CHAPTER 10: FREEDOM
Disclaimer: the following is a fan base parody. RWBY are owned by Roosterteeth and Monty Oum. please support the official release.
Everyone waited in the war room for Jaune to commence the meeting. It's relatively quiet and patient, except Cinder, who's tapping her finger on the table at a reparative pace. To everyone, no surprise of her impatient behaviour, and that's not even the elephant in the room. It's their new and the large albino Grimm ally, seating by the door with her paw pressing down on their VIP. Revan Branwen, still under the influence of the venom of Bai Suzhens around her neck, took both Hazel and Tyrian by the surprise of Fenrir's arrival. At first, they believe she's a rouge Grimm that broke into the castle, and they try to fight her, with the emphasis of trying.
Fenrir defeated them with ease while still carrying Raven in her jaw. Pinning both men beneath her paws in defeat, it was humiliating that they were trounced by a Grimm. That's when Salem smile and elaborate to her men what's so special about this Grimm. This Grimm's intelligence is on par with an elder and even more to their surprise. While Salem approaches the Grimm, it shows a great display of respect and intelligence towards Salem. Tyrian could've sworn that Grimm looked smug towards them.
The doors finally open for everyone to see Jaune enter with his more civilian attire, a black hooded shirt and jeans. He approached the table and cleared his throat, about to begin the meeting.
"I like to thank you all for arriving with such short notice. As you already may know, Remnant knows the Grimm Knight has returned. Thanks to Cinder, the people are now hesitant towards the Huntsman. This will be a seed of doubt planted in their hearts, ready to burst for Cinder's plan to cause a bigger impact to the people." The people of the table nod of approval and understanding of Jaune's plan.
"now to the main point of this meeting. Within a month, I'll be preparing to leave and travel around before applying to Beacon Academy." He announces, shocking everyone in the meeting except Salem as she smiles with confidence towards her son.
"My Prince..." Watts interrupts, raising up off his chair.
"Forgive me, but I must've misheard that you said you'll be applying to Beacon Academy?"
"no, you haven't, Watts. If you allow me to finish explaining my plan, perhaps you might have a better perspective of my plan." Jaune retorts of annoyance, frightening Watts.
"oh yes, forgive me..." with a slight bow and return to his seat.
"Now, as you may already know, I have enough knowledge of the history of Remnant today. However, books aren't enough. So, travelling Remnant first hand would be a great experience to help my perspective."
"so you would be posing as a spy for us to gather intelligence." Hazel pinches his chin, understanding Jaune's plan.
"No." Jaune smiles, confusing everyone except Watts as he smirks while pinching his moustache.
"You see, Watts has already had that covered before I could suggest it, and he was the one who brought up the idea that I should explore Remnant."
"Why bother…" Cinder voiced her concern but hid it with a nonchalant attitude so no one would notice except Salem as she smiled towards Cinder.
"Everyone in this room knows how powerful you are. Hell, I bet you're even hiding more power after that fight with the bandits." Cinder Argues, but Jaune smiles towards Cinder.
"That's true. But I need to know who I'm up against. The last thing I want is to accidentally kill my opponent with one punch." He jest.
"I see, so the purpose of this "adventure" is basically gauging the Huntsman's level before applying to Beacon to avoid suspicion. The last thing you want is to have Ozmas on to you," Hazel speculates
"Exactly, while travelling, I'll be facing different kinds of opponents."
"Does that also includes heroics of the Grimm knight" Jaune's Mother teases while Jaune jolts a little, wishing his Mother wouldn't know that he'll be putting Grimm knight's mantle.
"I was hoping you wouldn't notice, mother…" while he scratches the back of his head as she smiles, then her face frown.
"But Jaune, now that the world knows that the Grimm Knight has returned. Meaning Ozmas now know that you're alive. As soon he sees your face, chances are that he will be searching for you and probably will send his Huntsman after you. You will have a difficult time hiding from him," Salem argues of concern, but Jaune just smiles towards his Mother.
"Actually, I don't plan on hiding, Mother. You see, I gave it some thought and learned something exciting about Remeant's government system. The council doesn't control the people. It's the other way around." Jaune explains while confusing the people of the meeting.
"You see, it's true the council decides and make laws of Remant. However, the people decide who would lead them, unlike Remant of old where the family line is the monarch. I will make the people side with me that even Ozmas won't ever dare touch me," Jaune states as it catches both Cinder and Salem's attention.
"Oh? And how will you accomplish that, Jaune? The quickest way for that is to be famous. How are you planning to do that?" Cinder asks with a smirk as Jaune smirks and pulls out his scroll showing an image of the Mistral regional tournament poster.
"Something that I'd rather not do. To stoop to be in these Huntsman's ideology of fame." His voice came sour of disgust to see how the people's reason to become a huntsman is for fame and fortune these days. Not what he and his brother stand for of Valour and honour.
"and that is?"
"By defeating Mistral's Three-time champion, the Pride of Mistral and the face of Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow flakes." And on cue, a Grimm seer arrived with the said Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow flakes cereal box, handed it to Jaune, and threw it on the table for everyone to see the champion's face of long red hair and bright emerald eyes.
"I see, by defeating the Goddess of Victory and with over a thousand spectators watching the battle. You will have the backing of not only Mistral but also of other kingdoms, who would be watching." Watts states.
