsman to investigate.

"Cinder, for a successful infiltration, you need to make connections. Once you have those connections, it will be easier for your plans to flow through."

Cinder kinda understand what's Jaune is saying. Like her method of infiltration of the enemy, she uses the art of seduction, which is always a success, but not something she enjoys. To her seducing man and sometimes women, she has the needed information. The problem with Jaune's method, he went straight for a dangerous target. Then again, Jaune has more experience and has been through war, based on Watts's question to Salem regarding Jaune's past. She sighs from such a headache she needs a break.

"So what's the plan?" she asks

"Now? I need to check on the villagers to see if they're fine." As Jaune walks to the door, then stop and turn to Cinder.

"You, however, I want you to follow and record of Ozmas's Huntsman. To show the world of his Huntsman as failures to protect humanity..." as his tone came somewhat menacing with his eyes glowing red, leaving Cinder alone.

At that moment, she finally understood Jaune's plan from the beginning. His plan wasn't recognition of his return; it was a front. His plan's true goal was to demoralize the people of Remnant fate of the Huntsman, to doubt, sadden and hate. They planted a seed of doubt in their hearts, questioning themselves if they were safe. If this video went viral, this would build up enough negative emotions to attract large hordes of Grimm, even an elder. She quickly pulls out the scroll to see the views and statistics of spreading this.

To her surprise, her grin widens from ear to ear of what's she seeing. If she's seeing this right, the video went viral all over Remnant and is still rising.

"I have completely underestimated you, Jaune... you're more of a monster than I thought." She smiles, raising Ember to the air with a smile.

"don't you think Ember?" she asks as her puppy yips of agreeing with her.

The tension in the air is tense to a point Raven could feel it, even solid enough to feel against her skin or even slicing it with her katana. Ever since seeing that saviour returning and showing how broken he was, the Tribe were on high alert, and Raven have been gathered the entirety of the Tribe. She usually wouldn't need the entire Tribe for a small fry village-like Springvale, but according to the saviour, the Grimm of the Forbidden Valley is somehow involved, a perfect chance to capture them and sell for a profit

But what made her on edge is what the survivor said, echoing in her mind of doubt.

"…he ordered them…."

Revan tried to get more from this person, the saviour broke down even further that he couldn't take it anymore and quickly pulled a gun and aimed it at his head. If it weren't for Revan's quick intervention and knocking him out before he had a chance to pull the trigger, he would be dead. Somehow, this mysterious foe frightens the survivor to the core that he would resort to committing suicide than telling Raven for more details of the man responsible. Also, this person somehow can control the Grimm of the Forbidden Valley, but that's impossible. There's the only person who can tame the Grimm. And the last time she remembered that witch isn't a man, that's for sure. Maybe this man somehow antagonized the Grimm to chase him, and he led them to her scouts while her men were distracted. The thought alone was insulting to her very core and unforgivable.

They made it about halfway to Springvale; she suddenly stopped along with the Tribe, feeling a chill in the back of her spine. "Raven? What's the matter?" Vernal's right hand asked of unease and quickly pulled out her weapons. As the rest of the Tribe followed, Raven scanned the area. It was quiet, too quiet. Not a wind blow, not a sound of the leaves of the trees rattle, not even the sound of nearby Grimm to a cause a disturbance. Usually, they would've seen a Grimm or two, but the lack of Grimm activity only added to her paranoia. But she felt a familiar presence, a presence that she prefers to be avoided at all times thanks to his constant begging to come back to her family. He always failed that the Brenwan Tribe is her family, and so is his.

"How much longer are you going hide like the coward you are. And trying to catch us off guard? Wow…you really stoop this low, Qrow."

"Jeez, I guess my bad luck is acting up again." Her mystery foe announced, yet his voice is familiar and to her surprise seeing him stepping into view with many kids in tow.

"Qrow..."She leers towards her brother.

"Raven..." He states while the two watch each other in silence.

