As the tournament continued, flying through the doubles round, a lone wolf could be spotted walking along the outside of Amity Colosseum, Setsuna. The arctic wolf teen seemed to have just been taking in some fresh air, her wolf tail swaying from side to side with each step she took. As she continued her small stroll, her icy blue eyes spotted a couple of students outside of the colosseum as well, mainly transfer students from Shade, Haven, and Atlas.

The wolf ears of the short girl suddenly flattened as her walking slowed down. As for the reason, well, a lot of eyes were looking in her direction. It was understandable; seeing a Faunus with three features instead of just one was very rare. In fact, it wasn't even possible, so it got a lot of people speculating on how she was born in such a fashion. Setsuna, however, didn't like the attention she was getting. In fact, it made her extremely self-conscious as she began walking faster.

Soon, that turned to running.

Setsuna could hear her own breathing and heartbeat as she slowly came to a halt where no people were. She held her chest, panting as if she had run a marathon.

???: "Oh? How wonderful that we'll be reunited like this."

With her ears fully standing up, she quickly looked in front of her, seeing an older man walk towards her. Having short light brown hair and wearing a pair of circular glasses, he walked towards her, a 'friendly' smile plastered on his face. The moment Setsuna's icy blue eyes landed on him, they widened with her pupils contracting. Taking a quick stance, she activated her Ice Wolf Claws and slowly began backing away.

(???)

Setsuna: "W-W-What a-are YOU d-doing here!?" she asked, more like demanded.

For the very first time since coming to Beacon, Setsuna... displayed fear. Not something so trivial as being afraid of flying in airships or afraid of bunk beds... This was a genuine serious fear she was displaying as her legs quivered and her wolf tail stood straight up in response to her alertness. The man tilted his head with an expression of fake hurt.

???: "Oya? This is the response I get to coming all this way, just to visit you, my beloved little daughter?" The silver-haired wolf tensed up the moment those words left his mouth. "Experiment 666, or should I call you Nayuta?"

Again, she tensed up, but this time felt as if the entire world around her was spinning rapidly. Setsuna could hear her own breathing, speeding up rapidly as she was now hyperventilating as she could feel the panic beginning to settle in.

Setsuna: "N-No...." She stumbled back against the wall, feeling her legs become weak as she fell to the ground. "I-I have no i-idea who this Nayuta is!" She yelled, but the man only came onto her with surprise swiftness as she was backed into a corner, literally.

???: *sigh* "There you go again, denying who you truly are. You really are a naughty girl, Nayuta. Running away from home, changing your name, and getting caught up with little criminals and trying to play hero. And the thanks I get for bringing you into this world, is you completely denying me."

He reached his hand out and slowly stroked the girl's cheek. Normally, an aggressive growl would come from the white-haired girl, but this time... nothing. She just sat there, frozen in fear, her pupils dilated. Setsuna felt completely helpless for once. Her hands refused to move, and her mouth refused to let out a scream. But it would seem as if she didn't have to as the man suddenly backed away from her, while wearing a smile as he heard...

Port: "Now with the doubles round over, it is time for the Special Exhibition Match of this year's tournament!

???: "That's your match, isn't it, dear?" He began to walk away, his hands behind his back. "Go on and join that boy-toy of yours. I'll be watching the match, so don't worry about me. Your old man will be here, right by your side always. Good luck, my dear daughter."

And as quickly as he had appeared, he disappeared. But even then, Setsuna did not move. She sat there, attempting to calm her heavy breathing as she could feel her entire body trembling. How...? How did he find her? What did he want? Why was he here? All these questions filled her mind, but she wouldn't have time to properly answer them as she heard a voice call out to her.

Akito: "Setsuna!" She flinched but managed to slightly calm her nerves as she had recognized the voice. Looking to her right, she saw Akito jogging towards her, with Blake close behind.

Setsuna: "A-Akito...?" She meekly managed to let out. In an instant, the two were by her side, with Blake reaching to help her up.

Blake: "Are you okay? You're trembling." She said but before she could even touch her, Setsuna flinched and backed away from her, taking the two by surprise. "Setsuna?"

Setsuna: "O-Oh... Y-Yeah... I'm fine... really." She slowly stood up, while dusting herself off. "We have that match now, right? L-Let's go."

Akito: "You know you don't have to do it if you're not feeling well. Ace and I can take on our opponents." He offered, but she quickly shook her head.

Setsuna: "No... Setsuna can't rely on you forever. I need... to do this." She said as she began to walk past them, her tail drooping downwards as she was opening and closing her fists.

Blake looked at her, then at Akito, seeing his face filled with worry for his companion. It was rare to see the tough Setsuna so vulnerable. He didn't care about the match now. He just wanted to make sure she was alright. But if she was sure, he wouldn't force her to do otherwise. With a sigh, he followed, with Blake walking by his side, gently clutching onto his hand.

