Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.

Roman and Neo were not easy on Cinder, each time the Fall Maiden was exhausted by the Grimm, the criminal duo gave Cinder a severe beating and humiliation to help her develop her powers until she was able to speak again and properly use the Maiden power.

- You did an excellent job, - Salem also acknowledged their performance, seeing Cinder's strength. - Roman, Neo. I see Cinder did well to enlist you.

- We offer only the best. - Roman shrugged.

- And you made me stronger. – Cinder was happy that her voice was fine and Emerald didn't have to interpret her words.

- Great, your voice is back! - Roman was clearly showing false joy. - As nice as a piece of sh*t. - Cinder only grimaced contemptuously at Roman, then looked at Neo, who silently giggled at Roman's joke.

- I don't understand, how can you handle it? - Neo just signed to Cinder.

- She says, - Roman interpreted Neo's words. – it's not so bad if you can't speak your whole life.

- Hm, - Cinder just pulled her mouth into a sly grin. - I didn't mean the silence, I meant for you.

- Very mature. - Roman just rolled his eyes but before he could retort at Cinder, the floating, skull-shaped, spiky, black crystal ball that flashed yellow and had red tentacles with spiky ends sticking out passed them.

- Silence, - Salem stopped them. - I have an incoming call.

- Mistress, - They heard from the crystal ball. - can you hear me? – Suddenly, the inside of the sphere cleared and the frightened Professor Leonheart appeared, the director of Haven Academy and behind him stood Watts confidently.

- Hello, Leonardo. - Salem greeted. - Do you have something to report?

- Of course, ma'am. - He bowed in horror. - I wouldn't waste your time unnecessarily. - Meanwhile, Watts approached the crystal ball.

- I am still fascinated by this creature. Cinder, - He started prodding with one of his fingers. - do you hear me? Do you see us too? I mean, as much as you can.

- Shut. Up. - Cinder angrily put her human hand on her hip.

- Oh, fantastic, - They could feel the disappointment in Watts' voice. - you are cured.

- I got into this. - Roman laughed but Salem just raised her hand to silence them.

- Your report? What is that?

- I... - Leo timidly stepped forward. - I… found Spring Maiden.

- Is that so? - Salem's face was unmoved, she showed no reaction, only a slight smile indicated that she was satisfied. - Excellent work, Arthur. - She looked at Watts but Leo looked quite disappointed that she had credited Watts with the success and not him. - If I had known that you would be so successful at this task, I would have sent you a long time ago.

- As much as I want to brag about this achievement, - Watts just folded his arms back smugly. – I couldn't say that the recognition belongs to me. - He rubbed his mustache. - Let's just say that a little bird whispered to us.

- Explain. – The smile disappeared from Salem's face and she looked at Leo.

- You should know, Mistress, - Leo continued the report. – Qrow Branwen arrived at Haven Academy today and is absolutely certain that the Spring Maiden is in the possession of his sister's clan.

- And the girl, - Cinder could barely contain her anger. - is she with them?

- Do you still want Little Red? - Roman giggled.

- Yes, - Leo replied. - Ms Rose is with him too. - Salem raised her hand again to silence Cinder, who backed and got to the point.

- Do you know where the tribe is?

- Yes, Mistress! - Leo was nervous and encouraged, he stepped forward towards the sphere. - But you must hurry! Qrow is already making sure that... - Suddenly, one of the orb's tentacles wrapped around his neck and began to strangle him but Leo weakly and helplessly tried to pull the tentacle off to no avail.

- Leonardo, - Salem only spoke to him ominously. - Do you remember the first time we met? – The orb's tentacle pulled him to the ground and forced him to his knees. - Because I do. I remember how scared you were, - It raised Leo's head so that he could look into her dark eyes again through the orb she could see Leo's fear of death that Salem had caused. – but since that day you have become amazingly bold. I won't forget how much things you did for me. - The tip of another tentacle stopped right in front of his face, a few millimeters in front of his left eye, making him shiver more and more. - And don't forget how many things I could do with you, even at this very moment. - She finally let go and called back the orb's tentacles, causing him to cough and gasp for air in relief. – Cinder, Roman, Neo and the two kids meet with Arthur and together convince Raven Branwen that the survival of her clan depends on our future cooperation. Once you find the Spring, take it to the chamber and contact Hazel. We promised the White Fang that they could destroy Haven as soon as we got what we needed.

