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

Hey guys, RoseSaiyan2 here again! Hopefully you guys enjoyed the last Chapter of this story! This chapter will start a little different as I've realized there are some loose ends I need to tie up. If you're expecting me to just jump straight into the action.. eh.. that'd be a little boring. So let's start off this chapter a little bit different.

I've been hinting at some bonding time for certain... pairings before. So I figured why not devote a little time towards those? While this won't be an entire chapter devoted towards couples, there's some things I need to clarify. One thing being: the relation ship between Baron and Flare. There's also what's going on with Pyrrha, among other things. Cardin and his team will impact the story in upcoming chapters, I know I said they would and haven't really delivered on that. For that, I apologize. That is a disservice towards anyone reading this story. Any suggestions on how CRDL could play into the story are welcomed. I do have a plan in mind for them, it's just getting them to that point is hard.

This chapter may shed some light on what's been going on with Cardin and his team though.

Anyways... enough with that. Onto the story!

P.s.: RoseSaiyan2 does not own DB Super/ Kai, Z , Black Clover, Rwby or any of the characters belonging to said series. He only owns the oc's (original characters) (aside from Daikon and Tarro... he's got permission to use those characters from a friend for his stories) that appear in this story. He also own the overall plot of this story.

Opening theme:

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. When the song transitions to the chorus, Mercury is seen to be fighting alongside team Rwby, team JNPR, and the Elves as they fight off hordes of Grimm. The scene then transitions to a split screen with Odyn, Ruby, and Pyrrha fighting Cinder and Roy, Yang, and Blake fighting Adam Taurus. As the song is ending, Odyn suddenly is transformed into a different form as he charges towards Cinder with the Villainess charging towards him. Ruby is seen charging towards Emerald.

The song ends as Mercury walks towards Khanna with her hand stretched out to him with the members of RWBY, JNPR, OHRF, and KDBNB behind Khanna as she smiles at him. Mercury then walks towards the group as the camera fades up into the sky.

Chapter 20: The Fall; Cinder's Trap III

The scene opens on the Headmaster's office of Professor Ozpin, who is seated behind his desk across from Pyrrha as the last of the sunlight's rays peer in through the window of the office. Ozpin remembered what Sybrh had told him previously as he addressed the red-headed girl. He cleared his throat.

"I suppose that it comes as no surprise you've been chosen to move on to the final round. Your preformance in thatvlast match was exemplary, miss Nikos.," Ozpin said chuckling as he gestured to her.

"Thank you, professor.  But I'd have never made it this for without my teammates or... "her".," Pyrrha replied.

"Her" you say?," Ozpin asked.

Pyrrha nodded.

"I see. Then I suppose i should thank this other young lady for helping out and looking after a student of mine.," Ozpin said.

He was clearly aware that the other soul inside of Pyrrha was listening to what was being said. The elven soul briefly took over Pyrrha's body to answer.

"Think nothing of it, Headmaster. Pyrrha has become almost like another sister to me in the short time that we've been together.," Sarai answered.

Sybrh knelt as she acknowledged that her princess was now before her.

"Your highness, it is good to see you well. I apologize for not recognizing the vessel you have chosen.," Sybrh said kneeling.

The princess turned towards Sybrh with a smile.

"Please, be at ease my friend. I only just became conscious fairly recently. ," Sarai answered before giving way to Pyrrha again.

"If you want my opinion, i think it's the other way around. Especially with that dark elf inside of her.," Qrow said speaking up from his spot on the wall.

He was leaning up against a column in the back of the room with his arms crossed. Pyrrha then turned towards the man to greet him.

"Um.. I'm sorry, i don't believe we've been introduced.," Pyrrha said.

Qrow was still unsure of what to make of the girl in front of them. As a result, he was still on guard and slightly hostile.

"The name's Qrow.," Qrow said introducing himself.

"Qrow is a trusted colleague of mine, miss Nikos, princess.," Ozpin said.

"I would say it's a pleasure to meet you, Qrow... However, you strike me as someone who can be rather unpleasant to deal with or one who simply doesn't care for others.," Sarai said.

Qrow wasn't expecting a response like that and was taken aback by it, judging by his reaction.

"Please forgive her, mister Qrow. She can be... well.. rather blunt, as you can tell.," Pyrrha said in apology.

"Nothin' to worry about there, kid. I just... wasn't expecting that kind of response.," Qrow said to convince Pyrrha.

Sarai, the elven soul inside of the redhead could tell he was lying, but chose not to say anything else on the matter. Pyrrha spoke up again as the main reason why she was here had yet to be revealed.

"Pardon, but if you all don't mind my asking... Why have you called me here, professor?," Pyrrha asked.

" Ah yes, an excellent question miss Nikos. Please, take a seat and all will be explained.

Pyrrha did as directed, prompting Ozpin to continue talking.

