A/N: As usual, good day guys. And we all know I can't start without telling you that you should favourite, follow and leave a review to all my stories. Alright, back to business, because a lot of crazy shit will happen in this episode and this will pretty much be the start of the fall of Beacon. And by the way about the Fall of Beacon. I have got it all figured out and I guess I should just go on with the story right know.

CHAPTER 10: AWEKENING THE MONSTER

CINDER'S DORM

The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls from a single flickering lamp. Cinder sat at her bed, her amber eyes glowing faintly in the darkness as she scrolled through classified files on her device. Suddenly, her lips curled into a wicked smirk, sharp enough to cut glass.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Emerald glanced up from cleaning her weapons. "Did you just win the lottery or something?" she asked dryly, her tone tinged with curiosity.

Cinder's smirk deepened, her voice low and dripping with menace. "Even better."

Emerald raised an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical. "Better than the lottery? Please, enlighten me."

Mercury, sprawled lazily on the couch nearby, perked up at the exchange. "Oh! I got it. You hit the jackpot," he quipped with mock enthusiasm, a grin playing on his lips.

Emerald rolled her eyes. "Winning the lottery is hitting the jackpot, genius."

"Not the way I see it," Mercury shot back with a shrug, preparing to dive into a petty debate.

Before the squabble could escalate, Cinder's voice sliced through the air, commanding and icy. "Enough," she said, her tone brooking no argument. She rose gracefully from the bed, the light from her scroll casting an eerie glow across her face. "There's been a slight change in plans."

Emerald narrowed her eyes, now fully attentive. "A change? Why? What's going on?"

Cinder turned the scroll toward them, revealing a display of stolen military files. "Because things just got so much easier for us," she purred.

On the screen were blueprints labeled Project P.E.N.N.Y., showcasing detailed schematics of a mechanical humanoid. Mercury whistled, leaning forward to get a closer look. "So that's what Ironwood's been cooking up. Impressive... in a tin-can kind of way."

"That's not all," Cinder said, scrolling further. Another file opened, this one marked Axis Operatives in bold letters. A series of photographs and reports flashed across the screen, catching Emerald's attention immediately.

"Who are they?" Emerald asked, squinting at the images of two masked figures—one wielding a glowing sword covered in alien-like symbols, the other holding a weaponized staff. "They look... dangerous."

"They are dangerous," Cinder confirmed, zooming in on a picture of Davi's weapon. "This one—Davi. His aura is remarkable, even by Ironwood's standards. He plans to exploit it, use it to power some experimental technology. And this..." She gestured to the strange runes etched into the sword, her eyes glinting with intrigue. "This is something ancient. Something not even he fully understands." " It only makes sense Ironwood wants to experiment on his aura, after all this " Penny ", of a girl has an aura, so maybe Atlas and Ironwood are doing some intense research on aura ", Emerald said. " Great deduction, Emerald ", Cinder said complimenting her.

Mercury leaned back, arms crossed. "Okay, but what's the big deal? They're just a couple of operatives. How does this make our job easier?"

Cinder chuckled darkly, the sound sending a shiver down Emerald's spine. "Because now, we know exactly where to strike. Ironwood's most ambitious projects are tied to these two. If we eliminate them or better yet, turn them we cripple his plans before they even begin."

Emerald frowned, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "And what if they're not so easy to handle?" " Yeah, that's a great plan and all but technically we already planned for one of 'em ", Mecury said.

Cinder's smile widened, her confidence unshaken. "Oh, Emerald. That's the beauty of it. Everyone has a weakness. All we need to do is find theirs."

The room fell silent as her words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Emerald and Mercury exchanged uneasy glances, while Cinder returned her attention to the scroll, her fingers dancing across the screen like a spider weaving a deadly web.

"Get ready," she said, her tone final. "We are going to awaking the monster and no one will ever sees it coming."

OZPIN'S OFFICE

The soft ticking of a clock echoed through the spacious room as Qrow Branwen strolled in, a cocky swagger to his step. He paused near the large windows, looking out at the view of Vale, his sharp eyes narrowing at the sight of Atlesian airships hovering above the city.

