Hunting or Bust: The Journey Continues
Dust 14: The Stage Is Set
Happy Holidays!
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Waking up was especially weird when you can't remember when you fell asleep. But after a moment, he started to recollect what had happened before waking in this tent.
The impact of the train toppling over had left all of them reeling as they pulled themselves out. The whiplash left their bodies stiff and made it difficult to breathe.
These feelings were only exasperated when it became clear they still had to fight off all the Grimm that had been chasing them on the train.
Even though the train was quickly getting away with the rest of the passengers, they couldn't take the risk of running before thinning out as many of the Grimm as they could.
Kiba and Shisui quickly found spots where they could start picking off Grimm with their guns. Sasuke and Bee took to the frontlines and sliced through any approaching beasts with their swords. The Demon gang members that had been caught up in the crash didn't help, immediately turning and taking their chance with the horde by running away. And Fū tried to catch her breath, stumbling out of the wreckage and seeing the ensuing fights surrounding her. Her frustration with not having a weapon and being able to fight in such a dire situation caused her anger to blow up.
Her green Aura shrouded her entire body and Fū took to the skies, blowing away all the flying Grimm around them with bursts of wind. It wasn't long before small vortexes and tornadoes started to gather around the general area, swallowing up any flying Grimm that crossed their path and making the others slow down enough that Sasuke could easily kill them.
Just as quickly as that immense burst of power came, it exhausted Fū to the point where she dropped out of the air and started losing control. They were all exhausted - tired from their travel in the Airship's storage and Aura nearly broken after getting bounced around inside the wrecked train car. Even as Sasuke felt his body becoming sluggish, he kept a firm grip on his blade and stood beside his friends to finish off the last of the Grimm.
But the Grimm ended up dying anyway. Something had come up behind them, slicing through their flank and thinning their numbers in a makeshift pincer with Sasuke's group. Soon all the Grimm that had been chasing them on the train had been annihilated, leaving only Sasuke's group and their mysterious saviors. But before they could get an idea of who they were, they passed out from exhaustion.
Sasuke's eyes widened and he sat up in shock. After a moment to collect his thoughts, he looked around at the large tent he had been sleeping in. Looking around he saw three empty sleeping bags situated around him, and one with Fū blissfully napping and snoring without a care in the world. Steeling himself for wherever he may be, Sasuke made his way to the opening flap and poked his head outside.
"Hey, look who's up." Shisui was sitting outside, doing maintenance on Vollmond Reflexion after its extensive use in battle. Sasuke was surprised to see him so well, but he was also surprised to see they were in a small community filled with identical tents and other people just outside their tents, "Where are we? What happened?"
"We were picked up by some nomads who spotted Fū's tornado." Many people were walking around the campgrounds while some were injured and making sure to rest, "They helped clear out the Grimm with us, and as we started getting tired they took us here. It's their style to pick up the lost and weary travelers that wander between the towns and settlements."
"Should…we be worried?"
"I don't think so," The older Uchiha reassured his friend, "They take precautions when bringing people in and out of this convoy. When we want to leave we'll have to be blindfolded and led away so we won't be able to find this tribe again. A precaution for avoiding thieves and bandits…especially since they had a run-in with the Branwen tribe recently from what I've been told."
"Yeah, we don't wanna risk that again." They looked up as a young girl carrying a bag of food approached with Kiba and Bee by her side, "Hey, glad to see you're finally awake." She pulled out a loaf of bread and handed it to Sasuke, "I'm Hanabi Hyūga. You're probably hungry so you and your tornado friend in there can share this if you want."
"Thanks," He looked the young girl over, "Are you in charge?"
"Nope, but all the people in charge are busy with another matter so they can't spare the time right now. Don't worry about it." Hanabi shrugged and walked away, "Enjoy your food, and tell us if you need anything else."
"Glad to see you're awake, buddy." Kiba smiled while pulling out some fruits and vegetables, "We got lucky finding these guys. And we aren't too far from Mistral either. We'll fill up our tanks and head out as soon as we can."
Sasuke nodded while Kiba and Bee followed after Hanabi to help with the supplies. He passed the loaf to Shisui and stood up to look around the camp. With just a gaze he could tell many of the gathered and injured people were trained, possibly even Hunters. Remembering the Demon thug's gloat about the lack of Huntsmen and Huntresses in Mistral, Sasuke couldn't help but worry why so many of them were in a state like this.
He could see more people that were probably Hanabi's family surrounding one tent in particular. They seemed especially focused on guarding that tent from everyone else.
