AUTHOR NOTE

Return of the 2AM writing babble!

'Hey, I bet I could get a chapter out every month.'

'No you can't. I know you, your gonna fail by the end of February.'

'How do you know that?'

'I'm you idiot.'

'...Damn he's right!'

Hello, on and all. Yes, this chapter is rather late. In my defence... I have no defence. A myriad of things conspired together to delay this chapter. First there was a pinch of writer's block. I blame Yang, because I can. Then world events happen, combined with work place change I was incredibly unprepared for. Anyway, you don't read fanfiction for updates on that, and I don't read the news so I wouldn't have any anyway! Stay safe, etc.

By the way, I went back and edited the last 3 chapters. Hopefully there are less spelling mistakes and continuity errors now. if there are more, then I don't know how that happened. Black magic maybe? We can only guess at the reasons behind my immense ineptitude.

Honestly, I'm still not sure about this chapter. It's got some nice scenes in it, but it was meant to cover all the way to the cliffs and well, doesn't. At least it knocks out a couple of episodes. I'm just worried it jumps around too many perspectives while not changing events enough at the moment. Although, there isn't meant to be much change yet, so I guess... Ug. I don't know, I hope you all enjoy reading the late chapter, I'll try to have the next one up by at least mid June.

NOW TO THE IMPULSIVE REPLIES TO MONTHS OLD COMMENTS

DUNUNUNUNUNUNA!

So:

AJ Harvey: While that might be a good idea, when DT is reintroduced, I doubt it will be at such a... happy time. That said, i do like the idea of professors duelling for the audience... I might steal that.

RedBurningDragon: Thank you, I'll have to write a paragraph or two with Ruby fangirling about it. It may simply be that it wasn't the time and place to wonder about it before. Mysterious twins and all. I looked back to edit the other chapters, grammar and such, but couldn't really think where to work it in naturally.

Lord-Krun: This comment literally made me realise how sloppily I wrote that scene in terms of names. Probably not as badly as this chapter with how many characters I jump to, but pretty bad. Anyway, I've gone back and (hopefully) fixed it so miss glass shoe's name no longer appears.

As for the how she's not Swiss cheese on the sidewalk, I know Dante's guns are stronger than your run of the mill pistols. Not quite end of DMC1 strong, but enough to wreck face. Since Cinder is a half maiden, and was fresh to the fight, I might of buffed her aura a tad. Personally, I don't think it was too much, but despite to say, if there was no barrel role, this fic would be minus one villain after another few shots. Cinder underestimated the fight, got completely manhandled, and was lucky to get away. Not to say Cinder could take Dante when not underestimating him, only that it definitely didn't help her.

Red Dusk 369: To the first comment, Dante isn't all knowing, and wanted to do a 'wink here's a rocket to blow you up' moment. The premature explosion caught him off guard, by the time he recovered the bullhead was too far to trickster to.

I see your point of pairings... Though definitely not that h**tai stuff, no never, why would you even bring it up, I definitely never *cough* *cough*. Honestly, I might go into a pairing, Glynda/Vergil seems to be happening rather naturally as I write, so it might happen. Got nothing planned for Dante, even if he does know what sex is. One character in the future I thought might be good, but none of the students seem to be working in my head.

I know there are stories that do capable, barely legal teens who end up having deep, meaningful relationships. Some are pretty well written, love knows no age gap (as long as they're both legal) etc. Maybe some of the girls will get teen crushes on Dante, maybe one of them could teach him what sex is. Whatever happens, it will only come about if it feels natural. At the moment no plans, but there's possibility.

FerunaLutelou: Yeah, probably could have got it to work, but I really liked it this way, so slightly non cannon timeline. It'll divert more as the show goes on, butterfly effect and all, but at least the first couple of seasons should be pretty close plot wise. And while more story lines are added, or concluded in different ways, I will try to follow the general feel of the show-ish. Some bad things might not happen, others might be worse. Who knows? Me, probably, but I'm not telling :)

Keno02013: Maybe, eventually. Demons will be a slow add, introducing new plot points and such. But, if the girls and Ren manage to kill a big D-boy, I probably won't screw them out of a cool devil arm addition. In most cases I'm imagining it like a Cavalier situation, where demon parts join up with their weapons for new shenanigans. Though i do have plenty of time to change my mind on that. Hell, the added fire power might help with what's coming ;)

reddevil47: I like the brotherly fighting too, it will likely persist. Vergil/Glynda seem to be a pair growing on me, hopefully the plot won't get in the way of their blooming hatinglyloving relationship.

Sm0keyPanda: If you think that chapter wasn't jumpy, just wait until you read this one! Seriously though, i feel like I'm doing too many points of view? Who knows, anyway, thank you, I will try to keep the brothers as bad ass as possible. :)

kerrowe: I'm trying to catch those typos, even went back and edited the last 3 chapters, alas some always get through. Damn you word, why can't you catch my bad spelling! Oh well, as for the students. if only we had an upper year class for our heroines and Ren to get information from. Some kind of Coffee themed team. ;)

Guest of Jan 4: Short, concise, I like it. Thank you!

StyGian21: Thank you, this chapter is a more mixed chapter, but I'm glad the contrast came off so well. The next few chapters will be more about RWBY and the initiation, following the gist of the plot since there haven't been many changes yet. There will be more, especially when the plot gets less schooly and more world ending plotty. That said, we are entering the school time Arc so, yeah. Teacher time. I will keep trying to keep the brothers in character, seeing the main changes being in the characters once they start getting taught more than the overarching plot at the moment. Hopefully, it will be a good read.

Otakufreak225: Thank you! Funny thing, Dante usually loses his weapons between games because he sells them... Because he's just that bad with money. With Vergil around, Dante wasn't really allowed to do that, not to mention Vergil can actually manage money if he wants to. The extra work from a Grimm infested world helps too.

^2nd comment reply^: I'm thinking about jumping straight up to sin, but it's a while until I have to decide.

Minxiboo: That warms my heart man. Thanks :)

Anon: I know the Naruto fics you speak of. I once skimmed one with Naruto in the Game of Thrones universe. How he wouldn't wreck literally everything apart from maybe, MAYBE, the night king with buffs was beyond me. No tension.

Yang, or any other girl or Ren, will not be getting Sparda powers. They may, MAY, get devil arms later in the story. Not even I have decided that yet. As for the nerfs, yes, the twins would wreck all kinds of face at full power, even in DMC 3 scaling, let alone DMC 5 scaling. Even nerfed as they are, most characters would still be curb stomped. They are levelled closer to RWBY characters for the sake of actually stakes, but when I reveal how that happened in like...chapter 20-something, I don't think you'll feel incredibly cheated. And if/when Vergil and Dante do struggle, I'm sure it will be against reasonable opponents... Or against well prepared enemies... Yes... indeed it will be...Muhaha-HAHAHAH-HAH!HHAHAH!HAH!HAH!

Hellsink Bathhall: To be fair to Dante, he really didn't have an opportunity to return Kalina Ann when jumping into hell to cut down a tree. Nor did he have time to return Kalina Ann 2 (foreshadowing). :) As for pairings, Vergil seems to be bantering well with Glynda, no idea if that will turn into something (honestly I don't plan these things). Dante, as we all know, doesn't know what sex is ;) Seriously though, not sure if either of them will go into romance, it would be a slow, growing thing for either of them. Some of the girls might get some teen crushes, as I'm told humans tend to do, but I don't think they'll go anywhere.

How do you know one of them hasn't already met Raven? DUNDUNDUNNNN! Timeskip shenanigans, who could say? Though I'll admit, it would be a funny scene to have Vergil and Dante watching Raven and Qrow fight. 'Was that what we used to look like?' 'Shut up Dante.' Who knows who the worse parent is, after all, arms do grow back right- oh. Oh no. In any case, Cindy is still around probably due to a bit of an aura buff. Especially to maiden auras, though I'd say not to underestimate a powerful hunters aura. I talk more about it in Lord-Krun's reply. P.S. of course there would be teasing :) P.S. While it may start comedic, and will stay comedic a lot, who knows what will happen when evil cogs start turning... evilly...

