Glynda doesn't know what to think about the woman in front of her. Malenia… If that's her real name, is hunched back in her seat, head up against the roof of the bullhead, taking up tons of space inside the bullhead. She found it somewhat entertaining to watch Malenia fit into the aircraft, it took several minutes for her to be squeezed into a comfortable position. She took off her helmet so her head could fit, but it was still a tight squeeze. It was already cramped, the medical team took up most of the space to treat Paprika, Malenia's size and her lengthy weapon didn't certainly help. They had to put it in a different compartment.

She has never seen someone this big before, the tallest person she knew of was a student named Yatsuhashi, who certainly reached a height of 7 feet. But looking at Malenia, Glynda's height only reached her chest area, the red-headed woman was taller than him.

Glynda was thankful to Malenia, without her she would have lost two of her students today. But despite that, she can't help but look at her with suspicion. She didn't give her a last name, her purpose for being in the area was certainly vague, and most of all, now that they're up close, Glynda had some time to scrutinize her appearance.

She got a good look at her face once she had taken off her helmet. Her hair was long and free-flowing, suspecting she barely grooms it. She has a beautiful face, with not a single blemish in sight. Her golden eyes were sharp and bright like they could pierce through your soul.

Despite being big, she was slender and has a well-built body.

At first, she thought it was armor on her arm. But she noticed her hand, it looked like a prosthetic, gold no less, including her weapon and helmet. Her weapon though, was surprisingly light, despite being slightly taller than Malenia herself, it was quite weird why it didn't have a handle, but when she realized her arm was a prosthetic, she connected the dots quickly.

She also noticed her legs… brothers, both of her legs were prosthetics too! She must've lived a dangerous life losing three of her limbs. Glynda wanted to ask about that but she doesn't want to offend someone like her.

Hopefully, she'll be compensated quickly by Ozpin and be sent on her way.

"About Beacon Academy," Malenia spoke suddenly, making Glynda jump slightly. It also didn't help she has little knowledge about Beacon, everybody on Remnant at least knows the four Huntsmen Academies…

Thankfully she regained her composure. "Ah, yes. Beacon is a Huntsman academy that trains students from combat schools to be Huntsmen and Huntresses. It is the most prestigious Huntsman Academy in all of Remnant."

"Huntsmen?"

"Huntsmen are elite warriors that we train to slay Grimm, to save and protect the people of Remnant," Glynda explained, she wonders if she was living under a rock. It was strange, since Huntsmen and Huntresses are famous across the planet, obviously.

Malenia didn't respond immediately, she glanced over to Erika, sitting beside the stretcher that Paprika was lying on. "So you train children, to fight these beasts? These Grimm, you call them?" She frowned. Glynda noted that she said it like she hasn't heard or seen Grimm before. Who is she?

The issue of employing teens has come up before in Beacon's history. Back before when Beacon's 3rd Headmaster lowered the age requirement for the Academy from 21 to 17, at this decision, combat schools in vale lowered theirs as well. "I need you to understand Miss Malenia that these are dire times," she responded

"Dire enough to rob children of their innocence?" Malenia said with distaste in her mouth.

"I do not like it more than you do Miss Malenia, but the Grimm has been destroying settlements for years now, humanity has its back on the wall. We need all the help we could get," she explained.

"Nonsense, if you have qualms about it then why do you still work at this institution?"

"As I said, it is necessary. I can assure you they want this life Miss Malenia, it is voluntary after all." She reassured the woman. "I myself joined at a young age. It was a dream of mine to be a huntress. We aren't forcing anyon-"

"But you still let children die." Malenia cut her off "Giving them dangerous tasks, such as these" She gestured to Paprika and Erika "-at such a young age." Glynda did not appreciate being cut off but remained her composure.

"The job of a huntress is a dangerous one, Miss Malenia. They knew what they are signing up for. But I don't let my students get hurt, I do condemn them and the Headmaster for performing missions that they are unprepared for." Malenia clicked her tongue and turned her head towards the medical team.

Malenia stayed silent this time, she still doesn't like it even if it is voluntary. At such a young age, being used to fighting these beasts, these 'Grimm' they called. Cleanrot knights were trained at the same age, but they spent their childhood years training educationally whilst living a fun childhood. At least they weren't called into combat until they are 24, the physical peak of their age.

