Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Tales of Berseria they are the rightful property of RoosterTeeth and Bandai Namco.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

Bold are artes being performed

**Communications through scrolls and other devices


Chapter 29 Destiny

(Location: Amity Colosseum above the skies of the capital city of Vale western region of the Sonus continent Kingdom of Vale Remnant)

When Velvet found out she was going to compete in an exhibition match, it really didn't got her attention. She wasn't an official participant in the Vytal Festival tournament. It really didn't interest her to participate, but she still accepted. So far the experience of the tournament was a good one for her. She watched her students moved in from the four team rounds to the doubles round and now the singles round.

In truth as an instructor, caretaker she couldn't be any more proud for them. After training so hard and fighting a few Grimm, here and there as well a terrorist group. Everything paid off in the end. Without worrying of the threat of Cinder all she care about was watching her students with the tournament. All in all, the exhibition was of little interest to the older Crowe. That is, until right now. Never she thought it will become this important. Who knows, she might enjoy herself after all.

Who would think her opponent for he match will be the one person she's been wanting to fight for a while. The woman she has gained a lot of hatred knowing that she was up to no good. The same person who attacked Amber and stole part of her maiden powers, who's controlling groups like the White Fang and the criminal Roman Torchwick, who has pawns like Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black definitely not the kind of people you would want have as friends.

But things couldn't have gotten better for the former therion. A match with Cinder, today was going to be a good day. But there were going to be restrictions to it. Velvet will be holding back, she won't use her artes but only relying on her combat skills. She knew the amber eyed woman was going to do the same thing. She wasn't going to risk using her semblance, reveal her weapons and most importantly, no maiden powers.

As they stood in the middle of the ring the crowd kept on cheering. They were going crazy looking forward to this match. It felt like they were reading Velvet's mind because she was really looking forward to have a shot at the amber eyed woman. The first time they fought was outside of the CCT, it was a quick bout but she was able to tell the woman was very good. Strong, skilled still the older Crowe didn't know the reason why Cinder infiltrated that tower.

Her eyes were only on her, she deserved a gold medal for not raging out and beat the living crap out of her. Yet Cinder, kept that freaking smile on her face, she wasn't bothered by any of anger the former therion was giving her. She was calm and relaxed. Velvet didn't like it even if this match was unofficial she wasn't planning to let her guard down. Ignoring the cheering from the crowd, her students and her brother the only thing that matters to her, was the amber eyed woman before her.

"Is everything all right Velvet?" the amber eyed woman gave her another smile" you're not nervous of our match, aren't you?"

"Not in the slightest. Just worry about yourself Cinder."

"It comes to my understanding" a grin has suddenly formed on her lips" I have a feeling you don't like me very much."

"You have no idea" how she wanted to tell her yes" I hate your guts so much."

*Ladies and gentlemen for this match we have a special field set!* said Port.

The doors from the ground already opened revealing a giant square cage colored black. It has surrounded and closed down on the ring locking both ladies in. There was no getting in or getting out. The cage field also displayed a large varieties of weapons in all corners, everywhere you looked there different types of weapons. This might looked like Ruby's day dream. Velvet tried not to grin, this field was perfect for her fight with Cinder. Locked in a cage with the person she knew it was the big villain this was a chance she wasn't planning in wasting. The crowd kept on cheering as they were ready to start the match.

"No weapon?" the older Crowe gazed at the amber eyed woman.

"Why bother?" she pointed to all the weapons in the cage" there's plenty of them around."

*Unlike regular official matches, this match will have a time limit!* Said Oobleck.

*That is correct. The exhibition match will last six minutes. Until there's a winner by knockout since ring out is not an option here* followed Port.

"Six minutes...That will be plenty enough" Velvet narrowed her eyes at her opponent.

The former therion needed to thank Ozpin for the bracelet he gave her. It will make it looked as she has aura. That was the reason why the aura screen was showing hers along with Cinder's.

(Music: "The will that opposes reason" from the Tales of Berseria original soundtrack)

"Let's try and enjoy this fight Velvet."

"I will enjoy it all right. Just so you know I won't go easy on you."

"The very same goes to me" Cinder smiled" please don't disappoint me Velvet and keep me entertained."

*Three..Two..One..BEGIN!*

Velvet unsheathed Vertex Rose and charged in. Her goal was clear, not give Cinder the chance to grab a weapon. It was her flaw not having another weapon asides her two blades. Holding back was her only option because everyone was watching this match. The older Crowe launched of barraged of kicks that were blocked by the amber eyed woman. It didn't surprised her how fast she was able to react. This woman, is supposed to be one of Salem's pawn, she was no amateur.

For now the former therion will keep her artes hidden, this exhibition match was just a warm up when she gets the chance to fight her for real. Cinder has given a confident grin countering with her own moves. And her movements were truly familiar, the same moves of the masked woman who infiltrated the CCT. Velvet knew it the first moment she met her at the tower along with Ruby. Maybe she really doesn't need evidence against her after all.

If she can somehow forced Cinder to release her weapons or best of all, her maiden power. Then she will be exposing her identity to the members of the secret circle. No doubt Ozpin and the others will act as soon as they saw her using part of Amber's powers. She will forced her bad, dragged her into a corner if necessary. But now, Cinder was doing a pretty good job defending herself and attacking with only her fists and kicks.

She was holding herself impressively but of course the older Crowe wasn't going all out, she wanted to keep it that way for now. They kept going at it as the crowd resumed cheering wildly, looking like both ladies were evenly match. The amber eyed made a back flip making it to the one of the cage's corners. She grabbed one of the weapons which it was a one bladed axe. Velvet mentally praised her for her quick thinking. She was ready to fight now.

Cinder moved the axe like a professional, like she has training with the weapon before. The amber eyed woman went for a counter attack on the young instructor. The former therion blocked the axe with her gauntlet blade, countering with more kicks. She changed the blade on her boot to a pistol firing at her. Those were a direct hit as her aura points decreased, Cinder was really caught off guard there. She went back swinging the axe as Velvet blocked again with Vertex Rose only this time, she was in for a surprise.

She quickly changed the weapon to it's mini gun mode. Her opponent made a fall back escaping from the deadly fire power. The laser dot sight kept right on target. Eventually the ashen black haired woman got hit by some of the dust rounds. Causing her aura points to decreased again. The result got her upset, she made a desperate move throwing the axe at the young woman. The former therion jumped out of the way from the weapon.

It hit the other side of the solid steel cage. But Velvet kept on firing her mini gun at her opponent. Cinder cursed mentally avoiding the fire, she went for another weapon, a spear. Waiting until she was out of ammo was an obvious choice but knowing Velvet she wasn't going to waste ammunition. Even if she has more round clips. With a quick movement Cinder threw the spear making the former therion gasped. She barely had time to evade it, as the tip reached on the right side of her cheek causing a small wound.

This was obviously shown that she has lost aura points. The young woman from Haven went for another weapon, a morning start it made her grinned with the spikes on the ball being very sharp. She was aware the young teacher didn't had any aura. One good hit from this weapon and it can result on her death. But Cinder didn't wanted things to turn ugly and bloody for this match. Not until she acquires the rest of Amber's powers, she won't kill Velvet yet.

She swung the morning star and the older Crowe was quick to fire on the chain breaking it. The young instructor took the chance to change the empty clip and put a new one form one of her ammo pouches that Ruby bought her. Looks like forcing her to use her maiden power wasn't going to be an easy task. Cinder took the chance to charged at her with a high kick and uppercut that connected.

Velvet regained her balance changing the blade on her boot to a pistol firing straight at the amber eyed woman. She performed some back flip but got hit once, again her aura dropped. She narrowed her eyes at the teacher, if this keeps up she will lose. Aware she was holding back just like her, fighting her at this level wasn't easy. But at least the crowd was loving the show they were putting. That was the whole point of this match until the time comes for her plan to be unfold.

The crowd cheered more along with Velvet's students trying to compete against them of who will cheered the loudest. Nora did her best and poor Ren had his ears covered the entire time. The match went back to an exchange of quick blows by both ladies. The fierce expression in their eyes were serious, not wanting to lose to the other. Changing Vertex Rose back to blade mode she made a couple of swings that dodged by the amber eyed woman.