Blake: "Setsuna's a tough girl. If she says she's alright, then I think we should let it go for now..."

Akito: "I know... It's just... it takes a lot to scare her to this extent..."

>Chapter 25: Wings of Zero<

As the preparations for the special match were being made, Akito was inside of the locker rooms, staring at his locker as he released a sigh to calm himself. No matter how much he tried to not think about it, he just couldn't shake the feeling that the Tournament was going to go very wrong and Ozpin's nonchalant lax behavior about everything he and Setsuna reported certainly wasn't helping either. And now, the situation with Setsuna. When he looked to his right, he saw Ace getting ready himself, pulling out his large sickle weapon, Liberator. When he looked to his left, he saw Setsuna, staring at her open locker in silence before slowly reaching her hand into it but not to take out anything. No, she just remained still.

Ruby: "Akito~!" The black-haired wolf Faunus turned around and saw that Team RWBY had approached him. He crossed his arms.

Yang: "Can't believe you're teaming up with Ace for this. Is that even allowed?"

Akito: "Good question because I don't even know. But I guess that makes it even now considering the team we're going up against." He shrugged.

Weiss: "Maya's team, right?" She asked to which the wolf Faunus nodded. "But wouldn't it be a 4v3?"

Akito: "I heard Akira's volunteered to step down, so he won't be fighting. Though, from the sounds of it, he seemed more relieved than ever." He shrugged. Ace had completed his set up and made his way towards the group.

Ace: "So that's who we're up against?"

Yang: "What? You're scared bro?"

Ace: "Ha! Me? My blood's pumping! I finally get to fight in the tournament!" He grinned and mimicked Yang's signature gesture by smashing his fists together.

While Yang and Ruby both smiled brightly and laughed, Weiss shook her head. As for Blake, her eyes were solely on her boyfriend, who's eyes had trailed over to Setsuna, who was still silently staring into her locker. But before neither could say anything about it, Yang suddenly appeared behind the arctic wolf Faunus.

Yang: "Soo, whatcha staring at Setsu?"

Setsuna: "Eh!?" She instantly slammed her locker shut and quickly turned around to be met with a startled and confused Yang. The white-haired girl quickly shook her head and turned away. "N-Nothing..."

With that vague answer, she left, leaving everyone that was Blake or Akito stunned. No one had seen Setsuna get so startled before, nor have they've ever seen that look in her eyes... Genuine fear.

Yang: "Oookay...?"

Ruby: "Is... Setsuna alright?"

Weiss: "She seems a bit more... jumpy." She pointed out. Akito said nothing as even he wasn't sure why his partner was acting like this. But before they could discuss that anymore, Oobleck's voice rang through the stereo system.

Oobleck: "Would the combatants make their way to the arena please!"

Ace: "Seems like that's our cue to go now." He looked towards the male wolf Faunus who nodded.

Akito: "Yeah. We're off now girls." He looked towards the team of four.

Ruby: "Good luck guys!"

Yang: "Yeah, break their legs!" She grinned, while Ace looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

Weiss: "Fight well!" The last one, Blake walked up to Akito before she kissed his cheek.

Blake: "Good luck, Wolfie." She spoke in a soft tone. "And..." She glanced off in the direction Setsuna walked. Getting the picture, he nodded and caressed her cheek.

Akito: "Thanks. And don't worry, I know."

Amity Colosseum...

Port: "It's time for the final match of the duo's bracket! However, this time for this year, a special arrangement has been made for our combatants as this will be the very first and only 3v3 match to take place in Amity Colosseum!" The crowd cheered loudly in response. Standing in the center of the massive floating arena was Akito, Setsuna, and Ace. "The only two-man team of Beacon Academy, Team WOLF, alongside the solo man from Haven, Ace Sparta, versus three out of the four members of Team MYLC from Atlas Academy!"

Akito watched as Saria and Lapis approached, their weapons in hand. However, he was confused at the fact that Maya wasn't with them.

Ace: "You guys sure took your time." He crossed his arms as the Snow Fox Faunus scratched the back of her head with a sheepish laugh.

Saria: "Sorry about that! Maya really wanted everything to go perfectly." She answered.

While they were conversing, Setsuna was beginning to zone out. She was silently and aimlessly staring ahead of her, with her slowly looking upwards. However, her eyes would widen as she spotted a figure in the stands, watching her.

Setsuna's thoughts: "N-No! Why is he here!?"

That same man that she had encountered before her match was here. He was in the stands, sitting with his legs crossed and that same 'innocent' smile on his face. His eyes locked directly with hers as he gave a small 'friendly' wave, sending severe chills down her spine. The sounds of the crowd around her began to become muffled as her racing heartbeat became louder and faster. She could feel it, a panic attack. No doubt she'd probably collapse any second now, however...

