I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. Here is chapter 3. Enjoy.
Chapter 3: You're joking, right?
The ride back to Beacon had been relatively silent as the occupants made little conversation with each other. However, the silence has started to get to Yang so she decided to change that.
"So…What's your name?" she asks Velvet who is standing in front of her looking out the side of the airship.
"…Velvet," Velvet answers without looking back at Yang.
"Oh…That's…nice. Where are you from?" Yang asks again.
"…Not here," Velvet vaguely answers.
Yang leans closer to Blake on her left, "And I thought you didn't talk much when we first met," she whispers, to which Blake just rolls her eyes.
"So want to tell us why you were in the Emerald Forest now?" Weiss asks with some mild irritation in her voice.
"Not your business," Velvet replies, starting to get a little annoyed.
"Why you little-," Weiss begins before Ruby stops her with a hand on her right shoulder.
"Weiss, we need to try to make friends with her, not enemies," Ruby calms her down, so Weiss just turns her head away with a mild grunt. "Excuse me," Ruby begins and Velvet finally turns around to face her. "I didn't get a chance to introduce ourselves. My name is Ruby Rose, leader of Team RWBY. These are my teammates: Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and my older sister, Yang Xiao Long. It's nice to meet you," Ruby politely introduces everyone.
Velvet looks over the team, "…So we have the reason I'm here, someone who is obviously a spoiled rich kid, a girl who may be the silent type, and a blonde bimbo who is also Ruby's sister. Great…Wait a minute?" Velvet thinks before looking between Ruby and Yang. "Sister? Then why do you have different last names?" she asks.
"Oh, well actually we're half-sisters. Same dad, but different moms. Xiao long is our dad's last name and Rose is my mom's last name," Ruby replies.
"I see," Velvet says before turning away again.
Ruby tries to think of something to say and looks at Velvet's left arm, "You sure you don't want your arm looked at back at the school?" she asks.
"I told you, it's not an injury," Velvet reminds them.
"Then why are you wearing bandages all around your arm?" Blake joins in.
"Why are you wearing a bow on your head?" Velvet counters.
"I…have my reasons," Blake immediately gets defensive about her bow.
"Then there's your answer," Velvet says.
Glynda then speaks up, "We are about to arrive at the school now. Everyone get ready to disembark," she says.
Velvet looks out the side of the airship to see the large structure that is Beacon Academy, taking in the expansive campus grounds and the tall central tower of the school. While she made no indication of it, she was slightly impressed with how it looked.
"Even if I had knowledge about it, seeing it with my own eyes is certainly a whole different experience. So this is a huntsmen academy designed to train people to fight the Grimm. Not bad I guess," Velvet thinks as she takes the scenery in.
The airship lands on one of the landing pads in front of the school and the occupants exit the vehicle.
"Follow me. The headmaster is waiting for us in his office," Glynda says and leads the group to Beacon Tower.
A few minutes later, the group enter an elevator and Goodwitch sets it to take them to the top floor where Ozpin's office is located. When the elevator reaches the top floor, everyone exits it and enters Ozpin's office. In front of them, Ozpin is sitting behind his desk.
"Welcome back everyone. It's good to see you all came back safe and sound. And you have brought our guest with you," Ozpin greets them.
"You're the headmaster I presume?" Velvet asks.
"Yes, I am Professor Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon Academy. And you are?" he asks her.
"…Velvet. Velvet Crowe," she replies.
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Velvet Crowe. We caught you on one of our security cameras in the Emerald Forest, so I sent Professor Goodwitch and Team RWBY to rescue you and bring you back here," he explains.
"Well, I didn't really need any saving. I can take care of myself," Velvet replies, left hand on her hip.
"Of that I have no doubt. Ruby," Ozpin gets the scythe-wielder's attention. "Thank you for you and your team's efforts in this. I suggest the four of you return to your room and get some rest. Because of this, and with how late it is, I am also exempting your team from classes tomorrow. You earned it," he says.
The four girls are happy to hear this, "Thank you professor. But, what about Velvet?" Ruby asks.
"Miss Crowe and I have some things to discuss. Don't worry," he replies.
Ruby looks at Velvet for a moment, and Velvet looks back.
"I'll be fine. Go on," she says.
"Okay. Goodnight Professor Ozpin, Professor Goodwitch, Velvet," Ruby says and the four girls enter the elevator and return to their dorm room.
"Now then…" Ozpin begins as Velvet looks back at him and Glynda stands beside him. "I have several questions, the first being what you were really doing in the Emerald Forest? I highly doubt someone would just be passing through a heavily Grimm infested area such as that," Ozpin asks.
