Flame and Ice: AU Oc x Weiss [Black Clover/Tales of Series x RWBY]

Opening:

opening theme: Alive by Reona [Arknights: Prelude to Dawn]

Visuals: Replace the Arknights characters with the cast of this story and replace the reunion with Grimm and Atlas soldiers. The opening depicts the divide between the elves and the humans, while Huntsman and Huntresses fight off the Grimm. The chorus shows Odyn and the other elves struggle against the humans, the same with the faunus and Saiyan characters. The song ends as it zooms to a shot of Odyn and Weiss look off into the distance before the dark elf turns to look at Weiss. Weiss, noticing his gaze just smiles as the title card for the story comes up after the screen goes black.

Chapter 7: Jaundice; The Stray

"And that's the match," Glynda announced, tapping her scroll as the arena's lights brightened. The display screen showed Jaune's aura hovering dangerously in the red while Cardin's remained well above half. "Mr. Winchester advances."

Cardin shouldered his mace with a smug grin, while Jaune picked himself up slowly from the floor, his breathing heavy. From the stands, Pyrrha's hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her emerald eyes filled with concern for her partner.

"Mr. Arc," Glynda continued, pushing her glasses up with a stern but not unkind expression, "while your defensive instincts show improvement, your current combat readiness falls below the threshold required for Vytal Festival participation. I suggest focused training before the tournament begins."

In the elevated seating where the elven contingent sat, Roy and Odyn exchanged meaningful glances while making notes. Thallion's violet eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he studied Jaune's stance and recovery.

"He's got good instincts," Lailah murmured to Saibyrh. "But his fundamentals are..."

"Nearly non-existent," Saibyrh finished with a slight frown. "As if he never received proper basic training."

Nora was practically vibrating in her seat with the effort of not rushing down to the arena floor, while Ren placed a calming hand on her shoulder. Ruby and Yang shared worried looks – they'd all seen Jaune improve over the semester, but this match had made it clear there was still a significant gap to bridge.

"Class dismissed," Glynda announced. "And Mr. Arc? My office hours are available if you wish to discuss additional training options."

As the students began filing out, Pyrrha quickly made her way to Jaune's side. His shoulders were slumped, but he managed a weak smile at his partner's approach.

"I swear I used the stance you showed me," he said before she could speak. "I just... couldn't make it work when Cardin started hitting back."

"Perhaps," Odyn's voice came from behind them, making both students turn, "what you need is a different perspective on training." His eyes met Pyrrha's, and understanding passed between them. "We might be able to help with that."

"He's got the heart of a warrior," Hailfire observed, her crimson eyes thoughtful as she watched Jaune gather his gear. "But something's holding him back beyond just confidence."

Flare's fox ears twitched as she nodded in agreement. "It's like he's fighting against himself as much as his opponents. I can sense the tension in his aura – it's all tangled up."

"The foundation is there," Roy added, running a hand through his cerulean and lavender streaked hair. "Just... buried under something he's not telling us."

Odyn looked to where Lailah and Saibyrh stood observing from the teacher's platform. His aunt gave him a subtle nod – this was something the younger generation could handle, but they had backup if needed.

"We'll start with basics," Odyn decided, watching as Pyrrha helped Jaune adjust his armor straps. "But not just combat basics. He needs to understand his own strength before he can properly use it."

"Like what you did for me," Flare said softly, remembering her own struggles with controlling her majin abilities. Her tail swished thoughtfully. "Sometimes you have to go backward to move forward."

"Think he'll tell us what's really going on?" Hailfire asked, crossing her arms. As a vanguard, she was used to facing problems head-on, but this required a more delicate touch.

"He will," Roy assured them, his violet eyes soft with understanding. "When he's ready. Until then, we work with what he's willing to share."

The team exchanged determined looks before approaching Jaune and Pyrrha. Whatever was holding their friend back – whether it was just confidence or something deeper – they would help him find his way through it.

After all, that's what friends were for.

"Hey, Jaune," Odyn called out, causing the blonde to look up. "How do you feel about some extra training sessions? All of us together – no pressure, just practice."

The way Jaune's eyes lit up with hope, even through his obvious discouragement, told them they were on the right track. Sometimes the first step toward strength was simply knowing you weren't walking the path alone.

The cafeteria bustled with activity as the large group occupied several pushed-together tables, their diverse members creating quite the sight. Zero's blue skin and bio-armor gleamed under the fluorescent lights as he thoughtfully observed Jaune picking at his food.

"The form is improving," Khanna noted quietly to Lazuli, her eyes tracking Jaune's movements even in something as simple as reaching for his drink. "But there's still hesitation in everything he does."

Lazuli nodded, her majin powers briefly causing her hair to shift colors before settling. "It's like watching someone constantly second-guessing their right to be here."

At the far end of the table, Sarai brushed her lavender and blue-streaked hair back, exchanging knowing looks with her brother Odyn. They'd seen similar behavior in young warriors before, but this felt different.

"Hey Jaune," Scarlett called out suddenly, her red hair catching the light as she leaned forward. "Remember that move you pulled in training yesterday? The shield feint? That was actually pretty clever."

Jaune looked up, surprise crossing his features. "Oh, uh, thanks. I kind of just... reacted, I guess."

"That's exactly it!" Eleryc interjected, his dark features animated. "Your best moments come when you stop thinking and just trust your instincts."

"Like a true warrior," Giblet added, while Baron and Jinjer nodded in agreement.

Aiko's wolf ears perked up as she noticed something in Jaune's expression – a flash of guilt that appeared and vanished so quickly she might have missed it if not for her faunus senses. She caught Zero's eye across the table, and he gave a subtle nod. He'd seen it too.