Countering with a barrage of fists and kicks that let the young instructor wide opened. Each blow lowering the others aura. Cinder made break to retrieved another weapon from another corner, a sword. Though she would prefer two, one will have to do. They clashed weapons so fast while Velvet changed from swinging her blade to using her kicks and lowered blade. They still looked like they were on the same level. It was still keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Velvet focused all her anger on the amber eyed woman. Remembering who she is, and what could she be planning. But she knew she needed to take the rest of Amber's powers to fully become the new Fall Maiden. Their clash was never ending, but it was getting more fierce by the seconds. Cinder grinned managing to trapped the young woman to a wall on the cage. But the older Crowe wasn't intimidated as she countered with her kicks while her attacks were getting blocked.

The former therion got the upper hand as changed her weapon back to mini gun mode firing a barrage of bullets. With impressive speed the ashen black haired woman blocked every single round with the sword. She kept on firing but they were getting blocked again, Velvet charged changing back to blade mode. And they were at it again clashing weapons in the same speed. She wasn't giving up in forcing Cinder to use her maiden power.

*What an intense fight ladies and gentlemen, this is truly astonishing!* Said Oobleck.

*Both of these ladies are giving it their all. Such skill, such power as expected from this exhibition match!*

Back at the red seats team RWBY, JNPR and Laphicet were still cheering loudly for Velvet. It was non stop as they were all hyped. So far, it's been an amazing match. They also acknowledged Cinder was very tough. Jaune while he was cheering too, he was in deep thought. Everyone must have realized it that Velvet was holding back. She hasn't used her artes so far, nor her break soul artes. The way she fought was nothing compared to their sparring matches.

The young instructor actually uses her artes and even her break soul monster-like claw. She doesn't go easy on him. But why hold back? It was clear Cinder was very skilled, but what if she was holding back too? Even if it was only an exhibition match, they should be fighting like it was an official tournament match. The Arc wasn't worried about the older Crowe, he was only curious with her behavior. This wasn't the real Velvet Crowe fighting.

"What is going on in that head of yours Velvet?"

In another part of the seats stood Emerald and Mercury. Both teens knew this was just how their leader was spending her fun before the plan gets in put in motion. Sure she was clearly bored planning all the matches and watching them unfold. Already knew who was going to be the victor. This was the best way to kill her boredom. They have gotten their orders from the amber eyed woman before the match started. They were strictly to stay on stand by especially Emerald.

The dark skinned girl was ordered not to interfere during the match. Meaning no use of her semblance while Cinder resume to fight Velvet. So she will obey and continued to watch. It was hard to see their leader holding back because she didn't had a choice. But she was still tough but she admitted the young teacher was doing a good job keeping up with her. The match was indeed exciting to watched. She hasn't forgotten her partner bought more pop corn.

"Who are you betting on?" asked the gray haired teen.

"It should be obvious."

"My lien is on my girl Velvet" he kept on munching on the pop corn.

"Your girl?" Emerald raised an eyebrow" in your dreams, I guess. Fine my lien is on Cinder."

"You're on."

Back at the ring in the cage field Velvet and Cinder haven't stopped clashing weapons. Neither refused to take a break, or a breather. One second it looks like the amber eyed woman gained the advantage over the teacher but on another, the older Crowe seems to have the advantage. They kept going on while never taking their eyes off the other. There were all kinds of emotions in them, from focus, rage and most of all revenge.

Velvet wanted to have vengeance for what she did to Amber. She might haven't knew the young woman and Fall Maiden that much, but she knew she was a good person. And she didn't deserved to get attacked, have part of her powers taken and ending up in a near-death state, in which she doesn't have much time. Because of that Pyrrha was chosen to take her place as the new Fall Maiden, in an experiment that has never been done before.

The clash continued until Cinder's endurance reached it's limit. It finally broke from all the strong hits it took by Velvet's gauntlet blade. The former therion grinned again thankful Ruby made such an impressive weapon like Vertex Rose. And she wasn't planning to let her get another weapon, Cinder knew it. That is why she kept on fighting countering and blocking. The former therion noticed the grin on her lips. It's like she was toying with her.

Velvet should know if she has seen the full extent of her power. The young teacher took a quick glance at the time of the match, less than three minutes. Still plenty of time but it didn't meant she was going to continue going easy on the amber eyed woman. She was quick on her feet even to avoid the fire from her mini gun mode. The woman from Haven managed to take another weapon featured in the cage. Now Cinder was holding a crossbow. There were a quiver of arrows enough for the weapon.

The older Crowe cursed not wanting her to get another weapon. Now she was the one dodging projectiles by the amber eyed woman. How the tables have turned for her. Even when the crowd was still going wild and her students cheering, time was almost running out. Velvet knew what this means. So far her strategy hasn't forced her to use her maiden power. She will have to make her do it, the hard way. It was time to get serious. She fired her mini gun whole avoiding arrows.

Cinder changed weapons to a chain she threw it catching the young teacher off guard by her left leg. A grin spread her lips sending her towards her, she admitted she has had a lot of fun in this match. Unfortunately for her, she didn't noticed the grin Velvet was showing when she close to her. This was exactly what she wanted, as she changed her weapon back to blade mode. Time to use some base artes.

"Slicing Foot, Tearing Thorn!"

She got hit by the attacks but the older Crowe wasn't done.

Gouging Spin, Swallow Dance!"

Cinder got hit again shocked that she didn't saw this coming.

"Twin Whip, Avalanche Fang, Harsh Rebuttal!"

The amber eyed woman was sent to the ground, near the wall of the cage. The crowd has exploded and they were now chanting Velvet's name. The former therion smirked at that, but kept her eyes on her opponent. Cinder didn't looked happy as she was glaring at her. Her hands have being turned to fists tightening them with so much force. And for a moment the older Crowe noticed her eyes glowing, but it was for an instant.

Her expression and stance, she was daring her to use her maiden power. Because she was going to continue using her artes on her unless, she retaliates with brutal force. Cinder was no longer having fun, she was caught off guard, she has underestimated her. But she knew why she was doing this, and so sad to disappoint her but she wasn't playing her game. Instead, she charged at the teacher as they were about to clash in another brawl when suddenly, the buzzer sound stopped them.

(Music end)

*Time's up! The winner of the match is Velvet!*

The older Crowe looked at the aura screen. Cinder's aura was little lower than hers, making her the winner of the exhibition match. The crowd was once again going wild along with her students. Though she was pleased she won, she was unable to make the amber eyed woman to use her maiden power. Looks like she was able to resist the urge. But she knew doing such will get her into deep trouble and her plan will be foil. Whatever it was. Turning to Cinder she no longer looked upset. She was back to her usual "facade self".

*It was truly an amazing match, one for the history books to remember!* Said Oobleck.

"Great match Velvet. You turned out to be a better opponent than I anticipated" she smiled offering her hand in a hand shake.

The former therion accepted her hand shake but surprised her when she pulled her closer, until she was close enough to her ear. She had about enough and she was planning to tell her exactly how she feels in whispers.

"I know everything Cinder. I know it was you who attacked Amber and took part of her maiden power, I know you're the one giving orders to the White Fang and Torchwick, I know you're the one who infiltrated the CCT, I know you're the one who ordered Adam to hired those mercenaries to go after me and my brother, he almost got hurt for that, I will never forgive you, I know you're somehow involved in those hallucinations and I know you're planning something that involves getting the rest of Amber's powers. Whatever you're planning…I will stop you and Salem…."

With that said Velvet left the ring since by now the cage field was removed. She didn't bothered to look at her but she could tell her expression. If she imagined that she was upset, she got it right. Cinder was glaring at her retreating form, that was a challenge. She was challenging her and her authority. So she knew everything, it still didn't mattered if she didn't had any evidence against her.

But she hated the fact how she decided to tell her, as she stood a chance in stopping and putting a stop to her plan. The amber eyed woman left the ring shortly, she needed to think. Velvet's actions might have caused her to force her hand. Maybe a lesson was needed to be taught. Yet she grinned because it was almost time for the plan to take action. She won't be able to stop what's about to happen.

*It appears a rivalry has been formed between Velvet and Cinder!* said Port.

*Yes yes, who knows, we might see a rematch in the future!*


Velvet stood seated in one of the benches of the festival fair. The older Crowe was supposed to be waiting for her students and her brother just like she old them. She stood in deep thought, thinking if what she did back at the arena was the right thing to do. Telling Cinder she knew everything might have been a bad move after all. She did it with the purpose to upset her or antagonize her, and it worked. But was it really a wise thing to do? The former therion was starting to have second thoughts of her choice.

Cinder might response in retaliation by attempting to hurt her or worse, go after her students or even her brother. She growled, now she really regretted her action. It felt so right to do back at the ring now, she really messed up. If Ozpin and the rest of his circle members finds out what she did, they will definitely not be happy. Nothing has changed though, all that matters is finding that evidence to expose the amber eyed woman as the master mind villain.