Akito: "Setsuna!" she gasped as she snapped out of her state. She quickly looked to her left and saw that Akito was looking at her, his hand grasping her shoulder gently. "You were breathing heavily. Are you sure you're alright?"

Setsuna: "O-Oh um..." Her eyes slightly drifted back to where she was staring, only for the man to no longer be there. Concluding that her mind was playing tricks on her she took in a deep breath and sighed. "S-Setsuna's fine. Please don't worry."

She looked back at him and gave her best smile as her hand held his. Akito silently stared at her, still not convinced by her answer, but unfortunately that would have to wait.

Ace: "So, where is Maya? She's running late or did she switch out with Akira at the last minute?" He asked, his arms crossed as the female Arc was the only person not present and the only reason why the match hadn't started yet. The two members of Team MYLC looked at each other before looking back at them.

Saria: "Well..." She paused as the sounds of thrusters roaring rang through the area. Everyone, including the crowd looked up at the sky and spotted a familiar figure speeding down.

Lapis: "Speaking of the devil..."

Setsuna: "Is that...?"

Lapis: "Yup. Our leader."

Akito: "Wing Zero..."

(Play Song)

Everyone watched in amazement as Wing Zero began its transformation. The open Wing bingers closed, and the Shield detached. The Armor shifted around Maya's body, the Gundam's head and waist rotating into place as the Twin Buster Rifle joined together and was held in the right hand while on the left hand, the shield attached. As the transformation concluded, Maya announced,

Maya (Wing Zero): "Wing Gundam Zero, Maya Arc, Locked on Target!"

She announced as the green eyes of the Wing Gundam Zero glowed brightly, with her slowly rotating in midair with her Twin Buster Rifle pointed directly up. The crowd in Amity cheered loudly, excited as they were getting to witness a Gundam making its first official public appearance.

Port: "Oh and Maya Arc has brought out the weapon General Ironwood and Atlas Scientists have been working so hard to perfect, the Mobile Suit Gundam!"

Ace: "Talk about an entrance..."

Akito: "Busting out the Gundam already huh..." He crossed his arms. Maya looked down at them as she lowered herself so she barely hovered above her teammates.

Maya (Wing Zero): "Sorry for keeping you guys waiting. I've always wanted to do that." She said with a light laugh before she grinned as Wing Zero's eyes glowed brightly. "Now then, prepare yourselves for the biggest challenge you'll have all year!"

She proudly and confidently stated, with her pointing the Twin Buster Rifle at Akito. Lapis twirled his Staff of Akua, a blade popping out of one end of it turning it into a naginata as he faced Setsuna. Akito stared at the team of three before him as the Biomes began to randomize before they were selected. City, Savana, Ice and Fire. However as for Saria, she looked at all the opponents before her, with the only one her teammates not aiming for being Ace. Her eyes widened as she realized the immediate disadvantage that she was put at.

Saria: "W-Wait, hold on!"

Akito: "Heh." He grinned as the Gundam core around his neck began to glow. "Alright then, let's see if you're not all bark then!"

Gundam Exia appeared on his body, cladding him in its shiny white and blue armor as he took a powerful stance with Exia's eyes glowing brightly.

Akito (Exia): "Gundam Exia, Akito Zara, ready to intercept!"

Port: "And Akito Zara has activated his well-known Gundam Exia! This is about to be a true battle of titans!" With both teams hearing the cheers of those in the audience, including their friends, they were ready to finally duke it out.

Oobleck: "The Match starts in Three..." Ace gripped his weapon, Liberator as he got into a low stance, his free hand on the ground as he was ready to charge, causing Saria to immediately start sweating. "Two..." Setsuna growled as her Ice Wolf Claws formed on her hands, with her getting into a dashing position. "One..." Akito pointed Alpha at Maya as the GN Particles jetted out of the Gundam's back.

"BEGIN!"

(Play Song)

With a yell, Maya fired the Twin Buster Rifle at low power at Akito, who instantly took to the skies, dodging the attack as he blasted himself towards the armored Arc, quickly attempting to close the distance. Wing Zero however transformed into Neo Bird Form and instantly began to fly away, causing him to chase after her while firing shots at her.

Port: "And immediately, Maya and Akito take to the skies!"

Ace: "Alright, it's just us two to take on these guys! You ready?" He looked towards Setsuna.

Setsuna: "Y-Yeah." She nodded but suddenly froze as she gained a confused expression.

Ace: "Alright! Let's-what the?" He blinked in confusion. Lapis was confused at their expressions before he noticed that they weren't looking at him. They were looking right next to him. He turned his head, only to see a blinking outline of his partner.

Lapis: "Saria!" He yelled out.

Saria: "O-Oh don't worry about me, Lapis!" The three looked towards the City Biome, where she was on top of one of the buildings. "You can handle them both easily! I'll just be here, supporting you from a distance like always! Ahaha..."

