A/N: Hey, guys another chapter but I can't help but say this one kinda came a little late because I had to do a lot of thinking even to the tiniest of details. I really love that a lot will happen in this chapter even though it might be quite short. The plot of this episode just came out of the BLUE. Yeah, I know you know what that means. And yes this will be the episode that begins the whole Vytal Festival/ Tournament stuff which will lead to the Dall of Beacon shit.

So without much chit-chat let us go to the chapter. Also remember to favourite, follow and review my stories ( Energized Rwbyverse, Of Diamonds and Rubies and Legend of the Starwalker).

CHAPTER 9: ... READY FOR IT

IN ALICE'S APARTMENT

Alice's apartment had an almost serene elegance to it. The rich hues of deep reds and golds from the intricate paintings on the walls blended seamlessly with the cozy, warm browns of the furniture. The large windows let in just enough light to make the place feel both inviting and slightly mysterious. There was something about the balance of colors and space that made it feel like home like a place someone thoughtful had put together.

Eden leaned back in the plush armchair, his eyes roaming around the room with appreciation. "I gotta say, Alice, you've got one hell of an apartment here. It's... classy. Almost makes me feel bad for tracking mud inside."

His compliment barely registered with Alice, who was too lost in thought to notice. She was standing near the window, looking out over the city. Vale was bustling below with the excitement of the upcoming Vytal Festival. She gave a slight nod as if acknowledging Eden's words, but her mind was clearly elsewhere.

"There are a lot of people who came to Vale just to watch this Vytal Festival thing," Alice said absently, her eyes still on the crowd.

Eden shrugged, pulling his feet up onto the coffee table in front of him. "Why not? It's a big deal. People love watching kids beat the crap outta each other."

"Yeah, it seems like a good way to waste money if you ask me," Nero grumbled from his spot in the corner, where he was lazily flipping through a magazine. "I mean, you can just watch it on TV or scroll through highlights later. Why spend all that cash?"

Davi, who had been leaning against the wall near the door, perked up. "Oh... here's a good question I wanna ask YOU. Why do you have to be so grumpy all the time, Nero?" he asked, his voice brimming with exaggerated positivity. "Look at me! I'm positive and happy all the time. Just like me, buddy!"

Alice snorted, finally turning away from the window. "Yeah, you're a real ray of sunshine, Davi."

Davi puffed out his chest. "I am, thank you very much! Bright as the sun, full of energy, always ready to go!"

Nero rolled his eyes but didn't bother looking up from the magazine. "Just saying, if it were up to me, I wouldn't waste my money on it. Not only because, y'know, security fears with the Grimm roaming around, but because I'm not paying to watch teenagers tumble around a stadium for nothing."

His comment landed in the room with a thud, leaving an awkward silence. Even Eden looked like he was searching for something to say to break the tension. Finally, Alice rolled her eyes and turned to face Nero, arms crossed.

"You do realize it's not just about the fights, right?" she said. "It's also a festival. There's food, music, parades stuff that isn't about watching people 'tumble around a stadium'."

Nero shrugged again, clearly unbothered. "Doesn't make it less of a cash grab."

"Why do I even try sometimes ?" Alice muttered to herself.

Nero pushed himself off the couch, stretching lazily before heading towards the door. "Anyway, I'm outta here. Got places to be, things to not care about."

"Shouldn't we go see Ironwood soon? You know, for our next mission or something?", Alice suggested.

Davi groaned, rubbing her temples. "Why do you have to be so... I don't know, Alice all the time? Can't we just relax for once? I bet it runs in the blood ", Davi said. " If you ask me I'd say that, that BLOOD RUNS BAD ", Eden said. " You got that from a song by the way ", Davi said.

"We did that yesterday," she reminded him.

Davi blinked, confused. "No, we didn't! We went on that super important heist thing that Ironwood wanted us to do. That doesn't count as chilling."

"That's what you call chilling?" Alice muttered, visibly exasperated. "Sometimes I wonder how you function."

Davi threw his arms up in a theatrical display. "Hey! I function perfectly fine! I get things done, I'm a team player, and I'm always positive. Which is more than I can say for some people," he shot a look at Nero's retreating figure.

Alice's eyes followed Nero until he disappeared out the door, and she let out a deep sigh. "Speaking of functioning Eden, you need to get out."

Eden, who had been lounging like a cat in his armchair, sat up abruptly, his face a picture of confusion. "Wait, what? Why? I'm not even doing anything!"

"Exactly!" Alice snapped, throwing her hands in the air. "We're leaving soon, and you can't just stay here!"

Eden gave her a wounded look, as though Alice had just told him his favorite pet had died. "But this is a nice apartment! I'm comfortable! Besides, what's the rush?"