"Velvet!"

The young woman smiled watching Laphicet running to her with team RWBY and JNPR behind him, they were right on time. The teen gave his big sister a hug as she accepted the embrace along with ruffling his hair. Ever since arriving to this world she never thought she will tell anyone about her world, or her past. She told Ozpin, Goodwitch and Ironwood because she didn't had a choice. But now she wanted to tell her students by her own choice because she thought they had the right to know. They were more than just her students, but precious friends and as she told Ruby once, she saw them as her family. Keeping this from them didn't felt right and she wanted to be honest with them, by learning more about herself and her brother. Whether they believed her or not, she will finally break the silence today. Or if they will hate her for the horrible things she did, this weight needed to be remove from her shoulders.

"You were awesome!" Ruby and Nora shouted in unison.

She couldn't helped it but chuckled at their reaction. These two can be alike sometimes. Only differences the silver eyed leader was less hyper than the Valkyrie.

"You really showed that Cinder chick a thing or two" said Yang.

"Your performance was spectacular" followed Weiss.

"I'll say it was the best match than any match in the whole tournament" said Jaune of course he will feel that way since he sees Velvet as the strongest person he has ever met.

"You were great Velvet" said Pyrrha.

"You did good" said Blake.

"I think I lost my hearing because of Nora's loud cheering" said Ren before smiling" it was a great match."

"Enough with the flattering already" the older Crowe felt her cheeks reddening feeling embarrassed while Laphicet chuckled at her reaction" there's a reason why I called you guys here and it's not so you could flatter me to death."

"Right, we forgot" Ruby smiled" but we don't know why you wanted to meet us here."

"Would you guys like something to drink?" she asked from out of the blue smiling at her students.

Both teams were taken back by the sudden question. They have known Velvet long enough to know something was wrong with their teacher. Her body language and behavior was a really off. It had to do with the reason for calling them here. The two team gazed at each other before nodding to the young woman. Velvet smiled as they went to the closest snack stand. She decided to pay for all of them as each decided what kind of drink they wanted.

Laphicet noticed their faces, they were a bit confused at how his sister was acting. She was being" too nice" and they could see it clearly, especially Jaune. It couldn't be helped why Velvet will feel this way. She was about to tell them their story, their past, their life before coming to Remnant. Honestly the younger Crowe thought they weren't going to believe them, because the story sounds crazy. After buying their drinks everyone got seated in one of the round tables near the stand. Luckily there weren't that many people. So it was okay to have a personal conversation.

"Everyone enjoying their drinks?"

"Velvet?" spoke the blond leader of JNPR" are you okay?"

"I am, why shouldn't I be?"

"You're acting…." the Arc paused not wanting to finish the sentence.

"You seem nervous" finished Ruby" is something bothering you?"

"I'm fine" she took a breath taking a glance at her brother" it's time I tell you the reason for wanting to meet me here. Do you guys remember when I tell you about our home?"

"You and Laphi's home?" asked the red cloak girl.

"You told us you live in an isolated cabin somewhere in Anima before your parents passing" said Blake.

The older Crowe gave a nod before looking at Laphicet again and turning back to them" that was a lie."

"What?" Jaune didn't saw that coming" what are you talking about?"

"Laphi and I didn't live in Anima or in Remnant. Laphicet and I aren't from this world."

Both teams reacted confused and shocked at the same time.

"What do you mean you guys aren't from Remnant?" asked Weiss" you're talking crazy."

"It's the truth, we're not from this world. Our home was a village called Abal in another world far away from Remnant. Probably in another dimension."

"Another dimension?" Yang seemed to be taking it well as she took a sip from her orange soda" you're not trying to pull a fast one on us aren't you Velvet?"

"I'm being honest. It's time all of you know the truth about us. Where we came from and everything we went through, all the way to how we ended up in this world."

The two teams didn't know what to say. All of them thought she was kidding but hearing her tone, she was being honest. It was impossible to believe that Velvet and Laphi aren't from Remnant, but another world. But how? How was it possible to leave another world and come here? The older Crowe have already confirmed she was going to tell them everything. So the only thing they could do is listen, to what she has to say. They gave their complete attention to the young instructor.

"Listen good. This is going to be a long story."

(Music: "Velvet's theme" from the Tales of Berseria original soundtrack)

It seemed like it was hours, but she told them everything. Velvet went from the start since losing her older sister Celica to the opening six years ago. How her brother in law Arthur took care of her and Laphicet and how he advised her when it comes to fighting since her fighting style was self taught. Everything that lead to another scarlet night when Arthur sacrificed her brother and how she became a daemon ending up killing all the people from her village.

How she was sent to the island prison of Titania and spent three years in a special cell. Then Velvet followed with telling them her break in from the prison to how she met Rokurou and Magilou. The beginning of her quest for revenge against the same man she once called him her brother in law. About the malakhim, the truth of the malevolence, meeting the young malak whom she chose to give him the same name as her brother. Meeting the rest of her companions going after Artorius and fighting the members of the Abbey.

Fighting daemons, the code red daemons which were the same as the ones they have fought in this world, but they were only Grimm versions of them. About the therions and their ability to feed on malevolence. It lead to all the innocent lives she took under her daemon arm, consuming them, devouring them. How she killed Oscar, Teresa, Shigure and Melchior to offer them as sacrifice in order to wake up the four elemental Empyreans.

About Innominat and then he was reborn as Laphicet his plan to get rid of the world's malevolence by stripping away man kind's free will. The truth of Laphi asking Arthur to be the sacrifice to resurrect the nameless Empyrean because he was sick and he wasn't going to live long, having the twelve year sickness. All to the events of the final battle between Artorius and Innominat. How she managed to killed him and ended up taking the Empyrean by letting him feed on her malevolence while she will devour it creating the endless cycle that put them to rest forever.

Finally how the Empyrean of birth Origin took pity of her and her brother and offered her a second chance to live their lives but, in another world. They were sent to Remnant but Velvet was changed back to a human but keeping her therion abilities. The same with Laphi he was back as a human but keeping the powers of the Empyrean Innominat, explaining why he was so strong whenever he fought.

Velvet finally finished telling her story, getting silent as expected their reactions and the millions of questions they were about to asked. She was also expecting they were going to hate her for all the horrible things she did. She has murdered and use others to fulfill her own ambitions, she was evil. Velvet felt her brother taking a hold of her hands and she gave it a squeeze. She was so afraid of telling all of this but it was wrong to keep it a secret from people who have become so close to her.

She heard sniffing from near by. When Velvet finally gazed at her students, she couldn't believed it. All member of team RWBY were in tears, still sniffing. Turning to JNPR, Ren, Nora and Pyrrha were in tears too. Jaune was in deep thought but he seemed like he was hurt by the story. This was the least reaction she was expecting. She thought they wouldn't believe her, calling her crazy or calling her monster or murderer. But this was a complete different reaction.

Turning to Laphicet, he was as shocked as her by this turn of events. The older Crowe didn't understood, first their reactions clearly said they believed her, second they didn't seemed to hate her, third why would they cry? The things she did don't deserve to shed a tear for. Velvet thought she didn't deserved pity or forgiveness for everything she did, that all she deserve was hatred and rejection. Why would it be any different with her students? They should react like all the people from her world and the Abbey.

"I won't ask for forgiveness" she resumed" for what I did. I acted selfishly, I used anyone that could help me in my revenge and I didn't care who I got involved. Everything I did was for the purpose that I get to Artorius and to finally kill him. The lives I took, it didn't mattered, revenge was my priority. Whether you want to believe me or not, this is the only truth. Now you know who I really am. You must be feeling disappointed and disgusted that all this time, you had a murderer for a teacher. If you no longer want me as one, I will understand. I already told Ozpin a while back because I didn't had a choice. He can kick me off the faculty, so you don't have to see me again."

(Music end)

Velvet got up from the table holding any tears. She turned to her brother, signaling him it was time to go. He nodded, he felt like crying too. Because his sister went through all of that because of the choice he made with Arthur. The teen felt so bad and guilty because his sister finally revealed the truth to her students, they will have to leave Beacon. Just when he saw the school as their home. But where will they go now? At least the headmaster wanted them to stay because he didn't minded having them here. The younger Crowe hold his tears, Ruby must hate him. It was better to go and never see her again. So he left with Velvet from the table leaving the two teams. One thing for sure, he was going to miss Beacon a lot.

"Wait!"