Now what could be in there?
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Page after page of missing or confirmed dead Hunters scrolled before his eyes. Many faces and names he had grown accustomed to seeing in exemplary reports and news over the years. Some whom he had grown to have strong and familiar relationships with. Even some that had walked these halls as his students before graduating to proper Hunters who did this Kingdom proud.
"Professor?"
"Hmm?" Leonardo was stirred out of his thoughts when he looked away from the screen to see Dosu standing in front of him. The bandaged-up spy seemed to have been waiting patiently for the headmaster to notice his arrival, "O-Oh, Dosu. Sorry, I was distracted." The lion Faunus quickly dabbed his cheeks and forehead before regarding the young assistant he had been given, "Y-You have an update for me?"
"Yes," Dosu reached into his pocket and drew his Scroll before sliding it across the table, "I used the program the doctor gave us to upload a small virus into the operating systems of Mistral's CCT nodes. We activate this, and communication will glitch out for a few hours across the city." The masked man said, "The night of the attack, there will be no interruptions or unwanted guests to ruin the plan."
"A-And your process of doing this?" Leo looked uncomfortable just asking, "Did you-"
"No one was harmed. It caused quite a stir with the Grimm but the maintenance team had a group of Hunters there to help them. One of them seemed to notice me and gave chase."
"T-They chased you?!" Leo panicked, immediately looking to the windows and over his shoulders, "W-What did you do?! Did you silence them? No can can trace you back to me! If we have Huntsmen appear at the door-"
"Relax, sir," Dosu eased his nerves, "From what I saw, he ran into a horde of Grimm chasing after me and screamed like a madman while doing so. I lost him before he could catch up, and I doubt anyone believed him. The interesting part," He pulled his Scroll back over and opened an image, "Is that the group that did the work is the one you were in contact with."
Leonardo's eyes widened as he saw the candid photos taken of Qrow and his group of youngsters gathering by the relay tower. It was him, his niece, and the group of three that had come to visit him in his office. But there was also a young boy, a blond Faunus, what looked to be the heiress of the SDC, and Qrow's other niece joining their group.
There were more of them now…which meant more of them to turn on when the time finally came.
"Professor, you seem uneasy about something?"
"U-Uneasy? Of course I-" Leo bit his tongue, sparing a look to the bookcase where he knew the Seer was resting undisturbed. With a hefty sigh the lion Faunus hung his head, "When Ozpin told me the truth of the enemy we were fighting, I felt a terror unlike any I'd thought imaginable. But I was still secure in…in the fact we would be facing it together." He rubbed his face, "But then she reached out to me. Singled me out, and told me what she'd do to me if I didn't follow her orders."
Dosu watched the Huntsman tremble, "Since then I've - I've betrayed everything I stood for. Everything I had built and secured with comrades who trusted me. People who looked up to me. I-I know what I should do…what any Huntsman or Huntress should do…but I can't. I-"
"You're surviving." Leo looked up and saw Dosu's visible eye narrow, "It's what any person in the world would do. They can tout and laud ideals of sacrifice and fighting as much as they want, and they'll judge you for your actions…but you're surviving. It's what anyone would do." He rubbed the bandages over his arms, "When our backs are to the wall and we have no other methods than giving up or stepping over others, we all do it. Even if what's left of us is twisted and scarred and unrecognizable…" He stared at Leo, "We're survivors through and through."
"B-But we don't have to do it alone! W-We can survive together!" Leo said desperately, "If we could just find a way to get help-"
"You can wrestle with these decisions all you want but you've already made your choice and you know it, Professor." Dosu callously said while walking out of the room, "After all, it didn't sound like you were too eager to work things out when you thought I had been followed."
Dosu left the room and Leo was stunned silent by his words. The cowardly Faunus fell back into his chair, staring ahead in silence as the assassin's words rattled around in his head. And despite his best efforts…Leonardo couldn't find a way to disprove them.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Wow, it's kinda like a tribe from Vacuo. Never staying in one place for too long and moving after they've gotten some supplies. Do you guys travel all over the Kingdom?"
"No, we have three other tribes across the other directions of Anima. We sometimes travel between them but we generally stick to the area of one corner of the continent."
"We're from the northern tribe, but our dad sent us down here to learn more about the other tribes and what it takes to lead them. Although it might have been a bad time because it's so busy now."
