(3rd Person POV)

Olympia: Why did Professor Ozpin call for us?

The hybrid girls, Cassie, Olympia and Cassandra were currently making their way towards the Headmaster's office, upon being summoned there by Ozpin, who said to hastily make their way to his office.

Cassie: I wish I could tell you the answer, dear Princess... The only info I was given was that it was somewhat urgent. But it doesn't make any sense... We didn't do anything... Right...?

Olympia: N-No! I... I don't think so...

Cassie: Cassandra... Did you go steal food from the Cafeteria again...?

Cassandra looked offended as her eyes began glowing.

Cassandra telepathically: What the fuck!? What do you take me for, fucking Swiper!? Because I know you ain't Swiper no Swiping, me!

Cassie deadpan and shook her head.

Cassie: You know what, never mind...

Cassandra telepathically: *crosses arms* Hmph! Damn right!

Cassie: Let's just get there and find out...

Just as they entered the lobby of the Beacon tower, the sight of a certain red haired Spartan making her way towards the elevator.

Olympia: Pyrrha!

The P in Team JNPR, turned around, surprised to see the three hybrid girls before greeting them with a warm and friendly smile.

Pyrrha: Hello there!

Olympia: So what are you doing here?

Pyrrha: Oh, Professor Ozpin called me up to see him.

Cassie: Oh really? Same for us.

Pyrrha: Oh wonderful! Shall we go up together?

Cassandra: *nods while grunting happily*

Cassie: That's a yes.

"IT'S... REALLY YOU..."
CHAPTER 5: FALL

(3rd Person POV)

The doors of the elevator slid open with a ding as Pyrrha, Cassie, Olympia and Cassandra entered the headmaster's office, immediately being greeted by the Wizard of Oz himself.

Ozpin: Well, it comes as no surprise that they've chosen the both of you, Pyrrha and Cassie, to move onto the final round of the tournament. Your performances have been exemplary.

Pyrrha: Thank you Professor Ozpin, but I would never have made it this far without my teammates.

Cassie: Same with me, Professor.

???: Personally, I think it's the other way around for both of you.

The teens turned around, only to see Qrow leaning against a pillar.

Cassie: Wait... Aren't you Ruby's uncle?

Qrow: Yup. Name's Qrow. And I'm surprised to see the tin head didn't shoot you three yet. *points at Cassie, Cassandra and Olympia* Hmph, I guess he doesn't have the guts to pull the trigger.

Olympia: *nervously* U-Um...

Ozpin: Excuse him. Qrow is a trusted colleague of mine.

Pyrrha: Professor, if you don't mind me asking, why have you called us here?

Ozpin: Please, take a seat.

Pyrrha and Olympia took a seat in front of the headmaster as Cassie and Cassandra stood next to them.

Ozpin: Tell me, what is your favorite fairy tale?

Cassie: Huh...?

Pyrrha: I'm... sorry?

Ozpin: Fairy tales; stories from childhood. Surely you must remember some of them.

Olympia: Oh! Oh! There's the Tale of the Two Brothers and the Girl in the Tower!

Cassie: There's also the Tale of the Guardian Beasts, which we know is obviously real...

Pyrrha: There's also the Shallow Sea...

Ozpin: How about the story of the Seasons?

Olympia: Oh yes! I love that one! A callous old man, who refuses to leave his home is visited by for traveling sisters. The first understands his reclusive nature and urges him to use the time in solitude to reflect and meditate. The second brings him fruits and flowers, tending to his crops and revitalizing his garden.

Pyrrha: The third warms the man's heart, convincing him to step outside and embrace the world around him. And the fourth and final sister begs him to look at all he has, and be thankful. In return for their kindness, the man grants the Maidens incredible powers, so that they may continue to help others all over the world.

Cassie: The graciously accept and promise to share their gifts with the people of Remnant 'til the end of days. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall; The Four Maidens. And along with the Maidens, four young people, who were said to posses power like no one has ever seen before, would accompany the Maidens on their journey, growing powerful bonds with each other; they would be known as the Guardians of the Maidens.

Pyrrha: My mother loves that story.

Ozpin: Would you believe me if I told you that one's been around since I was a boy?

Pyrrha: *chuckles* You're not "that" old Professor.

Cassandra thoughts: I beg to differ... Well I don't know...

Ozpin's expression suddenly became serious.

Ozpin: Would you believe me if I told you it was true?

Pyrrha: I... beg your pardon?

Ozpin: What if I told you that there were four Maidens existing in this world that could wield such tremendous power, without Dust?

Pyrrha: You mean like... a Semblance? Or like the Hybrids...?

Ozpin: Like Magic.

Olympia: Magic...?

Pyrrha: I...

