We are so back.

To DemonicOrder: Thank you for the (now very late) new years wishes. And the anniversary of my story, you say? Well, good thing this chapter's a feature-length one! Ruby's PTSD isn't something she's overcoming per se, rather she's starting to acknowledge it more and then try to overcome. And I certainly won't delete this story! How could I? Then our grand little council would be caput. As for another way off Anima... Well, if there's Argus in the north, then surely there's a place in the south, eh? And the holidays were good, thank you. I hope yours were great.

To Merendinoemiliano: Thank you! I'm glad I was able to please once again! I hope your holidays were fun, and that this chapter is also enjoyable.

To ZoyeZest: I'm glad, truly. I've no doubt the results will be good, I'll just reach out when I can.

Now, after a long wait, let the Tale continue.

Raven sat in a kneeling position, alone and in deep thought. "Dammit…" she muttered. "I'm really going to have to bust some heads together, huh?" At that moment, Zork and Bork popped their heads in through a side door, Zork saying "Bust sum 'eads?!" and Bork saying "Who's heads? We'll bust 'em like grapes, Boss Lady!" Raven sighed and sternly replied "No. The last thing we're going to do is kill anyone. These heads are important. I need them for my plans."

"Ooohhhh…" the duo dragged out before saying "Youze gonna krump Anima n' give it to Grimgor as a gift, yeah? Real smart finkin', Boss—"

"No! Now get out! I'm about to change! But make sure you bring everyone together. I have an announcement to make." Raven answered crossly, turning her back to them. The two Black Orcs quickly skedaddled from her presence, then after looking at each other with a grin split up to different parts of the camp. Raven turned and waited until they were far away. She then turned to a chair with its back turned to her and said "Are you sure I should be doing this? The whole title was just a joke anyways."

Wurrzag turned around and grinned under his mask as he replied "Oh, I'm sure. Youze called da Bandit Qween, so ya might as well make gud on ya title n' whatnot. Besides…" He then got up and stalked towards Raven, still kneeling, but not daring to look the masked Orc in the eyes.

"...it's all ta keep the plan goin'." Wurrzag whispered in her ears. "Fink 'bout it: Raven Branwen, Bandit Queen and ruler a' Anima (though still a vassal to Grimgor, 'course). You'd be ridin' high for good, and have betta' ways to krump the enemies. The darker ones, the hidden ones… the ones that lurk around ya even now…" Raven turned sharply on him, jumping up and stepping back. "What do you mean?" she asked sharply.

Wurrzag stepped back, hands up, and replied "I mean, just cuz ya ain't told yer ladz 'ow Maiden powers're transferred don't mean one o' 'em won't find out. And see if it works."

Raven's eyes widened slightly, but she firmly shook her head and said "No. No. None of them would dare. Whether they knew about the Maiden powers' transferral property or not, they wouldn't dare." Wurrzag seemed to nod in agreement, saying "M'alright, m'alright. If ya say so. But dem lieutenants, and that Vernal git too… keep an eye on 'em, yeah? Now, I'mma be off." As he turned to leave through a side door, Raven called out "Wait. Where are you even going now? And where's Amber? Isn't she supposed to not leave your side?"

Wurrzag paused, eyes shifting around as he quickly thought up an answer, then he turned his head slightly towards Raven. "Grimgor preferred to keep her where she can't get in trouble." he replied, surprisingly clearly too. "As fer me…" His Orcy accent came back suddenly. "...I got otha' peoples to guide along." He then left, and Raven watched him leave with a tired sigh. Looking away, she set her gaze on a clothing rack which held shining attire.

"Bandit Queen… "Ruler of Anima" huh?" she muttered.

Back with Zork and Bork, they continued moving about the camp. But it was more of a small city than a camp nowadays. Ever since the Branwen Boyz joined up with Raven's tribe (and some tribeless bandits also joined), the camp's turned into quite an imposing fortification. Rickety towers connected via rope bridges, large shelters and tents dotting the area, pens for Greenskin beasts, and a massive wall surrounding the whole place for protection (and to keep out the piles of dung). Zork went west and Bork went east, both saying the same thing to whoever would listen.

"Oi! Listen! Da Boss Lady's plannin' somefin' BIG! There's some krumpin' ta be done, for sure. Grab yer choppas n' shootas, cuz 'ere we go!"

While all the Greenskins at once readied themselves for war, the bandits moved more slowly. Vernal especially was skeptical about Raven actually planning to go to war. But then again, they did fight that big battle in Vale… and Zork and Bork are her lieutenants (she's not jealous, nope!) and seem to take their positions seriously. "Vernal…?" a voice said, snapping her out of her thoughts. Turning, she saw a bandit look nervously at the arming Greenskins around them and asked "Are we really… going to fight? I personally prefer hit-and-runs, a-and nothing's wrong with pitched battles! I… just don't know if Raven really wants…" He gestured at the scene before them. "...this." Vernal just shrugged and loaded her guns, saying "Wouldn't hurt to at least prepare ourselves. And Greenskins take battle seriously, as you know. I doubt Raven misspoke, or even joked."

Eventually, once everyone was all crowded together before Raven's longhouse (no tent for her anymore since she's the Warboss now… at least so the incessant Branwen Boyz stated) and waited. Sure enough, Raven appeared amid the cheers of bandits and hollers of Greenskins. "...What is she planning?" Vernal muttered. "She's never worn that getup before…"

Raven stood before the crowds wearing more regal, kimono attire with hakama pants and heavy steel boots. The kimono was her signature dark red, with black and gold linings, and the pants were the same. Her legs and arms had protective guards, and in her hand was a different Grimm helm; this one more human-like, with an emotionless visage and empty eye sockets. She put it on, and cried "My friends! My family! I've gathered you together to explain to you my dream. One I've had for… some time now."

Silence. The crowd was curious, and watched as Raven walked along the deck of the longhouse and saying "People know me as Raven Branwen, the "Bandit Queen"... A pretty nice title, honestly. And yet… there are still countless bandit tribes who either refuse to serve or work under me. I'm not a conqueror, as you all know, just an opportunist and a survivor. And I have seen a way for all bandits to not just survive, but thrive in the new Remnant that is coming upon us! Now, to that end, what we are going to do is…" but got no further as all the Greenskins (and the more violently-inclined bandits) grinned and smiled as they suddenly drew their weapons.

"Wait! Wait!" Raven shouted in annoyance. "I haven't even told you what we're doing yet! It's not killing, either!" At that, all the Greenskins and bandits lowered their weapons in downtrodden disappointment. Raven sighed and grumbled, turning to Zork and Bork and saying "And I told you two, specifically, that we aren't killing anyone to pull this off, didn't I?"

The two Black Orcs just shuffled around a bit, both muttering "Yeah…"

"Uugrrhhh… You people give me such a headache sometimes." Raven muttered. But shaking her head clear she looked upon the crowd again and said "As I was saying, what we are going to do is… to rally every single bandit tribe in Anima to us, under my banner, and truly declare myself the Bandit Queen! We will then stand even stronger against the Grimm, government, and other evils out there in the world! Now who's with me?!"

