I despise this chapter. I'm not exaggerating when I say that.

This chapter, this Thing. Delayed me by a whole week. It took up hours of my life and what for? The worst chapter yet. I tried to make this good but every time I went into this my creativity died on the spot.

If I have published the fifth chapter by the time you are reading this you can just skip this. This is just to establish the teams and character dynamics but you'll find that out next chapter with or without reading this.

So yeah. If you're still here welcome to this train wreck. Sorry for anyone who was waiting for an update and now gets to read this.

Ruby stared the other girl in the eye. Not Yang or Blake, the eyes were a dark brown. And we're giving her a slightly surprised look with her arms crossed.

She had rabbit ears

"Your a Faunus," said Ruby in realization. And the rabbit ears at the top of the girl's head twitch in annoyance.

"Yeah. I know. I didn't just grow them today." Countered the girl dryly and then she turned around. and beginning to walk away.

"Wait!" Cried out, Ruby. Recovering from her surprise and chasing after her "I didn't mean to insult you!

"Darn it ruby." Ruby grit her teeth in anger "Can't you think for two seconds before you say something."

The girl didn't pause or even slow down. She continued with grim determination and didn't even acknowledge Ruby's existence.

Ruby sped after her and got in her way. She did Not. Want to make another enemy only two days into beacon, would that be a record? "I'm sorry, I was just expecting someone else. I didn't mean to be rude."

The girl sidestepped and walked past her without a second look "you don't have to follow me. I don't care if your on my team."

Was that good? That she didn't care whether or not ruby was on her team? Or was she trying to hint that ruby should leave and ruby just couldn't see it?

"I'm really really sorry" continued ruby. Still following her "Please forgive me. I didn't mean anything I was just surprised"

"If it was just a mistake then why do you care about it so much." Asked the girl and Ruby considered lying about the whole Weiss thing. But then again if she did end up on a team with velvet she'd probably find out that she almost blew Weiss up.

So she would have to tell the truth.

"I already made someone else mad yesterday. I don't want to do that again."

That made the girl slow down and ruby was glad that she was making progress.

"Who did you make mad?"

"Weiss Schnee." Ruby remembered the name from when Blake had used it ."I knocked over her clothes and almost blew her up and now she keeps on finding and yelling at me and I don't want that to happen again."

"You blew up. Weiss Schnee?" Ruby nodded furtively and the girl let out a short laugh. Although ruby didn't see anything funny about how the heiress had singled her out twice to scream at her.

"Did you get a picture of it? Or better yet, get it on video"

Ruby shook her head. That had been far from her mind. And she doubted that Blake had sone it.

The girl shook her head in disappointment "too bad. I would pay to see her face when that happened."

"It wasn't funny at the time." Muttered Ruby, it really hadn't been. and the girl sighed and picked up the pace again.

"Yes, I bet it wasn't. But still" the girl giggled to herself "I would love to see it. I'm Velvet."

Ruby stumbled at the sudden change in conversation "oh uh. I'm Ruby, Ruby rose."

"Good to know" and Velvet stopped talking.

They continued in silence and Ruby wasn't sure whether or not velvet had forgiven her but she didn't seem upset anymore.

"Do you know where we going?" Asked Ruby cautiously. And Velvet simply nodded.

"Oh cool. How do you know?"

"I remembered" replied Velvet with a slight edge in her voice.

"Oh. Okay." Responded Ruby and she left it at that. She did not want to go back to square one. If she had ever left it.

Why was making enemies so much easier than making friends, and so far she had had the worst luck when it came to making either.

Maybe she could turn things around with velvet? She had made friends with Blake, right? She would just have to try and repeat whatever happened then.

Couldn't be too hard, right?

"So. Do you know Weiss?"

"The heiress to the Schnee dust company? Of course, who hasn't?"

"Is she famous or something?"

"In a way I suppose" and ruby didn't know what to do with that information. And Velvet didn't seem like she was going to explain more.

She eventually gave up, she would have plenty of time to get to know her right? Even if it took a while.

Who knew, maybe Yang and Blake were having better luck.

...

Blake for one. Was not having better luck.

