Hi everybody! That's right it's time for a new chapter.
Also One's Many Paths has been updated hope you like it!
Suprised I managed this given my new addiction to Sparking Zero.
But luckily I still enjoy writing, so let's do this!
Grimm Escape
At the Vale Correctional Facility there were an assortment for all kinds of criminals.
A couple guards stood at the entrance observing the surroundings.
The camera above recorded everything.
The best technology in the kingdom kept it impenetrable.
That being said this group was capable of breaking into Atlas prisons.
Far away from it on top of a building a Faunus with deer antlers typed on a computer. "I'm in, the alarms are down, the cameras are off, you may proceed."
In the prison Adam was sitting glaring at the wall. He wasn't sure what to do, about getting out. He memorized the guards routine, every camera in every area but nothing seemed viable. If he was going to get out then he cannot do it alone.
Another guard walked by his cell. "Prisoner, you have mail."
Adam turned to see him hand him an envelope as he did he looked into the guard's face.
It was one he recognized but he kept quiet knowing that it would give him away.
After the 'guard' had left he looked at the letter.
'Volunteer for janitor duty.'
He had been given jobs since he came here but it was usually random.
And that 'guard' that gave him the note was really familiar.
He smiled as if he knew what this meant.
The Bull shredded the note before flushing it down the drain.
Just a little longer, and he will be free once again.
XXX
Anima
Kron punched the wall of his cave. The force was so hard that Mount Skypeirce shook.
He got played real hard.
Just like Raven all those years ago.
They lured him away from home so they can steal from him.
Raven's sword Omen his most prized trophy, that itself was unforgivable, and he's going to gut whoever took it.
But the pod that brought him here.
The one he risked his life to take from Saiyan guards that would've slaughtered him if they had paid attention.
He was glad that he was smart enough to memorize the guards routes and how often they fell asleep on their shift. His species always did hate staying on in one place all the time.
"Grr" Kron growled remembering something."If only I had been smart enough to search for my mother's remote! It should've been easy given how drunk she usually was when she was home."
He sighed but remembered one of Raven's lessons, to be calm and list what he knows.
"Ok, they have my pod." He said to himself. "But they can't open it, the pod is level 5 technology, Atlas at most is level 3, so they can't hack it to open."
That should also mean they can't take his fuel, which he will needed for the day he leaves the planet for other challenges. That would be the worse case scenario. He may like life on Remnant, but he does want to one day find other planets to train on and learn of their history.
That would be something, to become a galactic explorer, though it would be dangerous as he would want to avoid the frieza force, if he wanted to stay alive.
They also can't force the pod open. They would need to use a force equivalent to a power level of 900 to do it, something he doubts he can reach if he stays on this planet.
So he's got plenty of time to find it.
Looking at his options the Silver Bullet Brotherhood was said to be based in Solitas. That leaves one continent to search.
Still it's a needle in a fucking haystack!
Like every bunch of criminals they know how to hide. The Branwen Tribe, the Crown and the White Fang. All of them hidden, he only found the Branwen Tribe because of Tyrian. And the White Fang because of..
Kron stopped thinking and realized that the only he can find scum is to work with scum.
"When I find them, I'm ripping their guts out, after splitting Bisque in half with Omen!"
He better be where he thinks he is.
The Saiyan moved out of the entrance of his home and moved a gigantic boulder in the way.
XXX
A Far A away Village
Kron landed and walked around in his civilian outfit, a black jacket, white t-shirt and black pants.
"He said that I'd know where to find him." He remembered. "Come on, where are you." He walked around looking.
They should recognize him knowing he is she'll be here soon.
Just then he felt his shoulder tapped. He turned to see a young woman with pink hair and green eyes.
"That you?" He asked as he turned to her.
The woman didn't say a word only putting a hand on her hip and smirking while tilting her head. As if her way of saying. "Duh"
Perhaps lucky for her that went over his head, given that he hasn't learned how to understand "Neo".
"I need to talk to him."
The disguised Neo then walked while bringing a finger towards her signaling to follow her.
The Saiyan still hated that she wouldn't or perhaps couldn't talk. But he followed knowing who he would be talk to.
A door opened showing someone he did not want to see.
It was a familiar red haired man with his signature bowler hat sitting on a table.
"Hey there kiddo, need something?" Roman asked with a smug expression.
Kron snarled hearing his voice, he felt pathetic going back to him after rejecting his help last time.
Roman chuckled perhaps a bit nervously and tried to tone down his usual responses. "Alright, I take it you rethought my offer?"
The Saiyan didn't want to make deals with anyone like him but he knew he was best chance to get his stolen property.
"Maybe, let's talk."
Roman gestured to the chair in front of him.
The Saiyan sat down as the two began to discuss the Silver Bullets.
XXX
Vale
Blake was ready for a long day after Yang had practically forced her to go out with the guy who had been pining after her since he transferred here.
"Soo" Sun began as he sipped tea. "Wanna tell me what has you so down? I mean other than being with yours truly." He chuckled nervously.
The Cat Faunus chuckled at his jab to himself.
"Ah made ya laugh." Sun said with a smirk. "Good to know I'm getting somewhere."
She had a straight face before asking.
"Wanna tell me why you keep going to me, no offense but looking at you I don't think I'd be your type."
"Meh, cats aren't the only ones that are curious." He took a sip of his tea.
That made Blake almost choke on her tea. She looked at the monkey boy who only shrugged.
"Come on, I'm sharper than I look." He had a toothy grin.
The Cat looked around to make sure that other students she recognized weren't here. Good thing he chose a Faunus owned cafe.
She removed her bow showing her cat ears.
"Knew you looked better without the bow." Sun grinned. "If only you took that off during our dance."
Blake rolled her eyes, she wasn't sure about this guy. He was so giddy, he had practically begged for one dance, only Yang had pushed her into it which was pleasant. But she didn't really accept any dates from him as she felt occupied.
But she hasn't made one Faunus friend since going to Beacon. Maybe Kron but that's a complicated stretch.
She hasn't told anyone her past besides her team.
Opening up to another Faunus might do her some good, and who knows maybe he'll leave her alone explaining everything.
"So you sure you wanna know about me?" She asked.
"Why not it's why we're here." Sun said smiling.
"Ok" She started. "Heard of the White Fang?"
"What Faunus hasn't?"
She thought of what to say before continuing. "I…. have friends that we're apart of it. They went missing, I don't know where they are or what they're doing now."
Sun rose an eyebrow hearing that. "Weren't they doing some nasty Dust robberies? Well sounds like you need new friends, I don't love how humans treat us, but I know that they go too far. You should just leave them be." He took a sip of his tea.
"I was one of them."
Sun coughed trying not to spray tea all over her. He put an arm over his mouth.
"Uh, hehe didn't know that." He smiled. "But was one right? As in the past?"
"Yeah" Blake admitted. "They started going too far, so I left, they were stopped by someone else, now the old leader retook his position and trying to redeem the white fang in the eyes of the public."
She felt sorry for her father having taken all that on.
"Huh, wow knew you were mysterious but didn't expect a past so dark." Sun admitted. "But I mean wouldn't your friends be arrested?"
She would have preferred that over what she heard was happening. The Silver Bullet Brotherhood, if they are real, she couldn't imagine what horrible things they're doing.
"Not all of them." Blake said. "I have no idea where they are, I don't know if they're making another plan or if slavers captured them. All I know is that I rather they'd do their time in prison than suffer."
Sun saw that she was down but he smiled.
"Ok how about I help?"
"What?" She asked. "But why?"
The monkey chuckled. "I mean I know that the White Fang or at least the old White Fang are bad news, but just getting to know you maybe they're not all bad."
That actually made Blake turn away and blush.
"Ahem" She tried to calm herself. "Look Sun, I appreciate it but, I don't want to drag you into my mess."
"Oh come on, I got lots of free time, besides maybe this'll put a good name on Faunus for any ignorant humans." He reasoned.
Blake smiled at him.
"I'll keep that in mind."
She wasn't planning to involve him but it was nice that she had more support from someone else.
Though she will admit he's probably a little too smitten with her.
Maybe it wasn't so bad that Yang forced her into this.
"Soo" Sun smiled. "Wanna maybe grab a bite to eat now?"
Blake was planning on just telling him that she had to go back to her team for their studies. But maybe she can hang around for a bit longer.
"Let's go."
"Really?" Sun coughed. "I mean um cool."
Blake chuckled as she saw he was trying to play it cool. She wasn't sure if she was interested but decided to see how today goes.
The duo walked out, she seemed to be enjoying the day.
