Eileen, Hunter of Hunters had met her end. To think she would finally escape this nightmare, Eileen had a wry smile underneath her mask. She never thought this nightmare would end, the night seemed to be eternal with the moon hanging so low. At times it seemed like she could merely reach out and grasp it, it was so close.

That new hunter that had helped her, that she had guided along his path of hunting. He would do well in her place. That hunter was a formidable one, to grow so quickly while she had remained the same for… She wasn't quite sure how long.

That was her downfall she supposed, she used one style, one weapon. Of course she would eventually fall to an opponent, her style wasn't perfect after all. Her Blade of Mercy couldn't vanquish every foe. It was only a matter of time before an enemy found her weakness and exploited it.

But that hunter, he would go far, Eileen could tell. She had gifted him her own blade, as a sign of trust and fondness. As well as a giving of duty, her blades symbolised all that she accomplished. Eileen deeply hoped he would succeed where she could not.

Hunters that remained sane were rare, and the ones who weren't needed to be put down. They balanced on the edge of humanity and beasthood, those that crossed it, they were worse than the beasts.

That hunter had accepted the role she offered, she could tell. He didn't speak a word, but Eileen could read him. He understood that it needed to be done, that he was the only one left that could do it.

Eileen did not need to worry about hunters that fell to the allure of blood in the future.

The darkness was growing stronger as she held her eyes open. This was the end of her, she could dream no longer. She would not close them until the very end, it wasn't far off. As welcoming of the darkness as she was, she couldn't help but long for something else. A way to continue, a way to guide other young hunters along the true path of the hunt.

One where they understood the threat of both beasts and humans.

Beasts were a threat yes, but humans were the true danger. Both hunters and normal folk alike, they could both turn into something worse than the beasts that plagued Yharnam. Such beings needed to be brought down, for they could cause damage far beyond that of any simple beast.

Only a few hunters understood that, and they were the old ones who had managed to live through and defeat such threats. She knew of extremely few such hunters, and that was including herself. That young hunter she had guided, she hoped he would also let others know.

He was still part of the Dream, that much she knew. Eileen wondered how the Doll was, whether or not it remained forever unchanging like the old man Gerhman.

The darkness grew ever stronger, and with a sudden glow of lunar light, Eileen saw no more. Her dreams had ended, but her hopes had not. For the Great Ones were of a compassionate type, they understood Eileen's hope and would grant her wish.

Taiyang Xiao Long was an absolute mess. His wife, Summer Xiao Long had passed away less than a week ago. His daughter, Ruby Xiao Long hadn't spoken a word since she learned of what had happened to her mother.

The young girl was catatonic, she barely moved, she barely spoke and she barely ate. Taiyang had to bring her food, had to bring a forck up to her mouth for Ruby to even recognise the food for what it was.

Taiyang wasn't happy with Ruby's way of coping, but he was guiltily thankful for it. He didn't have to worry about Ruby running off, or deal with her bright personality. Taiyang wasn't sure if he would be able to cope with Ruby's usual attitude with the state he was in. He would more than likely have snapped at her, gotten angry at a child for trying to bring her father joy.

Taiyang was thankful that didn't come to pass, but he also hoped wouldn't stay in her state for much longer. If she did, he would have to take her to a specialist. Funds were not running low, thanks to his own and Summer's old account, so that wasn't the issue. He just did not want to take Ruby to a specialist, to admit something was wrong with her.

It was simply his child's way of coping. One that was admittedly better than his own.

He tipped up what was left of his glass and poured it straight down his throat. Qrow had actually been of use lately, giving Taiyang the alcohol he was currently drowning himself in. Ruby was upstairs, hopefully asleep in her bed. He wouldn't want her to seem him like this. It had surprised him that she was willing to sleep by herself, he had expected for her to want to sleep with him.

But then again, she hadn't been very emotional or clingy since he broke the news to her. The shattered and heartbroken expression on her face as he told her Summer would never return. Taiyang would remember that expression every time he went to kill Grimm. It would fuel his anger, his rage.

But it also ate away at him, to know he had been the bearer of the news. The worst news Ruby would ever know.

He hoped that Ruby would forgive him.

To make this day even worse, it was the anniversary of the day his firstborn had been stolen away.

Yang Xiao Long, his little dragon had been taken by her birth mother. The glass in his hand shattered as he remembered Raven. Heat began to pick up around him in his anger before he suddenly sighed and unclenched his fist, shards of glass falling onto his dining rooms table.

He couldn't get angry, Ruby needed him. He needed to be calm and stable, to be a rock for Ruby's emotions. Something she could cling onto for when it got too much for her little shoulders to carry.

