Chapter XXVII: Gods Among Us; The Arrival of Lord Beerus!
Three Days After the Imperial Confrontation
The Vytal Festival was in full swing across Vale, with colorful banners streaming from every building and visitors from all four kingdoms flooding the streets. The fairgrounds outside Beacon Academy buzzed with activity as merchants hawked their wares and students from various academies mingled freely. Yet beneath the festive atmosphere, those who knew the truth maintained a careful vigilance.
In the floating Amity Colosseum, teams prepared for their matches with the same dedication they always had, but for some, the weight of recent events hung heavy on their shoulders.
"You sure you're ready for this?" Yang asked Ruby as they sat in the team preparation area, watching the holographic displays show the tournament brackets.
Ruby flexed her fingers, still getting used to the way her new Saiyan physiology made everything feel more intense. "As ready as I can be. Though I have to be careful not to... you know..." She gestured vaguely, and a brief flicker of silver-gold energy sparked around her hand.
"Blow up the arena?" Blake suggested dryly, though her concern was genuine. "Yeah, that would probably disqualify us."
"The tournament rules don't exactly account for legendary Super Saiyan power levels," Weiss added, checking her scroll for their upcoming match details. "We'll need to hold back significantly."
Nova, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up from where he sat beside Ruby. "I've been working with Professor Koizumi on power suppression techniques. The last thing we want is to accidentally hurt someone during what's supposed to be a friendly competition."
Yang grinned and bumped his shoulder. "Look at you, being all responsible. Though I have to admit, part of me wants to see the looks on our opponents' faces if they knew who they were really fighting."
RWBY: The Saiyan Chronicles
Chapter 28: Gods Among Us (Continued)
"Yang," Ruby scolded, though she couldn't suppress a small smile. "We're here to compete fairly, not show off."
Before Yang could retort, the announcement system crackled to life throughout the preparation area.
"Attention competitors! The next match will feature Team RWBY versus Team CRDL in Combat Arena 3. Participants, please report to the staging area in ten minutes."
Nova stood and stretched, his enhanced Saiyan senses picking up the elevated heart rates and nervous energy from the CRDL team's preparation room down the hall. "They have no idea what they're walking into," he murmured.
"That's exactly the problem," Blake said, adjusting her weapon's settings to their lowest power configurations. "Cardin's team might be bullies, but they don't deserve to be seriously injured because we can't control our new abilities."
Weiss nodded in agreement. "I've been practicing restraint with my glyphs. The Dust infusion from our... transformation... has made them exponentially more powerful. I accidentally created an ice wall yesterday that was three times thicker than intended."
Ruby took a deep breath, centering herself the way Professor Koizumi had taught them. She could feel the immense power coiled within her, like a sleeping dragon that could awaken with the slightest provocation. The silver-gold energy that had manifested during their confrontation with the Galactic Empire still felt foreign, even though it was undeniably part of her now.
"Remember," Nova said, his voice taking on the serious tone he'd developed since their transformation, "we're not just representing our team or our school anymore. Every move we make reflects on what Saiyans can be. We need to show that power doesn't have to mean destruction."
Yang's expression softened. Despite her usual bravado, she understood the weight of Nova's words. The Saiyan race had a complicated history, one that included both incredible heroism and devastating conquest. What they did here, how they handled their newfound abilities, would set the tone for how they used their power going forward.
"Team RWBY, please report to staging area 3-Alpha," the announcement repeated.
As they gathered their weapons and prepared to leave, Ruby caught Nova's hand. "Hey," she said quietly, her silver eyes meeting his dark ones. "We've got this. Together."
He squeezed her hand gently, careful not to apply too much of his enhanced strength. "Together," he agreed.
The staging area was a flurry of activity as combat personnel made final preparations for the match. Through the viewing windows, they could see the packed stadium, thousands of spectators eagerly awaiting the next bout. In the VIP section, Ruby spotted Professor Ozpin, General Ironwood, and other officials watching with particular interest.
Team CRDL was already waiting on the opposite side of the staging area. Cardin Winchester looked as arrogant as ever, cracking his knuckles and sneering at Team RWBY. His teammates—Russell, Dove, and Sky—seemed less confident, perhaps sensing that something was different about their opponents.
"Well, well," Cardin called out loud enough for everyone to hear. "If it isn't Beacon's golden team. Hope you're ready to get knocked down a peg."
Ruby felt a familiar spark of irritation, and for just a moment, her eyes flashed with that dangerous silver-gold light. Nova's hand on her shoulder grounded her immediately.
"We're ready," Ruby called back, her voice steady. "Good luck out there."
The referee, a stern-looking woman with graying hair, approached both teams. "This is a standard elimination match. Victory conditions are knockout, surrender, or aura depletion below fifteen percent. The arena features various environmental hazards and terrain changes. Are there any questions?"
When both teams shook their heads, she nodded. "Teams, take your positions."
As they walked toward the arena entrance, Blake moved closer to her teammates. "Remember, we need to make this look challenging. If we dominate too easily, people will start asking questions we're not ready to answer."
"Right," Weiss agreed. "We hold back, but not so much that we lose. We need to find that perfect balance."
The arena doors opened, revealing a sprawling battlefield with rocky outcroppings, scattered trees, and what appeared to be ancient ruins. The crowd's roar was deafening as both teams emerged into the bright lights.
In the commentary booth, Professor Port's voice boomed over the speakers: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have an exciting match today! Team RWBY, fresh from their impressive showing in the previous rounds, faces Team CRDL in what promises to be an intense battle!"
Dr. Oobleck chimed in with his characteristic rapid-fire delivery: "Indeed, Peter! Team RWBY has shown remarkable growth this semester, while Team CRDL brings raw power and determination to the arena. This should be fascinating from a combat methodology perspective!"
As the teams took their starting positions on opposite ends of the arena, Ruby closed her eyes briefly, feeling the weight of thousands of watching eyes. When she opened them again, Crescent Rose was in her hands, and she was ready.
The referee raised her hand. "Combatants ready?"
Both teams signaled their readiness.
"Begin!"
The match exploded into action, but for Team RWBY, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Their enhanced Saiyan reflexes made their opponents' movements appear telegraphed and sluggish. The challenge wasn't winning—it was making it look like they might lose.
Meanwhile, in Ozpin's Office
High above the cheering crowds and clashing weapons, a very different kind of tension filled the headmaster's office. Professor Ozpin stood by his massive window overlooking the festival grounds, his coffee cup untouched as he gazed at the sky with uncharacteristic unease.
"You're certain they're coming today?" he asked without turning around.
Behind him, two figures that few at Beacon had seen outside of the most classified meetings stood with quiet dignity. Rhubar and Sala, Nova and Turuk's birth parents, maintained the same composed bearing as their sons, though their black Saiyan tails swished with barely contained nervous energy.
"The dimensional readings have been consistent for the past hour," Rhubar confirmed, his deep voice carrying the weight of experience. Like his sons, he was tall and powerfully built, but his face bore the weathered lines of someone who had seen both the rise and fall of civilizations. "Lord Beerus rarely changes course once he's set his mind on something."
Sala, elegant despite the tension radiating from her posture, stepped closer to the window. Her long black hair, so similar to Nova's, was tied back in a practical warrior's knot. "The question isn't whether they'll arrive, Ozpin. It's whether Remnant will still be here after they leave."
