Hey guys! That's right, I'm back!
More Importantly this story's back!
So originally I was going to add after DBOT ended, but it's taking longer than I thought and it has been 6 months since the last update and here we are.
One thing though I can't do weekly updates. Not yet! I am going to finish DBOT and then I will post weekly.
But I will update monthly minimum, I hope you guys understand.
On the brightside, right now I have also posted on One's Many Paths so feel free to check that out after this.
And I hope this chapter was worth the wait.
Happy Reading!
Back To Basics
Atlas a beautiful floating fortress, inside was a tower a man with a robotic arm was at a table expecting judgement.
"General Ironwood, your position has been called into question."
How could he not know?
"You dropped a prototype weapon into Sanus, you avoided casualties, did you know that area had already been evacuated."
James had a stoic expression, but even as extreme as he can be he knew better than to risk the lives of innocents.
"I had my men survey the area before deploying Payload, I knew there were no civilians that would be caught in the blast."
The councilmen looked at each other before an old woman looked to him.
" Why did you not contact Vale's council before deploying the weapon?"
That would have taken him out of this mess.
"After the Grimm king had been destroyed, I feared the Unmasked Berringel would go on to destroy the city of Vale, it was facing it's direction, I worried that the council would take too long to make a decision and by time they decide there would be collateral damage." He explained. "It was in the best location to attack it with minimal loss."
One at the table was a man with white hair and blue eyes as well as a mustache.
"Well, I know how I would feel if someone dropped a bomb in my homeland without notice." He said to the group.
"Mr. Schnee, please, we already understand that."
Jacques kept quite after that but still smirked at he general.
Ironwood didn't return his stare and looked to the council awaiting his fate.
"I'll be honest General we have the right to give your position onto someone else." An elderly man said. "The people in Vale, Vacuo, Mistral and even here have mixed opinions on you, some call you a hero, others a war criminal."
James did not retort knowing they were to doubt him, he worried that Vale would be destroyed and give Salem the chance to take Amber as well as the Relic. Not that he could say that.
"The only thing that is keeping your position is that Ozpin had appealed for you, he noted that the beast vanished after dropping that weapon and so it stands to reason you saved Vale from a monster."
Such a lie, he learned that the monster was the Scourge of Anima. And Ozpin had confirmed that he was still alive somewhere, and he wanted to ally with him. That worried him to, who knows if that monster will return, he already saw that he had no control over it.
"We have decided that you will put in suspension, we will all discuss our decision and decide what to do with you, is that understood?"
James ignored the gleam in Jacques eyes and spoke. "Understood"
With the meeting over Ironwood walked down the hall and was greeted by a young woman with white hair in a bun and blue eyes.
"Specialist Schnee, anything wrong?"
The elder Schnee daughter looked down for a moment before looking at Ironwood.
"General, I wanted to say you have my support, I know you wouldn't have done what you did with civilians at risk, in your position I would have done the same."
General Ironwood was surprised to hear that but smiled.
"You still stand by this oaf?"
The two turned to see Jacques with his hands behind his back.
"He may have killed your sister with that decision, why do you insist on taking his side?" He asked his daughter with disappointment.
Winter glared at her father. "General Ironwood made sure to survey first, no one was in danger of the weapon, if he hadn't done that, my sister, your Daughter may have been killed."
Jacques scoffed at her and glared back.
"I only hope he doesn't teach you his absurd decision making." He said as he walked away.
James couldn't help but agree with him.
He looked at Winter. "You still take my side, knowing what you know?"
He had told her about the whole situation how the Scourge had made a deal with Ozpin and was that monster. Even that he reverted back to normal while he launched the weapon.
"I do" Winter said. "Ozpin should have told you everything, I'm sure if he had none of this would be happening."
Ironwood was happy to see the subordinate he trusted most was still with him.
"Thank you, Winter, I hope that if I lose my title, that it goes to you."
Winter looked at him and shook her head.
"I will do everything in my power to ensure you keep it."
Ironwood nodded with a smile and sighed.
He had a feeling that he did make the wrong decision. Or worse that Ozpin made the wrong decision. The Scourge had attacked Atlas once, whose to say he won't do it again.
And since he will not learn that power, 'KI', they will need to rely on he crusader armor. Hopefully, Dr. Polendina is still working on it.
Gods know Atlas will need all the power it can muster for what's to come.
Vale, Emerald Forest
In the forest near Beacon Academy the grimm in the area were being slaughtered, some by explosions of bright light of four different colors.
An Ursa was launched away and crashed through a tree, and it faded away on impact.
The other Ursa looked at their opponent with fear.
It was a young woman with long golden hair, wearing a brown jacket with a yellow top with a heart emblem on the right chest.
"Wow, these guys really feel like confetti, right girls?" She asked as she rose a fist in cased in golden Ki.
Ursus surrounded her and tried to charge her from all sides.
Yang slammed her fist in the ground, it created a yellow explosion the surrounded her and disintegrated them.
A black-haired woman with a bow looked at a four beowolf surround her.
"I wouldn't put it that way Yang." Blake said as she watched the beowolves get closer.
All tried to slash her but to Blake they seemed to be going in slow motion, her Ki had enhanced her agility like never before, she jumped in the air before any could touch them.
She then moved her sword Gambol Shroud in a circular motion while floating in air.
A black Ring of Ki surrounded the four beowolves and squeezed them.
With Ki Blake had learn to use her Ki restrain her target like what she does with the ribbon of Gambol Shroud.
While the four were trapped Blake then sliced through the trapped Grimm's heads with ease.
Blake looked at her blade. "Though it does feel like slicing through butter." Beowolves were always beginner level Grimm, but she could never one-shot multiple ones like this, Ki truly does seem like another league compared to Aura.
"I can agree on that."
Another young woman dressed in white with a ponytail.
Weiss stood in front of a Death Stalker the same kind of beast team JNPR had to work together to destroy another.
The scorpion monster tried to use its pinchers to grab the heiress.
She simply rose her blade, and formed two Glyphs, it blocked the pincers from reaching her.
Then the heiress rose her blade.
Multiple Glyphs surrounded the deathstalker, before it could strike again the Glyphs glowed white and powerful Ki blasts were unleased around the monster.
Weiss had learned to combine her Ki with her glyphs and is now able to fire energy from them.
