One's Own Path

by Raos

Kron, a Saiyan child deemed too weak to conquer, steals a pod and goes to a planet that hasn't been conquered for the Frieza Force. He plans to wipe it out by himself to join the ranks of the Saiyan army. However, the task proves not so simple and his task gets delayed. What is the fate of Remnant with this Saiyan child? (CHAPTER ADDED: 9/21/24) (NEXT UPDATE: 10/12/24)

63. The Fallen Bird

Hey guys! You ready for the rematch?

I've been looking forward to this since their first fight.

I hope this was worth the looong wait.

We got AT LEAST two chapters before the end of this long arc.

Hope you enjoy this chapter though.

---

The Fallen Bird

Dead End Arena is one of the four Underground Arenas in the four kingdoms.

It has been the host of many fights to the death.

And it now will have one of the most to remember.

In the metal ring floating from the gravity dust beneath it.

On one side Kron in his black tight suit, white sash at his waist, grey pants, and black shoes. And his black tattered cloak and signature white Berringel Mask. Former member of the Branwen Tribe and the strongest of the Underground Champions.

On the other, Raven Branwen wearing her red and black clothing with red gauntlets and black boots. Former leader of the Branwen Tribe and the strongest Maiden on Remnant.

Kron had anticipated this for so long, his muscles tightened, and a red line of Ki surrounded his body.

Raven had feared this for so long, her eyes let out a fire-like light, the Maiden's signature show.

After eight years apart these two warriors will finally clash.

Kron flew straight forward ready to start this long-awaited clash.

Raven did the same afraid but accepting that this needed to end now.

The two met in the center of the ring ready to strike.

Kron threw a spear hand aimed at her throat.

Raven rose Omen and blocked the flattened hand with her blade.

Behind the mask, Kron glared daggers at her.

While Raven did the same and during their stalemate, the glow in her eyes became brighter. It was best to use full power, her full power at least.

Now Fully Realized the former bandit pulled back her sword and slashed across aiming for his neck.

Kron ducked under it and swept the kick for her legs.

Raven jumped seeing it coming and pierced her sword aiming for his chest.

The Saiyan rolled out of the way as the Fire Dust blade pierced the metal ground.

Kron stood up and spun kicking for her face.

And Raven raised one arm blocking the kick with her red gauntlet, she grimaced from the amount of force.

The Saiyan was surprised, that kick should have at least sent her flying.

Using that surprise she pushed aside his leg and fired lightning aimed at his face.

With control, Kron tilted his body back as it missed and hit the arena's wall behind him, and with a flip, he landed on the ground.

Kron then fired a Ki blast aiming for her face as well.

Raven sidestepped and it missed cracking the other wall of the arena as well.

She shouldn't have been able to avoid that, she looked at her eyes, the glow in her eyes are bigger than Winter's was. It must mean she's more in tuned with her power than she was. Kron grinned behind his mask this long-awaited fight was going to be better than he thought.

Raven was really pushing her Fully Realized state, she only had three years to train and managed it. She had one more card to play, but her best chance is to use it when she spots an opening. Thankfully despite his grudge he's still trying to get the best out of this fight, she'll use that.

Kron dashed forward at slightly faster speeds to match up to Raven's.

Fully Realized Raven waited to allow him to get on the offensive.

Kron threw a fist aimed for her gut.

And the Maiden pulled the blade to block.

Once connected Kron then bashed his head against Raven's face forcing her to stumble back.

"First blood!" Kron shouted thrilled to land the first blow.

He then swung a kick across her face.

But she rose an arm to block with her arm.

Kron then threw a fist straight for her face.

And she avoided by moving her head and slashed with Omen upward.

The sword connected and slashed up across the left side of Kron's chest.

It had a enough force to stumble back.

Raven then slashed across aiming for his neck.

And Kron tilted back the slash.

He then swung a kick for her face.

She backflipped as the kick hit mid-air, she then threw fire magic at him.

And Kron tossed a Ki blast to counter it.

When the fire ball and Ki ball met, they exploded in red that created a smoke screen surrounding the Saiyan.

Kron looked ahead, waiting for a sneak attack.

Like clockwork Raven got behind Kron and tried to pierce his back.

And Kron turns with a backhand.

The strike hit across Raven's face.

Kron then turned and slammed a fist into her stomach forcing her to keel over.

The Saiyan pulled back his fist and rose a leg to kick down his head.

Raven reacted and swept kick across his leg.

Kron fell on his back.

Raven thrusted her blade downward aiming for his chest.

And Kron rolled out of the way as her blade pierced the ground.

The Saiyan got on his feet and threw a fist.

And Raven used her magic to make ice rise from the ground.

His punch shattered the ice but it slowed it down enough for Raven evade the attack.

She then slashed upward with her lightning Dust blade.

Kron was able to avoid the strike.

But then Raven kicked at his stomach.

It sent him skidding across the ring.

And Raven held Omen up still with a lightning Dust blade and focused her magic into it. She then swung her blade creating multiple arcs of lightning.

Behind the mask Kron smiled and ran forward.

Kron held up a hand forward with a Ki ball, he used it to defend against the lightning arcs.

All of them dissipated on contact without harming him.

Once Kron was up close to her he threw a fist across her right cheek.

He then grabbed her head and slammed it against his knee.

Blood leaked out of her mouth and nose.

He then threw an uppercut up her chin sending her in the air.

Raven caught herself midair and looked down to see him racing forward.

With all the might of her magic she threw her hands forward firing lightning towards him.

The lightning crashed against him, and he slammed against the ground, he was flat againts his back with lightning spread all over him. He laid there seemingly lifeless on the floor.

Raven floated downward staring at Kron who wasn't getting up, with his mask on none can tell if he was knocked out or not.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The Scourge of Anima is down! Is this it? Is the battle over already?!"

The crowd had a mixed reaction between boos and cheers.

Kron wasn't moving when the smoke cleared it was revealed that the top left of his black tight top had a hole revealing a familiar scar.

Raven aimed her weapon towards him with no reaction.

"Get up, if that was enough to bring you down then it would've been embarrassing to admit that I ever trained you."

Behind the mask Kron had a smile and began to chuckle. He sat up like he was merely laying down rather than damaged.

The crowd cheered seeing the famed champion able to continue to fight.

"Sorry hag" Kron began to stand up. "I was just lost in memory lane for a bit." He pointed a thumb against the scar on his chest. "Throwing lightning at me, just like old times, right?"

Raven looked at the mark she left on Kron the first time she tried to kill him. How he defended himself against tribe members going behind her back.

As the crowd cheered, the attention-seeking Kron looked around. Yes, this was how he wanted it, his revenge on full display, he stood up and rose his arm enjoying the cheers much to Raven's annoyance.

Once Kron had his fill he turned back to Raven. "Y'know, I met the Branwen Tribe inside the jar, you sacrificed most of them, the very people you tried to kill me for." He chuckled. "But then they betrayed you and you ended up killing them yourself!" He laughed hard at that.

The woman had a blank face though she was squeezing Omen's hilt as he laughed.

"I mean you went on and on about protecting your people, how I was their greatest threat, but then I was the one who let them live and you were the one who killed them off!" He laughed holding his gut. "Ah, man now there's only three of the old gang, me, you, and your ex-bootlicker, all because of you."

The light in Raven's eyes glowed even brighter.

"What are you doing? I know you like to talk especially in battle, but this is a lot even for you." She said to him.

"First of all I waited eight long years for this moment, I want to savor it." He wasn't going to waste their last fight. "Also I'm waiting for you to catch your breath, I can tell Yang did a number on you didn't she?"

Raven glared at him, still insisting on fighting opponents at their best instead of finishing them when given the chance. He was still the same brat she raised after all this time.

"There's something else I've been wanting to say." Kron began. "Are you sure Yang's your daughter?"

Raven was confused hearing that. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, she's not a coward, not a backstabber, not tricky like you." He said to her. "The first time we met she refused to run even when out of Aura, did you really give birth to her?"

The red eyed woman kept a stoic face. "Is that why you taught her your power?"

"Basically" Kron said to her. "I wanted to teach someone with all the qualities and abilities I wanted, I never would've guessed your daughter would be the way she is, though after meeting her father I can see how she turned out the way she did." He thought of how vicious Taiyang was and determined he was to bring him down. "Also you weren't involved in her life, so I guess, thanks for that, you probably would have ruined her if you got involved with her life."

That triggered something in Raven making her shake at the sentence. But she kept her cool, because truth be told, she was still winded by Yang and had to take advantage of him giving her a chance to recover.

Kron chuckled watching her shake from that sentence.

"By the way, that glow in your eyes, it's brighter than either of the Maidens I've seen, what is that?" Kron asked. "Is this another level Maidens can reach?"

Raven glared at him not desiring to give him an exact answer and not to know her final trump card.

"Who knows?" She gave the same line he did when asking about Kali.

