Unfortunate Sons

by Commissar Arty

A group of four kids all get a full scholarship to Beacon. All four letters are signed by the headmaster. And All four immediately became a team. Surely this doesn't mean anything, right?

2. Face First into Beacon

I have returned once more to deliver you a mediocre story. Why did it take so long, you ask? Dunno, but it shouldn't of, and I apologize for that. Anyway, here it is. I hope it was at least kinda worth the wait.

---

Reus fell hard onto his back with a resounding thud. "Owwwwwww." he groaned half assedly. He heard about the same from every other unfortunate he ran into, except the big guy, he didn't make a sound. The blonde and her hooded companion walked by snickering. Rexus sat up and pointed finger guns at them. "Eyyyyyy." He said while cracking a wide grin. She tried to do the same, but broke into a fit of laughter and walked to the school after getting her hands just halfway up. Rexus smiled as she walked away, at least he'll have one person to yuck it up with while at Beacon.

That smile quickly dulled when he realized one of the people he ran into was chewing everyone else out. It was a pale girl. White hair, eyebrows, skin, hell she even had white pants and an undershirt. She rocked some high top green boots and a lovely little jade jean jacket (say that five times fast would ya?) That same jacket looked a little dirty, and by what he could gather from her rantings, it didn't come like that.

"Do you know how much this cost me you little- urgh!" She broke off into a distinctly Mistral language. That paired with her accent when speaking English tipped Rexus off to her Mistral heritage. And, as if icing on the cake that was her nationality, her eyes shone a bright Jade.

Rexus quickly lost interest in whatever she was complaining about and looked around at everyone else. Jade (What Rexus had decided to call her until he learned her name) was directly in front of him. To her right was the big guy. He had already gotten up and was dusting himself off. He was big, like 6'7 or something. He was a brown muscly guy in a variety of colors that looked like they belonged in a desert. Tan boots, DCU pants (that's Desert Camouflage Uniform to the uninitiated), a long sleeve beige shirt, and a desert camo cloak. Below that cloak was a rig for carrying spare ammo for his weapon. Ah yes, that Segways nicely into his armament, a big fuckoff polearm. A axehead on the front, a spike and small bit of barrel pointing out the top, and a warhammer on the back. Rexus slightly nodded in approval when he noticed how he carried extra single bullets around his body much like himself. He even had a knife in his boot, though that was all he had in terms of pokey pokeys. A crying shame. As for his nationality, Rexus would bet he was from Vacuo. How would he know that? Well, aside from his HEAVY employment of desert camo, Rexus noticed how his skin was weathered by too much sand and sun. Speaking of his weathered skin, he looked pretty damn cool. His head was shaved, his eyes, nose, and lips were uninteresting, he had a crater in right cheek from what could only be a gunshot and a long slash scar on that same side. But what was really cool about him were his eyes. Get this, they were brown and his pupils were shaped like scope crosshairs.

The last person he ran into was sitting right beside him. She was a fanus, wolf fanus to be precise (Hopefully, he'd be embarrassed if he got that wrong). She was tan white, had Raven hair, blue eyes, no scars (as far as he could tell), was petite, and had an air of general awkwardness. She wore some sneakers, leggings, light brown shorts, a t-shirt with the Beacon logo on it, and some small amounts of muscle on her. Long story short, she was your average hunter in training. Well, average in all categories but one. Her weapon. You see, she wore a LMG chain around herself like a bandoleer. And on her back, she held a giant shield and a smaller gladius shield. This immediately piqued Rexus interest. He made a solemn vow to himself right then and there. He would figure out how that weapon worked before he went to sleep that day. And then, he would make sure to stay around her so could see it in action.

Rexus was surprised to find that Jade still wasn't done. Even after taking in everyone's faces, she still wouldn't shut up. That was amazing. The big guy had finished dusting himself off and was now standing straight up and looking down at the three of us. He looked like he was equally... wait a minute. He looked oddly familiar. It was almost if...

Rexus stood up and pointed at the big guy, "I know you." Rexus cut off Jade, who looked like she was about to start ranting at him.

"I beg your pardon?" The big guy replied while eyeing Rexus suspiciously.

"Yeah," Rexus nodded to himself, "Yeah I know you. You tried to kill me in Vacuo two years back." Rexus slowly placed his hand above one of his knives like he was a cowboy about to draw a revolver.

"Oh, you." The big guy confirmed while slowly reaching for his weapon. The air seemed to grow thick with tension. Some of the students still lingering around the airship started to crowd around the two of them. At a distance, of course. They wouldn't want to be hit in the brawl about to start. Jade took a step back from the two, unsure of how to prevent whatever was about to happen. The only person to try and speak up was the awkward looking fanus.

"You guys shouldn't figh-." She was cut off by the two beginning their dance.

"You beautiful bastard!" Rexus put up a hand for an embrace. The big guy took it. They both smiled wildly. "I thought I'd never see the man that nearly took my head off again. How's it been?"

The big guy chuckled, "Just fine, though it has been slow going."

They stood back from each other. Rexus put his hands on his hips, "That right? No party in the desert?"

"Nah, the desert is usually too depressing to party. I've just been sharpening my aim so I can get you next time." The big guy grinned at Rexus.

"I don't mean to rain on your parade, but you'd need more than two years of practice to get me. Maybe when I'm old and decrepit you'll have a chance." Rexus said amusedly.

"I'll make you eat those words friend." The big guy extended his hand for a handshake, Rexus did so as well.

Rexus could see how absolutely confused the fanus looked. She was about to say something, but was cut off by Jade. "What just happened?"

Both Rexus and the big guy looked at her with slight confusion. "Whatcha mean?" Rexus asked.

She pointed at both Rexus and the big guy, "You were going to fight, and you were talking about how he tried to kill you. Then you just acted like old friends. What am I missing?"

The big guy responded, "Well, this here is my friend..."

"Rexus Gallant buddy."

"Yossif Laythe."

"Cool name bro." Rexus complimented

"Hm." Responded Yossif. "Anyway, he's my pal."

"But he said you tried to kill him?" Jade responded, confused as all hell.

"Don't worry about that part Jade, he's my bud." Rexus gave a thumbs up with his left hand and patted Yossif on the back.

"My name isn't Jade." She replied, agitated.

Rexus shrugged, "Yeah well, I don't know your name. Jade seemed like a good guess based on your wardrobe." Rexus replied nonchalantly.

She crossed her arms and huffed, "Anna, Anna Castellen."

Rexus nodded and extended an arm for a handshake, "Also cool name, Rexus, Rexus Gallant." She did not take his hand.

A small bit disappointed, Rexus turned around. "Well, that's two faces with a name, and for the last one?" He pointed his still extended arm toward the Fanus girl.

She took it with both hands, "Luka Caniem!" She happily shook his hand.

"Awww, what an adorable name. Looks like we found our teams mascot guys!"

Yossif chuckled, "I think you're right."

Anna turned away and started walking towards the main building, "I'd rather be on a team with a bunch of idiots than spend one second thinking about being on a team with you Rexus."

Rexus shrugged and turned back to Luka, "Eh, two outta three ain't bad.

Suddenly, a blast shook the ground. An explosion had erupted ahead of them. Anna had been near the blast and was coughing. Yossif, Luka, and Rexus jogged towards her.

Rexus almost died laughing when he saw how much soot covered her. Her entire left side was black! Yossif and Luka tended to her. Rexus didn't care much about her though. He was more interested with what was at the explosion's epicenter. The little hooded girl that was with the funny blonde, and... "Do my eyes deceive me? Is that THE Weiss Schnee?" Upon hearing his voice, she frantically tried to clean the dust from her eyes. Unfortunately for her, she regained sight just as he reached her. With the strength of ten Ursa, he picked his old friend up in a crushing bear hug.

"Rexus!" She yelled in-between having her ribs crushed.

Rexus laughed heartily, "So it is Wiess! How are you! Feels like it's been ages since I last saw you!"

"It's Be-." She was cut off by another oxygen depriving squeeze. "It's been a week!"

"Oh? Well it feels like it's been longer!" He gave her another deadly squeeze before dropping her. She immediately fell to her knees gasping for air. Rexus took this time to address the little hooded girl. "Hey! Long time no see hood!"

"Hey." she awkwardly waved at him.

He waved back, "Rexus Gallant."

"Ruby Rose."

"Yooooo, Ruby like the Gem?" She nodded, "Sick."

"Rexus!" Yossif called out and waved him over.

Rexus Nodded, "Well it was nice meeting you little miss gem. Tell your Blonde friend I said hi." He then turned back to Weiss. For the second time, Rex picked her up just as she recovered from something. "Bye Weiss!" He squeezed her as hard as he dared to, and sped walked over to Yossif. Good lord he would probably regret this when he saw her later. Eh, that was for Future Rexus to deal with.

Yossif had walked about half the way to the main building by the time Rexus caught up with him. "What's up? Where'd the girls go?"

He pointed at the meeting hall and continued walking, "Anna walked to the hall while you were 'socializing'. Luka followed." He used air quotes on the word socializing.

Rexus chuckled, "Hey man, just how I roll."

"Mhm," He replied.

They silently walked the rest of the way to the hall. Now that Rexus had no distractions, he could really take in the look of Beacon. White stone towers surrounded by green flatland. It was really something to see. Though he did make a mental note to find and ask the architect what he had been smoking that day. Sure, the buildings certainly caught the eye, but that was about it. He sure hoped that he was never in one of those spires if a quake hit. That wasn't a wild ride he wanted on.

