Volume 1, Chapter 1: Dragon Soul


"Legends. Stories scattered through time. Mankind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits of heroes and villains, forgetting so easily that we are remnants, byproducts, of a forgotten past. Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful, but he was born into an unforgiving world. An inevitable darkness- creatures of destruction- the creatures of Grimm- set their sights on man and all of his creations. These forces clashed, and it seemed the darkness was intent on returning man's brief existence to the void. However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change, and in time, man's passion, resourcefulness, and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help even the odds. This power was appropriately named 'Dust'. Nature's wrath in hand, man lit their way through the darkness, and in the shadow's absence came strength, civilization, and most importantly, life. But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die. And when they are gone... darkness will return. So you may prepare your guardians, build your monuments to a so-called 'free world', but take heed... there will be no victory in strength."


Daria Copper stared out of the window of the transport ship with wide, dark brown eyes, hand pressed against the glass as she watched the transit station disappear under the cloud cover. She was short, especially so for her age; short dark hair fell passed her ears, done in a pseudo-pixie cut. She was darker skinned, a smattering of dark freckles spread out over her nose and cheeks.

She was dressed in an armored white dress, her skirt tapering out from her hip down so that it only covered one of her legs; a high collar shot up from the neck of the dress. Silver pauldrons, long boots and gloves covered the rest of her form.

The young huntress stepped away from the window, clutching her ring blades to her chest, anxiety and excitement bubbling inside her. The blades were gleaming silver, small bits of technology lining the sides and the handles. Etched into the tops of the blades themselves were the words 'Infinitas'. She sent a nervous look around at her peers, taking in deliberately measured breaths.

"The robbery was led by nefarious criminal Roman Torchwick, who continues to evade authorities. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Vale Police Department. Back to you, Lisa." A voice droned from one of the flat screens against a wall.


Shinai Kyani leaned against the wall, eyes closed as breathed in rhythmically, chest rising and falling calmly despite the hubbub of his fellow huntsmen around him, his hand idly falling onto the handle of his sword, fingers rubbing against it.

He was dressed in a loose dark shirt and dark hakama pants; over the shirt was a dark purple breastplate, glowing peacefully with purple lights that extended up his right arm and then down to his right above his elbow, letting a poof of his dark shirt show. His right hand was similarly armored; his left was wrapped in dark tape, loose sleeve hanging over his pale skin, swaying slightly in the breeze of the ship's air conditioning.

The samurai's face belied his youth, though it was masked well by the long scar rising from his jawline towards the corner of his left eye. His dark hair was cut short and combed to the side, almost more to have it out of the way than anything else, the sides and back buzzed.

"Thank you, Cyril. In other news, this Saturday's Faunus Civil Rights protest turned dark when members of the White Fang disrupted the ceremony. The once peaceful organization has now disrupted..."

He continued to run his armored glove over his katana's handle and sheath, tracing the silver inscription inlaid into the material.


Daria sighed as she sat down, fighting off the urge to curl her legs into herself as she breathed in and out, clipping her blades onto her belt and letting them hang idly. She stared off into the distance, simply focusing on... well, focusing on nothing at all, anxiety begging for the ride to come to an end sooner rather than later.

"Well, hello there."

She slowly drew her gaze from the floor to meet the voice. "Hello?"

The boy was swaying slightly, blinking blue, hazy eyes quickly as he fought down a rising tide of nausea, sun-tanned skin sickly pale as he fought to not upchuck on the spot. He was tall, golden hair combed neatly backwards gleaming brightly in the gentle light of the ship. He was dressed in a loose red robe, golden shoulder pads matching the golden lining of the coat, worn over poofy grey pants that tucked into thick, dark boots. The wrists of the robe were strapped down tight against his wrists, and a pair of belts held the coat closed at his waist; lining the belts were a cavalcade of large, blue shotgun-like shells, pulsing with electronic light. Strapped to his back was an absolutely hulking greatsword, concealed in a brown, leather sheathe, its handle sticking out over his shoulder. Hidden as it was, Daria could still see the wicked curve at its tip, nearly brushing against the floor.

Most annoyingly, though, he was bare-chested, baring admittedly well toned muscles to the world.

Despite the bravado that emanated from his appearance, he seemed dead on his feet, looking ready to drop at any moment.

She frowned in concern, rising to her feet and outstretching her hands to steady him if need be. "Are you... okay, dude?"

He swallowed hard, taking several deep breaths in as he straightened up, nodding. "Y...ep. Yep. I'm good. Never been better. A-o...k. Yep. No need to worry about me."

"Uh... huh."

He grinned despite himself. "Lance Zaffre."

