Outside Amity ColosseumThe area outside Beacon had been transformed into an impromptu field hospital. Civilians, Beacon staff, Huntsmen, and students alike huddled together in clusters, their faces etched with fear and exhaustion. Medics worked tirelessly to tend to the wounded, their hands moving with practiced precision despite the chaos. The injured lay on makeshift stretchers or leaned against one another, the grim reality of the battle evident in the bloodstained bandages and tear-streaked faces.Huntsmen and students stood vigilant around the perimeter, their weapons drawn, ready to intercept the occasional Grimm that dared to approach. The distant howls and growls of the creatures were a constant reminder of the ever-present danger, but the defenders held firm, their resolve unshaken. Occasionally, a Grimm would lunge out of the shadows, only to be swiftly dispatched by the guards, their blades and bullets cutting through the creatures with precision.Amid the chaos, Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch emerged from the entrance of the Amity Arena, their faces grim but determined. They had just finished evacuating the last remaining people from inside the structure, guiding them safely to the relative security of the makeshift refuge outside. Glynda's normally pristine attire was torn and smudged, but her sharp gaze remained focused as she directed evacuees to medics or safer areas."Stay calm and follow the medics' instructions," Glynda said, her voice commandingly reassuring even the most panicked civilians. She scanned the crowd, ensuring that everyone was accounted for before stepping aside to join Ozpin.Ozpin stood nearby, his cane held tightly in one hand. His usual calm demeanor was strained, but his voice was steady as he addressed a group of Huntsmen who had gathered around him. "Our priority is the safety of these people. Hold the perimeter and ensure that no Grimm breach this space. Reinforcements are on their way, but until then, we must stand united."Doctor Oobleck moved swiftly among the injured, his uncharacteristic seriousness lending an air of urgency to his movements. His knowledge of medical techniques proved invaluable as he administered aid, applying tourniquets and stitching wounds with a speed that belied his usual eccentricity. Despite the severity of the situation, he maintained a running commentary, offering words of comfort and encouragement to those under his care."You're going to be fine," he said to a young student, carefully wrapping her injured leg. "Just a scratch compared to what some Huntsmen face, and you're tougher than you look!"Nearby, Professor Port stood like a sentinel, his blunderbuss at the ready. His jovial nature was replaced with an air of quiet determination as he scanned the horizon for any sign of danger.When a small group of Beowolves attempted to charge the perimeter, he stepped forward, unleashing a thunderous blast that scattered the Grimm-like leaves in the wind."Well, that's another tale for the books," Port muttered, snapping his weapon shut with practiced ease after reloading. He turned to a group of younger Huntsmen standing nearby, their faces pale but determined. "Stay sharp, my friends. The enemy thrives on fear, and we must give them none! Hold your ground, for every second we stand is another victory!"The younger Huntsmen nodded hesitantly, their resolve bolstered by Port's unwavering confidence.Glynda approached Ozpin, her gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene of medics tending to the injured and defenders patrolling the perimeter. Her expression was a blend of frustration and concern."Ozpin, this situation is teetering on the edge of collapse. We need more hands, more supplies, and a secure shelter to withstand further Grimm incursions. These makeshift defenses won't last against a serious assault."Ozpin tapped his cane lightly against the ground, his sharp gaze focused on the horizon where the faint sounds of battle still echoed. "I agree. But there's a larger issue we can't ignore."Glynda tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. "The framing of Atlas."Ozpin nodded grimly. "The truth is contained within Beacon for now. While Rinko rallied under the knowledge, the rest of Vale remained in the dark. Mistrust of Atlas grows by the hour. If we bring Atlas reinforcements without first addressing that mistrust, we risk creating a far worse situation."Glynda frowned. "So what do you propose? We can't wait indefinitely to secure proof. People are dying, Ozpin. Every minute we delay, we lose lives.""Then we act carefully," Ozpin replied. "The truth must come from within. The students at Beacon who now know the reality—will be critical in spreading it. We must arm them with facts, resolve, and the ability to counter the lies already seeded by the