Author Note: Whats cracking everyone and welcome back to another chapter of the series. Since the holidays are coming to a close, I will be returning to my usual quick update times... hopefully. But do not fear, if you are a fan of this story I will not stop writing. Now without further a do, lets jump in!

City Of Vale: Vytal Tournament Stadium

The week of vacation had gone by quickly with fun times for everyone at the arcs residence. However, all good things must come to an end at some point and they left the arcs on the eve of the Vytal Festival.

The Vytal Festival is a time of year that all the kingdoms come together to celebrate peace and unity. Each year a different kingdom hosts the festival. This year it was Vale that would be hosting this well known gathering. However, this was no holiday for the Huntsman and Huntresses in training. The Vytal Festival had one big perk to it. The Vytal Tournament.

The Vytal Tournament was a battle tournament that was held at each festival for the students of each of the kingdoms academies. Teams from each school would compete for their kingdom to try to get first place and allow their kingdom to win the Vytal Cup.

The system went as follows. There are three rounds in the tournament, the first being a 4 on 4 team round. The winners of the team round may select two of their team to fight in the 2 on 2 doubles round, the victors of which may choose one representative to fight in the final 1 on 1 round. The remaining combatants will fight through a final round to prove a victor. There are no specific brackets for age or schooling; the only thing that is put to the test in the tournament is skill.

The fighting itself takes place in a large octagonal arena. The arena is capable of changing its environment into several different "biomes", including grasslands, forest, fire and ice, geyser fields, stormy mountains, desert, an ocean and beach with a wooden ship, and a few others. The arena also has artificial weather effects, such as thunderstorms and an artificial sun. The central part remains the same regardless of the biome. There appears to be a force field protecting the spectators from stray shots.

This brings us to the floating stadium above the city of Vale, where the matches were being held. Inside, Team RWBY was up against a team from Mistral know as team ABRN. The biomes were set at Ice and Lava, however that was hardly the most interesting thing there. The crowd cheered loudly as they watched the two fierce teams clash against each other, using beautifully executed techniques to try and take out their opponents.

Team JNPR and the mercenaries were in the stands as well. Team JNPR was cheering loudly as their friends began to show the upper hand in the fight and took out one of team ABRN's members. The mercenaries mostly stayed silent. They had trained the two teams a little more before the upcoming tournament, and now their hard work would be tested. Even Scout, who was cheering for his girlfriend, was a little quieter than usual and only occasionally yelled out encouragement.

Team ABRN was now down to three members and charged forward at RWBY, but Ruby just smiled and nodded to Blake and Yang, who nodded back and rushed at the incoming Team ABRN. Meanwhile Weiss, summoned a glyph under Ruby's feet and maximized it's power. As the three members of Team ABRN began to out number Blake and Yang, Ruby shot forward if incredible speed and power due to the glyph and caught Team ABRN in the inside of her scythe and through them all off the arena and out of the match. There was deafening roar as the crowd cheered wildly, especially the Vale side and the match was called, pronouncing Team RWBY as the winner.

Ruby cheered excitedly as she rushed to the rest of her team and they shared a group hug and bounced around excitedly. Even Weiss and Blake couldn't help but be incredibly happy. They had passed the first round.

They exited the arena as the announcer called a short intermission before the next match, and headed outside of the stadium where airships were docked for people who needed to head back to the surface. There they met up with the rest of the group.

"You guys did it!" yelled a jubilant Nora as she rushed over and exchanged a hit with Ruby. The rest of Team JNPR also joined in and congratulated the team. The mercenaries followed behind, smiling a little as they approached the two teams.

"Nice going there pally's!" said Scout happily as Yang went to him and hugged him tightly, "You guys were on fire down there!"

"That was an amazing killing spree... BY YOUR TEAM!" Soldier yelled, letting the sentence hang for second before completing it. He would have usually said "BY THE OTHER TEAM" but as that was not the case, he adjusted it slightly.

"Mmph mmmphm mmhm," said Pyro happily going up to the team and handing each of them four boxes. They looked confused but opened them to find a hat for each of them. For Ruby it was a yellow and red striped beanie with a propeller on top called the Pyro's Beanie. Weiss got a hood with fur lining fringes and a small fluffy ball at the top called the Head Warmer. Blake received a flower-decked tea hat with roses and a ribbon called the Madame Dixie. Finally, Yang unwrapped a wide-brimmed flamenco hat with tiny red skulls hanging on strings from the brim of the hat.

The four accepted the gifts gratefully and put on their hats. Ruby was having to much fun playing with the propeller on her head. Weiss was saying that the Head Warmer was surprisingly comfortable. Blake was secretly happy since she could now drink tea without looking out of place. Yang was commenting on the funny red skulls that hung from the brim of the hat and laughing as Pyro clapped in delight.