Alice shot him an exasperated look. "I don't know, maybe because we have things to do, places to be missions that need completing?"

Eden groaned dramatically, leaning back into the armchair. "You're so high-strung, Alice. You sure it's not that time of the month?"

Davi snickered beside him, adding fuel to the fire. "Gotta admit, Alice, you're coming in hot today."

Alice's face darkened as she glared at the two boys, her eyes narrowing to slits. "If either of you says one more word—"

Eden held up his hands defensively. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, okay, okay! I'm out, I'm out! No need to get murder-y." He slowly stood up, making a big show of dragging his feet as he shuffled towards the door.

Davi gave Alice a cheeky grin. "Guess Eden's out. You're the boss, after all." " Every conquest I had made will make me more of a boss to you ", Alice said.

Alice shot him a withering look. "Yeah, and you'd better remember that." " Alright, that's just out of line ", Davi replied. " YEAH... It just came out ", Alice said.

As Eden left, grumbling something under his breath, Alice finally allowed herself to relax, if only for a second. She turned back to Davi, who still wore that infuriatingly cheerful grin.

"We'll head out soon," she muttered. "But for now, just... try to not be you for five minutes. Can you do that?"

Davi laughed, stretching his arms behind his head. "No promises."

Alice let out a groan but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. Despite the constant chaos, this was her team. And as frustrating as they could be, she wouldn't trade them for anything.

"Well, if nothing else," Alice sighed, "at least it's never boring with you guys around."

IN A FESTIVAL

The festival grounds were a sea of people. Colorful tents and vibrant banners lined the streets, and a sense of excitement buzzed through the air. People from every corner of Remnant had gathered in Vale to witness the Vytal Tournament, the once-every-four-years event that brought students from different kingdoms together. The streets were alive with laughter, music, and the smell of food being sold by countless vendors.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Nero walked among the crowd with a sense of detachment. His hood pulled low over his face, he blended into the mass of festival-goers. He wasn't there to enjoy the games, to cheer on fighters, or to soak in the joy of a united Remnant. The entire concept of the Vytal Tournament felt ridiculous to him. They called it a symbol of "peace," but to Nero, it was little more than a glorified excuse to pit students against each other. It wasn't hard to imagine how easily something like this could escalate into something worse—rivalries between kingdoms or personal grudges.

Conflict, disguised as entertainment.

No, Nero was here for something far more personal. He wasn't a fan of the tournament, but he had his own reasons for attending. He was tracking two people: a grey-haired boy with an arrogant smirk and a girl with piercing green eyes. He didn't know their names, but he'd fought them once before, and that encounter had left him with more questions than answers.

As he weaved through the crowd, his eyes darted around, scanning the faces of everyone he passed. It wasn't long before he spotted them. Mercury and Emerald were standing near one of the food stalls, seemingly enjoying the festival as though they had no care in the world. Their casual demeanor was at odds with the ominous feeling Nero had whenever he thought about them.

He kept his distance, blending in as he followed them, listening in on their conversation.

"I can't believe we have to be friendly to those idiots from Beacon," Emerald said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I hate this pretending."

"Yeah, but we can't let months of planning go to waste," Mercury replied with a shrug, casually biting into a meat skewer. "Annoying brats or not, we've got to keep up the act until everything falls into place."

Emerald crossed her arms, clearly irritated. "I know that, but it hasn't been months of planning. You make it sound like we've been slaving away for ages."

Mercury shrugged again, flashing that ever-present cocky grin. "Felt like months to me. But hey, at least the food here is pretty good."

Emerald shot him an annoyed look. "Of course, you'd find something to like about Vale. You'd probably enjoy yourself if you weren't busy being a part of all this."

Mercury smirked. "Gotta enjoy the little things, Em. Besides, it's almost sad, isn't it? The city's going to crumble soon, and they're all just having the time of their lives, completely clueless."

Emerald's gaze darkened. "Yeah... too bad for them."

The pair finished their food and began walking away from the festival grounds, turning down an alleyway that led away from the bustling crowds. Nero felt his pulse quicken. This was his moment. He had been waiting for an opportunity to confront them again, and now they were alone, far from the eyes of the festival-goers.

He stepped forward, making sure they could hear his boots echo off the cobblestone streets. "Hey!" he shouted after them, his voice cutting through the quiet of the alley. "You two remember me?"

Mercury and Emerald stopped, both turning to face him. Mercury's grin widened when he recognized Nero, and he casually cracked his neck like he'd been waiting for this moment too.

"Yeah, I remember you," Mercury said, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction. "You're the guy who couldn't finish our little fight last time. Something interrupted us, if I recall."

Emerald smirked. "I remember you quitting," she added, her voice mocking as she crossed her arms.