Yossif grabbed the collar of his vest and yanked him backwards so hard he nearly fell. Rexus turned around and said, "Hey, what gives! You some type of ambal or something?" Yossif simply pointed forward. They had walked into the hall, and Rexus had almost ran into someone while he was lost in his musings about architecture. "Oh, when'd this happen?" Yossif shook his head and walked around some people. Rexus made sure no to lose him in the sea of students (wasn't hard considering his height). Eventually, they came across a familiar face. Luka stood in a semi open space, looking for someone.

Yossif lightly tapped her on the shoulder. "Luka?" She jumped a bit. As soon as she saw who it was, she relaxed. "You know where Anna is?

She shook her head, "No, I lost her right here."

Yossif scoffed, "A shame."

Rexus placed a hand on both of their shoulders, "Eh, I always thought three man bands were cool. We don't need Jade!"

"Anna." Corrected Yossif.

"I know what I said." Rexus said jokingly. Yossif shook his head and looked to the stage. Luka looked slightly dissatisfied, but didn't protest. Rexus removed his hands from their shoulders and joined them in waiting. A minute passed, then two, then five. No one got on stage to greet the new students. They had all become aimless. People started pulling out their weapons and showing them off, or got on their scrolls, or just started bullshiting each other. Sensing an opportunity to fulfill the promise he made to himself, Rexus turned to Luka. "Hey Luka?" She had gotten on her scroll. "Luka?" She didn't respond. Whatever she was looking at must've been really infatuating. Or she couldn't hear him over the legion of talking students. That was probably the reason, "Luka!"

She jumped and nearly dropped her scroll, "What!" She yelled.

Rexus put up his hands in an apologetic way, "Sorry, just wanted to see if you could show me your weapon."

"Oh," She said, "Sure, let me just-." She reached for the sword and shield, and was almost immediately cut off by Ozpin addressing the mass of trainee hunters.

"I'll... keep this brief." He started.

Luka gave an uneasy smile, "Sorry."

Rexus frowned slightly and slouched, "Nah," He sighed, "I kinda expected this."

"You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft and acquire new skills, and when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose, direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." Some students, actually, most students looked around in confusion. Rexus didn't, he just kinda bent over and stifled a laugh. Really? That was the best speech the headmaster of Beacon could muster? I mean sure, he did have a point. Most of the kids here only wanted to be a Hunter because it was cool. But you'd expect a Headmaster to come up with some doublespeak or something to hide that fact. Ozpin just came out and said it with no sugarcoating. Damn.

Rexus felt nothing but respect for the man.

Looking left, Rexus saw Yossif still stoically looking at the stage. Looking right, he saw Luka looking down in confusion.

Guess she was less than impressed with his speech. Rexus lightly bumped her shoulder with the bottom of his fist, "I should get him to write my speeches." She looked at him with worry.

Ozpin stepped from the stage, and Ms. Goodwitch took his place. " You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed." The students immediately jumped into groups to discuss what had just transpired. The room became filled with the drone people repeatedly going "Like, that just happened", Rexus had no intention of talking about the best speech ever delivered. He had his eyes fixed on his prize.

He once again turned to Luka. "Alright, now can I see those magnificent pieces of hardware?"

She looked at him sideways, "Sure," She took the shield and sword off her back, "That was a weirdly out of touch speech. It was almost like he's never been through an academy before."

Rexus Shrugged, "How do you know, you've never been through it either."

"Yeah, but he was just acting like he was... disconnected from the whole thing." She said while handing her weapons to him. The sword and shield alone were already pretty cool. The shield had overlapping plates, which was something you didn't see everyday. The sword had a trigger on the grip, a slot for what he assumed would be belts of ammo, and a barrel running the length of the blade and having a slight opening on the top. It wasn't until she asked for it back that it went off the rails. There was a connection point on both the top of the shield and the bottom of the sword. She connected them and flicked a button. The overlapping plates shot up and formed a wall around the Sword. The sides also slightly angled and extended backwards, creating a position where you were only exposed from the back. The sword's ammo slot lined up perfectly with a box on the back. Luka opened it and pulled a belt from it. There was an extra box below that.

Her weapons secondary mode was a damn bunker.

"My God." Rexus stood there gobsmacked. A group of about ten students also piled around and stared with interest. Luka looked like she wasn't very accustomed to attention. Meaning that she just stood there and looked down with what Rexus assumed was embarrassment. "Luka, if you ever want to sell that, do not hesitate to call me." Rexus said while giving her a thumbs up. Other students vocally agreed. Luka quickly started tearing down her weapon into the two melee flavors.

"I'm not gonna ever sell this." She said quickly.

"Well, wanna see my weapons?" Luka finished taking down her weapon and placing it on her back before she responded.

"Sure."

The students gathered around in anticipation while Rexus drew a bayonet and his wasp knife. They were disappointed when they saw nothing but two regular blades. So disappointed, in fact, that most of them walked away. With his pride a bit damaged, Rexus held out his weapons for Luka to inspect. She took them from his hands and looked them over. After a few turnovers, she gave them back to him. "Ahh, not as impressive as yours, am I right?"

She waved her hands back and forth quickly, "No I didn't mean anythin-!"

Rexus held up his hand, "Don't sweat it. But I will show you something about them." Rexus clicked a button on each, manually opening the action. "Mine still fire. Though I may need to make some modifications. Single shot doesn't hold up to belt fed."

She smiled a bit, "Do they have names?"

"Excuse me?"

"Your weapons," She reiterated, "Did you name them?"

Rexus sheepishly scratched the back of his head, "Well no, they were already named when I got them."

"Really!" She said excitedly, "Did you get them as a present?"

"Yeah," Rexus said sadly, "Only gift my ma gave me."

"Oh, "She said quietly, "Did she leave when you were little?"

"No, no," Rexus looked down at the weapons still in his hands. "She died in childbirth."

"Oh, my god I'm so sorry!" Luka said quickly

"Don't be, I never knew her." Rexus spent another second or so quietly looking down at his gifts before putting them away and clearing the sadness from his head. "Anyway, the longer ones are my Blackcats, and the shorter is named Butcher Pete. Don't ask me why, I've no idea." She grimly shook her head and remained silent. Rexus waited a few seconds before asking, "Well... you gonna tell me it's name?"

"What?" She quickly replied.

"C'mon, you thought I'd tell you my boy's names and not even ask for your beauty's name in return?"

Luka laughed a bit, "Yeah, yeah. It's name is...Hero, since it's what I want to be." She said while looking away and smiling. She quickly realized what she had said and shook her head. "I mean it's what I named it when I was little! It's stupid I know!" She blushed and looked away.

"It is stupid..." Rexus confirmed. After hearing that, Luka's wolf ears drooped. "...But I think it'll be perfect for when you become a hunter." He patted her shoulder. She looked up at him and smiled, her ears went back up too. "Now come on," Rexus said while looking around, "We gotta go find Yossif and Jade."

Luka giggled, "I don't think she likes you, Rexus."

He shrugged, "I aim to change that. Now lets go, with any luck Yossif and Jade are together."

She shook her head, "It's Anna, Rexus."

Rexus turned around and started walking, "I know what I said!" She smiled and followed him through the crowd.

---

The ballroom was split up into two distinct sides. Girls slept on one, boys on the other. This was policed by the teacher. Rexus found it a little dumb that they would be trusted to fight literal monsters, but not to fool around. He had expected it though. Yossif and him had chosen to set up at the back of the boy's side. There sat Rexus, in his sleep wear which currently consisted of the same pants he had worn for the entire day and no shirt, reclining and staring at Yossif. The reason? This man was reading. And it was some nerd shit too! It was like, Warhammer... something or other. He never knew that they made novel length books about weapons, much less with some cool art on the cover. But whatever, the more you know. "Staring is rude Rexus." He said while turning a page.

"I just can't believe it."

"Can't believe what?"

"You can read!" Rexus replied completely seriously. Yossif casted a sidelong glance at him. "I mean, when I first saw you I'd thought you'd have a terrible grasp on language, being a tall, muscly guy carrying an even bigger weapon. But how I've been proven wrong!"

Yossif grinned and shook his head, "You should be glad I like you Rexus, else you wouldn't leave this room with all your limbs."

"I don't know," Rexus laid back and looked at the roof, "Would a softy bookworm like yourself be able to handle me?"

Yossif didn't react, he instead just turned the page.

"Rexus?"

"Hm?" Rexus turned right to look at the guy who just asked for him.

"What's up Jaune?"

Jaune looked at his sleeping arrangement with slight worry, "Are you comfortable?" Rexus had met Jaune when Yossif and him sat down. He was a blonde with messy hair and purple eyes. Not to mention his Rad fucking bunny onesie. Man had gonads for rocking that thing so confidently. He was also the kid that had ran past Rexus ready to puke on the airship here, so that was funny.

The reason he was asking Rexus about his sleep setup was clear. He was currently using his flak jacket as a pillow. "Nah I'm fine. I've done this more times than I could count. Could use a blanket if you got an extra one of those though." Rexus said as he put his arms under his head.

"Sure." He said while digging around in a bag. He picked out a blue blanket with a bunny printed on it. "I have this."

"Yoooo," Rexus turned to Yossif and pointed a thumb to Jaune, "This man's pulling out the premium sleep supplies." He turned back to Jaune, "Yes I would love that gimme gimme." Jaune complied and tossed the blanket. Now Rexus could get a nice rest in and be prepared for tomorrow's initiation. He closed his eyes.

His scroll rang from inside the vest he was laying his head on. Sighing, he fumbled around with it until he found the correct pocket. The caller was none other than Weiss Schnee. "Oh boy. She's probably calling me to say goodnight." Rexus said to himself sarcastically. He accepted the call, put it to his ear, and... "Hello?"