"You know," Qrow started, his voice laced with sarcasm, "Ironwood's making you look real smart, Oz. Bringing all this military muscle to a festival? Subtle as a bull in a china shop. I bet he's aiming to make me look dumb, too."

Ozpin, seated behind his desk, didn't bother looking up from the papers he was reviewing. "Good afternoon, Qrow," he said calmly, ignoring the jab.

Qrow muttered under his breath, "Yeah, good afternoon to you too, Oz... with your fleets and gadgets." He gestured vaguely toward the window. "What's all this supposed to be, anyway? Overkill?"

"You think so ill of people," Ozpin replied, finally glancing up with a faint smile. "Do you know that?"

Qrow smirked, leaning casually against the edge of the desk. "Yeah, it's one of my better qualities. Just ask my exes, it's why none of 'em stuck around."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow, his expression indifferent. "How fortunate for them," he said dryly, flipping a page.

Qrow chuckled, waving a hand. "Alright, alright, enough about my love life. Let's talk about yours. Have you picked a guardian yet?"

This question made Ozpin pause. He set the papers aside and turned his chair to fully face Qrow. "Yes," he said simply, his voice steady.

Qrow blinked, his casual demeanor faltering for a moment. "Really? You? Mister 'I like to think things over for a century' finally made a decision?" He folded his arms, skeptical. "Alright, spill it. Who's the lucky candidate?"

Ozpin leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "She's exceptional. From the moment I met her, I saw something unique, something far beyond her years. And, let's just say, she already has a reputation for being more than ready for this responsibility."

Qrow raised a brow, trying to piece it together. "Well, that's cryptic. Could you maybe be a bit more... specific? You know, for clueless folks like Ironwood, and, fine, me."

Ozpin's gaze sharpened, but before he could respond, Qrow's expression turned suspicious. "It's not my nieces, is it? 'Cause if it is, let me tell you, Ruby's a sweetheart, and Yang's got a good head on her shoulders, but they're kids, Oz. Naïve, no offense to them."

Before Ozpin could confirm or deny anything, the office door opened with a quiet creak. Both men turned to see a composed, confident Pyrrha Nikos step inside. She carried herself with an air of quiet grace, though her emerald eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity.

"Ah, right on time, you just saved me from his constant blabber," Ozpin said, rising from his chair. " Hey!!," Qrow said quite offended. "Qrow, allow me to introduce Miss Nikos. Miss Nikos, this is Qrow Branwen."

Pyrrha smiled politely and offered her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Qrow."

Qrow took her hand, giving it a firm shake. "No need for the 'mister.' Just call me Qrow. I'm not like the other nerds around here." He lowered his voice to a mock whisper. "I'm the cool uncle."

Pyrrha chuckled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. "Right..."

Ozpin cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Miss Nikos, tell me, are you familiar with the story of the Maidens?"

"The Maidens?" Pyrrha repeated, tilting her head thoughtfully. "Oh, you mean The Tale of the Four Maidens? It's one of my favorite stories."

"Of course it is," Qrow muttered, crossing his arms. "It's a fairy tale. Four sisters, magical powers, kindness, blah blah blah. SO... STUPID... We've all heard it."

Ozpin nodded, unfazed. "Indeed. But what if I told you that it's more than just a story? That it is, in fact, a legend rooted in truth?"

Pyrrha's eyes widened slightly. "You mean... the Maidens were real?"

"They are real," Ozpin corrected. "They wield powers beyond Dust and semblance, something far older. Something akin to magic."

The office door opened again, and this time Glynda Goodwitch and General Ironwood entered. Both wore serious expressions as they joined the conversation.

Ozpin continued, "Because of their power, the Maidens have been hunted throughout history—feared, envied, even killed. To protect them, a secret order was formed, and their existence was allowed to fade into legend." He paused, his gaze steady. "We are that order. And we need your help, Miss Nikos."

Before Pyrrha could respond, Ozpin gestured for the group to follow him. They left the office, descending into the depths of Beacon Academy.

