A/N: Alright folks, welcome to another thrilling chapter of my story! I've been absolutely buzzing to write this one because it sets the stage for some monumental events in the future. Trust me, this chapter isn't just about pairing up characters; there's something so colossal happening that it's been reserved for the grand finale of my saga.
Now, I know you all are as excited as I am to dive right into the action, and believe me, I can't wait to share it with you. But first, a little housekeeping. About the chapter's name: let's just say naming chapters isn't exactly my superpower. I mean, some days you're Shakespeare, and other days you're, well, not. It might not be the best title ever, but I promise it captures the essence of what's about to unfold. And hey, if you come up with a better name, feel free to drop it in the comments. I'm always up for suggestions, especially if they come with cookies.
So, without further ado, grab your snacks, get comfy, and prepare for a chapter filled with drama, dancing, and maybe even a bit of destiny. Let's get this party started!
But before then remember to favourite, follow and review all my stories including this one.
CHAPTER 6: WALTZ OF SHADOWS
IN A ROOM
Davi and Alice stood before General James Ironwood in a room adorned with distinctive Atlasian features in the room and also in his dressing. The room's walls were lined with sleek metallic panels, and a large window provided a clear view of the state-of-the-art training grounds, where soldiers and Huntsmen honed their skills with military precision.
General Ironwood, a towering figure with a commanding presence, looked intently at the two young Huntsmen. "We must maintain our vigilance at the dance," he began, his voice stern and resolute. "Now is not the time to let our guard down."
"I couldn't agree with you more, General," Alice responded dutifully, her posture straight and her tone respectful. Davi, on the other hand, stood beside her, his expression serious but his thoughts elsewhere. He believed they all needed a break from the relentless pressure, though he kept this to himself.
Ironwood continued, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Recent events have been troubling, to say the least. Despite your commendable efforts, it is safe to say that we are far from overcoming these challenges." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Felix has gone AWOL again, and so has Torchwick. We also face threats from unknown adversaries, which is a cause for great concern."
Alice nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We'll be vigilant, General. We won't let our guard down for a moment."
Davi finally spoke, his tone adopting a seriousness that matched the gravity of the conversation. "We'll always be ready to face those degenerates, General."
Ironwood's gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained grave. "I appreciate your dedication. For now, you are dismissed."
As Davi and Alice turned to leave, Ironwood's voice halted them momentarily. "This is what Ozpin fails to grasp. We must remain on constant alert, no matter the circumstances. Complacency is our greatest enemy."
Davi and Alice exchanged a glance before exiting the room, the weight of Ironwood's words lingering in the air. The General watched them go, his mind already turning to the next set of contingencies and strategies.
AFTER LEAVING THE ROOM
Davi and Alice walked down the corridor, their footsteps echoing in the otherwise silent hallway. Alice broke the silence first. "Ironwood's right. We can't afford to be complacent, not now."
Davi sighed, his expression softening. "I get it, Alice. But sometimes I think we need to take a step back and remember why we're fighting. A dance could be that reminder."
Alice gave him a sidelong glance. "You think we should just... take a break? Y'know a short comma not a full stop."
"No, not exactly. But maybe enjoy the moment while staying vigilant. It's a balance," Davi replied, his eyes thoughtful.
Alice nodded slowly. "Maybe you're right. We can't let the weight of our responsibilities crush us. But we also can't let our guard down."
They continued walking, their resolve strengthened by their conversation. They knew the road ahead was fraught with danger, but they were determined to face it together, their spirits undeterred.
ALICE'S APARTMENT
Alice's apartment was cozy but spacious enough for three people to live comfortably. The walls were adorned with various pieces of art, including a painting of a crying girl and a portrait of a middle-aged man with piercing blue eyes. The space had a mix of antique weapons, sculptures, and modern furniture, giving it an eclectic feel.
"How can you even afford this spacious place?" Davi asked inquisitively, looking around.
"I use most of the money from a classified source," Alice replied cryptically, not really answering his question.
"You take being on guard a little too literally," Davi said with a chuckle, but Alice just shrugged unemotionally.
"Love arts?" Davi asked, trying to probe further.
"You're asking one too many questions," Alice retorted.
"I see a lot of antique weapons, sculptures, and paintings," Davi continued, undeterred. "Guess you could say you have a knack for collecting."
"Something like that," Alice replied.
