It was a long first week for Team STRQ. They had gone through their entire first week and had learned a lot about the teachers that they would be spending their time with. Some were enjoyable, others not so much. Team STRQ is now back in their rooms reminiscing on all they had been through this first week.
"Man this week sure was tiring." Tai breathes out as he looks up at the ceiling while laying on his bed.
"Agreed." Raven has her eyes closed as she leans back in her own bed.
"I thought it was kind of fun." Summer objects as she hangs her cloak up in the closet. "I really enjoyed our history class. I got to learn so much more about Remnant. Although I think Professor Goodwitch can be a bit harsh at times."
'Geez how sheltered were you?' Qrow internally thinks to himself.
"Amen to that. Do you all remember yesterday when she sent me to detention for only being a minute late?" Tai exclaims as he waves his arms a little.
"You were asking for that one Taiyang. You had already seen first hand that she was a cold person from our little skirmish we had on our first day here." Raven points out.
"Funny hearing that come from you." Qrow points back.
Raven glares daggers at her twin before closing her eyes once more.
Tai sits up as he faces towards the rest of his team. "Anyways I really enjoyed Professor Lot's class waaaay more."
"You only like his class because you can use it as an excuse to beat the crap out of someone." Qrow frowns.
Tai nervously scratches the side of his head. "When you put it like that it sounds like a one sided fight. It's not my fault I'm so physically gifted." Tai then flexes his muscles which gets an eye roll from everyone else.
Raven opens her eyes as a hint of smile graces her lips. "I must admit that I enjoyed combat class as well." Raven puts a hand to her chest.
"We all knew you did Raven." Qrow points out as he leans into his own bed.
"How so?" Raven asks more out of curiosity.
Tai looks at Raven with a little fright. "Well you did have that creepy sadistic grin on your face on the third day when you fought that one guy."
"Of course she did. She always does that when she's enjoying a fight." Qrow explains.
"But wasn't that the day she completely stomped the poor guy?" Summer asks.
"She enjoys squashing her opponents even more." Qrow smirks.
If looks could kill then Raven's would've disintegrated Qrow by now. "I am not some battle crazed psychopath like you make me out to be." Raven tries to defend herself.
"You could've fooled me." Qrow shrugs.
Before things can escalate any further Summer interrupts. "What class did you enjoy Qrow?"
"Trying to defuse the room I see." Qrow turns over to look at Summer.
"You're not exactly helping you know." Summer sighs.
Qrow just decides to brush it off. "I personally enjoyed Professor Mulberry's class."
"The weapon building teacher?" Tai questions.
"Yeah that one." Qrow confirms.
Tai just looks at Qrow in complete confusion. "But why? That was probably the second most boring class behind Professor Port's class." Tai exasperates.
Qrow just looks at Tai and shakes his head in disappointment. "Just because your weapon is simplistic doesn't mean mine is too. Learning more building techniques would be great for improving Harbinger and that would make it even more dangerous than it already is."
Tai just deadpans at Qrow. "Way to toot your own horn their buddy."
Qrow shrugs. "What can I say when my horn is as shiny as mine?" Qrow quips back.
Upon hearing Professor Port's name being brought up Raven can't help herself and rips into him. "Did anyone else find Professor Port's class absolutely atrocious? I mean the guy only talks about his own exploits and adventures but barely teaches what we're even supposed to learn in his class." Raven scoffs at Port's teaching style.
"I think we can all agree to that." Summer points in agreement.
"We can't forget how well our leader did during Professor Agravain's stealth class now can we?" Tai gives praise to Summer. "How did you get so good at all of that stealth and protection anyways?"
"It was always something that was taught back home. Then again it only looked as good as it did due to how weak the Grimm are in this area." Summer explains. "In all honesty I was never all that good at it back home, but that could just be because the Grimm are smarter on Draco."
"If I recall correctly, you were also pretty good at Professor Peach's survival class." Qrow also remembers. "Let me guess: You also learned it back home?"
"You would be correct." Summer sighs in exhaustion as she remembers her time in Draco. "When you live in the most dangerous part of Remnant you kind of have to learn survival skills, otherwise you could be killed at any second." Summer points out with significantly less cheer. Summer tries to push down some old memories as she tries to change the subject. "What surprised me was seeing that Raven was actually pretty good at using dust in Professor Merlin's class."
