The following two days of class with Professor Carlisle where uneventful. Well for the most part.
The girls where fawning over him, the guys where either mad at him for taking away the girls attention or where just completely neutral and more interested in their studies anyway. The new professor on his part did not seem to notice that the girls where almost always staring at him with intense stares. Or if he had noticed he kept quiet about it.
Weiss was one of the girls who stared but befitting of her status as a rich heiress she kept quite professional about it, even though it was clear to her team how much the man had gotten her attention. Blake tried not to stare and too control her thoughts as to focus on the subject at hand. His offer from a few nights ago was still in her head.
"And so class that is Newton's third law. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction," he said as he turned towards the class "so basically to all the guys in here if you punch someone, expect a punch back."
The class partly erupted in laughter.
Carlisle smiled at his class "I am so surprised you have never heard of this before. It is common knowledge and easy to see in action. Take for example Mr. Winchester's ignorant comment a few days ago where he attempted to put down people and in response he was put down himself."
The class' laughing became even louder at this comment, Jaune in particular was tearing up from laughter as across the other side of the room, a visibly angry Cardin Winchester was about to stand up.
"So as you can see students, everything balances out in the end" the professor concluded.
At the end of this sentence, the class looked up as a furious Cardin stood up from his seat and proceeded to make his way to the middle of the class where professor Carlisle was standing, his arms around his back and his face stoic and unmoving.
"I am tired of you making fun of me!" the student yelled.
"I assure you do a perfect job of that yourself Mr. Winchester. Now please return to your seat so we can continue the class."
The obnoxious student did not respond with words, instead he responded with his fists. Landing a punch to the professor as he fell backwards against his desk, his glasses clattering on the floor beside him.
The whole class gasped in response. Time slowed down for them.
Blake and Weiss stood up in unison as they looked at the fallen down professor. A silence reigned, nobody did anything out of shock. Cardin Winchester was a prick, no doubt about it. But that he would stoop so low as to physically attack a member of the faculty was something nobody, not even his own team would have thought was possible.
"Where is your equal and opposite reaction now huh professor?" Cardin exclaimed tauntingly.
Professor Carlisle slowly got up, picking up his glasses from the ground and inspecting them briefly before silently putting them back on, not sharing a glance with the enraged student as he did so.
"Mr. Winchester, please leave the classroom at this moment. After class I would like to have a discussion with you" he said.
Cardin was dumbfounded that he elicited no physical reaction from the professor, and so where most others from the class. No punch in retaliation, no use of whatever semblance Professor Carlisle possessed. Just a calm and collected response.
"What!" Cardin exclaimed angrily "what's the matter with you, fight back like a man."
"Retaliation is for children," the professor said "I had hoped you'd be better than this but it appears I was mistaken. So I ask again, please leave this classroom at once."
Cardin's response was another immediate punch. Only this time the professor ducked in time, hooking his foot underneath Cardin's and causing him to fall flat on his face.
Another gasped filled the entire classroom.
Professor Carlisle looked up at the members of Cardin's team "would you please take your leader out of this classroom?" he asked politely. The members of the team stood up and went over to their leader, picking him up. His nose was bleeding from the fall and he was dragged up the stairs out of the classroom by his teammates.
The professor adjusted his waistcoat and regained his composure before addressing the still shocked classroom.
"I apologize for that occurrence I had not expected this to occur. But let's turn this into a teachable moment. It is never a shame to walk away from a fight. Ultimately it comes down to a good perception, know when to act and when to step back. Not every fight can be won, and not every conflict is worth fighting."
The class was in awe by his ability to turn a previous hostile situation in an opportunity to learn. It was like it didn't face him what had just happened, instead treating it as a minor disturbance.
"I do understand you are here to learn to fight the creatures of Grimm, the forces that seek harm upon us. So this lesson might seem a bit counterintuitive, but let me assure you it is a wise lesson to learn. Walking away is never a shameful act, some people or beings just aren't worth it" he told them.
The entire classroom had regained its peace as the professor explained his views. Maybe it was hard to believe a man this young was so wise. But in an instant the affection of all girls that had their eye on him had risen to greater heights.
Cardin Winchester was a bully, many people had experienced this. And professor Carlisle had put him in his place not once but twice now. The Faunus of the class already regarded him with great respect for his accepting attitude, but now they were positively glowing.
In particular Blake Belladonna.
Despite her Faunus status only being known to her team and a few other friends including Jaune's team and the newcomer Sun. She felt now she could perhaps one day trust the professor with this massive secret.
She tried to keep her eyes away from him, but it was growing harder to do so as the weight of the professor's good actions and views was growing upon not just her but almost most women within the class.
"I swear I will marry that man one day" Weiss said unprompted to her team, her eyes full on staring at the man leading the class. Ruby and Yang looked at her with a funny expression, while Blake looked at her almost worried.
Weiss is rich and has power…she has more chance with him…wait what am I thinking, Blake shook herself out of her thoughts.
"Class is almost dismissed. But before I let you all go I would like to inform you all of something" Carlisle said as he grabbed the entire class' attention.