"Exactly with the public knowledge of my existence and announcing to the world of my plan attending to Beacon Academy. Ozmas can't do anything but allow it, as Remnant expects their new champion to be in Beacon. Then After Mistral, I'll be heading to this new kingdom called Atlas for supplies and try to look for the Winter Maidan while I'm there. Then a train ride to Vale to pick up my transcript, courtesy of Cinder's contact." Hazel is somewhat concerned while listening to the plan, especially in Beacon Academy.
"My Prince, forgive me for being sceptical. But how are you sure that Ozmas will just open his doors and let you in?" Giving Jaune his unimpressive neutral stare, which in turn, Jaune gave him a tepid smile. Knowing the man he calls father, Ozmas or Ozpin that he calls himself these days, is paranoid, secretive, and prefers to have everything within arms reach. If Cinder's failed attempt of capturing the Fall Maidan were any indication of "Ozpin's" paranoia, chances are Ozpin will hide the Fall Maiden in Beacon academy.
"As a member of Mother's inner circle with information and knowledge of our plans, Ozmas won't let this opportunity pass, for a chance to get the advantage over us. Knowing him, he'll try to convince me to join his ranks. I bet he won't even tell his allies his greatest shame." He smiles with an ominous aura, with a light chuckle as if it was a pun, while the others smile along with him, agreeing with Jaune's optimism. As they know know of Jaune's origins.
"This will divert Ozmas's attention away from Cinder. Giving her plenty of breathing room to operate." Jaune replies while staring at Cinder while she nods of appreciation of Jaune's plan.
"Genius, my Prince. However, I assume you're not just only be a decoy, are you?" Tyrian cackles.
"Of course not. I would also be recruiting members to my cause against Ozmas, on the inside making Ozmas more paranoid than ever. At the same time, be Cinder's inside to search for the Fall Maiden. Which we will discuss further later." He said as he turned to Cinder as she nodded in response while Salem smiled at the two of seeing them both getting along rather well. Unlike their behaviour from before when they first meet, at each others throats.
"Then I would assume you be using a fake name?" Watts ask
"No, I want Ozmas's attention on me. After all, the Prince of Grimm in the heart of his school, there's no way he'll ignore the dangers that I might pose."
"Than what will be your cognomen? I assume you won't be taking Ozmas's. You need a cognomen to blend in, in today's society Jaune." Salem states as she rests her chin against her intertwined fingers, making Jaune pause and give it some thought.
"I think I would take your Maidan name, mother." Jaune replies which surprise Salem.
"Jaune…of all names, you have to pick that name?" she says in her calm demeanor expression, yet her hands clench tightly together in all rage and hate. Her nails almost pierce through into her skin. She questions Jaune's choice of name. He could've taken any name, but he has to take the name that denied her? She remembered her life with her so-called father, who locked most of her life in the tower and refused her freedom of choice. Force to endure the isolation, not even love from her so-called father. She does have the right to deny Jaune's request to use that name, but as she saw his eyes of determination, she knew that he won't stand down without a fight. He must have his reasons.
"I assume you have a reason?" Salem crooks her brow unimpressed as Jaune came silent, walked towards her side, and kneeled before her of a knight, no, a Prince before the Queen.
"Multiple, actually. Not only to mock Ozmas of his failure but to also revive it into a new light to reach my goal." He smiles as this confuses the members of Salem's inner circle, unaware of what the Prince means, except Salem. Salem can't help but chuckle a little, forgetting her and Jaune's pact. This is now Jaune's mission, not hers anymore, as long Jaune holds up his side of the arrangement. She will simply watch the entertainment that her son will bring. She couldn't help but smile excitedly at what entertainment of chaos would Jaune bring to this fragmented world. She pats on his soft hair while Jaune waits patiently for his Mother's response.
"Very well, Jaune. As the last heir of my late father. Jaune. My son, My Prince, My Heir. Henceforth you shall carry the name of the late Arc Family as the successor and heir. From this moment on, you'll be known as Jaune Arc." she announces as Jaune feels a sense of pride in his Mother's word and couldn't help but smile.
"I promise, I'll make you proud." He smiles with pride, looks towards his Mother and stands by her side while Salem turns to Fenrir.
"Now, what should we do about her?" As Salem stare towards the unconscienced Raven, everyone follows.
"Oh right, I almost forgot about her. Fenrir…" Jaune calls out as she lifts Raven up to her knees as Jaune approach to remove the Bai Suzhens off her neck. Gently he places the Grimm on the table as it slithers to Salem. As the Grimm approach, Salem lays her hand down for the Bai Suzhens to climb up to her arm and wrap loosely around her neck like a scarf. As Salem smiles and gently scratch the Bai Suzhens's chin while it wags its tail, piquing her curiosity of what Raven Brenwan saw during her trance.
Overlooking her tribe celebrating their recent Raid of Springvale, the bustling of supplies and goods that they could be set for months. Both her friend and brother, Summer and Qrow, drink together of their victory by her side. Giving a smile to Raven's face of such a moment,
"The Wimp finally told her." She smirks at such a moment; it is painfully apparent that Qrow has a thing for Summer but is too much of a coward to ask her out. Yet, she still smiles to be with her family among the Branwen tribe. Just as she leans her back, to lands onto a recognizable warmth that she hasn't forgotten in years. As she looks up, she sees her lover of her man, the only one to beat her, Tai Xiao-Long.