Instead, she was stuck with another girl. Who was trailing behind her as they made their way through the forest.

"I'm sorry if I'm slowing you down. I'm just worried for someone"

Pyrrha was, in fact. Slowing Blake down. Despite her title as a champion fighter so far she was almost completely unprepared to navigate the forest. Or maybe Blake was just good at it, either way, didn't change the fact that she had to slow herself down to avoid leaving the Mistralian behind.

"It's no problem" it was but what was the point in telling her that "We're huntsmen. We're supposed to help each other."

"Yes but. I don't wish to be a burden to you."

"You're alright. I'm looking for someone as well" dismissed Blake, in all honesty, she was more so putting up with Pyrrha because with the champion helping any encounter would be far easier.

"Really?" The champion seemed surprised "Did you make a plan with someone else?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?" Suspicion leaked into Blake's voice catching Pyrrha off guard.

Pyyhra faltered for a second "I didn't mean to pry. I just didn't think so many people planned teams beforehand."

A reasonable answer. But Blake didn't believe that was all.

"Did you?"

"Oh yes. There was this girl who seemed really shy. She asked me if I wanted to be on a team with her"

"You accepted?" That was surprising, Maybe ruby had found a fourth partner and neither of them had realized. How ironic would that be?

"Yes, I did. I didn't have any plans when it came to partners so why would I say no?" Pyrrha shrugged "I thought it would be a good way to already be in a good relationship with my teammate."

"Who was the girl?"

"Weiss Schnee. I didn't even know she was attending beacon. I expected it to be announced on every paper and news station if that were the case."

"Weiss Schnee" repeated Blake. Her eyes narrowing into slits. She had a very hard time believing she could be shy with anyone.

"Yes. Do you know each Other?" Asked Pyyhra. Noticing the hostile reaction to the name. If Blake was an adult it wouldn't have been that surprising. The Schnee family was rich and powerful. Of course, they had enemies. But what could earn such a Reaction from someone her age

Then she remembered the story Weiss had told her after she had proposed they be teammates, could this be her?

"She told me about these three girls who knocked over her clothes." Said Pyyhra. Tilting her head toward the sky as she remembered what Weiss had told her "And nearly blew her off the campus, along with keeping her up at night with there shouting."

"Did you believe her?"

Pyyhra looked back at Blake and shook her head "no. I was awake when the argument happened. It didn't sound like she was completely innocent of anything." And Blake nodded in agreement.

"It was the Schnees fault. Was shaking dust in Ruby's face and almost ended up getting both of them killed."

"Oh, dear. Is she alright?"

Blake shrugged "think so. She hasn't said anything about it. Sorry if that sounds like an insult to your friend. But if there's a person that deserved to have that happen it's her."

"Did something else happen?"

"Pretty sure she terrifies ruby she still hasn't accepted her apology. The Schnee I mean."

"I can believe it, she doesn't seem like the kind to forgive and forget." Probably the side effect of being the heiress of the largest company on the planet.

"I thought you two were friends?"

"I would like that to be but we haven't exactly talked much beyond her inviting me to be on her team."

"If that's the case why did you accept? Not much she could do to stop you."

"Because if people find out that the champion of mistral declined to be the same team as a Schnee. I doubt I won't feel some backlash from it."

"You are a huntsman. What can they do to you?"

"The Schnee are rich and don't take such slights lightly. They could buy out my sponsors, or pay bribes to try and keep me as low in the ranks as possible."

"All of that just because you declined to be on the same team as their daughter?" That seemed a little extreme even for the Schnee's.

"It would be more about the perceived insult than anything else. It would make it look like I didn't consider Weiss good enough to be on the same team as me."

"You seem to know a lot about those things" noted Blake.

"I was taught how to react to such things when I began to become well known. It's happened before" it didn't come off as bragging but more of a matter of fact.

"Interesting." Blake considered this knowledge "so you don't want to be on a team with her?"

"I must say that I would prefer to be on a different team. I doubt Weiss cares about me beyond my title."

"Would you like the chance to be on a different team" it was a long shot yes. But Pyrrha tilted her head in interest.

