Flame and Crimson: OC x Ruby (DBXV x RWBY)

Hi there, everyone! I'm back, I hope you enjoyed last chapter. Now, I've heard the power scaling in this story is whack and the plot is subpar by some people, I apologize I couldn't satisfy you if you're one of those people. There are many more writers that are more talented than myself. I have a certain writing style that... may not be for everybody. But ... going into this story the power scaling was going to be non existent and whack as some of you put it, I apologize if I didn't make that clear sooner.

For those who take the time to read and enjoy my stories anyways, despite their flaws, I deeply appreciate it. It's mainly you guys who i write these stories for anyways.

Onto other things though... Here is a list of the pairings I could do. The only ones I cannot change are the main cast's pairings such as Odyn x Ruby, Roy x Yang, Khanna x Mercury, Baron x Flare, Daikon x Weiss, and Sybrh x Tarro. The following list are very possible pairings i could do:

Zero x Scarlett

Valvahdern x Jinjer

Or

Zero x Emerald

Valvahdern x Jinjer

Hailfire x Giblet

Shallot x Blake

Here's some options of pairings for Hailfire: (you can tell me whuch one works the best.. or i guess I'll decide if no one votes..)

Hailfire x Sun W.

Hailfire x Neptune V.

Hailfire x Giblet

Hailfire x Oscar P.

Hailfire x Zero A.

Hailfire x Valvahdern A.

Hailfire x Yatsu hashi D.

Best option for Blake:

A. Sun Wukong

B. Shallot Zenkai

C. Giblet Zenkai

Well that's enough of the character polls for now, let me know which option for each Character works best and if you want feel free to pm me or leave a review detailing why the option you are voting works for the particular character. Keep in mind I don't write female x female pairings or male x male character pairings either, no offense to those who do. That's just not my preference. I like traditional Male x Female pairings, but that's just me.

Anywho, onto the story!

P.S.: I don't own Rwby, Dragon ball super/Xenoverse, or Black Clover and their characters. Those characters belong to Akira Toriyama/Toei Animation, Rooster Teeth/Monty Oum, and Yuki Tabata/ Studio Pierot respectively. I only own the oc's that appear in this story.

Chapter 18: Special Visitors; Cinder's Trap?

Opening theme: Song 4 U (Tales of Xilia 2)

Visuals: replace the tales characters with the characters in this story. Villains being Cinder and Emerald. Mercury caught in the middle between the fighting sides unsure of which side to go with. Odyn and Ruby fighting against Cinder and Emerald respectively with the other characters fighting off the Grimm. Opening ends with Khanna extending a hand towards Mercury and the boy accepting it and joining the others after hesitating.

Weiss is seen to be running ahead of the group as Ruby and Odyn both are following after her. The others from their group of friends trailed behind them.

"Weiss, I understand you're excited but.. who's on the ship that has you in such a mood?," Odyn asked.

Weiss finally stops as she turns towards her friends and speaks.

"My sister, of course!," Weiss said smiling.

"Your sister? I see.," Odyn replied.

Ruby was still a bit puzzled but smiled as she was happy for her friend.

They finally arrive at the docks as Weiss smiles at the the sight of her elder sister.

"Winter.," Weiss said happily.

The camera then cuts behind Ruby, Odyn, and Weiss watching Winter Schnee, escorted by crimson-colored Atlas Soldiers and Atlesian Knight-200's as she exits her airship.

"Wait... your sister?," Ruby asked still a little confused and surprised at the revelation.

Weiss then cups her hands around her mouth as she calls out to her sister.

"Winter! I'm so glad to see you!," Weiss said as she was followed by Ruby and Odyn.

As they approach weiss suddenly remembers her manners and curtsies upon seeing the elder Shcnee.

"Oh.. ahem! I mean, your presence honors us.," Weiss said correcting herself.

Winter looks around for a little bit before speaking.

"Ah, Beacon... it's been a long time. The air here feels... different somehow.," Winter said.

One could tell the two were related, due to the hair and eye color. Winter was obviously a bit taller than her sister, as she wore a long silver coat, with blue pants, white heeled boots, black gloves, and a matching belt that her silver rapier was strapped and sheathed to. Her hair was tied up into a bun in the back, she had cream colored skin, to go with light icy blue eyes.

"I mean, it is fall now. So the air would be colder.," Ruby said.

Weiss was about to hit her friend, but odyn signaled that he'd take care of it.

"Ruby, don't be rude. Our new... guest here, is pretty distinguished after all.," Odyn said.

Weiss mentally thanked the dark elf as that seemed to satisfy her friend for the moment.

"So uh.. what are you doing here?," Weiss asked.

"Classified.," Winter said.

"Oh, well how long will you be staying for?," Weiss replied.

"Classified.," Winter responded.

"Of course.," Weiss nodded and smiled in understanding.

"Well... this.. is.. nice... I think?," Ruby said unsure.

Weiss then gets excited as she begins to rant.

"You're going to love it here! I know you travel a lot, but so much of Beacon is different from Atlas! Vale too. The government and school are completely separate! Can you believe it!? I...," Weiss said before her sister interrupted her.

"I'm more than familiar with how this kingdom handles its... bureaucracy. That is not why I came.," She said.

"R-right, I'm sorry!," Weiss said a little nervously.

"Nor did I come here to watch my own blood fail so miserably in battle. But it appears that I have no choice in the matter.,"Winter said.

"But, we won!," Weiss said puzzled.

"Oh please, only an amateur would call what you did out there a victory. I counted at the very least, three strikes you carelessly missed.," Winter said.

She then looks towards the said of her to see the soldiers and Atlus knights still standing by her.

"Leave us.," she said.

The soldiers obeyed and walked away, leaving Weiss, Ruby, and Odyn there with Winter. She sighs and smiles a little warmer at Weiss.

"How have you been?," Winter asked.

"Oh, splendid! Thank you for asking. I'm actually in the very top ranking of our sparring class! And the rest of my studies are going wonderfully, too! I'm-," Weiss replied happily before winter cut her off again while light hitting her sister on the head.

"Silence, you boob! I don't recall asking about your ranking, I'm asking how you've been. Are you eating properly? Have you taken up any hobbies? Are you making new friends?," Winter said chiding her sister.

Weiss is seen to be rubbing the bump on her head before she gestures to Ruby and Odyn.

"Well there's Ruby.. and her boyfriend, Odyn.," Weiss said.

Ruby slightly blushed when Weiss mentioned Odyn, it was still difficult accepting that Odyn was her boyfriend now.

Ruby was giggling as she pushes the lump back into Weiss's head.

"Heh, boob... ah ahem! I mean, it's an honor to uh... meet you.," Ruby said correcting herself.

"I see. So this is the leader you wrote of? How appropriately... underwhelming.," Winter said.

Odyn said as he then spoke up so Ruby wouldn't embarrass them further.

"Ahem! I apologize for my lover's behavior, that's just one of the quirks that add to her charm you see. My name is Odyn Albanar, leader of team ORHF.," Odyn said.

Ruby blushed at what Odyn called her, but soon returned to her normal self. Winter eyed the boy who was not all that much younger than she herself was.

"Those eyes... aren't you...?," Winter started to ask before Odyn cut her off.

"Yes, I am a Dark Elf in case you were curious.," Odyn replied.

"I... see. Greetings, Odyn Albanar and Ruby Rose. I wish to thank you two for taking such an interest in my sister.," Winter replied.

"Oh! Uh, yeah.. yes of course! The umm.. honor is in my ... court! Heh heh heh.," Ruby said trying to salute before nearly falling over and waving her arms frantically until she regained her balance.

"I do have business with Headmaster Ozpin and General Ironwood. However, seeing as I'm a bit early... why don't you take me to your living quarters?," Winter said.

"Really?," Weiss asked.

Weiss and Winter begin to walk off, followed by the Atlus android soldiers as they chatted. Ruby and Odyn hung back as they watched the two sisters walk off while talking.

"Yes. I wish to inspect them and make sure that they are up to my personal standards.," Winter said.