"Did you really feel the need to crush me earlier?" Rexus laughed, threw the blanket off of his body, and sat on his vest. He saw her waving to him from her seat on the right side of the room. He waved back.

"Just wanted to make sure you knew I had missed you."

"Sure," She said, unconvinced, "I swear if you ever try to actually end me, I wouldn't know the difference."

"Hey, maybe that's the end goal." Rexus said jokingly. "So, how was the flight here?"

She sighed, "Boring."

"Hm, not as fun compared to when I ride shotgun with you?"

"Sorry, boring wasn't the right word. I meant to say relaxing." She said while putting a hand on her chin in thought.

Rexus laughed and slightly nodded his head. "You got a strange way of telling people they're right, you know that?"

"Mhhm." She agreed. They shared a small laugh. Her voice then got a bit serious. "How's your father?"

"How's yours?" Rexus quickly said back.

"I take it that he's not much better than before?"

"Yeah, but I'm bringing him back. At least I hope I am." Rexus replied in a tired way. "It's slow going."

Rexus could see her nod from across the room. "I see, well I'm here if you need to talk." She said genuinely.

Rexus smiled, "I was beginning to wonder why I kept you around."

He could hear her scoff, "You keep me around? Did you hit your head on the way here?"

"Yes, and ever since then I've been hearing voices."

Weiss laughed, "Well that explains a lot."

Rexus was about to tell her goodnight, until he saw a certain redhead and blonde walking over to his white haired friend. What was her name again? Rugby Ruse? Wubbby tose? No, it was...Ruby Rose! Yeah that's it! "Now wait just one second Weiss, is that THE Ruby Rose walking over to you?"

He saw her quickly look right and mumble, "Oh no." She quickly looked back over at him, "You know her?"

"Sure do, met her after you exploded. What was that about anyway?"

"For the Record, That was her faul-." She was cut off by Ruby and her big friend.

"Hey Weiss! Who are you talking to?" Asked Ruby.

The blonde one chipped in, "Is it a cute boy?"

"None of your business!" Weiss Replied indignantly.

Rexus had to put a hand over his mouth to muffle his laughter, much to the dismay of Ms. Schnee. Ruby and her blonde friend leaned into each other and discussed something for a few seconds. Both Rexus and Weiss looked at them expectantly. Rexus expecting further hilarity, and Weiss expecting them to vacate the area. The blonde one instead complimented Weiss, "Well Weiss, I'm Ruby's older sister, Yang." Wait, did he hear that right? They were sisters? Anyone with a simple understanding of biology would object to that. There was no way...unless one was adopted, or other such family circumstances. Or infidelity, but Rexus wasn't going to ask. "I like your... uh... Pajamas! They go well with your... Blanket?"

Weiss just kinda sat there staring at them. Rexus was dying on the other end of the line. He heard a muffled "We should've gone with that Blake girl" Come from Yang. Rexus just sat there, a hand on his face, shaking his head.

"Put em on, Weiss." Rexus said into the scroll.

"What?" She asked quickly into the scroll, surprising Yang and Ruby.

"Give it to one of them or put me on speaker, either way I want to talk to them." Rexus said while holding in a laugh.

She, reluctantly, put him on speaker and held her scroll out to them. "IS that THE Ruby Rose I see over yonder?"

She gasped, "Rexus? You know her?"

"Sure do, we're BFF's!" Rexus heard Weiss adamantly refute this.

Yang spoke up, "Rexus? Who's that Rube?"

Ruby turned to her sister, "He's the kid that, uh, ran into those people and fell over when we got off the Airship."

"Ohhhh." Yang said

"Woooow!" Rexus replied, a bit disappointed. "That's how you describe me? Not 'that really cool guy sitting to our right', I see how it is." They both turned right and looked for him. Their eyes eventually fell on a waving Rexus. "Hello how's it going?"

Ruby waved back at him, "Hey!" A round of shushing went through the room. Rexus had never seen a face get so red so quickly. Ruby quickly sat down and got small.

Yang moved closer to the scroll. "So you're the guy with the finger guns?"

"Aye, and you're the girl with the utterly atrocious puns?"

She seemed a bit offended by that, "Atrocious? I like the word tear-able more. After all, my jokes can rip you apart." She said with great joy. Rexus just had to sit there and let out a heavy sigh.

"Hey, could you guys go to sleep already?" Said someone on her side. Looking closer, he saw who he assumed said it. A black haired girl reading by...candlelight?

Respect.

Yang put a thumbs up to her and waved to Rexus, "Alright, well I'll see you around Rexus."

"You make anymore jokes and you won't." Rexus replied jokingly.

She shook her head and left, dragging her still heavily embarrassed sister behind her. Weiss took him off speaker and spoke quietly, "I'd thought they'd never leave."

"Oh Weiss, I forgot that this was your phone."

"Ha ha." She said completely unamused.

"Well, goodnight. We'll talk tomorrow, Yeah?"

"Yeah, night Rexus. Sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams, Mr. Schnee." Rexus hung up the call and gave her a two finger salute. With that, he laid back down and placed his hands behind his back.

He quickly drifted off into what he called sleep.

---

Luka woke up and briefly questioned where she was. "Right, Beacon." It still felt like a dream. All she had wanted to do since she was little was be a huntress. But now that she was actually here? She could barely handle it. She was worried that she wouldn't fit in, or that she'd screw up, or she would become a weird kid with no friends. Well, at least that last one wouldn't happen. She had at least on friend in Rexus, and maybe two if you add Yossif. She wasn't exactly sure if he was anyone's friend, much less if Rexus's story was true. Speaking of that, what time was it? She looked over at where the two boys had slept last night, and say that they had gone. Not just them, but a handful of other students too. She checked her phone, and was surprised to see that there was at least two hours left until they had to meet up for initiation. Looking around, Luka took note of who was gone and who was still sleeping. Anna, who she slept next to after they had found her last night, was still there. Ms. Schnee was still snoozing away, as well as the redhead her sister. That girl that was reading by candlelight the night before was gone. What was her name again, Bland? No, that couldn't be right. Anyway, Luka noticed that the famous tournament fighter, Pyrrha Nikos, was gone. That blonde guy in the onesie was still sleeping. Who else could she remember? Ah, it didn't matter anyway. She might as well go to the changing room. She certainly wasn't going back to sleep with all her worries about the initiation floating around in her head. As carefully as she could, Luka packed up her things and set off to the changing room.

After a tense few minutes of tip toeing, she made it through the maze of sleeping students. Breathing a sigh of relief, she opened the door to the locker room and entered. In it, all of the kids that were missing from the ballroom, and a few more, were sitting around.

"Luka! Morning to ya!" A familiar voice called out. Rexus was sitting next to Yossif on a bench, munching away at what she could only assume was some type of breakfast bar. "Ya hungry? Cause I got some food to spare."

Yossif looked at her and viciously shook his head while mouthing, "Don't."

"No, I'm alright, thanks Rexus." Luka said while uneasily looking at the black bar of "food" he was holding.

Rexus was confused by this for a second, until he knowingly looked at Yossif. "Come on Jack." He elbowed him in the arm.

Yossif responded by grabbing his arm and saying, "What you're eating is biological warfare. She deserves to be fore-warned, a privilege I was not given."

Rexus scoffed and went back to eating his...whatever it was. "God, didn't expect you to be such a big baby."

"Your meal is a war crime." Yossif deadpanned.

"Whatever." Rexus waved a hand in the air. "Welcome to initiation day Luka. You can drop your stuff here and go get changed in that room over there." Rexus pointed behind him to two rooms, one marked male and one marked female. With a quick nod, she dropped what she didn't need and rushed off to change out of her sleepwear.

A few minutes passed while she changed. Luka could hear more people trickle into the locker room, and she could hear Rexus greet them all with enthusiasm. Not as much enthusiasm as he had with her, but she attributed that to him probably not knowing them. She finished putting on her shoes and walked out into the main room. Everything was the same except for the fact that Pyrrha was sitting on a bench across from Rexus. They seemed to be talking to each other like old friends. Did he...know Pyrrha? That's so cool! Who else did he know?

Luka started walking over to them. She set her pajamas down next to Rexus's bench with the rest of her stuff and sat on Pyrrha's bench. She sat on the end and away from Nikos, a bit self-conscience being so close to a celebrity.

"Luka! How was it? You see any grimm in there?" Rexus said while leaning forward.

"No. It was just a normal changing room." Luka looked in Pyrrha's direction. "How long have you known Ms. Nikos, Rexus? A big fan of your tournaments, by the way."

"Just call me Pyrrha." She said with an aura of friendliness.

"Well, I've known her for about, eh, however long you were gone. Also, tournaments? You never said anything about that." Rexus said while shrugging.

"Oh well, I fought in a few low level tournaments when I was little. Nothing major." She said with an innocent smile.

"Low level? But, you have fought and won several regiona-." She was cut off by Pyrrha.

"Oh it was nothing special really." Both girls looked in Rexus's direction. Luka with confusion, and Pyrrha with a friendly smile.

"You guys are weird." Rexus stated. "Anyway, either of you hungry?" They shook their heads. "Oh come on, I promise my food isn't even that bad."

"No, I'm alright." Pyrrha said plainly.

"I'm not very hungry in the morning." As if organized by some higher power, both the girls' stomachs growled.

"Sureee. Alright, let me show you guys something." He leaned in closer and motioned for them to do the same. "You gotta promise not to tell anyone." He whispered." They nodded. He solemnly nodded and opened a flap on his vest. Inside was a silver wrapper. Both the girls intently watched as he took it out of his pocket and unwrapped it. "I present to you, salvation." Inside were two pop-tarts. He gave one to each of them. "Now," He sat up as they started to eat, "As payment, you gotta listen to some stories." Luka and Pyrrha shared a glance, before turning back to Rexus and nodding. "Good. Gather round children! Papa Rexus has got some warstories for ya!" Rexus yelled to the entire room. Most students blew him off, but a handful sleepily walked over to check it out. "Alright, I like to call this first one, "Joey and Rexus survive the end of the month." Yossif shook his head and laid down on the bench. There Luka sat for a while, listening to stories.

