Note: I was going to start off by apologizing for a late update, but then I remembered I used to only update chapters like once every two weeks? Or take a whole month off at a time? You fucks are getting this like every few days now. I'm not apologizing for shit lol.

Training Hall. One in the afternoon. Showcases.

Ruby was familiar with the term "media circus". She had her fair share of press conferences and chaotic interviews. But the situation inside of the training hall was as close to a mob as Ruby had ever encountered. There were no citizens or tourists present, but every two feet stood a Vytal Committee member, or an executive, or a reporter and a camera. Where there was not a camera, there was a Vytal contestant, all sixty-plus of them, moving around, speaking with professors, training, preparing. Today was arguably the biggest day, pre-Tournament. There was a lot to get done, and maneuvering through the various events felt like being cattle guided to slaughter. The grey walls and floor of the training hall even reminded her of a prison.

And it was loud. So very loud.

The first order of business once inside the hall was to regroup with the others. The students of Beacon Academy were meant to meet up off to the side of one of the massive battlefields. Team RWBY had to carefully navigate their way past some very frantic journalists, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. On the way, they noticed the opponents for the Showcases being set up along the gridded field: seven-foot-tall stone golems, each with a large sword and shield. They had encountered them once before. During their initial days at Beacon, each student was forced to battle against ten of them at a time as part of their team placement tests. Now, the chosen participants would fight three times as many. A difficult task for a trainee—for a future Vytal Champion, it should be simple.

Eventually, they found their meet-up spot: a booth with a Beacon flag stood up limply on its top. In some ways, it was easy to find, given that Ruby could spot the sleek, pink-haired figure of Vivian Jupitarian through the chaos. She and the rest of Team JJWL were chatting with Professor Ozpin behind the desk. Team JNPR was also there, commentating on the thirty golems they were set to battle. As Team RWBY grew close, they could faintly hear their conversation.

"Where do they store those things when they don't use them?" Nora pondered.

"I think they are collapsable," Ren claimed.

"Think I could fit one in my suitcase—yo, it's Team RWBY! Team RWBY, over here!"

Nora waved them toward her despite them standing only ten feet away. They approached with cautious smiles, keeping Ozpin in the corner of their eyes.

"Hi, all," Ruby said politely. "Ready for the Showcases?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Nora said with a clenched fist. "I mean, I'm not actually going to be doing the fighting, but like… you know."

"Ozpin told you who was assigned the fight?" asked Weiss.

"No, but we can guess," Nora said, indiscreetly nodding toward Pyrrha. The more experienced Huntress sighed.

"We don't know that he would pick me," Pyrrha admitted. "There's a chance he might try to pull something."

"As long as it's unanimous, you can put forward whoever you want," Ruby said. "I'm more curious which one of us he is going to make fight."

Jaune sighed heavily. "Well, you're all talented. It'll be fine… probably…"

His downer tone struck a nerve with Blake, who crossed her arms and pouted. "Is that supposed to mean something?"

Jaune flinched, though Pyrrha stepped to his defense, laughing nervously. "Sorry, he didn't mean that! He's just a bit sad because… well…"

It was an awkward thing to explain, and Jaune found that he had no ability to speak of such a shameful event. Team RWBY were forced to guess, and they were unable to pinpoint the exact cause of Jaune's misery. Yang thought he was nervous about fighting golems, but that was inaccurate. Jaune knew his team wouldn't let him fight golems, unwilling to see him smashed into tiny pulpy pieces. Ruby thought it might have something to do with the recent Expert's Prediction Poll released that morning, where Huntsmen, Professors, Historians, and Journalists alike all anonymously voted as to who would likely win the Festival. Pyrrha Nikos ranked in first place, expectedly, and Ruby thought there might be jealousy at play. She was also wrong. Jaune never expected to rank highly on that poll, and thus there was no expectation to fall short of. Blake suggested he had shit his pants like a little baby. That was, unsurprisingly, also wrong.

No, the reason Jaune was so down in the dumps was that, on the official Vytal Website Roster Page, the one everyone in the world would use to monitor the results of the Vytal Festival, someone misspelled his name.

"Seriously?" Weiss asked. Jaune nodded shamefully.