Moving over to his bench he grabbed a towel to wipe up the mess.

Ruby didn't need to see this in the morning. She needed to see her father, loving and caring for her.

Taiyang would do that, he would be the best parent in the world.

He was the only one Ruby had after all.

It had all started with the blood. She had been told that her mother would never return. Her father was crying. Uncle Qrow was in the corner, not meeting anyone's eyes drinking from his little container.

Ruby had dropped her cup, the glass breaking on the ground and piercing her foot. It had been all patched up by her father, but that wasn't what the problem was.

It was the things she was seeing that was truly hurting her.

The spilling of blood had awoken something inside of her mind, triggering images to flash before her eyes. They were so quick, she barely saw them, barely seeing what the images contained before they flashed away, like nothing had ever been shown in the first place.

She couldn't bother her father with it, he was already so sad. Ruby couldn't add more problems onto him. He was missing her mother as much as she was. She couldn't tell Uncle Qrow either, he had left almost as soon as he had arrived. Ruby noticed the look her uncle had when she entered his view. It wasn't a happy one at all. Ruby was very young, but she was in tune with her family's emotions. Uncle Qrow only had sadness when he saw her.

As such, no one but her knew of the things she was seeing.

Horrible beasts.

Blood.

Crows.

Flashes of swords.

Images burning themselves into her little mind. Things no child should see, yet Ruby could do nothing to stop them. Visions that had her huddled in her bed, blankets drawn up to her chin. Wide silver eyes staring at nothing, yet seeing everything.

Despite all this, the young girl was not scared or frightened. She was merely vacant. Ruby had already gone through the worst experience she could ever have. Her mother had died. Her Super Mum would never bake cookies again. Would never sing with her again. Would never read books with her again. Would never tuck her in again. Would never hang out her cape again.

What was a few Grimm dying hunters?

As such, the young girl continued seeing the images, never once shying away.

Because despite all she was seeing, she also had this odd sense of comfort, of hope for a better future.

A flash of crow feathers, a beaked face and Ruby passed out, silver eyes rolling upwards into her head.

"Dad. I'm going out to visit some stores." An even tone rang throughout the house. It was a small one, hidden away in the suburbs in the city of Vale. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen and living room. It was nothing fancy, a typical house yet one of the most powerful men in Vale resided there. Naturally with all his power, he couldn't control his daughter at all. A such he let out a little sigh before responding.

"It's a bit late isn't it Ruby? It's almost eight. The stores will be shutting for the night." Her father answered from the living room. No doubt occupying himself with writing a course guideline on his scroll. Her father had been quite busy as of late, as the start of a new years education was nearly at hand and he was a course coordinator, so he had to plan the entire course out.

"It's Friday night Dad, I'm going out. I'll be back in an hour." With the finality of the tone, Taiyang wasn't surprised when he heard the door open and then softly close.

He sighed once more, reaching for the cup on the desk by his chair. His eyes softened as they came across a photo of his late wife.

"She's changed so much Sum.."

Ruby was listening to the new release from her favourite singer. She liked music, it drowned everything else out. Eileen had liked music too, only she didn't get to hear it often.

So when she felt a not so gentle tap on her shoulder, she was already annoyed. Removing the earphones and letting them rest around her neck she turned to face the man who had interrupted her.

A far larger man than herself, as she only just came up to his shoulders. He was also twice as broad as she was. Dressed in what looked like a man trying to be a gangster's minion, he obviously thought that she would be no issue.

Especially with the submachine gun he had levelled at her face.

"Hands up girly, don't want no trouble. This is just a robbery." A cocky voice finished the appearance of a typical tough guy trying to be cool. Ruby scoffed mentally, was this man straight out of a movie or something?

"You're trying to rob me." Eyebrows raised, Ruby conveyed her disbelief. It wasn't even a question, it was just a statement, her tone deadpanned. Hands moving from her earphones down to her waist, she fingered the hilt of her weapon.

The thug stared in confusion. This tiny little girl wasn't scared of him? He had a gun pointed right at her face and she didn't even look shocked. Noticing movement, his eyes slowly followed to where her hand had stilled at and his mouth opened.

"Oh shit."

That was a hilt of a sword. No one but hunters used those age old weapons. He did not sign up for this. Eyes hidden behind glasses moved back up to gaze at the girl's face. Silver eyes were now scrunched due to what he imagined was a humorous situation for her.

Ruby smiled amusedly. "Indeed."

Roman Torchwick was having a nice night. He got his little minions from that bar guy, he got away from Cinder and her little chumps for a few hours, Neo wasn't disfiguring people right before him.

