Author's Note: Hello everyone! Sorry for the late update, been busy! Still, updates should be flowing regularly every 2 weeks! I hope the anticipation hasn't driven you mad. Without further delay, enjoy the latest chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY

Betas: Yuvinile and Noobalisious

"Open wide," Kiara said as she picked up a spoon full of warm soup and brought it to Lilly's mouth.

The little vampire responded eagerly, closing her mouth on the spoon and the tasty fluid it brought her. She loved Kiara's cooking, especially the soups and stews she made like today's tomato soup with garlic bread. As she swallowed the food she caught the sound of footsteps approaching the door. She and Kiara both looked at the door as the handle wiggled for a moment before the door opened and two familiar people walked in.

"Dante! Athena!" she called as she hopped off her chair and ran at them, practically tackling Athena with a hug.

Athena on her part started to laugh as she picked her up and hugged her tight. "Hello Lily, did you miss us?" she asked as she looked down at her.

"Yes," she replied as she then shifted her gaze to Dante, the latter walking to a corner of the room and setting down several large packs.

"Dante," she said softly as she shyly approached him. Even after the time she'd spent with him she still had a sense of nervousness wash over her when he was near.

He glanced at her as she approached, a faint smile on his face as he went down to one knee to be eye level with her. She stopped just a few inches away from him, her hands clasped together in front of her as she looked at him.

"Hey Lily," he said gently before he slowly brought one hand up held onto her hands, a comforting warmth coming off them. "How are you?"

"Good," she responded with a small smile.

She then looked down at her hands in his before closing the distance and softly hugging him. She could feel he momentary surprise as he went rigid but it was brief as he soon hugged her back. It was moments like these that she didn't feel that constant nervousness, only a quiet closeness and security that she loved.

It lasted for just a few seconds before he released and stood back up while she smiled at him. He returned the smile as he turned his gaze to Kiara, the latter running at him and much like Lily herself, tackling him in a hug. It looked like Dante was prepared for it but still grunted as he leaned back slightly while hugging Kiara back.

"I missed you," Kiara said dramatically as she squeezed Dante.

"I missed you too," Dante chuckled as he waited for Kiara to release her hug.

After she finally did, Dante sighed as he stretched his back with a series of pops. While he did that Kiara seemed to be looking him up and down before her eyes narrowed as she focused on the sword strapped to the back of his waist.

"You have a new sword?" she asked.

Lily hadn't noticed until Kiara mentioned it so her eyes shifted to Dante's lower back, eyeing the black and dark blue hilt of the sword. The sheath was pure black, the hilt and end just barely jutting out of Dante's sides meaning that the sword was less than 3 feet long. 'Why so short?' Lily wondered as she stepped closer to Dante's side to get a better look. She'd seen several larger swords around Beacon but any ranging in this size usually came with a gun or dust compartments yet this looked like a regular sword. All she could tell was that the base was wide at nearly 5 inches and the hilt looked long for the size.

"Yep," he replied as he grabbed some of his bags and walked towards his room while Lily watched.

"That's not the only thing that's new," Athena added as she stood beside Kiara.

"Really? What else?" Kiara asked as she glanced at her. "Wait, what about Dante's parents? What happened?"

"Oh . . . well, it was actually pleasant. I met his parents, got to train a little, and discuss a few things," Athena replied.

"That's it? There has to be more to it than that," Kiara persisted. Lily also wanted to know more as she walked closer to them and looked up at Athena.

"Well, we can sort the details out later but that really is the gist of it," Athena replied though Kiara gave her a curious look.

Kiara looked like she was going to ask more but whatever it was got interrupted as Dante returned without his sword. "Don't worry about it. We'll explain later on," he said as he yawned softly.

"Feeling tired?" Athena asked with a seemingly knowing look to which Dante nodded.

"I'll head to bed early but for now let's go say hi to everyone else," he said.

"If you mean the students, then I'm pretty sure they're in the cafeteria," Kiara said.