---

More people had entered the room since Luka had first sat down. It had gone from nearly silent to filled with energy and life. So much so that Rexus had to raise his voice to compete. Speaking of him, Rexus was currently squatting on the bench. She didn't remember when he had switched from sitting, but it didn't really matter. Pyrrha had left, and in her place random people sat. Rexus had attracted a little group of interested listeners. Whether they had walked over to them because of boredom or actual genuine interest she couldn't tell, but most definitely stayed because of the enrapturing stories Rexus was weaving. He told them like you'd tell an old tale about heroes. But they all stared at him in a way. She couldn't tell what was fake or real. He'd say something and red flags would immediately go off in your head, but he'd make you second guess your assessment a second later.

It made her feel like she was back home in Menagerie, listening to the old warriors tell their tales.

Out of the corner of her eye, Luka spotted Weiss Schnee walking up behind Rexus. She stopped a bit behind him and took out her scroll, scoffed at something, raised her hand, and... "I went down, into the basement of the Don. There were all these grimm. 'Pizdetz', I'm thinking. Is this really the end of Rexus? No! I attac-" WHAM, Weiss smacked the back of his head. A little harder than needed, if you asked Luka. The crowd chuckled a bit at this sudden interruption. Rexus was a little less entertained. He went off into a tirade of what Luka only assumed were Atlesian curses before turning to face his attacker(all while continuing to squat). "What! Weiss I swear to God I'll-" She cut him off by placing her scroll right in front of his face. The time was worrying. "Oh- oh...ohhhhh. Blayt," He slowly turned to his crowd of listeners, "I...uh. I can finish the story later if anyone's interested. We have 20 minutes until go time." He quickly elbowed Yossif, who was still laying down on the bench.

20 minutes! No! That wasn't right, she looked at her scroll awhile ago and there was 50 minutes left. Yeah! She remembered exactly when she did it too! It was right after his seventh story.

Or was it his tenth?

The crowd quickly dispersed while grumbling, mumbling, swearing, and other things. They all piled up on the door, blocking it. That left Rexus, Yossif, Weiss, and herself still in the room. While she waited for the jam to clear, Luka walked over to Rexus and the others.

"Thanks for snapping me outta that Weiss! Would've been late otherwise." Rexus said to her while grinning sheepishly.

"Hm, well, I knew I would have to once you started recounting your life story. You're lucky I was feeling charitable enough to stand around waiting for you."

"Awww! That's why you're my favorite Weiss!"

"Wai-." Rexus got up from his squatting position and put Weiss in another bearhug, much to her disapproval. Luka hopped she would never befall the same fate as Ms. Schnee. "RExuS!" Said Weiss while being crushed.

"Ohp, sorry." He dropped her and took a step back. She bent over her knees and gasped heavily.

"What time is it?" Yossif asked as he slowly sat up.

"Time to go!" Rexus quickly hauled him from the bench and onto his feet. The sudden movement almost caused Yossif to fall over. The door had cleared, and so Rexus jogged over to it. "Come on! We gotta go!" He waved to them from the door and then disappeared as he went past it. Luka and Yossif just shook their heads and walked after him. Weiss followed after them, but not before she caught her breath.

---

After a very brisk walk, the four arrived at the cliffside. The rest of the students were lined up on pads so, naturally, the rest of them followed suit. Weiss went off farther down the line, and the remaining three took the empty spots on the end. Funnily enough, they were right next to Anna. Rexus lined up next to her, then Yossif, and finally Luka.

She couldn't believe it. Luka Caniem, Huntress. She would eventually bear that title. Just thinking about it got her giddy. She'd save lives, be popular, everyone would like her.

Luka brushed her pants and swayed from side to side nervously. Just as yesterday, there were no teachers around. So everyone just sat there and talked. Luka looked at her sword awkwardly to avoid catching anyone's eye. She'd have nothing to say if she did.

"Hey." Yossif turned his head towards her slightly.

"HMm- oh, um, yeah?" She answered, ill prepared for the sudden conversation.

"You know how partners are going to be chosen?" He asked while turning to look at everyone else.

"Uh...no" She replied.

"Hm, I heard it was random." Yossif said nonchalantly while turning to look at the cliff. Randomly? But...that can't be right.

"Oi," Rexus said. Both Yossif and Luka turned to him. He put a hand to his mouth in a shielding manner, like he was trying to prevent others from listening. "Don't tell anybody you heard this from me, but I heard that leaders will be picked by the amount of Grimm they kill. Then they pick their own team like it's a dodgeball match." He assured

Who would pick her? She knew she would be picked, but for a second Luka's doubts got the better of her. What if no one picked her? What would happen? Would she be expelled? Turned into a janitor? Fed to the Grimm? "But don't worry guys!" Rexus hit his chest twice and pointed at them. "When I become a team lead, you'll be my first picks." Well, at least Luka had that going for her. Her thoughts jumped back to the bearhug he delivered unto Weiss. What Rexus had said suddenly sounded less like an assurance and more like a threat. Luka watched as he slowly turned his head to Anna. "Well Jade! Good morning! Should I save my last spot for you?"

Anna ignored him screwing up her name and instead just said, "Eye contact."

"What?" Rexus said, tilting his head in confusion.

"Partners will be chosen by having eye contact with them." Anna said flatly.

Luka watched as Rexus raised a finger to object, but was quickly silenced by Ozpin. "For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." Ozpin stated while looking over the students with an almost bored expression.

Glynda tapped her Tome and looked at the students, "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of "teams." Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today."

Luka audibly gulped. She had expected nothing other than this, but it still made her anxious. Ozpin leisurely took a sip from the mug he was holding and continued. "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." A single person groaned, but Luka was too focused on Ozpin to notice who had done it. "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."

Luka was pretty sure she heard glass shattering a few places down from her, but it could've been shattering around her the way she felt. Eye contact? Really? Ozpin looked on for a few seconds, waiting for the murmurs to die down. "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die. You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?" Two people, Rexus and Jaune, raised their hands.

Ozpin called on Rexus and completely ignored Jaune. "Yes, Mr. Gallant?"

"Has anyone died doing this?" Rexus asked nonchalantly. Luka recoiled. How could he ask that so calmly?

"Yes." Ozpin replied, calmly taking another sip from his mug. 'Why are they so calm?' Thought a worried Luka. 'We're about to go into a place where people have died and they're calm.'

"Sick," Said Rexus. He turned to Yossif and lightly elbowed him, "Don't feel bad if you die brother, you won't be the first." He joked. They shared a laugh as the first person was launched by the spring loaded pads they stood on.

Luka watched as Anna, Rexus, and Yossif got ready to go. Anna gracefully grabbed held her sword behind her, Rexus giddily jumped up and down like a boxer would with his weapons sheathed, And Yossif held his polearm tight while bending his knees. Leaving only Luka standing dumbly. She quickly grabbed her sword from its place at her side and bent down.

They watched as students were rocketed into the air. After a few seconds there were only three left before Anna, Yang, Ruby, and Jaune. Yang winked at her younger sister and put on some shades before being shot into the air. Ruby followed shortly after. That left only Jaune. " So, what exactly is a landing strategy-!" He continued a conversation Luka had not heard the start of before being launched. The four watched as he screamed off into the distance.

Anna shook her head and launched gracefully. Rexus, who was still laughing at poor Jaune, launched and started to spin. He pulled it together in mid-air and continued on. Yossif launched silently and efficiently. He had probably done this before. That left Luka all alone. Pushing all her worries and terror aside, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and waited for launch. As soon as her feet left the ground, she smiled widely.

---

Rexus plummeted to Remnant at high speeds with a mad grin on his face. He had no strategy, no plan, and no care for his own safety. All he wanted to do was see how fast he could powderize that tree he was rapidly approaching. Everything else came second. Rexus twisted in the air and turned his shoulder towards the canopy below. With a thunderous crash, he plowed through limbs and trunks. Even the ground wasn't safe, as he dug a shallow trench where he hit the ground and skidded. He finally stopped sliding through the dirt when he ran into a tree. Well, he didn't stop at the tree, he actually crushed through it and stopped on the other side. With a final roll, Rexus came to a stop in a bed of bark and weeds.

He raised his arms and shouted, "Whoo-hoo!" Rexus stood and looked at the scene in front of him. The green underbrush was showered in orange gold bark. Moss hung from branches that no man had probably seen in a long time. Sunlight pierced the tree branches and shone down from behind him, illuminating all he saw. The dense forest ahead of him laid untouched. "Hell yeah! That's a ten point landing right there!" A single pinecone fell from the trees and hit him on the head. "Alright, nine outta ten." A whole branch fell and cracked in half over his head, covering him in wood dust. "Hey! Come on it wasn't that ba-." He turned around angrily and stared at what he had done in awe. A long gash was cut into the ground. Vegetation was either completely crushed or torn from the ground. Trees leaned, some fallen, more in pieces. Branches hung limply from their places. "O- oh...ohhhh. Seven." A leaning tree gave into gravity and fell, nearly missing his right foot. He stared at it for a few seconds before conceding, "Six outta ten." Nature retaliated no more.

With a single nod and a satisfied grunt, Rexus pulled one of his Blackcats from his side and started hacking at the foliage. He'd cut himself out of the forest and find that ruin. And, hopefully, a teammate.