"J-U-A-N-E," he said. "I don't know how they messed it up."

"How is it normally spelled?" Blake asked.

"Flip the A and U," said Pyrrha suspiciously. "You didn't know that?"

"Why would I ever write down Jaune's name?"

"That's… actually, I don't know."

"Boom."

Ruby tried to be more comforting. "That's okay, Jaune. I'm sure it happens all the time."

It probably did, though that didn't exactly make Jaune feel better. With a non-existent Semblance, a sword, and a shield, the lone knight was already pretty shotty in his chances in Vytal. Their not even remembering his name was another reminder of his fate. He wanted more than anything to be useful to his team. When would his chance to prove himself finally come?

As Team RWBY and Team JNPR waited around, the last of the Beacon teams arrived. It was really uncertain if Team CFVY would ever show their faces. There was likely some manipulative force commanding them to appear for the Showcases. But they looked rough. Fox seemed unbothered, and Coco could hide her expressions behind her sunglasses, but Yatsu was far behind the group with slow, uncomfortable steps, and Velvet… well, Velvet looked ill. She was pale and puffy and her mouth was curled into a detestable sneer, and she seemed like she wanted to be literally anywhere else. Team JNPR had been informed over text of the great Yatsu-Velvet break-up, but seeing the effects firsthand were nasty.

"Uh, you all right there, everyone?" Nora asked uncomfortably. "You look, um…"

Coco clapped her hands together. "Hey! How about we just get this Showcase done with? Okay?"

Her mouth twitched, and everyone took that as an effective sign to shut the hell up. They awkwardly wandered over to Ozpin and Team JJWL. On seeing Velvet's face, Vivian spurted laughter.

"Damn girl, what happened to you?" she cackled. "Caught the plague?"

"Bite me," Velvet muttered under her breath.

"Oho! And it's contagious!"

"Ozpin, we're here," Ruby said quickly, refusing to let the tension linger. "What's our schedule look like?"

Ozpin held in his hands a tablet and ran through his notes. He was, again, unhostile, going about his duties as if he were watching over any other team. Time and place, Ruby supposed. The sixteen Beacon students waited around the booth as he adjusted his glasses.

"Well, before the Showcases begin, you'll have to get your pictures taken," Ozpin explained. "You'll be called into Room A, and they'll do your make-up there. All for your official Vytal IDs."

"Make-up?" Jaune groaned.

"I hope it's pretty," Nora said eagerly.

Velvet huffed but said nothing.

"They're also going to be completing your bios today, and your nicknames," Ozpin said. "Obviously, don't write anything profane. That includes you, Miss Belladonna."

"You think I'm gonna drop f-bombs for Vytal?" Blake said curiously.

"Given what your team motto is, it's a reasonable concern."

"Also, nicknames?" Blake asked. "Since when was that a thing?"

"Major fighting tournaments," Pyrrha explained, "usually give each of their contestants an alias. It's more exciting for the audience when everyone has a distinct persona."

"Yeah," said Nora. "Like… here comes Bob Bartholomew, the 'Gene Splicer'. Or something. I'm going with 'Ultra Thunder Bomb'. Has a nice kick to it."

"Do we have to?" Blake groaned. "Seems kind of childish."

"If you want, Miss Belladonna," Ozpin said, "the Vytal Committee or your teammates can assign one for you."

Blake rolled her eyes. The idea of anyone else trying to define her put a vile taste in her mouth. "I'll come up with something."

"I'm sure you will," Ozpin sighed. "Then, once everyone has their IDs completed, we can go to… yes, you all have some interviews scheduled. One per team and one individually. They are mostly puff pieces, so just act naturally and don't say anything too controversial. These packages will be given to prospective sponsors after the fact, so they can be quite valuable. Not that you girls need more assistance."

"We'll be gentle," Ruby said with a sly smile. "And then the Showcases after?"

"No… the panels are next," Ozpin said.

"Panels?"

"This is a new feature this year. They want to display an increased amount of solidarity between the Academies due to the Grimm attack. As such, there will be two panels, four Huntsmen each, where students from different Academies can speak to one another and talk about their experiences. I think it is mostly pointless, but I had no say in the process."

"Really?" Ruby asked. "No say at all?"