Nero felt his hands ball into fists, his gloves his weapon, Burning Inferno flexing in response. He was done with their games. "Funny, that's not how I remember it," he shot back, taking a step closer. "How about we go again? This time we'll settle it for good. Let's see who really quit."

Mercury exchanged a glance with Emerald, and for a moment, they both seemed to consider it. Then, Mercury chuckled, shaking his head. "You want a rematch? Fine by me. But you're just gonna end up disappointed. Again."

Emerald sighed, rolling her eyes. "We don't really have time for this, Mercury."

"Relax, Em," Mercury said, a dangerous glint in his eye as he stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "This won't take long."

Nero narrowed his eyes, feeling the temperature around him rise ever so slightly. His semblance the ability to raise the heat in an area when he struck something was already preparing itself. He knew this wouldn't be an easy fight. Mercury was fast, and Emerald was no slouch either. But he had something they didn't. He wasn't just after answers anymore. He wanted to win.

"I hope you've gotten better since last time," Nero said, his voice low and steady.

Mercury smirked. "I'm always getting better. Hope you can keep up."

Without another word, Mercury lunged forward, his foot snapping out in a blindingly fast kick aimed at Nero's head. Nero barely had time to block, raising his arm just in time to deflect the blow. The impact sent a shockwave through his body, but he stood his ground.

Emerald didn't waste any time either. She moved in from the side, her weapons drawn and ready. Nero spun just in time to dodge her blade, the heat in the air around them intensifying as his gloves began to glow faintly.

The alley seemed to shimmer as the temperature rose, and Nero slammed his fist into the ground, sending a wave of heat through the stone. The pavement beneath Mercury and Emerald's feet began to sizzle, forcing them to jump back.

"Whoa, getting spicy!" Mercury taunted, his grin never faltering.

"Think you can handle the heat?" Nero shot back, lunging toward Mercury with a flaming punch before the scene cut black.

UNKNOWN LOCATION

Davi and Alice stood in front of the towering doors of General Ironwood's office, the atmosphere feeling a bit too quiet. The sun hadn't fully risen yet, and the soft morning light crept through the large windows that lined the hallways. It was eerily calm, especially considering the tension that had been building in Vale after the recent CCT Tower attack.

Davi leaned against the wall, arms crossed with a bored expression. He glanced over at Alice, who was standing rigidly at attention, like a soldier waiting for orders. "We're here early," Davi muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Too early, as a matter of fact."

Alice let out a deep sigh, not even turning to look at him. "Wow, Davi," she said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "You find new ways to annoy me, even when I think you've already reached the peak of it."

"Yeah, I know," Davi said, grinning slightly. "I'm a natural."

Before Alice could unleash another retort, the large doors to Ironwood's office slid open with a soft hiss, and the man himself stepped into view. His expression was stern, as always, with an air of urgency surrounding him. His sharp gaze landed on the two as he stepped closer, his polished military boots echoing against the floor.

"You're here early," General Ironwood stated, his tone neutral but slightly approving. He didn't waste time on pleasantries, getting straight to the point as he always did.

"Yeah, well…" Davi began, but Alice cut him off with a sharp look before he could go on one of his casual tangents. She knew this was no time for jokes, especially not with what was at stake.

Ironwood's piercing gaze softened just a fraction as he continued, "Either way, I'm glad you're here. We don't have time to waste. You both need to ensure that nothing goes wrong. The Vytal Tournament is already drawing in too much attention, and we can't afford any further complications."

Alice nodded firmly. "Yes, sir. You can count on us."

The General turned, walking over to the window behind his desk. He stared out at the city below, his hands clasped tightly behind his back as if he was trying to get a handle on the weight of the situation. "The attack on the CCT Tower was no coincidence. I believe the attackers have deeper, more dangerous motives."

There was a heaviness in his voice, and Alice felt the weight of his words settling in her chest. She and Davi had been there when the attack happened, witnessing the chaos firsthand. But hearing Ironwood confirm that it was all part of a larger plot made the situation feel even more dire.

Davi's grin had long faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "What kind of motives, sir?" he asked, his tone shifting to match the gravity of the situation.

Ironwood turned around, his gaze intense. "We don't know the full extent of their plans yet, but I need you to make sure their next move doesn't succeed. The Vytal Festival is the perfect stage for them to try something else, something worse. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, and be ready to act at a moment's notice."

Alice stood at attention, her resolve solid. "We'll make sure their plans fail, General. You can trust us."

Ironwood's eyes shifted to Davi, who for once wasn't cracking jokes. Instead, Davi gave him a confident nod, the usual playfulness in his eyes replaced with something more serious. "Don't worry, sir. We've got this," Davi said, his voice steady. "Whatever they're planning, we'll throw a wrench in it before they can even get started."