But she must admit, she was right. Dire times need dire actions. Malenia would be a hypocrite if she didn't. She literally destroyed the Caelid wilds just to defeat her half-brother.

If these Grimm are that big of a threat, Malenia could understand. But she doesn't like children being led to their deaths.

The ride back to Beacon was rather uneventful and silent. It was dusk when they arrived. Malenia was relieved after that uncomfortable and cramped vessel. It was fascinating to her, a metal flying bird. There was nothing like it in the Lands Between, but she remembers Radahn's army having floating boats. But that was because of his gravitational magic.

When they got off, she retrieved her blade from the separate compartment and sheathe it at her side. She saw the men in white garbs rushing off with Paprika, Erika accompanied them.

She finally set her sight on the Academy as a whole, she didn't get a look outside of the window, since she was at the back of the bullhead, alongside Glynda. She was impressed, to say the least. None of the structures even in Leyndell could compare, the architecture is really similar to Raya Lucaria. It also had an impressive landscape too, it was situated on a cliffside, that overlooks a walled city that looked just as impressive from afar. Raya Lucaria also had geography like this, situated on top of a narrow and steep rock formation, overlooking Liurnia.

They made their way down the avenue, Malenia's leg prosthetics scraping against the stone-tiled pathway.

She also noticed the number of students wandering the Academy, most of them have colorful hair and flashy garbs and pieces of armor. Some of it is downright horrendous to look at. She guesses it isn't different from Knights decorating their armor, but at least it was pleasing to look at.

She also noticed some of them staring and glancing at her as she and the Headmistress walked down the main avenue… Malenia heard the gossip and whispers of the students as they passed by.

"Holy shit… look at her, she's so tall!"

"She's huge…"

"Looks like Yats found his soul mate. " one of them quipped,

"Her arm looks cool… Do you think that's a prosthetic?"

"Shush! They're coming this way."

Malenia ignored them, she was used to being the center of attention, and people in the Lands Between worshipped them. But it doesn't mean she likes it. It makes her uncomfortable occasionally. Albeit it was nice being respected.

While walking, Glynda talked about the history of the Academy, from the way she describes every detail, she could tell the Headmistress worked here for a long time and is very devoted to her profession. They were beast slayers, after all, claiming to protect people.

They finally reached the main square of the Academy, Malenia was quietly scanning the beautiful scenery while students around her still gossiped. The Headmistress spoke up. "Unfortunately, the Headmaster is currently not here at the moment to give your reward, but he will return tomorrow morning. In the meantime, you can stay at one of the guest dorms overnight."

"Where is the Headmaster?" Malenia asked frowning.

"He is visiting another Huntsman Academy for an event."

She sighed, Malenia hoped to meet the head of the Academy sooner. But on the bright side, she has been given time to think about where to go from here after she gets compensated, or whatever the compensation entails.

"I do apologize that you'd have to wait until tomorrow, but for now, let me show you to your quarters." She continued, noticing Malenia's sigh.

"Can't you just give me my due compensation? You're the Headmistress after all." she reasoned

Glynda nodded "I would, but the Headmaster controls all of the resources in the Academy, he will have to give his approval for me to give you your reward, may it be monetary or something else."

"I see," Malenia replied. Definitely not satisfied with her answer.

"Besides, the Headmaster would want to talk to you."

"Why would your Headmaster talk to me for?"

"Other than compensating you, he would like to know every detail of what happened. It's protocol, my apologies." She explained

She was about to open her mouth to refuse but remembers her predicament. She needs help from these people. To get her started. Some people view asking for help as a form of weakness, but Malenia sees it as an advantage. Why refuse the help if it came to you?

When Malenia did not respond, Glynda continued "Without further ado, let me show you your quarters for the night." The tall woman responded with a nod. They made their way inside one of the buildings of the campus, Malenia noted that this place was well maintained, and everything was clean and orderly. She visited noble schools in Leyndell before the shattering, it was never this clean. Although Raya Lucaria was on another level, the scholars there took hygiene and cleanliness seriously.

Thankfully the ceiling was high enough for her to walk straight, although she had to slightly bend her head low to fit through the door.

