Wednesday. The Forest Of Forever Falls.

Marron was taking in the view, loving it as she skipped through the leafs on the ground. Noir never realised how much she had already missed the forest, as she followed after her leader with the others following them in a line.

Cyan found it so strange, the sense of autumn all year as the leafs continued to fall around them, while Ecru felt like this was home. The wind rushing through the trees, the soft soil under her boots, it reminded her so much of the woods near Lake Modena. Even as she heard distant Grimm roars, with some students unsure how close they were.

Team COPR was right behind them, Olive was shaking though she kept moving forward. Her combat clothes was a yukata with white flowers on a light green fabric. The central sash was a sky blue, with Olive's emblem on the back, it was a white crane similar to her origami.

Donald and Patty were arguing again, though it was more a scuffle of opinions, so Roland let them continue. He noticed that Donald wasn't in his combat gear, probably still getting it fixed from when Patty had misgauged the range of her weapon. The jacket he had did have his emblem on the sleeves, it was two samurai swords in a criss-cross shape.

Patty's combat clothes were similar to Olive's but it gave the look of someone very important than just looking nice he thought. She had a white robe with a red skirt, completed by a red sash that made a small bow. There was a picture of a bell on the back of it, as she continued the disagreement with Donald.

Roland's combat clothes was a red jacket, it was faded on the shoulders but the emblem was still visible. It was a club with two spikes, it was a hand me down as it was slightly big on him, with the sleeves rolled up. His shorts were new, bright yellow with black covers for the pockets.

Roland was the last of Team COPR in the line of students. His team was looking forward but he was keeping watch of the third team amongst their ranks, who was bringing up the rear.

He wondered why of all the teams she could pair them, up with, that Professor Peach would choose Team MCAW who didn't exactly gel well with Team MNCE and as Roland kept his eye on them, he knew none of his team exactly liked Team MCAW either. Roland was at least glad that Professor Goodwitch was here, if anyone would but them in their place it was her. Plus he thought, that those jerks would've had enough licking their wounds before another bout with Team MNCE.

Team MCAW was still unsatisfied with their predicament, they were still coming to terms with their defeat along with the discord that was happening between their own. Warren wasn't getting along with Robin's orders while Honey and Jade were still insulting one another on who's fight was the more humiliating. The discord was a unusual benefit for all the other teams, as it meant they no longer had to fret about them insulting them.

The three teams came to a halt in a small opening, the bright blue sky could be seen above, with the flurry of red leafs dance in the wind around them. Professor Goodwitch's eyes narrowed till Team MCAW stopped bickering and arguing amongst themselves.

"Listen students, I know that the forest of Forever Falls is indeed lovely, we are however not here on a sight seeing trip. As you already know, Professor Peach has asked you to each collect a sample of the tree's sap. Which is why I am supervising to make sure you all return to the academy safely. The forest is filled with the creatures of Grimm, so do not let your guard down and stay with your teammates. I will be patrolling the route for any Grimm, but we will all rendezvous here at four o'clock. Have fun... but do not cause any fights."

Her last comment was obvious as to who it was aimed at, as she left them to collect the red sap. Team MCAW left the jars as they went to collect their own red sap, ignoring her words as they each went a different way. Donald and Patty were disagreeing with which way they should head, so Olive subtly nudged them to a trail in the woods, away from the Grimm roars. Roland nodded to Team MNCE as he sighed at his partner trying to quell the other two. He chased after them, the four disappearing into the forest.

"So, let's head over to my home. Wait till you meet my brothers." Noir led the way.

"Won't the professor be mad if we go too far?" Ecru asked, wondering where Noir's house was.

"No sweat Ecru, besides we have till four to collect the sap. And she didn't say we couldn't, so we broke no rules." Marron pointed out.

"I'm liking how you find loop holes in everything. Now if only we could use that for assignments and essays, we'd be on easy street." Cyan gave her a high five, Marron didn't let them see how much it hurt. She cursed at forgetting Cyan's gauntlets.

"There's no easy road to life, Cyan." Ecru remarked.

"True, but we can make it less hard if we try." Cyan replied, the forest was now clearing up and she and Ecru were shocked by the cottage.

They both saw the garden, it was full of fruits and vegetables that were ripe for picking. The cottage was like out of an old fairy tale Cyan had been read to by her mother. Ecru was shocked at the site of the big man who rose from the garden.

