The Game The Gods Play

by Izlawake

Magic & Gods AU. Ruby, Jaune, and others learn of their destinies to protect the world as Paladins, mystical warriors chosen by the Gods to fight against the evil Goddess Sheena who created the Grimm and started a war over a thousand years ago at the dawn of time. Can our heroes end The Game The Gods Play, or will they just be mere pawns in a seemingly never-ending war?

1. The Beginning

The Game The Gods Play

A/N: Follow RWBY: The Game The Gods Play on Facebook for the latest updates on new chapters, inside information on characters, timeline events, sketches, and more.

Thank you to my best friend, Chris, for all the help he provided and still do today.

Thank you to Master Doom Maker, for all his support.

Thank you to Dane Celestia for the wonderful commission artwork for The Game The Gods Play cover image and the banner for the Arkos Pyrrhadise.

Thank you to Mark B. Martin, my lawyer, who I cannot thank enough for his help with this project.

And, of course, thank you, Monty Oum…Thank you for everything you've done. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me in the short time I knew of you. This AU of Gods and Magic is dedicated to you. May it live forever in the hearts of its fans, just as you live within all of us.

Chapter 1: The Beginning

In the beginning, there was darkness, but there was the Six Divines: Oum, Sheena, Aziela, Iris, Ashtul, and Sklor. They descended upon a location in space and shaped the world of Remnant together. Ashtul clenched his hand tight, and when he opened it up, the red earth was inside it. Ashtul let it go and it hung in space. He then created two smaller rocks to encircle the red earth, to which Iris went to them and used her power to create the two moons, giving them their pale shine. Iris then went down onto the red earth and she exhaled her breath onto the world. Grassy fields grew, forests sprung from the ground, oceans formed, volcanos were filled with lava, the blue sky materialized along with the stars and the sun, ice and snow cascaded across the northern lands, eternal summer and swamps emerged in the far east, and hot sand filled the lands in the far west, where the sun shone the brightest. Iris finished her work by clasping her hands together in a field, and when they parted, animals of all kinds sprouted from them. Sklor went down onto the world amidst the new creatures Iris created, and in turn, he created Law, Order, and Balance. The animals then began to understand their new roles, their need for survival, and to reproduce, and then they scattered across the world.

However, the greatest creation of the Gods is not animals, but Man. Oum and Sheena came together and with their combined powers, Mankind was born from dust. However, the world was a cruel place for Man for he was but an insect compared to the large creatures that Iris created. Aziela had an answer. She went down to the people of men and taught them how to defend themselves, and she gave them weapons; swords, rifles, and more. Under Aziela tutelage, Mankind soon gained strength and began to establish towns around the world which over time would blossom into cities. The Gods provided men with knowledge and taught them to grow crops so they would not have to rely on hunting animals for food.

However, forty years after the creation of Remnant and Mankind, Oum and Sheena grew apart, for Oum spent all his time helping Mankind thrive. Sheena grew bitter with jealousy and hatred, and she soon came to believe that if Mankind was erased, she would have Oum back. And so, she stole some of his creation power and she set to work creating a monster that will destroy Mankind. Thus, the creatures of Grimm were created. With a sinister smile, Sheena set these monsters onto Mankind and all his creations, and these forces clashed. Up above the skies, the Gods confronted Sheena, but her heart had turned dark; What was once compassion and serenity became the first Evil of Remnant. Sheena battled with her brethren while Mankind and the Grimm fought below them. Oum was desperate and attempted to kill the Grimm with his godly powers, but Sheena imbued the Grimm with magic that prevented the Gods from eradicating them so easily, leaving Mankind to be the ones to destroy them. Above, the Gods waged war, making the sky grow dark and flash with lightning and boom with thunder. Eventually, the Gods defeated Sheena, giving her a scar down her cheek. Oum banished her from AboveRealm, but before doing so, forced black wings to sprout from Sheena's back to serve as a reminder of her actions. Sheena fled to a plane of existence where none could find her, leaving the Gods to tend to Mankind.

Aziela wasted no time in heading down to Remnant, clad in brilliant armor and wielding a spear and shield. She appeared among men and fought off the Grimm, guiding and directing them towards victory, but it was not enough. Above, Iris flew through the world, gathering up the many elements of the world, from the earth of the mountains, the fires of volcanos, the wind of the east, the ice of the north, the lightning of the skies, and the waters of the oceans. She took these elements and and expanded them to form crystals, then dropped them among Mankind, but her work was not done yet. She flew to Oum, who was mourning for Sheena, and pleaded with him to borrow his creation powers. Oum agreed and the two formed hands. Within seconds, a large number of strange people bearing animal ears, tails, and other such traits emerged from the jungles. They gave a battlecry with weapons raised high, and joined Mankind against the Grimm. Eventually, thanks to the help provided by the Gods, Mankind and the newly-created Faunus drove the Grimm away, forcing the monsters to hide in dark areas and underground. The two races rejoiced their victory, but they all knew this was just the beginning, as did the Gods.

The Gods went their separate paths to tend to the different areas of the world, especially while Sheena and the Grimm still remain alive. Oum seated himself as ruler of AboveRealm and ruled over the domains of Law, Good, and Protection, and Sheena can never return to the heavens so long as he is there. Ashtul went down below the surface to BelowRealm, a desolate place where he will keep watch over the departed souls, whom would be collected by the specter of Death. There, the evil souls would endure punishment while the good souls are escorted to AboveRealm by Death. In the centuries to come, Ashtul's skin began to turn an ash grey from lack of sunlight, and large draconic wings sprung from his back. He took control over the domains of Death, the Departed, Sin, and the Undeath. Aziela continued to live among mortal men where she spread her battle skills and combat techniques among them and helped them incorporate Iris' new magic, which came to be known as Dust, into their weapons. Aziela became known the Goddess of Victory, for without her, Mankind would have perished, and she takes domain over Strength, the Sun, Charm, and Travel. Iris, being the creator of the Faunus, become their mother and the domains of Nature, Animals (including Faunus), the Sea, and the Moon. Sklor became the Keeper of Balance, and with his magic, he instilled the power of Aura within all of Mankind and the Faunus to aid them in fighting the Grimm; Aziela helped train everyone in what Aura can do. Sklor took control over the domains of Fate, Aura, Prophecy, and Knowledge. Sheena, still reeling from her defeat, became the Deceiving Goddess, and took domain over Evil, Murder, Madness, Deceit, and Slaughter.

In time, Mankind and Faunus flourished and expanded to the regions of the world, setting up more towns and, within two hundred years, build four mighty cities. In the western deserts, the city of Vacuo was built. To the snow-cover north, Atlas. To the eternal summer lands in the east, Mistral, and in the middle, serving as a central hub to the other three, Vale. It seemed that Mankind and Faunus would prosper and thrive, but the Grimm still existed, and nothing was going to stop their craving for human flesh.

Sheena would make her return in 228, and new Grimm far more frightening and more deadly emerged. The four cities went to war again, but now they were ready thanks to the magic of Dust given to them by Iris, their improved weaponry by Aziela, and the strength of the Gods, despite that the Gods could only watch. The Gods knew Mankind was still not strong enough, and though Aziela did her best to fight, even she had her limits. However, a ray of light appeared in the darkness that steadily threatened the world, and that light was a mortal man.

Twenty years since Sheena's return, the Goddess created a new Grimm, this time a hybrid of a Grimm and a man. This tall humanoid-like Grimm was clad in the familiar skull armor of its brethren and wielded a large greatsword. The appropriately-named Grimm Knight was sent to the near city of Vale to destroy it, but a squad of soldiers intercepted the monster and waged battle. In the end, after the Grimm Knight had slaughtered all but one soldier, the last soldier of this squad wielding a simple sword killed the monster before succumbing to his wounds. Oum then appeared and returned the young man to life, granting him a magical sword cast in black steel, and imbued him with his magic. "Serve as my Paladin and protect Remnant from the Grimm," Oum then imprinted a tattoo of his symbol, a black-inked circle-shaped sun with m-shaped ravens flying into it onto the young man and then departed.

