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


It's been a day since Yang, Raven's daughter, showed up at Branwen's camp, they had a serious conversation but in the end Yang and her friends were sent by Raven with her Semblance to Qrow.

Since then, Raven had been a bit frazzled, expecting her daughter to resent her for abandoning her so many years ago, demanding answers that she had wanted to ask for so long, which she had offered her. Deep down, she knew she would eventually reject her offer to start over, live as a family and forget about Ozpin and his war against Salem.

She knew very well that there was nothing she could say that would make Yang stay but even so, she felt very bad that her daughter had left her like that. Raven had no right to be angry with her daughter because she might be the one who left, but she was the one who abandoned her family first.

She was sitting alone in her tent, brooding in her thoughts, sharpening her red katana when her first officer, Vernal, a short, brown-haired, tattooed girl, came into her tent.

- Raven, - Vernal called his boss worried. – bad news!

- What is that? - Raven had her back to the girl and didn't turn around, she just kept sharpening her blade.

- Salem found us! – At this news, Raven's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widened and she stopped sharpening.

- Salem. - She sighed in frustration and lowered her head. She stood up and took a deep breath and strength as if she were about to fight a terrifying monster. - Okay.

- Six of her people came to the camp to talk to you. - Vernal reported.

- Good. - Raven clenched her fists to gather courage. - We already expected this. - She turned her back to her. - Bring my helmet.

Although she didn't show, Raven was worried about fear but she couldn't do anything but face the antics of perhaps the most powerful creature in the world and do everything for the safety of her clan. She wore her helmet for two reasons, the first was to hide her fear and so that nothing could be read from her face features.

The other is to hide something else that they are definitely looking for.

She went out of the tent, it was bright and sunny but the atmosphere was tense, like a storm about to break out.

Standing in front of her tent were the six people Salem had sent, Cinder, Watts, Roman, Neo, Emerald, and Mercury. She confidently placed her hands on her hips and examined them carefully.

- I don't remember I invited so many people to our home! - She was doing her best to look as confident as possible. - Either there's a problem with my memory, - She turned sternly to her men, asking why they were allowed inside. – or you are out of practice!

- Don't be too hard on them, Raven. – The leader of the team was clearly Cinder, who commented. - Your people simply recognized the power of a Maiden, - Her only remaining eye began to glow yellow, revealing herself to be the Fall Maiden. - when they saw her. - The light went out. - And that's why I was sent to you, to have a few words with you.

- Leave us alone! - She ordered her men. - Hold up and break camp! Because we're moving! – The bandits and the clan members did as their leader ordered, they started picking and preparing to move.

- It's a little late to run and hide, if you ask me. – Watts smugly stroked his mustache. - You've been on our mistress' list for a while now, so you understand if we can't just let you slip away.

- She will try it, though. - Roman added but Raven didn't give him a reply.

- I know all about your mistress, - She just walked down the wooden steps while looking at Watts. - but I don't think we've met.

- We are the ones you should be afraid of. – Mercury just arrogantly crossed his arms and acted as if he was so strong that he could deal with anyone on his own.

- I doubt, - Raven just smiled under her helmet when she heard in Mercury's voice that he really thought he could scare her. – that anyone would be afraid of you.

- Really?! - Mercury walked towards Raven offended. - Say that... - But Cinder stopped him.

- Quiet!

- That's what I thought. – Raven turned back to Cinder, she felt that she was the strongest in the team.

- My name is Cinder Fall, - Cinder introduced herself. - these are my companions, Arthur Watts, Roman Torchwick and Neopolitan. And they are my students, Emerald and Mercury. – Raven measured them thoroughly and roughly recognized who was who.

- Two kids you tricked into following you, - She wasn't impressed to see Emerald and Mercury. – a fallen scientist from Atlas, - Now she turned to Watts. - a former gangster boss who lost his influence – Roman was somehow impressed by her. - and... - She suddenly stopped when she saw Neo. - I know you! – Neo gulped nervously and stepped back, because she also recognized Raven.

- How do you know her, Neo? – Roman inquired from his girlfriend, who just gestured nervously with her hand. - Ah, I see. - Roman nodded, when Neo and Yang were fighting on the train, Neo beat Yang and wanted to kill her but Raven suddenly appeared, felt her power and ran away.