"I thought you had your own team you wanted to join with."

"Yes but there's only three of us so we need one more person for a full team."

"I'm flattered but as I said I don't want to risk the schnees wrath."

"We can't switch teams once we find a relic correct? We just have to find a relic and say you weren't watching when we took it. Weiss might be angry but it's not like she could prove us wrong" Seeing Weiss has a temper tantrum was more than enough justification to try and convince the Mistralian to be on the same team as Blake.

"Would you be okay with that? I don't want to make it so you have to choose between someone else."

Pyrrha's voice sounded polite but the pleading look on her face gave away the fact that she wanted Blake to say yes.

she probably should have asked ruby and yang first. But Pyrrha so far hadn't been hostile, shown any disdain for the Faunus, and had shown disdain towards Weiss. Which were the three things she required to have a decent opinion of someone.

Besides. What were the odds that Ruby would find someone else to be on their team? The girl could hardly talk unless it was about weapons or teasing Yang.

So Blake nodded "don't have anyone else in mind. I'm sure the others will be happy to be on a team with you."

"Oh, wonderful! I mean, thank you very much." Said Pyrrha. Regaining her composure as Blake rolled her eyes.

"No problem. Welcome to the team"

Now all that was left was to find Yang and Ruby. Which shouldn't be too hard. They had probably found each other by now anyway.

...

Yang had not found Ruby.

Instead, she was marching after Cardin, Russel, and a very reluctant Jaune as they headed toward the clearing Cardin had apparently seen during his flight.

Yang had wanted to run straight past them after she saw the three. She could always lie and say they never made eye contact but then she had seen Jaune. Who had pleaded with his eyes for her to stay even as Cardin had continued dragging him to the relics?

She should have just continued running, left Jaune to his fate. And found Ruby. But for some stupid reason, she had stayed with them.

As soon as she found Ruby she would abandon the others but she wasn't going to leave Jaune with those two in the forest. No matter how much she wanted to.

Yang let out a groan which earned an odd look from Russel as the two followed after Cardin.

Damn her conscience.

...

Someone in beacon must hate her.

Maybe it was the headmaster. Yes, it was probably Ozpin. That or miss Glynda. Who else would have the power to do this?

It was probably punishment for something, but what? Had father done something to annoy the headmaster? Was that why they were going after her? She hadn't even been at beacon for two whole days so it couldn't have been something she did.

Something would have to be done to get them back on her good side and Weiss off this team.

She had planned to team up with Pyyhra, find two other decent huntsmen. Become team leader and then become the star of the academy.

Simple, and for most people difficult to execute. Barely a challenge for her.

So why had things gone so wrong so quickly?

It had started when. Nora. That girl. Had interrupted her fight with a band of Ursa. And then her friend had joined them. Stealing the victory from her and a chance to show her expertise at fighting.

No matter, slaying a couple of Ursa, while impressive for a brand new huntsman, wasn't too big of a deal. Besides, maybe these two new huntsmen were good at the job and could fill in the empty spots.

Wrong.

While lie ren had been almost completely silent since the fight Nora had been uncontrollable. And had barraged Weiss with stupid question after stupid question. Most of which concerned sloths for some reason.

And then they had found that other kid. Isaak (what a boring name. Simple, like him.) had latched onto their party like a parasite and had taken every opportunity to make fun of Weiss with crude jokes.

She had taken every opportunity to tell them she was okay with separating, but none of them had taken the hint. That or they were flat out ignoring her.

At least Ren was reasonable. That or he just didn't talk unless he had to. But the other two were as bad as those three girls who had caused so much trouble for her.

Well. She would just have to convince one of them to leave the party once they found Pyrrha. Probably Isaak. At least you could ignore Nora with her aimless rambling. It shouldn't be difficult to get him off the team since he had joined alone whereas ren and Nora seemed to know each other.

That was the plan at least. It was a decent plan. Not good. But it should do the job.

That was until they found the relics.

It looked like they were the first to arrive. There were no other teams there and all the relics were untouched.

"Good," thought Weiss. A self satisfactory grin spreading across her face as she stopped "now I just need to wait for for"

"Ooh. Shiny"

Wait, what.