BEACON VAULT

The vault was a cavernous, dimly lit chamber, its walls lined with glowing runes. In the center of the room lay Amber, the Fall Maiden, encased in a glass pod and connected to a life support system.

Pyrrha froze at the sight, her breath hitching. "What... what happened to her?"

"She was attacked," Ozpin explained grimly. "Her powers were stolen, half of them, at least. Qrow managed to intervene before the process was complete, but the damage was done. This has never happened before, and we do not yet understand the full consequences."

Ironwood stepped forward, his voice firm. "Normally, a Maiden's power is passed to the last person in her thoughts. But if the recipient is male or otherwise unsuitable, the power transfers randomly to a young woman. This situation, however, is... unprecedented."

"Yeah," Qrow muttered. "Rules are a little... gender-biased, don't you think?"

Ozpin ignored him. "Miss Nikos, we believe you are the ideal candidate to inherit the Fall Maiden's power. Atlas has been researching aura transfer, and with your permission, we can ensure a safe transition."

Pyrrha's hands trembled slightly as she looked at Amber. "And what about her? What happens to her if I... if I accept?"

Ozpin's expression softened. "Amber is a brave huntress. If she could speak, I am certain she would choose to entrust her power to someone capable of carrying her legacy."

Pyrrha nodded slowly, her mind racing. "I need time to think about this."

"Of course," Ozpin said. "But remember, this is a secret you must not share with anyone, not even your teammates."

With that, the group left the vault, leaving Pyrrha alone with her thoughts and the weight of an impossible decision.

IN THE AMITY COLOSSEUM

Cinder Fall sat in the shadowed corner of the Colosseum stands, her sharp golden eyes fixed on the ongoing match below. Mercury Black faced off against Yang Xiao-Long, moving with a cocky precision that matched his smirk. Emerald Sustrai sat beside Cinder, her gaze flicking between the fighters and her leader.

"Mercury's getting too showy," Emerald muttered under her breath, her tone betraying both irritation and concern.

Cinder's lips curved into a faint smile. "Let him. He's playing his role well. Confidence can be just as disarming as fear."

Emerald said nothing, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest as she watched Mercury dodge one of Yang's fiery strikes. Cinder's gaze briefly shifted, her mind wandering to the past, to the beginning of their little family.

FLASHBACK

AN ALLEYWAY IN A DUSTY CITY

Emerald was younger then, lean and scrappy, her green eyes darting nervously as she clutched a sparkling diamond ring in her hand. Behind her, a commotion was growing louder.

"HEY! THAT GIRL IS A THIEF!"

Shouts echoed down the street as Emerald ducked into an alleyway, her breath coming in sharp, panicked gasps. She pressed her back against the cold brick wall, clutching the stolen ring tighter, her mind racing for an escape route.

"You're clever," a smooth voice said, cutting through the noise like a knife.

Emerald's head snapped up. Standing at the mouth of the alley was a tall woman with flowing black hair and piercing amber eyes. She exuded an aura of confidence and menace.

"Who are you?" Emerald asked, her voice edged with defiance, though her trembling hands betrayed her fear.

"I'm someone who sees potential," Cinder replied, stepping closer. Her heels clicked softly against the ground, each step calculated. "And I must say, you have a rare talent."

Emerald tightened her grip on the ring, narrowing her eyes. "If you're with the police, you can forget it. I don't need your help."

Cinder chuckled, low and dangerous. "Police? Hardly. I've been in your shoes, Emerald. Hungry, desperate, alone." She tilted her head, her gaze softening ever so slightly. "But I can offer you something better. Food. Security. A purpose."

Emerald hesitated, her gaze flicking toward the distant street noise. "And what's the catch?"

"No catch," Cinder said smoothly. "Just loyalty. And a shared desire to tear down a world that's already abandoned you."

For a long moment, Emerald stared at her, weighing her options. Finally, she nodded.

"Fine. But I'm not calling you 'boss.'"

Cinder smirked. "We'll see."