It is ON: Thank you, will do :)

Nuclear Moisture: Thanks. Shipping might happen, slowly, over time, due to shared experiences and respect. But nothing is planned. Some of the girls might get teen crushes, but they'll be crushed. I can totally see Ruby and Dante enjoying themselves while the others look on in confusion XD.

gotSaws: Thank you, I thought it ought to be written :) however slowly it is.

Guest from Jan 8th: Thank you :)

Darkmaster10000000: A conversation between them would be interesting. Though they might have already met in passing, time skip MUHAHAHA!

helkil: They do fit well together don;t they? Who knows what it will turn into.

TheSilverHunt3r: Thank you, I do actually plan to have Junior and the twins in the story a tad more than cannon. Hopefully everyone's portrayal stays on point! Anywho, the villains planning around the twins will be one of the best parts :)

EmeraldAuthor95:... :) Who knows how things will pan out.

Mulligan317: I'm not sure if I'll do two separate devil triggers for the twins. i might just jump straight to sin, but it's a while before I have to really decide on that. Thank you for the support!

Guest of Feb 23rd: Thank you, I only hope I can keep him in character in chapters that aren't so dedicated to him and are more split. With the school teacher arc, it may be difficult.

Darth Eradicus: First she has to find out what kind of teacher Dante is. From a distance, even the scruffy Dante could look respectable. But once Weiss gets to know him...

Guest of Apr 22nd: I agree

Well, thank god I don't edit or spell check those replies or I'd be delaying this chapter another month! Now, let's get to the chapter! WARNING: This chapter includes a rare occurrence, me not having at least one of the twins kill hundreds of Grimm. Those of mild compositions be warned!


Chapter 4: First Impressions

If teaching at Beacon had taught Vergil anything, it was that there were lessons he had to teach and lessons his students had to learn.

For example, he had to teach a well-rounded curriculum; so that his students could do something else if they ever decided to stop fighting. A ridiculous idea in Vergil's opinion but they fought for different reasons, perhaps they lost their will to fight to the end.

They were only human after all.

Meanwhile, lessons that had to be learnt included what he was currently teaching his little brother. Dante needed to learn to listen to him. Not half listen, not pretend to listen, not 'I got the gist', bit actually listen.

Maybe it was a lost cause. Vergil had tried to teach this lesson repeatedly, to no avail. But he would make the sacrifice and persevere in making his brother a more bearable person.

Which is why Vergil was sipping tea in a private room of a shuttle to Beacon, while Dante was climbing the cliffs by hand WITHOUT any magical powers.

Just because Vergil said they could race each other from opposite sides of the school didn't mean they would. Dante should have listened.

Petty as it was, Vergil could stop the smirk that grew on his lips as he took another sip of tea.

"Am I so terrifying?" Vergil asked, not bothering to open his eyes as he savoured the taste of his tea. He didn't need to look to know his cabin companion was flicking her eyes between the game board and himself.

"Honestly?" Blake asked, retreating a piece back to her side of the board. "Yes."

Vergil smiled at that, making his move before finally opening his eyes to look at Blake. Frowning at the board, Blake had yet to notice Vergil's attention, wondering how predictable she was that Vergil could play with his eyes closed.

In truth, this game had ended a dozen moves ago. Vergil wondered how long it would take for his student to notice. Chess had been an enjoyable pass time, one that let Vergil learn a lot about his opponents.

Dante played flashily. Individual pieces dancing through enemy lines, but they lacked more nuanced strategies. He was direct. It didn't matter if he won or lost, Dante just wanted to play.

Vergil controlled the board. Methodically conquering it piece by piece, each movement increasing the gap of power between him and the enemy. Grand strategies executed to guarantee victory.

Blake… retreated. Starting with broad gestures, quick attacks, but the moment she was being overpowered, she backpedalled. Now she desperately tried to protect her most valuable pieces, unable to see the noose tightening.

Flaws she would have to be trained out of, Vergil thought. The educator in him already drawing up plans to refine the girl into a true force to be reckoned with.

"Now that I'm a student," Blake started, moving the conversation away from what might anger the man before her. "Are you going to tell the other teachers about… me… being a Faunus."

"You are not currently a student; first you must go through initiation, though it shouldn't be much trouble for someone of your level. But, in regards to sharing details about you, No." Vergil replied, making his move as soon as Blake let go of her piece. "What you decide to share amongst your colleagues is your decision to make." Blake gave him a disbelieving look. "It is my purpose to sharpen your skills into that of a true warrior. Anything else is pointless."

Blinking, Blake glared at the board, tentatively making her next move. "So… how do I measure up to the other students- initiates, this year?"

"You do well, "Vergil replied, forcing Blake to retreat further as he cast his mind back to the combat recordings of each new student. "I would rank you amongst the top five in terms of combat ability, likely top-three against human-sized opponents."

"I have experience against Grimm," Blake objected, tentatively reaching towards a piece before pulling her hand back. She mentally noted Vergil was ignoring of academic ability. Did he doubt her, or just not care? Which was worse?

"I'm aware. Against last year's students, you would have easily ranked higher given your past. Thankfully, unlike last year, there is more than a single team of capable individuals."

"I thought Beacon was for the best," Blake made her move, chancing a glance up at Vergil, happy to see him still only terrifying and not hostile.

"As did I," Vergil replied, sipping his tea, inattentively moving to end the game. "Perhaps my standards are too high; they're only humans after all."

There it was again, Blake thought, frowning. Blake had three conversations with the fear-inducing man opposite her. One on the train where she abandoned Adam, another after she spoke to Ozpin, and now. Through all of them, he kept slipping, belittling humans, looking down on them. Was he a Faunus? Or was it just some kind of god complex?

Refocusing on the board, Blake ran through what she could do, going through every option before finally realising. "I've lost."

"A while ago," Vergil agreed. "But I'm glad you noticed before we arrived."

As if waiting for Vergil to mention it, the intercom crackled to life, announcing their arrival at Beacon. Bidding her goodbye, Vergil handed Blake a brown covered book, stating it may help her before striding away.

There was still time to observe some of the initiates before Ozpin's speech. A champion, heiresses, prodigies, this was shaping up to be an interesting year. Smirking widely, Vergil thought that some may even survive what's coming.

Behind him, Blake let out a breath, finally relaxing.

When she had left her hotel this morning, making her way to the transit station, she hadn't expected to bump into Vergil. Blake didn't think it wise to turn down an offer from someone who's presence made her hair stand on end, leading to an uneventful yet tense airship trip.

While most of her nerves told her it would have been safer to make the journey with the rest of the students, Blake was rather thankful for what happened. Vergil's continued apathy was actually rather calming. Though Blake was used to being looked down on for her Faunus heritage, Vergil didn't seem discriminatory.

It wasn't racism, even with those human comments. More like… how a master looks down on a novice. Blake wasn't worthless to him because of what she was, but rather because she hadn't proven herself, hadn't shown she could learn and grow.

It was refreshing to have a challenge she could actually achieve.

Shaking her heard, Blake turned her attention to the book she'd been gifted, opening it as she walked into her next chapter.


Marvellous, simply marvellous! Beacon was everything Weiss thought it would be!

The architecture!

The facilities!

The view!

As expected for one of the exalted Huntsmen academies.

"That kid's got a collapsible staff! And she's got a fire sword!"

If only the other students were up to par; of those she'd seen they left her woefully underwhelmed. First vomit boy, now an excitable child, why did such an esteemed institution accept such sub-standard initiates?

Though that was likely the purpose behind initiation, to separate the children from the huntresses.

At least she'd have Pyrrha if no one else was near their level. Though perhaps a famous champion fighter like Pyrrha and a talented heiress such as herself was too high a bar for even the best Beacon initiates.