The Deathstalker was met with multiple explosions around its body.
Than Weiss with great speed launched herself forward with her blade and sliced through the monster that was weakened from her Ki Glyphs.
The death stalker was cut in two and faded away.
Weiss turned and smiled. "I think we are a shoe in for winning the tournament."
As she said that a Nevermore rose in the air with its wings apart, it wasn't looking at the girls it was looking at another target.
Standing on top of a tree was a younger woman with dark crimson hair and a red hood, wielding a crimson scythe.
She had a bright smile on her face, this power, Ki it was so awesome!
The nevermore spread its wings firing all its feathers.
This attack was a group thing.
Key word was.
Ruby's new Ki control had increased her speed much more than it used to be.
And she learned to focus her Ki and ran it across her Crescent Rose.
Her scythe's blade glowed red and grew in size to half of the size of the Nevermore.
Then she made it across from the nevermore and landed on the ground beside the other girls.
The nevermore split apart into threes and faded away.
Ruby looked at where she was, the Ki on her scythe faded, reverted to normal.
"Nice one sis!" Yang yelled walking over and ruffling Ruby's hair. "Man, we're unstoppable, I bet we're going to be the best huntresses in the world."
"Let's not get cocky." Blake said to her. "We don't want to get overconfident."
"Come on Blake" Yang playfully punched the Cat Faunus's shoulder which hurt more than intended. "I bet all of us together can even give Kron a run for his money."
The Cat Faunus rubbed her shoulder but grinned through the pain.
"Speaking of, has there been any word of him?"
Yang shook her head frowning.
"No, Ozpin said he hasn't found anything, my dad and uncle Qrow are searching for him to, still nothing."
Even after all this time there wasn't any clues on where Kron had disappeared to, he just left without saying a word.
"Hey, chin up, we'll find him." Yang said smiling. "I'm sure he can't stay hidden forever."
"Just hope it doesn't involve going to Atlas again." Weiss said crossing her arms.
"Come on Weiss, are you still mad about that?" She asked. "He didn't do anything that bad ya know?"
"Beating up my sister, yeah he did." She then turned away and admitted. "But I now know he's not the monster we all thought he was, still I just wonder how he did that."
The giant tailed ape he transformed into, what the public call the Unmasked Berringel.
"Whatever that was, he knew we couldn't be around him." Blake pointed out. "He wanted us to get as far away from him as possible, and we saw that he acted like any Grimm I've seen, only much more dangerous."
This monster was just blasting and breaking everything around him. It was great that they had gotten out of the city before anything else, if they hadn't those two would have destroyed Vale maybe even the whole continent.
"You think maybe it's a Ki technique?" Ruby asked. "Maybe it's something we all can do?"
"I hope not!" Yang yelled with a disgusted look. "I love my hair the way it is I don't want to be covered in fur and have that ugly face."
"Whatever it is Ozpin couldn't figure out what it was." Weiss said to them. "I mean Kron was the only person we know of who knew how to use Ki, maybe it has something to do with where he came from?"
That made sense, according to Kron's story he came from an island of people that valued strength absolute, maybe it's something they can all do?
"Whatever it is, we'll have him tell us." Yang said to them smiling. "I know we gotta find him but there's no need to rush right? We should focus on the Vytal Festival." She threw a fast fist with a smile. "I can't wait to see have a go at Pyrrha, then we'll have our team take first place!"
The group smiled but then Weiss realized something.
"Wait a minute, do you think Ozpin would allow us to use it?"
The group froze and realized that she did have a point.
Would Ozpin let them use their new powers for a tournament? It was something new that no one other than a handful of people knew existed.
"We should ask Ozpin about that, I'm sure he'll work something out for us." Blake pointed out.
"Ugh, way to be a buzz kill Weiss Cream."
"Hey shut up! I was only pointing out an obvious question!" She put a hand through her hair and crossed her arms. "Besides I don't know about you, but I'm sure I can hold my own without Ki."
"Never said I couldn't." Yang said cockily. "Eh I guess I can live with not showing off my new powers, I can always fight Pyrrha here instead I guess." She kind of liked the idea of showing the world but if she can't, she can't.
Blake nodded knowing that was the best they could hope for, but her thoughts drifted back to Kron. She was happy to hear that he visited her mother, they patched things up from the sound of it, but now he's disappeared somewhere and is refusing to come back. She can't help but wonder if he's doing anything dangerous.
A hand grabbed her shoulder, she turned to see Weiss by her side.
"I know your worried about him, so are we, especially Yang, but we should focus on preparing for the tournament, ok?"
Blake looked at her than at Yang who nodded in agreement. She was right, wherever he is, he can take care of himself and if they do see him, he will answer her questions honestly, he always did keep his word.
Yang smiled as well while punching in her palm, she hoped that Ozpin would find a way to let herself and Pyrrha let loose at the Vytal Festival, if not, she can always challenge her outside the ring.
And then maybe one day she can give Kron the fight he always wanted, wherever he is.
"Children"
The four huntresses in training turned to see the professor in charge of their training, it was a blonde woman with a bun on top. Blake still looked at her warily a bit since that incident with Kron.
"Professor Goodwitch, we've finished the Grimm thank you for allowing us to train here." Weiss said to her stoically.
Glynda can sense that the two were starting to be more accepting of what happened and that was enough.
"I am glad that you were productive, I will be reviewing how you can improve later, now go get some rest."
The four girls were about to be on their way but Yang stayed behind and her sister did to.
"Um, Professor" Yang looked uncharacteristically nervous. "My mom, is it alright to visit her?"
Glynda sighed she hated this part of her job.
"I am sorry Miss Xiao Long your mother is still refusing visitors."
Yang tried to hide her disappointment with a smile, she's refused to see her ever since she was brought in.
"How is she?"
She would still like to learn how she's doing.
"Her health is improving bit by bit, but her Aura is still slightly unstable, I will let you know of any further progress." She tried to ease her.
Yang grabbed her elbow and gave a small smile.
"Ok, thank you professor." She walked away.
Glynda sighed, she had been put in charge of Raven since she refused to see her own family and she wished she could just make her willing to see them.
Perhaps she can bring that up in their next session.
Yang frowned as she walked towards the Bullhead, she's finally in one place and she isn't able to talk to her. She had half a mind to force her way in but she knew it wouldn't be right. She should see her when she's willing.
