Schnee ManorThe grand halls of the Schnee Manor were alive with quiet chatter as the staff gathered in the living room, eyes glued to the screen broadcasting the Amity Tournament.Jacques Schnee had surprised everyone by granting them permission to watch the event together. It was a rare gesture, one that hinted at the changes the head of the Schnee family had undergone since his harrowing rescue from the bandits.Inside Jacques's office, the mood was more subdued but no less attentive.Jacques sat with Wheatley, the two of them sharing a quiet moment as they watched the tournament unfold.A tray of untouched tea rested on the table between them, though Wheatley held a cup in his hands, sipping a bit nervously."It's quite the spectacle, isn't it?" Jacques remarked, his tone lighter than usual."Yes, Father," Wheatley replied, glancing at him. "It's… inspiring."Jacques nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I've come to realize how much we take for granted, Wheatley. Watching these young Huntsmen and Huntresses fight for a better future… it reminds me of the responsibilities we carry as Schnees."Wheatley blinked, surprised by his father's uncharacteristically reflective tone.He hesitated, then ventured, "I think… I think you've been carrying those responsibilities well lately, Father."Jacques looked at his son, a faint smile touching his lips. Before he could respond, the screen flickered, and the calm of the tournament gave way to chaos.Explosions rocked the arena, smoke billowed, and the camera feed shook violently."What the—" Jacques rose from his chair, his expression shifting to alarm. His usual composure faltered, though there was no trace of the cold arrogance he once displayed in moments of crisis.Wheatley gasped, gripping his teacup tightly. "W-what's happening?"Jacques moved closer to the screen, his eyes narrowing as the chaos on the broadcast unfolded. "No..!" he muttered, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions churning beneath his composed exterior.But his thoughts betrayed him. Images of his children—Weiss, and Rinko—flashed through his mind. His breath hitched as a chilling thought crept in, unbidden and merciless: 'What if they're dead?'His heart sank, a weight of despair settling in his chest. He gritted his teeth, forcing the thought away.He couldn't afford to falter now. Jacques strode to the coat hanger, snatching his overcoat with sharp, decisive movements. As he slipped it on, his resolve hardened.Wheatley, sitting nearby, watched his father in confusion. The younger Schnee blinked as Jacques grabbed his gloves and hat. "F-Father," Wheatley stammered, "where are you going?"Jacques didn't hesitate as he adjusted his coat. "Vale," he said simply, his voice cool but tinged with urgency. He turned toward the door, his hand outstretched to the handle—"Wait!" Wheatley's voice broke through, louder and more desperate than Jacques had ever heard it. The boy stood abruptly, nearly knocking over his chair in the process. "I'm coming with you!"Jacques froze, his back to his son. Slowly, he turned, his eyes meeting Wheatley's. "No," he said firmly, though his tone lacked the harshness it once held. "It's far too dangerous. Your brother and sister needs me—""But I need to see them, Father!" Wheatley's voice cracked, his desperation spilling over while the tv was broadcasting screams and explosions.Wheatley gripped his palms, "I'm as worried as you are! I can't just sit here and do nothing while my siblings are out there suffering—maybe even dying! Please, Father, I have to go!"Jacques stiffened at his son's words. He stared at Wheatley, his usual icy demeanor faltering as he studied the boy standing before him—not as a child throwing a tantrum, but as a young man grappling with the same fear and love that consumed him.For a long moment, silence hung heavy between them. Then Jacques exhaled deeply, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly. He approached Wheatley, his polished shoes echoing softly against the floor."Wheatley…" Jacques began, his voice low, almost pained. "I want to protect you. The thought of putting you in harm's way—" He stopped, the words catching in his throat. He placed a hand on Wheatley's shoulder. "I've already failed you and your siblings in so many ways. Let me do this. Let me protect what's left."Wheatley shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "No, Father. You haven't failed. Not anymore. But if you leave me behind now, if something happens to you—or to Weiss and Rinko—I'll never forgive myself for not being there." He stepped closer, clutching his father's coat. "I'm not a child anymore, Father. Let me be there for them.."Jacques studied his son's face, his resolve wavering as he saw the sincerity in Wheatley's tear-filled eyes. He saw himself, the determination and stubbornness of a Schnee.Finally, Jacques sighed. He placed both hands on Wheatley's shoulders, his grip firm yet gentle. "Very well," he said softly. "You'll come with me. But you'll follow my orders, Wheatley. Do you understand?""Yes, Father," Wheatley said, his voice steady now, though his hands trembled slightly.Jacques nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Then