"Of course. Just so you're aware, the bunk beds only look unstable.," Weiss replied.

"Bunk.. Beds?," Weiss asked with a raised eyebrow.

Ruby was seen waving good bye to them as they walked away.

"I'll catch up- I mean, I will... reconvene with you both... at a later... uh...," Ruby started to say before trying to think of the right words to say.

"You mean WE will.," Odyn suggested.

"Oh, yeah! We'll recovene with you at a later.. juncture! (She raised her finger before she and Odyn walked away as well) At a juncture, yeah.,"Ruby said.

With Weiss and Winter...

The camera cuts to Weiss, Winter and the androids walking towards the courtyard, before shifting to first-person view, where a certain someone dizzily sneaks up behind the AK-200s and promptly decapitates one, before kicking its head towards the group.

"Hey! Yeah, I'm talking to you Ice Queen!," The man said before tossing the decapitated machine aside.

The group with Winter, Weiss, and the other Atlesian knights turn towards the man. One of her andoid soldiers advanced with a rifle raised.

"Halt!," the elder shcnee ordered.

"Excuse me! Do you have any idea who you are talking to!?," Weiss asked as she angrily walked up to the man's face with her finger pointed at him.

The man puts a hand on the girl's face before pushing her to the side, away from him.

"Sssshhh. Not you.," He said as he continued forward.

"Hey!," Weiss said offended.

The man then approached an irritated Winter Shcnee as he then clarifies who he was speaking to.

"You. Saw that gaudy ship of yours in town. I guess you're here, too.," The man said as a raven is seen perched on a lamp post before flying off and circling past the group.

"I'm standing right in front of you.," Winter said not at all amused.

"It would seem that way, wouldn't it?," The man said through his hazy state of mind.

"You do realize that you just destroyed Atlas military property.," Winter said.

"Oh, oh.. I'm so sorry about that. See, I mistook it as some sort of garabage.," He said smirking.

"Tch, I do not have the time for your childish games right now, Qrow!," Winter angrily berated as she walked over to face him.

"Wait a minute.. you two know each other?," Weiss asked a little surprised.

The man, now revealed to be Qrow Branwen then spoke up. He was still a bit drunk though, due to his speech being slightly slurred.

"Geez, you Atlas Specialists think you're so special, don't you?," Qrow said.

"It is in the title, after all.," Winter replied.

"Well, you know what you really are? A bunch of sellouts. Just like your boss.," Qrow responded.

"I'm not sure what you think you're implying, but I've heard enough.," Winter said sharply.

"Oh I heard, too. I heard ol' Ironwood finally turned his back on Oz.," Qrow said.

Weiss raised an eyebrow at this. How did this man know the headmaster?

"Ozpin?," Weiss asked thoroughly puzzled.

"Weiss, it's time for you to go now.," Winter said lightly shoving her sister aside.

"What-," Weiss started to argue before Qrow cut her off.

"Listen to your big sister, Weiss. She'll protect you, just like Atlas is going to protected all of us, huh?," Qrow said sneering at the elder shcnee.

Winter was becoming angry as she snapped at Qrow for involving her sister in this.

"If you don't shut that mouth of yours, then I'll gladly do it for you!," Winter snapped as she drew her sword.

"Heh, alright then... Come and take it.," Qrow said as she slicked back his hair and smirked.

The square clears before Winter charges at Qrow, starting a fight. During the fight, the camera cuts to the two spinning and trading blows as Ruby and Odyn enter the crowd next to their friend.

"What's going on?!," Ruby asked surprised.

"I don't know! Some crazy guy just started attacking my sister!," Weiss replied.

"Oh no! Who would do such a th...," Ruby started but then her eyes widened when saw winter's opponent.

"That's my uncle!," Ruby said excited.

"What?!," Weiss responded surprised.

Ruby then yelled loudly in support of her uncle.

"Kick her butt, uncle Qrow!," Ruby said.

Odyn just slapped a hand to his face, he could feel a headache coming on because of this.

Weiss then hesitantly shouted her own support.

"Uh.. t-teach him respect, Winter!," Weiss shouted.

[Just assume the foght as it does in cannon. I'm a bit too lazy to write the full fight out word for word lol ]

The fight comes to a close, with Winter propelling herself forward, screaming in rage and preparing a thrust towards Qrow, just as a flash of silver clashes with winter's blade. There, stood Sybrh, glaring at both offenders along with Tarro who also came to help.

"That is quite enough out of both of you, especially you, schnee. You're a lieutenant, you should know better than let him egg you on.," Sybrh said.

She then wheeled towards Qrow with a glare as well.

"And you! You're just as much at fault for this as the shcnee here is!," She snapped at the man.

Just then footsteps were heard. It was revealed to be Berethon and Hyatan with Valvahdern and Zero, escorting them.

"Sybrh, that's enough. Let us handle this.," Hyatan said.

Sybrh knelt as she sheathed her blade.

"Of course, your grace.," Sybrh answered.

*this is the theme for The Elven Royals*

*black clover ost- almighty descendant licht*

Ironwood calls out to Winter, vut then recognizes their guests.

"Schnee!" He said walking forward before seeing their guests.

"It has certainly been awhile, hasn't it James?," Berethon spoke as he walked forward.

Glynda entered with Ozpin and saw people kneeling as two individuals stood above the rest.

"I uh.. ahem! Your majesties, we certainly weren't expecting you to be here. What can we do for you?," Ironwood said a tad bit nervous.

Hyatan spoke as she strode forward very calmly and methodically. She raised her hand towards the General as she smiled.

"James, there's no need to be so formal with us. We are old friends, are we not?," Hyatan replied.

"Ah.. yes, we are.," James replied.

"Please, James try not to be too cross with your second in command here. It was.. a certain someone that antagonized her after all..," She said subtly glaring at Qrow.

"I realize Qrow started the altercation, but you do regret letting him antagonize you.. ?," Hyatan started before realizing she didn't know the elder shcnee's name.

"Oh, forgive me! Lieutenant Winter Schnee at your service ma'am.," Winter saluted.

Ironwood was about to speak when Hyatan stopped him.

"Ah, winter. If you wouldn't mind, I would very much like to chat with you later. Perhaps we can share some tea later, perhaps?," Hyatan said.

Winter then realized by Hyatan's speech and mannerisms who she was and knelt towards her.

"O-of course, it would be my honor.. your grace!," Winter replied.

Ozpin then spoke to diffuse the little bit of tension left in the air.

"Now then, everyone... There is a sanctioned fight happening just around the corner at the Colosseum, that I can assure you has better seats... and popcorn.," Ozpin said as he swirled his cocoa.

"We will take care of this mess, I assure you. (Looks to Glynda) Professor, if you would be so kind as to clean up the damage here we will reimburse you for them.," Berethon said.

"Oh no, you needn't go to all that trouble your majesty..," She tried saying.

"Nonsense, I insist. Zero, be sure to send the repair funds to Ozpin's office later.," Berethon said.

"Of course, my liege.," Zero said.

Ironwood then turned and began to walk away.

"Let's go. Operative Shcnee, we will discuss this incident later. Count yiur blessings that her grace intervened on your behalf.," Ironwood said.

"Of course, General Ironwood sir.," She replied.

As Ironwood and Winter leave, Penny notices Ruby and quietly waves to her, while Ruby waves back. Ruby then leaps giddily onto Qrow's arm, shaking her legs in delight. Odyn understandably, hung back as he sighed in relief internally that the situation didn't get any worse.

"Uncle Qrow!!!", Ruby said squealing in delight at the sight of her uncle.

She comically hing on the side of his outstretched arm as she spoke again.

"Hi. It's so good to see you! Did you miss me? Did you miss me!?," Ruby asked excitedly with stars in her eyes.

Qrow chuckled before dropping Ruby onto her feet as he ruffled her hair. He did notice that Ruby's once black hair had started to.. change color? That was odd... it was now more of a slightly silverish black with the red highlights instead of the normal ebony black it normally was. He paid it no mind for now, but it was something he'd bring up later.