A snarky smirk starts to make its way onto Raven's face. "The way I view it is like this: If dust can make my attacks stronger then I'm gonna use it. Plain and simple." Raven waves her hand to the side for dramatic affect.
"As straightforward as always." Qrow sighs.
"If it isn't broken why fix it?" Raven shrugs with a smirk on her face.
"The problem is just that: it is broken." Qrow points out. "Your blade can't handle more than a few strikes before it snaps from the power outputted by the blows. You really need to improve on that idea if you want to be able to use that more." Qrow chastises his older sister.
"Bite me Qrow." Raven spits out.
"Yuck, I'll pass." Qrow makes a gagging face at Raven which makes her even more upset. This also makes Tai laugh at Qrow's response.
"Oh come on you two. Aren't siblings supposed to stick together?" Summer tries to calm the Branwen twins down.
"I don't give a damn about such bonds." Raven responds eerily quiet. "I only care about capability. It just so happens that Qrow is rather capable which is why I haven't abandoned him yet."
"You have such a way with words." Qrow sarcastically replies. However a scowl starts to form on his mouth as well.
Summer looks between the two in worry as she starts to get up just in case she has to stop these two from fighting each other. Luckily for her Tai defuses the situation before it can go anywhere. "Hey do you all remember on the first day when Qrow wore a skirt? It was hilarious!"
This brings a smile to everyone's face including Qrow oddly enough. "I've got to admit you really got me with that one." Qrow points out.
"Remember when those girls said 'He has such nice legs!' Ha ha ha!" Raven laughs out loud. Tai and Summer are surprised to see Raven expressing such genuine laughter.
"Do you remember the look on Professor Port's face?! HA HA HA! He thought you were a girl!" Summer laughs out.
Tai managed to completely defuse the situation and everyone would have a very peaceful yet happy evening.
At the same time at the top of the tallest tower in Beacon, Ozpin sat at his desk reading through two reports. One was an updated report on the true contents of the black orb that was found inside the victim from Emerald Forest. The contents deeply disturbed him and he would no doubt have to summon his inner circle to tell them about what was inside the black orb. The other report was one that he found even stranger. Their had been reports that another of these creatures has just recently been spotted in the forests between Vale and Mountain Glenn. Just as the other creature this one also seemed to give off an aura. Ozpin sat in his office in thought.
'What to do about this little problem.' Ozpin remembers that the doctor said they could officially categorize these things if they got one more specimen. 'Even without that in mind it would be wrong to let those things roam around. A Grimm with aura would be too dangerous to be left alive.' Ozpin looks over at one of his screens which has a panel open showing all of his first year students. As Ozpin continues to stare at it he remembers something.
'If I recall correctly it was Team STRQ that killed the first of these creatures.' Ozpin suddenly hatches an idea. 'Let's see if Team STRQ is ready for some... on field training.' Ozpin makes a scroll call.
"Hello? Yes Lance I know it is quite late in the evening, but I must request a favor... I need you to go by Team STRQ's dorm tomorrow morning at around let's say nine and bring them to me. You may have to accompany them tomorrow. I have a mission for them and you know the rules about first years... Yes I know this is a bit earlier than usual for students to be accepting missions, but this has to pertain to our little orb problem... I know it's dangerous, but these were the kids that killed the first of these creatures so I have the utmost confidence in them... Yes... Yes... Alright, thank you Lance. You have a good rest of your evening."
Ozpin hangs up his scroll as he looks out of his window towards the courtyard below. "This will shape up to be very interesting."
The next day Summer would once again go and train on her own. Once she got back she saw a man standing outside of their dorm. "Can I help you with something?" As Summer gets closer she can start to make out more of his features. He has shoulder length golden hair and has a golden goatee to match it. He has bright blue eyes and a light skin complexion as well. He's wearing chainmail armor that covers his body except for his head, hands and feet. For shoes he is wearing white greaves and on his hands he is wearing equally white gauntlets. Upon seeing him Summer recognizes him instantly. "Oh my mistake Professor Lot I didn't recognize you from far away."