A roar of cheer caught their attention away to the centre of the camp, a clearing of a ring of combat of two battle craze combatants to show strength and superiority to one another. One of them happens to be her daughter Yang Xiao-Long just like her Mother with her delicate, tone figure that men would drool over, her thirst for a challenge and her long hair covering her entire back but inheriting her father's hair colour and eyes. They continue to watch the fight till Yang's final punch land the last punch dead centre across her opponent's out cold. The crowd cheer while Yang bellows for anyone who would challenge her. Raven smiles towards her daughter, proud to have a child who would take over the tribe one day. But she's pleased and relieved that she finally feels free…free from Ozmas grasp, free from fear of Salem. Free with her friends and family, free to show everyone that the strong survive and are free to do what Raven desire wants and speaks of wanting. She turns to her lover, with her hand gently grasping on the back of Tai's neck and pulling him down into a deep force kiss, which Tai accepts completely. The kiss soon came to great passion, ignoring the other tribesman's stares, believing they were the only one in the world than came to lust as she came of wanting more. Tai carried her off her feet, her arms around his neck and her legs locked across his back. Entering their tent, Tai ripped his shirt opened exposing his bare chest and threw Raven towards the bed and pinning down her arms with a smile of Tai's dominances. He kisses her lips and trail down to her neck repeatedly while his hand slowly glides down under her shirt. Tai's firm, warm hand slowly along her body until Tai reaches towards her breast, rub and squeeze lust. She's thrilled, her tribe, friends, family, a mother, importantly, her lover as he continues kissing and sucking the side of her neck till he bites a particular spot that she winches in pain.
He lets go and watches Raven's face with a smile; he leans closer while he slides his other hand slowly slides up to her thigh and under her dress as she smiles at Tai's attempt.
"Quit, teasing Tai. Hurry it up." As she felt his firm grasp of her ass with his fingers hook to her underwear. Finally, nod, he pulls down her underwear with a great force she expects them to rip, but suddenly everything stops, pause as if time is frozen except her and. Then slowly notice her tent slowly disintegrates to dust with the wind blowing them away. Revealing herself to her tribe, who were too frozen in time from their entertainment. Yet slowly, one by one, a member of her tribe disintegrated into the dust of light; this includes Yang, Qrow and summer till there's no one remaining. She quickly turns to Tai, still frozen and promptly tries to grab hold of him, but she's too late, as he moults to dust, and she falls and is forced to watch everything disappear till she only remains.
Soon a blinding light follows, the only way to describe her surroundings. Shutting her eyes did nothing to combat the overbearing light that seemed to come everywhere. She's paralyzed by the unending brilliance. And then nothing, just as the light began to fade away with a gentle glow and a loom of darkness, slowly she opened her eyes. Only to find herself on her knees in the middle of an unknown room with jagged walls and what is she wearing…a dress? Panic soon spread in her mind till she felt a breath over her shoulder. She slowly hesitates as she looks over her shoulder and sees a Grimm she recognizes and remembers with a pain in her heart. She remembers everything, Springvale, her pride, her tribe…all gone by him… the Grimm Knight, the embodiment of death.
"Seems you finally came by. For a moment there, I thought you went too deep in the rabbit hole." The voice calls out she recognize too well, the voice that took everything from her with ease with such power. She lacks the power that can hold of life and death, literally in the palm of his hands of how she remembers him, eradicating her entire tribe with ease; it's considered boredom to him.
She slowly raises her head to meet her end, but only for her expression to deepen of great denial and horror. The Grimm Knight wasn't the only one who stood before her, but more sitting on her throne of bones and a snake Grimm she hasn't seen before wrap around loosely like a scarf; it was her. The witch herself, the Queen of Grimm, the Queen who opposes humanity and Ozpin's game of shadows.
"Salem…" she whispers in fear.
"Raven Brenwan…It's good to see you again. Love the dress" Salem smirks towards the bandit like an old friend, surprising her son.
"You two know each other, Mother?" the Knight asks while Salem stands up from her throne and predate around Raven like predator and prey.
"Yes, she was once, one of Ozma's pets to despatch me. But to only realize it was their death sentence. Neither member of her team could harm me, well, except for one Silver eyed warrior, but she's already been dealt with. After all," she pauses and look over her shoulder with a smirk across her face, clearly seen by Raven.
"You abandoned her to die." She states mockingly while Raven looks down with scorn across her face with the displeasure of regret of her cowardice.
"If you're going to kill me, then kill me. Just get it over with it." Raven spoke with a hint of venom towards Salem as she returned to her throne.
"Oh, trust me, Raven. I would gladly enjoy tearing you, limb from limb, for foiling my plans while you were still leash to Ozmas's Academy." Salem says with a mocking and sinister tone with hate.
