The time had finally come. The Vytal Festival was here, and people from all over Remnant had flocked to Vale, Beacon, and Amity Colosseum.Streets were crowded with colorful banners, food stalls, and a sea of eager faces-all here to celebrate peace and unity among the kingdoms, a precious bond that kept the shadow of another great war at bay.The festival, with its lively tournaments and cultural exchanges, was a beacon of hope and harmony for everyone.Everyone except, perhaps, Rinko Schnee.Optimism filled him, sure, but this enthusiasm didn't carry the same intensity as it did for those around him.He was intrigued by the event and respected its purpose, but to him, it was just another gathering—just another event—something familiar yet fleeting.Events like this had crossed his path before, in a different time, and in a different world. And perhaps, part of him still carried the wariness of someone who'd seen peace teeter too close to the edge.Yet here he was, traveling with Team RWBY and Team JNPR as they boarded the airship that would take them up to the grand arena.All around them, students from kingdoms across Remnant chatted eagerly, exchanging friendly banter with the occasional glint of rivalry in their eyes.The air hummed with anticipation."Ooo! I'm so pumped!" Nora's voice rang out, her excitement bursting through as she practically bounced off the walls.Rinko raised an eyebrow, a small, amused smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You look like you're ready to take on every kingdom at once, Nora.""Oh, I am!" she declared, fists clenched in excitement. "I want everyone to remember Team JNPR after this! We're going to make history!"Ruby joined in, eyes gleaming with shared excitement. "And Team RWBY, too! This is our moment to show what we're made of!"Rinko chuckled softly, leaning back against the wall. Their excitement was infectious, and though he couldn't match their energy, he found himself appreciating it.After all, this was the kind of passion and hope he had fought to protect once upon a time. Watching them reminded him of his own team, the bonds and rivalries that had fueled them through countless missions.As the airship rose above Vale, giving way to a stunning view of Amity Colosseum glittering in the distance, Blake turned to Rinko, noticing his thoughtful expression."Not excited?" she asked with a gentle curiosity.Rinko shrugged, a glint of warmth in his eyes. "I wouldn't say that. Just...curious. I want to see how this festival will unfold. It's not every day you bring so many people together like this."Blake nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. It's almost...fragile, isn't it? But still worth it."Blake is referring to how delicate and fleeting the peace and unity brought by the Vytal Festival feels. It's like a fragile glass—beautiful and valuable, but easily shattered.He gave a small smile, appreciating her insight. "Exactly. Even if it's just for a little while, it gives people something to hold onto."Despite its vulnerability, Blake still believes it's worth having because it gives people hope and a sense of togetherness, even if only temporarily.It's her way of acknowledging the precarious balance between the joy of the event and the underlying tensions in the world.Yang joined them, nudging Rinko with a grin. "Better hold onto that optimism, Mr. Schnee! We're going to make this the best festival ever!""Can't argue with that," Rinko replied with a chuckle.As they neared Amity Colosseum, the roaring crowds became audible, their energy rising up to meet them.Their ship landed gracefully on the Amity Landing Pads. The group stepped off together, a sense of awe immediately washing over them as their eyes were drawn to the towering structure before them.They went further just to see the grand arena beneath them."Woah... this place is huge," Jaune muttered, coming to a halt as he craned his neck to take in the massive colosseum."I know, right?" Ruby echoed, her silver eyes wide with wonder. "It's even cooler up close than in the pictures!"Pyrrha smiled warmly, her usual calm demeanor tinged with excitement. "Come on, everyone. The first event is about to begin, and we'll want good seats.""Right! Let's go!" Nora cheered, already bounding ahead with Ren calmly following in her wake.As the group began moving forward, Weiss drifted closer to Rinko, her sharp eyes observing his unusually quiet demeanor. "You've been quiet," she noted, her tone carrying a mixture of curiosity and concern.Rinko glanced at her, a faint smile gracing his lips. His voice was light, but there was a thoughtfulness that lingered beneath. "Just taking it all in," he said, his gaze shifting momentarily to the towering colosseum ahead.He continued, "I'm also thinking about something Professor Glynda mentioned... She