Her frown didn't drop. "...Daria. Are you sure you're alright?"

"That is a pretty name."

"...Uh... huh."

"I'm totally alright. 'Sides- I'm never too sick to make new friends."

"That's..."

Daria cut herself off as a hologram suddenly appeared next to the duo.

The woman standing there was older, in her thirties or forties, glowing blue as she looked out over the students. Glasses sat on her head and her blonde hair was pulled into a neat bun. Her outfit consisted of a white dress shirt and black pants, a small black and purple cape on her back.

"Hello and welcome to Beacon," The hologram said, voice echoing across the interior of the ship as several different constructs popped up. "I am Glynda Goodwitch. You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy. Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsmen and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world." And without another word, the woman disappeared.

Right on cue, the transport ship broke through the cloud cover- revealing Beacon Academy. The school's campus was enormous and sprawling, just under half as wide as the nearby town of Vale itself. The buildings were hulking, dozens of them encapsuled in the academy's high, pristine, white walls. Most impressive of all, though- was the CCT skyscraper of a tower, standing far, far above the tops of the other buildings, an enormous clock ticking away as it stared over the school.

Lance blinked repeatedly as he watched it come into view, before pointing to Daria. "Dibs on the short one." He called out to no one in particular.


Shinai frowned slightly and peered over his shoulder at the sound of someone groaning and lurching behind him, adjusting his katana as he shook his head. "Children." He muttered, slightly disbelievingly.

A blonde boy was hunched over, vomiting into a small trash can, gloved hands holding onto its rim tightly as he emptied the contents of his stomach. He was tall and thin, white armor worn over an orange hoodie. Other than that, however he was dressed simply in a pair of jeans and sneakers.

Next to him, a short, pale girl with dark hair, looking much more prepared for their duties as huntsmen, was blinking owlishly. "Yang, you've got puke on your shoe."

Next to her, a taller, blonde girl, nearly as tall as Shinai himself, slowly turned lilac eyes downwards to her boot. "Oh, gross, gross, gross, gross, gross, gross!"

The boy blinked unfocused eyes as he looked up to the girls. The former's silver eyes went wide as she held up her hands. "Get-get away! Get away from me! Get away! Get away! Get away! Get away!"

Shinai sighed and turned away, pushing the encounter to the back of his mind, shaking his head. He turned purple eyes to the roof of the ship, looking for some sort of cosmic guidance.

Finally, the pilot came over the intercom, voice delightfully chipper. "We will be landing in a few moments. We hope you enjoyed your flight."

"Screw off." A voice spat.

The samurai turned his gaze to the voice; a blonde teen, Lance was walking towards the exit somewhat unsteadily, still looking incredibly sick, and still trying his hardest to not let it show as he talked to Daria beside him. The girl, to her credit, was nodding along absent-mindedly, not quite reacting as they left the ship.

Shinai stepped out onto the concrete pavement of Beacon's entrance, sending a curious look around; the campus was filled with buildings, stretching several stories above him and lending their own aura to the regality the school itself exuded, stone pathways winding through the grounds, grand columns dotting the landscape. Beacon's tower was even more imposing now, seeming to touch the sky from where the students stood.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?"

The samurai turned to the drawling voice with an unimpressed, raised eyebrow.

The girl standing there was shorter than him, tan skin striking against the verdant green of her eyes and the shocking, dark red hair that fell loosely behind her. Her head was topped with a wide cowboy- or, cowgirl- hat, dark aviator sunglasses perched on her face. A dark brown duster covered her form, golden swirls lining the coat, shifting with a much lighter fabric. A bandanna hung loosely around her neck and fingerless gloved hands tapped at her crossed arms. She reached up and slid the glasses down to the tip of her nose, smirking and looking the samurai up and down.

"Oracle." She offered, extending her hand.

"...Kyani, Shinai." The samurai said slowly, taking the limb and shaking it hesitantly, before bringing his own hand back to rest on its perch atop his katana's handle.

"Fancy name, hon. You from around here?"

"...You could say that.

Oracle grinned. "Tall, dark, and mysterious. I like it."

Shinai watched her for another moment, before sighing, turning on his heel to march towards the school. Oracle's grin didn't drop, hands reaching up to rest on the back of her head as she nonchalantly followed the huntsman.


Daria sighed. "Listen, guy-"

"Lance." The swordsman offered, not looking particularly plussed.

"Lance. This has been great and all, but... I've gotta…"

"Oh, come on. Don't leave me out to dry. Way I see it- you're, at the moment, alone. I'm, at the moment, alone. Hey, who knows; we might even be on the same team."

