GOMU GOMU NO!~ Holy crud people, over 7,000 words for you, and it's chalked up with information! I know I said this chapter would be posted on Saturday, but I finished it early and decided to get it outta the way so I can focus on my original novel in the meantime.

Now before anyone gets too concerned, Ruby will be attending Beacon at the same time as everyone else, most likely due to a run-in with our stoic magician, but don't worry I won't reveal the reason why until like 5 chapters later MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!

"Ahem~"

Anyhow, I already have the teams set, and will release them in this arc that I now dub as the Initiation Arc. This arc will be a while, and I'm looking at around 10-15 chapters. I know some of you don't like a slow burn, but if I try to rush things I might end up missing a crucial detail for the upcoming arcs and I can't afford to make such a mistake.

Hawkins and the others as I've mentioned before will be taking a backseat this arc, but don't worry, I've always got plans huehuehue.

With that, enjoy the chapter everyone, and let the hype train commence!

CHUGGA-CHUGGA CHOO-CHOO!


*Initiation Arc Begins*

Throughout the many years of Beacon academy, handfuls of legendary hunters and huntresses have etched their names in history. Talented teams of varying backgrounds helping those in need, expanding their respective kingdom's territories, and maintaining peace. No instructor could prepare themselves for the swell of talent to come...

First, we have a pair of roses, while appealing in nature, they also tend to have a lot of thorns.

"So Ruby? What kind of weapon do you want to build?" Asked a devoted mother with red-tipped hair. Within the confines of Vale's largest weapon store: Blades of Glory, two females dressed in similar battle attires eyed the polished steel with meticulous and excited gazes.

Summer Rose, a proud huntress known for her skills and endless kindness, stood on her tippy toes to peruse the top shelves of weapons the large store had available. Her silver eyes narrowing on a set of dual short swords, Summer skipped over to the glass display. She had prepared a handful of blueprints and measurements regarding her daughter's first weapon, and she was most excited to teach her the way of swordsmanship-

"I want a cool gun scythe, like uncle Qrow!" Chirped the happy huntress in training.

Summer blinked very slowly. Her hands crunching the thick stack of papers held snugly in her arms. The genuine smile she wore turned plastic as Ruby flashed her a pair of puppy dog eyes.

"Y-You don't want a cool, flashy, and efficient weapon like mommy's?" Her voice trembling, Summer prayed to Oum she misheard.

"Nope! Your swords are cool mom, but Uncle Qrow's scythe is the coolest!"

The blunt delivery sent a bullet through the kind mother's heart. Doing her best to not growl and break into tears, Summer pocketed her blueprints and turned to another section filled with scythe related weaponry. With a weak hand, she ushered her darling Ruby down the aisle but whispered in a dark tone.

"When I get my hands on you Qrow..."

"Huh? Did you say, something mom?" Ruby asked.

"N-Nothing Ruby, everything is fine! Hey, I think this would be a suitable trigger size for your first weapon!"

"Yipeee!~" Ruby squealed.

"Team STRQ is gonna be missing a second letter by the end of today..." Summer sulked. A glint of malice in her gentle eyes.


"Achoo!" Qrow covered his nose with his sleeve and turned to the blonde hunter beside him.

Strolling down the bustling streets, Tai, Qrow, and Yang were busy trying to find themselves a place to eat. But due to their differing opinions, the simple task proved troublesome.

"Don't tell me your semblance is gonna act up here of all places Qrow," Tai grumbled and crossed his arms.

"I don't think that's the case, but I feel like I've done something wrong even though I'm not at fault."

Tai curled a brow.

"What sense does that make?"

"I don't know Tai, use your imagination," Qrow grunted.

With a tug on his leather jacket, Tai veered his attention to a twitching blonde ahoge and a pair of lilac pupils. The young brawler fiddled with the pink sash she wore as a scarf and rolled her eyes.

"Daaad, you and uncle Qrow have been wandering around for half an hour doing absolutely nothing. Why did we split with Mom and Rubes? This is boring and I'm hungry." Yang whined.

"You know how your mom and sister get when they're inside a weapon shop Yang. Once they start looking they never want to stop." Tai sighed.

"Your dad's got a point firecracker, believe it or not, Summer was banned from Blades of Glory for a whole month because she wouldn't stop testing out every weapon she could get her hands on!" Qrow laughed.

"Please don't remind me Qrow, do you have any idea how big the bills were when we had to pay the store for property damage? I had to live off of instant ramen noodles for six weeks straight." Tai groaned.