Lapis: "You..." he sighed before he suddenly stepped back, dodging a swipe from Setsuna from her Ice Wolf Claws before she white-haired female continued to keep the pressure on him by chasing after him and rapidly swiping at him, forcing the tall human male to parry with his Akua Staff.

Setsuna: "Go! Get her out of her vantage point!"

Ace: "Got it!"

Lapis: "I don't think so!"

He managed to break away from the arctic wolf Faunus and thrust his Staff of Akua towards the blue-haired male, the nagantaka blade popping out of the tip. However, he'd fail as he was tackled to the side by said Arctic Wolf, her eyes briefly glowing.

With the distraction out of the way, Ace turned towards the City Biome and began making a break towards it. Spotting the charging male through her sniper scope, Saria yelped before she quickly began to rain down a bombardment of Sniper Bullets down at the rushing male. With him raising his hand, he deflected every bullet with Liberator, with him picking up speed with no issue at all, causing her to start sweating a bit.

Saria: "C-Crap...!"

Meanwhile in the sky, Maya with the Wing Zero equipped, had backed up, firing the Vulcans on the Wing Shield and the Machine Guns on her armor's clavicle at Akito in the Exia, who was quickly closing the distance by blocking each shot with the GN Shield. Upon getting close, he went in for a swing with Alpha, but Maya quickly dodged out of the way and aimed her Twin Buster Rifle at him.

Maya (Wing Zero): "Gotcha~!"

Akito: (Exia): "Not so fast!" Just as the Arc was about to blast him point blank, he suddenly pulled a fast move. His GN Shield detached from his left arm, and he reached behind, unsheathing a GN Beam Dagger and striking Maya's rifle-holding hand, causing her to yelp in surprise and drop the Twin Buster Rifle. He instantly followed up with a kick to her chest, sending her flying back as she quickly stopped herself.

Oobleck: "And Maya has been disarmed of her most powerful weapon!"

Blake: "Nice one Akito!"

Jaune: "C'mon Maya!"

Akito (Exia): "Don't think I'm gonna let you take the easy way out with that weapon."

Maya (Wing Zero): "Ehe... Smart move! This just got a lot more interesting!" She exclaimed, a grin on her face as Wing Zero's eyes glowed brightly. Just before anything happened though, Ironwood's face appeared on the left side of Wing Zero's interface.

Ironwood: "Remember Maya, do not use the Z.E.R.O System. It isn't completed yet." He warned her. With a serious expression, the young Arc hummed.

Maya (Wing Zero): "I understand sir."

Akito's thoughts: "Z.E.R.O System...? Is that some kind of special system Wing Zero has? Even if she can't use it now, I should be cautious..." He thought before he noticed Wing Zero's left shoulder pad opening, revealing a Beam Saber handle as Maya reached for it and got in a stance with Beam Saber and Shield.

Maya (Wing Zero): "Alright, let's go!" She exclaimed before charging towards the Melee-centered Gundam Meister.

Meanwhile back on the ground, Setsuna was moving at a quick pace, zipping around her opponent Lapis, doing constant hits and runs. She would jump in and swipe with her Ice Wolf Claws before dashing out and going for another opening. As for Lapis however, he wasn't moving as much as Setsuna, staying in one place as he was using his Staff of Akua in Nagantaka form to parry each of the female's strikes. Despite her being much faster than him, he was holding out well.

Ruby: "Lapis is really a study guy. It'll be tough for Setsuna to get him."

Yang: "C'mon Setsuna! Knock him down!" She cheered for her friend.

Summer: "I don't think it'll be that easy, Yang." The blonde and the rest of Team RWBY looked over to see the four sisters sitting next to them. "See how Setsuna's moving a lot, but Lapis is barely moving?"

Akira: "Hmm. He's conserving his energy while she's expending hers." The girls yelped as the male was seated behind them, his hands crossed.

Winter: "When did you get here?"

Akira: "Just did."

Weiss: "And why did you forfeit the match?" He fell silent as he was staring down at the match.

Akira: "... For personal reasons." He spoke. The Heiress raised an eyebrow in confusion but decided to leave it at that. When they all turned back to the fight, they noticed how Saria and Ace's situation was.

Well... this wasn't even a fight anymore, as it was more like a chase. Saria was bouncing through the City Biome, constantly dodging any strikes from Ace that managed to get close to her. While she was extremely adept at long range combat, in close range however, she practically had no skill. Normally she'd just get to her vantage point and take down her target, but since Ace was like a stubborn bull, she couldn't really do anything.

Saria: "Damnit, Akira for forcing me to take his place! He knows I don't do well against close-ranged fighters!" She cursed her teammate before yelping as she jumped out of the way of another attack from Ace, who was in all honesty, getting more and more frustrated with this game of cat and mouse.