Professor Goodwitch entered the office, her scroll in hand and her expression grim. "All non-essential personnel have been quietly evacuated from the upper levels of Beacon. General Ironwood's forces are maintaining their positions, but..." She hesitated. "James wanted to know if his fleet should take defensive positions."
"No," Rhubar said immediately, his tail stiffening. "Any show of military force will only irritate Lord Beerus. Our best chance is to approach this diplomatically."
"Diplomatically," Ozpin repeated, finally turning from the window. His usually calm demeanor showed cracks of strain. "We're dealing with a being who can destroy planets on a whim because he dislikes their food."
"Which is exactly why the boys' transformation came at such a crucial time," Sala added, her maternal instincts clearly warring with her warrior's pragmatism. "If Beerus senses the presence of other Saiyans, especially ones with that level of power..."
She didn't need to finish. They all understood the implications.
The office doors opened again, and Professor Koizumi entered with several other faculty members, all of whom had been briefed on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding their students' recent transformation.
"The energy readings just spiked," Koizumi reported, consulting a specialized device that bore no resemblance to Remnant technology. "They're about to breach the atmosphere."
Through the large windows, a small point of light appeared in the clear blue sky, growing larger by the second. Unlike the aggressive, fiery entries typical of Grimm or military craft, this approach was serene, almost leisurely.
"There," Sala whispered, her enhanced Saiyan vision picking out details long before the others could see them clearly. "Two figures. Lord Beerus and his attendant, Whis."
Ozpin activated his scroll, opening a secure channel. "All faculty, this is Headmaster Ozpin. Operation Divine Protocol is now in effect. I repeat, Divine Protocol is active."
Across Beacon Academy, those few staff members who had been made aware of the situation began implementing carefully planned procedures. The tournament would continue—stopping it would only draw unwanted attention—but emergency protocols were now quietly in place.
"Should we contact the boys?" Glynda asked, glancing toward the arena where the match was still underway.
"Not yet," Rhubar decided after a moment's consideration. "Let them finish their match normally. If we pull them out now, it will cause exactly the kind of scene we're trying to avoid. Besides," his expression grew slightly proud despite the circumstances, "they've trained for power suppression. They can handle this."
The descending figures became clearer now—a tall, feline-like being in traditional destroyer garb floating beside a blue-skinned angel with a staff. They moved with the casual confidence of beings for whom concepts like gravity and atmosphere were mere suggestions.
"Gentlemen, ladies," Ozpin said, his voice carrying the authority that had guided Beacon through countless crises, "we're about to host the most dangerous beings in the universe. Everything depends on the next few hours."
Sala's tail curled around her waist as she watched the God of Destruction approach their world. "Nova, Turuk," she whispered to herself, "I hope you're ready for this."
In the distance, completely unaware of the cosmic significance of their visitors, the crowd continued to cheer as Team RWBY carefully choreographed what appeared to be a hard-fought victory against Team CRDL.
The real test was only just beginning.
The Arena - Simultaneous Events
Ruby ducked under Cardin's massive mace swing, the weapon moving so slowly in her enhanced perception that she could have counted the scratches on its surface. She had to consciously slow her counter-attack, making it look like she was struggling to keep up rather than holding back enough power to level the entire colosseum.
"Come on, Red!" Cardin taunted, not realizing how close he was dancing to oblivion. "Is that all Beacon's golden girl has got?"
If only you knew, Ruby thought, carefully timing her next move to look appropriately challenged. She caught Nova's eye across the battlefield, where he was similarly restraining himself against Sky Lark. The brief contact was enough to communicate their shared awareness—something was happening beyond the arena.
Yang, meanwhile, was having the hardest time of all. Her Saiyan transformation had amplified not just her strength but her natural hot-headedness. When Russell Thrush managed to land a lucky hit on her shoulder, her eyes flashed dangerous gold for just a moment.
"Yang!" Blake called out in warning, recognizing the signs. Her partner's hair had started to emit a faint golden aura.
Yang caught herself just in time, forcing her power level down and letting out what appeared to be a grunt of pain rather than barely contained rage. The crowd ate it up, thinking they were witnessing an underdog story.
But in the stands, among those with more refined senses, some began to notice inconsistencies. Professor Port frowned as his trained eye caught movements that seemed almost too perfect, too controlled.
The Descent - Central Vale
The two cosmic beings descended through Remnant's atmosphere with the casual indifference of gods, which, in Beerus's case, was exactly what he was. The God of Destruction's feline features remained impassive as he surveyed the world below, though his ears twitched with mild curiosity at the energy signatures he was beginning to detect.
"My, my," Whis observed pleasantly, his staff glowing as he analyzed the planet's composition. "What an interesting little world, Lord Beerus. The energy readings are quite fascinating."
"Hmm," Beerus rumbled, his destruction energy unconsciously radiating outward in gentle waves. "I can sense something... familiar. Saiyan energy, but different somehow."
Unknown to them, their mere presence was already having effects across Remnant.
Beacon Academy - Emerald Forest
Far from the festival crowds, in a secluded grove where she had been preparing for her infiltration mission, Cinder Fall suddenly froze mid-step. A wave of inexplicable terror washed over her, so intense that her Maiden powers flickered involuntarily, leaving scorch marks on nearby trees.
"What... what is this?" she gasped, her usual composure cracking as every instinct screamed at her to run. The Fall Maiden's power, which had made her feel invincible, now seemed as insignificant as a candle flame before the sun.
Her hands shook as she tried to maintain her human disguise, but the overwhelming presence pressing down on her consciousness made concentration nearly impossible. This wasn't fear of an enemy she could fight—this was the primal terror of a mouse suddenly aware that a cat was in the room.
The Grimm Lands - Salem's Domain
Hundreds of miles away, in her dark fortress surrounded by pools of Grimm, Salem suddenly stood from her throne with such violence that the ancient stone cracked beneath her feet. Her usually pale complexion had gone ghostly white, and for the first time in millennia, genuine fear flickered in her red eyes.
"Impossible," she whispered, her voice echoing through the empty halls. The Grimm around her castle, normally drawn to negative emotions, were instead fleeing in terror. Even her most powerful creations cowered in her presence as waves of destructive energy—not her own—rippled across the planet.
Her immortal consciousness, which had witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, was screaming warnings that she couldn't understand. Whatever had just arrived on Remnant made her feel like what she truly was beneath all her power and schemes—a mortal playing with forces beyond her comprehension.
"The Brothers," she breathed, the only reference point her ancient mind could grasp. "But this is... different. Older. Infinitely more dangerous."
Central Vale - The Meeting
The people of Vale went about their festival day, laughing and celebrating, completely unaware that two beings capable of erasing their entire solar system had just touched down in the central plaza. Street performers continued their acts, children ran between the stalls with cotton candy, and couples walked hand-in-hand through the crowds.
Beerus and Whis materialized in the exact center of the plaza, their arrival creating nothing more than a gentle breeze that rustled nearby banners. To the civilians, they appeared to be simply two more festival-goers in elaborate costumes.
"Quite festive," Whis commented, twirling his staff as he observed the colorful celebrations. "I do enjoy a good party atmosphere."
Beerus, however, was more focused. His cat-like eyes scanned the crowd, then lifted toward Beacon Academy towering in the distance. "The Saiyan energy is coming from up there. But there's something else... something that reminds me of divine power."
Before Whis could respond, the crowd began to part as a group approached from the direction of Beacon. Professor Ozpin led the delegation, his cane clicking rhythmically against the cobblestones. Behind him, Glynda maintained perfect composure despite the beads of sweat on her forehead, while Rhubar and Sala flanked them with the dignity of their warrior heritage.