"I can't say I'm surprised to see you again. But what I'm more surprised of what you did to my man." She states as she connects the dot that it makes sense that Qrow and these kids must've been the ones that killed her men due to Qrow's level of skill. And these kids must've been sent to Springvale for their Huntsman-in-training exercise to shadow a licence huntsman.

What a stroke of luck that she Attacked Springvale on the same day that Qrow and these kids would be protecting Springvale.

"I never thought that Ozpin would go that low to allow his students to kill. Though expected, they will have to take a life or two. But killing everyone and letting one live as a messenger. I thought they were taught better than that." Raven states as Qrow sighs.

"your man? Sorry to burst your bubble, but you got the wrong guys, sis."

"The one you speak of stayed behind in the village." The tall student continues.

"And as Huntsman, we'll be the ones to take you down." The one carrying a mini-gun smirk caught Raven's attention with a feeling of nostalgia of the student reminding of herself during her time in Beacon Academy. Revan smiles underneath her helmet, draws her sword, and points it towards the Huntsman-in-training and her brother.

"Let's see if you can back up those words, little girl. GO!" she shouts as her bandits charge towards their adversary while she walks calmly towards her first pray, her brother. "No hard feelings, Qrow."

Meanwhile, Jaune is heading to meet the villagers at the storage house at the village's back. The villagers store their rations, tools, and other bare needed essentials and materials used for trade. As he arrives, he is greeted by his Direwolves scattered around the area guarding the storage house while some hid in the nearby forest.

He approaches the main door and can hear voices coming from the house, he knocks on the door, and the voices cease.

"Village chief, it's me. I'm coming in." He calls out as he opens the door seeing the villagers sighs in relief. Some are huddling together, mostly the remaining families that survived the attack, while some care for the wounded. He enters, closes the door behind him, and heads to the Chief to report his findings.

"Sir Knight." He greets

"chief, how are your people holding?" Jaune asks, concerned seeing the villagers in fear and agony; Jaune can literally smell it.

"a bit agitated of the sudden move to storage house, of Fearing the worse. Which I assume of the reason why you're here."

"Afraid so. Another group of bandits is heading towards the village as we speak."

"And the huntsman?"

"They're going to intercept them and try to stop them." with the sound of gunfire with the clash of metal sound in the distance, the start of the battle.

"Now, the only thing we can do now is hope they win this and survive."

"But aren't you going to help them? With your assistance, you can get rid of those bandits with ease."

"That's true. But my priority is protecting this village, and the Hunters need to redeem themselves." This caught the Chief's attention to Jaune.

"redeem?"

"You cannot fool them or me, Chief. They saw the way you looked at them, scowling with disappointment and hate. It would be hypocritical of me to not understand your emotions. After all, I would be in the same boat as you. But you need to put the account of your own faults."

"what's that supposed to mean?" the Chief raises his voice of insult towards the Knight. Forgetting that the man in front of him is his and this village saviour. While Jaune looks over his warehouse surroundings of rations and creates Dust crystal ores and mining equipment. They've grown enough to make a significant profit.

"Assessing of your village and questioning your people. You do not have Huntsman to protect your village. True the forbidden Valley keeps other Grimm at bay, but not human variables." Then came silently knowing what the Knight said was true and fear for the worse as Jaune continues his analysis.

"Based on what the villagers have told me. You didn't hire a huntsman because of the income needed for their accommodation and necessities. And just by looking at your supplies, you have enough materials to trade and support of hiring a huntsman." As the Chief shuddered with the horror of what's his hearing and tried to deny Jaune. But no matter how you see it, Jaune's right. They have bountiful enough supplies to trade and even more income for the village.

"Yet you neglected the safety and security of your people. Yes, you have communication, but it isn't enough to protect your people. Cause of your own greed, you paid the price of those lives." The shuddered of Jaune's accusations, without denying it of the realization of what he had done. He built this village away from the civilization of the surrounding kingdoms for salvation. Due to the white fang's violence they committed, the local authorities and Huntsman were unable to either catch or stop them. So how can he trust the Huntsman when they couldn't do their job to protect the people, but instead they control them, saying it's for the people's safety. But in reality, it was an excuse to get the job over and done with. So with that, he left the kingdom and made a new settlement, a place for all.