"However, due to the pact that I form with my son. Your fate will be decided by him. Jaune…" she turns to Jaune as he smiles and approaches Raven while he slowly draws his sword from his hip. As he entirely removes the sword from its sheath, Raven could hear the humming sounds of Jaune's sword and already can tell that' no standard sword. A red gem is embedded in the centre of the black crossguard and the end of the pommel. The blade of its double edge blade is in an of ebony of the abyss that light can't reflect; the Knight's blade is black shows of red cracks as if the black sword was shattered from the centre and formed together, leaving red gaps but can see the sharpness of the blade's edge.
The blade calls out for blood, instinctively of fear and dread for her life. She's always afraid of Salem but never in her life to be fearful of a weapon, staring at the sword in a comprehensive eye of shock. Jaune swings his blade towards Raven as she jolts in fear, quickly raising her head up, missing the edge cutting her face. But it stops and points it directly towards Raven's throat that she could feel the coldness of the black metal under her chin.
"Raven Brenwan, I offer you a choice. Either be frozen until I find the Spring Maiden's proper successor. Or…." He pulled the sword away, pointing the blade to the ground with his hands on top of the pommel.
"Pledge your undying loyalty to me. I accept your servitude if you say you wish to be my servant. Devote yourself to me, and you'll find that I reward loyalty with loyalty, duty with treasure, and betrayal with torment and death. So, what is your choice?" Jaune adapted his best impression of an Overlord, radiating dread and the Aura of a ruler and tyrant. His Mother taught him and experienced of witnessing past rulers of Renment during the war.
Salem has to admit that she's a bit surprised by Jaune's recruiting Raven. But she couldn't help and be even more proud to see him in his role as the Prince of Grimm and future ruler.
Raven stares at the floor, a bit in dread from Jaune's offer. That wasn't a choice. It's an ultimatum; she would rather be Ozpin's lapdog than be a Servant to this Prince. She knows his game; it was apparent why he practically told her from the start. He just wants the Maiden's Power. So, she has a bargaining chip over him, but she needs to think about this carefully. This Prince took out her entire clan with ease; even if she manages to escape, he'll find her, just as easy he was able to identify her as a Maiden. So now, her choice is to live or die. To live in forever servitude to the Prince of Grimm or be frozen and wait to be thaw out and killed like a piece of meat.
"How will I know you won't stab me in the back?" she calls out to the Prince, still looking at the floor, till she hears a metallic sound bouncing towards her. Raven looks up and sees a golden coin before her, etched in markings she saw in old textbooks.
"As I said before. I reward loyalty with loyalty, duty with treasure, and betrayal with torment and death. What you see before you is a taste of your reward. That coin alone is worth over five thousand liens if sold to the right buyer." Jaune explains as he studies Raven's behaviour and knows she has no interest in gold. But notice her from time to time, stares at his Mother out of fear. He approaches Raven, lowers himself to her level, and whispers to her ear.
"Did I forget to mention that you would be under my protection from my mother and Ozma's?" He stood and turned his back to Raven and took a few steps towards Salem, then paused.
"Well? What is your decision, Raven?" he calls out. As he waited for a response, Raven rose to her feet and slowly approached Jaune while ignoring the gold coin till she was a few steps away from Jaune and stopped as he turned to face her. They stare in silence, eyeing each other with intent till finally Raven lower herself and kneel before Jaune like a Knight to her king.
"I pledge my undying loyalty only to you, my Prince of Grimm." She states surprising Salem of such a development, knowing for a fact that Raven is never this servitude. Raven is more rebellious, remembering her teammate's attitude from their last encounter. As Salem leers towards Raven, knowing she's hiding something and unsure if her son notices or not. But for now, Salem will just play along and ensure that Raven stays to Jaune's servitude. Yet the Mother in her couldn't be any more proud of Jaune to finally have a subordinate and act his role as the Prince of Grimm. She always educated him to operate like a royal, yet always neglected such responsibility in the past that she believes he's in his rebellious phase.
"Very good, in under my name and title, I accept your fidelity." As he raises his sword and gently taps on Raven's shoulders by the face of the blade.
"Now rise. My Knight, my Retainer. My Corvid Knight." As Raven raise and both stare at Salem while she smiles at the two, she rises from her throne.
"Jaune, mind if you wait outside? I like to have a word with Raven." She requests while Jaune stares towards her Mother while she smiles and tries to assure him.
"Don't worry, I won't kill her. I swear." She smiles as Jaune nods and leaves the room before giving Raven assuring nod.
Now it's only Raven and Salem remain in the room. Salem circles around Raven one last time while Raven shudders in fear of what Salem would do to her.
"I hope you understand the position you're in, Raven. To become my son's Retainer is considered to be the highest order. Which I assume you know what your responsibility will be, correct?"
"To be the prince's babysitter?" Raven jest mockingly, which came to her immediate regret with a firm hand clench tightly onto her shoulder that Salem's nails pierce through her skin. Falling to her knees, enduring the pain while blood flows out from her shoulder.
"Seemingly, you need a lesson of respect." As Salem's grip tighten, digging her nails deep, Raven screams in pain.
"Don't forget the reason you are still alive. And it is wise of you to give the Prince the utmost respect he deserves. Am I clear, Corvid Knight?" as Salem clenches her hand tightly with her fingers digging deeper into Raven's shoulder while she cries in pain, thinking Salem's nails are nearly piercing through her shoulder.