"You think I have more influence over Vytal than I'm letting on, Miss Rose?" Ozpin asked. "Then why are you here?"

Ruby didn't have a counterargument. She took the opportunity at face value. A chance to speak to other Huntsmen about their future? This was precisely what she was looking for: information. Insight. Advantage. There was no reason for her to turn down this panel. All she had to do was get invited to talk on one and—

"Oh, and they actually selected their participants already," Ozpin said. "Ruby, you're on the first panel, Luci, you are on the second."

Well… that solved that problem. Luci Wyld, the biophilic Huntress, reacted with a meek shrug. Talking to creatures that talked back wasn't usual for her, but she could handle it. Ruby took the opportunity in stride. She would represent Team NYBF with grace and learn everything she could about her competitors. She could already feel their chances of victory rise.

"Then, we get to the Showcases after that," Ozpin said. "I know you've all been dying to know who I selected. A reminder before I announce the participants: You may change your team's representative if you want—"

"We know," Velvet groaned. "Get on with it already!"

Ozpin was taken aback by Velvet's outburst, staring at her unblinking for several seconds. "Well… okay then." He thumbed through his tablet, nodding toward Team JJWL. "For the seniors… Vivian. You'll be doing your Showcase."

Vivian sighed lovingly. "Who could have seen that one coming?"

"Don't you have someone on your team who can manipulate rock?" asked Yang.

Calaheart raised her hand. "Me!"

"But that's boring," said Vivian.

Calaheart lowered her hand. "Also true!"

"Moving on," Ozpin announced. "For Team CFVY, I decided to go with—"

"Actually, sir," Fox said suddenly, stepping forward. "We decided I'm doing the Showcase today."

Again, Ozpin was stunned. "You?"

"Yep," said Fox. "The other members of my team have some things going on, so I'm doing the combat today."

Velvet turned directly to Yatsu, pupils quivering with rage. Yatsu did his best to ignore her as sweat pooled on his forehead. Coco inched closer to Velvet, ready to stop her just in case she decided to lunge. It was all the information Ozpin required, so he accepted it without further examination.

"Team JNPR. Pyrrha," Ozpin said kindly. "Would you be willing to do the Showcase?"

Pyrrha wasn't shocked by the choice. They already agreed as a team that she would fight regardless of what Ozpin chose. And perhaps, Ozpin had merely read the writing on the wall. But with how he behaved the day before, she eyed his kindness with suspicion. No matter how desperately he tried to lure her back to his side, she would not be swayed again.

"Yes. I will fight," she said simply.

"Excellent," Ozpin smiled. "And that brings me to Team RWBY. Picking which one of you would fight was a challenge. You are all more than capable." He glazed the four, narrow eyes searching up and down, taking in their disgust with a sort of grotesque pleasure. "After considering all of the options, and prioritizing the success of Beacon Academy, I finally came to what I feel is a fair conclusion. The person performing your Showcase battle will be…" He drew out a pause, darting between the four of them, keeping them second-guessing as long as possible before he let the name slither from his lips. "Yang."

All eyes turned to the dragon, and in one moment, their temperament clicked from caution to vitriol. Of course. Pick the woman who was nearest to death. The woman who was removed from medical leave only days prior to the Festival. Put her out against an overwhelming force and watch her squirm. Nothing would give Ozpin greater satisfaction than to watch their strongest member taken out before the Tournament even began.

But Yang just rolled their head back and laughed. They looked at the bright lights of the ceiling, slowly shaking their head. Hands-on their hips, they took Ozpin's belittlement in stride.

"Yeah. Sure. Why not?" If they had any fear, they were doing a damn good job of hiding it. "We'll bust up some golems for you. We've been meaning to shake off the cobwebs anyway."

Ruby grabbed at their hand, a million worries running through her mind.

"Yang—"

"Ruby, don't worry." They flashed her a charming grin and winked. "We've got this."

That shouldn't have been enough to quell Ruby's doubts. But for that moment, Ruby saw in her sister the woman she grew up with. Cocky, brave, and strong. It was a smile that told Ruby not to worry. Big Sis was going to make all those monsters go away. Get a Strawberry Sunrise ready for the victory celebration. Ruby could only bow her head and accept Yang's choice. She would see them when those golems were turned to rubble.