"Then let's go," Dante agreed as he headed for the door.

The others soon started to follow, Lily running up to Athena's side and taking her hand. Athena gave her a warm smile as they left the dorm.

". . . and we've been training every morning till lunch time," Kiara continued beside him as they walked towards Beacon's cafeteria.

"Can't wait to see the results," Dante said as he gave her a quick glance, noting the excited look in Kiara's eye as she discussed her time spent training with Thantos.

He could also hear as Athena and Lily talked behind them, mostly Lily asking about the trip and how it was. He was about to ask about the other Slayer's when he heard what sounded like a faint shout. He looked up to the sky above the cafeteria's roof and noticed a blonde girl falling back towards the roof just before crashing through. 'I have a feeling I know exactly who that was,' he thought as the group neared the cafeteria.

"Smells funny," Kiara commented beside him as he pushed open the doors, the sound of laughs reaching him as he took in the sight.

There was teams RWBY and JNPR covered in an assortment of food whilst Glynda and Ozpin stood by, the former looking like she was about to start her usual disciplinary speech. Dante also noted 2 other students he didn't recall seeing before. He ignored them for now and walked up behind Glynda and Ozpin, a smirk already crossing his face.

"I do believe some form of detention is in order," Glynda muttered under her breath.

"No need for that," Dante joked behind her, making her jump while the students just now noticed his arrival. Hey looked at them as he gave them a grin, his silvery fangs flashing. It looked like Glynda was going to say something back but was cut off by a very excited Ruby.

"Dante!" Ruby called first as she used her semblance to tackle him but he sidestepped it, the brunette rushing past him before skidding to a halt.

He glanced at Ruby with a sly smirk but taking his eyes off the other students was his mistake. He noticed another approach but between Ruby using her semblance again and how tired he was feeling, he couldn't muster the will to dodge the double assault this time. He resigned himself to his fate as Ruby slammed into his right side while Blake tackled his left side with her own hug. 'Damn . . . they carried more momentum than I thought they would,' he thought as he grunted from the doubled hug.

"Hey . . . what's up," he breathed out as he waited for them to release the embrace but then a certain blonde decided to join.

"Dog pile!" Yang shouted as she practically body slammed the 3 earning a few groans as all 4 bodies hit the ground.

"Too… much… love…" Dante muttered as he got to his feet and looked over the rest of the mentees. Now he realized where the assorted smells were coming from. All the students seemed to be covered in some assortment of food staining most of their uniforms.

Soon the other students crowded forward, giving excited greetings. Turns out Ruby decided to give Athena a similar welcome and she wasn't as prepared to dodge as Dante had been. He almost winced as Athena did her best to remain on her feet as the smaller brunette gave her a tight hug. Though the sight was rather cute and heartwarming, Dante had to take his eyes off them to look at Ozpin, the latter already giving him an analyzing gaze.

"Looks like your trip was uneventful," Ozpin said softly beside him.

"Pleasant perhaps but I wouldn't call it uneventful," Dante returned taking a more serious tone. "If possible sir . . . I will need to discuss some subjects with you in private."

Ozpin took a sip of his mug before responding. "We can arrange a time but for now, I would actually like for you and the rest of the Slayers present to head to my office."

"Did something happen?" Dante asked.

"Nothing in particular. I simply have some new friends to introduce," Ozpin replied.

Dante simply raised an eyebrow at that but didn't add anything more. He looked around as everyone seemed to settle down, until his gaze fell on the 2 students he didn't recognize. Then he noticed that one was a faunus, a blonde monkey faunus to be exact, and said monkey was not too subtly eyeing Blake. 'Well . . . I heard monkey is considered a delicacy in some cultures,' he thought as he walked toward the group of students.

Most quieted down as he approached, some giving him quizzical looks. He stopped in front of the group, looking the faunus up and down before finally addressing him.

"I believe we haven't been introduced," he said with a mellowed tone.

"Oh hi," Sun began. "Names Sun Wukong."