"Aye, you guys were bloody monsters out there," said a slurred Demoman as he tipped from side to side. He had been drinking his favorite whisky, Scrumpy, as they were watching proclaiming that he need something to ingest while watching a fight.

"Heavy is happy for team," Heavy said as he walked over to the team and produced a few Sandvichs. "You deserve good snack," he said and offered the tasty treats to the team, who all took them and munched on them happily.

"Fellas, I don't know what to say but a good job," said Engineer genuinely as he steadied Demo.

"Amazing, comrades," said Medic grinning at the group.

They all turned to Sniper and Spy, who hadn't said anything. They looked at the team before, Sniper spoke. "Well, it was certainly a successful performance mates, but not the best I have seen."

Spy didn't remark at all, but he nodded and took a drag from his cigarette. To be truthful, his mind was somewhere else. Ever since the attack, he had been wondering about how it was all organized. There must have been someone on the inside that had helped the criminals out. But who?

Weiss looked affronted at Sniper's remark and marched up to him, though the attempt at intimidation was slightly ruined by the fact she was still wearing the Head Warmer.

"Well I am sorry that we weren't able to bring up the best for a mangy old man that does nothing but sit in one spot and shoot peoples heads off," she said angrily.

Sniper didn't react. He just sighed and began to walk to the airships that led to the surface. "Whatever mate. Look, lets just get some food. We don't have much time before Team JNPR's match."

Weiss looked like she was going to interject, but Spy put a hand on her shoulder. "Ignore him miss Schnee. He is hard to impress. However, he seems to have a point in terms of food. I presume everyone is hungry," he turned to get nods from the rest, even Team RWBY who had just eaten a Sandwich each.

The group followed Sniper to airships and boarded them and they were taken down to a small park in the center of Vale, where the Vytal Festival itself was being held. They got out to see tents and pavilions set up with food for the visitors and people who were enjoying the festivities.

The group walked about, looking for a nice place to eat all the while chatting. Scout was holding hands with Yang and telling a funny story about how he and Sniper carried their team to victory by taking out the whole enemy team themselves. Sniper actually chuckled a little and added a few details as Yang and Ruby listened in excitedly. Demoman was laughing drunkenly with Nora as she recounted how she had taken out the grim with her grenade launcher at Mountain Glenn. Pyro was making a unicorn out of balloons and humming an unknown tune and gave it to Pyrrha, who smiled and accepted it. Blake and Medic were engrossed in a conversation about the history of faunus. Heavy was talking to Ren about cooking and how to make divine dishes. Jaune was being coached by Soldier about tactics for the upcoming match, though his main idea of a tactic was, "CHARGE IN AN KILL EVERY MAGGOT!" It was strange to see him sometimes incredibly studious in terms of fighting and sometimes a complete moron. Engineer was asking Weiss about the qualities of Dust and how they were used in weapons. Spy walked with them silently and kept pondering the question from earlier in his head.

They were all engrossed in their separate conversations when a voice brought them back to reality.

"Hey there."

They all turned to see Emerald walk up to them. She was putting on a fake smile for them and trying to act friendly.

"I saw your fight. Really good job guys," she said to Team RWBY who thanked her smiling, Weiss shooting Sniper a snobbish look but he just turned away grunting. "Have you guys decided the two that are going to be in the next round?" continued Emerald.

"Yep!" said Ruby happily. They had put it too a vote amongst themselves on the airship from the stadium. "I my infinite wisdom as leader, I chose Weiss and Yang!"

"We did a vote," corrected Blake in a monotone voice, making Ruby give a sheepish look around before something came to her mind and she looked up again. "Who are you guys choosing for your team?"

Emerald paused for a second. Her team, or more accurately Cinder's team, had easily gotten passed the first round. The evil doers were competing in the Vytal Tournament for a master plan that Cinder was planning out. Emerald wasn't sure if she should say, but decided there was no harm in letting them know. Besides, it would look awkward if she refused to say.

"Its going to be me and Mercury," she responded in a cheerful voice. She looked behind her to see the gray haired boy in question checking out some boots. She sighed a little and turned back to the group smiling once more. "So, I know your team is coming up soon," she said to Team JNPR who nodded.

Then she turned to the nine mercenaries and her smile faltered. Cinder had been very cautious around these men since their identity was found out after the attack of Mountain Glenn. And even though Emerald was a cold blooded assassin and had faced many dangers, she was a little disconcerted when she faced these men. There was something not right about them. They were fighting for the good side other side, but they were as opposite to them as can be. She didn't need to be told that they were merciless killers and would kill anything if it stood in their way.