"What about those two?" Davi asked, pointing to the paintings of the crying girl and the blue-eyed man. "Those ones seem... different."
Alice's expression softened slightly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Those mean a lot personally, not just because I paid a lot for them."
"Why, though?" Davi pressed.
"CLASSIFIED," Alice said curtly.
"Well, I guess I finally got an answer," Davi said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood.
Alice shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I gotta go and put on my dance clothing," she said, leaving him in the living room.
Davi also left to change into his dance outfit. He returned, dressed in a tailored midnight blue blazer with a subtle shimmer, slim fit, and silver buttons, paired with a form-fitting cobalt blue dress shirt with a slight sheen, leaving the top few buttons open to reveal a hint of his well-toned chest. A deep blue velvet vest with a subtle pattern enhanced his muscular definition, while slim-fit trousers in midnight blue, tailored to highlight his athletic legs, tapered slightly towards the ankle. Polished silver cufflinks, a matching slim tie in rich silver and lighter blue, a sleek silver belt, and shiny black leather dress shoes with a slight heel completed his ensemble.
Admiring his reflection once more, Davi went to fetch Alice. He walked into her room and stopped, his eyes widening as he saw a bit more skin than expected. He couldn't help but smile mischievously at the sight.
Alice caught his look and sighed. "You should really learn how to knock," she said, rolling her eyes but with a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Sorry, but your beautiful look and dress certainly hide your persona," Davi replied with a grin.
"Thanks for the compliment in disguise," Alice said, adjusting her dress. She was wearing an elegant dance gown in a captivating shade of royal blue. The floor-length chiffon skirt swayed gracefully with every step. The bodice was form-fitting, adorned with intricate beadwork and sequins that caught the light, creating a dazzling effect. The sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves added a touch of romance and sophistication. A delicate, beaded belt cinched at the waist, highlighting her figure. The back of the dress featured a subtle V-cut, adding an element of allure without being too revealing. Completing the ensemble were a pair of strappy silver heels and delicate silver jewelry.
Davi admired her dressing for a moment longer. "How do I look?" he asked, not really expecting an answer.
Alice glanced at him and nodded approvingly. "Not bad, for a guy who doesn't know how to knock."
Davi laughed. "Let's go fetch Eden," he said, stretching his hand out to Alice.
She took his hand, and he gently and romantically guided her out of the apartment. As they walked, Davi couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity about the woman beside him, wondering what other secrets her art and her past might hold.
JUNIOR'S BAR
Felix stepped into Junior's Bar, the very place he had once laid waste to during a violent confrontation with his brother and the bar's henchmen. The memory of the chaos he had sown that night flickered in his mind as he scanned the bar, comparing its current state to the aftermath of his last visit. The air was thick with tension, the scent of spilled drinks and smoke lingering in the dimly lit room.
Before Felix could complete his appraisal, he found himself at gunpoint, surrounded by Junior's henchmen. Junior himself stood at the forefront, eyes filled with a mixture of anger and wariness. Felix raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, a sinister laugh escaping his lips as if he was savoring the potential for another bout of destruction.
"I just want to talk," Felix said, his voice dripping with insincerity. Despite his apparent submission, no one lowered their weapons. They knew better than to trust him.
"Just wanna talk? Then go on, start talking!" Junior demanded, his patience wearing thin.
Felix's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "Oh, brother. I have quite something to say. And boy, will you want to hear it."
Junior's grip on his weapon tightened. "I said, start talking," he repeated, his tone laced with irritation.
"It's about something private," Felix replied, his calm demeanor unsettling.
Junior hesitated for a moment before motioning for his henchmen to leave. "Leave us. But if anything suspicious happens, you come in and kick him out."
The henchmen reluctantly obeyed, casting wary glances at Felix as they exited the room. Once they were alone, Junior turned his full attention to his brother.
"Do you really think your henchmen can defeat me? They couldn't even defeat you, no matter how hard they tried, and I am so much more powerful," Felix taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.
"Enough with the side talk," Junior snapped, his temper flaring. "What do you want? Why'd you come back to the same place you wrecked?"
Felix's expression grew even more sinister. "What do I want?" he echoed sarcastically. "I only want to see our family, the Xiong family, return to its past glory."
Junior's eyes narrowed. "And how do you propose to do that, brother?"