"What is your favorite fairy tale?," Ozpin asked.

Pyrrha was confused. This question had nothing to do with why she was here, why would Ozpin ask her that?

Seeing the confusion on Pyrrha's face, Ozpin decided to explain his reasoning behind the question. He needed Pyrrha to answer first before he could continue his explanation.

"I'm... sorry?", Pyrrha asked confused.

"Fairy Tales, stories from your childhood, surely you must remember some of your favorite ones.," Ozpin replied.

"I'm not sure I understand, but if we're talking favorites... I suppose there's The Tale of The Two Brothers, The Shallow Sea, The Girl in The Tower...," Pyrrha said before Ozpin spoke again.

"Hm... What about.. The Story Of The Seasons?," Ozpin asked leaning back.

She recognized that title and her eyes lit up as she recalled it.

"Oh, well of course! callous old man, who refuses to leave his home, is visited by four traveling sisters. The first understands his reclusive nature and urges him to use his time in solitude to reflect and meditate. The second brings him fruits and flowers, tending to his crops and revitalizing his garden. The third warms the man's heart, convincing him to step outside and embrace the world around him. And the fourth and final sister begs him to look at all that he has, and be thankful.

In return for their kindness, the man grants the maidens incredible powers, so that they may continue to help others all over the world. They graciously accept, and promise to share their gifts with the people of Remnant 'til the end of days. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall; the four maidens. My mother loves that story.," Pyrrha said finishing her explanation of the story.

"Would you believe me if I told you that one's been around since I was a boy?," Ozpin asked.

Pyrrha laughed off the response as an impossibility,  no one could be that old! Then again....

Ozpin then turned from a playful expression to a more serious one in the span of a few seconds as he addressed Pyrrha  once again.

"Well, would you believe me if I said that it was true?," Ozpin asked seriously.

Pyrrha was a bit surprised before Sarai's soul spoke to her.

"Don't be so quick to dismiss it.. This headmaster of your school... There's alot more to him than one would think.,"

Qrow raised an eyebrow at seeing Pyrrha talking to herself before Sybrh explained it to him.

"She communicating with princess Sarai more than likely. She is the other sould inside of the girl, after all.,"Sybrh explained.

"I beg your pardon?," Pyrrha asked confused.

Ozpin folded his hands as he spoke again, knowing he was speaking to two people.

"What if I were to tell you that there were truly 4 maidens in this world that exist who wield such power without the use of Dust?," Ozpin asked.

"Oh? Is that right? Not sure I"ve heard of humans wielding that level of magic power before...,"

Pyrrha was still trying to make sense of this, even with the commentary on the matter from the elven soul inside of her.

"You mean.. it's like a Semblance?," Pyrrha asked.

Ozpin gives off a small smile as he speaks again, divulging his secret.

"Like Magic.," He said.

Pyrrha looks down before she hears Sarai speaking to her again.

"I...," Pyrrha said trailing off.

He didn't blame her, it was pretty shocking for anyone hearing it for the first time.

"Yeah. First time hearing, it's pretty crazy.," ozpin said in understanding of the girl's reaction.

"Huh?," Pyrrha said in question aloud.

Ozpin raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"You're positive about that?,"Pyrrha asked.

"I'm curious, what did our dark elven royal have to say?," Ozpin asked.

Pyrrha nodded before responding to Ozpin's question.

"She said she's never heard of humans capable of wielding that amount of magic power before. It's always just been specific to the elves.," Pyrrha said.

"I see.. Though it does makes sense considering what I've heard about the elven race.," Ozpin said.

"Why... why are you telling me this?," Pyrrha asked curious.

"Why indeed...," He said before glancing at Qrow for approval.

Qrow nods, before Ozpin looks into Pyrrha's eyes and continues speaking.

"We are telling you this, Pyrrha Nikos, because we firmly believe that you are next in line to receive the Fall Maiden's powers.," Ozpin explained.

Pyrrha's eyes widen upon realizing what Ozpin just said.

"We?," She asked surprised.

It was at that exact moment, the elevator doors opened. The girl then sees Glynda Goodwitch and James Ironwood step out of the elevator and into the room. Glynda is seen fixing her glasses, while Ironwood straightens his tie.

"Sorry we're late.," Ironwood said.

Pyrrha seemed to be overwhelmed as she narrows her eyes at Ozpin.

"Wait.. what is this? Who are you people?," Pyrrha asked slightly panicked.

Glynda opens her mouth and begins to speak, while Pyrrha suddenly goes still. Sybrh knew what this meant, Sarai had taken control of Pyrrha's body to calm her down.

Glynda comes forward with Ironwood and Qrow with her hands spread, trying to sound reassuring.

"You know who we are. We're still the same teachers and Headmasters  you met when you arrived at Beacon.," Glynda said.

" 'Cept we've just got a little part time job.," Qrow said.