Both siblings turned to the two teams. They have gotten up from their seats, slowly walking to them. But their eyes were on Velvet. Team RWBY were still in tears but their leader made the first move. The red cloak girl gave the young woman a big hug as she sniffed. Yang followed, then Weiss and finally Blake. The team were giving her a team hug. It shocked the older Crowe they would do this, after she told them everything. Why would they do this and soon she teared up. Laphicet was shocked by their act but he felt happy. This was a sign that they didn't hold a grudge with his sister's past. The four girls broke the embrace but the tears were still there.

"We don't want you to leave" said Weiss.

"We don't hate you for whatever you did in the past" followed Blake.

"You've been through hell we get it. But it doesn't mean we'll treat you the same way" said Yang.

"Because we care for you no matter what you went through Velvet. Because you're not just our teacher, but our dear friend. We love you with all of your faults" finally spoke the silver eyed leader" so please don't go, stay with us and keep being our teacher. There's no one like you in all of Beacon."

"You guys…." the older Crowe let her tears fall" you still want me, even after all I did-"

"Enough" the Schnee heiress cut her off" what you told us was quite a story and I'm still trying to believe it. But it doesn't matter if it's true or not, you're not leaving end of story. You're staying and you're going to stay as our teacher, I don't want to hear it anymore."

"Yeah Velvet, you're stuck with us like it or not" grinned the blond brawler.

The former therion was about to sob when suddenly Nora charged in and gave her a big hug. Velvet felt all the air through her lungs was being cut off and she was unable to breathe. Giving a comical expression as her face was turning blue. The Valkyrie was sobbing using all her strength to crush the poor woman. Ren though he had tears, sighed at his childhood friend. Pyrrha was in tears in too but she couldn't helped but laughed at the sight. Jaune did the same but he was starting to get worried about the young teacher's condition.

"That's enough Nora, let her breathe" the magenta eyed teen made the girl break the hug letting Velvet catch her breath.

"Velvet we love you too! We don't want you to go, it doesn't matter how many bad things you did. We still care for you!"

"Nora...I appreciate your words more than your hug" she was still catching her breath.

"We still care for you, your past is the past" said Ren.

"You made mistakes, and you did a lot of awful things. But you suffered a lot too and I suppose I can understand that you thought you did all those actions because you thought it was the right thing to do, around the time" Pyrrha stood in thought" you said we're not perfect and you were right. We won't judge you for your past, but we will judge by your actions from the moment we first met you all the way to the future. Whatever it may hold for us…."

"Pyrrha…." the former therion knew she was talking about her choice to become the new Fall Maiden.

"Yeah the past doesn't matter, it's the present that counts" said Jaune" you already know how I feel, I won't repeat myself."

"Your speech was too long the last time. It will be better if you keep it short this time" Velvet smiled at the blond knight.

"Oh really?" Yang was grinning" when did you said such speech Jaune?"

"That was…." he blushed remembering what he told her during Christmas" it was a while back…."

"He said he didn't care about my past. That was the shorter version. It's none of your business to know the rest" said the older Crowe.

"Okay fine I won't butt in" the brawler was still grinning.

Velvet smiled at all of them. There was no doubt she care for all of them so much. Maybe even more than her companions from her world. It's like the eight have become part of her family. She will do anything to protect them, that was why she couldn't let Pyrrha go through with having Amber's aura transfer to her. The procedure wasn't safe and there was no guarantee she will survive or retain her personality if somehow succeeds. These eight and Laphicet are her priority and she swore to protect them no matter what. Most importantly, they have accepted her knowing about her past. It made her teared up again. And they wanted her to stay in Beacon as their teacher, another thought to make her teared up.

"So you're fine with knowing about our world and the things I did? This isn't something you can just listen and shrug it off as it never happened or even ignored it. I have taken a lot of innocent lives and I'm not proud of doing those things."

"But you regret doing those things right? And you told us all those people were no longer human, they were daemons" said Ruby.

"That doesn't matter, it doesn't change the fact that I killed them. I devoured them Niko and everyone from Abal and many more because of my quest to kill Artorius. Can you still trust me after knowing everything I did?"

"For crying out loud Velvet we already said we're fine with it. We don't care about your past, but we do trust you. Just stop bringing it up already" Weiss frowned at the woman.

"Fine, I wanted to make sure you guys don't have a problem with it."

"Still, your world sounds wonderful" Pyrrha smiled" some of the things you told me about it's nature and environment. It looked like it's more beautiful than some of the exotic places in Remnant."

"Except for the malevolence, the malak and Innominat part your world sounds pretty cool" followed Yang.

"Can you guys really believe it?" asked Jaune" a world without free will."

"Sounds boring to me" added the brawler.

"I agree. Our free will is what makes us who we are. Without it, we wouldn't be ourselves. We'll be like empty shells of our former selves" said Blake.

"That's exactly how it was" Velvet remembered the people that got affected by innominat's power of suppression, they sounded and acted like zombies.

"I'm happy for you Velvet" Laphicet smiled at his sister.

"We haven't forgotten about you" Yang grinned taking the teen in a hug giving noogie" we accept you too."

"Stop it! You're ruining my hair!"

"Right, don't want to ruin it too much" she kept grinning.

"We care about you too Laphi" smiled Ruby.

"Yeah, you've been through a lot too. We all make mistakes, you weren't any different" said the Arc.

"I'm happy we're still friends!" said Nora.

"We're just happy things won't ever change" followed Ren.

"Thanks guys" the younger Crowe teared up.

"You guys should get going" Velvet checked the clock on her scroll" the singles round are about to begin."

"Almost forgot about that" Ruby felt dumb for a moment" um...Velvet are you still against the idea of Yang representing our team in the singles round?"

"Not anymore. You all made the right choice. Good luck Yang."

"I won't let you down. Watch me" the blond brawler smiled.

"And I know you won't let me down either Pyrrha" she gazed at the red head who smile with a nod.

"I really hope you decline your choice of taking Amber's powers. It sounds too dangerous. But what else to do? If she doesn't do it, then Cinder might…." Velvet erased the thought.

She watched everyone leave and she also signaled for Laphi to go with them, his sister will obviously catch up to them. Her eyes suddenly narrowed because she had a feeling she was being watched. Her hunch has never failed up till now, so she was pretty sure there was someone near by who has been listening to her conversation with her students.

Velvet was worried, what if it was Emerald, Mercury or worse Cinder? That means they already know about her past and that she wasn't from this world. Whoever it was, that person wasn't going to go far as she released Vertex Rose. The person was close and without warning she strike. The blade ended up hitting a tree instead. Next to it stood a familiar face of a drunk huntsman drinking from his flask.

"Qrow?"

"You have a funny way of saying hi."

"I could have killed you" she released her blade from the tree sheathing it back.

"Doubt it, but you're welcome to try" he smirked.

"Were you the one eavesdropping earlier?"

"Guilty. But Oz already told me about you. Your story is by far the craziest I have ever heard."

"And you're still willing to help me after finding out what I did?"

"You were given a second chance right? So far you haven't screw it up. Ruby and Yang seem to trust you a lot, just like the rest of the kids. Oz seems to trust you too. I'm still in."

"Glad to know. Why are you here?"

"Got some intel on two members of Cinder's team."

The comment got Velvet's interest immediately" which ones?"

"First there's Emerald Sustrai. No parents, grew up in the streets of Mistral. She raised herself in the underground quite well and became popular due to her" sleight of hand"."

"Underground?"

"Right, you pretended to be from Anima but you never set foot on Mistral before. Time for a quick history lesson. Mistral is known for it's high culture and love for it's nature. The people are very talented in crafts, blacksmith, music, fashion, theater among others. But not everything is all pretty in the kingdom. Mistral's underground is known for being the biggest black market organization in all the kingdoms. You can get anything there, anything illegal you can find it there, want someone dead? You can find it there. To put it simple the underground is where you'll find all the shady people that don't like playing nice."

"It's the criminal side of the town."

"Bingo. Getting back to Emerald. She raised herself to become quite the pick pockets, started as a rookie and became a decent thief."

"So she's a thief?" Velvet wasn't surprised she already knew anyone working for Cinder aren't good people.

"I'm just getting to the good part. See to this day, she remains a thief and she has never been caught. There are no records of her deciding to turn a new leaf and become a huntress."

"She's not really a student from Haven" again she wasn't surprised.

"Give the rookie teacher a cigar" the Branwen smirked before taking a sip on his flask" now the second one, Mercury Black. Oh boy I found a lot on this guy. Starting that he's the son of the famous Markus Black. And judging by your face, you have no idea who I'm talking about."

"It's like you said. I've never been to Anima much less Mistral."