---

Anna walked through the little foot trail she had found, avoiding most of the heavy brush. The green trees rose up around her to form a bit of welcomed shade. Vale was hotter than she had expected. Perhaps not listening to her mother about clothes to wear during combat situations would've been a good idea. Serves her right for thinking a woman who had never so much as broken a nail before would give good advice about physical activities.

Anna shook her head. She wasn't looking forward to being teamed with anyone. Not Schnee, because they would be forced by their parents to be pawns in a company war. Not Pyrrha, because she already had enough popularity and didn't need more from the "Invincible Girl". Not Jaune, for obvious reasons. And certainly not Rexus. She was already sick of his mannerisms. Too jovial for her tastes.

To be honest, she was just sick of people in general.

"Oh well," She sighed, "Just one more thing I have to suffer through." She walked until she came to a break in the trees. Anna looked over a small clearing from the bushline, weighing the pros and cons of walking through it. She'd be exposed if she did, but it wasn't like grimm could shoot at her. Plus, it was probably safer than skulking around in the bushes. The grimm would see her before she saw them if she did that.

She stepped out of the forest and into the clearing. Anna let out a sigh of relief, at least she wouldn't have to push through any dense green for a bit. She was already beginning to sweat. 'It'd be worse if you had applied for Mistral's academy,' She thought to herself. 'It'd be muggy, overgrown, and dark.' Mistral's forests were more like jungles. Well, that was just it, they were jungles. Deep green oceans with vines for seaweed and grimm for sharks. With what little she had seen of Vale, Anna had been certain that it would be like a cakewalk compared to her home.

She was dead wrong.

Though the forest was definitely less grown up than in Mistral, they posed their own new problems. Like roots that jutted out from the ground just enough to trip over. Or more varieties of thorn bushes that could be counted. Or the heat. She had grown so accustomed to the humidity of the jungle that plain and raw heat killed her. She found it hard to imagine how Vacuo felt if she was dying here.

She could hear faint crashing to her left. Anna curiously looked over at the trees. They stood about 20 feet from her, and the sound must've been coming from at least 20 feet behind them. Then 18 feet, 17, 15, 13, 9.

Anna wheeled to face the trees and drew her sword. It was sleek and slightly curved throughout. The barrel was a bit thick at the top, but that was because it held a concealed barrel. The barrel opening didn't poke out from the tip of the sword. The barrel tip was shaped like a vertical duckbill and had an internal shield that automatically closed off the barrel when not firing. The barrel ran through the blade and connected to the handguard. The firing mechanism was part of the handguard, and pushed into the blade itself a bit. The bottom of the handguard was just a curved piece of metal to protect her fingers. The ejection port for the ammo was on the side of the firing mechanism. Finally, the ammo. The weapon could hold 3 rounds of assorted 12 gauge dust rounds. One in the chamber and the rest stored in the hilt. The blade edge started out Jade green and transitioned into silver as it went towards the top of the blade. The handguard started the same, and transitioned as it approached the butt of the hilt.

The crashing was louder now. Whatever was on the other side of those trees certainly wasn't small. She was betting upon it being a Ursa Major. Or something of similar size.

Anna to a cautious step back and raised her sword towards the oncoming grimm. She wouldn't run, no matter the challenge. To do so would be a disgrace to her future career. She took a deep breath and steeled herself.

All her stress melted into confusion upon hearing the sound of a blade being stuck into a tree. Her confusion turned into unfathomable sadness when she heard an all too familiar voice. "Sonofabitch!" The midsection of the tree splintered into a hundred or so small pieces. The rest fell towards her and came short 10 or so feet. On the other side of it was Rexus, foot raised and covered in tree. He pulled one of his larger knives from the trunk and jumped onto it, peering into the clearing.

Their eyes met, much to her chagrin.

"Partner!" He greeted her. He looked like he had just finished trudging through ten miles of forest. His bare arms were covered in thorns, his face a bit bloody from scratches. They weren't there anymore, probably due to his semblance. His vest was covered in green residue from the vegetation. He had dirt on his pants and boots. And he was caked in a thin layer of wood dust.

She sheathed her sword, placed her head in her hands, and let out a long exasperated sigh. This was her partner? God kill her now. "Ahh, no hiding now!" He ran at her, by the time she took her hands from her face he had already closed the distance between them. Before she could protest, he scooped her up into a horribly tight bear hug. "You can't stop the teammate train!"

"Ahhhhh!" She yelled while being crushed.

"Whoops." He dropped her.

Anna coughed a bit and got to her knees. "Don't do that again!" She doubled over her knees and took gulps of air.

"Eh, no promises. Anyway, you know where we're going?" Rexus said. Anna pointed to her left. "Killer." He held a hand out to her in order to help her up. She angrily swatted it away and stood on her own. "Damn! Take it easy would ya?"

"No! I will not take it easy! Let's get this straight, I don't like you." She pointed a finger at him. "All you've done since I met you is annoy me!"

He put his hands up and took a slight step back, "Come on, I've talked to you a total of, like, three times."

She stepped in closer, "I know." Anna angrily replied.

"Well you better get used to me, we're buddies now. Whether we like it or not."

She scowled at him and turned in the direction she was supposed to go. That was when she noticed them.

Two beowolves stalked the treeline. They stared daggers at the two. "Whatcha starin at?" Rexus asked casually, stepping to her right side.

"Grimm." She said while looking at them and slowly drawing her sword.

He placed his hands on his long knives and laughed, "Relax, it's just two." A third appeared. It was clearly an alpha. It growled a bit, and another monster stepped out, then another, and another. They started appearing all around them. Anna spun and looked at all of them break the dense foliage and slowly stalk towards them. Rexus must've been copying her, because after a full rotation she backed up and bumped into him. Now they were back to back in the middle of a horde. "Me and my big mouth, huh?" Rexus joked.

"Really? A joke? Please be serious about this!"

"Oh I'm serious."

"Really?" She rolled her eyes. "Then come up with a course of action."

"Alright." He drew his blades. "Charge."

"Charge?" She yelled in confusion.

"By your orders Jade!"

"What!" But he had already charged the nearest grimm. She moved to support him as the grimm rushed them both. She backed towards him and watched as all the grimm flew into a murderous rage. The Grimm rushed towards her, bearing their teeth and claws. Before they reached her, she glanced over her shoulder at Rexus. He was like an animal. A sick grin was plastered over his face as he hacked and slashed. The grim could barely hit him. Most strikes he sidestepped or dogged under, and the ones that did connect with bare skin he just shrugged off. She turned back to her portion of hell just in time to block a slash from a beowolf. The creature had swung with it's massive claws, but the sharp blade of Anna's sword took the claws from the monster. Before it could react she plunged her sword into its snout. For a millisecond or two she watched as black essence of the hellspawn dripped from her weapon to the forest floor. With a single quick movement, she pulled her blade back and decapitated the grimm. The rest still barreled towards her, she set about gracefully destroying them. She entered into a practiced dance of death. A stab there, a duck here, a slash everywhere else. She was untouchable. She unconsciously thanked her personal combat instructor for being so thorough with her. Any less than perfection in practice would've been the end of her here.

Anna took another look at the frenzied Rexus behind her. He was definitely not untouchable. From head to toe he was covered in a thin film of black dust. The solidified essence of the grimm he was fighting was especially thick around his hands. She soon saw why. He was far from graceful with his attacks. He instead used pure strength to cleave through the beowolf's pitiful hides. He'd plunge his weapons into their chest fist deep before ripping them out and showering himself in black.

She made a mental note to never fight Rexus in close range.

The grimm horde started to dwindle. The grimm were running out of steam, and neither Anna or Rexus looked like they were even winded. By her own count she destroyed ten of the monsters, with three more left to eradicate.. Hopefully that was enough to get noticed by the instructors. If she'd have to be a team with anyone(especially Rexus) she should at least be the leader. It might make her four years here bearable at least. She went on auto pilot as she killed the last ones.

Perhaps she would be allowed to name her own team? Anna realized it was a pipe dream, but it would make her so happy if she could have Anna's Angels. A bit childish, she would admit, but it didn't matter. A pipe dream was a pipe dream for a reason.

Crack...

She came back to reality after her sword hit something particularly hard. At first she thought it was a tree, an embarrassing mistake to make for sure, but not a fatal one. She'd just have to be more careful to not daydream in a fight.

She thought it was a tree until she came face to face with an angry alpha beowolf.

The beast snarled past her sword that was implanted into its bone mask and at her. With a powerful swipe, it knocked her to the side. Her sword flew in the opposite direction. Anna watched as the beast stalked forward on all fours. It stared into her eyes with the primal hate that came natural to all grimm. With no other option, she drew the short knife she always kept in her boot and brought it to her chest. She wouldn't die here. She'd kill this thing with her own hands if she had to.

The alpha stood on its hind legs and prepared to pounce. It's two massive claws opened to reveal razor sharp, silver claws.

It pounced...

Rexus stepped in and planted both his blades into the beast's left forearm. They protruded from the other side...along with some bone. It roared in rage and slammed it's second claw into his right side. It pierced through the heavy vest, but Rexus remained unfazed. "A bit of help would be stellar Jade!" Rexus called out. Anna did not acknowledge him. Instead, she quickly got up and went around the left side of the alpha. With a quick jab, she drove the small combat knife into the connection point of the skull and spine. The beast went limp and whimpered.

Rexus reached up in rage and grabbed the creature's snout. With one jerk up he turned it into what could only be called a pez dispenser. "Are you alright?" Anna asked as she circled around to look at the point where he was stabbed. Rexus was still holding the creature, so the claw was still buried in his side.