Blake, riding off of Yang's confidence, raised her hand. "So, what do we do if we aren't fighting or talking?"

Ozpin gave her a chastising glare. "You may watch the Showcases from the sidelines. I'm sure your teammates would appreciate you watching."

"But we can also just… leave?"

"I can't stop you."

Blake considered the option for a moment, though internally struck it down. She wouldn't be much of a supportive girlfriend if she just left Yang the moment they—

"Fine. Let's get this over with."

Velvet's voice was full of so much apathy it threatened to smother every other emotion in the group. Her sunken eyes kept wavering back to Yatsu, dripping with contempt. Blake, for the first time in her life, worried about getting on Velvet's bad side.

It wasn't long before Team NYBF and Team JJWL were whisked away to their first task. ID creation. Room A was a canvas for photoshoots. Each of the Beacon students was first led to a make-up chair, tended to by two assistants who brushed away impurities and plumped their lips. Boys, girls, and Nevan were each treated with a deft touch, keeping alterations to a minimum. People liked the gruffness of a Huntsman after all. Then, one at a time, they were seated in front of a white background, and told to look into the camera. They were meant to face it head-on with little emotion, but everyone knew that competitors would give a flashy display of their personality. Yang gave the camera a cocky grin. Vivian gave an even cockier grin. Coco managed to sneak a wad of gum into her mouth and blew a delightfully big bubble that obscured whatever parts of her face her sunglasses could not. Velvet swatted away the make-up, took her photo as-is, and stormed out of the room to her next task.

Biographies. Short. Sweet. Give the people a tease and something to root for. The Vytal Committee hired a scriptwriter to assist them if they so required. Ruby used his guidance to create something relatively plain. "The brave leader of Team RWBY needs no introduction. The second-youngest woman to ever enter the Vytal Festival, Ruby Rose uses her fierce intellect along with a fast, aggressive combat style to slice through her enemies with her sniper-scythe, Crescent Rose. Already known the world over, this Hero of Vale wishes to make history once again by becoming Vytal Champion." She would let her prowess in battle speak for itself. She noticed Nora and Coco getting extremely into their biographies, the former bouncing up and down as she rattled all the details she wanted within.

The biographers asked for Ruby's weapon name. She provided it and a basic description of its abilities.

They asked for her Semblance, and she explained it the best she could.

They asked for things she liked. She said she liked weapons, math and science, and sweets.

And then, the nicknames.

Some people might think nicknames were a silly affair. Ruby would tell those people to live a little. As someone who named every single team attack she created, the need for a nickname seemed incredibly obvious to her. There was nothing more hype than watching a Huntsman enter an arena, cloaked in some badass gear, getting announced as The Terminator or Killing Machine or Violence Incarnate. When she was younger, she would parade around the living room with a broomstick, pretending to sweep in the adulation of the crowd. She even came up with a nickname for herself: Little Red, after the name her dad would call her when tucking her in bed. Of course, she was five then, and as she matured, she created new, better, kick-ass nicknames. Rosey Reaper. Scarlet Sniper. The Glorious Ruby Rose. When she was fourteen, when her dream of becoming a Huntress was slightly more concrete, she realized she needed to settle on something. Her final nickname would be Proud Huntress.

Like her mother wanted her to be.

Ruby stood over a slip of paper with her name on it, ink pen in hand. All she had to do was modify it to her heart's content. Add the name in the middle? Ruby "Proud Huntress" Rose. No, that sounded weird. "Proud Huntress" Ruby Rose sounded much better. She touched the tip of the pen to the white, and an image of her mother appeared in her head. Summer never got to participate in Vytal, but she would be so proud of everything Ruby had accomplished. Ruby could see her smile and feel her warmth. She felt her pride swelling inside of her. The vision of Summer seemed so real…

Ruby saw her on her knees, blood streaming down her face.

Summer Rose never got the chance to participate in Vytal because Ozpin never let her. He controlled every aspect of her life. Ruined it for his own gain. He acted so damn smug it made Ruby sick. Him, Ironwood, Goodwitch… they were trying to control her as well. More images snapped into her mind. Holding her friends hostage. Nearly being sold away in a police interrogation room. The suffering in the Vault. They manipulated her from day one, trying to hold her back from the truth, from her power, from her greatness. They did everything they could to stop her from entering Vytal, but they had failed. They were desperate to hold her down, to execute her as they did her mother right before her eyes. But she was going to show them all how strong she was.