"Y-yes, Salem! My apologies!" she cries till finally, Salem lets go of Raven's shoulder, as she slumps to the cold floor, breathing heavily while using her Aura to heal the wound. As for Salem, whip the blood off her hand and leave Raven in the room alone. As she breathes heavily, enduring the pain and waiting for her Aura to heal her. She hears the doors opening and footsteps approaching her.
"To be honest, I would say I'm sorry. But then again, you kinda dig your own grave on that one." As Raven look up and see Jaune smirking towards her.
"Get up. We got a lot of work to do." he reaches down his hand towards Raven as she grabs hold to be pulled herself up off the ground.
Raven follows him out of the room with the giant albino wolf following behind. While taking a flight of stairs, Raven couldn't help but feel unease and conflicted. She could easily open a portal and leave but was only hunted down by the monster before her. Or Raven could stay and serve on the winning team but be in service of a nightmare. She lost her train of thought until she noticed Jaune open large doors revealing the room, which seems an old armoury
'Summer would have a field day if she was here.'
A collection of weapons of different kinds, from daggers to large claymores mounted on the wall, armour sets, all displayed in different shapes and sizes for both genders. Raven couldn't help but be amazed at such a collection; this could fill a museum or sell for a hefty profit of lien that could set you up for life.
"Pick your armour." Jaune calls out as she turns to him with a bewildered look, saying, 'what?'
"Raven Branwen is dead. Died along with her tribe in Anima." Jaune states while Raven stares confused.
"What are you talking about?" she asks as Jaune pulls out his scroll and pass it to Raven to watch in the comprehensive eye of the shock of seeing a news report of the fightback at Springvale. The screen title is in big and bold, "A LEGEND RETURNS! WHERE WERE THE HUNTSMAN?" with the news anchor stating the news.
"Good evening, I'm Cyril Ian. Tonight, we cover the story of the return of a legend, the Grimm Knight. We bring to you live to Lisa Lavender in Springvale of Anima, warning to viewers that what you are about to see is graphic in nature. Viewers are advised. Lisa..."
The screen changes to the reporter of a pale-skinned woman with gold-brownish eyes, pale white hair with purple hues at the bottom, and a black coat with a purple collar. In front of the same open field of her tribe. Their corpses lay in the lifeless husk on the dead wasteland, with white sheets covering her tribe. The scene was close off by the Atlas military securing the area while slowly moving the remains to their bullheads one by one.
"Thanks, Cyril; what you're seeing behind me are the remains of the Branwen Tribe. Ruthless bandits, known for their Raid, targeted secluded villages. Right now, the authorities of Atlas and Beacon are securing the area and removing the remains. Fortunately, there are no Grimm attacks that occurred after the incident. And to think this happen a few kilometres away from Springvale, that could've been their next target if it weren't for their saviour, the Grimm Knight."
"Lisa, did the video that went viral in the CCT net correlates to the events that happened to these bandits?" Cyril ask.
"Based on the video, several testimonies, the arrival of the Huntsman-in-training, the number of signs of Grimm in the village and location of the event prove it."
"Lisa, what did the authorities of Atlas and Beacon say in the matter?"
"Well, during the scene of the fight between the bandits and the Grimm Knight. It was seen that the video tampered, that face and voice of the Grimm Knight was heavily censored for the authorities to identify the hero when he removed his helmet. With this as a response, the authorities have deemed the video to be fake and staged"
"and what is the condition of Huntsman-in-training that were sent to Springvale?"
"all transported back to Beacon Academy to recover after they attempt to protect the village. And-hold on. Another ship just landed..." as Lisa's attention veer away from the camera to another ship bearing the Atlas military emblem on the side of the boat. As the Bullhead lands meters away from Lisa. The door opens, and a woman in a specialist uniform with notable white hair, escorted by mechanics soldiers, that Lisa stares wide-eyed in shock.
"It's Winter Schnee!" she shouts and rushes over with the camera panning of chasing after her till she calls out to Winter for her attention.
"Specialist Schnee! Lisa Lavender from Vale news network. Can you say anything about the event that transpires here?" as Lisa points her microphone to Winter.
"What happened here was unfortunate for these Bandits. However, we of the Atlas military will ensure the safety of the village of Springvale."
"What can you say about their Saviour, the Grimm Knight, where the huntsman-in-training of Beacon failed?" There was a noticeable pause from Winter where she hesitates until she coughs in her hand to clear her throat.
"I will admit, if it weren't for the intervention of the "Grimm Knight", Springvale would've been lost, as well as losing potential Huntsman and huntress-in-training. However..." She pauses for a moment which catches the people's attention.
"The actions and the Statements made by the Grimm Knight is both appalling and dishonourable." She states with a stern stare at the camera.
"The use of Grimm to mutilate the bandits is uncalled-for, especially being dragged away from the scene to the forbidden Valley both alive and dead." As Raven turns to Jaune wide of the shock of what he did to her tribe while he stares of unconcern as she turns back to the news.
"The bandits may deserve it for the crimes they committed. But the Grimm Knight does not have the right to be Judged, jury and executioner. And should let the proper authorities handle the situation."