" We are the protectors of this world.," Ironwood said.

"And we need your help... both of your help.,"Ozpin said before continuing.

Ironwood and Glynda had a puzzled look before Ozpin adressed the girl in front of them.

"Can we count on you, Miss Nikos... or are you her highness now?,"Ozpin asked.

Pyrrha or rather Sarai lifted up her head to face them. Ozpin knew immediately who it was because whenever Sarai took over Pyrrha's body, her eye color changed to match whoever was in control at the moment. And currently the eyes were the color of flame, meaning it was Sarai who was in control at the moment. Ironwood and Glynda both looked towards Ozpin quizically before looking towards who they thought was Pyrrha a moment ago, only to discover that the girl wasn't who they thought she was.

"Where is miss Nikos?," Glynda asked.

"You can relax, human. She's right here, my sister is just sleeping at the moment. You people really need to work on how you break news to others, you made Pyrrha panic.," Sarai said.

"Who... are you? I'm not sure what's happening here but, why do you look like miss nikos?," Ironwood asked.

Sybrh was appalled at the tone Ironwood was addressing Sarai in, but the dark elf raised an arm to cut her off before explaining herself to the Atlas General.

"We've actually met before this, human general. Allow me to make it offical. My name is Sarai Albanar, I am the other soul inside of Pyrrha.," Sarai said.

Both Ironwood and Glynda are shocked by this.

"How... is something like that even possible?," Glynda asked shocked.

"I'm rather curious as well.," Ironwood said.

Sarai then spoke again as she detailed on how her spirit came to reside inside of Pyrrha's soul.

"It's rather simple really. I believe I came to reside within Pyrrha's soul some time ago. That was a result of spell our king, my father, Berethon cast.," Sarai explained.

"A spell?," Glynda asked.

"Yes, as in actual magic... elven magic to be precise.," She said.

Qrow spoke up, voicing his curiosity.

"Hold up a second, did you just say Elven Magic?," Qrow asked.

"Such a thing exists?," Ironwood asked curiously.

Sarai nodded.

"You didn't honestly think humans were the only ones capable of using magic power, did you?," Sarai laughed.

Their silence was the only answer she needed to stop laughing.

"Joking aside, It was a result of Ressurrection or Reincarnation Magic. Pyrrha just happened to be the vessel that matched my spirit's wavelengths." Sarai said.

"Reincarnation Magic?," Glynda asked.

Sarai nodded and gestured towards Sybrh, who explained.

"A powerful spell that can take the soul of a dead elf and reincarnate them into a human's body.," Sybrh explained.

The 3 professors widened their eyes in shock, they'd never heard of such a spell before.

"So, you're saying that any human could become a dark elf at some time later on?," Ironwood asked.

Sybrh shook her head before Tarro explained.

"Of course not. As I've come to understand it, General, there are certain rules that apply to the spell. The most basic being their beliefs and values have to be similar enough first.," Tarro said.

Sarai spoke again, returning to the topic of Ozpin's original request.

"Back on topic, Headmaster... I'll need to talk it over with Pyrrha first. Perhaps if you could show us what we're potentially dealing with here, we'll have an answer for before too long.," Sarai said.

Ozpin nodded as the group then walked out of the office and into the elevator.

Time skip: In the elevator as it descends to the basement of the school....

Pyrrha, who had switched with Sarai was looking a little bit nervous inside of the elevator with the group of "protectors". Sarai had explained to her what occurred while she was sleeping and of the conversation they had. She glances at Ozpin and Glynda as if she's seeing them for the first time, while steady beeping signals each of the floors they passed.

"Where are we going?," Pyrrha asked apprehensively.

"To the vault. Underneath the school.," Ozpin answered.

The elevator continues its descent through the darkened vertical tunnel with green lights unti it then opens up once the reached the basement. The group then stepped out of the elevator, with the red haired girl being the last to leave due to her uneasiness. She takes in the sight of the enormous dimly lit hallway she's now being led through. Glynda then waits up for her behind the others.

"I'm sure you must have questions, even after your elf friend explained things to you.," Glynda said.

Pyrrha is still taking it all in as she catches up with the group, allowing them to continue walking.

"Maybe... one or.. two. I.. still don't understand though. You all are saying I'm next in line to receive the Fall Maiden's power, what.. exactly do you mean by that?," Pyrrha asked.

"The Maidens have existed for thousands of years. But as in nature, seasons change. No two summers are alike. When a maiden dies, her power leaves her body and seeks out a new host.. another vessel if you will. This ensures that the seasons are never lost, and that no individual person can hold on to that power forever.," Glynda explained.

Pyrrha raised a curious eyebrow.

"So then..., how does the power choose where to go?," Pyrrha asked genuinely curious.

Qrow then speaks over the shoulder.

"Through a series of stupid and convoluted rules.," Qrow said.

"Qrow..," Glynda said slightly glaring.