"Noir!" He hugged her with Cyan spooked by how fast he moved. He had already reached them from turning his head from the far side of the garden. Cyan knew this was Noir's brother from his antics but it still shook her at how he towered them.

"Sandy, I see you still got Mom's green thumbs. How's the house? Please tell me they didn't cause another explosion."

Cyan didn't even want to know what that meant as Sandy continued explaining how things were. He had fairly long golden hair for a boy and he had very dark eyes with a tanned complexion, his freckles barely noticeable if someone wasn't looking for them. He wore a t-shirt that had the same emblem as Noir's on his chest, as his bear ears twitched to the faint roar of an Ursa.

He welcomed them in, though he was surprised at a boy being on the team. He thought Noir had said they were all girls, though Noir had left out the mask. He went and got drinks, almost dropping them as Ecru removed her mask. That he wasn't expecting as he slurred his words and stumbled to bring them the drinks.

Marron and Noir smirked and gave each over a fist bump, they both thought of how they called it from Sandy's reaction. Ecru tried not to blend in from being mistaken for a boy, again she thought. Cyan thanked for the drink, she was still surprised something like this cottage existed in the forest.

Then Cyan saw a photo, it was easily a few years old. There was four young boys and a girl all posing with a woman. 'So that's Magenta.' She thought, as she saw how different Sandy and Noir were. There was a dog Faunus, he looked like a scrapper with the plasters on his faces. There was a shy looking boy with antlers, but it was his red nose that stuck out most, like he had a really bad cold. There was also a tall boy, with a mane of hair, he was hugging the antler boy in a grip that looked strong for his age, but it was probably due to his Faunus trait.

Yet it was the woman who stood out the most, she was beautiful Cyan thought. Long blonde hair, trying to hug all of her kids at once but there was something Cyan saw that made her pause. There were tears, it was faint and only just caught in the corner of her eyes.

She was crying tears of joy, so Cyan wondered what happened to her before she took Noir or the others in. She must have had some hardship to cry like that, Cyan was sure of it, but she knew somethings were better said when ready. So she returned the photo and saw Sandy was asking Marron about what happened and mentioning how his brother's worried about her.

She silently giggled, 'Like mother like daughter' she thought as the idea of Marron having a fan club. Marron was changing shades of red as she sipped her drink, fidgeting the mug between her fingers. Noir found it comical every time when Marron was embarrassed.

Ecru saw the photos, she smiled at the happy faces, knowing this wasn't a traditional family, but it was one that had love. She always wondered what it'd have been like to have siblings & seeing Noir with her brother's and them, she guessed they really were like a big family. She was so caught up in the thoughts, that she hadn't noticed the other boy enter the room.

He introduced himself as Leo, who was just as big as Sandy but his mane was the most striking feature. It was just like the lions Cyan read about, guessing that Faunus traits did vary more than just tails, ears or horns. He had dark blue eyes, and his mane matched his hair, a dusk gold that reminded Ecru of the harvest crops from the colour.

"So this is your team? A pleasure to meet you all." He asked about how things were and hoped they'd pay more visits, as he claimed the house was crazy with all boys since Noir left for Beacon.

Noir jumped up from her seat, saying she had to do something before they left. Ecru grabbed her mask, thanking them for the drink before heading out the door. Cyan thanked them but asked Marron what Noir was doing. So Marron tiptoed them to the side of the house.

At first, Ecru and Cyan didn't know who Noir was talking to, then they saw the grave. They listened to Noir give a quick talk to her mother, they felt a slight pain in their hearts for their friend. Even now she still blamed herself they thought, unsure what to say to her as she returned to them after saying bye to Magenta's grave.

The four only got a few steps before Sandy called them back. He had the jars in his hand as Marron frantically checked her pockets. She sulked at the idea of forgetting them, as they carried them to the spot Sandy recommended.

...

They had their jars filled in no time, with Ecru having to refill her's since she tried the sap and had half of it almost instantly. Cyan had just finished her's when there was a scream, they all ran as they heard it again.

They four raced as they saw Jade and Honey, the first covering the second's mouth as they were low looking out onto the opening. The four crouched next to them, loss for words at what they were doing till they saw it.

It's black ears darted up to their movement but it quickly went back to walking around it's territory. It had spikes running down it's back, a white ridge against it's black fur. Despite the red leafs, the glow of it's eye's stood out. They were a reddish yellow, like burning flames.