"You know," Flare said carefully, her fox tail swishing thoughtfully, "sometimes the hardest person to be honest with is yourself."

The conversation around the table quieted slightly, and Jaune's hands tightened on his fork. Pyrrha, sitting beside him, placed a gentle hand on his arm.

"Whatever's holding you back," Roy added softly, "it doesn't change who you are now, or who you're becoming."

The tension in Jaune's shoulders was visible now, and the entire group could sense they were on the edge of something important. Hailfire exchanged glances with Odyn – sometimes the breakthrough came not from training, but from knowing you had people who would stand by you, no matter what.

The question was: would Jaune take that first step toward real honesty?

As the friends talked they hear a commotion from the background that commotion is revealed to be Cardin Winchester, the School Bully teasing Velvet, the rabbit faunus from CVFY. Sarai is getting annoyed with the noise coming from Cardin and his teammates as they mock Velvet for her faunus features and suddenly stands up and excuses herself.

"Excuse me guys... but that incessant racket back there is grating on my nerves! I'll be right back..." Sarai said as she is then seen to be storming right up to Cardin and his team, cleaarly looking very annoyed.

Roy calls to her not to go overboard to which she replies that she makes no promises. The friends watch as CRDL was clearly not ready for a very irate Sarai to verbally tear into them and publicly embarass them in front of the whole cafeteria. The confrontation went about as expected since Sarai somehow some way got all 4 of the bullies to grovel and aplolgize to Velvet.

"Well, well," Sarai's voice cut through the cafeteria like ice, her lavender and blue hair seeming to ripple with her irritation. "Four big, strong huntsmen-in-training, and this is what you do with your time? Picking on someone because of their heritage?"

Cardin turned, his smug expression faltering slightly at the sight of the clearly annoyed elven warrior. "This doesn't concern you—"

"Oh, but it does," Sarai interrupted, her eyes flashing dangerously. "You see, I find it fascinating how people like you always target others when you're in a group. Makes me wonder how brave you'd be one-on-one."

From their table, the gathered friends watched with varying degrees of satisfaction. Zero leaned toward Aiko and whispered, "Five lien says she makes at least one of them cry."

"Not taking that bet," Aiko replied, her wolf ears twitching in amusement. "I've seen that look in her eyes before."

"Should we... stop her?" Jaune asked hesitantly, though he couldn't quite hide his smile as Cardin's team began to shift uncomfortably under Sarai's withering gaze.

"Nope," Odyn replied, popping the 'p' as he watched his sister work. "Sometimes you need to let nature take its course."

Sarai was now circling CRDL like a predator, her voice carrying clearly across the now-silent cafeteria. "Let's discuss your combat rankings, shall we? Because I've been watching, and frankly, it's embarrassing. The only time you show any skill is when you're four-on-one against someone you think won't fight back."

Russel tried to step forward, but one look from Sarai had him stepping back so quickly he bumped into Sky.

"Now," she continued, her tone deceptively sweet, "you're going to apologize to Velvet. And it's going to be sincere, because if it isn't, we'll have a special training session where I demonstrate exactly why picking on others is a bad idea. Understood?"

The transformation was almost comical – four burly huntsmen-in-training practically falling over themselves to offer genuine apologies to a stunned Velvet.

"And this better be the last time I hear about anything like this," Sarai added as they finished their apologies. "Because next time, I won't be so nice about it."

Looking towards Velvet, the boys apologized.

"We're sorry for making fun of you..," They said in unison.

This of course didn't even come close to satisfying Sari as she could tell they weren't really sincere with their apology.

"HUH?? YOU CALL THAT AN APOLOGY?! YOU DUNDERHEADS! PUT SOME BACKBONE INTO IT!!! AND YOU BETTER MEAN IT THIS TIME!" Sarai's voice boomed through the cafeteria, making everyone jump – and making Cardin's team practically leap out of their skin.

"We're sorry!"

"Uhhh? I CAN"T HEAR YOU! SAY IT AGAIN!"

"We're Sorry!"

"SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT, YOU IDIOTS!"

"WE'RE SORRY FOR WHAT WE DID!"

At the friend's table, Roy nearly choked on his drink while Odyn buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking with laughter. "That's my sister," he managed between chuckles.

The sight of CRDL – the supposedly tough bullies of Beacon – practically falling over themselves to deliver the most sincere, desperate apologies ever witnessed was something that would go down in school legend.

"We're so very, very sorry, Velvet!" Cardin practically squeaked, his voice hitting an octave none of his classmates had ever heard before. "Your Faunus heritage is beautiful and we were complete idiots and it will never happen again please don't let her kill us!"

Lazuli was practically crying with laughter, leaning on Khanna for support. "Did... did his voice just crack?"

"I think Dove is actually shaking," Zero observed with obvious delight, while Aiko's tail wagged with barely contained mirth.

"Now THAT'S more like it!" Sarai declared, crossing her arms and watching as CRDL practically sprinted from the cafeteria, nearly tripping over each other in their haste to escape.

The entire cafeteria erupted in applause and laughter as the bullies fled, with several students calling out "Nice one, Sarai!" and "That was amazing!"

Velvet, still standing there with a mix of shock and amusement on her face, turned to Sarai. "I don't think they'll be bothering anyone for a while."

"They better not," Sarai huffed, but there was a satisfied smile playing at her lips. "Though I have to admit, watching Cardin run like that made my whole week."

Back at the table, Scarlett was wiping tears from her eyes. "The way they just... and when she... and their faces!"

"Sometimes," Flare managed between giggles, her fox ears twitching with amusement, "the best way to deal with bullies is to out-intimidate them."