"I'll bring Beacon Academy to its knees," Felix declared. "I will cause the fall of Beacon. And it has already begun."
"Your thirst for power and destruction will kill you one day," Junior warned, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and frustration.
Felix scoffed. "You've grown soft, Junior. How do you think the Xiong family name came about? Do you think it came by just running a bar, flirting with girls, and having weak men?" His words were laced with scorn.
"Father chose you to run this place, but he should have chosen me," Felix continued, his tone venomous. "You lack the vision, the strength to carry our family name forward. You're content with mediocrity, while I strive for greatness."
Junior's face hardened. "I protect what Father built. I keep this place safe."
"Safe?" Felix laughed, a cold, humorless sound. "You're hiding behind these walls, behind these men. You could have been so much more if you had the guts to step out of your comfort zone. But no, you chose to play it safe, to be weak."
Junior's eyes flashed with anger. "Being safe has kept us alive. It has kept our family together."
"But at what cost?" Felix snarled. "You think running this bar makes you a leader? You think flirting with girls and bossing around henchmen makes you powerful? You're nothing but a caretaker, a shadow of what you could have been."
Junior clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure. "And you think destruction and chaos make you powerful? You think by tearing others down, you can build yourself up?"
Felix's smile turned cruel. "It's not about tearing others down. It's about reminding the world who the Xiong family truly is. Our name was feared, respected. And I will restore that fear, that respect. By any means necessary."
Junior shook his head. "You're delusional. You think causing havoc will bring honor to our name? It will only bring ruin."
"Ruin? No, brother, it will bring rebirth," Felix said, his voice low and menacing. "Beacon Academy is just the beginning. Once it falls, everyone will remember the Xiong family. They will remember the power we wield, the fear we command."
Junior's resolve hardened. "You're wrong, Felix. Fear and power built on destruction are fleeting. They don't last."
"We'll see about that," Felix replied, his eyes gleaming with dark determination. "Nobody will see it coming until it has already ended."
With that, Felix turned and walked out of the bar, leaving Junior standing there, a mix of anger and worry etched on his face. As the door closed behind Felix, the henchmen outside breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful that the confrontation hadn't escalated further.
But Junior knew better. This was just the beginning. And his brother's sinister plans were far from over.
IN A DARK ALLEY
It was a couple of days later in the same dark alley where a shadowy figure had saved Selena. The night air was thick with tension, the dim light casting long, eerie shadows along the walls. The echo of distant footsteps faded, leaving an unsettling silence. Selena stood nervously, her heart racing as she scanned the darkness for any sign of her mysterious savior.
He emerged from the shadows, wearing a sleek, form-fitting design that combined elements of leather and fabric for a blend of style and function. The main body of the outfit was crafted from supple black leather that clung to his form, accentuating a lean, athletic build, with subtle texturing for a shadowy, smoky appearance. Draped over his shoulders was a long, dramatic cloak with a deep midnight black exterior and a fiery red silk interior, giving the impression of smoldering embers. The fitted black leather jacket had red flame-like patterns which glowed red when he used his semblance, possibly due to dust embedded in his clothes, tracing along the shoulders and sleeves, ending in red fingerless gloves. The snug black leather pants featured subtle red stitching along the seams and tucked into black leather boots adorned with red buckles. A broad black belt with a fiery red flame-shaped buckle added utility and flair. His black hair, tipped with red, framed his distinctive light green eyes, which now bore into Selena with an intensity that made her shiver.
Selena, wearing a pair of well-fitted, dark-wash jeans that provided both comfort and a polished look, paired with a soft, light grey knit sweater that had a slightly relaxed fit, offering warmth without being too bulky. The sweater had a subtle V-neckline and long sleeves that could be rolled up for a more casual feel. Over the sweater, she wore a tailored, olive green utility jacket with plenty of pockets and a cinched waist for a flattering silhouette. Comfortable yet stylish ankle boots in a rich brown leather completed the outfit, adding a touch of rugged elegance. She wore a simple silver necklace and a pair of small stud earrings, keeping the look understated yet sophisticated.
"Why did you want us to meet in the same place you saved me?" Selena's voice cut through the silence. "So you want to shame me, show me that I'm not a quality fighter? If that was your plan, it definitely didn't work. Who the hell are you, and what are you doing?"
"You have very distinctive eyes," the girl complimented.
"That doesn't answer my question," Nero replied.