Oh well. If Beacon had to let in some rabble, Weiss and Pyrrha would easily outshine them. Presuming the rest of the teachers were like Professor Vergil, real Hunters, then they would reward their efforts with more training. Maybe even some one-on-one tutelage. Extra homework assignments!

With their training, she could finally-

Hearing a sudden crash, Weiss whirled her head around to see the young red-clad girl from before collapsed into HER luggage.

"What are you doing!?" Weiss screeched as the red-clad CHILD sat up.

"Uh," the girl confusedly looked at the pile of luggage surrounding her before focusing on Weiss. "Sorry!"

"Sorry?!" Who was this country bumpkin dolt? "Do you have any idea the damage you could have caused?" Weiss asked, talking down to the fallen girl.

"Uuhhhh…" the girl trailed, holding up a case as a peace offering that Weiss quickly snatched.

"Give me that!" Opening the case, Weiss let out a breath at the sight of unshattered bottles of dust inside. "This is Dust, mined and purified from the Schnee quarry!"

"Uhhh…"

"What are you, brain-dead?" Weiss took out a vial, trying to think of a way to explain to this dolt, maybe she didn't understand full sentences. "Dust! Fire, water, lightning, energy!"

"I-", the girl coughed, scrambling to her feet, "I know…" As the red hooded girl broke out into a fit of coughs, Weiss kept ranting, a cloud of dust particles leaking from the bottle she was shaking in her vandal's face.

"Are you even listening to me!?" Couldn't the girl at least explain herself? "Is any of this sinking in? What do you have to say for yourself?!"

"ACHOO!"

Fire, lightning, and maybe a little… Ice? Exploding outwards the elements were raw, uncontrolled, luckily arching upwards not blowing the two girls off the nearby cliff. The bottle of dust flew from Weiss' hand, her aura flaring to mitigate any damage. Brushing off the soot, the heiress wiped clean her eyes before levelling an icy glare at the clumsy fool that nearly killed her.

"UNBELIEVABLE!" Weiss screeched, hands on her hips, lecturing the nervous girl in red who avoided her eyes. "This is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about!"

"I'm really, REALLY sorry!" The child apologised, risking glances at Weiss' enraged visage, before looking back to her feet.

"Ugh, you complete DOLT!" Weiss leaned forward, forcing the red hooded girl to look at her as she spoke. Now that she got a close look at the girl's soft, cute, features, it was all the more clear how immature she looked. "Aren't you a little young to be attending Beacon?"

"Well, I-I…" The girl stuttered, unsure how to answer Weiss' admittedly patronising statement, but the heiress wasn't done.

"This isn't your ordinary combat school. It's not just sparring practice, you know!" Did the girl know? Had the teen somehow wandered into Beacon when she should be at some boot camp for the police, learning to deal with petty theft? "We're here to fight monsters, so… watch where you're going!"

Then something strange happened. For a moment, the girl's stunning silver eyes seemed to sharpen, sending a shiver down Weiss' spine. The look was admittedly sabotaged by the girl's visage of childish anger… but those eyes…

"Hey," the girl stepped forward, shoulders set resolutely. "I said I was sorry, princess!"

Spell broken, dimming embers of anger came back to life at the little girl's impudence. Opening her mouth, Weiss was ready to loose another tirade, only for another voice to cut in.

"It's heiress, actually." Looking at their new addition, the girls saw a black-clad girl approach, leather-bound book in one hand and Weiss vial of wayward dust in the other. "Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, one of the largest producers of energy propellant in the world."

"Finally, some recognition!" It seems Beacon did have some students with brain cells. Weiss smiled smugly; the tide of conversation swelling in her favour. Perhaps now that there were two of them, they could educate this child on what a real-

"The same company infamous for its controversial labour forces and questionable business partners."

"Wha-" Opening and closing her mouth like a fish, Weiss was lost for words. Peripherally, she was aware of the child laughing, only making Weiss blush harder in embarrassment. "How dare- The nerve- Ugh!"

Snatching the vial of dust, Weiss stormed away, leaving her butlers to pick up her luggage and the girls in their squaller. The young one shouted that she'd make it up to her, but that was incredibly unlikely.

Maybe it was childish to just leave. Weiss didn't care though; such people weren't worth her time. After initiation, she never had to see them again!

"You should control that temper."

If Weiss heard that on an average day, she would make their speaker regret ever uttering them. On the most important day of her life doubly so. While angry, embarrassed, and in a generally foul mood? The critic would be lucky to leave with his hearing intact… That is… if the voice didn't cut through Weiss juvenile anger to the core.

"I apologise for the unsightly display," Wiess instinctually bowed her head, turning to the man who spoke.

Leaning against one of forever fall's red-leafed trees like a living portrait was Vergil. Frankly, it was surprising Weiss hadn't noticed him sooner; Vergil's white hair and Blue patterned coat did nothing to blend into the surroundings. Not that it would ever be his intention. Vergil seemed rather unapologetic where he walked, for if he was strong enough to stand somewhere, there was no reason to hide.

Never while he was whole had Vergil ever hidden, a point of pride, no matter how much it cost him...

"Such words are meaningless," Vergil spoke out, not belittling or admonishing, but voicing truth without remorse. "If you allow taunts to cloud your mind, then you give your opponent victory before the first strike."

Not strictly true for one as strong as him, but for a juvenile such as her? Definitely. Vergil could imagine his brother's barbs throwing the princess off-kilter, turning her from warrior to child.

"Thank you for the advice… I shall endeavour to rectify that flaw," Weiss replied, unable to hide her wince. "I look forward to further tutelage as your student."

"As you are now," Vergil's eyes looked through her before he turned to walk down the path. "You are too weak to pass through initiation. See past your training, accept others by your side or fall alone, to monsters who devour countless like you."

Shocked still, Weiss could only watch as her future teacher departed. He… he expected her to fail? No. No, that couldn't be it. It was motivation! Fear of failure to drive students to perform their best. Mollified, Weiss marched her way to the auditorium, ready to prove herself, to show her superiority.

Meanwhile, Vergil didn't care if his message was received or ignored. Some humans in this world could become fine warriors, but in teaching at one of their 'greatest' institutions, it became clear to Vergil they were few and far between.

And while they could become strong, almost none did so in isolation. They required their allies, their teams, as safety nets to catch them each stumble. If Vergil or Dante were ever on such a team, they would only ever hold the demon hunters back. Humans were simply too weak for most to survive the fall without a team to catch them.

If the Schnee girl refused to allow others to save her when training failed against the instinctual heat of battle, then she would perish. A pity that a diamond in the rough would be discarded instead of sharpened to its full potential.

Though if she were unable to overcome her flaws, then perhaps the gem wasn't worth Vergil's attention at all.

Thinking of inadequate students, where was Dante?


Guilt.

Not a feeling most people would associate with the blonde brawler. Still, unfortunately, it was something Yang was all too familiar with.

At least this time it was something small.

In fact, it was entirely for her sister's own good.

When it really hit Yang that Ruby was coming to Beacon with her, she was over the moon! Maybe it was just her big sister instincts, but Yang much preferred having her sister close, where she could protect her.

Even if that place was an academy where they trained to fight monsters…

Honestly, the venue didn't really bother Yang; Ruby was always heading here. The girl always knew what was right. A born Huntress, no one could convince her otherwise: not her, not Qrow, not Dad.

Not that any of them tried amazingly hard, especially after Ruby struggled through the first year of intensive training meant to discourage her.

But while Yang couldn't be prouder her baby sister made it into Beacon (two years early no less!), something on the ride over nagged at her. A singular fact that had Yang very concerned.

Ruby had no friends.

Sure there was 'the gang' back at Signal, but they barely counted; Ruby treated them more like acquaintances. They talked about weapons, weapon designs, weapon modifications, but where were the sleepovers, the nights out, the crappy teenage romance? Yang had a brief spike of needtopunchsomeone at that last one. A feeling she readily expected but hadn't ever really had before, WHICH WAS THE PROBLEM!