Kron just chuckled, he was fine with not getting answer, he was afraid she'd only be as strong as Winter, but happy to have been proven wrong.

"Back to your health, I saw what you did." Kron frowned thinking of how he almost escaped the jar. "You put your own life at risk instead of Sienna's to keep me in the jar, are you weakened by that."

That confused the Saiyan, the Raven he knew never would have resorted to that. She was too cowardly for that. But was concerned that she wasn't at her best, it'd be a waste if she wasn't.

The former bandit scoffed at this, she always hated how he insisted on fighting enemies at their strongest. But it was something she can benefit from right now. "When the jar reopened, my life force returned to me, I'm back at full health."

Kron was relieved to hear that, he wanted his strength to be reason for his victory not that she was weakened.

Raven sighed as she got into her stance.

"Oh, are you ready now?" He asked. "You can have more time if you want, savor every breath you have."

Raven glared at him. "See for yourself."

Kron smiled behind his mask while Raven glared daggers at him.

The two vanished and appeared in the center of the ring.

Kron throwing another punch while Raven swung Omen towards him.

---

Dead End Arena Med Room

Ruby, Yang, and Tai looked at Qrow who was being examined by the doctor.

While examine the doctor confirmed that he wasn't in any danger and that his Aura already took care of the wound.

After that Qrow stood up looking at his bandaged wound, so she wasn't lying the wound she inflicted was non fatal. Hard to tell with her given everything she's done.

It made him conflicted while looking at the screen.

Yang and Ruby hugged him.

"Are you ok?" Ruby asked in her usual innocent voice that melted the huntsman's heart.

"I am kiddo, he fixed me right up." He said while ruffling her hair and he looked at Yang who had a sad smile glad to see him ok.

"It's good to see that your ok Qrow." She smiled at him and she looked at her father. "You sure your alright?"

Her father scratched the back of his head. "I'll be alright, I never thought you'd be able to hit that hard."

Yang nodded hearing that and crossed her arms. "Hope you know that it wasn't personal."

Tai felt the sting of that and sighed. "I thought I was protecting you."

"You were killing my friend."

Taiyang sighed and shook his head. "Ozpin never explained anything to us, we thought they were both manipulating you."

Yang processed what they said, and sighed.

"I never told you either." She said to him and glared. "Look, I'm sorry for not saying anything, I won't do it again, but next time you have to hear what I have to say, got it?"

Taiyang nodded and she hugged her father alongside Ruby.

As the hug ended, the red head was tapped on the shoulder.

The hooded girl turned to see her newest friend. "Penny, are you ok?"

Penny nodded. "I am fully operational." She said putting a hand on her wound.

"Are you ok?" Ruby asked. "Did the doctors look at your wound?" She asked unable to see any blood hoping she had bandages.

The orange-haired girl nodded her head still hiding the 'wound'. "Yes, I am alright, and I trust you are?"

"Yeah! I'm ok!" The redhead said smiling.

Penny nodded happy that she did not hurt her new friend. "I am happy to hear that, but I am sad to say that I have to go to my comerade's room and make sure that she's alright." She said to her.

Ruby nodded and hugged Penny. "Thank you Penny for helping us."

The android wasn't sure if she did the right thing, but something tells her that she did. She returned the hug.

Once it ended Penny went to find Sepia who was also taken to her own medical room.

While they were having their moment Blake watched the screen on the monitor, the battle taking place.

This was it, the battle Kron wanted for years. The revenge he craved for what happened back in Menagerie. Kron may blame himself for what happened, but it was Raven who manipulated the events.

While she wasn't exactly hoping for her to die, she was hoping that this ends with Kron being ok. She wanted to help him against her but knew she'd only get in the way and that he wouldn't want him interfering anyway.

Weiss stood by her side watching how Kron was able to hold his own against Raven evenly, now she did not doubt that he didn't ambush her sister when the media tried to spin it that way.

Ruby and Yang joined them in watching the fight.

"Yang" Tai stood beside her. "Are we really going to watch what happens?"

As it went on a million thoughts went in Yang's head. Raven was the type of person who would throw anyone she cares about away to keep herself out of harms way. She was the type to manipulate everyone around her in order to protect herself.

Whatever happens she deserves it.

"After everything, what else should we do?" Yang asked watching. "I gave her a chance to run, I was even going to try to convince Kron to let her go, but she wouldn't listen and tried to kill him after already ruining his chance at having a family." She looked at Blake when she said that.

The Cat Faunus looked sadly thinking of their time in Menagerie while Weiss put a hand on her shoulder.

Yang turned to Qrow who stood beside Ruby.

"She even hurt you Qrow, just to keep the jar shut." She said to him. "She doesn't care about anyone but herself, she'll just keep hurting people if we help her, so I don't care what happens to her."

She shook when she said that

Qrow looked back at Yang and frowned.

"I know you don't mean that."

Yang trembled when Qrow told her that, she wanted to disagree. To say that she's accepting what's happening. But she couldn't.

"What about you?" She asked her father. "Didn't you ignore her when she begged for your help?"

Taiyang sighed and looked at the screen.

"I didn't know if it was my place to interfere." He said to her knowing everything that happened between them. "I can't trust her, she proved that." He looked over at Qrow. "Everytime I think she takes a step forward she takes two steps back."

The huntsman said nothing and thought to the stab he received.

And thought of how she said it wasn't fatal, still like Yang he gave her a chance to run and she didn't take it. She was willing to kill someone that grew to become Yang's friend because she was terrified of him.

That gave Yang pause, but she stared at the screen to see the fate of her mother.

And doing her best to accept it.

Even though this nagging feeling was growing more and more.

---

Kron jumped back as a huge fire ball hit the ground and side stepped as Raven ran through with Omen thrust forward.

The Saiyan then kneed Raven in the stomach, got behind her and placed two fingers on his neck and his thumb on her pressure point.

Raven was familiar with the Taiju Bite Grip and was surprised to see that Kron had learned it. Her vision was becoming black.

Kron watched as she felt less struggle in his grip.

Only for Raven to throw her leg backward kicking at his chest and forcing him to let go.

Raven then turned and slashed across with a Fire Dust blade.

And Kron was able to counter by punching her in the stomach before her blade made contact.

It sent her rolling across the arena before stopping and watched as he got closer.

Raven was able to understand his fighting style now, she should be able to defend herself at least for a bit.

Kron flew forward and threw a straight fist for her.

Raven swayed the attack.

The Saiyan then spun like a boarbatusk and swung down an axe kick.

She rose her blade up and blacked the strike for though when the kick made contact the ground had massive cracks.

With his leg still in contact with her sword, Kron threw a spear hand like a deathstalker stinger aimed for her throat.

Raven quickly grabbed his wrist and ice magic trapping his arm in ice.

But the Saiyan then threw his other fist at her.

And this forced her to back away from the punch.

Quickly Kron focused his Ki and freed his arm from the ice. He then held up his arms at his sides, Ki balls formed in his hands and ten orbs of energy came out and floated behind the Saiyan.

Raven rolled her eyes, now he was going to do the nonsense she hoped he grow out of.

"Guided Swarm!"

Yelling his attack names.

After he yelled the ten orbs of Ki scattered at the command of his fingers.

Raven observed them all surrounding her, all but one. She held her arms at her sides and spread her arms apart.

Lightning spread around her and collided with the energy balls creating small explosions surrounding her.

Once that was done Raven glanced at her side and looked ahead.

Kron held his right arm up, his red energy took shape into something she was very familiar with.

An Ursa's Claw that went up to his elbow.

"Ursa Claw!" Kron yelled racing towards Raven.

Raven was scared but also annoyed. She brought her sword up while looking to her side.

Once Kron was within range one of his fingers moved.

The last Ki ball of his Guided Swarm that seemed to be hidden from view was launched towards Raven's side.

Raven immediately turned and swung her blade up.

Once it made contact, the Ki ball split apart.

She then turned swung her arm unleashing wind magic towards him that formed a tornado.

Once he was within range he was propelled away from the magic she unleashed.

Raven then jumped and thrusted Omen down at his leg.

The blade pierced and managed to go through his flesh and the Fire Dust blade burned him.

Kron was hurt but he chuckled rather than get angry over getting hit. He then thrusted his Ursa Claw forward intending to pierce her abdomen.

But Raven kicked up his arm forcing the arm upward and missing her.

She then threw her hand forward releasing a huge fire ball.

The flame connected and sent Kron flying back but he stopped himself while still maintaining his Ursa Claw.

Kron was happy to see her able to avoid that.

"Did you think I was going to fall for that again?"

The Saiyan looked ahead to see Raven glaring at him in fury.

She remembered eight years ago in their last fight. Kron used the very same strategy, using his energy Claw and using his guided swarm to create an opening for her to land his attack.

It was the moment where he truly learned that it takes more than brute force to win in a fight.

Kron chuckled while holding up his Ursa Claw.