"And what about you guys?" she asked trying to compose herself and put back on her façade.

The mercenaries looked at each other and there was a short pause before they erupted into roars of laughter. The two teams, Emerald, and even Mercury all jumped back in surprise at the sudden outburst and stared as the nine elite fighters barely contained themselves. Even Spy had momentarily forgotten his troubles and was snorting loudly with the rest of his colleagues. After a few minutes they finally calmed down and wiped the tears from their eyes and turned to face Emerald once more.

"I don't think zat would be very safe and fair if we were allowed to compete as well, fraülien," said Medic still slightly hunched over after laughing so hard. The other mercenaries nodded in agreement. However, the two teams next to them looked a little annoyed.

"Hey! We can take you guys on!" said Ruby defensively and she was backed with a few "Yeahs!" from the others. The mercenaries turned to them and chuckled slightly.

"First off, nien you wouldn't be able to. Though you did vell in ze Merasmus trials, you were still easily beaten by us. Second, it wouldn't be safe," explained Medic kindly. The students tilted their heads slightly in confusion.

"Not safe?" asked Jaune puzzled. Medic rolled his eyes.

"Ja, not safe. We are mercenaries. Killers. If we fought in ze tournament, we could accidentally kill someone. Not to mention we don't vork on aura anyway so it would be hard to do ze whole judging thing. And if you say zat we were able to do it at the school zat one time. well it was a small sparring match and not a commercial fight and international tournament."

Medic concluded this with a sort of finality and the students fell silent and did not question it. Not to mention, he did have a very valid point. Emerald however, had gone white. Her suspicions had not only been confirmed but they were also not afraid to say it out loud. Mercury came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Well, its been real nice talking to you guys, but we need to get going. Good luck on your match!" and with that he steered Emerald away and disappeared into the crowd.

Emerald was still a little white as he led her to a small tent where Cinder was sitting with a slightly dejected Neo. Once they were in the tent Emerald shrugged off Mercury's hand angrily and stood straight in front of Cinder.

"Well?" Cinder asked calmly. Emerald sighed and said, "Team RWBY have chose Weiss Schnee and Yang Xiao Long for the doubles round."

Cinder nodded and took out her scroll to note that along with her plans. She then looked up to noticed Emerald still a little white and shaky. "What happened to you?"

Mercury spoke for Emerald. "We ran into those mercenaries and-"

"Shut Up!" Emerald hissed at Mercury, but Cinder put up a hand and they both lapsed into silence before they could start arguing. She then turned to look at Emerald. "Tell me what happened."

Emerald told Cinder of how she had asked the mercenaries about the tournament and their reaction and response. Cinder didn't interrupt as she talked and once she was done their was deep silence as she processed the information. There wasn't much to it other than that they now knew that these men were dangerous to anyone. Though, Cinder though, that should have been obvious after they basically closed up the Grimm attack from Mountain Glenn on their own.

She looked up again to see Emerald and Mercury staring at her intently, waiting for a response or an order. She sighed and looked next to her at slouched over Neo. Ever since Roman Torchwick had been in prisoned, Neo had been very sad. Cinder had assured her that freeing Torchwick was part of the plan, but it didn't seem to lighten her spirits that much.

"Well, for now there isn't much we can do about them," she said, startling Emerald and Mercury out of the quiet stupor that had begun to set in, "Just keep your eye on them and if you can learn more about each individual a bit more."

Emerald and Mercury nodded and began to leave but Cinder called them back for a second and added one more thing.

"Watch out especially for that suited one, the Spy. There is something about him that makes my skin crawl. Not to mention, I think he suspects us."

The group sat down at a ramen tent, taking up the whole tent with just them. The man serving looked a little surprised but didn't complain and began to take orders. Everyone order a regular portion, except for Blake who just nodded towards the man and he rushed behind the counter and brought a bowl of fish.

The group tucked into their delicious meals, not talking much. They watched the television as it showed a current match that was going on while they were eating. It involved a team from Mistral against a team from Atlas that included the android they had met a week before, Penny. They watched in awe as she single handily took out the team by using her swords that came out of a small pack on her bag and she controlled somehow with tight strings.

"I hope we don't have to face her," said Yang quietly as they were pronounced winner of the match, "she seems like she can take out fully grown Huntsman." Some of the others nodded. They turned to look at the mercenaries and gauge their opinion.

They weren't as impressed. They turned to see the expectant faces of the students and Spy scoffed and brought out and box like device with electro connections to it.

"Oh please, I could just use this," he said gesturing to it. The students looked and saw a name on the device. "Electro Sapper."