"And your attitude is particularly rude to a compliment," Selena shot back.
"Who are you?" Nero asked venomously.
"Why did you save me?" Selena countered, ignoring his question. "If you think I'm such a bad fighter, why step in?"
Nero hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "You were reckless. Your actions could have gotten you killed. Saving you was a split-second decision, not a favor."
"Reckless?" Selena scoffed. "I was trying to survive. And you didn't answer my question."
Nero sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I saved you because it was the right thing to do. But your carelessness almost made it a wasted effort."
Selena's expression softened slightly. "Who were those attackers?"
"They got away," Nero said curtly.
"Do you think they were just random killers?" Selena asked.
"I'm positive they were assassins," Nero answered, his tone grim. "And they weren't after just anyone. They were after Tucson."
"Why would anyone want to him?" Selena asked, her voice trembling.
"I have my suspicions," Nero said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But I'm mostly clueless."
"Why do you care so much?" Selena pressed. "What's in this for you?"
Nero paused, looking away. "Let's just say I have my reasons."
"You're not going to tell me, are you?" Selena said, frustration creeping into her voice.
Nero shook his head. "It's better if you don't know."
"Fine," Selena said, crossing her arms. "But I need to know one thing. Why did you mention Tucson?"
Nero's eyes darkened. "Tucson was a member of the White Fang. His involvement with them likely led to his death."
Selena's face fell. "Tucson was a good person. He helped me a lot."
"Being a good person doesn't change the fact that he was involved with dangerous people," Nero said harshly.
Selena's eyes filled with tears. "What do we do now?"
"What can we do?" Nero retorted angrily. "This isn't a game. We're dealing with killers."
"I want to help," Selena said firmly. "I can't just sit back and do nothing."
Nero looked at her, his expression softening. "You need to be careful. This isn't your fight."
"It became my fight the moment Tucson was killed," Selena said, her voice shaking but determined.
Nero sighed. "Alright, but you have to follow my lead. No more reckless actions."
"Agreed," Selena said, nodding. "But you have to promise me something."
"What?" Nero asked warily.
"Promise me you'll tell me the truth, no matter how hard it is," Selena said.
Nero hesitated but then nodded. "I promise."
Selena smiled slightly. "Thank you."
They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation settling over them. Finally, Nero spoke. "We should get out of here. It's not safe."
"Agreed," Selena said. "But first, tell me why you're so invested in this."
Nero looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and determination. "Let's just say I have my reasons."
Selena frowned but nodded. "Alright. But one day, I'm going to find out."
"Maybe," Nero said, his voice softening. "But for now, let's focus on staying alive."
They left the alley together, the shadows closing in behind them. As they walked, Selena couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Nero than he was letting on. But for now, she had to trust him. He was her only hope in this deadly game.
AT EDEN'S HOUSE
The sky was painted in hues of twilight as Davi's sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of Eden's house. The vehicle's engine purred softly before shutting off, leaving a gentle silence in its wake. Davi turned to Alice, who sat quietly in the passenger seat, her eyes fixed ahead with a contemplative gaze.
"Wasn't it a smooth ride?" Davi asked, his voice breaking the silence.
Alice, always succinct in her responses, gave a small nod. "Can't say it wasn't," she replied, her tone as measured as ever.
Davi chuckled. "You stay here while I fetch Eden," he said, opening the door and stepping out.
"I couldn't have it any other way," Alice responded, her voice carrying a hint of dry humor.
As Davi made his way up the path to Eden's front door, the evening air felt crisp against his skin. He raised his hand to knock, but before his knuckles could make contact, the door swung open. Eden stood there, a wide grin on his face, stretching his arms out as if to present himself.
"How do I look?" Eden asked, doing a slow turn to show off his outfit.
Davi's eyes took in the sight of his friend, impeccably dressed in a vibrant emerald green tuxedo. The tuxedo was tailored to perfection, hugging Eden's athletic frame with a single-breasted, slim-fit design and sharp notched lapels. He paired this with a crisp white long-sleeve dress shirt, creating a classic contrast that highlighted the rich green of the tuxedo. Matching green trousers with a sharp crease added to the formality of the look, while sleek black leather boots with subtle green stitching provided a stylish finish. A deep green satin bow tie and a simple black belt with a silver buckle completed the ensemble.
"Damn, Eden," Davi said, genuinely impressed. "You look like you're ready to steal the show."