Lance turns his head to look at his student. "It is quite alright Miss Rose. Most students wouldn't expect to see their teachers on their off days. I was simply stopping by because the Headmaster had requested that you and your team meet him in his office at once this morning."
Summer suddenly becomes a lot more serious. "What for? Did something happen?"
"You see the Headmaster seems to have a mission he would like to propose to you and your team. I cannot divulge further details until we arrive at his office." Lance stands stoically.
Summer suddenly begins to panic. "How long have you been standing their if you don't mind me asking?"
Lance looks at a nearby clock on the wall and thinks for a moment. "About ten minutes. Why do you a-" Before Lance can finish his sentence Summer sprints into her room and starts yelling at her team.
"Guys you need to wake up! We have to meet up with the Headmaster this morning!"
Raven and Qrow were already awake, but Tai wasn't and as soon as he heard Summer yell he fell right out of bed. Qrow begins to look panicked at the sudden summon and Raven looks unaffected by it. Summer immediately runs into the bathroom and begins showering. Tai begins to sluggishly turn his head from side to side as he tries to open his eyes properly. "Wh-what is *yawn* going oooooonnnn..." Tai sleepily lets out.
"Something about the Headmaster wanting to see us." Raven informs him as she walks over to her wardrobe and starts picking out her clothes for the day.
As the water is running the three of them can hear Summer shout something. "RAVEN! CAN YOU GET ME MY CLOTHES PLEASE?! I WAS IN SUCH A RUSH TO GET IN THAT I FORGOT TO GET A FRESH NEW PAIR!"
Raven looks slightly irritated but complies. "FINE! WHERE ARE THEY?!"
"THEY SHOULD BE IN THE SAME WARDROBE AS YOURS! JUST GET ANY ONE OF THEM!"
Raven looks back into their wardrobe and picks out one of the outfits before loudly knocking on the door of the bathroom. "I GOT ONE! HURRY UP AND TAKE IT!"
The door quickly opens as steam is released into the room as the three of them can only see Summers hand as it quickly swipes out to grab the outfit before quickly closing the door once more with an audible click. "THANK YOU RAVEN!" As Summer continues to shower Lance is standing in the door frame to Team STRQ's dorm.
"I was going to tell her that the meeting wasn't until nine." Lance shakes his head.
Qrow rolls his eyes. "Oh partner, if only you had listened."
A few minutes later Summer emerged from the shower as she was still putting her hood on. "Whoever needs to use it go next!" Raven casually walks past Summer as she continues to panic.
"Summer calm down." Qrow calmly states.
"Oh what do I do what do I do." Summer frantically says to herself.
"Summer calm down." Qrow states with a little more irritation.
"We're going to be late!" Summer begins looking for her things. Qrow walks up to Summer and taps her on the shoulder. Summer turns around and looks up. "Ah Qrow we need to hurry! Have you seen my-"
Qrow puts his hands on Summer's shoulders and shakes her. "Summer calm down. The meeting isn't for another hour." Qrow tells her. While shaking Summer her hood falls off as she stares up at Qrow.
"Oh really?" Summer sighs in relief. "Thank goodness."
"Ooooohhhh... you two look so romantic." Tai snickers to himself as he sees how Qrow is holding Summer.
Qrow blankly stares at Tai. "Then you clearly didn't see me shake her a moment ago." Qrow states. Qrow then lets go of Summer as Summer puts her hood back on.
Summer then looks back at the doorframe at Lance. "If the meeting isn't until nine then why are you here so early?" Summer asks.
"I'd imagine you all weren't expecting a meeting this morning so I had to get here a bit earlier so you all could prepare in time. I ended up being early to being early." Lance laughs to himself.
"Ah I see." Summer simply replies back.
"I shall be waiting out here for all of you. Do keep the time in mind." Lance then shuts the door so the team can have the privacy they need.
Half an hour later everyone has gotten ready for the day as they all head off to Ozpin's office. As they arrive they all marvel at all the gears that keep turning in the ceiling. Ozpin sips his coffee from his mug as he stares intently at them.
