RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

"Stupid alarm clock. Why do you have to be so loud?" I picked up the small clock off my nightstand and looked at the time. "Oh shit, I'm gonna be late!" I jumped out of bed and ran down the hall as fast as possible into the bathroom, slipping out of my pajamas and into the shower. I slammed the water on and grabbed the bar of soap. "Oh, wow that's cold. Damn it dad, you used up all the hot water again! Oh, whatever." I washed my long black hair out as fast as possible and just let the water run down my back for a second, the finished washing up. When I got out I wrapped a towel around my waist and ran back to my room to get dressed. I reached into my closet and started to pull my only clothes out and throw them on my bed. Putting on my black pants, I tucked a silver button up shirt into them; put a black vest on over that, and over that I put on a black duster with white trim. Finally, I put my silver top hat with black hat band and Nevermore feather, black fingerless gloves, and strapped my weapon (a Cheytac M200 sniper that turned into a halberd) over my shoulder.

After this I ran downstairs, poured myself a cup of coffee, and then ran back up so I could pack my clothes and various vials of Dust. I ran through the house like a madman for ten minutes getting my stuff put together when I heard a voice call me from downstairs.

"Silver, you need to get going soon! Dad should be waiting for you at the school!"

"On my way down Orianna!" I skipped the second half of stairs and landed in the huge foyer of our home, the dark hardwood floor clunking under the sound of my boots. I now had a black duffle bag slung over my shoulder. I grabbed the door knob to the front door when someone behind me cleared their throat.

"Just be careful, okay Silver? Dad might be there but Beacon is a dangerous place when it comes to how far they push their students. Trust me on this one." My older sister Orianna told me. Her hair was really long now and silvery grey like our dad's, her face small and comforting. She wore a deep green dress with black gears all along the trim and an emerald and gold ring. She was sitting peacefully in her wheelchair, hands folded in her lap. "Who am I kidding? You'll be fine. Look at you though, getting all grown up on me, going to Beacon even though you're 2 years ahead of everyone else."

"I'll be extra careful. I'm not even a special case this year. There's on girl who's skipping 2 years too. Dad told me about her after getting home late one night. He's never liked me anyhow. I'm just the adopted boy he doesn't care about."

"Don't say that. Ever since mom died he just looks at you and remembered what he did. Nothing can clear that from his conscience anymore. Anyhow, you better get going or you'll miss the airship." She pulled me in for a hug. "I love you Silver, please be careful. Tell dad I said hi!"

"I love you too Orianna. I'll see you as soon as a break comes around." I squeezed her one last time and let go, grabbing the door knob and walking out to the street. There was a small parade of Beacon students heading to the air ship docks and I walked it alone. I've always been an outgoing person but right now was not a good time for me. This was going to be my first year at Beacon Academy, and with the Headmaster as a Dad I'd be sure to receive all kinds of special treatment at first, which might sound great but really sucked in all reality, mainly because it put a huge target on my back for bullies.

I walked up to the airship doors and they opened automatically, giving way to the conversations the other first years were having among their friends. I chose to grab a spot by the window and watch as we took off. The airship we were in was basically a long rectangular room with windows lining the walls and a few benches next to them. It was pretty full but there was enough room to move around if need be.

"I'll be fine dad, I can protect myself. You did what? I don't really need that much Dust at the moment. I-fine. I have to go, goodbye." A girl with long white hair next to me said as she pulled a phone away from her ear. Her hair was pulled into an off-center ponytail with a small tiara used to keep it in tied up. She wore a white dress that ruffled out a little bit and went just below her knees, over that was a white jacket that faded into a light blue at the end of the sleeves, and she wore tall white boots. Strapped to her dress was a steel rapier with Dust cartridges. She turned to look at me and I could clearly see a scar going over her left eye. But what really caught me was the pale ice blue color of her eyes, truly striking.

"Rough morning with the folks?" I asked, trying to be polite. She looked me over for a second, as though trying to decide if I was worth her time or just a waste of existence. I could feel a chill run down my spine. Man, this girl is ice cold!

"I guess you could say that. My name is Weiss, for future reference. It's nice to meet you." She stuck out her hand and I shook it.

"My name is Silver; it's nice to meet you too." We talked for the rest of the flight to Beacon about different rumors that had spread around about teams, initiation, and various other things. Finally, we docked at the school and started to unload our luggage. I followed Weiss as she grabbed her 8 bags and put them on a hotel cart that was wheeled behind her by a couple of butler looking guys. I started the walk with her to the school and watched as her dropped just as low as mine upon seeing the castle-like academy. I'd been here a million times now but it still blew my mind.

