Ozpin's POV

In my many lives, I encountered a multitude of people, ranging from scum to honorable warriors. I learned some valuable skills, allowing me to read people like a book and control the situation with ease. But never have I seen such a captivating group of people that were still growing, these first-year students would make history in one way or another. At first glance, I thought history would repeat itself, team, NKKL had a strong resemblance to STRQ. I knew someone that vowed loyalty to me that wouldn't want history to repeat itself. My fingers skimmed the wooden edge of my desk, my screen lighting up with the contenders I had for my project. I told myself it was for the betterment of humanity, but previous mishaps wavered my ideals. So far, I had four options to go through; considering it was merely the start of the year I would wait before attempting anything. Out of the blue, an alert signaled from my desktop and upon further review, I saw that it was indeed an elevator notification. Someone was coming up to speak with me, but I didn't have any meetings set in stone unless I did? Trivia things like this always escaped my mind. Tapping on the notification it bought up a passkey clearance. Security in Beacon was nonexistent who would attack an Academy focused on training future warriors? To top that off the staff was more than capable enough to defeat any foe. Once I bypassed the key a camera popped up, only staff members had the option to view the camera's but I could alter the video.

Glynda was seen in HD which grabbed a chuckle out of me, the sheer determination on her face was enough to indicate this would be a long session. The ding from the elevator forced me to bring my mug closer, here we go again.

Her heels clapped against the floor with each step, her hips moving with rhythm. Perhaps, if she was slightly different she'd be my ideal partner. "Sir, something urgent happened; Kianna Yöllinen was caught once again trespassing into the Grimm infested forest."

"Last time I checked, honing your skills isn't something punishable in any way." I wasn't against the idea of getting better at fighting for humanity, but this news did boost the teen on my chart.

"She went without authorization and supervision! The young woman has been at Beacon for less than a week and she keeps causing trouble!" Her voice was growing more prudent by the second.

I could tell that Miss Goodwitch has taken a strong dislike towards the female, of course, it would be obvious since she purposely injured a fellow student in combat. "Does this have any connection with the student Sky Lark and his injuries?"

"No, we have no definitive proof she attacked him; but knowing his track record and the fact Ms. Yöllinen shows a clear hate towards his actions you have to factor that in."

Indeed, she was grasping at straws. Only if she knew the truth, the real culprit behind his attack being her partner. I have seen the video, but the audio was bugged not that Sky didn't deserve it; I had seen on video what happened beforehand and who came to rescue who. "Despite all these accusations, she stays at the top percentile of your class?"

"Yes, but that has no correlations with what we would be charging her with." Glynda's voice didn't flatter.

"As I see it, with no proof you are directing worrying hate towards a student; should I expect something out of character from you?" Her flinched reaction was priceless, but I had her where I wanted her.

"No! Allow me to keep a close eye on her Sir." Spoken like a true general in the making.

"Permission granted." That team would end up like STRQ if things kept going down this path, maybe I should inform a certain drunken individual? Goodwitch bowed before heading back towards the elevator and leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Unlike the other team's I had faith in VRBS becoming usable warriors of the future; the group was going down the right path along with RWBY and JNPR. Still, anything could change each member of that team was incredibly gifted I could only imagine what they would accomplish. My fingers tapped on my scroll and a list of candidates came to light, let's hope everything is compatible.

I turned in my chair, the squeaking echoing in the room, maybe a call would be needed.

Binda's POV

My favorite class would be starting soon and for some of my own sickening reason I wanted to be up on the stage showing off my skills. Passing by the men's dressing room, I heard a couple of thuds and bangs. Something was getting trashed around in there, and believe it or not I slowed down my step to see if I could catch a look of who'll be coming out. The door shot open and from a glimpse, I saw someone twitching on the floor but that didn't catch my attention; nope, it was the male leaving the room. Bloodstained on his fist and for a quick moment I rounded the corner, I caught a look into his ruby eyes. It wasn't any of my business, my feet picked up and I moved faster to the classroom.