The new Paladin of Oum became a valuable asset in the Grimm War, but he was not enough. Aziela soon joined the fray, and she came before a young warrior. She gifted him with a sword from the heavens and assigned him as her Paladin, leaving him with a tattoo of a black round shield with a spear crossing it. Iris came before a young Bear Faunus and gave her a small box. "This box contains a special Dust crystal that encompasses all elements. Wield Nature's Wrath in hand and pave a path for Mankind and Faunus," Iris instructed before leaving the Tree of Life in black upon her skin. Ashtul soon sent Death to a man destined for eternal damnation and made him his Paladin, giving him a steel mace to wield and carved the Wings of Death onto the man's back. "Serve as my Paladin and protect Mankind, and you will find redemption," Death told him in Ashtul's words. Sklor himself found a young man who wielded not a sword or a rifle, but his own fists; this man covered himself in metal armor to fight. Sklor gave him a set of special metal blades he could manipulate with his own fingers, like a puppeteer guiding his puppet on strings, and left the Hourglass of Aura onto his skin.

The Five Paladins of Light worked for over a century to win the Grimm War, using their Draíochta, a special form of Aura given to them by the Gods to fuel their magical powers, and during that time, they never aged a day nor grew sick, thanks to the divine powers given to them by the Gods, though they still suffered battle wounds and could still die. One day, the Paladin of Sklor fell to the Grimm, and the Five became Four. When that happened, Sklor then appointed a new Paladin, not to fight, but to lead. He chose a man in his forties that was wise and resourceful, to maintain the world's balance while helping the other Paladins fight the Grimm.

However, one day, from the realm where Sheena hid, a strange woman with ash-like skin, black soulless eyes that burned red, and wielding the power of Draíochta appeared. She challenged the Five Paladins of Light and an epic battle ensued that nearly tore the entire world of Remnant apart. For the first time ever, the Five Paladins of Light have met a Dark Paladin, and she was powerful and deadly. With mere ease, she killed the Paladin of Ashtul, and it was only when the four remaining Paladins combined their powers together did they manage to defeat the mysterious Dark Paladin, banishing her back to where she came for an eternity more.

Another fifty years of fighting passes, and the Paladins take a drastic measure to briefly defeat the Grimm. They ordered humanity to ascend to the highest mountains and together, they used their magic to shatter one of the moons to pieces, making its remains float in the night sky forever and dwindling Iris' powers, but the Shattering of the Moon allowed the oceans to rise, drowning both men, Faunus, and Grimm in the rising seas. The Paladins worked for thirty days and thirty nights to slay the Grimm that attempted to climb to humanity's survivors before the monsters were forced to go underground to hide.

Humanity had won at last, but at the cost of separation, as a great ocean formed between the survivors, separating the once great land of Remnant into six continents with humanity divided. Over time, ships were built and humanity soon reconnected, and they worked to establish their once-great cities again, now as Kingdoms. Peace was soon restored, and the Grimm became a manageable threat. In that time, the Paladins of Aziela and Iris abandoned their roles to start their own families. Iris' Paladin entrusted her Dust Box to a group of monks who follow her Goddess, and they swear to keep it safe forever. Aziela's Paladin used his magic to turn his shield into a scabbard to house his magical sword, then he had its power sealed away by four young women that he entrusted so it could not be used by anyone other than someone of his bloodline. The sword would be passed on through generations of the Paladin's bloodline, and Aziela promised him that each generation will bear a son to carry on the lineage. The Paladin of Sklor disappeared, and no one knew what had become of him; even his fellow Paladins did not know. As for the Paladin of Oum, he continued his duty as Paladin, but when humanity had achieved its temporary peace, he disappeared into the world; some say he eventually died, while some say he is still alive to this day, still fighting for humanity.

Over a thousand years pass, and Mankind and the Faunus grew apart during that time, for men grew to consider the Faunus like animals, treating them like they were unequals. They began to quarrel and fight amongst each other, and in that time, the Grimm steadily began their return, though they were still no match for humanity and their newly-advanced technology and weapons.

However, up in the skies, Sklor predicted the continuation of the Grimm War. "When the people of Remnant come together in the sky, war will break out, but that will be when the Five Paladins of Light will rise, as well as the Five Paladins of Darkness, and the Grimm War shall resume. However, as to who will win and who will lose, even I cannot predict it," Sklor foretold.

Whether the Grimm War will resume one day, or if ten new Paladins must rise again, time will tell, but until then, perhaps it would be best if this piece of history remained as nothing more than a fairy tale. Children all over the world would learn of the Laghsling, the Dànsling, the Nàdarsling, the Bhàisling, and the Cothrosling, the Paladins of Oum, Aziela, Iris, Ashtul, and Sklor, who fought against the Dark Paladin Salem and the Grimm as nothing more than just bedtime stories. The story of the Paladins of Remnant.

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November 11th 1562

Vale Memorial Hospital

In the city of Vale, within the Vale Memorial Hospital, a woman was giving birth to a child while she was surrounded by doctors and her husband. One doctor was standing by the door to the room, but he was not aiding in the childbirth, instead staring at the woman with his shamrock green eyes. "Come on, Mrs. Arc! Push!" cried the doctor at the base of her legs. Mrs. Clair Arc let out an ear-piercing scream as she pushed herself harder. "That's good! The baby's head is out now! One more good push!" Clair gave another deafening scream and in seconds, hers was joined with the screaming of a newborn baby. "It's a boy!"

The doctor brought the baby around for Clair to hold in her arms. Clair broke into tears of joy once she held her newborn son in her arms. Her husband, Foncé, came around to see the first male Arc of their family, and he too wept. "What shall you be naming the child?"

Foncé and Clair looked at one another and nodded. "We've discussed it plenty of times, but we decided that we shall name him Jaune. Jaune Arc," Clair answered.

"It sounds like a wonderful name," the doctor complimented with a smile. He took the console away and Clair cradled Jaune in her arms, making baby sounds to him as he slept peacefully in his mother's arms.

"Excuse me, but I will need to take your child for a moment," said a voice. Foncé and Clair looked up to find the doctor from the doorway before them. "I just need to run a few tests on him to ensure that he is at perfect health." Clair nodded and the doctor had the baby Jaune placed into a wheeled cart made for infants and wheeled Jaune out of the room. "I'll have him back in no time at all," he called back to the Arc couple. Out in the hallways, the doctor guided the cart amongst the traveling doctors, nurses, patients, and various equipment, but he was not heading for the infant ward. He guided the cart out into the waiting areas and towards the chapel dedicated to the Five Gods of Remnant (chapels of Sheena are few and far between, nor can one be found in any of the Kingdoms, due to the negative image she portrays in the Bible).

"Hey, where are you taking that child?" a nurse called towards the doctor, who rushed to stop him. He said nothing, but gave her a stern glare. The nurse stared silently for a moment, mouth agape, then she turned and returned to her desk, as if she never saw the doctor. The doctor wheeled the cart into the chapel, which was empty save for one woman with long fiery-red hair. She stood up and turned to him as he wheeled the child in and locked the double doors.

"So, this is the one…" the woman muttered, stepping out into the aisle. Her body was clad in dazzling white armor, a shield was slung over her shoulder, a sword at her hip, and an elegant spear on her back. She went to the newborn infant and stared at him with her emerald eyes, giving him a smile. "He's so beautiful, Kyler." The doctor now known as Kyler nodded. "Kyler, what is his name?"