Ruby put a hand on Yang's shoulder and offered a smile.
"Wanna make some of mom's cookies?"
Their mom, not Raven, the one who raised Yang like her own.
Yang smiled knowing her sister was trying to get better and get an excuse to get more sweets.
"Sounds good Rubes, but don't you dare like the cookie batter."
"That was one time!"
Yang chuckled as the two headed for the Bullhead.
Elsewhere
North of Anima there was a tropical island filled with not only animals but Grimm of many shapes and sizes.
In the sky someone was descending in the middle of the island.
He wore a skintight top suit, white pants with a grey sash on his waist and white boots.
He had spikey hair that pointed in two directions and a brown monkey tail.
It was the Saiyan Kron only this time he wasn't wearing his hood and mask.
Kron looked around for a few moments.
"Hello, I'm here, who's ready for class?" He said strangely as he looked around.
"Ugh, taking their sweet time as usual." He muttered.
Then just when he said that he heard the sound of charging behind him.
He turned around and saw a spikey Ursa, clearly an Alpha.
"Oh, hey Bearserker, good to see you."
The Ursa kept charging ignoring Kron's rambling and rose its arms to attack.
"The lunge again, you already showed me that." He said in disappointment and grabbed the bear Grimm by its arms and tossed him away casually.
The Alpha Ursa crashed into a boulder and charged again.
"Tch, come on, show me something new."
The Ursa threw a strike with its right arm, but Kron evaded.
"Tch, come on Bearserker, you're supposed to be an Alpha." He dodged another. "Maybe that's all you can teach me, If so, I guess I have to replace you." Too bad, he really did like Bearserker, he showed him ways to add palm strikes to his attacks.
The Ursa, or as Kron calls him Bearserker seemed to understand and grew angry.
Kron was about to dodge but he noticed something, the Ursa was striking differently.
Bearserker threw another swipe though this time not at Kron's chest at his legs, Kron's legs were swept, and he was floating off his feet for a moment, then the Ursa slammed its other claw on his chest and slammed him into the ground making a small crater from the impact.
On the ground Kron was unharmed and he was smiling. He let that attack hit him because it was known.
"Hahaha, not bad." He grabbed the paw and pushed it aside as he stood up. "Ok, let me try now."
Bearserker stood and swiped a claw.
And Kron knelt down and swiped at the Ursa's lower body, which put him off his feet and Kron slammed a palm strike into his chest and slammed the Alpha Ursa into the ground.
He had copied the movement and used it on his 'student'.
This was how Kron had created his fighting style while training to fight Raven. He fought many Grimm and copied there movements as much as possible.
Now he was going back to the basics, but he wasn't fighting any Grimm he came to this island filled with Alpha Grimm and used their strongest to train against, he made them stronger by attacking them with light attacks while they try to attack him with newer moves no common Grimm can learn.
This way he can perfect his fighting style further and adding more variety to his strikes.
He even named the Grimm he would spar against, trying to make them stronger and learn new attacks in repertoire.
"Hmm, a little hard to do you on you with your stubby legs but it'll definitely come in handy against humanoids, good job, you're learning and teaching me to."
The Ursa roared as it tried to swipe.
But Kron kicked at its chest and sent it rolling away.
"Alright, who else is-"
Just then a Beowolf pounced on him from a top of a rock.
Kron jumped back as the creature missed. "Ah, there you are Widefang."
Widefang was an Alpha Beowolf, with spikey armor all over including its elbows.
"Show me what you got."
Widefang jumped towards Kron.
The Saiyan watched the creature and was about to strike only for the monster to jump before it was in striking distance and kicked its legs into Kron's shoulders.
He stumbled forward.
And the Beowolf turned and brought down its claws into his back.
Kron's Ki protected him from the attack, and he didn't feel it.
"Nice one, my turn."
And just like he did with the Ursa, Kron did the same motions kicking on top of the Beowolf's shoulders and turning to claw strike at its back.
"Alright anyone else feel ready?" Kron asked looking around.
Just then ahead of him he can hear heavy footsteps from a pile of bushes another Grimm arrived, with large arms, short legs, and a mask that looked like Kron's mask he usually wore. He had more armor on his chest and arms than any other, clearly on Alpha to its species.
And interestingly, the spikes on the monster's back were silver instead of white.
Kron smiled at his favorite Grimm, the Berringel.
"Good was worried you wouldn't show." Kron cracked his knuckles. "Silverback"
The Berringel pounded its chest, indicating that he was ready to destroy him.
Kron chuckled and charged forward.
With restraint he threw a fist forward wondering if the ape can counter.
And Silverback did something unexpected, it leaned back as Kron missed a punch, its hands were on the ground, then his legs started going up.
Kron was kicked in the stomach by the hand like feet.
Then the Alpha Berringel lifted its body, his feet still pushing into the Saiyan's stomach, then his body flipped on to the ground with the gorilla Grimm's feet still on his chest.
Kron hit the ground making a crater from the force of the kick.
Silverback then slammed its fists down on Kron's face.
Which didn't hurt Kron at all, he smiled as the punches landed. "That was great, never seen a Berringel use its legs for fighting." Then with force pushed the ape off him. "Thanks, I'll definitely use it!"
And the ape swiped backhand, but Kron used the same counter on Silverback and was now raining blows on it.
Just then the Beowolf and Ursa charged from his sides.
Kron pushed them aside and jumped back.
The Saiyan looked around as the three Grimm grouped up. "So I guess it's just you three today, that's fine, I guess I'll be teaching and learning from you three today."
The three named Grimm attacked him from all sides.
Kron had bested all of them once they had shown him all the new attacks they had.
"Alright, class dismissed, same time tomorrow, ok?" He looked at his 'students' on the ground.
All three were still alive, just wounded and knowing they were outmatched. The three Grimm ran into the forest, Alpha Grimm maybe the strongest of their species, but they also had enough brains to know when they were outmatched and when to run to fight another day.
It was funny that Kron called them his 'students' when really, he was learning from their attacks. But in his mind, they were getting stronger and learning from fighting him so he was their teacher, even though he was also learning from them.
Quite an interesting relationship, he makes them stronger, they make him fight smarter.
Still, it wasn't as fun as when he taught Yang.
He wondered if she was training to.
"Alright, first a break and then I can start my exercises."