Towers rose up around the campus to make up dorms, classrooms, and teacher's offices. Second through fourth year students simply walked around with their friends and waved as the first years headed to the Dueling arena where a speech was supposed to be given and we'd be informed about our time at Beacon. A quick glint caught me in the corner of my eye and I looked down at the rapier attached to Weiss's side.

"I've been meaning to ask, but what exactly does that rapier of yours do?"

"You're a pretty curious guy aren't you? Shouldn't you tell me about your weapon first?" she smiled lightly. So far we were getting along pretty well. "After all, it's only common courtesy."

"Well excuse me madam." I bowed sarcastically at this. "This is Writing Raven, part sniper, part halberd, all awesome." I pulled it off my shoulder and watched it unfold into halberd form. The scope collapsed inside the gun and the grip folded in as well. The barrel extended another 3 feet and from it a spike stuck out the top of the muzzle, a large axe head popping out of the bottom of the barrel and another triangular spike on the top. The stock also extended another foot and two smaller blades, slightly bigger than pocket knives, shot out of the top and bottom.

"Impressive, I admit. But can it alter and improve your semblance?"

"Seriously? Your rapier can do that?"

"Its name is Myrtenaster, and yes it can. My semblance is Glyphs so I can easily alter it with Dust." At that moment, some girl in a red hood fell on the cart that was following behind us, spilling Weiss's cases of Dust everywhere. Instantly her face took on that of pure rage.

"I'm so sorry! It was an accident I swear!" the other girl apologized. She had medium-long black hair with what looked like natural red highlights; it almost covered her right eye. She was wearing a black dress that stopped at her knees then ruffled outwards, showing that the bottom of the dress was had thin layers of a wavy red fabric. She had a belt put loosely around her waist with 2 ammo pouches and an extra pouch on the side and a metal rose on the other. Around her shoulder was the red hood I had first noticed, pinned to her dress with metal crosses. She also had on a pair of black tights and knee high black and red combat boots. Her eyes were silver and maybe even more striking than Weiss's. What really set her apart was the rectangle of red metal holstered to the back of her belt. Must be her weapon.

"Do you have any idea what you could've done just now? This is Dust, mined and purified in the Schnee quarry! And what's with this? How old are you? You look a little young to be coming to Beacon." That must be the girl that skipped ahead too. Good luck, Weiss will probably rant like this forever.

"Weiss, I'm going on ahead while you settle things here! Meet me in the Arena!" She just waved her hand and I continued my walk. In front of me was a 3 story tall building encircled by Greek columns, the entrance was tall enough for a giant to walk through easily and a banner hung down with two battle axes crossing each other over a laurel wreath, the emblem of Beacon. I walked in and looked around to get a good feel for just how many students there was this year. Hundreds.

We stood in a ring about 100 yards wide, cement walls rising10 feet into the air around us, and on top of those walls were bleachers that were typically used for dueling class or competitions held at the school. On the far end, a small stage rose 2 feet or so above the rest of the floor where a single microphone stood. I eavesdropped on a few conversations for about 10 minutes, totally bored out of my mind, when Weiss tapped me on the shoulder and I smiled a little. She looked seriously pissed.

"The insolence of some people, I swear. Can you believe she just fell over on everything like that?" She crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks a little.

"Just calm down. I'm sure it was an accident. Why don't we just forget it ever happened for a second?" I shrugged a little and put my hands in my pockets. You show that you're calm and it'll rub off on other people. That's just the way emotions work, still, Weiss might not me that influential.

"Fine. Like I was saying before getting so rudely interrupted, my semblance is Glyphs. This is basically like magic if used in the proper ways. Anyone can use it if they try hard enough. If you want some nights after classes I could give you lessons. Wait a minute…YOU!"

"Oh god it's happening again!" the girl from earlier flung herself into the arms of a blonde girl next to her.

"You could've blown us off the side of the cliff!"

"Oh my god you actually exploded." The blonde said.

"Alright, everyone just calm down. Weiss, what happened when I left you back there?"

"This complete and utter DOLT sneezed and made a crater outside of the school because she couldn't handle a little flying dust!" Weiss shouted.

"I said I was sorry!" the other girl yelled back. "God, you're such a little brat!"

"Stop it! Let's try and get along here now. Look, just shake hands and start over. Nothing good is going to come from you two arguing like this all year! Here, I'll start." I reached my hand out to the other girl and smiled. "My name is Silver, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, I'm Ruby." She smiled shyly, and then looked over at Weiss.

"Ruby, this is Weiss. Weiss, this is Ruby. There, no more bad blood between you now, okay?" A short but loud beep sounded over the speakers and a woman's voice echoed through the arena.

