This was a terrible idea.
It was a recurring thought that kept popping up in Ruby's head as she stood center stage for all to see. Professor Port had given her time to redress and arm herself with Rose Thorn to begin his/her demonstration of a 'True Huntress'. Frankly, had it not been her, it would've been her partner Weiss.
Speaking of her partner, a quick glance to the side allowed Ruby to see how her entire team was faring. Based on her observation, the majority of them were very supportive; Yang was yelling and cheering her on while Blake, while silent, held a small flag with the name "Go Team RWBY" written on its side. The only odd one out was, yet again, Weiss.
Unlike the others, Weiss had a neutral expression plastered on her face. To any other person, she was just observing the demonstration that was about to unfold. However, having learned criminal psychology, Ruby saw otherwise. While Weiss may look indifferent towards the situation, Ruby knew that she was absolutely livid at what happened. Not many would notice how rigid her posture had become, or how tight the grip of her pen was.
A loud cough would interrupt any further thought as the class's attention turns to Professor Port, who was now holding a blunderbuss/axe hybrid. With all eyes now on him, the prideful teacher cleared his throat before speaking aloud for all to hear.
"Alright! With our huntress-in-training now set, let the fight...begin!"
With a swift swing on the lock, the Boarbatusk breaks out and immediately charges towards Ruby as she does so as well.
Their fight had begun.
Using the grimm's own momentum against it, Ruby quickly vaulted over the beast as it was getting closer. Seeing its target move, the Boarbatusk attempted to make a u-turn, but only caused itself to slip and slide across the room.
Having landed back on her feet, Ruby turns and throws a couple of controlled explosive pellets. As the pellets explode, the Grimm's left confused and disorientated. However, this also caused the Boarbatusk to move around frantically and wildly, leaving no easy opening to exploit.
"Outstanding move!" Professor Port cheered from the sidelines before rhetorically asking the class. "But will our huntress-in-training take advantage of this situation!?"
The class, however, was more focused on the fight rather than the commentary from the Professor. Many amongst the crowd would follow the battle with either anticipation or excitement, but Weiss on the other hand watched with separate emotions in mind.
Back with the fight, Ruby quickly thought of other ways to take the Boarbatusk down. Close quarters is off the table as its erratic movements would only end with either her getting injured, tossed aside, or even both. Most items on hand wouldn't be able to do much damage to its armored plates. Rose Thorn's tips, however, might be able to pierce through its armor. One way to find out though.
Having not many options available, Ruby swiftly hurled her weapon towards the dazed grimm. Unfortunately, it may not have been hard enough as the Boarbatusk parried the projectile off its head and straight into the front of the Professor's desk.
"Hoho! Now, what will you do without your weapon?!"
The class could do nothing, but watch as the Boarbatusk finally regained its senses and continued its pursuit towards Ruby. They watched as said girl could do nothing but dodge and weave away from the monster's charges. Majority of students were at the edge of their seats in uneasiness. Weiss was, once again, dissimilar in comparison, but not in a way one may think.
Indeed, the heiress felt uneasy at the moment, but only because she realized what exactly her team leader was doing. While many would think that Ruby was only reacting to its attacks, only a few would realize that she was actually purposely repositioning not only herself but also the moving Boarbatusk. And even less would notice its chipped forehead caused by Rose Thorn.
It wasn't too long before the animal grimm and the huntress-in-training were once again opposite from one another. Unlike the start, the Boarbatusk looked more irritated and resentful in contrast to Ruby's calm and collected comportment. What baffled the class, even more, was that she then taunted the monster to charge at her once more.
In retaliation, the grimm scraped its foreleg against the classroom floor before charging straight towards its target. Unlike before, it seemed to have gained more speed and was using all of its strength for this one final ram.
Yet, it felt no impact with its target. Just in the last second, the huntress-in-training backflipped herself onto the desk behind her...sending the Boarbatusk straight into the end of Rose Thorn. Having no time to slow down or even change course, the grimm then skewered itself straight through Ruby's weapon, ending its life and the entire battle.
As the Boarbatusk dissipated, Ruby unstuck her weapon while the class clapped alongside Professor Port.
"Bravo! It appears we are indeed in the presence of a true Huntress-in-training". The Professor acclaimed before turning towards the rest of the class. "Unfortunately, that was all the time we'll have for today. Remember to go over the assigned readings. Class dismissed!"
With that, everybody picked up their belongings and left for their next class. Before leaving to get changed back into uniform, Ruby glanced towards where her team was supposed to be, but only saw 2 out of 3 members still standing there.
10 minutes had passed since the end of Professor Port's class. Team RWBY was lucky enough to have a free period until their afternoon class. In the meantime, the BY members of the team decided to wait for their team leader outside of the changing area. While waiting, Blake decided it was a fine time to ask about Ruby's...problem earlier that morning..