'Oh I know who you are,' he thought as he forced a friendly face. "Hello my name is Dante."

He stuck out his hand for a shake, hoping Sun would take the invitation. Sun looked at it for a moment before extending his hand to shake Dante's.

"So I heard you know Blake," Dante said with feigned friendliness.

"Oh yeah?" Sun said as his eyes glanced to Blake before returning to him.

"Yeah," Dante chimed as he started to tighten his hand. "And about your little adventure…"

By now Dante could see the strain begin to show on Sun's face but to his credit he tried to maintain a smile. "And though she came back ok, one of her teammates did not come out unscratched."

"Dante . . . what are you doing?" Ruby asked as she looked at Sun's reddening face.

"Nothing," Dante quipped with a smile as he tightened his grip a little more.

"Ah-ah," Sun winced as he looked at their joined hands.

"Hey… Hey!" the other student with blue hair spoke up as he neared them. "What do you think you're doing!?"

"Getting a point across," Dante practically growled as he glared at the student, making him take a step back. "And you . . ." he said to Sun as he lightened the pressure, ". . . I'd be careful … that's the only warning you'll get."

"G-Got . . . it," Sun managed through grit teeth.

"Good," Dante said as he released Sun's hand and looked to the other students. "So how was the break?"

"Kinda boring," Yang replied nonchalantly even as others gave Sun concerned glances.

"How come?" Athena asked.

"Well, it's just that everyone either left or has been too busy lately," Weiss started as she tapped her chin. "Havasu has been gone for the whole week, Crato and Cicero have been spending most of their time training together and only show up around dinner, and Lucian just sort of appears at random times."

Dante listened to the news about the other Slayers and their activities. Crato and Cicero training didn't sound unusual but Havasu's sudden departure and Lucian's coming and goings seemed odd. He didn't remember Havasu mentioning anything prior to the break beginning and Lucian had said that he would be watching the students while he was gone.

'I'll ask him about it when I see him,' he thought as he sighed.

"So Lucian and Havasu aside, where are the others?" he asked to no one in particular.

"Thantos is probably in the gym but I don't know where the other 2 could be," Kiara answered as she reached over and picked a piece of watermelon out of Yang's hair.

"Fine, just send out a message and tell them to head to Ozpin's office," Dante said.

"What for?" Blake asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Slayers have a meeting," he answered as he glanced at Lily before looking back to Blake. "And do you think you could watch after Lily for a bit?"

"Shouldn't be a problem," Blake answered as she looked at Lily. "As long as she'll be ok with it."

Dante turned to Lily and kneeled down to be at eye level. "Do you mind going with Blake and team RWBY while we have a meeting?" he asked gently.

Lily glanced to Athena for a moment before looking back at him and nodding shyly with a faint smile.

"Great," he said as he stood back up. "Then we'll be heading out now."

As he turned to Ozpin he heard a new set of footsteps enter the cafeteria.

"Dantee~" Velvet called from behind him.

Dante only had a moment to give a defeated chuckle as the runaway bunny slammed him with a hug capable of hospitalizing an Ursa. 'I never thought I could die from too many hugs . . .'

"So why did you need us all here Professor?" Dante asked as he, Kiara, Lucian, Athena, Crato, Thantos, and Cicero stood lined up before Ozpin's desk. After roughly 15 minutes the others had gathered in Ozpin's office, a thick scent of sweat coming off some of them while Lucian smelled like vanilla and coffee for some reason. Dante mentally noted to ask him what that was about later.

"I thought it would make the introductions easier," Ozpin answered as he took a sip from his mug and glanced at Glynda beside him.

"Where is Mr. Typin?" Glynda asked with her usually stern tone.

"I messaged him but he said he's still 30 minutes or so away from Beacon," Thantos answered.

"Well, I'm sure he can be brought up to speed later," Ozpin said casually as he got up and walked to a small desk in the far side of the room.

They watched as he opened a drawer and took out what looked like a small case, about the size of a purse. He then walked back to the desk and sat down as he set the black container down.