The crowd was still silent at first. But Vernal began clapping, and then another bandit, then another, and a Goblin began whistling approval, and soon the entire horde was cheering and shouting. Raven's name was chanted ten times, and under her mask she smiled triumphantly as already people hailed her as the "Bandit Queen". But then she raised a hand for silence, and once the cheering subsided she added "Now, it is a tall order. But one we can reach! In order to do so, we must have a great deal of charm, tact, and a good bit of luck too. Therefore, my lieutenants and I will go to meet with a friend who will help gather up all the tribes for us. When I return, it will be at Bandit's Bowl, and you had all better be there."

Everyone in the crowd nodded in agreement and dispersed. Tents and some buildings were already being torn down for moving. Vernal herded some Boar Boyz and Squig Hoppers together and sent them out in rotating scouting units. Raven turned and entered her longhouse with Zork and Bork following close behind. Once they entered into the main room, Raven pulled out her sword and cut open a portal. "Stay close, don't talk, and do not draw attention to yourselves. Just because people know I work with Greenskins doesn't mean I want to be seen with you." The duo nodded, and they all entered through the portal just before it closed behind them.

Elsewhere, in another corner of Anima, an old bespectacled man sat back in a rocking chair. His clothes were unassuming; the traditional Mistralian style, but his odd hair and one red eye were standouts. No one seemed to mind however, and the man stepped off the porch of the inn and looked around. He made sure to step over the previous innkeeper's body as he descended the steps.

All around were the smoldering remains of the town, the bodies of the inhabitants who tried to fight back, and his mutant Grimm and Greenskins.

"Hey, Doc! Move it!"

A crew of bandits pushed past, dragging along a sled full of bodies and picking up whichever ones they found laying around.

"Bandits…" Merlot muttered with a shake of his head. "You give them an army, and they think they own you. Hah! Too late in that race…" Merlot turned and walked through the town (he didn't care to remember its name), but as he walked past the skeleton of a burned-out house he heard the familiar noise of a sword slash. Peering through the remains of the door, Merlot saw a red portal open up, and Raven, Zork and Bork all walking out of it. "Guh… Wot a crazy way ta travel, eh? Could find some use fer dat wit da Road Raiderz." Bork said. Zork nodded eagerly and said "Roight! Finkin' how we could make fancy schmancy boots dat can do allat, so we can walk through worlds! Watchu say, Boss Lady?" Zork turned to Raven excitedly. "Fink you can share dat Semblance o' yours?"

Raven simply replied "I think you should be keeping watch of your surroundings." as she put on her helm. She then looked up and pointed right at Merlot (who wasn't trying very hard to not be seen) and said "You missed our contact." The two Black Orcs turned on Merlot crying "Boss Lady says wot?!" Merlot laughed as he stepped fully into view, hands raised, and mockingly said "I surrender, I surrender! Stay your weapons, O mighty brigands! Aha ha ahah ha ha! I'm sorry, I still can't take you all terribly seriously." Zork and Bork growled, and Raven asked "And why is that? I'm a Maiden, remember? I can level this whole town and kill everyone in it without a sweat." Merlot nodded and replied "True, true. But That's of no concern to me. Just because you are the Maiden doesn't mean you know of all its powers. As a genius mad scientist, I take it upon myself to study ALL things that might lead to more power."

He suddenly turned on his heel and walked away, saying "This is the part you all 'follow me!' in case you're unsure." The trio followed him, and as they walked by, many bandits whispered one to another.

"The hell…? Th-that's Raven Branwen!"

"Seriously? The Bandit Queen herself?!"

"Oooh, she's a hottie. Whatcha think my chances with that tall glass of water are?"

"I'd say anywhere between gelded and killed outright."

The group of four passed these whisperers by, and they soon reached a mansion (surprisingly untouched, for the most part) where a dozen bandits milled about the front door. "We're here for Banditto. My… 'associate' here would like an audience with him." Merlot said clearly. Most of the bandits recognized Raven at once and opened the doors. The four strided in, and headed down the hall. Rooms branched off at even intervals, a few stairways leading up to a second floor with balconies that hung over the main hall. Raven noticed the following bandits above them, and looked down one hall into a domed room where two mutant Snotlings fought each other to the cheers of a crowd.

"These guys are such a weird mix of professional and stupid…" she muttered.

Eventually they reached the third floor of the mansion, going through the large central room and out onto the main balcony where, sipping straight from the wine bottle and feet propped on the railing, was a man with a black mask over his eyes and an open grey trench coat. "Banditto. This is that caller I mentioned." Merlot said, gesturing to Raven.

"Ahhh-ah-haha-ha!" Banditto laughed with an oddly high voice. He turned and said "Raven Branwen the Bandit Queen. So nice to actually see what you look like! At least, in something other than those monochrome red clothes you usually wear." He shook his head and said "So basic and boring and bland, it's… eugh." He took a longer drink and then suddenly became serious, smile falling and silver eyes gleaming with suspicion as he said "Now whaddya want exactly? For me to serve you? What makes you think I will, hmm?"

A sword tip inches from his nose and a stern reply from Raven were his answers. "I didn't come here to trade jokes or waste anyone's time. Either you follow me willingly, or I make you submit." Banditto simply put on a mocking face of fear and 'shivered'.

"O-o-oh, oh, oh. Sca-ry! Shiver me timbers! Shut up, woman!"

He threw his bottle at Raven, but in a flash Bork stepped in and Banditto watched as the bottle broke against the giant Orc's armor. "Ah." Banditto simply said. He then nervously cleared his throat and added "W-well, hmm… I won't deny you're a toughie, Raven. But you forget I—"

"You, Banditto, forget I have my mutants roaming all around us." Merlot cut him off, and with a wave of his hand gestured to the roving bands of mutant Grimm and Greenskins. They started to form up in larger groups, nearing the bandits in the town while a particularly large band (with a mutant Giant) headed towards the mansion. "You also forget that I do not serve you, but rather the Greenskins, alongside Lady Branwen here. And I don't think the millions of green-skinned fellows over in Sanus will appreciate your… uncooperation with us and Raven's goal." Merlot gave a nod to Raven, who added "Think about it. All your wealth, fame, your entire tribe…" She got beside Banditto and whispered in his ear "...all gone, just like that." She snapped her fingers and all the mutants leaped forward. They didn't attack, but they jumped at the nearest bandits as if to jump-scare them. Banditto stood up in alarm, but Raven forcefully sat him back down.

"But with me, you have a chance to double it all. And keep it, too. I'm not a tyrant, Banditto, you don't have to fear the worst from me." She spoke sweetly, a veil over her darker tone that still seeped through. Banditto turned and looked at her with hesitation, regret, and fear as he said "...What can I expect from this partnership?" Raven quickly replied "Protection, survival, free reign over whatever part of Anima you'd like… and your word of faithful service. Oh, and your help in getting the other bandit tribes to meet at Bandit's Bowl. I'd prefer talking to them all at once rather than track each of them down."