Sasuke listened to Fū converse with Hinata and Hanabi while he continued to look around the camp. The native tribe members seemed to be well-trained for combat and always prepared. Many of the other people who had been picked up like them who were now recovering seemed to have been fighters as well.
"Hey," Sasuke looked up as Kiba came back and sat beside him, "So, I spoke with one of the people here. They said they could drop us off tomorrow at a train station a few miles out of Mistral. Until then if we can just help around the camp a little there'll be no problems."
Sasuke had to admit he was relieved when the others told him they weren't being held here against his will. With their luck, he'd almost expected that they'd been taken in by a cult that refused to let them go after saving them. But watching people greet each other while Bee and Shisui helped around was a great relief.
Still…
"Kiba," Sasuke muttered, "When was the last time you saw this many Hunters forced out of commission from fighting?"
"So bad that they couldn't get back to work?" Kiba thought for a moment, "Beacon."
"Right. I've talked with some of the people here and they said they were jumped or surrounded by Grimm while on their missions."
"That's part of the job. No one trying to be a Huntsman hasn't found themselves surrounded by Grimm before. But I've never seen so many injured or put out of commission by them."
"Enough that some trains can't even get the required protection from a Hunter on board. And these are just the ones lucky enough to be found and saved before it was too late." With a deep breath, Sasuke tried to calm his uneasy stomach, "Something's going on in Mistral."
"Uncle Hizashi! Neji!" Hanabi called out and waved to her family as they emerged from the central tent in the camp. The two men made their way over, "You think Dad will finish up his thing anytime soon?"
"It does not look like it. Your father is still busy tending to our," He spared a look to Sasuke and Kiba before holding his tongue, "Other guests."
Hinata looked worried, "But he'll be okay in there?"
"Of course. Lord Hiashi is no pushover. He can take care of himself. We'll update you both when there are any changes." The father and son duo walked away to check on the rest of the camp.
"Your dad's the head of your clan, right?" Fū asked, "Does that mean you two are next in line to be in charge?"
"That's right," Hanabi patted her shy sister on the back, "She'll be the boss of the whole clan someday when our dad finally decides to take a break."
"P-Please don't say that," Hinata let out a little whine, "I don't think I'm prepared for a responsibility like that."
"If your father is the chief of the clan, why would he come down here?" Sasuke asked, "Does he normally come down to meet criminals or vagrants you pick up?"
"Well, we've kinda had to think about things more carefully after that close call with the Branwen Tribe a few weeks back. These people were worth calling Dad down for though."
"Hanabi."
"What? We don't even know who is there. Only Neji, Uncle Hizashi, and Dad get to go in that tent. We were asleep when they were brought in anyway." The younger sister blew a raspberry, "Apparently one of the ladies was covered in blue flames when she was recovered so I kinda wish I saw that."
Sasuke's eyes widened and he quickly shared a look of surprise with Kiba. The two Huntsmen looked over to the main tent as the Uchiha's eyes narrowed.
He had to find some way to get in there.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Raven ran her whetstone down Omen as she allowed her mind to drift to the events of the last few weeks.
Reaching out to Qrow for details about Salem's advantages, and having about as warm of a reception with her brother as she expected
Catching the illusive Hyūga clan after years of searching, and then having their ambush ruined by a snotty blond punk playing hero.
Capturing the Schnee heiress for ransom, and then having her 'darling' baby girl knock down the camp wall demanding a portal and taking out all her grievances on her. In the end, Yang never came back so it was clear she was choosing to follow Qrow and his foolish lot into the jaws of death like everyone else.
Raven knew she never had much of a good standing with them after she left…but if they were too stupid and upset to take her advice and not fight the unworthy fight…then they only had themselves to blame.
"Fire!"
"Get some water and sand! Put it out!"
"W-Wait! Someone is inside it!"
Raven heard her tribe call out in panic and looked up in time for Vernal to poke her head in during the madness. Raven grabbed her mask and slipped it on before rushing out of her tent and into the center of the camp. When she emerged, she saw a group of unfamiliar people walking into the center and passing through her people like they were parting a sea. And leading them was a person covered in flames so hot she could feel the heat from here.
"Raven Branwen, correct?" The woman in the center of the flames spoke in an even and alluring voice. The flames around her died and swirled into her hand, forming a small but intense fireball in her palm. Once the flames died down, it revealed the black-haired woman inside, a long red dress over her body and covering one arm while a glass eyepatch and some hair covered the side of her face. The flames flickered in her hand and reflected in her golden eye before she looked up at the masked woman, "I apologize for the intrusion but we've been looking for you – or more specifically someone you have in your employ."
