"And you are certain these teams can handle this Headmaster?" The astute looking blonde woman asked. She pushed her glasses up her nose, an annoyed expression donned her face like a familiar coat in the winter. Her more mature figure, was seated on the desk of the headmaster examining the screen of potential selectees for his new program.

"I'm quite certain Glynda. These students show the most potential, and James has assured me that teams COPR and SAGE are the best he has to offer. Besides we will have our little birdies watching over them. I have nothing, but the highest of hopes for our new Hunters and Huntresses." Ozpin said sipping his coffee from his Beacon Academy mug.

"Should I call them in then Headmaster?"

"Yes call them in. The sooner they are inducted the better." Glynda turned and left without another word. Ozpin sat looking over the files on his computer once more. Between Beacon and Atlas five teams had been selected. From Beacon; teams RWBY, JNPR, and CFVY. And from Atlas teams SAGE and COPR. With the exception of CFVY all of the teams were first years, a fact that didn't seem to bother Ozpin at all. Of all the teams before him he was most worried about Team RWBY. It had only been a week since initiation and, although he had hope that Ruby would come to be a strong leader, her teammate Weiss would prove to be a handful for none the less. Moreover, he couldn't predict how Yang would react to meeting her mother. He began to doubt himself momentarily, then dismissed the thought as the three teams entered his office.

"You called for us Headmaster?" Coco asked, pushing her short, dark brown hair out of her face as she lowered her sunglasses to formally acknowledge Ozpin.

"Yes Ms. Adel, and I'm sure you are all wondering why I've done so. Well I won't waste your time, as by the end of this conversation I'm sure you will all have a lot to think about."

He took a deep breath and began. "After the Great War, many factions sprang into existence, all fighting to seize the gap in power. It was tolerated at first by the hunters and huntresses of the world, but the factions quickly spread, and soon the world was looking at another war. A select group of hunters and huntresses renounced their titles and formed a secret group known as the Shadow Pieces. Since their inception they, have chosen new recruits every twenty years."

Ozpin took another deep breath. "That is why I've called you here today. Your three teams, along with Teams COPR and SAGE of Atlas, have been chosen to take up the mantle of Shadow Pieces and keep this world from falling into chaos. Now I'm sure all of you have questions, so ask away. I will answer them all. Just know that by the end of the week I will need an answer." And with that the students all flew into a virtual hurricane of questions. Ozpin raised his hand to silence them and then pointed to Blake and gave her the floor first.

"Professor how have we never heard of this group before?" It was a simple question from the black cat faunus, whose ears twitched as she waited for an answer.

"As I said the Shadow Pieces has been secret for many years. Mostly do to our relatively small numbers, and the fact that there is only ever one leader at a time. In fact should all of you choose to join it will be the largest joining since the original group." He stopped and pointed to Lie Ren, who had to this point remained quiet.

"And who exactly would we report to Professor?" The young man asked in a soft voice, at nearly a whisper that wouldn't have been heard if the room hadn't been completely silent.

"You will report to your handlers, who report to me. As it stands I and James Ironwood are the two standing King pieces. Glynda Goodwitch and Winter Schnee are our standing Queen pieces. In do time you will meet the other members, but for now this is all you need to know." A small red haired girl raised her hand. "Yes Ms. Rose?"

"What about School?"

"Let me stress that not all of you have to accept. Should only some members of your team choose to accept then you will be reassigned temporarily to another squad. Anyone who accepts will be elevated to Hunter or Huntress status, and will be pardoned from any further schooling. Your handlers will be the ones training you, not only in combat, but politics, stealth, and several other abilities needed to function as a Shadow Piece."

The three teams looked at one another, with contemplative looks. They were unsure what to make of this offer and Ozpin could see it.

"Let me make this simple for the time being. What I am offering you is a chance to make the world a better place. As Shadow Pieces you would have the freedom to take matters into your own hands and hunt down those responsible for the suffering of others. But know this, should you choose to accept your life will never be yours again. Odds are you won't get to find true love, you won't get to settle down and have a family, because odds are you will die in the line of duty. Most likely no one will ever know your name or your story, but they will feel the effects of the choices you make. You all have one week to make a choice. I will call you all again when it is time. I suggest you think long and hard about what you want in life my students. Dismissed."

Ozpin waved the students out of his office. They lingered only for a moment. They had a long week ahead of them and they all knew it.