we leave immediately."As the two Schnees exited the manor, the gravity of their journey weighed heavily on them both.But for the first time in years, father and son walked side by side, united by a shared purpose: to protect their family at any cost.Vale, Outside ColosseumAs the group began to stabilize, the distinct hum of an Atlas Manta Ship filled the air. It descended gracefully, carrying Qrow, Winter, and several Atlas soldiers sent to aid Ironwood.The soldiers wasted no time, moving to assist with organizing supplies and offering support to those still recovering.Before they officially departed, Winter moved toward the ship's communication console. She took a steadying breath, her fingers hovering over the controls.For hours now, she had been trying to contact Ironwood, her calls met with silence. But she wasn't ready to give up."One more time," she muttered to herself, inputting the frequency.This time, after several agonizing seconds, the line connected."General Ironwood, sir! This is Specialist Schnee."There was a brief pause before Ironwood's voice came through, clear but weary. "Winter, what's your status?"Winter's posture straightened instinctively. "Sir, we've assisted Professor Ozpin in securing temporary refuge. Medical supplies and food have been distributed. Vale has been cleared of Grimm, and we've stationed some of the men there. Others are at the Colosseum, aiding and guarding the civilians. We're en route to your location aboard the aircraft."Ironwood absorbed her report in silence for a moment before exhaling a quiet sigh of relief. "Good work, Winter. I knew I could trust you to take the initiative.""Thank you, sir," Winter replied, her tone steady but laced with pride.The radio clicked off, the conversation complete. Winter turned away from the console, her expression neutral as she processed the exchange."So…" Qrow's voice cut through the quiet, casual yet tinged with curiosity. He lounged nearby, arms behind his head, a familiar smirk playing on his lips. "What did Jimmy have to say?"Winter glanced at him, her cool demeanor unwavering. "From the sound of it…" She paused, allowing herself the faintest of smiles. "He has everything under control."Qrow chuckled, leaning back further in his seat. "Ah, of course. Typical. Ironwood always has a plan, doesn't he?"The ship surged forward, slicing through the air with purpose as the landscape of Vale shrank behind them.Back at the temporary refuge, Ozpin and Glynda remained, their focus shifting to managing the influx of injured and displaced. The makeshift camp was a flurry of activity, medics and volunteers working tirelessly to tend to the severely wounded.Ozpin stood at the center, his calm presence a stabilizing force amidst the chaos. Glynda approached him, her clipboard in hand, her gaze scanning the surrounding efforts."The situation is improving, but there's still much to be done," she reported, her tone brisk.Ozpin nodded, his expression solemn. "Indeed. But for now, we must focus on the immediate needs of the people. They've endured so much already."The ground beneath them quaked violently, sending waves of panic through the camp. Ozpin stumbled slightly, his usually steady composure shaken by the unexpected earthquake."What in the—" Glynda began, but her words were cut off as a deafening crack echoed across the landscape.All eyes turned toward the mountain looming in the distance. With a sound like a thunderclap, the mountain burst open. Chunks of rock and debris rained down into the forest below, trees snapping like matchsticks under the assault.And then, it emerged.From the gaping wound in the mountain came a hulking, grotesque form. Its black, bony scales gleamed in the dim light, and its elongated wings unfurled with an audible, sickening crack. A viscous black ooze dripped from the edges of its wings, pooling on the ground before bubbling up into lesser Grimm.A Lizard Grimm.It's more like a Dragon.No… A Wyvern.Ozpin's heart sank as the beast roared, a sound that seemed to pierce the soul, carrying with it centuries of primal fear.This wasn't just a Grimm—it was an ancient, almost mythical entity. The kind of Grimm whose very existence had been debated for generations."No…" Ozpin whispered, his usually calm voice trembling. His wide eyes stayed locked on the monstrosity. "Not now..!"The beast stretched its wings wide, sending a chilling shadow over the forest.Its movements sent tremors rippling through the ground, the dark goo spawning hordes of Grimm that skittered and snarled around its massive feet.Ozpin turned abruptly, his voice sharp and commanding. "EVERYONE, MOVE! NOW! GET TO SAFETY!"The camp exploded into chaos. Medics and volunteers scrambled to carry the wounded. Atlas soldiers barked orders, hastily directing civilians toward the waiting Manta ships.Ozpin's sharp gaze scanned the scene, noting every second slipping away. The Wyvern wasn't waiting.With a guttural roar, it leapt from the mountain. The force of its jump sent shockwaves that nearly toppled the camp entirely.Ozpin watched, horrified, as it soared through the sky, its massive wings slicing through the air with thunderous beats. Its destination was