"You're... not really getting this," His eyes unfocused and he swayed, the shorter girl steadying him for a moment as he shook his head. "Listen, I'm... just gonna... leave you here..." She led him over to one of the grand fountains littering the school, helping him sit.

"Really, I'm fine," He protested. "I've been talking with you fine this far, haven't I?"

She rolled her eyes. "Sure you have."

"If I may?"

Both teens' attention shot to the side.

Standing a few feet away, leaning against a tree and looking absolutely thrilled with what he was seeing, was a tanned skinned boy. His head was wreathed with silver, unkempt hair; pale yellow eyes stared back at the them humorously. He was dressed in a white tracksuit, jacket and pants, red lines running down the sides of his arms and legs. His right leg sleeve, though, was rolled up; revealing a gleaming silver leg, its form broken up into an array of plates, gears, and axels, tapering down into a set of wolf's claws at the foot.

Even more strikingly than that, though; a silver tail wagged lazily behind him.

He chuckled as he caught their gazes reaching his tail, stepping out into the sunlight with a lazy gait. "Rainier Platina of Vacuo, son of Leonardo and Camilla Platina. Proud card carrying member of the faunus race. At your service," He spoke in a lilting, cultured accent, and gave a flamboyant bow to the duo. "Your friend-" Said friend was glaring daggers at the faunus. "Seems to be suffering quite harshly from motion sickness, perhaps gained from the flight over, no? I'd recommend drinking from the fountain behind you, if you hadn't already thought about it. I hear that it is quite fresh and refreshing."

Lance stared at him for a few moments suspiciously, before slowly turning to the inviting waters of the fountain, his jaw trembling as he weighed the pros and cons of taking the advice. Finally, he sighed, leaning down and cupping the cool water in his hands, sipping at it joyously.

"I'm Daria." The girl greeted, extending a hand.

Rainier took the hand and bowed low again, giving it a chaste kiss. "Dearest Daria... yes, I quite like the ring to it," She sighed in an unimpressed manner- he, however, caught the look and grinned apologetically. "I mean no offense, my dear. It is simply my nature, yes?" Slowly, his gaze turned to the blonde huntsman. "Ah, he on the other hand. I had suspected he was bothering you, no? The oldest trick in the book, I'm afraid- the pigeon defecation filled water. Never fails to scare off unsuspecting suitors, I might add. Perhaps a tool to add to your arsenal?"

Lance ripped his head from the fountain, spitting what liquid he had drank out onto the concrete. "Seriously?! Seriously?!"

"You seem a student of the game, my friend. I had figured that it would be common knowledge of how annoyances could be dealt with... relatively harmlessly.

Daria stifled a laugh, pressing a fist against her mouth, shaking her head as he gave her a sidelong, charming grin. Lance, for his part, rose to his feet, shaking his hands off as he cursed under his breath. "Listen, wolf, if it wasn't-"

"He's lying."

The trio looked to the side.

A girl stood somewhat stiffly, eyes cast down at the ground as she refused to meet their gazes. She was tall and dark skinned, poofy, curly hair pulled into a ponytail, running down her back. She was dressed in a mostly dark blue outfit; a tank top, fingerless gloves, baggy pants, and mechanical boots. A small pouch hung on her belt.

She fidgeted. "There- there, well, um- the woman- Glynda- Ms. Goodwitch, she, um, keeps everything really clean."

Rainier hummed thoughtfully, shrugging. "Oh well. No harm no foul, my friend.

Lance scowled. "Zero to pissed in a minute, man you've got talent."

Daria rolled her eyes and turned back to the blue stranger. "Thanks for the heads up."

The tall teen shrugged slightly, blushing fiercely. "…N-No problem." She turned and walked away quickly, a book held tightly in her hands.


Shinai looked around the massive auditorium, purple eyes taking in the other first-years students of the school as they slowly began to fill in alongside him- some gave him a wide-berth, others still sent shocked, wide-eyed looks his way. He ignored them no matter what, adjusting his katana's sheathe as he waited patiently.

"Nice sword. Where'd you get it?" Oracle asked.

"You insist." The samurai said with a sigh.

She winked, sunglasses tucked into the collar of her shirt. "You betcha, hon. So, any cool story with the sword, or..."

Shinai sighed again and shook his head. "I made it."

"Made what?"

"The sword. It's tradition at my temple to forge your own weapons from scratch."

"Oh! You... forged it? Oookay… That's a little... primitive, ain't it?"

Finally, a scowl broke his face. "Don't. Call it. Primitive."

Oracle held her hands up. "Woah, boss. No need to get uppity. It... that means a lot to you, don't it?"