Qrow: Yeah, first time hearing this, it's pretty crazy.

Cassie: ...You're serious...?

Ozpin: Do I look like I'm joking?

Pyrrha: ...N-No... Why... why are you telling us this?

Ozpin: We are telling you this, Pyrrha Nikos, because we believe you are next in line to receive the Fall Maiden powers.

Pyrrha looked at Ozpin, confused and slightly worried. Ozpin then looked at Olympia, Cassie and Cassandra.

Ozpin: And Cassie Ghidra, Cassandra Ryuseicho and Princess Olympia Mosura, we believe you three, along with your leader, Lazarus Rose, are destined to be the Hybrid Guardians of the Maidens.

The three Hybrid girls looked at each other confused.

Olympia: Hybrid... Guardians...

Cassie: ...Of the Maidens...?

Pyrrha: And what do you mean by "we"?

At that moment, the elevator doors opened, revealing Glynda and Ironwood who stepped out.

Ironwood: Sorry we're late.

Upon entering the room, the Atlesian General narrowly dodged two silver bladed tentacles that were aimed directly for his head, followed up by golden lightning bolts striking around him and a poisonous stinger dart sticking the wall next to him; all came from Cassandra, Cassie and Olympia, who all glared daggers at the General, who gritted his teeth before reaching for his Revolver, but Ozpin quickly extinguished the situation.

Ozpin: That's enough! Cassie, Cassandra, Princess, the General isn't here to take any of you in. He's with me. *looks at Ironwood* And you are to NOT show any hostility towards them.

After a few seconds of intense staring, both sides, slowly stood down. Pyrrha then, abruptly got up.

Pyrrha: Wait what is this? Who are you?

Glynda: You know who we are. We're the same teachers and Headmasters you both met when you arrived at Beacon.

Qrow: But we've got a little part-time job.

Ironwood: We are the protectors of the world.

Ozpin: And we need all of your help.

The teens eyed each other nervously...

>>Short Time Skip brought to you by Chibi Pyrrha running with Chibi Cassandra on her back<<

Quietly they all stood in the elevator as it lowered itself to the lowest point of the Academy.

Pyrrha: Where are we going?

Ozpin: The Vault, under the school.

Cassie: ... You know, I could tolerate the thought of giant Kaiju beasts but... I don't know how much of this I can take anymore... Magic... Maidens... Vaults under the schools... What kind of world is this...?

Qrow: Heh, that's a good question Sparky.

Finally, the elevator came to a halt, trigging the doors to open to reveal a dark hallway only lit by green lights. As everyone stepped out of it, the teens hung behind, taking in the scenery but Glynda walked up to them.

Glynda: I'm sure you all must have some questions.

Pyrrha: Maybe one, or two...

They all began to walk down the dark hallway.

Olympia: Ah Yes... I have a Question, Aunty Glynda...

Glynda: Yes, Olympia?

Olympia: What did you mean when you said Pyrrha was next in line in receive the Maiden's power?

Glynda: The Maidens have existed for thousands of years, but much like nature, the seasons change. No two summers are alike. When a Maiden dies, her power leaves her body and seeks out a new host, ensuring that the seasons are never lost, and that no individual can hold on to that power forever.

Pyrrha: So, how does the power choose?

Qrow: Through a series of stupid and convoluted rules.

Glynda: *Angrily* Qrow.

Qrow: Hey, don't get mad 'cause I'm right!

Cassie: I'm slowly starting to not believe you're Laz's Uncle...

Qrow sighed and looked down...

Qrow: *mumbling* Maybe because I'm not...

Cassie: Sorry?

Qrow: Nothing.

Glynda sighed before continuing her explanation.

Glynda: At first, the only thing that was certain was that the powers were specifically passed on to young women, but as time went on, it was discovered that the selection process was much more... intimate.

Olympia: Intimate?

Glynda: As we understand it now, when a Maiden dies, the one who is in her final thoughts is the first candidate to inherit her power.

Qrow: Unless it's a dude or some old hag, then the power goes to someone random and our job gets a lot harder.

Pyrrha: Why are you telling us this now? Why not wait until we've graduated?

Qrow: Honestly, we've run out of time. I don't know you've noticed, but things are getting a lot scarier out in the world. Tensions are high, Grimm are growing stronger, more prevalent. And it's not going to be long before the peace we've been enjoying for so long goes out the window.

Pyrrha: You're not... talking about war?

Ironwood: Not a war between nations.

Cassie: So what does the Guardian Beasts have to do with the Maidens?

Glynda: Well, believe it or not, the same man who granted the Maidens their powers, was the one who granted the original Hybrids, the abilities of the original Guardian Beasts. However, it was never said how he was able to grant the abilities of four of the Guardian Beasts to the young people.

