The alarm went off, and when does it become normal to see a Queen Lancer in your dorm that's your teammate? “Morning Gold-Senpai!”

“Azu, please transform back into your human form.” I rubbed my eyes and didn't need to look her way.

Dan and Sumire looked at us. “Well today is combat training class, I wonder who will face Pyrrha.” Sumire told us.

I'm yawning as I put on my gauntlets, Fated Hour, and my ears are perked. “Please don't remind me.”

Azu chuckled, her form shifting back into her human appearance. “Got it, Gold-Senpai.” She grinned, her teasing tone making it clear she enjoyed the early morning start more than I did.

Dan leaned against the bunk, adjusting his hat with a smirk. “So, what’s the plan, Cat? Gonna take Pyrrha and show her who’s boss?”

I sighed, shaking off the sleep that clung to me. “I’d prefer a quiet day. But if Professor Goodwitch decides to put me up against Pyrrha, then I guess that’s what the universe has in store.”

Sumire chuckled. “Well, who knows? Maybe she’ll go easy on you.”

Azu grinned. “Or maybe she’ll kick your tail.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Azu,” I muttered, though I couldn’t help but smirk. It was good to have a team, even if I felt like the odd one out sometimes.

As we made our way down to the training grounds, Dan leaned over and whispered, “So, remember that combo I told you about? Showtime?”

I groaned. “Dan, if you try to throw me like some kind of battering ram, I’m going to come back and haunt you.”

He laughed, slapping me on the back. “It’s all in good fun, Cat. All in good fun.”

We entered the training room, and sure enough, the students were buzzing with energy, Pyrrha on the far end of the mat, already warming up. Professor Goodwitch eyed us as we stepped in, clipboard in hand.

“All right, let’s get started,” she called out. “Pair up and prepare for sparring!”

Before I could even take a step, Professor Goodwitch’s eyes landed on me. “Corey, you’ll be up against Pyrrha today.”

Dan whistled low. “Looks like it’s your lucky day, partner.”

I took a deep breath, feeling that mix of dread and excitement building up. I’d fought my fair share of battles, but this… this was different.

I looked at Pyrrha’s direction. I knew her Semblance was Polarity. We walked to the middle of the classroom.

Yang blew a kiss to me. “Go get her my little kitty.”

Josh looked at us. “Kick his ass Pyrrha.”

“Are you ready?” She had her shield and spear. I got on all fours with my claws extending from Fated Hour.

Jaune was practically bouncing on his heels, pumping his fist in the air. “You’ve got this, Pyrrha! Show him how it’s done!”

Nora joined in, her voice ringing through the room. “Yeah! Break him like a pancake, Pyrrha!” She grinned wildly, as if this was the most thrilling event of the year.

Ren was quieter, but his nod and calm smile said it all. “You’ve trained for this, Pyrrha. Just keep your focus.”

Pyrrha offered me a confident but respectful smile as she readied her stance, her shield at the ready, her spear glinting in the light. “Ready when you are, Corey.”

I flexed my claws, feeling the weight of Fated Hour on my arms as I crouched down, heart racing. I had to be fast; one slip, and her Polarity could turn my own weapon against me.

Dan cupped his hands over his mouth. “Go, Cat! Show her what you’ve got!” He laughed, clearly enjoying the chaos already.

I shot him a look, but the adrenaline was already taking over. I lunged forward, claws extended as I spun, aiming for a quick strike. Pyrrha’s eyes narrowed, her movements precise as she sidestepped, her shield deflecting my claws with ease.

“Nice try,” she said with a smirk, adjusting her stance as she prepared her next move.

I skidded to a halt, turning to face her again, and grinned. “Just warming up, Pyrrha. Just warming up.”  I charged towards Pyrrha and I felt my Gauntlets are guided away from her Shield.

“Corey has an interesting fighting style.” Blake notes.

I jumped back. Pyrrha kept landing blow after blow. I growl at her. I was going feral and I didn't want to.  I charged towards her, I felt so powerful but at the same time out of control.

She kept knocking me back with every blow.

Pyrrha’s precision was unreal; every time I tried to land a hit, she was there to parry it, pushing me back with an effortless grace. I could feel my pulse racing, the edges of my vision blurring. I was teetering on that thin line between control and raw instinct, and she sensed it.

“Corey, are you all right?” she asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern as she stepped back, her spear ready but her stance relaxed, giving me a moment.

I grit my teeth, struggling to push down the urge to let go completely. “I’m fine. Just… got a little too into it,” I muttered, catching my breath.

Across the room, Blake’s brow furrowed. “He’s letting his instincts take over. That’s risky in a sparring match.”

Dan was still cheering me on, oblivious. “C’mon, Cat! Show her what the claws can do!”

I forced myself to calm down, to focus. This wasn’t a life-or-death battle—it was training, and I had to keep my head in the game. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself, feeling the weight of Fated Hour on my arms.