"Believe so." He let the alpha fall as it started to dissipate into the black dust. The claws were yanked out by the rest of the creature, revealing no blood. "It's a good thing I went for the heavy vest, huh?" He asked Anna while smiling.

Anna crossed her arms over her chest. "Anna."

"S'cuse me?" Rexus asked.

"My name is Anna, not jade. Get it right. Also, next time, plan something with me! Don't do whatever it is that you just did." She looked over him. He was almost entirely covered in the black grim dust. It looked like he had just crawled out of a coal bath. She was surprised to see no cuts anywhere on him. He must've had a lot of aura to heal that many cuts that quickly.

She walked a few steps away to collect and sheathe her sword. "Thanks for saving me Rexus! No problem Anna!" Rexus said loudly to himself. She was about to shoot something back when a screaming man flew over them. It was the blonde boy who wore the onesie. "Jaune?" Rexus asked incredulously. Not a second later Pyrrha burst through the trees and ran past them. She bumped into Rexus, causing him to spin around. "Pyrrha?" He asked while falling over.

Anna heard a rumbling coming from where Pyrrha had come from. Not wanting to be around whatever had spooked the invincible girl, Anna went over to Rexus and tried to pick him up. "I think it's time we leave Rexus." Before she could even start pulling him off the ground, a deathstalker crushed through the trees. The large scorpion looking beast fixed it's many eyes upon them.

"The time for leaving has passed, Anna." Rexus said nervously as she helped him to his feet. "Now we should run, or you think we need more planning to formulate a perfect strategy?" He said with a half shit eating grin.

Anna held back any insults and settled on saying one simple word, "Runnnnnn!"

Both hunters in training retreated in the way Pyrrha had gone, the deathstalker hot on their tails.

---

Yossif and Luka nonchalantly walked into a clearing with some old ruin at the end. They had a great time so far, meeting early and only running into a few grim. Yossif enjoyed Luka's company. She was quiet and listened to what he had to say. It was refreshing, going from being bossed around to bossing others around. Though he made sure that he wasn't letting it go to his head. He was only telling her what direction to walk anyway. It wasn't like he had any real power over her. It just felt good to be the commander for once. "Luka."

"Hm?" She looked back at Yossif.

"Go on ahead and see what is in those ruins." Luka shook her head diligently and took off towards the small open air building, leaving Yossif to his thoughts.

If he was a betting man, and he wasn't, he'd bet that Rexus would find his way onto the same team as Luka and himself. He'd probably lump Anna in as his partner. Something about those two was just begging to be within at least five feet of each other at all times. Yossif imagined the four of them in a team, led by himself of course. A stuck up rich girl like Anna, next to the energetic and terrifying Rexus(Yossif knew this from prior experience), next to the timid and awkward Luka, led by his stoic and strong self. They'd be a team of incorrectly matched puzzle pieces. He'd certainly have his hands full. And it would be him as the leader, of that there was certainly no doubt. He was the most reserved and calm out of them all, excluding Luka. But he had a feeling that her silence wasn't by choice like his. Poor girl probably couldn't find the words she wanted. Yossif wondered why she had chosen to be a huntress, since she was clearly made uncomfortable by it.

"Yossif!" Luka yelled, tearing him from his musings.

"Yes?" He yelled back, walking towards her faster.

"I found some weird chess pieces." He finally got to her side and looked at what she was referring to. Golden chess pieces lined the podiums. Each podium held 4 of their respective pieces. The one they were currently looking at held four golden pawns. Yossif looked behind him. There, lining the other wall, were black pieces arranged exactly like the golden ones were. Strangely, the black team was missing their four bishops.

"What an odd way to play chess." Yossif said aloud to himself.

"Do you think these are the things we're supposed to get?"

"The relics?" Yossif offered.

"Yeahhh...relics." Luka confirmed unconvincingly.

"Did you not know what we were looking for?" Yossif asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Noo no I totally...kneww..." She trailed off, answering Yossif's question. He shook his head and grinned with entertainment.

"Well, if you know what we're doing, why don't you pick one?" Yossif said while extending his arms to all the pieces around the ruin they stood in.

Luka shook her head and waved her arms in a denying fashion. "Noo no no. I have no idea what I'm doing. I barely caught the instructions."

Yossif placed a reassuring hand upon her shoulder, "Don't worry, we aren't looking for any specific piece. Just pick one." She went to protest, but Yossif stopped her with a genuine smile. With that he stepped back and watched her intently.

Luka inspected each piece carefully. It was funny to Yossif at first, but it got boring after a whole minute. He instead turned his attention to the building they stood in. Four great 12 foot columns held up the front of this semicircular ruin. The rest of the building was held up by a half circle wall. He could tell that the building had a roof once, but no longer. Smaller debris laid heaped into piles around the ruin. The larger chunks of stone had been swept out into the nearby field. The stone was weathered, but some still held ancient carvings and graffiti. And the entire affair was covered in several layers of thick moss. Why this place hadn't been cordoned off to protect the ruins was beyond Yossif. But he had a feeling that, even without human intervention, these stones would outlive the very memory of their creators.

Luka came to the golden pawns and stopped. Yossif turned away from the ruin and watched her. She gently picked up two pawns and turned them over in her hands before turning to him. "Let's take these!" She said resolutely. Yossif nodded and chuckled a bit at her.

A noise that came from the opposite end of the clearing caught his attention. Yossif pulled his weapon from his back out of pure instinct, nearly taking Luka's head off. She, fortunately, noticed the noise too and had stepped back. She drew her sword and left her shield alone. After a few tense seconds of watching the rustling bushes, the two relaxed. Out of the green stepped two of their fellow students. One with black hair, the other blonde. Yossif silently sighed with relief. The two probably wouldn't be fighting Yang and whoever was with her.

Yossif whistled, drawing the newcomers attention. "Come here! We found some 'relics'!" He shouted across the clearing. Yang gave him a thumbs up and jogged over, the black haired girl in tow. As soon as they arrived, Yossif pointed over his shoulder at the pieces. The pair looked over at the black team first and reacted just like Yossif had.

"Chess pieces?" The black haired girl asked confusedly.

"Mmhm." Yossif confirmed.

"That's weird." Yang added while walking over to the golden knight. "Wellllll... we should take the cute little pony!" Yang picked up a golden knight and showed it to Blake.

"Sure." the Black haired girl said while shrugging. She picked up a Knight, turning it over in her hand before gently sliding it into her pocket.

Yang placed her hands on her hips, "Well that wasn't too hard huh, Blake?"

"Yeah, it's not like this place was hard to find." Blake added.

Yossif leaned against a stone pillar and contemplated his next move. He, Luka, Blake, and Yang all had what they came for. They could leave and finish the initiation. On the other hand, they could wait a bit longer and see who else would show. It's not like they had a time limit.

"Big man! Hello?" Yang waved her hand a few inches in front of his face, pulling Yossif from his thoughts.

"Yes?" He stopped leaning on the pillar.

"My name's Yang! What's yours?" She held her hand out for a shake.

"Yossif. And I'm assuming that's Blake?" He pointed towards the black haired girl. She nodded at him.

Luka stepped out from somewhere behind Yossif vision. "Well," She said, "Let's get out of here and go finish this test." She walked out of the stone structure they were in before turning back to them. "Come on guys!" She beckoned to them.

A powerful flap of wings alerted them to the situation above them. Yossif looked up at the sight. High in the sky, a nevermore was thrashing around. It screeched and bellowed while twisting in the air. After a few seconds, it shook loose a red speck. As that speck rocketed towards the ground, it yelled in a high pitch, "Heads uppppppppp!" Yossif watched as Ruby Rose slammed into Luka, creating a dust cloud that engulfed the two. Yang and Blake shared a worried look, while Yossif chuckled and strode forward to dig his teammate out of the dirt.

Yang rushed past him and cleared the flying dust. Yossif was treated to a very entertaining sight. Ruby and Luka were tangled up in each other, and both had almost cartoon-like swirls in their eyes.

While the two freed their respective comrade from their predicament, Blake casually asked, "Did your sister just fall from the sky?"

Yang responded with a confused tone, "I-." Another bunch of newcomers appeared. On the back of an Ursa no less. The grimm cut down some trees on the edge of the clearing before falling limply.

From its back appeared an orange haired girl, "Awww, I broke it Ren." She sadly said.

The Aforementioned Ren appeared at the side of the beast. "Please, Nora, don't do that again." He scolded, clearly tired.

"Did she just ride in on a Ursa?" Blake asked.

"She-." Yang attempted to get out a response.

They heard high pitched wailing, it sounded like a little girl falling from the sky. To Yossif's surprise, it wasn't a girl, it was Jaune. He flew through the air and "gracefully" got caught by the collar on a tree branch. He dangled there and breathed heavily, mumbling to himself and sniffling.

"Did that guy just fall from orbit?" Blake asked.

"Stop-!" Yang was once again cut off.

Pyrrha suddenly burst through the trees in a full sprint, followed by Rexus and Anna. Pyrrha sprinted past everyone and into the ruin. Rexus and Anna stopped below Jaune's tree, panting heavily and leaning over.

"Did-?" Blake was about to speak before being cut off by a fiery Yang.

"Just stop!" Yang almost literally burst into flames as she stomped the dirt. "Can everyone be calm for, like, three seconds?" She screamed.

A couple of seconds passed, during which Yossif swore he heard the faint ticking of a clock. Before long, all their attention was drawn to the still flying Weiss. She screamed loudly, and all those below watched as she lost her grip on the nevermore.

'Weiss?" Rexus barely choked out.

"She's gonna fall." Blake pointed out.

"She'll be fine." Anna waved off.

"Oh look she's falling!" Nora squealed in excitement.