During their walk one individual with wings, stood on top of a building looking down at her.
"The traitor is in my sight." He said with a finger on his ear. "Continue as planned, I will monitor."
Soon Adam will be saved and so will the rest of their people.
XXX
Anima
Kron explained to Roman the situation though he hid some details.
"So, they broke in your home took your trophy and.." He tried to remember. "Your ride?"
Kron wasn't specific when he explained the pod but he made sure to explain it in a way that isn't a lie, just withhold information. He rather not explain his origins to this man.
"Yes a pod that can travel over great distances." He said. "It was custom made, I need to know where I can find it."
Again it wasn't a lie, just a truth without all the details.
"Hmm well this is tricky." Roman noted. "So they found your home huh? Even though you're probably the fastest thing alive?"
Kron nodded not sure how that was possible. Even if they were watching him, surely he's too fast to see for normal eyes.
"Well I think I know what happened, mind standing up for me?"
The Saiyan did so.
"Alright Neo search him."
"Huh?" He asked as the petite woman reached for him from behind.
Kron grabbed her wrist without turning back not wanting to be touched.
"Easy now kid, trust me you'll need to let this happen."
The Saiyan was annoyed but let go uncomfortable with being padded down.
Neo was shifting her hands all over him making him uncomfortable, much to Neo's glee, she seemed to stop and showed her hand closed in a fist. She walked by him and opened her hand close to his face.
Kron looked and wasn't sure what he saw.
There were three small dots in the palm of her hand, each less than the size of a pea.
"What are those?"
Neo showed Roman and he nodded.
"Knew it" The thief stated. "These are tracking devices, this was how they figured out where you live, and knew when it was safe to break in."
Kron didn't understand how that made sense. Bisque never put his hands on him, he was far from subtle.
Could whoever blinded and used that strange semblance done it? No, they only touched him once.
"Who could've done that?"
"One of them must've gotten close enough to touch you, and attach these devices on you."
It wasn't Bisque, nor whoever interrupted him.
"The terrible waitress."
He remembered the violet haired woman, she kept touching him while he was trying to eat. Was he stupid enough to let her put those things on him?!
"Looks like you figured it out." Roman said seeing the anger on his face. "These guys are real professionals. Don't beat yourself up over it."
Kron snarled at him.
"Do not patronize me!"
"Whoa now." Roman gave a smile. "All I'm saying is that as strong as you are, everyone's got their talents and can sneak past you or do things you can't since they're beneath you're notice." He tried to make it sound like he was complimenting him. "For example they made a plan to make you leave your home and were able to place trackers on you, they're really good at strategizing which you seem to lack, I mean you kinda just assumed they couldn't do anything to you but they proved you wrong right?"
Kron growled but he was right. These people were smart. They knew he'd be away from home, that he wouldn't care what that woman was doing. All because he was on top of the world.
"So now you need to know how to find your lost property and you need to know how to find them." He gestured to himself and Neo. "That's where we come in."
Kron figured that out on his own, the only way to find scum is to work with scum. "Alright so what are the terms."
Roman grinned happy that things were going his way.
"First I want complete protection from Cinder or any Grimm, huntsmen for myself and Neo."
The Saiyan figured that was the case.
"And?" He asked.
Roman smirked before adding his second demand. "When there's anything I want to take you'll help me get it."
Surely if he's desperate enough he'll agree.
"Nope I refuse."
"Wha?" He asked as he was sure he'd agree.
"I'm not helping you with any petty thievery, steal whatever yourself." Kron demanded. "Besides we both know that you need me more than I need you."
Roman scoffed he keeps forgetting that the monkey's brighter than he seems.
He thought of showing him that picture he took of his favorite cat. But he knew better than to try it now, it is for emergencies only.
"Suppose I was reaching too far with that, alright then the first condition's enough, help keep us alive and free."
Kron didn't like that he had to babysit them but at the end of the day he does need them.
"Fine as long as you help me get my stuff back."
Roman brought up his hand with a smile.
Kron took it with a scowl wondering if he was going to regret keeping this deal.
"Let's make this a profitable business venture." The thief said.
"Keep the profit just get me my stuff."
Roman grinned now he's got the perfect trump card, hopefully Cinder doesn't show up too soon, he'd hate for the deal to end so soon.
Now he'll have to get to work searching for the Silver Bullets, gotta keep his bodyguard happy.
XXX
Vale
Blake and Sun walked through the city on their way to have a meal together.
The boy was giddy that the girl he was into agreed to go with him, this was pretty much a date.
Blake can see the giddiness he had, she shook her head. He's such a dork, but he's not bad to be around.
Maybe this won't be so-
She stopped when she saw something in the corner of her eye.
She saw someone she recognized in the corner of her eye.
Years of training with the White Fang had her keep looking forward.
She said nothing and can see another up above a building not too far from them. Another in an alley behind a trash can.
No doubt she was being followed.
"Sun" Blake stopped. "Sorry something's come up." She said to him.
"Huh? Oh really?" The Monkey was disappointed.
"Sorry, but I have to meet an old friend, maybe next time Sun."
The blonde gave a smile. "Sure I guess, I'll see you around.
Blake then parted ways with him and walked away. She kept quiet acting as though she was unaware of her surroundings.
Are they here to capture her? If so they would attempt it now that she was alone.
So they're monitoring her.
Once she stopped and walked in an alley.
"We're alone, come out." Blake said crossing her arms.
Then three figures came, one from behind the corner, another leaped down from the building with wings, and another stood up hiding beneath discarded newspaper.
"Adam taught you well."
She looked at each of them, they're all Faunus. And clearly White Fang.
"What's going on, did my father send you?" She doubted that.
"We wouldn't take orders from Ghira."
They were Sienna sympathizers.
"Believe it or not I'm happy that you're all safe." She said. "Are there more of you, dozens of brothers and sisters are missing."
Maybe the rumors weren't true.
"Most of us still are." The winged owl Faunus said. "We're attempting to save them, but not without help."
Blake listened to them and realized something.
"You're breaking Adam out?"
"Not just him." The spider Faunus said. "Sienna to, but we don't know where she is, but you would know wouldn't you traitor."
That made Blake sigh. "You do know she tried to use me as a hostage, right?"
"As a means to stop the Scourge." One said holding out a sword. "And that was after you betrayed us. But there's a path for redemption, help us find Sienna, with her and Adam we can find the Silver Bullets and stop them from enslaving our brothers."
Blake glared. "My fathers doing everything he can, please let me call him and-"
"Your father's begging humans to assist like he always did." The spider Fauns interrupted. "If you won't help us find them, then you'll help us show Ghira the error of his ways." She then unleashed a web from her palm towards Blake.
But the Cat Faunus seemed to vanish as soon as the web miss
The other Faunus looked around unsure of where she went.
The white haired spider Faunus fell.
"Trifa!" The winged Faunus yelled.
Blake showed with holding her sword, she had knocked her out with the back of it.
"Take this traitor!" The large wolf Faunus attacked from behind.
But the Belladonna turned and grabbed his wrist, she only budged an inch away.
This surprised the both him and the vulture Faunus.
She then pulled and kicked the side of his head.
The Wolf Faunus fell and hit the wall behind him.
"What the!" The wolf was surprised. "H-how? Blake Belladonna is supposed to be an Agile Aura type! She shouldn't have strength like that!"
Blake looked at her hand feeling her Ki.
"If you tried this a few months ago this probably would've worked." She would've had to escape, though she doubt she would've been able to against three trackers.
But her new power Ki really was something else, her aura on it's own increases her agility, reflexes, less so with speed, and minimal strength.
But Ki really did increase all physical stats, she may now be as strong as strength type Aura users like Yang was before she gained Ki.
The Vulture Faunus pulled out a knife and tried to take her from behind.
The Wolf Faunus ran forward to try to overpower her as well.
Blake stabbed her sword into the ground and jumped back avoiding both. She then swung gambrel shroud. The ribbon wrapped around the two. Their heads collided with enough force to knock them out.
Once the duo was taken care of she turned to the spider Faunus who laid against the wall.
Trifa was stunned, she knew she was Adam's student but she thought she wouldn't be able to overpower three agents.
Blake placed her blade in front of her chin.
"Who else is here?" She asked with a glare clearly not in the mood. "Who else is breaking Adam out?"
Trifa felt she had no choice but tell her what she knew.
Once she did Blake knocked her out and notified the authorities.
She left the alley and ran towards the facility that Adam is being held.
No matter what happens, she's not letting Adam get out!
XXX
Vale Correctional facility
A guard came to open his cell and guided him to the janitors closet.