- She wanted to kill my daughter. - From this statement, Neo felt a cold terror and prepared to run away again using her Semblance. - Relax, now you don't have to run like last time. - She looked around the company again. - Now you have someone to hide behind.

- I really hope, - Cinder stood between Raven and Neo to prevent a fight between the two women. – that this little blunder on Neo's part will not affect our business. – Neo just crossed her arms angrily and looked at Cinder, who spoke as if she would hold her responsible if the plan didn't work out.

- Bold statement, - Raven looked down at Cinder from behind her helmet. – from a Fall Maiden, whose last name is Fall, which only indicates that you desire the power of the Maiden so much that you actually chose it yourself. I have a tiny suspicion that you have a slight egomania. - She was silent for a while, then glared defiantly at Cinder. - Am I right? – The team members looked at each other confused.

- I like your style. - Roman laughed.

- As a matter of fact, - Watts took over. – I'm actually a doctor but I can tell you that she found these things out about us quite well.

- You are a good observer. - Cinder stated.

- It's been keeping me alive for quite some time. - Raven crossed her arms confidently.

- I know exactly what it's like. - Roman felt that Raven started the same way as he did. Alone.

- I'm afraid, - Cinder, on the other hand, knew what Raven's secret was. – the only thing you're alive for is because you have something our mistress wants. - She tried to be sly and put on her fake, condescending voice. - Of course, if I'm wrong... - She didn't even finish, her eyes started to light up again and summoned a yellow fireball into her right, human hand as a threat to use violence if Raven didn't show the Spring Maiden.

- Vernal! – Raven realized that there was no point in hiding, when the girl came out of the tent and stood next to her.

- So, - Cinder stared at her suspiciously. - she is the long-lost Spring Maiden. - She nodded towards Raven. - Prove it. - Raven just nodded to Vernal to do as she said.

The girl closed her eyes, began to concentrate and stretched her arms forward. Suddenly, there was a strong wind, thunder was heard and the sky, which had been clear and undisturbed blue, now suddenly, in just a few seconds, turned dark and gloomy. Except for Cinder, who was wide-eyed and longingly focused with every fiber of her being on her, they all shielded their faces from the wind and the swarm of leaves flying towards them.

Vernal stopped concentrating, lowered her arms and opened her eyes, when the wind stopped, the rumbling stopped but the sky didn't clear, it remained gloomy.

- You could save a fortune by operating a wind generator. - Roman just dusted himself off. - This Maiden power, if it's like Cinder's, you could make good money with it.

- It can be used for much more. - Cinder still looked at her like a predator.

- Vernal has learned to use her powers very well under my guidance. - Raven put one hand on her shoulder. - I suggest, - Raven was still worried about Cinder, whose obvious intention was to take this power at any cost. – take this into account before you try anything.

- Raven, - Cinder knew very well that this warning was mostly for her. – I'm not underestimating you, so please don't insult my intelligence. Maybe there's still a chance that you and your little Maiden can get away from here today. - Now Cinder threatened back. - But if you really know our mistress as well as you claimed, then you know very well that there is no escape from her. But we came here with an offer.

- Maidens are only a small part of our plan. - Watts continued as he slowly walked towards Raven and Vernal. - Salem primarily only wants to acquire the relics, which are locked in special chambers at the Hunter academies. - He stood in front of them and told them his plans. - Come with us, let Vernal open the door to the Relic of Knowledge and all previous wrongs you have done against Salem will be forgiven. - Smiling confidently, he leaned in front of Raven helmeted face. - None of you will get a better offer than this. - He turned and walked back to his companions.

- You say, - Raven still tried to stall it but she knew she couldn't refuse this offer now. – as if walking into Haven was that easy.

- Because it will be. - Cinder immediately swept away Raven's alleged doubts. - Headmaster Lionheart is already loyal to Salem. All we need is the key to the chamber. – Raven knew Headmaster Leonheart, the fact that he betrayed Ozpin was a minor thing for her but with the passing years and the disappearance of Ozpin might have scared him enough to betray him. - You're not the only one who's turned away from Oz, Raven.

