Rinko maneuvered through the crowd with practiced ease, his sharp eyes scanning for any trace of Emerald and Mercury.The vibrant energy of the festival felt suffocating as his mind churned over Raven's warning. If these two were tied to Cinder, then their movements couldn't be ignored.He spotted them near one of the smaller pathways that led away from the main fairgrounds. Emerald's green hair and Mercury's silver swept-back style were easy to distinguish, even in the throng of people.They were walking at a casual pace, but something about their body language seemed guarded-like they didn't want to draw attention.Rinko quickened his pace, keeping enough distance to remain inconspicuous.The duo turned a corner into a quieter area lined with storage tents and unused equipment from the tournament. Rinko followed, slipping into the shadows and staying low."Did you see the way that redhead was looking at us?" Mercury said, his tone dripping with amusement. "She's way too trusting."Emerald let out a scoff. "That's Ruby for you. Too innocent for her own good. Makes her easy to manipulate."Rinko's jaw clenched. The disdain in Emerald's voice was palpable, and it was clear she had no real regard for Ruby despite their apparent friendship.It was an ugly reminder of how easily kindness could be exploited, and it only fueled his determination to stay on their trail."Is it just me, or did Rinko seem so serious back earlier?" Mercury asked, sliding his hands into his pockets with a casual shrug.Emerald scoffed, not bothering to mask her irritation. "Yeah, I noticed. First time I've never seen him like that since we got to Beacon. Probably just had a bad day. Whatever."Rinko's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name, but he maintained his composure.A chime from Emerald's scroll broke the air, and she pulled it out with a sigh. Mercury leaned over her shoulder to get a look."Figures," Emerald muttered, her thumb swiping across the screen. "Cinder wants us back at the dorm."Mercury groaned, clearly annoyed. "Already? I wanted to try that punching machine. I could've wiped out that high score in one shot.""Too bad," Emerald shot back, pocketing the scroll. "Cinder doesn't care about your dumb games. Let's go."Mercury slouched but followed her, muttering, "Back to work, I guess," with an exaggerated defeat.Rinko continued trailing them, keeping to the edges of the walkways and using the sparse festival decorations as cover.His breathing stayed steady, his footfalls silent. Years of training made him blend seamlessly into the environment-just another shadow in the dimly lit path.They hadn't noticed him, and he intended to keep it that way.As they moved closer to the dormitory building, the festival sounds began to fade, replaced by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant voices.Emerald and Mercury slowed slightly, their postures relaxing now that they were away from the crowd."Think we'll finally get to see what Cinder's been cooking up?" Mercury asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.Emerald shrugged. "She wouldn't drag us back unless it was important. Probably wants to make sure we're ready for whatever comes next."Mercury chuckled. "Hope it's something fun. These 'undercover' missions are getting boring."Emerald rolled her eyes. "Just don't mess it up. Cinder's not in the mood for your jokes right now."Rinko remained patient, his gaze fixed on their every movement. He carefully positioned himself behind a wall as they entered the dormitory building.He couldn't risk following them inside-not yet-but he made a mental note of their direction and the room they disappeared into.He exhaled slowly, stepping back in tracks as his mind raced. Whatever Cinder's next move was, Emerald and Mercury were in the thick of it.And now, so was he.Rinko remained utterly still, his back pressed against the cold wall beside Cinder's dormitory door.Every muscle in his body was tense, ready to react at the slightest sound of movement.The faint hum of voices seeped through the door, muffled but unmistakable in their sharp, calculated tones. He went low as he laid his scroll just outside the tiny gaps between the door as he pressed record.Their voices are now being recorded, he stood back and leaned against the wall. He stepped his foot besides the scroll, hiding it incase of anyone passed by.He tilted his head slightly, angling his ear closer.He pulled out his book from his pouch as his fingers absently flipped through the pages of Ninja of