The General paused for a moment, studying them both. "I hope you understand how important this is," he said slowly. "This isn't just about stopping an attack. This is about protecting everything Vale stands for, and by extension, everything Remnant stands for."

Alice swallowed hard, feeling the full weight of what Ironwood was asking of them. "We won't let you down, sir."

Ironwood nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Good. Stay vigilant. I am counting on you."

Without another word, he turned back toward the window, clearly lost in thought, already planning his next move. Alice and Davi exchanged a brief glance before Alice gave a respectful salute and turned to leave.

As they exited Ironwood's office and made their way down the hall, Davi broke the silence, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "You know, I could've handled that entire conversation myself. I was ready to knock his socks off with my charm."

Alice rolled her eyes. "Please. The last thing General Ironwood needs right now is more of your charm."

Davi grinned. "I'm just saying, it could've lightened the mood a little."

Alice smirked, shaking her head as they walked. "If by lightened you mean made things worse, then sure."

Davi chuckled. "Come on, Alice. Deep, deep inside, you know you love my charm."

"Davi," Alice said, shooting him a look that could have melted steel, "the only thing I love is when you stop talking."

With a laugh, Davi threw his hands behind his head as they left the building, their mission clear in both their minds, but the banter between them as lively as ever.

BACK AT THE ALLEY

The narrow alley behind the market is scorching as Nero, his gauntlets Burning Inferno glowing fiercely, squares off against Mercury and Emerald. The air shimmers with heat, the temperature rising with every passing moment. " Here's tight not really enough space to dance ", Mecury said. " What. AFRAID OF TIGHT SPACES ", Nero said. NMercury, usually cocky, looks more serious now, sweat dripping down his brow. "This guy's no joke," he mutters, cracking his neck.

Emerald twirls her daggers, eyeing Nero carefully. "We need to take him down quickly," she says, her voice tense. The heat is making it hard for both of them to maintain their focus.

Nero stands firm, his mask concealing any hint of emotion. He clenches his fists, and the flames around Burning Inferno intensify. "You two should have stayed out of my way," he growls, the ground beneath his feet cracking under the heat.

Mercury charges first, his mechanical legs a blur as he spins into a rapid kick aimed at Nero's side. Nero meets him head-on, raising one gauntlet to block. The impact of Mercury's kick sends sparks flying, but the heat from Burning Inferno forces Mercury to leap back before he can follow up.

Emerald takes advantage of the opening, darting in with her daggers flashing. She lands a quick strike on Nero's arm, but the heat is too much to stay close for long. She's forced to back off, retreating with a frustrated grunt.

Nero retaliates, slamming his fist into the alley wall. The flames erupt from his gauntlets, heating the brick until it cracks, sending a wave of heat outward. The temperature rises sharply, forcing Mercury and Emerald to fall back, struggling to deal with the oppressive heat.

But Nero doesn't let up. He charges at Mercury, throwing a blazing punch aimed at his chest. Mercury dodges just in time, flipping over Nero and landing a quick kick to his back. The hit sends Nero stumbling forward, but he quickly recovers, turning on his heel and unleashing another wave of fire from Burning Inferno.

Emerald, quick on her feet, uses her semblance. Illusions flicker around Nero, causing him to hesitate. For a brief moment, he's surrounded by phantom enemies, each one attacking from different directions. He grits his teeth, trying to fight through the confusion, but Mercury capitalizes on the distraction. He delivers a powerful kick to Nero's ribs, sending him crashing into the alley wall.

Before the battle can escalate further, a chilling breeze cuts through the heat. Mercury and Emerald pause, turning toward the alley's entrance. A tall, commanding figure steps into view Cinder Fall. Her presence is enough to stop the fight instantly.

"Enough," Cinder says, her voice low but filled with authority. She strides into the alley with graceful confidence, her amber eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

Mercury exhales in relief, his stance relaxing. "Finally," he mutters, stepping back from the fight.

Emerald lowers her daggers, her tense posture softening. "We had him," she insists, though she knows they were struggling.

Nero, still catching his breath, narrows his eyes at Cinder. He raises his fists, ready to fight her too, but something about her aura gives him pause. The heat from Burning Inferno flares around him, but Cinder doesn't seem affected at all.

"You've fought well," Cinder says, walking slowly toward Nero. "But this battle is over."

Before Nero can react, Cinder raises her hand. A pulse of energy surges from her palm, slamming into Nero with incredible force. He tries to block with his gauntlets, but Cinder's power overwhelms him, sending him crashing into the alley floor.

Nero struggles to stand, but Cinder is already upon him. With a quick, fluid motion, she knocks his gauntlets aside and pins him down. "You lack the refinement to truly control your power," she says, her voice calm but laced with menace.