It gave a shrill low cry as another stepped forward, it was much bigger and it had large antlers with red patterns matching it's face. It raised it's hoof and clattered the ground as if standing it's ground.

Honey was about to step up when Cyan tugged her back, seeing the Grimm before her more clearly.

"Don't look at it's antlers, it causes a hypnotic effect. They look like deer but they're in fact Grimm." She whispered as the Grimm remained still, watching for any movement between the trees.

"What are they?" Jade asked. Happily replacing Cyan's hand to get Honey to stay sitting down.

"They're called Blackharts, they can jump very high and what the little ones lack in strength, they have in numbers. The whole pack must be nearby. The alpha there is the problem, he can stop you in your tracks with those patterns on it's antlers." Cyan commented on as Jade tried not to directly look at the antlers.

"He?" Honey asked, thinking Grimm didn't have genders.

"They're one of the few to have obvious different gender traits. It's in my Grimm book, but they should be in the defunct kingdom of Mantle not here in Vale." Noir pondered on, with Jade whispering a confused remark.

"Noir means Atlas. They are found in other kingdoms but this is my first time seeing them on this continent in person." Cyan added, with the others watching them turn and the alpha started to roar while shaking it's head.

"What's it doing?" Marron asked.

"It's standing it's ground, scaring it's opposition. Something else is in it's territory and it's not us." Cyan remarked as Ecru pointed to the rustle coming from their left, the sound of neighing grew closer.

Honey proclaimed it beautiful as it's white hair flowed with the breeze, the tail slowly flopping side to side as the hooves came to a halt. Ecru knew instantly this was another Grimm, but it was graceful like the Blackhart. She readied her sword but Noir signalled her to not move.

In the distance, they saw dozens of smaller versions of it, all awaiting for the one in front of them to make a move. Marron guessed this was an alpha and they were looking at the pack.

"A pack of Nightmares." Noir commented on, Honey retorted at how they could be scary so Noir continued. "They're the Grimm referred to as Nightmares. That's the alpha." Noir pointed to the larger one, as they looked closer it looked like the spikes on it's back connected around it's chest. Looking like a ribcage on it's black fur.

The alphas looked like they were ready to charge at one another, they held their ground for what felt like an hour. Then the distant Nightmares turned back, disappearing into the forest. The alphas stepped back, then they turned away from each other.

Jade pointed to the Blackhart pack that now poked their heads through the tree gaps. The alpha brushed it's antlers, scrapping huge chunks off the tree with Jade gulping at how sharp the antler's were.

The Nightmare alpha led the way for it's pack, even kicking down a damaged tree with a simple kick of it's hoof. Honey looked drained of colour now, probably thinking it was no longer cute Noir speculated. The six waited for every Grimm to disperse before they decided to head back. They still had time but after that many Grimm so close, they felt safer in numbers, but there was virtually no conversation till Honey broke the silence.

"About the Nightmares, why so many in a pack?"

"They follow one alpha, it get's messy when another attempts to take the spot. They prefer numbers over physical strength, as it only makes them more dangerous to deal with. Plus their territorial, so numbers help persuade any chance of losing any land." Noir decided to answer her rival, preferring talk to the uncomfortable silence.

"But why fight other Grimm?" Jade added, so Noir continued.

"Normally Grimm actually get along well, especially when humans and Faunus are present, means they have a common enemy. But Nightmares and Blackharts are both territorial, so they don't particularly like sharing the same space."

"What would happen if they cause a stampede?" Honey now wondered with the powerful kick it had.

"They'd flatten everything in their way. Like that tree, so don't be in front of either of them. Though the antlers are scarier personally, since there are reports of huntsmen being killed that way."

The two of Team MCAW were nervous to how close they were to being prey, as they reached the spot they were meant to wait for the others. They put the jars down, adding labels with their names to show they completed the assignment went they heard odd sounds.

Faint popping was coming from the north, then bright colours could be seen over the tree line. They knew it was Dust being fired but it was Ecru who charged ahead, with the others trying to catch up to her.

"What's wrong?" Marron asked, dodging the odd low branch.

"That's Warren's weapon!" She called back, drawing her sword ready, recognising the sound from their fight.