said I'll be one of the candidates to fight in the Amity Tournament."Weiss blinked, tilting her head slightly. "Well, that's no surprise. You've proven yourself to be a strong fighter."Rinko chuckled softly. "Maybe, but there's a catch. I'm a one-man team, remember? The tournament's format is built around teams of four. And yet, they're making an exception for me."Weiss sighed, her expression thoughtful. "It is odd. Throughout the Vytal Festival's history, you're the only one-man team to be included. That's bound to raise some eyebrows.""It already has," Rinko admitted, his tone neutral but edged with a hint of wry humor. "A few students have made it pretty clear they think I don't belong. Some see it as favoritism."Weiss frowned, her gaze hardening. "That's ridiculous. Favoritism or not, no one can deny you've earned your place. Your skills speak for themselves—even if I don't know how you attained such skills.. If anything, you're at a disadvantage, fighting without a team to back you up."Rinko shrugged, his expression calm. "It doesn't bother me. The way I see it, if they're underestimating me, that just makes my job easier. But..." He glanced at her, his tone softening. "It does make me wonder what Ozpin is hoping to accomplish by putting me in the spotlight like this."Weiss crossed her arms, her mind already working through the possibilities. "Maybe they see you as a symbol. You're... unconventional, to say the least, but you've shown that strength and skill aren't limited by traditional boundaries. Maybe they're trying to send a message to the other kingdoms."Rinko smirked faintly. "A political statement, huh? Wouldn't be the first time I've been used as one of those."Weiss raised an eyebrow, catching the subtle weight in his voice, but decided not to press further.Instead, she offered a small smile. "Regardless of their reasons, I have no doubt you'll impress everyone out there. Just don't let it go to your head, Rinko Schnee.""Wouldn't dream of it, sis." he replied with a slight bow of his head, his smirk turning playful.Ahead of them, Ruby called out, her voice bright and full of energy. "Come on, slowpokes! We've got seats to grab!"Rinko and Weiss quickened their pace, the conversation leaving a lingering sense of understanding between them.As they reached the seating area, the arena lights dimmed, signaling the start of the tournament. The crowd erupted into cheers as two familiar voices echoed through the speakers, capturing the attention of everyone in the coliseum.Dr. Bartholomew Oobleck leaned toward his microphone, his energy palpable even through the sound system. "Ah, what a match we have in store today! Wouldn't you agree, Professor Port?"Professor Peter Port gave a hearty laugh, his booming voice carrying across the arena. "Oho, indeed, Doctor! This promises to be an astonishing bout, one for the history books, no doubt! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and all our esteemed viewers across the four kingdoms—Welcome to the Vytal Festival Tournament!"The crowd roared in response, flags of the four kingdoms waving proudly amidst the sea of spectators.The holographic screens lit up with vibrant images, showcasing the grandeur of the festival and the unity it represented."Ah, yes," Oobleck continued, his words coming quickly but with unmistakable enthusiasm. "The Vytal Festival, a celebration of our shared peace and the spirit of competition that unites us all! But this event is more than a mere tournament—it is a beacon of hope, a reminder of what we can achieve together!""Well said, Doctor!" Port chimed in, puffing out his chest. "And let's not forget the thrill of it all! The clash of blades, the spark of Semblances, and the sheer skill on display-it's enough to stir the heart of even the most seasoned Huntsman!"Oobleck's eyes sparkled as he leaned closer to the microphone. "But let us not get ahead of ourselves. The true wonder of this tournament lies in the competitors—the brave students who have traveled from far and wide to showcase their talent and determination!"Port raised a fist triumphantly. "Indeed, Doctor! So, without further ado, let the battles commence! Who will rise to greatness? Who will etch their name in the annals of history? Stay tuned, dear viewers—you won't want to miss a second of this!"The atmosphere crackled with excitement, setting the stage for a day of unforgettable competition."If this is your first time watching, allow us to break down the rules," Port began, his deep, booming voice easily cutting through the noise as he glanced at Oobleck, gesturing for him to elaborate.Dr. Oobleck cleared his throat, his tone quick but precise as he adjusted his glasses. "Yes, indeed! The Vytal Festival Tournament is divided into three distinct phases. Teams, duos, and singles. Here, school