Ruby treated her friends like work buddies, and Yang would swear it wasn't just mistrustful big sister syndrome, but Ruby's friends were just riding on Ruby's hood-tails. The number of times Yang asked Ruby what she was doing to get the answer 'working on one of the gang's designs' was frankly worrying.

With them still at Signal, Yang was willing to bet Ruby forgot about them within a week, and vice versa. Even if they were here, none of them were likely to make it past initiation, judging by how her sister described their hilarious sparing fails. So Ruby would be friendless here either way.

A situation Yang shared.

While the blonde was a social butterfly, she could easily accept that the group she currently ran with weren't going to make it. The difference between Yang and Ruby? Yang could easily make new friends, Ruby… couldn't. She didn't even want to!

So, how does a big sister teach her sibling how to be social? The same way their Dad taught them how to swim, by throwing them in the deep end, with no one around to help. If it worked then, it would definitely work now!

Which only left the nagging guilt of ditching her sister. Hopefully, Ruby could make some friends, see Yang's efforts for the act of pure love they were, forgiving any and all transgressions against her.

Yang would probably have to keep an eye on her dust supplies for a few weeks, though her sister would never sabotage her shampoo again, weapons or explosives were fair game. Maybe a purchase of cookies after initiation was in order.

Whatever happened, if Ruby could make one friend, it was worth it. Absolutely.

Taking in a deep breath, an easy smile returned to Yang's face, standing a little taller. The wind picked up, splaying Yang's golden main through the air, catching sunlight like a golden halo.

*Click*

"Huh?" breaking away from the view across the entirety of Vale, Yang noticed she wasn't alone. Having already said goodbye to her friends, bluntly ripping off that bandaid early, the blonde had gone to the cliffs alone to totally not avoid Ruby. Not so alone anymore apparently.

"Sorry!" One of her two new guests, the cute brown haired bunny Faunus with a camera, quickly apologised, rabbit ears drooping slightly as she did. Behind her was another girl, stylish looking with aviator glasses and designer clothes, just smirking. "I-I didn't mean to bother you…"

"No problem," Yang shrugged. Thinking about it, the moment was rather picturesque. Hair flowing in the wind, sun shining down, all of Vale bellow. "Mind taking one for me as well?" The blonde held up her scroll, "would make a great screensaver!"

"Oh, uh, sure."

One stupid pose and a profile update later, the three slid into an easy conversation… at least for two of them did.

"So I'm Yang," the extrovert introduced, holding out her hand. "You guys freshmen too?"

"Coco," the smirking girl replied, shaking Yang's hand while obviously checking the blonde out. "And this cutie is Velvet, we're second years. Love your hair by the way, what products do you use?"

Rattling off her lengthy hair care routine, gently running her hands through the luscious mane, Yang preened under the complement. Coco listened intently, playing with a highlighted stand of her own hair as the two fell into a comfortable back and forth.

"So why are you two here?" Yang cast a smile at Velvet as the bunny Faunus blushed, "special welcome for the newbies?"

"Haha, fraid not," chuckled Coco. "We're just here with a message for a professor."

Opening her mouth, Yang's question of which professor was cut off when the answer flew up from the cliff edge, landing into a nonchalant walk.

"Hey, kids," the man in red lazily saluted before turning to leave.

"Dante?"

"Hey, Teach, catch!" Coco threw a card, spinning it towards Dante who plucked it out of the air, pausing a moment to read it.

"I'm going to stab him," Dante said simply before wandering off at a comfortable pace.

"Try not to scare the firsties," called out Coco, receiving a casual wave back in response.

"What was that about?" Yang leant over to the smirking brunette, watching Dante leave.

"Just a message from his brother," explained Velvet.

"He a professor here too?"

"Yep," Coco popped the P.

"Is Dante really going to stab him?"

"Yep."

Well, that was a thing. Yang decided to dismiss the possible future maiming of one of her teachers by his brother; it was probably just a joke. Some kind of long-running prank war. Like how Ruby put fire dust in her boots when Yang ate the last cookie. If huntresses in training did that, what was a little stabbing between trained huntsmen?

Shrugging, Yang turned her attention to her companions, shooting the shy bunny a particularly lovely smile.

"So, any tips for initiation?"

"Not telling firstie," smirked Coco; "can't ruin the surprise!"

"Damn," Yang gave an exaggerated pout, "Dad said the same thing."

Velvet seemed about to say something, maybe break the unspoken rule of keeping the initiation secret to placate the blonde, until Coco placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry, Yang," Coco shared a look of solidarity with her teammate. "It's important that everyone learns the truth of our sadistic headmaster first hand."

Yang laughed at that. Only to slowly cut herself off when Velvet gave a rather convincing shudder. It was a joke… right?


Ruby Rose: killer of Grimm, youngest Beacon student, eater of cookies and drinker of milk only felt proud of half her titles as she laid on the ground. Defeated.

What great cosmic force had laid low our aspiring Huntress? What ancient Grimm had bested her? What unholy force robbed Ruby of her strength?

Why the power of friendship of course!

Specifically making friendship.

This morning things had been looking up! Kinda…

Sure, saying goodbye to Dad this morning was hard. Tears were shed. Many, hunter tears, with bone-breaking hugs included. THEN THERE WAS ZWEI! His adorable doggy face was heartbreaking, he even climbed into her luggage! But Ruby had talked to him, told their fluffy family corgi that he had to stay to look after Dad. It was an important job that they couldn't entrust to anyone else.

Although their goodbye was filled with sorrow, they would meet again. The first break was what, a few weeks away? Maybe a couple of months… Oh, perhaps they could come to Vale one weekend, Beacon students were allowed to take airships to the city, it would be great!

Beacon students…

SHE WAS GOING TO BEACON!

YES!

RUBY ROSE, HUNTRESS STUDENT, OH YEAH!

Mental cheering had been a regular occurrence for the last couple weeks, often overpowering the trepidation or nervousness of leaving home. It also helped that Yang and Dad kept organising movie nights or days out, each one the 'last hurrah', until the next day's antics.

All this goodwill, high spirits, lasted about three steps onto the airship.

If one were to observe Ruby, one could almost be led to believe she didn't like people, which of course, was not true. Ruby liked people plenty! Yang for one, Dad, Zwei, her crew back at Signal, she knew plenty of people! And... and if she were to talk to one of these airship people, Ruby was certain she would get on with them too!

Only…

What was she meant to do with them all just standing around? Some were on their own, others were chatting, or looking out the window. Was she meant to be chatting? Who was supposed to start? What could Ruby talk about? Weapons? Would they want to talk about weapons?

Shrinking into her trademark red cloak, the young huntress' mind kept running away. Wait! What was Yang doing? Ruby could just copy her socially capable sister! Who was just… standing there. Completely relaxed, just chilling, as if they weren't on the edge of a life-changing event surrounded by strangers.

Ruby could relax. Definitely. Just stand here… and… relax…

Noticing her sister utterly failing to keep still managed to get Yang's attention. The more confident teen pulled Ruby into another lung-squeezing hug, saying how she still couldn't believe her baby sister was going to Beacon with her! Going on to say how everyone was going to think she was the bee's knees for getting in two years early.

That was precisely what Ruby in NO WAY wanted. She didn't want people to think she was the bee's knees, Ruby just wanted to be a normal girl, with normal knees! What if people thought she was special just because Ruby managed to disrupt a dust robbery, where the chief robber, Roman Torchwick, still got away! It would make making friends even harder! They would put her on a pedestal, like a really high one, and she wasn't as tall as Yang.

How would she get down? A ladder? A really long, metaphorical ladder. Those had to be rare. Even if they weren't, how was Ruby supposed to get a conceptual ladder for a situation she didn't understand, or want to be in, or really know anything about? Why couldn't Ruby just get to be a normal girl, who made lifelong friends the normal way?

Which Ruby guessed was… talking?

Seemingly sensing her sister's distress, Yang tried to placate her sister, saying she was special. Something Ruby was always told, but she always presumed that family was meant to say that, not that it was meant to be true!