"His name is Jaune Arc," he answered, pulling off his surgical mask, revealing a dark brown mustache and goatee. "Born to Foncé and Clair Arc, and the…"

"I know," she interrupted, cutting him off. The woman picked Jaune up out of the cart, and the infant began to cry, but the woman gave him a calming hush and drew a single finger across his bald head and he calmed down instantly. She brushed her finger against his cheek, and in an instant, Jaune's tiny hands curled around it and began suckling on it, making her smile. "The perfect image of innocence," the woman muttered as she carried Jaune to the small altar. Kyler followed her up as well.

"We best hurry before his family grows suspicious," Kyler warned her. The woman seemed to ignore him and allowed Jaune to continue nursing on her finger. "Lady Aziela, we need to begin now."

"I know, I'm sorry. It's just that…I wish I didn't have to do this. Seeing Jaune like this now makes me wish there was another person I could choose so he can grow up having the life he wants, not the one I force upon him."

"You made that choice long ago, remember?" Kyler reminded her.

"Of course I remember."

"I saw what Jaune would look like in seventeen years; he will look so much like Jaundice…"

"That he will…Come, we must begin." Kyler took Jaune from Aziela while she prepared the ritual. She clasped her hands together and began muttering a series of incantations in an unknown language under her breath while Kyler held Jaune before her. Aziela reached into her armor and retrieved a vial containing holy water. She opened it and carefully poured it over Jaune's face, who did not cry out. Aziela, still mumbling, wiped the holy water from his face and massaged it over his tiny body. When she finished, she spoke in the common tongue. "And with this, I name you my Paladin to serve me, to protect Remnant and the creations of the Gods, to battle against Sheena, her Grimm, and her Dark Paladins. I give unto you my power, my Draíochta, and my will so that you can use it all to fulfill your destiny. I christian you as my Dànsling…" With the final words spoken, Aziela pressed her right palm against Jaune's right hand, and when she drew it away, a round shield bearing a spear across it marked in black stood upon his skin. Jaune was silent, having fallen asleep during the ritual.

Kyler placed Jaune back into the cart and wheeled him to the doors until Aziela stopped him. She bent low to the infant and kissed his forehead; a bright light appeared on her lips and faded when she drew away. "I give you my kiss, Jaune Arc, so that it will protect you until the times comes when you are ready to accept your destiny," she whispered to him. Aziela vanished into a series of glowing lights and disappeared out a window while Kyler returned the baby to his family, now surrounded by their seven daughters. Kyler handed Jaune to Clair with a smile as the seven older sisters cooed at their new baby brother.

"He's so adorable!" cried Violet, being eight years old.

"Aw, look at his tiny widdle fingers!" said Bleu (10) while she held her sister, Verte (2).

"Hey there, little Jauney," cooed Argenté (13). Rouge (16) squeezed her way in and lifted the five year old Noire up so she could see her little brother. Blanche (19) stood from the rim of the crowd and gazed at Jaune overtop of everyone. Everyone soon all joined in with their baby talk to Jaune, who stayed sound asleep. Clair eventually shooed everyone away so she could spend some time with her son.

Outside the hospital, Kyler stood among the traveling crowds. He has abandoned his disguise and is now garbed in his normal clothes: a red collared-shirt, a shirt of riveted chainmail, black pants, a crimson belt with straps that crisscrossed around his waist and went down both legs to a pair of black boots, a single black glove upon his right hand, and his black trench coat. On his right hip was the hilt to a sword, but there was no blade. The double-handed hilt was made of black metal, save for the cloth grip being of a dark red that matched his shirt. The pommel ended in a round black stone, the black crossguard was small, with the end facing in towards the user curving upwards towards the non-visible blade while the other side facing outward ending in a stub. Dark brown hair hung around his head, the bangs which began to cover his shamrock-colored eyes. Just then, his Scroll dinged, forcing him to open it to a new message.

"Any news on the Arcs?"

"It is a son named Jaune. Ritual with Aziela has been performed." Kyler typed and sent.

"Good to hear. When and where will his Guardian be born?"

"Around August, to be exact, and it will be happening in Mistral."

"Ensure that you are there for it so you and Aziela may perform the Guardian ritual on her." Kyler sent a quick "okay" and slipped his Scroll away. He headed down the sidewalk and disappeared among the crowds.

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August 14th 1562

Mistral International Hospital

Kyler, dressed in a Mistral doctor's uniform, watched from outside the delivery room as Mrs Pandora Nikos was in the middle of giving birth. Her crimson red hair was strewn all over her body as she shuddered in her attempts to push her child out of her. "Come on, honey, you can do it!" her husband Epimeth nearby holding her hand. A few minutes pass, and Pandora relaxes as the doctor holds her newborn daughter. "What shall you be naming her?" asked the doctor.

"Pyrrha…Pyrrha Nikos…" Pandora wheezed before collapsing into her pillow. Kyler came forward and took the newborn girl and took her to the chapel as he did with Jaune. The chapel was empty inside save for Aziela. The Goddess of Victory took a look at Pyrrha, who giggled at the sight of the Goddess.

"She's so beautiful," Aziela complimented, staring into the baby's vivid-green eyes. "We best hurry and start the ritual." The two approached the altar and Kyler took the child again. As before, Aziela chanted foreign words as she poured the holy water over Pyrrha and massaged her in it, though she cried a little as the liquid touched her skin. Aziela finished the ritual and began to speak in Common. "And with this, I name you Guardian to Jaune Arc. Serve him, protect him, fight by his side, and die for him. Share his power so you two will overcome the darkness that clouds the future. You will be drawn to him and you two will become powerful allies." Aziela fell silent, and so did Pyrrha, who fell asleep.

"I'll take her back to her family then." Aziela disappeared while Kyler brought the newborn back, then he left the hospital. From there, he headed for the Mistral Airship Station, hoping to grab a flight to the island of Patch.

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September 14th 1562

Mistral National Hospital

Basil stood near his wife Hazel as she was giving birth. "Come on, honey, you can do this!" the man told his Rabbit Faunus wife. Hazel shuddered in place in her bed.

"One more good push, Mrs. Scarletina!" yelled the doctor. A few moments later and Hazel Scarletina relaxed as her baby girl was pushed out of her. "A girl! You have a baby Rabbit Faunus girl!" The baby girl was brought around and placed into Hazel's arms.

"What should we name her, Hazel?" Basil asked her.

Hazel looked upon her baby girl with a smile as she thought it over. "How about…Velvet? Velvet Scarletina." Basil agreed upon the name.

"May I take her? I just need to do some tests to ensure she's fully healthy," said a doctor Iris. Basil and Hazel glanced at the doctor, who had forest green eyes and matching green hair. "It won't take very long, I'll be as quick as possible." Hazel handed the baby Velvet to her. "Ah, she's such a pretty baby. I will be upmost gentle with her." Iris, the Nature Mother disappeared out the door with Velvet while Basil and Hazel sat together waiting, overjoyed to finally have their own daughter.

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October 21st 1562

Vale Memorial Hospital

Willet Winchester was attempting to give birth with a team of Faunus doctors surrounding her, but it was clear that they were having trouble. "She's not going to last much longer at this rate! We gotta get the baby out of her before it's too late!" cried the head doctor. Nearby, her husband Dunlin sat in a chair shaking with worry.

By her bed, yet unnoticeable to everyone, was a man shrouded in a black cloak that completely covered him head to toe. He watched Willet try with all her might to give birth, but he knew that it was futile. He reached into his cloak and brought out a weathered old pocket watch, and while this watch appeared like any old watch, there was an extra clock tucked to the right of the main clock, and this extra one was counting down, with three minutes left on its hands. As the hands neared one minute, the cloaked man grew more anxious. "There isn't enough time," he mumbled as he pulled back on the dial and turned it, making the second clock's hands turn to thirty minutes. Immediately, Willet, who was close to death, suddenly sprang to life and the doctors rushed to her, working to pull her unborn child out of her.