"Nope.," He said grinning while patting his niece on the head.

"Ahem! Qrow, a word if you would.," Ozpin said beckoning to the Huntsman.

Qrow then looked to Odyn and allowed a small smile to cross his face.

"Ah, so you're the one. I take it, you're the one my niece here fell for?," Qrow asked.

Odyn smiled back at him and nodded as he pulled Ruby close to him, making the girl a blushing mess at the sudden act of affection.

"I am. Though to be accurate, Ruby has been very kind to me since day 1. We've.. come to understand one another and.. just how similar we are. Your niece means alot to me, and I wouldn't trade her for anything.," Odyn said.

Qrow smirked as he patted the young elf's shoulder before walking towards Ozpin.

"Good. I know Ruby's in good hands with you, kid. Keep her happy, ya hear?," He said.

"Of course.," Odyn said back.

"I think I'm in trouble, so I better go see what Oz wants to say to me.," Qrow said.

"Well, you did kinda tear up our courtyard.," Ruby said smiling.

"Yeah, I did.," He said back to her as he began to walk away.

He then stopped briefly and spoke up again.

"Be sure to stick with your boyfriend over there, Ruby. You caught yourself a genuine there. Catch ya later, kid.," Qrow said as he walked away.

Ruby slightly blushed at what he said as she felt Odyn's hand on her shoulder.

"Uncle Qrow...," She said smiling.

Weiss then walks up beside her two friends, but looks to Ruby.

"And suddenly your reckless abandon makes a whole lot more sense now.," Weiss said with her arms crossed.

"Well, that's why she has me now.," Odyn said.

Weiss silently chuckled at this.

"Too true, Odyn.," she chuckled.

Ruby raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Uh.. did I miss something?," Ruby asked.

"It's nothing, Ruby.," Weiss said.

"You'll understand someday.," Odyn said.

Ruby shrugged before smirking at weiss.

"My uncle totally kicked butt, didn't he?," Ruby smirked.

"Pah, in your dreams! It was a tie at best.," Weiss said.

Whatever, you're just mad because whopped your sister in a fight.," Ruby said slyly smiling.

"As I said, that was a tie at best!," Weiss argued back.

The trio walked off as Ruby and Weiss continued to lightly banter about who really won between her uncle and the elder schnee. Meanwhile Glynda repaired the courtyard with her telekenesis.

Later...

The scene shifts to Ozpin's office late at night. Ironwood is waiting with his arms crossed while Winter is impatiently pacing about. Sybrh has had enough and curtly suggests that Winter settle down.

"Might I suggest you calm down, lieutenant Shcnee?," Sybrh suggested.

Winter looked at her slightly angred.

"Calm down? How can I calm down?! Because of what happened earlier, the General is angry with me and now I-," Winter started but never finished.

This was because Sybrh shot her a dark glare that immediately shut her up.

"Did I stutter, Schnee? That wasn't a suggestion, got it?!," Sybrh snapped back.

A sigh escaped Tarro's lips as he spoke.

"Sy, go easy on her. That wasn't her fault.," Tarro suggested.

"Are you on her side now?," she snapped.

"No, you know I'll always back you up. But you are being stupid, right now.," Tarro replied slightly glaring at the dark elf.

"He is right, sis.," Valvahdern agreed stepping into the room.

Sybrh tried saying something, but found that she couldn't. She knew Tarro was right and her brothers who entered the room only confirmed that. She sighed in defeat.

"Fine, you're right. I didn't mean to snap at you, Tarro.," Sybrh apologized.

He smiled at her. Sybrh was prettier when she was calmer.

"Don't worry about it, Sy. You're just a little stressed right now. We all are with the festival upon us.," Tarro said.

Their heart to heart was interrupted when the elevator opened up, revealing Ozpin, Glynda, and a smirking Qrow.

"What were you thinking!?," Winter shrieked.

"If you were one of my men, I would have you shot!," Ironwood said.

"I'd shoot myself if i was one of your men, James.," Qrow said after drinking from his flask.

"While I wouldn't condone his behavior, retaliating like you did certainly didn't help the situation.," Glynda said.

Sybrh spoke up after Glynda's comment.

"No offense, Professor but.. her grace already handled that situation. I'd rather not be reminded of that by certain... people.," She said glaring.

"You all would to well not to anger their excellencies.," Zero said.

At this it grew quiet until Ozpin spoke to diffuse the awkward tension in the room.

"Anyways Qrow, why are you here?,"Ozpinasked as he sat down in his chair.

"You've been out of contact for weeks! You can't just go dark like that in the field!," Ironwood said.

"I'm not one of your operatives, Jimmy!," Qrow said before seeing the glare from the Elves in the room.

"General. Perhaps we should get to the point?," Winter said seeing the look on Sybrh's face.

"Whatever. You sent me to get intel on our enemy, and I'm telling you, our enemy is here.," Qrow said.

"We know.," He said leaning against Ozpin's desk.

"Fantastic! You know! Well, thank goodness I'm out there risking my life to keep you all informed!," Qrow said sarcastically.

"Qrow-!," Ironwood started.

"Communication's a two-way street, pal. You see this?," Qrow said as he pulls out his Scroll and points to the SEND button.

"That's the SEND button.," Qrow said annoyed.

"They had reason to assume you'd been compromised.," Winter said.

"And I have reason to assume you don't need to be here. (points to winter and then the elves) Seriously, who invited them?," Qrow said.

Sybrh glared at Qrow. He then gulped as he remembered, these were dark elves he was dealing with.

"I was just kidding about that? (Laughs nervously)," Qrow said sweating.

Ironwood paused for a moment and then without looking at her addressed his second in command.

"Schnee, we'll discuss this incident back at my ship.,"Ironwood said.

"But sir!," she said surprised and upset.

"Winter. Leave.," He said curtly.

She reluctantly saluted as she made her way out of the room.

"Yes sir.," she responded before turning heel and leaving.

She shot Qrow dirty look before she exited the room.

"Go on.,"Ironwood said.

"Your little infiltrator isn't just another pawn. They're the one responsible for Autumn's condition.",He said.

"About that.,"Zero said causing the others to look towards him.

"I believe we may just have a lead on who that is.,"Sybrh said.

"Oh? You do?," Ironwood asked curious.

Sybrh nodded as she explained.

"We can't exactly prove it yet, but give us some time and we should be able to unmask the one we believe is our infiltrator.," Valvahdern said.

"We? Who's we?," Glynda asked.

"My brothers and Tarro here, of course. They may not look like it, but zero and Valvahdern are masters at gathering information discreetly.," Sybrh said.

"We dark elves are known for our ability to hear things most people can't. This is due to our hearing being better than even a faunus's.," Zero said.

"I see.," Glynda said.

"That being said.. please don't scare the populace with those ships and troops of yours, General., " Sybrh said with a glare.

"I will... certainly try not to, miss Arkham.," Ironwood said.

"She's right, James. Fear will bring the Grimm. A guardian is a symbol of comfort. But an army is a symbol of conflict. There's an energy in the air now, a question in the back of everyone's minds...," Ozpin said as he gestured to the display on Ironwood's Scroll.

He continued.

"If this is the size of our defenses, then what is it we're expecting to fight?", Ozpin asked.

He glared at them before sighing and easing up from Sybrh's own glare towards him. He picked up his scroll just as it flashed to the image of a black queen chess piece.

"So then, what would you suggest we do?," Ironwood asked.

"I suggest we find our guardian.," he said.

With Mercury, Cinder, and Emerald...

The scene then cuts to a dorm room, where Mercury is sitting in a chair, reporting on the fight he saw earlier, while Cinder Fall walks back and forth, interrogating him with Emerald Sustrai resting on a bed nearby.

"And you're sure?," Cinder asked.

Mercury nodded.

"Positive. Bad hair, Scythe, and smelled like my dad after a long day at work. It was him alright.," Mercury said.

"What do we do now?," Emerald asked.