That was Kuro, I hardly knew the male the only time we engaged in a conversation was when both of our teams sat with each other. Damnit, did he remember me? I didn't want to get involved in whatever he was doing it was obvious he just had bad karma around him. Speaking of karma, I wonder if Sirvard came to a realization that I was a Faunus. It was quite obvious being abnormally bigger and my sharp teeth, but she still socialized with me which meant she probably didn't figure it out yet. Once in reach, I entered the classroom, the scent of perfume hitting my nose like a rocket blasting off. My team sat right behind Nyx and them which I didn't mind, but Sirvard did she always chose to give the quiet girl and or Kianna the stink eye.

Goodwitch entered the classroom, the door shutting behind her the class grew quiet her footsteps echoing out. It was a known rule, if you were going to be late you shouldn't show up at all. Before her lesson started she took time to count the empty seats, and by memory alone, she knew who was missing.

"Does anyone know where Kuro, Cardin, Sky, and Dove are?" Of course, I knew, but getting involved was something I didn't want.

"Kuro wasn't feeling well this morning so he decided to stay in!" Leo gave her what he was told by his fellow teammate, and although it sounded believable I had proof he was just fine. Lying to his team? What was he up to? The questions swirled around and class was in session.

Whatever patience the professor had was diminished in seconds as she called up the first two to spar, and maybe it was luck but I was happy to be called; my opponent was equally happy at least from what I could tell.

"Good luck." Verdant was perhaps one of the nicest people in the school, he tried to help everyone and although some people often brushed him off I was glad he was our leader.

It didn't take long for me to change and put my items on, the green scallop shell symbol on my back representing my family tradition. Old reliable and I waited for the other person to show; this match would go down in history.

Pyrrha took the stage her skin making much drool, she was a beauty with the status of a champion. She is what every guy dreamed of, her red hair to her figure she was perfect; I didn't know her but I knew to reach champion she had to train half her life, but with that status, things were handed to her. Unbeatable queen.

The rules didn't need to be explained as the signal came to start, I took a defensive position. My legs came closer than usual and my arms folded need my chest, from what I knew the female excelled in all categories which meant I would need to be on my guard 24/7. Her slim legs inched closer every second, she had me at long range and medium; but if I could catch her off guard and apply constant pressure she should slip up.

That initial thought was brushed out of the window as soon as the female sidestepped and appeared on the side with me, she was faster than I thought. My shoulder pushed back my forearm coming to protect the side of my face, but she wasn't aiming upwards. Blue aura outlined my stocky figure as I was smacked by her javelin. She got a body shot, the next I saw was the champion backing away. So, she knew she had a disadvantage if she got close. My head turned for a moment, my aura depleted slightly; but if she kept that up I would no doubt lose.

Pyrrha dashed forward, her hair blowing back with her speed. Bobbing my head to the side, I marginally dodged the tip of her weapon; she was close though. With my feet planted, my body twisted out came a right hook. It seems she was anticipating it, her tiny shield came forth to intercept the attack and her angling left my fist sliding off her shield. Metal smacked against my temple and for a moment I was dazed, my vision shook. It took a second to reassure myself, she was far out of my league. Exhaling I stared at the female she was waiting for me to ready myself.

I didn't bother to look at my aura level, I wasn't bothered about that. I was more intrigued by the female, she had the flow of battle in her hands. Every graceful movement she kept the battle in her favor, crimson hair was a mere blur for a moment I closed the distance which didn't catch her off guard, it caught me. The metal weapon hit me face first, Pyrrha thus threw a knee at my jaw. Beeping echoed, the battle was over.

"Nice try, but I recommend keeping your shoulders more apart it'll allow for more fluid movement." Her voice was soon a distant memory was Jaune and Nora began to cheer, despite them Leo was by far matching them telling me to try harder next time.

"T-thanks." It didn't reach her as she left the stage to change, the Professor was calling on the next group which made me quickly exit.