White Fang and Cinder's forces."He paused, as he grinned lightly."But knowing Rinko, he must've already done that and have probably rallied the students from different academies to his aid."Glynda's expression hardened as she folded her arms. "Still, we'd need a coordinated effort to ensure the truth reaches the right ears. And even then, there's no guarantee it'll overcome the fear and anger already sown.""There are no guarantees," Ozpin said softly. "But we have no other choice. If the people of Vale continue to believe Atlas is their enemy, we will lose the fragile unity we're trying to build here. That unity is our best weapon against Salem and her forces."Glynda exhaled sharply, her resolve hardening. "Then let's not waste any more time. I'll oversee efforts to prepare the students for this task. We'll ensure that when the truth comes out, it is loud enough to drown out any lies."Ozpin nodded, his gaze once again shifting to the horizon. "Good."Glynda walked away as she prepared her scroll.'Rinko—No, Kakashi Hatake... Protect my students..' Ozpin thought as he looked at the broken moon above.Beacon Academy"Let's go! The safety's this way! There's an evacuation center at the medical building!" Ruby shouted, waving at a group of frightened civilians. She stood firm, ensuring they saw the path before bolting in the direction she pointed.Rinko had divided their group into pairs, strategically covering as much ground as possible.Yang and Blake moved as a duo, their combination of strength and agility proving effective in clearing routes.Nora and Ren took another sector, their synergy as partners unmatched in protecting civilians and taking down any Grimm in their path.Pyrrha and Ruby worked together, each providing cover for the other as they navigated the chaos of Beacon Academy.Rinko, however, worked alone.He trusted his teammates to fulfill their tasks, but he had a mission of his own. The truth about Atlas had to reach the masses. The people of Vale—and the world—needed to understand that the kingdom of Atlas was not their enemy. They were victims of deception, framed by the White Fang and their conspirators.This mission led Rinko to the Beacon Communications Tower.The entrance was eerily quiet, the only sound coming from his boots as they echoed through the empty hallways. With his katana at the ready, he moved carefully but purposefully, his senses sharp.The growl of Grimm interrupted the silence.Two Beowolves emerged from the shadows, their red eyes locking onto Rinko. He wasted no time. With a burst of speed, he dashed forward, his katana slicing cleanly through the Grimm. They dissipated into ash before they could even react.Unfazed, Rinko continued deeper into the building, eventually reaching the main communications room.The equipment was unfamiliar to him. Though he had been reincarnated as Rinko Schnee, formerly Kakashi Hatake in his past life, his knowledge of technology from this new world was minimal. He had only been in this world for a year, and the intricacies of Vale's advanced systems were still foreign to him. Rinko's mind worked quickly, a sharpness honed by countless battles and a prodigy's natural instincts. Though unfamiliar with the technology of this world, his resolve was unwavering. It was only a matter of time before he figured it out.He located what he assumed was the power switch and pressed it. A low hum filled the room as the machinery came to life. Lights flickered across the console, and the map of Vale illuminated on a central monitor, confirming the broadcast systems were online.Rinko stood before the microphone, his katana resting within reach. He exhaled slowly, the gravity of his mission settling on his shoulders. This was his chance to shift the tide, to break the veil of deception that had poisoned the hearts of Vale's people.Adjusting the microphone, he began to speak. His voice, steady and commanding, echoed across Vale, reaching every corner of the city and the distant Amity Colosseum."This is Rinko Schnee, a student of Beacon Academy. Listen carefully. The events unfolding in our city are the result of a heinous conspiracy."Rinko's words carried across the chaotic streets of Vale, where Atlas soldiers fought to protect civilians and clear the Grimm. Suspicious eyes followed them, a mix of fear and resentment simmering beneath the surface. But now, those same civilians paused, their attention caught by the broadcast."Atlas is not our enemy. They are being framed. The soldiers you see fighting alongside us, risking their lives to protect this city, are not to blame for the tragedies we've endured. The true culprits are the White Fang, who have infiltrated our ranks, disguised themselves as Atlas soldiers, and spread chaos to divide us."In the streets, people exchanged uncertain glances. Suspicion warred with confusion