Once there he saw something on the shelf. He turned to the 'guard' who closed the door.
"Yuma, I'm surprised you managed to stay hidden." He turned to him.
The 'guard' removed his cap showing short brown hair. "We've planned this for a long time, I apologize for the wait, Master Taurus." His back sprouted the bat wings he was known for being a rare trait.
Adam grinned before looking ahead. It was his usual outfit and his beloved Wilt and Blush. The Bull immediately changed into his attire with his blade at his side.
"What is the plan? I trust we're not going to force our way out."
"Step back." He suggested.
Adam did so and he looked on the ground. It started to crack before a drill came out. Once it was pulled Adam can see a White Fang agent with a mask.
"We worked this tunnel for a long time, once we get there we'll be somewhere more secluded."
Adam jumped into the whole with Yuma by his side.
Another agent with a mask stepped forward a petit woman with long braided hair.
"Ilia this was all her?"
"As well as Corsac and Fenec they managed to get a hold of the prison's schematics, one of our hackers have shut down the cameras and alarms." She stated. "Come this leads to an abandoned warehouse, once there we'll make our way into the woods."
Adam grinned and ran with his White Fang agents. He knew it, Ghira wouldn't be able to stamp out the fire in his people, and now he can make up for lost time.
XXX
Meanwhile Somewhere Far Away
In the mountains of Anima there was an unsuspecting cottage with a fire outside.
A petite person wrapped in a hood was drinking some tea.
She sighed, as though she were exhausted.
Looking at the fire, she seemed to be thinking of her troubles and what caused them.
Just then she heard something.
They found her again!
She's been on the run for four months now, she had only been at this cottage for three days!
"Hello there~" A thin man walked forward with a long black hair and a scorpion tail. "We meet again, how have you been?"
The individual took out their weapon looking like familiar circle shaped blades. She aimed them and fired bullets.
Tyrian merely yawned with a hand over his mouth as he walked forward while deflecting the projectiles like they were nothing.
This surprised the stranger, she hadn't seen someone effortlessly take her attacks since…. Him!
She jumped back and slashed her weapons into an X.
Launching an X shaped slash towards Tyrian.
The Scorpion merely jumped over it and continued to walk to his target.
Seeing that fighting was pointless she turned to run.
But not before Tyrian touched her leg with a finger, it glowed purple.
Just then the woman tripped and fell, she tried to move her right leg, but to no avail it was as though it were paralyzed.
Tyrian chuckled as he continued to walk until he was a foot away from her. "Good to see my one of my new abilities in action." He grinned seeing that her leg couldn't move, he wondered if Kron would be able to move.
The stranger turned to aim her ring blade at him.
Only for Tyrian to use his tail to swipe it, he then grabbed her hand, it glowed purple and the stranger's arm fell numb.
She reached for her other weapon with her left.
"Ah, ah, ah." Tyrian wagged a finger. "You know now how pointless resisting is, I'm very different from how you remember me."
The stranger seemed to stop as if she knew there was no point in resisting.
Tyrian reached and pulled her hood off her face.
It showed a young woman with light blue eyes, a scar on her left cheek, short long hair that reached down her face, and an eye patch on her left eye.
"Oh my Vernal." Tyrian noted. "I see these past few months haven't been kind, Raven's bounty on you really had you on the run for all this time eh?"
Vernal looked terrified seeing one of Salem's agents. She was hoping to just drift from place to place avoiding the bounty hunters and try to eek out her mere existence.
"Please, let me go, I… I don't want any trouble, I will tell you anything you want to know but I don't have anything… not anymore." She thought of the tribe she lost, when Raven had found them, and used them as sacrifices for that… that thing!
Instead of killing her she had paid 10 million lien to an underground bounty office for her head. Not prison, only for her death. She considered turning herself in but she can't even do that because the bounty hunters chasing after her can easily infiltrate them.
She can't leave the continent, the only means she can are through smuggling. All she can do is run and hide.
"Poor Vernal" Tyrian said kneeling to her angry face. "You were robbed of so much from the Scourge, and that woman Raven."
Vernal tried to crawl away. "I can't help you with the Scourge I don't know what I can even do."
"With the Scourge? Oh no no no, I don't need you for him, I need you to help me find something." He reached into his back pocket. "In exchange."
He pulled out two black Soul Dust crystals.
"I can help you gain power for your revenge."
Vernal looked confused. "I told you I want nothing to do with Kron, I just…. want to survive."
"Yes, but I think you'd want vengeance on Raven at least do you not?"
The Branwen Tribe's former chief looked at him. "She's dead I know she is."
"Perhaps, but I have a source that says she may not be." Tyrian stated. "For one reason or another, the Scourge refrained from killing her."
"What?" Vernal asked with widened angry eyes. After all she lost, all she went through. Kron, the backstabbing bastard didn't actually kill the traitor! "No, he hated her, she has to be dead. Has to be."
"I only said that she may not, but even she is I know one other person you may want dead." Tyrian grinned. "What about Raven's daughter? Does it not anger that her bloodline lives on?"
Vernal remembered the brat she had told Kron about, to use as bait. Did he even find her? He must have, so why? Why was she still alive? Surely he found her before Raven had found the tribe.
It's her fault! She made Raven soft, if it wasn't for her, her teacher would've kept being the meaning of strength. This daughter of hers was why she lost her tribe, she probably even made Kron soft, keeping him from going through with the kill.
She doesn't even know her name, but she does know this.
She lives in squalor because of her!
She will find her. And she will kill her, even if Kron kills her for it!
Vernal glared at Tyrian. "Why help me? Why not just force me to tell you what you want?"
"My goddess requested that I find new test subjects to her Soul Dust, she has been trying to upgrade them and I need people willing to risk their very lives to gain power." He showed her the Dust crystals. "Surely you would be interested."
Vernal didn't even know what these crystals were or what they would do. But they sound better than the life she lives, always running, hoping to keep her one eye.
All while Raven's brat enjoys her spoiled life. She should be living like this not her!
Kron may kill her, but he will do it, after she ends Raven and her bloodline!
Vernal looked up at Tyrian. "What is this thing you're looking for?"
Tyrian smiled happy to have the info he needed as well as a test subject for his goddess's gift.
"It's not something, it's someone." Tyrian answered.
When he answered Vernal was extremely confused. Looking for the Scourge would've made sense, but this didn't.
But if he wants to find him then she'll tell him though she doubts he will give her what he promised since it will be of no use to him.
XXX
Vale
Adam had gotten out of the tunnel and made it into a building.
Around him were seven other White Fangs wearing the white masks they usually do.
"Master Taurus." One of them walked to him. "We are happy to have you back."
Adam grinned looking around he then saw a familiar brute.
"Bruno" He said the biggest one. "They got you out to."
"Yes, and good to see you back." The brute shook his hand.
Both turned to see Ilia and the others come from the tunnel.
"What happens now Ilia?" Adam asked.
"I have a planned route, they'll find the tunnel soon we need to-"
Just then a man fell to the ground.
They turned to their fallen comrade. Just then several more fallen.
"Who's here?!" Adam yelled bring out his sword along with Ilia and Bruno. "Were you followed?"
"No" Ilia stated before pressing a finger on her ear. "But I think I know who found us, come out we know it's you."
From one of the the boxes in the warehouse, Blake walked out.
They were silent as they eyed each other unable to take their eyes off the other. Adam in anger over his once apprentice now traitor. For Blake it was sadness over the fact that it's come to this after years of training together.
The Cat stepped forward eyeing the the Bull as well as the others beside him.
"Blake" Adam had a hand on his sword. "I take it you no hand in my freedom."
Blake did feel a tinge of guilt hearing that but she knew that it was misplaced.
She looked at him and shook her head. "Freedom isn't what you need. Not right now." She reached for Gambol Shroud ready to defend herself.
The two glared at one another before Blake shifted her attention to another with long hair. "Ilia, what do you think you're doing?"
"Helping my people." Ilia stated holding out her sword. "Something you should be doing."
"This isn't helping."
Ilia growled. "How did you know we'd be here?"
"I looked into all the safe houses the White Fang had." Blake said simply. "Two years ago we had to free a child Bear Faunus being framed for murder the same way, all I had to do was find the closest hideout to Adam's prison."
She looked up as if reminiscing about the Bear Faunus they saved. "We kept him safe, and found evidence of the real murderer that framed him, we saved him from a life in prison." A sad look showed on her face. "Remember when we used to do that Adam? Instead of recently?"
Adam practically snarled at that.