Banditto gulped, looked from the mutants to Raven, and nodded. Raven held out her hand and smiled beneath her mask. Banditto took her hand in his and shook.

The group, now done with their business, went to convene at a nearby inn. Its remains, anyways. "One down, however-many-more to go." Merlot said as he plopped himself down in one of the few non-ruined chairs. "Anima is such a horrid place with all you bandits mucking about, eh?" His audience did not agree, just stare at him. Merlot grunted and added "Hmph. Not a very humerus bunch either. In my opinion—"

"What's yer problem, git? Ya tryna scrap wit da Boss Lady?" Zork asked threateningly. Bork began drawing his weapon, but Raven waved them away. "Oh, certainly not. I'm simply… observing, if you will." Merlot replied. "Observing?" Raven asked.

"But of course! Master Ironhide sent me here, originally, in regards to retrieving the Spring Relic. Yet, I cannot do so without you, the Spring Maiden. And since you were so rudely absent from our grand meeting back in Beacon, I've decided to first find you, then bring you to Haven."

"Well in case you're deaf and blind, I'm busy with something else." Raven snapped. Merlot nodded sagely and replied "Oh, I know. A rather smart goal as well. With all the bandits under your command, we'll already have a sizeable force to distract the Mistralian forces and White Fang, thereby allowing our main Greenskin forces to assault and take Mistral and Haven Academy! Of course…" Merlot eyed her darkly from under his glasses. "...that is why you're doing all this, correct? I'd hate to report to Master Ironhide that you've… gone rogue? That the Maiden powers got to your head? Remember, you are, in the end, still subservient to him—"

"I know that!" Raven snapped. She sighed and sat back, tiredly, and said "I know that… that I'm just a pawn, same as you." Raven leaned forward again and asked "Don't you feel like you're just a tool, Merlot? Don't you want more?" Merlot only laughed and replied "Ahahaha-aha-hahaha! More? I get more! More experiments, more supplies, more knowledge, more infamy (which is just another form of prestige and fame), I get all I could require from the Greenskins! And the fact that there's another world? Maybe more than one? The possibilities, Raven Branwen, the possibilities…"

"...I dun think he gon' listen, Boss Lady." Bork muttered. "Yeah. Dis git's more zoggin' loony than them Bat Wings." Zork added.

Raven only nodded in silence. Then she asked Merlot "So, where to now?" Merlot replied "As you're no doubt aware, not every tribe will assemble just because you cowed one bandit leader. You must cow the most stubborn and mighty, to make the most meek and lowly follow. Therefore, I shall go after Wulf next. I'd recommend you go after Matcha. I think she'll be easily subdued by your Maiden powers. Now, would you be so kind as to open a portal?"

Raven got up and opened one, Merlot stepping through. It closed, and she quickly opened another which she and her lieutenants entered.

Merlot found himself (rather unceremoniously) stepping in a literal pile of ash. The ensuing disturbance of the choking substance gave him quite the cough. "Urgh… Such savages." he muttered, looking up to see a long caravan train completely ruined. Carts were burning or overturned. Men, women, elderly, pets and even children were strewn, cut up or blasted with holes, along the roadsides. Even some of the trees were on fire or cut down. And bandits hopped and ran about, hooting and hollering in triumph. Some were picking the corpses clean, others herding what few survivors there were, and a few (quite a small, small few, really) were keeping watch. Hence why three of them quickly spotted and began firing at Merlot. "Agh!" Merlot cried, leaping aside behind a nearby tree. The poor tree wasn't holding up very well, and Merlot poked his head out and shouted "Cease fire, you mad do-oaagh!" but he quickly ducked again. He then ran to another tree for cover, and with a growl pulled out a small remote with a big red button on it. "Forget talking. Force is always the way to go with bandits!" he shouted, and pressing the button he looked around to see multiple phasing flashes of light.

A horde of mutant Grimm and Greenskins then appeared, looking around confused at first until Merlot pointed at the dumbfounded bandits and shouted "Tear those ones apart! Round up all the others!"

"Wait, what?" one of the bandits asked before getting tackled by a mutant Squig (which then ate him whole). The others screamed in terror at the sight, but neither could do anything as one got shredded by a mutant Beowolf and the other got hacked apart by a band of mutant Goblins. The rest of the horde moved throughout the surrounding area, tackling and pinning down any bandits that they saw. The screams, from both the bandits and caravan survivors, were echoing all throughout the forest.

Merlot himself did not care. He calmly walked through the carnage and towards the front of the train, but out of the corner of his eye he spotted the screaming survivors. None of the mutants grabbed them, but they did drag away their guards (doing nothing to help alleviate their fears). Merlot pulled out another remote, this one with a big green button, and pressed it. Phases of light appeared around him again to reveal about a dozen Goblins and twice as many Snotlings.

"Oowaaaaghhh…" one Snotling groaned, swaying.

"Bloody 'ell, ya giii-iitt…" one Goblin muttered angrily (yet groggily) at Merlot. "Wo–wot's da deal? What ya wan…nn-nt?"

Merlot simply pointed at the survivors of the caravan and said "Grab them. They'll provide good assistants and experiments back at the labs. And make sure you don't handle them too roughly! There are women and children amongst them, mind you!"

"Yeah, yeah, Boss. We'z knowin' how dis gooo-o-ooes…" the lead Goblin slurred as the Snotlings and other Goblins stumbled forward to latch onto the terrified people.

"HEY!"

Merlot and the Goblin turned to see a tall, lanky man with grey shoulder-length hair and black eyes. Claws grew from his fingertips, and his clothing was torn and dirty. He glared at Merlot and shouted "Who said you could take them?!" He looked around at the running bandits and screamed "Well? STOP THEM!" only to get tackled by a mutant Ogre. Merlot stared for a moment before turning away, saying "Well. Anyways, you have your orders. See to them." The Goblin nodded, grabbed onto a shrieking woman, and Merlot pressed a smaller yellow button on the remote. In an instant, both the Greenskins and people vanished.

Then in another instant, Merlot was sent flying as a clawed fist landed on his face. He crashed into a running bandit, the both of them slamming into an overturned cart. The two struggled against each other until Merlot cried "Away from me, damn you!" as pulled out a shock baton. He pressed it against the shocked bandit's face and watched as the electricity coursed into the bandit, overloading her systems and Aura as she essentially fried to death. "Uhgh!" Merlot grunted, kicking the corpse away from him and standing up. He quickly dodged another strike, and this time he saw his assailant.

It was the man with the claws, the head of the mutant Ogre lodged in one while the other was stuck in the cart. "Heheheeheheahaha…" he laughed, eyes wide and manic as he gazed at Merlot. "You're a tricky, slinking bastard, ain'tcha?" he said moments before Merlot brought down his baton again. The man simply pulled away and threw the head at Merlot, blocking his view long enough for the man to leap upon him and send him onto his back. "Now lookit whatcha've done!" the man cried, bringing up his claws to strike.

"My troops are scattering!" He brought them down, raking across Merlot's face and chest.

"My prisoners're gone!" Another flurry of strikes.