And with everything else, all of the new, burgeoning emotions, a new name slipped into her mind.

She made her decision on the spot.

The students of Beacon chose their nicknames within minutes, and soon, the official Vytal website would have their profiles completed.

"The King of the Huntsmen" Vivian Jupitarian—because she was the best there ever was.

"Invincible" Pyrrha Nikos—a name she earned but never asked for.

"The Dragon" Yang Xiao Long—burning and ferocious.

"The Mountain" Yatsuhashi Daichi—because, well, look at him.

"Proud Knight" Jaune Arc—which he long aspired to become.

Velvet "Mad Hops" Scarlatina—a name assigned long ago by Coco, somewhat problematic, but appropriate for her former fighting style.

"The Forger" Calaheart Luvcano—because building and smashing was her forte.

"Black Death" Nevan Jupitarian—representative of their heart.

"Adorable Atheist Anarchist" Blake Belladonna—appropriate.

"Blessed by Nature" Luci Wyld—for her true love.

Fox "Joker" Alistair—since he loved to mess around.

"Ultra Thunder Bomb" Nora Valkyrie—which was objectively the best nickname.

"Heartthrob" Lie Ren—Nora picked it for him before he could protest.

"The Coolest Ever" Coco Adel—which she was.

"The Chosen One" Weiss Schnee—for the destiny she would claim as her own.

And lastly, Ruby Rose, who henceforth would be known as: "The Red Angel."

Excerpts of Interviews with Vytal Contestants (Edited for Conciseness and Clarity)

Question 1: How does it feel to enter the Vytal Festival?

Ruby Rose, RWBY: It feels like a dream come true. I've been looking forward to it my entire life, ever since I was a child. Getting to be in Vytal is something my mom never had the opportunity to do, so to accomplish this feels like I'm living her dream as well.

Reese Chloris, ABRN: Like I don't deserve to be here. Seriously, it doesn't feel real sometimes. Then I pinch myself, and yeah, I'm actually here. How did that happen? Did someone accidentally write my name on a form somewhere?

Bianca Prisma, BRIR: The Vytal Festival is the culmination of my entire career. Everything I've ever fought for has led to the opportunity in front of me. I have to remind myself that this is just another competition, or else I can feel my nerves overwhelm me. Six fights, and then it's all over. But getting to each round will be harder than anything I've faced before.

Ne0N Katt, FNKI: It's, like, totes amazing! Vytal is super epic, and I know all of my Kitty Katts are just dying to see me on the big stage. But it's also, like, overwhelming a little? Like, ohmygosh, some people can be super nasty. But I'm gonna go cray-cray on them for real though.

Blake Belladonna, RWBY: Eh.

Question 2: What is your strategy going into the first round?

Weiss Schnee, RWBY: Any seasoned Huntress knows to expect the unexpected. I have been training diligently to use my weapon and Semblance, and I believe that mastering the fundamentals is going to be crucial for the opening conflict. With no additional modifiers, any fight will come down to pure skill, after all.

Private John Ameson, Atlas: Atlasian strategies are strictly confidential, but I will use all of my training to ensure a successful victory for my Kingdom.

Pyrrha Nikos, JNPR: My strategy is the same as it's always been. Discover an opponent's weakness, and then exploit it.

Nolan Porfirio, BRNZ: They call me the Heartstopper for a reason. I'm going to get up close and personal and electrify their brains out. They won't be able to move when I'm done with 'em.

Octavia Ember, NDGO: Be quick, be aggressive, and be ruthless. The faster you finish your opponent, the less your chance of accruing a significant injury going into another round. One cannot afford any wasted motion.

Question 3: Is there anyone in particular you would like to face?

Coco Adel, JJWL: Vivian Jupitarian, Brawnz Ni, or Penny Polendina.

Brawnz Ni, BRNZ: Someone really tough, so I can test my skills. A real man. Maybe that giant guy, Yoshi-something?

