The CCT Investigation
An Unexpected Discovery
The music had been flowing for nearly an hour when Ruby noticed something that made her pause mid-spin. A flicker of movement near one of the great hall's side entrances—quick, purposeful, and decidedly out of place among the celebratory atmosphere.
"Roy," she murmured, catching her dance partner's attention with a gentle touch to his arm. "Did you see that?"
The elven prince followed her gaze, his expression shifting from relaxed enjoyment to focused alertness in an instant. Years of training had taught him to trust Ruby's instincts, especially when it came to potential threats. "What did you see?"
"Someone heading toward the CCT tower," Ruby replied, her silver eyes scanning the shadows beyond the crystalline lights. "Moving like they didn't want to be noticed."
Roy's jaw tightened. The CCT—Cross Continental Transmit—system was critical infrastructure, and tonight of all nights, with so many important figures gathered in one place, any unauthorized access could spell disaster. "We should investigate."
"My thoughts exactly," Ruby agreed, already calculating the quickest route to excuse themselves without causing alarm. "Think we can slip away without anyone noticing?"
"Follow my lead," Roy said, guiding her toward the edge of the dance floor with practiced casualness. To any observer, they appeared to be simply taking a break from dancing, perhaps seeking refreshments or stepping outside for air.
The Pursuit
Once they were clear of the main celebration, Ruby and Roy moved with the swift efficiency that had made them such effective partners in combat. The path to the CCT tower led through several connecting corridors of the castle, each one dimmer than the last as they moved away from the festive lights of the great hall.
"There," Ruby whispered, pointing ahead to where a figure in dark clothing was ascending the spiral stairs that led to the tower's transmission array. "I knew I wasn't imagining things."
Roy's hand instinctively moved to where his weapon would normally rest, only to remember that formal attire didn't accommodate such preparations. "We're going in without gear," he murmured, a note of frustration in his voice.
"Wouldn't be the first time," Ruby replied with grim determination. Her semblance would have to suffice if things went poorly. "Besides, we don't know for certain that this is hostile. Could be a technician or—"
Her words cut off as they reached the base of the tower stairs. Above them, they could hear the distinct sounds of someone working on the CCT equipment—but the metallic scraping and electronic humming suggested this was far from routine maintenance.
Confrontation in the Shadows
The CCT chamber at the top of the tower was bathed in the soft blue glow of active transmission arrays, casting dancing shadows across the curved walls. Ruby and Roy approached cautiously, using the equipment housing for cover as they assessed the situation.
What they found was troubling. A figure in an elegant red dress—clearly formal attire that should have belonged at the celebration below—was bent over one of the primary control consoles. Her movements were precise and practiced, suggesting intimate familiarity with the system's operation.
"Hey!" Ruby called out, stepping into view with Roy flanking her. "What are you doing up here?"
The figure straightened slowly, turning to face them. In the dim lighting, details were hard to make out, but Ruby could see long dark hair and the glint of what might have been jewelry. Most striking, however, was the way the woman's dress seemed to pulse with an inner light—a red glow that intensified as she prepared to respond to their challenge.
"How unfortunate," the woman said, her voice carrying a familiar cadence that made Ruby's blood run cold. "I had hoped to complete this without interruption."
The dress blazed brighter as flames began to dance around the woman's hands, confirming Ruby's worst suspicions. This was no random intruder—this was someone with abilities that marked her as extremely dangerous.
"Cinder?" Roy breathed, his voice barely audible.
But before either of them could get a clear look at the woman's face, she launched her attack.
Battle in the Tower
Fire erupted across the chamber as the mysterious woman hurled blazing projectiles at Ruby and Roy. The confined space made evasion challenging, but Ruby's semblance activated instinctively, carrying her and Roy to safety behind a bank of equipment as flames scorched the air where they'd been standing.
"Definitely not a technician," Ruby gasped, rose petals still swirling around them from her rapid movement.
The woman pressed her advantage, sending waves of superheated air that made the entire chamber shimmer like a mirage. Roy retaliated with precise applications of his own semblance, creating barriers of crystallized air that absorbed or deflected the worst of the attacks.
"You're interfering with something far beyond your understanding," the woman warned, her dress now blazing like a second sun in the confined space. The light was almost blinding, making it impossible to get a clear view of her features.
Ruby darted forward, using her speed to close distance while Roy provided covering support. But their opponent was skilled—every attack was countered, every approach anticipated. It was clear this was someone with extensive combat experience.