Ace: "Tch... This isn't even a fight." He grumbled as he fired a couple of Dust shots from Liberator's blunt end, which the female narrowly missed as she dipped behind a building.

Saria continued on the run but was starting to get a bit tired and was slowing down, which was causing Ace to catch up to her quicker now. The Snow Fox Faunus was starting to panic a bit now. She was never meant for close quarters combat and this guy was rushing straight towards her! She had to think fast! Thankfully for her, an idea popped into her head. Activating her Semblance, she charged a special bullet in her Fox's Eye Sniper Rifle and aimed at Ace before firing. As predicted, the blue-haired male deflected the bullet with Liberator, but that caused it to bounce off and hit a building nearby.

Saria: "There!" Her eyes glowed as she activated her Tether, causing Liberator to start glowing.

Ace: "What the!?" He grunted as he was suddenly flung right into the wall by his own weapon.

Port: "Ooh and Saria managed to throw Ace off with her Semblance!"

Oobleck: "Yes, it seems so! Saria's Semblance allows her to Tether two objects or people together and send them crashing into each other! Quite an effective Semblance against someone who specializes in Melee combat, such as Ace!"

Yang: "C'mon Ace!"

Autumn: "What the hell was that!?"

Ruby: "C-Calm down, Yang, Autumn!"

Akira: "Saria's screwed." He sighed and shook his head.

Spring: "Really??" She asked, while blinking as the male just nodded and pointed down at the fight. Saria was taking this time to catch her breath, while leaning against her weapon.

Saria: "P-Phew... Thank Oum that worked. Now, I should try and get back on high ground so I can help Lapis and Maya out." She said as she began to move but froze as her ears stood straight up.

Ace: "Oh don't worry, you won't have to deal with that."

The Snow Fox Faunus felt a chill up her spine as everything around her became black and white and slowed to a crawl. When she turned around, Ace stood there, also black and white but the blue segments of his outfit glowed, along with Liberator. When she looked down at her own self, she was also completely in black and white, aside from the bits of light blue in her outfit that were glowing. She looked back at the male, who was approaching her gradually. Her eyes widened, with her breathing getting heavier as the air in this "space" felt nullifying and heavy. She watched him raise Liberator's blade, unable to move or even retaliate in any way... but just as she thought he was going to bring it down on her, he didn't. He in fact, sheathed Liberator on his back.

Ace: "It's obvious you aren't a melee fighter, and I don't like to hit girls, no less a girl that won't fight back. So, let's end it there." he said, with everything around them going back to normal. He walked past the female and patted her shoulder. As he was walking towards the other battles, he heard a thud behind him. He turned around and blinked in surprise to see that Saria had... fainted.

Port: "Oh what's this?? Saria has fainted! Her Aura didn't deplete but she's completely knocked out cold! Meaning that Team MYLC is down one teammate!"

Oobleck: "Quite the display of Ace's Semblance! Simply known as 'Null Zone', Ace brings himself and his opponent into this Zone of nothingness where they can do battle. Not much is known of this zone, but according to others that have fought Ace in this zone, it sounds like Ace always has the upper hand in this zone!"

Ace: "... Oh..." was all he said as he crouched down to check on the female. "... Maybe I shouldn't have done that..."

Summer: "Alright, that Semblance sounds scary and dangerous..."

Spring: "It's a good thing he's on our side."

Winter: "Even then, it seems like Ace didn't mean to make Saria faint. I hope she's feeling alright."

Akira: "She'll be fine." The others looked at him. "She's too stubborn to let something like this keep her down after all."

Port: "Now it's a 3v2 Match!"

Maya grunted as she raised Wing Zero's shield, blocking the sword strike from Akito. Her eyes widened under her helmet upon hearing the announcement of her teammate being knocked out.

Maya (Wing Zero): "Saria, no!"

Akito (Exia): "Seems like we have the edge now!" He exclaimed and pushed Maya back before kicking her in the abdomen, causing her to grunt and crash into the ground, with Wing Zero taking most of the impact.

Setsuna clawed at Lapis twice, forcing him to block but pushing him back. She was getting ready to end this in one swift attack with her Semblance enhancing her, however...

???: "So powerful and beautiful. You really are my daughter!" That man's voice echoed through her mind, causing her to freeze as she quickly was scanning the stands for him. But she couldn't pinpoint his location. The Arctic Wolf began to panic, her breathing getting heavy and her vision blurry. All noises around her seemed to drown out as she was desperately trying to find this man but was failing. "However... you still are too naive."

Setsuna's thoughts: "G-G-Get out of my head!!!"

Her voice sounded desperate, pleading... and scared. She could hear a loud ringing noise as her heart was beating rapidly. But all of a sudden, one single voice pulled her out of her state of panic.