A news broadcast about Torchwick and White Fang Faunus protests was a welcome distraction from her thoughts. Followed by a welcome message from professor Goodwitch, Ruby mind was almost taken off the soul-crushing dread of social interactions.

Seeing Signal, the academy she was meant to be attending again this year, helped. Home… wasn't too far away. Though like Yang said, Beacon was her home now, filled with all new people to meet. Between the view and a sisterly embrace, it was a beautiful moment while it lasted.

Sadly, the view wasn't for everyone, as a blonde boy threw up, right onto Yang's shoes! Which was gross, yet definitely distracting as Ruby shouted at her sister to get her vomit-covered shoes away from her. But all, well not good things but, all stuff must come to an end eventually, and the airship had to reach Beacon.

It was like a parade of wondrous weapons, a collapsible staff, a fire sword! Then Yang had to ruin it.

Not ruin it in a, 'hey, I'm Yang, and I just made a terrible pun', ruined it instead in a, 'Hey Ruby, you can't just hang around me all day, you have to talk to new people', way!

What did being a huntress have to do with talking to people anyway? Even Dad told her not to speak to any boys, ever, under any circumstances! Especially if they're tall.

Meeting people had nothing to do with fighting monsters!

But Yang just ran off! Left Ruby spinning, with no idea if they had to go to their dorms, if they had dorms, where the dorms could be. Then she EXPLODED!

Well, actually she fell on some girl's luggage, who then yelled at her, then she sneezed, EXPLOSION, followed by book girl talking down to snob girl. Then one of them stormed away while the other just left without a word... None of which would have happened if Yang hadn't run off so fast it sent Ruby LITERALLY SPINNING!

"Welcome to Beacon I guess…" Ruby mumbled to herself, languishing in a heap on the floor.

"Hey," a voice cut through Ruby's melancholy, silver eyes blinking over to see a blonde boy standing over her, offering his hand. "I'm Jaune."

"Ruby." She replied, taking his hand, offering a smile as he helped her up. Looking at him, Ruby felt faint recognition as she scanned over him. Sword on his belt, pretty tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, black hoodie under white armour… "Aren't you the guy that threw up on the ship?"

Turns out he was, which had Jaune giving a dozen quickfire excuses as they walked down one of Beacon's many curving pathways.

"All I'm saying is that motion sickness is a much more common problem than people let on!"

"Look, I'm sorry!" Giggled Ruby, feeling the teensiest bit bad. "Vomit Boy was the first thing that came to mind."

"Oh, yeah?" Jaune shot back, arching an eyebrow. "What if I called you crater face?"

"Hey, THAT EXPLOSION WAS AN ACCIDENT!"

"Well," the boy continued, "my name is Jaune Arc! Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue. Ladies love it!"

"Do they?" Ruby's eyes narrowed, sceptically. If his name was like Moon Slicer, or Crescent Rose, or Blade Breaker, Ruby could understand. But what did ladies love about Jaune Arc? It was okay, she guessed, but not something breathtakingly AWESOME!

"They will!" Jaune quickly replied, "Well, I-I hope they will. My Mom always says that… never mind."

Ruby giggled again at that. Then, something terrible happened, unbelievably disastrous… An awkward silence.

Should she talk first? Jaune spoke last so was it his responsibility to break it? Wait, what was the first thing Ruby could possibly talk about with another Hunter in-

"So I got this thing." Ruby pulled out Crescent Rose almost casually, the tip of her beloved giant red/black sniper scythe easily smashing through the stone pavement.

"Whoa!" The blonde jumped back a bit, "is that a scythe?"

"It's also a high calibre, customisable sniper rifle, geared for high impact shots," a voice piped up behind them.

"A wha…?"

"It's also a gun," clarified Ruby, cocking her sniper before realising they had a third member. "DANTE!"

"Hey kiddo," the legendary demon hunter waved as he sauntered down the path. "Showing your weapon to your friends on the first day of school, heh?"

"Well I, just thought it would be a good… talking point… I guess… kinda?"

"Fair enough," the older hunter smirked. "Jaune right? I'm Dante," he introduced, offering a hand for Jaune to shake which he did just a tad too quickly. "While we're on show and tell, what's your choice of demon-slaying style?"

"Oh! I uh…" Jaune fumbled a bit before unsheathing his weapon. "I've got this sword!"

"Oooooh!" Ruby's eyes seemed to sparkle as they traced the length of his blade.

"Yeah," Jaune continued with growing confidence. "I've got a shield too!" Jaune's scabbard expanded, creating the aforementioned shield, mostly white with gold upper trim and coat of arms.

"So, what does it do?" Ruby asked, tracing her hand across the expanded metal.

"Yeah, does it explode?" Dante chimed in, rubbing his chin scruff.

"OR SHOOT LASER BEAMS!"

"Well-" Jaune fumbled the shield again as it nearly sprang out of his hands, just barely catching it, before grinning embarrassedly at his audience. "The shield gets smaller, so when I get tired of carrying it, I can just… put it away…"

"But…" Ruby tilted her head, "wouldn't it weigh the same?"

"Yeah, It does…" muttered Jaune, dropping his head as he got another giggle from the red-clad Huntress.

"Mind if I give it a few swings?" Interjected Dante, receiving a bewildered nod from Jaune who handed over his weapon.

"Sure, but it's really not that impressive, it's just a normal swor-"

Whatever Jaune was going to say was cut off as Dante went from twirling his sword to wind whooshing slashes. Dozens of powerful swipes and thrusts created a miniature storm of steel. Ruby's cloak fluttered wildly as Dante danced with the blade, throwing attack after attack towards a nearby tree without ever touching it.

Finishing off the tornado of strikes with a shield bash, both teens watched slack-jawed as the tree in front of Dante shattered. Nothing but a stump remained as splintered chunks of wood flew through the air.

"Pretty well balanced," Dante sheathed the sword, with a smirk.

"Y-yeah," a wide-eyed Jaune replied, staring at his sword, then back to Dante, then back to his sword.

"That. Was. AWESOME!"

"It's a good sword," shrugged Dante as Ruby fangirled. "Your scythe looks pretty sharp too."

"Hehe," Ruby giggled, hugging Crescent Rose to her chest. "Well, I'm kind of a dork when it comes to weapons, so… I might have gone a little overboard when designing it."

"Wait," Jaune interjected, finally looking away from his sword. "You made that?"

"Of course!" The young Huntress puffed out her chest a bit, "all students at Signal forge their own weapons! Didn't you make yours?"

"It's a hand me down," Jaune looked at his sword less wistfully. "My great-great-grandfather used it to fight the war."

"Sounds more like a family heirloom to me!" Ruby chuckled.

"So was mine for the longest time," Dante chimed in, continuing at his future student's curious looks. "Me and my brother used my Dad's old swords most of our lives. Course, mine broke, but I used it to help make my new one."

Holding out his hand, a ridiculously large sword flamed into existence, as tall as Dante himself, yet still held in one hand. The sword itself had a metal edge that went to a rock-like body, like cooled lava, still hot to the touch. Four talons formed the guard, with a large red gem in the pommel, giving the whole blade a truly demonic look.

For a moment the two would be students just starred.

"OMYGODHOWDIDITJUSTAPPEARLIKETHAT! WHATCANITDO? WHEREDIDITAPPEARFROM? CANITDISSSAPPEARTOO? WHAT'STHATWEIRDROCKDOWNTHEMIDDLE? HOWDIDYOUMAKEIT? WHAT'STHEBIGGESTTHINGYOU'VEEVERKILLEDWITHIT? CANITOUCHITPLEEEEEEEAAAASSSSEEEE!?"

"Just something I can do. Lots of things. Nowhere I guess. Yep. No idea. Painfully. A really evil tree. Sure," Dante answered, casually throwing his devil sword to the young red Huntress.

"Oof!"

...Only for Ruby to immediately fall down under its weight. To the girl's credit, she did struggle back up, years of swinging around a giant scythe letting her lift the massive blade. While Ruby looked over the entire sword, her focus eventually rested on the rocky centre. Running her hands along the warm stone, her mind scrambled for how it could possibly work.