Nero grits his teeth, trying to push back, but Cinder's strength is undeniable. She holds him down effortlessly, her eyes gleaming with superiority.

Mercury and Emerald watch from the side, staying silent as Cinder handles the fight with ease. There's no need for them to interfere.

Cinder steps back, releasing Nero from her grip. He collapses onto the ground, gasping for breath, his body weak from the intense heat and Cinder's overwhelming power.

As Cinder turns to leave, she glances down at Nero one last time. "Consider this your warning," she says coldly. "Next time, don't cross paths with me."

" That was too easy ", Cinder said. " Can't believe it took you guys so much ". " We softened hi up for you ", Meciry said. " Shouldn't we go and... you know...", Emerald said while making a " kill him sign ". " No we don't need to draw attention. We can't let months of planning go down the drain just because of some really hot boy ", Cinder said. " Still thinks it's days of planning ", Emerald said.

Without another word, Cinder walks away, Mercury and Emerald following close behind. Nero, left battered and exhausted in the alley, watches them disappear into the night. The heat in the alley fades, leaving only the cool night air and the faint glow of the streetlights overhead.

VYTAL TOURNAMENT

Team RWBY faced off against Team ABRN in the doubles round. The excitement of the Vytal Festival hung heavy in the air, as the stadium roared with life, spectators from every kingdom gathered to witness the best young fighters from across Remnant showcase their skills.

The arena was set an immense, circular platform with segments that shifted to create various biomes: a dense forest, a rocky mountain, a riverbank, and a patch of urban ruins. The Vytal Festival Tournament wasn't just a test of combat ability but also of adaptability, requiring the competitors to adjust to different environments mid-battle. As the biomes shifted into place, the stadium lights dimmed briefly, heightening the anticipation. Thousands of spectators watched eagerly from the stands, while countless more viewed from homes, captivated by the event broadcast across the world.

Davi was eagerly waiting for the games to begin while Alice was watching out for people who looked off. " Baby, LET THE GAMES BEGIN. ARE YOU READY FOR IT ", Davi said. While Alice just rolled her eyes, knowing what he was talking about. " I think you got that from a song, a popular song ", Alice said. " No, I did not. It just came out. ", Davi said defended.

On one side of the platform stood Team RWBY, represented in this round by Yang Xiao Long and Weiss Schnee. Yang exuded confidence, cracking her knuckles with a grin as her long blonde hair flicked in the breeze. Her fiery gauntlets, Ember Celica, were ready to unleash devastating close-range strikes. Beside her, Weiss Schnee, composed and elegant, wielded her rapier, Myrtenaster, her stance poised and graceful. Weiss's sharp eyes focused on the battlefield, calculating her every move with precision.

Across from them, Team ABRN prepared themselves. Two members, Arslan Altan and Bolin Hori, took their positions. Arslan, a martial artist, moved fluidly, her graceful steps suggesting years of intense training. Her partner, Bolin, was a giant of a man, armed with a massive shield and a stoic demeanor. They were confident in their skills, knowing they had to prove themselves against Beacon's finest.

As the countdown reached zero, a loud gong echoed through the stadium, and the fight was on.

Weiss was the first to act, summoning her glyphs and darting forward with incredible speed. She dashed toward Arslan, her rapier flashing as she struck. Arslan, quick on her feet, dodged and parried, relying on her agility to keep up with Weiss's rapid strikes. Each swing of Myrtenaster was precise, aimed to force Arslan into a defensive stance, but Arslan's martial prowess kept her dodging and countering in fluid motions.

At the same time, Bolin rushed at Yang, his shield raised to absorb any incoming attacks. Yang smirked, always ready for a head-on fight. She charged forward, cocking her fist back before launching a powerful punch with Ember Celica. The impact resounded through the arena as Bolin's shield absorbed the blow, but Yang wasn't done. With her semblance feeding off the energy of every attack she took, her strikes only became stronger and faster. Bolin grunted, struggling to maintain his defense as Yang relentlessly hammered his shield with explosive punches.

Arslan, meanwhile, attempted to go on the offensive against Weiss. She launched a series of rapid kicks, but Weiss gracefully dodged, using her glyphs to glide backward across the battlefield. With a flick of her wrist, Weiss summoned another glyph beneath Arslan's feet, momentarily freezing her in place. Arslan's eyes widened in surprise as Weiss took the opportunity to cast an ice spell, sending sharp, crystalline spikes toward her.

But Arslan wasn't out of tricks. With an impressive display of agility, she shattered the ice around her with a powerful spinning kick, freeing herself just in time. She darted to the side, evading Weiss's follow-up strike, and countered with a quick jab to Weiss's side. Weiss winced, but quickly rebounded, activating another glyph to create distance.