Kianna's POV

The battle that was presented was spectacular, but no doubt one-sided. The untouchable queen did hold that name for a reason, surprisingly Leo was quiet not overly loud in the beginning to show his support; no he was watching he fight with intent. It was usually like this regarding Pyrrha Leo stayed quiet and everyone else following the stillness. I would've been more captivated by the fight if I hadn't got word that Cardin and his lackeys were plotting some sort of revenge. Grady was the fellow to warn me about them, simply because it was in his best interest; apparently, Cardin has been messing up his reputation. The weirdest thing is I was sure when he told me Kuro was eavesdropping; my partner was strange all around I couldn't let my guard down around him.

Cardin was a pain, and for some reason, I was his main source of amusement at the moment! It was vexatious, the only time I didn't catch him staring at me was when I was with my team or Kuro was with us. Speaking of Kuro, he was attempting to spend more time with the team yet overall our team hasn't made any leeway. Nyx was holding off on 'bonding' exercises so we were still close strangers or at least that's how I saw it. Propping my head on my palm, I watched the next students get on the stage.

Whatever was coming from the bullies I had to be ready, I couldn't give Goodwitch another reason to kick me out of Beacon; I had too much riding on this. I swiped my short ash-grey bangs, my honey-amber, and fern-green eyes moving around the room stopping on Blake. If I had someone I was beginning to grow close with it was the weakly disguised cat Faunus, needless to say, we had a small moment after watching Cardin bump shoulders with someone. It wasn't much of a conversation but we just had chemistry, I knew she was attentive from the small twitches from her ear.

The thud that came from the stage took my attention, the victory was made present and people were thus chattering loudly. On my right Nyx was adjusting the earmuffs she had, it blocked out most of the sound Leo found it in her interest to invest in such a thing around him. Is this what you went through Grandmother?

Everyone's head mine included snapped towards the door being opened, and the rest of Grady's team made an appearance. They weren't in top condition, actually, that would be overselling it; they were down bad. Bruises riddled the faces of the men, one was even limping. Cardin's eye was black, and his lip was cut; it didn't match up to the other two, but still why didn't they use the aura they had to fix themselves up? Did they run out?

I wasn't the only one that wanted answers, Goodwitch being the one in charge didn't spare anytime before questioning. "From your appearance, I can see why you are tardy; I have to ask what happened to you guys?"

"Snuck into the Emerald Forest and got our asses kicked." Cardin voiced his feet shuffling, it wasn't a convincing story but no one could call them out.

"Y-yea! An Ursa caught us all by surprise and as a result, look at us!" Sky wasn't making the fib any better than it was.

"Watch your language boys and take a seat, after class you will be reprimanded."

I wonder what really happened, it didn't bother me they deserved it hell much worse would've happened if I was present, I envied the people that roughed them up.

The class flew by and as we were free people cheered, today marked the conclusion of our first week which meant I could visit my friends! Sure, I messaged them every now and then but I could visit and speak in person, plus the idea of spending the weekend not confined in a small room with others pleased me; perhaps I would sleep outside?

I wasn't paying any attention to Nyx and Leo speaking about their weekend plans, hell whatever they didn't involve me so why should I fret? Stopping at our door Nyx twisted the knob and we rummaged inside, me and Leo making way towards our belongings.

"The room will be all your's this weekend! I am going to check in with my peeps." Leo didn't hide the wide smile nor the positive energy that was leaking.

"Same, I will be back most likely the day before school." My lips tugged upwards, and I didn't even bother to ask if they were cool with it.

"Do you have any arrangements to execute Kuro?" Nyx sat down on her mattress, one leg overlapping the other. Her pale fingers rubbing against the stockings she wore.

I gave our quiet teammate a side-eye, the thought of him not having some plan would honestly baffle me.

"No, I was thinking of exploring the academy a bit." This got a soft reaction out of Nyx, at least from my angle it looked like some reaction.