Eden laughed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, that's the plan," he said. "Shall we?"
Back in the car, Alice sat in the driver's seat, her fingers drumming absentmindedly on the steering wheel. Her eyes wandered to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of movement. She turned slightly, squinting into the gathering darkness. A shadowy figure stood at the edge of the street, clad in black with streaks of red—a mysterious presence that piqued her curiosity.
The figure remained still, almost blending into the shadows, but there was an undeniable aura of danger and intrigue about it. Alice's brow furrowed as she tried to make out more details, but the dim light and distance made it difficult.
Just then, the sound of footsteps broke her concentration. Davi and Eden were making their way back to the car, their animated conversation reaching her ears.
"See something?" Davi asked as he opened the driver's door, noticing the direction of Alice's gaze.
Alice shook her head slightly, her eyes still lingering on the spot where the figure had been. "Thought I did," she said, her tone dismissive.
Davi glanced back but saw nothing out of the ordinary. He shrugged and slid into the driver's seat, with Eden taking the backseat. As they settled in, Davi started the engine, and the car began to hum with life once more.
"Well, let's go," Eden commanded with a playful grin, leaning back in his seat.
Davi navigated the car through the quiet streets, the mood inside light and filled with anticipation for the evening ahead.
"By the way, Alice," Eden said, leaning forward slightly, "what's the deal with the shadowy figure you thought you saw?"
Alice gave a small shrug, her expression unreadable. "Probably just my imagination," she said, though a part of her couldn't shake the unease she felt.
"Imagination or not," Davi chimed in, "we should stay alert. Strange things have been happening lately."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they drove through the city, the streets gradually becoming more lively as they approached the venue for the dance. Neon lights flickered in the distance, and the sound of music and laughter began to fill the air.
As they pulled up to the venue, the building was bathed in warm, inviting lights. The grandeur of the place added to the excitement of the evening. People dressed in their finest attire were making their way inside, the air abuzz with anticipation.
Davi parked the car, and they stepped out, straightening their outfits and taking a moment to appreciate the scene before them. Eden adjusted his bow tie one last time, a confident smile on his face.
"You ready to make an entrance?" Davi asked, looking at his friends.
Eden nodded, gleaming with excitement. "Born ready."
Alice, her expression softened by the atmosphere, gave a small smile.
Together, they walked towards the entrance, the promise of an unforgettable night ahead. As they moved through the crowd, Alice couldn't help but glance back one more time, searching for the shadowy figure. But all she saw were the twinkling lights and the happy faces of their peers, ready to lose themselves in the magic of the evening.
AT THE BALLROOM
The grand ballroom of Beacon Academy was a dazzling sight to behold. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden light over the polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with elegant drapes and intricate floral arrangements, giving the room a timeless, regal atmosphere. The dance had already begun, and couples moved gracefully across the floor to the rhythm of a live orchestra.
As Davi, Alice, and Eden entered the ballroom, they couldn't help but be struck by the sheer opulence of the event. Davi glanced around and spotted General Ironwood standing by the refreshment table, looking somewhat out of place in his formal military attire. "Y'know, seeing how he overemphasizes being on guard, I didn't think he'd come," Davi remarked, his tone mocking the general's usual stern demeanor.
Ironwood was in the middle of asking Glynda Goodwitch to dance, and they watched as she accepted while rolling her eyes. "I knew those two had something in common," Alice commented, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Eden, however, was not in the mood for gossip. "We are here to enjoy ourselves and most certainly not to eavesdrop on people," he said, his frustration evident.
Davi couldn't resist a quip. "Actually, we are kinda here to eavesdrop on people."
Eden sighed, realizing that arguing was futile. "Yeah, let's just enjoy the party."
The trio split up to explore the ballroom. Davi soon found himself talking to a certain blonde-haired Beacon student who caught his eye. She wore a stunning white dress that accentuated her athletic build, and her confident demeanor drew him in. It was Yang Xiao Long. Both of them stood close, the music playing softly in the background as they engaged in conversation.
"Your eyes," Yang began, her gaze fixed on his. "They are so..."
"Bright... Yeah, I get that a lot," Davi interrupted with a smile. "Your dress made my eyes bright... How's that for a pickup line?"
Yang chuckled, shaking her head. "It's terrible."
"Yeah, I also get that a lot," Davi admitted, grinning.