"…It's… personal." He muttered after a long moment of silence, hard purple eyes locking themselves back onto the stage

Oracle went quiet for a moment. "...Sorry. Didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."

His silence was answer enough for her.


Daria stepped carefully into the auditorium, Rainier and Lance in tow, a teacher standing by the door ushering any student within his line of sight to follow suit; the room had reached fairly packed status, the students milling about and making introductions with one or another, or simply reconciling with old friends, a low murmur filling the room as they all waited patiently.

Lance made a face at the back of the teacher. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, we get it." He muttered.

Daria raised an eyebrow. "You two don't have to follow me. Seriously. Really, really."

The blonde swordsman grinned dashingly, full exuberance on display as he was fully refreshed. "You're enjoying it. I know you are. Don't worry, you get used to it eventually."

"If I may intercede, our dearest Daria appears to be preparing to rip your face off, sir." Rainier added, raising dark silver eyebrows in silent warning.

Lance scowled. "I do not like you."

Rainier shrugged. "If you feel intimidated by my presence, then you are more than welcome to walk away."

"Boys, boys, you're both... just..."

"Handsome?" Lance offered.

"Charming?"

"Just... really in my space at the moment."

Rainier bowed slightly and held his arms off to the side. "Very well, Dearest Daria. I'll leave you be. Zaffre." With another bow, the faunus backed away, disappearing into the crowd of students, presumably in search of someone else to charm.

Lance watched him go, shrugging. "His loss."

The diminutive huntress sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "...At least you take people's attention off of me."

He winked again and smirked brightly, as if just to prove her point.

The duo went quiet, much like the crowd itself as two people walked onto the stage confidently. One was Glynda Goodwitch- the other was a man with small, dark glasses, a dark suit and a green scarf wrapped around his neck, cane held in his hands as he looked out with warm brown eyes peeking out under silver hair at the students.

"I'll keep this brief," The man said, fiddling with the microphone in front of him. "My name is Professor Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon. 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 is see is wasted energy, in need of purpose, direction," The crowd murmured in distaste at the comment. "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." Ozpin finished before walking backstage.

Glynda walked up to the microphone and finished shortly: "You will gather in the ballroom tonight as your lodgings. Tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed." She followed Ozpin.

Daria and Lance shared a look.

The former frowned. "What does that even mean?"


The ballroom was a giddy ball of energy, as the first year students shuffled about, half confidently, and half seemingly deathly afraid. The ballroom, as massive as it was, held the entire class comfortably, even as the dozens of teens lazed about, the grand windows hanging high above them dark with the night sky, dozens of candles lighting the room up warmly.

Shinai sat in the corner of ballroom, dressed in loose fitting, dark gi, legs crossed beneath him and his belongings folded neatly to his side. He breathed in and out and as zoned his peers out, finding zen and quiet in his meditation.

"You mind, hon?"

The samurai's face fell in minor irritation as he opened his eyes. "Oracle."

The aforementioned cowgirl sat next to him, dressed comfortably in a tank top and sweats, hair pulled up in a messy bun. She gave him a lopsided grin. "One and the same, partner. Not gonna lie. Never thought I'd see the day the teachers would just willingly let a co-ed dorm be this open. No shame, no shame," He didn't react, closing his eyes again. "Not much of a joker, are ya?"

"Hm."

"No doubt I can talk enough for the both of us."

"So you've shown."

"C'mon, no need to be so cold, hon."

The samurai turned now definitely irritated eyes to Oracle. "You continue to talk to me because of my physical appearance. There's nothing about me other than that that you've bothered to learn in our entire day together. Why should I give you a second thought when obviously your entire intention in talking to me is superficial."

She stared at him, leaning back slightly. "Well... you coulda just asked me to go away."

"What about him, hm? I think he fulfills the... 'dark and broody' template you seem so attracted to." Shinai muttered, turning his purple gaze down the wall a-ways.

Oracle followed his gaze, before shuddering. "Listen... maybe we got off on the wrong foot. See, you clearly haven't learned a thing about me either. That guy? Next level creepy. Too much for this girl."

The teen in question was tall, much taller than most of the other students there, if not all of them, and covered in well-toned muscle. Three vivid scars marked his right cheek, marring his visage and making him look much older than he most definitely was. He was at the moment dressed in a tank top and basketball shorts, and was currently trying to sleep fitfully, a scowl permanently planted on his face as he seemed to seethe under the hubbub of his fellow students.

She shook her head. "Yeah, no. I'll pass, hon, but thanks."

Shinai sighed. "Then at least let be quiet."

"That, I can do. For a minute."