- I'm not helping Salem! - Raven made one last desperate attempt to get out of this. - I'm not helping Ozpin! - She put her hand on the hilt of her sword and prepared to pull it out at any moment. - I don't want to take part in all this!

- This ship is already gone, - Neither Cinder nor the others were worried as Raven reached for her sword. – when you took in a Maiden. But if you come with us to Haven, we'll leave you, your clan, your little secret alone, and let you wander in the wilderness for the rest of your lives. – She summed it up and Raven felt the deceit and the poison of deception in Cinder's voice. – We need. Just. The relic. – Cinder started to get impatient, she clearly wants an answer as soon as possible.

- I need some time to think it over and... - If not to avoid it, but to postpone it, she tried but Watts interrupted her.

- You don't have time! Within two days, Haven will be destroyed by the White Fang. - They were clearly trying to pin her in the corner. - You have to decide now.

- Are you cornering me? - Raven was both annoyed and amused by this, but she still didn't let go of her sword.

- So, - Cinder gave her one final ultimatum. – are you with us or against us?

Raven realized that there was no point in resisting and she didn't want to put her clan in danger under any circumstances. She let go of her sword and removed her helmet.

- Such alliances are usually based on trust. - They could feel it in her voice and see it in her face that she had absolutely no desire to join. - And I'm sorry to say this but I f*cking don't trust any of you. You have to give me more.

- You're really not in that position, - Watts warned. - to bargain.

- I want my brother's dead! – Raven's demand shocked everyone.

- Qrow? - Even Cinder was surprised.

- Exactly! - Raven stated. - He knows I have Spring and if I help you get the relic, he will cause me a serious problem. - She smiled confidently. - I have enough problems right now. But Qrow doesn't trust me, - As she explained, Cinder began to understand what she wanted. – but she trusts Ozpin's lieutenants. If Leo is truly loyal to you, then we can invite Qrow right into his death. He walks into Haven unsuspecting, we cut him down, you get the relic and we all leave happily.

- That's, - Cinder just giggled at Raven's offer, which she clearly liked. – an offer I wouldn't like to refuse.

- All right, ladies! – Watts stood between the two women, because he didn't like the offer. - I'd like a break! - He turned back to Cinder. - We have one task, - He pointed with his finger emphatically. – to obtain the relic of Knowledge. Qrow Branwen has actually been on our list of people we'd really like to see dead for a while now, - He turned to Raven. – but we certainly won't be able to settle it without a fight and he certainly won't fight quietly. We already have a plan, exactly as you said, we will walk nicely into Haven, without resistance or obstacles but if we stop to fight with your brother, everything could go wrong.

- He's strong, - Raven explained as if it was that simple. - but not so much. All of us, at once, against him… it will last for the blink of an eye.

- But he won't be alone! - Emerald warned her companions. - The students will be with him! Ruby will be with him!

- Indeed. - Cinder remembered.

- Anyway, - Roman just smiled and rested his cane on his shoulder. - I've seen Little Red a long time ago. As much as I'd like to give her another beating, I doubt it would give us much benefit. – Roman didn't support the plan and Neo just smiled and stepped forward, running her thumb along her throat, indicating that she was indeed in it and she and Roman just looked angrily at each other.

- Roman's right! - Watts warned them. - If we create a blood bath in the school, we would cause unwanted attention and the vigilance of the authorities and the kingdom would increase and the attack of the White Fang could be stopped!

- Then we'll wait. - Cinder suggested. - We wait until the full moon, Leo invites Qrow and his little warriors to Haven, the same night that Hazel, Adam and the White Fang launch an attack. As soon as the fight is over, the White Fang blows up Haven and any evidence linking us is destroyed along with the school.

- Then, - Raven added. - Salem will leave my people alone. Forever.

- It looks like, - Cinder held out her right, human hand. - we have a deal. - Before she and Raven could shake hands, Watts grabbed her hand.

- Wait! - He warned her but Cinder just stared angrily at the doctor, who held his gaze and leaned close to her. - Don't think I don't see what you want. If our plan goes to blow just because you have a grudge towards a child, I certainly won't take the responsibility.