He usually would begin his strength training, but he had wanted to do something for some time now and thought it was appropriate.
In a Dark Land
Salem was in her throne viewing her crystal ball.
She watched as Hazel was fighting against multiple Grimm with his three Semblances, he had already shown much improvement after recovering. If he had this much power, he would have destroyed Qrow Branwen when they met.
Then there's Tyrian, his first Semblance was useless on Grimm as well as on the boy, but the other two should make him more useful against them.
She smiled seeing how far her Soul Dust had gone.
And now it was time to see if she can push it further, the next upgrade she has in mind might be able to match Eclipse.
Just then the door at the end of her throne room opened.
In came a woman dressed in red with gold lines at the edges.
The pale woman looked at Cinder with a smile.
"Cinder, I saw your training, you're adjusting well to your new powers." She said with a smile.
Her protégé bowed before her. "Thank you your grace."
Cinder can hear that she was forcing herself to say that, not that she minded. She had become her most powerful asset, her new Aura amplified her magic even further, it was going to feed her ego.
"I must ask something of you." Cinder continued.
Salem looked down at her and gestured her to continue.
"I would like your permission to go back to Beacon to retrieve the Relic as well as the Fall Maiden."
"Not yet." The ancient witch said.
"But my lady."
"Cinder" Salem glared down at her. "You are now a known criminal, if you are to return then first you must follow my instructions and master your new abilities."
Her protégé fought not to glare.
"But why, the boy, he isn't there now, Vale is defenseless." Cinder pointed out. "Leo told us that he is still in Anima, it's a perfect chance."
Salem chuckled.
"Foolish girl, don't you think it was odd how the boy went after you and the White Fang?" Salem asked. "Do you not think it's possible that Ozpin had worked with him even briefly? And worse acquired it himself?"
Cinder looked confused and shook her head.
"The boy likely had help from a different source." She thought of Roman, he disappeared for some time, no one else knew his plans like he did. When she gets her hands on him, he is going to melt the flesh off his bones.
"Perhaps" Salem agreed. "But I don't believe it's worth the chance, there might have been an opportunity for him to learn about his ability, if so he and his forces will be more difficult to deal with even more so than before, so you will wait, understand."
Cinder said nothing for a moment, the power that she was given, with it she was stronger than even a Fully Realized Maiden. Perhaps, stronger than- She stopped her thought process. She will get stronger, and when she does, she will be the one giving the orders.
And she will acquire even more Soul Dust before she even tries.
"Yes, your grace." Cinder responded dutifully.
"You are dismissed." Salem swiped her hand.
Her protégé walked out of the room, her eyes glowed orange and blue.
Not yet soon.
She will be the only queen.
As she left Salem looked at one of her Seers, it opened, and it showed a man with a red eye and white hair.
"Dr. Merlot, how is your task."
The doctor wore a serious face.
"Team MUNE is almost ready." Dr. Merlot wasn't happy like he usually was when he spoke about his creations. "They will be at the same stage Eclipse was in his battle with the Scourge, Kron."
Salem was happy to hear that.
"Good, did the state of the corpses slow you down?"
"No" Dr. Merlot responded. "Even the skull you had given me was enough to create a hybrid, as I said, my" He hesitated before continuing. "My son was only an infant when he died and I brought him back with his small body, it doesn't matter the state of the remains as long as they are not ashes I can create a new warrior for us."
Salem truly did well recruit this doctor, tutoring him on what she knew of Grimm helped speed along his research and is now capable of making powerful monsters.
"I am so happy to hear that." Salem said with a smile. "I have two other coprses I'd like you to make hybrids from, one from Solitas and one from Anima, these two should be invaluable for our side."
Though one will be difficult to find given how they died somewhere no one knew about except a few others.
"It will be done your grace." Dr. Merlot said bowing to her.
"Very good doctor, now in the meantime while MUNE is forming, I would like for you to help Dr. Watts with his project, he has a special mission in Atlas and I want you to ensure his creations are ready."
"Yes, milady." He responded. "Is there anything else?"
That was all the witch really needed to relay to the doctor.
"Just one more thing." Salem continued. "Your son is alive doctor, I'm sure of it, try to have faith in your work, you will want to greet him with open arms."
Dr. Merlot felt comfort in those words and realized she was right. Eclipse had always been happy to see him, and he made him as unkillable as possible. He knows that he recreated his boy well and he will return stronger than ever.
"Yes, thank you your grace."
The Seer closed its eye.
And once Salem was done she looked at her crystal ball and focused what was on her mind.
The boy, Kron.
Then it shifted showing the giant ape, the Unmasked Berringel people call him as.
She placed a hand on it and looked at it, her mind asking millions of questions.
"I have my plans to attend to, I shouldn't intervene." She said smiling and gently caressed the crystal ball. "However, I do want to meet you, I need to, maybe I can afford arrange that ahead of schedule, I have something I've worked on just for you."
Salem was looking forward to what Kron will do next with his power.
Forests
Far from Beacon Academy there was a bunker in the middle of the forest.
Inside was a large empty area filled with metal.
Along with what looked like a ring.
In the ring was two people stood across from each other.
One was a blonde man with a stuble of hair wearing a brown jacket and yellow shirt.
Another was a man with black hair and shaven face, wielding a scythe.
Qrow charged forward and swung down.
But Taiyang caught the blade with two hands, he then rose a leg to kick the side of Qrow's head.
Qrow was struck in the head and made him stumble.
The brawler threw another fist toward his midsection.
But his partner side stepped the body blow and his scythe shifted to it's longsword form. He tried to swing it across at Taiyang's side.
The huntsmen caught that strike.
But Qrow aimed his hand down at Taiyang's mid-section with his palm outward.
"Shit" Taiyang watched the hand glow red.
It exploded and sent Taiyang skidding back until he hit the floor.
The blonde man pushed himself up and saw Qrow offering him a hand up.
Once he was pulled up his partner winced and pulled back his hand once he stood up.
"You alright?"
Qrow cringed and looked at his hand, there were burn marks, his Ki was still exploding just in
"Yeah, still tough getting used to this."
"You shouldn't use blasts until you know you can control it." Taiyang replied. "It's why I rather not fire energy yet."
"Meh, still beat your ass didn't I?"
Taiyang playfully punched his shoulder and the two walked off.
"So what do ya think?" Qrow asked as the two walked out of the training area.