Akito (Exia): "Setsuna!!"

Setsuna: "H-Huh!?"

Just as she came to her senses, she saw Lapis in front of her, his weapon transformed into Lance form as he was getting ready to strike her. With how close he was, it would be impossible for her to dodge. But thankfully for her, Akito had swooped in with Exia and blocked the attack with the GN Shield he reobtained. With a grunt, he pushed the tall male back, just as Ace rushed in and threw a kick at him, forcing him to block and skid back next to Maya. The two males turned to her.

Ace: "What was that all about? You froze up." he said, with the white-haired female falling silent, her mouth trembling slightly. She looked to the stands again and the man was gone... along with his voice, as if he never existed... Akito was silent as he stared at his partner through the eyes of Exia. He could tell that there was something more going on. With a deep breath, he came to a conclusion.

Akito (Exia): "We can handle this later. Right now, we're in the middle of something. Ace, can you take Setsuna to the infirmary?" That took the two by surprise.

Ace: "You serious? You want to fight those two on your own??"

Akito (Exia): "I know what it looks like, but right now, Setsuna's well-being comes first and I don't feel right sending her there on her own after everything that's happened today. I would forfeit as well, but I made a promise that I'd win this match and I intend to keep it. Please Ace... I can trust you to do this, right?" The blue-haired male fell silent and thought for a moment before sighing and nodded.

Ace: "Aight, suit yourself. But don't end up blaming me if we end up losing in the end." he said and turned around, while Akito merely scoffed, but laughed.

Setsuna: "A-Akito, Setsuna is..." The armored wolf looked down at the female, who had lost her voice for a moment and looked down, her wolf ears flattening. But soon, she felt his armored hand gently pat her on top of her head.

Akito (Exia): "You can tell me and my sisters all about it when the match is over. For now, go and rest. You deserve it after all, Setsu." She was silent as she was staring up at him but gave a small yet reluctant nod.

Setsuna: "I'm sorry..." She apologized and began to walk away, with Ace following behind her.

Port: "What's this??? Ace and Setsuna are leaving the arena! Does this mean they forfeit the match???"

Oobleck: "If that's the case, that means this has turned into a two v one match! The Odds are now stacked against Akito!"

Spring, Autumn, Ruby: "What!?"

Yang: "What's going on?? Why did Akito send Setsuna and Ace off!?"

Weiss: "Is he really planning to fight them on his own!? Is he crazy!?"

Akira: "Hmm..." Blake, Summer and Winter were all silent. While the two elder sisters were trying to figure out exactly what was going on, Blake seemed to have realized. After all, she had also noticed how Setsuna was behaving before the match, and she knew that the white-haired Faunus wouldn't usually back away from a fight.

Blake's thoughts: "I hope you know what you're doing, Akito..."

Maya (Wing Zero): "Huh? You're gonna take us both on by yourself? You're not underestimating us, are you?" She asked, tilting her head to one side while Akito merely shrugged.

Akito (Exia): "Course not. You guys proved how strong you guys are. It's just... I don't have any intent of backing down from this fight, cause I made a promise to someone that I'd win. So if I have to go solo against the two of you, then so be it!"

With a glow of Exia's eyes, Alpha was pointed towards the two. Lapis looked towards his leader in the 7ft tall winged Gundam, looking for some kind of response to this.

Lapis: "What do you say, Maya?" He asked, though internally, he predicted what his leader would have answered with.

Maya (Wing Zero): "Heh heh! I say we give him the fight he wants! Let's go all out, Lapis!" She exclaimed as Wing Zero raised its Beam Saber at the Exia. Lapis sighed but chuckled.

Lapis: "As you say, leader."

Akito (Exia): "Hah... Then let's go!"

In an instant, Exia burst forwards at full speed, catching Maya a bit off guard, but thankfully for her, Lapis stepped in front of her quickly, parrying the attack from Akito but was being pushed back slightly due to the Gundam being much heavier and larger than him. With him throwing away Exia's shield, Akito equipped the GN Long Blade and was quick to make a slash at Lapis to swiftly deal with him, but this time Maya got in the way, activating Wing Zero's thrusters and performing a shield bash, causing the armored Melee warrior to to flying back, but quickly stop himself. With Alpha converting into rifle mode, he instantly began to fire a series of beams at the two, who quickly split up and began to charge him together.

Summer: "He's surrounded..."

Winter: "Don't worry. Big bro's got this."

Dual wielding Alpha and the GN Long Blade, Akito in the Exia stood his ground, blocking and parrying each attack being sent at him either side. On his right was Maya with the Wing Zero, Beam Saber in hand while on his left was Lapis with his Staff of Akua in Lance form. His arms were moving quickly, as sparks bounced off his blades. He did admit, he was taking a major risk by taking on the two of them simultaneously, especially after witnessing their power as a team back at the Breech, but he was hoping to at least out last Lapis and strike him down before focusing on Maya while keeping her away from her trump card.