"What were you doing to the CCT?" Ruby demanded, even as she dodged another blast of fire.
"Ensuring that certain... communications... remain private," came the cryptic response.
An Abrupt Departure
The battle raged for several intense minutes, the CCT chamber filling with smoke and the acrid smell of burned electronics. Just as Ruby thought she might have an opening to press their advantage, the woman suddenly disengaged, backing toward one of the tower's narrow windows.
"This is not over," she declared, her blazing dress creating a dramatic silhouette against the night sky visible through the opening. "But it need not continue tonight."
Before either Ruby or Roy could react, she was gone—vanished into the darkness beyond the window with an agility that suggested this had been planned as an escape route from the beginning.
Ruby rushed to the window, peering out into the night, but saw nothing except shadows and the distant lights of the celebration below. "She's gone," she reported grimly.
Damage Assessment
Roy was already examining the CCT equipment, his expression growing more troubled with each discovery. "She definitely tampered with something," he said, pointing to several modified components. "But I can't tell what without a full diagnostic."
"Should we report this immediately?" Ruby asked, though she could already guess the answer.
"We have to," Roy replied reluctantly. "But first, let's head back to the celebration. If this woman is who I think she might be, her absence from the party will be... significant."
A Disturbing Return
They made their way back to the great hall as quickly as discretion allowed, both still somewhat disheveled from their encounter despite their attempts to straighten their formal attire. The celebration was still in full swing, the music and laughter a jarring contrast to the violence they'd just experienced.
Ruby's eyes immediately swept the crowd, searching for familiar faces and trying to account for everyone's whereabouts. The great hall was filled with the extended elven royal family and their partners, creating a tapestry of relationships that should have been reassuring in its completeness.
She could see Sarai Albanahr, Odyn and Roy's sister, moving with surprising grace alongside Mercury, the chemistry between them evident in the way they adapted the traditional steps to accommodate his mechanical legs. Near the royal table, young Princess Lyra stood beside High King Berethon and High Queen Hyuuan, her amber eyes bright with excitement as she watched the dancers.
Khanna—or Serahina, as she was known in more formal circles—was gliding across the floor with Cardin Winchester, the secret of her parentage safely hidden as she danced with obvious contentment. Her resemblance to both Qrow and Lailah was subtle but unmistakable to those who knew to look for it.
Hailfire, Baron's sister and a member of the elven vanguard who had served alongside Odyn at Beacon, was engaged in animated conversation with several other vanguard members near the refreshment tables. Her brother Baron was spinning Flare Kitsune through an elaborate sequence, the fox faunus's unique abilities creating small, harmless energy displays that delighted nearby observers.
Even the Arkham siblings were accounted for—Saibyrh was deep in conversation with Tarro, the Saiyan combat instructor, while Xander had surprised everyone by asking Emerald to dance, the two moving with cautious precision that suggested this was new territory for both of them.
And there, moving gracefully across the dance floor in the arms of Valvaderhn Arkham, the crimson knight of the elven vanguard, was Cinder Fall. Her dark hair was perfectly arranged, her elegant gown pristine, and her expression serene as she followed the complex steps of the elven partner dance.
"Roy," Ruby whispered urgently, grabbing his arm. "Look."
Roy followed her gaze and his expression mirrored her confusion. "That's... impossible."
They watched as Cinder laughed at something Valvaderhn murmured, her demeanor completely at odds with the dangerous adversary they'd just faced in the CCT tower. The woman on the dance floor showed no signs of recent combat—no disheveled hair, no flush from exertion, no scorch marks on her dress.
"How long have they been dancing?" Ruby asked a nearby observer.
"Oh, those two? They've been at it for at least twenty minutes," came the cheerful reply. "Quite the striking pair, aren't they?"
Ruby and Roy exchanged troubled glances. If Cinder had been dancing continuously for twenty minutes, then who had they fought in the tower? The resemblance had been unmistakable, the fighting style familiar, the voice similar enough to make identification seem certain.
But now, watching Cinder move with elegant precision across the dance floor, they were forced to confront an uncomfortable truth: either they had been mistaken about their opponent's identity, or something far more complicated was at play.
Unresolved Questions
As the music swelled and the couples continued their intricate movements, Ruby and Roy remained at the edge of the celebration, their minds racing with implications they didn't want to consider. The evening that had begun with such joy and promise now carried an undercurrent of uncertainty that no amount of crystalline light could dispel.