"Without throwing a single punch," Jaune noted thoughtfully, a new light in his eyes as he watched Sarai return to the table.

"What?" she asked innocently as she sat back down, noticing all the grins directed her way. "I just helped them find their backbones. And their manners."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side," Baron chuckled.

"Oh please," Sarai waved her hand dismissively, but her eyes twinkled. "I was being nice. You should see me when I'm actually angry."

The entire group burst into fresh laughter at that, while somewhere in the distance, the fading sound of running footsteps suggested CRDL was still fleeing.

Jaune felt a little cornered since his friends were brave enough to stand up to Cardin, but he also knew his friends were helping him and wanted to see him actually stand up for himself. Undoubtedly, Caardin would wanted revenge against Sarai and the others for embarassing him in some way. However, the blonde knight had a plan that would actually flip things around on what Cardin likely had planned. Only thing is.. he'd have to fool his friends for it to work.

His plan started in class the next day and it really began to take shape when he purposely started to act like he didn't want Pyrha's help with his training one night above their team dorm with Cardin listening in on their conversation. It was revealed that Jaune came across some fake transcripts and lied to get into Beacon academy. However... that was just according to plan. The only one who actually knew about this plan was Odyn as Jaune had told him privately about it after lunch the other day in the cafeteria.

"I don't need help!" Jaune's voice carried across the rooftop, perhaps a bit louder than strictly necessary. "I need to do this on my own, Pyrrha. Just... leave me alone."

From his hiding spot near the rooftop access door, Odyn watched the scene unfold, remembering his private conversation with Jaune the day before.

---Flashback to after lunch---

"It's about the transcripts," Jaune had confided in a whisper, pulling Odyn aside while the others left the cafeteria. "But not in the way everyone might think. I... I have a plan."

"You're going to bait Cardin," Odyn realized, orange eyes widening slightly. "Make him think he has leverage over you."

Jaune nodded. "He's predictable. He'll try to use it for blackmail, thinking he's got me cornered. But this time..." A glimmer of strategic confidence flickered in his blue eyes.

"You'll be the one setting the trap," Odyn finished. "Clever. But why tell me?"

"Because I need someone to know I haven't actually given up. And... to make sure the others don't intervene too soon."

---Present---

Now, watching Pyrrha's hurt expression as she left the rooftop, Odyn had to admire Jaune's commitment to the act. He could sense Cardin's presence on a lower section of the roof, practically radiating smug satisfaction at overhearing what he thought was damaging information.

The next few days would be crucial. Jaune would have to maintain the facade of being under Cardin's thumb, endure his friends' concern and confusion, all while setting up whatever countermove he had planned.

"Just don't overplay your hand," Odyn murmured to himself as he watched Jaune stare out over the campus, his posture deliberately dejected for their hidden audience. There was something satisfying about knowing that Cardin, who thought he was about to turn the tables on everyone who had humiliated him, was actually walking right into Jaune's trap.

Sometimes the best strategy wasn't about being the strongest fighter, but about understanding your opponent's weaknesses – including their arrogance.

Now all Odyn had to do was keep the others from accidentally derailing Jaune's plan while watching their supposedly unsure friend execute what might be the most brilliant strategic move any of them had seen from him yet.

The real question was: what exactly did Jaune have planned for the final act of this performance?

As much as Odyn wanted to let the others know this was all according to a plan Jaune had cooked up on his own, he'd made a promise to the Arc and he intended on keeping it until the time was right. Cardin had taken Jaune to a cliff in the Emerald Forest, overlooking where all of his friends were. Where Pyrha and the others were. Cardin tried convincing him to throw some sap at them to attract Rapier Wasps as his form of revenge against them, especially against Sarai who had publicly humiliated him. Internally Jaune couldn't believe his ears. Cardin's revenge was just so.... petty.

The scene played out exactly as he had planned for it to, that's when Jaune made his move but masked his real intentions when he had turned on Cardin. Well, that was before an Ursa Grimm came. That was NOT according to plan, but a minor detail as he'd deal with it soon enough before the others came running to help him.

"No." Jaune's voice was firm as he held the jar of sap, his back to his friends below.

"What did you say?" Cardin's tone held a threat, but Jaune could hear the uncertainty beneath it.

"I said no." Jaune turned to face the bully, and for just a moment, a flash of something in his eyes made Cardin step back. "And you want to know something funny? Those transcripts you think give you power over me?" A small smile played at his lips. "They're exactly what I wanted you to find."

The confusion on Cardin's face would have been comical if not for the sudden roar that split the air. An Ursa Major burst through the trees, its massive form decorated with bone-white spikes and armor plates. While not part of his original plan, Jaune's expression remained surprisingly calm.

From his observation point, Odyn tensed, ready to intervene, but something in Jaune's stance made him hold back. This wasn't the same nervous warrior from their training sessions – this was someone who had been playing a long game, and even this unexpected development seemed to fold into his strategy.

"You know what the difference is between you and me, Cardin?" Jaune asked, drawing his sword as the Ursa advanced, while Cardin's team fled in terror. "I might have faked my way in, but every day since then, I've been working to earn my place here. You? You just coast on intimidation."

The Ursa charged, and Jaune moved with a fluidity that would have surprised anyone who hadn't been paying close attention during his recent training sessions. His shield came up at precisely the right angle, his footwork suddenly sure and confident.

"And here's another thing," Jaune continued, parrying a massive paw swipe while positioning himself between the Grimm and a frozen Cardin. "Those transcripts? The combat school records? They weren't fake – they were incomplete. Because how do you document training from warriors who technically don't exist?"