END OF FLASHBACK

Emerald's discomfort deepened as she watched the fight. Mercury was toying with Yang now, ducking and weaving through her strikes with a deliberate cockiness. The crowd loved it, roaring in approval at his theatrics, but Emerald could see the cracks. Mercury was pushing his luck, letting Yang build up her anger.

"Mercury's playing with fire," Emerald muttered, her voice barely audible over the crowd.

"Quite literally," Cinder said with a faint smirk, her gaze never leaving the arena. "But that's what makes it interesting. Let him test her limits. Let her test his."

Emerald frowned. "And if he loses?"

Cinder finally turned to her, her golden eyes sharp and calculating. "Then he learns. But he won't lose. Not today."

FLASHBACK

Cinder stood in a darkened room, flanked by Emerald and Mercury. In front of them was a detailed map of the Vytal Festival grounds, with key points marked in red.

"This is just the beginning," Cinder said, her tone commanding and deliberate. "The Vytal Festival is the perfect stage. Everyone is here—hunters, students, the public. It's a showcase of strength."

"Which means it's also a showcase of vulnerability," Mercury added, his grin sharp and eager.

Cinder nodded approvingly. "Exactly. We'll strike where they least expect it. The match is just a distraction, a way to sow chaos and confusion. By the time anyone realizes what's happening, it'll be too late."

Emerald glanced at the map, her unease evident. "And if something goes wrong?"

Cinder's expression hardened. "Nothing will go wrong. Because we've planned for everything."

She placed a hand on Emerald's shoulder, her grip firm but not unkind. "You've done well, Emerald. Your abilities are crucial to this plan. I chose you because I know you're capable."

Emerald swallowed her doubts and nodded. "I won't let you down."

"Good," Cinder said, her smile returning. "Now, let's make history."

BACK TO THE AMITY COLOSSEUM

In the arena, Yang finally landed a hit, her fiery punch sending Mercury skidding across the ground. The crowd erupted, cheering for her display of strength.

Emerald tensed, her hands gripping the armrests tightly. "He's getting reckless."

"Relax," Cinder said, her voice calm and unbothered. "This is all part of the show."

Mercury staggered to his feet, his smirk unfazed despite the blood at the corner of his mouth. He cracked his neck and assumed his fighting stance once more, motioning for Yang to come at him.

Emerald glanced at Cinder again. "You're really not worried?"

Cinder's eyes glinted with confidence. "Why would I be? He knows what's at stake. Besides..." She leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smile on her lips. "This is exactly what we wanted."

As the match continued, Cinder's mind wandered briefly to the final piece of her plan, the one watching from behind the scenes. Roman Torchwick, a necessary but unpredictable ally, and the pawns they'd placed on the chessboard.

The audience's cheers rose to a crescendo as the fight reached its peak, Mercury and Yang trading blow for blow. But Cinder's smile remained. This wasn't just a fight.

It was a statement.

A prelude to the storm.

BACK TO THE AMITY COLOSSEUM

As Mercury and Yang clashed in the ring, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. Every hit Yang landed seemed to fuel her semblance, her hair glowing brighter with each strike. Mercury, however, played it smart, staying just out of reach, his calculated movements keeping the crowd on edge.

Cinder's gaze was unflinching, her expression unreadable. Emerald, on the other hand, was less composed, her fingers drumming nervously on the armrest of her seat. "He's baiting her too much," she muttered under her breath.

"That's the point," Cinder replied, her voice calm yet laced with hidden intent. "Yang needs to think she's in control. That's when mistakes happen."

Emerald's lips pressed into a thin line. She hated how Cinder's words often carried a dual meaning, like an unseen trap waiting to spring.

In the ring, Mercury smirked, ducking under one of Yang's fiery punches before sweeping her legs out from under her. The crowd gasped as Yang hit the ground, but her recovery was instant, a fiery blast propelling her back to her feet.

"Showoff," Mercury muttered, shaking his head with mock exasperation.

From the stands, Emerald leaned forward. "He's going to push her too far," she said, her tone rising with worry.

Cinder's lips curled into a knowing smile. "And that's exactly what we want."

FLASHBACK

Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury stood in the dimly lit chambers of the White Fang hideout. The air was thick with tension, and masked Faunus surrounded them, their weapons visible and their stares hostile.