"Hey Yang," Blake started, causing Yang to turn her attention to her partner. "How often has Ruby suffered from night terrors? I'm sorry if the question sounds too personal-"
Yang sighed before assuring her partner. "Don't worry about it. You guys would've eventually found out about it anyway."
"Ever since we were little kids, Ruby always had night terrors that would keep her up. During those times, she would often get herself a snack and head back to bed. We only found out about it when Dad woke up one night to get a glass of water and found little Ruby eating leftovers on the kitchen counter."
Yang, along with Blake, chuckled and laughed at the tale. After their laughter died down, Yang then continued her story.
"Things changed when Ruby came back from Atlas a couple months ago. Since then, her night terrors got worse, as in WAY worse. For the next 2 straight weeks, Dad and I would constantly be woken up by Ruby thrashing and screaming in her sleep. Each time she woke up, she'd break down as we console her. You wouldn't believe how scared we were during those 2 weeks. Eventually, her night terrors became less frequent and severe. She'd still get them every now and then, but they wouldn't be as intense as it was during those first weeks."
As Yang finished, Blake couldn't help but feel sympathy for not only Ruby, but her entire family for what they had to go through. While she herself didn't have any sort of siblings, she knew the feeling of fear over someone you dearly care for. Just hearing the story made Blake wish to see her own family again someday. Although, there was still something bothering her.
Night terrors of this degree are often caused by mental conditions, long term heavy stress, or even traumatic experiences. Blake knew that because she too had experienced severe night terrors before her time in Beacon. Unless there's some mental condition Yang hasn't told her about, what exactly has Ruby experienced that would end up traumatizing her?
While Blake pondered at the thought, Yang decided to check on the person of interest. "What's taking her so long? And she complains that I take my sweet time?"
The blonde then entered the changing area to berate her sister for making them wait longer than they should. Just as fast as she went in, Yang walked out with nothing but a look of worry on her face. Enough so to even catch her partner's attention.
"What's wrong?"
"Ruby's not in there."
Lunchtime had finally begun at Beacon Academy. Both teachers and students finally have the opportunity to take a break and relish the relaxation they would have for the next hour. It's at this time where most would spend their time satisfying their own hunger at the cafeteria or a private lounge. However, for Professor/Headmaster Ozpin, something would catch his eye while on his way to the teacher's lounge. More specifically, the top of one of the academy's roofs.
It was for that reason alone why the headmaster would find himself standing on one of Beacon's vantage points of the city alongside a very familiar first-year student in red.
"Why'd you pick me Ozpin?" asked Ruby as she sat on top of the railings by the edge of the roof, looking out at the open city. "Besides the obvious. What excuse did you tell Glynda to convince her to have me as the team leader?"
"Would you believe me if I told you it was a consensus?"
"I'd say you're bluffing."
The headmaster chuckled as he took a sip from his coffee before he started to explain.
"Out of the 4 members of your team, Ms. Rose, only 2 of them could fit the criteria of what makes a good team leader. And the two are easily both you and Ms. Schnee. Glynda considered Ms. Xaio Long too 'laid back' for the position while Ms. Belladonna was far too introverted. At first, it was a split decision between you and Miss Schnee, but that changed once we saw the finale of initiation."
It was here when he saw that Ruby turned to fully face him while sitting on the rail. Her ears perked as she thoroughly listened.
"While you may not have intended it, your experience of leading and coordinating a team was evident. You were able to not only quickly formulate a plan through the suggestions of your peers, but also lead not one, but two teams towards the ruins. While your plan to take down the Nevermore was quite hazardous, you were still able to identify and utilize the individual strengths of your team and coordinate as a single unit."
While a small smile did make its way to her mouth, Ruby's eyes still reeked of sorrow. Ozpin then sat alongside her on the rail. He may be a headmaster of a prestigious academy, but it's still his job as a teacher to comfort any student under his watch.
"I'm fully aware of what happened to your previous team, Ms. Rose. While I may not be in the position to tell you how to mourn, please do not allow your past mistakes to negatively affect how you will be for your current team. Use this as an opportunity to not only learn from them but heal yourself as well"
As Ruby swallowed the advice given to her, Professor Ozpin remained next to her for as long as she needed. He can do without the lunch period for today.
15 minutes left before Lunch period was officially over. While students would use this time to continue their relaxation, the teachers were forced to make preparations for their next class. As the headmistress of Beacon Academy and a responsible Professor for the Combat Class, Glynda Goodwitch had already prepped everything she needed for her next class. All she had to do was head towards the training room and wait for her students. However, on her way there, something caught her eye.
Standing there, looking into oblivion, was Weiss Schnee. Glynda remembered her and her team during initiation, most notably their perilous and unorthodox plan. However, unlike during initiation, the heiress looked...out of sorts to say the least. She appeared to be shaken and dejected. There wasn't a reason why she SHOULDN'T approach her.
"Ms. Schnee?" Glynda attempted to get her attention, which worked as Weiss jumped a little upon hearing the headmistress.