Willet heaved and pushed, and as the man's pocket watch neared three minutes again, Willet's screams were joined with a baby's, her son's. Both Dunlin and Willet exploded into joyful tears as she cradled her newborn son as the last minute on the clock ticked away. "Cardin…His name is Cardin…" she told everyone as the last seconds ended, as did her life. Willet's head fell back onto her pillow while the smile she wore for her son was still etched onto her face. Dunlin let out a scream and fell onto his wife's lifeless body, hugging her close while baby Cardin cried for his mother.

"Men say that Death is a cruel creature that steals the ones they love from them, and yet they know nothing of the good Death has done, such as extending a life a while longer," said a voice behind the cloaked man. He turned as was met with a doctor with hair black as night and blood red eyes: Ashtul, Lord of BelowRealm. "You were supposed to collect Willet Winchester's soul as well as the soul of her unborn child, and yet you extended hers to bring the child into this world. Why?"

Death looked upon the still form of Willet. "I know I violated your laws, sir, and I apologize, but I could not bear it knowing that this woman was to die failing to give birth. I wanted her to die in happiness."

"I am not angry at you, but rather, I am touched." Ashtul went forward, now viewable to everyone as a simple doctor, and took the baby Cardin and glanced over at Dunlin, who was yelling at the doctors, blaming them for his wife's death. "Perhaps it is best this way. I see a great future in store for this child now." Ashtul went to Dunlin and the doctors, forcing the man to stop yelling. "I'm taking your son away for a while to do some tests to ensure he's healthy, especially after such a long and painful birth," he told them before leaving. Death went to Willet and waved his skeletal hand over her heart, where a lump of glowing energy emerged and hovered in his hand.

"I will ensure you reach AboveRealm safely," Death told the floating spirit of Willet Winchester, which flashed a bright color of positivity at his remark. Death pocketed the soul into a pouch and left with no one noticing him.

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October 18th 1563

The Xiao Long House, Patch

Raven Branwen stood in in her bedroom wearing her underwear. On her bed was her ōdachi in its scabbard and one year old Yang sat at the head of it against the pillows, staring at her mother with her lilac eyes. Raven went to the closet, where she pulled out her combat uniform and laid it out onto the bed. She let out a sigh as her hand brushed along her left arm, over a black-inked tattoo that appeared to be an hourglass full of black-inked sand. Raven got dressed and strapped her sword onto her hip. She scooped up Yang and carried her into the living room, where she put her in her high chair. Yang's hands reached out for her mother as she made little babbles. Raven glanced at her and gave a weak smile. She reached out and allowed Yang's fingers to curl around one of her fingers. "I'm sorry, Yang," Raven whispered to her. "I don't want to go, but I have to." Yang seemed to have recognized her words, for she started to cry, forcing Raven to take her and rock her back and forth in her arms. "There there, honey. There there…" She gives her child a kiss on the forehead and took her to her bedroom, where she laid Yang into her crib.

Raven went into her closet yet again and this time retrieved a mask. It was white and had red paint all over it. Looking at it now, Raven could tell that it looked like the face of a Grimm. She laid it onto the bed and went to Yang again, who was reaching for her mother. She took her in her arms again and rocked her back and forth as she began to sing a verse from a lullaby that she always sang to Yang:

"I will cling, I will clutch, and I'll hold onto you, I won't turn away. I won't leave, I won't go, I will stay with you all our days." Raven's eyes welt up when she sang the second half, as Yang fell asleep. Raven kissed her forehead and laid her to rest in her crib. "I promise I will make up for this one day, I promise you that." Raven went over and slid the mask onto her face. Her hand clasped over the tattoo again and she looked at Yang with her blazing red eyes through the mask. "I will keep this world safe for you, Yang…and I'll do it my own way…" she told herself before leaving. Before she went out the door, she left a small note reading; "Goodbye, Taiyang." As soon as she went out the door, she ran off, never to return again.

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April 17th 1565

Vale Memorial Hospital

It was by far the most beautiful moment of Summer Rose's life when she first laid eyes on her newborn daughter, Ruby. Summer broke into tears as soon as the infant was handed to her; she smiled as she rubbed her finger along Ruby's cheek, making the infant coo. Her tiny eyes slowly opened and Summer saw silver eyes staring back at her. "She has your eyes," Qrow muttered as he leaned over her to look at Ruby, his hip flask in his hand.

"Qrow, must you drink at a time like this?" Summer complained to him, prompting him to put his flash away. Ruby gave a gurgling sound, which made them both smile.

"Hey there, pipsqueak, how're you doing?" he asked Ruby, giving her a smile. Ruby stared wide-eyed at Qrow and mumbled gibberish.

"Mrs. Rose, you have two visitors, a Mr. Taiyang Xiao Long and Yang Xiao Long, shall I let them in?" spoke a nurse who was at the door. Summer gave her a nod and the two entered. Young Yang rushed to Summer's side to look at Ruby while Taiyang stood at the foot of the bed. "Well, speak of the devil," Qrow chuckled as Taiyang lightly punched his shoulder.

"How are you doing, Summer?" he asked. She gave him a positive answer. "Wow, she's so adorable!" exclaimed Yang, getting too close to Ruby, forcing Summer to make her back away a little. Summer cradled Ruby in her arms, staring longingly into her eyes. A short while later, a doctor with black hair and dark brown eyes took Ruby to have her tested for any abnormalities, to which Summer handed her daughter over with a concerned look.

Summer was released from the hospital a week later, once the doctors have tested Ruby to ensure that there was all was well with her. Taiyang brought her home and led her to the bedroom for her to rest. There, she laid Ruby into her crib, the same one Raven used for Yang, then she went to sit by the window, where she stared off into the forest.

A while later, the doorbell rang, to which Summer went to go answer. There was no one at the door, but at her feet was a straw-woven basket with a blanket in it. Summer kneeled down to uncover it, and that's when a black and white Corgi puppy burst from under it and happily barked, surprising her. When she had calmed down, she scratched the pup behind its ears, to which it greatly enjoyed, jumping around in its basket, where it uncovered an envelope. Summer opened it and found a small note which read:

"I'm sorry I was unable to come see you and Ruby in the hospital the other day. Qrow gave me the wonderful news though. I'm sure you must be overjoyed at having a new member join the family. As for the dog, I felt like it would make a perfect gift for your new daughter and for the family. Hopefully Zwei does a good job serving as a sort of guardian to Ruby and Yang whenever you and Taiyang have to go out somewhere. Your old friend, Old Wolf." Summer looked up into the forest surrounding her home, but she saw nothing. She took the basket inside, where she immediately went to Taiyang to show him the new addition to the family.

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July 23rd 1568

The Xiao Long House, Patch

"So, will I see you tonight?" Taiyang asked Summer as she fitted her white cloak onto herself.

"Tomorrow or the next day, actually, unless the situation at Mountain Glenn is more troublesome than we believe," she answered. "Look, I'm just going to do a check up on the civilians and workers there, how much trouble can it be?" She gave him a big hug and went out into the living room, where six year old Yang and three year old Ruby were playing with Zwei. Yang was tossing a ball along the floor to which Zwei would chase after it and bring it to which Ruby would laugh and clap her hands. "Ruby, Yang, I have to go now," Summer told them with a smile. The girls sprang from the floor and gave their mother a big hug, forcing Taiyang to pry the kids off so Summer could gather her weapon and latch it onto her back. Zwei came over and placed his front paws on Summer's leg, giving her a happy bark. Summer smiled and scooped him up. "I'll be going away for a couple days or more. Protect the girls until I get home, okay, Zwei?" With a bark in response, she set him down and gave another goodbye and a round of hugs for her daughters. She waved them goodbye as she headed down the pathway towards the Town of Initium.