as the truth began to dawn on them."I have proof."The screens across Vale flickered, and an image appeared—a captured White Fang soldier wearing an Atlas uniform. The soldier's emblem, unmistakably that of the White Fang, was exposed beneath the torn fabric of the uniform.Gasps rippled through the gathered crowds. The image was irrefutable."These infiltrators have orchestrated this chaos to turn us against one another, while the Grimm prey on our fear and hatred. Do not let them succeed."At Amity Colosseum, the crowd gathered outside stopped to listen. Among them, Ozpin, Glynda, and the students turned their eyes to the screen. Even the wounded, tended to by medics, seemed to find renewed hope in the broadcast."To the people of Vale, to every student, Huntsman, and civilian: Atlas stands with us. Their soldiers are here to protect you, to fight back the Grimm that threaten our home. Do not turn against them. The true enemy thrives in the shadows, using our fear as their weapon. But we will not let fear rule us."Rinko's voice grew firmer, his determination resonating with every word."Together, we are stronger. Together, we can overcome this. Stand with Atlas. Stand with Beacon. Stand united, and we will prevail! Please, do not ignore this message. Do not resent Atlas. Let us unite as one!"The streets of Vale were still for a moment. Atlas soldiers, hearing the broadcast in their earpieces, paused mid-action. Civilians who had glared at them moments ago began to see them in a different light.At Amity Colosseum, Ozpin's expression softened, his trust in Rinko validated. Glynda allowed herself a small, approving nod, and the students exchanged glances of pride and admiration.At one of the crashed Large Atlas ships, Winter paused as she absorbed the information. She glanced at the men in front of her, and she nodded. "Protect Vale! Move out!"The truth was out, carried on the shoulders of a single voice. Rinko knew the battle was far from over, but for the first time, hope had a chance to take root.With his katana sheathed but ready at his side, Rinko turned back toward the shadows of the Beacon Communications Tower. The broadcast had been sent, the truth revealed—but his mission was far from over.As he stepped into the open outside the building, the cool night air carried a sense of unease. His sharp eyes caught movement in the sky: a flickering light, glowing like embers in the darkness. Narrowing his gaze, he immediately recognized the figure cutting through the air with an aura of menace.'Cinder.'Without hesitation, Rinko sprinted across the Beacon grounds, his strides long and purposeful as he pursued her fiery form. His heart pounded not with fear, but with resolve.CinderHigh above, Cinder Fall soared gracefully through the night, her burning gaze locked on the entrance of Ozpin's tower. The flames that flickered around her illuminated a twisted smile on her lips."No matter," she muttered to herself, her voice dripping with venom. 'Even if they know the truth, the damage is done. Their trust in Atlas has already cracked, and fear will spread like wildfire. Victory is inevitable.'Her smile widened as she approached the tower, the heavy doors looming before her like a gateway to destiny."The Maiden's power..." she whispered, her voice filled with hunger. "It's finally mine."As her feet touched the ground at the entrance, she allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. The culmination of her plans was within reach.But before she could take her first step inside, a shadow moved faster than her flames.Rinko's body collided with hers like a cannonball. The impact was brutal, his speed and precision leaving no time for her to react. The force sent them both skidding across the stone path, Cinder letting out a startled snarl as her aura flickered under the assault.The two rolled to a halt, and before Cinder could regain her footing, Rinko locked her arm in a calculated grapple. His movements were swift and deliberate, his katana sheathed as he focused entirely on immobilizing her.With her arm twisted painfully behind her back, Rinko pulled hard, his grip like iron. Cinder screamed in rage and pain as her aura protected her from external harm—but Rinko wasn't aiming for external damage. His technique targeted the joints, twisting with precision to cause dislocations and internal trauma."You're not getting out of here alive!" Rinko growled, his voice cold and resolute. His feet wrapped around her chest and shoulders, anchoring her as he applied even more pressure to her arm.Cinder thrashed violently, flames erupting around her in an attempt to burn him off. The heat was oppressive, singeing the edges of Rinko's clothing, but he didn't let go. His grip only tightened as he twisted her arm further, forcing another scream from her lips."You think you can