Qrow just shrugged off the response.

"Hey, don't get mad at me cause i'm right.," Qrow replied not caring.

Glynda then turns back to Pyrrha, making sure to explain it all very carefully.

"At first, the only thing we knew for certain was that the powers were specifically passed down to young women. But as time moved on, others discovered the process was much more... intimate.," Glynda said.

This made Pyrrha concerned and more than a bit uncomfortable as to what that could mean.

"Umm... intimate?,"Pyrrha asked concerned.

Glynda nodded.

"Yes. As we know now, when a Maiden dies, the one who is in her final thoughts is the first candidate to receive her power.," Glynda explained further.

"Well unless it's a dude or some old lady. Then the power goes to someone completely random, which makes our jobs alot harder.,"Qrow said.

Pyrrha was still confused as to why they were choosing to tell her these things.

"Why tell me all this, now? Why couldn't you wait until I've graduated?," Pyrrha asked still confused.

"The honest reason... Frankly, we're running out of time. I'm not sure if you've noticed it at all, but things are getting alot scarier and more dangerous out in the world. Tensions are at an all time high, Grimm are growing stronger and more prevalent. I get the felling that it won't be much longer until the peace we've been enjoying so much all goes right out the window.," Qrow said.

"Are you talking about... a war?," Pyrrha asked.

"Not a war between nations.," Ironwood said.

"For now... Though if us Dark Elves continue to be mistreated and disregarded by humans, that.. may not be the case anymore.," Sybrh said reminding all of the professors present.

"A fact that ALL of us are duly aware of, miss Arkham...," Ozpin said.

"And one we will do our best to work on and prevent if possible.,"Ironwood said.

"We can fill you in on the specifics once we know that both of you are with us. For now though, all you need to know is that one of the Maidens has been attacked and had part of her power stolen. Which is the first time in history that's ever happened.,"Qrow said.

A humming sound of electricity is heard as the group arrives at their destination at the end of the long hallway. It was a large machine with lit up screens that were hooked up to a pair of rectangualr pods. One of the pods was upright to show through the glass a young woman dressed in clothing enough to make her decent with a large scar from a burn across her face and over her left eye. Pyrrha stepped forward hesitantly upon seeing the young woman in such a state. She could feel the anger of the dark elven soul inside of her begin to boil. That was odd, did Sarai really.. know this person?

"Is that...," Pyrrha began to ask before Ozpin answered her question.

Ozpin sighed heavily before speaking again.

"The current Fall Maiden, Amber.," Ozpin said.

He then looked to Pyrrha, noticing she'd gone silent.

"Miss Nikos, is everything alright?," Glynda asked in concern.

Pyrrha felt something wet on her face. Were these... tears?

Glynda noticed the red haired girl with tears streaking down her face and it confused her.

"Is something the matter, miss Nikos? You appear to be crying about something.," Ozpin asked curious.

Pyrrha finally spoke up after wiping away her tears only for them to flow freely down her face again.

"Sarai said she...knows this lady. Amber was... the only human friend she had growing up. It's breaking her heart to see Amber in this state.," Pyrrha answered.

This surprised those present, the Fall Maiden never mentioned anything about having a childhood best friend. Pyrrha continued conveying the true feelings of the elven soul inside of her to the professors.

"But.. she's also... angry. No, angry isn't the word for it. Sarai's furious, to the point that it's partly making my own blood boil in anger.," Pyrrha said.

"Why is your elf friend so angered?," Ironwood asked.

"She said it's because she knows the person who's responsible for attacking Amber and bringing her to the brink of death.," Pyrrha answered.

The group was shocked, the elf inside of Pyrrha knew who was responsible for the state Amber was in? That was a piece of welcome news for once.

"But.. she's.. still alive, right?," Pyrrha asked uncertain.

"Yes, for now. We're using state of the art Atlas technology just to keep her stable. Her condition was.. pretty precarious when we found her. However.., there's still alot about this situation that's... unprecedented.," Ironwood said.

Pyrrha was confused and could sense the same from Sarai inside of her at the General's words.

"What do you mean by that, General?," Pyrrha asked.

Ironwood sighed heavily as he then closed his eyes. He hated having to deliver difficult news, but.. it had to be done.

"Well, we don't yet know what will happen if... or rather... when she passes.," Ironwood admitted.

"What?! No! Amber can't die yet!," Pyrrha said as she felt Sarai briefly take over in a flood of emotion.

Pyrrha cleared her throat as she chose her next words carefully.

Ironwood's expression softened at the outburst, knowing the Fall Maiden and the Dark Elven princess (who's soul was inside of Pyrrha at the moment) were somehow friends.

"Won't ... her power... just transfer to the next host?," Pyrrha asked.

Qrow looked over and spoke up.

"Well, look who's been paying attention! She is smart.," Qrow said whispering to Ozpin.