"I see you are all enamored by my office, but I have a very pressing matter that I would like to get to." Ozpin folds his hands together as he rests his elbows on his desk. The light glazes over the lenses of his glasses.
"Right sorry Sir. This is the first time any of us have been up here. This place is just so... fascinating." Summer examines the place in wonder before snapping her attention back to Ozpin. "What did you need us for?"
'Here we go.' Ozpin internally thinks to himself. "Do you all remember that thing you all fought during initiation?" That question got all of their attention as they focussed back on Ozpin.
"Yes sir we do." Summer responds. They all clearly look uncomfortable at the memory.
"What if I were to tell you that another of those things has appeared?" Ozpin questions.
"I would say that you should get someone too dispose of it." Raven states.
"Precisely. This is exactly why I have called the four of you in here. I would like to ask if Team STRQ is ready for its first mission."
"Sir you don't mean-" Summer is interrupted.
"That's right. I am willing to allow your team to undertake this mission." Ozpin waits for their response.
"Why us?" Qrow asks. "There's no way you would choose a bunch of first years to do this. There has to be a specific reason you want us to do it."
"And you would be correct." Ozpin stands up and walks over to look outside his window into the courtyard down below. Ozpin takes another sip of his coffee. "You four were able to defeat the first of these creatures without much problem and you did it with almost no knowledge of each other or your abilities. In addition none of you ran out of aura during the fight which further solidifies that you four are more than capable of handling this creature."
"Sir there is something that keeps bothering me." Tai suddenly speaks up. Ozpin turns his head enough to show that he is listening. "You keep referring to this as a 'thing' or a 'creature'. Why don't these things have names yet?" Tai questions.
Ozpin goes back to staring out the window as he gives his answer. "To put it simply we don't know enough about them. This is the first time we have ever seen such a thing. From our knowledge this is the first time ever that a Grimm has been able to use a person like this."
"So it is some kind of Grimm." Qrow confirms.
"Not necessarily." Ozpin objects. "It would be safe to call it a hybrid between Grimm and Human as unsettling as that may be." Ozpin then remember's back to the report on the true nature of the orbs. If what is said about them is true then he cannot tell these students what the orbs are truly hiding within them. Instead Ozpin quickly thinks up a false hypothesis to use instead. "It would seem that there is a tiny Grimm like creature that is able to burrow inside of a host and then puppet the host in a way. We could be wrong on this however as that is only one hypothesis." 'Technically a half truth.' Ozpin internally thinks to himself. Ozpin then turns back around to face them. "This is also why if you were to be selected for this mission I would send Professor Lot with you to retrieve the inevitable body that will be left behind. We would need to use them for cross examination with the first one in order to understand more about these things. We would undoubtedly be able to finally give these monsters the proper name they deserve." Ozpin takes another sip as he watches their reactions.
"I can't say I agree with your complete disregard for the victims of these things, but at the same time they could also cause major trouble for other people if they are left alone." Tai speaks up. Summer nods her head in agreement, Qrow looks unfazed, and Raven rolls her eyes.
Ozpin then turns his head to Summer. "The choice is ultimately up to you Miss Rose. If you choose to agree then you will all set out within the hour. If not then I will contact some local huntsmen to deal with it." Ozpin walks over and sits back in his chair.
Right as Summer is about to answer Raven interjects. "Will we be paid for this?"
'As shrewd as ever I see.' Qrow internally thinks to himself.
"Under normal circumstances huntsmen-in-training usually don't get paid as these missions are more for the experience than for payment. However since this involves the potential categorization of a new genus of Grimm I shall pay you all for this mission."
"How much?" Qrow asks as he was also curious.
'I knew he'd ask.' Raven internally thinks to herself.
"Guys it doesn't matter how much we get paid. What matters is stopping that thing before it can cause any problems." Summer chastises the twins.
"Even if you are right that doesn't mean I shouldn't at least be compensated." Raven argues.
"Plus this is how we did it back in our tribe." Qrow adds on.
Ignoring their little squabble Ozpin continues on with his answer. "I will pay each of you ten thousand lien."