Summer Rose did not return home the next day, nor the next. She never returned home at all.

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July 23rd 1570

Cliff Rock

Young Ruby jogged along the edge of Patch's cliffs, heading towards a lonesome cliffside a short distance away. Tucked in her arms was a bouquet of roses that she clutched tight to avoid dropping. The cliffside was but a mere thirty minute walk away from the house during the warm weather, and within a few minutes, she came into view of the cliffside, and she could see her mother's gravestone, but this time, Ruby could also see someone standing before it, garbed in black. She broke into a sprint and reached the cliffside within five minutes, skidding to a halt a short distance from the grave as she tried catching her breath.

The figure standing before Summer's grave realized that he was not alone and turned around. He was dressed entirely in black, except for his red shirt, his dark brown hair, and shamrock eyes. "Who are you, mister?" Ruby asked.

The man stared at Ruby for a moment and took a step towards her, to which Ruby took a step back. "Don't worry, I won't harm you," the man told her, extending a hand out to her. "It's alright, I knew your mother." That calmed Ruby down and she went to the man. He stood aside, allowing her to place the roses before the grave.

"You knew mommy?" Ruby asked him, filled with curiosity. She stared at both her mother's grave and the man.

"Oh yes, I knew her well. We used to be partners, for a short time; she saved my life a few times as well. She was an incredible woman, both on and off the battlefield," he lamented. "She loved everyone and did everything she could to help people, and she was tough as nails."

"Mister, who are you?"

"Oh! I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Kyler Carnaid, but you can call me Mister Kyler, Ruby." He got down to her level and gave her a smile, which she returned. "Well, that's my name, but your mother would always call me 'Old Wolf' because back when we fought together, I was as fast as a real wolf, as she told me herself," he explained, chuckling at Summer's choice for his nickname.

"Well, can I call you Mister Wolf then?" Ruby whispered. Kyler broke out in a laugh, making Ruby jump.

"HAHAHA! 'Mister Wolf,' huh? Yes, that name is perfectly fine, Ruby," he laughed before he ended up choking. "Hey, how about I take you home, huh? How about I give you a piggyback ride?" Ruby's eyes beamed at the notion and she stretched her arms out for him. Kyler scooped her up and slung her onto his shoulders. She hung her legs down his sides where he grabbed hold of her. "Now just enjoy the view while I handle the heavy work."

The trip seemed to have ended as soon as it started, especially since Ruby was enjoying the ride, whipping her head around at all angles to see the beauty of Patch. When they arrived at the Xiao Long House, Kyler placed Ruby on the ground and rang the doorbell. Yang answered the door and was surprised to see her little sister with some stranger. "DAD!" she called, to which Taiyang came running, his hands wet from washing dishes at that present moment.

"Oh, Kyler, it's you," Taiyang said nonchalantly, as if he was not happy to see him. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to pay respects to Summer, and I happened to run into little Ruby here, so I thought I'd give her a piggyback ride home," Kyler explained.

Taiyang stared silently for a moment, then gave a nod of approval. "Ruby, c'mon inside. Yang, go give a cookie to Ruby, okay?"

Ruby scurried inside with Yang, eager to have her cookie, but she stopped to tell Kyler "Goodbye, Mister Wolf," which earned an estranged look from Taiyang. "Goodbye, Ruby," Kyler told her. Taiyang said his goodbyes and closed the door on Kyler while giving him a mean glare. Kyler then strolled off down the pathway leading away from the house.

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September 14th 1572

The Arc Manor, Vale

Jaune Arc, being only ten years old at the time, grew up fascinated by the stories of brave heroes, Huntsmen, and legendary warriors who carved their names into stone for ages to come. Every night when he was young, he would beg his father to read him such stories before bedtime, to which his father happily agreed. The story of the Paladins of Remnant was the story Jaune chose to have his father read to him the most, though he often listened to the fabled tales of the Arc Knights as well. The Arc Knights, as his father, grandfather, and their fathers would tell, were a long line of Arcs who served as Knights among the Kingdom armies long ago. They were named so for their habit of wielding a sword and shield in battle, and were believed to be the strongest of the armies then.

Jaune was with his Uncle Gris at the moment, who was shuffling through an old chest full of priceless heirlooms down in the manor's cellar. Uncle Gris was a Huntsman, and a darn good one at that, as Jaune would put it. Jaune's father, however, preferred a simpler life, choosing instead to become a businessman, who owns his own little shop in Vale.

"You know, I always figured you would follow your uncle's footsteps when I saw you since you were 'this' big," Uncle Gris told Jaune, holding up his pinched fingers to the boy. "I could tell you had it in you to become a warrior of some sort.

"Just like Blanche?" Young Jaune questioned. Blanche, his oldest sister, was a Huntress, and a good one, though not as incredible as their uncle.

"Yep, just like your sister. Aha! Here it is!" Gris retrieved a sword and scabbard covered in dust. He gave it a hard blow and brushed the dust off it. "Geez, I can't believe my brother left this thing hiding down here collecting dust." Gris gripped the hilt and drew the blade, noting at how the steel blade and the entire sword itself was in pristine condition. "And it hasn't aged a day."

"Is that grandpa's sword?" Jaune asked, moving closer to see it.

"Yep, it is. Your great-great-grandfather wielded this sword back in his young days, back when he was an Arc Knight for Vale," Gris answered, still admiring at the blade.

"He was an Arc Knight?"

Gris diverted his attention to Jaune, giving the boy a smile. "That he was. He was the last Arc Knight in our family, before the Huntsmen were formed to serve as the Kingdoms' military service. I'm sure your father told you the stories of our family's Arc Knights?" A nod from Jaune. "Well, the Arc Knights were real people, though no one but our family remembers them today; a crying shame, I must say."

"Can I see grandpa's sword?" Jaune asked, moving closer to see it.

"It might be a bit big for you, but go ahead. Just don't tell your parents, or your mother will wring my neck." Gris handed Jaune the sword, using his hands to hold the blade up while Jaune gripped the hilt. Jaune found the sword to be surprisingly lightweight, and he was able to lift it with ease.

"WOW!" Jaune exclaimed, holding the sword above his head. Gris let go and allowed Jaune to carry the sword on his own.

"It's…incredible…" Gris remarked, marveling at Jaune swinging the sword around on his own. "Hey, Jaune, bring that over here for a moment." Jaune obeyed and brought the sword over to Gris, who sheathed it back into its scabbard. "Tell you what, since you seem to like this sword so much, how about when you're older, I'll teach you how to use it? That way, you can become just like the heroes from the stories; a brand new Arc Knight, waddaya say?" Jaune was practically jumping with excitement, forcing Gris to hold him down to calm down. They took the sword upstairs, where Gris hung it over the mantle in the sitting room. When he had finished, both he and Jaune observed Crocea Mors hanging above the fireplace.

"Jaune, promise me one thing," Gris asked him, patting his shoulder. "Promise me that one day, when you're old enough, you'll become a great Arc Knight, just like your great-great-grandpa, okay?" Jaune nodded, giving his uncle a big hug.

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March 8th 1575

The Nikos House, Mistral

Thirteen year old Pyrrha Nikos sat alone in her bedroom, overlooking a pamphlet for Sanctum Academy, the combat school of the Kingdom of Mistral. Ever since she was young, she had wanted to become a Huntress like her mother, though—and she kept this to herself—she could never understand why she wanted to become one. When asked why, Pyrrha would simply answer with "I want to help protect people and the Kingdoms, just my mother." Pyrrha would, in time, come to believe that perhaps it was destiny that she become a Huntress, given her belief in the Goddess of Victory, Aziela. Pyrrha grinned from ear to ear as she read the pamphlet, herself growing with excitement to join the school and work to become one of the best Huntresses in the school.