"Alright, I get it." Yang yawned. Her lack of shared memories with the two adults made her feel ousted from the light banter and conversations, so she decided to let the men stroll down memory lane while she tended to some needed me time.

"I'm gonna check out some of the books in that shop over there. You guys can yap to your heart's content, just call me when you're done." Yang sighed.

"Ding~"

The bell dinged, but no one was at the front counter. The brawler shrugged, it was typical for the bookstores to be deserted after the first week of Beacon enrollment. After all the students got their needed textbooks and novels, they all moved to the weapon and dust shops which were now swarmed by a plethora of customers.

Now alone, Yang's decision to confirm her future responsibilities. Her first priority, was to establish a proper plan should any lecherous boys try to bully her, admittedly socially awkward, little sister when she registered at Beacon Academy. Yang was going to be two years ahead of Ruby after all, and it was an older sister's duty to protect their younger siblings, and the blonde brawler was no exception.

Midway through her pondering, Yang failed to notice the presence of another person standing at the end of the pathway she was walking down. With a loud thud, the teenager staggered back and lifted her head to meet a stoic face, long golden locks, and a set of crimson eyes that appeared to be drilling through her soul.

"Hey watch where you're going!" Yang blurted.

The calm man rolled his eyes, but curled a brow and narrowed his sights on the girl before him. The man was intimidating to say the least. He didn't even flinch when Yang growled at him, he just stayed quiet and closed the thick book in his hands. Fed up with the awkward silence, the young brawler put her hands on her hips and her pupils shifted from lilac to blood red.

This elicited an even more curious expression from the odd man, though Yang could care less. The only thing she cared about was the fact that he was clearly observing her figure.

"Hey, I know I look good, but I think I'm way outta your age gap old man," Yang grumbled.

Given a moment to define the stranger, it was clear he was a very fit individual. His chiseled abs and pectorals perfectly lined, his ruffled maroon cloak added to his mysterious demeanor. Navy blue pants and black boots covered his lower half, and an obsidian colored sash strapped his sheathed longsword on his hip.

"The store is closed for today. Or could you not read the sign on the window?" The man sighed as he pointed a gloved finger toward one of the windows.

Yang's composure faltered for a second, and she twirled around to the glass panes of the store to see that the stranger was right. A tint of pink dusting her cheeks, the blonde brawler grumbled but apologized for the disturbance. She exited the store as fast as she came, leaving the stoic individual to ponder to himself.

Shuffling his tarot cards, he drew three and read the percentages.

"81% chance the pink sash around her neck used to belong to me..."


Meanwhile, in the territories of Mistral, a long-armed champion was trying his best to hold back his tears. Though, even a veteran fighter such as he subdued to his heartfelt emotions.

"You can't leave me little champiiiiooooon!" Ideo bawled. Stuck at the departure platforms for Mistral's airships, the red-haired prodigy found herself in a most awkward predicament.

"I even got you a new set of weapoooooons!" Ideo presented a large brown sack that made rattle noises when he moved.

Clinging to the lower straps of Pyrrah's suitcase for dear life, the champion allowed his face and body to be dragged across the dirt as he put up his most pitiful public display to date.

"G-Get ahold of yourself Ideo-san! People are staring at us!" The redhead squeaked as she yanked the handle of her suitcase.

"I don't give a damn what they think! If this is what it takes to keep my little champion in Mistral, then I'll learn how to eat off the ground for the rest of my life!"

"Y-You can't be serious Ideo-san!" Pyrrha said in a flustered tone. Her entire face now matching the color of her hair as the civilians around them started taking pictures with their scrolls.

"But if you leave, then who am I gonna talk to?! All I got are those old geezers in the colosseum!" Ideo whined.

Pyrrha's eyes narrowed as a pout bloomed on her face. Ideo was a grown man for Oum's sake! How could a proud champion like him act like such a child?!

"P-Please let go Ideo-san, I can't afford to miss this airship!" The prodigy huffed.

"But why not attend Haven Academy? That way we can be within a running distance if you get lonely!"

"What are you talking about Ideo-san? It takes almost half an hour to drive from Haven academy to get to the colosseum!" Pyrrha retorted.

The long-arm blinked, cupped his chin with his free hand, and nodded.

"Like I said little champion, running distance."

The redhead deadpanned at Ideo's reply but went back to struggling with her suitcase and large backpack when the horns of her airship grew near. Her long scarlet ponytail twirling in the wind, Pyrrah tilted her head to the sky to see the sails of a public Mistralian airship preparing to dock.