"Nothing... for now. We stay the course. They have no idea who we are, so we have no reason to worry. Besides, the last of the heavy lifting is being taken care of thanks to our clever little friend.," Cinder said as she picked her scroll before the screen flashed to a queen chess piece.

She continued.

"Speaking of which... it appears we have a new access point.," Cinder said as Ironwood is shown on the Scroll as an icon, along with a curling "W" in the other corner.

"Any place good?," Emerald asked curious.

"You could... say that. Go to your rooms. I'll prepare everything for tomorrow.," Cinder told them.

"Yes Ma'am.," Emerald said.

"Got it. I'll go on ahead then.," Mercury said.

Cinder then looked towards Mercury before speaking up.

"Before you go... was there anything else to report?," Cinder asked.

"Hm... ah! Yeah, there was one thing. The Dark Elven Rulers and the Royal Vanguard are now in Vale.," Mercury said.

Cinder was taken aback slightly, but masked her surprise as she listened.

"Oh? So the rulers of the Elven Race and their protectors are in Vale now?," Cinder asked.

Mercury nodded.

"What were they like?," Cinder asked.

"Well... The Queen was... in a word, stunning. I've never seen anyone as Graceful as the Elven Queen was before.," Mercury replied.

"What about the King?," Emerald asked.

Mercury began to slightly sweat as he recalled the High Elven King.

"He was... not someone you want to mess with. His whole being seemed to radiate an authority and power that I've never once felt before. And their guards weren't any pushovers either, they were strong too.," Mercury said.

"So... in other words, we need to be careful when dealing with the Elves?," Emerald asked curious.

"Y-Yeah, I'd say so. They're smarter than they appear to be.. actually.. they're very intelligent beings so I'd advise against anything rash.," Mercury said in warning.

Cinder looked to Emerald who confirmed as such.

"And do you agree with these statements, Emerald?," Cinder asked.

Emerald nodded.

"Yes. These Dark Elves are far more cunning and far stronger than we originally thought.," Emerald said.

"Very well, you may go, Mercury.," Cinder said.

Mercury then walked back towards his dorm as Emerald stayed behind.

"Be careful around the dark elves, cinder. I think they may be investigating us. It's pretty obvious they don't trust us at all.," Emerald said.

"Based on what you have told me, We can't deny that. I wasn't expecting one race to be so thorough, we'll just have to be even more careful around them. We don't want them catching onto the plan. Not that they could do anything about it now anyways. That race is proving to be our biggest problem.," Cinder said.

Unfortunately for Emerald and Cinder, they had no idea Mercury was acting as a double agent for the Elves. They'd have no sure way of knowing just how screwed they actually were.

Cinder looks down on her scroll as it revelas the roster for the Vytal festival doubles round. She smiles until she gets to the dsrk elves participating in the tournament.

"Let's give the crowd a good fight then.," Cinder said.

When her eyes landed on 2 particular teams, she frowned. Those were the teams with the dark elven participants. For some odd reason, she had the feeling that messing with them would prove to be a very bad idea.

One particular name however, she felt a bit of an evil smirk adorn her face. Especially, when she saw what he looked like.

"Odyn Albanar, eh? Well, well I should have known. So, it is him then? It's that brat from all those years ago...," The amber eyed woman thought.

She had something special in mind to make him suffer, not knowing just how strong he currently was. Cinder had heard that Odyn and a particular silver eyed and red cloaked girl were an "item" now... she could use that to her advantage. In order to truly make him suffer, she'd have to plan though and carefully plan as well. But based on what she knew of the dark teen elf, she knew what would set him off.

How to do that would be the question, or rather when? Cinder dismissed Emerald as she walked away and begun to plan for how to make the blue haired dark elf suffer. She scrolls down the list of participants until she selects Mercury and Emerald to face off against Coco Adell and Yatsuhashi Daichi of Team CVFY in the doubles round.

Elsewhere....

Sybrh was seen to be kneeling before the lavender haired elf queen, Hyatan.

"And that's what I have to report, Your Grace.," Sybrh said.

Hyatan's eyes slightly narrowed into a scowl before she relaxed slightly. She then spoke up as she sensed someone approaching them.

"Very well. Thank you, Sybrh. Continue to keep a close eye on that woman. From what I've personally observed, there's definitely something.... "off" about that woman.," Hyatan said.

"You feel she may do something horrible, my Queen?," Sybrh asked.

Hyatan nodded solemnly. Although she'd look out for her sons, she would leave them to deal with Cinder and her cronies. There was only so much she couod do without interfering in her sons business. What she could do though, was to keep an eye on Cinder. She'd already seen what would happen, thanks to her foresight. Hyatan wanted to see how her sons and their friends would handle it though. So she chose not to do anything.

Sybrh knelt towards her as the queen dismissed her for the time being. The King then came beside her as his wife looked out in the distance.

"You did the right thing hun, it's better to have the young ones handle this. If they get in over their heads, that is when we'll lend a helping hand.," Berethon said smiling.

"For our sons sake.. I do hope you are right, Berethon.," Hyatan said worried.

Time skip: the next morning...

The next morning, the crowd sees the rigged match-up on the screen at the Amity Colosseum. Members of the Elven Vanguard were disguised as citizens so they could keep an eye on Cinder and her team's movements. Odyn, Roy, Khanna, and Baron were all watching as the match between the teams of Coco Adell/ Yatsuhashi Daichi and Emerald Sustrai/Mercury Black began. They knew Mercury was secretly working with them to foil Cinder's trap for certain students, but it was still jard watching him go along with Someone who had no remorse for what she was doing.

Port announced over the speakers that the match was beginning.

"The randomization process is complete! Ladies and gentlemen, your doubles tournament line-up!," Port announced as a slide of random doubles matches were displayed onto the screen for all to see.

As the announcement is heard, RWBY cheers with arms raised, JNPR is seen providing applause, and SSSN is shown sitting in front row seats. Bolin Hori and Nolan Porfirio are seen talking to each other behind RWBY, and Dove Bronzewing is sitting behind JNPR. Odyn looked on and scowled, he would more than likely be facing Emerald after their team advanced.

Ruby saw the look on her boyfriend's face and became a bit worried.

"Odyn?," Ruby asked concerned.

He looked to the sliver eyed girl.

"Yes, what is it Ruby?," He asked.

"That's what I was going to ask you. That face you were making, I-It was a little scary.," Ruby said.

Odyn softwned his expression and smiled at her.

"I'm sorry, Ruby. I... wasn't trying to scare you.," Odyn replied.

"Hee hee, as long as nothing is really wrong.. that's enough for me.," Ruby said smiling as she giggled.

Odyn slightly sighed as an amused look crossed his face.

"What am I going to do with you?," Odyn chuckled as he patted her head.

Truthfully, Odyn couldn't bring himself to tell Ruby what was really bothering him. Not yet, at least. This was partly because he knew the silver eyed girl still saw Cinder and Emerald as friends, despite their actions and attitude secretly towards her and her friends.

Cinder was dangerous and something about her just felt.... "off", not quite right. Odyn didn't like that feeling she was getting from the amber eyed woman. So, he resolved to do some investigating of his own on the woman.

It cuts to Cinder who has a dark smile on her face as she claps for her teammates. The scene cuts to black.

The screen then comes back as the Amity Colosseum is still floating high amongst the cheers of an excited audience as the two opposing pairs of partners for the match, the grinning Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai against a confident Coco Adel and meditating Yatsuhashi Daichi, wait in the center of the stadium for the holographic roulette to pick the field.

Odyn and the other Dark Elves kept a close eye on Emerald. Just in case she did anything to confirm their suspicions of her, they'd be right there to see it.

"Emerald and Mercury of Haven, versus Coco and Yatsuhashi of Beacon!," Port announced over the speakers.

The crowd cheered wildly as the two teams prepared to face off with each other.

"Good luck, you two!", Velvet cheered alongside Foxand Ruby from the stands.