"We do save Faunus, you just didn't have the stomach to do what needs to be done!"
Blake can see that all that time in prison didn't do him any good.
"Adam, you used to save lives, now, you end them, who knows what would've happened if you helped Torchwick." She pointed out. "But you can go back to that just please let me take you back to prison and I'll talk to-"
"Silence!" Bruno pulled out his staff with chainsaws at each end. "The traitorous cat cannot make demands, you will pay for allowing the White Fang to fall to shambles."
Blake was afraid of that, she looked at the others and Adam. She was afraid, she still remembered the way Adam killed in cold blood.
"Let me handle this." Adam rose a hand.
"Adam" Ilia began. "We need to hurry."
"And I will." Adam walked forward with his hand on his katana.
Blake shook with every step he took, she had seen Adam at his worst. It is so much worse seeing him it directed at her.
No. She's different now. She can fight back.
"I'll offer you one last chance Blake." Adam countered with his hand on the hilt of his blade. "Come with us, help us save our people from the Silver Bullets."
Blake wanted to save them, but she remembered how she felt tolerating his actions.
"Letting you go will only make things worse."
Both stood across from each other.
Blake looked at Adam knowing and glanced at his supporters. They're not just going to stand around. She'll have to be mindful of them and of him.
Adam ran forward determined to force his way to freedom.
Blake was weaved back as Adam tried to slash at her.
The Bull then threw a kick trying to throw her off.
The Cat Faunus then sidestepped and swung her blade down his shoulder.
Adam's eyes widened and stepped back.
Blake then took brought her sheath and swiped it across his head.
And to both their surprise her strike landed.
This hit forced Adam to stumble back. His eyes still wide.
In every sparring match they had, Blake was never able to land the first hit. Adam was always able to defend against her and struck first.
Blake herself couldn't believe it, she had already knew how strong she was with Ki but she didn't think it could compete with Adam of all people.
The Bull growled, that must've been luck it had to be. Or maybe he's rusty, he hadn't held his blade in four months.
Adam rushed with his sword out.
Blake stayed one place and she can clearly see Adam. Back then, he used to move like blur, never able to see where he is.
But now?
Adam swiped with his blade down where Blake's shoulder was.
But the cat was able to move out of the way.
Again both were surprised.
Blake then tried to push the back of her blade behind his neck.
But Adam managed to duck underneath it and tried to back kick into her gut.
The agile cat then got down below the kick before swept kicking Adam's only standing leg.
This put the bull on his back
And Blake immediately put her sword towards his chest.
Adam was silent, his mouth was agape, he was at a loss for words.
Blake didn't think this would be the outcome either. Never had she managed this, Adam was now on the ground.
*Bang!*
Multiple bullets were fired from the grunts.
Blake lifted her sheath blocking the bullets.
Bruno ran forward with his chainsaw staff and tried to swing it at her side.
Blake lifted her blade she aimed at Adam to block it.
Adam reached for his sword.
But the cat kicked the sword before he could get it.
Ilia ran forward to try to pierce Blake's shoulder.
The Cat Faunus jumped back and aimed her hand forward, she moved it in a circular motion, unleashing a purple wave of energy.
It ensnared Ilia, trapping her arms, unable to break free.
This was a technique Blake created to keep her opponents in one place like she did with her Gambol Shroud, she got the idea based on Weiss's gravity Glyphs.
Ilia fell to her knees unable to move and Bruno was still recovering.
But Yuma the Bat Faunus took advantage of Blake in the air and grabbed her with his wings.
She couldn't move, she just stayed in his grip all limp.
At least it looked like it.
Blake immediately glowed purple.
Adam knew what this was, it was a clone created by her Semblance, but he couldn't think of what Dust she used.
The clone exploded in purple light.
The explosion pushed back , Adam, Ilia, Yuma and Bruno were pushed back.
All hit the walls of the warehouse.
Adam was conscious but his Aura was shown as lightning around him, it was damaged from that one explosion.
He seemed distraught.
That explosion wasn't from Dust, no fire, ice or lightning. It was just energy.
He remembered his fight against Kron as a child, and against Yang who he declared he was training.
As if sending something, Adam rolled to the side.
Blake dropped from one of the warehouse support beams. She glared, she was hoping to knock him out, she should've known it wasn't going to be that easy.
She turned to him who unfortunately found his sword.
Adam aimed his blade at her with great caution.
"That explosion." Adam stepped back. "I know what that was."
Blake kept her stare thinking on her new trick.
Ruby called it her "Explosive Shadow", a mix of her semblance Shadow with Ki. She can now create a clone not just with Dust, but with her Ki, creating a clone that explodes in pure energy on contact.
Convenient if she wants to save on Dust but exhausting to do.
"Give up now." Blake said hoping that proved her point. "I learned Kron's power too, you can't win."
Adam growled. "Don't forget your friend couldn't beat me, and I damn well know you can't either!"
Blake sighed as she raced towards him at a speed Adam could barely see.
The Bull Faunus rose his blade blocking the blade to absorb the impact.
But Blake knew that and pulled her sword before trying to kick at his side.
Adam rose his sheath to block the kick, he struggled feeling more force than normal.
He then kicked her waist.
Blake staggered back.
Adam then slashed up her body, forcing her further back, he then aimed his shotgun at her waist and fired.
Blake hit the wall behind her.
Luckily her Aura and Ki protected her body and clothing. If it was just her Aura that would've been able to drain her Aura.
Adam then tried to slash her again.
Blake pushed herself out of the way and wrapped her ribbon around his arm.
She pulled the ribbon forcing Adam to fall on his back.
He landed on the ground again.
But the Bull lifted his shotgun and pulled the trigger.
The Cat moved her head back.
Adam then jumped back to his feet and tried to slice down his sword.
Blake rose her sword blocking the impact.
Adam grinned happy to have her on the defensive.
"Sorry Adam."
He turned his head.
Blake was standing with her back turned to him.
Adam tried to run towards her knowing the one from behind was the clone.
But to his shock 'Blake' from behind grabbed him by his arms.
Adam was shocked, her clones couldn't move before, did she get better at controlling them?!
The clone glowed purple still holding him.
Boom!
It unleashed a purple explosion that surrounded Adam.
"Ahh!" Adam screamed as he was sent flying.
This time the impact was so strong that he went through the wall.
Blake panted heavily. This technique, her Explosive Shadow costs a great deal of Ki. If she uses one more she'll be a sitting duck.
Hopefully that was enough.
The Cat Faunus walked to the hole.
Suddenly she saw movement.
Adam was getting up again, his coat was covered in holes showing bruises.
"You did all this in four months?" He asked. "Is this why you left?! Was his power worth throwing us away?!"
Blake shook her head. "I left because the White Fang lost their way, Kron had nothing to do with it. I would've left anyway!"
Adam growled as he stood up.
"Is that so, then you'll make it up to us!"
Behind Blake a winged Faunus stood behind her and tried to bring his wings together behind her head.
She jumped underneath but then she was struck with an electric shock beside her that forced her back. She grabbed her side looking to see Ilia had gotten up as well.
Blake looked surprised that they all had gotten up.
To make it worse Bruno had gotten up to.
She had hoped they were knocked out.
"I was going to knock you out and leave you at a hospital." Adam admitted as he stepped in from the hole. "But this power we'll need it to retake the White Fang."
Blake was fatigued, she was sure that she can now fight Adam, even beat him, but with help as she is now? She doesn't know.
"Take her alive!" Adam ordered.
The Cat Faunus stepped back trying to figure out her next move.
Bruno stepped forward.
"Coming through!"
All turned to their right to where it was coming from.
As Bruno turned a pair of red shoes hit his face.
The kick was strong enough to force him on the ground, brown light shattered indicating his Aura had ran out.
Blake was surprised at the newcomer not expecting him. "Sun?"
The yellow tailed boy turned to the Cat. "Hey, uh sorry for coming along, but I saw you were jumping across the buildings and thought something was up." He panted. "Man you're fast, took me forever to catch up."
He turned to see the other two Ilia and Yuma.
"Glad I did, they look like bad news."
"Out of our way!" Ilia yelled swinging her whip with electricity.
"Whoa!" Sun backflipped and pulled out a golden staff. He aimed one end at him and thrusted it.
It hit her gut forcing her to fall on her back.
"Tch" Adam growled wanting to step in.
"No!" Ilia yelled while she was on the ground. "Adam they know you're out of prison by now! You need to leave now! Go and save our people!"
Adam seemed to struggle with that idea, him running? He looked to Blake who was definitely tired, but they can't capture her, not with him here.
He turned and ran.