They reached a strange lift, Malenia had never seen an enclosed lift like this and wondered where the levers and pressure plates were. Turns out it can be controlled by buttons inside, and it could go to multiple floors. Unlike the lifts they had, they could only go from one floor to another. There was also the issue of height, since it was a confined box, it, unfortunately, had a ceiling. Malenia had to stoop low to enter and she was once again hunched back.

It was irritating, but she knew her height was uncommon. The annoying music inside the lift didn't help ease her irritation.

"I've always thought being tall is a blessing, on second thought…" Glynda quipped.

"How amusing, Headmistress," Malenia said in an annoyed tone. She did not like humor, thinking it to be unnecessary.

"My apologies, It was merely a jest," she said nonchalantly

"Jesting does not fit an old woman like you." Malenia retorted.

"Excuse me?"

Glynda furrowed her brows at the tall woman. It was supposed to be threatening, but to Malenia it was like a child pouting. She ignored her.

The elevator door opened after what felt like an eternity, the floor was in the same layout as all the other floors, the only difference is potted plants and chandeliers on the ceiling dotted the hallway.

"These are the guest floors, they are mostly empty so you wouldn't have to worry about noise or interactions with students." The Headmistress explained, still maintaining her sternness and professionality.

She has to thank her for that, after the display on the main avenue, she doesn't want to be the center of attention.

"Here we are," They stopped at a door at the end of the hall, the doorknob has a strange black glass under it, with no lock in sight. Before she can ask the Headmistress about the lock she spoke up.

"Before I forget, here is your scroll. You use it to unlock the door." She hovered the 'scroll' over the black glass and the door made a clicking sound, probably unlocking it. "Do not lose it. If you do, you cannot access your quarters." She said sternly like a mother instructing a child. She handed over the strange device to Malenia's palm.

Malenia let a faint frown show on her lips "Noted."

"If you wish to explore the Academy, let me know, I will send a capable student here to accompany you."

"There's no need, thank you." She opened the door and went inside. The interior and furniture are adequate, albeit a bit bare. There was a queen-sized bed, two nightstands, and a strange rectangular glass attached to the wall. There was also a small round table and a door that leads to what she probably assumes is a lavatory. The ceiling was also high, which she liked.

"I hope the room is adequate," Malenia nodded "If you need anything, use the scroll I gave you to contact me." At this, Malenia scrutinized the scroll and tapped it a few times, unsure of how to activate the contraption.

Glynda raised an eyebrow "You… know how to use a scroll, don't you?" she asked

"...Can't say I have," she said, still tapping and fumbling with the unactivated scroll.

Glynda shook her head and approached, outstretching her hand, "May I?"

Malenia nodded, giving Glynda the scroll. She watched as Glynda pressed the circular shape on the front of the device, then a blue screen materialized from the side of it. She tapped on it multiple times until it showed a bunch of… symbols with the Headmistress' picture on the side of the symbols.

She realized that this realm has a different writing system… She cannot read this.

"Here, that's how you use it, and that's how you contact me." She said giving back the device. Malenia pressed the circular shape, and the blue light disappeared.

The Headmistress turned, walking towards the exit. "I have to go back to my duties, I also have to visit the infirmary. Visit Paprika if you have time, she'll be no doubt thankful to you." Glynda said

"I certainly will. You have my thanks, Headmistress." Glynda nodded and went out the door. Closing it.

The Headmistress is definitely a focused and hard-working woman, the kind she respects. She always has an aura of professionalism. She doesn't know what duties her position entails but she assumes she is also a disciplinarian of some sort, due to her stern nature.

Malenia explored her quarters, laying down her winged helm on the nightstand and dropping her sword on the bed. She opened the door in her room, proving her right that it was a lavatory. There were things that she didn't recognize. The glass sheet covering what she guesses is a shower. The white seat with water inside of it she guesses it was a toilet. It was all foreign to her since it is a completely different version than what she was accustomed to.

Indoor plumbing was a luxury that they could afford, fortunately. Only nobles and rulers had this. She also noticed a mirror, and a sink just under it.

She stood in front of the mirror and bent over the sink, Malenia perused her face. The rot was really gone. She touched her cheek and felt clean, smooth, and creamy skin. Her pupils were of sharp gold color, like her father's. Her red hair was wild and ungroomed. Malenia doesn't remember the last time she bathed… It was not like the rot had an odor so it was unnecessary. The rot took away her ability to sweat anyway.