- Then, - The yellow light in Cinder's eye started to light up again. - what are you worried about? – Watts' gloves started to smoke, because as he held her hand, she used her Semblance and it didn't take much for Watts' gloves to catch fire. Watts furiously slapped at his pants to put out the fire. - Just fly home nicely and play with your little machines. - She stepped forward and extended her hand to Raven again. And tell Salem she's getting what she wants. And more than that.

After a moment of hesitation, Raven was forced to shake Cinder's hand, indicating that she accepted the deal.


- Do you think, - Roman, as they left the camp and headed back towards the planes, lit a cigar. – is it a good idea to make such a noise?

- It's too late to worry about that. – Watts shared Roman's doubts and stared contemptuously at Cinder. - Looks like the plan has changed.

- Hey, - Cinder retorted angrily at the two men. – the plan was to get Raven to help us! All she asks in return is that we cut down Qrow and the kids who are with him and that girl opens the chamber. As soon as this is done, - Smiling, she clenched her right hand into a fist. – I catch her, get her power, you take care of Raven and the problem is solved.

- And so far, all your plans had gone so smoothly. - Roman reminded Cinder of the Beacon troubles as he took a smoke from his cigar.

The team returned to the planes, Watts took his own and headed for Salem's hideout. However, the other plane, as Mercury got into the cockpit, the plane simply choked and didn't ascend.

- What happened?! – The boy pressed the buttons nervously, to see if he would solve the situation.

- What's wrong? - Cinder stood next to him.

- This sh*t isn't working! - Mercury tapped the dashboard.

- So, we're stuck here?! - Emerald was worried.

- What's going on here? - Roman came confidently into the cockpit. - Shouldn't we... - He pretended to think. – you know... rise?

- You're not funny, Torchwick! - Mercury hit back and stood up from the pilot's seat. - There must be something with the engine. - He went back to the engine room.

- Will it take long? - Roman asked. - Just because I'd go outside to smoke another one.

- Damn! - Mercury could be heard cursing from the engine compartment. - One of the cables is broken! I have to remove it and put another one in its place! It will last for a few hours!

- Then get started as soon as possible. – Cinder ordered and turned to Roman menacingly. - And you, don't you dare disturb him.

- Calm down. - Roman just raised his hands. – I'm going out into the soft lap of nature, to breathe, smoke a cigar until the plane is repaired. - Everyone on board was happy about this, Roman started to become more and more unpopular in the team. - Just don't leave me here.

- We try not to forget you. - Emerald added.


Roman stepped out of the plane, the fresh forest air filled him with a pleasant feeling but he took out another cigar, put it in his mouth and lit it. Feeling much better as soon as he took a puff, he walked to the edge of the glade, back towards Raven's camp and when he was far enough away from the plane that no one could hear him, he stopped.

- I know you are here! – He shouted, he felt that he was being watched but there was no answer. - It's impolite to hide from others! - Still no answer. - Okay. - He took another drag from his cigar. - If you don't come out, - He raised Melodic Cludgel, aimed at the trees, the reticle rose and fired. - I'm smoking you out! - A huge ball of fire came out of the end of the stick, which hit the ground with a big explosion, somewhere deep in the forest.

Out of the smoke fell the girl who was always by Raven's side, her name was Vernal and she was supposedly the Spring Maiden. Coughing, she stood up and glared at Roman.

- It's an honor that you followed me personally, Spring Maiden. – Roman just rolled Melodic Cludgel on his finger while he threw away the butt of his cigar with his other hand.

- How did you know, - Vernal pointed her weapons at Roman, who just leaned on his cane. - that I followed you?

- Instinct. – Roman smiled, not revealing anything about himself or his intentions. - I would certainly have sent someone after us in her place.

- Then, - Vernal didn't take her eyes off Roman for a minute and prepared for the rest of Salem's people to come out from somewhere. - what do you want? The power of the Maiden?

- Maybe. - Roman shot another shot, which Vernal dodged and attacked Roman. - You're fast! – Roman defended her blades with Melodic Cludgel, pinned her, but Vernal supported herself with her hands and managed to kick Roman in the face with a spinning kick. - Nice. – Roman only rubbed his face but remained standing.

