At the bandit camp, Raven Branwen sits alone in her tent while sharpening Omen. As she does so, Vernal enters the tent.
Vernal: Raven, we have a problem.
Raven: What is it?
At that point, Raven got up and followed Vernal outside the tent. She saw Cinder Fall, Arthur Watts, Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black with bandits surrounding them.
Raven: I don't recall inviting so many guests into our home. Either I'm losing my memory, or you've all lost your spines!
Cinder: Don't be too upset with them, Raven. Your men simply recognized the power of a Maiden when they see it. Which is why we'd like to have a word with you.
Raven sighs as she turns to the bandits surrounding Cinder and her allies.
Raven: Leave us. Pack your things, then break down camp. We're moving.
The bandits were quick to follow Raven's orders.
Watts: Little late to run and hide. You've been on our master's list for some time, so you must understand that we cannot allow you to slip away.
Raven: I know all about your master, but I don't believe we've met.
Mercury: We're the guys you should be afraid of.
Raven: I doubt anyone should be afraid of you.
Mercury: Oh yeah? Tell that to....
Suddenly, an uneasy silent fell into the camp. The silence was broken by the footsteps of Schrödinger. Raven immediately becomes suspicious.
Raven: Who the hell are you?
Schrödinger: You can call me Schrödinger. You've been quite the naughty little bandit queen, haven't you?
Raven: You work with Salem too?
Schrödinger simply giggles as he approaches Raven. Vernal gets defensive, but Raven gestures her to stand down. As Schrödinger got close to her, Raven could sense that there was something off about Schrödinger.
Cinder: I'm Cinder Fall. This is my associate, Arthur Watts, and my disciples, Emerald and Mercury. And Schrödinger has already....
Raven: Two children you've tricked into following you, a disgraced Atlesian scientist, and a Fall Maiden with a surname so appropriate, she probably picked it herself. Something tells me you've got more than a slight case of egomania, is that about right?
Watts: Technically, I was also a doctor, but I must say, the rest was spot on.
Cinder: Aren't you perceptive.
Raven: It's what's kept me alive.
Raven turned her gaze to Darth Jadus. Raven couldn't help but feel a sense of fear and dread. Despite this, Raven kept her composure.
Cinder: I'm afraid the only reason you're still alive is because you have something our master wants. Of course, if I'm wrong...
As Cinder activates her Maiden powers, Raven calls out Vernal. Vernal then appears to demonstrate powers fitting the description of the Spring Maiden. Schrödinger remains unimpressed.
Schrödinger: Ooh! How scary! Look at the big scary Spring Maiden!
Raven: Vernal has done well under my guidance. I'd take that into consideration before you try anything.
Schrödinger: Watch out for this one, Cinder! She's got quite the power!
Cinder: Raven, I won't underestimate you, so please don't insult my intelligence. There is a slim chance you and your Maiden could escape today, but if you know our master as well as you claim to, then you know you could never truly escape her. But we come bearing an olive branch.
Watts: The Maidens are merely a means to an end. Salem's true desires are the Relics locked inside the Huntsman Academies. Come with us. Allow Vernal here to unlock the Relic of Knowledge, and all previous acts of defiance against Salem will be forgiven. It's the best deal either of you are going to get.
As Watts laid out the ultimatum, Raven begins considering her options. She could feel Schrödinger studying her.
Raven: You talk as if walking straight into Haven will be easy.
Cinder: That's because it will be. Headmaster Lionheart is loyal to Salem. And now, all we need is the key to the vault. You're not the only one to turn your back against Oz, Raven.
Raven: I'm not helping Salem, I'm not helping Oz! I don't want a part in any of this!
Cinder: That ship sailed when you chose to harbor a Maiden. But if you come with us to Haven, we'll leave you, your tribe, and your little secret to live out the rest of your lives squabbling in the wilderness. We just...need...the Relic.
Raven: I need time to think this over.
Watts: You don't have time. In two days, Haven Academy will be destroyed by the White Fang. You're going to choose now.
At that point, Raven felt backed into a corner. As Raven continued to consider her options, Schrödinger approached her.
Schrödinger: There are fates far worse than death, bandit queen. My commanding officer has been watching your little band of bandits for quite sometime. Watching a bunch of bandits scurrying around the place is boring, but good soldiers follow orders.
Raven: How do you....
Schrödinger: I am everywhere and nowhere.
Cinder: So, are you with us, or against us?
Raven: Agreements like these are built on trust. And forgive me for saying, but I don't trust a single one of you. You're going to need to give me more.
Watts: You are in a poor position to negotiate.
Raven: I want my brother dead.
Cinder: Qrow?
Schrödinger: What in the world would make you ready to kill your own brother?
Raven: I have my reasons. Is that good enough for you?
Cinder: Now this is a proposition I can get behind.
In that moment, Raven had joined forces with Cinder and her allies. The plot to steal the Relic of Knowledge from Haven had been set in motion. But Schrödinger and Millennium had their own plans for Haven.
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Alucard: A RWBY Story
ActionFor centuries, the Vampire known as Alucard has been a faithful servant of Ozpin in his fight against Salem. But as Remnant is drawn more into chaos, Ozpin and Alucard prepare to face the growing darkness while events are set in motion that will sha...