Taiyang knew what he meant. "Ozpin's been better so far, he's been holding off on teaching James Ki like we asked."
"Don't I know it." Qrow said smiling. "Ole Jimmy was frustrated when I talk to him."
"I just hope he's not hiding anything big form us again." Taiyang sighed.
"Me to."
The duo still hadn't gotten over that Ozpin had kept them out of the loop when Kron had made that deal with Yang, but they realized where he was coming from and that he didn't have much of a choice and that and he had been treating
Both members of Team STRQ were greeted by a woman with light blonde hair in a bun with green eyes.
"Hey Glynda." Taiyang greeted. "Is he still in there?"
"Yes" The teacher said. "I don't imagine it will be long." She looked at the two. "I take it your sparring went well?"
"We're getting used to it, this Ki really is something." Taiyang admitted. "We've gotten so far in only four months, just like Yang had."
That was one thing Ozpin had gotten right out of the whole ordeal, with Kron's deal they now have a new source of power.
"Let's just hope Salem never gets her hands on it." Qrow said cyinical as always.
"Which is why we will limit who learns Ki from now on." Glynda said as she rose a hand and wielded a purple ball of energy. "Salem is likely finding away to enhance her Soul Dust and create more of that monster we saw."
The Grimm King was still on their minds, another or maybe even an army of monsters of that caliber are likely on the way.
If Salem's forces were to learn Ki on top of it, they doubt even Kron would be able to stop that.
"By the way Glynda, can I visit her today?" Taiyang asked.
Glynda sighed and shook her head.
"I'm sorry, she's still refusing visitors." Glynda said sadly thinking of their prisoner, Raven Branwen, she had been in a hospital bed hidden away.
"I figured." Tai sighed. "She's been doing that ever since that night."
He still remembered that battle, how Raven had tried to seal Kron away and suffocate in that jar. And was willing to hurt Qrow to do it, thankfully she did miss his vitals. He didn't interfere with that the fight because he was willing to hurt people, she loved to save herself. Just like she used to.
They couldn't take her side after that, it was only when Yang decided she wanted to stop the fight that they tried to save her.
And now that everything was over, they didn't know what they wanted, especially learning the details between Raven, Kron and the Belladonna family, they realized Raven really was the villain in all this. Not they should be surprised.
All they know now is they want to try to mend their broken relationship as the surviving members of Team STRQ.
"How have you been?" Qrow asked. "Does she even talk to you?"
"She does." Glynda replied. "So far she only vents her thoughts with me, but I think I'm making progress."
"Heh" Qrow smirked. "Didn't think you'd take up Ozpin's idea to be her therapist."
"Ozpin thought it was better she talk to me than someone she really knew." Glynda replied. "It's important for her mental health that she talked to someone, especially in her condition."
The two went silent with that but agreed, whatever happens they can at least try to get her to talk to Yang. Even if they can't convince her to rejoin the fight against Salem maybe just maybe they can have Yang and Raven have the talk she always wanted about why she left.
*Boom!*
Just then the entire bunker shook.
"An attack?" Qrow asked.
"No! It came from the room!" Glynda yelled and she pressed a button.
The gate opened, in the center of the room was a huge column of smoke.
"Ozpin!" Taiyang yelled as the three ran forward.
Before they reached him they see a figure walking.
Once it cleared Ozpin was seen with half his short torn, using his cane to support himself.
"What happened?" Qrow asked walking to him. "Are you alright."
Ozpin rose his hand and smiled.
"I am alright." Ozpin said smiling though he was in pain.
"What did you do?" Glynda asked.
"I was trying a little experiment I had in mind for a while." He said with a smile.
Qrow found that weird.
"Seems to me it botched, what's with the smile."
Ozpin looked at the palm of his hand.
"Not entirely, with some trial and error I think we all can take our power even further." Ozpin looked at the trio. "But before I look into it, I think I'm ready, to use the Void Vault."
That surprised them even more now.
"Are you sure?" Taiyang asked. "You said that at your peak you rivaled Salem, how can you be sure you can survive?"
The Void Vault had taken his life before, if it does again, he will have to reincarnate again, and with what's happening with General Ironwood.
"I may not have the power to match my peak yet, but I do know that I am ready." Ozpin said to them. "Qrow, Taiyang, thank you for staying by my side, I will do what I must to earn your trust again."
The two glanced at each other and nodded knowing that he was trying to make things right.
Their alliance had grown stronger than ever.
And now Ozpin may have found a way to take their power to the next level.
Things were looking good for them and hoped they'd be able to end the fight against Salem.
Kron's Cave
Kron was back in his cave looking over the books he collected.
He was breezing through the pages trying to find something.
The Saiyan never did like reading about fairy tales, he preferred history above all else, it was annoying to learn about something not real.
He never liked learning about the legends back on Planet Vegeta, he didn't even care about the 'Legendary Super Saiyan', it just seemed like a story elders made up to make the destruction of their original planet, Sadala, sound more fantastical than it was.
But there was something he was looking for that had him curious for a while, but no matter what history book he found they were never mentioned.
Just then there was a name he found that seemed to be what he was looking for.
The Jar and the Witch.
He stopped and looked through the passage.
Long ago, before the four kingdoms had formed, there was a time when an evil witch ruled most of the world. Her power was unrivaled and had slayed many great heroes.
On her side was an apprentice who had feared her and had power that did not compare to hers.
The apprentice felt guilty for the Witch's victims and no longer wish to work on her side.
So, the Apprentice used her magic to craft a jar that was strong enough to capture the witch.
The jar was able to contain the witch for a time, but for the jar to remain close it needed sacrifices of those who feared the being trapped.
For many generations the Witch had remained trapped.
Without the Witch mankind started to unite and the four kingdoms had formed, and are able to fight back against the Grimm.
It is said that the jar is hidden and still closed.
And one day it will open, and the Witch will return to put an end to the four kingdoms.
Kron looked at the jar beside him.
Seems like it fits the description, he grabbed it and slowly opened it.
Nothing happened.
Now that he thought about it the hag did have to make some sort of sacrifice using it. He remembered when he was about to escape the chains wrapped around him even tighter and kept him even longer.
He couldn't break out in the end, he was …saved.
All the more reason to keep training.