“All right, Pyrrha,” I called out, finding my footing. “One more round.”

She nodded, a glint of respect in her eyes. “Let’s see what you’ve got, then.”

We charged at each other again, but this time I focused, keeping the feral edge at bay. Pyrrha moved swiftly, and I matched her, our strikes clashing in a precise, controlled rhythm.

I jumped back from the rhythm we had going on. I dug Fated Hour into a column. I always wanted to try this.  I propelled myself off the column with my right foot extended and my left one turned in. I was performing a Rider Kick! 

“What is Cat doing?” Dan looked at me as if I were doing something stupid.

Azu watched with eagerness. “He's doing random bullshit.”

As I propelled myself off the column, my right foot aimed directly at Pyrrha, I felt a surge of excitement. This was either going to be the coolest move I'd ever pulled off, or I’d be face down on the mat in about two seconds. Either way, I was committed.

Pyrrha's eyes widened for a split second, clearly not expecting the sudden aerial maneuver. She quickly raised her shield, bracing herself as I came crashing down. My kick connected with her shield, and the impact sent a shockwave through both of us. She staggered back a few steps, clearly impressed.

“I see you changed your combat style.” Pyrrha smiled.

“Thanks.” I got knocked off of her shield.

“The winner of the match is Miss Nikos. Mister Tokiwa-Silver and Miss Nikos both of you will have no problem with qualifying for the Vytal Festival Tournament.” Miss Goodwitch told us. “We have time for one more match.”

I looked very drained from the sparring match. I took my seat next to my team. Sumire has been very quiet today.

“Sumire?” Dan looked at her. He waved his hand in front of her.

All of a sudden, she pulled her fans out and Dan was pinned to a wall. I never saw her use her weapon like that.  Mercury and Pyrrha began sparring.

Dan struggled against the wall, his eyes wide with surprise. “Whoa, Sumire! What’s with the sudden ninja mode?”

Sumire blinked, almost like she was waking from a trance, and her eyes softened as she looked at Dan. “Sorry, I didn’t realize…” She lowered her fans, releasing him with a sheepish smile. “Guess I was a bit… lost in thought.”

I raised an eyebrow, glancing between Sumire and Dan. “Something on your mind, Sumire?”

She hesitated, glancing down at her fans. “It’s nothing, really. Just… the Vytal Festival is important to all of us, and I guess I’m feeling the pressure a bit.”

Dan rubbed his shoulder, chuckling. “If that’s how you are when you’re just ‘thinking,’ remind me never to spar with you.” He gave her a friendly pat on the back, trying to ease the tension.

Meanwhile, Mercury and Pyrrha had begun their match. Mercury moved with a cold, calculating precision, his kicks sharp and precise. Pyrrha countered with fluidity and strength, her shield absorbing his blows while her spear struck back with speed. Their match was intense, the kind that reminded me how much competition we were going to face.

As I watched, I felt a strange sense of unease gnawing at me. Something about the way Mercury fought felt… off. His movements were too smooth, too practiced, like he wasn’t giving his all.

Dan nudged me. “What’s up, Cat? You look like you’re ready to jump into the ring again.”

I shook my head, dismissing the feeling. “Just thinking. Something about Mercury doesn’t sit right.”

Josh leaned in, glancing at me with a mischievous grin. “Well, we’re all in for some surprises, aren’t we? The Vytal Festival is full of them.”

I glanced over at Sumire, noticing the quiet tension in her expression again. Whatever was on her mind, she was keeping it close.

Goodwitch looked at everyone. “Remember that the dance is on Sunday, and you all have your first mission on Monday.”  We were dismissed for the day.

“Cat, who are you taking to the dance?” Dan poked at me.

“Just a Passing through Blonde and I'll make it a night for her to remember.” I changed my usual saying.

“Is this a play on your: “I'm just a passing through Faunus and you better remember that!” Dan quotes me.

“I thought it was ‘Just Passing through and you better remember that!’” Azu got in on this.

“So where did you go last night?” Josh joined us.

All the color drained our resident Grimm. “Uhm, for a little fly.” She told us.

Dan raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “A little fly, huh? You sure you weren’t out terrorizing some poor townsfolk?”

Azu crossed her arms, trying to look indignant. “Hey! I may be a Grimm, but I have standards, you know.”

Josh snickered. “Yeah, sure, high standards for Grimm behavior, like late-night flights and lurking in the shadows. Very classy.”

I smirked, giving Azu a playful nudge. “So, you’re saying you’re a sophisticated Grimm?”

She shot me a glare but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “Just because I’m a Grimm doesn’t mean I’m out causing trouble. Besides, I needed some air.”

Dan rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, maybe we should put a tracker on you or something, so we know when you’re off being mysterious.”

Azu waved him off. “As if I’d make it that easy for you.”

I laughed, shaking my head at the banter. “Guess we’ll never know Azu’s secrets, then.”