Everyones jaws drop to the floor. "T-ten th-thousand?" Raven stutters in surprise. 'Holy crap! I've never been paid that much for any job before.' She internally thinks to herself.
"Just to make sure I heard that right you said 'each'?" Qrow asks.
"That is correct Mister Branwen." Ozpin folds his hands once more to hide a smile that begins to grow on his face as the four huntsmen-in-training look at each other in shock.
"You've got me convinced." Raven can't even hide the smile that is on her face.
"Agreed." Qrow is in a similar state to his sister.
"Even without the payment I still would've agreed to the mission, but this is a pretty nice bonus." Tai grins to himself.
"Well Miss Rose?" Ozpin awaits Summer's response.
Summer looks to the smiling faces of each of her teammates before turning her head back to face Ozpin. "I'd say we should head out at once." The smiles become contagious as Summer joins the rest of her team.
"In that case I'll let Professor Lot fill you in on the details. I wish the four of you the best of luck on your mission." Ozpin states.
"Come now students, I shall fill you all in on our way down." Lance gestures with his gauntlet for Team STRQ to follow him as they all turn around and reenter the elevator. As the elevator doors shut the four students see Ozpin simply staring back at them the whole time. As the elevator begins to descend Lance begins to speak again. "This creature was spotted in a wooded area between Vale and Mountain Glenn. As Ozpin has just stated, your goal is to exterminate the creature before it can wreak havoc on any nearby settlements. You all should pack for a few days worth of travel and be sure to bring any battle equipment or armor that you may need. I shall meet you all at the front gates of Beacon in one hour from now." Lance grips his gauntlet. "Do make haste."
Summer nods her head. "Understood."
As Team STRQ make it back to their rooms Raven speaks up. "I can't believe that we're getting paid ten thousand lien. This is by far the highest paid mission I've ever done."
"I can't believe it either Rave. This is going to be so worth it." Qrow smirks to himself.
"Don't forget that we still have to defeat this thing first." Tai reminds the two.
"Also don't forget that money isn't everything. It's about protecting the people." Summer reminds them.
"But you've got to admit that the compensation is pretty nice." Qrow tries to convince Summer.
"Eh he he... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about the reward either." Summer rubs the back of her head.
"Anyways I think it's about time we get our things together and head out." Summer tells her team.
With that Team STRQ returns to their dorms and change into more proper battle attire. Afterwards they go to their lockers and grab their weapons in preparation for the upcoming mission. Once all of that was prepared Raven and Summer split off from the group to get dust for their respective weapons while Tai and Qrow went to the kitchens to get all of the food supplies. Once done they all made sure to get any last minute things before leaving for the front gate.
Once the group arrived at the front gates they saw a tall man in pure white knightly armor that covered his entire body except for a slit where the eyes were. He had two azure blue capes that flowed off of each shoulder joint which had gold trim on the borders of each. In the middle of both was the golden symbol of Beacon. In addition there was a long azure blue plume that was nearly as long as the capes that protruded from the top of his helmet. At his hip rested his sword which had a white exterior and a golden interior.
"Professor Lot? Is that you?" Summer asks clearly not recognizing him.
"It is I. Are you four ready to embark on this mission?" Lance asks as he turns his head to them.
Summer looks back at her team as they all give her a nod in confirmation. Summer then looks back at Lance and nods her head as well. "Team STRQ is ready to deploy!"
"Very well then." Lance begins to walk forward. "Let us be on our way then. If we make haste we may be able to find this creature by tomorrow and be back to the academy before the next week of school starts."
Team STRQ follows behind their teacher as they begin their first mission.
to be continued...
Authors Notes: This took a bit longer than I thought. Honestly I'm still not too sure of how to write the school sections of this fic without it either being too boring, too short, or both. So I'm still trying to figure that out. This chapter also gave name drops for all of the teachers. Some were from the main show, some were from other sources, and some were made by me. I'd say pay close attention to Professor Lot because you'll probably be seeing him the most out of all the other teachers. Also if you realized Glynda isn't teaching her normal class... theirs a very good reason why ;). Anyways that just about wraps up this chapter. What did you all think? I always do enjoy reading reviews. I hope you all are having a good day and this is Exile Mansion signing off.