On the other side of the battlefield, Bolin was being pushed to his limits. Yang, relentless and fearless, continued her barrage of attacks, her smirk widening as her semblance kicked in, making her stronger with each blow she took. She dodged Bolin's attempts to strike back with his shield and caught him with a powerful uppercut, sending him skidding back. As he staggered, Yang seized the moment, delivering a devastating final punch that sent him crashing into a nearby boulder. The crowd roared in approval.

With Bolin down, Yang turned her attention to Arslan, who was still locked in battle with Weiss. Seeing her opportunity, Yang charged forward to double-team Arslan. Weiss, sensing her partner's approach, used a glyph to leap into the air, giving Yang the opening she needed. Arslan, realizing she was outmatched, tried to defend, but Yang was too fast. Yang's fist collided with Arslan's side, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Weiss landed gracefully beside her partner, her rapier at the ready. Arslan, battered but not beaten, struggled to stand. She glanced at Bolin, who was still down and out of the fight, then back at Weiss and Yang. The odds were against her. Despite her resilience, Arslan knew this battle was over.

With one last coordinated attack, Weiss summoned a glyph beneath Arslan, freezing her in place, while Yang delivered a powerful finishing blow. Arslan hit the ground, defeated, as the stadium erupted in cheers.

The announcer's voice boomed across the arena: "And the victory goes to Team RWBY!"

Yang and Weiss shared a quick high-five, their victory well-earned. As the crowd cheered, both combatants took a moment to bask in the glory, but their eyes were already on the next round of the tournament. This was only the beginning, and they knew the road ahead would be even tougher.

Team RWBY had passed their first test, but with stronger teams awaiting them, including some unknown challengers, the Vytal Festival Tournament was far from over.

" Yeah, on second thought. Watching fight you didn't participate in is rather boring ", Davi said. " Who could have guessed, Nero was right after all ". " That is not why he didn't like the whole Vytal Tournament thing. But you aren't entirely wrong. ".

LATER THAT DAY

Alice and Davi strolled casually through the plaza, which was bustling with festival-goers. The air was cool, and the buzz of excitement surrounded them as the Vytal Festival events carried on. But Alice's attention was elsewhere as she spotted a figure ahead of them.

"And here comes, Winter," Alice remarked, her tone flat but with a trace of amusement.

Davi raised an eyebrow, looking around in confusion. "It's not winter, at least not yet. Don't worry though, I get your point. I love winter too. Nice cold weather, hot cocoa... Ahh, the best."

Alice stared at him, her patience already wearing thin. "Why do I even bother talking to you sometimes?"

Davi grinned, hands tucked behind his head as they walked. "Please, enlighten me. I'm curious."

"You know, Winter the specialist," Alice clarified, pointing at Winter Schnee, the very strict, very icy Atlesian officer talking to a girl in white none other than Weiss Schnee.

Davi squinted, clearly struggling to make the connection. "Specialist? I have no idea what all those words mean."

Alice sighed dramatically. "Yep, confirmed. You are very, very dumb."

Davi put a hand to his chest in mock hurt. "Wow, harsh. But hey, your specialist is talking to that Schnee heiress over there. What's the chance they actually know each other? That'd be weird, right?"

Alice shot him a withering look. "Yeah, very unlikely. Like, completely far-fetched," she deadpanned, her sarcasm dripping heavily.

Davi nodded enthusiastically, completely missing the tone. "Right? I mean, what are the odds?"

Alice shook her head. "Why do I bother…"

Davi suddenly perked up. "Wait, should we just stand here and, like, watch them talk… or should we… you know, interrupt?"

Alice raised an eyebrow. "Interrupt? Yeah, that seems like the wise course of action. Or we could just, you know, watch."

Before they could make a decision, the sound of metal clattering drew their attention. Davi spun around as two Atlesian Knight-200s went flying into a nearby wall. Qrow Branwen, grinning smugly, had just smashed them with a swift blow from his weapon.

"Ohhhh, DRAMA," Davi said with a grin, dragging the word out sarcastically as Winter, predictably, lost her cool. "This is about to get good."

Alice sighed, but even she couldn't help but feel the tension as Winter's icy demeanor cracked, and she challenged Qrow to a fight. The two Huntsmen squared off in the middle of the plaza, weapons drawn, and the air between them sparked with hostility.

"Oh great, now we've got a street brawl," Alice muttered.

Davi, completely ignoring the tension, pointed up at the sky. "Hey! Look at that raven!" he said, sounding genuinely impressed.

Alice shot him a side-eye. "Wow. A raven. How fascinating. I bet you've never seen one of those before."