He looked at the jar and contemplated if he should destroy it or not. He wanted to, but this jar was something special. One of a kind, and a hint that this legend was real.
It was a real piece of history.
And that was something he couldn't bring himself to destroy.
Kron growled feeling like an idiot for keeping such a dangerous thing intact, so he'll need to bury it, put it in a place where only he can find it.
The Saiyan walked deep into his cave until he made it to the end of the cave. He slammed a fist in the ground and used one hand to shovel the dirt out of the way.
He finished digging when he finally showed what he buried.
It was a metal sphere with a red window.
The pod that he had stolen to start his mission for the PTO.
No one found it so it would be best to put the jar in here if he wasn't going to destroy it. The pod beeped and opened. He placed the jar inside the pod and closed it.
This planet's technology could never open it and the pod can withstand a power level of 900, something even he doesn't have, no amount of force will be able to open it.
"If it isn't safe here, it won't be safe anywhere."
Kron then buried the pod again, safely hiding the pod as well as the jar from view.
He then stretched his arms.
"Guess I should do my evening training." He said dully.
Man, he was going to have to find a new hobby.
It's nice to be back at training, but now he was bored because he had no real goal now.
Raven might as well be dead. He chuckled imagining the hag bedridden for the rest of her life.
There was that monster that was his equal, the green-eyed Grimm, or as some call it, the Grimm King.
It would be fun to search for more Grimm like it, but it would interrupt his training since he doesn't even know where it came from.
There was another time he remembered he had fun.
Yang learning how to wield Ki, watching her grow stronger and a more capable warrior. Originally, he thought it would be a chore, but ultimately it was enjoyable.
But he's taught her enough to learn on her own, now it's up to her if she wants to be worthy of using Ki and to one day become the opponent, he thought she could become.
Though after his Zenkai and continuing his training, she has quite the climb to make to catch up to her.
But that's her problem, maybe she will, maybe she won't, he needed to train, to ensure he never needs help again.
No, it was best he continued his training, if he had, the jar wouldn't have trapped him and he wouldn't have needed help against the so called Grimm King.
Kron descended the mountain and landed on the ground. He stretched getting ready for his training.
He walked towards his training area wearing his mask and tight top.
As he did a girl with a pink umbrella watched him from the bushes.
Kron's Training Area
After Kron's study break, he went on to do his physical training.
He was in the forests near his cave, still not wearing his mask.
Kron did shadow boxing, using the moves he learned from the Grimm he fought earlier.
Also, many push-ups, sit ups, and firing multiple energy attacks until he was exhausted.
He was panting heavily clearly exhausted from his training.
But he didn't relent, he remembered his last fight against that monster.
When he met his match.
The exhilaration of that fight was beyond anything he felt in too long, even his fight against Raven didn't live up to that.
He remembered the exchange of punches he had with the monster.
A fight that was hard, but he should have been able to win on his own.
Anger grew when he remembered the gigantic monster he turned into.
But then he needed help.
Kron yelled as held up his hands, small red energy balls formed, he then tossed his arms firing all energy balls in different directions before stopping.
"Guided swarm"
The orbs then stopped midflight.
And once they were all still, Kron spun his hands and waved his fingers.
This made the energy balls started to spin around him.
This was one of his training drills he learned to do since he started training again.
Now that the ten energy orbs were spinning and in random directions, he won't be able to tell where they will hit.
Kron closed his fists.
This pulled the energy orbs around him attacking him in random spots of his body.
The Saiyan threw a fist to destroy one of the energy orbs, then he elbowed another from behind, and threw a kick against another.
But four of the energy blasts hit him in different places making him stumble and hit the ground.
"Tch, sloppy." He hated this training exercise he remembered his last fight against that monster as well as his fights against those that were Maiden level and above.
He always gets attacked, even when he's not holding back.
That was an error he decided to work on.
"4 out of 10." He scoffed at himself he hasn't gotten to stop all 10 even once.
The Saiyan sat down and looked up to the sky.
It had been months since his last real fight.
A fight he could have won by himself.
If he had better defense, he wouldn't have needed to resort to relying on their help.
Without Yang, her sister, the Schnee, and even Blake he might've suffocated in that jar, that again he could have avoided if he had better defense.
Not that it was the only thing he was working on, but he absolutely hated his defense training.
Kron stood up and stretched.
Still that Grimm he fought, what was it? A new species? Could he train the Grimm he had on that island to become something like it?
"That's enough for today." He said in a bad mood and started to float.
The Saiyan sniffed and he grunted.
"I know you've been following me for a while."
Nothing moved for a few seconds.
"Come out, now."
The tone seemed to have worked as the one who was following him walked out from behind a tree.
A woman with black and white hair revealed herself holding a familiar umbrella.
Kron noticed the umbrella and felt familiar about it.
"Are you" He stopped and thought up a name. "Is that you, what's your name" He asked himself. "Neo?"
The girl crossed her arms making a face as if she was offended by him having trouble remembering her.
Of course, Kron got annoyed by no response.
"Oh yeah it's definitely you, that mean your boss is here?" He crossed his arms and tilted his head.
Neo turned around moved hand, gesturing him to follow her.
Kron was annoyed that this girl still refused to speak, now that he thought of it, she never spoke a word since they met.
She must be a mute.
Part of him wondered if she was worth following, but since he pretty much finished his training today, he might as well follow, he had nothing better to do really.
Village
Neo had led Kron to a restaurant, which did put him in a good mood he was getting hungry.
He walked inside with Neo leading.
Inside the restaurant was empty with only an orange haired man in a white coat and a bowler hat in the center table.
"Hey kid, been awhile."
Kron recognized Roman and looked at Neo who changed form into her pink, brown and white hair.
"Please have a seat."
The Saiyan looked at Roman for a few seconds before crossing his arms. "What do you want Rover?"
This made the thief frown while Neo smirked at how he forgot her boss's name.
But the thief kept his cool, he had to if he wanted to make this work.
"You're such a kidder, you know it's me, Roman Torchwich the best thief in Vale."
Kron rolled his eyes. "Sure"
Roman kept his smile and ignored his disinterest.
"Come on, I'm sure you're hungry, sit order something, I've rent out the whole restaurant just for us to have this meeting."
Kron would've argued more but he was hungry, so he gave in and sat down.
"So, order anything you want, this is on me, all I ask is you hear me out."