"It is important for me that you take an interest in the subjects I teach you. Should anyone need any help I will be more then capable of assisting you in any way. Is there anyone that requires my help at this moment?"
The majority of women in the classroom, including Weiss raised their hand in an instant.
Professor Carlisle looked on in surprise "oh my I had not seen this coming," he laughed taking off his glasses "well I will often sit in the library working on my own so if there are any questions feel free to look me up, though I advise you not to come in mass please, too many people at once asking question is a tad overwhelming. Class dismissed."
Students began to leave the classroom talking to themselves about the class events.
"I wonder what the professor will do about Cardin, probably report him to Ozpin most likely" Phyrra said as she and the two teams walked down the hall.
"Cardin was way out of line on this one, I hope he gets expelled" Weiss replied
"Well to be fair the professor did kind of provoke him with that comment" Ren said with his usual stoic impression on him.
"That doesn't make it right to him" Weiss almost yelled as she turned to Ren.
"Calm down Weiss," Yang said as she took the heiress by the shoulders and directed her to keep on walking "regardless of what might happen Cardin is in deep trouble now."
"Serves him right" Jaune said.
Entire droves of students, mostly women had come to the library a few hours later to ask questions to professor Carlisle. Despite his prior notice not too come in a mass they still had done so, causing him to politely turn them away.
"I appreciate your enthusiasm but this is getting a bit too much, no more questions please" he had said.
Weiss had come to see the professor she secretly admired from afar but she had made an effort to keep distance until the herd of women had dispersed and she had an opening to speak to him alone.
She felt she was there for hours, all because most girl students were trying to get his attention. To the point that he proceeded to turn them away, at least as politely as he could because the amount of people approaching him was becoming too much for him.
As the herds of people where eventually dispersed and night began to settle in. Weiss finally took her shot.
"Good afternoon professor, I apologize if I bother you now" she said politely.
Carlisle looked up from his book, his glasses at the bridge of his nose. Weiss had a different kind of attire now, instead of her usual dress she was wearing a white crop top and blue jeans with her hair now completely down as opposed to a pony tail. A small amount of cleavage was shown, enough to be noticeable for people up close. Her rapier was as usual mounted to her side.
"It is no problem at all, earlier it was getting crazy and a bit too much for me to handle. Miss Schnee was it?" he asked. "Correct, Weiss Schnee" she replied.
"From the Schnee Dust Company?" he asked curiously, Weiss nodded in response "that is correct, you're looking at its heiress" she said confidently as she sat down across from him, making sure to display her features to him.
"The heiress of a big company worth millions at Beacon to become a Huntress. That is quite interesting Miss Schnee" Carlisle wondered.
Weiss blushed in response, she had gotten that question a lot.
"Yeah well…I wanted to try and carve my own path. I might have all the privilege of a rich upbringing but I have never been able to truly feel like I could make my own choices. So that's why I'm here, I wanted to create a path that was truly my own."
The professor smiled in response.
"That is beautiful Miss Schnee. It is very important we create our own individual paths in life, the places and circumstances of our birth do not dictate our path in life. That is very wise of you for someone of your age. Impressive Miss Schnee."
"Weiss, please just call me Weiss. Miss Schnee sounds too professional" she said in response.
"As you wish Weiss," he said closing his book and taking off his glasses "so what is it that I can help you with?"
Weiss honestly didn't need help with her studies as much as she just wished to know the professor a bit better.
"Well forgive my curiosity professor but I'm quite surprised someone as young as you has gained such a prestige position as to teach here at Beacon. I'm curious to how you achieved that?" she asked.
Carlisle smiled nonchalantly "too be honest it is still surprising to me as well how I managed to acquire this. I come from very far away and when I was young I became intrigued by the nature and origin of humanity, the Faunus and even the Grimm. I was convinced there was a way to figure out how to advance progress so I studies as much as I can and travelled quite far until ultimately coming here and securing a position, to my great surprise as you can imagine."
Weiss was intrigued by his story and listened with great interest. During the story she moved slightly forward, putting her cleavage on full display for the professor.
He looked at it for a second before turning his eyes back to hers.
"But why do you wish to know this Weiss. I am nothing interesting, just a substitute teacher?" he asked curiously.
Weiss was slightly dumbfounded by this question. She had hoped that the way she was dressed would entice more looks but he barely seemed to focus on that. He seemed to focus more on her and her stories.
"Well," Weiss started blushing a bit "I have never met a teacher quite like you professor. You are young and ambitious and smarter than most others here."
"I wouldn't consider myself smart, just insightful" the professor corrected her.
"Yes that. And….and…well I'm so interested in what you are teaching us. Your teaching us to see the world in a different way than most of us have thought before."
Carlisle flashed a smile at her "looking at one perspective is often times the path of a fool. It is integral that people as young as you learn to see the world through not just one lens. At least this way you are prepared for what you might experience. That is at least how I experienced it."
"Your incredible professor" Weiss blurted out, covering her mouth with her hands in response.
"I could say the same thing about you Weiss" he replied.
Blake had walked into the library only to see Weiss with professor Carlisle and she hid behind a book case in response.