Solid fire dust core? No; fire dust wasn't warm until ignited. Maybe a continuously fed ignition system controlled by the handle? But there was no button she could see, and running it constantly would cost a fortune!

Whining as the sword disappeared in a burst of embers, Ruby gave a puppy dog look to Dante that he denied with a smirk.

"Anyway," the red coat hunter turned to Jaune. "Love the sword shield combo. A lot of kids these days just shove guns into their weapons, no appreciation for a classic sword."

"Yeah…" Jaune trailed off, "the classics…"

"I DIDN'T JUST SHOVE A GUN INTO CRESCENT ROSE!" Ruby interjected, "and I appreciate the classics too. I like Jaune's sword. Its got good… length?"

"Hehe, whatever you say red," smirked Dante. "How'd you two meet anyway?"

"Oh, Jaune helped me after I exploded in the courtyard," Ruby blinked for a moment before looking at the blonde in question. "Why'd you help me out back there anyway?"

"Eh, why not?" Jaune replied as the three started walking again, earning an approving nod from Dante. "My Mom always says, 'strangers are just friends you haven't met yet'."

"Wise words," commented Dante, "a bit optimistic as my brother would say, but wise… Speaking of which, have you two seen another professor. Looks like me in black and blue, slightly less handsome, carries around a Katana."

"No..."

"Nope," Ruby replied, popping the P. "Is he your brother? Like a twin? Do you need to talk to him about something?"

"Yeah, he's my brother," Dante waved off. "But don't worry about it; I'll just stab him later."

"He's joking," Jaune whispered to Ruby as they kept ambling along the path. "Right?"

Ruby just shrugged in response, then frowned, looking around. "Hey, where are we going?"

"Oh, I don't know," Jaune rubbed his neck nervously. "I was following you. Y-you think there might be a directory? Maybe a food court? Some kind of recognisable landmark?" That got Ruby giggling, "is, uh… is that a no?"

"That's a no."

"If you two are wondering where you need to go for Ozpin's speech thing," interjected Dante from in front of them, not even looking back. "You might want to follow the guy who works for the sadist."


By the time they arrived, following Dante at his own lacklustre pace, the orientation auditorium was already filled. Worst of all, Dante had refused to let her see his other weapons, or touch his sword again! No amount of begging got Dante to pull out those two pistols she'd seen on the night of the robbery, or the rocket launcher…

Thinking about it, did all of his weapons just disappear and reappear? Dante didn't seem to have very deep pockets for ammo, let alone artillery… Could he have even more weapons? What could they be? A buzzsaw axe that exploded? A three-pronged dust powered nunchuck? A super rocket launcher?

Dante also refused to tell Jaune what the initiation was. That didn't really surprise Ruby though; Uncle Qrow and Dad were the same. A big (unwritten) rule of Beacon graduates was not telling freshmen what initiation was, no matter how much strawberry milkshake they were bribed with…

Ruby didn't really mind. Initiation didn't concern her; it was just time for her and her sweetheart, Crescent Rose, to shine! Now if only she managed to get how partners were picked out of someone, she could guarantee partnering up with Yang and avoid all that 'meeting people'... stuff… yea…

"Ruby, over here!" Speaking of Yang, "I saved you a spot!"

"Hey, I-I gotta go!" Ruby told her male companions, gesturing over to the blonde brawler waving at her. "I'll see you after the ceremony!"

"Hey, wait!" Jaune tried to say, only to realise Ruby had already sped away, "ah, great. Where am I supposed to find another nice, quirky girl to talk to?"

"Look too hard and you'll miss one," Dante patted the hopeless blonde on the back, seeing a rather lonely red-haired gladiator mere paces away. Ah well, he'd get wise eventually. "Anyway, I spy a perfectly stabbable face that I've been looking forward to seeing."

"Isn't that your face too though?" Jaune's question landed of deaf ears as Dante strolled towards the stage where the other educators had gathered. A single microphone stood in the middle with professors lining the back, judging their new crowd of students. Port was there, Glynda, and more importantly, Vergil.

Back in the crowd, Yang gave her sister a quick once over as she approached, making sure Ruby was okay. Four limbs, un-ripped clothes, giant scythe, Yang let out a breath she didn't know she was holding; Ruby was fine.

"How's your first day going, little sister?" Asked the jovial blonde as Ruby crossed her arms, adorably glaring at her.

"You mean since you ditched me and I EXPLODED!"

"Yikes!" Yang grimaced a bit; maybe her perfectly executed plan wasn't a good idea. "Meltdown already?"

"NO!" Ruby stomped in reply. "I LITERALLY exploded a hole in the front of the school! And there was some fire, and I think some ice…?"

Oh thank god Ruby was joking, Yang smiled broadly. "Are you being sarcastic?"

"I wish!" Scoffed Ruby. "I tripped over some crabby girl's luggage, and then she yelled at me, and then I sneezed, and then I EXPLODED, and then she yelled at me again, and I felt really, REALLY bad, and I just wanted her to stop yelling at me!"

"YOU!"

"Oh, God," Ruby fled into her sister's arms, "it's happening again!"

Weiss had been enjoying her wait for the faculty's speech, anticipating the wise words of her highly qualified professors. Waiting to feast on whatever nuggets of information they were willing to part with before invitation.

Though her eyes, like most of the crowd, were drawn towards what seemed like a scuffle at the back of the stage.

It looked like one of the faculty was trying to attack another professor, with deputy headmistress Goodwitch stopping him. The strict looking woman seemed to quickly move, blocking the man in red Hunter from even looking at his target who was...Vergil!

Weiss chuckled; how looks could be so deceiving. Thinking it through for more than a second, why would a professor, a cheerful looking one at that, attack another academic? He wouldn't. It would be the height of unprofessionalism, especially in front of so many prospective students.

Obviously, this red-clad hunter must simply be a passionate man, pitching an idea to his fellow faculty. Perhaps a demonstration? Vergil, being an immensely powerful hunter, would be an obvious pick for such a thing. Meanwhile, professor Goodwitch was trying to keep the red-clad man to the allocated time table.

From Weiss' research, she found that it was a sad fact, that many experts in their fields were oblivious in other areas. Like scheduling. It must be especially tricky at Beacon with all the hunters at the top of their field. The task of keeping them on track must be like herding cats! Thank dust there was Headmaster Ozpin and Deputy Headmistress Goodwitch to keep teachers at the apex of the hunting world on schedule.

It allowed them to have both the best teachers in the kingdom and a punctual time table. A perfect combination. Weiss could not wait to see what red-clad professor on stage was going to teach. Not to mention professor Vergil, Goodwitch, Ozpin…

Weiss couldn't wait to be in any of Beacon's lecture halls really.

Sadly, the white-themed Huntress in training had her musings interrupted by a familiar-sounding babbling next to her.

It couldn't be… Weiss' luck wasn't that bad… Oh dust, it was her! The red dolt who was lucky they both "WEREN'T BLOWN OFF THE SIDE OF THE CLIFF!"

"Oh my God, you really exploded," the blonde looked horrified at the red child who had kept into her arms.

Clearly, this other student hadn't believed that an immature child had nearly killed two students already. Who would? What kind of DOLT would do that!

"It was an accident," the red girl tried to defend, untangling herself from the blonde, turning to Weiss. "It was an accident!"

Taking a deep breath, Weiss calmed herself down; she wasn't going to deal with this like...he would. All she had to do was somehow explain to this child the dangers of playing around with dust.

Wait! She had pamphlets for that!

The red girl jumped as Weiss' hand shot out, decade rehearsed speech on her tongue, holding a leaflet perfect for the redette.

Dust for dummies.

"What's… this?"

Inhale mentally and…

"The Schnee Dust Company is not responsible for any injuries or damages sustained while operating a Schnee Dust Company product- Although not mandatory the Schnee Family highly encourages their customers to read and familiarise themselves with this easy to follow guide to Dust applications and practices in the field." THAT EVEN A CHILD COULD UNDERSTAND.