"For the last time, please let me go Ideo-san!" Pyrrha pleaded.

The distraught tone causing Ideo to falter, the champion curled a brow and stood himself up but refused to release his hold on Pyrrah's suitcase. His brown eyes veering towards the incoming airship, he dusted himself off then scratched his scalp in deep thought.

"Oi, little champion, why are you taking such a mediocre airship? I'm not one to judge a person's personal tastes, but wouldn't your parents have given you a ticket for a fancier means of transport?"

The girl said nothing and lowered her head. The grip around her luggage softened and the bangs on her forehead covered her emerald eyes that were filled with shame. This one action of humility was all it took for Ideo to figure out what his little champion had done.

"Your parents don't know a thing about your enrollment in Beacon Academy's ranks do they Pyrrha?"

The girl slowly shook her head. Salty droplets pittering against the tips of her golden boots, she muttered an apology to the one person she despised lying to. Her sobs stifled when a gloved hand planted itself on her scarlet locks. Rubbing the downtrodden scalp of the girl he considered as a younger sibling, Ideo shook his head but did so with a smile.

"Why didn't you tell me about your plan little champion? Did you think I wouldn't be on board?"

Pyrrha's hitched breath and sudden gasp gave him his answer.

"If I had known about this from the get-go, I would have bought an airship for you to ride to your new school!" Ideo laughed.

A thin smile weaving through her lips, Pyrrah giggled softly at her own mistake. The number of times Ideo had fended off other teenagers and greedy business personnel whose sole interests were to exploit the prodigy's name and stature were in the hundreds. Not to mention the long-arm even moved the date of his fourth championship title match so he could be there for Pyrrah's tenth birthday.

"Pyrrha Nikos!" With the angry tones of the golden clad spartans ringing over the crowds, Pyrrah shuddered as the winds around her and Ideo picked up.

The airship! The young prodigy pulled her scarlet hair in grief. Pyrrha had spent so much time strolling down memory lane that she completely forgot about her need to board the flying vessel!

As the citizens on the boarding platform parted for the famous Nikos couple, a smirk crossed Ideo's features as he cupped the cheeks of his little champion, gently tilting her head so her anxious green eyes met his confident brown.

"I'm really gonna miss you Pyrrah, but if this is what you want then what kind of friend would I be if I got in the way of your noble dream? All I ask is that you write to me every now and then alright?" The champion grinned.

"Of course Ideo-san, but how am I going to board the airship? The entry doors are closed and the boarding platforms have been retracted..." The red spartan sulked.

His smile shifting to one of mischief, Ideo picked up his little champion by the armpits and put her on his shoulders.

"I'm going to run as fast as I can Pyrrha. I'm sure you can take care of the rest."

A glimmer of hope burning in her emerald eyes, Pyrrah nodded frantically and gathered her belongings.

"Oum damn it Ideo! Whatever you plan to do with our daughter, I'll make sure you pay for it dearly!" Mr. Nikos shouted as he and his wife drew nearer.

"Sorry to cut you off on another tirade Mr. Nikos, but my little champion has a flight to catch!" The long-arm broke into a sprint with both arms cocking back to perform his signature move.

The engines of the airship propelling to life, Pyrrah balanced her feet on both of Ideo's clenched fists.

"I hope you the best little champion, and if you decide to get a boyfriend, make sure you run him by me first so I can voice my approval... or disapproval in the shape of many destruction cannons!"

"Ideo-san!" Pyrrha scolded in a joking manner.

"Ah, that's the smile I wanted to see before you leave! How about we say my signature move together for old times sake?"

"One, two, three! DESTRUCTION CANNON!" They shouted in unison.

A fantastic explosion of amber and smoke, Pyrrah, along with her belongings, flew straight into the sky and planted herself on the main decks of the departing ship. Running back to the rails of the vessel, Pyrrah waved with happy tears rolling down her cheeks to a smiling Ideo for as long as she could before she lost sight of him.

"Oum, it's gonna be boring without you here..." Ideo chuckled softly and blitzed back to the colosseum before Pyrrah's parents could complain to him.


Coincidentally, another girl of Mistral heritage found her name among the long list of students headed for Beacon Academy.

Her hair black as night with eyes as bright as gold, she wore a red Chinese style dress that ended right above her knees, with a blue and purple decoration tied to her hip. She sat down and across the holy mother of Mistral.