"Kind of, I thought it'd be fitting to kill you the same way I tried last time." He explained. "Not that I'm disappointed, if you couldn't avoid the same strategy than this rematch wasn't worth the wait."

Raven glared at the boy wanting her to die but still making a joke out of this fight.

This time she flew towards him, seemingly giving into her rage.

The Maiden swung her sword horizontal.

Kron rose his Ursa Claw to block the blade harmlessly.

He then swung a kick for her face forcing her to move to the side.

He then swung Ursa Claw forward.

But she used Wind Magic to move her body out of the way and held up fire Magic in her and slammed it down.

It created a smokescreen that surrounded the area.

Once that was done the audience let out a bunch of boos that spread throughout the ring.

In the smokescreen Kron stood still maintaining Ursa Claw.

"Tch" Kron was annoyed that she was trying to sneak attack again, though he supposes he shouldn't be surprised.

Raven had another trick besides Cher amplifying her magic, she'll use every trick she ha before resorting to that risky move.

She shifted into an actual raven in the smoke, with magic and Aura and her smaller size her speed amplified.

Kron stood tall, unable to smell her scent due to the smoke and tried to focus on his hearing.

Just then a blade contacted with his neck area.

Kron rose his Ursa Claw up breaking the lightning Dust Blade before it could sever anything important.

A small cut of blood was at the side of his neck, defense wasn't his strong suit, but he wasn't going to allow his vitals to be open, especially now. Still he wondered how she did that so quickly.

Raven in bird form flew towards Kron from in front, immediately shifted into human dans swung her blade cutting into his side.

Kron stumbled back as a burning cut came at his side.

As soon as he noticed Raven shifted into a bird again and flew off.

The Saiyan thrusted his Ursa Claw aiming for where her stomach should be.

But somehow, he missed. He shouldn't have, her speed must've jumped to be able to do that.

Raven repeated the sequences attacking and slashing with ice, fire, and lightning in all different angles across his body,

"Screw this." Kron after being cut all over his body swung his arms unleashing a force strong enough to send the smoke upward.

As he did Raven thrusted a hand down striking lightning on top of Kron.

Kron was struck and shook being electrified and started to fall but he caught himself.

The Maiden dashed downward and brought her blade out to cut him down.

But the Saiyan was able to recover and blocked with Ursa Claw.

Kron chuckled and pushed back her sword.

This forced Raven to stumble back before Kron got up close.

And the Saiyan thrusted his Ursa Claw into her abdomen.

It was too quick even for a Fully Realized Maiden to avoid.

---

In the medical room both Taiyang and Qrow looked shocked at what they were seeing. In that moment both felt guilt thinking they allowed her to die.

Weiss had to look away not used to seeing a gruesome scene.

Blake who hated Raven couldn't look either, she too did not want to see death on anyone, she only hoped for Kron to survive.

Ruby couldn't look either being so innocent, instead she focused on her sister.

"Yang?"

Yang had widened eyes at the sight, her pupils shook. She told herself over and over that whatever happened was Raven's fault and that she would hurt more innocent people if she helped her. And she tried to kill Qrow just to save her own hide.

But still she couldn't help but then she thought of all she did. Trapping Kron was meant for her to. She showed up because she thought he was going to hurt her.

She squeezed her fists. Still, she hurt her uncle when he gave her a chance to run. But instead of taking it she tried to kill him after taking away his chance to have a family.

But still, she couldn't shake away this feeling.

---

The Ursa Claw pierced through her abdomen, not like eight years ago but as he intended originally.

Kron looked into Raven's eyes expecting a pleading look, to be begging for her life.

But to his surprise she didn't give off as much fear as he wanted, not the same he remembered when this technique only grazed her.

Some disappointment filled him as he watched Raven back away from the pain, blood escaped her hole.

"That's it?" Kron asked. "Maybe I should've held back a bit more." He said to her and crossed his arms. "I thought this would last longer."

As blood left her wound Raven glared at Kron, there was no point in holding back anymore.

She placed her hand on the hole on her stomach. "Renewal."

Kron tilted his head and looked at the wound he created.

The bloody hole was suddenly starting to close, revealing her scar abdomen, the one he gave him when his attack grazed her in their last battle.

Kron was shocked at the sight, he never saw Aura heal this well, it must be another Maiden power.

Raven looked at Kron, she can tell that he was surprised and that he was going to try even harder to kill her now. She needed to use everything now, she wasn't going to get an opening.

Even if it will only prologue her execution at least she will take him with her!

---

Yang was surprised to see Raven survive but also surprised to feel relieved that it wasn't the end of her.

She gripped her fists and grit her teeth as she tried to focus on the bad Raven had done.

But then she thought of how she came to her when she thought Kron was coming for her.

"Yang?" Ruby asked beside her. "Are you ok?"

The blonde turned to Ruby and fought to hide her emotions.

"Uh, yeah, I'm fine." She said to her. "I'm just" She looked at the screen as her mother fought for her life against someone she trusted. "I'm just processing."

Taiyang walked over and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I know Yang" He replied. "She's still, despite all she's done, she's still your mother, it's only natural you feel this way."

Yang sighed as she looked at the screen. "I just don't know what to do, I thought maybe I have to accept that she made her own bed, but, I don't know, I thought maybe she was lying to me when she said she was trying to protect me, but what if it wasn't a lie." She said. "What if she actually meant it?"

Tai sighed as he looked at the screen thinking of all that Ozpin had told him exactly what happened between her and Kron.

How he got close to a family, only to have them lock him away and trigger him to turn against them.

"Your mother's always been complicated."

Yang couldn't help but feel that was an understatement but then she glanced at Qrow and looked at Raven.

"Yeah well, she stabbed Qrow just because she was scared, I can't forgive that either." She said trying to convince herself that leaving her to her fate was the right thing to do.

Qrow was silent for a few seconds and turned to Yang.

"Firecracker" He said to her.

Yang turned to him expecting him to defend her actions.

"She did stab me, but it away from my vitals." He explained.

"What?" She asked.

"She told me she avoided my vital organs when she stabbed me." He explained. "I didn't believe her because I gave her a chance to escape and she didn't take it, until the doctor looked at my wound."

Yang was surprised hearing that, her anger at Raven was still high but it did dissipate hearing that.

"Look kid" Qrow continued. "I don't know what to do, but if you think that leaving her be is the right thing to do then ok, she wasn't involved in your life, she made choices for her own sake, but she also wanted to keep you safe from him thinking he was worse than her." He continued. "I just want you to be aware of all the facts kid, because I don't know if he's going to stop."

Yang felt her fight for accepting whatever outcome that's coming begin to falter. She looked at the screen with Taiyang and Ruby putting a hand on her shoulders.

Blake glanced at her side and frowned. She hated Raven and even she wasn't sure if this was right, ever since she saw Adam descend into what she is today she learned the difference between vengeance and justice.

Was killing Raven right?

She didn't know.

Was there anyway to stop Kron from doing so?

She doubted it.

Whatever happens, it will be up to him in the end.

She only hope that he will not regret his descicion.

---

Raven felt genuine fear at Kron without the grimoire, she would have been killed no question.

It was time, to unleash everything she has.

Everything she and her partner have.

She also felt rage at him, rage that the boy she trained was now toying with her when in the past she held back against him because she had grown fond of her.

But she had to remain calm, he was still holding back it won't be long before he goes all out. This was it, she'll have to get serious.

'Cher, are you ready?'

Cher floated by her side and stared down at Kron who couldn't see her. She observed their conversation how Raven's daughter and friends fought to save him. And hearing the conversations about Kali.

She wasn't sure if she should help her.

And Raven was able to pick up on it.

'I let Vernal go, you know how much I didn't want that.' She pointed out. 'You owe me.' She pointed out.

Cher looked at Raven and thought back to Vernal.

She remembered that rage she had, the need to see Vernal dead after everything she did.

"You know what happened last time right?" Cher asked. "The longer I'm with you, the more severe the damage, you'd have to end him quick, preferably quicker than that monster you fought."

Raven thought of that, but truthfully didn't care. If she was going to die today, she will die knowing that she gave it her all.

'Do it.'

Cher looked at Kron thinking of what really happened between them. But Raven truthfully did not mean to hide it from her, she simply did not look far back enough.

And she got revenge for her, killing off the Branwen Tribe and leaving Vernal alone, on the run for the rest of her days.

So she did owe her and besides, she's already been cut off from her family by the look of it. She slowly faded into Raven's body.

And Raven felt her Aura rise, her Aura has changed between red and pink.

Kron looked at Raven with widen eyes as her eyes flared even brighter and the elements.

Raven glared at Kron at the mask. "Kron, you always loved to fight ever since you were a child. But now, I will turn fighting me int your nightmare." She held her blade with Ice Dust.

Kron didn't know what this was but seeing her like this feels like she got even stronger.

Raven dashed forward with her blade and appeared behind him.