"Wanna dance?" Davi asked, extending his hand.
"Yeah, there's no better way to spend the evening," Yang said, accepting his offer.
Their dance was lively and full of energy, much like Yang herself. They moved in perfect sync, their laughter mingling with the music as they twirled around the floor.
Meanwhile, Alice sat near the dance floor, sipping a drink and watching Davi and Yang with a small smile. Eden approached her, looking a bit nervous but determined. "Your boots are really nice," Alice said, breaking the ice.
"I love your dress," Eden replied, his eyes lingering on her elegant attire. "Y'know, you don't have to be such an Ironwood all the time," he added, trying to lighten the mood.
"One of the sacrifices of being vigilant," Alice replied with a shrug.
"Take a leaf out of Davi's book and relax once in a while," Eden suggested, nodding towards their friend who was now dipping Yang dramatically, eliciting a cheer from the crowd.
Alice sighed, her gaze softening. "Maybe you're right."
"Do you want to share a dance?" Eden asked, offering his hand.
Alice hesitated for a moment before smiling and accepting his hand. "Sure, I don't see why not."
As they joined the dance floor, Eden and Alice moved gracefully, their steps perfectly matched. For the first time in a long while, Alice allowed herself to let go, enjoying the moment.
On the other side of the ballroom, Cinder Fall, dressed in a long, sleek black dress that shimmered in the light, danced with Mercury Black. Their movements were calculated and precise, a stark contrast to the carefree atmosphere around them. Emerald Sustrai approached them, her expression serious.
"Everyone is distracted. There's no better time," she said in a low voice.
"Alright then," Cinder replied, her eyes glinting with anticipation.
Back on the dance floor, Davi and Yang continued their spirited dance, while Eden and Alice found themselves laughing and enjoying each other's company. The music played on, weaving a tapestry of joy and celebration.
CROSS CONTINENTAL TRANSMISSION TOWER
The Cross Continental Transmission Tower, commonly known as the CCT Tower, was a beacon of technological marvel and security, connecting the four kingdoms of Remnant. However, tonight, its imposing structure was compromised by a sinister presence. Cinder Fall, who had seamlessly transitioned from a sleek black ball gown to a form-fitting black catsuit, moved with lethal grace through the tower's halls. Her transformation was both practical and symbolic, shedding the pretense of the dance for the deadly precision of her mission.
The guards, caught off-guard by her sudden and silent approach, were no match for her. With a few swift and decisive movements, Cinder incapacitated them effortlessly, their bodies crumpling to the ground in unconscious defeat. The hallway fell silent once more, save for the soft echo of her footsteps as she advanced toward the mainframe.
Inserting a black device into the tower's mainframe, she watched with satisfaction as the monitors flickered, then displayed a black chess queen. The symbol was both a message and a signature, marking the completion of her task. Cinder turned to leave, intending to return to the ball and resume her guise as a mere guest, when she was confronted by an unexpected adversary.
Ruby Rose, a first-year student at Beacon Academy, had caught wind of the infiltration. With a determined expression, she summoned her weapon, Crescent Rose, from the dust-powered locker. The massive scythe gleamed ominously in the dim light of the tower, ready for battle. Ruby, unaware of Cinder's true identity, lunged at the intruder with youthful fervor.
Cinder, her eyes narrowing in amusement and disdain, summoned obsidian glass blades with a flick of her wrist. The dark weapons shimmered with a deadly edge, reflecting the light as she moved with blinding speed. Her strikes were precise, each one a calculated effort to incapacitate Ruby. However, Ruby's semblance allowed her to dodge swiftly, leaving a trail of rose petals that momentarily disoriented Cinder.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Ruby transformed Crescent Rose into its sniper rifle form, taking aim at Cinder. But Cinder was no ordinary opponent. She danced around the bullets with fluid elegance, her movements a blur. With a growl of frustration, she summoned more obsidian blades, sending them hurtling towards Ruby.
The fight was intense, a deadly ballet of skill and power. Amidst the chaos, Emerald's voice crackled through Cinder's earpiece, informing her of General Ironwood's imminent arrival. Realizing the urgency, Cinder disengaged from the fight, her blades vanishing into thin air. She cast a final, mocking glance at Ruby before slipping away into the shadows, her mission accomplished.