"Looks like he won't be so easily fooled, but I have no reason to trust him, for now at least," Velvet thinks to herself. "My reasons for being there are my own. I'm sure even you can understand that I can't just simply trust someone I've just met and tell them my life's story," Velvet replies.
"Understandable, though that does make this a bit more difficult. Second question, where did you learn to do this?" Ozpin asks as he shows her video footage of her fight with the Beowolves.
Velvet thinks for a moment, "…Self-taught. Where I came from, people like me had to fight to survive every day," Velvet answers him.
"People like you? Meaning…," Glynda inquires.
"People like me who weren't born into high society or had an easy life and had to struggle just to survive," Velvet says while narrowing her eyes at them.
"I see. A delicate subject then. Another question regarding your…ability," Ozpin starts as he shows more footage, this time of Velvet using her demon arm and the fire arte attack. "I take it this was your semblance?" he asks.
"Semblances are special abilities unique to each huntsmen or huntress, with very few exceptions. Guess it would be best if they think my 'curse" is my semblance for now," she surmises. "Yes, that was my semblance. It's why I wear the bandages on my left arm. I can create a werewolf arm of sorts and use it as a weapon. When I focus my energy, I can even perform a fire attack like the one in the video, but that's about it," Velvet says.
"An impressive ability, I must say. Next question, do you have anywhere to stay right now?" Ozpin asks.
"Not really, I was planning on winging it," Velvet says, shrugging her shoulders.
"I see. Last question: do you want to become a student here at my academy?" he asks.
This makes both Glynda and Velvet look at him as if he grew a second head.
"…You're joking, right?" Velvet asks, bewildered.
"Professor Ozpin you can't be serious," Glynda interjects.
"Oh, I'm quite serious. I will be honest, I can't just let skills such as yours go to waste. I would also like to help you if I can. I can tell you have been through a lot in your life and I believe that enrolling as a student here could help with that. What do you think?" he explains.
"Heh, all I heard was that you wanted to use my abilities for your own purposes. Someone I once knew tried that before, to use me as their pawn, against my will…it didn't end well for him," Velvet replies, thinking of Artorius.
"That is why I am offering you a choice. You can accept my offer or not. I will respect your decision, whatever it might be. But I ask that before you make your decision, think about this. You have been living a hard life for so long. Do you want other people who can't defend themselves to go through that same misery because of the Grimm? Or would you rather be there to protect them, so they can live peaceful lives…and gain some sense of peace for yourself in the process?" he questions her.
Velvet thinks for a moment, "Well, I know for a fact that this guy isn't showing every card in his hand. However, taking the deal would give me a place to stay for a awhile, and get me closer to Ruby…Well, it isn't the worst situation I've been in," she thinks and looks back at Ozpin. "Alright, I accept your offer. Just no funny business, okay?" she says.
"Thank you. I promise you won't regret it. Now I need to explain some things. First, every new student has to go through an initiation test before being enrolled here at Beacon. It has only been a week since the semester began, so having one late initiation for you won't be too peculiar for the students here. Second, students here are placed into teams of four, such as Team RWBY whom you met earlier. However, you will be placed in a team that's already been formed as its fifth member. Quick question, how old are you?" he asks.
"I'm nineteen," Velvet answers.
"That shouldn't be too difficult. Usually new students are seventeen years-old when they first come here. However, there are a few exceptions. The leader of Team RWBY, Ruby Rose, actually got in two years early for her exceptional skills with a scythe, for example. I'll inform the teachers here that if anyone asks, you were accepted two years ago, but had to leave for some time due to a situation with your family and have just returned to properly begin your education. When you pass the initiation, and I've no doubt you will, we will provide you with a school uniform for your classes," he explains.
Already Velvet was not liking that idea, "A uniform? You can't be serious?" she asks.
"That is one of the rules here. Beside, you don't want to always walk around in that…unique attire of yours, do you?" he asks, gesturing to her torn clothing.
"Doesn't bother me. Besides, I think I'd rather wear this than a uniform," she says, motioning to her attire.
"Maybe so, but it is school policy. Besides, you don't want to have any of the students here getting the wrong idea about you, do you," he asks.
Velvet looks away for a moment, "…Okay, so maybe you have a point there," she concedes.
"Well that takes care of that. Now, I'll have Professor Goodwitch provide you with some spare clothes tomorrow after your initiation. For now, she will escort you to one of the dorm rooms here to rest. All rooms are unfortunately occupied, so we'll have you stay with Team RWBY since they've already met you. Does that sound alright?" he asks.
"That's fine. Thank you," she says.
"Very good. Then I will see you tomorrow for your initiation. Glynda will come for you tomorrow morning at 9:00. Be ready. Have a good night, Velvet," he bids her goodnight.