As we reached our dorm, the conversation shifted back to the dance. Josh looked at me with a smirk. “So, about that ‘Passing through Blonde’—you got your eye on anyone specific?”

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. “Maybe. Guess we’ll just have to see if she’s up for it.”

Dan gave me a sly look. “Well, don’t go breaking any hearts, Cat.”

I rolled my eyes. “No promises.”

I walked over to Yang. She was talking to Blake about something. “If you're going to the dance, I'll save you the first dance.” Yang said to Blake.

I looked in shock. Dan looked at me. “Well, that's something I didn't expect. It looks like it's not Burning Shadows but Bumblebee.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I looked confused after hearing those names.

“Nothing Cat.” Dan walked away from me.

I stared after Dan for a moment, trying to piece together what he was hinting at. But before I could dwell on it too much, Yang caught my eye and flashed me a grin.

“You good, Cat?” she asked, her usual fiery energy in her voice.

I nodded, still a little thrown off. “Yeah, just—stuff. Anyway, you said you’d save me the first dance?”

Yang chuckled, nudging Blake playfully. “Only if Blake doesn’t steal me away first.”

Blake rolled her eyes but smiled. “I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

“Guess I’m lucky, then.” I gave a small, joking bow in her direction. “I’ll be sure to keep my claws to myself.”

Yang grinned even wider. “Better not, or you’ll end up dancing with someone else.”

I laughed, feeling the usual spark of energy that comes with hanging around Yang. She had a way of making everything seem lighter, even when things were about to get a little more complicated.

As I walked away, I spotted Dan and Josh whispering something between them, and I couldn’t help but feel like there was something more going on. "What's up with you two?" I asked, walking up to them.

Dan just grinned mischievously. “Nothing at all. Just talking about plans for Sunday. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

I frowned but didn’t press the matter. They both had that look—the kind that said they were up to something. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know, but I was definitely curious.

“Alright, well, I’m gonna go check on my gear,” I said, turning to head toward our dorm.

“Sure, sure,” Josh said, “But don’t forget, Sunday’s gonna be a blast. I’ll see you at the dance.”

I didn’t know what to expect from this dance, but one thing was for sure: it wasn’t going to be boring. As I made my way back to the dorm, I tried to shake off the feeling that something big was coming. But for now, I’d have to focus on the mission ahead. The Vytal Festival was approaching, and everything was about to kick into high gear.

Where to go now? I looked at my team just heading in different directions. “Guys meet me in the woods later.” I told them.

They looked at me. “Alright Gold Senpai.” Azu told me.

_________________________________________________________

~A few Hours Later~

I leaned against a tree waiting for them. Dan, Azu holding the hand of Sumire walked over to me. “Alright cat we're here.” Dan looked exhausted.

“Well I thought about Dan's random BS moves he made. Well…” I manifest a ball of Shadows with Spikes. “I made one myself. It involves all four of us.”

This peaked Dan's interest. “Go on.”

“I fire Ice bullets at your hand till you're at the limit, and you punch me while I'm spinning with shadows around me, Azu blasts it with her arrows, Sumire kicks me towards our enemy. I call it the Final Attack Ride!”  I explained.

“That's just Bullshit, and it's dumb.” Sumire looked at me. “I expect that from Dan but you Gold Senpai.”

I smirked, crossing my arms as I leaned against the tree. “Hey, if Dan can throw around random ideas, I figured I could come up with one too. Besides, it’s not all that bad, right?”

Dan chuckled, clearly enjoying the idea of a combined move, even if it was, admittedly, a bit over the top. “You know, Cat, I kinda like it. 'Final Attack Ride' sounds pretty epic to me. We might just be crazy enough to pull it off.”

Azu tilted her head, a skeptical smile forming. “So let me get this straight—you want me to blast you with my arrows mid-spin?”

“Exactly.” I nodded. “Think of it as adding a little extra firepower. It’s all about timing.”

Sumire rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the hint of amusement in her expression. “Only you would come up with something this ridiculous, Gold Senpai. If we end up flying in all directions, I'm blaming you.”

I laughed, shrugging. “What’s life without a little chaos, right? Besides, this is just a last-resort move. If we ever need to go all out, we’ll at least look flashy doing it.”

Dan patted me on the back, still grinning. “Well, let’s give it a test run then. See if we can make this ‘Final Attack Ride’ of yours work.”

I raised an eyebrow, a little surprised at his enthusiasm. “Are you serious?”

“As serious as I get!” Dan replied, cracking his knuckles. “I say we give it a shot. Who knows? It might just be crazy enough to work.”

Azu and Sumire exchanged a look, then sighed in unison. “Fine,” Sumire muttered. “But if it fails, I’m calling it ‘Corey’s Cat-astrophe.’”

We all shared a laugh before getting into position. Maybe this idea was ridiculous, but there was something exciting about it too. We were a team, and as wild as our ideas got, we were going to make it work—one way or another.

“Here we GO!” I spun the revolver part of Fated Hour.