"So tell me, Chief...was it worth it? The investment of your own greed that you neglected the safety of your people?." Jaune asked as the Chief came silent, unsure what to say; everything that Jaune said is true. They started out as a simple farm village. To the Chief, it was a start, but it wasn't enough, as lien came scares and in desperate need for it for the town. So he cut back and convinced the villagers of his plan to get rich and lied to them about the village's safety. But instead, it was to fill his pockets with greed, and they agreed with him. But now, as he looked around and his villagers in distress, of what has he become. He became the reason he left the city for a new life, to be controlled.

"So, was it worth it?" Jaune repeats but only leave the elder speechless.

Qrow panting heavily, his breathing rasp, his sword heavy, lose track of the time of how long they been fighting and still haven't got taken out the entire Tribe. Some are on the ground knocked out, but they still keep coming, and worse of all, these bandits have aura. Worse of all, thanks to Qrow's lousy luck, team CFVY is out of the count. Velvet ran out of hard light dust for her weapon, and too exhausted to fight to reach her peak, she passed out from exhaustion. Coco's machine gun is starting to run out of bullets, so she's using it as a club while trying to protect her unconscious partner. Fox and Yatsuhashi got separated from the group. They're now back to back fighting incoming waves of bandits.

Qrow is fighting with his sister while some bandits watch their leader. Right now, they're evenly matched; Raven is confident that there's no need to use the spring Maiden power on him, despite his SemblSemblancethe same time, it was too great of a risk if Qrow and the huntsman-in-training escaped and reported to Ozpin. She'll have a bigger target on her back but can tell Qrow was tried while worrying about the kids.

Raven wanted to sneer, thinking maybe this whole thing was a distraction, but she remained alert. She sent scouts ahead to attack the village while the rest entertained the Huntsman-in-training and her brother. But that's the reason she remained alert; there wasn't any sound or smoke from the town. It's already over an hour and nothing. Could there be more Huntsman in the village and Qrow, and these kids are the spearhead? She shakes her head, and it's time to end this, even if she will kill her brother.

"Time to end this Qrow."

Seeing her brother panting in exhaustion is pathetic to see him in such a state. Self-sacrificing himself for this village, it's an embarrassment that she's her twin brother. His a Branwen, the strongest amongst their Tribe, he would've gotten anything if he stayed. Power, money, all the booze he could drink, hell, he can even get any women he wants. Since the women in the tribe flocks to the strong, but no. Ever since he became a student in Beacon and blindly trusted Ozpin, like a fool he is. They cannot win against an immortal witch.

"I'm not through yet, Raven." As he swings his swing around, it transforms to its scythe mode and lands on his shoulder.

"I'm a huntsman. No matter who you throw. You know they don't have a chance against me." He smirks, knowing that his right, thanks to his Semblance, misfortune. Even Raven would have difficulty keeping up with him, but Raven stayed calm.

"that may be true. But I can't say for your Huntsman-in-training." She replies, and on queue, Qrow hears thumps fall to the ground and turns around in comprehensive eye in shock. Seeing team CFVY unconscious and out of the fight with their weapons were taken by their opponents. They smirk in triumph and charge towards Qrow with Team CFVY's weapons in striking Qrow, but unable to land a hit. Due to their inexperience in wielding their guns, showing clear signs of the trouble of carrying the weapons. But quickly took out two of them carrying Fox's and Yatsuhashi's weapons when they attacked Qrow at once. But their movements were slow and easily read, as Qrow simply sidestep, when he was in between and let their weapons land on their head uncouthly, knocking them both out. It was embarrassing, not only for the Tribe but for Qrow.