The civilians, assuming this was some sort of planned festival encounter, began to gather in a circle, pulling out their scrolls to record what they thought was a performance.
"Lord Beerus," Ozpin said, stopping at a respectful distance and offering a formal bow that somehow managed to show respect without subservience. "Welcome to Remnant. I am Professor Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy."
Beerus's ears perked with interest as his gaze fixed on Rhubar and Sala. "Saiyans," he stated matter-of-factly. "I wondered what that familiar energy signature was. Though you two feel... diminished. Not like the Saiyans I knew."
"We are the survivors, my lord," Rhubar said, his tail betraying his nervousness with small twitches despite his controlled voice. "Our planet was destroyed long ago. We have made new lives here."
"And your children?" Beerus asked, his tone deceptively casual. "I sense young Saiyan energy as well. Quite powerful for their apparent age."
The crowd around them continued recording and chattering excitedly, having no idea they were witnessing a conversation that would determine their planet's fate. In the distance, the sounds of the tournament continued, and the commentators' voices could be heard announcing Team RWBY's narrow victory over Team CRDL.
Whis smiled pleasantly at the gathering crowd. "What delightful costumes everyone has! This festival certainly knows how to put on a show."
If only they knew, Ozpin thought, his grip tightening on his cane as he prepared for the most important diplomatic conversation of his extremely long life.
Post-Match - Team RWBY's Return
The cheers of the crowd still echoed in their ears as Team RWBY made their way back from the arena, their "hard-fought" victory against Team CRDL officially recorded in the tournament brackets. Ruby wiped fake sweat from her brow, maintaining the illusion of exhaustion while her enhanced Saiyan physiology hadn't even begun to tax itself.
"That was harder than I thought it would be," Blake admitted quietly as they walked through the corridors beneath the colosseum. "Pretending to struggle is almost more difficult than actually struggling."
"Tell me about it," Yang muttered, rolling her shoulders. "I nearly lost it when Russell got that cheap shot in. For a second there, I wanted to—"
She stopped mid-sentence, her enhanced senses suddenly picking up something that made her blood run cold. The others noticed her halt immediately.
"Yang?" Ruby asked, concern evident in her voice. "What is it?"
"Do you feel that?" Yang whispered, her eyes beginning to shift from their usual lilac to an unsettling gold. But it wasn't her normal angry gold—this was different, deeper, touched with something that seemed almost fearful.
Nova's expression grew serious as he extended his own senses. "There's something..." He paused, his Saiyan instincts screaming warnings he didn't fully understand. "We need to get topside. Now."
The urgency in his voice was enough to get them all moving. As they ascended through Beacon's levels, the oppressive feeling grew stronger. By the time they reached the main courtyard, all of them could feel it—a presence so vast and powerful that it made their recent transformation feel insignificant.
"The energy signature," Turuk said, joining them as they stepped out into the festival afternoon. His face was pale. "It's coming from Vale. From the central plaza."
Ruby's silver eyes widened. "We have to—"
"No," Professor Koizumi's voice cut through their conversation as he approached rapidly. "Headmaster Ozpin's orders. You're to report to the central plaza immediately, but you're to approach with extreme caution. Do not, under any circumstances, allow your power levels to spike."
The gravity in his tone made it clear this wasn't a suggestion.
Central Vale Plaza - The Confrontation
The festival crowd had grown larger around what they assumed was an elaborate performance. Street vendors had moved closer to capitalize on the gathering, and children sat on their parents' shoulders to get a better view of the "costumed actors."
Beerus remained focused on Ozpin and the two adult Saiyans, but Whis had begun to show more interest in their surroundings. His staff glowed gently as he scanned the area.
"How curious," Whis mused aloud. "Lord Beerus, I believe we're about to have more visitors."
The God of Destruction's ears twitched, and he turned his attention toward Beacon Academy. "Ah yes. The young Saiyan energy signatures. They're approaching."
Ozpin felt his heart rate increase despite his outward calm. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere more private?"
"Nonsense," Beerus replied with a dismissive wave. "I'm quite comfortable here. Besides, I'm curious to meet these young warriors. It's been some time since I've encountered Saiyans of their apparent potential."
Within minutes, Team RWBY, along with Nova and Turuk, appeared at the edge of the plaza. Even from a distance, they could feel the overwhelming presence radiating from the two figures at the center of the crowd. Ruby's hand instinctively moved toward Crescent Rose before Nova caught her wrist.
"Don't," he whispered. "Whatever you do, don't reach for your weapon."
As they approached, the crowd began to part, some festival-goers recognizing the tournament competitors and assuming this was all part of some elaborate show. The students walked forward with careful, measured steps, their Saiyan instincts warring between the urge to fight and the overwhelming certainty that they were completely outmatched.
"Ah," Beerus said as they came within speaking distance. "There you are."
His cat-like gaze swept over the group, and Ruby felt as though she was being examined by something far beyond her comprehension. But it was when his attention fixed on Yang that things became interesting.
Beerus tilted his head, his expression shifting from casual interest to genuine curiosity. "Well now, that's unexpected."
"What is?" Yang asked, her voice carefully controlled despite the terror she felt.
Whis floated closer, his staff beginning to glow more brightly. "Oh my, how fascinating! Lord Beerus, this young lady has quite the complex energy signature."
"Indeed," Beerus agreed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Saiyan, yes... but there's something else. Human, obviously, but..." He paused, and for the first time since arriving, he looked genuinely intrigued. "Demonic heritage. Quite old demonic heritage, in fact."
Yang's eyes went wide, the gold in them flickering with confusion rather than anger. "What? That's impossible. I'm human and... well, apparently part Saiyan now, but—"
"I'm afraid not, my dear," Whis interjected gently, his staff's glow intensifying as he performed what appeared to be a more detailed scan. "The demonic energy is quite faint but unmistakably present. It's woven into your very essence, inherited rather than acquired."
Ruby stepped closer to her sister, protective instincts overriding her fear. "What does that mean?"
Beerus's expression became almost scholarly. "It means her lineage is far more complex than she realized. Tell me, young lady, what do you know of your mother's family history?"
Yang's face went through several emotions at once—confusion, anger, and a deep hurt that she tried to hide. "My mother... Raven... she left when I was young. I don't know anything about her family."
"Ah," Whis said with understanding. "That would explain the dormant nature of the demonic heritage. Without knowledge or training, such bloodlines often remain suppressed for generations."
Sala stepped forward, her maternal instincts recognizing Yang's distress. "The combination is unusual," she said diplomatically. "Saiyan and demonic bloodlines don't typically mix well. The fact that you've achieved a stable transformation suggests remarkable inner strength."
"But what does it mean?" Yang pressed, her voice cracking slightly. "What am I?"
Beerus considered the question seriously. "You are something quite rare, child. A tri-hybrid with the potential for multiple transformation paths. Your Saiyan nature gives you one type of power, your human heritage provides balance, and your demonic blood..." He paused thoughtfully. "Well, that could lead to very interesting developments indeed."
The crowd around them continued recording and chattering, completely missing the cosmic significance of the conversation taking place before them. Several news crews had arrived, broadcasting what they assumed was an elaborate festival performance to audiences across Remnant.
Ruby squeezed Yang's hand supportively. "It doesn't matter what you are, Yang. You're still my sister."