Weiss didn't have time to react before Nora ran past her. Her eyes set on the chess piece shaped relics

"Wait no!" Shouted Weiss. Too late, as if she would listen anyway.

Nora leaned over a piece for a second. What thoughts went through her head Weiss had no idea. Before she held up a rook piece triumphantly and announced with a little dance "I'm queen of the castle. I'm queen of the castle!"

Weiss stared at her in disbelief. No, this couldn't be happening. Not after all she did to get to beacon and her plan to get on the same team as Pyrrha.

All were destroyed because of Nora. Who was grinning at her triumphantly. No idea what she had just done

Weiss did all she could think to do.

She fell to her knees and cried into her hands.

...

Yang wore a constant frown on her face as she followed Cardin and the other two through the forest. No sign of Ruby. No sign of anyone else yet. And they were getting closer to the relic by the minute. Meaningless time to switch to Ruby's team.

She had tried to slow them down. Suggesting they go a different way, saying they should rest, plain old threatening after a while. But Cardin had simply smirked back at her while still holding Jaune in a headlock.

Incredibly infuriating.

It wasn't until she saw a clearing up ahead that yang really began to worry.

"Really guys we should probably stop here." Insisted yang and Cardin rolled his eyes.

"Getting tired so soon? You can stay here but I think I see a clearing up ahead. Don't worry, we'll come back for you. Teammate"

Yang shivered at the very idea of being trapped on a team with Cardin as leader. And picked up the pace to get next to Cardin

"Jaune needs the rest. I mean look at him." Yang nodded to Jaune. Who tried to nod as well, but Cardin squeezed down on his skull as a threat and he shook his head no.

"See. He's fine." Cardin gave her another grin and Yang growled, fine, guess it was back to threats.

"Look, man. I want to be on a different team so wait until I find them so we can part ways."

"Why don't you just do that now?"

"You know why. You'll probably pop Jaune brain as soon as I turn around." Answered Yang bluntly.

Cardin let out a fake gasp "really Yang. I'm insulted," he looked down at Jaune who flinched as their eyes locked "you hear that buddy. Yang here thinks I'm going to pop your brain. How insulting. We're friends, right buddy?"

Jaune didn't say anything in response and looked at Yang for help.

Yang growled and grabbed Cardin by the shoulders "look man. Let Jaune and me go and we'll go our separate ways"

Cardin did his best to shrug but yang stopped him, earning a far more toothy smile than usual "you can go. But I and Jaune are pals, right Jaune?"

"N-no?" Said Jaune hopefully. The first thing he had said since yang had met him.

Cardin shook his head and ruffled Jaune a hair "don't joke like that buddy. I might get offended."

The threat in offending him was obvious and yang glared at him.

"Just say we can part ways and we're done. Nothing more. Nothing less"

"Really. You shouldn't want to split up from your teammate's yang. It's bad luck."

"We're not teammates" growled yang but Cardin's smile didn't disappear. If anything it only turned more malicious.

"I believe you'll find. We are"Cardin nodded back toward the clearing and Yang glanced in that direction.

Only for her jaw to drop as she saw Russel walking back towards them. A chess piece in hand and a grin that would have put Cardin to shame on his face.

She slowly turned back to Cardin. Who only smiled innocently at her.

Yang raised a fist "Why you little!"

...

Ruby winced as another tree branch barely missed her as Velvet plowed through the forest.

She hadn't said anything since ruby had told her about how she blew up Weiss. And the silence was beginning to eat at her.

"So uh." Began Ruby, hoping to end the silence. "Are we almost there?"

"We are. Just a couple more minutes." Replied velvet curtly.

"Oh cool so. I had something I wanted to ask you if that's okay?"

Velvet shrugged and ruby took that as a go-ahead.

"Did you have anyone you planned on being on a team with?" Velvet hadn't mentioned anyone. But then again velvet hadn't said much of anything.

"No I did not have a plan, you know somebody?"

"Well my sister and a new friend I made planned to be on the same team, but we don't have a fourth person to fill our team."