"On you?" He scoffed. "You're going to regret this."
Roman chuckled. "We'll see."
In the end Kron ordered two of everything all for himself, which lead to Roman spending all his winnings back from blackjack back in the boat.
He silently cursed at him as he just devoured his food.
Kron was just devouring everything in sight like he had never eaten before much to his disgust.
What can he expect from an animal?
Putting aside his disgust for Faunus Roman cleared his throat as he began to speak hoping he'd hear as he'd eat.
"So, Scourge of Anima, this is the first time I've seen your face." He spoke to him. "From the sound of your voice, I knew you were young, but you're not older than a freshmen academy student."
Kron said nothing but kept devouring a large piece of ribs.
Being annoyed he sighed and tried to get to the point.
"So, I don't know if you remember, but you and I had a deal, I give you information on the White Fang's movements and you provide me and Neo protection from Cinder and the law." He explained. "I'm glad to have been of service, but I feel like you didn't quite live up to your end of the bargain."
Kron swallowed a large chunk of noodles.
"My end of the bargain?" Kron asked annoyed. "You and Neo are both alive and free, what's the problem?"
Roman kept a professional smile ignoring as he kept eating.
"And I'm grateful for that, but part of the deal was that you protect us from Cinder, since you didn't kill her she's off somewhere, likely putting together who could have told you all her plans for Vale, and if she does, I feel like she's the kind of woman to hold a grudge."
Kron growled. "If you had a problem with it you should have told me, you vanished after I dealt with her cronies."
"Had to be done, we couldn't risk being in Vale with her still alive, we had to be under the radar until we knew where we can find you without Ozpin in the way, we didn't know if Cinder would come for us or send assassins after us."
"Pft" Kron rolled his eyes. "So weak."
Neo's grip on her umbrella tightened.
Roman noticed and gave her a smile to calm her down.
"Look kiddo, not everyone's willing to put their neck on the line for fun, that's why people like you exist." He said to him. "I help you in one way you help me in another."
"Why should I help you? You got nothing for me to gain." Kron responded as he took a huge bite of chicken. "Not to mention the deal was to keep you alive and out of jail, and I did, you never said anything about if I kill Cinder or not, don't try to change our agreement."
Damn it, he has really good memory. And here he thought it was elephants that never forget, didn't think an idiot monkey would know.
"Alright you caught me, it's true, I never said you have to kill her, but to be honest I thought I implied it, I should've worded it better." He admitted. "But as for not having anything to give you, how about information on a certain group that's after you."
Kron finished his meal and placed the empty bowls and plates aside.
"Big deal, a lot of people are after me, it's just going to be more of the same, they'll throw every man they can, I win and burn their organization to the ground, why should I care?"
"Just humor me will you."
The Saiyan stayed silent and gestured him to continue.
"Ever hear of the Silver Bullet Brotherhood?"
Kron heard that name and thought back to that village that was being targeted to capture for slavery.
"I bumped into them awhile back, what about them?"
"Ah" Roman chuckled. "Figured you might, that's why they set their sights on you, they even sent a team to take you in."
Kron yawned showing his disinterest.
Roman had to calm himself seeing the disrespect.
"I met their members, a bunch of weaklings who scream for mercy, nothing special about them."
"Well, I heard they upgraded recently, they got their hands on some high-tech armor, something that me be strong enough to hurt you."
That made Kron thinks of the night he fought Raven.
Sepia, she wore this strange armor that seemed to increase her strength to something like a Maiden.
Still, given the recent Zenkai, he's not sure if it'll be worth it, sure a Maiden could still provide a decent fight, but he's not even sure they can make him bleed now.
"I don't know, doesn't seem worth it."
The ginger kept his smile.
"What about Cinder? She's probably going to get stronger with Soul Dust, that's gotta get you excited, eh?"
He learned early on that Kron was a battlemaniac that would throw himself into danger to enjoy a good fight even if he had to hold back.
"Cinder's a joke." He remembered that pathetic Maiden knock off, he was unable to make him bleed he could barely feel her attacks." I doubt she'd be even a bit entertaining; it would take too much work to look for her and to have a short fight."
He wanted more of that fight against that monster he fought, he was bored of fights where he had the upper hand.
"Come on she got in your way right, don't you think that warrants you to hunt her down?"
It did but it was too much effort.
"Meh, do you hunt every mosquito that bit you?" Kron remembered how pathetic that weakling was, she tried to advance on him first which made her even worse in his eyes.
"What about Raven, you chased after her like you were possessed."
Kron squeezed his knuckles.
"Raven screwed me over way worse than that mosquito ever did." That hag had always tried manipulating them that they were 'family' when really, they were just using each other. It was her way to try to cement her control over him, but he knew better, any idiot can see that she was just trying to keep him under thumb for the day he would surpass her. Not to mention her hand in the Menagerie incident.
Kron continued. "That's enough, face it Torchwich, I'm not interested."
Roman frowned hearing that, Neo seemed to reach for her pocket for something. He looked at her and it seemed to make her stop.
She looked disappointed and looked like she sighed.
"If you can get me info on someone worth fighting let me know, I'll be more agreeable that way, I'm sure you two can find me."
He stood up and walked away.
Roman knew he couldn't just let him walk away, so he brought up one thing.
"Alright but remember as long as the Silver Bullet Brotherhood lives, they'll be more Faunus in chains, forced to work to death, be a part of some dangerous experiments."
Kron stopped walking and glanced behind him.
"The White Fang's still around they'll take care of it." He said as if he was still the ruthless Saiyan he used to be.
Roman shrugged his shoulders. "I'm sure you'll come around, as long as the Silver Bullets are around, they might take someone you actually care about."
Kron thought of them targeting Kali or Blake for a moment but remained stoic, he knew that this man was trying to use him, there was more that he wasn't telling him. He had to be lying, he wasn't going to played ever again.
"Good luck with Cinder." He said as he left the restaurant.
Once he was sure he was out of ear shot Roman looked to his assistant, crossed his arms and glared at her.
"Neo, what did we agree on?"
The girl again rolled her eyes, rose her scroll and shook it.
"Right, we don't show the picture to anyone unless it's a last resort. Blackmailing him is way too dangerous to be our go to, we gotta try to have him work with us willingly, he's going to kill us if we don't play our cards right." Roman lectured. "Besides, it's our backup plan in case Cinder finds us, hopefully showing her that he's a cat person it will lower our chances of being fileted."