"Hey, don't blame me for spotting an out-of-place raven," Davi said defensively. "It's a bird! And birds are important."

As Qrow and Winter clashed, their fight drawing more and more attention, Emerald and Mercury quietly slipped out of the scene. But Davi, of course, was too distracted by his self-proclaimed ornithological discovery to notice.

"Hey, speaking of distractions, do you think I should go get popcorn?" Davi asked, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

Alice blinked. "Popcorn? Seriously?"

"Yeah, I mean, if I'm gonna watch this trainwreck, I might as well enjoy a snack."

Before she could respond, the sound of metal footsteps announced the arrival of General Ironwood, storming onto the scene with all the authority of a dad catching his kids fighting in the backyard.

"Alright, which one of you snitched?" a voice came from behind them. Davi and Alice turned to see Eden, leaning casually against a nearby pillar.

Davi pointed an accusing finger. "Alice! Alice totally snitched! It wasn't me, I swear."

"Hold up," Davi blinked at Eden, "how did you even get here?"

Eden raised an eyebrow. "I've been here the whole time, man. You're the one who was too busy bird-watching."

"Yep, he was," Alice chimed in with a smirk. "Can't believe you managed to spot an out-of-place raven but not the person standing right next to you."

Davi folded his arms. "Look, doesn't answer the question of who actually snitched though."

Alice rolled her eyes, but Davi wasn't done. "Whoever snitched, WHOEVER THAT IS…" he said dramatically, casting a suspicious glance at Alice, "...really snitched hard. Ozpin's over there, acting like a stern dad who's had just enough of his kids' nonsense. Ironwood's the big brother trying to look tough, and Glynda? Total 'young stepmom' vibes."

Eden snorted. "Tell me about it, thou wise one," he said with exaggerated seriousness.

The scene in the plaza was chaotic. As Qrow and Winter's fight drew to a close, with Ozpin stepping in to put an end to it, Glynda swept in, her face a mask of exasperation as she waved her riding crop, fixing the plaza with her Semblance.

"Look at that," Eden said dryly. "Now the 'young wife' is cleaning up everyone's mess. Again."

Davi clapped his hands together. "Ah, classic family dynamics at play. A tale as old as time."

Alice rolled her eyes again. "You both are impossible."

As the crowd began to disperse, Eden stretched his arms out lazily. "Well, that was entertaining. Nothing like a good public fight to kick off the day."

"And nothing like having our lovely general shut it down," Davi added with mock enthusiasm. "Real mood killer."

They all stood there for a moment, watching as the tension in the square finally eased. Ironwood gave one last order to his troops before walking off with Winter, who was still fuming, though now quieter.

Davi threw an arm around Eden's shoulders. "Well, Eden, guess we can't all be as lucky as that guy 'cuz he's THE MAN. I can't believe he gets to brawl, we get stuck with 'don't let anything go wrong.'"

Alice snorted. "Like you'd even survive a brawl with someone like Winter."

Davi grinned. "You never know, Alice. I've got some tricks up my sleeve."

"Yeah, right," Alice said with a chuckle, walking ahead as the two boys bantered behind her.

As the plaza quieted down, Davi's voice echoed through the street. "Next time, popcorn. I'm telling you, it'll change the entire experience."

IN OZPIN'S OFFICE

Inside Ozpin's office, the tension was palpable as General Ironwood, Winter Schnee, Glynda Goodwitch, and Qrow Branwen gathered. The grand office, with its panoramic view of Vale, offered no comfort from the storm brewing inside the room. Ozpin sat at his desk, hands folded in thought, his presence grounding yet silent.

Ironwood was the first to break the silence, his deep voice cutting through the air. "Qrow, I've seen your reports, but we need more than cryptic warnings. If Vale's in danger, we need actionable intel."

Qrow, leaning casually against the wall with his usual grin, took a long sip from his flask. "Ah, Ironwood dear boy, always so eager to rush in guns blazing. Thought you'd have learned by now that smashing everything in sight doesn't fix all the problems."

Winter stepped forward, her eyes cold as ever, arms crossed. "Show some respect, Branwen. General Ironwood is simply asking for information. That's not too much, is it?"

Qrow smirked, waving a dismissive hand. "Easy, Schnee. Didn't mean to step on your perfectly polished boots. But let's be real here, charging in with more soldiers isn't gonna solve this one."

Winter's eyes narrowed, but Ironwood raised a hand to stop her from responding. His gaze was fixed on Qrow. "If soldiers aren't the solution, then what is, Qrow? You've been following these people for months now. I need to know what we're up against."

Qrow's smirk faded, his face growing serious. "I wish I could give you names, faces, something concrete. But these people? They're professionals. They know how to stay out of sight. They've been stirring up trouble from the shadows for a long time, and now they're aiming straight at the heart of this festival."