"Okay don't mind another quick history lesson. Markus Black was very famous in Mistral's underground...As an assassin for hire. You pay him, he will kill anyone. As long as you give him lien he will always get the job done. Markus was known for being merciless when it came to his victims. Outside of his job however, he wasn't the best role model for a family man. Rumors in the underground that he used to beat up his wife and kid, talk about an abusive relationship" Qrow paused drinking from his flask" then one day, he went out of hand and ended up killing her. He was about to do the same thing to his boy until the tables were turned on him."

Velvet was shocked at the information still paying attention, but she got the idea what became of Markus" Mercury killed him?"

"Yep, nothing shows the love of a son for his father than killing him before he kills you. So the kid had a very abusive past there are no more records of him since Markus's death. He went under the radar afterward. But just like Emerald there are no records of him wanting to become a huntsman or following daddy's footsteps."

"Neither of them are official students from Haven" it was exactly as she thought" this proves a lot."

"It does, but not enough to prove that Cinder is guilty."

"Did you find anything on her?"

"Nothing. I'm telling you, that woman has a blank slate. No records of her home, no birth certificate, no information on her family. It's like she doesn't exist. It only makes me more suspicious of her. Now that I think about it, she's like you. Oz didn't found anything on you and your kid brother. Maybe Cinder is from another world too."

"And their other teammate, Mint?" the former therion ignored the last part of the amber eyed woman being from another world.

"The creepy girl with the creepy face. Nothing on her either. Maybe with a little more time I might find something on her. But Cinder, finding anything on her seems almost impossible. I might need more time for her."

"Time is something we don't have. Whatever she's planning, I have a feeling it's going to happen before the tournament ends. That's why we have to keep an eye on her and her people" Velvet gave a sigh" I just can't believe people like them get official documentation as they were students from Haven."

"I have an explanation for that" the Branwen took another sip from his flask" the one thing I didn't wanted to believe at first…."

"Lionheart?"

"That he's a turncoat? Looks like I'm not the only one who thinks so."

"A while back I called him asking him about Cinder's team but he got so nervous and ended the call. He did mentioned they were "a special team"."

"Yeah Lionheart was never the bravest of the headmasters. He loves his school and Mistral but he's really one fraidy cat."

"You think Salem is threatening him?"

"Probably. I did told Oz of the possibility that he could be a traitor but he ignored me. He kept saying that he has known him for years and he values his friendship. I swear Oz can be so naive sometimes."

"During my investigation I have questioned different teams from Haven about Cinder's team and no one knows about them. They have never heard of them before."

"No surprise there, if they're supposedly" evil villains in disguise" as students participating in the tournament."

"Qrow?" Velvet made sure there weren't many people present" are you sure Cinder doesn't know about the Vault?"

"Pretty sure, only the five of us knows of it's existence. Well make that six counting Pyrrha Nikos."

"Make that seven" the older Crowe hasn't forgotten she told Winter before she went back to Atlas" she really has no idea where Amber is?"

"Not a clue. But she must have her suspicions that she could be somewhere around Beacon."

"If we can't find any information on Cinder. Then we must come up with a plan to expose her somehow."

"You mean like a confession?" the Branwen took another drink" that's easier said than done. If she's really guilty then she's been planning this for who knows how long. She's not gonna be stupid enough to tell everything out in the open, even if you ask her nicely."

"I know, it sounds hopeless. It's like there's nothing we can do" Velvet was starting to get frustrated by all of this.

"Calm down. What's important we know Emerald and Mercury are no goodie goodies and they're not students from Haven. That is enough proof for me to believe you. I admit, at first I didn't believe a word you were saying. But after uncovering these two, I have every right to believe Cinder is the one we've been looking for."

"Do you have any ideas? Because I have ran out of them."

"I might have one. Things started to get worse ever since someone infiltrated the CCT."

"Cinder infiltrated the CCT" reminded the older Crowe.

"Right and I have no room to disagree with you. There must be a reason why she went there. There must be something she wanted from that place. Problem. Jimmy has been trying to figure out what information she must have stole it from there. But there are no records of any kind of data being removed from the system. Leaving him and his men to scratch their heads with no idea of what's going on."

"What are you planning to do?"

"I'm heading to the CCT. It's time I take a look there myself. There must be something dear Jimmy must have missed."

"Not to sound negative. But if Ironwood couldn't figure it out, what makes you think you can?"

"Already doubting me? After I got you the information of Emerald and Mercury. You need to know something about me Velvet. I don't do this alone, I have "friends" all over the place just like Oz have his. In fact" he smirked" how much do you want to bet I'll find out what Cinder did to the CCT's system in no time?"

"I'm not playing your games. But if you can find anything that can help us, then do it. Call me if you need any help. I'm starting to get a bad feeling all of the sudden."

"Yeah…" Qrow took another sip" me too…."

Suddenly the tree Velvet stabbed has suddenly broke in half shocking the young woman. She stabbed it hard but not that hard. Turning to the Branwen, the man looked like he had no clue what happened. Maybe she didn't even know her own strength.

"Guess you're stronger than you look" he grinned.


*Now for the moment you've all been waiting for the one on one finals!* Said Port.

Velvet smiled returning to the arena looks like she made it just in time. She saw all the combatants that will be participating in the singles round. There was Sun, Penny, Pyrrha obviously and a couple of people she didn't recognized. They were members from other teams that managed to reach this far in the tournament. The young teacher went to the red seats meeting Ruby, Laphicet seated next to her, Blake, Weiss. Followed by Jaune, Ren and Nora.

Velvet was so happy to know they have accepted her even if they knew of her past and all of the mistakes she made. Just as she thought, a huge weight has been lifted from her shoulders. And she couldn't felt any better than right now. It made her tear up and cry, her students knew her and her brother's origins and they were all right with it. The former therion finally took an available seat next to the silver eyed leader.

*Barty, why don't you explain the rules?* Asked Port.

*Uhh, it's quite simple Peter. Instead of a bracket system, each round of the finals will be randomly determined immediately before the match takes place.*

*Much like any good hunt, there will be zero time to prepare.*

*Ahh, yes yes. Now let's see who our first match will be.*

Two large holographic screen above the ring were spinning rapidly. It will be choosing the first combatants for the one on one finals. Everyone looked so excited as it started to slow down. First it shown a familiar gray haired teen and then a familiar blond brawler.

*Yang Xiao Long and Mercury Black!*

Velvet has suddenly had a very bad feeling. It was the same feeling when she was talking to Qrow earlier. But this feeling was stronger, probably the worse hunch she has ever had so far. She has seen Mercury fighting and he was very skilled. Problem is she had the feeling that the male was holding back during all of his matches.

Meaning Yang needed to focus on this one and also she couldn't hold back. This is the kind of opponent you will have to give it your all. Turning to the other side of the red seats, she saw Cinder. The amber eyed woman smiled at her, it only made the older Crowe glared at her. Again she wondered what was she up to? What was her plan? What was her angle?

"Break a leg sis!" shouted Ruby.

"Kick his butt Yang!" followed Laphicet.

Velvet rolled her eyes as her gaze fell back on Cinder. She has gotten up from her seat and has suddenly left the arena. That was very strange. Why would she leave when one of her teammates was about to fight? As her suspicions of her can't get any stronger. The former therion finally decided to pay attention to the coming match. If she was lucky Qrow will be able to figure out what Cinder did to the CCT. The Branwen has proven to be very successful since he was able to give her information on Emerald and Mercury.

Then she thought about the gray haired teen's past. He was abused by his father who was an assassin for hire, he killed his mother and when he was about to do the same thing, Mercury in defense ended up killing him. She didn't hated him for that, he had every right to do such thing after taking the life of his mother. But if he was working for Cinder, then Velvet saw him as just another enemy. It was the same thing with Emerald.

*Would all other combatants please leave the stage* said Port.

Everyone did as told as they left the ring leaving Yang and Mercury alone. The blond brawler was very excited. Ever since she saw him fighting Pyrrha back at Beacon, she's been wanting to fight him. Because she could tell he was stronger than he looked. Now she was going to have her chance The Platforms left only leaving the center of the ring. For single matches biome fields weren't used.

It will be a good old one on one brawl. The lights above turned on focusing on the two combatants as crowd kept on cheering. From the red seats Velvet was still worried about this bad feeling. Of course she believed in Yang, but why was she feeling this way? She should be cheering her on like the rest of her teammates, friends and brother. Laphi was very hyped for this match. Velvet tried to calm down deciding to try and enjoy the fight.

"You better not go easy on me" spoke Yang.

"Heh, you wish" scoffed the gray haired teen.