They had seen him use it only once and that was the day they met him. He had used it on a radio electronic in Junior's club when one of his lackeys was trying to call for help.

"I never really explained the concept of this device before actually. If it is placed onto a electronic device of any kind, it will sap its electricity, slowly destroying it until it falls to pieces, unable to function whatsoever. It takes short time, but is almost impossible to tear off and can only be taken off it it is hit hard with a blunt object, most effectively a wrench."

The students nodded in understanding. Ren then put up his hand and asked, "Why would this be useful to you when you were your world battling the other mercenaries?"

Before Spy could answer, Engineer let out an annoyed grunt and pushed away his empty bowl.

"So he could sap my buildings. Or more accurately, the enemy Spy would," he said bitterly. Spy nodded also pushing away his bowl and took out his disguise kit, which also was a cigarette case, and took out another cigarette.

The students could see that this was a touchy subject for Engie and let it go. They finished their meals and the man that had been serving them their food cleaned up the bowls and placed down a check on the table. The bill was quite large, but Weiss just smiled and took out her Schnee credit card and handed it to the man.

"To our victory," she said gracefully. She was smiling happily until the credit card flew back to her and planted it self on the tabletop in front of her. The food man pointed to his register with an annoyed glare, showing that it said, "Transaction Declined."

Weiss stared at the register in disbelief. "DECLINED!?" she yelled in shock.

Before she could make a scene, Spy sighed and took out a wad of lien and threw it down on the table. "Keep the change," he said before getting up and lighting his cigarette. The rest of the group followed him, all the while Weiss was having a tantrum.

"How could it be declined!? I didn't spend nearly enough to use up all the lien that was in this card. Ugh, I will find out what the meaning of this is!" she grumbled as they walked back towards the airships that would take them back to the stadium.

As they walked a speaker system sounded. "Attention! May Team JNPR of Vale and Team BRNZ of Vacuo please make their way to the arena immediately."

The group sped up a little and took the next airship up to the stadium. Once there they bid good luck to Team JNPR as they entered the locker room, and the rest of the group made their way up to the stands. Once they took their seats, as if one cue, the commentators began to announce the fighters. Funnily enough the commentators were Doctor Oobleck and Professor Port.

The two teams walked up enormous applause. Especially for Team JNPR as it consisted of the famous Mistral champion Pyrrha Nikos who everyone wanted to see in action. The two teams readied themselves as the biomes were randomly chosen and revealed as Woods and Mountains. There was a short pause and then a loud gong sounded and the fight began.

One of Team BRNZ's members immediately went backward towards to woods and climbed onto one of the trees and took out her weapon which happened to be a sniper rifle. The other three members charged at Team JNPR who readied them selves and began to fight a defensive battle. The whole time the sniper from the other team kept them form getting to aggressive with dangerous shots that they had to avoid so as not to take a lot of damage.

Jaune clashed with the team leader of the BRNZ while Nora and Pyrrha took care of the other two. Ren tried to get near the sniper or shot her off with his own shots, but he was forced to back off every time.

"Aw come on pally," Scout moaned a little as he watched Ren back for the fifth time, "use that speed knucklehead!"

"It's funny too since that sniper is bloody terrible," added Sniper snickering slightly as he watched the Vacuo sniper try to get a hit.

Back on the battlefield, Jaune and the others were pushed back and he turned to them. "Retreat!" he yelled and they ran back and jumped behind a large rock on the mountain side of the arena.

"Okay we need a plan," said Pyrrha as a few sniper shots rang out near their hiding place. Jaune thought for a second. Then he looked up at the mountain behind them which, at the peak, had clouds surrounding it. He smiled.

"Alright. Nora I need you to go up high. Ren I need you to distract the Sniper and get up close it. Me and Pyrrha will take care of the-"

He was interrupted by a loud, annoyed, crude, and familiar voice.

"WHAT ARE YOU MAGGOTS DOING?! GET OUT OF THEIR AND FIGHT LIKE SOLDIERS!"

Team JNPR and even Team BRNZ looked up stunned to see the Soldier standing up on his seat and somehow yelling so loud that they could all hear him clearly. The rest of the stadium also fell into the silence as eyes turned to look at the patriotic man. He didn't seem to care though.

"DID I TRAIN YOU TO HIDE LIKE A BUNCH OF COMMIES? OR DID I TRAIN YOU TO BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF EVERYTHING IN YOUR WAY!?"

Sniper then also stood up and yelled, "OY MATES, STOP LOBBYING AROUND AND BEAT THESE BLOODY PIKERS! ALSO THAT SNIPER IS BLOODY TERRIBLE! THE BULLETS COME OUT OF THE SLIM END!"