year, background, and ranking hold no weight! The only attribute under scrutiny..." he paused dramatically, pushing up his glasses with a glint in his eyes, "...is skill!"Port nodded enthusiastically, his arm sweeping in a wide arc. "Correct, Doctor! After the first round, the victorious team will nominate two members to advance to the duo's round. From there, the winning pair will select one representative to advance to the final round. The remaining combatants will face off in a single-elimination bracket to determine the ultimate victor of the tournament!""And, Peter," Oobleck interjected, his words quick but pointed, "one must note the sheer diversity of strategies and Semblances on display here. Every match will be a showcase of adaptability, teamwork, and raw talent-qualities that define a true Huntsman or Huntress!""Well said, Doctor! These spectacles are nothing short of spectacular, and I'd wager that no one tuning in around the world would disagree!" Port declared, puffing his chest with pride."And why would they?" Oobleck added with a smirk, his pace accelerating with his rising enthusiasm. "This is a rare opportunity to witness students from across the four kingdoms test the limits of their abilities, united under the banner of sportsmanship and camaraderie."He paused then continued, "The Vytal Festival Tournament, dear viewers, is not merely a contest-it's a celebration of what makes humanity and Faunus alike truly remarkable!"The audience roared again, the excitement building as the lights dimmed briefly. A loud chime echoed across the arena, silencing the crowd as the holographic screens updated with the names of the first combatants.Ding!Port leaned into the microphone, his voice dripping with anticipation. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've been waiting for! Our first match of the day..."The names flashed on the screens, accompanied by vivid images of the teams in action poses."Team RWBY from Beacon Academy... versus Team ABRN from Shade Academy!"The audience exploded into cheers and applause, the sheer volume shaking the arena.Ruby and her teammates exchanged quick glances, their expressions a mix of determination and excitement, while the camera panned to Team ABRN, who were already standing in formation on the opposite end of the arena.Oobleck's voice cut through the noise, brimming with energy. "A match of titans to kick off the festivities! Will the teamwork of Beacon's brightest stars prevail, or will the seasoned fighters of Shade Academy show us the grit of the desert? Only one way to find out!""Indeed, Doctor!" Port added with a flourish. "Ladies and gentlemen, Huntsmen and Huntresses in training, get ready for the fight of your lives!"With that, the arena floor rumbled and whirred, machinery beneath it springing to life.Sections of the floor shifted and transformed, rising into jagged cliffs, dipping into simulated valleys, and scattering dense foliage across the battlefield.The transformation elicited gasps and cheers from the crowd, their excitement palpable as the arena finalized its dramatic terrain."Good luck out there!" Jaune called out, cupping his hands around his mouth to be heard over the roaring crowd."Kick their butts!" Nora added enthusiastically, pumping her fist in the air.Ren offered a quiet but firm nod."We're rooting for you!" Pyrrha yelled with her words of encouragement.Rinko stood off to the side, arms crossed, a small but supportive smile gracing his features. "Give them a show they won't forget, Team RWBY." His voice, calm yet encouraging, carried a weight of confidence that made the girls glance back."Thanks, guys!" Ruby said, giving a playful salute as she adjusted Crescent Rose."Don't worry, we've got this," Weiss said with a toss of her hair, her tone sharp but brimming with determination."Yeah, we'll handle it," Blake added, her calm voice contrasting the tension in her tightly gripped Gambol Shroud.Yang cracked her knuckles, grinning confidently. "Time to show them what Beacon's best can do!"As the signal blared, the competitors stepped forward onto the battlefield, their weapons gleaming under the stadium's bright lights. The screens zoomed in on each combatant, highlighting their resolve and focus.The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, the energy in the arena at its peak."And now, the moment we've all been waiting for!" boomed Port's voice, carrying an unmistakable excitement.Port raised his arm dramatically. "Let the first round... BEGIN!"The battlefield came alive with movement as the combatants leapt into action, their first strikes sending shockwaves through the air. The crowd leaned forward in their seats, the anticipation and adrenaline coursing through the arena as the Vytal Festival Tournament officially roared to life.[End]