Raven eyed the group behind her mask. The one who wielded flames as easily as she breathed. A green-haired girl who looked ready to act at a moment's notice. A grey-haired boy who was still on edge and prepared to move despite how laidback he was trying to portray himself. And a tall, mustachioed stick of a man who looked out of place here in the woods and dirt. Raven quickly recognized who it was that had invaded her camp but kept her composure as she and Vernal stepped in to meet them.
"Well, to what do I owe the pleasure of hosting the infamous Cinder Fall in my humble little camp?"
"Oh, you know who I am?"
"Hard not to hear about the woman that helped orchestrate the fall of an entire Kingdom." Raven said, "I know word and rumors are bouncing around about whose to blame, but I think I can trust my source."
"Your source probably being your brother, Qrow Branwen, right?" She asked rhetorically, "What a coincidence because he was our source for what we are looking for, the Spring Maiden. And we know you have her here."
Damn that idiot. No longer part of the tribe but still causing trouble for them.
As Raven's hand fell to her hilt, Watts raised his in defense, "There's no need to resort to violence. I understand you and our master had conflict in the past, but we're here today for peaceful negotiations, not petty revenge."
"You expect me to believe she's just going to let it all just be water under the bridge?"
"I think you overestimate how much of an insult you made to her." Cinder continued, "For someone like her, an attempt on her life or three doesn't phase her much. We recently had one of our underlings take up a grievance with her, and he got to enjoy cookies and snacks with her after a pleasant talk. She doesn't take past transgressions personally, but I wouldn't advise taking that leniency for granted."
Raven looked back and saw Vernal as uneasy and confused as her. Raven took her hand off the hilt but rested her wrist along it, her intention clear as she continued the conversation, "Then what is it you've come here for exactly? The Spring Maiden, but in what regard?"
"You know what it is Salem is after. The Relic. And she needs the Maiden to unlock the door to take it. Instead of fighting over it and coming to conflict, why not simply help us? All we need is the Relic under Haven. Help us get it, and that will be the end of our engagement."
"You can't possibly expect me to believe we'll just get to walk free after helping you. I don't want any part in this endless crusade between your boss and that idiot Ozpin."
"You lost the choice to not get involved the moment you housed the Spring Maiden." Cinder said bluntly, "The most you can get now is a deal with a peaceful outcome. Help us get what we want and you get to walk away."
"And what you want is the Relic? Under Haven? In the center of Mistral?" Raven scoffed, "I'm sorry but it seems like you'll need more of a plan than just getting our good graces."
"Not really, especially when Salem has its headmaster in the palm of her hand." Raven's eyes widened behind her mask before they narrowed in thought. It made sense. Lionheart seemed to be the most sensible and eager for preservation among the ones Ozpin trusted with the secret. He must have realized what a waste this fight was and turned sides, "We can walk into Haven, grab the Relic, and walk out with nary a hair ruffled."
"And after that?"
"After? Are you referring to us parting ways?"
"I'm referring to you having the prize and me being left with the check." Raven growled, "Once the vault is open and you claim the Relic, Qrow and his lot will instantly know I was involved. And then they'll come after my tribe and drop the hammer on us." Raven shook her head, "I refuse to stick around and play the patsy while you walk away with the reward."
"And what would you suggest?"
"Kill Qrow."
The uninvited guests looked surprised by her immediate suggestion. Mercury asked, "Isn't he, like, your brother? I mean I'm not opposed to killing someone who needs to die, but you sure you're alright with that?"
"Ever since I turned my back on Ozpin, my brother has been a constant thorn in my side. Always coming to me for information. Always trying to draft me back into their side. And considering Leonardo told you I had the Spring Maiden, that can only mean he learned that from Qrow. And knowing my brother he probably planned to raid our tribe and steal dear Vernal here back for themselves." Raven spoke fiercely, "My brother had dug his grave and I refuse to be dragged down with him."
"Well, I'm sure something could be worked out." Watts offered diplomatically, "Perhaps after the Relic is secured, we can find a way to deal with him when he's alone. If that's all-"
"He isn't alone," Emerald interjected, "He's surrounded by those students. And that girl Ruby too."
"Oh yes, Ruby," Cinder's eye seemed to subtly glow at the thought of the silver-eyed Huntress, "That does pose quite a problem, doesn't it?" The alluring woman thought for a moment, "The White Fang is planning to make a move the night of the full moon. If we invite your brother and the students that night, we can have them surrounded and dealt with nice and quickly."