stop me?" Cinder hissed through gritted teeth, her voice venomous. "I am the Fall Maiden! I will burn you to ashes!""You talk too much," Rinko retorted, his tone sharp as steel.Summoning a surge of energy, Cinder channeled her Maiden powers, a burst of fiery force exploding outward. The sheer force broke Rinko's hold, sending him sliding backward across the stone floor.Rising to her feet, Cinder clutched her injured arm, she pushed her arm as the dislocated arm recovered, and her face twisted in pain & fury. Flames danced around her, growing more intense with each passing second. She extended her uninjured hand, summoning a spear of molten glass that crackled with heat."You'll regret that," she spat, her voice low and dangerous.Rinko stood, unfazed, his katana drawn in one fluid motion. The blade glinted in the fiery light, steady in his grasp."You're already outmatched," he said calmly, his stance unwavering. "You just don't realize it yet."Cinder lunged, her spear aimed directly at his chest. Rinko sidestepped, his katana flashing as he deflected the molten weapon, sparks flying as steel met glass. The battle erupted into a flurry of movement, Rinko's precise strikes clashing against Cinder's ferocious power.The courtyard around Ozpin's tower became a battlefield of fire and steel. Each strike was calculated, each counter deliberate.Rinko's movements were sharp and efficient, his katana slicing through the air with deadly precision. He didn't waste energy, every step and swing part of a larger strategy. In contrast, Cinder's attacks were fueled by rage, her flames roaring as she unleashed torrents of fire to overwhelm him.But Rinko was relentless.As Cinder swung her molten spear in a wide arc, Rinko ducked low, using the opening to close the distance between them. His katana slashed upward, grazing her side and breaking through her aura with surgical precision.Cinder hissed in pain, stumbling back, her flames flaring wildly. "How dare you!""For someone who talks about power, you don't seem to use it wisely," Rinko said, his tone calm and cutting.Their clash continued, the fiery glow of Cinder's powers lighting up the tower's entrance as the echoes of their battle reverberated across the grounds.Rinko knew he couldn't let this fight drag on. Cinder's powers were vast, and the longer she fought, the more destruction she could unleash. He had to end this—quickly and decisively.Channeling his focus, Rinko waited for the right moment, his body coiled like a spring. As Cinder launched another fiery assault, he darted forward, slipping past her flames and into her guard.With a swift movement, he struck the base of her injured arm with the hilt of his katana, forcing another cry of pain. The spear of molten glass fell from her grasp, shattering on the ground in a burst of sparks.Before she could recover, Rinko raised his katana, the blade hovering inches from her throat."Surrender," he commanded, his voice firm. "This ends now."Cinder glared at him, her amber eyes blazing with hatred. Flames still flickered faintly around her, like a serpent coiled to strike. For the first time, hesitation clouded her gaze, the weight of Rinko's resolve pressing against her.But Cinder Fall was not one to yield.The ground beneath Rinko's feet glowed ominously. His instincts screamed, and he leapt back just as an explosion erupted, the force sending debris and flames outward in a fiery plume.Rinko landed in a crouch, shielding himself with his aura as smoke enveloped the area. The acrid scent of charred stone filled his lungs. He narrowed his eyes, scanning for her silhouette.Footsteps echoed within the tower, faint but hurried.His head snapped up as the sound of an elevator chimed from within. Rinko bolted toward the tower entrance, his heart pounding.When he reached the interior, his eyes widened in frustration. The faint glow of the descending elevator reflected on the walls, and through the narrowing gap of the doors, he caught sight of Cinder's face.She was grinning.The doors slid shut with a decisive clang, leaving Rinko alone in the aftermath of her taunting smirk."Damn it!" Rinko muttered, his knuckles tightening around the hilt of his katana.A Desperate ChaseHis eyes darted to the second elevator beside the one Cinder had used. For a moment, he considered taking it, but his instincts told him otherwise. He had no way of knowing which floor she was heading to, and wasting even a second could cost him everything.Time wasn't on his side.Gritting his teeth, Rinko made his decision.He stepped up to the doors of the elevator Cinder had taken. Placing the tip of his katana between the seam, he forced the doors open with a sharp pull. The metal groaned in protest as the gap widened, revealing the dark, yawning elevator shaft.Far below, he spotted the faint glow of Cinder's elevator, its