"Before the others arrive, I do believe it is time to officially recognize each of you as Beacon's Slayers," Ozpin began in a somewhat serious tone.

"What do you mean by that?" Crato asked as he eyed the container.

"Well," Ozpin began. "For starters, I believe you are all aware of what the term 'Slayer' is used for, correct?"

"Yes," Cicero answered as he glanced around before explaining. "Slayers is a common title used to distinguish a hunter as having their skill recognized as being of S-classed as well as being formally employed by a kingdom. Most hunters and huntresses are given a class based off skill upon graduation and are free-lance workers. They don't directly answer to any kingdom and usually travel around Remnant for whatever jobs they take."

"Go on," Ozpin urged as he leaned back in his chair.

"The classes achievable are C, B, A, and S class. Depending on a final test taking physical, mental, and semblance based scores into account, each hunter is given an official class category and rank. These determine the form of jobs they can take or at least are advised to take. The ranks themselves are used as a subset within the category to show a hunters growth and allow for a proper evaluation when said hunters try to 'rank up'. So far, each category is broken down into 5 ranks, 5 being the weakest and 1 being the top."

"Yes," Ozpin continued. "Now, after graduation, a hunter may try to move up in rank or class through examination in verified locations across the kingdoms. Ranks are relatively straight-forward in a sense that simple growths in ability allow for a hunter to be ranked up but to progress into a new class requires significantly more thorough testing. After all, by joining a new class, a hunter is made aware of more missions and resources available. This is especially important in regards to hunters allowed to be moved into the S-classed category."

". . ."

"Unlike the other previous categories, hunters wishing to be S-classed must meet certain criteria before being even considered for examination. Some might argue that even with a decade's worth of constant training and mission experience, it isn't a guarantee that you'll qualify for the test," Ozpin said as he glanced to Athena.

Athena got the hint and picked up where he left off. "That is where Slayers come in. By willingly taking a contract to be under the kingdom's employment for at least 4 years, a hunter can in a way, circumvent the initial criteria. This comes with a catch though. The hunter is S-Classed but while under the employment of the kingdom and only get to keep that class once they achieve the necessary 4 years. Otherwise, if for any valid reason a Slayer is discharged from service, their class is dropped to A," she finished.

Ozpin nodded as he looked over the Slayers before continuing. "Under normal procedures, Slayer initiates are not officially recognized until after a completed operation. This particular semester was somewhat unorthodox, especially with the nature of the first mission being unsanctioned and the latter taking immediate precedence before the fall break. The 7 of you excluding Cicero have yet to obtain you official marker and ranks, both military and hunter based."

"Military and Hunter based?" Crato asked.

"Slayers have a military equivalence since they are in a sense, specialized soldiers," Thantos answered.

"So are our markers are in there?" Kiara asked while pointing at the container.

Ozpin nodded as he explained. "Yes. For now, each of you will be given a temporary 'dog tag' like any soldier with your ID, Class, and ranks all etched into them. You still lack your numbered rank but that will be handled with individual tests later on."

Ozpin then opened the container with 7 black tags inside, each connected to a small chain. Ozpin gestured for them to come up and pick them up before lining back up. With his in hand, Dante inspected the small tag, noting his assigned ranking.

'Dante Argentum, ID: Silver, S: /, Captain.'

As Dante looked at his tag Ozpin continued to speak. "For now, these tags are incomplete. Once you complete your individual tests, you can ask for a personalized tag or keep this form with the updated information. Note, each tag has an internal chip that records data such as mission registry, kingdom affiliation, and years spent in service. It is your personal record and identifier so keep a close eye on them. Now, does anyone have any questions?"

"Sir," Lucian asked as he glanced at his tag. "For the military ranks, how are they determined?"

"Well, a Slayer's rank and promotions are assigned by their overseeing officer such as myself. Also, while all Slayers are given relatively lofty ranks by military standards, all leaders are assigned with officer ranks. These officers can recommend promotions and demotions," Ozpin answered.