A huge slash appeared across Kron's chest, cutting the black tight top of his outfit, his tattered cape and hood was cut into pieces and fell to the ground.

Kron's mask stayed on but his Berringel Mask remained on. He was surprised by the speed of his foe and started shaking.

Raven turned behind her to see how her former protégé was shaking, if she didn't know her, she'd say he was scared.

"What's this! Is the Scourge of Anima shaking in fear? Are seeing the strongest Underground Champion wanting to run?"

Kron started getting louder and laughed loudly as he turned to Raven.

"I'll have to eat my words folks, the Scourge of Anima is far from down and now the fight continues."

Raven glared at Kron, wishing it were that easy to bring him to fear. No matter what she will make him feel the same fear he used to when he was a brat. The same fear she feels for him.

"Great job Raven!" Kron praised her. "Yes! This is your last stand, make it count hag!" He laughed getting hyped from seeing her get stronger than Bertilak was. "The weak die and the strong live, right?"

Raven remembered saying that to him over and over while he was growing up. That philosophy she tricked herself into believing.

"Come Raven!" Kron yelled. "Let's decide who's weak and who's strong!"

In that moment Kron was surprised, he can see fear emanating from Raven but not as much as he used to.

Kron raced towards Raven with even greater speeds.

And Raven was able to react and rose her sword to block the strike.

Once Kron's fist contacted with her Ice Dust blade his hand started to freeze.

Raven threw a fist aiming for his cheek.

And Kron was struck across making his body tilt.

Raven then slashed across aiming for his neck again.

But the Saiyan was faster and swung a fist up breaking the Ice Dust blade.

Kron then smashed his fist into Raven's stomach.

Raven coughed letting out some spittle.

The Saiyan smiled as he threw an upper cut up her chin sending her upward. "Manticore Massacre!"

Kron then flew upward.

Raven still being launched threw a fire ball.

And the Saiyan simply threw a kick up her stomach sending her up again.

The former bandit let out some blood feeling that.

And Kron flew upward with his knee out.

His knee connected with Raven's chin forcing her body to flip.

Once he was high in the air near the arena's ceiling.

Kron dashed downward with his fists aimed downward.

On the way down Raven couldn't help but see an image of a manticore racing down to pounce on her. As much as she disapproved of him yelling his attack names, she found this one appropriate.

His fists collided with her stomach and the two raced down.

At the center of the ring, it created a huge spider web crack across the ring.

The crowd cheered seeing the destruction.

Kron chuckled looking down at Raven who laid down, maybe concussed from his technique. He was about to taunt her about how damaged she looked.

Only for Raven to grab his ankle.

Lightning magic came from her fingertips.

And again Kron felt an electric current dance across his body.

The Maiden then stood up and used her magic to fly above the electrocuted Saiyan.

Up above Raven pulled out what looked like a stick, she pressed the button and it formed another artifact she found, the Dusk Dawn Bow. She aimed her bow with the moon symbol pointed up.

Once the electricity wore off she looked up at Raven about to attack again.

And he saw a powerful Ice projectile heading down to him.

And Kron managed to dodge but the Ice spread and surrounded him.

To his surprise he was trapped in ice as well as the entire ring.

Raven then flipped the Dusk Dawn Bow with the sun pointed up. Now a powerful Fire arrow was released.

Before the projectile could land the ice began to crack and shatter to pieces.

And Kron flew above the fire arrow and it spread across the entire metal ring coating it in flames, the fire spread to the edges of the ring forming a fire ring.

Raven got ready to fire a mix of fire and ice arrows shot from the bow.

The Saiyan then spread his arms around forming ten Ki blasts behind him.

"Guided Swarm!" He yelled as he flew forward and had the Ki blasts spread and hit the projectiles before they could touch his body.

Once he was up close Raven immediately pulled out Omen this time a Fire Dust blade.

And Kron threw a spear hand for her throat, which landed making her cough.

She retaliated by swinging her blade diagonal from his right shoulder.

Kron was struck, letting out another burning cut across his body, but it did not slow him down.

He then slammed a fist across her face, then he back handed forcing her head the other way.

Kron then kicked across her face the opposite way making her body go back.

He then flew up and aimed a kick for her midsection.

Raven recovered and avoided the straight kick. She then used her magic to create another a gust of wind, only it was strong enough to create a tornado.

The audience were both cheering and scared as some even from far away began to feel themselves rising from their seats by the wind.

The tornado Kron was trapped in made cuts appear all over his body. And the Saiyan was attempting to power through it.

But Raven knew he would try ahead of time and threw a fire ball at it.

The fire ball combined with the tornado creating a tornado of wind and flame.

Kron screamed in pain from the burning cuts surrounding his body.

Raven didn't enjoy this but knew it was the only way, she watched as Kron was suffering in the tornado hoping it would be enough to stop him and planning for the inevitable that he will escape.

And he did Kron landed on the ground on the opposite side of the arena, his top was now basically destroyed and there was a huge hole on his knee.

The Saiyan chuckled and looked at Raven, now part of his mask was broken, part of it was melted and cut off revealing one of his black eyes.

Raven then slammed a hand down, the entire ring was being trapped in ice.

Kron avoided the ice this time as he floated above with a hand up high forming a Ki blast and he tossed it forward.

Which Raven avoided as she dashed forward this time, she was initiating close combat.

And Kron welcomed it, the two began their barrage of strikes.

Raven slashed across Kron making him sway and the blade missed.

But she then struck his forehead with the pommel forcing his head to rear back.

Kron then thrusted his head forward bashing it against her head.

He then swung a kick at the side of her body forcing her body to tilt.

Raven grabbed the leg and pulled him close.

She bashed her elbow across his face making blood poor out of his nose.

Kron then smashed his fist into her stomach.

He then flipped and axe kicked down her head sending her back down to the arena.

Raven crashed againts the ring floor, and glanced up.

She rolled over as Kron landed with a straight kick he was aiming at her stomach for.

The Maiden then thrusted Omen forward intending to pierce his heart.

But Kron grabbed the blade as it managed to penetrate through his chest, feeling the burn od her fire blade and then shattering it as well.

He then grabbed her arm holding the blade and pulled.

He slammed an elbow straight into her face.

Raven reared back and ducked while swept kicking him.

She was about to sheath Omen to switch Dust blades, only to realize that she shattered her last one.

Quickly adapting she aimed her hand downward and conjured a fire ball.

Only for Kron to kick her hand forcing it upward and it released a large fire ball towards the ceiling.

The Saiyan then stood up, grabbed her head and slammed his head against hers again.

Kron then slammed a fist into her stomach and threw an uppercut up her chin.

As she was sent flying, Kron grabbed her leg and slammed her down before she could go a few feet above the ground.

The Saiyan then jumped and slammed his knee down her stomach.

Raven coughed spitting blood.

Once she was on top of her with one knee on her stomach and punches straight down her face making a crack below his head.

Kron then started throwing multiple punches across her face while she was pinned down.

"Oh my god! Folks, are you seeing this! The Scourge of Anima has Raven Branwen Pin and is now smashing his fist down on her face with no mercy! Is this it? Is this the end of the fight will she meet her end in a gruesome manner?"

The Saiyan has never fought this viciously in a long time, ever since before she met Kali. He felt the bloodlust he fought against start to come back.

With every strike blood splattered on the ground and against his mask.

He can see it, the fear in her eyes, the pathetic coward that lied and used him. The one he wanted to kill!

As blood splattered across his mask he looked more and more like his namesake. Truly the Scourge of Anima.

And he was enjoying every second of this, it felt like the old days, back when he killed for the mission for his own pleasure.

But this was different he was paying her back for all she'd done.

And Kron stopped only to grab her throat in his hands and began to squeeze.

Raven looked up, in the same fear she had when she met Salem for the first time. When she learned the truth of her immortality and the futility of fighting Kron.

She wanted to survive as she always had.

Raven grabbed the hands of her potential murder and can see the look in Kron's seeable eye.

Filled with rage and murderous intent.

This was it, this was how she will die.

(-)-(-)-

Yang couldn't deny it anymore, she was grotesque with what she was watching. She thought she was ready to accept this but now knowing that Qrow wasn't in as much danger as she thought and how she really did care for her in her own way she couldn't wait any longer.

Blake can see the look on her partner's face and at the screen. The mask, the blood, she couldn't help but be reminded of Adam.

"Come on" She said to her.

Yang turned to her surprise.

"You want to try to stop him?" She asked. "Come on, I'll help." She hated Raven but did not want him to act like Adam.

Yang looked at Qrow and Taiyang.

No matter what Raven has done she was still family.

Team RWBY, Qrow and Taiyang raced towards the ring wanting to stop Kron from doing something he cannot undo.

---

Kron watched as the life started to fade from her eyes, he had fun, this wasn't the end he had in mind, but he kept remembering everything she did to him and only intended to end her now.

Raven felt her life draining, this was it, after all the preparations this was how she would die.