The CCT had been compromised, their attacker had escaped, and the most obvious suspect had an alibi that seemed unshakeable. Whatever game was being played, they were clearly missing crucial pieces of the puzzle.
Roy's gaze swept across the dance floor until it found his elder brother. Odyn was moving in a slow waltz with Weiss, his blue shoulder-length hair catching the crystalline light as he led her through the gentle steps. His fiery orange eyes were focused entirely on his fiancée, but Roy knew that enhanced elven hearing well enough to trust that his brother would pick up on any urgency in his expression.
Sure enough, Odyn's gaze flicked toward Roy during a turn, and their eyes met across the crowded dance floor. Roy's subtle nod—barely perceptible to anyone who wasn't looking for it—conveyed everything that needed to be said. Trouble. Later. Important.
Odyn's response was equally subtle: a slight tightening around his orange eyes, a barely noticeable shift in his posture that spoke of heightened alertness without disrupting the dance. His rich dark brown skin seemed to catch more of the light as tension flowed through him, though his pointed elven ears remained relaxed, giving no outward sign of concern that might alarm Weiss or other observers.
"We need to talk to your father," Ruby said quietly, her eyes never leaving Cinder's graceful form as she danced.
"Agreed," Roy replied grimly, still maintaining eye contact with Odyn. "But not here. Not now. Too many ears, too many questions. Though I think Odyn caught my signal—he'll know to be ready."
They would have to wait, to maintain the pretense of celebration while harboring knowledge that could change everything. Around them, the dance continued, but for Ruby and Roy, the evening's innocence had been irrevocably shattered.
The question that would haunt them through the remaining hours of celebration was simple but troubling: if Cinder hadn't been in the tower, then who had they really fought? And what did that mysterious woman's interference with the CCT mean for everyone they cared about?
The answers, they suspected, would prove far more dangerous than the questions themselves.
Chemistry and Complications
Despite the underlying tension that Ruby and Roy carried from their encounter, the dance continued unabated around them. The great hall had become a stage for unexpected connections and blossoming relationships that might have been heartwarming under different circumstances.
Zero, the blue-skinned Arcosian, had found pleasant chemistry with Aiko, the half-Saiyan, half-wolf faunus whose red hair, eyes, and tail marked her as Scarlett's sister despite her otherwise traditional Saiyan appearance. Their conversation was animated, punctuated by Aiko's occasional laughter at Zero's dry observations about the evening's festivities.
Near the royal table, Princess Lyra was engaged in what appeared to be a delightful conversation with Daikon, brother of Tarro the Saiyan combat instructor. The young princess's enthusiasm was infectious, and even the typically reserved Daikon seemed charmed by her genuine interest in his stories from Beacon Academy.
The more expected romantic developments were flourishing as well. Odyn continued his slow waltz with Weiss, their engagement lending a particular sweetness to every shared glance and gentle touch. Ruby found herself stealing looks at Roy whenever she thought he wasn't watching, her heart beating faster as she realized her feelings for the elven prince were deepening beyond mere partnership.
Sarai's dance with Mercury had evolved into something that spoke of rekindled childhood connections—the kind of chemistry that suggested old bonds reforming into something new and potentially romantic. Their quiet conversations between dance steps carried an intimacy that hadn't been there at the evening's start.
Khanna's transformation in Cardin's arms remained one of the night's most remarkable sights. The former bully's gentleness with his partner, combined with her obvious comfort in his presence, created a partnership that defied their past dynamics entirely.
The evening's most amusing drama was unfolding around Blake, who found herself the center of attention from not just the hybrid Saiyan-dark elven brothers Shallot and Giblet, but Sun as well. The three young men were engaged in what could only be described as a gentleman's dispute over dance privileges, each trying to outdo the others in courtesy while clearly vying for Blake's favor. Blake herself seemed both exasperated and secretly pleased by the attention.
Emerald had found unexpected solace in Xander's embrace, the captain of the royal guards proving surprisingly gentle despite his intimidating reputation. Their dance was careful and respectful, suggesting the beginnings of trust between two people who understood the weight of duty.
But it was the quiet, unsteady nature of the dance between Valvaderhn and Cinder that drew Ruby's continued attention. Unlike the other couples who moved with growing comfort and connection, these two seemed to be engaged in something more complex—a careful negotiation disguised as a waltz, each step measured and cautious.