Yang managed a shaky smile, but her eyes remained troubled. The revelation had shaken something fundamental in her understanding of herself.
Whis clapped his hands together cheerfully. "Well now, this has been quite enlightening! Though I do believe we should discuss the more pressing matters at hand. Lord Beerus, shall we proceed with the reason for our visit?"
The God of Destruction's expression returned to its previous seriousness. "Indeed. But first..." He looked directly at the group of young warriors. "I want to see what you're truly capable of."
Ozpin felt the blood drain from his face. "Lord Beerus, perhaps that's not necessary—"
"Oh, but it is," Beerus interrupted, his power beginning to radiate more intensely. "I don't visit worlds to chat about genealogy. I want to see if these young Saiyans are worth my time."
The festival atmosphere around them continued, oblivious to the fact that the fate of their world might very well depend on the next few minutes.
Generate a textual continuation of the following Fan made story using the script from the following story, picking up where the script left off: RWBY: The Saiyan Chronicles Chapter 28: Gods Among Us Three Days After the Imperial Confrontation The Vytal Festival was in full swing across Vale, with colorful banners streaming from every building and visitors from all four kingdoms flooding the streets. The fairgrounds outside Beacon Academy buzzed with activity as merchants hawked their wares and students from various academies mingled freely. Yet beneath the festive atmosphere, those who knew the truth maintained a careful vigilance. In the floating Amity Colosseum, teams prepared for their matches with the same dedication they always had, but for some, the weight of recent events hung heavy on their shoulders. "You sure you're ready for this?" Yang asked Ruby as they sat in the team preparation area, watching the holographic displays show the tournament brackets. Ruby flexed her fingers, still getting used to the way her new Saiyan physiology made everything feel more intense. "As ready as I can be. Though I have to be careful not to... you know..." She gestured vaguely, and a brief flicker of silver-gold energy sparked around her hand. "Blow up the arena?" Blake suggested dryly, though her concern was genuine. "Yeah, that would probably disqualify us." "The tournament rules don't exactly account for legendary Super Saiyan power levels," Weiss added, checking her scroll for their upcoming match details. "We'll need to hold back significantly." Nova, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up from where he sat beside Ruby. "I've been working with Professor Koizumi on power suppression techniques. The last thing we want is to accidentally hurt someone during what's supposed to be a friendly competition." Yang grinned and bumped his shoulder. "Look at you, being all responsible. Though I have to admit, part of me wants to see the looks on our opponents' faces if they knew who they were really fighting."
Gods Among Us (Continued)
"Yang," Ruby scolded, though she couldn't suppress a small smile. "We're here to compete fairly, not show off."
Before Yang could retort, the announcement system crackled to life throughout the preparation area.
"Attention competitors! The next match will feature Team RWBY versus Team CRDL in Combat Arena 3. Participants, please report to the staging area in ten minutes."
Nova stood and stretched, his enhanced Saiyan senses picking up the elevated heart rates and nervous energy from the CRDL team's preparation room down the hall. "They have no idea what they're walking into," he murmured.
"That's exactly the problem," Blake said, adjusting her weapon's settings to their lowest power configurations. "Cardin's team might be bullies, but they don't deserve to be seriously injured because we can't control our new abilities."
Weiss nodded in agreement. "I've been practicing restraint with my glyphs. The Dust infusion from our... transformation... has made them exponentially more powerful. I accidentally created an ice wall yesterday that was three times thicker than intended."
Ruby took a deep breath, centering herself the way Professor Koizumi had taught them. She could feel the immense power coiled within her, like a sleeping dragon that could awaken with the slightest provocation. The silver-gold energy that had manifested during their confrontation with the Galactic Empire still felt foreign, even though it was undeniably part of her now.
"Remember," Nova said, his voice taking on the serious tone he'd developed since their transformation, "we're not just representing our team or our school anymore. Every move we make reflects on what Saiyans can be. We need to show that power doesn't have to mean destruction."
Yang's expression softened. Despite her usual bravado, she understood the weight of Nova's words. The Saiyan race had a complicated history, one that included both incredible heroism and devastating conquest. What they did here, how they handled their newfound abilities, would set the tone for how they used their power going forward.
"Team RWBY, please report to staging area 3-Alpha," the announcement repeated.
As they gathered their weapons and prepared to leave, Ruby caught Nova's hand. "Hey," she said quietly, her silver eyes meeting his dark ones. "We've got this. Together."
He squeezed her hand gently, careful not to apply too much of his enhanced strength. "Together," he agreed.
The staging area was a flurry of activity as combat personnel made final preparations for the match. Through the viewing windows, they could see the packed stadium, thousands of spectators eagerly awaiting the next bout. In the VIP section, Ruby spotted Professor Ozpin, General Ironwood, and other officials watching with particular interest.
Team CRDL was already waiting on the opposite side of the staging area. Cardin Winchester looked as arrogant as ever, cracking his knuckles and sneering at Team RWBY. His teammates—Russell, Dove, and Sky—seemed less confident, perhaps sensing that something was different about their opponents.
"Well, well," Cardin called out loud enough for everyone to hear. "If it isn't Beacon's golden team. Hope you're ready to get knocked down a peg."
Ruby felt a familiar spark of irritation, and for just a moment, her eyes flashed with that dangerous silver-gold light. Nova's hand on her shoulder grounded her immediately.
"We're ready," Ruby called back, her voice steady. "Good luck out there."
The referee, a stern-looking woman with graying hair, approached both teams. "This is a standard elimination match. Victory conditions are knockout, surrender, or aura depletion below fifteen percent. The arena features various environmental hazards and terrain changes. Are there any questions?"
When both teams shook their heads, she nodded. "Teams, take your positions."
As they walked toward the arena entrance, Blake moved closer to her teammates. "Remember, we need to make this look challenging. If we dominate too easily, people will start asking questions we're not ready to answer."
"Right," Weiss agreed. "We hold back, but not so much that we lose. We need to find that perfect balance."
The arena doors opened, revealing a sprawling battlefield with rocky outcroppings, scattered trees, and what appeared to be ancient ruins. The crowd's roar was deafening as both teams emerged into the bright lights.
In the commentary booth, Professor Port's voice boomed over the speakers: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have an exciting match today! Team RWBY, fresh from their impressive showing in the previous rounds, faces Team CRDL in what promises to be an intense battle!"
Dr. Oobleck chimed in with his characteristic rapid-fire delivery: "Indeed, Peter! Team RWBY has shown remarkable growth this semester, while Team CRDL brings raw power and determination to the arena. This should be fascinating from a combat methodology perspective!"
As the teams took their starting positions on opposite ends of the arena, Ruby closed her eyes briefly, feeling the weight of thousands of watching eyes. When she opened them again, Crescent Rose was in her hands, and she was ready.
The referee raised her hand. "Combatants ready?"
Both teams signaled their readiness.
"Begin!"
The match exploded into action, but for Team RWBY, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Their enhanced Saiyan reflexes made their opponents' movements appear telegraphed and sluggish. The challenge wasn't winning—it was making it look like they might lose.
Meanwhile, in Ozpin's Office
High above the cheering crowds and clashing weapons, a very different kind of tension filled the headmaster's office. Professor Ozpin stood by his massive window overlooking the festival grounds, his coffee cup untouched as he gazed at the sky with uncharacteristic unease.
"You're certain they're coming today?" he asked without turning around.