"But these bandits are known to be the Brenwan tribe led by former Huntress Raven Branwen, who is now accounted for among the dead. Responsible for leading raids and attacks of fourteen villages, six of them within Vale's borders, their victims all civilians with children included. Are you saying that the Grimm Knight should hand them over to the authorities where they would escape the next day? Such as Shay D. Mann. A member of the tribe before he was arrested by Mistral authorities but escaped the next day and was now found dead among the same tribe? There are other members accounted for similar to Shay's. All members were captured and escaped the next day from the authorities. Any comment?" This surprises both Winter and Raven with how did this reporter know about the member of the Branwen Tribe. Winter stays quiet for a moment and stares at the reporter while Raven slowly stares towards Jaune, seeing him smirk, knowing what Raven is going to ask.
"You didn't think I left "just" with you, did I? No, I took photos of all your fallen tribe and asked Watts to identify and search for their criminal records and sent them to that same reporter as an anonymous tip. To show how flawed their system and their Huntsman are." He smiles darkly at Raven while she grits her teeth in rage. Winter didn't make a comment, so Lisa continued questioning the Specialist.
"You state that what the Grimm Knight has committed is appalling and dishonourable, yet he was the one who solved the Brenwan tribe in a day. When both the Huntsman authorities and military had failed to contain their members. Is the Atlas military or the Huntsman are being negligent of their responsibilities?" and with that, Winter's expression stern to the final straw towards Lisa and towards the camera.
"No further questions. Get these cameras out of here." She states to the robots. As ordered, they responded and gently pushed Lisa with her Cameraman while away, blocking the lens and hearing Lisa arguing with the robots. Cutting the feedback to Cyril, a bit surprised by the development of Lisa's performance and clearing his throat.
"It seems we have some technical difficulties. In other news, the white fang has struck again. More on that after these messages." And went for commercial, as Raven sighed and passed the scroll back to Jaune and began walking down that hallway of armour.
"So, everyone knows I'm dead?" while she admires the set armour she passes by while Jaune follows behind with Fenrir in tow.
"Isn't that what you wanted?" he asks with a blank stare freezing Raven on the spot as he slowly approaches Raven.
"When we fought, I saw something within those eyes, besides the greed of power and lust. Deep down, you strive for freedom. Freedom to be away from Ozmas's leash, freedom away from the fear of my Mother. Freedom of your moral responsibilities, and I can grant you that freedom, as long you serve me." As he stops behind Raven and overlooks her shoulder, he sees a manikin wearing full-body jet black leather armour with a lighter tone black accents and a mask covering the lower half of the face with a hooded cape. From the top of the nose, curve down below the eyes and etch in design. The armour is artistic layer upon layer; it can be mistaken as separate pieces of plate armour, but the suit is skin-tight with high thigh leather boots with a black emblem bird on the centre of the chest.
"How?" she calls out
"hmm?"
"How did you fake my death?"
"It wasn't that hard to find a body that is close representation to yours. I'm pretty sure you can figure out the rest." He turns opposite Raven and notices a sword on the wall, closely resembling Raven's old weapon. It's a white Katana, but the blade's design has a mechanical part incorporated into the design. It looks like a short dagger with the mechanical part holding onto the back end of the Katana with a tassel tie at the end handle of the Katana. Jaune remembers correctly, this blade was a forge in Mistral and was given to him as a gift of thanks for saving the smith's village from a horde of Grimm during his days as the Grimm Knight. He gently pulls the sword out of the wall and admires the blade's craftsmanship.
"So…" Raven's voice out in hesitation and clenching her teeth in rage, her hand slowly reaches over a wide claymore next to the leather armour.
"Not only you desecrated a member of my tribe…but you have the nerve to STRIP ME!" she shouts in rage, swinging the large sword directly towards Jaune. But was stopped by the Katana by Jaune, holding the blade in a reverse grip by Jaune's side. Locking their sword in place with Raven, Struggling to push the edge while Jaune effortlessly has with ease. While Fenrir smirks and watches, it's a pathetic attempt in her view.
"What are you, a teenager?" He replies, annoyed as he lax his wrist forcing the Claymore to slide down, smashing the floor by Jaune's feet while Raven falls and lands on Jaune's chest.
"Oh my, how very forward of you, Raven. But aren't you a married woman? Although, I mind dating a cougar." He jests, smiling towards Raven while she blushes to embarrassed in rage, gripping the blade tightly, her eyes stern in anger towards the Prince's smile.
"RRRaaghh!" she swings towards Jaune as he jumps away, smiling mockingly away from Raven's attacks.
Raven chase after Jaune, she swings the massive blade in reckless abandon while Jaune either side-steps or duck Raven's attack with ease, mocking the Maiden. However, slowly, he realizes that Raven's recklessness is destroying the armoury. Knocking off armour and weapons to the floor, damaging the hallway of craters and cracks thanks to the Claymore. If this keeps up, Raven is bound to hurt herself or destroy the armoury, which Jaune can't allow. Raven swings the large Claymore across Jaune, aiming him to cut him in half, but stop as Raven gives off a comprehensive eye of the shock at seeing Jaune's blocking the full impact of the Claymore. But that isn't what gave her a broad look of surprise; it was her Claymore. Seeing it chip, blemish and cracks, compared to Jaune's Katana; it's clean, shines, and sharp, and worse of all, it's embedded in the Claymore. Raven tries to pull the Claymore away, but it won't budge away from the Katana. It's like the Katana is gripping onto the Claymore, then Jaune pulls the Katana, pulling the Claymore towards him with Raven in tow, falling toward Jaune again but still keeping her firm grip on the handle. In a quick motion, Jaune pulls his sword out of the Claymore, raising the blade cutting Raven's wrist along the way, forcing her to let go.