descent rapid but not unreachable.Without hesitation, Rinko sheathed his katana and jumped into the shaft.Wind whipped past him as he plummeted, the metal walls of the shaft blurring in his peripheral vision. His aura flared to life, cushioning his body against the relentless pull of gravity.Rinko reached out, his fingers finding purchase on the grooves and maintenance rails lining the walls. Sparks flew as his gloved hands scraped against the metal, slowing his descent in bursts of controlled friction. His aura absorbed the brunt of the impact, the faint glow surrounding him flickering with each movement.Below, the elevator continued its descent, but Rinko was gaining ground. He gritted his teeth, his focus unyielding."Not this time," he muttered under his breath.As the distance between him and the elevator shrank, he scanned for his next move.
Just as he landed on the roof of the elevator and stabilized his position, the elevator below him suddenly jolted to a stop, the mechanical hum of its descent grinding to a halt. Rinko's gaze snapped to the vent of the elevator's roof.
Without hesitation, he yanked it open, his hand swift and sure.His fingers gripped the edge of the vent, and with a surge of strength, he pulled himself inside. His heart pounded, adrenaline surging through his veins as he slid into the compartment.Cinder was already several steps ahead, her presence unmistakable even in the dim light. She moved with her usual calculated grace, her flames flickering around her like a dangerous dance. But Rinko wasn't about to let her slip away—not this time.He pulled his katana free, the weapon humming softly as it was drawn from its sheath. His eyes narrowed, the heat of battle igniting within him. This wasn't just about stopping her. This was personal. He was ready to end it.Cinder whirled around at the sound of Rinko's movement, her eyes flashing with a mixture of recognition and contempt. Yet, she didn't break her stride, her steps still purposeful, driven by her singular focus."You're persistent, Schnee," she taunted, her voice a chilling sneer.At a distance, Cinder could see the unconscious body of the Maiden, her lifeless form wrapped in the cold embrace of Atlas technology. A cruel grin twisted across Cinder's lips as she raised her hand. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a barrage of fireballs, each one hurtling toward the Maiden.The moment the fireballs made contact, the air was filled with an explosive roar, the flames enveloping the Maiden's body and setting it ablaze. The blast echoed throughout the tower, and Rinko's eyes widened in shock as the devastating explosion consumed everything in its path, including the Maiden.For a brief, triumphant moment, Cinder paused. She could feel the surge of power coursing through her, the raw energy of the Maiden's power merging with her own. A dark satisfaction radiated from her as she reveled in the newfound strength."Yes!" she exhaled with a triumphant grin, her voice thick with pleasure.As she floated down toward the ground, her aura radiating in an intimidating aura of flame, Rinko's eyes burned with fury. He was already closing the distance, his muscles coiling as he prepared to strike. In one swift motion, he leapt forward, katana raised high, the blade aimed directly at Cinder's.But in a flash, Cinder's hand shot up, her palm meeting the blade with a force that made Rinko's breath catch. His katana was caught barehanded, her grip impossibly strong. 'What? ' Rinko thought, momentarily stunned by the sheer power she wielded.Before he could react, Cinder twisted her wrist, crushing the blade in her grasp with ease. The metallic snap rang out, and the very air seemed to ripple as she unleashed a shockwave of heat and energy that sent Rinko flying backward. The force of the blast hurled him across the dim, expansive hallway, his body crashing hard into the stone wall.He slid to the ground, dazed but not defeated, his senses scrambling to regain control.He looked up to find Cinder, standing imposingly before him, her figure bathed in the light of swirling flames. Her eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction, her aura crackling with newfound power. She exuded an overwhelming sense of confidence, as if victory were already in her grasp.His katana now shattered in half, dangled uselessly at his side. With a deliberate movement, he reached for his pouch and drew out two kunai, the sharp blades gleaming under the flickering light.Cinder scoffed, her lips curling into a smirk. "You're going to defeat me with that?" she taunted, her voice dripping with amusement.Rinko didn't answer. His focus remained unbroken. His fingers wrapped tightly around the kunai as his glyphs shimmered into existence beneath his feet.Without warning, he shot forward, his speed unmatched. Flames lanced toward him, but Rinko danced around them effortlessly, using his glyphs as platforms in midair to dodge and weave through the barrage of fire. Each leap was calculated, each glyph acting as a stepping stone as he evaded the oncoming waves of destruction.Cinder's grin faltered, and she lashed out, summoning a massive fireball. As it hurtled toward him, Rinko's eyes narrowed. He summoned a glyph shield just as the fireball closed in, the heat pressing against him, but not enough to break through. The glyphs beneath his feet began to crack, their power waning as the force of the blast took its toll.'I can't fall now!' Rinko thought bitterly, his heart pounding. 