The one carrying Coco's weapon didn't fire a bullet when he pulled the trigger, as the gun got jammed and taken down quickly. As Qrow swings his scythe, knocking the weapon off his hands, he follows up with a hard punch directly to his nose, shattering both it and his aura. But still surrounded by bandits, he is unsure if he could take them all down before he passes out from exhaustion.

"Face it, Qrow, you lost. There's nothing for you to stop us. Once we're through with you, we'll massacre the village. So stay down if you want those kids to live through this. And as an act of mercy, I'll be sure to return them to Beacon after they pay for their ransom. So lie down and be a good boy like you've been to their headmaster." She intimidates her brother of his situation, and knowing Qrow of such weakness, he will not endanger the students' lives; he will stand down. But to Raven's surprise, Qrow is laughing like it's a big joke.

"what's so funny?"

"Yeah, just like what happened to your scouts. When the Knight in the village comes for you, it will be a massacre." Qrow smiles while Raven leers towards her brother.

"so you know what happens to my men?"

"yeah, it was all over the CCT, and they didn't stand a chance." He smiles, irritating Raven, as she's beginning to lose her patients and now knows the one responsible for this whole mess. She will gladly enjoy killing this Knight as she sheaths her sword.

"Put him down, but don't kill him. He's worth a lot of liens if brought back to Beacon for Ransom money." She orders as her men smiles and slowly approaches Qrow in all directions. He grits his teeth while internally cursing his bad luck to bluff didn't work. He seriously needs to think of a plan out of this situation, but what can he do? He can't get these kids out of here while these bandits are on him. He hates to admit it, but he could use the Grimm Knight right about now.

"looks like it's time to switch..."

A voice echoes in Qrow's mind and suddenly faces a crowd of bandits in the open Plains. He found himself facing a different group in a tight space, looked like a large shed. Even more surprised, team CFVY is in front of him, unconscious on the ground with their weapons.

"Wh-where am I?" he asks, believing his dreaming that he must've lost consciousness during that fight with Raven.

"This is the storage house. The Knight set up a perimeter outside with his Grimm." The chief approaches, Qrow looks around for him.

"Is he here?" Qrow ask

"he was, then vanish. And you appear in his place." He replies that Qrow realized and quickly pulled the wooden carving out of his pocket. And to his surprise, it moulted into light and disappeared on his hands.

"No-no way..." as his view slowly went dark as he fell to his last breath and fell unconscious.

The winds blew as the air felt different than before, as the sound of the man's cape flaps in the air, in black armour with blood-red accents. Raven couldn't help herself that he reminds her of a Grimm. Then again, her helmet isn't that different compared to his armour.

"Who the hell are you?" she states

"Greeting's bandits of the Branwen Tribe. I am known as the Grimm Knight. But please, call me Jaune." He replies, and just like that, Raven's chest tightens for some reason as he calls out his name Jaune. As if she knows him but have no memories of someone by that name. Yet why is she feeling these emotions of weakness, a good thing she's wearing her helmet or else her men would notice.

Her men laugh at his claim to be the fabled legend, Grimm Knight. It's like seeing a child playing pretend. But not Raven; her eyes are focused solely on the Knight, trying to identify him, but no luck. She can't remember anyone who matches his voice, height, or stature. And yet, why does she feel nostalgic to see him again, like an old lover or lost family relative.

"...are you the one who killed my men?" Raven asked cautiously with her hand on her katana while expecting the Knight.

There wasn't a single scratch or dent on his armour in front of her and her men. It doesn't make sense unless he changes his armour before switching with Qrow and the huntsman-in-training. Which is another thing, how did he do that? Is it his Semblance? That allows him to switch places with someone?

"And I assume you're the leader?" he asks, facing directly towards her, as she nods.

"Then I like to know your name. It's my accustom to know my opponent's name before a fight." He asks as Raven takes off her helmet, steeling herself and staring daggers towards the Knight.

"Raven Branwen..."

"Thank you. and to answer your question. Yes and no." He replies, confusing Raven and the Tribe, as Jaune explains.