"Shall I accompany you?" Nyx stared at the male lying down in his bunk, she wasn't one to be so forward but upon reading a book about leadership she found it optional to speak out of her comfort zone. I rose a brow at her forwardness, maybe this was part of her plan to bring everyone closer? The small grin on Kuro's face made me want to toss a book at him, he was hoping she said something huh?

"I would prefer to traverse alone, but I am not against you tagging along." I could practically taste the underlying message, I mentally prayed Nyx would be in one piece.

"Don't do anything to her; she is our leader after all." Leo finished what he was grabbing and gave us a thumbs-up, "The airship leaves in a few, see yall when I get back."

I quickly packed what I would need in my little pack, and left the room; Nyx would be fine right?

It didn't take me long to catch up to the talkative male, and as we walked side by side I realized we haven't really been by ourselves. My ponytail, swayed as I matched our steps.

"I hope you have a great time with your friends."

It didn't really catch me off-guard, "Likewise, I'm sure you'll be forced against the wall and forced to answer questions."

His chuckle broke me and a giggle escaped, maybe I was speaking for both of us?

"I can guarantee that will happen as soon as I come in contact with them."

Our conversation shifted back and forth between friends until we made it to the airship, and Yang and Ruby came into play. To sum it up Yang hasn't found time to apologize for humiliating our teammate, and Ruby was quiet.

Nyx's POV

The next day came and the morning breezed by like a flash, Kuro and I were both dressed in our casual attire the only difference being I didn't fix my hair I left it in its natural wavy build.

My pleated polka dot skirt stopped right at my knees, the dark dots matching the white color. The gray peter pan collared sweater hugging my upper half, I tried to keep close to Kuro but I was sluggish. Despite that, I noticed how he kept slowing his pace to keep me in line, the small things mattered.

Kuro was dressed casually too, his jacket unzipped which exposed his white tank-top the dark pants he wore matching the dark jacket. Somehow we both were wearing similar black boots, the thing that separated our shoes is the wedges that came with mine giving me a height increase.

The corridors were large and stretched, the sound of some people chattering among themselves could be heard. Overall, it wasn't so bad. As we kept moving, I realized that I would need to start some conversation; we both didn't like to speak and a leader should be able to. He must've sensed the current predicament, else why would he start talking?

"I'm surprised you don't have some sort of article to keep your mind at bay." Was that an attempt at a tease? Were we that friendly? My expression didn't change nor did I respond, I like beginning quiet and I couldn't find the words to respond.

He wasn't wrong, I didn't bring something to grab my attention; I strictly came out here with the indication of getting closer with my fellow teammate which meant no distractions but look how that was going. My hands balled up, I couldn't just break from what was natural for me maybe he would see that and attempt to talk to himself like Leo does? I knew it was likely not going to happen.

Silence once again basked around us and followed like a puppy chasing after its mother.

Kuro bought his hand up pushing some hair out of his eyes, he knew it was awkward and he knew nothing would happen unless he took lead. "How do you feel about our other members?"

The question caught me off guard, and I solemnly regretted not bringing some art of literature. "Leo is..." I didn't know how to word it, not like it would help much. "Understandable and nice though sometimes it's nice to see him focusing on the fights that happen in Goodwitch's class." He didn't say a word which was enough for me to keep going. "Leo is an open book, you and Kianna are closed tight and wrapped in chains, but Verdant seems to think you are both good and his judge of character can't be wrong considering he enjoys helping people."

Kuro found himself, freezing for a nanosecond. Was he good?

I didn't catch on to him, and as we turned the corner his voice came. "I think Kianna has to open up naturally, you can't expect her to just come out one day speaking about herself."

He didn't mention himself, he was shifting the focus onto Kianna and I took the bait. "Trust is a vital part of a team." I would be proud to admit I got that from a book on leadership and team-bonding.

"She trusts us-" I certainly didn't believe that, "-it's just harder for her to show it." No response came from me, which didn't alter him much.