But the blade didn't stop as it continued to climb towards Raven's Fibula, holding her dress, till Jaune cut it off. Now remove her dress came loose and fell to the floor, exposing her whole body in her underwear and a large scar on her abdomen, but the blade didn't stop as it travelled up straight for her neck.
This is her end. She won't have time to counter as she's off-balance. She's going to die after all. Jaune was just playing to humiliate her, and worse, she's going to die humiliatingly of such a rookie mistake-
Cutting her off her train of thought, the blade stopped, pressing firmly against her neck. She can feel the sharp sword on her skin and against her Jugular and throat and knows any slight movement will her end. She stares at the wielder and hates to admit it, but she's amazed at his swordsmanship and handling to stop in her tracks. Even if she tries to jump back, the blade's pressure will follow at full force, which may result in her getting her head cut off or, worse, her Jugular and bleeding in a slow death. But the more important question is-.
"How did that sword go through my aura like it was nothing?" Jaune calls out, shocking Raven, thinking he read her mind.
"And no, I didn't use my Aura or semblance. It's all in the blade and skill" Jaune smiles as he walks by Raven's side while the blade is still pressed against her neck as he notices the scars on her back align with the scar on her abdomen and can tell that's a scar are from battle.
"Virtuous Treaty…a pure white blade that can't be stained by a single drop of blood with an edge that can cut through the soul of a tainted warrior." Jaune presses the sword harder to draw a small drop of blood on her neck to prove his point. While seeing a thin trail of her flow down along the blade, you expect the blood to dry and stain the sword. But it didn't, as true to Jaune's description. The blood simply flowed off the blade and was still clean as if it was fresh off the forge.
"Don't forget, Raven, the world knows your dead. That comes along with your pride, your honour and your name. But behind closed doors, you'll still be Raven Brenwan, but on outside walls, you're my Retainer, the Corvid Knight. And also…" as Jaune's tone changed a bit mischievous and seductive, as he glid his finger across Raven's scar on her back, she hitches her breath with a tint of pink on her cheeks.
"I would rate you a four out of five. Originally, you would be a three. But I have to make a confession…." He smiles mischievously and whispers towards Raven's ear.
"I find women with scars beautiful." Breathing heavily with a tingling sensation from his breath, she couldn't help but feel aroused by this situation. But immediately cut off when the blade on her neck left, losing her balance, falling to her knees and quickly grab hold on to her fallen dress trying to cover her modesty. The sound of a scroll ring comes from Jaune's pocket as he pulls it out and answers.
"Hello…. Watts...really? On my way." He smiles as he hangs up his scroll, gently place Virtuous Treaty by Raven's side, and walks away, leaving her, while he gentle pet Fenrir on his way.
"Clean this place up while I'm gone, and when you're done, pick your armour and take Virtuous Treaty with you and follow Fenrir, understand?" as Raven stands with the dress in hand, still covering herself and nods.
"Good, Fenrir. I leave her to you…." as the wolf nods while Jaune leaves the armoury. Then Fenrir turns to Raven and barks at her to get to work, while Raven groans annoyances of taking orders from a Grimm and no choice to start cleaning her mess.
Omake:
Raven finds herself standing in the middle of the room with a blackboard in front of her, titled "Minion training 101". And she's not the only one in the room; two of Cinder's people are also waiting impatiently yet distance away from each other to do their own thing.
Mercury lying on the floor reading a comic book while Emerald is on her scroll typing on the screen, but that wasn't the elephant in the room. The large Albino Alpha Grimm Fenrir was lying on the floor sleeping, which made Raven slightly nervous being in the same room with a Grimm without her weapon. But looking at both Emerald and Mercury of how calm they are in the same room with a dangerous Grimm. Finally, the door opened as two of Salem's inner came into the room. Raven knows that their names were Hazel and Tyrian, but both wearing business attire with thin frame glasses. Tyrian stepped forward and announced in the room for their attention.
"Welcome to minion 101. Here, you'll be trained to be the best minion. Establish a mutually beneficial relationship with your employer, and survive. To be a service of the Great Goddess Salem." Tyrian cackles while Hazel sighs of annoyances.
"Alright, class is in session. Students line up over here. Teachers on this side." Hazel stated in his neutral expression with his arms crossed and waited for everyone to gather by Raven.
"I'm not doing this…." Raven states, annoyed and uninterested.
"No one wants to do this, but here we are. But Salem insisted on training you all. You should consider yourself lucky. The first set of lessons is free." Tyrian replies, smug.
"How are you two qualified?" Mercury questions.
"Are you kidding me?" Tyrian smirk
"No, we're not kidding. How are you two qualified? I was chief of a tribe of over a hundred men. You're a loner, and you're insane." Raven retort while pointing at both Hazel and than Tyrian.
"well, at least I didn't send my men to their Graves." Tyrian chuckles towards Raven.