He loved Neo, he truly did. She was like the little sister that did his dirty work that he had always wanted. But the sadism she held was a little off putting. So getting away from that was a welcome change.

He was also going on a theft spree, truly, a nice night. The only thing that could ruin would be the miraculous appearance of a...

"Hunter!" One of the goons he had hired wailed it out as he was sent flying through the window of the shop. Roman brought up a palm to his face. What were the chances, seriously? The rest of the hired guns had turned to him in confusion, he could see that through his fingers.

Did they really need to be told what to do?

It seemed they did.

Roman let out a moan of pure pain and sadness inside his head, he was actually regretting not bringing Neo and her sadism with him now. Removing his hand from his face, he issued the order.

"Well? Get him!" At least they could follow orders he mused, as they all ran towards the aisle their friend had been thrown from.

His eyes widened as all five of them were immediately sent through the very same window as before and a little girl walked out from in between the aisles, following their trajectory. She paused at the window, looking out at their crumpled bodies before turning to him.

Black pants were covered from just below knee down by black armoured looking boots, which was the oddest part of her attire. The upper half was a simple red jacket, which looked far more natural on the teen.

Short, just below chin length raven black hair with odd red tips shining through. The hair itself was incredibly messy, pointing out in several places. It looked oddly enough like ruffled feathers of a crow. Pale skin contrasting greatly with her hair colouring, and intense narrowed silver eyes bore into him.

Roman took all those features in, but what his attention was locked is the weapon she held. A oddly distorted, warped looking sword. It had mean curves and jagged edges in it, along with a gap down the middle which Roman presumed was so it could turn into some type of gun.

Apparently that was the rage after all.

He warily eyed the weapon, he had his own aura, yes, but he most definitely did not want that thing getting close to him. It looked painful as Cinder did alluring. Which was to say a lot.

He began edging towards the exit, even if it was just a kid, she obviously had formal training. Which was more than her ever had. He would have experience and strength over the girl, but he knew nothing about her. It wasn't the best situation to be in. Without Neo by his side, he'd rather not try to fight any hunters.

He could hold his own, probably defeat the kid if it came down to it but that would take time. And the owner of the place he was robbing wasn't exactly too fond of him.

Dealing with one hunter kid, sure, but dealing with a hunter kid and then the authorities? No thank you.

As such, he made a leap for the door and immediately began running to his escape route. He didn't hear the kid make a move after him so he assumed he was off free. His running didn't slow down however, Cinder was even more sadistic than Neo and would probably make him wait to escape.

So that's why he was mashing the hell out of the alert button, letting her know he wanted out and he wanted it now.

Ruby watched the oddly dressed man make a break for it. Was that a cane in his hand? She wondered if it would turn into a whip like she remembered.

Turning to the old man behind the counter, she noticed he already had a scroll in hand.

"Calling the police?"

The old man nodded.

"Mind if I go after him?"

The old man shook his head.

"Cool."

With that she leapt out the door in a smooth movement, her blade entering her hand seamlessly as she gave chase.

Roman was already panting, it had been far too long since he had to make an escape on foot. It didn't help he had to climb a bloody ladder to get on the roof either. Usually he just had Neo teleport him out of harm's way if anything went wrong. Damn tiny woman and her need to go get ice cream at the most unfortunate times. He could have really used her assistance now.

A sudden burst of wind passed him and he paused. Muttering curses, he already knew what it was. Catching his breath, he leant on his cane and looked up to meet the curious eyes of the girl from before.

"You're a thief and you can't even run away." Her voice was smooth and calm with not even the slightest sign of being out of breath, making Roman mutter even more about stupid kids and stupid hunters with their stupid schools.

"I mean, I'm only a student and I still easily caught you. How have you not been caught and imprisoned yet?" The girl was actually serious about her questions.

"Because I stay out of the hunters way, I'm not an idiot, kid. Normal cops are useless these days." If he could just stall the kid long enough, Cinder would show up and he'd be fine. He still wasn't entirely sure why Cinder of all people was his getaway on this little heist, but now he wasn't questioning it.

If anyone could deal with hunters, it was that woman.

"They're that bad? Or are you actually good?" There was genuine curiosity in the girl's voice, and Roman couldn't help but chuckle. She didn't even know who she was facing down.

"Kiddo, I'm one of the best. Because I know my limits unlike the other upstarts." Roman straightened up and began swinging his cane around his hand. If he could catch the girl off guard then there'd be no issues in escaping. He could already hear sirens in the background. Knowing his luck, the old man probably called a hunter in as well after seeing the kid.

She was nodding along with his statements, looking completely unguarded. However he noticed how her eyes never left his form and how her weapon was still in hand. He mentally grimaced as he got an even clear look at the weapon. He really did not fancy fighting that thing.