Both got into a fighting stance as Mercury gave a quick glance at his partner. Emerald was seated in one of the red seats, right on position.

*Three..Two..One..FIGHT!*

Both started trading blows, Yang with her fists and Mercury with his kicks. It started as a good fight while the crowd kept on cheering. At first it looked like both teens were on par with each other, like they were in the same level. Ruby and everyone else kept on cheering for the blond brawler. There was a point in the match where the blond almost send Mercury out of the ring that would have resulted in him being eliminated.

But he used the blasters on his boots to jump higher. They went back trading blows using the blast feature from their weapons. Things got bad as the brawler got kicked by the gray haired male and he started blasting wind blasts, one after another. The blast have gotten into the air as Mercury blocked a punch from Yang and countered with a kick that send her to the ground. All of the wind blasts ended up hitting the blond looking she has been beaten.

Mercury grinned thinking he'd won, he started removing the dust from his attire because of the fight. A blast of fire caught the teen's attention turning to see his opponent back on her feet. Yang has activated her semblance after taking all those hits absorbing them and increasing her strength. Her blond hair was glowing as it was on fire as her eyes were blood red. She charged at him. He tried to blocked her attacks but they were too strong for him to take. The gray haired teen got beat up bad feeling his aura going down. Receiving a barrage of fists before the brawler kicked him sending him to the ground. The buzzer sounded meaning it was the end of the match, she has won.

*What a way to kick off the finals!* Shouted Port.

*Yang Xiao Long wins!* Followed Oobleck.

The platform was descending back to the ground as the crowd kept on cheering. Team RWBY, JNPR, Laphicet were all cheering while Velvet smiled. She was proud for the blond but something was wrong. Maybe she was being paranoid but she thought Mercury was giving it his all, he was holding back. Now the big question, why? It's like he wasn't even trying.

When Yang activated her semblance, he looked like he was ready to call it a quits. Again her bad feeling was growing stronger. These were the finals, holding back was out of the questions. Winning was simply everything for everyone that competes. Chest nut eyes widened in shock, what if Mercury wanted to lose? What if he wanted to be beaten by Yang on purpose? She really hope she was wrong, but her bad feeling was telling her otherwise.

"Yeah! You did it sis!" Ruby cheered.

"Way to go Yang!" followed Blake.

"Better luck next time" said the brawler walking off.

"There's not going to be a next time, blondie!"

Just then Mercury attacked her with a flying kick but she countered hitting one of his legs. The crowd gasped before they started booing at the blond. Yang remained calm knowing exactly what she witnessed. He attacked her and she defended herself. Then she realized everyone was booing at her. Mercury stood on the ground groaning in pain at his leg that got hit by the brawler.

*My word!* Gasped Oobleck.

*Cut the cameras!* Said Port upset.

The crowd kept on booing and Yang didn't know why they were doing. Most of them sounded like they were very upset. The gray haired teen was still groaning in aching pain at his leg.

"Ah! My leg! My leg!"

"That's what you get you little-huh?" Yang cut herself realizing she was surrounded by robot soldiers from Atlas.

"Yang Xiao Long, stand down!" said one of the human soldiers.

"What?! Why?!"

"Mercury!" Emerald rushed to the side of his partner checking on him.

"Why'd she do that?! Why'd she attacked me?!"

"Please, somebody help him!" shouted the dark skinned girl as the paramedics arrived to take away the gray haired teen.

"Can you do something?!"

"We need to get this boy to a hospital. Grab a blanket" said one of the paramedics.

They took him away from the ring on a stretcher.

Yang was confused as she gazed at one of the screen showing the footage from the end of the match. Mercury was kneeling as she walked away from him. Lilac eyes widened in shock when she saw herself attacking him without him doing anything to her. The brawler was at a loss for words at what she saw. But that couldn't be, she saw what she saw. He attacked her first but everyone thinks she attacked him when she was defenseless.

Back at the red seats, team RWBY, JNPR, Laphicet and Velvet stood in pure shocked at what they just witnessed. Was it really possible? Their teammate, their friend, the student has attacked someone when he was completely defenseless. They still couldn't believed what they saw, and what it was keep showing in the footage. It all seemed like a bad dream, but this was really happening.

"Why did she do that?" asked Laphi.

"I don't know" replied his older sister shocked" I really don't know…."

"You don't understand! He attacked me, I swear!"

"Stow it! You've already caused enough of a scene" said an Atlas soldier.

The devastation hit Yang hard. Nobody believed her. They all thought she attacked Mercury when he was defenseless. She was still shocked but she did the only thing she could do at the moment. She turned herself in, what other choice did she had? The Atlas soldiers immediately cuffed her as soon as she lowered her gauntlets. Looking down in shame she didn't wanted to looked at the crowd especially her friends as they took her, away from the ring and the arena.


(Time skip)

(Location: Beacon Academy)

Velvet wasn't happy, she was in a bad mood. The young instructor walked the hallways of the school with her scroll opened. She was watching news broadcast of what happened at the Colosseum. Yang attacking an innocent student, they showed interviews of citizens giving their opinions. It made her sicked to her stomach they were all hating on her, calling her a delinquent, a savage, even a freaking murderer. How dare they call her student like that.

That wasn't all because of the incident many people as well as the viewers were so upset that negativity has lead to attract Grimm towards the city. Thankfully to Atlas security and huntsmen volunteering, they've been able to hold the creatures back from proceeding further into Vale. She already did some investigating before coming here. Now it was time to hear Yang's side of the story. She has called her teammates as well as her brother.

As she reached the dorm hallway there stood in front of the door to team RWBY's dorm two Atlas robot soldiers. Putting security around the dangerous delinquent, it made her glared at Ironwood for going to such lengths. At least he didn't put her on a holding cell next to Torchwick on his ship. The Atlas General already told her that Yang has been disqualified from the tournament for her actions.

It angered her so much but, she kept herself calm she needed to hear what the blond has to say because no matter what she saw, she trusted her all of her students. It didn't took long as the older Crowe spotted her brother along with Ruby, Weiss and Blake. She asked them all to come regarding whether they believed their teammate or not. She still hasn't asked them their opinions about the incident yet. The young instructor gazed at them, before turning to the two robots guarding the dorm door.

"Let us in."

The two robot guards didn't budge at her request. No, it wasn't a request, it was a demand.

"Now!"

In an instant both robots took a distance from the door.

"They're scare of you" Laphicet couldn't helped but chuckled at the fact that even robots are scared of his sister, they weren't that stupid after all.

"They should be."

The older Crowe opened the door and there stood Yang seated on her bunk bed. The blond was ready to teared up. The sight made her glared remembering what the people were saying about her. They didn't even knew her and they were already accusing her, calling he delinquent and savage. Her teammates didn't took her expression well. Ruby wanted to give her big sister a hug but the teacher stopped her, Weiss was clearly sad seeing the brawler like this.

As for Blake, she was in the same boat. But she looked more conflicted than the others. She couldn't get the image from her mind. Yang, her partner attacking a defenseless opponent and student. Even if it was Mercury, he didn't deserved that. She already beat him, she won the match. What she did wasn't necessary, it was cold, cruel. It reminded her of Adam, how he slowly changed for the worse. Yang finally noticed her teammates and teacher on the dorm as the older Crowe closed the door behind them.

"Velvet-"

"Don't talk. Not yet" she said turning to the red cloak leader" Ruby. Do you think you're sister is capable of hurting someone defenseless?"

"Of course not!" protested the silver eyed petite" Yang might be impulsive, but she's not that impulsive. She would never do something like that."

"Okay" the young teacher turned to the heiress" Weiss?"

"I agreed with Ruby. I doubt Yang would do something so unfair and brutal. She's a hothead but not ruthless. Even if we saw it. I will believe her and my partner."

"That's good" Velvet turned to the last member of the team" Blake?"

"I...I don't know" she muttered.

"What?" Ruby was shocked" how can you say that?!"

"Blake how could you?!" shouted the blond brawler" you know me better than that!"

"Yes, I suppose I do. But what I saw I..I don't know. I mean, I want to believe you but...I had someone very dear to me change. It wasn't in an instant, it was gradual...Little choices that began to pile up. He told me not to worry. At first, they were accidents...Then it was self-defense. Before long, even I began to think he was right. This is all just...Very...Familiar."

"Adam?" Velvet spoke as she got a nod from the raven haired faunus.

"But you're not him. And you've never done anything like this before. So...I want to trust you. I WILL trust you. But first, I need you to look in my eyes and tell me he attacked you. I need you to promise me that you regret having to do what you did."