The Colosseum chooses four fields to rise up from below in quarter sections: A patch of tall grassy plains which has a single tree and some rocks; the ruins of a city, complete with buildings holding shattered windows and rubble among the pavement; a hot spring containing geyser spots along a small river and some blue Dust crystal growths; and a familiar section of dense forest.

Coco in her typical fashionista attitide lowers her glasses as she judges Emerald's outfit. She gives asmile as speaks.

"Hey! Love the outfit, kid!," Coco said.

Emerald didn't really feel like talking, so she just gave the girl a simple response.

"Thanks, I'll try not to get blood on it.,"She responded.

Yatsuhashi finally gets up as he removes his dust weapon, a blade called fulcrum, from his back as he speaks up.

"I can't promise that you'll come out of this without any scratches.," the tall dark teen said.

Emerald merely smirked as she responded back.

"I won't be the one bleeding, tough guy.," Emerald replied back.

Coco smiled a bit excited at the girl's response.

"Ooh, I like her!," Coco said.

The countdown on the screens behind the contestants began to roll.

"Three..."

Both teams shifted into ready postions.

"Two..."

Both teams of two stared each other down.

"One..."

The crowd was now itching to see these teams fight as the suspense was making them nervous.

"Begin!," Port shouted as coco and Yatsuhashi dashed towards Emerald and Mercury, beginning the match.

Instead of charging forward, Mercury and Emerald slowly walk back into the tall grass and disappear behind the leaves. Coco and Yatsuhashi smile at each other before the leader pops out her Gatling gun and begins mowing down the field as the crowds of sunglasses-wearing fans roar their approval, even when bullets nearly hit them from the other side of the forcefield. Coco lets up as she and Yatsuhashi realize the two opponents aren't in the plains section anymore.

They were confused.

"Huh? Where did those two..?," Coco wondered aloud before being interrupted.

Blake and the rest of Team Rwby look in shock at what they see.

"Look out!," Blake calls out to warn the girl.

Unfortunately, the faunus girl's warning came too late. Mercury drops down out of the sky, clearly aiming for Coco with his foot. Yatsuhashi pushes his teammate out of the way and blocks Mercury's dust weapon with his own pushing the silver haired teen back. Coco shifts her weapon back to the gattling gun and opens fire at Mercury again, with the teen outrunnning and dodging each of her dust rounds.

"He's pretty good!," Sun said also in the bleachers with his team.

"Yeah, he is. But where's the girl that was with him?," Scarlet asked.

His question was answered shortly after as Mercury reaches the two and kicks away Coco's weapon while dodging Yatsuhashi's blade, then delivering a double blow to the giant warrior before jumping over Coco's continued barrage of bullets. He lands on the barrels and kicks her in the face, leaping over another of Yatsuhashi's swings, only to let himself be hit so he can get behind Coco and force her to press the muzzle up to her own teammate. Everyone stands still until Coco compresses her weapon back into its handbag form and tries to hit Mercury with Yatsuhashi, but he deftly jumps back and launches two blasts from his boots that the members of CFVY deflect.

Coco is unfazed by the one shot, but looks surprised at the dozens of them now spiraling around the handstand-spinning Mercury until he sends all of them at his enemies, a barrage of light and smoke surrounding them that provides the perfect cover for Mercury to appear behind the two. He grabs the both of them by their arms and delivers a flurry of kicks that knocks them back, looking back as a chain comes out from the forest trees to wrap around Coco and pulls her back.

"Coco!," Yatsuhashi cried reaching for his teammate in vain.

Despite his cry, Coco disappears into the trees, and he has to endure a blow from Mercury before being able to grab and throw him into the hot spring area. He jumps high in the air as Mercury's still sliding back, but his blade only comes down on his opponent's boots, the shockwave from this clash causing the water to fly back, the earth to crack underneath, and multiple geysers to form around them. Mercury fires his boots and gets out of the hold, aiming a swipe at Yatsuhashi's feet that misses, then ducking around each of his sword's swings. One of his kicks loosens some stones from the ground, which Mercury kicks into Yatsuhashi who quickly recovers and attempts to retaliate.

Mercury easily counters him and fires a couple of shots. Despite trying to block them Yatsuhashi is forced back, giving Mercury an opening to kick him to the ground. This leaves his head in a small super-heated geyser, that erupts causing him to scream in pain as he frantically gets up, opening his eyes just in time to see Mercury coming at him.

Meanwhile, Coco is still being dragged back into the forest until the chain makes her collide with the trunk of a tree. She shakes it off until she realizes her sunglasses are lying shattered on the ground. This makes her angry.

"I take it back; I don't like her.," Coco said to herself annoyed.

Just as she says this, a green shot rapidly comes at Coco, which she barely manages to jump back from as more come down on her from Emerald's position up in a tree above her. Coco unleashes her Gatling gun again and shoots high in the branches, but Emerald jumps around, using Thief's Respite to fire back and change them to sickle form so she can swing from each tree until she suddenly vanishes behind one of them.

"Dang!,"Coco said in frustration.

She looked around frantically, only to never find her opponent. This only added to her frustration. Not only, was she separated from her partner, she was beaten pretty handily by one person.

Coco then heard a voice from behind her that sounded like her partner, Yatsuhashi. But... that couldn't be, she was separated from him. Yet... there he was.

"Coco!," Yatsuhashi called out to her from behind as he reached for her.

"What the-? Yatsuhashi, i thought you were- what is going on here?," Coco said confused.

"Watch out, she's in the trees somewhere!," Coco said.

A buzzer was heard, catching her attention.

"Oh, and with that final blow, Yatsuhashi is eliminated!," Port announced as Coco saw coverage of her partner's fight with Mercury.

The crowd reacted in disappointment, seeing one of the teens from Beacon go down.

"What?! But he's right-...," Coco said with her eyes widened in shock and confusion.

She looks behind her, only to see no one there. Her hand is shaking on the handle of her gun, and she doesn't even see the blur between the trees moving in for the kill.

"Drat!," Coco said finally realizing her situation.

Little does she know that Emerald is rising up from behind her, blades raised, turning around a second too late. The weapon descends with a ringing gunshot, and Coco is seen flying out of the forest, landing all the way in the center of the stadium next to Yatsuhashi, also knocked unconscious. Emerald swings her sickles by their chains as Mercury looks over their defeated opponents.

"And with an amazing upset, Emerald and Mercury are victorious!", Port announced.

Velvet looks on in shock and near disbelief at what she just saw.

"Coco?," The rabbit Faunus asked in concern and slight disbelief of the result of their match.

Fox shook his head momentarily before placing a reassuring hand on the rabbit girl's shoulder to comfort her.

Ruby looks into the stadium at her "friends", no one noticing the smiling Cinder Fall behind them, getting up from her seat and walking away amid the combined cheers and boos from the crowds. Or so Cinder thought she wasn't noticed anyways.... She wasn't aware that the Dark Elves are secretly investigating her behind her back. Cinder wasn't as discreet as she'd like to believe.

Elsewhere....

In an elegant twilit pavilion area of ivy-covered pillars, rounded archways, and lion-decorated fountains, Weiss Schnee and her elder sister Winter are sitting at a simple table with a plate full of croissants and strawberries. Winter is sipping from her teacup as Weiss repeats the news she was just told.

"Wait, You're.... leaving? So soon?," Weiss asked.

Winter set her cup down before responding to her sister's question.

"Yes. I was merely needed to oversee the transport of additional units to Vale. Our last shipment was lost to an ambush. I believe you had a run-in with its cargo, actually. It's fortunate those Paladins were in the prototype stage; otherwise your team may not have fared so well.," Winter said as Weiss sighs and looks down dejectedly.

"You're right... If it weren't for Ruby's Boyfriend and his friends... I honestly don't know what would've become of us then.," Weiss said in realization.

Winter smiled softly and took a hold of her sister's hand reassuringly.

"That may be true Weiss, but you have still done... well for yourself out here and on your own. You should be proud. I'll be honest, it was quite amusing seeing Father's face the day you left for Beacon!," Winter said smiling.

Weiss straightens her posture and smiles with her arms crossed.