clear—Amity Colosseum, the epicenter of chaos and despair.The beast landed with earth-shaking force outside the Colosseum. Its bony head swiveled, its glowing red eyes scanning the panicked masses.Those who hadn't fled in time now ran aimlessly, their terror feeding the Grimm's strength.Back at the camp, Ozpin forced himself to focus. He gestured urgently to Glynda and the others. "Get the injured onto the trucks and ships! Don't stop until everyone is safe!"Glynda hesitated, watching the massive creature in the distance. "What about you?"Ozpin didn't answer immediately. Instead, he adjusted his cane, gripping it tightly as he began moving toward the Wyvern's direction."Ozpin!" Glynda grabbed his arm, her voice filled with both frustration and fear. "What are you doing? We need to leave!"Ozpin stopped. He turned to her, a rare softness in his eyes that only made her more uneasy. He reached out, resting a hand on her shoulder."You go ahead, Glynda. Help the others."Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? You're coming with us!"Ozpin smiled faintly, but it was a tired, almost resigned expression. "I'll buy us more time. The injured need every second we can give them.""No!" Glynda's voice cracked as she gripped his arm tighter. "The people need you, Ozpin! I can't—""I'll be fine," he interrupted gently but firmly. "You know I can hold it off longer than anyone else here. Trust me.""But—""Glynda," he said softly, his smile fading into something resolute. "You have always been my strongest ally. And now, they need your strength more than I do."She stared at him, her chest heaving as conflicting emotions warred inside her.He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Go."Her hand lingered on his arm for a moment longer before she released him, stepping back reluctantly. "Don't you dare die," she whispered, her voice trembling.Ozpin nodded, his gaze hardening as he turned toward the massive Grimm.Some of the Atlas soldiers opened fire on the creature, but stopped after wasting their mags."Our weapons doesn't seem to bother it!" One of the soldiers commented in realization.Glynda moved pass them, "Your weapons don't affect it! Go and help those who are injured! Get them to safety!"As Glynda began rallying the remaining medics and soldiers to evacuate, Ozpin marched forward, his cane tapping rhythmically against the ground.The Wyvern roared again, its call echoing like a harbinger of doom.Ozpin's grip on his cane tightened. "Let's see if legends bleed," he muttered under his breath before breaking into a sprint toward the beast.Ozpin's body glowed green as he flew to the massive beast, using his magic to disorient it."HAGH!" Ozpin sent out beams of energy to the massive Grimm.Ozpin can not let the Grimm wreck havoc to his people. Not anymore.Atlas Evacuation ShipThe room was eerily quiet, save for the hum of the ship's engines and the occasional sniffle from a distressed student.Rinko Schnee sat on the cold floor of the Atlas evacuation ship, his battered body leaning back against the metallic wall.His injuries still throbbed, a stark reminder of the harrowing battle he and the others had endured.Though he had rested briefly, the toll of the fight had left him unable to move freely, his every motion heavy with exhaustion.Beside him, Weiss rested against his shoulder. Her face, usually composed and proud, was pale with fatigue.Though her aura had hastened her healing, she still moved with visible discomfort, every step a reminder of how much she had pushed herself.Her wheelchair had been given to someone in far worse condition—a choice she made without hesitation. For now, she slept, her breathing soft and shallow, her usual elegance replaced by sheer weariness.Blake sat on Rinko's other side, her knees pulled to her chest. She stared blankly at the wall opposite her, her eyes dim with exhaustion and quiet worry.Occasionally, Blake's gaze flickered toward Weiss and Rinko, ensuring they were holding up. She said nothing, but her presence was steady, a quiet pillar amidst the chaos.Ruby sat in a built-in chair nearby, her silver eyes clouded with a mix of exhaustion and unease.Her scythe, Crescent Rose, leaned against the wall beside her, a silent testament to everything they'd been through.She fidgeted with her cloak, her gaze occasionally darting to the other students around the room.Team JNPR sat close to Ruby.Jaune's armor was scuffed, his shield resting at his side as he stared at the floor, lost in thought.Nora was uncharacteristically quiet, her usually bubbly demeanor replaced with a somber expression.Nora leaned on Ren, who sat silently, his eyes closed in meditation—or perhaps just trying to hold himself together.Pyrrha leaned onto Jaune.The ship was large, designed to carry hundreds of people, and yet it felt suffocating.Most of the students sat huddled in groups, their expressions ranging from shock to devastation.Some quietly sobbed, their tears cutting through the grime on their faces. Others simply stared into space, too tired or numb to react.A few rooms away, Yang lay in one of the infirmary beds, her injuries requiring her to be separated from the others.The ship's medical team worked tirelessly, tending