- You flatter me sweetly. – Vernal was on her feet again but she thought it strange why his companions didn't attack.

- I was talking about your movement, - Roman added. - not you. – He opened fire again, which Vernal already expected and easily dodged the shot, again.

- Is that all you got?! – Vernal smiled and tried to get behind Roman's back, but that was exactly what he expected.

- How about that?! – As Vernal approached his back, Roman held the other end of the Melodic Cludgel and caught Vernal's ankle with the hooked end, yanked her, causing her to fall backwards but Roman kicked her, which caused her to fall back and even fired a shot, which hit her and Vernal crashed into a tree and dropped her weapons.

- It's… - Vernal tried to stand up, but as soon as she looked up, Roman was standing over her, pointing Melodic Cludgel straight at her.

- What are you waiting for? - Roman hasn't fired yet. - Why don't you use your Maiden power?

- What?! - Vernal was shocked for a moment.

- I could easily blow your head off, - Roman's finger itched to pull the trigger. - your power could save you.

- Don't be so sure! - Vernal knocked the end of the stick aside, somersaulted to the side and jumped up a tree to escape.

- Not so fast! - Roman flipped Melodic Cludgel again and fired its grappling hook, which caught in the collar of Vernal's vest, it yanked her, causing her to fall to the ground, Roman kicked her, causing her to turn onto her back, stomp on one of her hands, and this time he pushed Melodic Cludgel's end directly in her face. - You're not the Spring Maiden. – Roman was sure of his business before her eyes widened but she couldn't move. - If it were you, you wouldn't try to run away from me and you could have easily kicked my *ss.

- What…

- Before you ask anything, - Roman didn't even listen to what she wanted to say. – no, the others don't even suspect it. I'm the only one who knows that probably, Raven is the real Spring Maiden.

- What do you want?! – Vernal demanded the answer and Roman lowered Melodic Cludgel, removed his leg from her hand and extended a hand to help her up.

- We have little time. - Roman looked towards the plane, luckily, Mercury won't finish the repairing for a while. - You have to take me back to Raven.

- What?! - Vernal didn't understand. - You just talked to her, what would you like...

- Only me! - Roman silenced. - I have an offer for her that would be benefit both her and me. If you still don't understand, - He clarified. - I'm about to desert from Salem and her people. - Vernal didn't really understand and wasn't even sure if it would be a good idea to bring Roman back to the camp

Vernal stared at Roman suspiciously, she didn't trust him but it wouldn't make any sense to send Roman back to Raven alone after they agreed, which could only mean one thing, Roman was telling the truth and he really wanted to leave Salem. In this case, he may have valuable information that Raven could easily extract from him.

- Follow me.


It was quite a surprise to the members of the bandit clan that Vernal returned with Roman at her side.

- Long time no see you! – Roman raised his hat in front of the bandits, who were preparing to move and turned Melodic Cludgel on his finger, while they approached Raven's tent again.

- Could you shut up? - Vernal just rolled her eyes. - We're here, but I'm warning you, - She looked sternly at the thug. - Raven doesn't like to be fooled.

- Then she'll like me. – Roman just rested his cane on his shoulder, passing by Vernal, he entered the tent.

- Vernal, - Raven mused nervously, absorbed in her thoughts, not even noticing who had come to her tent. – is that you?

- Almost. – As soon as she saw that Roman had come back, with Vernal by his side, she jumped up, thinking the worst and reached for her katana. - There will be no need for that!

- Why did you bring him back?! - She demanded the answer from Vernal.

- He says he has an offer. - Vernal reminded him. - Also... - She nervously looked around to make sure there was no one nearby who could hear her. - he realized it. - Raven didn't need any more and drew out her katana.

- I wouldn't do it if I were you. - Roman smiled.

- But I would just do it. - In the blink of an eye, Raven cut towards Roman, who didn't defend himself, his eyes didn't flutter and he continued to smile, when Raven's blade stopped only half an inch from Roman's neck.

- I'm a gambler. - Roman still didn't lose his cool and was still just smiling.

- Speak! - Raven ordered.