He said this last part to the sniper on team BRNZ who looked a little shocked and scared. Spy got up as well, but his face was turned to his two companions.

"WILL YOU TWO SHUT UP! THEY ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MATCH YOU SIMPLETONS!"

"WHO YOU CALLING A SIMPLETON, FRENCIE!?"

Soldier leapt out of his seat and tackled Spy to the ground and there was a large scuffle as Sniper, Demoman, and Scout also got involved and it turned into free for all brawl. The students tried to help, but Heavy, who had enough of this, stormed into the middle of the fight and grabbed each mercenary and threw them into their respective seats.

"WE ARE WATCHING FIGHT! NOT FIGHTING OURSELVES!"

He looked at each of them, his face showing a terrifying scowl. The mercenaries that had been fighting quieted down and nodded. When Heavy is angry, you don't disobey him. He nodded and then turned to the crowd and spoke loudly but kindly.

"Heavy is sorry for interruption. Please forgive my colleagues. You may continue fight."

The crowd murmured a little but settled down and even yelled a few "thank you's" to Heavy.

Back down in the arena, the two teams snapped out of the shock and faced the current task at hand once more. Jaune nodded to his team and he and Pyrrha jumped out and engaged the three BRNZ members that they had been fighting. Ren jumped out a second later and used all his speed to run up to the sniper in the trees without being hit. Nora began to jump up the mountain and towards the clouds at the top.

The sniper in the trees tried to hit Ren before he got to close, but she wasn't able to and he forced her to jump off and join her other teammates on the ground. Pyrrha was able to push back two of the other teammates and leave them vulnerable while Jaune fought the leader, using all his lessons from Soldier and Demoman to keep himself on level terms with his opponent. Still he was pushed down and the leader was about to finish him off, when Jaune suddenly yelled, "NOW!"

Team BRNZ pause a little confused and the heard a crackling sound from above and looked up to see Nora at the top the mountain absorbing the electricity that was being stored in the clouds circling the peak. She smiled widely as her body began to spark and she blasted herself of the peak with her hammer and then morphed it into the grenade launcher form and fired the whole clip into the enemy team and sending them all flying of the arena in a heart shaped explosion.

The stadium boomed with the cheers as the Team JNPR celebrated happily and the announcer pronounced them the winner of the match. Team RWBY were cheering loudly, along with the mercenaries.

The stadium began to calm down as the wining team left the arena and the announced said to stay put for the next match that would include Mistrals Team SSSN, which was the team that Sun and Neptune were part off, and Vacuos Team NDGO. However, as they were settling back in their seats and the group was rejoined by the elated Team JNPR, a fancy aircraft flew over the stadium and headed for Beacon Academy. A few people looked up and pointed but it was Weiss who was most interested. Her eyes suddenly shone and she stood bolt upright and began to head for the exit. The group watched her go confused. Ruby got up to and followed her. Spy looked at his fellow comrades and felt that it would be right for a few of them to go with the two teenagers.

"Demoman, Sniper and Medic," Spy said addressing the three mercenaries, "Could you please follow them."

The three nodded and they exited the stands as well. They walked out to find Weiss and Ruby waiting for an airship and deep in discussion.

"Why did you go?" asked Ruby. Weiss didn't even look at her as she bounced on the balls of her feet, anxiously waiting for the next airship.

"My sister," Weiss said shortly.

"Your sister? What about her?" asked Ruby puzzled. Weiss looked down at her leader exasperated.

"My sister is here. That was her ship that flew by!"

Ruby's face shone with realization and then she grabbed Weiss's arm.

"Can I please come with you? Please?" She gave Weiss a puppy dog stare with her large adorable silver eyes and Weiss couldn't say no. Then she heard a cough behind her and turned to see Demoman, Sniper and Medic standing behind them.

"Then you won't mind if we tag along right sheila" said Sniper.

Weiss scowled. "Ugh, I would rather not bring you along. And Demo seems to be drunk. But Medic is fine."

Demoman looked up at her. "Aye lass, I will be fine."

Weiss sighed, but before she could try to convince them to go back, an airship arrived and she didn't have time to argue and just went with it. They all boarded it and Weiss asked the driver to take them to Beacon and they were off.

Weiss sat down in the small compartment where Ruby, Demoman, Sniper, and Medic were also sitting. She was incredibly excited to see her sister, but why would she be here?

Sniper saw her expression and decided to learn more about the sister. "So Weiss, what does your sister of yours do? I assume she's older if thats her ship."

Weiss nodded. "She's a Huntress that graduated from the Atlesian Academy in Atlas and was drafted into the Atlas military. She quickly rose up the ranks and now si the lieutenant of General Ironwood. For someone so young, this is a huge honor and she is one of the most prestigious people to ever work in the military."