to those severely injured, their hushed voices a stark contrast to the muffled cries and groans of the injured.Rinko shifted slightly, his body protesting the movement, but he ignored the pain.He glanced around the room, taking in the broken spirits of the students who had survived the battle.This was supposed to be their dream—a life of heroism, of protecting others.Instead, it had become a nightmare, the grim reality of their world weighing heavily on everyone.Through the ship's reinforced windows, the shadow of the Wyvern loomed in the distance, perched ominously at the remains of the Amity Colosseum.Its grotesque form sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to look. The dark, tar-like ooze dripping from its wings had spawned an endless swarm of lesser Grimm, ensuring the chaos continued.The sight had silenced the evacuees, their gasps of horror giving way to a suffocating dread.Rinko felt Weiss stir beside him.She blinked groggily, her pale blue eyes momentarily meeting his.Rinko gave Weiss a gentle smile as he pulled her closer, giving her the reassurance that she's not alone.But no one dared to say anything.The ship continued its steady flight toward the safer zones of Vale.The Atlas soldiers aboard moved methodically, ensuring the evacuation was smooth and efficient. Yet even their stoic faces betrayed the weight of the situation.Rinko closed his eyes briefly, letting out a slow breath.Despite the chaos around him, he found a strange comfort in the quiet presence of his teammates. They were bruised, battered, and broken—but they were alive.And for now, that was enough.As the ship sped through the skies, carrying its precious cargo away from the chaos, the unspoken question lingered in everyone's mind.What happens next?Rinko lingered on that same question, before finally deciding to sleep.He had done all what this body had to offer.Afterall... He's only human.He slowly lets his consciousness slip away to sleep..........When he opened his eyes again, it wasn't the dull interior of the Atlas evacuation ship that greeted him.Instead, he found himself standing in a familiar room—a room he had thought he might never see again.The living room of the Schnee Manor.Rinko blinked in confusion, his eyes scanning the space. The elegant decor, the pristine furniture, the faint scent of lavender—everything was as he remembered.But something felt… off. It was too quiet, too still, save for the faint sound of a television playing in the background.'This has to be a dream,' he thought, his brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of it.His gaze landed on a figure sitting on one of the plush sofas across the room. The individual was casually watching the television, a bowl of cereal cradled in one hand.The sound of crunching cereal mixed with the faint dialogue from the screen, a surreal contrast to the eerie stillness of the room.Rinko hesitated, a sense of unease creeping up his spine. Slowly, he took a cautious step forward, his boots clicking softly against the polished floor."Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing faintly in the expansive space.The figure didn't react at first, their attention seemingly glued to the television. But then, as if sensing his presence, the individual turned their head.Rinko froze, his breath catching in his throat.The face staring back at him was unmistakably his own.The other Rinko Schnee offered a faint, almost mocking smile as he set the bowl of cereal down on the coffee table. His movements were unhurried, casual, as though this strange encounter was entirely normal."Hello, faker," he said, his tone calm but carrying an edge that sent a chill down Kakashi's spine.Kakashi, who now bore the name and identity of Rinko Schnee, tensed. He took a cautious step forward, his eyes narrowing. "I assume you're… Rinko Schnee?"The doppelgänger chuckled, leaning back against the sofa with an air of confidence that only deepened Kakashi's unease. "Mhm. That's me, alright."Slowly, the original Rinko rose from the sofa, his movements deliberate and composed. He approached Kakashi, his gaze sharp, almost predatory.For a moment, neither spoke as they stood face to face.Kakashi's expression betrayed his unease, his mind racing to piece together the situation. The other Rinko, however, looked entirely at ease, his eyes glinting with intrigue.Finally, Kakashi broke the silence, his voice low but firm. "What is this? Some kind of dream?"The original Rinko tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "A dream? Perhaps. Or maybe it's a long-overdue conversation."Kakashi said nothing, his jaw tightening as the other Rinko began to circle him, his footsteps echoing softly in the vast, empty room."I've been watching everything, Kakashi," the original Rinko said, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of authority. "Every fight, every decision, every struggle. It's fascinating, really."Kakashi turned slightly, keeping the doppelgänger in his peripheral vision. "If you've been watching, then you know I didn't choose this."The other Rinko stopped abruptly, turning to face Kakashi. His expression softened, and for the first time, there was no hint of