Just then she thought of one thing.

Salem.

When she met her for the first time, it made her want to flee back to the Branwen Tribe and spend the rest of her life in hiding. It was her choice, she knows that, but she wondered what her life would have been like if she wasn't a coward.

The husband and daughter she had, the real family she had.

She tossed it aside, afraid to be involved, afraid to lose them.

And now she's already lost them, only she's alive.

No matter what she has lost them.

All because of fear.

No.

She will not give into fear any longer.

She will fight for her life, she may have lost many things, but she will not let her last act give into fear.

As she made that revelation beneath her body a red portal opened and she fell down it.

Kron hit the ground as the portal closed as she fell through it.

The Saiyan's eyes widened.

"A portal?" He asked. "How?" He then glared and stood up.

Just then he turned around and sees a large fire ball headed his way.

"Tch" Kron jumped as the large fire ball missed and hit the arena wall behind her.

He looked down to see Raven glaring at him with her hand outward.

As the Saiyan was annoyed he dashed towards her attempting to attack her.

But beneath Raven's feet she fell through and his kick missed her.

"What? She never made portals like that." He said and turned to see her standing holding the hilt of Omen.

Raven glared at Kron and pressed her hand on the shattered blade. With her magic she made her own blade, a crystalized fire magic blade.

She placed a hand on her face. "Renewal" Her face began to recover, any shattered teeth were healed and though her face was covered in her own blood but her wounds were closed.

He took everything from her, everything she had to live for.

No matter what happens, she will take him down with her, for everything she gave him.

Kron tilted his head wondering what just happened, her Semblance doesn't work like that.

But he remembered one of the books he read mentioned that Semblances can evolve depending on the situation. That must be what this is, Kindred Link has gotten an upgrade.

Before Kindred Link allowed Raven to open portals anyone she bonds with that lead to their location or lead them to her own. She also would be able to feel the state of their life force, it was how she knew when to 'save' him from the Alpha Ursa.

Now having evolved, Kindred Link is able to open portals with far less effort. On top of that she can appear anywhere within a couple yards of their location.

With this, her Semblance is now able to be used in combat.

Or escaping.

Raven realized that now she can portal at any time, she can portal to Ozpin and escape. Also this seemed to have undone that man's Semblance that undid her Semblance on Kron.

But then what would he do? Would he go for Yang or anyone she was tied to? Yang seems to trust him. But she doesn't.

Raven then charged forward with her sword over her head.

Kron was ready to counter her.

Only for a portal to open a foot away from him, she went through.

Raven reappeared behind him and pierce the blade through his back.

Immediately Kron turned his body breaking the blade before it could pierce his heart and swung a backhand.

Raven ducked beneath the strike and slammed a palm into his chest. It released a fire ball at closed range sending him flying across the rinG.

Kron was in midair and tried to stop himself.

But before he could he went through another portal.

Raven turned around as she opened another portal behind her Kron was still flung towards her and she tried to thrust her blade forward again aiming for his heart AGAIN.

But the Saiyan stopped before the blade could touch him and kicked up breaking the fire Dust sword and slammed his foot down axe kicking her.

Raven hit the ground from the force.

She was barely conscious, but she placed a hand down.

A column of ice came out forcing his boot off of her head and formed an ice barrier, similar to what she did eight years ago.

Kron scoffed and threw a fist shattering the ice.

Unsurprising to him she wasn't there any longer.

With speed he looked all around only to look up and see her with what looked like a lightning blade to Omen's hilt heading down on top of of him.

And Kron backed away watching her strike the ground.

Undeterred Raven reacted immediately, she stood up and slashed her blade upward.

This created a lightning cut up across his chest on the right side forcing him to stumble back.

Raven then held a hand up wielding wind in the form of a small tornado and slammed it down.

Unleashing another tornado only up close.

But Kron wasn't going to be trapped in another one.

The Saiyan jumped back avoiding the tornado.

As he did Raven pulled out the Dusk Dawn Bow, once he was a good distance away she fired mix shots of fire and ice.

Kron growled, as he sees a dozen shots from that strange looking bow and a tornado heading for him.

It was time, no more holding back.

For the first time since Bertilak, he was going to go all out.

With greater speed Kron raced towards Raven as the tornado missed and dissipated before it could get close to the crowd.

He flew down towards the source of these fire and ice shots without any fear.

Raven used her evolve Semblance to open a portal between her and Kron, determined to reposition him for her advantage.

But the Saiyan stopped just before and stomped the ground beneath.

This forced Raven to stumble back and her portal to close, he then slammed his knee againta her abdomen.

A red light showed itself around Raven's body and it flickered showing that her Aura sustained so much damage.

Raven skidded across the ring, she lifted herself up not believing what had happened. He was still holding back this much strength?

She looked ahead to see Kron already in front of her.

Kron was about to throw another punch, perhaps it would have been the one to end her.

Just then she felt three of her Links getting close, are they going to help her?

Could they help her?

She was sure of one thing, Kron would kill them if they got in his way. At least that's what she believed.

"Kron!"

The Saiyan stopped mid strike and turned to that familiar voice.

Yang stood at the entrance of the arena down below the actual ring along with her team and family.

"Look Kron! It's over, she's beaten, you don't need to do anything else to her!"

Kron said nothing in response in mere moments but just stared at her..

And Raven stood up and with Omen out, this time using her magic to conjure a fire blade.

Yang panicked and yelled. "Mom stop!"

Kron swung a backhand shattering the blade before it can literally stab him in the back.

He then threw a fist across her face.

The strike sent her skidding across the ring to the other side of it.

Kron stared down at Yang who looked shocked at what just happened.

"This is what happens when you give her an opportunity." He said to her. "If I let her live, she's still a threat to me, she knows my weakness." He turned to Blake who also seemed like she wanted him to stop. "Even if I stopped, she never will."

Blake felt conflicted hearing this, she wanted to stop him because all that blood reminded her of Adam. But in this moment, she understood, he didn't just want revenge. He also wanted to protect her and her family. He didn't want to risk Raven escaping knowing that she can either use her family or tell someone about her family.

Just like he did with Bertilak.

But Yang couldn't bring herself to not look for another, she flew upward ready to talk to Kron to convince him that killing her wasn't worth it.

Raven can see Yang racing towards Kron, she had begged her to help her. But she realized how strong he was, if she gets involved she'll only get herself killed.

Though she was low on Aura she still had her magic amped up from Cher's spirit. And she slammed her hand on the ground with Ice magic.

In that instant Ice spread to the edges of the ring and it formed an ice dome surrounding the duo.

The ice was so large that it pushed Yang back. She looked down at the ice dome and tried to punch through it along with Taiyang.

Kron stared back at Raven at a loss, they were going to try to convince him to stop and yet she made sure they couldn't be involved.

"Kron"

The Saiyan can see fire her right arm and lightning in her left.

"Let's end this, now."

Kron glared at Raven behind his breaking mask. "With pleasure hag."

With Cher here amplifying her magic and knowledge of the Maiden abilities she used it to create two swords like Omen.

One made of crystalized lightning, and the other made from crystalized flame.

Kron raced towards Raven.

Raven ran towards Kron.

The Saiyan threw a kick for her face.

She used Wind magic to fly over the kick and swiped her swords aiming for his neck.

And Kron ducked underneath and slammed his fist into her gut.

This sent her flying.

Kron flew after her ready to strike again.

But she made another portal and she allowed herself to go through it.

It closed before Kron reached her. He looked around angrily trying to find her

Only for Raven to appear from another portal above him, she had her blades down as if aiming to cut his arms off.

Kron threw a kick upwards only for yet another portal to open and she got through it.

And another one opened behind him with her blades aimed forward.

The Saiyan turned around

Raven's blades pierced his abdomen.

Just before they could cut anything vital Kron swing his arms down shattering the blades.

Then he thrusted his fists forward into her stomach.

This forced her back into one of the walls of ice, she sees him running towards her. She slammed her hands down.

Large shards of ice rose beneath the ground towards him.

Kron jumped and flew over the large spikes of ice.

Then Raven closed her eyes and utilized her upgraded Semblance to the fullest. She spread her arms opening eight portals.

Then surrounding Kron eight portals appeared.

Kron looked around not realizing the full extent to how much her Semblance had improved.

Raven then waved her arms firing a mix of fire and lightning.

And it was too much even for the Saiyan to avoid, all around fire and lightning was shot, creating a massive smoke that covered where he floated.

From below Raven watched as he descended. She dared not hope, she couldn't afford the chance that he was dead, she needed to ensure his death.

And so Raven opened a portal right where Kron was falling towards. She aimed her hand ready to fire a combination of fire and lightning to distintigrate Kron's body.

But to her shock, Kron was concious and flew down the portal.

Once Kron appeared in front of her using her he threw a straight punch towards her face. It had enough force to send the Maiden sliding across the icy ground.