Cinder's return to the ballroom was nothing short of miraculous. She slipped back into her ball gown and seamlessly rejoined the festivities, her demeanor calm and collected. No one suspected the infiltration's mastermind was among them, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries.
She approached Mercury and Emerald, who were engaged in a lively dance. "Excuse me," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "Oh! Sorry for interrupting. I'll just have some drinks," she added with a smile, before turning to the bar. As she walked away, she glanced back at Emerald, sharing a conspiratorial smile.
Back at the CCT Tower, General Ironwood stood in the aftermath of the attack, his face a mask of frustration and anger. The sight that greeted him was a scene of chaos – unconscious guards littered the floor, and shards of obsidian glass were scattered like dark confetti. But it was the black queen on the monitor that held his gaze, its sinister presence a taunting reminder of the breach.
Ironwood clenched his fists, his mind racing with questions and suspicions. The symbol was unmistakable, a harbinger of more trouble to come.
THE NEXT DAY
In Ozpin's office the next day, the tension was palpable. General Ironwood and Glynda Goodwitch, his dance partner from the previous night, were locked in a heated argument about the best way to handle the recent attack on the CCT Tower. Their voices echoed through the spacious office, bouncing off the high ceilings and the large windows that offered a panoramic view of Vale.
"James, we cannot simply flood Vale with soldiers," Glynda insisted, her tone firm but weary. "Too much military presence will only incite fear among the citizens."
Ironwood's face was stern, his jaw set in determination. "Glynda, the Vytal Festival is approaching. It's the perfect opportunity for our enemies to strike. We need to be prepared for any eventuality."
Their argument was abruptly cut off as the door opened and Ruby Rose entered the room. The young Huntress-in-training stood confidently before the two high-ranking officials, her silver eyes gleaming with determination.
"Miss Rose, mind telling us exactly what happened at the CCT Tower last night?" Ironwood's voice was commanding, but there was an edge of curiosity and urgency.
Ruby took a deep breath before recounting her experience. "The tower was attacked by a woman in a glowing catsuit. She moved incredibly fast and was able to summon obsidian glass weapons. I'm not sure if it was her semblance or something else."
"Dust-embedded clothing is an age-old tradition," Ironwood mused, his mind racing through the possibilities.
"Obsidian glass weapons..." Glynda repeated thoughtfully, her brow furrowing. "Do you recall anything else, Miss Rose?"
Ruby hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Well, there is something strange about the southeastern part of Vale. It felt... off."
Ironwood's eyes narrowed as he considered her words. "We'll have that area checked. And Miss Rose," he added, his tone stern, "be sure not to tell anyone about this."
"Yes, Professor Ozpin," Ruby replied, nodding in affirmation before leaving the office.
As soon as Ruby exited, the argument between Ironwood and Glynda resumed with renewed vigor.
"What if she is coming?" Ironwood said, his voice rising with frustration. "For her, there is no better time because the Vytal Festival is a show of peace, and she seeks to divide us."
"And for us, there is no better time to protect ourselves with all the military presence possible," he finished, his eyes flashing with determination.
"Too much military presence brings fear, and we know what that brings," Glynda countered, her tone more urgent. "What if she's already anticipated your move? We could be playing right into her hands."
Ironwood stepped closer to the door, pausing for a moment to look back at Glynda. "There's backup," he said, his voice lower but no less intense. "You should know me well enough by now to know that I always bring backup."
With that, he left the office, the door closing behind him with a definitive click.
Glynda turned to Ozpin, her frustration evident. "Are you just going to let him do this?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of concern and disbelief.
Ozpin remained silent, his enigmatic gaze fixed on the city below. His silence was more telling than any words he could have spoken.
IN A ROOM
Elsewhere, Alice and Davi walked into a dimly lit room, facing an enraged General Ironwood. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the sound of Ironwood's fist slamming into the desk in front of him echoed through the room
A/N: Alright, folks, the latest chapter is finally out, and I appreciate your patience. I know it took some time, but trust me, it was worth the wait. This chapter ends on quite the cliffhanger, with Davi and Alice finding themselves on Ironwood's bad side. We all understand why, but the consequences are just starting to unfold.
Let's dive into the details a bit. We begin with the aftermath of the dance and the infiltration of the CCT Tower by none other than Cinder, whose character I'm developing to be more complex and layered than her portrayal in the original RWBY series. She's got a different persona here, one that I hope you'll find intriguing and multi-dimensional.