Daria lay against her bedroll, staring at the ceiling as she flipped through the playlist on her music player, earbuds planted into her ears. She was dressed in short-shorts and a far too large tee-shirt, nodding her head along to the song currently playing-

Before one of the earbuds disappeared, the sound of the ballroom coming back to life.

"May I join you?" Rainier asked, staring curiously at her, earbud held in hand.

She stared at him in mild shock and... a modicum of impressment, eyebrows raising to her hairline. "...Sure. Knock yourself out. You're already here."

The faunus stretched out and groaned in relief, lounging beside her as he set a personal candle down. "My friend, you would not believe the day I have had,"

"I can imagine," She muttered disinterestedly.

"In my homeland, a man- or woman's- worth is based upon, well, their worth to the community. The idea of discrimination based upon race is... usually, at least, silly. Here though..." He sighed. "Oh well."

"I... I'm sorry you have to deal with it."

He shrugged. "It's no concern. I've dealt with far worse in my life than some little verbal jabs. I'd engage in a battle of wits with them, but it appears most are already unarmed."

She let out a small laugh, shaking her head as she pulled her other earbud out.

"Besides," He continued. "Despite your continued obvious disinterest in myself and the swordsman, there is something so... magnetic, I suppose, about you. I can't quite seem to walk away."

"Really?" She asked in genuine confusion.

"Absolutely. You have a certain… hm… appeal, I suppose about you, far more intrinsic than even your beauty. It's absolutely curious."

She blushed and ducked her head. "I'm… uh, not that appealing."

"But that is something I cannot figure out: you're intelligent and witty, and attractive, and at the very least a competent enough huntress to reach Beacon Academy- and yet, you are so... unconfident in yourself. Baffling."

"Now you're just flattering me, and that's not gonna work, buster."

He grinned broadly. "One can never flatter his friends enough, as a general rule of thumb. For instance- myself. I don't pretend to be something I'm not. A faunus? I wear it with pride. My leg? Well... it wasn't always so on the nose with its imagery. It was once just a normal, mechanical prosthetic. I made the decision to shape it into paws. Like that boy over there. Do you see him?"

The diminutive huntress turned away from her quickly-warming-up-to acquaintance to the crowd of students; lo and behold, she absolutely could see who he was talking about. He was incredibly young looking, and short, at least as short as her. Despite that, though, he was lounging on an enormous mech, red in paint and armored to the fringes, the head of it placed onto the floor. The boy easily fit on the shoulder span of it. "Oh, wow." She breathed in awe at the construct.

"See? We are all our own unique variations in this life. I'd suggest you find what makes you unique. But I've rambled at you enough for one day. I've not doubt our benevolent headmaster has nothing but joyousness planned for tomorrow. Just in case, though, I believe I will call it a night here," He winked at her as he lay down on his own pillow, blowing out his candle. "Just in case."

Daria watched him for a moment as his breathing slowed to a rhythmic rise and fall, before laying back down herself, replacing her earbuds into her ears. "Night then, Rainier."


"Sleep tight."


Disclaimer: RWBY, its associated products, characters, and songs all belong to Rooster Teeth and Jeff Williams respectively. Seriously. Go see their stuffs before coming here. Honestly, it doesn't make any sense to do it otherwise. Unless you just really like my writing style and are from another story. Then, uh? Welcome? To the weebiest thing I'll ever write? Oh well. Support the official release.

Hellooooo people of the interwebs! It's ya boy, Infernokota here with something that I've been working on for a while now, and I'm really proud of. Legitimately, this may be my most favorite thing I've ever written.

The premise is simple: Team RWBY are the main characters. They run this show. JNPR come in second because Pyrrha and Jaune. The new teams are simply... support characters that have the spotlight. Which is redundant. Point being, they're just here for the ride. It'll... make sense shortly. But, I try to keep relatively close to the show in terms of themes, mood, style, charm, etc etc. I don't intend to copy word for word, scene for scene of the show, but, again, my (and my partner in crime Krieg's) boys and girls are just here for the ride. Honestly, if you've seen the show, you should know what to expect. If you haven't well... go watch the show and you'll know what to expect.

All concept arts for the main characters can be found on my twitter, Infernokota! Hopefully, here soon, I'll compile them in a neat little Moment, but we'll see. And, eventually, they'll also find their way to my Tumblr, though I'm not very active on there, but oh well!

Before I sign off, I'd like to say: Thank you Monty. I didn't know you, but you brought such joy to mine and many others' lives, and I wish I had had the opportunity to meet you. This story goes out to you. I hope it'll be something you would've been proud of.

-Infernokota