When Raven finally managed to get up she panted heavily and, she tried to use her Semblance to try another sneak attack. But to no avail, her Aura was spent, she can't open portals big enough to fit through, even as a bird.

"Fine, this is it." Hopefully he was damaged enough that this would work.

She charged fire and lightning in one hand each, though not to create more swords, shewas going to charge the same fire and lightning combo that destroyed that monster of Salem's.

Kron glanced to see Yang and her father, and Qrow fighting to break through the ice arena in the arena wanting this fight to stop.

He hesitated, but he managed to steel himself. If he lets her live, she'll run. She'll know what to do if she ever wanted to do away with him.

Not only was he thinking of what he had done at Menagerie.

He also thought of the Belladonna household, letting her go would mean putting their heads on the chopping block.

Kron held his arms up wielding red Ki orbs formed in his hand. They started to shrink, and he closed his fists around them.

He thrusted his fists forward ready to unleash his first original technique.

Raven aimed her hands forward and her unnamed attack, creating a wave of fire and lightning.

And Kron opened his hands like they were claws.

"Berringel Burst!" He fired the very attack to fire at the very woman who helped him create this technique.

The fire lightning wave collided with the powerful red Ki wave.

Their collision created such a pressure that the ice started to shatter.

It pushed Yang along with her family and her teammates back as the ice shattered from the impact.

Kron and Raven focused their efforts in their respective attacks.

Raven thought back to what led to this moment, the day she had met Kron. She had seen that strange power and wanted it for herself. She welcomed him into her tribe after she had killed a few members of her tribe.

She had constantly allowed him to have his way in the tribe, accepting his brutality, for he embraced the words she lived by.

No words that she pretended to live by.

'The weak die and the strong live.'

She never meant it, she fought for her survival and hers alone.

In Kron's youth she saw him as nothing but a tool to one day unleash on Raven for the day she'd come for her.

But then she remembered one thing, she taught him how to read. Something so strange and child like.

That was one thing she refused to see in him, that for all his violent tendencies, he was a child. And it was her doing that resulted in who he is now.

And it was her responsibility to end him now.

She conjured more and more magic into her attack making the beam even stronger, it met in the middle with Kron's Berringel Burst.

Kron thought of everything that got him into this point, Raven was the one who showed him Remnant would not be so easy to conquer.

She taught him how to use his strength effectively. Taught him how to read and use his head in battle.

And how she tricked him into siding with her after the Menagerie incident.

No more, she will trick him no more!

With great force the Saiyan screamed as he put his all into his blast.

His Berringel Burst forced back her magic and headed right for her.

Raven's eyes widened as she sees the red light race towards her. While she did want to protect Yang and everyone he turned againts her, what she also wanted was to survive.

She felt her old 'survior instincts' kick in one last time.

A small portal opened in front of her, though it wasn't big enough for her to fit in, even as a bird, she only hoped it would be enough for what was to come.

The blast connected and hit the wall behind her.

The wave of energy was strong enough to burn a hole in Dead End Arena, and some of the red light was sent upwards.

It made a hole through the top of the arena and through the café it was hidden under.

When it was all said and done, Yang was on the ground from the impact of that collision and grabbed her head, immediately she looked around.

"Ruby!" She got to her sister who was on the ground unconscious. She lifted her sister's head and put it on her lap. "You ok?"

Ruby stirred for a few seconds before opening her eyes. "Yang?"

Yang smiled as she looked down at her sister and embraced her in a hug. She then looked at her father and uncle who were also knocked out from the attack.

Blake who managed to get away from the shattering ice shell sat up, while Weiss grumbled trying to get up.

Both Taiyang and Qrow were struggling to wake up, they were closest to collsion and only managed to push Yang away so she wouldn't get hurt.

Yang and Ruby tried to get them to wake up.

Blake stood up and asked. "Everyone alright?"

"Everyone will be."

When that voice spoke Blake thought it sounded familiar but also it sounded familiar. She turned and a black hand with white claws grabbed her throat.

---

In the arena Kron stood tall looking ahead of him. Above where there was smoke there was a hole that lead to the sky.

It showed Remnant's shattered moon, it's light reflected off the metallic floating ring.

Calmly the Saiyan walked forward.

She didn't get away, he knew that.

He can smell her here.

Kron stopped and looked down.

Raven was on the ground, her body covered in burns and bruises.

And most notably her left arm was no longer there, there was only a splatter of blood next to where her arm used to be.

Kron looked down with his mask broken even more from their clash, not saying a word.

Raven rose her right and only arm, not to attack but to put on her severed arm.

"Renewal"

Kron did nothing, even if it worked there was nothing she could and he wanted her to know that.

Raven screamed in pain, what once felt like a simple spell made everything hurt to try to use it.

The spell did work, but not like she hoped, the skin closed around the elbow.

Raven was distraught at the sight and started chuckling. Not out of glee but out of despair. She looked up at Kron with tears in her eyes.

Kron said nothing, he didn't even smile behind the mask. Before he would have laughed at her falling to despair, but seeing her like this actually wounded his pride. He felt embarrassed that he had learned how to fight by her.

"One more thing you've taken from me." Raven noted looking up at him, not even bothering to get up. "That's all you've ever done since I met you, take and take and take!" She yelled.

Again she was met with silence.

"First you take five years from me getting me into a coma, then my tribe, my brother, Tai, even my daughter." She said to him. "You turned them all against me."

The Saiyan only stared down as she kept blaming him for choices she had made.

"And you gave me nothing, nothing." She said to him. "You would have done the same to Kali and you know it, it's why you never went to see her."

Again, Kron said nothing only glaring down at her and listened to her speech.

Her last words.

And Raven wasn't done as tears streamed down her face.

"No matter what you say, no matter what you do, no matter what anyone tells you, you will always be, a monster!"

Kron again didn't respond only staring down at her with his blood covered mask.

"Do it" Raven said to her no longer able to fight, or rather no longer willing to fight. "Take what little I have left, just end it."

The Saiyan felt conflicted looking down at her and wrapped his fingers around her throat.

It's over.

Kron started to squeeze.

"If you continue, she will not die alone."

The Saiyan stopped just a centimeter from Raven's throat and turned to see the entrance of Dead End Arena.

A familiar sensation filled him, like what he felt at the docks.

Sienna stood, she looked different, her skin looked pale, her eyes were blacked with red pupils. Her missing leg was now black with white Grimm like claws.

But that wasn't what he was looking at.

Blake was being held by the throat by her grimm clawed hand.

At her side Team RW_Y stood across from her wanting to go after her.

But Sienna kept them in check. "None of you come close or she dies!"

Blake couldn't talk as her throat was trapped by Sienna's tight grip. She glanced at Sienna, something was wrong with her. This was something she knew Sienna or even Adam would never do.

Whatever she was wearing was affecting her body and mind.

And now she was captured again, she let herself get into the same position again.

"You" The grimm Sienna pointed at Yang. "You have power use it to kill him, now!"

Yang looked at Sienna and turned to Kron in panic.

Kron said nothing and looked at Sienna. There's a chance he can save her, but first he'll have to allow himself to be attacked again. He turned to Yang nodded his head to do what needed to be done.

Yang didn't want this she looked at Sienna and Blake in her grip, she wanted to try something else, but she didn't know what. She saw the crazed look in Sienna's eyes and how close her other hand was to her back which was also had claws.

Before anyone could do anything else Ruby screamed.

"No!" Her eyes created a white light.

In response Sienna's body began to burn she was forced to let go of Blake.

And her side became feral and she thrusted her claws towards Ruby.

Yang got in the way ready to counter to defend her sister.

But to her surprise someone else got in the way.

Yang's face was covered in blood, her eyes widened at the sight.

She sees Grimm like claws through someone else's back, someone wearing a tattered cape.

Qrow had coughed blood and looked down at Sienna who seemed to have shrunk from Ruby's silver eyes.

Sienna's eyes widened looking down at where she struck and tunred to Blake.

"Wh-what is this?" Sienna asked as she pulled her arm.

Qrow fell back and looked down.

"Damn" He said seeing the hole in his stomach. "Th-that's unfortunate."

"Qrow!" Ruby and Yang got to his sides as he fell.

Sienna looked down at her blood covered arm and looked at Blake who aimed her weapon at her.

"Blake?" She asked. "What happened?"

Weiss looked at the bloody huntsman and looked into the entrance. "Help! Someone's hurt!" She demanded medical attention.

Yang's eyes glowed red and stood up as Ruby screamed for her uncle.

Before Sienna could comprehend what she had said a blur ran into her.

Sienna hit the wall behind her and coughed up blood.

Kron was right in front of her and kneed her stomach. He punched her stomach over and over.

He rose his fist and was about to use it to put an end to her.

"Kron"

Kron turned to Blake who looked at her.

"Stop" She said to him. "That's enough, I'm ok."

The Saiyan's mask started to falter no longer able to take all the moving he was done.