"No!" Blake yelled seeing him escape.
"You're not going near him!" Yuma dashed towards her.
But Sun got in front of him with his staff out.
"Blake go after him, I got them." He smiled staring at the Bat Faunus.
"Sun no, I can't just leave you!" She yelled.
"I'm fine, besides I think they're worn out, look at the big guy he's still out cold."
Blake looked at Adam's second in command and to her surprise he was right. He was out cold, he did take her first Explosive Shadow, did it do that much.
"You're way tougher than you luck." Sun chuckled. "Oh not to say you look weak um, oh just go! I got them!"
He blocked a wing with his staff and kicked at his waist.
He was right she can tell that they're winded, without Adam their manageable.
"Sun"
The monkey knocked down Yuma and glanced behind him.
"Thanks" Blake said with a beautiful smile.
Sun blushed and chuckled before turning back to his opponents.
Blake ran through the hole."Run if there too much! I'll come back for you!"
Sun chuckled. "Fighting terrorists on the first date wonder if things are going too fast."
Yuma and Ilia got up clearly still beaten down from Blake.
Sun split his staff into nunchucks and ran forward hoping that he wasn't reaching with their exhaustion.
XXX
Adam ran as fast as he could, his hand the hilt of his sword.
What happened in these four months? Is Kron's power really all there is to Blake's growth?
He turned into an alley, he can hear a feint noise from the top of the building.
"Tch" Adam jumped the side as Blake's ribbon almost ensnared him.
He stood guard and looked up.
Blake jumped down and stood in front of the Bull.
"Get out of my way Blake." He warned as he gripped his hilt.
She stepped towards him ready to fight again.
Adam panted clearly exhausted, those two clones the impact their explosions had took their toll. His Aura was low, if this continues he might…. Might lose to her?
That felt so strange to him, she never posed a threat to him. No not strange.
Wrong.
Blake kept her eyes on Adam, she wondered why he hasn't attacked it. Was he done for? Or was he leading her to think that? It wouldn't be the first time she was decieved.
She looked at his sword ready to dodge for when he swung.
Adam realized his only chance was to use his Semblance, his blade had to have absorbed some of her explosion's power. But he didn't want to, he still remembered the scared little girl who he protected. But thinking about how she 'repaid' him made him think twice about it.
Though with hesitant he started to pull the sword.
But then he stopped.
"Ugh no this is." Around him was a black circle, he couldn't move.
Blake recognized what that was.
"So this is where you were."
She turned to see Weiss walking to her side.
"Weiss how did you.."
"People were hearing explosions here and you weren't responding to your scroll." She said. "We thought you ran into trouble." She turned to Adam. "We were right."
Adam heard that. 'We' does that mean that she'll be here? He remembers the blonde, the one that almost beat him, if Blake had gotten this strong then… how strong has she gotten?! Was she on her way here?!
Weiss looked at the Bull. "I know you hate me, but you realize you're outmatched, stand down I don't want to hurt you."
Adam snarled at the Schnee before staring at Blake.
"You even fight with a Schnee!" He gripped his sword and with just enough force he pulled his sword out. "You will pay Blake!" He slashed his sword with the energy he collected.
But it wasn't at Blake or even Weiss.
It was the building behind them.
They turned to see that a club had caught fire from Adam's Moonslice and people were struggling to get out.
Adam used this chance to run knowing that if the blonde arrives he won't escape!
Blake turned to him but Weiss grabbed her shoulder.
"They need us!" The heiress yelled to her.
The Cat stared at where Adam was before cursing and turning to help the civilians.
Both ran to the building to escort as many people out, this one slash was causing the building to crumble.
"Help!" A young man was trapped beneath a large chunk of rubble.
With her Ki enhanced strength Blake pulled and Weiss helped the man up to safety.
Once they got as many people as possible out.
Large chunks of rubble were starting to fall over the people they just saved.
Weiss was about to use a Glyph to stop it.
But just then it exploded in yellow.
All turned to the source.
Yang had arrived with her hand out showing she fired Ki at it.
Which was being recorded by a couple people recording with their scrolls.
But Team RWBY didn't concern themselves with that.
Ruby landed beside her looking at the mess.
Blake was surprised how quick her teammates got here given that the explosions happened only minutes ago.
"Took you long enough." Weiss said smiling.
Before they could talk more one of the civilians yelled.
"Help people are trapped up the stairs!"
The three looked above the building to see it was on fire.
"Leave that part to me!" Ruby became a red blur arrived and flew into the upstairs building with speed to fast to track down in front of the building.
"Come on, there's more to save!" Weiss yelled using glyphs to protect anyone from debris.
While Weiss protected the bystanders, the other girls flew up in the air breaking into the windows of the collapsing buildings.
Yang used her strength to carry people away from the falling club, she actually had to lift her hand up and blew up the top of the building as it was starting to come down.
Blake made sure that there no more civilians in the lower floors.
All while Ruby used flight combined with her Semblance to save the people upstairs.
They had to fly and take the civilians out of the club, clearly showing powers that were meant to be kept secret.
They were all using Ki front of witnesses. Some bystanders were using their scrolls.
XXX
Outside of Vale
Adam panted as he finally made it at a forest outside of Vale.
He got on his knees as his Aura finally shattered.
Adam's mask finally fell off cracking in two.
The Bull looked down at his broken mask.
Then it started to rain.
Creating a puddle showing Adam's face between the halves of the mask.
The SDC mark on his left eye, showing what he hid.
The weakling he wanted to hide.
Adam glared at his reflecting before smashing his fists on his broken mask, shattering them even more.
He ran.
He ran away from that human! He thought of the blonde that almost destroyed him.
No worse.
He ran from Blake.
Blake!
The one who ran from him! She was too fast, too strong. If the fight had gone on, would he have lost?
No, he just wasn't ready. He didn't see those exploding clones coming. But if he did, would he have won?
He can't answer that.
Blake the frightened child he took under his wing is making him question his strength.
She fought him and was ready to do that with a Schnee!
All this because of one man.
Kron! Blake poses a threat to him because of him! He taught her Ki! He gave her power that should have been his!
He lost the Fang, lost Blake, lost his freedom, was used as a training dummy, and lost to Blake because of him!
He needs to get stronger.
He remembered one thing that will put him at his rightful place.
Soul Dust.
What was promised to him before all this.
No doubt if he tried to save his comrades from the Silver Bullets the Scourge would get in his way.
He needs to find Cinder and take what was promised to him.
"Just you wait Blake!" He stood up. "Next time I will make you understand the mistake of your betrayal."
He then imagined the smug looking Kron. The one that captured him and used him as a training dummy for that damn human!
"And you! I'm going to kill you no matter what it takes Kron! You will pay!"
Adam declared that before running in search of his way to Soul Dust.
XXX
Beacon
Ozpin awokehegot up with struggle.
"Careful" By his side Glynda offered him coffee. "Here"
He took a sip as he sat up, he smiled.
"Your theory seemed to have passed." Glynda stated. "But are you sure it's usable, given your condition?"
Ozpin looked at his body, he was covered in so many cuts and bruises. Yet he was grinning.
"I'm actually in better shape than the last time I attempted it."
He had passed through the hurdle he thought was impossible.
XXX
Hours Ago
Ozpin was in the Void Vault his cane clashing with Ozma's staff.
The headmaster was being pushed back.
He pulled back and fired green Ki.
Ozma tapped his staff in the ground forming a wall of green magic, the Ki exploded.
He then rose a hand placed it down.
Ozpin moved to the side evading lightning that struck from the air.
Just then the environment began to shift.
Showing a familiar tower, and two even more familiar people.
"What do we do now?" Another Ozma asked.
A beautiful blonde woman took his hand. "Whatever we like."
Ozpin kept his focus knowing the Vault was testing his resolve.
The Ozma he was fighting than flew and rose his scepter.
Ozpin felt a force lift him upward.
His Prime self pierced his back with the end of his scepter.
The headmaster was sent to the ground. He tried to push himself up.
But Ozma landed and kicked into his abdomen.
Ozpin skidded a few feet away, his Aura and even Ki were already fading.
The scene around them shifted.
"Mommy?" A little girl asked hiding behind Ozma.
Ozpin remembered this was when he got his daughters killed trying to get them away from Salem.
The corrupted Salem fired magic as did his other self did.
But Ozpin kept his eyes on his real opponent.
Ozma stood tall clearly ahead in this battle. Not one scratch.
It was now or never.
Ozpin closed his eyes and focused.
Ozma flew over to the headmaster intending on killing his counterpart.