"I saw him attack me" the brawler replied as she sniffled.

"You're all with your teammate" Velvet gave a smile" okay Yang now tell me, what happened after your match with Mercury?"

"Like I said. I saw him attack me first, then I attacked him back in self defense. But everyone thinks I attacked him when he was defenseless."

"This sounds familiar" Laphicet said turning to his sister as she nodded.

"Yang" the former therion kept her eyes on the blond" are you sure you saw him attack you?"

"Yes, I wouldn't lie about something like this. I saw what I saw."

"All right" the older Crowe gave a nod turning to her brother" there's no doubt this is connected to that time."

"What do you mean?" asked Ruby.

"The day when we switched minds" the younger Crowe finished with a sigh wanting to forget that horrible day" before Velvet and I got hit by the mind switch ray, we saw Torchwick and we chased him before we got zapped. But Ironwood said that he's being locked up in his ship since he was arrested after the Breach."

"Maybe you guys were just seeing things" offered Weiss.

"That's what we thought" added Velvet" then we found out it was very real but at the same time, it wasn't."

"What?" the silver eyed leader stood confused.

"That doesn't make sense" followed Blake.

"To Laphi and me the image of Torchwick was real when it truth, it wasn't. It was nothing but a hallucination being projected through our minds."

"Does something like that truly exist?" asked the Schnee heiress.

"It does...As a semblance that is" her comment made all four girls gasped in shock.

"Hear me out first" the teacher stopped her students from asking any further questions" the same thing happened again during Coco and Yatsuhashi's match with Emerald and Mercury. Coco claims she saw Yatsuhashi with her in the forest field during her match with Emerald when in truth he was already beaten back at the geyser field. She saw the hallucination of her partner looking very real, no coincidence it's the same trick that was pulled on me and Laphi."

"And now" she resumed" it has happened again to you Yang. You saw Mercury attack you when in reality, he never did. You saw the hallucination of him attacking you because it was projected in your mind. Obviously no one else will believe you because it never happened."

"Velvet" Blake was starting to connect the dots" are you saying someone is responsible for causing those hallucinations, because that's his semblance?"

"That's right. Projections of images through the human brain is a possible semblance. I read it in a book about semblances. I already have my suspects of who possess the semblance."

"You know who's responsible?" Ruby was shocked.

"I do."

"Tell me!" Yang got up from the bed her eyes red in anger" tell me who's the bastard who would dare do this to me?!"

"There's only two suspects and both have been present" the former therion was hoping they would believe her" during Coco and Yatsuhashi's match, yours Yang…."

"I should have known!" Blake glared thinking about those two" of course they're the ones responsible. You've been right about them and their leader all along Velvet."

"What's going on?" asked Weiss.

"You're not saying…." the blond brawler was starting to realize what her teacher meant.

"The one with that hallucination semblance it's either Mercury, or Emerald."

"That bastard!" the blond brawler immediately put the blame on the gray haired teen.

"But he got hurt really bad, how can he be the one responsible for creating that illusion?" asked the heiress.

"About that" the older Crowe added" I went to Vale hospital earlier before coming here and guess what? Mercury isn't there."

"That can't be" said the red cloak petite" I mean Vale Hospital is the only hospital in the city, why wouldn't he be there?"

"Did they took him to another hospital?" added her white haired partner" they're from Haven so maybe they took him to the hospital th-No, that sounds ridiculous. A trip from Vale to Mistral will take over five hours, no matter if they're using a fast ship."

"So, what does that mean?" again spoke the silver eyed leader.

"It means, they never took him to the hospital at all. Because he was probably never hurt in the first place. I spoke to every nurse and doctor in the building and they all told me the same thing. They never received a report of an ambulance ship coming from Amity Colosseum. This is the result of nothing but a set up."

"A very good planned set up" Blake glared thinking of the three.

"So you're saying I was set up?" Yang still had her eyes red" wait, till I get my hands on those two, I swear I…." she didn't finished because she was so upset.

"That can't be!" Ruby protested" why would Emerald and Mercury do something like that to Yang?!"

"Because Cinder ordered them to" finished the former therion.

"I don't get it!" the RWBY leader refused to believe her teacher" they wouldn't do that, they're our friends! They would never try too set up Yang, or try to hurt us!"

Velvet sighed she knew this was going to happen. Ruby was too naive and too trusting. Turning to the rest of the team, Yang was too angry to think straight, Blake was angry but not in the same extent as her partner and Weiss looked like she finally realized the truth about their so called" new friends." There might be a way to change the red cloak girl's opinion on Emerald and Mercury, she still had the recording from that day they talked to Emerald at the festival fair.

She wasn't planning to erase since it counts as evidence. The former therion took her scroll, opening the device. Blake had an idea what she was planning to do and nodded to her. The conversation will be enough to convince Weiss and Yang, but it was uncertain if will convince the silver eyed leader. Velvet knew the risk she was taking by doing this. But she thought it was about time they know there were evil people here who wants to interrupt this era of peace.

"For a while I've been investigating all three of them. I recorded this conversation after they parted ways with you, after your victory over team ABRN."

*So how are the new" friends"?* They recognized Mercury's voice.

*I hate them.*

Yang and Weiss glared hearing that but Ruby was shocked not believing she actually heard Emerald saying that.

*Orders are orders.*

*I just-How can they be so happy all the time!?*

*Did you at least get what we want?*

*It's the heiress and the bimbo* the dark skinned was obviously talking about the information they just told her of the combatants for the doubles round.

"I'm gonna kill her" Yang was livid her eyes were still red" messing with my hair is one thing. But calling me a bimbo, that's personal. Just because I'm blond, it doesn't mean I'm stupid."

"So they don't like us" Weiss wasn't happy" and all this time they've been acting nice with us because they were ordered to."

"Like I said, Cinder ordered them to. It's all part of her plan" said the older Crowe.

"What plan?" asked the heiress.

"Velvet, I think it's time they know the truth" Blake told her.

"I hope you can believe me this time" she gazed at the three girls" turns out during my investigation I was right about the White Fang and Torchwick taking orders from someone."

The Schnee heiress and the brawler remembered their teacher mentioning that when she questioned the criminal back at the train. Honestly, neither both of them believed her. But after hearing the recording, they were clearly having doubts now.

"That person has been in Beacon for a while and she's been posing as a student from Haven along with Emerald and Mercury. Her name is Cinder Fall and she's planning something big, I don't know what it is yet. But I know it has something to do with Yang being set up in that match."

"So me being involved was part of their plan?" the brawler growled tightening her fists.

"But why are they doing this? What would they gained by doing such thing?" asked the white haired girl.

Velvet turned to Laphicet who stood quiet but his expression said it all. Weiss asked the big question. The siblings knew Cinder was planning something with the goal of taking the remains of Amber's maiden powers. But they couldn't tell them about that yet. It will take too much time to explain and, that was something the former therion didn't had. As much as she wanted to tell them, they weren't ready to know the knowledge yet.

"I don't know" the young teacher gave a sigh" what's important, that neither of them can't be trusted. They're not good people and they're up to no good. That's all you need to know."

"Blake you knew about this all along?" asked her partner.

"I did. Unlike you and Weiss I believed Velvet. I went to her dorm one night and she told me everything she knows. Ever since, I've been trying to do my own investigation. Even if she wanted me out of it because it was too dangerous."

"I have a right to worry for my students" she crossed her arms.

"Bastards all of them" the brawler growled looks like she was going to be angry for a while.

"Ruby?" the heiress called out to her partner worried" are you okay?"

The entire time the red cloak girl stood silent. She was still shocked to know Emerald and Mercury were the bad guys. She refused to believe it. After meeting them and them becoming their friends. It was impossible they could be villains like Torchwick. Laphicet was worried gazing at the silver eyed girl. Looks like finding out the truth has affected her more than the rest of her team. Velvet understood how she was feeling even if she was naive and too trusting.

But she used to be like her at one time. Back at Abal when she was sixteen, she love and trusted everyone in the village. But she trusted Arthur the most because he was her brother in law, her mentor and a father figure. Until he betrayed her on that scarlet night when he sacrificed Laphicet. After that tragedy she learned that you couldn't trust anyone so quickly. That was the reason why it was so hard for her to trust Rokurou, Magilou, Eizen, Eleanor and Phi so easily at the beginning. She was only using them as tools to help her in her quest for revenge.