"Aha!" Watts let out a guffaw, catching himself a moment later and looking down at the scowling woman, "You can't be serious? You would hinge the success of this retrieval on the night of the attack?" The doctor looked positively baffled, "T-The beauty of having a man on the inside and us meeting like this is anonymity and surprise. If we wanted to, we could go to Haven right now and take the Relic without anyone knowing. Why put off tomorrow what you could do today-"
"I'm not helping you until my brother's death is assured."
"What are you so antsy about, Doctor?" Cinder chided her associate, "I thought you had provided Lionheart with a bug in the communication network. Do you not trust your work?"
"My work is flawless, but I understand its limitations." Watts growled, "It will stem the calls for help when the White Fang make their move - not make people deaf and blind! If they hear an attack in the school or see the numbers being gathered to do it, the city will take action! And suddenly our surefire chance at claiming the Relic will be a race against the clock to kill a man, some children, and grab it before a building falls on our heads and an entire Kingdom comes dropping down on us."
"We'll do it." Cinder answered, "Help us the night of the attack and we'll clear out all the people who might know you have a hand in it."
"Deal."
"Are you mad?!"
"Doctor, in case you've forgotten, she asked for us to bring Ruby back in one piece, remember? We need to be here to recover her, right?"
"Don't play this like it isn't just your attempt at petty revenge, girl."
"If you're so worried, then run along." Cinder shooed the older man away and watched his face contort in anger as she smiled, "We're more than capable of dealing with a drunk fool and some children."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"I believe that you are no longer part of the White Fang. What our sentries say about the scene they picked you up in corroborates as much. What I don't understand is how the leader of the White Fang, and a noted member of the attack in Vale, ended up being chased by their subordinates. And why it is so important for them to leave? If it's protection from your pursuers, I assure you they won't find you here-"
"We're not exactly going to take the promise of some nomads on how well they think they can hide." Sienna curtly responded. Now that her injury had been properly treated and healed, the proud Faunus had all of her verve and vigor restored. And she wasn't too happy being held captive by the Hyūga, "And I suggest not thinking you'll hold us in these binds forever."
"Then we can report you to the authorities instead if you'd want to-"
"No," Yugito quietly spoke up, "I-I don't want that."
"Then please just speak with us." Hisashi asked, "Tell us what it is that's happening."
Both Faunus women stayed quiet, Sienna unflinching in her expression and Yugito silently looked aside. The Hyūga leader sighed and knew it would take more to get them to finally speak the truth.
Just then, Hizashi poked his head into the tent, "Brother, your daughters are asking for you."
"Tell them it can wait until later." Hizashi said, "At the moment this is-"
"They said it was important and needed your attention immediately. Something urgent to do with the lowered number of Hunters in the Kingdom."
Hiashi spared a look at the two Faunus before standing up and turning to his brother, "Keep an eye on them. I'll be back in a moment." The chief of the Hyuga stepped out and left his younger brother to watch over the two captive women. They simply glared and watched in silence as Hizashi stepped in and sat across from them on the floor of the tent. Sienna kept her stern glare on as Yugito was about to ask what he was doing-
Before his body flickered for a moment to be replaced by a familiar dark-haired boy that Yugito immediately recognized.
She nearly leaped out of her sleeping bag in fright, "S-Sasuke Uchiha?!"
"Uchiha?!"
"We only have a few moments before the chief runs into his actual brother and realizes something is wrong." Sasuke said, settling across from the two guarded women as he looked at Yugito, "I didn't think we'd be meeting again by chance in a place like this. And I'm glad you remember me so we don't have to introduce ourselves again, Yugito Nii."
Yugito froze in shock, feeling a deep and dark dread grow in her stomach until a chill crossed her heart. Remembering the face of the boy she watched Han torment and torture in front of their squad while Vale fell around them. Who fought alongside another Noble Guard and the former Red Death to force them back. And who landed the final blow on Han, beheading him with a single slash before aiming his sword at the rest of the White Fang and forcing them to retreat.
The same terror that night that unsettled her for months forced a chill through Yugito's bones. She raised her hands and prepared to conjure her flames while Sienna looked ready to tear through her restraints and pounce-
"I'm unarmed." Sasuke immediately raised his arm, showing his lack of weapons or firearms, "I didn't come to attack or intimidate you. I didn't know it would be either of you in here. I simply came to talk."