A sudden gust of wind and the bullhead he had called cleared the rooftop they were both on, the girl snapped around to face it and Roman took his chance. Launching a projectile at the girls back he started towards the bullhead.

Alas it was not his day, as the girl must have heard the noise and immediately dodged to the side in a obviously well practiced side step. Turning back to face him, she was now in some type of stance.

Roman grimaced and brought up his cane to defend himself. He'd hoped the surprise attack would take the girl out of the equation, especially as he noticed the sirens were definitely getting closer.

The silver eyed girl suddenly leapt out at him, her weapon being swung in a quick side swipe, he defended with his cane and her blade was bounced off to the other side. She quickly changed her grip and brought it back down on him in a reverse swipe. Roman batted it away with his cane once more before bringing it down in an attempt to hit her.

Ruby back stepped out of his range and watched him with a critical eye. It was obvious he was not an expert at fighting, she could tell that from the extremely brief exchange. He knew enough to defend himself, but not enough to take advantages of the openings he could create with his defense.

As most weapons locked with each other while fighting, many other hunter students would be caught off guard as their weapon simply bounced off of his cane.

"I can see why you would avoid hunters. I'd put you at about mid year training school level." Ruby gave him her insight to his skill level.

"Yeah well I never attended one of your fancy schools kid, I made do with what I had." The thief bit back out at her, obviously irritated at where she had placed him.

"Impressive." With that, she leapt at him once more, putting him on the defence.

Glynda Goodwitch paused in her rush as she looked down onto the rooftop where Roman Torchwick and an unknown girl were exchanging blows. The girl was obviously a student, from her height and build. Probably a Signal one, giving that was the closest school. Glynda's green eyes narrowed as she noticed the bullhead enter it's hover mode. Bullhead's only entered that mode when the pilot was moving around.

It was time to catch the thief and his accomplice, as well as teach this unruly student her place.

Things hadn't exactly gone Glynda's way. She was currently pacing around the room she and the girl were in, waiting for Ozpin to arrive. Growing tired of waiting, she slammed her weapon down on the table to try and startle the girl into attention.

The way the girl had been simply sitting, no fidgeting or glancing to her at all. It didn't sit well with Glynda. This student should be nervous about her punishment she would receive, hunters in training were not police or fully fledged hunters. They had no place in chasing down notorious criminals.

Not matter how skilled the girl obviously was.

As the sudden and violent movement didn't make the girl do anything aside from raise an eyebrow, Glynda grit her teeth. She could admit she was more riled up than she ought to be, but this girl reminded her of someone else. Someone she held a deep distaste for.

"Ruby Xiao Long. If it were up to me, I would give you detention for the rest of the year. What were you thinking, attacking and chasing Roman Torchwick?" A heated tone was directed towards the girl in question.

"I was thinking I would stop a criminal in action. Is Roman Torchwick meant to be someone I know?"

Glynda mashed her teeth even more. This unruly student didn't even know the identity of the most wanted thief in Vale?

"Listen here Xiao Long, no matter how superior you view yourself to be, you are not one to-" Glynda's speech was interrupted by a hand place on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Ozpin with a plate of cookies in one hand and his customary coffee cup already placed on the table Ruby was sitting at.

A flick of Ozpin's eyes towards the corner let her know that she was to step back and let him handle things. A frown creased her brow, but she accepted it.

As Ruby watched the man place down the platter of cookies, she followed his movement. This man, he was something else. A single touch and glance was all it took to calm down the legendary Glynda Goodwitch.

Of course Ruby had known who Glynda was, the woman was an inspiration to her. Even with her memories of another life, Glynda reigned supreme as to what a hunter should be in Remnant. To have the woman so angered at her was disappointing, but she wouldn't let it concern her. She was just doing what a hunter should after all.

"Ruby Xiao Long. Student as Signal Academy, daughter to Taiyang Xiao Long and Summer Xiao Long. You're regarded as a prodigy in all regards by every teacher you have ever had. Some have even tried to move you up in year levels before."

The man before her listed off information in a disinterested tone, making her achievements seem completely meaningly in his eyes. Grey eyes peered at her over his glasses, his mouth hidden by the coffee cup he held in one hand, his weapon in the other.

"Yes, that is who I am." Ruby merely confirmed before reaching and taking a single cookie. A dainty bite into it made the man raise his eyebrows.

"I was told you quite enjoyed cookies, was I wrongly informed?" He seemed genuinely curious, as his voice held more emotion than it did previously.