Sniper nodded. The other three were also listening intently. Even Demoman seemed to have sobered up a little and had decided to skip out on another bottle for the time being.

Weiss stared back at the interested faces and then somethings struck her and her face became very serious once more. She pointed at each one individually and spoke in a very stern voice.

"Which means no awkward conversations or picking of the nose Ruby, no alcoholic talk to usage Demo, no rude or offensive comments Sniper, and no talk about medicine or bodies Medic when he meet her. Got it?"

They nodded and she sighed as they began to descend towards Beacon. They landed and they were the first ones of the airship, jogging to keep up with Weiss who was running to another platform which had the ship from earlier parked on it. It was open and a few feet away walking by were a few Atlesian soldiers and a tall women in white lieutenant army fatigues, a sheathed saber at her hip and her white hair was tied up in a bun. Her resemblance to Weiss was easily noticeable in how she walked and her white hair.

Weiss ran forward and a few guards readied their weapons but the women, nothing who it was, held up a hand and the soldiers let Weiss approach.

"Sister," said Weiss breathlessly as she stopped in front of the older women. She looked up and straightened up and curtsied. "Its been so long."

The women didn't smile but regarded Weiss with a cold expression. "Yes it has been, Weiss. Tell me, why are you not up at the tournament colosseum watching the matches?"

This took Weiss by surprise and she paused for a moment. The women then smiled a small smile and said, "Was it to greet your older sister."

Weiss smiled widely and curtsied once more. "Yes."

The older woman then noticed four other people approach and stand behind Weiss. She looked them over carefully for a second before turning back towards Weiss. "I assume from your letters that the small girl is Ruby. The dark skinned man is Demoman. The man in the hat and shades is Sniper. And the man in the lab coat is Medic."

Weiss nodded, a little surprised to see that her sister could recognize them just by looked at them and from the descriptions in her letters. The four behind her also nodded. Ruby tried to curtsy but failed miserably and fell to the floor. Demoman waved cheerily. Sniper tipped his hat forward a little. Medic bowed formally.

"Well, my name is Winter Schnee. Lieutenant of General Ironwood," said the women in a strong voice. Ruby looked up in awe at the strong and beautiful women that was Weiss's sister while the mercenaries didn't react. Winter turned to Weiss once more and asked, "How have you been?"

Weiss straightened up once more and responded in a polite but slightly snobbish tone, "I am happy to say I am top of all my classes and my fighting skills have-"

Winter smacked her on the head hard and a small bump appears on the top of Weiss's head. She faltered stunned.

"I didn't mean your studies. I meant how are you eating? Are you making friends?" said Winter as Weiss tried to collect herself.

"Well, I am eating fine and I have quite a few friends such as Ruby here." Weiss gestured to Ruby who was grinning sheepishly and pressed down on the bump on Weiss's head until it disappeared much to the discomfort of Weiss.

Winter regarded Ruby once more. "I see, well in terms of why I am here," she paused for a second before responding, "it is classified. I am making my way up to the school however and I wouldn't mind if you and your friends here joined me."

Weiss looked up happily and nodded and they fell in line next to Winter Schnee and headed up towards the school. They were unaware of someone following them.

"So, you are mercenaries from another world?" asked Winter who had been notified by Weiss about this, but did not fully believe it. The three mercenaries present nodded.

"Aye, we are and bloody good ones mind you," said Demoman which earned him a glare from Weiss. Winter noticed this and turned to Weiss. "Is something the matter sister?"

Weiss turned and tried to explain but Winter just turned away. "You are being to harsh on your friends sister. I do not find any offense in how Demoman just spoke to me. I can tell that is how he speaks usually and do not fault him for anything."

Weiss once again lapsed into silence. Demoman nodded his head towards Winter. "Aye, cheers lass. I know I am not the most polite of mates."

Winter smiled a little and responded, "I do not mind. Everyone is taught differently and each family is different."

Demoman smiled and was about respond when there was a grunting from behind them. They all turned to see the two Atlesian guards on the ground unconscious and above stood a tall man.

He had dark red hair, red eyes, and a necklace with a cross on it. He wore a tattered cloak over a white dress shirt with longs tails, black dress pants, and black dress shoes. Slung over his back was a longsword that had a strange assortment of gears at the cross guard area. He held a small flask in his hand. He was smiling a little and it was obvious that he was drunk.

"Yeah all families are different. Especially yours," he said in a slurred tone staring at Winter. "You would know wouldn't you. Being raised in a family like the Schnee family totally makes you consider others," he continued rudely taking a swig from his flask.