"Uuuhhh," silver eyes flicked between Weiss' face and her hand, forcing the heiress to restrain herself from lashing out.

"You really wanna start making things up to me?" Asked Weiss with a deep breath.

"Absolutely," replied the young girl immediately.

"Read this," Weiss shoved the pamphlet into the other girl's hands, "and don't ever speak to me again."

"Look, uh," Weiss tried to calm down as her eyes flicked to the will haired blonde woman who looked with sympathy at both her and the redette. "It sounds like you two just got off on the wrong foot. Why don't you start over and try to be friends, okay?"

Poor woman, if only she knew what this child was like, the blonde wouldn't be interceding then. Only a child would think you could just start over and-

"Yeah! Great idea, sis!" Oh for dust's sake! "Hello, Weiss! I'm Ruby! Wanna hang out? We can go shopping for school supplies!"

"Yeah!" Weiss nodded enthusiastically, clapping her hands together "We can paint our nails, try on clothes, and talk about cute boys! Like tall, blonde and straggly over there," the heiress gestured towards Jaune in the distance.

"Wow, really!?"

...

"...No." Weiss glared, did this girl not understand subtext, sarcasm, or basic human decency!

Feedback from a microphone cut off the girls' next exchange, bringing their attention to the headmaster on the stage…

That said…

Lodged in the wall behind the headmaster was a gigantic sword that certainly drew the eye. Glancing at the man in red, Weiss saw him encircled by half a dozen glyphs of Glynda Goodwitch's design. The man gave her and the rest of the crowd a little, arms bound, wave, even as the blonde headmistress glared at him (possibly tightening her semblance around him).

Hunters really are crazy.

"I'll keep this brief…" Ozpin's deliberate cadence brought Weiss' attention back to where it mattered. "You have travelled 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." Yes, preened Weiss, standing a little taller. "But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy," what? "In need of purpose, direction," whispers broke out in the crowd. "You assumed 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."

Wow. The professors at Beacon really wanted to weed out the weak and motivate those with real determination. First professor Vergil, now Headmaster Ozpin, Weiss was in awe of their methods to drive students to show their full potential.

"You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow, your initiation begins." Glynda whirled mid-sentence to glare at the hunter in red, who did his best to look innocent, though his smirk betrayed him. The headmistress' semblance wrapped around him again, replacing the bonds he had apparently broken out of, moving him forcefully away from Vergil. "Be ready," ground out Glynda, glaring back to the crowd. "You are dismissed."

The headmistress immediately went back to Vergil and the man in red, trading words that led to a shrug from the bound man. Without any apparent effort, the man walked away from Vergil, shattering Glynda's glyphs with his first step. Weiss' eyes darted back to where the man's sword was buried in the wall, only to gasp as it was gone! When had he…?

Weiss shook her head, allowing a small smile on her lips; coming to Beacon was the right idea. One the triviality of initiation was over, the things she would learn… The mere conjecture had Weiss' mood soaring!

"I'm a natural blonde you know," the straggly boy Weiss had pointed at before interjected.

NO WEISS, YOU CAN'T STAB OTHER STUDENTS!

Breathing deeply through her nose, Weiss walked away from the 'natural blonde' without a word. After tomorrow, she would never have to see him again, so why waste time with him now?


"It's like a big slumber party!" Yang crashed down on her sleeping bag, landing next to her precious little Ruby.

The two, like most students, had changed into their sleeping attire. Yang in a yellow tank top and black shorts, while Ruby wore a black tank top with rose-covered leggings.

"I don't think Dad would approve of all the boys though," replied Ruby.

"I know I do," purred Yang, eyes scanning over the gathering of possible future classmates. There were shirtless boys, scantily clad girls, and… Jaune in a wunzy. Grrrr, Yang shuddered out a groan, turning her attention back to Ruby. "What's that?"

"A letter to the gang back at Signal" replied Ruby, finally looking up from her writing. "I promised to tell them all about Beacon and how things are going."

More like they wanted to know what to expect in a couple of years, get some insider information so it would be easier for them. Yang repressed a frown, remembering that it would be a non-issue in a couple of weeks. For now, she needed to be supportive, that weird speech from Ozpin earlier was… kind of... off? The quiet mumbling of the students around the hall was telling, Yang could feel it too.

The thrum.

The growing drumbeat, leading into whatever initiation was tomorrow. Typically, you get this many teens in their prime in one room you'd have a rave of a time, even with it being a big day tomorrow. At least you would with the crowd Yang ran with, but even they were quiet. Ruby wasn't showing it, but Yang was sure the little weapon nut felt it too, instinctually if nothing else.

So, how does one distract a girl from the growing tension whimsically without them noticing?

"Aw! That's so cuuuuttee-" A ballistic pillow slammed into Yang's face mid tease.

"Shut up!" Growled Ruby rather adorably. "I didn't get to take my friends with me to school! It's weird not knowing anyone here!"

The way Ruby looked away genuinely broke Yang's heart.

"What about Jaune?" Yang pointed out. "He's… nice! There you go! Plus one friend! That's a hundred percent increase!"

"Pretty sure Weiss counts as a negative friend," Ruby mumbled, turning back to her letter. "Back to zero…"

"There's no such thing as negative friends!" Interjected Yang, before things got too sombre, "you just made one friend and one enemy!" Another pillow shot into Yang's face, smooth Yang. "Look," Yang lowered her voice, trying for some uncharacteristic wisdom. "It's only been one day. Trust me; you've got friends all around you! You just haven't met them yet."

Yang would make sure of it.

The two were broken from their musings by the striking of a match. Soft light illuminated its source, a black-haired girl in a grey kimono, reading by candlelight.

"That girl…"

"You know her?" Yang asked.

"Not really," Ruby explained. "She saw what happened this morning, but left before I could say anything."

"Well," Yang smirked widely, pulling Ruby up towards the new girl. "Now's your chance!"

"Wait!" Ruby admirably tried to pull back, though her efforts were in vain against her sister's superior muscles. "What are you doing?!"

"Getting you up to two friends and one enemy!"


'There had to be a message behind this', Blake thought, flicking to the next page of her rather engaging book. A written battle between two distinct souls in a body that could only host one.

The academic: intelligent, loyal, constrained. Yearning for freedom, chained by a reputation he dreamed of tarnishing, respected by all amongst the community. Someone who was right, charitable, and held fast in the zealotry of his beliefs. At least, that's what others saw. There was a dangerous contrast in the image of the man, compared to what desires were held beneath.

Then there was the beast: a self-serving, selfish, destructive brute. Angry, uncaringly detached from his peers, acting without caring or remorse for those affected by his actions. A man of energy, burning through the world, leaving those he broke in his wake. But… there was still fear in the beast. A terror of consequence. The dread of the retribution of his actions finally falling upon him.

...There were a few too many things that resonated in this story for it to be an accident. Why had Vergil given this? Was it a warning of some kind? How did it end?

Those were just a few of the questions that flittered around at the back of the hidden Faunus' brain as she flicked to the next page. Unfortunately, Blake's bow twitched, soft footfalls were accelerating towards her haven. Peering over, it appeared that buxom blonde with a massive mane of hair was dragging another girl towards her.

"Hel-looooo!" Sang the blonde, letting go of the other girl who immediately looked away. "I believe you two may know each other?"

Looking at the smaller girl, a ping of familiarity did flicker through her mind.

"Aren't you… that girl that exploded?"

"Uh, yeah, my name's Ruby!" The girl offered her hand but dropped it when Blake didn't reach for it, eyes dropping down to her book then back to the girl, trying to convey her disinterest. "But you can just call me crafter… Actually, you can just call me Ruby."

"Okay." Blake didn't even look up from her book.

"...What are you doing?" Whispered the blonde to her sister, Blake's bow twitching as she picked up the girls' 'private' conversation.

"I don't know, HELP ME!" Ruby whisper-shouted back, before offering Blake a smile that was promptly ignored.