Understanding dawned in Odyn's eyes as he watched from the treeline. All those "awkward" training sessions, the apparent struggles... Jaune hadn't been learning the basics, he'd been adapting his existing training to mesh with Beacon's style.

The Ursa reared up for another attack, and Jaune's shield caught its strike perfectly, his blade finding the gap in its armor with practiced precision. "My family has been warriors for generations," he called out to a wide-eyed Cardin. "Did you really think none of them taught me anything?"

Cardin was about to say something when Jaune had swiftly finished off the Ursa who was bearing down on him. He reached a hand towards Cardin who now stood shocked and with a sense of newfound respect for the Arc.

"Holy Crap, Jaune!" Cardin said in stunned awe of how he'd defeated the ursa and fooled him as well with his plan.

"You can change too, Cardin. You don't have to be the big bad bully anymore."

Cardin took Jaune's hand and nodded solemnly. Jaune had given Cardin alot to think about from now on. Safe to say he wouldn't be bullying anyone anymore, not after what he went through.

"I... I don't understand," Cardin said as Jaune helped him to his feet, the Ursa's dissolving form still smoking behind them. "All this time, you were..."

"Playing the long game," Jaune finished with a small smile. "Sometimes the best way to help someone change is to let them think they have the upper hand."

From the treeline, Odyn finally stepped forward, slow-clapping. "Well played, Arc. Very well played."

"You knew?" Cardin asked, looking between them.

"Someone had to," Jaune shrugged. "But the point wasn't to trick you, Cardin. It was to show you there's more to strength than just pushing others around."

Cardin looked down at his hands, then back at Jaune with newfound respect. "The way you handled that Ursa... and here I thought you could barely hold your shield right."

"Amazing what you can do when you're not trying to live up to someone else's idea of strength," Jaune replied. "Something to think about, right?"

"Yeah," Cardin nodded, his usual bravado completely gone. "Yeah, it is." He extended his hand to Jaune. "I've been a real jerk, haven't I?"

"Nothing that can't be fixed," Jaune said, accepting the handshake. "If you're willing to try."

The sound of running footsteps announced the arrival of their friends, drawn by the commotion. They burst into the clearing to find an unusual scene: Jaune and Cardin shaking hands, an impressed-looking Odyn, and the dissipating remains of a rather large Ursa.

"Did we... miss something?" Ruby asked, looking between them all with wide silver eyes.

"Just a little lesson in strategy," Odyn replied with a knowing smile. "And maybe something about second chances?"

Cardin scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Yeah, about that... I owe all of you an apology. A real one this time. No scary elf needed to make me say it."

The gathered friends exchanged surprised looks as they realized something significant had just changed in the dynamics at Beacon. Sometimes the biggest victories came not from defeating an enemy, but from turning one into a friend.

And Jaune Arc, the supposedly struggling student, had just proved himself a master strategist in more ways than one.

"Sarai," Cardin said, turning to face the elven warrior who had so thoroughly dressed him down in the cafeteria. "I especially owe you an apology. You were right about everything – about me being a coward who only felt strong when making others feel weak."

Sarai's expression softened as she accepted his extended hand. "Admitting that takes real strength, Cardin. More strength than any amount of bullying ever showed."

Weiss sidled up to Odyn, intertwining her fingers with his. "You knew about this whole thing, didn't you?" she whispered, giving him a knowing look.

"Perhaps," Odyn replied with a slight smile, squeezing her hand. "But sometimes the best help we can give is staying quiet and letting someone execute their own plan."

Later that evening, on the rooftop where everything had seemed to fall apart, Jaune found Pyrrha practicing her forms in the moonlight.

"Pyrrha?" he called softly. She turned, her emerald eyes meeting his. "I owe you the biggest apology of all."

"You weren't really pushing me away, were you?" she asked, though there was understanding in her voice.

"No," Jaune admitted, moving to stand beside her. "I needed Cardin to think he had leverage over me, but... I hated having to hurt you to make it work. You've been nothing but supportive, and I repaid that by making you think I didn't value your help."

Pyrrha's expression softened. "You know, there are easier ways to handle bullies than elaborate schemes."

"Maybe," Jaune chuckled. "But then Cardin might never have had his change of heart. Sometimes people need to be outmaneuvered rather than overpowered."

"Well," Pyrrha said with a smile, drawing her weapon, "since you're done pretending to be less skilled than you are, perhaps we could have a real sparring match? No holding back this time?"

Jaune drew Crocea Mors with a grin. "I'd like that. Though I should warn you – those 'awkward' training sessions weren't entirely an act. I still have a lot to learn."

"We all do," Pyrrha replied warmly. "That's why we have each other."

As their weapons met in the moonlight, both knew that something had shifted – not just with Cardin, but within their whole group. Trust tested had become trust strengthened, and sometimes the best victories were the ones that left everyone better for the experience.

The next day....

an overview of the streets of Vale is seen being decorated in time for the Vytal Festival. Red, yellow, and green streamers and balloons are proudly on display, and Team RWBY is strolling through it all with an awed Weiss Schnee in the front. A sign is being put up by the elderly Shopkeep that reads in bright red letters "WELCOME TO VALE!" for all the foreign newcomers from their respective kingdoms of Remnant. Odyn and Weiss are seen with their friends from Teams OHRF [Odyn's team], KLBGJ [Khanna's team], SSZEA [Sarai's team], JNPR, and RWBY. Weiss is of course walking with her hand interlocked with Odyn's own briefly as the walk around Vale briefly before she becomes excited and walks in front of the group.

"The Vytal Festival! Oh, this is absolutely wonderful!" Weiss exclaimed, her usual reserved demeanor giving way to genuine excitement as she took in the decorations.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile this much, Weiss," Ruby observed with amusement. "It's kind of weirding me out..."