"Then, I can't wait to show him what I've learned!," Weiss said excited.

"Incidentally... what do you think of him? Your friend's boyfriend, that is. He's quite the looker, isn't he?," Winter said.

"He's... very direct. But also kind towards those who matter to him. He's a good friend. And.. quite powerful too. What are you getting at, sister?," Weiss replied curious.

"I think you know.," she responded.

Weiss felt her face go red before waving off the suggestion.

"Wha-?! N-No! Myself and Odyn? No no no no no no, that would never happen!," Weiss said slightly embarrassed.

"Really? Why do you say that, Weiss?," Winter teased.

"I can tell that a relationship like that wouldn't work between myself and him.," Weiss said.

"You can tell? Why do you think it would never work?," Winter asked.

"It's his relationship with Ruby. It feels... special, like... they were meant to be together. I can tell just by watching thise two, they're practically made for each other. And...," Weiss said trailing off before continuing.

"And?," Winter asked nudging Weiss to further explain her reasoning.

Weiss sighed as she responded to Winter's inquiry.

"Odyn.. just doesn't see me in that particular light. His head is concerned about no one more than Ruby, his girlfriend. I couldn't possibly do anything to change that.," Weiss answered.

Winter smiled and sighed.

"Very well then. If you feel that strongly about it, I shan't prod you any further on the subject.," Winter said before continuing her chat with her sister.

"Speaking of... what exactly do you think you have learned here?," Winter continued.

"What do you mean? I'm getting better and better with my glyphs! I've even started Time Dilation!," Weiss replied not looking directly at her sister.

"And what of your summoning?," Winter asked looking intently at Weiss.

Weiss sighs and looks away disappointed before answering dejectedly.

"I.. Look, you know I can't do that no matter how hard I try sister.," Weiss answered.

"Don't be ridiculous. Every Schnee has the ability to summon. We have for generations. You sell yourself short, Weiss.," Winter replied.

"I've tried! It's just... it's the one thing I've been having trouble with!," Weiss said waving her arms and hands in frustration.

Winter put her hand atop her sister's head, gaining the younger Schnee's attention.

"We Schnees are unique. Unlike many, our Semblance is hereditary. But that doesn't mean it will come easily., " Winter said as she lifts her hand to summon a small, elaborate glyph over her palm before continuing.

"Your Semblance is like a muscle. The more you practice with it, the stronger it will become. But if you only focus on one aspect of it... "

The glyph expands suddenly in a bright flash, causing Weiss to turn away before looking back up in awe at the white-and-blue Beowolf now at her sister's side.

"If you fail to test the limits of what you think is possible, then you'll never truly grow.," Winter said finishing her thought.

Weiss smiled because sounded an awful lot like something a certain red eyed saiyan she knew would say. She couldn't help but to silently chuckle, something winter took notice of.

"Is something Amusing about what I've told you, Weiss?," Winter asked.

"No, no. Not so much amusing as it is ironically similar to something a certain.. faunus I have come to know recently would've said.," Weiss said.

"Oh? Tell me about this faunus then. I'm rather curious.," Winter responded.

Weiss sighed in resignation as she began to tell her sister about her interractions so far with a red eyed monkey faunus boy named Daikon Koizumi...

Elsewhere...

Ruby, Odyn, Yang, and Roy are hanging out in team Rwby's dorm when Qrow shows up.

"You were amazing out there, Odyn!," Ruby said as she hugged her boyfriend's arm.

Odyn rubbed the back of his head, still not used to Ruby showing him so much affection. He downplayed it because he was a little embarrassed at the moment.

"Rubes is right. I had no idea, you dark elves had so much power.," Yang said.

"To be honest... it was kinda "hot" watching you fight out there, good lookin~," Yang said teasing Roy.

Roy responded as he normally did by blushing a bit and redirecting the conversation.

"Y-yeah, it wasn't that big of a deal though. The team we faced were pretty strong in their own right.," Roy said nervously.

The teens heard a knock at the door before Yang walked over to it. She peered through the small mirror for the hall in the door and saw her uncle standing there before opening the door and letting him inside the room.

Ruby turned and excitedly leapt into the air and hugged Qrow. He was her favorite (and only) uncle after all.

"Uncle Qrow!," Ruby said gleefully.

He smirked.

"I see someone's excited.," he said as he spun around briefly upon ruby rushing to hug him.

He tusseled her hair as she then broke the hug giggling. He then noticed Odyn and Roy.

Ruby cleared her throat as she introduced them.

"You girls know these two strapping young men?," Qrow asked.

Ruby and Yang both nodded.

"Uncle Qrow, this is Roy Albanar, a close friend of ours.," Ruby said introducing the redhead.

"Pleasure to meet you, sir. Your nieces have bith been very kind to us. We're proud to call them.two of our dearest and closest friends.," Roy said.

Ruby then blushed upon introducing Odyn, something Qrow picked up on.

"A-and this is O-Odyn Albanar, Roy's elder brother. Also a close friend of ours and.... uh... h-He's... someone... very important to me.," Ruby said embarrassed.

Yang smirked.

"Oh come on, Rubes. Just tell him that Odyn's your boyfriend already.," Yang said slyly.

Odyn pulled Ruby close causing steam to rise from her head as her entire face became red from embarrassment.

"Is this true, boy?," Qrow asked seriously.

"Yes, yes it is sir. Ruby is very important to me. I'll cherish her for as long as I'm able to.," Odyn replied.

Qrow smiled.

"Heh, good. I'm glad to see both my nieces are in good hands here. You two wouldn't mind if an old man spent a little time with his nieces, would you?," Qrow replied.

"Of course not, your their family after all.," Roy said.

Qrow and Ruby then began to play a game on their scrolls while Odyn and Roy watched and silently chuckled at Ruby and Qrow's light hearted banter.

Red action lines appear behind her with oriental battle music playing as she battled her uncle within the video game.

"You'll never beat me, old man!," Ruby taunted.

Similar blue lines are racing behind him as he calls out her bluff.

"And you're nothing but talk, kid!," Qrow said with a smug grin on his face.

Purple lines race behind Yang as she calls out to support her sister.

"You can do it, Rubes!," Yang cried out in support of Ruby.

The entire scene is revealed to be in team RWBY's dorm room at Beacon Academy, and the screen of the video game Ruby and Qrow are playing is shown just as one of the pixelated ninjas decapitates the other, with the announcer saying "SOARING NINJA WINS! TOTAL ANNIHILATION!" Qrow grins at his victory as Ruby lowers her head in shame. Odyn then goes over and pats Ruby on the head and rubs her back as he tries to encourage her.

"Ouch.," Yang said whispering.

"And by the way... don't ever call me old.," Qrow said

Yang then pushes her sister out of her spot as she grabs the spinning controller from mid air.

"My turn!," Yang said excited.

The game begins again with "NEW CHALLENGER APPROACHES!"

"Now, where was I?," Qrow said as Yang decided to play now.

Ruby then speaks up from behind the two players as Odyn was finished comforting her.

"You were telling us about your last mission!," Ruby said excitedly.

"Right, right..,"Qrow said as he began his tale.

flashes back to his story as the art style changes to reflect the dark setting and eerie neighborhood the blade-wielding warrior is walking through.

He continued.

"I'd come across a small village in the swamps west of Mistral. Right off the bat, I knew something wasn't right.," Qrow began.

"What were you doing there?," Ruby asked.

"I needed information. Tired from battling Grimm along the way, I decided to start my search at the town's inn. The place was crawling with lowlifes and thugs, even a few Huntsmen that I could only assume had been hired by less-than reputable people for less-than respectable jobs. And that's when it happened.," Qrow said.

"What happened?," Yang asked.

Odyn silently gave a displeased look, he knew where this conversation was going.

"I don't like where this is going...," Odyn thought to himself.

"Agreed.," Roy thought.

Qrow kneels in his flashback under a spotlight.

"I was defeated... by the mere sight... (he grins as what he saw is revealed) of the innkeeper's skirt length!," Qrow said before he's interrupted by a dog pillow being thrown at his face.