Maybe if she ignored them, they would go away.

"So..." It was worth a try. "What's your name?"

"Blake."

"Well, Blake, I'm Yang!" The blonde pointed to herself, giving off an energy Blake really didn't think helped the teens trying to sleep. "Ruby's older sister! ...I like your bow!"

"Thanks," Blake ground out.

"It goes well with your… pyjamas!"

"Right…" did this blonde know how to take a hint?

"Nice night," apparently not, "don't you think?"

"Yes, it's lovely!" Blake's voice dripped with sarcasm before turning her attention to the sisters. "Almost as lovely as this book!" The two just stood there, "...that I will continue to read." Still standing, "... as soon as you leave!"

"Yeah, this girl's a lost cause." FINALLY! The blonde got the message-

"What's it about?"

"Huh?" Blake blinked at Ruby.

"Your book," the silver-eyed girl continued, seemingly calmer than Blake had ever seen her. "Does it have a name?"

"Well…" actually… no; the cover was so worn that Blake had no clue who even the author was. Just another mystery stacked on top of why she was given this book… "I-it's about a man, with two souls, each fighting for control over his body."

"Oh yeah…" the blond sarcastically drawled as Blake's eyes narrowed at her. "That's real lovely!

"I love books," Ruby spoke before Blake could reprimand her sister. "Yang used to read to me every night before bed. Stories of heroes and monsters… They're one of the reasons I want to be a huntress!"

Well, that's one point in the blondes favour, Blake couldn't repress a chuckle before replying. "And why is that? Hoping you'll live happily ever after?"

"Well, I'm hoping we all will." That sounded… genuine, Blake blinked, book forgotten. "As a girl, I wanted to be just like those heroes in the books… Someone who fought for what was right and protected people who couldn't protect themselves!"

"That's… very ambitious for a child." Blake's smile dropped into a frown as she continued. "Unfortunately, the real world isn't the same as a fairy tale."

"Well... that's why we're here! To make it better." Ruby's confidence killed Blake's reply before it could be voiced; could it be that easy? For a moment… Blake thought it just might be.

"Ohhh!" Then Yang ruined it. "I'm so proud of my baby sister!"

The blonde brawler grappled Ruby into a crushing embrace, lifting the poor girl into the air as she kicked out helplessly.

"Cut it out!" Ruby landed a solid punch to her sister's face, the two descending disastrously quickly into an all-out brawl.

Given how neither actually hit the ground as they clambered and combated each other in, seemingly well-practised, sibling battle. Still, as genuinely riveting it was to see Ruby escape a headlock then force Yang onto one leg as she lifted the other… Was that a flip? Chuckling, Blake couldn't help but smile at the squabbling sisters.

"Well," Blake started, despite being somewhat ignored. "Ruby, Yang, it's a pleasure to ha-"

"WHAT in the world is going on over here!?" Newly arrived in a pale blue nightdress that probably cost more than everything Blake had, Weiss Schnee stomped her way onto the scene. "Don't you realise some of us are trying to sleep?"

Wow… Blake actually agreed with a Schnee. What a day this was. While Blake had warmed up to the sisters' rambunctious behaviour, it was rather late…

For a fraction of a second, Yang and Weiss' eyes widened upon seeing each other, "OH, NOT YOU AGAIN!" Both girls shouted in perfect unison.

"Shh!" Ruby interjected, seemingly the new voice of reason, which to Blake seemed somewhat strange. "Guys, she's right. People are trying to sleep!"

"Oh!" Scoffed the Schnee heiress, "now you're on my side?" Typical Schnee.

"I was always on your side!"

"Yeah!" Yang joined in, "what's your problem with my sister? She's only trying to be nice!"

"She's a hazard to my health!"

For the briefest of moments, Blake could have sworn Yang's eyes flashed red, making her hair stand on end and body stiffen.

Must have been a trick of the light…Yeah… Probably just tired...

Relaxing, Blake rolled her eyes at the Heiress' latest proclamation, realising that tonight's reading time had passed she closed her book. Grabbing her candle, one quick blow enveloped her surroundings in darkness. Hopefully, that would get the arguing trio to stop too-

An explosion rattled the chandeliers, vibrating the very floor beneath Blake with its sheer strength. It was practically an earthquake!

Striking another match, Blake traded looks with the other startled girls before they turned to the ballroom doors like the rest of the students. Whatever that was, it had to be close...

Testament to the heiress' integrity, she wasn't far behind the others who dashed through the door.

Ruby was first through the door, muttering a quiet ow as she hit a wall, unable to throttle her speed in the dark.

Chasing behind was Yang and Blake, rushing to follow the younger girl, just in front of the bustle of other students. From the quick glance Blake had before they dashed out, many hadn't bothered to get up to investigate. The deep sleepers she could almost understand, but the ones who decided to stay behind? Blake couldn't help but wonder why they were even trying to become Huntresses.

Turning another corner, ahead was a pair of doors, both barely hanging on their hinges. This had to be where-

"What are you all doing out of bed!?"

Freezing, every student didn't move for a second, even Ruby within arms reach of the door. Slowly turning, they were all greeted by the award-winning glare of Glynda Goodwitch, radiating toe-tapping rage.

"Well?" The headmistress' eyes narrowed a fraction further, a few stuttering students stumbling out a response until they a resounding BANG had them jumping out of their skin.

"Oops." The red-clad hunter's voice was unapologetic as he walked over the collapsed door, scowling Vergil in tow. "Hey kids, what are you all doing sneaking about at night?"

"Apparently," Glynda growled out, glaring daggers into the brothers (at least the students were spared now). "Your usual squabbling was loud enough to wake them along with half of Vale."

Vergil didn't deem that with a response, just stalking past the pack of spectators, parting them with a cold stare.

"Don't worry about him," the man in red's easy smirk seemed to put a lot of the teens at ease. "He's just a little sore after losing another spar. Putting me in a two-point lead, right Vergil?"

What? Blake's amber eyes widened at that, eyes flicking between the man in red and the terror-inducing hunter who got her here. Vergil… lost? Although Blake had never seen him fight, something about Vergil just made the idea seem… implausible?

"Rest on your laurels while you can, Dante," Vergil's cold voice cut across the room, sending shivers down her spine. "They won't last."

"You mean the fact that you lost and that I won, meaning that you're losing even worse than before right? Just to be clear."

If looks could kill, then Vergil's glare would cause a bloodbath, rivalling Glynda in the vital tournament of murderous gazes. Though, it was realising Vergil's hand was on his sword that made Blake take in a sharp intake of breath. Hearing a similar gasp next to her, Blake's eyes saw a similarly terrified heiress, who like her quickly started looking for escape routes.

With Dante at the door and Vergil the other side of them, it wasn't looking good. While Blake didn't have a good feel for what the red-clad hunter could do if he could beat Vergil then dare to brag…

Could they break through the walls to escape as Vergil went for Dante's throat?

"That's enough the two of you," cut in headmistress Goodwitch, standing purposefully between the brothers. "Students return to bed, you should get some rest before initiation," her voice left no room for argument. "As for you two. Go to sleep. If you start another fight before the examination, I will personally make sure you're unable to view it at all."

"Okay, okay," Dante waved off Glynda's stern tone, somewhat playfully. "I could go for a relaxing evening to enjoy my victory."

"Then I'll make sure to revel in mine tomorrow, Dante," Vergil spoke it as fact before stalking away, followed by a sauntering Dante.

"Back to the ballroom, all of you" Glynda adjusted her glasses, levelling her stern stare at the students now that the troublesome professors were gone. "I'm sure you know the way. I'll be personally checking that none of you are out of your beds after I'm done repairing the damage to our school. Any rule breaking will be punished. Severely."

That sent students scattering, but before Blake followed, she gave a glance through the broken doors, catching a glimpse of her professors' battleground.

...There were craters like there had been a meteor shower, and… well… more damage than Blake expected. How had the two of them walked so easily away from what definitely didn't look like a friendly spar? Just what was she getting into at this crazy school?