Malenia went back to the bedroom and sat on the bed. She felt like she was sitting on a chair made for a child as her knees were reaching her chest. She crossed them instead.

She thought about the events that happened today. Being defeated by the Tarnished, waking up in a new world, without the Erdtree. Strange black beasts, and now strange and foreign contraptions. It was just so overwhelming. So surreal…

'Miquella…' Malenia misses her brother dearly, ever since Miquella disappeared, her life turned miserable. She was the blade of Miquella, his protector. She doesn't know where he even went. She was a failure of a sibling.

She doesn't know where to go from here. For now, talking to the Headmaster would be a great start, she could negotiate the compensation as an aid instead.

She then remembered the Grimm, the strange creatures they are. When they were killed, they faded just like in the Lands Between, some creatures, when killed, fade away. Their soul was claimed by the Erdtree. But there wasn't an Erdtree in this realm, so it was an anomaly to her.

She assumed there were more of their types. Glynda explained on the bullhead that they were called Ursai. Perhaps she should try to know more about these creatures if they are feared enough for these people to use children…

She thought about the girl that she saved. Desperate to save her friend, and willing to stand her ground against greater odds. It certainly reminded Malenia a little bit of herself. Red hair, warrior-like determination, and caring for her peers. She noted to visit them when she has time. When she hugged her she felt something warm inside of her, she doesn't know what the feeling is, but it felt like its similar to her feelings when Miquella is around. Protectiveness? No… it's different.

There were also her animal ears, she couldn't be a demi-human. Demi-humans are more bestial and prone to lashing out because of their wild instincts. She should find out what they are.

Malenia's thoughts were interrupted by a sound… originating from her stomach. There was another feeling inside of her…

Hunger.

Miquella said once the rot spread to her vital organs it begins to supply her basic needs, including her hunger… She rarely felt or known hunger even during her campaigns in Caelid.

Malenia doesn't want to bother the Headmistress over a trivial thing, but her stomach only rumbled louder. She relented and pulled out the 'scroll' she received from Glynda. I guess it had the same characteristics as a scroll, it folded into a smaller form factor.

She turned it on and tapped the icon that the Headmistress showed her to press. She tapped the icon, then the Headmistress' picture enlarged on the scroll.

It made a few weird noises then she heard a voice from the device.

"Hello?" Malenia assumed it was the Headmistress' voice. She supposes she must speak into it.

"Headmistress?" Malenia said, unsure what to say.

"Ah, Miss Malenia. Do you need anything?" Glynda asked politely

"I-" She hesitated, asking someone for food was embarrassing, especially to her. But it wouldn't be different from ordering servants in the Haligtree. She swallowed her already bruised pride, "Greetings… where can I obtain a meal?"

"That'll be at the cafeteria, but that's at a different building. I'll send a student to your room to accompany and show you around." Glynda responded. Malenia was about to protest about sending a student here, but seeing that this place was fairly large, it was easy to get lost. It also didn't help there were many things foreign to her.

"Thank you, Headmistress." Malenia hopes she sends a capable student, she wasn't keen on a talkative child…

"No problem, Miss. Just contact me again if need be."

BEEP

Malenia assumed that sound meant she ended the communication line. She closed the scroll, realizing she has nowhere to put it in her body she just stuffed it in her waistband.

She grabbed her helmet, sheathed her blade on her waist, and waited.

Ruby was nervous. When Ms. Goodwitch called her she thought she was in trouble. Ruby had a couple of detentions before with Ms. Goodwitch, but only for minor things like tardiness and sleeping in class. But last week, Ruby might have accidentally set a garbage can on fire… She didn't know those fire dust vials still had some dust in them!

When Ms. Goodwitch called her scroll she thought she was caught, her heart stopped, fearing that she was done for. More detentions or worse! Getting Expelled!

But to her surprise, Ms. Goodwitch requested Ruby to accompany someone and guide them in Beacon. She said they were a guest and they didn't know their way around Beacon. At first, she was excited, but what if they were a famous or important person? Afraid that she might make a fool out of herself.

She arrived at the floor where Ms. Goodwitch told her where the guest is staying.

"409… 407… 403… Aha! Here it is, 401."

Ruby knocked at the door, waiting for the guest to open it. She wonders what they're like, she shouldn't probably think about it but it helps with the nervousness. Ruby wasn't good at talking to strangers, especially strangers older than her. But she'll try her best, after all, she is Ruby Rose! A Huntress! What does she have to be scared about?