"and I'm the alpha of my pack. Yet I'm here, and you don't hear me complaining." Spoke to Raven's mind while she doses off to sleep.
"we're wasting time here." Emerald scoffs
"Now listen and stay quiet and hold your questions till the end. Now before we start, do any of you have a question?" Tyrian asks as Raven is silent with a blank stare towards him, while Mercury raises his hand.
"A yeah question. Wh-" but the time he finishes as the stinger of Tyrian's tail pointed directly to Mercury's nose, silencing him.
"Ah-ha! That was a trick question! You supposed to hold questions till the end." Tyrian smiles excitedly while waving his forefinger to say no.
"oh yeah, why didn't you hold your trick question till the end then?" Emerald spoke sarcastically.
"the rules don't apply to us!" he snaps back
"W-well, maybe my question was um….magic question too...dammit!" Mercury said while losing his train of thought, trying to not look like an idiot but instead shoot his own foot.
"Yeah, Abra Kadabra! You're an idiot Merc!" Emerald scoffed, embarrassed.
"Excellent! You learn the first lesson the rules doesn't apply to you. Your employer wanted a rebel, someone outside the law." Tyrian cheers.
"Isn't that what we were doing?" Emerald questions
"Oh no, no, no. What you were doing before is small scale. See, they wanted a free and independent spirit, so they could crush it and mould it to their desires! For a greater cause!" he laughs maniacally.
"Wh-what do they want?" Mercury hesitates to ask, which caught Tyrian's attention, stopping him from laughing but kept his maniacal grin across his face.
"I don't know the details. But I overhear a conversation between the Prince and the great Goddess. And I heard that the Prince's goal is world domination under his rule." The room came silent and ominous of Tyrian's statement of the Prince's goal, which sounded hard to believe that Jaune is the type for that.
"Th-that's… that sounds hard."
"and that's why we're doing lessons."
"Sh-Should I be taking notes?"
"Do you know how to write?" Hazel calls out.
"is that another trick question? Can I answer it in the end"
"getting bored here…" Raven groans.
"Okay, then let's do some roleplaying. I'll give you critics of your approach."
"roleplaying?" Raven crooks, her brow confuse.
"Raven, you play as the Prince."
"You want Revan to be the Prince?" Merc argues.
"it's a lot bigger stretch for you to be a man, trust me." Tyrian smirks
"wait, what? What should I say?" Raven argues
"say how the Prince would give orders."
"Um…okay…ahem." As Raven clears her throat and a deep breath.
"Merc, get me a beer! Emerald, get the list of recent celebrity breakups on scroll tube! Mutt! Make me a sandwich, stat! Yes, you heard me. I'm the leader, dang it!" she shouts with an authoritative tone with her impression of Jaune's voice severely, in an insulting and smug manner. Everyone in the room (expect Hazel) pointed their respected weapons directly at Raven's face with Fenrir snarling threateningly behind her. While her face slowly turned blue, regretting it.
"I don't know if I need to remind you, Raven. But you're under the service of the Prince. That should consider being the highest and most incredible honour. Yet you openly mock him behind his back when he opens his arms to you for a safe haven." Tyrian spoke threateningly in a calm tone that surprised the others in the room. He was known to never stop cackling while inching his stinger closer to Raven's neck, almost piercing her skin.
"Always remember, Corvid Knight. The Prince may protect you. But he cannot protect you from us." Tyrian warns as he slowly retracts his stinger back.
"and new flash bitch. The Prince and I may not look eye to eye. But he damn sure knows, I'm no errand boy. I'm an assassin." As Merc lowers his frame leg away from Raven's head.
"And Jaune isn't the lax type that you picture him to be. If anything, he's more determined than your failed tribe." Emerald comment smugly while Raven snarls at Emerald's last words while she lowers her revolver away.
"Well said, young one…." Fenrir's voice echoes in Raven's mind as she walks back to her initial spot and dozes herself back to sleep.
"Okay, let's try that again. Mercury, act like your Cinder. Emerald, act like, like Cinder."
"I've been preparing for this role my whole life."
"Good to know. Go."
While the group rehearse, Hazel sighs by the door, deeply annoyed with his arms crossed, while pinching the bridge of his nose.
"This is going to be a long day…" he pauses and turns over, overseeing Jaune on the other side, hugging against the wall with his flush face covered with embarrassment.
"Seems like you made an impact with everyone." Hazel smirk towards the Prince, hearing him moan even more of embarrassment.
"…I can't believe they have such great views of me….this is embarrassing… Dammit…" Jaune cries.
PA: HEY GUYS THANKS FOR READING AND YOUR SUPPORT. PLEASE AS ALWAYS TO LIKE, FOLLOW AND REVIEW. PLEASE REVIEW, I NEED SOME CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, KNOWING IF I'M IN THE RIGHT PATH AND DOING WELL. ALSO HEADS UP I'M SLOWLY RUNNING OUT OF SHORT OMAKE IDEAS. GO AHEAD AND PUT UP YOUR IDEAS IN THE REVIEW AND OF COURSE YOU'LL BE CREDITED OF THE IDEA. THE NEXT OMAKE INVOLVES A HIGHLY INTOXICATED JAUNE. ANYWAY, AS ALWAYS...IZZY OUT!