"I'm sorry Ruby. But it's the truth. Emerald, Mercury and Cinder are our enemies. I have enough evidence to prove that and also, Cinder was the one who infiltrated the CCT" once more the petite was shocked" remember the masked woman we encountered the night of the dance? That was her, I was able to catch up to her and fight her for like a minute. Then when I fought Cinder at the exhibition match I was certain it was her. Her movements and fighting style, it was the same of the person that broke into the CCT. I'm sorry that you have to find out like this. But now it was needed for you to know because they just set up your own sister for the sake of whatever is their plan. And because of that, everyone now thinks Yang is some sort of savage delinquent that needs to be put behind bars. I'm sure neither of them regret what they did."

"I..." the red cloak leader whispered" I can't believe it...I just can't that they…."

"Ruby" Laphicet was about to comfort his friend.

"Don't touch me!" she suddenly snapped shocking him and everyone else, she turned to Velvet" you said they can't be trusted, that they're bad. What if you're wrong?!"

"Ruby I wouldn't be making this up if I didn't had the evidence to expose them. You have to understand-"

"No you have to understand! So they're bad, but maybe you're wrong…."

"Ruby I-" the younger Crowe started.

"Look at Laphi! Didn't you became some kind of powerful entity to rob people's free will? Didn't you hurt your own sister and a lot of people? Yet we chose to trust you."

That was truly a low blow for the teen feeling like tearing up. Hearing the words coming out of Ruby's mouth made him feel worse. It was one thing that anyone would say it, but the RWBY leader. That was enough to put a stake to his heart, and it hurt. He stood silent before he started sniffing and without word left the dorm in a hurry. Now usually Velvet will get very upset for such a display. No one hurt her brother's feelings like that, no one. But this was Ruby and she was going through a lot right now. So, she will cut her some slack. But the anger was evident in her chest nut eyes, she will control herself because it was Ruby, for now.

"And it's the same with you!" resumed the red cloak petite, by now she was in tears" you did a lot of bad things, you killed a lot of innocent people. But we still forgive you because we trust you and care for you! Why the same, can't be done for Emerald and Mercury?!"

"Ruby…." the former therion lowered her gaze" true about what you said, I won't deny it. I did a lot of mistakes that I have come to regret, never my proudest moments. But if it lead me to kill Artorius and save Laphicet, then I would have made those choices all over again! That's all in the past. Now I was given a second chance, me and Laphi both. I have done everything in my power to correct all those mistakes I have made. I want nothing more to right my wrongs, I only want redemption by living this new life that was given to me. Emerald and Mercury are different, both are very loyal to Cinder. They don't seem to regret anything they've done in their past. What I've learned during my time in Remnant is that only those that desire a second chance can truly earn forgiveness and those two aren't seeking forgiveness because of their loyalties. Don't get me started on Cinder, I've seen the look in her eyes. Those are the eyes of someone who cares nothing but power."

She took getting closer to the petite" I'm only telling you this...Because I love you Ruby, I love Weiss, I love Blake, I love Yang, I love Laphicet, I love JNPR, Jaune everyone. I have never come to care so much for people in my life than right now. You're not just my students and friends, you're my family, all of you. I have a feeling, a hunch call it whatever you like, that something bad is going to happen and everyone has to be prepare for the worse."

Ruby finally broke in sobbing as the older Crowe pulled her to a hug" it's okay don't feel bad about anything you said, you were right. But I would like for you to apologize to Laphi. He didn't deserved that, you know it right?"

"I'm sorry" she replied breaking the hug drying her tear" I was being such a meanie."

"I said it's okay but I want that apology to Laphi. You hear me young lady?"

"You bet! In fact I'll go right now-"

"Hold it!" she stopped the young reaper from leaving" don't tell anyone about what we just talked here."

"Got it!" she quickly left the dorm using her semblance rose petals falling all over the hallway.

"That girl" Velvet muttered closing the door of the dorm before turning to the rest of the team" Yang, I'm sorry you have to see that."

"It's okay, it had to be done. I know it wasn't easy for you. I would have never done what you did. Ruby has always been too trusting."

"She has a good heart" smiled the young teacher.

"What are we going to do now?" asked Blake.

"Nothing."

"What do you mean nothing?! We currently have three terrorists up to no good. We have to do something!" said Weiss.

"I'm currently working on it. I'm not alone, Qrow is helping me on the investigation. Hopefully we might get solid evidence against Cinder that will expose her and her plan to the world."

"There must be something we can do" Yang growled" I'm not staying here."

"Yes you are. You're currently detained and disqualified from the tournament. The only thing you can do right now is stay here and try to behave."

"But it's not fair! I didn't do anything wrong, I was set up!"

"We know. But the rest of the world doesn't think so. All they believe is what they saw. And they see you as a hostile threat."

"Hostile threat my butt" muttered the blond annoyed.

"What about us? There must be something we can do" said the raven haired faunus.

"Don't get involve any more than you have. I already told you this Blake. But if you two want to make yourselves useful, try to keep an eye on those three. They might try to set someone else up during a match just like they did Yang."

Weiss and Blake gave a nod while the blond brawler wasn't happy she was staying here without nothing to do.

"It's not fair" muttered the brawler.

"You can keep Zwei company" sweat dropped the older Crowe.

"It's still not enough."


(Location: Altesian Military Base Solitas continent Kingdom of Atlas)

An alarm sounded as the entire base was in a state of emergency. Dozens of soldiers from humans to robots were currently being deployed to the air ships hangar bay in long lines. Along those forces many mechanized units followed. The latest model of the Altesian Paladin Knight, stronger than it's prototype predecessor. Above the railings of the base stood Winter Schnee with her usual stern expression. She watched as the forces were boarding the many ships available.

She didn't care how many they deployed, enough to contain the coming storm. After everything Velvet told her, she couldn't stand here and do nothing. The information General Ironwood kept from her was so important and delicate, she understood why he chose not to tell her. So she wasn't upset with him, the information was truly classified and she chose to listen to the young teacher. The older Schnee hoped one day the general would forgive her if he ever finds out.

If what Velvet told her was true, then Vale was in danger of a possible terrorist attack. All for the purpose to gain the power of the Fall Maiden Amber. This Cinder Fall woman sounded very dangerous and even if her informant didn't had enough evidence to make her looked guilty, she trusted in her words. With what little she has known of Velvet Crowe, she was a trusting character who cares for the well being of everyone especially, her students.

She has seen this from her younger sister how she looks up to the woman. Those were the kind of people that will play a positive role in Weiss's life. Nothing compared to their brother or father. Velvet will make sure she stays in Beacon and that she never returns home. Winter kept a hold of her saber hoping they get there in time. Suddenly a human soldier arrived running to the specialist before giving a salute.

"Were you able to find any volunteering huntsmen that are willing to lend us their aid?"

"Yes I did mam. But I only managed to find two who volunteered. They said they've been wanting to return to Vale."

"They will get the chance then."

"Permission to speak mam?"

"Permission granted."

"Mam...If you don't mind me asking, with so many of our forces you're gathering. Are we..Are we going to war with Vale?" he sounded nervous.

"There is a war coming but is not with Vale. This enemy is threatening the well being of the people of Vale and it is our sworn duty to provide them with the protection they deserve."

"Does General Ironwood knows of this?"

"I'm the one in charge of this operation. Which it's information is highly classified. You are not allowed to know."

"Yes mam!" he gave a salute before leaving.

Winter sighed staring at the hangar bay.

"I hope we get there on time."


To be continued

-Finally done and again before the weekend begins. I hope you folks enjoy this one.

-The Velvet vs Cinder match was a cage match, I saw it quite fitting. I do hope you have enjoyed the match as much as I did. Keep in mind both ladies were holding back and that was just a prelude of what I have in store the next time they fight again.

-I think it was very emotional how Velvet chose to open up to her students, finally telling them about her past. I think they took it well but I truly believe they would never hate hate her after they've been through with her. The main reason of this story is about second chances and trying to find a way atone for your mistakes. This is how Velvet will find her redemption and being forgiven by RWBY and JNPR is the first step towards that.

-Velvet finally connected the dots of Emerald's semblance and she was able to prove Yang's innocence. At least for her teammates.

-Wonder if Qrow will find out investigating the CCT. Only one way to find out.

-Winter is ready to fight Cinder's war better watch out.

-We're finally reaching the pinnacle of the volume. Let's just say things are going to be different than in canon. However it is inevitable of what's about to happen. There is a war coming.

-Off topic R.I.P Chester Benington of Linkim Park who committed suicide on July 20 by hanging the same way Soundgarden's Chris Cornell killed himself. Ironically Chester killed himself on Chris's birthday. My condolences to your friends, band mates and family we will miss you. Hope you're in a better place mate.

-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.

Next time: Countdown