But the headmaster kept his eyes closed. He focused both his energies.
Before he and everyone else with Ki had stacked their Ki on top of their Aura. But after four months he discovered he can do even better.
Ki the energy of his body.
Aura the energy of his soul.
He pooled them together, not stacking but mixing. Merging them into one new form of energy.
Ozma arrived in front and threw a fist enhanced with magic.
But Ozpin tilted his head and palm struck into Ozma's chest.
That made his prime self stumble back.
He then brought up Long Memory and thrusted his cane across his chest.
It sent Ozma back and even more impressive, blood leaked out of his mouth. Something he couldn't accomplish before.
Ozpin looked into his palm. He can feel it, his Aura and Ki were no longer stacked, they were amplified each other before becoming one, synchronized.
Ozma rose a hand unleashing green strands of magic towards the headmaster.
And Ozpin ran forward using Long Memory to thwart the magic restraints while using one hand filling it with green energy.
His prime self then charged forward with his own magic in his palm.
The two met in the middle of the Void Vault.
Ozma swung as forward ready to unleash his old magic.
Ozpin unleashed his green Ki and Aura blended attack.
Their attacks collided creating a huge light that brightened the
It was a risk but it was he test he needed to confirm. If he falls here then he left instructions on what to do next before his next life begins.
Ozpin's sychronized energy overtook Ozma's energy.
Ozpin's prime self exploded in a green light.
When it faded only the headmaster.
He won? He did.
Then Ozpin fell as the door to the Void Vault opened.
XXX
Present
Ozpin looked into his palm.
"Before we're only using Ki on top of Aura." That made any Ki user stronger than most huntsmen. "What I did is mix the two, they amplified each other and then it created a new form of energy, a perfect blend of the energies of the body and the soul."
Glynda listened and couldn't believe it. "Ozpin this is incredible, I wasn't sure if you could have defeated your prime self, but looking at you I don't know if it will be practical."
Ozpin nodded. "Yes, mixing the two energies may amplify them, but it dies out the body at risk. I need to find out if theirs a way I can minimize the risk this could be the trump card we needed."
He chuckled. "I think… we can surpass Salem with this, all of us."
Glynda never thought she would hear that, at first she thought it was an exaggeration. But Ozpin defeated Ozma, the only one who ever rivaled Salem.
This had to be true.
Ozpin wondered how to pursue this, hopefully it won't take lifetimes since Salem has her own way of increasing her subordinates power.
She did wonder though, did Salem have a way to increase her own power as well?
Just then Glynda looked at her scroll.
"Ozpin we have a problem."
She pressed a remote to the tv in his office.
It showed video of a collapsing building and of Team RWBY saving the people inside.
Using Ki abilities.
"This could be a problem." Ozpin sighed, now Salem will no doubt learn of this.
XXX
Anima
Kron had an annoyed expression as he was walking with Torchwick and Neo.
He had been following them for awhile to some remote village in the middle of nowhere.
"Here we are." Roman gestured to a building.
Kron looked up to see what looked up to see a bar.
"We walked all the here for this?" The Saiyan groaned. "This better not waste my time."
The thief rolled his eyes without looking at the "Monkey Faunus" of course.
"After all that time in the underground arenas, haven't you learned not to judge a book by its cover?" Roman asked. "Trust me this is where we'll get the best entail just follow my lead."
Kron didn't like that response but he had to admit that he had a point. Dead End Arena was beneath a cafe after all. Whatever happened to Garnet anyway?
Once inside they were surrounded by miscreant looking people all with spider tattoos showing on their body.
At the far end of the bar was a heavy set woman in a purple dress.
"Roman never thought you'd have the stones to meet me here." The woman responded.
"Thought maybe it was time to bury the hatchet Lil Miss." Roman said. "Let's forgive any debt I may or may not have and you can do something for me, after that we're all square."
Lil Miss chuckled at the audacity and snapped her fingers.
All the patrons at the bar aimed their weapons at him and Neo.
"Gonna enjoy skinning you alive Roman." She said smiling. "Take them to the back."
Roman chuckled. "Your gonna have to do something with about our new friend."
Lil Miss scoffed at this. "Who'd be dumb enough to work with a snake like you?"
"That's your cue."
The bar doors opened again, Kron wearing his usual outfit and masked.
Once he entered he was recognized as all the Spiders put their weapons down.
Lil Miss had a different reaction. "Come on fools why would a monster like that work for him, he's tricking ya, maybe with the girls Semblance shoot em!"
The Spiders though hesitated fired bullets.
Kron just vanished and appeared in front of Lil Miss's desk.
The guards around surrounding Roman and Neo fell to the ground.
Lil Miss started sweating and stepped back.
Kron lifted his hand. "Return these to your men." He dropped the bullets her men fired at her.
"I'll pay you double what he's paying to ring their necks!" Lil Miss offered.
The Scourge crossed his arms and only demanded. "No deal."
Lil Miss turned to Roman who had a sly smile.
"Now that that's done, I think we can go back to my offer."
She sighed seeing that she had no choice she only said.
"What do ya want."
Roman smirked and explained what they were looking for. Info on the Silver Bullet Brotherhood and Kron's belongings.
"That's a tall order, the Silver Bullets kill anyone looking for em."
"If you don't my partner here" He gestured to Kron. "Might do it instead."
The older woman knew when she had to fold. "Give me some time a week or two."
"Not quick enough." Kron said. "I need to know now!"
"It don't work like that." She retorted. "What you're asking for ain't normal, just give me the time I need and I'll have something."
The Scourge wanted to demand it to be quicker. But he knew better, it made sense given how secretive the Silver Bullets are.
"Not a day after." He said as he started to walk out.
Roman smiled smugly at the Spiders. "Great catching up Lil Miss! See you in a bit."
Lil Miss glared as they left, once they were out she grabbed her scroll and made a call.
"He came like you said." Lil Miss told someone. "I'll tell em what you want them to know on the day ya wanted like ya paid for."
Someone else came to her before they did to tell them what they wanted.
And then Roman will be made an example of.
XXX
Kron stood outside with Roman and Neo.
"Oh man, I could get used to this." Roman smirked as he looked at Kron. "See? I am an asset for you as you are to me."
"Tch she wouldn't agree to help without me."
"And you wouldn't have found her without me." Roman pointed out. "If you knew about the Spiders you probably would have found Raven quicker."
The Saiyan realized that he had a point. He didn't even know Lil Miss even existed.
"So maybe we can make this a permanent arrangement?" Roman offered. "Your brawn, Neo's talents and my brains and will do whatever we want together. Tempting huh?"
Kron rolled his eyes behind his mask. "This is temporary Roman, once Cinder is dead we're done."
Roman chuckled. "Whatever you say, I have a feeling this is the start of a beautiful friendship."
Kron sighed, this was going to be a loooong job.
Oh well maybe when this is over a Nevermore will swoop in and eat him. That'd be funny.
XXX
Somewhere Else
In a room made of steel, Amaranth stood in front of the strange pod that was found in his hideout.
A hologram showed from the screen.
"Oh Amaranth, I wasn't expecting this, I look forward to studying it." Rockshow said with a smile.
"I was not either, I only ordered my men searched for bait." Amaranth admitted, he didn't expect whatever this thing was. It looked like an escape pod, but it was completely different. Just touching it he can tell it's made from alloys he was not aware of.
"I will take the pod to my base, for study." Rickshaw smiled. "You and your men head to the Research Facility, and remember failure is not an option."
Amaranth nodded as the hologram vanished.
Silk walked into the steel room.
"Something to report?"
"The tracking devices, their no longer working." She alerted him.
"I see" Amaranth responded. "No worries, he will find us at the location at the right time, just as planned."
Silk looked confused.
"Sorry, but how is that? The point of the trackers was so we'd know where he is at all times, how can be sure."
"His informant will let him know, Lil Miss gave me a call that she will tell him where to go."
"Lil Miss?" Silk asked. "I see that's where you went before we left." She smiled. "But how did you know that he would go there?"
"From what I've seen, he isn't clever enough to think of trackers on his body." Amaranth criticized. "The only explanation he would figure that out is if he had help, like Roman Torchwick."
"Torchwick? That their from Vale? Why would someone as powerful as the Scourge of Anima work with him? How would you know he did?"
The Scourge was said to be a longer and if he had a connection to Roman, the thief would be untouchable and he wouldn't be afraid to flaunt it.
"In Vale the White Fang had fallen, their hideouts were systematically wiped out, forcing many to return to Menagerie." Amaranth explained. "Also the Scourge was said to have been spotted in Vale in the Dead End Arena where it was rumored he fought Raven Branwen."