"Ruby Rose and Silver Ozpin please report to the Headmaster outside of the Arena immediately." I sighed and rolled my shoulders, preparing for the stares. Sure enough they all looked at me upon hearing the name Ozpin. "I repeat, Ruby Rose and Silver Ozpin please report to the Headmaster outside of the Arena immediately."

"I guess we'll be back in a minute, come on Ruby." She nodded and followed me as we pushed our way through the crowd to get back outside. When we got to the entrance my dad was standing there, cane and coffee mug in hand as usual. Just behind him to the right was his assistant, Professor Goodwitch. Ruby looked really confused as she followed and tugged on my sleeve.

"Silver, what's going on? Are you really Professor Ozpin's son?"

"Well, technically I'm adopted but yeah, he's my dad. He may seem a little distant at times but he really does care about his students so whatever this is about shouldn't be anything bad. It's probably because we both skipped a couple years."

"You skipped ahead too?"

"Yeah, you couldn't tell? I mean I know I didn't go to Signal like most people here but I think I still look young compared to most of the other first year guys."

"It's just, you act so mature. How are you not nervous about coming here and not knowing anyone?"

"I'm nervous as hell, that's why I tried to be friends with Weiss so fast; I was really awkward coming up here in the airship. Hang on." I put my hands behind my head and tried to look like I didn't care he wanted to see me. "You called for us Professor?" My dad nodded at us and cleared his throat quickly.

"It's been decided by the staff that since you two both came here ahead of your old classmates you'll be partnered up before the initiation begins. This means that for the next 4 years you'll be together constantly, on missions and on campus. We simply wished to inform you of this so you wouldn't become too stressed out about being behind everyone else here. Incidentally, this means you will be on a team of 5 instead of 4 like your other classmates." He stated this in a very monotone voice, his eyes only half open.

"Haven't gotten in that second cup of coffee yet have you Dad? Try not to fall asleep while you're giving the speech. Oh, since you left so early this morning she didn't get the chance to say this but Orianna says hi." He remained blank faced but I could see the pain in his eyes as he looked at me. "Good luck out there. Bye dad." I started to walk back into the arena and without looking back, held up a peace sign. Ruby trailed on my heels, slight bounce in her step.

"So we're partners huh? I guess that means we should get to know each other pretty well. You don't have to meet up with anyone later right?" Ruby jumped in front of me quickly, her hands clasped behind her back. "Because it can wait, if you want. I noticed you're already pretty close with Weiss."

"I just met her today so I'm not sure how good of friends we'll actually end up being. How about we meet up on the cliff to the Emerald Forest in an hour? After we get our lockers, ID's, and scrolls."

"Sure!" She smiled and started walking again. When we got back in she introduced me to her sister, the blonde from before, Yang. Her hair went down to her waist and her eyes were a royal purple. She had on a yellow shirt with a light brown leather jacket over it and black short shorts, a belt with a couple pouches on it and hanging from it some butt-cape-thing. Around her wrists were a couple golden bracelets.

"You two are teammates? That's great! Ruby was all kinds of worried she'd be partnered up with some jerk she doesn't even know but you seem like a good guy." Yang punched my arm.

"Thanks, I guess."

"One thing Silver." She pulled me into a headlock and whispered into my ear quickly. "If Ruby gets hurt with you in anyway, emotionally or physically, I'm going to tear your head off." Yang let me go and I could feel my face pale. "Got it?" Yang asked. I could only nod in fear.

"I'll…keep this brief." Ozpin started, now standing on the stage. He still looked tired. "You have traveled here today in search of knowledge-to hone your craft and acquire new skills-and when you have finished you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose-direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." He stepped off and quickly exited the arena.

"You will gather in the ballroom tonight. Tomorrow your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed." Goodwitch said into the mic and then followed Ozpin.

"He seemed kind of…off" Yang said.

"Trust me on this one; you don't wanna know what's going through his mind right now." We all walked out and as we exited we were handed our scrolls and locker number, ID pictures being taken without even a "Cheese!" which actually made Weiss pretty mad.

"Guess this means we can head to the cliff and get started right away." Ruby said, putting her scroll into her belt pouch.

"What are you talking about?" Yang asked.

"When Ozpin told us we were going to be partners we decided that we should get to know each other better and said we'd meet up at the cliffs by the Emerald Forest. It can't hurt to start early. Who knows, maybe we'll even run into a Creep or two on our way there." I said. "We'll catch up with you guys in the ballroom later on."

"Let's go already! Fact number one about me: I'm not all that patient!" Ruby said and then started to run for the cliffs. I smirked and tipped my hat to the other two.

"Ladies." I turned on my heels and started to sprint behind her.