"I'm going to Beacon Academy?" Cinder curled a brow at the transcripts that a servant had given her.

"Yes, your mission will be to gather information for me which I will relay to Salem through a hidden means of communication. There are rumors that the fall maiden that Lucci injured has taken refuge there, and the leopard man has asked me to use my influence to find her." Carmel said and took a sip of wine.

"That I understand, but why not simply raid Beacon Academy and take what we need?" Cinder asked.

"Foolish girl, have I taught you nothing?" The holy mother narrowed her eyes and Cinder flinched in response.

"Vale is on good terms with all the other kingdoms, particularly Atlas who's military prowess could prove troublesome should we decide to lay siege on Vale."

"Really? But a few airships shouldn't be much of a problem for you or any of the other officers." The black-haired girl said meekly.

"I don't care about Ironwood's fleets. What I do care about is the admirals he's allied himself with. While those men aren't the most proactive of individuals, they'll listen to Tsuru when she barks orders at them."

"Are you talking about Kizaru? I've met him before when he visited us two years ago, but he seems so out of it sometimes... How is a lazy man like him a threat to us?" Cinder wished she kept her thoughts to herself on that one.

Slamming her wine glass against the counter, Carmel held back a snarl and rubbed her temples.

"This world we call Remnant is much bigger than you think Cinder. You want the power of the maidens, don't you? If so then you'll do as I say and obey Salem's orders."

"Y-Yes, I'm sorry for questioning you, Mother Carmel." Cinder dipped her head down in shame.

"Good, I've arranged an airship for you to take and it arrives this afternoon at 2:30 pm. Gather whatever you want from the markets, but do not miss your ride, am I clear?"

"Yes, Mother Carmel." Cinder swiftly replied and took her transcripts before hurrying out of the room.

"Honestly, that girl, I don't understand why Salem is so persistent with her. Are neither of my daughters good enough for her?" Carmel sighed.

"Ring!~"

Her right eye twitching, the holy mother took out her scroll but furrowed her brows at the one initiating the call.

"Yes, what is it, Lucci? You don't expect me to have any information for you yet do you?"

"..."

"What's this about a hunter you want to enroll?"

"..."

"Yes, I can arrange it, but I thought you were supposed to scout for an assassin named Marcus Black, no?"

"..."

"His own son killed him? And you decided to train him instead?"

"..."

"What do you mean his legs are no good? If the boy can manage, I can have my engineers and technicians fabricate a set of prosthetics, but I want something in return for my generosity."

"..."

"Hm... Very well, that will do."

"..."

"Yes, Farewell, for now, Lucci, I'll have your information filed to you when I get the chance."

Ending the call, the malicious glint of the holy mother's eyes sent shivers down the poor servants who managed to catch a glimpse of her stare.


"Are you sure about this Ms. Schnee?" Klein adjusted his tie and stood himself straight.

"This is a decision that father has agreed to, so why are you so against it Klein?" Dressed in a white, thigh-high strapless dress, a girl with snow colored hair stared meticulously at her reflection. Sitting in front of her vanity table, the heiress curled a brow when she turned to see the bewildered expression of her faithful butler.

In the room of his happy snowflake, Klein scratched his chin and averted his gaze to the stacks of white suitcases bearing the SDC emblem that were neatly stacked by the door. The butler was not against his master's wishes to have his daughter enroll herself in an academy away from home, but a few concerns racked Klein's mind to no end.

"Pardon me if I'm overstepping my boundaries Miss Schnee, but have you checked with your mother for her opinion on your decision to leave?" The dutiful man winced as a cold glare was shot towards him.

"As a matter of fact, I do think you're overstepping your boundaries, Klein. Please refrain from mentioning that subject for the rest of the day." Weiss scoffed.

Despite the protests and heated arguments with her father, Weiss managed to pull through and earn the approval from the man of the mansion to allow her to enroll in Beacon Academy on the premise of putting in a good representation for the SDC and perhaps enlisting a few talented hunters and huntresses into the Atlesian ranks. Besides, with the SDC's newest competitor, Reptile Dust Industries, expanding at an unexpected rate, it was of utter importance that she stay ahead of the curb.

A knock on the door followed by a voice stating her bullhead had arrived, Weiss combed the last few strands of stray hair and tied it into a beautiful offset ponytail which dangled from the left side of her head.

Her heels clicking against the cold pavements of sparkling concrete, Weiss' sour mood shifted slightly at the sight of her elder and younger siblings. Per usual, Winter and Whitley offered small waves but did so with genuine smiles on their faces. The sight warming her bitter heart, Weiss shoved her depressive thoughts to the back of her mind and put on a polite visage of her own.