He was meticulous with his research when he was told his mission to capture the Scourge.
"He couldn't have done that on his own, he must've had help from someone on the inside." After all it was already shown that he is no master tracker. "The White Fang were committing Dust robberies, at the same time Roman was involved in a few as well, they had to have been working together."
Silk was taking all this in and from what he's saying it makes sense.
"What would you have done if he didn't go to Lil Miss?"
"I was simply going to ask Rockshow to point in her direction by putting Slave Hunters to 'capture' him. By that he means, try to capture him only to fail and expose Lil Miss would know.
"Ok, and why not have her point in our direction right away? I assume it's not to waste time."
"Rockshaw says he has some sort of secret weapon within the research facility we're borrowing, he had said the longer we wait, the more likely it will be ready." Though the doctor was vague about it and even he couldn't deduce what it was, but he has his guesses. "And besides, if she told him too quick even the target would know we were baiting him, it's best he believes he's taking us by surprise, that gives us the advantage."
Silk couldn't help but smile as she held on to his arm.
"Tall, strong, and intelligent." She looked into his eyes that were void of emotion. "It makes me wonder how you were not chosen as General of Atlas, it must've felt so unfair that metal arm took the position."
Amaranth didn't seem angry at that comment.
"No, when James took the position I actually thought he would be the right man for the job, at the time."
He remembered when his comrade was selected, he had no sense of envy at all, it was the logical choice.
"At the time how about now?"
Amaranth thought of that, James was an excellent leader, but he lacked the logic necessary to lead Atlas properly. He lead many battles to victory, but he did not ensure the strength of the army, he was too lax with his troops. And most importantly too giving to the other kingdoms.
It lead to him making choices that not only would've benefited Atlas, but all of humanity in secret only to be discovered and incarcirated.
He didn't regret what he did, only that he was caught, if he had fully realized the plan he would've brought Atlas to the pinnacle of civilizations.
"James has proven that he needs to be replaced."
If his plan works, and he will admit. It is a big IF seeing the Scourge's strength. Which is why he has made more than one and is even working on more as he waits.
XXX
Dr. Merlot's Island
A Bullhead arrived on the island.
The person who got out was a man with white hair and a red eye.
Once he entered his laboratory he was surprised before bowing politely.
"Your grace, it is an honor to see you."
In front of him was no Seer, but a pale woman in her black robes with her arms behind her back.
"Hello Doctor, I hope my visit isn't intrusive." Salem greeted with a smile.
"Of course not my lady." Dr. Merlot said looking up at her. "May I ask why have you come to my island?"
"First" Salem began. "How was Solitas? Is Arthur almost done with his project?"
"Yes" Dr. Merlot responded. "Dr. Watt's Canvas Android is fully operational, it won't be long before he assaults Atlas for the asset you wanted."
"I am pleased, excellent work." The Grimm woman smiled before gesturing him to stand.
Once the doctor did Salem kept her smile as she walked with him to his laboratory.
"To answer your question I came to see the progress, of Team MUNE." She stopped when she saw the four chambers of Dr. Merlot's newest warriors.
The doctor seemed to sweat as she asked. "Forgive me my lady, they will need another month before they are ready."
Salem kept her smile as though she were not disappointing, she walked towards the four pods containing their newest warriors.
"I've been conducting research on improving my Soul Dust, as well as utilizing what the brother gods gave me to my advantage." She held up one hand showing not a dark orb of magic, but bright yellow. As bright as the god of light who the curse originates from.
Salem smiled, she had tamed a so called god's magic for her own.
"Correct me if I'm wrong doctor, but the reason the process is so long is that the organic Dust within the corpses take time to properly merge with the Grimm?"
"You are correct." Dr. Merlot responded hoping not to have angered her.
"Relax Doctor, it was a mere observation, I think I can speed along the process." She held up her hand with gold energy and tossed it at the four of them.
The scientist was worried that his creations would be destroyed as they glowed.
But Salem only smiled, her new magic was enforcing the Dust within these corpses to accept the Grimm material. Properly fusing and becoming one.
Dr. Merlot looked at the screen of his computer.
"My lady, they… they are ready." He looked to Salem with amazement. "How?"
Salem smiled at him. "I'm thinking the gods have truly given me a gift, rather than a curse." Now not even she knows all she is capable of with her magic. With these new abilities, she will have that army of hybrids ready sooner than the doctor promised.
"Go on, doctor, they will need you to give orders."
The scientist nodded is head and turned to the four containers, it was finally time.
He pressed a button.
The four glass windows sunk into metal releasing the four creations he prepared.
Once that was done his new hybrids started to move.
Each one humanoid but with a different Grimm mask.
The first was a white mask with large black ears, oddly resembling a rabbit. It also had a horn pointing out of it's head. The body looked like an average human, with more muscularity than Eclipse when he was first created.
His skull and eyes glowed grey.
"Your name is Metzli." Dr. Merlot said to it as if he was assigning it a name.
The Grimm hybrid let out a grunt like it accepted it.
The second one had a horned mask, looking like a Nuklavee, his eyes glowed a teal blue.
Dr. Merlot looked at the second hybrid. "Your name is Uvall."
It also grunted, meaning it accepted the name as well.
The third one's skull was more bird like with sharp horns over it's eyes, making it's face look like an owl. It had talons at it's feet and claws.
It's eyes glowed black.
"Your name is Nox." Dr. Merlot told it.
And like the rest it nodded as well.
The forth one finally moved and walked beside the other three.
Its skull had a mouth that was forward, reptilian like with fings, and horns behind the top of the skull pointed up. It had a more bone armor than the others and two large wings like Eclipse has, only instead of Nevermore wings they looked more like they'd belong on a dragon.
It glowed a shining yellow eyes.
"And finally, you are Ekhi." Dr. Merlot said to the last member of his created team.
It growled indicating that it accepted the name just like the others.
Dr. Merlot walked in front of the newest hybrids and continued.
"Together you are Team MUNE, royal guard to your king." He explained. "Grimm King Eclipse" He said it with a prideful smile. "Your first mission is to retrieve him and bring him home safely, use his pod to find him." He pointed at the glass chamber that Ecipse was created from.
Team MUNE all smelled the chamber using it to get Eclipse's scent.
"Now go." Dr. Merlot said to them and pressed a button.
The top of the laboratory opened up.
Nox spread apart his feathery wings Uvall approached and wrapped himself around it's body.
Ekhi spread apart his wings apart, Metzli wrapped his arms around him.
The flying Grimm slapped their wings carrying their flightless comrades and chased after the scent.
With them gone Dr. Merlot looked at his desk, with the child like drawing Eclipse had made for him.
"Stay safe son, they will find you." Dr. Merlot said with a smile and then looked over at the rest of his lab. "And soon, they will only be apart of the great army you will have."
In front of him were dozens of other containers each of them having skull masks of different shapes and sizes.
He cackled. "My dear boy, the rise of Grimm is coming, this age belongs to your kind."
Mankind both Humans and Faunus will be replaced by the pinnacle of evolution.
Salem watched as the new hybrids all left she had a smile of her own as she looked into her palm containing the glow of the God of Light. She wondered if there was a way to properly merge the power of Light with the power of Darkness into one.
With the appearance of Kron and his ever-growing abilities, she wondered if it was possible to match that.
And instead of accepting death by the gods, maybe she should have a different goal mind.
Adam has escaped in search of Cinder!
Vernal has been found by Tyrian!
Will these two gain Soul Dust, if so how powerful will they become and what kind of chaos will they cause with their grudges.
Kron has now teamed up with Roman in search of his prized possesions, how long will this alliance last?
Ozpin has discovered a new way to gain power, will it truly bring those on his side beyond Salem herself?
And finally Team MUNE is now created in search of their king. Just what kind of monsters has Salem unleashed.
Then Salem, what does she mean by combining Light with Darkness? Does she have a new power that may surpass Eclipse?
Find out next time on One's Own Path
Now wait! Before anyone questions why Blake was dominating Adam, hear me out.
Yang had Adam on the ropes with only 1 months of Ki training.
Blake? She had four months, so she should be able to take on Adam no problem.
So in case anyone is curious how strong team RWBY is now. Let me just say this, if they were like this in canon, Vol 3 wouldn't have happened. Blake on her own would be able to take on Adam, Ruby would've beaten Mercury and saved Penny, Weiss would've slaughtered the Grimm on her own.
The only thing maybe they wouldn't be able to stop would be Cinder taking Amber's power since they are unaware of that.