Then they heard him calling Robin's name and a hissing sound, followed by a roar. They saw the black scales slither past, crushing trees as it circled Robin who was firing arrows that went a stray. It was a King Taijitu and it's face was black unlike most Grimm faces.

It went to swallow Robin but she extended her bow, the blades cutting into it's mouth, unable to close it's fangs down on her. She was tossed as it shook it's head, sending her flying and her weapon out of her hands. Robin fell hard as Warren aimed several consecutive shots.

The others opened fire as Ecru tried climbing on to it's back, but it shook her and the bullets off with no effort. Then Robin screamed as the mouth with fangs blocked the light as it descended down on her. She felt herself being thrown as she saw Cyan throw her before seeing Cyan disappear as the mouth closed around her.

They stood in horror as the King Taijitu gulped her down and then roared a deafening screech. They fired every round they had, with Ecru running along the serpent's back and stabbing her sword down into it's head. She was thrown off, her sword still impaled as Marron fired Dust projectiles along side Noir's missiles.

Team MCAW charged at it as Team MNCE reloaded, Ecru fired arrows to entrapped it's head as Warren swung his axe into it's neck. Honey and Jade fired Dust at the open wound causing it recoil in pain. Robin hadn't moved, she was too griped by fear as she realised how close she had come to being eaten.

She couldn't understand why. Why had she done it, after everything their team had done? She then saw the world speeding up, sound returning and the light reflect off her bow. So she charged ahead, grabbing the bow and fired an ice arrow at it's eye. It froze and shattered on impact.

The screech was deafening but then it started shaking and recoiling in pain. Thrashing the trees with it's side as the sound of shredding could be heard as the King Taijitu gave a whimper before it roared louder then ever in pain. A blade ruptured out of it's side, slicing it clean open. Then a fist punched through near it, the flesh was being pulled away from the inside.

The Grimm cried out, slamming it's side into the trees, as Cyan ripped an opening as she then slashed her way out. The creature fell, as Cyan spat and coughed, covered from head to toe in slime.

Ecru grabbed her as the creature turned, nearly pushing them back inside the wound. She then wiped off as much of the slime as she could. Cyan took in deep breaths, feeling woozy and unbalanced. She was about to thank Ecru, when she saw a white head charge at them. So she fired a static round down it's gullet, accompanied by multiple types of Dust from the teams as Robin fired a earth Dust arrow.

The Grimm's head fell into the ground from the weight and it felt the various sensations mixing down it's throat. It flailed in pain as the black head rose. Then Warren saw it wasn't two Grimm but the same with two heads.

"That is one messed up Grimm." He commented on as he dodged it while slicing at the wound where it's eye was. Jade's armour whip tore the opening Cyan broke from wide open with Honey's weapons slicing the black head enough for Marron's rounds to shoot it clean off.

Ecru and Cyan then ran the along the Grimm's long body, slashing away to distract it. Noir and Robin blinded it with Dust. Then the last thing it saw was two blades slice deep into it's white head. Three chunks fell before becoming vapour. The long body was last, with the crown of the head going first and then the mouth dispersing soon after it.

"Looks... like you... picked the... wrong goddam snack... you piece of... shit!" Cyan kicked it a few times before sitting down to grab air, removing her jacket that oozed with slime, watching the Grimm fade away.

Marron, Ecru and Noir rushed over to Cyan, who spat out more slime as she took more lungfuls of fresh air. She gave a thumbs up to show she was ok, but Noir saw that it wasn't just slime but vomit. So Noir pulled her up with Ecru helping, Marron kept watch for Grimm as they headed back to Noir's house.

Team MCAW stood there, with Robin whispering a 'thanks' as she saw the team head into the forest. They decided to head to the meet up, the fastest way to get the professor they thought, as they kept each other's backs safe.

...

Sandy heard knocking at the door, as he opened the door he saw Noir. Before he could joke that it was earlier than he expected, he saw Cyan who was dripping from head to toe in a horrid substance. He rushed her in to the bathroom, preparing it before leaving for Noir to help Cyan but she asked Ecru to help.

Noir guessed it was because they were partners, so she rushed to her room to find some clothes for her. Ecru helped wash the slime off, still finding the detached metal arms and fingers hard to get used to. She wiped them as best as she could, she only hoped the suds wouldn't affect them.