"Yes, it was me that gave the order to kill your men without remorse. And No that I didn't strike them by my own as they deserve a fate worse than death." After saying those words, the tribe smiles stopped and turned hostile and glared daggers at the Knight, ready to kill him at a moment's notice.

As soon Raven heard he gave the order, it's proof enough he wasn't alone. Putting her helmet back and guard in high alert. She quickly looked around the area but found nothing. Where are they? Is this a farce to distract them while their guard is down? Or is this Jaune believed he could take the entire Tribe on his own and thought she was prideful?

"You see, I have a something of a Relationship with those villagers." He announces.

"Oh? And are you here to beg for their mercy or just yours?" Raven ask while still on guard of the potential danger.

"oh, no, you misunderstand. I heard your conversation with your brother... you really are full of yourself, aren't you? After all, I did leave one of your men alive and deliver him my message to you." He spoke.

The air grew cold as the Knight began to chuckle at the same time his armour was leaking out smoke. Wait, no, it's not smoke. It's too dense and heavy. It looks like...Aura!? To her surprise, She can feel the negative emotions of hate, anger and dread, enough to attract the Grimm.

"You lot have a lot of nerve, ignoring my warning. I was giving you a chance to live, even letting Qrow and the students save your miserable lives, and here you are, still willing to kill everyone and take everything for yourself. I can never imagine more offensive " The air came even colder even Tribe could feel the excellent murdering intent from Jaune.

She chuckled slightly. "you seem to be appeasing yourself for a lone warrior, but you still killed my men, and that's something even is more offensive to me. And worse of all, you used Grimm to kill them" She paused.

"That said, you piqued my curiosity of how were you able to control the Grimm of the Forbidden Valley. And managed to get the Jump of my scouts. They weren't quite powerful but trained them enough to stand even grounds of a veteran Huntsman. So why bother wasting your time protecting a bunch of weaklings?"

"Oh? Why wouldn't I? What is wrong with helping the needy? Unless your one of those people who believe that strength survives?"

"That's right, The Branwen tribe always follows that the strong survive."

"I see…how disappointing. When I saw your scouts raiding the village, they showed a hierarchy of leadership and strategy. I was expecting the Chief would be a well-calculated adversary. But sadly mistaken, to only see a narrow-minded warrior, who only believe that strength is everything." The Knights state nonchalantly, infuriating Raven and her Tribe of such insult.

"But this conversation has gone on long enough. Since we both know how this is going to end, so why don't we cut to the chase." The air around them changed in an instant. The sudden killing intent flooded the entire area, and Raven raised her blade. The Knight raised his hand towards the Bandits and gave them their ultimatum.

"Offered you pitiful life to me without resistance. Do this, and there will be no pain. However, if you refuse…" as he clenches his raised hand to a fist tightly.

"I swear here, and now, you will die painfully and in despair for your imprudence…" he threatens with venom in his voice. Raven scowl and knows the Knight meant and confident that he will deliver on his word, that she stayed cautious.

"Is this freak for real?" Raven's men Slay D. said in dismissal and smirk as he raised his gun. " You can go and fuck yourself, you freak!" Raven narrowed her eyes. The Knight didn't make a move when the veto was clear. Is he purposely allowing himself to be open? Is he overconfident? Or is it a trap?

BANG!

The sound of Slay D.'s revolver aims directly towards Jaune's head. The bandit known as Slay is confident that the bullets will pierce through his aura and his armour, courtesy of the last village they raided. The shot sounds as everyone stares in surprise, seeing the bullet literally caught between the Knight's fore and middle fingers. The Knight inspects the bullet, then flick it in the air like a coin to caught to be seen again and continue examining the craftsmanship of the Ammunition.

To Jaune's surprise, this is the first time he saw an intact bullet in person, not like the ones he saw in the text he read. Back then, guns weren't invented in his time; they used arrows with dust arrowheads. Jaune never has a keen interest in bow and arrows as he prefers close contact with his opponent. As he looks closely at the intact bullet, he notices it's a fire dust crystal carved into a small calibre. Amaze of the man's revolver didn't explode; this piqued his curiosity that maybe he might give guns a try and curious what kind of damage this bullet could do.