"And you… Who even are you?! Don't matter if you're dead, though!" He then clawed across Merlot a third time, but the scientist suddenly shot up, baton coming in at the side. "Tch!" the man scoffed, bringing up an arm to block. Only for his eyes to widen in surprise as the baton transformed into a pistol and shot four rounds into his side. Each bullet sent shockwaves throughout his body, and he cried "GYYAAHHEIYH!?" as he leaped away, twitching from the shock. He gazed at Merlot with hatred as the scientist got up, his Aura glowing slightly. "Wulf, I assume?" Merlot asked, cocking the pistol and training it on the Faunus.

"...Who's askin'?" Wulf replied. Merlot dusted himself off with one hand before standing up all spiffy-like and replying "I, Doctor Merlot. Associate of one Raven Branwen, who would like your cooperation." Wulf's eyes narrowed as he said "That black-haired, black-hearted bi–" He stopped himself, letting out a lowering growl, then said "Her. Figured she'd send one of her cronies to try n' bring me to heel sooner or later."

Merlot suddenly scoffed and laughed aloud, crying "Ahah!" Wulf was caught off guard and confused, but Merlot then said "Oh, so sorry. I am no servant of Raven's. Merely someone whose interests align with hers. Besides," Merlot gestured to the mutant Grimm and Greenskins around them, dragging together all the bandits under Wulf by a large tree. "we both have the protection of Grimgor Ironhide, and by extension all Greenskins." Merlot smiled and added "You know, the fellows who took an entire kingdom? If I were you, I'd–"

"YYAAAAAGGHEEIIGHYAAAAHH!" Wulf suddenly screamed, running at Merlot on all fours. As he ran, his body morphed and shifted, elongating and becoming more furry; his mouth turning into a muzzle, teeth sharpening, and his voice becoming nothing more than a series of wolfish growls and howls. Wulf leaped at Merlot, but clear over him, and instead landed atop a mutant Orc Big'Un and tore it up. "By the gods!" Merlot cried, bringing up his pistol. He fired three shots, each missing as Wulf nimbly dodged them, jumping from tree to cart to ground again. He landed a blow on Merlot's back and sent him stumbling, then rushed at other mutants and tore them apart.

"Follow the Boss! We can break outta here yet!" one bandit cried, and soon the others were fighting back against their mutant captors. Merlot angrily got to his feet and locked his gaze upon Wulf. "You stupid, mangy, mix-bred, flea-ridden, mongrel-born, savage, stupid, inconvenience!" Merlot grumbled in a rage as he speed-walked towards the wolf monster. He then muttered "This had better be worth it, Raven Branwen…" before turning his pistol back into a baton and leaping atop a mutant Alpha Beowolf and rushing at Wulf. The giant monster that passed for Wulf sniffed the air, turned sharply, and saw Merlot rushing right at him with his baton held out like a lance. The beast's mouth curled up into what could pass as a smile, and with a howl it rushed at Merlot.

Both Wulf and the mutant leaped into the air at each other, and crashing into each other they became a mass of fur and claws and fangs. Merlot tried to lean forward, but the force of the collision sent him falling from the mutant's back. "Guh!" he grunted, landing on his back. His face then became one of comical shock as he saw the two wolf beasts falling towards him. He rolled aside with a cry, and once the two beasts landed Merlot rushed in, beating at Wulf with his baton. Each shock made Wulf shiver and twitch, but he was mad now, and he focused solely on the mutant before him. With a howl he ripped off both its arms, with a growl he tore out its throat, and with a triumphant yell he dug his claws into its chest and tore away, ripping the beast in half. Merlot backed away after that, but Wulf saw him and turned. Looking around, the bandits were beginning to circle Merlot, but the scientist looked to his baton and its little button.

USE AT FULL POWER?

Merlot pressed it, and watched as the baton extended and both electricity and flames arced around it. The bandits (Wulf too, even) were unsure, but Wulf howled again and ran at Merlot with usual abandon. Merlot sighed and said "Many people think they can beat me in a fight. Maybe…" He let out another sigh. "Maybe…"

Wulf leaped at him, but Merlot pulled out a large tower shield made of hard-light and bashed it into Wulf's face, then he kicked out his legs, and swinging the baton around he struck Wulf right in the side of the head. Flames burned away his fur, and as Wulf screamed Merlot pulled back his baton and lunged at Wulf's chest, pinning him to the ground and watching as flames and lightning crawled across the giant wolf's body.

"Lemme go! LEMME GOOOO! It BUU-uR-UuRNNSSSZZ!" Wulf cried, partially switching back from wolf to human and back again. Merlot nodded and pulled away his baton. He then pulled out the same remote from earlier and pressed the button. Once again, a horde of mutants appeared and surrounded the bandits. Now with Wulf laying on the ground, groaning and twitching in pain, and his bandits surrounded, Merlot cleared his throat and drew all eyes on him.

"But I've yet to meet one who succeeded."

Raven, Zork and Bork were sitting around a campfire in a small glade. Night had fallen, and around them lay the bodies of disintegrating Grimm. "Ehh, oi, Boss Lady?" Zork asked after a bit of silence. Raven didn't answer, but she cocked an ear in his direction. "We've been wandering about fer two bloody days already. I thought ya portal powa' sends us right to 'oo we'z lookin' fer." Bork nodded in agreement. Raven looked up from the flames then, and replied "My Semblance doesn't work like that. Not… entirely, anyways. My portals only take us 'directly' to those who I have a close relationship with. And I only know of Matcha's name and reputation, not the woman herself. I do know her favorite barkeep though, so that's where we went."

Looking around them, Raven sighed and said "But she wasn't there. So now, we're stuck travelling until we find her." Both Zork and Bork said "Welp, at least we got dese Grimm to krump along da way, yeah?" Raven didn't crack even a grin as she replied "Yeah. I forgot how much you guys like to fight. When all those challengers stepped up, I thought you were trying to throw a coup." At that, both Black Orcs looked at each other, then at Raven.

"BWAAHHAAAAAAAAGHHAAHEEEIUUIYAAAAHAHHHHHAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH—!"

The duo laughed until morning, still sitting on their log while Raven was sitting by a tree in fetal position, her eyes wide and tired.

"HAHAHAHAHAHEEEEEYAAAGAHHOOOOOWHOAAHAHAHAHAHHHHHAAAAAAHAHAHAHA-AHA—!"

Suddenly they stopped, and Raven looked up to see them stare at her with serious (yet still humorous) eyes. "Thought you'da already known 'ow it goes by now." Zork said. "Yeah. Ya did the same fing ta Zogger." Bork added. Raven, though dead tired, couldn't help but say "...What?"

"Fink 'bout it. Ya krumped Zogger, then became da new Boss. Then, afta that scrap in Vale and ya sent us back this wayz, the boyz were gettin' restless. We went on a few raids, yeh, but nothin' like the scrap in Vale. That was yer debut, and it set a pre… a prec–pr—precuh—"

"A precedent." Zork cut in. "Dey all expected you ta lead us into big scraps like that one from now on. All ya little raids really let 'em down. So, some o' the ladz thought they'd be the one to lead us betta' than you."