Yang Xiao Long, RWBY: We don't know. Anyone from CSVR seems pretty cool. Probably not someone who can shoot me from far away though.

Jessica Cruz, CSVR: Someone mentioned wanting to fight me? Oh… I guess, I could want to fight them, too…

Nebula Violette, NDGO: It doesn't matter, does it? They all have to go down in the end. There's plenty of people I'd like to smack though.

Pyrrha Nikos, JNPR: I'm… not going to answer that question.

Question 4: How do you get along with your teammates?

Mercury Black, MNSS: My boys? They're the best. I'm sure they're going to kick ass all throughout the tournament. If they don't, I'll kick their asses. That's a joke, don't run with that.

Roane Ashwood, BRIR: Being on a Huntress team is a bit like having sisters. Sometimes we bicker or disagree, but at the end of the day, we all love each other. Team BRIR hit a rough patch last year, but lately, we've been firing on all cylinders! I really think we could make the final four together. I know they all feel the same.

Fox Alistair, CFVY: Great. Everything is fine. No drama whatsoever. Don't even sweat it.

Blake Belladonna, RWBY: They're pretty good. Like, sixty-six percent good teammates.

Flynt Coal, FNKI: We do everything Ne0N could ever need from us. If Ne0N wants her wardrobe changed, we change it. If she wants only green candies, we pick out the other colors from the bowl. As long as we are all on the same page, we're one smooth machine. If that's what you mean by getting along, then I guess it's good, ain't it?

Question 5: Are you concerned at all about the potential death of your teammates?

Ruby Rose: How could I not be? Everyone knows that Vytal is incredibly risky. But we wouldn't be here if the reward wasn't worth it. I know that my teammates are talented enough to win the tournament, so staying safe shouldn't be an issue. But it's always going to be there in the back of my mind. I just have to try my best not to focus on that during a match.

Dew Gayl, NDGO: Uhhhh, what kind of question is that?

Mari McCabe, CSVR: Every time you go into battle, you can always lose someone. I've dealt with more loss in my life than I can count, and trust me, it never gets easier. We all know what's at stake though. We'll be ready when the time comes.

Nevan Jupitarian, JJWL: No.

Mute, NTMR: …

Neptune Vasilias, MNSS: Well, I wasn't until you just mentioned it!

Question 6: What is your strategy for facing the environments starting in the second round?

Calaheart Luvcano, JJWL: All I want is to fight in the lava stage. Please, Vytal Committee, headmasters, whoever is in charge of this… I am begging you to give me the lava stage. I'll take literally anything in the third round, just please lava.

Ruda Tilleroot, BRIR: Well, my Semblance requires earth to work, so anything that doesn't involve flying around or swimming, I should be okay.

Victor Stone, CSVR: Scan and adapt on the fly. That's all anyone can ask for when we're faced with an unknown obstacle. The thing is, my opponent and I are both going in blind. So all you have to do is think a few steps ahead of them.

Mercury Black, MNSS: I'm good with anything.

Luci Wyld, JJWL: If it involves animals, then I have an advantage. If it doesn't, I'm out of luck. It's all random, so we can't think too far ahead.

Ne0N Katt, FNKI: Well, as I'm sure everyone knows, there was a fan vote this year for some of the environments. I'm hoping—no, I know—that my Kitty Katts have come through and given me a worthwhile stage to perform on. Wouldn't that be fantabular if I got the stage my fans picked? OMG, I'm gushing just thinking about it.

Arslan Altan, ABRN: Nothing changes.

Question 7: Reports have indicated a record attendance this year for the Festival. Is there any pressure knowing that you will be fighting in front of a worldwide audience?

Private Vil Lann, Atlas: Absolutely! While our training has prepared us well, it is always daunting to be tested. But I don't want to say too much more.

Reese Chloris, ABRN: If you say you aren't feeling the pressure, you're lying. The yell of the crowd is what makes it fun. You gotta feel them if you want to succeed.

Bolin Hori, ABRN: Eh, not really. Whatever happens, happens.

Yang Xiao Long, RWBY: We've never had a problem fighting in front of an audience. Not once. Maybe Vytal will be different, but it's hard to say. We're coming off an injury, so honestly, that's more concerning to us. But hey, you know what they say about pressure and diamonds, right?