Ruby heard the door open, she turned to greet the guest she was supposed to accompany. "Hello! I'm Ruby, Ms. Goodwitch told me to-"

Ruby's eyes were greeted by someone's stomach, she slowly turned her head upwards to see a red-haired woman, wearing a golden helmet…

"Uh…" Ruby noticed that the woman has an arm covered in golden armor and a very long sword attached to her waistband.

She also noticed that the woman was staring down at her, frowning. "Uhm… Ms. G-Goodwitch t-told me to be your guide…?" she spluttered out to the scary tall woman.

Ruby jumped when the woman responded, "I see."

An awkward silence followed, and neither of them spoke. Ruby has never seen someone so tall before. The tallest person she'd seen was a guy from CFVY, but this woman was waaay taller! This woman was probably almost twice the size of her.

Mustering up all of her strength Ruby finally broke the ice "So uh… Where did you want to go… M-Ma'am?" nervously asked

The woman nodded at Ruby, "I've been told I can get a meal from this 'cafeteria'" She said with a surprisingly soothing voice. This eased Ruby a little bit.

"Y-yeah, I can take you, I can show you more places if you want."

"That…" The woman paused "That would be appreciated, you have my thanks." The woman bobbed her head.

The smile seemingly made Ruby more comfortable, she still thinks she is a bit scary but overall she seems nice. "No problem, Ma'am… Ms. Goodwitch told me to anyway, and I hate to get on her bad side." Ruby added, more comfortable around the woman.

The woman nodded again, "Let us depart." She gestured towards the hallway, she then closed the door.

They walked together in silence, it was awkward. Funny, because Ruby was giving herself pep talk seconds earlier, now she couldn't even talk to the tall woman.

She's a huntress dust darn it! "So… I- Uh.. Wha- Your sword looks cool…" Ruby paled, she stuttered so bad! Her face turned red when she noticed the woman's head turn to her.

"Yes. My brother forged It himself…" She replied, seemingly reminiscing.

At least she didn't call her out, but she must think she's a nerd or weirdo now! She asked about her weapon of all things. "R-Really? That's nice of him… He must be pretty good at making weapons, that thing looks sharp and strong." Ruby pressed on, determined to continue the conversation.

"He is… Also, It's made out of unalloyed gold, it is unbreakable." She explained.

"Gold? Isn't Gold soft? How did it become unbreakable? Ruby noticed herself becoming more confident as soon as they started talking about weapons.

The woman shrugged "It is, but my brother made it unalloyed."

To Ruby's knowledge, unalloyed means impure, so doesn't that make it weaker? Ruby shook her head and dropped it, fearing what she said next would offend her.

"Your armor is pretty cool too, why don't you have protection on the other arm? I mean, I know that It's for versatility bu-"

"It's a prosthetic actually," The woman cut her off, said in a calm manner

Ruby took her tone as a signal that she offended her. Her brain went into overdrive, fearing that the scary woman might get angry. She didn't know it was a prosthetic! She was trying to compliment her! Make small talk!

"Ohmydustimsosorrypleaseforgivemeididntknowthatwasaprostheticwhathappenedtoyourarm?pleaseimsorrydonttellmsgoodwitch!" Ruby spluttered out words faster than the woman could understand.

The woman raised her metal hand, "Easy child, you're forgiven. You were unaware." She reassured her.

Ruby stopped and looked at the floor nervously, sweating bullets. "I-Im sorry… I was trying to compliment you… In any case, your prosthetic is cool too…"

The woman looked at her for a moment then smiled at her. "Thank you, child…"

Ruby eased up again, "You can call me Ruby." she replied, Ruby doesn't want to admit it but it was irritating for her to be called a child, she drinks milk!

"Well, Ruby. You can call me Malenia."

AN:

Another chapter, I was certainly proud of this one, I took my time on this and I feel like it's better than the last chapter I wrote. Rereading chapter 2 made me cringe, there was certainly a lot more that could have been done to make it better, but eh. Can't cry over spilled milk. Also, this wouldn't end up like all of those other fics where the MC gets offered a job yadda yadda yadda. But there will be interaction with the main cast often.

Please tell me what you think and leave a review, this would certainly help me more in writing better!