- Understood, Mistress. - Watts bowed and turned the corner but Salem still had something to say.

- Not yet, Arthur. - Watts stopped and turned back to the orb. - Tyrion will need a new tail.

- What happened to the old one? - He asked in a confused way.

- Guess. – Cinder spoke, and Watts just smiled.

- The Silver Eyed Girl? - Cinder just scowled angrily but Watts just put his hand on his chest and bowed. - It will be taken care of.

- Excellent. - Salem took note and the crystal ball was flooded with darkness again, before she looked towards Cinder and Roman, who clearly want to ask. - You could talk freely.

- I don't understand…

- Could you...

Roman and Cinder started at the same time, interrupting each other, which made them glare at the other and start again.

- Would you tell me...

- Why should…

And again, they tried to out-shout each other but all they managed to do was interrupt each other and Salem just rubbed her forehead and shook her head.

- Not at the same time. - She stopped them. - Roman?

- Could you, - He pointed to the floating, dark crystal sphere. – watch a movie or series on that thing? - Salem answered after a short silence.

- Yes, I can. You can't imagine how much I can save on the electricity bill. - This time she turned to the Maiden. - Cinder?

- I just don't understand. - They could feel how much this situation annoyed her. - Working with bandits? Keeping Ruby alive? What's the point?

- Didn't you hire us in Vale. - Roman reminded her with an evil grin. - And you kept saying that, - He imitated Cinder's voice, quite falsely. – "the goal isn't to defeat them but use them. - Cinder just snarled angrily at Roman but Salem interrupted.

- I couldn't have said it better myself. - She supported her head with her hand as she was smiling.

- We don't need to use them anymore, - Cinder insisted. - we are strong enough to take what we want by force.

- Maybe we can do it, - Roman spoke again instead of Salem. - but you don't necessarily have to. There's another way. - Roman spread his arms. - I mean, there is a headmaster of a hunting academy on our site and no one knows about it. Just think how much it will hit if we strike at the right time. - Cinder glared at her again but Salem's slight laugh, which startled her a little, made her recoil.

- Roman, I like you more and more. - Salem just smiled and turned towards the man. - You're entertaining and you understand my thinking perfectly. - She stared at Cinder. - You might as well learn from him. - Cinder could only grimace again. - Leonardo was Ozpin's most loyal man for years and now... - She didn't finish, because she made it clear what he wanted to say. - You both get what you want. Cinder, you the power you crave and Roman, the money and fame you crave. - He stared at Cinder. - But I warn you that it comes at a price. As Ruby Rose learns to use her powers, you must be ready to protect your own. I've done a lot to heal you and if she caught you again, I'm not sure I'll be able to fix it again. You can leave. – Cinder, Roman and Neo also bowed and then started towards the exit of the room. - Oh, and one more thing, - They stopped and looked at the witch. – before you go, one of you should tell Tyrion that I want to talk to him.

All three looked at each other and Roman immediately raised his hand.

- One-two-three, not me! – Neo also raised her hand but Roman spoke instead. - Not her!

- Hey! - Cinder looked angrily at her two companions.

- I'm sorry, Cinder, - Salem just folded her hands in front of her. – but the rules of One-Two-Three not me are clear.

Adam and Mandy finally returned to the White Fang headquarters in Mistral to ask Supreme Leader Sienna Khan to support Salem. Adam was sure that what happened in Beacon would be enough to convince Sienna but alas, he was sorely mistaken.