I took that into consideration, the sheer multitude of things I pieced together would make for a half-ass bridge. I knew everyone had a different past, but what could someone do about their past? They couldn't change it; they had to look forward and grow. It what I was trying to accomplish; but how could I when she planted in my head all those vile things? For a moment, I was lost in my head and my moss green eyes were shaky she was the root of my problems.

Kuro's hand snapped me from my thoughts and I looked up at him, his eyes were picking me apart judging me, but at that moment I felt something. My instincts, there was no warmth to this male well if it was it was under all the dark and frozen energy. I shook him off and turned, my heels squeaking against the marble floor.

The reflection from the floor showed me walking away from him, and maybe if I turned I would've seen his confused face. If I turned maybe I would've been spared from what lied ahead.

I didn't know why I was walking away from the male, he wasn't scary but my instincts told me to watch out for him. After a couple of seconds, I forced myself to stop and leaned against the wall. If I was obviously preoccupied I would've seen the three men that stood in front of me.

"Lookie here, an underclassman." One of the three-spoke still not getting my attention.

"Looks like Beacon is really going downhill, they'll let anyone inside given the merit they have am I right Neoma or should I say Fengari?" That caught me and as I looked up, fear was the main resident in my eyes.

"H-How?" My voice was barely audible, how did he know of my father?

"Damn you mean the famous Fengari? I heard his servants were whores, hell I heard he knocked up one." The men were clearly enjoying this.

The sound of skin hitting skin shot through the air, and my hand stung the mark on the middle man's face reddened as his grin faded.

"Who...do you think you are you bitch?" My head hit the wall, and my aura protected me from getting a minor concussion.

"Say something! You were strong enough to strike me...speak!" His loud voice caused me to flinch memories of my 'mother' flooded my head.

"I'll say something." Kuro stood behind the three, his eyes darker than normal and the sadistic smirk he had causing each of them to shiver. It seems that wasn't enough to scare them away, the middle man grabbed Kuro by the collar.

My head went upwards, and I couldn't see my teammate but my instincts were on fire telling me to get away. Did the others not feel it?

Kuro bought his hand up and peeled one of the fingers off of his jacket, before pushing it back. The bone popped and the upperclassman let him go, "Kill the bastard!"

It was a three on one, but he knew he could take them. His fun was ruined by the sound of an older grumpy voice.

I didn't move an inch, I just watched the altercation take place. The three men glanced at each other before giving Kuro a look and leaving the area the older supervision rushing at them.

"You okay?" His actions were helpful, so why didn't I feel safe? My teammate was someone scary no doubt, but Verdant said he was good lots of times. Maybe, he saw past the barriers and saw something I could not?

I shook my head but didn't look him in the eye, "I'm going to head back to the dorm..." The novel's bought me comfort and safety, it let me escape this life. I dragged my feet down the hall heading back.

Kuro looked at himself the floor was clean enough for him to see himself, he wasn't dumb nor obvious to certain things. His hand took hold of his locket, and for a moment he let his guard down and gave a tired smile.

In the distance, Verdant stopped walking to look at Kuro smiling to himself. It gave him a familiar feeling, like back then.

Entering the room, I locked the door behind me and unlocked it right away. It was a subconscious act that spoke wonders, it was how I felt secure. Dust littered the room, my weight on the wooden floor made it creek my hand gently smoothed the drawer and after a low sigh, I opened the top part it's where I kept most of my belongings.

My thick-rimmed glasses shined as I picked up something that I enjoyed, and as nerdy as I looked so far this only raised my nerdiness tenfold. I set the portable chess table on my mattress it didn't take me long to set up the pieces, I was used to playing by myself.

Silent prayers were answered and the doorknob twisted, my heart tapped in my chest and a greater light entered the room before the door shut extinguishing that light.

Kuro took a moment to take in the chessboard before taking up the opposite side, "Mind if I play?" They say chess can show things about someone, and although I was hesitant and slightly fearful I didn't decline the offer.

So the game began, and I started moving a pawn upwards two spaces. He mirrored my move which didn't catch me off guard most people seemed to match the smarter person. So, I moved another and so did he.