Qrow manages to nonchalantly catch the thrown pillow much to Yang's ire.

"Really, Qrow? 🤦‍♂️," Odyn thought to himself.

"🤦‍♂️ Of all the things he could've said, it had to be... something like that?," Roy thought smacking himself in the face.

Yang's mood wasn't helped by the game announcing "SOARING NINJA WINS! TOTAL ANNIHILATION!"one more time.

"You are the worst!," Yang said slightly angered.

"Thank you, Yang!," Both Albanar brothers thought in unison.

"Best two out of three?," Qrow asked as he and Ruby laugh at Yang's anger.

Ruby then spoke to redirect the conversation.

"So, Uncle Qrow, did you get in trouble with Ozpin?," Ruby asked as she sat down on Weiss's bed.

"Nah, me and ol' Oz go way back. We're cool.," Qrow said waving off the question.

"Cool for an old guy.," Yang said scoffing.

"Not funny.," Qrow said looking mad now.

"We're glad to see you and everything, Uncle Qrow. But uh... like what are you doing here anyways? I thought Dad told us you would be on a mission for like... ever.," Ruby asked.

Qrow gets back into the game at the sounds of "READY? FIGHT!"as he begins his explanation.

"Well, a professional Huntsman like myself is expected to get results, as soon as possible.," Qrow began.

" Yeeeeaaaah, I get that. We're pretty much pros now too you know?," Ruby said as she lightly laughs.

"Oh, really now?," Qrow asked.

"Psch, yeah! Read the news sometime. We totally saved Vale while you were gone.," Yang said.

Odyn then spoke up.

"Yang, I don't think that's what he meant. Although we did save Vale technically speaking. A lot of people were hurt and unnecessarily injured, had we done our jobs thoroughly, no one would've been hurt, and the Grimm certainly wouldn't have ever made it into Vale.," Odyn said.

"We should learn by example. Save as many people as we can without them getting hurt or the city being partially destroyed.," Roy said.

Yang then had a look that said she couldn't argue that. These two were right. This caused Qrow to smile before he spoke again.

"Wow, you two should try listening to these froends of yours more often. Sounds as if they know a thing or two that you girls could learn from.," Qrow said.

He continued.

"That said, you two sound as though you've been involved in conflict before...," Qrow said.

"Yeah... we have. Brutal conflict. Ones that became wars.," Roy said solemnly.

Ruby was wide eyed.

"You two have... fought in wars?!," Yang asked shocked.

Odyn nodded.

"Yeah.. we have. But.. We'd rather not talk about that.," Odyn said.

"Odyn....," Ruby said her eyes softened.

Ruby then walked over and hugged her boyfriend, much to the surprise of Qrow, who was now seeing the special relationship these two teens shared for the first time. Yang and Roy both just grinned as they knew just how special the bond between Odyn and Ruby truly was just from seeing it develop in person.

Qrow cleared his throat to steer things back on topic.

"Ahem! Joking aside, Violence hasn't dropped since Roman got nabbed; it's stopped, completely. No White Fang activity anywhere around the city. You cut off the head of the King Taijitu, but now the second head's calling the shots. That's what Ironwood can't get through that thick metal head of his.," Qrow explained.

Yang and Ruby exchange a look as Yang spoke.

"You know... the General?," Yang said.

Qrow then immediately revert back to his joking demeanor to lighten the mood.

"Hey, I know everybody to some extent. Remember, you're talking to a member of the coolest team that graduated Beacon! Hah, Team STRQ... That's where I met your parents. We were pretty well known back in the day.," Qrow said after he reaches behind him into one of his pockets and pulls out a photo lined with stains and age of four figures - himself, Raven Branwen, Taiyang Xiao Long, and Summer Rose.

He sighs in remembrance as Yang's eyes widen.

"So... that's what your mother looked like, right Little Rose?," Odyn asked.

Ruby nodded.

"Yup, that's her alright. Though... she was older from what I remember.," Ruby replied.

"I see.. that picture is probably from when your dad, mom, your uncle here, and Yang's mom were all the same age as us.," Roy said.

"You're pretty sharp there, Roy. And you're right, we all weren't all that much older than the 4 of you are right now.," Qrow said reminiscing.

"That team name sounds interesting but.. looks like you were better known for a crummy fashion sense!," Ruby said poking fun at her uncle.

"Hey, we looked good! And I have a number of inappropriate stories to back that up!," Qrow said wiggling his eyebrows very suggestively before noticing Yang continuing to stare at the picture.

He quickly hides the picture before continuing his thought.

"But... I'll save those for when you two are a bit more... mature.," Qrow said smirking.

"Ew, gross!," Yang said recoiling in disgust.

"🤦‍♂️Is this guy seriously just a walking skirt chaser?," Odyn asked.

"😅 I.. honestly couldn't even say anymore, brother.," Roy said sweatdropping.

"Anyways, I'm too old to be hanging out with a bunch of kids. You're gonna cramp my style.," He said getting up and walking out of the room before pausing and looking at his family.

Ruby and Yang were looking up to him and Zwei was sleeping on Blake's bed.

"Look, just remember that you've still got a long way to go... (holds up his finger to emphasize his serious tone) And don't think for a second that graduating means you're done. Every day out there is worth a week in this place. You two, you're gonna go far. But only if you keep learning; if you never stop moving forward. Try and follow your friends examples here, they know what's up.," Qrow said.

He then waves good bye to the quartet of teens as he walks away and down the hallway.

"Later.," He said walking off.

With Weiss and Winter...

Back in the pavilion, a caterpillar is slowly inching around on the edge of a fountain at Weiss points her Myrtenaster at the ground, creating a rotating glyph made of blade symbols with Winter behind her, appraising the effort.

"Mm.. good, Excellent form! Now think to your fallen foes! The ones who forced you to push past where you were, and become who you are now. Think of tyem and watch as they come to your side to aide you.," Winter instructed.

Weiss summons a glyph as instructed, while Winter looks on in appraisal. However, the glyph weiss makes begins to flicker and becone unstable. Weiss is seen to be grimacing in concentration as she attempts to keep the summoned circle stable and active. She tries her hardest to keep the circle stable and bend it to her will. The younger Schnee is unable to keep the circle steady and dismisses it while stompingbon the ground angrily. Winter sighs in disappointment as she listened to what Weiss had to say.

"I just can't do it!," Weiss said visibly frustrated.

Winter's hand comes uo immediately before she brings it back down on top of Weiss's head in a slap.

"Stop doubting yourself!," Winter chastised her sister.

Weiss turns to face her elder sister.

"I'm trying!," Weiss said upset.

"Honestly.. If this is what you call trying, then you have no chance of winning the tournament, let alone succeeding as a bonafide Huntress! (Winter then smiles as she gets an idea) Why don't you just move back home? I'm sure Father would give you a nice job as a receptionist!," Winter said.

Weiss looked angered as she turned away in digust.

"Tch, I don't need "THAT" man's charity!," Weiss replied angry.

Winter leans in close to her sister so Weiss can hear her.

"That is true, but you DO need his money, don't you?," Winter asked.

Weiss looked shocked Winter knew about that particular detail of her sister's strained relationship with their father.

"What!? How did- I mean why do you know about that!?," Weiss replied correcting herself.

Winter just smiled.

"Lucky guess. I might have been in a similar situation to you when I joined Atlus's military. So... what did you do this time?," Winter replied.

As Winter circles around her, Weiss begins to explain what happened.

"Well, that's the thing... I don't really know! I just wanted to pay for lunch the other day, but my card didn't work! And.. I know I wasn't that far into the allowance, so I haven't the slightest clue what it could've been.," Weiss said expressing her befuddlement as to why the funds on her card were declined.

Winter felt a headache coming, she knew exactly what happened.

"How utterly embarrassing.," Winter said.

"I know, right?!," Weiss replied upset.

"I swear that man be such a child at times.. 🤦‍♂️," Winter said palming her face.