Raven just blinked a couple times, then said "...So because I didn't give them big battles, they tried to overthrow me? Like what I did to Zogger?" Both Black Orcs gave a thumbs-up to Raven and said "Eyup!"

"Uuurrghhh…"

Both Zork and Bork looked at each other, then at Raven's collapsed form. Bork looked at Zork and in a low tone asked "Oi, Zork… Why haven't we gutter 'er yet? It'z true, ain't it? We 'aven't had no good, big scraps like at Vale in months! Dis is all gettin' boring, fer sure, yeah?"

Zork nodded, but he grinned as he replied "True. But you rememba' wot Wurrzag told us 'bout her, yeah?" Bork shrugged and Zork annoyedly muttered "Flame-fer-Brainz… He said dat she's one o' them Maidens. Powerful gits, dey are. And they're da only way to get at dem Relics. Wit those… Well, we can bring out da Twin Godz themselves. Then we'll have our big ole scrap." He then patted Bork on the armored shoulder and said "So it'z our job ta keep dis git from gettin' krumped, see? It'll be worth it, fer sure."

The two grinned evilly at each other and nodded, then looked back at Raven. "You carry 'er, Zork." Bork said, turning and walking off.

"A git says wot?!"

The duo (now taking turns in carrying their passed-out leader) continued walking through the woods. They stayed within sight of the road, but only just close enough so they could see who travels across it. There were some fun times where they leaped out, howling like Daemons, and robbing the poor saps of all their belongings! Those were nice. Anyways, as the sky was filled with the gorgeous hues of a sunset, Raven began to stir. She awoke with a start and looked around. "What… Hey, you two, where are we?" she asked Zork and Bork, both of whom shrugged. "We'z just followin' da road." Bork (the one carrying her) replied.

Raven groaned, and after a while said "Put me down! I can walk myself just fine." Bork dropped her, but she caught her footing and took the lead. The Black Orcs shared a look, but neither said anything and followed after her. It wasn't long until the grass changed to snow, and the trio were now in the northern area of Anima. "We better be close… If we've travelled all this way, I swear…" Raven mumbled under her frosty breath. Soon enough, they came across a bright light amid a dense copse of trees. "Nngh!" Raven grunted, bringing a hand up and covering her mouth and nose with a look of distaste. Zork took sharp exhales, but Bork took a big deep sniff and said "Smoke from a fire. Say, Boss Lady, whatcha know 'bout Matcha exactly?"

"She's a madwoman. Obsessed with fire, and anything that causes it. I know you've never heard of The Burning of Kahoun, but if ever we do come across that town—well, what remains of it, I mean—then you'll know what I'm talking about."

Zork and Bork both grinned, and Bork slapped her on the back (nearly sending her tumbling) as he pulled out his mace (transforming it into its flamethrower form) and said "Awww, dontcha worry none, Boss Lady! Dis git can't beat my flames!"

"Or my ice." Zork added, pulling out his chainsaw greatsword. Raven just sighed and rolled her eyes. "Or me. Maiden here, remember?"

Zork and Bork looked at her in a funny way and said "But you got krumped a few times even though ya are a Maiden. Y'ain't speshul." Raven spluttered, trying to form a response, but suddenly a loud cry went up from the direction of the light and the three crept nearer. Soon enough, the shouts and cries could be heard clearly. But they were of joy and excitement, not fear or terror.

Upon reaching the edge of the trees, they saw in a wide clearing a massive bonfire with multitudes of people dancing around it. Humans, Faunus, Fire Kobolds and Squigs were hopping and jumping around it in glee. Raven's eyes widened while Zork and Bork narrowed theirs. "Greenskins? I thought I was the only one with a tribe under my rule…" Raven whispered.

"Nnnope! Plenty of other bandit tribes got their own Greenskin buddies, whether their tribeless or already a part of one. Those guys are the Lava Ladz tribe. My good friends who love fire almost as much as I do!"

The three turned, slowly, and looked down to see a little girl staring back up at them. She had brown hair singed black, orange eyes, and wore a heavy red coat with depictions of candles and fires trailing all across it. She smiled ever so sweetly at them as a band of bandits and Greenskins appeared from the bushes, the tops of trees, and even the random mounds of snow. All pointing their weapons at the trio.

"Heheheh! Well zog it all and then some…" Zork chuckled. Bork was already fingering the trigger on his flamethrower, but Raven brushed the two aside as she looked around. She then loudly proclaimed "I'm looking for Matcha! I am Raven Branwen, and I wish to challenge her to right of leadership! Bring her out!" Everyone except the trio suddenly turned towards the little girl who had an amused look of shock.

"Huuuuh? You wanna fight little ole me? That hardly seems fair, does it?"

Raven looked at her with total shock (even Zork and Bork were surprised). "I mean, look at you…" The girl's face took on a look of envy as she suddenly hopped on a Squig and walked right up to Raven. "You're tall, you have such long… long hair…" She then suddenly grabbed Raven's chest (ignoring her cries of "H-hey! Hey! Stop you little–!") and fondled it, mumbling "Real large boobs too… Hmph." Her cheeks puffed up like a squirrel's, and she then stepped back and said poutily "Fine. I'll fight you, Miss Bimbo. And if I win…" Her smile then returned, wider than before.

"...you'll be new fuel to the fire!"

Everyone cheered, Zork and Bork tightened their grip on their weapons, and Raven narrowed her eyes on the girl. Matcha, she noticed, was shivering. The girl suddenly snapped her fingers and a Faunus came forth with a mug of hot cocoa. Without even letting it cool or blowing on it, Matcha drank it all down. "Mmmm…" she moaned happily, her shivering having stopped. "Alright then! Let's get started!" She suddenly snapped her fingers again, and the Squig she rode on leaped at Raven and tackled her to the ground. It opened its toothy maw wide, but Raven immediately blew her breath at it.

Her Maiden powers were in that breath, making it burning hot. With a cry the Squig staggered back, and Raven got up and shot a blast of razor-sharp wind at Matcha. She hopped off her Squig just as the wind cut it to pieces. "Oooh, that's some cool magic, lady!" she said giddily. She tried to stand up, but the cold from the snow suddenly made her hands tingle and her body start shivering again. She suppressed a grimace and quickly rolled away as Raven came in with an axe kick.

Matcha jumped up and pulled out a little lighter. Raven scoffed and smirked, asking "And what's that gonna do, kid?"

The giant gout of flames that erupted from it was her answer. Only by turning into a raven and flying to a nearby branch did she escape. Bork just stood there and took it while Zork leaped aside. Matcha, still shivering, then said "Gde ty, ptashka?" She then skipped around in a circle, singing "Chernaya kak sazha, ona mogla tol'ko ostavat'sya na meste, ona byla slishkom napugana, chtoby dazhe ubezhat', ved' v kontse kontsov ona poprobuyet moyu nogu na vkus!"

Just then Raven swooped down, sword out to impale, but Matcha stepped aside and watched as Raven caught herself. The little girl then placed a little boot on Raven's back and said "Aha! I got you now, soot-bird!" only to be thrown off as Raven levitated in the air, the elements swirling around her. Her eyes glowed with anger as she said "No more games, girl!"