"That would be the case under... normal circumstances, yes. But this is a very delicate situation here. It's not uncommon for the last thoughts of the slain Maiden to be of their attacker. (glances at Amber) And to make matters even worseno one's ever seen Maiden power split like this before. For all we know, the power could seek out its other half.. which in this case would belong to our enemy.," Ironwood answered.

"Her attacker...," Pyrrha said putting the pieces together.

Ozpin then turns towards Pyrrha with a serious look on her face.

"And for... obvious reasons, that wouldn't bode well for us or... anyone for that matter.," Ozpin said.

Pyrrha lowers her head in troubled thought before she comes forward and places a hand on the glass of Amber's pod. She was now angered as she gestured wildly towards the teachers.

"If all of this is true.., then.... why keep this secret?! If Amber, Sarai's best friend, is so important.... if we're truly on the brink of war, why don't you tell anyone?," Pyrrha asked angered.

Glynda came forward to explain.

"From what we know, it used to be common knowledge.," Glynda said.

Pyrrha wasn't expecting that answer, evidenced by her response.

"Excuse me?," Pyrrha asked not expecting that answer.

Qrow pulls out his trusty flask of whiskey as it was now his turn to elaborate upon what Glynda had just said.

"How do you think legends and fairy tales get started? Even the craziest ones start somewhere, right?," Qrow said as he takes the top off and takes a swig of the alcoholic drink.

"Our group was founded in order to protect mankind and the Maidens. There have been thos hungry for power that hunted them with the hope of stealing their strength.," Glynda added.

"And as you can imagine, the ones who did manage to steal a Maiden's abilities weren't exactly the kind of people you'd want having their hands on unimaginable power.," Qrow said as he finished his drink.

"So this brotherhood chose to hide the Maidens from the public eye, allowing their existence to simply fade away into myths and legends.," Ironwood said.

"Be warned that these things we tell you go against hundreds of years of human history and religion.," Glynda said.

"No one would believe us, it would cause an uproar and the upheavel of potentially entire societies.," Ironwood said.

"And that would lead to panic. We all know what that would bring scratching and clawing to our kingdoms walls. (turns his gaze away from the others) Which is why we would like to...," Ozpin said before Pyrrha interrupted him.

"I'll do it.," Pyrrha said.

This surprised Ozpin, causing him to look up at the young woman surprised while she still stared at the ground. She continued, knowing she now had the Headmater's attention.

"If.. you think this will ultimately help save humanity, then... I'll become your Fall Maiden.," Pyrrha said giving all of the professors a resolute look of determination.

The others all turned to each other with wary looks upon their faces.

" This.. is what you wanted, isn't it?," Pyrrha asked.

Ozpin then walks towards her as he speaks.

"It is, but I'm afraid it's not that simple miss Nikos. Given Amber's current state..., you won't be able to inherit her power naturally. However, I believe General Ironwood has a solution for that dilemma.," Ozpin replied.

"Not many know this..but for the past few years, Atlas has been studying Aura from a more scientific standpoint. We've been studying how it works, what its made out of , and how it can be used potentially. We've... made some very significant strides towards that goal, now we believe we've found out a way to capture it.,"Ironwood said.

Qrow then spoke.

"Capture it and cram it into something else, you mean. [he gestures towards Pyrrha as she now realized what Qrow was saying really means] Or in your case...,"Qrow said trailing off.

Pyrrha turns to Ironwood after this.

"That's...,"Pyrrha started.

"Classified.,"Ironwood said.

"No, it's wrong!," Pyrrha said upset.

Glynda is seen glaring at Ironwood before switching her gaze back to Pyrrha.

"The feeling is mutual, miss Nikos. But...desparate times, call for desparate measures. And currently, we don't really have the luxury of time on our side.," Glynda said sighing heavily.

"And these are what we call deparate times. We can't very well transfer Amber's power to you directly. However, we can give you what those powers are bound to.," Ironwood explained.

"Her Aura.., " Pyrrha said in realization.

Ozpin sighed, he'd rather not have to do things in this manner. Then again, what choice did he have?

"In other words, her life would become tied to yours. The question is...," Ozpin trailed off.

"What's that going to do to you?,"Qrow added.

"Especially considering you already have another person's soul tied to you.," Glynda said.

Pyrrha now realized the dangers she may face going through with this and was contemplating them when Ozpin spoke once again.

"You have an important decision before you, miss Nikos. A decision that could... alter your life going forward. There's no guarantee that this tranfer will work and if you will be the same person you are now if it does. I'd advise you to take some time and think on this matter. But please understand that before the Vytal Festival is over, we will need your answer.,"Ozpin said.

Pyrrha doesn't say anything more, instead placing her hand on the glass, separating the maiden from her potential successor. She sees her own frightened expression reflected on the face of the scarred, dying young woman in front of her. Pyrrha then turns away from her expected "destiny" as Ozpin is heard giving her one final warning.