"I was taught not to accept food from strangers. I would not have even touched it if Ms. Goodwitch didn't obviously trust you." The statement from the young girl made Glynda raise her eyebrows in surprise. Ozpin merely chuckled in amusement.

"I see you know who my co-worker is."

"Of course, she's an inspiration." The short statement from Ruby made colour come up to Glynda's face, which she hid by facing down to look at her scroll. Ozpin chuckled once more.

"Do you know who I am?" The question made Ruby shake her head.

"A teacher at Beacon I would assume. I'm sorry, I haven't looked into Beacon much since I won't go there for two years." Ruby answered truthfully.

"Oh? You sound certain you'll make it. Even if you are a prodigy, what makes you think that?" Ozpin was now the most curious he had been in some time.

"Because I am a hunter. It's all that I am." The statement from Ruby was just that, a statement. No pauses, no anything to make him think she didn't fully believe it for a second.

"Interesting. Almost as interesting as the weapon you wield with such proficiency. A single sword that can split into two daggers with submachine gun secondary forms. Quite an unusual and skill requiring weapon. I wonder where you learnt to wield it with such proficiency at such a young age." Ozpin was expressing his idle interest, wondering how Ruby would react.

Brush it off, or answer truthfully. Those two seemed to be the default way of answering from the young girl.

"A huntress named Eileen taught me."

Raven Branwen gazed upon her child. Yang Branwen was a young woman, growing with even more skill than Raven herself held when she was seventeen.

Yang deeply took after herself in almost all things. Her golden hair and semblance was an obvious reminder of her Xiao Long genes. Yang stood clad in clothing quite similar to her mother. The only difference being she wore no armour.

"Yang. From this day on, you are considered an adult in the clan. As such, I am giving you your first mission. You will attend Beacon. You will learn the ways of society and be able to blend in with the rest of the world. You will learn the skills necessary to slay Grimm. Once you graduate, you will return to the clan. Is that understood?" Raven's tone held no emotion as she relayed her commands to her daughter.

Emotions only made you weak in the long run if you could not distance yourself from them.

"Of course mother, I won't let you down." A sharp grin was the response from Yang as she slammed her fists together, creating a spark of light.

"Good. I expect you to return far stronger than you are now. Beacon is not a joke. You will earn your entry through the combat exam they hold tomorrow. There are limited slots available, I expect you to be in one of them."

Yang nodded in affirmation and began turning to leave. She had already packed her belongings, as it was only a bag of clothing. She had received money from her mother beforehand, in case she needed to buy anything.

A hand on her shoulder stopped her from progressing however.

"Daughter, one more thing. It is possible you will come across your sibling and birth father. Will this change anything?" Raven's tone was slightly more affectionate. She had put years into raising Yang, she did not want to lose her daughter.

Yang's eyebrows rose and disappeared into her fringe as she looked shocked for a moment before it disappeared and a easy going smile appeared.

"Of course not. I'll never leave the clan. I will admit, I am interested in them though." She nodded once to herself.

"Good. I look forward to your return, daughter."

"As do I, mother."

One last look was shared, before mother and daughter separated for the first time in seventeen years.

Blake Belladonna was resolute as she held the notice in her hand.

Tomorrow was the day she would become a Beacon student.

She could not afford to lose, she would win the combat exam.

She had years of experience as a White Fang operative, what were a few measly students who couldn't even enter Beacon properly to her.

Nothing, they were nothing and they would not step in her way. She would finish first, and enter Beacon.

Her life and dream depended on it after all.

Her funds were running low, she needed a place to eat and sleep.

Beacon would provide that, at no cost to herself.

She would enter Beacon and be a top student.

She simply had to, she couldn't afford otherwise.

Weiss Schnee was overlooking the packing of her belongings. She was nervous, she could admit it. It wasn't every day that she stood up to her father and followed her own wants.

To her and Winter's surprise, the man had allowed Weiss to go to Beacon. He wasn't happy, obviously, but he had allowed it.

Weiss smiled to herself.

She would not make light of this opportunity, she would make the most of the four years at Beacon.

She would make friends, she would learn skills.

She would be a normal girl for once.

She would be able to act her age.

She only hoped her team was tolerable, that they could look past her Schnee name and see Weiss for herself.

She clenched her fist in apprehension.

Even if they didn't, she would make them see that there was more to her than just her name and riches.

Weiss was a human being as well, not a living Schnee corporation.

Ozpin blinked in confusion. He knew of many hunters, and one named Eileen was not included in that list. He thoughtfully took a sip from his cup whilst eyeing the young girl in front of him. She was not lying, he could tell that much.

He came to a decision.

"How would you like to enter Beacon this year?"

AN: Got back into Bloodborne recently and felt like writing this. Let me know what you think