"You want me to be on your team don't you?"

Ruby nodded quickly and velvet didn't say anything for a moment. Before finally shrugging.

"Is that a yes?" Asked Ruby cautiously and Velvet only nodded once. Causing Ruby to breathe a sigh of relief. Was this what talking to new people usually felt like? If so she never wanted to it ever again.

"Do you want to know what they look like" Asked Ruby and Velvet shrugged.

"If you want."

Ruby felt slightly lighter at the change of topic. Finally, she could talk without worrying that she would insult Velvet in some way "So there's Yang. My sister, she's got long yellow hair and she can be annoying. Like really annoying, and she can be really embarrassing when she wants to but she's pretty cool once you get to know her and she'll fight anyone if they're being mean to you she'll beat them up. Dad told her not to but she never stopped." Ruby tried to recount all the times that dad had sat her and Yang down after a fight to give them a talk. She couldn't count them all.

"Then there's Blake she helped me with Weiss after she started yelling at me. She doesn't say much unless you're talking to her. But she isn't mean or anything. Also, she has this black bow in her hair which I think is really cool. I think you'll like them a lot."

Velvet nodded in response before jumping over a large rock in their way. Leaving Ruby to climb it herself.

She grunted as she pulled herself to the top and looked around for velvet. Before seeing her continuing to walk to a clearing in the forest where a bunch of stone columns were crumbling away.

She jumped down and chased after her. Maybe Blake and yang were already there. She wondered how they would get along with velvet. She was quiet like Blake. Maybe the two would get along. Or maybe quiet people couldn't get along with other quiet people.

Would they all get along? Yang and Blake had barely even said anything to the other. What if they didn't get along? What if Velvet didn't like people and that was why she was barely saying anything?

Why hadn't anyone told her that being a huntsman would be this confusing? You were supposed to fight Grimm and save people. Not have to worry about how your team got along with one another (well to be fair. With team STRQ Summer does, Raven ran off, and Qrow is an alcoholic, what gave you the impression it would be simple?)

Maybe it would be better if it was just her and Yang. At least then she wouldn't have to worry about Velvet and Blake.

No.

She couldn't just abandon the two of them, being a huntsman meant working together. And she would do whatever it took to keep her team together.

"Ruby!"

Speaking of her team.

Ruby stopped and turned back to the forest. Where Blake was waving at her.

For the first time that day, she smiled as she ran over. Finally, someone who she didn't feel awkward around.

"Hi, Blake" greeted Ruby "You made it!"

"Yes, I did. And you found the relics" noted Blake and Ruby nodded.

"Yeah, And I met another person too!" Ruby looked back to introduce Velvet but the Faunus wasn't there. She was probably going for the relic.

"Well she isn't here now" continued Ruby as she turned back to Blake "but I think you'll like her, she's kind of qui- is something wrong?"

Blake had a frown on her face and turned back to Ruby with a slightly concerned expression.

"Ruby, did you find Yang?"

"No. I thought you did?" Ruby's smile faltered but returned quickly. No problem, they would just have to wait until she got here.

Blake's frown deepened and Ruby knew something was wrong.

"We might have a problem then" continued Blake and Ruby had a sudden sinking feeling as someone walked up from behind Blake.

"Hello" the redhead gave Ruby a small wave. Which she returned. Okay so maybe things weren't that... bad.

Oh no.

"Found a relic" Velvet walked up to the three of them and handed a chess piece to Ruby before looking at Blake and the other girl then back to Ruby.

"That's not Yang, is it?" Asked Velvet and Ruby let out a groan.

This... was not good.

So yeah, here is my incredibly bad chapter. I know the lack of flexibility isn't why this chapter was so hard to write. So I have no clue what caused this mess. I don't know I just hope it doesn't become a trend with this book. I mean, it Is a test to see what works and what doesn't so I have that excuse but still. I don't want to be putting out chapters like this frequently. Or at all.

Luckily this is the only example of it so far. The chapters I have already written so far (still need editing) are all really fun to write and I think they're decent.

So yeah. Sorry, you had to read through this. Hopefully I'll have. New and better chapter for you all soon.