- I know how to make a good poker face. - Roman laughed as Raven pressed the blade a little closer to his throat, signaling him to get to the point. - Okay, okay! I know your goal is to stay out of all this, just like me! I was lucky enough to get to know Salem, her people and what her ultimate goal is.

- So? - Raven still didn't let her guard down.

- You and I are the same. - Roman continued, pushing Raven's sword aside with two fingers. - We are villains who prey on the weak. We love money, drink and fun. - Raven gripped the hilt of her sword angrily, as it was all true. – However, Salem wants to destroy the world so that there is no more money, drink and fun, which I don't agree with.

- And what can you offer? - Raven lowered her sword but certainly not her suspicion.

- As soon as you open the chamber, - Roman just smiled, indicating that he realized that Raven's secretly was the real Spring Maiden. - Cinder and the others immediately turn against you and kill you for the power of the Maiden.

- I suspected that too. Salem only keeps someone around as long as they are useful. – Raven wasn't satisfied with Roman's offer.

- Then you realized that too. - Roman nodded approvingly.

- They will never leave us alone. - Raven added.

- And if we stay by her side, it's only a matter of time before she sacrifices us or throws us aside. - Roman finished.

- In short, - Raven realized what Roman wanted. - you are afraid and looking for a way out. – Roman just kept silent for a while and made a serious face, the likes of which Raven had never seen before.

- Yes. – He finally admitted. – I'm afraid of her. She isn't like any other criminal or warlord who only wants money and power. This... - Roman didn't even know what to think of Salem, because he certainly wouldn't call her human. – thing… wants to destroy the world. – He laughed nervously. – Like some super villain in comics and cartoons. When you look at her... - He scratched the back of his head. - it's so...

- Creepy? - Raven made it up. - Unnatural?

- She is. - Roman just sat down in one of the seats after Raven let her sword down. - You're my only chance. - He rubbed his forehead. - You have a plan, don't you?

- How should I know - Raven had one last suspicion. – that this isn't some kind of trick you are trying to mislead?

- Don't look at me like Vacuoan, - Roman shot back. - I also give you guarantee. - Raven raised her eyebrow curiously. - I found out about a secret of yours that, if any of Salem's people found out, would put your life in serious danger.

- You keep instilling in me that it would be smarter to kill you.

- How about if, - Roman suggested. – in order to gain some trust, I would also reveal something unpleasant about myself?

- And what? - Raven laughed. - Your first erection?

- No. - Roman, on the other hand, didn't laugh, he just signaled her with one finger to lean closer to him so he could whisper in her ear. - The situation is... - Roman explained, seriously, and what he said made Raven's eyes widen and she could hardly believe her ears. - If only one of Salem's people would figure it out, - Roman shook his head. - it would endanger my life as hell.

- Roman, - Raven took a teapot and poured him some hot drink to a cup. - you really are a gambler. It's our only chance to survive, - She spoke like they were already together, as she leaned towards Roman's offer. – if we get the relic from Haven. I trust you more than anyone you came here with.

- I can't believe it, - Roman was bothered by one thing. – that you really want your brother dead. - He raised the cup and began to drink. - Don't get me wrong, I never had a family but I heard a lot about this blood and bond thing.

- I just said that, - Raven shook her head. - to make fool of that stupid narrow-minded Maiden, Cinder. It's true that we don't like each other but I don't want his death, nor my daughter's and with you being here and offering your help, maybe we don't have to.

- What do you think?

- You warn Qrow and the kids about Leo's betrayal, the trap, the White Fang and all. This way, they will be more prepared and have a better chance of surviving.

- There is only one problem with this plan. - Roman warned. - With the kids who are with him... - Roman rubbed his chin. - we're not exactly best friends and I'm pretty unpopular with them.

- If you managed to convince me, - Raven smiled as she went towards the exit. - to not kill you. - She opened the tent door. - My little brother will be child's play. He is the nicer of the two of us.

Roman left the tent with a smile and a shake of his head, hoping that his secret alliance with Raven would get him out of trouble and left the camp with Melodic Cludgel twirling on his finger. On the way, he lit a cigar and started towards the plane.

What he didn't notice as he passed one of the short, female bandits was that she was watching him with pink and brown eyes and a wicked smile.


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