malice in his eyes—only curiosity and a trace of something else."I know," he said simply. "I don't know how you managed to take over my body, but…" He paused, studying Kakashi's face. "I suppose I shouldn't be mad at you at all. In fact…"He extended a hand toward Kakashi, his gesture deliberate and surprising."I guess I should thank you… for everything."Kakashi blinked, taken aback. Of all the reactions he had braced himself for, gratitude wasn't one of them."You… want to thank me?" Kakashi asked cautiously, his gaze shifting between the outstretched hand and the other Rinko's face.The original Rinko nodded. "You've kept my body alive. You've protected my family, my sister, my legacy. You've done more than I could have ever hoped for. And for that… I owe you."Kakashi hesitated, his mind swirling with uncertain emotions.Slowly, cautiously, Kakashi reached out and clasped the other Rinko's hand. Their grips were firm, their gazes locked in an unspoken understanding."I didn't do it for you," Kakashi said, his voice steady but not unkind. "I did it because… it was the right thing to do."The original Rinko smiled faintly. "Of course. That's who you are, isn't it? The ever-dutiful soldier. The one who always puts others first, no matter the cost."Kakashi's eyes widened for a bit as he absorbed what he said."Oh don't be surprised, you're a leader of your village right? From what I could tell from your actions, that's practical what you are."Kakashi lets out a tiny chuckle, before releasing the handshake, his expression became unreadable. "If you're here, what does that mean? Are you taking your body back?"The original Rinko shook his head, a quiet certainty in his gaze. "No. This is still your fight, Kakashi. I've already had my chance at life. This second chance… it's yours."Kakashi didn't respond immediately. His mind raced, trying to process the enormity of the words. He inhaled deeply, composing himself as he stepped forward. "Mine…? Why? Why not take back what's yours? What's the purpose of giving your life to me? Surely you could—"Rinko Schnee raised a hand, cutting him off with a subtle gesture. His expression softened, though his eyes remained steady. "Because you're more worthy of this life than I ever was. I couldn't protect them, Kakashi. Not my family, not my sister, not the legacy I was meant to uphold." He sighed, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and resolve. "But you… you can. That's why I'm entrusting everything—my name, my legacy—to you."Kakashi's brow furrowed. "Legacy? Protecting your family? That's a heavy burden to bear. Why are you so certain I can do it?"Rinko Schnee turned away slightly, his gaze distant as if looking into some unseen memory. "Because I've been watching you. Every moment, every decision. You've done more with my life than I ever could. And..." He hesitated, his voice lowering as a shadow crossed his features. "Because there's one thing I can't do anymore. Something I need you to uncover."Kakashi tensed, the atmosphere shifting. "What is it?"Rinko Schnee turned back, his expression darkening ever so slightly. "Find whoever poisoned me. They're still out there, Kakashi, and they're a threat not just to me but to everything I held dear. You'll know them when the time comes. I trust you'll do what needs to be done."The weight of those words settled heavily on Kakashi. His hands balled into fists, the weight of responsibility pressing on him even harder now.Before Kakashi could say more, the room around them began to shift, the edges blurring and dissolving into an indistinct haze.The warmth and light of the Schnee Manor faded into an ethereal mist."Wait—" Kakashi started, his voice urgent.But Rinko Schnee raised his hand, his smile calm and reassuring, though there was a hint of finality in his eyes. "Good luck, Kakashi. And… take care of her."The last thing Kakashi saw was the original Rinko's face, serene and unwavering, before the dream dissolved entirely, pulling him back into the waking world.Kakashi's eyes snapped open, his breath catching in his throat. For a moment, he was disoriented, the dream clinging to him like a fog.The hum of the Atlas evacuation ship's engines filled his ears, grounding him in reality.Weiss was still asleep beside him, her head resting gently on his shoulder. Her breathing was steady, her face peaceful despite everything they had been through.Across the room, Ruby and Team JNPR sat quietly, their expressions somber as they processed the events of the day.As Rinko was processing everything, Blake's head landed on his other shoulder, but Rinko didn't mind.She seemed to be sleeping as well.Rinko—Kakashi—exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. The weight of Rinko Schnee's words lingered in his mind. Protect his family. Uncover the truth behind the poisoning. And… take care of her.The hum of the Atlas evacuation ship's engines filled the air, grounding him in reality.Weiss was still asleep beside him, her breathing steady and peaceful.Kakashi exhaled deeply, his mind still reeling from the strange encounter. He turned to Weiss.. he smiled.No matter what happens next, he will protect he held dear. His friends, and his family.[End]