Chapter 1:

Got Milk?

Weiss sat gobsmacked as she watched Ruby gobble up her lunch like a dog. Between every mouthful, crumbs fall on her blazer.

They sat in the dining hall at Beacon academy with the rest of their team. Between all the chatter of students and slurping of foods, there was an atmosphere of unease as the end of term began to draw near. Many had their textbooks with them as they ate, even Ruby who was going through her third time reading 'Aura & You: The Huntsman and Huntress' Guide to Semblance Training.'

Yang sat next to Ruby, although she was sweating a little as she had the misfortune of sitting in the way of the sunlight as it blasted through the tall windows. It was a good thing some of the windows were open, otherwise the humidity would be too much to bear.

Ruby stopped midway through a hot dog when she noticed Weiss staring. She made a noise, which Weiss guessed was supposed to be "What?"

"You're a monster," said Weiss.

Yang gulped down some mineral water, "I didn't know you were a vegetarian."

"No, it's not that. It's just your sister's. . . etiquette."

Ruby somehow fit the rest of the hot dog in her mouth before chewing, leaving a little more room to get her words out; "Well, me and Yang weren't exactly taught how to tell the difference between a pea fork and a. . . not pea fork."

"It is kind of gross," said Blake from behind her copy of 'Huntsman Expeditions and Missions Diaries; Vale Edition.'

"You can't even see me," said Ruby.

"I can hear you. You chew with your mouth open."

"I like chewing with my mouth open. It makes the juicy music."

Yang chuckled, "Juicy music?"

"Yeah," said Ruby. "You remember? We'd do contests to see who could be the loudest."

"A few years ago, maybe."

Ruby was a little confused but before she could respond, a can of fizzy orange came flying over her shoulder, knocking over her carton of milk. Almost immediately, Pyrrha came running over from one of the other tables with a paper towel.

"I am so sorry," she said, mopping up the mixture of white and orange. "I was just showing Ren how my magnetic semblance worked when Nora gave me a surprise."

"It's a saxophone!" Nora could be heard yelling, followed by a few notes from the instrument.

"I have no idea how her mind works," said Weiss.

"Wait here," said Pyrrha. "I'll grab some more paper towels and get you another drink." She sped off, leaving what looked like a finger painting of white and orange that didn't blend well on the table.

Ruby stayed still, looking around at her team. She coughed to break the silence, "So. . . what do you guys think the end of term test is going to be?"

"No idea," said Blake. "Wouldn't be much a test if we did."

"I talked to a few of the senior students about it," said Yang. "They didn't say much, just that it was practical and different for each team."

"What kind of test changes for each group of students?" asked Weiss.

"Apparently the kind that's tailor-made for each. Like there was this one group barely talked, so their test involved communication."

"How did that go?" asked Ruby.

Yang paused, "They didn't pass."

Ruby gulped down what little morsels remained in her mouth.

"But hey, that means it's not necessary to pass. Probably just an extra tick on the report card or something."

In the midst of their increasing worry, they jumped at the sound of an unexpected thud on the table. Pyrrha had came back and set the carton of milk in front of Ruby, and continued to wipe up the spillage from earlier.

"Thanks," said Ruby as she examined the expiration date on the carton. It wasn't out of paranoia so much as it was out of curiosity. It was a week from then, the seventeenth of the month.

Weiss cleared her throat, twice.

"Is something wrong?" Pyrrha asked.

"You just seem troubled," said Weiss. "Is it the test?"

"Not at all. Well, sort of. It's more Jaune than anything."

Blake set her book down, "Why? Is that one guy bullying him again?"

"No, it's. . ." Pyrrha stopped wiping as she sighed and thought for a moment. "I'm just not sure how well he'll do. I've been helping him out a bit but it might not be enough. He's still new to leadership, he might make a mistake or become distracted. What do you think, Ruby?"

Ruby paused her second time reading the nutritious value of milk when she heard her name, "Huh?"

"She's wondering what you think of the test." said Yang. She stuck a toothpick between her teeth as she finished eating.

"I think we'll survive." Ruby began to gulp down her drink, as for how we'll do-

A loud 'PING' echoed through the mess hall, causing almost every student to stop mid-conversation or mid-chew. The speakers on the walls vibrated through the buzz of a microphone. The recognisable sharpness of Glynda Goodwitch echoed, "Will all first year team leaders please report to Headmaster Ozpin's office for their end term assignments. All other students shall continue with their class schedule."

Ruby felt the milk she just swallowed try to worm its way back up her throat, almost making her throw up.

"You okay?" asked Yang.

"I'm fine," said Ruby. "I better get going."

"Sis?"

Ruby had stood up when she noticed her older sister tugging on her sleeve. "Yeah?"

"You're going to do great."

The sisters smiled at each other and Ruby gave her team a curt nod for goodbye. Her and the other leaders shepherded themselves out of the hall, leaving the rest behind.

Weiss scratched her chin, "Why do they just want the leaders?"

"Who knows," said Blake, back into her book.

Weiss glanced over to Yang. The comforting smile she gave Ruby earlier turned into a frown with worry.