Marron was wiping the slime off the weapons, taking care to transform the weapons to ensure no slime was still sticking to them. Sandy was helping with the sheath as Leo got a remedy ready, to help Cyan get it out of her system too. He was carefully following Rory's notes, wishing his little brother was here to make it.

Cyan felt warm, as she opened her eyes, only to notice her arms were on the side and she was in a bath. Ecru was there with a towel, helping to dry her off as she reattached her arms. Cyan saw the scars in the mirror and no doubt Ecru had seen them too. There was the ones on her chest from the incident, the scar on her side for the ribs she broke and then others on her back for her spine.

That's not including the ones she got from training, she thought as she covered herself, thanking Ecru. Ecru already knew from Doc the pain her friend had endured, but seeing it was far more than she expected. Then the two had a slight problem, neither said it out loud cos that was half the problem.

'How do we hide the arms without gloves?'

The girls were running out of ideas and time, dreading what Goodwitch would be saying. Ecru heard knocking on the door, Noir opened it enough to pass clothes through the opening. In the end, Noir only had clothes that were Rory's that would fit her.

So she got the shirt and shorts on, then with help with Ecru, got the hoodie on. It was white with grey threading and odd patches, obviously tears over the years. She was nervous now though, since the sleeves still exposed her forearms and hands.

Ecru had an idea and left Cyan to collect something from Sandy. She was back nearly instantly, with gardening gloves. It didn't cover the whole arms that were exposed but it covered the hands, while the sleeves hid where her arms connected to flesh.

"It's not perfect, but at least the other's won't see." Ecru tried to cheer her up.

"Thanks. Just never thought I'd be some Grimm's lunch." Cyan coughed some more, as they headed into the sitting room.

No sooner she exited the room, the others were asking how she was, if there was anything she wanted. She declined, still coughing. So Leo gave her the remedy, the taste was like fire down her throat as she begged for water.

"Tastes foul, but at least it'll help after that. I've heard crazy things but never have I heard of attacking a Grimm from inside it."

Cyan gulped several glasses of water to keep the cough down as well as cool her soar throat.

"All I can say is before I thought they only smelt bad on the outside."

They laughed at Cyan's remark but they looked at her arms. Noir shook her head to her brothers who were about to ask about them, so they kept quiet.

Marron wanted to understand why Cyan kept hiding her arms, but she told herself that her friend would talk about i when she was ready. 'Better than how they found out about me.' She thought.

"Wow Noir, you're on a team with several badasses." Sandy joked. "Least we don't have to worry about you and Marron going on those..." He stopped, realising he nearly blurted out what they got up to.

"They know Sandy, they saved us from a few sticky situations." Noir replied, with Sandy shaking his head with a smile.

"Then we know our sister is in good hands." Leo defiantly said.

"I can look after myself you know." Noir folded her arms, a scowl formed with her eyebrows.

"We do know, but you can't blame us for worrying over our only sister." Sandy hugged Noir, she felt annoyed at how tall he was now.

The three siblings were in their own bubble, arguing with a mix of hugs. Ecru asked Marron if this was normal for siblings, to which Marron raised her shoulders, reminding her she had no siblings so it was just as odd for her. Cyan smirked and giggled at them, just as knocking could be heard from the front door.

Cyan turned her head to the clock on the wall. It read 4:19. 'Oh Shit.' She thought as Leo opened the door and Professor Goodwitch stepped in. The room went silent, no-one dared speak as Goodwitch stood there, only a single minute passed before she spoke but it felt like time had frozen completely.

"Team MNCE. Care to explain why you four did not meet at the appointed, and then wander in the forest to Ms. Raven's abode?!"

"Cyan was almost eaten by a King Taijitu, so we killed it and got her here to... well... make sure she was ok." Marron blurted, Noir wondered how the professor knew this was her home.

"Ms. Chrome, would you care to fill me in on why you were nearly eaten today?" Goodwitch folded her arms, awaiting an answer.

"We only attacked the Grimm cos Team MCAW were already engaging it. I pushed Robin out of the way, she didn't see it coming. Technically professor, it did eat me. It's why when I punched out of it, I got smothered in it's... I don't even want to know what it was." Cyan shook herself, the sensation of the slimes was one that'd be joining her troupe of nightmares.

"Well... it appears Team MCAW was telling the truth."

Upon hearing Goodwitch's words, they saw the four rivals outside. They were dumbfounded by the cottage in the middle of the forest. Honey was inspecting the vegetables, so Sandy leaned over to Noir to ask her, "Friends of yours?"