Adam Taurus stepped forward, his red mask glinting in the low light. "Cinder Fall," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "It's not often I entertain visitors unannounced. What brings you here?"

Cinder stepped forward, her confidence unwavering. "I bring an opportunity, Adam. One that could change everything for the White Fang."

Adam's eyes narrowed beneath his mask. "We've heard promises before, from humans who claim to understand our plight. What makes you different?"

Cinder's smile was sharp and cold. "Because I don't care about your plight, Adam. I care about results. You want power. I can give it to you. Weapons, Dust, everything you need to make the world see the strength of the White Fang."

Adam crossed his arms, his stance unyielding. "And what do you want in return?"

"Loyalty," Cinder said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "When the time comes, I'll call on you. Until then, take what I'm offering and use it to your advantage."

For a moment, the room was silent, the tension palpable. Then Adam extended his hand. "We'll see if your promises hold weight, Cinder Fall."

" Haven't seen you since he left ", Adam said. " He had some long lasting effect on all of us. Some very positive long lasting effects ", Cinder said before she left.

BACK TO THE COLISEUM

The match had reached its climax. Yang's aura was visibly flickering, her fiery semblance pushed to its limits. Mercury, however, still appeared unfazed, his movements precise and deliberate.

Cinder leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smile on her lips. "This is it," she murmured, her golden eyes glinting.

Emerald frowned. "This is what?"

Cinder didn't answer. Instead, her gaze remained fixed on the arena as Mercury feigned a stumble, his hand reaching for his injured leg.

The crowd gasped as Yang, in her adrenaline-fueled state, fell for the act, delivering a punishing blow that sent Mercury flying. The referee called the match in Yang's favor, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Davi who is sitting near the Alice, were both watching the match between Yang and Mecury. The match was as pretty much expected, it was even. It would seem that way until Yang somehow got the upper hand and significantly reduced Mecury's aura meaning she had won the fight but that is when everything changed. As Yang was walking away she turned back a hit Mecury seemingly unprovoked resulting in Mecury breaking his legs. And this caused the crowd to jeer.

" Looks like your dance partner needs a therapist ", Alice said teasing Davi who had a look of utter shock on his face. " Atleast we now know who will be wearing the pants in you guys relationship, if you ever have one ", Alice said teasing Davi again.

OUTSIDE AMITY COLOSSEUM

Davi and Alice stood near the grand entrance to the Amity Colosseum, the chatter of angry departing spectators filling the air around them. General Ironwood, his expression tense and his hands clasped behind his back, addressed the pair with his characteristic authority.

"This is a serious matter," Ironwood began, his tone clipped. "Yang Xiao-Long's actions during her match with Mercury Black were clear, she struck an opponent who was down. Mercury insists he never attacked her, yet Yang is adamant it was self-defense." He paused, glancing at the bustling crowd. "There's a strong divide in the testimonies. It's already spreading tension throughout the tournament."

Alice tapped her chin thoughtfully. "It could be combat stress," she mused. "The stakes are high, and Yang's semblance relies heavily on adrenaline. Prolonged matches like these can mess with a person's perception."

"Or…" Davi interrupted, leaning closer with a sly grin and lowering his voice. "She's haunted by demons…" He wagged his fingers dramatically, his tone dripping with exaggerated eeriness.

Alice rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "I had a feeling you'd say something ridiculous."

Ironwood sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This isn't a joke, Davi."

Davi shrugged. "Hey, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction."

The general continued, ignoring the playful banter. "When I spoke to Yang earlier in her dormitory, she was resolute. She firmly believes Mercury attacked her. There wasn't even a shred of doubt in her tone."

"Wait, wait, wait," Davi interjected, holding up a hand. "You're telling me you entered a girl's dorm? Alone?"

Ironwood's gaze snapped toward him, unamused.

"There's so much wrong with that, General," Davi added, shaking his head with mock disappointment. "I expected better from you."