In time, she would be accepted into Sanctum and eventually graduate top of her class there each year, growing stronger with each passing day. In time, she will take on her family's emblem, a round shield with a spear crossing it and she will choose to attend Beacon Academy. And again, she would not understand why Beacon of all the schools.

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April 7th 1578

Mistral National Airport

Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie waited in their seats outside the terminal waiting for the airship to take them to Vale to be ready. Ren was reading a book while Nora sat impatiently in her seat, though Ren often held her hand to keep her still. "Ren, what if the Triads try to take us back?" she asked nervously.

"They won't," he assured her, squeezing her hand tightly.

"But what if…"

"There is no 'what if,' Nora. Look, we finally paid our debts to the boss and we are free now; we can do what we want with our lives without anyone controlling us anymore." Ren closed his book and took Nora's hand in both of his. "We'll be fine, I promise. Vale seems promising enough, and it's a new place where we can start anew." Nora gave a satisfying nod and threw herself around him, which he accepted.

"Attention. Flight 812 from Mistral to Vale has arrived and is ready for boarding. Repeat, Flight 812 from Mistral to Vale is ready for boarding," said the intercom system.

"Ren, that's us!" Nora squealed. She grabbed her bags and skipped towards the terminal tunnel. Ren followed behind her with his bags, but he stopped for a short minute to gaze outside the window at Mistral, his home city. "Ren, c'mon!" Nora called from the end of the tunnel. With a small smile, he hoisted his bags over his shoulders and went to catch up to her.

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August 19th 1579

Vale Police Department

A police officer was staring into a lonely cell that contained a tall and muscular teenage boy with dark skin, cobalt blue eyes, and long brown hair. He was wearing a blue denim jacket with ripped sleeves that bore an ancient Mistral symbol upon its back, and he was staring down at the floor.

"This kid's in a heap of trouble," said another officer, who wandered over to see the kid.

"Well, he did take out most of those gang members," said the first officer. "We've been looking for those guys forever, especially since they started those arson attacks on those shops."

"Yeah, well, we managed to dig up his record, and he's just as bad, if not worse, than those guys." The second officer opened up a manilla folder to the first and inside was details of the imprisoned kid. "Theft, disturbing the peace, destruction of property, unregistered weapon carry, underaged drinking, muggings, the kid's got a long list of crap."

The first officer glanced over at the kid, still looking down at the floor. "But what's he doing all the way away from Vacuo, I wonder," he muttered.

The two officers had little time to ponder the events surrounding the mysterious teenager, as an old man dressed in green and black and bearing a walking cane entered the station. "I'm here to collect a Mr. Lucas Dias," he stated to the officer behind the desk.

"And you are?" the officer questioned.

"I'm his guardian," Ozpin reached into his pocket and showed the officer his ID card, giving him a smile and stern look. The officer caught his gaze before observing the card then handed it back. "Right this way," the officer ordered, leading Ozpin into the back where Lucas Dias was being kept. Ozpin had the teen released and his pack, which contained some clothes, personal belongings, and a sleek pump-action shotgun, returned and the two exited the station. "I must say, you were quite impressive, taking out most of a Vale gang on your own, Mr. Dias," Ozpin complimented to the boy outside the station.

"Who are you?" Lucas asked the old man. Ozpin did not answer, but instead directed Lucas towards a car parked in front of the station. He opened the door and motioned the teen to enter, which he did after a brief moment of consideration. Ozpin climbed into the back seat with him and ordered the driver to go.

"Alright, I will explain everything now," Ozpin told him as soon as they headed off. "My name is Ozpin, and I am the headmaster of Beacon Academy, where young warriors go to train to become Huntsmen at the age of seventeen. And I know about you, Mr. Dias. I know who you are, where you're from, and what you came from." Ozpin noticed a surprised look from the boy. "And while I did not have to release you from custody, I know that you have a lot of potential, given your history in Vacuo."

"And where are you going with this?" Lucas asked, crossing his arms and staring out the window at the passing city blocks.

"I know why you're here in Vale, so far away from home, and I'm here to tell you that I can help, but only if you would relax and extend your hand to mine." Ozpin did just that, extending his hand for Lucas. The teen was hesitant, but he relented and took the hand in his, giving it a light handshake. "Much better. Now, tell me, do you wish to become a Huntsman?"

The question was so sudden, it made Lucas jump in his seat, nearly hitting his head on the car's roof. "What?" he asked Ozpin, despite hearing every word he said.

"Do you wish to become a Huntsman, Mr. Lucas Dias?"

"I…I…"

"Lucas, I understand that it will be difficult for you to become a Huntsman, especially after all you've done, but I always believed that there is redemption in any man, that he can be brought back onto the path of good despite what he has done in his past, and I feel like you are such a person, Lucas. So I will ask again. Do you wish to become a Huntsman and erase the sins of your past?"

Lucas stared down at his hands for a minute in complete silence, questioning Ozpin's offer. "You know who I am and where I'm from?" A nod from Ozpin. "And you're just offering me a chance to become a Huntsman?" Another nod.

"I am offering the chance, but it will be up to you to utilize that chance to its full potential. So, what do you say?" Ozpin rested his hands on his cane while staring at Lucas, awaiting an answer.

A few more minutes pass with complete silence, then finally…"I'll take up your offer, sir," Lucas answered. Ozpin smiled. The old professor reached forward and directed the driver towards a new destination. Within about fifteen minutes, the car pulled up in front of a large apartment complex on C1994 Avenue and Ozpin reached over and opened Lucas' door and then handed him a slip of paper.

"Head to Room 511, where an associate of mine, Qrow, lives at this current time. Hand him that slip of paper and he will know everything that I offered you. He will teach you how to utilize your Aura, discover your Semblance, and train you to become a Huntsman. I hope to see you next year for initiation, Lucas Dias," Ozpin explained. Before closing the door, Ozpin gave him one more smile. Lucas watched the car disappear around the street corner, and with one glance up at the apartment complex, he went in search of Room 511.

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August 2nd 1580

Beacon Academy

Weiss Schnee sat poised and perfected in her seat, awaiting the arrival of Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy. She had her rapier, Myrtenaster, laid out onto the table before her, and she was checking that her dress and hair was perfect to impress the headmaster. He soon arrived, accompanied by the Headmistress, Glynda Goodwitch. Ozpin sat down across from Weiss while Glynda took comfort in a corner of the room. Ozpin rested his cane against the table and laid a mug full of coffee onto the table. "Hello, Headmaster Ozpin," Weiss said politely.

"Hello, Ms. Weiss Schnee," Ozpin casually answered. "Now, I understand that you are the heiress of the Schnee Dust Corporation, that you hail from Atlas, and that your older sister, Winter, is a Specialist among General Ironwood's personal unit. However, what I wish to know is why does the Schnee heiress wish to become a Huntress?

Weiss was taken aback for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "I wish to become a Huntress so I may live up to my family's legacy," she answered with pride.

"Is that all? You would live up to your family's legacy far better by working with the Dust aspect of the company, or perhaps join the Atlesian Military instead; would be far more safer for someone of your status, I'm sure."

Weiss went silent; her face full of pride vanished into one of uncertainly. "Well…I just…I want to…there's more to my family's legacy than you'd think, Headmaster," Weiss stuttered out.

Ozpin held up a hand to Weiss, and she soon calmed down. "Whether reason you have for wanting to become a Huntress, that is yours to decide, but I must ask that you know exactly what you want before you make this decision, do you understand?"

"Of course I do, sir…I want to help protect people."

"Now that is something I wouldn't expect a heiress to say, especially for one who has had a silver spoon in her mouth since the day she was born," Glynda interrupted with a sour tongue. Weiss spun around and gave her an evil glare.