"Have you double-checked that all of your belongings have been properly assorted?" Winter asked in a business-like tone.

"Of course Winter, I also had Klein arrange the suitcases to my liking, and his opinion is one that we all value don't we?" Weiss replied.

"Yes, but did you happen to pass by father or mother on your way here?" Whitley's question earned him two brief snarls and looks of disdain.

"Please Whitley, this is supposed to be a cheerful goodbye, do not soil it with such trivial matters." The eldest of the Schnee siblings scolded.

"F-Forgive me Winter, Weiss, that question was quite rude of me." Whitley rubbed his arm and shifted his attention to the personal bullhead Jacques had arranged for his sister.

"Anyway," Weiss rolled her eyes. "I plan on upholding the Schnee name with pride and respect. Please take care you two, I'll write you letters when I can."

"That's expected isn't it Weiss?" Winter's eyes narrowed and Whitley shot the heiress a confused stare.

"O-Of course! It would be bad manners not to write wouldn't it?" The heiress chuckled nervously. Though her worried visage changed once again when she saw the slight smirks on her sibling's faces.

"W-What, did I say something humorous?"

"It's so easy to tease you, Weiss." Whitley chuckled, Winter, joined him while covering her giggles with an open hand.

A slight twitch etched itself in the corner of Weiss' forehead, but it quickly disappeared as she too found herself snickering along with her sibling's antics.

"The suitcases are loaded, Ms. Schnee!" Called a servant as he closed the luggage compartment of the bullhead.

"I guess that's your queue to leave," Whitley muttered in a somber tone.

"Well then, when you visit for the holidays, I trust you'll bring us back a gift of your choosing from Vale?" Winter said with a grin, though her voice also fell when the engines of the bullhead started up.

Without a word, Weiss stepped forward and embraced her older sister and younger brother. She knew there was trouble at home, but the chance of freedom, no matter how short, was something Weiss intended to cash in full. Though she briefly questioned this when she saw the dejected eyes of the youngest Schnee sibling.

"Ah, Ms. Schnee, before you depart!" Klein called. Panting, he took out a small box and opened it. Within the rectangular item, was a silver necklace with a small locket attached to it.

"...Thank you, Klein." The heiress hummed softly and wrapped the piece of jewelry around her neck.

"Please Ms. Schnee, we must depart, or else we'll be late for our expected landing at Vale!" Called the pilot from the bullhead's speakers.

With one final sigh, the heiress boarded her bullhead and flashed her faithful butler and loving siblings with a grin that stretched from ear to ear with her hands clasped behind her back. Though, if she was being honest, she wished her father and mother were there to see her smile too...


"Come on Ghira, we need to prepare for the upcoming straw festival," Kali said with a forced smile.

Resting a hand on the back of her sighing husband, the chieftain of Menagerie grabbed his cloak and stood up from his desk chair. The Belladonna household had never been the same since their devoted kitten left with Adam and the others to fight for Faunus rights, but from what the news on the CCT network along with the newspapers brought from outsiders visiting the island... Ghira prayed to Oum the cruel acts of terrorism that he saw were only exaggerations made by racist humans.

Sienna Khan had also left a few years back after taking up the mantle of leader of the white fang when Ghira stepped down. The brave man had done more than his fair share, and it was time for some new blood and perspective to lead the next coming generations of Faunus.

Several knocks echoed from the front doors of the mansion, Ghira dragged himself from his office to meet his guests. When he opened the door, he was greeted by none other than Saber who was wearing a handcrafted straw mask given to him by one of the kids attending the festival.

"Good morning Ghira, are you ready to lead the charge?" Saber chuckled.

The chieftain rolled his eyes but gave a short smile while Kali stretched a grin from ear to ear.

"Of course we are Saber, I only wish the real magician would be able to attend this special event," Kali said as her ears drooped a tad.

"I'm sorry Ms. Belladonna, but we've already asked Annabell for Hawkins' whereabouts, but it appears that he's not in Vale anymore and the old Couple Sam and Carla have no idea where he went." The captain bowed his head in apology, but Ms. Belladonna waved her hand.

"Don't worry Saber, today is meant for celebration, let's not hamper our spirits for no reason. Have you and the other guards prepared the giant straw man?"

Saber gulped. "We did build a replica from the drafts Ghira gave us, but I fear the citizens may have gone a bit overboard with its size."