Odyn chuckled warmly, watching his fiancée's rare display of unbridled enthusiasm. "The festival tends to bring out everyone's inner child," he commented, earning a playful glare from Weiss.

"How could you not smile?" Weiss spun around to face the group, walking backwards with unusual animation. "A festival dedicated to the cultures of the world! There will be dances, parades, a tournament! Oh, the amount of planning and organization that goes into this event is simply breathtaking!"

"You really know how to take a good thing and make it sound boring," Yang teased, while Lazuli and Khanna exchanged amused glances.

"Quiet, you!" Weiss retorted, though there was no real bite to her words.

"Remind me why we're spending our Friday afternoon visiting the stupid docks?" Zero asked, his blue skin gleaming in the sunlight as he wrinkled his nose at the fishy smell.

"I hear students visiting from Vacuo will be arriving by ship today," Weiss replied matter-of-factly. "And, as representatives of Beacon, I feel as though it is our solemn duty to welcome them to this fine kingdom!"

"She wants to spy on them so she'll have the upper hand in the tournament," Blake translated dryly.

"You can't prove that!"

"Actually," Sarai interjected, her lavender and blue-streaked hair catching the light, "I'm kind of curious about the other kingdoms' fighting styles too. Especially since this year's tournament will have some... unique participants." She glanced meaningfully at her fellow non-human teammates.

"Indeed," Flare agreed, her fox ears twitching with interest. "The first Vytal Festival to include representatives from beyond Remnant. Should make things interesting."

As they continued their walk, Ruby suddenly stopped, pointing at something ahead. "Whoa."

The group's attention was drawn to a dust shop cordoned off with police tape, its windows shattered and door hanging off its hinges. Two detectives from the Vale Police Force stood outside, investigating the scene.

The festive mood shifted slightly as they approached, overhearing one detective say to his partner, "Third Dust shop to be hit this week. This place is turning into a jungle."

"What do you think happened?" Eleryc asked, his dark features furrowing with concern.

"Robbery," the detective replied, noticing their group. "Second one this week. This city's going crazy. You kids might want to be careful out there."

The teams exchanged glances, the excitement of the festival temporarily overshadowed by this reminder that not everything in Vale was as peaceful as the decorations suggested. But perhaps that's why the Vytal Festival was so important – a reminder of unity in increasingly uncertain times.

Detective 1: Yeah, just doesn't make a lick of sense. Who needs that much Dust?

Detective 2: I don't know, an army?

Detective 1: You thinking the White Fang?

Detective 2: (removing his sunglasses) Yeah, I'm thinking we don't get paid enough.

"The White Fang," Weiss began carefully, glancing at Blake, Flare, and Aiko with their respective Faunus traits, as well as her elven friends. "While their methods are... concerning, I've come to understand that their actions stem from years of mistreatment and discrimination."

Odyn squeezed her hand gently, proud of how far she'd come from the prejudices she once held.

"That's... surprisingly measured, coming from a Schnee," Blake commented, her amber eyes studying Weiss with interest.

"Well," Weiss replied with a small smile, "someone helped me realize that viewing any group as purely good or evil oversimplifies a very complex situation." She glanced meaningfully at Odyn.

"Still," Lazuli interjected thoughtfully, "robbery isn't the answer to inequality. It just reinforces negative stereotypes."

"The cycle of violence and prejudice," Zero mused, his red eyes scanning the damaged shop. "Each side's actions giving the other more reason to distrust."

"Maybe that's what makes the Vytal Festival so important," Ruby suggested, her silver eyes bright with optimism. "It brings everyone together, shows we can all work together and respect each other."

Sarai nodded. "It's harder to hold onto prejudices when you're sharing meals and competing alongside people from all walks of life."

"Speaking of which," Yang grinned, trying to lighten the mood, "I heard there's going to be some pretty interesting fusion food stands this year. Anyone brave enough to try Vacuan-Atlesian cuisine?"

The group began moving away from the crime scene, the conversation shifting back to festival preparations, but there was a new undercurrent of thoughtfulness to their excitement. Even Weiss's enthusiasm seemed tempered by a more mature understanding of what the festival truly represented – not just a competition, but a chance for real understanding between different peoples.

A/N: This version of Weiss will act differently due to Odyn's influence on her. Meaning her responses are more thought out and measured compared to her canonized character.

Weiss fell back in stride beside Odyn, allowing their hands to once again interlock. This doesn't go unnoticed by the group leading to a knowing smirk upon the faces of Weiss's two best friends aside from Odyn since childhood- Sarai and her cousin Khanna/Seraphina to ask an OBVIOUS question that everyone else in the group was thinking: "Speaking of important... when exactly are you two going to publicly announce what probably half of beacon knows already?"

Weiss's cheeks colored slightly as she glanced at Odyn, who was trying and failing to hide his own smile. "I... we... that is..."

"Oh look, the ever-eloquent Weiss Schnee at a loss for words," Yang teased good-naturedly. "Must be serious."

"We were waiting for the right moment," Odyn explained, his thumb absently brushing over Weiss's engagement ring. "Though apparently we weren't as subtle as we thought."

"Subtle?" Lazuli laughed. "Please. The way you two look at each other? It's like watching one of those romantic movies Pyrrha pretends she doesn't cry over."

"I do not—!" Pyrrha started to protest, before Jaune's knowing grin made her stop mid-sentence.

"To be fair," Ruby chimed in, "even I noticed, and Yang says I'm usually oblivious to this kind of stuff."

Sarai crossed her arms, leveling a look at her brother and future sister-in-law. "Half of Beacon has been placing bets on when you'll make the announcement. I think Professor Port has money on 'dramatic revelation during the tournament.'"