"How dare you say such a thing!" Weiss snapped. Ozpin got up, went over, and held Weiss down in her seat by her shoulder. "Please calm yourself, Ms. Schnee, Glynda meant nothing," Ozpin told her, giving Glynda a stern look.

Once Weiss had relaxed, the interview resumed. At the end, Ozpin was shaking Weiss' hand and notifying her that the first day of Beacon begins on September 1st.

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August 3rd 1580

Beacon Academy

Yang Xiao Long's interview with Ozpin that morning was normal for the most part. For one thing, she kept making stupid puns with the Headmaster's words, which made Glynda roll her eyes, though Ozpin paid it no heed. "Why do you wish to become a Huntress?" Ozpin asked as the last question.

"Well, most people want to become a Huntress to protect people or their Kingdoms, or to aspire to greatness or something, but for me, I want adventure, plain and simple," Yang answered with a grin.

"Adventure, hmm?" Ozpin noted. He took a long look at the busty blonde brawler before him. "Well, welcome to Beacon Academy, Ms. Yang Xiao Long. We expect you at Beacon for initiation on the first of September."

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August 4th 1580

Beacon Academy

The interview with Blake Belladonna that night was most peculiar. Ozpin quickly learned that she was a Cat Faunus and that she grew up outside of the Kingdoms' protection areas, out in the wilds. "So, why do you wish to become a Huntress, Blake?" Ozpin asked in a calm tone. "Does it perhaps have to do with who you are, or what your people have done and suffered?"

Blake glanced up at him for a moment. "It does…"

"Which part?"

"All of it…I have grown up all my life seeing the injustice and inequality Faunus have suffered…and I have seen what the Faunus have done in their attempt to earn their equality, both the good and bad…" Blake answered with some difficultly.

"And you wish to correct the evil your people have committed in the past by setting an image, do you not?" A nod from Blake. "Blake, I know we cannot undo the mistakes that Humans have committed in the past, but we are making strides to lessen the divide, that I promise."

"And from what I've seen so far in my life, you Humans are doing a poor job and need to make larger strides."

Ozpin let out a sigh. "I know, I know…Blake, every day, I see Faunus suffering inequality and injustice from everyone, even their own kind, such as White Fang supporters attacking those like you who want their equality through peace instead of violence. Every day, I try to end the hatred among Humans and Faunus, but all I can do is guide young students who come to beacon down the correct path to lessen the divide…Blake, I understand where you come from and what you want to do, and I can help you achieve that."

Blake was silent for a moment, taking in everything Ozpin told her. "Then help me achieve my goal, Headmaster," she told him.

Ozpin gave her a comforting smile. "Initiation begins September first, Ms. Belladonna. I hope to see you there."

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August 8th 1580

Beacon Academy

Jaune Arc sat before Ozpin in a nervous state, with his entire body shivering and himself unable to focus properly while the headmaster read over his file and transcripts. "Mr. Jaune Arc, seventeen, hails from Vale," Ozpin read off. "It says here you went to Signal Academy where you graduated with average grades, and you earned a recommendation from Professor Amarillo to come to Beacon, and yet your entrance exam scores are rather poor, I must say, with academic scores barely reaching average and your skills in combat being below average."

"Y-Yes, sir," Jaune stuttered. "He said that I-I had potential and that I sh-should continue my career as a Huntsman…and go to Beacon."

Ozpin glared at Jaune for a moment. "I see…" Ozpin stole a glance down at the sword Crocea Mors which sat upon the table. "And this sword is…?"

"It was my great-great-grandfather's," Jaune answered. "It's been in my family for ages."

"I see. Jaune, you do understand what you would be doing should you enter Beacon Academy, correct?

"Um, of course. I would be training in both body and mind to become a Huntsman and use what I learned to protect civilians from the Grimm," Jaune answered, feeling a little confident in himself.

"It is not only the Grimm you would be fighting." Jaune jerked in his seat a little, now feeling afraid of his answer. "Jaune, if you become a Huntsman, you not only will be fighting the Creatures of Grimm, but also anyone that wishes harm onto the Kingdoms. You may find yourself having to make a difficult decision that could cost a multitude of lives. You may one day make a decision that will send your fellow Huntsmen to their deaths. Do you understand?"

Jaune shivered in his seat, but with a deep breath, he calmed himself. "I understand, sir, but I want to become a Huntsman more than anything. I want…I want to be like my great-great-grandfather, who was an incredible knight back before the Huntsmen were established. He was also the last warrior of my family, and I want to continue that lineage myself."

Ozpin stared silently at Jaune, who stared back, nervous as to what he will do next. "Initiation begins on September first. I expect you to be there, Jaune." Jaune's face beamed at that. He jumped to his feet and furiously shook Ozpin's hand, promising him that he will not let him down. "I have my upmost confidence in you, Mr. Arc."

Jaune gathered his weapon and left, eager to return home and notify his family of the good news. Glynda broke from her corner spot and went to Ozpin's side. "You know his transcripts are forged, correct?" she asked the old man, who nodded in return.

"And I know that he is the Dànsling as well," Ozpin told her before taking a sip of his coffee. "I must admit, I was expecting that boy to be a little more…proficient in combat given his destiny, but I believe Aziela has something big in store for the boy."

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August 11th 1580

Beacon Academy

Pyrrha Nikos sat attentively in her seat while Ozpin looked over her file and transcripts. "My my, it seems we have quite the celebrity with us today, Glynda," Ozpin joked while Glynda rolled her eyes in the corner. Pyrrha herself was not amused, instead she shivered a little in her seat. "Don't worry, Ms. Nikos, I meant nothing of it. Now, let us begin."

The interview went along the same as anyone else, though Ozpin did ask Pyrrha why she chose to attend Beacon rather than Haven, which is situated in her home Kingdom of Mistral. "I heard that Beacon was the best of all the academies, so as someone who was the best at Sanctum, I believed that I should attend the best academy."

"Is there any other reason you would have to attend Beacon?" Ozpin leaned forward in his seat, his hands coming together to rest.

Pyrrha was hesitant for a moment, but after taking a deep breath, she was ready. "Well, after I graduated from Sanctum–"

"Top of your class, I might add. Very impressive," Glynda interrupted.

"–Yes, top of my class. After I graduated and was selecting which academy to attend, I kept finding myself drawn to Beacon for some strange, unknown reason. I cannot understand, but I felt like I was meant to go to Beacon."

"I see…well, initiation begins on September first, so let's see if you were truly meant for Beacon or not." Pyrrha's face beamed and shook his hand before leaving.

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August 13th 1580

Beacon Academy

By far, the interview with Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie was the most grueling to endure for the Headmaster and Headmistress, with Ren being quiet and speaking in a hushed voice anytime he spoke and Nora practically bouncing off the walls while boosting about how many Grimm she has killed, to which Ren confirmed that she only killed a few, and those few being young Stage 1 Beowolves; the weakest of said species. Glynda appeared to have become irritated of the two, but Ozpin seemed to like them, and notified them of initiation's date.

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August 22nd 1580

From Dust Till Dawn, Vale

Ruby Rose was just minding her own business reading the new issue of Weapons Monthly in the From Dust Till Dawn shop after a long day at Signal Academy when some thug pointed a gun at her back. She did not realize that the guy and his buddies were robbing the store due to her having her headphones on full blast. Ruby only became aware of what was happening when the thug tugged her hood down, alerting her to the situation.

"What's…going on?" Ruby asked the thug, looking innocent and cute.

"Didn't you hear me!? I said put your hands in the air!" the thug growled.

"Are you…robbing me?" Ruby asked.

Now the thug was growing impatient. "Yes!" he told her, his gun hand shaking in rage.