He saw the glare and instantly knew that these four did not get on with her. So he kept quiet and stepped back. That look Noir saved only for when she was really ticked off he thought. Leo shrugged as the professor continued.

"Then commendable work girls for protecting not only your teammates but Ms. Chrome, please remember to look after your own well being as well as others. What good do you achieve if you end up getting yourself killed?"

Cyan nodded to the professor, not coughing as much but still enough to hurt her throat.

Ecru gave Cyan a hand up as the professor thanked Leo and Sandy before instructing the teams they were behind schedule. She also remarked that they'd have to find Team COPR, as they said farewell & left the cottage behind them.

...

Olive was admiring the jar she had filled, setting it down with the other three. Roland was reading a book under the nearby tree, easily bored with the spare time they had. Donald & Patty were disagreeing on whether they were at the right spot or not. Olive and Roland rolled heir eyes, they had tried multiple times to tell the feuding couple of the other jars but it was to no avail.

So they let Patty and Donald continue, their words were inaudible to understand as Roland flicked through the pages, the Grimm book was outdated but it was his grandfather's, so he kept it as part of the family tradition. He sighed at the thought of his family, they had insisted that he would carry on his Grandfather's methods as did his whole family before him.

He knew that he had already broke that tradition with coming to Beacon, but they insisted he kept the other traditions. Roland loved his family, unlike most they had accepted his mother being a Faunus and treated her like an equal. The same for his two sisters and himself.

Though he just felt tired of not being able to do his own method at becoming a huntsman. He felt a tap on his shoulder, a paper Beowulf poked his shoulder as Olive sat next to him. He knew that face of hers, so he responded that he was fine. The raised eyebrow convinced him that she saw right through him.

"Just wish I didn't have to follow ridiculous traditions my Grandfather wants me to do. I know they let me go to Beacon which was a major shock to them. I just... feel frustrated you know... that I can't do things differently."

He felt her give him a comforting pat on the back, and he always felt better after seeing her smile. He was glade that Olive was his partner, then he notice the paper fold on itself. It read "At least they want what's best for you."

He nodded as the words changed to form a new sentence. "Traditions are a way to bond with where we come from." The words refolded themselves as the leafs blew past them. "Traditions are like emblems, they are an expression of our individualism. Yet they are more than that."

He watched as the words reshaped. "They are a means to our past, to the people we cherish in our memories." He thanked her as the paper returned to her satchel. Roland felt relieved, as she noticed their teammates still lock in an endless debate. They smiled and snickered as the others were oblivious to the jars they were encircling.

"For the thousandth time, we are not at the right spot!"

"Just because you're the team leader, doesn't mean you're right about everything!"

"You know that isn't what I meant! Don't you remember that time we went camping?"

"I remember you getting us lost!"

"That compass was yours and you didn't mention that you dropped it before we left!"

"We were lost even without the compass! You were the one who..." Patty then fell over the box of jars. She made sure none were damaged but she was surprised to find their jars amongst them.

"Well, well, well. Looks like someone doesn't watch where they go like she brags."

"Looks like someone was wrong on where the meet was."

Donald looked around him, putting a hand to his face, knowing he'd never hear the end of this one he thought. Then Patty looked over to her teammates under the tree. She demanded why the two let them argue when they were back at the spot. Roland protested that they tried multiple times, with Patty and Donald completely unaware of them.

Donald was still muffling under his breath how he was right about several previous things, with Patty reverting back to her previous conversation. Roland tried getting the two to quiet down, but Olive was getting annoyed now. They were louder than before, now actually shouting at the top of their lungs. Olive tried getting them to quiet down with her hand gestures but they ignored her.

So she made all the paper she had to restrict them where they stood and the paper on the ground read "ENOUGH!" Then Roland tried holding in a laugh as he saw Patty and Donald with paper around their mouths, their voices muffled.

"Ok Olive, I think they noticed you." He tapped her shoulder as she let the paper return, her arms still folded as she gave them a look of displeasure. Donald called it a pouting face, so Olive resent the paper to his face with Patty commenting it as 'nice work'.

She let Donald talk again as the others laughed, but Donald was too busy to see the professor and the others come to remark their laughter. Team MCAW seemed unusually quiet but it was Cyan who Team COPR were shocked to see. She looked exhausted and a mess, they thought, only just noticing her combat clothes were gone.