Behind him, two figures that few at Beacon had seen outside of the most classified meetings stood with quiet dignity. Rhubar and Sala, Nova and Turuk's birth parents, maintained the same composed bearing as their sons, though their black Saiyan tails swished with barely contained nervous energy.
"The dimensional readings have been consistent for the past hour," Rhubar confirmed, his deep voice carrying the weight of experience. Like his sons, he was tall and powerfully built, but his face bore the weathered lines of someone who had seen both the rise and fall of civilizations. "Lord Beerus rarely changes course once he's set his mind on something."
Sala, elegant despite the tension radiating from her posture, stepped closer to the window. Her long black hair, so similar to Nova's, was tied back in a practical warrior's knot. "The question isn't whether they'll arrive, Ozpin. It's whether Remnant will still be here after they leave."
Professor Goodwitch entered the office, her scroll in hand and her expression grim. "All non-essential personnel have been quietly evacuated from the upper levels of Beacon. General Ironwood's forces are maintaining their positions, but..." She hesitated. "James wanted to know if his fleet should take defensive positions."
"No," Rhubar said immediately, his tail stiffening. "Any show of military force will only irritate Lord Beerus. Our best chance is to approach this diplomatically."
"Diplomatically," Ozpin repeated, finally turning from the window. His usually calm demeanor showed cracks of strain. "We're dealing with a being who can destroy planets on a whim because he dislikes their food."
"Which is exactly why the boys' transformation came at such a crucial time," Sala added, her maternal instincts clearly warring with her warrior's pragmatism. "If Beerus senses the presence of other Saiyans, especially ones with that level of power..."
She didn't need to finish. They all understood the implications.
The office doors opened again, and Professor Koizumi entered with several other faculty members, all of whom had been briefed on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding their students' recent transformation.
"The energy readings just spiked," Koizumi reported, consulting a specialized device that bore no resemblance to Remnant technology. "They're about to breach the atmosphere."
Through the large windows, a small point of light appeared in the clear blue sky, growing larger by the second. Unlike the aggressive, fiery entries typical of Grimm or military craft, this approach was serene, almost leisurely.
"There," Sala whispered, her enhanced Saiyan vision picking out details long before the others could see them clearly. "Two figures. Lord Beerus and his attendant, Whis."
Ozpin activated his scroll, opening a secure channel. "All faculty, this is Headmaster Ozpin. Operation Divine Protocol is now in effect. I repeat, Divine Protocol is active."
Across Beacon Academy, those few staff members who had been made aware of the situation began implementing carefully planned procedures. The tournament would continue—stopping it would only draw unwanted attention—but emergency protocols were now quietly in place.
"Should we contact the boys?" Glynda asked, glancing toward the arena where the match was still underway.
"Not yet," Rhubar decided after a moment's consideration. "Let them finish their match normally. If we pull them out now, it will cause exactly the kind of scene we're trying to avoid. Besides," his expression grew slightly proud despite the circumstances, "they've trained for power suppression. They can handle this."
The descending figures became clearer now—a tall, feline-like being in traditional destroyer garb floating beside a blue-skinned angel with a staff. They moved with the casual confidence of beings for whom concepts like gravity and atmosphere were mere suggestions.
"Gentlemen, ladies," Ozpin said, his voice carrying the authority that had guided Beacon through countless crises, "we're about to host the most dangerous beings in the universe. Everything depends on the next few hours."
Sala's tail curled around her waist as she watched the God of Destruction approach their world. "Nova, Turuk," she whispered to herself, "I hope you're ready for this."
In the distance, completely unaware of the cosmic significance of their visitors, the crowd continued to cheer as Team RWBY carefully choreographed what appeared to be a hard-fought victory against Team CRDL.
The real test was only just beginning.
The Arena - Simultaneous Events
Ruby ducked under Cardin's massive mace swing, the weapon moving so slowly in her enhanced perception that she could have counted the scratches on its surface. She had to consciously slow her counter-attack, making it look like she was struggling to keep up rather than holding back enough power to level the entire colosseum.
"Come on, Red!" Cardin taunted, not realizing how close he was dancing to oblivion. "Is that all Beacon's golden girl has got?"
If only you knew, Ruby thought, carefully timing her next move to look appropriately challenged. She caught Nova's eye across the battlefield, where he was similarly restraining himself against Sky Lark. The brief contact was enough to communicate their shared awareness—something was happening beyond the arena.
Yang, meanwhile, was having the hardest time of all. Her Saiyan transformation had amplified not just her strength but her natural hot-headedness. When Russell Thrush managed to land a lucky hit on her shoulder, her eyes flashed dangerous gold for just a moment.
"Yang!" Blake called out in warning, recognizing the signs. Her partner's hair had started to emit a faint golden aura.
Yang caught herself just in time, forcing her power level down and letting out what appeared to be a grunt of pain rather than barely contained rage. The crowd ate it up, thinking they were witnessing an underdog story.
But in the stands, among those with more refined senses, some began to notice inconsistencies. Professor Port frowned as his trained eye caught movements that seemed almost too perfect, too controlled.
The Descent - Central Vale
The two cosmic beings descended through Remnant's atmosphere with the casual indifference of gods, which, in Beerus's case, was exactly what he was. The God of Destruction's feline features remained impassive as he surveyed the world below, though his ears twitched with mild curiosity at the energy signatures he was beginning to detect.
"My, my," Whis observed pleasantly, his staff glowing as he analyzed the planet's composition. "What an interesting little world, Lord Beerus. The energy readings are quite fascinating."
"Hmm," Beerus rumbled, his destruction energy unconsciously radiating outward in gentle waves. "I can sense something... familiar. Saiyan energy, but different somehow."
Unknown to them, their mere presence was already having effects across Remnant.
Beacon Academy - Emerald Forest
Far from the festival crowds, in a secluded grove where she had been preparing for her infiltration mission, Cinder Fall suddenly froze mid-step. A wave of inexplicable terror washed over her, so intense that her Maiden powers flickered involuntarily, leaving scorch marks on nearby trees.
"What... what is this?" she gasped, her usual composure cracking as every instinct screamed at her to run. The Fall Maiden's power, which had made her feel invincible, now seemed as insignificant as a candle flame before the sun.
Her hands shook as she tried to maintain her human disguise, but the overwhelming presence pressing down on her consciousness made concentration nearly impossible. This wasn't fear of an enemy she could fight—this was the primal terror of a mouse suddenly aware that a cat was in the room.
The Grimm Lands - Salem's Domain
Hundreds of miles away, in her dark fortress surrounded by pools of Grimm, Salem suddenly stood from her throne with such violence that the ancient stone cracked beneath her feet. Her usually pale complexion had gone ghostly white, and for the first time in millennia, genuine fear flickered in her red eyes.
"Impossible," she whispered, her voice echoing through the empty halls. The Grimm around her castle, normally drawn to negative emotions, were instead fleeing in terror. Even her most powerful creations cowered in her presence as waves of destructive energy—not her own—rippled across the planet.
Her immortal consciousness, which had witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, was screaming warnings that she couldn't understand. Whatever had just arrived on Remnant made her feel like what she truly was beneath all her power and schemes—a mortal playing with forces beyond her comprehension.
"The Brothers," she breathed, the only reference point her ancient mind could grasp. "But this is... different. Older. Infinitely more dangerous."
Central Vale - The Meeting
The people of Vale went about their festival day, laughing and celebrating, completely unaware that two beings capable of erasing their entire solar system had just touched down in the central plaza. Street performers continued their acts, children ran between the stalls with cotton candy, and couples walked hand-in-hand through the crowds.