But yeah, Vol 3 would've been something real different.
Now about Ozpin's power. Think of him mixing his Aura and Ki like a fusion, they amplify each other into something new, more powerful than just adding them together.
And yes this will be how the non Saiyan characters will catch up to Kron. Will any surpass him? Maybe at one point but not anytime soon they still have to figure out how to make this synchronized energy safe to use.
I decided this concept a long time ago, before i even wrote chapter 1. It's why I kept telling people who kept demanding-I mean suggesting RWBY characters to just have Aura and use Ki principles that I'm not interested. Sorry but if that were possible Ozpin should've figured it out, with an all powerful immortal witch bent on ending the world, he had plenty of motivation to figure out all that Aura can and can't do. So the answer is he needed a new power source which is Ki.
Plus again this mixed energy is something only people born on Remnant can do, giving humans something they don't have in dragon ball. An ability that is theirs and theirs alone while other races have zenkais, regeneration, and power that humans have to be Androids to dream of having.
Props to Shrine, he saw that idea coming a long time ago and even gave suggestions for it. Thank you Shrine, I did decide this concept way back when but I appreciate the suggestions you gave me, I'll be using your suggestions for Ozpin is using it.
And I think I'll name it Oraki like Shrine suggested as well, if he or anyone else has any other ideas for this blended energy let me know.
And now we have team MUNE, so not that important but I changed the name of E- from Erebos to Ekhi, which will be revealed later. I liked the name Eerebos but I thought Ekhi suited him better, which you will see why in future chapters.
As for Salem, she's gonna have her own power up, one that she's been working on for a while.
Hope you guys look forward to it!
Review Responces
Shrine: This idea has been pitched before, I kind of want to but I'm not sure how Kron would learn it since that's a Yardrat's trick. What would we call this? Spirit Release? Soul Release? I am interested by the way, and will give you credit when I use it.
Also just to let u know, it has been established in this story that you have to be born on Remnant to weild Aura. Aura is the product of mankind evolving without magic, developing their own dust in their DNA. It's a concept I borrowed from a Fallout X RWBY story I read a while back.
Nothing ever states that Salem had Aura, at least nothing I can find, so MAYBE people in her time didn't or couldn't have Aura, so it supports the theory, but I could be wrong, feel free to correct me if you know anything I missed. Maybe one day RWBY will continue and we can finally find out if Salem has Aura or not. Here's hoping anyway.
Now your Sun Wukong idea. I love it, I want to do it. But I'm a little hesitant wouldn't it be confusing that he has the same exact name as Sun from RWBY? Just a bit? I guess we can call him Sun the First or give him a nickname that means that. Or we can call him King since he is the monkey king. Or West, a reference to his story.
But anyway, I am interested, and will definitely consider it, let's talk more about this plz, your ideas always intrigue me.
Keybladelight: Kron and Ghira would have to bury the hatchet at some point. He will visit her in a bit, I think you'll like it.
As I said Bisque is like Raven's Tyrian only she never really worked with him, which she would've preferred. Well the scouter was destroyed in the second chapter, he got angry because he thought that it wasn't working.
Not many people knows about Kron's bond with the Belladonnas. Though he's not quiet ready for Super Saiyan yet.
If the Ice Queendom arc does happen, it's going to be different.
Amaranth's goal is to take General Ironwood's position, though that depends if Rockshow will keep his word or if he can get it away from him which is unlikely, especially since he has a bomb implanted in his brain.
ThatSaiyaGuy: Kron never put any cameras or security in his home. He had no locks, it was on;y a near impossible spot to get to by normal means. At the very least some may know that Kron came from somewhere far away.
I'm happy you enjoyed that. Yeah, Vegeta only learned it from knowing it existed so Kron likely won't figure it out for himself for some time. Amaranth did work along side Ironwood before he was a general so it makes sense that he is team leader.
They have the bair, but there not going to rush. Their sure that Kron can locate him, either on their own or finding through other sources. Luckily not all White Fang members were experimented on, those who had are likely never going to be the same again.
The two never met since that night, it was good writing their reunion. Yep, sad thing is they haven't learned that Adam's way is the wrong way at this point. And sadly for them, Vale has a few Ki users now so it won't end well if they all go after them.
Problem with a large group is that it'd be hard to sneak up on her with that. Plus, she did have four months of Ki training, more time than Yang had when Eclipse showed up, so she's no slouch herself.
Thank you! I'll do the best I can!
James is bored: Probably
Runeion: PM'd you, the pod was stolen, the only person who would have that would be Kron's mother Elery, so he can't locate it.
Bashleyz: Yes. Lol, well hope it's good to kill time with.
Guest: It would be good if he could, the question is how would he get it?
Kaiser0kolovos: Possibly, the pod does have a computer in it.
Yes and yes.
I'll update as much as I can.
ZamasuAutonomous22: Thank you! I'm glad u didn't see it coming. Good eye for detail, they definitely do not have the means to open it, maybe with time but Kron's definitely not going to sit around and let it happen. Rockshow, or "Waller" will definitely want to study it, who knows if he'll ever get the thing open though.
Yep, Bisque is Raven's equivalent to Tyrian is to Salen. I'm glad I put his character in a scrap folder to use for later. He was supposed to be a member of the tribe when Kron joined, he would then be the one that would try to kill Kron for being ungrateful to her in the first few chapters, but decided I didn't want Kron in the tribe for that long. Kron will cross the line if he believes it's for the best, he did kill Bertilak after he had used Blake and Weiss as human sheilds. So he will definitely try to kill him and not fake an accident. How could he not? Bisque is Raven's biggest fan.
Maybe a bit lol. Possibly he will, he does love starting a fight.
As you can see she had no idea what she was getting into. She did bust Adam out, but now she and other White Fangs are now in jail. Hope it was worth it to her. LOL.
Lelouch of Zero: Better get used to it, he is meant to be extremely insufferable. As is anyone who defends Raven's actions, both in this story and canon.
To be fair, Kron is way biased as Freiza has done worse than anything Raven can ever dream of. Though what he's saying has SOME sense. Raven tries to make it sound like your family, when really your expendable, Frieza's honest, he lets you know that you're expendable and better obey.
Yeah, plus at least Winter is just trying to look out for her given that Ozpin hid the deal he made with Kron.
Lol, typical redeemed Saiyan tendencies.
A lot of White Fangs are delusional, they did help burn down Vale in canon.
That's not Silk's problem, if Bisque dies good for her, though she better pray she doesn't meet Kron again now that he knows who put tracking devices on him.
I'm glad to surprise you, I was hoping that people would forget that not many people know his connection to the Belladonnas.
Thank you for reading!
camilo navas: He absolutely is.
They sure will. Luckily for him opening it is not so simple, even Atlas tech can't open it.
Only two of them were overkill for them, but sadly Adam managed to escape, who knows what he'll be up to. Glad u liked the sisterly drama.
I hope not to disappoint. :)
GoD Anoroc: I'll definitely think about it! :)
Scale: He really needs to stop acting like he and his belongings are untouchable, it's what lead to him being robbed in the first place.
He does not, hopefully Roman will help out.
Yep, he knows there with Bisque that Raven worshiper.
Neo got them off for her, hopefully he learns from this.
DaggerFan: Possibly, all I will say is it's going to be some time before that's revealed, just give it time.
Monster King: Thank you!
Jay: Thx! It was the best way for Team ABYS to find bait. The pod will definitely raise some questions.
Yang's a good wing woman. Someone did give me fanart of him and Kron, I'll probably make that scene happen at some point.
For Adam's sake hopefully that's the case, but given how determined he is it might not be possible. Not everyone is capable of redemption, but we'll see.
Ozpin will now show something that will be a major game changer, who knows maybe, he'll even surpass Salem soon.
Kamencolin: They embarrassed him and stole from him. I might have to lol, he did declare he was going to rip guts out of them.
triscythe59: Happy u approve.
Ozpin's definitely going to start doing some growth in this arc. I'll do my best to keep the sister drama justice and try to have it make sense. Good eye for her being like her dad.
Lol, I don't know how I managed that ef up, thank you for that glad u were the first to review the chapter lol. In canon she was loyal when they burned down a city so I'd say this wasn't too far off. Hopefully learning that Adam was a mistake, but we'll see.
She sure is.
Doesn't every villain make a mistake with Kron? Lol, we'll see how it goes, it depends on what Amaranth is planning, he new a straight fight wouldn't work, so luring him somewhere was a safer bet, but we sha'll see.
Guess that'll do for the day, I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter and looks forward to the next.
Have an awesome day! :)