The bloody melted mask started to fall off his face and hit the ground revealing his face.

He had an angry look on his face but seeing that she was unharmed seemed to have calmed him, he then looked at Sienna who was conscious. Her Grimm mutations started vanishing, he wanted to kill him to ensure she wouldn't resort to going after her or her family again.

Blake put a hand on his shoulder.

"Kron, whatever she did, I don't think she was herself, look she's returning to normal."

Kron seemed to calm down and glance at Sienna, Blake was right. Whatever she did, she wasn't normal.

She looked down at the clawed left foor that seemed to vanish until it made It up to her knee. He can see the Grimm skull armor she was wearing, it must be an artifact like whatever that jar was that trapped him.

Kron turned to see Blake, his expression softened seeing that she wasn't harmed.

But the girl turned and frowned at what she was looking at.

He turned as well to see Qrow Branwen who had a hole on his stomach, both Yang and Ruby were at his sides crying.

Qrow just looked at Kron. "Sorry" He coughed. "For earlier." He finished as if it were his last words.

"Uncle Qrow! Please hold on!" Ruby yelled crying.

Yang was crying to but she was trying to stay strong she had to for Ruby, just like she had to for Summer. She had to be strong.

Kron looked at Qrow and sees the injury he's surviving for a few moments. He glared and squeezed his fists in anger, not for what was happening to him.

But rather for knowing what can save him.

Kron dashed back to the ring and stood over Raven who didn't move.

"Prologuing my death?" Raven asked. "Hurry up, already."

Kron glared down at Raven free of his mask.

She chuckled at his face. "I'd say you've grown up, but I can see it." She said to him. "You really enjoy my suffering just as you did to those huntsmen you slaughtered, you're just the same as I met you."

Kron looked down at Raven and looked at her abdomen. He remembered her having the same kind of injury. This was it, this was what he wanted.

And he will never have another chance.

"I wish I was hag." He said to her. "I wish I was." He thrusted his hand down and grabbed her throat.

Raven coughed she tried to move her only remaining arm but merging with Cher for this long seemed to have truly paralyzed her.

She couldn't move an inch and started to black out.

---

Yang and Ruby cried as Qrow started to close his eyes.

They prayed hard, but they just don't know what can save him.

Just then they heard someone land behind them.

The duo turned and to their surprise it was Kron.

The Saiyan stood looking at the girls faces with a blank expression, he was holding Raven by her neck, still alive and missing an arm.

Neither of them knew what to say, even Yang was at a loss for wards.

He then looked down at Qrow who looked up at Kron and blood left his mouth.

Kron then tossed Raven's body next to Qrow face up.

Raven's eyes widened and she started to breath again when Kron released his grip on her.

Qrow and the girls were surprised to see that she was still breathing after all that.

"K-Kron?" Yang asked. "What is this?" He was so determined to kill her no matter what anyone told her.

Kron didn't reply and just walked away and leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. This was not the ending he wanted, but he found himself wanting something else more.

"Do it." He said staring at Raven.

This confused everyone watching.

Raven with great effort put her remaining arm on Qrow's stomach. She looked at Qrow, seeing him suffer, she hated it and wanted to save him.

But there was something else she wanted just as much.

"How do I know if you will keep your word?" She asked her former protégé.

Kron glared at her, she wanted to know if he would keep his end of the deal more than she wanted to save him.

It made him chuckle despite not having what he wanted.

"You don't have any other choice." He said to her.

Raven ended up agreeing, also she wanted to save her brother, she looked at Qrow's injury.

"Renewal"

She screamed as the magic throughout her body burned her, her eyes started to flare the same light and it faded as she did.

Both Yang and Ruby were wondering what was going on and watched something miraculous happen.

Qrow's abdomen was beginning to close, slowly.

The huntsman's eyes widened as he felt more and more vitalized.

His abdomen was slowly recovering until finally he was whole as if there was no wound in the first place.

Raven screamed as she stopped, she looked at Qrow who looked back at her.

Qrow was then embraced by his nieces unsure of what to do.

Yang looked at Raven while huggin him, unsure of how to react. At first she felt proud seeing her save her uncle but then she realized something. Yang joined in hugging both her sister and uncle after thinking he would die.

Raven looked up at Kron barely lifting himself up and staring at him.

Kron looked down at her and at Qrow who was starting to stand up.

"A deal's a deal." He said to her.

Raven breathed quickly expecting him to attack her but then she started to black out, too exhausted from everything she went through today.

She closed her eyes unable to say anything.

Yang looked down at Raven who had lost consciousness. She sees that she lost an arm which scared her, but she was the one who continued the fight and knew it was unfair to blame Kron. She felt bad that she couldn't stop the fight but also was surprised that she seemed alive.

Qrow bent down and pressed his fingers on her neck. "She's alive." He looked at Yang who seemed as confused as he was and turned to Kron.

Yang looked down at her mother, she was alive, she was glad that she was but also wondered why she is, sh stared at Kron.

"What did you do?"

Kron sighed annoyed at these events.

"I thought she might be able to use that healing ability on others, I made with her a deal." He explained remembering having his fingers around her throat. How easy it would've been to end her right there. He could have hidden the fact he saw that healing ability that could save Qrow. But he would

And a part of him hoped she would fail, but he couldn't bring himself to allow her brother to die. Not after he tried to kill him over jumping the gun.

Qrow seemed flabbergasted hearing this, remembering how he was the first time they met.

Yang looked at Kron and down at Raven.

"So, you gave up killing her" She remembered how obsessed he was with killing Raven when they first met. "for us?"

Kron looked at Yang, Ruby, and at Qrow.

"I suppose" What else was he supposed to say.

They were silent for a second before Kron was embraced.

Both Ruby and Yang hugged Kron to his surprise.

He still glared at Raven, angry that she would live. But like Blake has done these two seemed to sway his anger, while he did want to end her, it felt right saving someone they cared about. Especially someone he himself tried to kill.

"Thank you, Kron." Yang said to him.

"Thank you so much!" Ruby said to him, she looked down at Raven wanting to thank her as well even if it was to save herself, but she looked knocked out.

Kron didn't respond to either of them, though he felt his rage start to sway. This woman he hated with a passion, but she also saw that she wasn't the same as she was eight years ago. The coward he knew seemed to have died the last time they fought. She stopped anyone from interfering, those who wanted to save her. And was willing to accept death, she never begged for her life like he imagined.

She never made a portal to escape, even though her evolved Semblance could have allowed that.

And at the end of the day, she never resorted to capturing Kali, which she could have done.

But he needed to ensure that.

"Alright, now let go." He said to the sisters.

Yang couldn't help but chuckle and let go practically hearing his embarrassment.

As did Ruby who turned and hugged her uncle Qrow.

"Can you restrain her?"

Qrow looked at him and down at Raven.

"Yeah, Ozpin might have something even lock a Maiden away and make sure she can't portal anywhere," Qrow replied to him looking down at her, feeling bad at the sight of her missing arm.

The Saiyan asked. "She knows people I wouldn't want to be put in danger, are you sure?" He looked over at Blake.

The Cat Faunus seemed as shocked as the rest of them to see Raven alive. And happy to hear that even when he's sparing her, he's still thinking of how to keep her family safe.

Qrow nodded his head. "Trust me, we'll make sure she never gets close to anyone you care about."

Kron nodded and looked down at the knocked-out Raven. Eight years of training, dreaming, and planning only to end up sparing the wretched hag.

Although hearing her cry and beg for him to end her life. It made him think that maybe killing her would end her suffering, she lost everything she fought for.

Qrow held up a hand to him. "Thank you, kid."

Kron looked at Qrow remembering the last time they tried to shake hands, he did so without any hesitation.

Blake walked behind him and put a hand on his shoulder.

Kron turned to see Blake with a smile.

"Not only would Mom be proud of you, but I am to." She said looking at Raven. "You have gotten better."

'Better' in what way he's not sure he'll understand. He looked down at Raven, he didn't feel the same rage now. He seemed calm and more willing to let this go on.

Either way, the deal was over.

Kron turned to Yang who kneeled to her unconscious mother. The Saiyan notices that she is looking at her missing arm.

With Qrow he felt guilty, with her? Never, he would feel a thing for this hag.

Still, he felt like he should say something.

"I didn't listen to you, but I hope you are alright with the results."

Yang looked up at Kron and smiled as she stood up.

"I get it" She said to him. "I know what not going through with it meant for you, and I'll never forget what you did for us." She said to him with a sad smile and looked down at Raven. "After everything, you made a deal with her on your own, for me and Ruby." She knew he was doing a lot to let her live. He was doing it not just for revenge but because he feared what she'd do to Blake's family. "Kron, thank you again."

Kron didn't respond, as he looked down at Raven for a few seconds. It was over. He made a deal he'd spare her in exchange for Qrow's. He wanted to kill her even now, but a deal was a deal. He was not going to go back on it like she would.