Beerus and Whis materialized in the exact center of the plaza, their arrival creating nothing more than a gentle breeze that rustled nearby banners. To the civilians, they appeared to be simply two more festival-goers in elaborate costumes.
"Quite festive," Whis commented, twirling his staff as he observed the colorful celebrations. "I do enjoy a good party atmosphere."
Beerus, however, was more focused. His cat-like eyes scanned the crowd, then lifted toward Beacon Academy towering in the distance. "The Saiyan energy is coming from up there. But there's something else... something that reminds me of divine power."
Before Whis could respond, the crowd began to part as a group approached from the direction of Beacon. Professor Ozpin led the delegation, his cane clicking rhythmically against the cobblestones. Behind him, Glynda maintained perfect composure despite the beads of sweat on her forehead, while Rhubar and Sala flanked them with the dignity of their warrior heritage.
The civilians, assuming this was some sort of planned festival encounter, began to gather in a circle, pulling out their scrolls to record what they thought was a performance.
"Lord Beerus," Ozpin said, stopping at a respectful distance and offering a formal bow that somehow managed to show respect without subservience. "Welcome to Remnant. I am Professor Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy."
Beerus's ears perked with interest as his gaze fixed on Rhubar and Sala. "Saiyans," he stated matter-of-factly. "I wondered what that familiar energy signature was. Though you two feel... diminished. Not like the Saiyans I knew."
"We are the survivors, my lord," Rhubar said, his tail betraying his nervousness with small twitches despite his controlled voice. "Our planet was destroyed long ago. We have made new lives here."
"And your children?" Beerus asked, his tone deceptively casual. "I sense young Saiyan energy as well. Quite powerful for their apparent age."
The crowd around them continued recording and chattering excitedly, having no idea they were witnessing a conversation that would determine their planet's fate. In the distance, the sounds of the tournament continued, and the commentators' voices could be heard announcing Team RWBY's narrow victory over Team CRDL.
Whis smiled pleasantly at the gathering crowd. "What delightful costumes everyone has! This festival certainly knows how to put on a show."
If only they knew, Ozpin thought, his grip tightening on his cane as he prepared for the most important diplomatic conversation of his extremely long life.
Post-Match - Team RWBY's Return
The cheers of the crowd still echoed in their ears as Team RWBY made their way back from the arena, their "hard-fought" victory against Team CRDL officially recorded in the tournament brackets. Ruby wiped fake sweat from her brow, maintaining the illusion of exhaustion while her enhanced Saiyan physiology hadn't even begun to tax itself.
"That was harder than I thought it would be," Blake admitted quietly as they walked through the corridors beneath the colosseum. "Pretending to struggle is almost more difficult than actually struggling."
"Tell me about it," Yang muttered, rolling her shoulders. "I nearly lost it when Russell got that cheap shot in. For a second there, I wanted to—"
She stopped mid-sentence, her enhanced senses suddenly picking up something that made her blood run cold. The others noticed her halt immediately.
"Yang?" Ruby asked, concern evident in her voice. "What is it?"
"Do you feel that?" Yang whispered, her eyes beginning to shift from their usual lilac to an unsettling gold. But it wasn't her normal angry gold—this was different, deeper, touched with something that seemed almost fearful.
Nova's expression grew serious as he extended his own senses. "There's something..." He paused, his Saiyan instincts screaming warnings he didn't fully understand. "We need to get topside. Now."
The urgency in his voice was enough to get them all moving. As they ascended through Beacon's levels, the oppressive feeling grew stronger. By the time they reached the main courtyard, all of them could feel it—a presence so vast and powerful that it made their recent transformation feel insignificant.
"The energy signature," Turuk said, joining them as they stepped out into the festival afternoon. His face was pale. "It's coming from Vale. From the central plaza."
Ruby's silver eyes widened. "We have to—"
"No," Professor Koizumi's voice cut through their conversation as he approached rapidly. "Headmaster Ozpin's orders. You're to report to the central plaza immediately, but you're to approach with extreme caution. Do not, under any circumstances, allow your power levels to spike."
The gravity in his tone made it clear this wasn't a suggestion.
Central Vale Plaza - The Confrontation
The festival crowd had grown larger around what they assumed was an elaborate performance. Street vendors had moved closer to capitalize on the gathering, and children sat on their parents' shoulders to get a better view of the "costumed actors."
Beerus remained focused on Ozpin and the two adult Saiyans, but Whis had begun to show more interest in their surroundings. His staff glowed gently as he scanned the area.
"How curious," Whis mused aloud. "Lord Beerus, I believe we're about to have more visitors."
The God of Destruction's ears twitched, and he turned his attention toward Beacon Academy. "Ah yes. The young Saiyan energy signatures. They're approaching."
Ozpin felt his heart rate increase despite his outward calm. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere more private?"
"Nonsense," Beerus replied with a dismissive wave. "I'm quite comfortable here. Besides, I'm curious to meet these young warriors. It's been some time since I've encountered Saiyans of their apparent potential."
Within minutes, Team RWBY, along with Nova and Turuk, appeared at the edge of the plaza. Even from a distance, they could feel the overwhelming presence radiating from the two figures at the center of the crowd. Ruby's hand instinctively moved toward Crescent Rose before Nova caught her wrist.
"Don't," he whispered. "Whatever you do, don't reach for your weapon."
As they approached, the crowd began to part, some festival-goers recognizing the tournament competitors and assuming this was all part of some elaborate show. The students walked forward with careful, measured steps, their Saiyan instincts warring between the urge to fight and the overwhelming certainty that they were completely outmatched.
"Ah," Beerus said as they came within speaking distance. "There you are."
His cat-like gaze swept over the group, and Ruby felt as though she was being examined by something far beyond her comprehension. But it was when his attention fixed on Yang that things became interesting.
Beerus tilted his head, his expression shifting from casual interest to genuine curiosity. "Well now, that's unexpected."
"What is?" Yang asked, her voice carefully controlled despite the terror she felt.
Whis floated closer, his staff beginning to glow more brightly. "Oh my, how fascinating! Lord Beerus, this young lady has quite the complex energy signature."
"Indeed," Beerus agreed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Saiyan, yes... but there's something else. Human, obviously, but..." He paused, and for the first time since arriving, he looked genuinely intrigued. "Demonic heritage. Quite old demonic heritage, in fact."
Yang's eyes went wide, the gold in them flickering with confusion rather than anger. "What? That's impossible. I'm human and... well, apparently part Saiyan now, but—"
"I'm afraid not, my dear," Whis interjected gently, his staff's glow intensifying as he performed what appeared to be a more detailed scan. "The demonic energy is quite faint but unmistakably present. It's woven into your very essence, inherited rather than acquired."
Ruby stepped closer to her sister, protective instincts overriding her fear. "What does that mean?"
Beerus's expression became almost scholarly. "It means her lineage is far more complex than she realized. Tell me, young lady, what do you know of your mother's family history?"
Yang's face went through several emotions at once—confusion, anger, and a deep hurt that she tried to hide. "My mother... Raven... she left when I was young. I don't know anything about her family."
"Ah," Whis said with understanding. "That would explain the dormant nature of the demonic heritage. Without knowledge or training, such bloodlines often remain suppressed for generations."
Sala stepped forward, her maternal instincts recognizing Yang's distress. "The combination is unusual," she said diplomatically. "Saiyan and demonic bloodlines don't typically mix well. The fact that you've achieved a stable transformation suggests remarkable inner strength."