Cassie: So... We're basically Guardians for the four Maidens, right?

Glynda: That's right. Mothra for Spring, King Ghidorah for Summer, Iris for Fall and the final Guardian Beast for Winter. The Godzilla however, was never assigned to any Maiden.

Olympia: Um...

Qrow: We can fill you all in on the details once we know that you're with us. For now, all you need to know is that one of the Maidens has been attacked, and for the first time in history, part of her power stolen.

As they came to a halt, they heard the sound of running electricity. Looking forward, there was a large machine with two rectangular pods connected to it, one of which is raised up and has a young woman in it. She had brown hair, was dressed in very minimal clothing and had a large burnt scar over her left eye.

Pyrrha: Is that...

Ozpin: The current Fall Maiden, Amber.

Pyrrha: She's... still alive.

Ironwood: For now. We're using state of the art Atlas technology to keep her stable, but there is a lot about this situation that is... unprecedented.

Olympia: What do you mean?

Ironwood: Well, we don't know what will happen if- when she passes.

Pyrrha: Won't... her power... just transfer to the next host?

Qrow: Look who's been listening! *to Ozpin* She IS smart.

Ironwood: Under normal circumstances, yes.

Cassie: Let me guess... This isn't a normal circumstance...

Ironwood: Affirmative; in fact, it's a delicate situation. It's not uncommon for the last thoughts of the slain to be their attacker. And to make matters worse, no one's seen the power split like this before. For all we know, it will seek out its other half.

Pyrrha: ...Her assailant...

Cassie: They did this knowing full well that her powers would be transferred to themselves if they killed her...

Ozpin: And that would not bode well of any of us.

Pyrrha approached Amber's pod and put her hand on the glass. She briefly looked at her friends; Cassie seemed to attempting to understand the situation, while Olympia seemed sad and confused. Cassandra on the other hand, seemed completely indifferent about the situation. Pyrrha quickly turned back to the teachers, slightly agitated.

Pyrrha: If all of this is true, why keep it a secret!? If this girl is so important... if we're truly on the brink of war, why not tell everyone!?

Glynda: From what we understand, it used to be common knowledge.

Pyrrha: Excuse us?

Qrow: *Pulls out his flask* How do you think legends and fairytales get started? Even the craziest ones come from somewhere. *Takes a drink*

Glynda: Our group was founded in order to protect both mankind and the Maidens. Those hungry for power hunted them with the hope of inheriting their strength.

Qrow: And as you can imaging, the ones that succeeded weren't exactly the one's you'd want to have unimaginable power.

Ironwood: And so, our brotherhood chose to remove the Maidens from the public eye, allowing their existence to fade away into legend.

Glynda: The things we're telling you go against hundreds of years of human history and religion.

Ironwood: No one would want to believe us. It would cause an uproar.

Ozpin: It would cause panic and we all know what that would bring clawing at our Kingdom's walls; which is why we would like to...

Pyrrha: I'll do it... If you believe that this would help humanity... then I will become your Fall Maiden. That's what you wanted, isn't it?

Olympia: P-Pyrrha...???

Ozpin: It is, but I'm afraid it's not that simple. Given Amber's condition, you won't be able to inherit her power naturally. However, General Ironwood believes he has a solution.

Cassie: Oh boy... Why do I have a bad feeling about that...

Ironwood glanced at Cassie, who just stuck her tongue out at him in response.

Ironwood: For the past few years, Atlas has been studying Aura for a more scientific standpoint; how it works, what's it's made of, how it can be used. We've made... significant strides. And we believe we've found a way to capture it.

Qrow: Capture it and cram it into something else. Or in your case... *gesturing to Pyrrha*

Pyrrha: That's...

Ironwood: Classified.

Pyrrha: ...Wrong!

Glynda: The feeling is mutual. *glares at Ironwood* But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Ironwood: And there are indeed desperate times. We can't transfer Amber's power directly to you but we can give you what those powers are bound to.

Pyrrha, Cassie and Olympia: ...Her Aura...

Ozpin: Her life would become intertwined with yours. The question is...

Qrow: What's that going to do to you?

Ozpin: You have an important decision before you Ms. Nikos. There's no guarantee this transfer will work, and there's no telling if you will be the same person if it does. And if it does work, Ms. Ryuseicho will have to dedicate her life to fighting by your side. Once we find the other Maidens, Ms. Ghidra, Ms. Mosura and Mr. Rose will also have to live up to their titles. I advise you all take time on this matter. But understand that before the Vytal Festival is over, we will need your answer.

Pyrrha didn't respond and just put her hand on the glass separating her from the fallen Maiden for it to reflect her expression filled with uncertainty and fear. Cassie and Olympia both looked down, while Cassandra clenched her fists. Afterwards, the teens were making their way back towards the elevator but Ozpin called out to them... More specifically...