"Care to explain what happened back there?" The questioning tone made me wonder if I should respond.

"The past always comes back to haunt you." My statement was exact. My hand grabbed onto another pawn and I pushed him up one space.

Kuro didn't say a word, as he copied me once again.

Was he planning to do this the whole game if that was the case I would win without much effort, I moved the very same pawn again.

The rest of the game went on and I was clearly leading without a sweat, so far I haven't learned a thing; all I knew was all his pawns besides one was gone, the knights were protecting the queen and the king was soloed out in the middle. Half of my troops were kicking, which meant the game would be mine.

"I'm sorry if I scared you earlier; I tend to lose my bearings when I see someone backed into a corner." The lie rolled off his tongue as I moved yet another pawn.

A simple nod was what sufficed, sure at first I was fearful but seeing as he copied my moves I figured he was simple-minded and had some sort of problem; his lie wasn't appreciated and didn't fly over my head, if he was truly like that why'd he accompany himself with bullies?

Watching him push his knight into battle was just about the original thing he did, which led me to take that from him. Punishment for copying me. Unknowingly I missed the grin that pasted onto his lips. The queen that was beginning protected moved to overtake a pawn, the action didn't waver my thought. I pushed my knight forward, and he countered with his pawn taking the piece.

Two pieces in two-turns no alarms went off as I moved a rook. He ended up taking that, but it left his queen open her guard gone. I eagerly moved my other rook and destroyed his queen, he had four pieces left I was destined to win this match.

His fair-skinned hair gracefully took his pawn and moved him upwards, it was a bad call that spot was overrun by my crew. Playing chess was a mere hobby I picked up from my father, he was one of the two people that beat me.

My fingers outlined my queen as I pushed her back to take the stranded pawn, the game would end up mine.

His last rook came forth taking my queen and then I realized what was going on, he was mirroring me in the beginning simply to lead me to think he wasn't that experienced; from the beginning of the game, he marked where and when I would lose. My mind raced for options, variables, counters, I would use but all resulted in the same demise. It seemed my lack of movement finally allowed him to speak.

"You caught on? That was faster than...I thought; truthfully you made me rethink my moves time and time again, but once you took all the disposable pieces I knew I would win." My moss green eyes counted the captives I sported, I had his whole team and even the queen? They were simply expendable in his eyes? "I was about to crown my pawn making him a king, then I would've had checkmate; though you could've countered if you never went for my-"

"Queen." I finished his sentence, it was unbelievable.

"Exactly." Unlike him, I wanted to preserve my pieces all of them played a vital part.

Kuro was strange, but as I looked at him he had some sort of innocence in him, no matter how deep. "I guess you won?"

Kuro's POV

Of course, I won. Nyx's ear's twitched and her smile made me close my eyes. Despite, my rough exterior I couldn't look at someone so pure and not regret what I did. I planned the whole day, led her to a spot that was void of the security cams, and the 'upperclassmen' that cornered her were people from the Atlas. I paid them to come, I did my research on Nyx and needless to say, I saw some articles on her 'parents' I took ahold of that information and had them use it on her. She seemed like a reasonable nice girl, and I felt bad, but that feeling didn't stop me. In the end, I grew closer to the leader and was able to learn somethings about her.

Number one, she only separated the Queen and King as a last resort attempt to take his own. Number two she kept them well protected, he was grasping on straws here but it looked like she was being quite protective of those pieces which were understandable. It didn't matter, I had bonded with her to an extent Leo was more or less easier than the girls on the team; the only one he continued to have a problem with was Kianna. But that problem would soon be taken care of.

"Hey, since I feel as if we are both free today want to take a trip into town?" The rest of my plan resided on Nyx going with me, and after the game did she really have any room to decline?

"Sorry, but I will have to decline the offer I want to finish this book by tonight."

That changed everything...and did I mean everything.

Short note today: I enjoyed writing Ozpin more than I should've, more team interactions soon! Thanks for the support! Kuro has a twisted way of getting people to trust him huh.