"Professor Port is betting on our love life?" Weiss looked mortified while Odyn struggled to contain his laughter.

"Actually," Blake added with a slight smirk, "I believe Professor Goodwitch has money on 'before the opening ceremony.'"

"The professors too?!" Weiss buried her face in Odyn's shoulder while he finally lost his battle with laughter.

"Well," Khanna suggested with a mischievous glint in her eye, "you could always make the announcement now. Save everyone the suspense."

"And make certain people pay up," Flare added innocently. "Not that I have any personal stake in the timing, of course."

Weiss looked up at Odyn, a mix of exasperation and amusement in her eyes. "We might as well, at this point. Though father will probably have something to say about not controlling the narrative."

"Let him," Odyn replied softly. "Some things are better shared among friends first."

The group waited expectantly as the couple turned to face them properly, though their knowing grins suggested this was more formality than revelation.

"Well then," Weiss straightened her shoulders, every bit the proper heiress despite her pink cheeks. "Yes, Odyn and I are engaged. There. Happy now?"

The collective cheer that went up probably could have been heard back at Beacon.

Though the friends knew thanks to the sudden revelation a few days ago because of Weiss's father visiting, they just wondered when the two would publicly announce it. To which Weiss and Odyn revealed to them they had planned to do so when Odyn's parents: High King Berethon and High Queen Hyuuan visited Vale in the near future- probably within the week. This was to give them time to plan their future as ODyn knew the elves liked to have ample time to "prepare for things of this magnitude". Short answer from both of them- at the Beacon Dance... most likely.

"The Beacon Dance?" Ruby's eyes lit up. "That's actually perfect! It's formal enough for an announcement but not so formal that it feels... stuffy."

"Exactly," Odyn nodded, smiling warmly at Weiss. "And my parents should arrive within the week. Mother has been sending messages almost daily about 'proper ceremonial preparations.'"

"Oh gods," Sarai groaned good-naturedly. "Mother's going to go into full High Queen mode, isn't she? Remember Caliburn's engagement announcement?"

"Three days of ceremonial planning for a five-minute announcement," Odyn chuckled. "Though I suspect this might be even more elaborate, given it involves a union between elven and human nobility."

"Your mother does love her traditions," Weiss said with fond exasperation. "She sent me a thirty-page document on traditional elven engagement customs last week."

"Only thirty?" Khanna raised an eyebrow. "She must be showing restraint."

"That was just part one," Odyn clarified, causing several friends to snicker at Weiss's slightly panicked expression.

"Don't worry," Yang grinned, throwing an arm around Weiss's shoulders. "We'll help you memorize all the fancy elf stuff. Though I have to ask – does this mean we get to wear those awesome ceremonial robes to the dance?"

"Actually," Weiss began, a slight smile playing at her lips, "we were thinking of blending traditions. Elven ceremonial elements with modern Atlesian style."

"Like your relationship," Blake observed thoughtfully. "A bridge between worlds."

"How diplomatic of you," Lazuli teased, though her expression was warm. "Though I suppose that's fitting for a future High Queen of the Elves."

Weiss nearly choked at that title while Odyn patted her back sympathetically. "One step at a time," he suggested. "Let's get through the announcement first."

"And the tournament," Flare added. "Though I suspect the betting pools might shift from 'when will they announce' to 'how many ancient customs will Weiss master before the dance?'"

The group continued their walk through Vale's festive streets, now filled with playful speculation about the upcoming announcement and gentle teasing about elven traditions. Through it all, Weiss and Odyn's hands remained interlocked, both drawing strength from each other as they prepared for what promised to be a very interesting few weeks.

From behind them, the group suddenly hears a commotion from the docks as sailors are seen to be chasing a rather peculiar looking monkey faunus. This monkey funus is revealed to be Sun Wukong who had stowed away on a boat to get to vale. He is seen to be winking at both Aiko and Blake as he races past the group. Khanna then spoke up, mentioning about Weiss's desire to observe the incoming competition for the tournament and.. there it goes running away from them. The group quickly follows after the blonde haire monkey faunus.

"Well," Khanna said with dry amusement, "there's your competition, Weiss. Though I don't think this is quite what you had in mind for observation."

"After him!" Weiss called out, already moving. Though her command was somewhat undermined by Odyn's chuckle and refusal to let go of her hand, forcing her to run at a more measured pace.

The group followed the agile Faunus as he parkoured his way through Vale's streets, his blonde tail helping him balance as he leapt from lamppost to lamppost. Aiko's wolf ears perked forward with interest, while Blake seemed unusually focused on their quarry.

"Did he just...?" Lazuli started.

"Wink at Blake AND Aiko? Yes, yes he did," Yang confirmed with a grin. "Quite the charmer, our stowaway."

"Hey!" One of the sailors shouted. "Get back here, you no-good stowaway!"

Sun hung upside down from a lamppost by his tail, peeling a banana. "Hey! A no-good stowaway would've been caught! I'm a GREAT stowaway!"

"Is he... showing off?" Zero asked incredulously.

"Definitely showing off," Sarai confirmed, watching as Sun dodged a rock thrown by one of the sailors with theatrical flair.

The monkey Faunus flipped through the air, landing briefly near their group again. This time his wink was accompanied by a playful salute before he took off running again.

"Those were some impressive acrobatics," Flare observed professionally, her fox tail swishing as they continued their pursuit.

"Quick!" Weiss pointed. "We have to observe him- I mean, apprehend him!" She corrected herself as the group gave her knowing looks.

The chase led them around a corner, where they nearly collided with another person who had stepped into their path. In their haste to avoid the collision, several of them stumbled, creating a rather undignified pile-up as their quarry disappeared over the rooftops.