"What's your rank?" Athena mumbled beside him with a quick glance.

"Captain," he answered as he glanced at her tag, noting that she was now a Corporal.

Athena gave him a slightly surprised look before smirking as she nudged him in the ribs. "Look at you getting a top notch rank."

He playfully swatted her hand away with a roll of the eyes as he returned his attention to Ozpin.

"So, about these friends?" he asked.

Ozpin looked at him for a moment before he closed the container with its single tag left before answering. "As you are all aware, with the operation in the Razorback region we have confirmed that there is an organization of sorts experimenting with soldier enhancement and mutation. We can only assume it is for hostile purposes and as such, need to take steps in preparation for any other confrontations that may arise. This is why I have spoken with the other academy heads and decided that bringing in the other Slayer teams would be necessary."

"And who are these teams?" Lucian asked.

"For now, one from Mistral and the other from Vacuo. As for Atlas, they are currently deployed to the Northern borders of Atlas," Glynda answered.

As she finished Dante caught the sound of the elevator coming up. He glanced over his shoulder as the elevator doors opened to reveal 4 women.

"So you think they …" a grey haired girl was saying but stopped as she noticed the pairs of eyes on her.

She was an average sized woman, her distinct, slate colored hair and grey eyes momentarily catching his attention. She was dressed in some form of dark grey robes reaching past her waist and black leggings finishing with small, pointed shoes. He couldn't spot any obvious weapons but her left hand had an odd black glove with white markings etched on the top of the hand.

"Talk later," a brunette mumbled to her, just barely being caught by Dante's ears as his gaze moved to her.

She was a beauty, her rich, light brown hair with some white strands flowing past her shoulders. Her eyes were a radiant golden coloration, mixing with her light skin to make her almost glow. She was dressed in brown long sleeved shirt with white sleeves rolled up to the elbows and matching brown pants that snuggly clung to her figure.

Dante noticed that she appeared to have a glaive strapped to her back along with 2 small appendages sticking out the sides of her lower back that he recognized well. 'That's an odd spot to have them,' he thought as he scanned them over. They were small brown wings, reaching just under a foot each in what he assumed where their reduced forms similar to his mother's.

The woman momentarily made eye contact with him, giving him a once over before looking away with feigned disinterest. 'Cold,' Dante thought as he moved on to the next woman beside her. This one had a mop of jet black and white hair similar to the previous but was far more even, the hair having a similar length to Ruby's. She had strikingly dark green eyes and an almost pale complexion. She was wearing a kimono-like dress that stopped at the thighs and dark brown, knee high boots. Lastly she had a staff held in her left hand with a bronze coloration.

Dante's eyes shifted to the last woman, his eyes widening as he took in her appearance. '. . . No . . . way . . .' Her light blue eyes were already fixed on him.

The last one was the tallest, standing at about 6 foot with long, tan colored hair with a set of small, black horns jutting out the side of her and curving up. She was dressed in a light blue colored shirt with the bottom tied at a knot to expose her toned midriff, dark jeans, calf-high boots, and a single sided axe holstered to her hip. His eyes went back up to look at hers, their eyes narrowing as they stared at each other.

The others picked up on the atmosphere as some exchanged nervous glances between the two. Kiara was also staring at the new Slayer, her ears flattened down as she glanced at Dante for a moment before returning her gaze to the Bull faunus. The stare off lasted for several more seconds before her lips broke into a grin as she rushed forward.

"Damn…" Dante sighed as she jumped at him with arms spread. "…I just can't get a break today."

"Dantee! Kiaraa!" she shouted happily as she wrapped Dante's head in a crushing hug.

Dante couldn't help but smile as he returned the hug. "Sup Sindria . . . long time, no see."

Author's Rant: More characters, pasts come forth, and what shall they bring? Read on and find out. Hope everyone enjoyed!

All feedback appreciated! A pleasure, Jbubu