Exia spun in place, both blades clashing against its enemies' weapons, pushing them both back. Akito instantly charged to Lapis, hoping to execute his plan as he raised his left arm and brought down Alpha on him. However much to his surprise, Lapis had transformed his weapon back to staff mode at the last second.

Lapis: "Maya!" He called out. Akito's eyes widened under his helmet as he turned his head briefly and saw Wing Zero blasting towards its trump card: the Twin Buster Rifle.

Akito (Exia): "I don't think so!"

He quickly transformed Alpha into rifle mode and just as he was about to fire a shot at the armored blonde female, Lapis was already in front of him, his aura shimmering and glowing around his weapon. With a grunt, he thrusts his Staff of Akua forwards, colliding with Alpha just as the shot was fired, sending it up and hitting the barrier around the battleground. But thanks to him activating his Semblance, Aura Manipulation, he sent out an after projection of the staff, doubling its impact and actually lodging Alpha right out of Exia's grip.

Oobleck: "Ooh, smart move by Lapis! Using his Aura Manipulation to enhance his attacks and disarm Akito of his only viable ranged option! Things are getting close now!"

Akito's thoughts: "Shit..." He cursed under his breath as he quickly began to back away, while unsheathing his GN Short Blade to dual wield them now. However, Lapis kept the pressure on him, forcing him on the defensive and chasing after him, rapidly striking him with his staff and forcing him to block with his GN Blades. Eventually, he empowered another attack, sending out a projection that knocked the GN Long Blade out of his left hand. "He's disarming me! I need to get up into the sky, now!"

Quickly, the Exia took off, avoiding Lapis' assault all together, but in doing so, he made himself an easy target for his teammate. Exia's radar was beeping crazily as a golden beam of energy was flying towards him. Akito gasped and quickly flipped out of the way of the beam. In came Wing Zero, with its Twin Buster Rifle retrieved and in its left hand. Maya yelled as she charged, beam saber in her right hand as she swung at Akito, who attempted to parry with the GN Short Blade. However, much to his surprise, this was a fake-out as Maya quickly diverted her Beam Saber's swing to purposely miss, causing Akito's parry to miss before she instantly shield bashed him in the chest, causing him to grunt and staggering him, while knocking the GN Short Blade out of his right hand.

Lapis: "Finish it, Maya!"

Maya (Wing Zero): "IT'S OVER!"

She quickly turned around and aimed the Twin Buster Rifle at Akito before pulling the trigger, firing a large golden beam at the blue and white Gundam. Everyone watched in shock as the beam seemed to consume the armored male. However... little did anyone know; a small red shine came from the Exia just at the last moment.

Weiss: "I-Is it over??"

Spring: "Big bro..." There was silence in the arena for a while as Akito seemed to be nowhere to be found, nor the Exia...

(Play Music)

Lapis: "Gah!" He suddenly grunted as a red blur went past him, knocking right into his chest and sending him flying back and out of the arena in one single attack, taking him out of the fight instantly.

Port: "And Lapis has been eliminated!"

Maya (Wing Zero): "WHAT!?"

Yang: "W-What just happened!?"

Akira: "Huh...?" Even he was taken by surprise before he spotted something in the air. "Wait... Look in the sky." Everyone's attention shifted to what he pointed out, their eyes slowly widening in not only shock, but complete awe at what was before them.

Autumn: "Is that..."

Summer: "... Gundam Exia...?"

Winter: "But it's... glowing red."

From the infirmary, Ace and Setsuna watched with their eyes widened, completely taken by surprise from this sudden spectacle.

Ace: "What the fuck?"

Setsuna: "... Akito... Exia... They changed..."

Back in the arena, Maya looked up through Wing Zero's eyes completely surprised. Before her, Gundam Exia hovered, both Beam Sabers in its hands. However, as Winter described, the entire unit was glowing a bright red, as if supercharged.

Akito (Exia): "Woah..." he said in bewilderment by this newfound state of his beloved Gunda. "Exia, you..." He fell silent before he narrowed his eyes down at Maya, now feeling ready to take her on.

Maya (Wing Zero): "W-What's that system??? N-Nevermind that, I'll take you down before you get to even use it!" She exclaimed as Wing Zero aimed its Twin Buster Rifle at the glowing Gundam. However, before she could pull the trigger, Exia was gone again, leaving behind a series of afterimages. "It's Fast!"

Exia was flying circles around the Wing Zero, leaving afterimages in its wake as it was constantly striking it from every angle with its beam sabers at an incredible speed. Maya was getting overwhelmed quickly, unable to handle the Exia's sudden burst of speed. She couldn't parry with her shield or Beam Saber, nor could she line up a shot to fire. It was... too fast for her!