They asked what happened, the other teams recounting the snake Grimm and how Cyan cut he way out of it.

"Damn. You've got balls for pulling a stunt like that." Douglas then felt the blow to the side of his stomach, Patty elbowing him to shut him up.

"What he means is, are you alright? It can't have been pleasant to have dealt with." Patty asked as Donald fell to the ground, clutching his side. Cyan gave a thumbs up, but she sure didn't look ok them.

Olive and Roland carried the jars, wondering what happened to her & what exactly they had missed. They followed Goodwitch, Team MCAW & Team MNCE out of the forest, heading straight back to the academy.

...

Beacon Academy. Headmaster's Office.

"Well it is good to hear of their improvement." Ozpin smiled, taking a sip from his mug.

"Ozpin, you and I both know those four would be troublemakers from the start. If it wasn't for their transcripts, we'd never have..."

"Glynda. Team MCAW does display the things we are trying to educate out of society. Yet, if we don't offer them the chance to change, how are we any better or capable to judge them for their actions?" He calmly asked his friend, who was pacing the floor.

"Yes, you are right. Those four though, and Mr. Winchester are proving to be problematic for the other students."

"They have shown progress, even if it is only gradual. Though something else is bothering you."

"You know me too well. It's Ms. Chrome, she has shown potential but her actions over the weeks have me... concerned." She saw Ozpin lower his mug, she had his full attention, so she continued. "You know as well as I do about her past. Having artificial arms and hiding them. That and the incident at her academy, the one they denied to explain even to you. I'm worried she's going to be a time bomb, waiting to go off."

"Glynda, Cyan didn't reveal her condition or her past, because it's been traumatic for her, more so mentally than physically." Ozpin waited a moment before continuing. "Every time she looks in a mirror, it's a constant reminder of it for her. There's no gap or time for her to truly cope with it. That and the incident at the academy. She confided her trust and was betrayed, then paraded like a prize in front of the other students. Surely you can understand why she created that wall."

"Which is why I'm concerned. Suppose Cardin or another student starts the spark, and Cyan reacts on it. We won't be able to help her at the point. Especially if it's done in front of the majority of the school."

"Well, her team are like her. They've all had to overcome such obstacles at such young ages and I think those obstacles will be the bonds that will only strengthen them. Every test of their skills, they've passed with flying colours. She's already helped several of her classmates instead of resorting to pure force of emotions."

"That's the thing sir, I honestly sense there's still a wall between her and her team. Ms. Modena seems to be the closest... but I worry what happens when, not if, she breaks down from bottling in those feelings." She stood to one side, awaiting a response as Ozpin adjusted his spectacles.

"I'll speak with her now then."

Glynda left the room, trusting her friend's verdict whatever it would be, as her lift descended and shortly later, Cyan emerged from the other elevator. She was amazed by the large clock related parts all around the room, and the strange desk that Ozpin sat behind.

"Good evening Miss Chrome. I hope you're feeling better after today's skirmish."

"Yes sir. Feeling better." Cyan's hair was still messy, though her cowlicks and strand between her eyes were defiant against the bath earlier.

"How are you doing with your team?"

"Good sir, we're getting along well." She still felt guilty about most of the things that happened several weeks back, but they had bonded. "We've had a few misunderstandings, and a few bullies but we've got through it."

"It's commendable for you to help not only your team, but those that even tried to bully you. It's good to see you not resort to their methods or retaliate in violence."

Something about Ozpin's words didn't sit well with her as he continued.

"There was something else I wanted to discuss with you. It's about a similar incident at the previous academy, where you started your training but then you changed academies."

Cyan scowled, he knew about it, she knew it with those words. She wanted those memories to be gone.

"It's extremely rare for students to change academies. There are times when families move but that wasn't the case for you, was it?"

"Professor, you know what happened, so why are you asking?"

"I'm asking Cyan because I have read the reports but I want to hear your side of the story."

"It's not something I like discussing, but fine. There were students, people I thought who were my friends. They exposed something personal, then they paraded me around the school, like I was a damn trophy." She clutched her arms, the memories flooded back as she closed her eyes. "They made it so I couldn't escape, tying my limbs & carted across the grounds for the whole school to see."

"Cyan, there's no shame in standing up for yourself. What happened should have been dealt with more care and not making you go to another academy."