"Goodnight professor," Velvet replies and she and Goodwitch leave his office.
When they are gone, Ozpin spins in his chair to look out his window, "Looks like this year really will be interesting…"
…
Shortly after that, Goodwitch and Velvet are walking through the dorm halls, on their way to Team RWBY's room.
"Most rooms only have four beds, so you'll have to figure out sleeping arrangements amongst yourselves. After you have been placed with a team, I'll see about getting a fifth bed for you," She explains.
"Thanks," Velvet replies as they near Team RWBY's dorm.
"This is Team RWBY's dorm here," Glynda says and knocks on the door.
Noises can be heard and a moment later, Weiss opens the door, looking mad.
"Now what is it?!" She yells, but immediately regrets the action as she sees Goodwitch in front of her again. "Oh, um, Professor Goodwitch. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you," she quickly apologizes.
"It's alright, Miss Schnee. I know it has been a long night for you and your team, so I'll make this quick. Miss Crowe here has been accepted as a student here and will be going through an initiation test tomorrow morning. You are the only people here she really knows, so she'll be staying with you for the night," Goodwitch explains.
"Wait, SHE'S a student here now?!" Weiss asks, flabbergasted while pointing at Velvet.
"We've discussed this with Professor Ozpin, and this is the conclusion. Do NOT make a big deal out of it. I mean, after all, your leader was accepted in a similar manner, and you have no problem with that. Right?" Glynda asks sternly, narrowing her eyes at Weiss.
Weiss quickly back-peddles, "O-of course. I apologize, Professor Goodwitch," she apologizes.
"Not to me, Miss Schnee. To Miss Crowe," Goodwitch inclines her head to Velvet.
Weiss looks at Velvet and takes a deep breath, "I…apologize for my rudeness, Miss Crowe. I will try to be more polite in the future," She says.
"Just Velvet is fine. And I'm used to people looking down on me. I'm over it," she says, getting both women's attention.
"I-I see. Well, come in and we'll figure out your sleeping arrangements. Goodnight, Professor Goodwitch," Weiss says.
"Goodnight Miss Schnee, Miss Crowe," Glynda nods to both of them before leaving for the night.
Weiss moves and allows Velvet to walk into the dorm room. Immediately, she notices how the beds are set up. On the right side of the room, one bed is suspended over another by some ropes attached to the ceiling, while on the left side, one bed is stacked on another, with books set in between the bed posts of the two. Velvet raises an eyebrow, and looks at Weiss who walks up next to her. Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Weiss just shrugs her shoulders. The rest of the team get out of their beds to welcome their guest.
"Hi Velvet. What are you doing here so late?" Ruby asks.
"Well, starting tomorrow I'm a new student here," she says.
This gets everyone, other than Weiss', attention.
"Ozpin accepted you here? Just like that?" Yang asks.
"Well, I have an initiation tomorrow morning, so he's letting me crash in your room for the night since I don't know anyone else or have anywhere else to go," Velvet explains.
"Oh, that's so cool! You got admitted. Professor Ozpin must have been impressed with you. And you're staying in our room for tonight. That's even better," Ruby squeals.
"Ruby, come on, we need to figure out where she's going to sleep for tonight. There's only four beds and five of us," Weiss reminds her.
"Oh right, so about we…" Ruby begins, finger on her chin as she thinks.
"I'll sleep on the floor," Velvet answers for her and walks over to one corner of the room near Blake's bed.
"What? You don't have to do that," Ruby says.
"I'm used to it. Goodnight," Velvet says as she lies down on the floor, back turned to them, leaving no room for argument.
Seeing that she won't change her mind, the team relents and head back to their beds. However, Ruby instead gets some spare bed sheets and an extra pillow and brings them to Velvet. Feeling someone behind her, Velvet looks over her shoulder to see Ruby with the bed sheets and pillow.
"What?" she asks.
"These are for you. Even if you sleep on the floor, I won't have you sleep without a pillow and a blanket. So take them, and I won't accept 'no' for an answer," Ruby says, being stubborn.
Seeing no way out of it, Velvet sighs and accepts the sheets and pillow and gets situated while Ruby smiles before returning to her bed. However, before she can jump up into her bed, Velvet stops her.
"Hey Ruby," she says, getting her attention. "…Thanks. And goodnight," she says without looking at her.
Ruby smiles at this, "Sure thing. Goodnight Velvet," Ruby replies and get into her bed.
When she felt Ruby had fallen asleep, Velvet looks over at her one more time before turning back over and closing her eyes.
"I'm not sure if I'm up to the task, but I said I would protect her…And that's what I'm going to do," Velvet thinks before falling asleep.
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