Weiss look at the man and scowled and began to approach him. "Excuse me, but do you know who you are talking too? That is Winter Schnee-"

The man just grumbled a little and pushed Weiss to the side. "Yes I know who I am talking to," he said irritably. Winter narrowed her eyes.

"What do you want Qrow?"

When she said this name Ruby looked around and smiled widely, "UNCLE QROW!"

Everyone looked at her and she felt silent blushing a little. The man, named Qrow, chuckled a little. "Hello munchkin. I will be there in a sec. I first want to have a little chat with your friends sister here."

Winter scowled. "I am not interested in what you need to say Qrow."

Qrow just smiled and took another swig from his flask. "Oh but we haven't talked in a while. Why are you here?"

"Classified," said Winter curtly.

Qrow threw back his head and laughed. "Classified eh? Well considering that Vale is being swarmed with Atlas military, classified is kinda irrelevant."

He gestured to the sky towards Vale, where around the Vytal Tournament Colosseum there were Atlas army airships patrolling. However the sheer quantity of airships over Vale was slightly unnerving and strange. Winter gritted her teeth.

"If you will hold your tongue, I will slice it off," she said angrily and unsheathed her thin saber and pointed at Qrow who just grinned and began to unsling his longsword on his back. However, before they could engage, Demoman walked up and put both of his hands up.

"Hey, hey, hey wait up a second. Is there any reason for ya to be fightin? Can't we settle this over a pint?" He said raising a bottle of whisky. The Huntsman and Huntress stared at his smiling face. He looked between the two for a second before lowering his bottle.

"No? Alright then! I want in on this!"

That made everyone stare at him.

"Excuse me?" asked Winter, genuinely confused if she had heard him correctly.

Demoman smiled and equipped his Targe n Charge shield and unsheathed his Eyelander from behind him. "Aye, I like sword fights and plus it could be fun. Wha da say?"

Demoman raised his Eyelander and readied himself. Winter was about to object but Qrow spoke up. "Well, you must be one of the mercenaries that has been with my niece. Fine then lets make this a triple battle."

Winter looked between the two but knew she couldn't say much. She sighed and readied herself as the three combatants stared each other, gauging who would go first.

Winter was first to strike and she lunged forward towards Qrow who raised his longsword and blocked the strike. Demo joined in and slashed in a horizontal slice aiming for both of the other fighters who broke apart to dodge the slice. Winter then countered with stab towards Demo who raised his shield, blocking the strike and raised his sword over his head and struck down on the Schnee. However, it was blocked by Qrow who brought his longsword in an arc and kicked Winter away. She stumbled a little and then growled and rejoined the fight. Qrow and Demo were clashing blades at high speeds and seemed to be at an impasse but Qrow was faster and was able to score a hit on Demo and send him back. Before he could follow up however, Winter came in and he had to block slash to his side. Demo rolled away and them looked at the two Huntsman fighting fiercely. He grinned and took out his bottle of whisky and downed the whole bottle in one large gulp. The two Huntsman looked over at him as he wiped his mouth dry and then took out his Eyelander once more muttering incoherently. Before either of the Huntsman could do anything, the Scottish explosive expert suddenly charged at them with surprising speed and sliced downward with his blade and hit Qrow square in the chest and sending him flying back and breaking a bit of his aura. He then sliced to the side and Winter had to use all her might to block the strike from the drunken man. Demo burped and slashed once more and this time broke through Winter's block and sent her tumbling back as well. He laughed a little before he was sliced in the gut by a scythe. Qrow's longsword had extended and curled inward to form a scythe a bit like Ruby's and had used the inside part smash it into Demoman. Demo grunted as he was sent backward barely alive. Qrow straightened up and faced Winter who had also stood up. She coached and from behind her a glyph appeared. It was similar to the one Weiss could conjure up as well and had the same design. From the glyph a flock of white birds shot towards Qrow and obstructed his vision. She smiled and charged at him but she heard a loud yelling and looked to her side just in time to see Demoman ram his shield into her and send her flying. Qrow sliced his weapon around and was able to disperse the birds. He then looked up to see the other two combatants panting a little. Winter looked at Qrow and she lunged once more. Qrow however, just sheathed his weapon. Demoman charged to intercept her and the two were on a collision course that ended at Qrow when-

"ENOUGH!"

A loud, commanding voice pierced the air and Winter skidded to a halt. Demoman however didn't and kept charging straight for Qrow. Before Qrow could move out of the way, Sniper took out his default Sniper Rifle and shot Demo in the foot causing him to trip and fall the ground. Medic just groaned and took out his Quick-Fix and healed Demoman up and then pointed the beam of his gun at the other two that had been fighting and healed them as well, restoring their aura to full.