- I won't repeat myself, Adam. - Sienna was sitting in her throne, legs crossed and four bodyguards holding her and she looked down at Adam who was kneeling in front of her. – So, I want you to understand that the White Fang won't attack Haven Academy.

- But Khan Supreme Leader, - Adam stood on one knee and looked up at the tiger faunus woman. - I'm begging you…

- You can only beg only for forgiveness and nothing else! - Sienna snapped. - The attack you launched against Beacon wasn't as successful as you'd think. And you can be thankful that your punishment isn't more severe. For many, you are a role model in our order, but that doesn't make you irreplaceable.

- I was just following your example, Supreme Leader.

- And what kind of example is this?

- The strength. Strength and undeniable determination. - Adam clenched one of his hands into a fist but he was still on one knee.

- True, - Sienna sighed. – I was the first one to suggest that we use violence, because violence was necessary. For peace and for humans accept our place in this world. - She clenched one of her hands angrily and hit the armrest of her throne. - I won't let the humans push us without consequences! But destroying a Hunter Academy was too much! The destruction of the CCT-tower caused serious communication problems throughout Remnant and the White Fang was now more of a target than ever before! You just gave the humans a reason to start a war against us! And why?! For the empty promises of some humans, about whom we know nothing, to walk freely?! These aren't examples of strength, Adam! These are examples of destruction and narrow-mindedness! - Adam spoke after a short silence.

- If you want to know more about these people, you can talk to them yourself. - He suggested. - Here and now. - He stood up and turned towards the entrance of the throne room. - Hazel! - The gate opened and Hazel came in, with Mandy by her side, who looked a little tiny next to the big man but she was meant to believe that she was supervising this human.

- Took a long time. - He answered and walked towards Sienna's throne.

- What does that mean?! - Sienna stood up angrily and her guards immediately pointed their weapons at Hazel.

- I'm sorry, - He stopped next to Adam. – but I have no intention of causing trouble.

- You brought a human to this place?! - Sienna glared at Adam.

- Listen what he has to say. - Adam replied, in a rather cheeky style that annoyed Sienna.

- That would be an execution!

- Madam, please! - Hazel raised his voice a little, enough for Sienna to take it back. - No one has to die today. - He knelt in front of her and bowed his head. - I'm just asking for a minute of your time.

- The longer you stay here, the less chance you have of leaving alive. - Sienna warned.

- I'll take that chance, - Hazel raised her head. – if you don't mind. - Sienna quietly sat back on her throne and crossed her legs again, signaling her guards to lower their weapons. - You don't like me, - He stood up. – you have no reason to like me but you don't have to like me to get what you want.

- I highly doubt, - Sienna looked at the two men in disappointment. – that any of you can understand exactly what I want! I want the humans to fear the faunus but only enough to know that we do demand respect but I don't want a war with the humans that we can't win!

- And that's where you're wrong! – Adam spoke up and all eyes were on him. - We can win a war against humans and not only because Hazel's master will support us, - He slowly began to approach Sienna's throne. - but also, because faunus are the dominant race of Remnant! - He stepped even closer. - We are better than humans! We have everything that humans and more! Humans shouldn't just respect faunus! - He was standing right in front of Sienna with a maniacal, crazy grin and though his mask covered his, Sienna was sure his eyes must have reflected madness. - But they should serve the faunus.

- I've had enough of this conversation today. - Sienna signaled to the guards. - Guards, take them away from me. – However, the guards didn't even move and Sienna looked between them in confusion. - I said take them away! - Still no reaction.

- You were right about one thing. - Adam smiled at Sienna. - About my reputation. - He pointed towards the gate. – The Vale faction already considers me the true Supreme Leader and many here in Mistral think the same. – Sienna snarled angrily, as she knew that Adam now wants to take the lead with force. A group of Grimm masked faunus burst through the front gate and pointed a gun at her, causing her to stand up from her throne in shock.

- What are you doing? - Hazel asked.

- This wasn't in the plan! - Mandy reminded him.