"But what does it mean?" Yang pressed, her voice cracking slightly. "What am I?"
Beerus considered the question seriously. "You are something quite rare, child. A tri-hybrid with the potential for multiple transformation paths. Your Saiyan nature gives you one type of power, your human heritage provides balance, and your demonic blood..." He paused thoughtfully. "Well, that could lead to very interesting developments indeed."
The crowd around them continued recording and chattering, completely missing the cosmic significance of the conversation taking place before them. Several news crews had arrived, broadcasting what they assumed was an elaborate festival performance to audiences across Remnant.
Ruby squeezed Yang's hand supportively. "It doesn't matter what you are, Yang. You're still my sister."
Yang managed a shaky smile, but her eyes remained troubled. The revelation had shaken something fundamental in her understanding of herself.
Whis clapped his hands together cheerfully. "Well now, this has been quite enlightening! Though I do believe we should discuss the more pressing matters at hand. Lord Beerus, shall we proceed with the reason for our visit?"
The God of Destruction's expression returned to its previous seriousness. "Indeed. But first..." He looked directly at the group of young warriors. "I want to see what you're truly capable of."
Ozpin felt the blood drain from his face. "Lord Beerus, perhaps that's not necessary—"
"Oh, but it is," Beerus interrupted, his power beginning to radiate more intensely. "I don't visit worlds to chat about genealogy. I want to see if these young Saiyans are worth my time."
The festival atmosphere around them continued, oblivious to the fact that the fate of their world might very well depend on the next few minutes.
Beerus's Test - Yang's Trial
"Very well," Beerus said, his tone shifting to something more businesslike. "You, the blonde one with the interesting heritage. Step forward."
Yang's heart hammered in her chest as she moved away from her team. The crowd around them had grown even larger, with people assuming this was some sort of interactive festival performance. Camera crews zoomed in, broadcasting what they thought was elaborate entertainment across all four kingdoms.
"Lord Beerus," Ozpin attempted one more time, "perhaps we could—"
"Silence," Beerus said without malice, but with such absolute authority that every word died in the headmaster's throat. His attention remained fixed on Yang. "What is your name, child?"
"Yang Xiao Long," she replied, surprised by how steady her voice sounded despite the terror coursing through her veins.
"Yang," Beerus repeated, as if testing the name. "Show me your power. Transform."
Yang hesitated for a moment, glancing back at her team. Ruby gave her an encouraging nod, while Blake's expression showed clear concern. Taking a deep breath, Yang let her Saiyan nature surface.
Golden light erupted around her as her hair lifted and shifted to brilliant gold, her eyes blazing with Super Saiyan energy. The crowd gasped and cheered, thinking it was an incredible special effect. Even the news commentators were praising the "realistic transformation sequence."
"Impressive," Beerus acknowledged. "But I can sense you're holding back considerably. Show me what you're truly capable of."
"I... I don't want to hurt anyone," Yang said, gesturing to the crowd around them.
Whis twirled his staff and created a shimmering barrier around the immediate area. "There. Now you needn't worry about collateral damage. Please, proceed."
Yang powered up further, her golden aura intensifying until the very air around her began to shimmer with heat. Her power level climbed higher than she'd ever pushed it before, but Beerus remained unimpressed.
"More," he commanded simply.
Yang gritted her teeth, pushing her limits. Her aura began to spark with electricity, her transformation climbing toward its peak. The ground beneath her feet started to crack, and several vendors' stalls in the distance began to rattle from the sheer energy output.
But Beerus merely tilted his head. "Is that all?"
Something in his tone—dismissive, almost bored—struck Yang like a physical blow. After everything they'd been through, after the transformation that had made her feel invincible, this cosmic being was looking at her ultimate power as if it were a mild inconvenience.
Without warning, Beerus moved. One moment he was standing casually several feet away, the next his clawed hand was inches from Yang's throat, moving with speed that made even her enhanced reflexes seem sluggish.
In that instant, Yang's mind went completely blank. Every instinct screamed that she was about to die, that this overwhelming force was about to end her existence without effort. Her Saiyan power meant nothing. Her training meant nothing. She was going to die, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
That's when something else awakened.
Dark energy erupted from Yang's body like a living shadow, her golden Super Saiyan aura suddenly streaked with writhing tendrils of deep purple and black. Her eyes, still blazing gold, now held flecks of something far more ancient and dangerous. The very air around her began to feel oppressive, heavy with an energy that spoke of old power and older hungers.
The demonic heritage that had lain dormant in her bloodline for generations suddenly roared to life, triggered by the absolute certainty of mortal peril.
Beerus stopped his strike inches from her throat, his cat-like eyes widening with genuine surprise. "Now that," he said with obvious fascination, "is much more interesting."
Yang's hybrid transformation was unlike anything any of them had seen. The golden power of her Saiyan heritage warred and then merged with the dark energy of her demonic blood, creating something entirely new. Her hair remained golden but now seemed to move with a life of its own, and her strength had multiplied exponentially.
"Fascinating," Whis murmured, his staff glowing as he analyzed the unprecedented energy signature. "I've never seen a stable fusion of Saiyan and demonic energy before. Most beings would be torn apart by such conflicting forces."
The crowd around them was going wild, assuming they were witnessing the most elaborate special effects display in festival history. News anchors were breathlessly describing the "incredible light show" and "revolutionary holographic technology."
Beerus slowly lowered his hand, his expression one of genuine intrigue. "Your mother's bloodline is far more ancient than I initially suspected. That demonic heritage traces back to the old wars, doesn't it? Before the current cosmic order was established."
Yang, still caught in her hybrid transformation, could barely speak through the overwhelming sensations coursing through her. "I... I can feel it. Something old. Something angry."
"Control it," Beerus advised, though his tone had shifted from commanding to almost instructional. "Power without control is worthless. But power with control..." He smiled, showing sharp fangs. "That has potential."
With tremendous effort, Yang began to rein in the chaotic energies. The demonic shadows slowly receded, though traces of that dark power remained woven through her golden aura. When she finally powered down completely, she staggered, caught by Ruby before she could fall.
"Well done," Beerus said, and there was actual approval in his voice. "You've shown me something genuinely unexpected today. That alone is worth sparing this world."
The casual way he mentioned destroying their entire planet made several faculty members go pale, but Yang was too exhausted to fully process the implications.
"Lord Beerus," Nova stepped forward, his own Saiyan instincts telling him this was his moment. "If you're interested in testing our capabilities..."
Beerus turned his attention to the dark-haired young man, his interest clearly piqued. "Ah yes, you. I can sense considerable power from you as well. Different from hers, but impressive in its own right."
"Actually," Nova said, glancing at his scroll, "my team has our opening match in about an hour. Perhaps we could arrange your test afterward?"
"NDTSA versus Team BRNZ," Turuk added, moving to stand beside his adopted brother. "We wouldn't want to forfeit due to... cosmic circumstances."
Whis clapped his hands together delightedly. "Oh, how wonderful! A tournament match! Lord Beerus, wouldn't it be interesting to observe their performance in an actual competitive setting first?"
Before Beerus could respond, Blake stepped forward. Her faunus instincts were screaming at her to flee, but her protective nature toward her adopted younger brothers overrode her fear.
"Lord Beerus," she said, her voice respectful but firm. "Nova and Turuk are... they're family to me. My adopted younger brothers. I know you're far beyond anything we can comprehend, but I have to ask—whatever test you have planned, you won't seriously harm them, will you?"