Jaune stares back at the man who shot him this bullet, giving him a bewildered look. Jaune raises his hand with his two fingers still holding the bullet, and aim it directly towards the man. As soon he realized what Jaune was going to do, he was initially in denial of thinking that Jaune could fling the bullet back and kill him. But then he realizes in panic, the Knight literally caught a fired bullet right between his fingers. Slay quickly raised his pistol to fire, but it was too late. Jaune fling the bullet back to Slay, the bullet speed flying back into the barrel colliding onto the bullet in the chamber, on impact creating a change reaction of the two bullets in the chamber to explode in Slays hand. Shrapnel of Slay's gun, along with his hand, sent flying in every direction from the small explosion, enough to hurt but not to kill the other tribe members. Slay is now on his knees, screaming in pain while holding on to his now bleeding stomp wrist. This shocked and amazed the Tribe of Jaune's strength and accuracy to send Slay's bullet back into the gun and explode. While the screams continue, Jaune turns his attention back to Raven, snapping her attention away from the cries of Slay and back to Jaune.

"Now, that introduction is out of the way." He snaps his fingers, and in an instant, the wind ceases only to hear the silence. Then snarls, growls and barks of dread surroundings the bandits. They turn and see Grimm they have never before seen, as they are slowly back away as the Direwolves crept closer.

"What the!?"

"Where did these Grimm come from?"

"Have they been waiting this whole time?"

"I have never seen this type of Grimm before!"

Panic spread among the Tribe, and Raven quickly surveyed their surroundings, and everywhere she looked were the Grimm surrounding the Tribe. And to her added shock, along with her men, is when they saw another Grimm. But not just any other Grimm, this one came out of the Knight's shadow and judging by its size and colour, it's an alpha. The giant wolf of the size of bullhead, plates of bone armour with white fur with deep blue markings of dread instead of red markings of fear. The moment she realizes this man...he can control the Grimm like her...the witch!

"What the hell is that?!" Vernal cried, having never seen a monster like this before.

Before anyone could question the Knight, Fenrir lunged forward and went for the closest target. Raven intercepted the Grimm and defended her Tribe with her katana. She struck at full strength by its armour claw, yet she found herself pushed back, her grounded feet dragged across the dirt.

"Oho?" Jaune leaned forward curiously.

"Interesting. You seem to have the strength to back up your bark, after all."

"Is this how you killed my men?" Raven gritted her teeth, struggling to push back the massive weight of the Grimm's armoured paw. The Grimm growled in annoyance, then howled in the air signalling the rest of the pack to attack the Tribe. Surprising her to see her Tribe, her family being attacked by these Grimm. But they didn't shoot like normal Grimm either, like mindless animals. No, these Grimm are intelligent, coordinated, and cooperate with each other, quickly killing her Tribe one by one with ease, without loss of casualties of their own.

She pulled her blade out, readying for another clash. "You coward! hiding behind this monster!"

The Knight laughs, not at all offended. "On the contrary. You, humans, aren't even worth my time, Raven."

Raven is in rage. Just how much more could this Knight infuriate her? Based on the last attack from that Alpha, it's clear she's outclassed. She usually wouldn't wish to do this on a single opponent, especially when it seemed like she could just kill the man controlling this beast and be done with it. However, it was faster than it looked. It would easily defend its master if they attempted to ignore it and go after the Knight.

If strength alone couldn't take it down, then an alternative is necessary,

"Vernal!"

The woman's eyes hardened and nodded in understanding. She let out a battle cry and rushed the albino alpha, weapon raised high. Fenrir roared in reply, ready to end her with her maw.

She reached for it–

Clang.

–and struck with a sword made of ice on the maws of Fenrir.

Omake:

Silence.

Absolute silences.