"You expect us to believe that?" Sienna challenged, "I've had reports up to under a year ago saying that our forces were being pushed back and attacked by a small force of Uchiha. Even someone with black hair and red eyes."
"That was my brother. And I was part of that group until about three years ago."
"You're admitting it?"
"I'm being honest." Sasuke said, "And hoping honesty will buy me a few seconds of cooperation."
Yugito still looked on edge and tense. Her eyes shifted to his left arm, staring at the point where his sleeve tied off at his wrist, "Y-Your hand." She muttered, "I-I helped do that to you. A-And you just want to talk?" She shook her head, "N-No, you found me. You found me out here. Y-You want to-"
"I lost this hand because that man Han couldn't see past his anger. And I settled it with him minutes later." He lowered his missing hand, "This isn't what matters. Since that night I've been gathering allies and preparing for another fight. Because I thought the White Fang would attack again with the people they worked with in Vale. But if the both of you had to run away from White Fang members, that must mean something is happening." Sasuke lowered his other arm, leaving himself open and defenseless in front of the two Faunus, "Please…I can't let something like Beacon happen again. And if either of you turned from the White Fang because you didn't agree with them…I want to help."
Yugito still felt that fear in her chest, even if it wasn't as severe and terrifying as it had been a moment ago. This man's face had periodically shown up in her thoughts; sometimes as the face twisted in agony as he was tormented in front of her and sometimes as the stone-faced killer that instilled fear in her heart. Having to face him and the horrors of what happened in Vale is what made her reconsider being part of the White Fang. And now seeing him lower his guard while asking for her help regarding what they knew about the attack. Somehow…Yugito couldn't help but think-
"Nii?" Sienna questioned her comrade as the feline Faunus started to lower her hands, "Nii, don't just let your guard down. We can't-"
"We ran," Sienna rolled her eyes as Yugito spoke candidly with her former enemy, "I didn't like the idea of attacking anymore and Adam tried to kill Sienna to take her seat. We ran and were chased for days before we ended up here. And you're right about there being another attack."
"When?"
"Soon. Before classes can start back up in Haven. I think the night the moon is full."
Sasuke looked down in thought before looking to the two women, "Help us."
"Feh!" Sienna scoffed, "I don't care how desperate you think we are – we aren't about to join forces with someone like you."
"I'm working alongside two other Noble Guards-"
"Good for them – I don't trust you and I won't."
"Please," The flap to the tent flew open with the Hyūga clan members rushing in after discovering the trickery. But Sasuke quickly held up his hand and focused on Sienna, "Help us stop the attack on Haven from the White Fang. If the people there saw you both standing there they might stand down before anything gets worse."
"Or they might take the chance and attack." Sienna shook her head, "I don't agree with Adam's mindset or plans but don't think that means I'm just going to resort to working with an Uchiha or some humans that have been keeping us captive."
"Not even if it means getting your revenge on that Taurus guy?"
Everyone looked back at Kiba, having slipped in while they were so absorbed in the conversation. The tattooed man looked at the tattooed Faunus, "The way I see it, this Taurus guy is gonna be there to make a move the night of the attack. Which means you know where he's going. And if you are as pissed off about it as you sound like you are, you could finally get a chance to beat the bastard into the ground."
Sienna scowled and looked up at the Huntsman, "I wouldn't stop at just beating him."
"And you want to let that golden chance slip by?"
…
Even Yugito held her breath as she waited to see just what Sienna would say next.
But as the tiger Faunus' eyes narrowed into a determined glare, Kiba and Sasuke knew her answer.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
As night had started to descend over Mistral, the small group of Raven, Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury waited out in the forest a good distance away from where the Branwen camp was packing up and preparing to move. Raven looked over at the black-haired Maiden, "Are you sure this is the right spot?"
"I simply followed the coordinates here." Cinder replied, "If you're asking if this is the correct patch of dirt and trees we're supposed to be meeting in, I don't know what to tell you."
Mercury sighed as he started walking in a circle behind them, "It feels like they should be waiting for us, not the other way around."
"Shh," Emerald shushed him as she looked ahead, "They're coming."
From under the cover of night, Dosu emerged from the shadows of the trees. He spotted them standing ahead and turned to his compatriot, "They're just up here, sir. We've arrived."
Following not too far from the bandaged assassin was Adam Taurus. Adam still had his mask on and his weapon secured to his side. The bull Faunus looked up and quickly recognized Cinder and her disciples despite not having seen them since their cooperation in Vale.
But he also recognized the other masked individual appearing in their meeting.