'Not when everything's at stake.'The shield held long enough for him to redirect the fireball, sending it crashing into the wall with a tremendous explosion. The force rattled his senses, but Rinko didn't falter. He pushed the crumbling glyphs to their limits, reconstructing them as they pulsed with renewed power, tapping into the full extent of his semblance.He surged forward once more as he leaped towards Cinder, intent on ending this fight, but Cinder was ready. She shot toward him with blinding speed as she flew right to Rinko, her eyes burning with fury.Without warning, she slammed a devastating punch into his chest. The force of the blow sent him flying through the air, his body slamming into the electric grids along the ceiling.His kunai, still clenched in his hand, inadvertently pierced the grid. Electricity surged through the metal, sending a violent jolt of power racing up the blades and into Rinko's body. His muscles spasmed uncontrollably as the current coursed through him."ARGHH!" Rinko screamed in agony, his body wracked with excruciating pain. His vision blurred, his entire being locked in a searing inferno of electricity. He fought to stay conscious, to push through the pain, but it was all-consuming. The only thing that kept him from falling into unconsciousness was the burning drive to stop Cinder, no matter the cost.The sound of crackling electricity and Rinko's labored breaths echoed through the hall as the current continued to course through his body. The power of the electric grid ravaged him, each pulse of energy punishing him for every second he lingered in contact with the metal. His muscles clenched and spasmed uncontrollably, and his vision blurred with every passing moment.His body felt on the verge of collapse, every inch of him screaming in agony, but there was something inside him—an unrelenting will—that refused to give in.'Winter... Weiss...' These were the names that filled his mind, memories of the people who still needed him, people he couldn't abandon, not when the fate of the world hung in the balance.Cinder could plunge Remnant into chaos, and he wouldn't allow it. Not now. Not after everything that had been lost.Rinko squeezed his eyes shut, blocking out the unbearable pain. Strangely, as the electricity continued to ravage him, the intensity of the pain began to dull. His mind focused, drawing on every last ounce of strength.Cinder landed gracefully on the ground, her fiery eyes scanning the ceiling. She was certain that Rinko had been defeated—her victory was inevitable.'Already dead?' she thought, a dark smile creeping across her face. 'How anticlimactic.'She turned her back, her attention already shifting to the elevator, planning her next move.But then, something unexpected happened.Rinko's body dropped from the ceiling.It wasn't the heavy thud she had anticipated. No, it was a soft, deliberate landing, and when Cinder turned to face him, her eyes widened in disbelief.Rinko stood before her, his body trembling, but he was on his feet. His hands crackled with raw electricity, the very energy that had been consuming him now flowing through him as though he had become one with it. Lightning arced between his fingertips, dancing in a wild, controlled display.Rinko gasped, his breath shallow and uneven, but his resolve was clear. His entire body hummed with power, the remnants of his semblance and the electricity now fused into something far more dangerous.Cinder stared, disbelief flashing in her eyes. "You're still standing after everything, huh?" Her voice was a mix of admiration and incredulity, as though she couldn't fathom how he was still alive, let alone in control of such raw power.Rinko's expression remained steadfast, a flicker of defiance in his gaze. "I'm not done yet," he rasped, his voice low but firm. "Not until you're stopped."The energy coursing through him wasn't just a testament to his will to survive—it was the spark of vengeance, the surge of defiance against the woman who had brought so much destruction. Cinder could feel the tide shifting, and she knew, for the first time, that this battle wasn't as one-sided as she had hoped.[End]