General Ironwood stepped up to Winter who stood to attention and saluted to him. He gave her a stern look.

"What is the meaning of this Lieutenant Schnee?"

"I am sorry sir! It was Qrow. He was saying compromising things about our military and-"

General Ironwood held up a hand and Winter fell silent. He turned his attention to Qrow who had once again taken out his flask and was taking a swig of whatever alcohol was inside. Then from behind Ironwood, Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch stepped up.

"Kids we would appreciate it you allow us to steal Winter and Qrow for a meeting back at the academy," said Ozpin holding his ever present mug of hot cocoa. Then he turned to the mercenaries that were there. "I trust that you would escort them back to the Vytal Festival."

Medic nodded and he, Sniper began to walk back towards the airships. Weiss however approached her sister and they exchanged a few words and Winter promised that they would meet once more before she departed. Ruby also went up to her uncle and they also exchanged some words and they giggled a little before Ruby joined Weiss and followed Medic and Sniper. Demoman paused and then held out his hand to Qrow and Winter.

"Aye may we shake hands for a good battle," asked Demoman. Qrow immediately obliged and shook his hand saying, "Your a good fighter. I am happy my niece met you."

Winter paused for a second and looked back at her General not sure if she should. But Ironwood actually smiled a little and said, "Go one Lieutenant. It is a polite gesture and though it was uncalled for on many levels, it was and impressive fight."

Winter nodded and shook hands with the mercenary and couldn't help smiling a little. Demoman then bid them all good day and stumbled a little as he caught up with the others, still a little tipsy from downing a whole bottle of whisky.

Beacon Academy: Ozpin's Office

"Those mercenaries are really something aren't they," said Professor Goodwitch after Winter had recounted what had happened with Qrow interrupting quite a few times and adding in his side of the story. However, the end result was a genuine interest in Demoman's performance and the other mercenaries in general. They had all known that they were incredible skilled and capable fighters, but for one to be able and fight against two fully trained Huntsman and from what Ozpin knew, not even use his main weapon of choice was astounding.\

"In any case," said Ironwood looking at Winter and Qrow, "That was totally unnecessary. And from what I can tell, Demoman only joined in after it was obvious that these two would fight so he is not at fault here."

Winter bowed her head a little while Qrow just took a swig from his flask. Ironwood turned to Winter. "We need to talk privately if you do not mind Lieutenant. Please go spend sometime with your sister."

Winter looked up and nodded and turned on her heal and walked to the elevator, giving Qrow one last scowl before she left. Once she had gone the four Huntsman looked at each other. Then Qrow burped a little and looked at Ozpin and gestured towards Ironwood.

"Why is he here exactly?"

Ozpin sighed as Ironwood shot Qrow an annoyed look. "Because he is the general of the strongest military in Remnant and had been my friend for many years."

Qrow snorted. "Yes. I can see that he his the strongest military in Remnant. You just have to look outside and you will see his military." He turned to Ironwood, "Was it really necessary to bring your whole battalion here?"

"People want protection and after the incident concerning Mountain Glenn, I understand why and will give it to them," responded Ironwood calmly. Ozpin shook his head.

"Yes Ironwood, but it also gives the people the thought that we are expecting a massive attack. Having a battalion of airships patrolling the skies is most likely very concerning to the citizens of Vale."

General Ironwood just scowled but calmed himself a little and changed the subject. "Anyways, thats not why we are here. We are here to talk about her." He emphasized the last word.

Ozpin nodded and stood up from his desk and looked out at Vale. Professor Goodwitch looked at Ironwood and said, "We do not know if she is here. We have people searching and guards keeping an eye out but she doesn't seem to be in the area."

Ironwood looked like he was going to object but Qrow cut him off. "She's right. Besides I think its more important that we discuss about our decision about our new Fall Maiden."

He let that hang in the air for a second. Both Ironwood and Goodwitch said nothing. Ozpin however, just sighed and turned to look at a certain monitor on his screen. It showed a teenage girl with bright red hair golden spartan like armor on some parts of her body and she was resting on the shoulder of a blonde haired boy. His face was grave as he stared at the happy couple before looking up at his colleagues.

"I think I have found our new Maiden."

And thats the chapter! I know its been a few days but its nice and long and full of content. I will be splitting the Vytal Tournament into three chapters before the battle in another chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I will try to get the next one out as soon as I can. Before I go, no one guessed the people from last chapter that I referenced and I will give it till next chapter for people to put it in the reviews on who the sisters were based on and the parents and even the bully. If you do I will give a shout out in next chapter. You do not need to guess all of them if you can't. Anyway till then, Reviews are always welcome and I will see you in the next chapter... BYE BYE!