Akito (Exia): "It's over Maya, you lost!" He exclaimed, Exia's eyes glowing brightly as it was above the winged Gundam before it crashed down on it, striking it with both of its beam sabers and sending it crashing down into the ground, with Maya yelling out in pain. A thud was heard as Wing Zero collided with the ground, its eyes flickering before shutting down, with the Gundam slowly vanishing back into the Gundam Core, leaving the exposed Maya, half unconscious in the arena. As she looked up at the glowing Exia, she reached up to it and let out a weak laugh.

Maya: "A-Aha... Exia is really... beautiful..." She muttered before falling unconscious, ending the match with the buzzard.

Port: "AND WITH A BLAZING FINISH, TEAM WOLF IS THE WINNER, MEANING AKITO WILL BE GOING ON TO THE FINAL!!!" Cheers erupted from the crowd. Akito glanced around at the cheering students and teachers, with his eyes landing on his friends. They were all yelling cheers for him while his four sisters all were dancing in joy. Akira wasn't making any noises as he had his arms crossed but merely smirked and nodded. Then he looked at Blake.

Blake: "I LOVE YOU AKITO!" She yelled out to him, causing him to slightly blush under Exia's helmet. He chuckled and smiled but then looked down to the Exia's interface silently as two words were right in front of him now.

Akito (Exia): "Trans-Am... System..." He fell silent as he slightly gripped the beam sabers as Exia glowed gloriously. "So, this is Exia's true power..."

>Later<

Nightfall had hit Vale as standing on the roof of the Dorms was Setsuna. The arctic wolf female was looking up to the shattered moon, that man's face repeatedly appearing in her head, making her shiver out of discomfort.

Akito: "You know..." She yelped and turned around, spotting the black-haired wolf Faunus standing there with his arms crossed. "When you of all people are this jumpy, it's a cause for concern."

Setsuna: "... I'm sorry..." She muttered and looked away. He remained silent before sighing and approaching her.

Akito: "What's wrong, Setsu? I've never seen you with that kind of fear on your face since... well... ever. Not even when we first met." The white-haired Faunus remained silent, her tail drooping downwards as she looked down.

Setsuna: "It's.... a long story... But something from my past popped back up and is now... haunting Setsuna."

Akito: "... Do you want to talk about it?" He asked and she shook her head. He understood. It was probably too hard of a topic for her to talk about. So what did he do? He pulled her into a gentle and warm embrace. "It's alright... But whenever you're ready to talk about it, don't hesitate to talk to me, my sisters... or to Blake. Or really, to any of our friends. We're all here for you, Setsuna."

Spring: "Yep, yep!"

Autumn: "You bet your ass we're here for you too!"

Summer: "No matter what."

Winter: "We'll always have your back, Setsuna." The four projected their voices enough so that she could hear them.

Setsuna: "Akito... Everyone..." her voice slightly trembled before she hugged back tightly, with small tears forming in her eyes.

???: "How touching. If it were anyone else, I might have thought something was going on." The two froze while the four girls gasped, the voice coming off familiar to them. They slowly turned around and spotted... Him. A human man with semi-long white hair, wearing a faded red jacket. He had a sword sheathed on his back and two pistols resting in holsters on his thighs. He was one of the four that Qrow showed Summer and Spring from the picture of Team STRQ and Team CDSY. "What? Quit looking at me like I'm some kind of ghost. It hasn't been THAT long since we've last seen each other!"

Akito: "Y-You're back... Dante..."

(Dante Sparda)

>Meanwhile<

Atlesian Ship Infirmary...

Saria: "AMAGAD!!! LAPIS DIED BECAUSE OF US!!"

Maya: "NOOOO! WHAT SHALL WE DO??? I'M SUCH A BAD LEADER!!!" The two girls hugged each other, with tears streaming down their faces.

Maya and Saria: "WE'RE SORRY, LAPIS!!!"

Akira: "Dumbasses, he's just unconscious..." he deadpanned and sighed, while shaking his head as the three were standing over Lapis, who was still unconscious in a bed. "Getting hit by a super charged Gundam at that speed would knock anyone out. I'm more surprised his Aura held up enough for him to only suffer a few broken ribs..."

Ironwood, who was sitting in the room, watched the team and chuckled to himself but then thought back to the fight, seeing Exia glow red as its Trans-Am System was activated. He hummed and nodded.

Ironwood's thoughts: "The fact Akito was able to activate Exia's Trans-Am System... Truly an interesting turn of events. Maybe he was truly meant to be Exia's Meister after all..."

____________________________________________

Next Chapter: Fall

Ozpin: "Tell me, what's your favorite fairy tale?" That question left the two Teens, plus the four sisters confused.

Akito: "Uh... What?"

Pyrrha: "I'm sorry?"