"Why would he just.. cut me off like that?!," Weiss wondered aloud still upset.

Weiss sees Winter shaking her head as she speaks.

"While that was very childish of him to do.. perhaps he did that so you would stop avoiding him and call home.," Winter suggested.

Instead of answering, Weiss attempts once more to create a summoning glyph, gritting her teeth until Winter places a consoling hand on her shoulder.

"While emotions can grant you strength, you must never allow them to overpower you. (Weiss's attempted glyph flickers and fades once more, though neither of them pay it any mind) It sounds to me like you have two choices in front of you. You can either call him, beg for his money back, and explain once more why you would want to study at Beacon over Atlas, or you could continue to explore Remnant, discovering more about the world and honestly, more about yourself.. about what you really want to do, who you want to become.," Winter said as she allows Weiss a moment to truly think upon what she was attempting to convey.

"It seems I have company now...," Winter said as a familar Elven figure with deep Lavender hair approached them.

Weiss looked and saw that it was tge Elven High Queen. Understanding the situation Weiss remained silent for the moment.

"I do hope I am not interrupting anything.," Hyatan said.

*insert ost- Will and Reason (Tales of Berseria)*

Winter knelt as she spoke.

"Oh no, not at all your Grace.," Winter said.

Hyatan smiled kindly towards Winter as she spoke.

"If you have the time to, I would very much like to have a chat with you lieutenant Schnee.," Hyatan said.

Winter was surprised, but never rejected the idea.

"It... would be an honor, your Grace.,"Winter replied.

Hyatan looked towards Weiss and smiled at her kindly.

"You need not worry, young Weiss, I simply need to borrow your sister for a short while.," Hyatan said.

"Ah, I see. Take all of the time you need, Your Majesty, I will talk to my sister later. I just remembered something I need to take care of anyways. I will take my leave you two now, your Grace.," Weiss said as she walked off.

Winter turned back to Hyatan with a curious look on her face.

"Pardon me if this comes off as rude, your Grace... But... What exactly did you want to talk to me about? I can tell tyat it's something serious but I am unsure as to why my younger sister cannot be here to listen.," Winter asked.

Hyatan sighed as she smiled sloemnly before donning a rather serious expression.

"I can see why would be curious about that, Winter. This issue directly involves  Weiss... in a way.," Hyatan replied.

Winter raised a curious eyebrow as she became rather confused.

" How so, if I may be so bold to ask?," Winter responded.

"It is due to the team from haven their circle of friends have made contact with. I'm not sure what exactly it is, but something about that woman named Cinder is a bit... unsettling.," Hyatan answered.

"You think those three are lying?," Winter asked.

"In a way, yes. It is more that... I don't believe Cinder and Emerald are who they have led everyone to believe. There's a certain... emptiness to them. Almost exactly like the true enemy our people face.," Hyatan replied.

"You left out the boy with them.," Winter pointed out.

"Not to worry. Mercury has regained his memories,  needless to say... He knows where truly stands. Also, I don't believe he would want to hurt the girl who is his childhood friend and... also someone more... important to him. Mercury Black is on our side now. He's merely pretending to go along with Cinder and Emerald to fool them into a false sense of security, before we expose the both of them as terrorists.," Hyatan reassured.

"So... Mercury is your spy essentially?," Winter asked.

Hyatan nodded.

"It is as you say.," Hyatan said.

"And.. who is this true enemy you speak of?," Winter asked.

"The true enemy we face is the underworld.," Hyatan replied.

"The underworld?," Winter asked puzzled.

"Yes. The realm where creatures from the darkness who are even more crafty and cunning than the grimm come from. The grimm are simply an offshoot or a shell of what denizens from the underworld are like.," Hyatan explained.

"In other words..,"Winter began.

"Yes. Devils.. or Demons.," Hyatan answered. 

"And... they've been.. watching us this whole time?," Winter asked shocked.

"Yes, yes they have. They are waiting for the right moment to strike. Because there are 2 people in particular that they need for a certain... ritual.," Hyatan said.

"In other words, these... Devils entire goal is to capture 2 people that are their targets?," Winter asked.

"Yes. One of which is your sister's best friend and team leader.," Hyatan said grimly.

Winter's eyes widened in horror, she knew exactly who Hyatan was referring to.

"Surely you don't mean-..," Winter said dreading the next words.

"Unfortunately,  yes. The Devils target is the silver eyed maiden, Ruby Rose. But.. I don't believe my son will give her up without a fight. Ruby is the first human he's ever gotten along with so well. And the one person who means the world to him personally.," Hyatan answered.

"But why, what could these "devils" possibly want with miss Ruby?," Winter asked horrified.

"That... I don't know, Winter. But whatever it is, it won't be good for anyone if they get what they want.," Hyatan said.

"I've kept you long enough. Can I count on you to help us, Winter?," Hyatan asked.

Winter knelt and nodded.

"O-of course, your Grace!," Winter emphatically replied.

"Good. Show me, show us Elves that I have not misplaced my trust, Winter. You humans haven't exactly done much to... inspire us to trust you again.," Hyatan said.

"I will be sure and prove to your kind that you can trust me... and hopefully the rest of Atlas as well.," Winter said.

Hyatan smiled at the elder Schnee daughter and bade her farewell.

"I expect you will, winter. Do keep the details surrounding our inside agent a secret will you?," Hyatan said.

Winter nodded as Hyatan and her Elven guards then walked away. Winter watched them walk off towards where the arena most likely was. One thing was for certain, the Elven Queen gave her alot of things to think about.

Later with Weiss...

Later at night, Weiss is in the school courtyard, waving goodbye at the airship carrying her sister. She wondered what exactly her and Elven Queen talked about, but when she asked Winter, she said she would have to tell her some other time.

This upset her, but she would find out one way or another she figured. She stops just as her Scroll starts vibrating with an incoming call from "FATHER", and her finger hovers over the screen in uncertainty until she closes her eyes and forces herself to press it. Suddenly smiling at the sight of her closed Scroll and the setting of a new path in life, she puts it away and walks back inside as the scene fades to black.

End chapter...

To be continued....

Ending theme:

Kokai no Uta (my hero academia ending 6)

Visuals: Ranges from the characters introduced so far before turning to a dark screen split between the heroes and villains. Mercury struggles to choose a side until hands from the lighter image reach out to him and shatter his dark background. It then shows stills of each character in range of importance in the story before ending with the forces of light behind Team Rwby and Odyn looking up to Cinder and the forces of darkness.

And... done! Whew! That was long! Sorry for the long wait guys this chapter took awhile to write... the better part of 2 months and it covered a whopping 2 to 3 episodes of cannon story! Anyways the devils will be making their debut in the story here shortly, they've been foreshadowed so far but trust me, they're coming. I figured Qrow would be on board with Ruby and Odyn's Romantic relationship as long as Odyn keeps Ruby happy and safe. I've teased Roy and Yang's relationship but i want that one to develop a tad bit more before they officially become a couple.

There are still some loose ends to tie up before volume 3 reaches its climax. Among them being: the connection between Pyrrha and the elven soul inside of her, Baron and Flare's romance, the emotional reunion between Khanna and Mercury, Blake's pairing, what will become of the new saiyan characters in this story, and... the tension between Elves and Humans. All of thise loose ends will be addressed... in time, I ask for your continued patience. I appreciate the positive feedback so far so.. thanks guys! 

Now, before we go some polls concerning our newer Saiyan characrers:

Who should Jinjer end up with?

1. Sun W.

2. Zero

3. Valvahdern

4. Yatsuhashi

5. Oscar (volume 5)

Who should Scarlett end up with?

1. Valvahdern

2. Zero

3. Sun W.

4. Neptune V.

5. Oscar (volume 5)

6. Yatsuhashi

Who should Giblet end up with?

1. Velvet Scarletina

2. Coco Adell

3. Hailfire

4. Note

5. Jinjer

That's all for now guys! I'll see you in the next chapter!

Next time; Chapter 19: Cinder's Trap part 2; Never Miss A Beat