"I asked to change academies. I couldn't stand being there, after the humiliation and losing control of my semblance. It was too painful."

"It reminded you too much of losing your parents and your arms." Ozpin's words were like knives, they cut right through her like butter.

"So, you know. Should've guessed as much from the great Ozpin." She didn't look directly into his eyes, but she felt angry that he had knowledge about her that she tried keeping hidden.

"As headmaster, it's my duty to know and care for each student that is enrolled at Beacon. Cyan, why do you deny telling your friends about your past? Is it because you fear history repeating itself? Or is it that you fear getting attached, that you could lose others?"

Cyan sat there, she remained quiet for some time as Ozpin took another drink from his mug. He watched her reaction, already seeing what he suspected, that Cyan had never really coped with either incident and refused to let anyone get close.

"Sir, with respect, they don't know and can't understand. I know they've been discriminated for their Faunus traits, but their's is natural, mine... is as unnatural as it comes."

"Cyan, I'm sure by now you've learned about Miss Raven's & Miss Blanc's past." Ozpin watched her nod, her eyes were narrowed. "Then you are aware of how hard life has been for the pair of them, yet despite these hardships, they have become dear friends. Miss Modena has also had her own hardships too, but she's overcome those obstacles. You've been there for your team when they needed you the most, so I do believe they'll be there for you when you need them the most."

"How can you be so certain that they'd accept these, when I barely do?" Cyan sighed, still trying to process how Ozpin knew. She instinctively checked for her gloves, which this time were not there.

"Have a little faith Miss Chrome. Just ask yourself, have they done anything to place doubt on your trust in them? If not, then you should tell them. There is one other thing I'd like to discuss." Ozpin saw her eyes roll, Cyan dreaded what it was now he wanted to talk about.

"Looking over your combat lessons and other classes, you seem to throw yourself into situations without a hesitation for your own well being. While it is the duty of every huntress and huntsmen to be prepared to give their lives, I do however expect them and my students, to at least be aware of situations where they don't need to be reckless."

His words were tugging at something Cyan thought but his next words were like ice.

"Is it perhaps that you don't intend to complete your time at Beacon?"

He knew she thought, the words repeated over and over in her head as he took another sip of his drink.

"Miss Chrome, we respect that everyone has hobbies and has difficulties with every aspect of being a huntress. Just remember that having a goal that is different from just being a huntress is fine. But upon acceptance at Beacon, and your enrolment at this academy, you have sworn to uphold the protection of the people and all it's laws. Do not forget that promise, no matter the strife or pain."

"Of course sir. If it's alright, I'd like to go back to my dorm now." Cyan wanted to clear her head, it was bad enough Ozpin knew about her past. Though the idea of him grasping an inkling to what she was planning was more unsettling.

She was aware huntresses should only ever use lethal force as a last result but she knew her attacker was still out there. She vowed that no-one else would suffer like her, but deep down it was more selfish, and worse, Ozpin from his expression knew it too.

"Very well, a good evening to you then Miss Chrome." Ozpin picked up his cane as he got out of his seat to pace the room. Cyan left but there was concern on his face, and a tad of sadness she thought.

Even with the fast elevator, it seemed to take ages for her to reach the ground level of the CCT tower. As she stepped outside with the sun setting, she gazed up at the top floor of where she talked with the headmaster. Despite it being smaller than the Cross Continental Transmit System tower in Atlas, she was still awestruck by it's size and the capabilities it had.

She tried to think of every bit of data the tower transmitted could nearly reach every corner of Remnant. It was a lot for her to ponder on with the recent talk to Ozpin too. She heard her name being called, her teammates were asking what Ozpin had asked her about.

She merely said it was about today's trip into the woods, as the four started walking back to their dorm. She promised to herself that she'd tell them some of her past, since very few would help you after nearly being Grimm chow.

[Would like to thank scribbly-blue-hearts for letting me use their OC Grimm. I also would like to thank ask-team-clst for their detailed analysis of the OC Grimm. You can find both blogs on Tumblr.

Don't forget to look up #OumsBigBookOfGrimm for awesome Grimm created by the fandom.

To my readers, a big thank you for taking the time to read my fan fiction & if you ever want to ask about the fanfic and my OC's, I'll be replying as soon as I can. Hope you enjoy the next chapter.]