Ozpin: Ms. Nikos. Ms. Ryuseicho.

Cassandra and Pyrrha stopped before turning to look at the headmaster, who walked up to them. He looked at the latter, handing her an envelope.

Ozpin: I was asked to give something to you and the person requested that Ms. Ryuseicho was present as well.

Pyrrha and Cassandra looked at each other confused before looking back at their friends.

Pyrrha: Go. We'll catch up.

Cassie: Alright.

Cassie and Olympia entered the elevator along side, Ironwood, Qrow and Glynda.

Cassandra telepathically: Who is it from and why do they want me here?

Ozpin: It's from Ms. Nikos' mother. As to why she wants you to be present, I'm not sure.

Pyrrha's thoughts: Mother...???

Pyrrha seemed reluctant, but opened up the envelope, only for a letter and something else to be house within it. Pyrrha took the letter first, before reading out loud.

Dear my dearest Daughter, Pyrrha,

"I've watched your Vytal Festival matches and I am so proud of you. You've found yourself a wonderful team and you're leader seems like the determined young man. But, I couldn't help but notice something... The Team with the Three Girls... Team LCOC, if I can recall. One of the girls in that team... Cassandra Ryuseicho if that's her name... I can't help but think that...... No, I'm sure of it... The more I look at this picture, the more sure I am. Take a look at the photo included."

Raising an eyebrow from confusion, Cassandra looked at Pyrrha, who took out the Photo from the envelop. When both Huntresses looked at it, they're eyes widened and Pyrrha gasped... what was displayed, was a married couple, a woman with red hair and green eyes like Pyrrha, but she was wearing glasses and a man with dark brown hair, but he had Orange eyes... Like Cassandra... But the bigger shocker, was what they were both holding... two children... The mother had a little toddler girl, who, just like her mother, had bright red hair and green eyes... But sitting in the father's lap, was another little girl... She had red hair like the mother... But orange eyes like the father... These two baby girls looked awfully a lot like...

"I bet you're both shocked too, huh? I couldn't believe it the first time I saw it... But, I am confident... 100% Positive... That Cassandra Ryuseicho... is your Younger Sister... Kaliyah Nikos... She was born a year after you, but went missing at the age of 8... We unfortunately came to the conclusion that she was dead... And... You, Pyrrha Nikos, is also a Hybrid, like your sister, though due to your genes being more like mine over your father's, you looked like any normal Human. For some clarification, your father's Surname was Ryuseicho, but he chose to take my Surname instead. I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you both in person... But something came up so I had to resort to letter format. Well... Enjoy the rest of the tournament and Please... Look out for each other... I'm so happy, that my two baby girls are alive and with each other. I'll contact both of you in person after the Tournament is over."

~From your mother, Kumara Nikos.

Silence... Just a dead and unsettling silence as Pyrrha stared at the letter and photo in disbelief and Cassandra... well... It's hard to describe. But she was definitely trying to make sense of the situation... Her real name is Kaliyah Nikos, and she's Pyrrha's younger sister...? And... Pyrrha was secretly... an Iris Hybrid...?

Ozpin: I'll... leave you both to cope with this.

With that, Ozpin left for the elevator... Even when he was out of sight, both Pyrrha and Cassandra remained in complete silence... The shock was overwhelming for the two of them... They both were slightly suspicious of each other in the past, thinking of how they both looked alike... Their friends even joked that the two looked like sisters... But... it's actually a reality... Pyrrha slowly pocketed the letter and photo, before turning to... her younger sister, who stood there, motionless. Pyrrha slowly began to reach out towards Cassandra..., delicately resting her hand on her cheek, causing the younger of the two sisters to looked at her, with tear-filled eyes... Pyrrha slightly gasped as her own eyes, too became filled with tears...

Pyrrha: It's...... I-It's really you... I can feel it... That piece of me... that always felt missing... It's standing right in front of me... You... You really are my little sister... My mother told me that you died... But... But... Here you are... standing right in front of me... K-Kaliyah...

Cassandra telepathically: ......... Big... Big... Sis...?

Cassandra couldn't hold back anymore and lunged into her elder sister's chest, unleashing her uncontrollable sobs as she clung to her sister... Pyrrha couldn't handle it either and began to cry just as hard, embracing her little sister tightly... The two fell onto their knees as they cried together, in the middle of the Vault...

Pyrrha had reunited with her Long Lost Sister... Kaliyah, or as she goes by now... Cassandra...

END
——————————————————
Another plot twist. But damn, Pyrrha and Cassandra are actually sisters related by blood. And Pyrrha's a Hybrid with Iris' powers too...