In a burst of speed, Adam rushed forward and reached for his sword. Raven immediately reacted and reached for her blade-
A rush of flames between them forced both masked individuals to stop before they could be roasted. As Adam stepped back and Raven remained ready to act, Cinder retracted her flames and glared at the Faunus, "Adam, is there a reason you're charging at our guest?"
"Probably because your guest is someone who appeared during the fight at Beacon and attacked me while I was clearing out the ground level."
Cinder turned to Raven with a quizzical look as the bandit leader nodded, "He's right. I appeared and exchanged blows with him for a bit before leaving."
"Why?"
"Because I have a rule about stepping in to help someone I'm bonded to at least once. And he created a situation where I had to step in."
"Right," Mercury snapped his fingers, "If that drunk bum is your brother, that makes the blonde chick your daughter, right?"
"You're her mother?" Adam questioned, "And why should we risk having you here when you've already made it clear where your loyalties lie?"
"Because I stick to my rule, and once I have, it's done." Raven said fiercely and for everyone present to understand, "I don't choose who my daughter decides to throw her lot in with, and I refuse to get dragged down with them. My position and point still stand; I'm willing to help you take Haven and raze it to the ground, as long as Qrow is taken care of."
Cinder stared into Raven's mask before turning to Adam for his answer. The redhead bull looked annoyed but sheathed his sword and stood out of his stance with a reluctant nod. Cinder smiled, "Good. Then if we all know where we stand, how about we go over the plan properly? Tomorrow night, with the new moon coming in and classes at Haven starting up in a few days, we make our move."
"I'll be bringing in a squadron of White Fang to set charges around the school and make sure no one approaches."
"We'll be scrambling any messages or calls going out that night for about an hour with the bug we have set up." Dosu said, "They won't be making calls for help but the moment you drop the school all eyes will be on you."
"Then I'll also keep several other squads at a set perimeter away from the school to assist in case things take a turn and we need to escape."
"But no moves are to be made until we are done with our business inside." Cinder warned, "We will be meeting our guests inside the school, with Leonardo, Hazel, and your young Maiden to help take care of the fight."
Raven nodded, "And our agreement will be honored as soon as Qrow's fate is sealed."
"Speaking of which," Dosu pulled out his Scroll, "Professor Lionheart wanted me to warn you that the number of students assisting Huntsman Branwen has increased." He flicked his Scroll and projected the pictures, "Ma'am, you should expect these numbers when you initiate your ambush."
They all looked up to see the candid pictures taken of Qrow and the students that had gathered. Adam tightly gripped the hilt of his blade when he saw not only Yang's image again but Naruto walking alongside their enemies again. And Cinder started grinding her teeth when she saw the image of the real Ruby after all these months.
"Huh," Emerald tilted her head, "I thought that Uzumaki kid died during the attack. We saw him get eaten by that Wyvern."
"Well, that's either a convincing double, or he survived." Mercury shrugged, "I'm surprised to see the Invincible Girl's team here too. Though they're suffering from a lack of numbers."
"The whiskered kid and that short brat were there during a recent raid my tribe went on." Raven said, "Be careful of them. They're wilier than they look."
"And we have our orders about the silver-eyed girl." Cinder grumpily reminded her disciples despite her reluctance to do so, "Other than that the rest of them can be put down."
"I'd prefer if you left the Schnee, the blonde girl, and the Faunus alive." When they looked towards Adam in confusion he spoke, "The Schnee should be obvious, and Naruto is a traitor to the White Fang that needs to be punished. But more than that…" He coyly smiled, "All three of them would help me keep a promise I made to someone dear to me." He spared a look towards Raven, "Unless you have a problem with that?"
…
Raven looked up at the picture of Yang smiling alongside her sister and the former heiress during their job.
"When she left, I told her not to blame me if she throws her life away. If she can't handle this fight or escaping you…then so be it."
"Hehe, I'd advise not letting Hazel hear you say that. He might have a few grievances if he hears you've captured some of them for sport." Adam nodded in understanding, "Alright then," Cinder smiled deviously as her eye shined, "Then let's make sure to enjoy ourselves tomorrow."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Wow! The moon is so bright tonight!"
"Nora, you shouldn't look up like that while walking. You might trip."
"But it is a pretty beautiful night." Naruto smiled while looking up as he and everyone else made their way towards Haven after getting a call from Leonardo that he had made preparations for the raid. After weeks of contacting other people for help, they were finally ready to make a move, "Hey, who do think Professor Lionheart contacted?"