Vivian Jupitarian, JJWL: I've waited my whole life for this audience. Pressure? Please. They're gonna get a good show. Trust me.

Question 8: Sponsorships have played a very large role in this Festival, more than others. With the SDC withdrawing their Dust from Atlas students and Queen's Purified Dust only supplying limited amounts to Mistral students, how do you expect Dust shortages to play into your strategies?

Weiss Schnee, RWBY: My sister recalled her Dust supply from Atlas Academy because of the actions of its former headmaster. It's a shame that his actions are going to result in his students being disadvantaged. Dust is heavily utilized by Atlasian students since it can better promote uniformity in a unit than a variety of Semblances. I expect that many Atlas students will have a tough time especially.

Ciel Soleil, Atlas: It is obviously unfair that we have limited Dust, while the teams from Beacon get an unlimited supply. Unfortunately, discrimination against our Kingdom is commonplace. We will show Atlas's strength regardless of whatever handicaps we have to overcome.

Nebula Violette, NDGO: It's absurd, obviously. Even though I have access to Dust, the treatment of my fellow competitors is highly unfair. It's just another example of liberal politics messing with the integrity of our profession.

Tibium Ash, NTMR: Tibium Ash likes to grow bones.

Question 9: Is there anything you would like to say to anyone back home who could not attend the Festival?

Blake Belladonna, RWBY: Uh, yeah. If my mom is somehow seeing this… you know what, never mind.

Juane Arc, JNPR: Hi, everyone! It's me, Jaune. Well, you know it's me. Um, I'm going to win this thing for you, so be sure to watch. I don't know why you wouldn't, though.

Victoria Rasputin, NTMR: No one from my home attended the Festival, nor can they hear me now. I intend to fully record every detail of the dissection for prosperity. When this is over, the final results will be delivered to them.

Bianca Prisma, BRIR: I know I'll see them later today, but… Mom, Dad, I love you so much. I wouldn't be here without all the hard lessons you taught me.

Nora Valkyrie, JNPR: Shoot, doesn't Ren have, like, a grandpa living back in Mistral? Hey, Ren! Does your grandpa live in Mistral still? Want me to say hello? Oh, he said no.

Question 10: At the end of the day, why do you think you deserve to win the Vytal Festival?

Bianca Prisma, BRIR: In many ways, I don't have a choice. Not if I ever want to be the Huntress I know I can be. I need to reclaim my place as the best in the world.

Arslan Altan, ABRN: My culture has been looked down upon for centuries. The Solemn Faith is meant to teach discipline and strength that these other Huntsmen sorely lack. This is my chance to prove my own strength and correct a world that went astray a long time ago.

Coco Adel, CFVY: I grew up with nothing. I had to bust my ass every single day to get where I am now. Do you think I'm going to come all this way just to fall short when my family and friends are counting on me?

Mercury Black, MNSS: Deserve to win? People don't deserve anything in life.

Nebula Violette, NDGO: I deserve to win because I am a superior class of Huntress. I am tired of being looked down upon because of my Vacuon heritage. Culling these pathetic excuses of Huntsmen is worth just as much to me as mounting the Vytal trophy on my mantle.

Brawnz Ni, BRNZ: Because I'm the strongest Huntsman in the world. All I want to do is beat people up, get rich, and get women. I'm an alpha. Do you know what alpha means?

Penny Polendina, Atlas: I don't believe I deserve anything. But it is my responsibility to serve my Kingdom. I will do whatever it takes to achieve victory.

Question 11: What do you plan on doing after winning the Vytal Festival?

Ruby Rose, RWBY: Hopefully, go back to doing what we've always done. Continue our training as Huntresses, promote our work in the Team RWBY Fund, and try to make the world a better place.

Pyrrha Nikos, JNPR: I don't really know what lies in store for me after Vytal. It's hard to think of anything beyond if that makes sense. Almost like this is the end.

Vivian Jupitarian, JJWL: I'm going to Dust World! That's what you're supposed to say, right? I don't know, maybe I'll buy a yacht or somethin'.

Alyx Nevermore, NTMR: Wait, the Vytal Festival is happening now?