The question hung in the air for a moment. Several of the faculty members held their breath, wondering if Blake had just sealed their world's fate by questioning a God of Destruction.
But Beerus simply looked at her with what might have been amusement. "You care for them."
"With my life," Blake replied without hesitation.
"How touching," Beerus mused. "Very well. After their match, I will test the young man's capabilities. But rest assured, faunus child, I have no intention of permanently damaging potentially interesting specimens."
Whis floated closer to Blake with his characteristic pleasant smile. "Oh, don't worry too much, dear. When Lord Beerus says he won't harm them 'too badly,' he means it quite literally. Perhaps some bruises, maybe a few broken bones at worst, but nothing that won't heal with proper medical attention."
"That's... somewhat reassuring?" Blake replied, though her expression suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.
"Besides," Whis continued cheerfully, "it's been ages since Lord Beerus has found young warriors worthy of personal evaluation. You should consider it an honor!"
Nova and Turuk exchanged glances. They'd faced down Imperial forces and undergone transformations that had fundamentally changed their nature, but somehow the prospect of being "personally evaluated" by a God of Destruction felt like an entirely different level of challenge.
"Well then," Nova said, managing to keep his voice steady. "I suppose we should go prepare for our match. Wouldn't want to disappoint in the preliminaries before the real test begins."
The crowd around them continued to cheer and record, completely unaware that they had just witnessed the negotiation of their planet's continued existence, along with the scheduling of what might be the most dangerous performance evaluation in the history of the universe.
Team NDTSA Assembles
Nova turned away from the cosmic beings and toward his waiting teammates, his expression shifting from diplomatic caution to focused determination. "Alright everyone, we have a match to win."
His team had been watching the entire exchange from a respectful distance, all of them acutely aware of the overwhelming power radiating from Beerus and Whis. Now, as Nova approached, they fell into formation with the practiced ease of warriors who had trained together extensively.
Turuk stepped up first, his black tail swishing with nervous energy that mirrored his brother's. Despite sharing the same Saiyan heritage, the two brothers had developed distinctly different fighting styles—Nova favored precision and control, while Turuk embraced the more aggressive aspects of their warrior nature.
"Well, that was terrifying," Turuk muttered under his breath, just loud enough for his teammates to hear. "Think we can put on a good enough show to keep Lord Whiskers interested?"
"His name is Lord Beerus," Daikon corrected with the dry humor that had made him popular among their group. The stocky Saiyan was slightly older than the brothers, his experience showing in the calm way he carried himself even under cosmic scrutiny. As their martial arts instructor Tarro's cousin, he'd been instrumental in helping Nova and Turuk refine their fighting techniques. "And yes, we'd better impress him. I don't think 'adequate performance' is going to cut it today."
Scarlett Reinhardt moved to Nova's left side, her vibrant red hair catching the festival sunlight as her equally red Saiyan tail curled confidently around her waist. Unlike her teammates, she seemed almost excited by the prospect of being watched by beings of such incredible power.
"Finally," she said, cracking her knuckles with obvious anticipation. "A chance to really cut loose without holding back. Do you think they'll mind if we accidentally vaporize Team BRNZ?"
"Scarlett," her sister Aiko warned, though there was fondness in her tone. Where Scarlett was fire and aggression, Aiko represented a fascinating blend of Saiyan warrior instincts and Faunus grace. Her wolf ears twitched as she monitored the sounds around them, while her furry wolf tail—so different from the smooth Saiyan tails of her teammates—betrayed her mixed heritage.
"We need to be careful," Aiko continued, her enhanced hearing picking up conversations from the crowd that suggested some people were beginning to question whether what they'd just witnessed was entirely special effects. "There are already whispers in the crowd about 'how realistic' everything looked."
From his position near Beerus and Whis, Professor Ozpin caught sight of Team NDTSA preparing to leave for their match. His trained eye immediately noticed something that made his already elevated stress levels spike even higher.
"Lord Beerus," he said carefully, "I should mention that Nova's team consists entirely of... individuals with unique heritage."
Beerus, who had been casually observing the festival activities, immediately refocused his attention on the departing group. His cat-like eyes swept over them with renewed interest.
"Two pure Saiyans," he noted, easily identifying Nova and Turuk by their identical energy signatures and physical characteristics. "One mixed Saiyan," his gaze shifted to Daikon, "and two..." He paused, his expression growing genuinely intrigued. "How interesting."
Whis floated closer to get a better look, his staff beginning to glow as he performed his own analysis. "Oh my! Lord Beerus, the red-haired one appears to be a Saiyan hybrid as well, though her lineage is quite different from young Yang's."
"And the other?" Beerus asked, his attention now completely focused on Aiko.
"Saiyan and Faunus," Whis announced cheerfully. "What a delightful combination! I can sense both the warrior instincts of Saiyan heritage and the enhanced senses and physical capabilities of her Faunus side. She's essentially a triple hybrid if you consider the unique characteristics of Remnant's Faunus population."
Aiko, with her enhanced wolf hearing, caught every word of their conversation despite the distance and ambient noise. Her ears flattened slightly against her head—a sure sign of discomfort that her teammates immediately recognized.
"They're talking about us," she murmured to Nova as they walked toward the arena entrance.
"What are they saying?" Scarlett asked, her own Saiyan hearing not quite as refined as her sister's Faunus-enhanced senses.
"Cataloging our heritage like we're specimens in a collection," Aiko replied, her voice carrying a hint of growl that had nothing to do with her Saiyan nature and everything to do with her wolf instincts. "The angel one called me a 'delightful combination.'"
Nova placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, we've dealt with being studied before. Remember when we first arrived at Beacon? Half the faculty couldn't figure out what to make of us."
"This is a bit different, Nova," Turuk pointed out. "Those faculty members couldn't destroy planets if they got bored."
Behind them, Beerus's voice carried clearly across the plaza as he addressed the assembled Beacon staff: "This tournament has become far more entertaining than I anticipated. A tri-hybrid blonde, a Faunus-Saiyan combination, and whatever genetic anomaly the red-haired one represents... This world is full of surprises."
"Should we be flattered or terrified?" Daikon asked as they reached the arena entrance.
"Why not both?" Scarlett replied with a grin that showed she was definitely leaning toward flattered. "When's the last time any of us got personal attention from a god? Even if he is a god of destruction."
Aiko's tail bristled slightly. "I just hope our 'entertainment value' is enough to keep him interested in a good way rather than a 'let me see what happens when I blow this up' way."
As Team NDTSA disappeared into the arena complex, Whis turned to Beerus with obvious delight. "My lord, I do believe this little tournament is going to provide far more amusement than we initially expected. Five different hybrid combinations, all in one place, all with considerable power potential..."
"Indeed," Beerus agreed, settling into a more comfortable position as he prepared to watch the upcoming match. "Perhaps we should arrange for better seating. I wouldn't want to miss any of the subtleties of their performance."
The festival crowd, still completely oblivious to the cosmic significance of the beings among them, continued their celebrations. But in the arena below, Team NDTSA was about to put on a show that would determine whether their unique nature would be seen as fascinating enough to preserve their world, or disappointing enough to warrant its destruction.
"No pressure," Nova muttered as he checked his weapons one final time, knowing that somewhere above them, a God of Destruction was settling in to be entertained.
To be continued in Chapter 28: Gods Among Us part II; A Destroyer God's Trial