40 minutes later

We stood on the edge of a 70 degree drop into nothing but thick foliage and tall trees. The sun was still high in the sky above us but there was a strong breeze going by so it felt warm but cool at the same time. The trees rose up to almost be level with the cliff as the forest stretched out in front of us. Being true to the name everything was an emerald green color and looked absolutely beautiful. I could see the glowing red eyes of the Grimm below us staring up at us. I stood panting with my hands on my knees, the edge right in front of me. Ruby was bouncing on her heels in glee behind me.

"Wow, you're the first person to keep up with me for more than ten seconds while I was using my semblance! That's impressive!" Ruby slapped me on the back. "Looks like it took a toll on you though."

"You *pant* are really *pant* fast!" I stood up straight and grinned over at her. "Seriously, that's awesome." I pulled of the duster and put my hat on top of it. Then I cracked the knuckles and rolled my neck, channeling my aura into my fingertips. "But my semblance is a bit more…unique." I stuck my hands straight out over the cliff and watched as glowing silver threads shot out of my fingertips and grabbed onto one of the Grimm below. "It's called the Puppeteer." I flexed my fingers slightly and a Boarbatusk started to climb the cliff, the red eyes now turned silver.

I started it into a dead sprint up the cliff, tusks swinging from side to side as it churned the dirt and rocks beneath its hooves. As it got to the top of the cliff I had it jump up over myself and Ruby to land behind us. My fingers danced as I used the strings to make the Boarbatusk bow in front of us.

"How are you doing that?" Ruby asked in awe. She walked over and put her hand on top of the Grimm's head. "These hairs feel like needles." I watched her look the Grimm over for a few more times, she really took a liking to the bone plating around it's body, before I could feel the strain on my body start up.

"Ruby, I need to walk it back down there before I lose my aura." She nodded at me and I made it walk over to the cliff and then had it roll down. When it hit the bottom I let the strings come back and I felt lightheaded for a second. I put my hat back on and sat down on a boulder.

"How did you do that? It's amazing!" Ruby said. "There's gotta be some kind of trick right?"

"None, I'm a rare breed of a third semblance type."

"Semblance type?" her head tilted to the side and she raised an eyebrow. "I have no clue what you're talking about."

"Guess they didn't teach that at Signal. There are usually two kinds of semblance. Physical or Alteration. Physical semblances like yours use aura to boost physical abilities to non-human standards. Alteration would be more like Weiss's semblance; it creates something from nothing or changes the world around you in some way without there being any science behind it."

"Wow, so that would make it easier to make teams then right? Two physical and two alteration."

"Exactly, but what they don't normally teach is that there is a third kind called Controllers. Myself, Professor Ozpin, and the leader of Vacuo are the only known Controllers. What we do is control some force of nature with our Aura. In my case, that would be animals, Grimm, Faunus, and humans. The last two I don't like to use my semblance on though."

"Why not, wouldn't it be really useful for stealth missions?"

"Alright, I'll show you why. Keep in mind that in order to completely control a human or Faunus I need all my fingers, I'm only using one right now." She nodded and held out her hand. I put my pointer finger over her palm and let a string stretch down. The second it made contact a freezing cold washed over me and my head started to hurt.

"What's happening? Why am I so cold?" Ruby's voice echoed in my head.

"This is what happens when you try to mix two souls together." I pulled the string back. Everything was acting like it normally was until I could feel heat rising in my head.

At first it was like a heat lamp on my scalp but it kept getting worse .I put my head in my hands and clenched my eyes shut. Every part of my brain racked with a burning pain as though my skull was ripped open and had a hot iron pressed to it. I felt my heartbeat get faster and faster I was vaguely aware of Ruby putting her hand on my shoulder, shouting something, and slowly everything started to go back to normal. The smell of roses passed by me quickly and I looked up at her.

"Sorry about that. Are you okay? I've never gotten a reaction that big before. Hell, never even had a connection that strong with only one string."

"What do you mean am I okay? You were screaming your head off thirty seconds ago! I can really see why you don't use it that often. But why doesn't the same thing happen with Grimm or animals?"

"It's like this. When I use the strings I'm blending my soul and aura into whatever it is they're attached too. With Grimm it's easy because they don't have either so it's total control. Animals, they're more instinct than they are aura so it's easy there too unless they really know how to fight back. But people, they have such a massive amount of aura that it's like trying to cram a fish into a shark tank. Somebody gets hurt from it and it's usually me."

"Whatever, I'm just glad you're okay" She threw her arms around my neck and hugged me, then quickly let go. "But this is no reason to stop, you're fine now right?"

"Mmhmm."

"Alright, then let's keep going. Question one: What is your favorite dessert?"

"Cookies of course! But it's the best if you dip them in a mint tea!"