Glynda, who had been watching quietly, adjusted her glasses and stepped forward. "You've mentioned increasing Grimm activity, Qrow. But you're suggesting that this is more than just a coincidence. Do you have proof?"

Qrow exhaled sharply, looking around the room. "The Grimm are part of it, yeah, but it's bigger than that. We've got someone pulling strings, drawing them in. You've all seen it the random attacks, the increased Grimm numbers. They're not random. Someone's orchestrating this, and it's all leading to something big."

Winter crossed her arms, her voice firm. "And yet we're still in the dark about who is behind all of this. If we don't know the enemy, how can we fight them?"

Qrow shot her a glance, then looked to Ironwood. "You think you're gonna stop these people with bigger guns and more ships? I hate to break it to you, but this isn't a fight you can win with numbers. Whoever's behind this is smart. They're moving pieces while we're still figuring out the board."

Ironwood, not one to back down, clenched his jaw. "Then tell me, what's your plan? Because sitting around while Vale is at risk isn't something I'm comfortable with."

Qrow raised an eyebrow, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Plan? You know me, Ironwood, I like to keep things flexible. But here's the truth—you need to stop thinking like a soldier and start thinking like a hunter. We've got to play their game, be just as unpredictable as they are."

Glynda frowned, her voice steady but concerned. "And how exactly do we do that? We can't just sit here waiting for them to strike."

Qrow tilted his head, giving her a more serious look. "We stay on high alert. We use this time to gather more intel, find out who's pulling the strings. But we don't make the first move. That's what they're counting on."

Ironwood folded his arms, frustration clear on his face. "So, we wait for them to come to us? That's your solution?"

Qrow's smirk returned. "Not wait, Ironwood. We watch. We prepare. And when they show themselves, we hit back hard. But until then, don't go throwing your weight around. You'll just give them exactly what they want."

Winter, her patience thinning, stepped forward. "And what exactly do you suggest we do in the meantime? Sit on our hands?"

Qrow chuckled. "Oh, I wouldn't expect you to do that, Schnee. You're much too uptight for that."

Before Winter could fire back, Ozpin raised his hand, his voice calm yet commanding. "That's enough, both of you."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the headmaster. Ozpin stood, walking slowly to the window, his gaze thoughtful as he looked out over the festival. "Qrow is right. We cannot afford to make a rash move. Our enemy thrives in the shadows. They want us to act out of fear and uncertainty."

Ironwood frowned but nodded, though his frustration was still evident. "We're running out of time, Oz. If we don't act soon—"

"We will act," Ozpin said softly, turning to face the group again. "But we will do so with precision. Vale's safety is our priority, but we cannot play into their hands."

Qrow raised his flask in a mock toast. "Now that's what I like to hear."

Ironwood's eyes narrowed at Qrow's casual demeanor. "I hope you're not taking this lightly."

Qrow shot him a look, his humor dropping. "I don't take any of this lightly, Ironwood. You know what's out there. You know what's coming. But you charge in with guns blazing, and we're all going down together."

Glynda stepped forward, her expression softening. "Then we'll keep watch. Increase our defenses but hold our forces back until we know more."

Winter's voice was still sharp. "And what if we don't find out more in time? What if we're blindsided?"

Qrow gave her a look. "Then we do what we always do—improvise. But trust me, these guys? They're not invincible. We'll find them. We just have to be smarter."

The room fell into silence again as the gravity of the situation settled in. Each of them understood the weight of what was coming, even if they didn't know the full extent of the threat.

Ozpin finally spoke again, his voice calm but determined. "We'll move forward carefully. Stay vigilant, gather information. But above all, we must not let fear drive our actions."

Ironwood's face remained tense, but he nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Alright, Oz. But the moment we have something solid, we're taking action."

Qrow gave a small nod of approval. "Good call, Jimmy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a few more rocks to turn over."

As Qrow made his way toward the door, he paused, looking back at Ironwood, Winter, and Glynda. His smirk returned, but his eyes held the weight of everything he'd seen. "Keep your heads up. Things are gonna get worse before they get better."

With that, he left the room, the weight of his words lingering behind him. Ozpin sat back down, his face unreadable as he quietly sipped his coffee. The others exchanged glances, all of them aware that the storm was coming and that they had little time to be ready for it.

END OF EPISODE

A/N: The whole chapter pretty much went the same way as the original stuff. I know, there were some little tweaks and also some little allusions, if you could spot it, from the title to the very last of words, tell me on the reviews. So back to the chapter, there is really not much to say other than, this Vytal Tournament will be heated, and I mean really heated.

Until next time, remember to favourite, follow and review all of my stories. Bye and PEACE