"No, he got away!" Weiss exclaimed from her position half-sprawled across Odyn, who seemed more amused than concerned about the situation.

"Uhh... Weiss?" Yang pointed to the person they'd nearly run over, who was still standing there, smiling. "I think we might have bigger things to worry about right now."

Before addressing their new observer, Yang gained a mischievous smirk on her face upon noticing the positions that Odyn and Weiss were in currently as Khanna spoke up warning the girl that she was pretty sure Weiss didn't want to be giving "certain" people the wrong idea about them. Of course the same could be said for Ruby and Roy who were sprawled over in a similar position. Roy of course noticed it first and flushed in embarassment before mentioning to Ruby that she may want to move to avoid a certain sister of hers teasing.

"Well, well," Yang's lilac eyes sparkled with mischief as she took in the scene. "Getting a little ahead of the announcement there, aren't we, Weiss?"

Weiss, suddenly very aware of how she was sprawled across Odyn's chest, turned a shade of red that could rival Ruby's cape. "I- this isn't- we just fell!"

"Speaking of falling," Khanna cleared her throat pointedly, nodding toward where Ruby and Roy had landed in an equally compromising position. "Perhaps we should all get up before certain... photos make their way around Beacon?"

Ruby blinked in confusion before looking down at her position across Roy's chest, his cerulean and lavender hair splayed out beneath him. Her silver eyes widened comically as Roy whispered urgently, "Um, Ruby? Your sister is getting that look in her eyes..."

"The 'I'm never going to let you live this down' look?" Ruby squeaked, scrambling to her feet with impressive speed, leaving a trail of rose petals in her wake.

"Too late!" Yang sang, waving her scroll triumphantly. "These are definitely going in the wedding slideshows. Both of them."

"YANG!" Ruby and Weiss shouted in unison, while Odyn and Roy exchanged resigned looks of brotherly commiseration.

"If we could perhaps focus," Blake interjected, though her lips twitched with amusement, "on the person we nearly ran over?"

"Right!" Weiss jumped to her feet, trying to salvage what dignity she could while straightening her combat skirt. "Though I expect those photos deleted, Yang Xiao Long!"

"Not a chance, Ice Queen. Not. A. Chance."

The mysterious observer continued to smile at their antics, seemingly content to wait out the moment of chaos before making their introduction.

The newcomer stepped forward with practiced grace, her silver-white hair cascading over one shoulder in an elaborate braid interwoven with pale blue ribbons. Her Atlas uniform was immaculate, but there was something almost theatrical about the way she wore it – as if it were a costume rather than regulation attire.

"My sincerest apologies for interrupting what appears to be..." she paused, her ice-blue eyes dancing with barely contained laughter, "a rather eventful afternoon. I'm Winter's apprentice, Aurora Vale." She offered a small curtsy that somehow managed to be both perfectly proper and slightly satirical.

Yang's eyes narrowed slightly. "Winter? As in Winter Schnee?"

"The very same," Aurora confirmed, though there was something in her tone that made Blake's ears twitch beneath her bow. The Faunus exchanged a quick glance with Odyn, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. So he'd noticed it too.

Weiss stepped forward, unconsciously falling into the formal posture drilled into her since childhood. "I wasn't aware my sister had taken on an apprentice."

"Oh, it's a rather recent development," Aurora waved her hand dismissively, but her eyes locked onto Weiss with an intensity that made Ruby shift uncomfortably. "In fact, that's partly why I'm here. Specialist Schnee sent me to... observe."

"Observe what, exactly?" Roy asked, his hand casually drifting toward his weapon.

Aurora's smile widened, showing just a few too many teeth to be entirely friendly. "Why, everything of course. The tournament preparations, the increased security measures, the..." her gaze flickered between Weiss and Odyn, then Ruby and Roy, "developing situations."

"Yeah, that's not cryptic at all," Yang muttered, crossing her arms.

"I prefer to think of it as intriguing," Aurora replied, producing a small crystalline pendant from her pocket. It caught the light oddly, seeming to refract it in impossible ways. "Though I suppose if you'd prefer something more direct..."

Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden gust of wind scattered rose petals across the courtyard – but these weren't Ruby's. They were white, edged with frost, and they seemed to dance around Aurora like eager performers in a macabre ballet.

Odyn's grip on Weiss's hand tightened slightly. He'd been right about his suspicions, and judging by the way Weiss's breath caught in her throat, she'd just figured it out too. This wasn't just any Atlas student – this was someone who knew far too much about things they shouldn't, and whose presence promised to make their already complicated lives even more interesting.

And not necessarily in a good way.

After Aurora walked away from them after their greeting they noticed an orange haired girl on the ground that Weiss was apparently standing over, catching her by surprise. The girl in question was revealed to be Penny Polendina from Atlas. Odyn suspected she wasn't normal and that there was a certain way she moved when speaking to the expanded group of teens that seemed almost... robotic or androidic was probably the word, not that anyone aside from the elves in the group noticed it. He'd keep that quiet until he was alone with Weiss later.

"Oh!" Weiss startled, nearly stumbling backward as she finally noticed the girl at her feet. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there!"

"Sal-u-tations!" The orange-haired girl chirped from her position on the ground, beaming up at them with an unnaturally wide smile. Her green eyes seemed to focus and refocus as she took in the group, almost like a camera adjusting its lens.

Odyn's pointed ears twitched slightly at the precise, measured way the girl enunciated each syllable. His centuries of experience had taught him to notice the little things – the way her joints moved with almost mechanical precision, how her blinking pattern seemed just a fraction too regular to be natural.