"Oh come on Saber, I'm pretty sure the people learned their lesson last year when they tried to make a real spiked club for the straw man model..." Ghira laughed.

"You'd be surprised Ghira." The captain muttered.

Just then, a group of kids rushed up the mansion stairs and greeted the respective leaders of Menagerie. Each one of them wore a straw mask matching Hawkins' menacing visage and Ghira couldn't help but laugh when the kids mimicked the terrorizing laugh of Hawkins' straw man.

"Kyokyokyo! We are the straw monsters who protect Menagerie!" The children announced and ran off to join their parents in the city square.

"Well, best you prepare for your role for the play Ms. Belladonna, no one can wait for the play: Menagerie's Stoic Magician. Why the kids even built a proper stage this time around and a bunch of props to boot!" Saber bid a polite adieu and waved to his men who waited for him near the fence lines.

As Kuo Kuana's seventh straw festival raised its final curtains, Sora the warrior's biggest fan planned to make her final escape from the abusive control of her ex-boyfriend. The direction of the white fang no longer a peaceful declaration of rights, Blake Belladonna would prove to herself that she could change for the better. Or at least she'd die trying, after all, that's what Sora the warrior would do right? Not to mention the blonde human who saved her all those years ago.

Heaving a sigh, Blake silently slipped away from the raiding party in the cargo cars and situated herself on the dust train's tender. Before Adam realized his girlfriend was missing, Blake severed the coupling holding the locomotive's heavy load and allowed the image of the long cargo to fade away. She passed a sign reading Vale train depot number 5, and with her fake huntress transcripts in hand, Blake would help both humans and Faunus the way she wanted.


"Ren! We're finally here!" An energetic teen with short orange hair and turquoise pupils. Wearing a white shirt with a sleeveless black vest, a pink skirt with a teal ribbon tied around her waist along with matching shoes, she darted around the city at paces only a superhuman could match.

Unfortunately for the green-robed boy with short black hair and his trademark magenta tint, he found himself floundering after his best friend as she ran into the shops of the market district only to cause chaos and disaster for the store owners. Heck, the girl didn't even buy anything before she left!

"Nora, hold on, I can't carry all these bags by myself!" Ren huffed as his arms sulked beneath the many bands and boxes he was holding.

"Hey, Ren, can I have some of the biscuits mom and dad made for us?" Nora whipped back to her best friend's side, taking a few packages for herself to allow Ren to search his person.

"We're not supposed to eat these until we get to Beacon, Nora. Mom doesn't have the same kind of energy as she did before remember?" Ren grumbled which elicited a sheepish wince from the valkyrie.

It all happened six years ago, Nora, a young girl who's original home had been left in burning ruins, was found stealing bread from the tea shop Ren and his parents often visited. When the Lie family reprimanded her, they were shocked to find that the culprit was a small girl with no family to depend upon.

Almost instantly, Nora was taken under the caring wings of her new adoptive parents and brother. For a time, peace reigned over the town of Kuroyuri, but like many good things, it didn't last long. Like many early settlements of Mistral, Kuroyuri was built on the premise of settlers desiring freedom from the iron grip of Mistral's emperor.

However, separation from the main capitals came with a cost of protection. Despite having a fair share of skilled hunters and huntresses, the obsidian monsters with red eyes and sharp bones threatened to overrun the town. Yet a single ray of hope from the heavens heard the people's pleas.

In the shape of a gigantic man with a pointy head, he split apart the Nuckleave which had already taken so many lives. Though, the way he did it with an earth-shattering headbutt was a bit much. After the strange man saved the town, he was praised and allowed a dojo he proudly called his home. Training all those willing to learn his special martial arts, the bearded man earned himself the nickname 'Kurokuri's Drill' which he accepted with gusto and a jolly smile.

While Ren wanted to stay in Kurokuri to continue his lessons with his new sensei, his parents wanted Ren and Nora to earn their official hunter licenses. Why the Lie's chose Beacon was anyone's guess, but Ren assumed it was to let their sensei get some well-deserved rest. Though the Kano warrior, wherever that was, claimed to be in tip-top shape, Ren's mother and father would tend to the needs of his weary muscles at the end of every martial arts class.

"Ren! You're spacing out again..." Nora pouted and poked the cheek of her best bud.

"Sorry Nora, how about we get some lunch? There was a noodle place not too far from here." Ren said.

"Okie Dokie!~" The short girl licked her lips in hungry anticipation.