Absolute and awkward silences

Salem's inner circles' in the dining room, which is the war room, used the table as the dinner table. Usually, it's nosey and entertaining from Salem's perspective. It usually starts with Jaune and Cinder arguing on trivial nonsense while the rest of the table either simply watch or make bets who would win. Salem usually never eats as there was never the need for her to. But now that Jaune's here, eating with him makes it all worthwhile, something that she can hold on to; Jaune is her light in this dark world.

Seeing Cinder and Jaune, averting their eyes away from each other, with a tint of red on their faces. Which pledge the question in Salem's mind.

"Jaune, Cinder. Did something happen between the two of you?" Salem asks while cutting her steak while both parties choke on their meals. Jaune choked on a stake while Cinder choked on her wine glass and spat the content on Jaune. As he slams his chest repeatedly on the table, he coughs out the piece of stake, gasping for air. This brought a smile to Salem's face, and she continued eating her bloody rare steak.

"I assume there's a story behind the sounds of your choking. Please, why don't you both share the story." She smiles while both Jaune and Cinder stare at each other with their faces blush red and hesitating to speak for a couple minutes, till the sound of screeching plate coming from Salem. Forcing everyone in the room to cover their ears.

"Please, I insist…." Salem smiles towards them and somehow look intimidating and impatient.

Jaune hesitated with a slight chuckle while scratching the back of his head for a moment.

"Funning story, remember you…grounded me for to my room and ordered Cinder to keep an eye for me?"

Salem didn't reply but crock her brow towards Jaune, then moved to Cinder as she immediately blushed and looked away from Salem. This caught Salem's interest of wanting to know more.

"Cinder, please by a dear and explain…." She states, forcing Cinder to face Salem in a stuttering manner.

"W-Well…It happened like this, my Queen."

-SEVERAL HOURS AGO-

"Ninety-six…Ninety-seven…ninety-eight…" Jaune counts, with a bit of sweat dropping off his brow and pushing himself off the floor with discomfort and pain. Usually, when it comes to simple exercises such as Push-up, he can finish with ease, but that changes when added weight lies on his back. Covered in sweat, he would've thought the added weight would leave, but she didn't, nor aware of the sweat slowly damping her clothes.

Slightly annoyed seeing her lying on his back while reading a book across her face with her elbows pressed against the back of his shoulders, his shoulders are starting to get sore. He can even feel her knees pressing against his lower back, and he knows she's doing it on purpose to annoy him.

"Come on, Jaune, two more to go." Cinder says nonchalantly while she still reading her book.

"… I would've to finish sooner, but you're heavy… Ninety-nine-ack!" In severe pain, Jaune gritted his teeth when he felt intense pressure pressing against his back. Slowly turning his head, looking over his shoulder and seeing Cinder in an intimidating smile while pushing her elbow down on Jaune's back even harder.

"Care to repeat that, Jaune?" she closes her book and leers intently into Jaune while leaning down her elbow and now clamping her nails into his shoulder. Reluctantly Jaune looked away and turned to Emerald, who was watching the whole event unfold before her on his bed with a book at hand against her chest. Notice her face is slightly blushing and a bit pouting, for some reason. Not wanting to get into another fight with Cinder, he shoulders on.

"…O-One-hundred!" Jaune stutters as he collapses on the floor in exhaustion while Cinder smirks of amusement at seeing Jaune weak and exhausted across her face. Just as Jaune raise his head off the floor, Cinder places her hand on the back of his head and pushes his head down to push herself up.

"Ow…" Jaune snarls in frustration towards Cinder while she smiles, amused.

"Oh, don't look at me like that, Jaune. You should be grateful that you're grounded; instead of your toys taken away." She jest

"Then why are you here? Never thought you took a fang for me?" Jaune counters back and notices Cinder's right eye twitching while she struggles to hold her guise, wanting to snap.

"oh, believe me Jaune. I would rather exterminate a horde of Grimm than babysit you. Sadly your Mother insisted." She crosses her arms and looks away.