"Um... hello," Ruby ventured, leaning forward with her hands on her knees. "Are you... going to get up?"

"Oh! Yes, I should do that!" The girl sprung to her feet with a movement that was both fluid and oddly calculated, like a perfectly executed program. "I'm Penny! It's a pleasure to meet you all!"

"Nice to meet you too," Yang replied, sharing a bemused look with Blake. "I'm Yang, and this is Blake, Ruby, Weiss, Roy, and Odyn."

"It is wonderful to make your acquaintance!" Penny's head tilted exactly forty-five degrees to the side. "Are you all students at Beacon Academy? I'm here representing Atlas for the tournament!"

As the others engaged in conversation with their enthusiastic new acquaintance, Odyn caught Weiss's eye. A subtle shift in his expression conveyed volumes – there was more to this cheerful Atlas student than met the eye. Weiss gave him an almost imperceptible nod; she'd noticed something too, though perhaps not the full extent of what his elven senses had picked up.

"So Penny," Roy asked, his lavender and blue hair catching the sunlight, "have you met Aurora? She's from Atlas too."

Something flickered across Penny's face – if Odyn hadn't been watching closely, he might have missed it. It was almost like a momentary glitch, there and gone in an instant.

"Oh yes! Aurora is... a friend!" Penny's voice maintained its cheerful tone, but there was a slight mechanical undertone that only Odyn's keen hearing could detect. "Though I must admit, my memories of our time together in Atlas are not fully accessible- I mean, are a bit fuzzy!"

Ruby and Yang exchanged confused glances at Penny's odd choice of words, while Blake's bow twitched slightly – her Faunus hearing might have picked up something unusual as well.

Odyn kept his face carefully neutral, but his mind was racing. Between Aurora's cryptic behavior and Penny's... unique mannerisms, it seemed Atlas was bringing more than just tournament competitors to Beacon. He squeezed Weiss's hand gently – they would definitely need to have a private conversation about this later.

"Well," Penny announced with that same precisely calculated enthusiasm, "I should go prepare for the tournament! It was wonderful to meet you all. I hope we can be friends!"

As she walked away with that perfectly measured gait, Ruby turned to the group with a puzzled expression. "She's... kind of weird?"

"Ruby!" Weiss scolded, though her eyes followed Penny's retreating form with curiosity.

"What? She is!" Ruby protested. "But like... a good weird! Right?"

Odyn smiled softly, keeping his theories to himself for now. After all, some revelations were better shared in private, especially when they involved the potentially sensitive secrets of their new... unusual friend.

As the larger group began to disperse, the tension in Blake's shoulders became more noticeable. Her bow twitched nervously as she watched team SSZEA head toward the training grounds, Sarai's silver hair catching the late afternoon light. Team KLBGJ moved off in another direction, with Khanna casting one last concerned glance over her shoulder. Even Jinjer, usually quick with a joke, seemed to sense the gravity of the moment, her elven features serious as she followed her team.

"We'll catch up later," Jaune called as team JNPR departed, Pyrrha at his side giving an understanding nod toward Ruby. Nora opened her mouth as if to say something, but Ren gently steered her away, recognizing this wasn't the time for her usual enthusiasm.

The remaining eight students – RWBY and OHRF – stood in weighted silence for a moment. Hailfire's crimson eyes met Odyn's, centuries of friendship allowing them to communicate volumes in a single look. The dark elf's hand rested casually on her weapon, a habit from their years as guards that had never quite faded.

"Perhaps we should take this somewhere more private," Flare suggested softly, her fox ears drooping slightly as she picked up on Blake's distress. The majin-touched faunus had always been particularly sensitive to others' emotions.

Ruby nodded, taking charge with surprising maturity. "Our dorm room. We can talk there."

As they walked, Weiss fell into step beside Odyn, her words barely a whisper. "This isn't just about the White Fang, is it?"

Odyn shook his head slightly, watching as Blake walked ahead of them, her steps quick and tense. Yang had moved closer to her partner, protective as always, while Roy and Hailfire took up positions at the rear of the group, their guard training evident in their positioning.

Flare's tails swished anxiously as they approached the dormitory, her usually playful demeanor subdued. The group had faced many challenges together since arriving at Beacon, but something about this felt different. More personal. More dangerous.

As they filed into RWBY's dorm room, Blake's amber eyes darted toward the window – checking escape routes, Odyn realized with a start. Whatever secret she was carrying, whatever had her so on edge... she was preparing for the worst.

"Blake," Ruby started gently, silver eyes full of concern. "You know you can tell us anything, right? We're your friends. All of us."

Blake's hands clenched at her sides, her gaze dropping to the floor. The bow atop her head twitched again, and Odyn caught Weiss drawing in a sharp breath – she'd finally noticed the pattern to those movements.

"I..." Blake's voice cracked slightly. "There's something I need to tell you. About who I am. About... what I am."

Hailfire shifted slightly, positioning herself near the door – not to prevent escape, but to ensure no one could interrupt this crucial moment. Roy moved closer to Ruby, offering silent support, while Flare's inherent energy powers thrummed softly, unconsciously creating a comforting atmosphere in the room.

"Whatever it is," Weiss said carefully, her voice steady despite the tension in the air, "we're here to listen."

Blake looked up, surprise flickering across her features at Weiss's gentle tone. Their eyes met, and something passed between them – understanding, perhaps, or the beginning of it.

The moment stretched, heavy with unspoken words and hidden truths, as Blake prepared to finally share her secret with the people who had become more than just teammates or friends. They had become family, whether they wore pointed ears or fox tails, whether they wielded dust or majin powers, whether they were human... or something else entirely.

To be continued in Chapter 10: Black and White