"The assailant who attacked the Fall Maiden has already made their first move, there's no telling when exactly their next move will be.," Ozpin said in warning.

The red haired girl then walks away from them and back towards the elevator  that lead back up to the surface without a word. The sound of a heartbeat then sounds as the camera fades away from the scene of Sybrh and Tarro walking alongside Pyrrha back to the surface.

Time skip: Amity Colosseum...

Cinder Fall is then seen to be smirking as she sits in one of the seats along with the rest of the cheering crowd. Their raucus cheers were being drowned out by the announcements.

"Now then, for the moment you've all been eagerly waiting for! The 1 on 1 finals!," Port announced over the broadcasting system.

In the center of the battlefield's stage, Yang is seen to be smirking confidently as the camera pans down the line of the final fighters which includes a few familiar faces mixed in with Sun, Penny, Mercury, and a very troubled looking Pyrrha at the end of the line. Among the final fighters, there was Odyn (OHRF), Ruby's boyfriend, and Khanna (KDBNB). The two of them smirked at each other, this would be the real test to settle their matches up until now. That would be especially true, if they fought each other. That was something they were personally looking forward to.

"Barty, care to explain the rules?," Port asked back up in the announcer's box with his co host.

Oobleck adjusted his glasses as he spoke.

"Ah yes, it's quite simple, Peter. This time, instead of a bracket system like the other rounds before now, each round of the finals will be randomly determined immediately before the match takes place!," Oobleck explained.

"I see. Like any good hunt, this time, there will be virtually zero time to prepare!," Port said.

"Ah, yes, yes! Now, let us see who our first match will be!," Oobleck commented.

The highly energetic doctor point out towards the screens above the stadium as the roulette then begins to spin, this time for competitors instead of for the arena. The "random selection" is being watched by many people across remnant including the owner of the Crow Bar, a group of human and faunus children, visitors to Vale, workers from the Cross Continental Transmit System (CCT), the people in Atlas, and even the few Dark Elves who stayed behind in the mountains of Atlas and are watching the feed from the tournament. It then pans to other global audiences, such as people in Vacuo, and in Mistral. The camera returns from the global audience and back to the spinning roulette to reveal the first showdown between competitors.

"Yang Xiao Long and Mercury Black!,"Port announced from the announcer's box.

Ruby is seen to be cupping her hands to make sure her encouragement is heard from her spot near her own team, JNPR, SSSN, and KDBNB.

"Break a leg, sis!,"Ruby said cheering.

Yang smiled and waved to Ruby and their other friends.

When Mercury saw who he was fighting, he remembered what he had to do.

"I know you don't want to.. but Merc we need you to fake  that your leg is broken by Yang. Make it look believable, we'll take care of the one who'll cast the illusion in Yang's mind.,"

He dreaded deceiving his newfound friends, but he had to do so in order to fool those who Khanna had warned him were terrorists.

Cinder, still smiling, got up from her place and began to walk out while still having eyes on the battlefield. What she didn't know were that Sybrh, Tarro, and the other 2 Arkham siblings were secretly tailing her.

Baron, knowing that it was his turn to help, came back to sit down. However he faked not knowing where his teammates were at.

"Excuse me. Mind if I sit here?,"Baron asked.

Emerald looked at him and nearly panicked when she saw Baron was a Dark Elf.

"Huh? S-sure, go right on ahead.," She said.

"Whew... I thought he was on to me...," Emerald thought.

She had no idea that while she was lpart of aying a trap for beacon, she'd just walked into a trap set for herself.

"Would all other combatants please leave the stage!," Port announced.

The rest of the lineup does so, and Yang starts walking up to Mercury in the middle as the floor around them opens once more, with a ring of spotlights rising up to automatically fix their lights on the remaining two.

"You better not go easy on me.," Yang said smiling.

Mercury had to do it... He didn't want to play the bad guy, not when he was starting to get along with the group of teens now. But.. he had to.

"You wish.," Mercury said laughing darkly.

Both brawlers face the crowds one last time, then slowly start advancing on each other, arms raised defensively until their hands can almost touch, as the final countdown commences.

Khanna closed her eyes as she silently apologized.

"Forgive me for making you do this, Merc... I promise to make it up to you later..," Khanna thought.

*sighs*

"This had better be worth all the trouble in the end.," Mercury thought.

"Three!"

"Counting on you, Mercury. You need to sell it. Fool everyone.," Odyn thought.

"Two!"

"We promise to compensate you for this, once that woman is exposed.," Roy thought.

"One!"

"I bet she'll be shocked to learn you played a part in exposing her. It'll be great!," Hailfire thought.

"Fight!"

Immediately, Yang throws a punch, and Mercury spins his foot to meet it, creating a shockwave between the weapons that launches him back. He closes the distance quickly and aims at her feet with Talaria, but she leaps over it and fires off a shot of her Ember Celica that he rotates to avoid. 