"Professor Goodwitch!" cried Weiss as she tried to make herself more presentable. "Forgive me for not immediately addressing you, headmistress! Um...how long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to notice that something is troubling you, Ms. Schnee".Glynda responded in concern.
Weiss, at first, remained quiet, yet her body language spoke many different emotions. Her gaze was anywhere but the headmistress' eyes while her hands and feet continued to fidget. Before Glynda could ask once more, the girl finally built up her own courage and started.
"Professor Goodwitch, do you mind if I ask you a...personal...question?" Weiss asked.
Had this been any other situation, Glynda would've dismissed this request as she often tried to keep any line of questioning professional and formal. However, curiosity got the best of her, and had her nod in response.
It was at this moment when Weiss decided to look straight into the Professor's eyes and ask. "Based on what you've seen of me, did I deserve to be in Beacon Academy?"
Glynda's eyes widened in surprise as she was taken aback by the question. "Ms. Schnee, last I'd checked, you had only started your first day today. What exactly has gotten you to think in such a way?"
"I'm sure you've read about my father's thoughts on Huntsman and Huntsman academies" Weiss stated, which earned a snort from Glynda at the mention of Jacques Schnee. "Then you would probably understand why me being here was such a challenge."
"It took 2 years of training, exceptional school grades, and recital concerts to finally convince him to allow me to enter an academy of my choosing. But even after everything I've been through, I knew he had only agreed because he believed that this was only just a phase that I wouldn't last too long. At first, that only made me even more determined to become a Huntress. But after comparing myself with the feats of others..."
"You fear that you've only made it here out of sheer luck."
Weiss didn't even have to answer as Glynda already knew it to be true. The headmistress released a heavy breath before comforting her student.
"As a Professor and Headmistress, I want you to understand that this is only the first day of your 4 years at the Academy. It's normal to have such feelings and know that you will have more opportunities to individualize yourself from your peers in the future."
The heiress initially looked to the ground in her own shame but was guided back to face the Professor once more.
"However, as a Huntress and a previous Huntress-in-training, let me tell you this: Do not let the expectations of others discourage you or pull you down. Don't compare your own feats from the feats of others because what they are incapable of doing maybe something that you yourself can do. I've seen firsthand that you're capable of being a team player and have the potential of being a team leader. Let your time here at Beacon be not only a learning experience but a new beginning for yourself."
Once she finished, a scroll alarm would shift the Professor's attention. A quick glance at it caused Glynda to sigh heavily at herself.
"I believe we're gonna have to cut this short, Ms. Schnee. I hope you take what I said into heart." said Glynda. Before leaving, she looked directly at Weiss and smiled. "I'm available after class hours if you have any more concerns."
Now, it was only the Schnee Heiress that remained in the empty hallway. Empty enough to allow her to take everything into consideration and come up with a conclusion. She needed to find her team leader.
It hadn't taken long for Yang and Blake to find Ruby, who was standing in front of the doors of their next class. After a quick hug and a scolding, Ruby was able to convince the duo to wait inside the classroom while she waited for Weiss outside. But she wouldn't wait too long as Weiss came out from the corner not too soon after.
They were finally face-to-face with one another, yet neither of the two could properly look at each other. Awkward tension soon began building as neither could say anything until the other started. Finally wanting to address the elephant in the room, both coincidentally started.
"I'm sorry"
"I'm sorry"
Both girls were equally surprised by the other apologizing. Being the quick one, Ruby explained first.
"Look, I'm sorry if I wasn't the ideal team leader. My head is still getting used to the position of being a team leader and should've considered my own teammates. I didn't mean any harm and wasn't trying to one-up you. What I did this morning was only out of concern. I should've-"
Weiss raised her hand to interrupt the girl before explaining herself.
"No, you shouldn't be apologizing for what happened earlier. I was the one who was acting out and should be the one to blame. I've been...going through some personal issues of my own and allowed it to bleed into my performance. But someone today helped me see through my own insecurities and encouraged me to use my time in Beacon as a new beginning. So that's exactly what I'm going to do".
"You and me both". Ruby responded, causing both girls to chuckle and laugh.
A sudden inflow of students immediately informed the girls that class was about to begin. Looking towards the heiress, Ruby then suggested. "The rest of the team is already inside waiting for us. How about we get through class first before we start thinking about how our new 'Beacon Life' would start."
Weiss then smiled at Ruby's proposal. Something the ex-vigilante hasn't seen for a while now but was more than happy to have a glimpse at it once again.
And with that, the pair entered the class and joined their team to fully start their Beacon experience.
Coincidentally, there were no night terrors that plagued Ruby once she slept that night.
I am stuck on working on Chapter 2 of "Sins of our Fathers", but I hope to get it out...eventually.
I do not own any of the characters. All characters and names used are owned by either Rooster Teeth and Detective Comics (DC).