"You're paying by the way."

The life in Nora's eyes faded as her lips curled downward.

"Haha, I'm kidding Nora." Ren chuckled as his best friend spat her tongue at him.

"Ring~"

Both the teens veered their attention to Nora's skirt pocket.

"Oh! It's mom and dad Renny!~" Nora chirped in a jolly tone. As the duo placed their bags and hunter supplies neatly on the ground, they smiled when the image of their pointy-headed savior flashed on the screen.

"Hiyahoho! How are things you two?!" The old man coughed.


Last but not least, the most important additions to Beacon academy were also keen on preparing themselves for their official initiation. Now usually, a student would need to attend a primary combat school, Signal Academy for example, but in Jaune's and Emerald's case, their father had asked Ms. Thyme for a letter of referral. While the reputation of the Happy Huntresses was a tad dubious, no one could deny their skills and desire to help those in need. A few weeks passed, and the names Jaune F. Hawkins and Emerald Sustrai Hawkins were officially enlisted in the first years of Beacon academy.

With only one day left before their initiation, the Hawkins siblings busied themselves on the flat farmlands near the outskirts of the agricultural district.

"Brick Bats!" Jaune yelled as his shadow split apart to form five-round bats with teeth, horns, and wings.

His creations flew towards Emerald, who broke into a barrel roll while shooting at her brother's attack. One by one, the brickbats popped when hit by an explosive dust round. While his sister focused on swatting the small nuisances, Jaune used this chance to close the gap between them.

He unsheathed Funkfreed from his hip and did an overhead swing aimed for Emerald's head. Collapsing Thief's Respite into its dual bladed form, Emerald grunted as her weapon collided against that of Jaune's. While physically weaker than her brother, the daughter of the Hawkins siblings was more agile by far.

Skidding her feet across the dirt, Emerald allowed Jaune's brute force to propel him off balance. His face thudding against the ground, Jaune resorted to tricky tactics before Emerald could release a volley of bullets in his back.

"Doppelman!"

His shadow acting on key, he swapped places with the opaque figure and appeared behind his sister with Funkfreed in hand.

"Nice try Jaune." Emerald snickered as her eyes flashed a sparkling red outline of aura. In a sudden burst of amber light, Jaune was sent flying through the air and landed flat on his back a few feet away. Though her unknown aura powers remained a mystery, Emerald could handle a few outbursts of energy, but if she overdid it she'd find herself reduced to a sweaty and panting mess.

"There's the best two out of three Jaune." The young girl smirked and returned her weapon to the leather holsters strapped around her back.

Over time, the Hawkins sibling had also changed their outward appearances.

Standing at 6'1", Jaune no longer kept his hair short and moppy. Instead, his golden locks reached a bit past his neck and were neatly combed and tied in a masculine ponytail. Over his upper torso, was a white long-sleeved shirt with an extended ruffled collar and sleeves. Thick, checkered, purple pants covered his legs with the ends tucked neatly in a pair of brown boots that reached past his ankles. A black and violet armlet strapped to his left arm, with a black cape that reached just below Jaune's knees along with a brown sash around his waist completed the boy's attire.

"Emerald Sustrai Hawkins! You are not wearing something that... Gaudy to your first day of school!" Stomping out of the Hawkins household was none other than Carla. Though she was already in her late sixties, the old cow Faunus could still outrun the young teens of the agricultural district with no issues.

Pointing a finger at Emerald's new getup, the 5' 8" mint-haired girl wore an intricate white top and an olive-colored crop top tied by three silver buttons on her back. Her mid-section exposed, cream-colored shorts tucked in a set of strappy, leather, high-heeled pumps.

"What's wrong with this?" Emerald puffed her cheeks and pointed to her clothes.

"What do you mean what's wrong?! Are you trying to put your figure on display for all the lecherous louts to gawk at?!" Carla scolded.

"Ah, come on Carla, don't be too hard on her. If I remember correctly your mother said the exact same thing about you when we went out on our first date." Sam chuckled as he walked over to the group. The old man tipped his straw hat with a smile as a happy Trifa followed behind him.

Even the spider Faunus, nicknamed Silkmoon by Jaune, had gone through a few changes. Though she kept her medium-length, cobalt hair in the same moppy fashion she had since the blonde boy met her.

Wearing a black and dark gray jacket with gold buttons and zipper which was pulled down to reveal Trifa's upper chest which exposed her blue veins, black boots lined with silver covered her feet and a golden colored belt, was bestowed upon her by Hawkins as a birthday gift.