Love, a perfect decoy should anyone walk by.But his mind was laser-focused on the conversation unfolding just beyond the barrier.A/N: MUST READ-I'm put some alteration to Cinder's plan lol cuz I thought of a really cool idea and wanting to put it in the story."I assume everything's in place for the next phase?" Cinder's voice was like silk dipped in venom-calm, commanding, and laced with menace."Yes," Emerald answered, though hesitation edged her tone. "But... are you really going to have Penny fight in the finals?""Of course I am," Cinder snapped, her tone cutting through any doubts. "Do you even understand what Penny Polendina represents? She's not just a competitor. She's Atlas' crowning achievement-a mechanical soldier masquerading as human. A walking lie designed to inspire trust in a corrupt system."Cinder continued, her voice smooth but heavy with malice, "When the world sees her true nature, they won't just question her. They'll question the tournament, Atlas, and everything they stand for. That's when the cracks begin to form. That's when chaos takes hold.""And you're planning to use Pyrrha to do it," Mercury said, his voice casual but with a faint undertone of unease."Exactly." Cinder's confidence was palpable. "Pyrrha Nikos-Beacon's golden girl. She's strong, noble, and burdened by responsibility. The perfect pawn. Emerald," Cinder's tone sharpened, "you'll use your Semblance during the match. Show Pyrrha something she can't ignore-a brutal, lethal attack. She'll react on instinct, and Penny... well, she won't be walking out of that arena intact."Rinko clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening.The cold calculation in Cinder's voice made his stomach turn. This wasn't just manipulation; it was a cruel spectacle designed to destroy lives and destabilize the fragile peace between kingdoms.There was a scrape of a chair from inside the room, followed by Emerald's uneasy voice. "And... what if Pyrrha figures it out? Or refuses to fight?"Cinder's laugh was low and humorless. "She won't refuse. By the time she steps into that arena, she'll believe she has no choice. Pyrrha Nikos will do exactly what I need her to do."Emerald hesitated. "And if this chaos doesn't... work the way you want it to?"Cinder let out a sharp laugh. "Don't underestimate the power of a well-executed performance, Emerald. People believe what they see, and I will show them exactly what they need to see. When Penny falls, Atlas' façade will crumble. Their military, their government, their power-all of it will burn.""Sounds messy," Mercury interjected with a grin. "But hey, I like messy.""And after the finals?" Emerald asked, her tone quiet, almost hesitant."After the finals..." Cinder's voice dropped, a conspiratorial whisper. Rinko strained to catch every word. "We move to the next phase. Salem's will demands it."Rinko's blood ran cold, but Cinder wasn't finished. 'This name again.. Who's this 'Salem'..?'Raven mentioned that name once when she warned him, but she didn't elaborate.He leaned closer to the wall in hopes of knowing more of Salem and the depth of their plan."We'll use the chaos to turn Atlas' own weapons against them," Cinder explained, her tone alight with wicked glee. "The androids-designed to protect-will attack the people instead. The Grimm will thrive in the panic and despair.""And the White Fang," Cinder laughed, eager to elaborate her next phase."They'll play their part," Cinder said, a sinister edge in her voice. "Dressed as Atlassian soldiers, they'll make it look like an invasion of Vale. The people won't just lose faith in Atlas-they'll turn against them. And the world..." She paused, a wicked smile undoubtedly playing across her lips. "...will go through yet another war.."A cold, hollow laugh followed, echoing through the room like a death knell.Mercury chuckled lightly. "Now that's more my speed."Emerald sighed but smiled, but there was no argument."Salem... Will be pleased." Cinder menacingly laughed as Mercury and Emerald chuckled along with her.Rinko's pulse hammered in his ears as the conversation died down. His mind raced as he pieced together their plan-a plan that spelled disaster for Remnant.He exhaled slowly, picking his scroll back and stepping back from the door as quietly as he had approached. There was no time to lose.Ozpin-he had to warn him before it was too late.But just as he turned to leave, a flash of movement caught his eye-an attack coming straight for his face.Rinko's instincts kicked in. He sidestepped just in