Alice smacked Davi lightly on the arm, giving him a sharp glare. " And O expect better from you cutting the General in the middle of his sentence ", Alice said. "Will you take this seriously for once?" She turned back to Ironwood. "For what it's worth, though, I noticed something strange during Coco and Yatsuhashi's match against Mercury and Emerald. They both seemed… off. Not their usual selves."

Ironwood raised a brow. "Off how?"

"Coco was hesitant," Alice explained, her voice growing more analytical. "And Yatsuhashi, despite his strength, seemed slower than usual. Almost like they weren't entirely present."

Davi tilted his head thoughtfully. "So, you're saying Yang's story might hold water. What if Mercury or someone in his circle is responsible for planting illusions or manipulating perception?"

Ironwood nodded slowly, his mind racing. "That aligns with Yang's claims. If what you're suggesting is true, it points to a coordinated effort, someone targeting specific combatants to manipulate outcomes."

"Sounds like a theory worth investigating," Alice agreed. "If Mercury and Emerald are connected to whatever's happening, this isn't just about Yang—it's about the integrity of the tournament."

Davi gestured toward the distant crowd with a flourish. "Well then, I say we grab Eden and Nero. A little reconnaissance, some investigative flair, and maybe a chance to catch the culprits red-handed."

Ironwood straightened, his gaze sharp. "Do what you must. But keep a low profile. This situation is delicate, and the last thing we need is a public panic."

As the general turned and walked away, Alice looked to Davi, who was already pulling out his scroll.

"Eden's gonna love this," Davi said with a grin. "Nothing like a good mystery to get the team back in action."

Alice smirked, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Let's just hope Nero agrees to help. He's not exactly the team-player type."

"Eh," Davi said, waving a hand dismissively. "I've got a way with people. He'll be on board in no time."

As they headed toward their next destination, the faint hum of anticipation hung in the air. Something bigger than a mere match dispute was brewing, and they were determined to uncover the truth.

A QUIET CORNER IN VALE

Davi, Alice, and Eden stood in a secluded corner of Vale's bustling streets, waiting for Nero to arrive. The group had already brainstormed theories, but they needed Nero's unique insight to tie things together.

"Where is this guy?" Davi muttered, pacing impatiently. "You'd think with all his edge and stealth skills, he'd be faster."

"He'll be here," Alice replied calmly, scanning the crowd. "Nero doesn't like being summoned, but he shows up when it matters."

Eden leaned against a lamppost, arms crossed. "I just hope whatever he has to say is useful. If Mercury and Emerald are behind this, we need proof before we can act."

Before anyone could respond, Nero emerged from the shadows, his mask firmly in place. His presence was so silent that it startled Davi.

"Geez, could you make a little noise next time?" Davi said, clutching his chest dramatically. "I almost died of a heart attack."

"Good," Nero replied flatly. "That's one less person I'd have to deal with."

Alice stifled a chuckle. "All right, Nero, what did you find?"

Nero crossed his arms, his olive-green eyes glinting from beneath his hood. "I wasn't going to say anything, but something's been bothering me since this whole mess started."

Eden stepped closer, intrigued. "Go on."

"A few nights ago," Nero began, his voice low, "I had a run-in with Mercury and Emerald in an alley. They were trying to intimidate someone, another woman. I don't know her name, but she was dangerous. She moved like a trained killer, and I barely made it out alive."

Alice's eyes narrowed. "What did this woman look like?"

Nero responded saying, " Um, a beautiful, red mini dress with black high-heels and...um black hair and a tattoo at her back. My type but she looks like twenty...", Nero said. " Y'know you say the word " and ", to end...", Eden said before he was interrupted. " Yeah, we can all agree that the educational system has failed Nero ", Davi finished. " Do you want my help to not ", Nero said highly offended.

A/N: Alright guys, I know, I know, this episde didn't really end in a um... cliffhanger but a couple of things did happen out of the blue like Cinder discovering Ironwood's research on Davi. And a lot of things changed from the original rwby events and I know you were able to spot them.

Also, I know you are wondering what I'll do on the next episode but yoi will just hve to wait but before then do well to help me follow, review and favorite all of my stories. Until next time PEACE.