"T-That's not the point Sam!" Carla tried to put up a front, but her husband was well prepared for any arguments she had and eased her tirade.

"Hey, Grandpa Sam, when's dad coming back home?" Jaune asked. He tied Funkfreed to his hip with his brown sash.

"The magician shouldn't be too long now. He just needed to get your transcripts printed." Sam replied.

"What about uncle Kuma and uncle Vito? Are they going to be here to see us off?"

"Of course they will Jaune, they're boat from Vacuo will arrive tomorrow morning, and I bet they can't wait to see you again!" Sam said with a wide grin.

For the magician, warlord, and Gunslinger in question, the powerful trio occupied themselves with traveling around Remnant, not as workers for the RDI mines, but as bodyguards for its employees. However, Crocodile often allowed them several weeks off during the year to see their kids. Who would have thought that after spending a lot of time with Neo and Roman the golden hooked man would gain a soft spot for family?

"Ring!~"

Jaune felt a buzz in his pocket and withdrew his scroll. Flicking a finger across the screen, his ocean eyes widened.

"What's wrong Jaune?" Emerald peeked over her brother's shoulder and found her eyes widening as well.

"Am I reading this right Minty?" Jaune tilted his head and pursed his lips.

"I don't think so..." Emerald squinted, rereading the message several times over to make sure the message was real.

"Neo and Roman are going to Beacon with us?" The Hawkins siblings said in unison.


"What do you mean I have to go to school pops?!" Roman shouted.

Wearing a red-lined white suit with long black pants and black shoes. Roman's accessories included a small gray scarf, a pair of black gloves with buckled sleeves, and a black bowler hat with a small feather tucked into its red band.

In the confines of his adoptive father's new office, Roman paced around the room with a frown on his face.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Roman." Crocodile grunted.

"I've heard that Jacques' second daughter will be attending Beacon to put in a good word for the SDC. Usually, I wouldn't bat an eye at what the greedy blowhard does, but since this Schnee girl is his successor, I bet Jacques is hoping to extend his already vast reach into every corner of Vale."

Taking a drag from his cigar, the door of his office opened and two figures walked in. The first was Mr.1, who held a small portable cooler with an assortment of ice-cream pops inside it. Second, was Roman's little sister Neo.

She wore a white cropped wide, broad-tailed jacket with a pink interior, collar, a single gold button, and large pink cuffs. Brown pants with a dark belt that has a gray buckle and an additional narrow belt under it covered her legs. Underneath her jacket is a brown corset, curved in the middle and at the bottom, exposing her hips. Many black beaded necklaces hung loosely around her neck, with a set of white knee-high boots with black buttons.

"So, naturally I'd want my own son to set a good example for my company. It'd also do you some good to learn some manners while you're there." Crocodile sneered.

"Y-You can't be serious pops!" Roman slammed his hands against his father's desk but turned when he heard the sound of panting giggles.

Neo might not have a voice, but that didn't mean she couldn't 'laugh' at people or mock them.

"What are you laughing at Neo?" Crocodile curled a brow as his daughter pointed her ice-cream at Roman.

"I don't see what's funny, after all, you're going to Beacon too."

Neo froze. Her head tilting to one side, she dropped her frozen treat and blinked.

"I've spoiled you both too much and now you're getting lazy. Hawkins told me there's a 78% chance of you two getting your acts together if I send you off to school and the percentages jump to 84% if the school isn't in Vacuo where you can pester me if things don't go your way. Besides, while you're off learning about Remnant, your pops and uncle Mr.1 will be away for a while on a business trip. I've already set up your transcripts and ran them through Ozpin and there's already a bullhead on its way to pick you both up."

The room fell silent for a few minutes, as both Roman and Neo struggled to register what they just heard. Rolling his eyes, Crocodile dabbed out the hot stub of his cigar on an ashtray and took out two boxes from under his desk. One contained a weaponized cane for Roman called: Melodic Cudgel. The other held a weaponized parasol named: Hush.

Both these weapons were deduced by Hawkins to be the most compatible for the two and to be honest, Crocodile preferred keeping Hawkins out of his personal affairs, instead, he just hit up the magician on his scroll whenever he needed some advice for a future dust expansion or project.

"I expect you both to get above 90% on all your courses, I can't have my own brats of the Reptile Dust Industry drag all my hard work through the mud now can I?"

The smirk on Crocodile's face stretched from ear to ear when his kids prostrated and begged their father to reconsider.