- This will help the faunus. - Adam was sure of his work and turned back to Sienna, held out his hand and clenched it into a fist. - As of today, I am the leader of the White Fang! - Everyone's weapons except Mandy's were pointed at Sienna.

- If you think, - Sienna refused to give up. – that I will simply stand aside and let you do whatever you want, then you... - It all happened in the blink of an eye but the blade of Adam's katana, Wilt, pierced Sienna's stomach and the bloody tip came out on the woman's back.

- I know. - Adam pulled Sienna close to whisper in her ear. - Thank you, Sienna. You were there when our people needed you. - He smiled evilly. - But they need me now. I'm sorry you can't see how it ends. - Sienna snarled angrily at Aram with her last strength and tried to sink her claws into his neck but Adam pulled his sword out of her, causing her to fall forward, roll down the stairs and lay dead, frozen in blood, in front of the throne.

Mandy put her hands over her mouth in horror, remembering how Sienna had always treated her and Derrick well, taking them in, giving them a home and a purpose. She was a good person who died very undeservedly.

- Give our former leader a proper funeral! - Adam instructed his men. - Everyone here, spread the word that Sienna was killed by a human Hunter! Sienna Khan will be a martyr to our cause and her last act is to appoint me as the new Supreme Leader!

Mandy was among the first to help carry Sienna's body away but she still shivered when she reached the lifeless, still warm body of the dead tiger faunus woman.

- When did you plan to initiate this? – Hazel demanded the answer.

- It was my business - Adam just wiped the blood from his sword with a rag. – and not yours.

- It's our business. - Hazel reminded him. - We don't like when such things are kept from us.

- Your master was concerned that Sienna might not cooperate. – Adam just spread his arms, still holding Wilt. - She doesn't have to worry now.

- No one should have died. – These were Hazel's last words before she left the throne room.

- I... - Adam sat down on Sienna's throne, indicating that he was now the new leader. - disagree. – An evil, sadistic grin sat on his face and he didn't seem for a moment to regret what he had done.

The sun was already setting when Raven returned to her clan. She had traveled a long way from the capital of Mistral and felt a bit unnecessary, since she didn't know anything about the Beacon relic or what Qrow was planning now that Ozpin was gone.

In the air, she saw a plane crash and change direction. A team of her people was about to go check it out when she turned back into a human causing her men to stop.

- Oh, boss, are you back?! – One of them asked nervously and surprised.

- We didn't know you were already here! - Another answered.

- I just came back. - Raven replied. - I thought I'd take a look at that crashed plane with you.

The wreckage was about one and a half kilometer away but despite how high it had fallen, it was in pretty good shape.

- This is an Atlas transporter! – One of her men identified and could see the logo of the Schnee Dust Company from the fallen boxes.

- I'm sure it delivered some good stuff.

- It's a smuggler ship, - Raven said. – if it had acted in an official matter, more people would have defended it.

- What could have happened with it? – The others were just guessing but Raven examined the ship's damage and it was clear from the holes.

- It could be attacked by Lancers on the Gravity Dust Islands. – Something moved among the wreckage and everyone pointed their weapons in one direction, to see if a Lancer survived the fall.

- Help... - It was a girl, one of the survivors of the fall. She wore her long, white hair in a braid on the right side of her head, her elegant gray-blue one-piece dress was dusty and she was wearing high-heeled dancing shoes. She had a classy and complex dueling sword, with a revolving Dust container built into the hilt.

- I can't even believe this. - Raven stood towards the girl, who looked at her weakly. She was one of the daughters of the Schnee company. - I think we've hit the jackpot.

Raven didn't believe in karma but having one of the girls from the Schnee company fall into her lap after saving her little brother's life was a bit of an unusual coincidence. Although, the fact that a Schnee child would be seen beyond the border of Atlas after the border was sealed and all Atlas personnel withdrawn from all other kingdoms was unimaginably lucky.

She was sure she could negotiate a good price from the head of the Schnee Company.

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