"Whatever…I'm going to change." Jaune heads to the walk-in wardrobe, leaving Cinder behind as she continues reading her book till an invasive smell invades her nostrils of sweat. Looking down her dress of the source of the scent, she remembered that Jaune's back was sweaty and decided to head for Jaune's Bathroom.

As she entered the bathroom, she couldn't help but be jealous and annoyed of Jaune's bathroom. If she were to compare, her bathroom would be nothing but a standard bathroom you see in homes, nothing special just average. Jaune's bathroom reminds her of the high-class Bathrooms she has to endure, back at the tops. It's a spacious room with a black marble sunken bathtub with a large shower head above, overlapping the sunken bathtub with a large window overviewing the entire Grimmlands.

Venting her frustration, she took full advantage of the bathroom and headed to the sunken bathtub while she undoes her dress. Letting it fall to the ground, and walked down a small flight of stairs to the base of the tub and slowly turned the tap on. As the large shower head began pouring down on Cinder, she closed her eyes, letting the warm waters wash her stress away. It felt like she was standing in the middle of warm heavy rain pouring down on her while she removed her underwear and cast them aside. As the tub filled to the brim, almost overflowing, she shut the tap and laid to lax.

"Aaahhh…I can see why Emerald would take a bath here. It's so relaxing….maybe I should come here more often." She smiles as she stretches the stress off of her joints till she realizes something. She didn't bring any spare clothes, and she remembered she passed by a stack of towels by the door next to his armour sets, already regretting it.

"Argh…" she sighs, annoyed, but now she can relax on the tub and slowly close her eyes

"Might as well enjoy the moment…. now that I think about it, some soothing music would be nice." Cinder smiled, and on cue, she heard music played on the other side of the door, and it wasn't being played from a scroll. No, this music is too clean and clear for it to be played on a scroll. It's played from an instrument, but an instrument she never heard from before but knows it's been played by a string instrument.

(PLAY REMINISCENCE GENSHIN IMPACT)

She couldn't help but turn over, stare at the door, lean against the edge of the tub and be immersed in the music. She had never heard such music before, though she wasn't that interested in music, to begin with, yet listening to this song, she couldn't help but relax. As she immerses herself in the song, she immediately loses track until the song ends. She refuses to be humiliated even further by Jaune and decides to leave before Jaune walks in on her in the bathroom.

She climbs out of the tub, gently opens the door, and peeks out to see the coast is clear. To her relief, Jaune is nowhere to be seen, but the walk-in wardrobe is still open.

"Jaune must've headed back to his wardrobe." She says to herself with her eyes glued to the open wardrobe and instinctively headed to the towels. But suddenly, she collided on the smooth, lean surface, arms then wrapped around Cinder in an instant, losing her balance. She fell forward to the floor on top of the smooth surface as she looked up to see what she crashed onto. She looked carefully; it was soft, lean skin, and her head climbed up to see a recognizable set of blue eyes and blond hair.

As their eyes meet, both of their faces blush red in wide-eye of shock in the size of saucers. The first thing they both did was scream their hearts out like they had just discovered a dead body.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

"Why are you wet!?"

"Why are you naked!?"

"S-so that's the stroy..." Cinder blushes red along with Jaune while Mercury, Arthur and Tyrian tries to hold in their laughter. While Salem remain stoic towards Cinder and turns to Jaune as he nod confirming Cinder's story like she telepathically communicated to Jaune. Salem returned her attention back to Cinder, seeing her trembling in fear, then she smiles towards both Jaune and Cinder.

"So, when will I be expecting Grandchildren?" she states cutely

"MOTHER!?"

AN: hey Izzy here! happy late New year of 2022! Cliffhanger! The Epic battle! Grimm vs the Branwan! Please and thanks for your support to Fav, Follow and review. if you got any omake ideas, i would really love to hear about it and don't worry you'll be credit for the idea. and Yea i know my grammer needs some work as i'm still in the market to find a new beta reader. If you know any serious beta readers i would appreciate it.

till than I'll see you guys next time Izzy out!