Neo looked at the picture of the Scourge of Anima standing next to that black haired girl.
"Look" Roman began. "I'd love to have that monkey under our thumb, but first we gotta butter him up, once he kills Cinder, we'll get away scot-free and start our new crime spree across all of Remnant, sound good?"
The girl nodded though she was still disappointed, but she knew Roman was right. While they had arranged for the information to leak upon their deaths it was hardly a favorable arrangement, their priority is to live through this mess.
"Don't worry Neo, I'm sure he'll come around soon." He smiled confidently.
He knows a sucker with a soft spot when he sees one.
Far Away
An orange haired man went to a shack and opened the door.
Once he did there was a man with long red hair standing with his arms crossed and a blank look on his face.
"Hello Yosef" The man greeted him. "Any trouble."
Yosef shook his head.
"He never knew I was there."
"Good work." He said to him. "Anything?"
Yosef shook his head.
"We're going to die." He replied simply. "I couldn't find anything that can help us win, he has lousy defense, but I don't think we have the gear to make it matter."
The man said nothing in response.
"Stop exaggerating." Another man spoke.
The two turned towards another large man sharpening a razor machete. "He's still a kid, right? There's no way he can take on four of us, especially with this new armor." He pointed at the black crusader armor under his jacket.
"Bisque" The man with red hair spoke. "Please try to be more respectful I'm sure he's giving an accurate report."
"Tch" Bisque stabbed his machete on the ground and growled. "I think it's more accurate that he's underestimating us, let me take a crack at em, I can distract him while you use your semblance to finish him!"
The red head eyed him and kept a straight face.
"I appreciate you having faith in my abilities Bisque, but I am putting stock in Yosef's report, his life is on the line the same as yours." He said to him. "If he says that we cannot match up to him I will believe him."
Yosef sighed, happy to hear that their assigned leader believed what he said.
"Cowards, fine, if you want to give up then I'll go after him myself." He started to walk away.
"I never said anything about giving up." The man spoke. "Just that we need to adjust our approach, come now Bisque, don't do anything brash."
Bisque turned and aimed his machete at him.
"Well, oh glorious leader, you better figure something out, just thinking that little shit breathing is making me trigger happy after he ruined the love of my life!"
Yosef looked at him with a sympathetic look.
The leader didn't respond, he only put a hand to his chin ignoring and just thinking of a plan.
"Ugh, would you shut up already?"
This made Bisque turn to look at a woman with purple hair wearing purple armor like the rest of them, lying on a couch.
"Raven this, Raven that, ugh, seriously, you know being angry about that lady's not going to make her wanna fuck you right?"
"Shut it Silk!" He yelled at her. "I'm sick of waiting we've been task with capturing him, and I want to do it now! And I never thought my mission would involve Raven's potential killer!"
Silk rolled her eyes and turned to him.
"Don't know why your so obsessed with her, you met her once I doubt, she remembers you."
Bisque pulled out his machete and ran towards her to cut her, he swung it down to cut her throat.
Only for the leader to grab his wrist.
The red haired growled at the leader and tried to pull away, but it was clear that the leader had more power.
"Let me go!" He yelled.
"Bisque, just a thought." The leader said. "She's an asset for the mission, wouldn't you want to have as much resources as possible to avenge Raven?"
The brute growled but looked at Silk who just waved.
He turned and crossed his arms mumbling to himself.
Silk walked behind their leader and hugged him.
"Thank you so much, Amaranth, I knew you had a soft spot for me."
Amaranth pulled away from Silk much to her disappointment.
"Hey" The purple haired girl whined. "Come on, why not let me reward you?"
The man looked at her with a blank expression. "Why would I be knowing your history?"
Silk giggled and smiled.
"I don't always kill those I lure, I have needs to you know."
Amaranth ignored her and looked at the group he had been assigned to.
"Alright, given what we know if we try anything even with our Crusader Armors we will die." He said to them.
"Tch" Of course Bisque was annoyed and looked ready to leave.
While Yosef looked scared knowing the cost of their failure and Silk just shrugged her shoulders like it wasn't a problem.
"Which is why I am going to talk to Rockshow about increasing our odds."
"You're going to negotiate with that lunatic?" Bisque scoffed. "Idiotic"
"Your one to talk." Silk teased.
The black-haired man growled glaring at her while she only smiled in response.
"I believe he'll agree with what I have to say, just be patient." He looked to the group.
They all were silent, as though they agreed with him, still there was animosity between two of them and Yosef clearly wanted to run.
"Listen, I know we were all in prison for different reasons, we all have different backgrounds, ways of life and may even want to avoid each other for various reasons." Amaranth spoke.
Yosef looked away as if not wanting to say anything.
Bisque glared at Silk while she only giggled at him.
"But please, remember the prize, Rockshow has promised us blank slates and anything we want if we bring him the Scourge of Anima, so I advise you put your personal feelings aside for the sake of your wishes."
The rest of Team ABYS looked at each other and seemed to calm down.
They all may be criminals, but they know what they want and only have one way to get it.
Amaranth nodded and walked into his room leaving the three criminals on their own.
Each one a criminal sent to capture the Scourge of Anima in exchange for their freedom.
Should they fail, the explosives in their necks will activate.
Their squad was basically sent on a suicide mission.
But that might make them more dangerous.
Kron has continued his training but now the Silver Bullet Brotherhood has set their sights on him! Just who is this team ABYS, what powers do they poses, and will they really be a threat to Kron of all people!
Find out next time on One's Own Path!
Whelp I think I covered everything I wanted, Ironwoods in hot water, Ozpin has made a discovery, we've seen a bit of what Team RWBY is capable with Ki, don't worry they can do more, we've just seen a bit.
And we have seen Kron training, his power took a jump after the fight with Eclipse, but that doesn't mean he'll stay there he's not the only one that will get stronger just you wait.
As for Team ABYS, we will cover their abilities and crimes in the next chapter, hope you'll like em.
And Eclipse isn't going to be the only Hybrid.
Theres more to come, hope u look forward to it!
Also sorry but no review responses this time, I will respond next time don't worry!
Thank you all for the critique and the praise, it really keeps me going and I hope you can enjoy more in the future!
See u guys next chapter!
Have an awesome day! :)