While he did want to believe Qrow and Taiyang would ensure she would never try to escape, he couldn't chance it.

This means if he was going to let Raven live, he was going to have to do one thing.

Just then a slam was heard in the center of the ring.

Something had crashed from the window and landed in the center.

This surprised everyone.

Kron looked at Qrow.

"Another friend of yours?" He asked Qrow considering he had teamed up with Raven to capture him.

In the center, it was revealed to be a figure he recognized.

It was the monster that fought Taiyang, Qrow, and Raven at once and almost destroyed them.

It was a humanoid Grimm with a trident mask and bone armor.

"No, but he's not as big as the last time I saw him," Qrow said looking at the monster that arrived.

Team RWBY was confused and looked at what seemed to be a human-shaped Grimm.

"What is it now?" Blake asked wondering what else they had to deal with.

Yang looked at Qrow wondering how he saw this thing last time. Just then she saw Kron float back towards the ring. "Kron?"

Kron landed the ring on the other side.

Eclipse looked ahead and saw someone he wasn't expecting.

"Hey you" Kron began. "I don't know what you are, and I do not, care, today did not end the way I wanted, and I need to take out my aggression." He said to the monster. "So, thanks for showing up."

Eclipse tilted his head with his vision he could see the Mean Lady unconscious on the ground and this boy was staring at him covered in burns and scratches.

He defeated the mean lady.

He had a monkey tail and the build of a warrior.

There was no doubt, it was the Scourge of Anima.

Eclipse let out a green smile, he wanted the mean lady but now he has found the best toy he could ask for!

The Scourge of Anima and the Grimm King have finally met.

---

After Eight years, the long awaited rematch between Kron and Raven had concluded.

But now, a new threat emerges.

How will this monster, Eclipse fare against Kron?

Find out in the next chapter of One's Own Path!

---

Before we talk about that last part, let me say something.

So one reason I had a long break before coming back for the past chapters was because I had a big descicion to make.

Wheather it was time to kill Raven.

During my extended break I looked into the future plans of my story and realize it's more interesting to keep her alive then kill her off, even if she can still be a part of the story as a spirit alongside Yang like Cher did with her.

I looked at some past conversations I made with friends who either thought it be better to kill Raven or let her live.

I even thought of making a poll to let u guys decide weather to let her live or not because I know a good amount of you want are mixed on that and I do prefer to make most of you happy.

Buuuut, having that kinda poll feels kinda cheap. No disrespect to anyone who does polls in their stories, but having such a big decision, killing a character or not and having your fans decide it feels like your too afraid to write the story you want.

So I decided to just bite the bullet and write the decision is better for the story in MY opinion.

For those who wanted Raven dead, I get it. Trust me I do, but remember, I'm only doing this because it makes the story better for ME. I totally understand if u disagree. Hopefully in the future I can change your minds.

I hope you guys at least liked how she was spared in the end and can understand why I made that decision.

Anyway now we got to the real final battle. That's right, Kron's fight with Raven was only a warm up. Kron has finally met Eclipse who was pretty confident he could have taken Raven even with Cher increasing her power.

Now we can see if Eclipse was overconfident or if he could have taken on Raven. And if he's ready to handle Kron.

And in the next chapter we are going to finally look at his origins which I know plenty of you have been wanting to learn.

For those who thought this was the final battle, lol I hope this was a pleasant surprise.

Review Responces

(-)-(-)-

KenSanders: Lol yeah that's pretty much what they were. Well Sepia has a line she won't cross, unfortunately Sienna with that armor has no lines.

Yeah, that's kinda just in her character. Raven's really jealous how Kali got kron's loyalty while she didn't. Which is kinda fair because Raven had Kron under her wing for years while Kali only had him for a few weeks, so her anguish is kinda understandable. Yep, that's just how Kron is.

Yeah, Yang was never goignt o be 100% ok with what was going to happen, but she was trying hard to accept it.

Raven's life force came back to her when the jar reopened.

Nope, lol that was just the warm up.

Eddyg125: That's a fair point, Raven was kinda Kron's enabler and was trying to get on his good side to learn his power.

ThatSaiyaGuy: Thank you! Yeah, Raven's alliance was always going to fall apart. I'm happy u fell that way because that's what I intended Raven almost had her way, but her daughter and friends saved him in the end. If there was a good oxygen supply Kron definitely would've gotten out.

Yeah, it only made sense that Yang would be the one to be able to handle that fight. I only I wish I was able to write them doing more teamwork, but there was so much happening that I couldn't figure out how to fit more than I written.

You gotta remember Kron has always held back againts Maiden level opponents. Sadly for Sienna and Sepia, with Raven right there, he was not in the mood to play. It might give her an opportunity to escape. Too bad for Sepia, Kron probably would have fired kI blasts at her to see how much she can handle.

ZamasuAutonomous: Thank you!

Lol! Not quite! We're close though! When Eclipse said the 'Mean Lady' he was talking about Raven not Cinder. His nickname for Cinder is actually worse it's 'Little Girl'.

Last Wish: So Idk if you saw my response as a guest with my name but here's some of my response not longer after you reviewed.

Yang does seem overly harsh but, she's reacting to seeing Raven stab Qrow when he offered her time to escape before he opened the jar.

Now Raven stated that the wound was non fatal but Yang doesn't know that yet. She may change how she feels when she realizes it. She's also not 100% ok with her dying even now, she's just reacting in anger over seeing Raven seemingly try to kill Qrow to save her own skin.

Yang did not see Raven offering up her life force, she was too busy trying to get past Taiyang. The only one who saw it was Kron, but he acknowledged it this chapter.

Yang was trying to accept that Raven had dug her own grave and that she tried to sacrife Qrow for her own sake. She didn't know the wound wasn't fatal.

Btw I actually considering your ending but after all the tricks and knowing that Raven is aware of his attatchment to Kali, I don't think either Yang or Blake could talk him out of it.

Kali might be able to since he has the biggest soft spot for her, but even then he'd be paranoid about her safety.

So I made a situation where he had to choose between giving up his revenge or letting people he cares abour experience loss. Like he did to Sepia with her husband.

Hope you liked how I did it as well.

P.S. I love that movie

Flen99: Thank you!

Lelouch of Zero: Lol now u got an idea why Ozpin thought Jade's Jar wasn't worth it. Yep, Sepia went with the 'lesser evil' argument.

Yep, Kron has done wrong but now he's gotten better, problem is not everyone has seen it. And now that trouble is here, thank god he didn't stay locked away. Yep, Penny's the type who will stand by you and againts her programming if you become friends with her.

Really had fun writing Yang's fight against Raven. Glad you enjoyed it! Had to give her technique a fire name, and she has more on the way.

Even Raven can have character development, as much as she wants to kill Kron even she understands why he wants to kill her and how screwed up her way of doing things has been.

Yep, she just can't stop.

Well Kron would have taken her head off, but Blake can talk her out of killing her at kleast.

It is so for and I hope it's treating you well to. Thank you!

Kebladelight: Hope it was worth the wait. We'll see, I'll definitely consider it in the future.

Kron definitely owes Ruby something, and Kron has proven that he cares for Team RWBY now.

She almost did. Sorry to ruin it for you, but if it makes you feel any better she's still has a bad time ahead of her.

But hey either of those can make for a good what if.

Guest: Thank you! Glad you thought so, wracked my brain for that name.

James is bored: Well it definitely left a mark on Raven that's for sure.

Diabolos Aides: Thank you!

Ruenion: Thank you! Nope, it was just them and now Eclipse is next.

Halo 69: As fun as that would've been I thought this would be better. Hope it was worth the wait!

Demon lord Beezlebub: Thank you! I'm glad to hear you say that, I try make my story as fun as I can. Don't worry I get it, I read a few stories where the author had to quit, but yeah don't worry, I got no plans to leave. Hope this fight was as good as you hoped. And don't worry your English is fine I understand you ok.

Pokedig: Thank you I'm sorry for the mistake it's been fixed.

Ghfhhfcv: Thank you, no worries I hope everything's ok with your family.

Triscythe59: Thank you! Happy New Year to you to!

Yep! But she got lucky.

Tai and Qrow will be keeping a close eye on her.

Blake was in danger but now she's safe.

Yeah, poor Sepia, Kron's way stronger than they could prepare for. We'll see lol.

Hope you enjoyed!

ForeverTruthful95: Well in fairness we don't know exactly, all we know is Raven was the last to see Summer, but we'll see maybe in canon.

Thank you, hope you liked it!

WingNUT48: Thank you, well she doesn't get to die yet, lucky her.

RighteousHope: While that would be an awesome scene Kron is nowhere near ready for that.

(-)-(-)-

Well guess that's it guys, hope this showdown was worth it and you look forward to the next chapter. I promise this, this fight is going to be even crazier than Raven vs Kron.

Hope you look forward to it.

Have an awesome day! J