Ruby nudged Roy gently. "Look at them," she whispered, indicating the crimson knight and his mysterious partner. "Does that look like two people enjoying a dance to you?"
Roy followed her gaze, his expression growing thoughtful. "No," he murmured back. "That looks like two people who are very carefully not saying what they really mean."
The observation only deepened the mystery of who they had truly fought in the CCT tower, and what game was really being played beneath the surface of the evening's celebrations.
Royal Summons
As the music transitioned to a softer melody, Ruby noticed Odyn and Weiss stepping away from the dance floor. High King Berethon had risen from the royal table, his regal bearing commanding attention even in the midst of celebration. Beside him, High Queen Hyuuan maintained her elegant composure, but there was something in her expression that spoke of important matters requiring discussion.
"Odyn, Weiss," Berethon's voice carried easily across the immediate area, though he kept his tone warm rather than commanding. "If we might have a word?"
Ruby watched as the engaged couple exchanged a meaningful look—the kind of glance that passed between two people who knew exactly what conversation awaited them. Odyn's fiery orange eyes held a mixture of anticipation and slight apprehension, while Weiss straightened her shoulders in the way she always did when preparing for something significant.
"Of course, Your Majesties," Weiss replied with a respectful curtsy, her starlight-threaded gown catching the crystalline lights as she moved.
Odyn offered his arm to his fiancée, his blue hair catching the light as he nodded to his parents. "We'd be honored."
As the four of them moved toward a more private alcove near the great hall's edge, Ruby couldn't help but notice the significance of the moment. She had a strong suspicion about what the High King and Queen wanted to discuss—and from the way Odyn's jaw was set with quiet determination, he likely knew as well.
"They're going to talk about the wedding," Roy murmured beside her, having followed her gaze.
"When do you think they'll want it to happen?" Ruby asked, though she suspected she already knew the answer.
Roy's expression grew thoughtful. "If I know my parents, they'll want it during the Vytal Festival. It would be symbolic—a union celebrated when all the kingdoms come together. Plus, it would give everyone at Beacon time to plan and prepare."
Ruby nodded slowly, understanding the implications. The Vytal Festival would indeed be perfect timing for such a momentous occasion, allowing their friends and classmates to participate in the celebration. But it would also present security challenges, especially given the threats that Valvaderhn had whispered about to the royal couple earlier in the evening.
"That would be beautiful," she said softly, watching as Odyn and Weiss settled into chairs across from the High King and Queen. "Though I imagine they'll have to consider the potential risks as well."
"My parents are well aware of the dangers," Roy replied grimly. "But they also know that life—and love—can't be put on hold indefinitely because of threats. Sometimes you have to choose joy despite the darkness."
In the alcove, they could see Berethon leaning forward slightly, his expression serious but kind as he began to speak. Weiss listened intently, her posture perfect but her hands clasped tightly in her lap—a small sign of nervousness that only those who knew her well would recognize. Odyn sat beside her, close enough to offer support but allowing her to face this conversation on her own terms.
The sight of the four of them—the royal parents and the young couple planning their future—should have been purely heartwarming. Instead, Ruby found herself thinking about the mysterious woman in the CCT tower, about Cinder's careful dance with Valvaderhn, and about all the shadows that seemed to be gathering around the people she cared about.
Whatever timeline the High King and Queen were proposing, Ruby hoped it would give them enough time to identify and neutralize the threats that lurked just beyond the celebration's warm light.
The Wedding Discussion
In the private alcove, away from the music and dancing, High King Berethon settled back in his chair with the measured grace that marked all his movements. Beside him, High Queen Hyuuan's expression was warm but serious as she regarded the young couple before them.
"Weiss, my dear," Hyuuan began, her voice carrying the gentle authority of someone accustomed to being heard. "First, I want you to know how genuinely pleased we are with this union. What we've witnessed between you and Odyn tonight—and indeed, over these past months—convinces us that this is far more than political alliance."
Weiss felt some of the tension leave her shoulders at the warmth in the Queen's voice. "Thank you, Your Majesty. That means more to me than I can express."
Berethon leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped before him. "Which brings us to the matter at hand. We believe it's time to discuss when this wedding should take place."
Odyn straightened, his fiery orange eyes meeting his father's gaze. "I had suspected this conversation was coming."