Ruby pondered, "Well, he is the headmaster of one of the schools, so he probably has a bunch of connections and people he can contact. He's probably like Professor Ozpin, having people like Uncle Qrow on his side and call whenever they're needed."
"Geez kid, you make me sound like I'm some badass secret agent." Qrow joked with a shrug, "Which I won't deny but I'm trying to keep humble."
"Do you think Skyggen would help if we asked them again?" Jaune asked, "I mean I know they said they couldn't take a risk with a small attack force like us, but with Professor Lionheart's reinforcements and backing, that should give this mission a lot more credibility, right?"
Yang shrugged, "Worth a shot. We've been training and keeping on our toes, but I'd feel more comfortable with more numbers on our side before we rush that camp."
"Heh, coming from the girl who walked into the camp by herself and demanded an audience with the leader." Yang blew a raspberry at Weiss before the ivory-haired girl looked between Qrow and Oscar, "I know him by his position but what kind of man is Professor Lionheart?"
"Leo's a smart guy who always has a plan to make sure his team or people can get out of a mess. After he started getting older and didn't take field missions as often, it became pretty clear that he would be better suited in a position like this. He ain't much of a fighter anymore, but you can still trust Leo to have your back"
"That's what Ozpin said." Oscar nodded in agreement, "Professor Lionheart is one of his most trusted friends, and - oh, is that him?"
They made their way through Haven's central courtyard and saw a stout, bearded man waiting for them on the steps of the school. He flinched when he spotted Qrow and the others, "Ah, Qrow, you're here. And you've brought…you've brought your students."
"Yep, most of these kids you'll probably remember from when we came to see you before." He ruffled Ruby's hair, "If you don't remember their names that's fine - I forget them now and again too." Ruby huffed and swatted his hand away, "But we got some newcomers to introduce you to as well."
"Hey, I'm Yang Xiao Long."
"I'm Weiss Schnee. A pleasure to meet you, Professor."
"Naruto Uzumaki."
"And I'm Oscar Pine. It's an honor to finally meet you, Professor Lionheart. I wanted to meet you because-"
"How - how old are you, young man?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm 14, sir."
"14." Leonardo muttered lowly, "That's…too young." He covered his mouth and looked around at the students gathered in front of him, "All of you - j-just too young."
It was hard not to notice the tremor in Leo's voice as his eyes peered over them. And Qrow noticed his hand shake by his pocket while looking at them, "Leo, what's wrong? What are-"
Naruto's ears twitched up at the sound of fiercely flapping wings. He turned and spotted a black bird dive towards them before gliding over their heads and disappearing behind Leonardo. The lion Faunus stepped aside and everyone saw a black-haired woman in red standing at the entrance of the school.
"Mom!" Yang immediately deployed her gauntlets and raised her fists when she spotted Raven. Naruto pulled out his machete and Weiss reached for her sword as everyone was stunned by her sudden appearance.
"Raven," Qrow stepped forward and glared at his sister, "What are you doing here?"
"Are you seriously asking that?" Raven snarked, "I know you had plans to gather allies and come raid the tribe, little brother. All to present the Maiden to your master like a good dog."
"Raven-"
"So I thought why not skip the middle man and all the hassle." Raven turned and looked around the inside of the school's interior, "The Relic is supposed to be around here somewhere, right? Why don't I just take it for myself?"
"No way in hell!"
"Yang!" Qrow reached out to his niece as she launched herself off the ground and flew through the air to fire at her mother. Raven retreated further into the school, Yang rushing in with Naruto and Ruby quickly following her in. Everyone else followed after and Qrow quickly dashed towards the front, "Raven, don't be stupid! What point is there in taking the Relic?!"
"You won't be bum-rushing into the camp again for one." With a swing of her katana, Raven cut a red and black hole in the air beside her, "And I guess a healthy amount of spite doesn't hurt as well."
"Whatever!" Yang pumped her fists and growled, "I don't care how many of your stupid bandits you let in here! We'll lay out every one of them until you hand over the Spring Maiden!"
"My my~, you all have certainly become quite ferocious since our school days. So how about two Maidens for the price of one?"
Everyone's eyes widened as they recognized the voice speaking to them through the portal. Through it, several figures walked into Haven's lobby.
Vernal quickly stood by Raven's side. Emerald drew her weapons and Mercury smirked. And in the center of them all…
"Hello again," Cinder smiled, "It's been quite some time…Ruby Rose."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Done
And thus the climax begins!
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