They fight fist-to-fist for a moment, Yang getting in a fiery blast on her opponent at the cost of him also landing a blow on her. She falls back on her feet when Mercury shoots himself into the air to get farther away from her, looking up and smiling. Yang doesn't relent for a second, launching shot after shot only for Mercury to dodge each of them, sliding around the stage on clouds of air until he attempts to come down on her with his leg. She blocks and pushes away the attack, but he goes under her shotgun burst and manages to land a kick on her, though she still lands in a crouch, now grimacing. She launches forward with a double blast and continues landing blow after blazing blow on him, right up to when he roundhouse kicks her in the back and attempts to hit her with his heel.

She gets out just in time and punches he ground trying to get him, but he leaps out and twirls to get a hit on her. One of his kicks seems to pass over her, but then he brings it down hard enough to shatter the steel underneath, which Yang narrowly rolls backward to avoid.

They exchange kicks after this attack until Mercury hits her backwards, and he rushes forward only to receive a fist to his chin, then his torso, knocking him on his stomach. He gets up right as Yang starts raining down fire again, causing him to somersault back until one explosion causes him to get knocked off of the stage. He saves himself by firing his boots downward and flying back in front of his enemy, unleashing a series of kicks that put Yang on the defensive. She ducks under one attack only to receive another as Mercury jumps into the air to knock her back, and he follows it up with a shot from his boots. Yang avoids it effortlessly, not noticing it still hanging around behind her.

Switching tactics, Mercury starts shooting his foot out in every direction, each kick into the air accompanied by a silvery blast that are barely even aimed at Yang. She dodges each one coming her way and gets in close through the circling barrage of shots, fighting with their fists again until Mercury kicks her into the air and knocks her right back to the ground, followed by the dozens of swirling shots that now converge right on to Yang.

When the blasts stop coming down on his opponent, Mercury gets up from his crouch and grins to himself, dusting off his outfit and seeming as happy as can be until the smoke from behind him erupts into flames. His momentary shock turns into another smile as he turns around to see the red-eyed Yang slam her knuckles together and come at him. Screaming, she lands a punch that sends him back, and she rushes up avoiding each kick and even taking one with no effect to pound at him with an unrelenting bombardment of left-right blows. He has enough time to let out a pained groan before she hits him in the stomach, his Aura sparkling up to try and defend him from the last hit to the face by the upset blonde. He lands on his back as the buzzer sounds over the roars of the audience.

Up in the seats, Baron noticed movement from Emerald. She was about to use her semblance. He purposely dropped his drink, but acted as if it was an accident.

"Ah, oh goodness.. I am so sorry about that!," Baron said.

"Don't worry about it.," Emerald said thinking nothing of it.

"Let me clean it up.," Baron said.

"No, you don't have to do that.," Emerald said.

"Please, I insist. I spilled it all over your shoes.," Baron replied.

Emerald was about to miss her moment, she began to activate her semblance. It would've worked if she wasn't suddenly hit in gut and subsequently knocked out.

"We know what you're up to, terrorist. Don't think we don't know what you people are planning.," Baron said.

Emerald couldn't hear anything and felt a sharp pain before everything went black. Baron then slung the girl over his shoulder, assuring worried spectators that the girl was just ill and he was just taking her to an infirmary. Thanks to this, the illusion in Yang's mind never occurred.

Mercury still did his part to make it seem like the illusion still took place.

"What a way to kick off the finals!," Port announced.

the stage is enclosed by the stadium floor again as Oobleck comments.

"Yang Xiao Long wins!," Oobleck announced.

Ruby opens her arms in excitement as she cheered for her sister.

"Yeah! You did it, Sis!," Ruby cheered.

Blake gives the blonde a standing ovation, while Weiss pumps her fist.

"Way to go, Yang!," Blake said congradulating her teammate.

Yang wipes off her brow as she then addressed a hunched over Mercury.

"Better luck next time.," Yang said.

Up in the stands, Roy closed his eyes.

"Sorry about this, Yang..," Roy thought remorseful.

She starts walking to the exit, getting pretty far away before Mercury seems to get up outside her peripheral vision.

Mercury seems to be angry enough to release killing intent as he then glared at the blonde.

"There's not going to be a next time, Blondie!," Mercury said as dashed towards her intent on attacking.

A sharp sound is heard in the sudden silence as Yang turns around just in time to see Mercury leap forward with a kick to his unsuspecting victim. Yang scowls as she just manages to both bring her gauntlet down on and shoot his leg before he hits her. The second she does so, there is a sound of something breaking. The audience gasps in shock, and Mercury reels back from the pain.

Oobleck suddenly gets up from his seat in shock.

"My word!," Oobleck said agast.

"Someone, cut the cameras!", Port said.