"You think so?" she heard Weiss say. "Of course, you left behind your life of security of a rich and financially stable family to find your own way in the world and ended up here trying to fight some of the most dangerous creatures the world has ever known. That is an admirable trait for sure."
Blake felt a pit in her stomach. Was Weiss already wrapping the new young professor around her fingers. The outfit she wore was made just for that attempt she was sure of it.
"I'm afraid I should be headed home very soon though Weiss, it is getting late" the professor said to his students as he made a grab for his supplies "indeed professor, wouldn't want to keep your wife waiting" Weiss said jokingly.
"Wife? Married at my age!" Carlisle laughed "I know I look older then I am in part of the grey sidelines in my hair but I am way too young to get married."
Weiss secretly smiled, but decided to probe further.
"Well you never know professor, there are plenty of people already making big plans with their partners even around my age" she said.
"I am sure they are. As for myself I was always so invested in my studies I never took time for romance I'm afraid."
YES! Weiss screamed internally.
A still hidden Blake sighed softly. A relief washed over her. The professor wasn't taken. Wait why am I glad about that.
"I wish you a good night Weiss, see you at our lessons tomorrow" the professor said. Weiss nodded smiling and ran out of the library with impressive speed.
Blake kept silent as she watched her friend and teammate run out of the library. Luckily she had not seen her.
She was once again alone in the library with the good professor.
Taking in a breath she walked around the corner and saw the professor stuffing his books into his book bag. He looked up at her "ah Miss Belladonna, I did not see you come in. I'm sorry but I'm afraid I can't really answer any more questions tonight I am quite tired" he said.
Blake looked down, saddened she didn't get more time with him as Weiss had probably taken most of it.
"That is alright professor. I…I just wanted to check on you after today's altercation" she said while still looking down.
The professor stepped towards her, slumping his bag over his shoulder.
"You are so kind to me Miss Belladonna. But I assure you I'm fine. I had a long talk with Mr. Winchester after the fact and I'm assured this will not happen again" he told her.
Blake almost scoffed at that idea.
"I don't think he likes being told what to do" she muttered.
"That may well be," the professor replied "but I made it very clear what the consequences are for this kind of behavior. Mr. Winchester is a lot of things but he is not foolish enough to risk expulsion over this. So no need to worry about anything Miss Belladonna."
"Blake" she suddenly said "please….just call me Blake."
The professor looked part shocked and part flattered "as you wish Blake. Apologies I know I am far too formal for my own good but it's part of the professionalism that comes with the job."
"I understand that," Blake said "I shouldn't hold you up professor. I am very sorry."
The professor eyed her curiously, her head was tilted down and she looked nervous. "Is something to matter? You look quite nervous and stressed?" he asked.
Blake looked up and shook her head "it has just been a long day professor" she said.
The professor nodded in response "if you say so Blake. But I can tell there is a lot on your mind. As you mentioned it is quite late but if you wish tomorrow after class we could sit down and talk about the questions that you have, I feel one on one sessions are the very best in order to get knowledge across. We could meet up at the local café I always visit, best coffee in all of remnant. If that interests you of course."
Blake felt like a cinderblock had just been thrown in her stomach. A hit she never saw coming, and for a good moment she was stunned silent.
"Uhm…..Uhm…." her nervousness was through the roof "…yes…yes I would like that" she ultimately responded. "Splendid. Come and meet me at the school's entrance after your last class. Have a safe night Blake, and sleep well" he said as he turned and left through the library's doors. Leaving a stunned, surprised and blushing Blake behind.
Firen Carlisle walked across the school grounds to his home further down the road. It was a small home bordering on the academy. Not exactly anything to speak off, a simple home but a comfortable home.
He turned the key in the lock and walked inside. Putting his book bag down upon the kitchen table.
As soon as he did footsteps where heard coming down the stairs. A small man with long unkempt hair and wearing a black hoodie and green trousers was standing there before him, almost squatting on the floor.
"Sir Carlisle it is so good to see you back home. I trust your day was about fine" he asked, his voice low and his tone almost submissive.
Carlisle looked at the short man before him and spoke "spare me the pleasantries Vadim! What is the status of your search? Did you make any progress?"
The man, apparently named Vadim, looked down as he rubbed his hands together.
"I am afraid I have not made any progress sir" he replied.
Carlisle's look changed, from one of stoic and professional to an almost angry expression. "2 months! 2 months you have been searching and you found nothing!"
"Well with all due respect sir finding her is kind of difficult….there could be a small, very tiny possibility…that she may not be among us any….."
He was cut off by the professor grabbing him by the collar of his hoodie and lifting him up against the wall with one hand.
"Do you have any idea what I had to do and how long I had to spend to get here! I did not travel this far to return without her! So do your job as I request of you and find her!" he spoke angrily.
"…Yes…Sir" Vadim mumbled as the professor dropped him to the ground.
Carlisle walked past the heavily breathing man and walked over to his study room. As he went there he picked up the photo on his desk and looked at it with a somber and longing expression.
I will find you. No matter what it takes I won't stop until I find you.