Matcha could only stare with fearful bewilderment as Raven sent a whole blizzard her way. Her followers scattered, Zork and Bork likewise left a safe distance, and she alone was caught in the storm. "AA-aahhha-AAAAHH!" she screamed as she began getting tossed about like a boat in a sea storm. She looked around in a panic, trying to get out, but no exit presented itself to her. Even the great bonfire had died out, not a single smoldering ember glowing. "Huhhh–Ghuhh… AHAHAAAAHH!" Matcha screamed as images flashed before her eyes.

Matcha, lying in a frozen ditch.

Matcha, robbed by a man in a bowler hat.

Matcha, skin pale as snow and lips as blue as the sea.

Matcha, finding the corpse of a Huntsman and the lighter he held.

Matcha, spending night after night and day after day cradling both herself and the lighter's flame.

And now, Matcha fell to the ground and tried to crawl somewhere, anywhere away from this blizzard. "So cold… Sssssssso c-cold…" she whimpered. Raven watched her the whole time, and her anger lessened until it gave way to pity. She lowered herself to the ground, swept away the blizzard, and walked towards Matcha. The girl tried to scamper away, but her teeth chattered and her body shivered too much for her to even move.

"Poshchadi, sazhevaya ptitsa. Poshchadi." Matcha cried, tears beginning to fall from her eyes and freeze like icicles as they fell. "I-I don't want to die…"

She closed her eyes, but when she felt herself suddenly becoming much warmer, she opened them and found herself enveloped in a hug by Raven. One hand held her tightly, the other emitting a flame from its palm and holding it in front of them. "So warm…" Matcha blurted out, then she looked up at Raven. Raven simply returned the gaze with one that feigned disinterest as she said "The weak serve the strong. Oftentimes the weak don't even deserve to live. That's just how it goes. But that applies - it should apply - to those who can fight back, who can defend themselves or take from others, but don't. They don't because they feel it's 'wrong' or 'immoral'. The world is already wrong and immoral. Them not doing such things won't change anything. But you… People who are weak simply because they just can't do those things… I always feel queasy when dealing with them."

Her eyes softened then, and she ruffled Matcha's hair as she said "Besides, you're just a kid. You shouldn't have to be doing…" She gestured around them, at the camp. "...all of this. Could you let me take care of it from now on? Let me take on your burdens?"

The tears that were once freezing on Matcha's face flowed clearly as she smiled in answer.

Zork, Bork, and Matcha's forces all made their way back to the camp once they saw the big firelight again. No one spoke, not entirely sure who won. But when they all emerged from the trees, each and every one of them had a face of wide-eyed surprise.

There sat Raven, Matcha on her lap, and both were by the bonfire and reading a book. "So you're a Maiden?" Matcha asked with wonder. Raven nodded. "Prokhladnyy!" Matcha cried with delight. When she spotted the others, she shouted "Hey! Buddies! Listen here now. Raven's in charge now, see? We're joining up with her tribe." One Fire Kobold shouted "WOT?! Youze gonna lose like dat?! Ya git!" before rushing at her with a curved sword in one hand and a jagged knife in the other.

He never got close as he was suddenly enveloped in flames and turned to ash.

"Will there be any more problems? I'm being merciful as it is by letting your leader live. Or does someone else have something to say?" Raven threatened, her eyes glaring holes into whoever she looked at. No one spoke, and Raven said "Good." Looking back to Matcha, she gave a small smile and whispered "So, we're meeting at Bandit's Bowl with the other tribes. You just wait there, okay? But if you see any other bandits on the way—"

"I burn whoever doesn't follow us!" Matcha replied with a smile.

Raven chuckled and said "Sure, sure. Just be careful." Matcha nodded and said "Da." The two then readied themselves for bed as the fire began to die down. But Matcha did not shiver once through the whole night.

Merlot entered the inn and headed up to the second floor, taking the last table at the far end. He sighed tiredly, and looked at his watch. "Already a day late. Where is that woman?" he muttered. When a waitress came up, he simply said "Something strong to lift the spirits." then went back to waiting. He was still waiting when the drink arrived, and still waiting when he heard the door below open. He left the table and peered over the railing. An eyebrow raised in interest.

There was Qrow Branwen, sitting alone in the middle of the room.

"Oh? That's interesting…"

Merlot returned to his seat and this time, he saw the portal open up right in front of him. Out stepped Raven, Zork, and Bork, and as Raven took her seat the two Black Orcs stood on either side of her. "I take it you succeeded?" Merlot asked. Raven nodded and replied "Of course. Beating little girls is easy."

"Excuse me?"

"I always thought Matcha was some crazy, fire-obsessed woman. Turns out she's just a cold, scared little girl. Trying to survive… like me…" Raven's gaze became distant, but Merlot soon snapped her out of it by groaning and saying "Seriously? You got a little girl and I'm stuck with a blood-crazed wolf Faunus? Why? Why?! Can't I ever get the easy targets?"

"This was only your first target."

"Exactly!" Merlot threw his hands in the air. "The next one may be a giant of a man with a machine gun! The one after that, some snake Faunus with a long-reaching tail! Or gods forbid, a bandit Giant!"

Zork and Bork couldn't suppress their chuckles at the thought, and even Raven smirked. Merlot only huffed and said "My complaints aside, now that we've brought over those two rogues, what's next? Because I am not going all over Anima to drag along every bandit I come across. I already told Wulf to do that." Raven rolled her eyes and said "Well then I guess you'll be joining him. Not every bandit is going to go along just because we got Wulf and Matcha to. They need to see strength. To see what happens when they refuse my summons."

Merlot grinned and said "Spoken like a true wannabe ruler. I'm proud." His face was a mocking kind, and Raven glared at him. "Whatever. Do you have anything else to report?" At that, Merlot nodded and became serious as he said "Some Greenskin spies of mine have noted Wurrzag being further north, near Argus. He's rousing the Ice Goblins up there, apparently, to attack the place."

"But he was at my camp only a few days ago, and we were in the south near the marshes. He couldn't have made it up there so fast." Raven pondered this, but Merlot replied "He's a Greenskin shaman! I've seen them do just about the most outlandish and impossible things." with a shrug. "Maybe it's a Semblance of his?"

"Speaking of, though… I believe you've just run into some bad luck here."