"Ohh…" Ruby looked away for a moment, and when she turned her gaze back at the thug, there were tears in her eyes. "B-B-But…why!? I'm just…a little girl!" she sobbed, her eyes big and puffy as they shed tears. The thug was taken aback for a second.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't realize how young you were and I just–!" He did not finish his sentence as Ruby twirled around and slammed her boot into his chest, sending him crashing into a couple shelves. The leader of the gang, Roman Torchwick, ordered another guy to attack her, and that was when Ruby threw herself onto the thug, sending them both crashing through the store's front window and out onto the street. Ruby unfolded Crescent Rose, her High-Caliber Sniper-Scythe, and poised herself for battle.

Roman stared uninterested at the young teenager before ordering his goons to attack her, whom Ruby made quick work of. "Gods, such a waste of money," Roman muttered to himself over his hired thugs. "Well, Red, I must say, you made this quite an eventful evening, but I'm afraid this is where we part ways," he told Ruby before firing his Melodic Cudgel at her, forcing her to leap into the air with a shot from Crescent Rose, allowing Roman time to head up a fire escape of a nearby building. Ruby followed him up and cut him off, until a Bullhead airship appeared from the side of the building, to which Roman jumped into its open hatch.

"End of the line, Red!" Roman yelled before tossing a red Dust crystal at Ruby's feet before shooting it, setting off a massive explosion. Ruby realized far too late what was going to happen, but before the explosion occurred, she saw a flash of black before her that enveloped her. She felt the flames of the Dust crystal lap over her and whatever jumped before her, but there was no pain. Roman hooted with glee, but it quickly turned into a growl when he saw who was standing before him.

When Ruby opened her eyes, she saw someone dressed entirely in black except for a red shirt holding Ruby in one arm and a beautiful blade made of ebony steel in the other. "You alright, Ruby?" asked a familiar voice, to which Ruby glanced up and found herself staring at Kyler Carnaid. Ruby looked forward and saw a blonde woman with a riding crop lay waste to the Bullhead using a series of purple beams that struck at the Bullhead, almost sending Roman tumbling out of the open hatch, but he recovered and headed into the pilot's cabin.

Taking his place, a woman walks out into the main body of the airship; the three Huntsmen could see a dark red minidress, but her face was obscured by the shadows of the airship, though two bright amber eyes that glowed as if they were on fire. Glynda fired out a thundercloud above the airship while Kyler moved Ruby behind him to protect her. Shards of ice began to rain down upon the Bullhead, doing minimal damage. The mysterious woman waved her hands around her body, and embers followed her fingertips. She began firing balls of fire onto Glynda, which deflected them with a rune shield from her crop. The woman then turned her attention to Kyler and fired onto him, but in response, he put two fingers to his lips, muttered something, then stuck his hand out, causing a crimson wispy shield to form from his palm, stopping the fireballs dead in their tracks and making them swivel around the shield before he launched them back at the airship, denting its body and veering it off course.

Not wanting to be left out, Ruby dashed from Kyler's backside and fired Crescent Rose at the woman, but she merely deflected each bullet with her hand. The woman swung her arm horizontally and large red circles appeared under the three Huntsmen. Glynda leapt out of the way, but Ruby was too slow. "RUBY!" Kyler cried out, snatching Ruby up and rolling across the rooftop, avoiding the exploding circles entirely, but this allowed the Bullhead to escape them.

Everyone returned to their feet battered and tired, but alive. When Kyler returned his sword to his hip, the blade disappeared, allowing him to attach it to its strap. Glynda went to his side and checked him for damage, but he waved her off, saying it was alright. "Mister Wolf, I…" Ruby began, but Kyler hushed her.

"Are you alright, Ruby?" he asked. She nodded silently. She took him in for a moment, and it was now that she noticed that he had changed very little in the past nine years since she last saw him. "Good, glad to hear that."

"Young lady, you are in serious trouble," Glynda hissed at the red girl.

"Oh no…" Ruby moaned.

( )( )( )( )( )( )( )( )( )( )

Ruby sat in the dark room at a table with a lone lamp shining down upon her. Glynda strolled back and forth with her Scroll in hand, watching footage of Ruby fighting the thugs and Roman. Kyler sat in a chair by Ruby's side, constantly shooting her smiles to keep her relaxed. "I'm very disappointed in you, young lady," Glynda said upon finishing the video. "You put yourself and others at great risk, despite that you stopped the robbery,"

"But they started it!" Ruby whined.

Glynda ignored her. "If it were up to me, you'd be sent home with a pat on the back…" That made Ruby beam with joy. Glynda glared at her. "…And a slap on the wrists!" She slapped her riding crop down onto the table, scaring Ruby. "However, there is someone who wishes to see you." At her command, Ozpin entered the room with his cane tucked under one armpit, his coffee mug in one hand, and a plate of cookies in the other.

"Ruby Rose," Ozpin stated. He leaned over to look at her closer. "You…have silver eyes." Even Kyler leaned over to look at Ruby's silver eyes. When he drew away, he rubbed away at his eyes for a moment. "So, where did you learn to do this?" he asked, motioning to Glynda's video.

"Um…Sig-Signal Academy…" Ruby answered.

"They taught you how to wield one of the most dangerous weapons designed by man?"

"Well, one teacher in particular."

"I see…" Ozpin laid the plate of cookies before Ruby, who quickly wolfed them down one by one. "It's just that I've only seen one scythe wielder with that caliber…a dusty old crow…"

"That's my uncle!" Ruby mumbled with her mouth full of food. She cleared her cheeks and apologized. "That's my Uncle Qrow! He's a teacher at Signal. I was complete garbage before he took me under his wing."

"Ah, so Qrow is still alive and kicking, huh?" Kyler noted.

"So, why on earth is an adorable girl such as yourself doing at a school designed to train warriors?" Ozpin asked her, followed with a sip from his mug.

"I want to become a Huntress," Ruby stated with pride.

"You…want to slay monsters?" A nod from Ruby.

"Well, yeah. My sister is starting her first year at Beacon, and my uncle is a Huntsman, my father is a Huntsman, and my mother was a Huntress, so I figured I might as well become one too. I mean, warriors and cops are nice, but Huntsmen and Huntresses are so much more cool and exciting, ya know?!" Ruby squealed with excitement.

"So it seems," Ozpin said nonchalantly, sipping his coffee again. Kyler merely chuckled in his seat at seeing Ruby's excitement. "So, do you want to come to my school?"

"More than anything," Ruby tells him, leaning forward in her seat.

Ozpin glanced over at Glynda, who rolled her eyes. A glance to Kyler earned the old man a smile and a nod of the head. "Very well then. September first is initiation day. I expect you to be there, Ms. Rose." Ozpin and Glynda left the room, leaving Ruby and Kyler alone.

"Hey, how about I take you home so you can get ready for Beacon next week?" Kyler offered, which Ruby accepted. They took a small airship out to the island of Patch, and there, Kyler escorted Ruby to her home. When they arrived, Kyler refused to enter the house. "I'd rather not, Ruby. Your dad and uncle Qrow don't particularly care much for me," he explained.

"But, Mister Wolf…" Ruby protested, but he held his hand up to silence her. Ruby went quiet, but she instead threw herself onto him and hugged him tight. "…It's so good to see you again, Mister Wolf."

Kyler smiled and returned the hug. "It's good to see you too, Ruby. Look, I'll be at Beacon for a short while around when you have to go, so I'll see you there, okay? You can tell me all about your initiation, team, and whatnot there." Ruby gave a series of rapid nods, then Kyler released her, then headed off down the path. "Good luck at Beacon, Ruby!" he called.

"Good bye, Mister Wolf!" Ruby called back, giving a wave, which he returned. Without hesitation, Ruby dashed into her home to tell her father and Yang the good news. By next week, Ruby will find herself on the airship to Beacon with her sister and a wealthy number of initiates, all of whom will be eager to continue their Huntsmen training at Beacon Academy.

Next Chapter 2: Taking the First Step