"No doubt you've given it thought yourself," Berethon replied with a slight smile. "But we wanted to hear your feelings before sharing our own recommendations."
Weiss glanced at Odyn, drawing strength from his presence before speaking. "We've discussed it, yes. We both feel that... well, that we don't want to wait longer than necessary. Not because we're rushing, but because what we have feels right. Solid."
"And we're aware that timing will be crucial from both a personal and political standpoint," Odyn added, his voice steady despite the weight of the conversation.
Hyuuan nodded approvingly. "Wise considerations, both of you. Which is why we've been thinking about the Vytal Festival."
The words hung in the air for a moment, carrying implications that all four of them understood immediately.
"The Vytal Festival," Weiss repeated thoughtfully. "That would be..."
"Approximately four months from now," Berethon confirmed. "Long enough to plan properly, but not so long that we're left waiting for some mythical 'perfect' moment that may never come."
Odyn's expression grew contemplative. "It would mean all our friends from Beacon could participate. Teams RWBY, JNPR, and everyone else we've grown close to."
"Precisely," Hyuuan said with evident satisfaction. "The Festival brings together representatives from all four kingdoms. Your union would be witnessed not just by our people, but by the wider world. It sends a message of hope, of connection across old boundaries."
Weiss felt her heart racing, but it was excitement rather than anxiety. "It would be beautiful. All the kingdoms represented, our friends there to celebrate with us..."
"However," Berethon's tone grew more serious, "we must also acknowledge the challenges such timing presents. The Vytal Festival draws attention—not all of it welcome. Security will be a significant concern."
"We're aware of the risks," Odyn said quietly, his hand finding Weiss's and squeezing gently. "But we also can't live our lives in fear of what might happen."
Hyuuan's expression softened with maternal pride. "Spoken like a true prince. But also spoken like someone who understands that love requires courage."
"There would be protocols, of course," Berethon continued. "Enhanced security, careful screening of guests, coordination with Atlas and Vale authorities. The wedding would be a public celebration, but not an unguarded one."
Weiss considered this, her tactical mind already working through the implications. "It would actually provide cover, in a way. Any potential threats would have to contend with not just our security, but the combined protective measures of all four kingdoms."
"An astute observation," Berethon said with approval. "You think like a strategist, which will serve you well as a princess."
"So," Hyuuan said, her voice carrying a note of gentle inquiry, "what are your thoughts? Does the Vytal Festival feel right to both of you?"
Odyn and Weiss exchanged another look—one of those wordless communications that had become second nature between them. Finally, Weiss spoke for both of them.
"It feels perfect," she said, her voice strong with conviction. "Not because it's convenient or politically advantageous, but because it represents everything we hope our marriage will be—bringing people together, creating something beautiful from different traditions, choosing joy even when there are reasons to be cautious."
"And it gives us time to do this right," Odyn added. "To plan something that honors both our heritage and our hopes for the future."
Berethon's stern features broke into a genuine smile. "Then it's settled. We'll begin preparations immediately—though I suspect your friends will want to be heavily involved in the planning process."
"Ruby's going to be impossible to contain once she hears about this," Weiss said with a laugh, the first truly carefree sound she'd made since the conversation began.
"Good," Hyuuan said warmly. "A wedding should be a cause for excitement, for celebration. We've had enough solemnity in recent years."
As if summoned by their words, the distant sound of laughter from the dance floor reminded them that the evening's celebration was still in full swing. But now it felt different—not just a formal gathering, but a preview of the joy that would surround their wedding day.
"There will be details to work out, of course," Berethon said, rising to indicate the formal portion of their discussion was concluding. "Guest lists, ceremonies, security arrangements. But those are concerns for tomorrow. Tonight, I believe you have a dance to return to."
Odyn stood and offered his hand to Weiss, who took it with a smile that could have lit the entire great hall. "Thank you," she said to both the King and Queen. "For everything. For accepting me, for trusting us to make this decision together, for giving us something wonderful to look forward to."
"The pleasure is entirely ours, my dear," Hyuuan replied, rising to embrace her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. "Welcome to the family, officially and completely."
As they prepared to return to the celebration, all four of them carried the satisfaction of a decision well made. The Vytal Festival would mark not just the union of two young people in love, but the celebration of hope itself—a defiant act of joy in the face of gathering shadows.
To be continued....
Next time : Chapter 18- Painting the Town; White Fang Investigation