"Falling?" Rexus regained his breath and stumbled out from under the tree. Yossif watched as he got ready to catch her, and noticed how Jaune was gearing to do the same. As Weiss approached the ground, Jaune jumped from his perch and, nearly, caught her. He instead bumped into her and was hurled towards Rexus. Much like Ruby and Luka earlier, they all collided into the ground.

Weiss sat on Jaune's stomach, unscathed. Jaune was sandwiched between Rexus and her, laying on his back. Rexus had apparently drawn the short stick, as he laid face first in the dirt and under both of them. "My heroes." Weiss cooed jokingly.

"My back." Jaune complained

"My everything." Rexus groaned.

Yossif watched as Rexus shook off his riders, and realized that introductions were probably in order. Though he probably knew everyone's name, it didn't hurt to confirm his knowledge, and to make sure everyone was on the same page. He turned around and looked to the pile that was Ruby and Luka. Ruby had freed herself, leaving Luka to lay in the dirt.

Yossif strolled over and hauled her from the ground. "Five more minutes." She half-consciously pleaded.

He shook the dust from her and stood her upright, "Well, I believe introductions are in order!" He raised his voice to get everyone's attention. He succeeded. "My name is Yossif Laythe! This is my partner, Luka Caniem!" She groggily waved her hand.

Rexus, who was still facedown in the dirt, raised a shaky finger. "Rexus Gallant, and I'm not entirely sure what day it is!" His hand fell back to the earth limply.

Nora, who had taken to poking his cheek, answered next. "Nora Valkyrie! Nice to meet you!" She excitedly waved to no one in particular.

Ren was the next to go. "Lie Ren." He simply responded.

Weiss had stood a while ago and was waiting for her turn. "Weiss Schnee, Heiress to Schnee Dust Company." She gracefully said

Yossif saw Blake scowl out of the corner of his eye, but ignored it. "Blake Belladonna." She crossed her arms.

Yang went next, "Yang Xiao-Long." She said while slightly pouting. Yossif guessed she was still a bit worked up from earlier.

Ruby Rose was leaning on her sister Yang. "I'm...ruby." She awkwardly said while looking down.

Jaune was kneeling next to Rexus, catching his breath. "Jaune...Arc." He said between pants.

Pyrrha walked into Yossif's sight, "Pyrrha Nikos. A pleasure to meet you all." She smiled and kindly waved at everyone.

With that out of the way, Yossif nodded and let go of Luka. Thankful she had regained her footing and stood without assistance, albeit a bit wobbly. Yossif walked over to Rexus. Jaune was currently trying to pull him to his feet, but with Rexus being weighed down by his vest and many knives, he couldn't manage it. Nora though, she could. She grabbed him by the shoulders and placed him on his feet. It was almost comical how easily she did it.

"And we're up now." Rexus said with a confused look on his face.

Yossif placed a hand on his shoulder, "You're not broken quite yet, I'd hope?"

He grinned, "In your dreams big man." Rexus slapped his shoulder.

Pyrrha had walked over to a still kneeling Jaune. He looked disappointed, probably because he couldn't lift Rexus. She extended a hand to him. He gratefully took it and pulled himself to his feet. They shared a smile before walking off towards the ruin.

"So Anna." Yossif looked over to the girl in green leaning against a tree. "What were you guy's running from?" In a split second, she remembered something and rushed past him. It was so quick it nearly took Yossif off of his feet.

"What was that about?" Nora asked curiously. Her Friend Lie took a step backwards and looked at the edge of the clearing with slight fear.

"Easy." Rexus turned and pointed at the edge of the treeline behind him.

As if command, a grimm crashed through the trees.

A large deathstalker the size of a semi-truck.

Yossif stepped back in surprise, but Nora and Rexus just marveled at what had happened.

"Wow, that was so cool! Are you magical?" Nora excitedly asked

"Yooooo...that was sick!" Rexus stared at his finger. "Wonder if I can do it again?"

"Please don't." Ren pleaded.

Yang walked next to Yossif and the others, "Great, at least we'll all die together." She sarcastically said and readied for a fight.

Ruby blitzed past them and shouted, "Not if I can help it!" She unfolded her scythe and charged the beast.

"Ruby wait!" Yang shouted, but it was too late. Her younger sister had already set her eyes on the kill. Yossif pulled out his weapon and looked to Luka. He was going to tell her to support him, until he saw her eyes. They glowed blue. Gone was the awkward look, she now had an aura of calculation. It was like something that had previously laid dormant in her woke up. Luka drew her weapons and walked towards Rexus. He stood there with his hands on his bayonets, gears turning in his head.

"On me Rexus!" She ordered. He was noticeably taken back by her eyes, but smiled and nodded. Luka ran towards Ruby

"Give me a hand Weiss!" He shouted and ran after Luka. Weiss drew her repeater and charged after him with a grim look.

Yossif sighed, crouched, and readied the rifle function on his polearm. Yang ran towards the four, but she was too far away to do anything other than look desperate.

Ruby got within 15 or so yards of deathstalker before a hail of feathers landed near her. Yossif had nearly forgotten about the nevermore. He'd have to deal with that later. For now, dealing with an angry organic tank barreling towards a small girl took precedent. Unfortunately for Ruby, a single feather pinned her cloak to the ground. She was stuck, and no one could help her. Yossif couldn't get a clear shot on the beast with Ruby thrashing about in front of it. Luka and Rexus were too far away to reach her in time. As much as he hated to admit it, they'd probably have to carry her back in a black bag. It was unfortunate that such a young kid would draw the short stick, but that's just how it went.

The deathstalker reached her and drew back its massive stinger. Yossif decided he'd make a desperate shot and try to save the girl. She didn't need two arms to live, so he took aim at her left in order to punch through the scorpion's faceplate behind her. Yang called out in desperation as the stinger surged forward.

"Weiss!" Rexus called out. The Heiress made a few quick movements and something amazing happened.

An ice wall stopped the beast.

It struggled in rage and howled at the girl. Yossif lowered his weapon and breathed a sigh of relief. A part of him scolded himself for not just taking the shot, after all, he couldn't have predicted the save. That part was beaten down by everything else in his mind.

"You're so childish!" Weiss Scolded Ruby.

Ruby stood paralyzed in fear, arms above her head and staring at the stinger.

"Stow it Weiss! There will be time enough later!" Rexus shouted at Weiss as he reached Ruby. His jovial manner was gone, just like Luka, he was all business now. Luka quickly placed herself and her shield between the grimm and Ruby. Rexus cut the feather and freed Ruby's cloak. He placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder and pulled her back. "Back up! Back up!" He yelled to Luka. She obliged and creeped backwards.

Rexus was basically dragging Ruby. The poor girl was frozen in fear. "Ruby!" Yang reached them and rushed to her sister. The sight of Yang brought Ruby back.

"Yang?" Ruby said before getting hugged by the older sister.

Rexus left them to their reunion and put a hand on Luka's shoulder. "Good stuff. What's the next move?"

She stared at the grimm past her shield. "The objective is to grab the pieces at the ruin behind you." She pulled out her own pawn. "You and Anna need to get some. Then we'll go to the finish." She said in a deadly serious tone.

"Aye." Rexus said, "Anna! We need to collect some things!" He turned and jogged to the ruin, Anna was already there.

"I'm assuming it's these?" She eyed the golden kings

"Yes." He tossed her a golden pawn. She frowned from his selection, but offered no alternative.

Yossif and Luka jogged over to them, along with everyone else. The rest of the students started to gather pieces. Yossif and Rexus huddled around Luka, Anna stood a foot away.

"Alright," Luka started, eyes still glowing a brilliant blue, "We need to get to the cliffside, I suggest we go through that massive ruin to the north." She offered. Yossif and Rexus nodded, while Anna just shrugged. A hollow crack emanated from the ice binding the grimm. It wouldn't hold for long.

"Time we left!" Ren said loudly.

"Right," Ruby waved to everyone, "Let's go!"

"Rexus and Anna trail behind everyone and make sure they don't make any screw ups like earlier. Yossif, you and I will stay at the front and make sure we go the right way." Rexus and Yossif nodded while, once again, Anna shrugged. This time she scowled. Yossif guessed it was because she would have to be near Rexus for longer. With their roles assigned, each member of the temporary squad set off towards victory.

---

The group ran to the edge of the ruins and hid behind ancient stone as the nevermore flew above them. It landed on a tall column and waited patiently for the students to show themselves.

"That's great." She half whispered.

The deathstalker definitely thought so as it crashed through the trees and spied its pray sitting still. "Ah man, run!" Jaune yelled, causing the group to break cover. The nevermore bellowed a mighty caw and dived towards them.

"Nora, distract it!" Ren called

"Yossif, take it down!" Luka ordered. Both Yossif and Nora turned their armaments' towards the bird. Nora her hammer grenade launcher hybrid, and Yossif his anti-material rifle polearm. The electricity grenades seared the feathers of the creature, and the heavy caliber bullets cracked it's beak. The nevermore would think twice before attacking from above again.

The two were oblivious to the deathstalker rushing them. Luckily for them, their compatriots were not. Ren and Blake slashed at the monster's faceplate from the sides. Anna followed this up with a strike into its eyes, driving it back and giving everyone time to retreat. The group fell back to an old stone bridge spanning a chasm. On the other side was ruins that shot up into the sky, providing cover from both the nevermore and deathstalker.

"Cross the bridge!" Luka shouted. In a single movement, she shoved her sword through a slot in her shield. A few audible clicks could be heard as it seated and a belt of ammunition snaked into it's chamber. It extended in all directions, and then she planted it on the floor. "Get low!" She screamed. Rexus, Anna, Ren, Blake, Yang, Nora, and Yossif ducked down as the first volley of bullets screamed from Luka's weapon. The incendiary round collided upon impact with the deathstalkers hide and burst. It was forced to use its limbs as cover for its eyes, effectively blinding it and forcing it to slow down.