Raven looked up at Merlot at once and asked "...What do you mean?" Merlot jerked a thumb towards the railing, and Raven peered over it to see Qrow sitting in thought. "Ugh." she grumbled, taking her seat again. Merlot grinned once more and said "Well, I wouldn't want to impose on your little family reunion." He got up and added "I best take my leave. Those savage bandits have a deadline to meet, and I ought to be there to remind them. Farewell!" He then left and headed down the stairs just as a waitress came back up. She paused in terror when she saw Zork and Bork, taking a few steps back, but at a beckon from Raven she headed forwards. "A d-d-drink, Ma'am? S-ss-s-sirs…?" She asked both Raven and the two Black Orcs. Though neither of the Orcs said anything, Raven smirked and said "Yes actually. But not for me…"

Qrow lounged in his chair, one hand on the table, and he wondered. He had no serious cause to follow Ruby. That warrior priest is a powerhouse in his own right, and the drunk had his own jobs that needed to get done. Hell, they were everywhere. But even so, there's nothing to be done in Vale or Vacuo what with all the Greenskins flooding them. Menagerie's a no-go now that those Lizardmen effectively cut it off from the rest of Remnant. And he damn sure isn't sticking around Atlas, no thank you! He sighed and muttered "Never thought the day'd come where I just… sit and think instead of drink. Crazy, that is…" Suddenly, he noticed a man leaving the inn out of the corner of his eye. That eye soon widened along with the other one.

"Doctor Merlot…" Qrow muttered.

At once, Qrow began to get up and head off into the dark, but a hand placed a drink down in front of him. He turned to the waitress and said "Oh, I didn't-"

"From the woman upstairs. Red eyes. Said you wouldn't mind bottom shelf." she said, turning to face the upstairs balcony. Qrow turned and looked as well, having a good feeling who this woman was. "Thanks." he simply said as he turned back to the drink. The waitress still stood there and then said "But… I went ahead and gave you top. Lucky you." before winking and walking off, leaving a smiling Qrow. But he couldn't help but notice how stiffly she walked, and how tense she had appeared. A look of fear in her eyes. He then looked from the upstairs balcony to the darkness outside, smile gone, and said "Yeah… lucky me." before grabbing the drink and heading upstairs. When he reached the top, he looked around for who he was clearly meant to meet.

And there, on the far end at the last table, sat Raven Branwen, his sister. "Hello, Qrow. Ever the alcoholic, I see." she said, staring at the glass in his hand.

Qrow just stood there for a moment before saying "Raven. I didn't think I'd find my deadbeat sister/mother here. Still dragging along that ragtag rabble you call a tribe?" as he walked over and sat down opposite of her. Raven just forced a smile as she pulled back her helmet and said "What? I can't check up on my dear brother after everything he's been through lately? Everything I said would happen?"

"You never knew those Greenskins would be the ones to take Beacon, let alone the whole kingdom. You were so sure that Salem would win, so confident in your own predictions, that you neglected everything else. Just as you neglected your own family." Qrow retorted. Again, Raven held back her anger, yet her smile dimmed, and said "I was never blind to the threat those Greenskins posed, Qrow. I even said that they would cause trouble there at Beacon. I said that keeping around that… 'team GRYN' would give Ozpin nothing but more loss and failure. But you didn't listen. Guess your incessant drinking dulled your senses more than I thought."

Ignoring her barb, Qrow just frowned and said "So… what do you want?"

"A girl can't just catch up with her family? I have quite the surprise for you, you know." Raven calmly replied, holding her hands up in innocence. Qrow took a sip of his drink and said "She can, but you're not. How about we just get on with it, unless you plan on keeping these coming." he then shook his glass expectantly before taking another sip. Qrow was about to say something, but after seeing Raven's waiting stare, he sighed and said "But, just to get this out of the way, what surprise are you talking about?" Raven smiled, snapped her fingers, and out from the shadows behind her appeared two Black Orcs. One had a mace infused with fire Dust hung over his shoulder while the other had this great chainsword at his side. Qrow immediately got up and pulled out his sword, while the Orc with the chainsword pulled his weapon out as well and the other transformed his mace into a flamethrower and was already ready to burn everything to the ground. Raven just rolled her eyes and said "Zork, Bork, it's fine. Put your weapons down. We're talking, and besides, you'll probably hurt yourselves as well as everyone else."

"But dat was the plan!" the Orc with the flamethrower (probably Zork) said. But a stare from Raven made him say "Yes, Boss." and turn his weapon back into a mace and hold it over his shoulder again.

Raven then turned to Qrow and said "You too. We don't want to cause too much of a scene, now would—"

"You got a lot of nerve, hanging around with these guys. They're the reason why the whole kingdom fell in the first place! Yet here you are, having them work for you and call you 'Boss'?! Of the many things you are, Raven… I never thought a full-blown traitor would be one of them." Qrow angrily said, interrupting her. Raven frowned and said "They follow me because they respect strength. I respect theirs, too, so I kept them around. Of course, I'll admit I never truly thought I'd win their final little 'challenge' for me in order to lead, but it was easy enough. Just like their old boss. He was weak, easy-going. He relied too much on his minions to get the job done. Now, he's paid with his life. It's like I always said, Qrow: the strong survive, the weak don't. But that doesn't matter right now. Does he still have it?"

Qrow said nothing as he moved his finger over the rim of his glass until (after doing a full circle three times) said "Did you know Yang nearly died?"

Raven quickly said "That's not—"

"Rhetorical question. I know you know. You were there at Beacon when it fell. I saw you, just as I know Yang saw you, too. It's just obnoxious you'd bring up family, then go on and act like your own daughter, step-daughter, and husband don't exist. Not to mention the fact you'd deliberately attack them. I've seen what Tai looked like when he first saw Yang's condition. He was just as ruined about it as when you left him."

"I saved her! And Tai got over me leaving, so I'm sure he got over… that, too. And that… other girl, she's no step-daughter of mine." Raven angrily replied, fists clenched and on the table. Qrow just held up his finger and said "Once. You saved Yang only once. 'Cause that was your rule, right? Of course, you'd never do that for Ruby. You'd just leave her to die, wouldn't you? And even after the time it took him to heal from your departure, Tai was still reeling from Yang's almost-lost life. Real 'mom-and-wife of the year' material, sis. But who am I kidding? You and I both know Summer was a better mother, not to mention wife, than you ever were."

At this, Raven's facade broke entirely and she reached forward, grabbed Qrow's arm (as Zork and Bork were pulling out their weapons) and (with a lot of anger) said "That woman has nothing to do with any of this. I told you those Greenskins would be the ones to truly bring about Beacon's fall, and they were. I told you Ozpin's plans and schemes for peace would fail, and they have. Now you tell me: Does. Grimgor. Still. Have it?"

"If you mean the Fall Maiden, then yeah, he still has her. If you mean the Relic, then no, I don't think he'll be finding it anytime soon. He doesn't really seem to care about it, anyways. Honestly, I think he just keeps Amber around because of her powers and the fact that one of his generals, Wurrzag, is obsessed with finding all the Relics. I swear, that Orc will burn all of Remnant to the ground to find even one of the Relics. He's got it in his mind that by bringing them together, he'll be able to summon the Greenskins' gods here. Heh, he'll be summoning gods alright…" Qrow said before eyeing Raven suspiciously and saying "But I thought you weren't interested in any of that stuff?"

Raven only said "I just want to know what we are up against. And if what you're saying about Wurrzag is true, then all the more reason to tell me where the Relic is."