time, narrowly dodging the blow aimed at him. His heart raced, and in that split second, he recognized the weapon.An umbrella.His thoughts flashed back to Mountain Glenn-that parasol. The same one he had seen in the hands of a particular enemy."Neopolitan," Rinko muttered, his voice low but steady.The figure before him was unmistakable. Neopolitan, she was disguised as a Beacon student as her figure faded back to her usual attire of pink themed clothes.Her umbrella, a tool of both elegance and deadly precision, rested casually in her hands.Rinko's muscles tensed as the sound of footsteps grew louder, the familiar sensation of being watched sending a chill down his spine. He had been so focused on Cinder's conversation that he hadn't noticed Neo's presence until it was almost too late.Neo took a slow, deliberate step forward, her eyes glinting with quiet amusement as she studied Rinko. Her parasol was positioned just so-elegant, but deadly.Rinko's pulse quickened, his breath catching in his throat. He had been compromised.And there was no easy way out. Neo stood between him and his only escape route.With a sharp intake of breath, Rinko drew his sword, its steel gleaming in the dim light of the hallway. He exhaled smoothly, his body sinking into a familiar stance, ready to face her head-on. There was no choice now.It was either fight or be caught by Cinder and the rest of her goons.Without warning, Neo lunged, her parasol swinging toward Rinko with terrifying speed.The strike was precise, aimed directly at his head. Instinctively, Rinko raised his sword to block the metal spike on the tip of her parasol.The clash of steel against metal echoing through the narrow corridor.The force of the strike vibrated up his arm, but he held firm, muscles straining as he prepared for her next move.The cramped hallway offered little room for maneuvering, forcing both combatants to adjust their tactics. Rinko's every movement had to be calculated-one wrong step, and he could be cornered.Neo didn't hesitate. Her parasol spun in her hands like an extension of her will, each movement calculated and precise.With a flick of her wrist, she launched another strike aimed squarely at Rinko's side.Rinko's body tensed, narrowly dodging as the parasol's edge sliced through the air and grazed his shoulder, leaving a shallow cut on his shirt.His pulse quickened, but he focused on the fight, every sense heightened.With a controlled exhale, he retaliated-delivering a swift kick to her side.Neo deflected it effortlessly, her agility far surpassing that of most opponents. She slid back, giving Rinko the opening he needed.A Glyph appeared beneath his feet as he pushed off the ground, launching himself forward with a burst of speed.Neo was still recovering from his last strike, and Rinko closed the distance before she could fully react. His foot connected with her abdomen, sending her skidding across the floor.Rinko's heart raced, but his focus never wavered.Beacon has been breached. He had to warn Ozpin. Now.As Neo fell back, the door to Cinder's dorm swung open. Mercury and Emerald stepped out, drawn by the clanging sounds of their fight.Their eyes widened as they took in the scene-Neo, sprawled on the floor, trying to recover, and Rinko, barely pausing as he surged forward with his Glyph, moving faster than they could react.FWOOSH!Rinko passed Mercury and Emerald in a blur, leaving them frozen in confusion as they tried to process what had just happened. He was already too far ahead.Neo, furious at the sight of Rinko escaping, jumped to her feet and immediately gave chase, but Rinko had a head start.His glyphs powered him forward, but they weren't perfect; his semblance still wasn't fully mastered. The Glyphs began to fade, and Rinko's pace slowed slightly, but not enough for her to close the gap.Mercury turned to Cinder within the dorm."C-Cinder! I think Rinko overheard our plans!" Mercury shouted, his voice filled with alarm.Cinder's eyes flashed with concern, and without hesitation, she dropped her scroll onto the table, sprinting outside in a blur of motion."No-!" Cinder's voice rang out as she propelled herself forward with a surge of Maiden power, the very air around her snapping with force.FWOOSH!The gust of wind from Cinder's rapid movement sent Mercury and Emerald stumbling back.They watched in shock as Cinder rocketed down the hallway, her sights set on Rinko.Neo, realizing the danger, spun mid-chase and nimbly leapt out of Cinder's way, her parasol still poised like a deadly