The nevermore did learn from the assault Nora and Yossif had thrown at it. Instead of taking the high approach, it swung low and targeted the bridge. It crashed into the chiseled stone as most of the students finished crossing it. Sadly it had accomplished its goal, cutting off Rexus, Yossif Luka, Anna, and Yang.

"Shit! That's not good!" Rexus shouted. The four runners got behind Luka. "This is great! I love being trapped on a narrow bridge with a grimm the size of said bridge!" Rexus joked.

"Uhhh..." Luka said, her eyes beginning to glow less brightly.

"What's the play boss lady?"

"We...uh, need to..." Luka hesitated, her eyes glowing less and less by the second.

"Kill it!" Yang cracked her knuckles.

"How? It has more armor than a train!" Anna asked with annoyance. "Please tell me the plan has more steps than just hitting it."

Luka felt stress getting to her. What could they do? That thing was tough. A biological tank. She kept throwing bursts of lead at it, but it crept closer. "We...we...we."

Luka felt a hand touch her shoulder. Yossif looked at her calmly and placed his rifle on her shield for support. "Steel yourself. You got it." He said

Luka's eyes gradually lit back up. With a nod, she turned to the group behind her. "Rexus, Yang, you guys think you can grab it's pincers?"

"Hell yeah!" Rexus said, hitting Yang's shoulder. "Yeah?" He turned and asked

She smiled, "Oh definitely."

"Anna," Luka said, "Can you get at it's eyes once they restrain it?"

"Assuming they can do their job, yes." Anna remarked

"Come on, give us some credit!" Yang responded.

"It's not you who I'm worried about."

"Wowwwww." Rexus said.

"Wait a minute, what about the stinger?" Anna asked.

Luka turned to Yossif, who sent a round at the stinger and hit it. The round dinked off, but knocked it around. She turned back, "We'll handle it. Now let's kill a big bug!"

"Let's gooooooo!" Rexus sheathed his bayonets and charged the monster, closely followed by Yang. Luka stopped firing and allowed Anna to run down the center of the bridge. Rexus was the first to successfully grab a pincer. The stinger tried to hit him, but was thrown off course with a combined burst from Luka and Yossif. They slowly sauntered forward, stopping now and then to shoot. Yang got in place next, followed by Anna starting to attack its faceplate.

Rexus stabbed through a chink in the beasts armor, disabling it's ability to open and close it's pincer. Yang just tore her pincer apart like you would to a crab claw. Anna took a few of it's eyes. All was well.

The beast first closed its eyes, negating Anna's strikes with it's armor. It then shook Rexus off of it's pincer, and then smacked Yang away. It attempted to skewer Anna with it's pincer, but she jumped back.

"Anna!" Rexus yelled to get her attention before throwing a cylindrical object to her. She caught it and looked at him. "Pull the pin and stick it in its mouth!" He rushed it and stabbed through an opening in its chitin with one of his longer bayonets. It roared in anger and pain. Doing as told, she pulled the pin and threw it in it's mouth.

"Yossif," Luka turned to the sniper. "Rush it." He smiled and compiled.

After a few seconds, a loud bang emanated from the monster and a bright light shone from its mouth. It was disorientated, and so Rexus got close to the body and lifted. Yang and Anna did the same.

Yossif charged and stuck his polearm into its soft under armor

Five rounds flew.

Five splatters of black covered Yossif.

With a final bellow, the titanic scorpion fell limp. With their combined strength, they threw it off the bridge and cheered. "Whooooooh! Let's go!" Rexus jumped and cheered.

Yang put him in a light headlock and shook him, "Yeah we did!" They broke and followed it up with a high five.

Yossif walked over to them, dusting off his clothes. "That was something."

"Eyy! Man you gotta be psychic." Rexus patted him on the shoulder and brushed some chitin off of his friend's head. Yossif shrugged in response.

Anna crossed her arms over her chest, but let out a small grin, "I suppose that could've gone worse."

Luka came from behind her and placed a hand on Anna's shoulder. "That was quite a show. Good work everyone." As soon as she finished her sentence, the blue glow in her eyes began to fade. As soon as it had all gone, she quickly removed her hand from Anna and scratched her head nervously. Rexus let out a hearty laugh, and everyone else just smirked.

Ruby's scythe let out an almost deafening shot. The group of five wheeled around and were greeted by an inspiring sight. The nevermore, now headless, fell dead from the cliffside. It's massive wingspan tagged some ruins as it fell into the chasm below, causing the ageless stone to rain into the black. Standing on the cliffside above was Ruby. She posed on the sheer edge with her scythe held behind her back, blade down.

Rexus smiled and shot her a lazy salute. Yang beamed with pride at her little sister. Anna placed her hands on her hips and smirked. Yossif had taken this time to reload his weapon, but he still watched with interest. Luka, who had walked away from the group to collect her shield, leaned on it and looked at the sight. Perhaps, she thought, this year won't be as bad as I imagined.

---

"Russel Thrush. Cardin Winchester. Dove Bronzewing. Sky Lark." Ozpin said as the group of the boys took to the stage. Their pictures lined the large screen behind them. "The four of you retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team CRDL, led by...," Ozpin let the crowd lean in before naming the leader. "Cardin Winchester!" The crowd erupted into furious cheers. The boys soaked in their glory before leaving and letting another team on.

Four familiar faces walked onto the stage. "Jaune Arc. Lie Ren. Pyrrha Nikos. Nora Valkyrie. The four of you retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team JNPR." Just as the group before, their pictures lined the back wall. "Led by...Jaune Arc!" The crowd erupted into cheers.

One voice was especially loud, "THAT'S MA BOY!" Rexus screamed in glee!

For his part, Jaune was rather confused, "Le-led by..."

"Congratulations young man." Ozpin said. Pyrrha bumped his shoulder in a friendly gesture, but accidentally knocked him to the floor. That got a rise out of the crowd, but they soon quieted down for the next group. Another set of faces walked onto the stage, " Blake Belladonna. Ruby Rose. Weiss Schnee. Yang Xiao Long. The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team RWBY. Led by..." Ozpin left an especially long pause for this one. "Ruby Rose!" The crowd once again went berserk. Weiss held a shocked look, as did Ruby.

"I'm so proud of you." Yang said as she hugged her sister.

The group of girls left the stage, and were followed by yet more familiar faces. "And Finally: Anna Castellen, Luka Caniem, Rexus Gallant, Yossif Laythe. The four of you retrieved the white pawn pieces. From this day forward you will be known as Team LYAR. Led by... Luka Caniem!" For the final team, the crowd put everything into their cheer. They would've thrown chairs if there were any.

Luka stood there in shock, but was pulled out of it by a crushing Rexus hug. "I knew you'd be our mascot! This is great." He dropped her onto her feet once she had almost turned blue. Yossif congratulated her with a hand on her shoulder and a small smile. Anna, true to her past actions, just crossed her arms over her chest. Though there was a small smile that barely shined through.

Ozpin looked away from the students and out to the shattered moon, "This year will be interesting... interesting indeed."

---

Fortunately, the three teams had all been assigned dorms in the same hallway, after celebrating a bit, they said their goodbyes and retired to their beds. "Well, while I'm kinda disappointed that I wasn't the leader of my own little squad, you're an acceptable alternative." Rexus joked to Luka as he jumped onto his bed.

"Gee, thanks." Luka said as she organized her little corner of the room. If you looked from the doorway, Rexus had the bed on the left corner of the room. Anna took the bed in the right corner, and Luka took the bed next to hers.

Yossif sat on the side of the bed next to Rexus's. "Well, I for one think that Luka will be a great leader." He said as he unlaced his boots.

"Ah shut it you big boot licker." Rexus said, Yossif waved him off. "Though, we can all agree she was a better pick than Anna." Rexus added, trying to get some reaction out of the silent Anna.

She immediately sat up in her bed and glared at him. "What was that?"

"Anna!" He said while stifling a chuckle, "I had forgotten you were even here."

"I swear!" She said while laying back down, half ashamed she had taken his bait.

A brief silence took the group, but Rexus eventually broke it. "Well, I think proper introductions are in order." He sat up and waved to his teammates. "Rexus Gallant at your service. I hail from a small-ish town outside of Atlas." He said in a very posh voice while trying not to smile.

Yossif went next, "I'm Yossif Laythe, from Vacuo."

"Luka Caniem, I'm from Menagerie."

"Anna Castellen. I'm the next in line for the Mistral Trade Company."

Rexus laughed, "Damn, your special. But guess what? I'm specialer baby! I got a full ride scholarship!" Rexus bragged.

"More special." Yossif calmly corrected. Rexus just waved him off.

"Not so." She smugly said. "Ozpin came to me and personally delivered the same offer."

"Strange, I also have a full ride." Yossif said while scratching his chin.

The three looked to Luka in unison. She sheepishly scratched her head. "Me too." A few seconds passed, and then a few more.

Rexus shrugged, "Well, aren't we just the best. Night team."

"Night." Said Yossif

"Night!" Said Luka

Anna said nothing and just sat there, silently contemplating. All full rides huh? She felt that this year would be anything but dull. With an entertained smile, she got comfortable and closed her eyes.

---

Got damn that took a while to write. And I'm actually proud of it too! When's the next chapter coming out? Fuck if I know. Last time I said something about a timeframe I immediately stopped writing so, you know. Just know that I'm not gonna give up. I will put this pen to paper even if it kills me.

Like always, stay alive...and have a good day!

(P.S. go follow Chinsangan. That man has some serious talent.)