"We can't! It's not working!," A crew member said.

Port then heard a voice from behind.

"Your security has been hacked.," a voice said.

Port and Oobleck turned around and were surprised to see Berethon and Hyatan.

"How?," Port asked.

"Our enemy has made their move. My guess is.. they used a powerful virus to compromise Vale's security.," Hyatan said.

"But... what about the situation down there?," Port asked.

"Not to worry. We have it handled.," Berethon said.

The looks of surprise, horror, and hatred at Yang cut to a view of Mountain Glenn, where two Goliaths near a ruined hamburger joint and a pack of Beowolves up in the construction beams of an unfinished building all look towards the Colosseum floating near Beacon.

Mercury grasped his injured body part (obviously faking it) as he cried out in pain.

"My leg!," Mercury cried in pain.

"That's what you get you little- huh?," Yang started trash talking before she was suddenly surrounded by soldiers she'd never seen before.

These were... not the normal security that came to deal with threats these were... Elven soldiers? A dark elf in familiar green armor came up to Yang, addressing her.

"Yang Xiao long, correct?," The elf asked.

"Uh.. yeah?," Yang asked confused.

"We'll need you to come with us for now.," the elf said.

"What?! Why?!," Yang asked confused as to what was happening.

"Please.. Miss Xiao Long, it's best if you stand down for now.," the elf said.

Khanna was seen rushing over to Mercury, tending to his injury.

"Merc, it'll be okay! Just hold on.," Khanna said.

Yang receives a disgusted scowl (fake obviously)  from Khanna only now looking up at the screens above her to see the footage of what just transpired: Yang circling the crouched-down Mercury until the footage cuts to him just standing there and her suddenly shooting him in the leg. The sound of something breaking rings out, and Mercury screams and falls over in pain.

It takes a moment of staring at the images until Yang finally understands what she did, and her gaze turns up to the wide-eyed, terrified faces of Blake, Weiss, and Ruby. She looks around at the guns aimed at her and the people cursing her name, still not knowing what just happened or what will come next as the screen cuts to black.

The screen then comes back up as Ironwood attempts to get through with his troops, only to be stopped by... Hyatan and Berethon.

"Your majesties.. why are you stopping me?," Ironwood asked.

Hyatan sighs exasperated.

"You would only make things more complicated than they need to be, James. Besides... this was but an elaborate ruse.," Hyatan said.

Ironwood raised an eyebrow.

"A ruse, you say?," Ironwood asked.

"Yes, james. A ruse concocted by our sons to lure out the ones responsible.," Berethon said.

"Perhaps you can explain to me why Miss Xiao Long would attack anither student then?," Ironwood said trying to press past them.

Berethon saw this and let his magic leak out.

"James... don't. If you move, you will be treated like any other threat we've dealt with in the past. Do you understand?," Berethon said seriously with his power reminding Ironwood of whom he spoke to.

"(Gulps) I.. understand, Lord Berethon.," Ironwood said.

Hyatan then spoke.

"Good. I trust you understand why we won't allow you to interfere this time?," Hyatan asked.

Ironwood nodded.

"Y-yes. I believe your husband made that abundantly clear just now.," Ironwood said.

"That said, James. Can we count on you to help with the aftermath of this fracas?," Hyatan asked.

"Of course. What did the two of you have in mind?," James asked.

The King and Queen then begin to detail their plan to Ironwood as the cared pans out and fades to black.

To be continued....

Ending theme:

Ending theme: Kokai no Uta (My Hero Academia Season 4 ending 1)

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.

Sorry for the shorter chapter guys! But it sets up the next one. And notice how i went in a different sort of direction from the cannon version Yang's scene. In this version, with Emerald knocked out, Mercury can focus on tricking Cinder and Mercury to think he's on their side still while secretly helping the elves expose her. As you've figured out.. all of the elves are in on this elaborate ruse cooked up by Khanna, Odyn, and Roy. It would explain why none of them reacted.

I referred to the elf in the armor as just elf because... you guessed it, there's a twist with them that will be revealed in the next chapter. Hopefully you guys enjoyed the clarity of what was going on with Pyrrha at the beginning of the chapter. Next chapter, I am thinking will still be a flashback at the beginning but not like in the original. It may or may not delve into why the elves hate cinder so much and why they're out for blood..

Next chapter may cover 2 ish episodes of volume 3 we'll see. 

Here's some character polls before we go:

Blake's pairing (best option)

A. Shallot

B. Sun

C. Oc

Hailfire's pairing (best option)

1. Sun

2. Neptune

3. Yatsuhashi

4. Oscar

5. Giblet

What should I do with Emerald?

1. Keep her evil

2. Turn her good, just... later.

3. Turn her good, but bow out of the story for awhile after volume 5

Anyways that's all for now!

Next time: Chapter 21: The Beginning of the End; Cinder's trap IV