extension of her will. She didn't stop her pursuit, though, her eyes locked onto Rinko, intent on ending this chase.Rinko's pulse quickened as he flicked a glance over his shoulder, seeing the storm closing in on him.Rinko wasn't expecting Cinder to move this fast, 'Shit-!'His thoughts fragmented as a sudden, cold grip seized him from behind. Before he could react, he was yanked off his feet and pulled backward, crashing to the ground with a harsh thud.The sudden pull made him lose grip with his sword as it fell to the ground.Cinder stood over him, her expression unreadable, her aura crackling with barely-contained fury. She had caught him.Rinko tried to scramble, but her grip was like iron, pinning him down. He was cornered, his back against the cold, unforgiving floor.The sharp, relentless edge of reality cut through his thoughts.In that moment, Rinko realized just how close he had come to slipping away, only to be dragged back into their web.Cinder's eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction as she loomed over him, her power swirling around them both. "You really thought you could get away?" she taunted, her voice low and dripping with malice. Her smile was cruel, knowing she had him exactly where she wanted him.Rinko struggled beneath her grip, trying to twist free, but her hold was unrelenting. The air around them seemed to thicken, charged with the dangerous energy of her Maiden powers. She wasn't just going to let him walk away."You're a little too curious for your own good," Cinder continued, her hand tightening around his arm as she slowly lowered herself to his level, a dark smile curling on her lips."You're trying to start a war... What exactly do you intend to accomplish? More death? More suffering?" Rinko spat, his words dripping with defiance as he fought against Cinder's powerful grip."None of your concern, Schnee," Cinder replied coldly, the smile never leaving her face. Her eyes glinted with malice, clearly enjoying his struggle.Rinko's pulse raced as he struggled against her. He couldn't let this be the end.He had to get away, warn Ozpin, warn everyone.In one quick motion, Rinko headbutted Cinder, slamming his forehead into hers with a sickening crack. She staggered back with a sharp cry of pain, giving Rinko the opening he needed.But before he could move, a foot slammed into his back, sending him crashing to the floor. His breath was knocked out of him as he hit the ground hard. Neo had appeared, and without a sound, she dropped down on top of him, her parasol in hand.Her weight was unrelenting, her movements smooth and practiced as she effortlessly pinned him down. She didn't need words-her presence alone was enough to remind him that escape was no longer an option.Rinko struggled beneath her, but Neo's strength and precision left him little room to fight back. He could feel the cold, metallic tip of her parasol hovering dangerously above him, a silent promise of the threat she posed.Cinder's eyes burned with cold satisfaction as she watched Rinko's futile struggle, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should've stayed out of things, Schnee. Now you've sealed your fate."She strode confidently towards him, her footsteps heavy with authority. As she approached, the air seemed to thicken with the weight of her power.Rinko's pulse pounded in his ears, his mind scrambling for a plan, any way to escape this suffocating grip. He couldn't afford to lose now-not when so much was on the line.Before he could fully gather his thoughts, Neo, lowered herself to his level. In an instant, her arms wrapped around his neck, her chokehold tightening with frightening precision.The world around him started to tilt as his breath grew shallow, each gasp for air growing more desperate.Rinko's hands instinctively shot up, trying to pry her arms away, but his strength was fading, slipping with every passing second. His vision blurred at the edges, the fight draining from him."I can't-let you-win..." he gasped, his voice strained as his body fought against the inevitable.Cinder chuckled darkly from where she stood, clearly enjoying his suffering. "And I can't exactly let you go either. You've heard too much."Rinko's vision began to fade as the last of his energy waned. His arms fell limp at his sides, and his eyes struggled to stay open. The world around him was slipping into darkness, his thoughts becoming sluggish and distant.Before he could do anything else, his consciousness slipped away, and everything went black.[End]