"And which 'we' are you referring to?" Qrow replied before Raven let go of his arm with a grunt and sat back, Zork and Bork doing likewise by easing down their weapons (but maintaining their scowls). "Come to think of it, if Wurrzag's warpath for the Relics should be all the more reason for anything, it should be for you to come back. The only way we can beat both Salem and the Greenskins is if we work together. All of us." Raven shook her head and replied "Really? Do you really think we can stand against both Salem and the Greenskins? Yes, they're also fighting each other, but their numbers are endless. Are ours? No, they aren't."

"Well, what about the Greenskins' home world? There are plenty of allies we can grab from there—"

"Allies?" Raven said bitterly. "What "allies" are there to 'grab'? Most of them left once Vale fell. The ones that stayed are either in it mostly for themselves or no clear allies of ours at all. Like those Vampires and Norscans…"

Qrow then said "Well then what about all those bandit tribes milling about Anima? Word is they're startin' to listen to you. Follow you. You can explain things to 'em. Show them the truth of things."

Raven only scowled and said "Who do you think you are, butting in on bandit business? You're not part of the tribe anymore, remember? You're the one who left, so what you say holds no weight. The tribe raised us, and you turned your back on them. All because you were too weak to stomach taking the life of something that wasn't a Grimm." Again, Qrow looked angrily at Raven and said "They were killers and thieves, uncaring for—"

"They were your family! The people who took you in and raised you! And now look at you. Ozpin's drunkard crow that perches on his shoulder and waits for an order to go and do before returning and doing it all over again. You were the one who abandoned us. Your family."

Undaunted, Qrow continued and said "You have a very skewed perception of that word. That, and you clearly seemed to have forgotten who abandoned what family."

Enraged, Raven shot up and glared at Qrow long and hard before saying "I had my reasons for leaving! Tai chose Summer after I left and he's been happy, he has… that Ruby girl. I lead our people now. And as leader I will do everything in my power to ensure our survival. Whether it's aligning with Greenskins or something else altogether." Qrow glared back at her as he said "I saw. The people of Shion saw, too."

"Like I said, Qrow. The weak die, the strong live. That's the rule."

Qrow just nodded his head and said "Well, you've certainly got someone strong on your side. I've seen the damage." At this, Raven turned away and looked at Zork and Bork as she said "Well, we didn't know the Bloody Klawz would beat us there as quickly as they did. Not to mention the Grimm that reached them before us as well." Unconvinced, Qrow replied "I'm not talking about the Greenskins, or the Grimm. And I'm not talking about you, either. Some of the damage couldn't have been made by either of you three." Raven only placed a hand on her helmet and said "If you won't tell me where exactly the Fall Relic is, then we have nothing left to talk about."

Reaching forward and placing a hand on her helmet as well, Qrow sternly replied "I don't know where the Spring Maiden is, either. But if you do, I need you to tell me." Snatching back her helmet with both hands, Raven then said "And why would I do that?"

"Because without her, we're all going to die. Grimgor has Fall. We don't know where Summer or Winter are, though that isn't stopping Salem from looking for them. Spring is the only one left. And one whose whereabouts I think you know of. Why else would you want to know where the Fall Relic is? Oz is smart, but unimaginative sometimes. You're thinkin' that wherever the Fall Relic is, the Spring one's at least in a similar place, right?"

"And which 'we' are you referring to, in all of this?" Raven replied. Qrow said nothing, he only frowned. "Saw Merlot leavin'. Care to tell me what that's about?" he asked. And couldn't contain the smirk when he saw Raven jump a little at that. "That's none of your concern. He's just an asset. An information broker."

"Shoulda called Junior or Spider for that."

"Oh, don't you worry. I will. But Merlot's more important use is his talent for mutations, and his… surprising amount of connections with the bandit tribes."

"Care to elaborate?" Qrow asked with a raised eyebrow. Raven thought about it for a moment, then looked at Qrow with a smirk. "The Greenskins are the rising power in Remnant now, Qrow. They're willing to work with humans - for however long they prove useful, at least - and aren't hell-bent on completely destroying the world. Besides, they already have one Maiden. Merlot and I are just doing what we can to survive. And I don't see anything wrong with extending a helping hand to all the other bandit tribes. Same goes for Spider. I'm sure Grimgor can find a good use for them." Qrow leaned back and nodded slowly. He took a sip from his glass and said "Well… since you've been so telling, I might as well do the same." He then became serious and placed the cup back on the table.

"Vacuo's not doin' so hot. With skeletons, Greenskins, Grimm and general chaos, the kingdom's come close to imploding several times now. But some of those skeletons are… oddly enough, helping our side. Sorta. Had a talk with one of 'em myself. Think his name was, uhhh… Settra? Said he's hunting for some guy named Nagash, but focused more on our green friends than other skellies. Vale's still a Greenskin-infested mess though. No chance in hell of learning what's goin' on in there. Those Goblins are wicked sharpshooters…"

"Is that it? A little kingdom report?" Raven asked. Qrow mockingly replied "Well sorry if it's not to your liking. Just thought I might give you a heads-up in regards to stuff happening outside of Mistral." Raven said nothing. She got up, put on her helmet, and drew her sword to open up a portal. Turning to Zork and Bork, she said "Zork, Bork, lets go. There's nothing more for us here."

"Right behind ya, Boss." Bork replied.

"Aye, we're a-comin'." Zork said as well.

As the three walked through and the portal closed, Qrow heard breaking glass and turned to see the same waitress from before, but with a look of terror on her face as she looked from where the portal was to Qrow (who only looked to his glass and held it up).

"Make this one a double."

Mmmmmokay... Finally. Now, I'm sure you're all wondering why I've been gone even longer than last time (nearly a full year now. Wow!) And I must say it's simply because I didn't have the time. Honestly, the main reason I got this one out was because I had been working on it before I went on my last long break, so parts were already done. Does that mean I'm gonna disappear again? I don't know myself. I hope to get out more chapters soon, but life will live as life does. Anyways, my birthday has come and gone so I figured this would be my gift to all of you! And if anyone's wondering about Wulf and Matcha, they aren't necessarily fairy tale characters, but that's just what I came up with.

Wulf is (unless there's already a character who fills this role) the Big Bad Wolf.

Matcha is the Little Match Girl (or Candle Girl, whichever). Not a fairy tale, in truth, but that's all I could think of (hence why she's Russian. It's a Russian story, btw).

Anyways, did the interactions feel normal? The battles fun and exciting! I really hope I nailed Merlot's personality since I've never touched a RWBY game (therefore everything I know about Merlot is from the wiki). I also really hope Raven and Qrow's chitchat was good. Better than how the show proper did, anyways. I tell you, it's surprising how much is just plain wrong with the show. If you're curious, you can look up a Youtuber by the name The Judgmental Critter (she's how I learned a lot more about how to 'fix' RWBY, or at least parts of it).

...And, if you'll allow me to say so, I do hope she does a review of my Greentide of Remnant series. I'd really like to hear what someone to better-versed in RWBY has to say about the changes I've done to it.

But, now with all that outta the way, I thank you all for reading this latest chapter, and hope you are eager for the next, and all others after. Please be sure to review, follow, favorite, and especially share with others, and I shall see you (hopefully) soon.

"May your Tales be told and never end!" - TaleBearer42Day