The New Teacher

Chapter 2

Ironwood's Soldiers and the Past

I was a little early for class today, and I was still a bit annoyed about my discussion with Ironwood and Ozpin. I had a feeling it would not be the end of my discussion with Ironwood about his troops. I ran a hand down my face in annoyance.

Speaking of Ozpin, he just told me he finished the meetings with Team RWBY about the whole Torchwick thing.

He summarized it and said what I already knew; they fought him off and Blake Belladona was a faunus. Not that I was told, but it sort of gave itself away. I prided myself on being very observative and a headband doesn't move on its own and I can read micro expressions.

I really didn't give a damn either way, but I understood why she'd hide it.

My students came in and I stood up with a sigh, taking roll lazily. I really hated repetitive things. I remember May was the complete opposite. We'd get into arguments about that. I couldn't fight the pained smile at the thought and the memories that came with.

"Professor?"

I looked at the startling wide grey eyes of Ruby Rose. "Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

I automatically gave her a half smile. "Yeah. You all have a good break?"

That was teacher like, right?

At the nods and mutters of agreement, I nodded and put my Scroll back down. I realized today was worksheet day, but I was feeling antsy. But I was the teacher so…

I clapped my hands once, straightening out my jacket. I was clad in a white button-down shirt, my handkerchief around my neck and my trusty jacket and jeans.

"First thing, I'm sure you've noticed the gigantic military planes overhead?"

At the immediate nods of agreement, I continued. "I'm sure it's worrying 'n all, but remember to keep on your feet, as a hunter and huntress you must do that no matter what. The Atlas Military is here for the Vytal Festival. Remember as a hunter, you never know when a hoard of Grimm will show up. So, keep your guard up, that's an important lesson you have to learn."

I took a quiet breath, that was a lot to say at one time. "Got it?"

I got nods and was happy to see some of them relieved. I mean, they were first years. I wasn't going to patronize them with lies, but I didn't want to cause fear, only caution, will every good hunter should have. Hopefully it worked, I wasn't my best with words.

I nodded to myself. "Okay, normally this would be study or written work time, but I changed my mind. Up to the training room."

I got a disbelieving look from Weiss and forced myself not to smirk. Pyrrha raised her hand.

I pointed at her. "What?"

"Uh, are we still sticking to the schedule?"

I nodded. "Mostly, yeah. With the festival…and things coming up, physical training is important. And…I'm the teacher, so I can do what I want."

I hid my grin at hearing most of the class laugh, Nora and Yang being the loudest.

Yeah, that wasn't the most adult like thing to say. I don't care much.

They followed me out of the room and into the training room. From there, I had them fighting hand to hand in pears I thought of at the top of my head based on what I knew of them and not on the same team.

I said. "Okay, I'm gonna pair you off."

It was silent and I got some stares. I said. "Ruby and Jaune."

I believed they were two of the worst fighters. They looked relieved, moving toward each other.

"Yang and Nora. And please, don't destroy the place."

Two happy grins were exchanged.

"Cardin and Shawn."

Cardin was arrogantly smirking and Shawn looked easy going.

"Blake and Phyrra."

The two girls gave each other nods.

"Weiss and Ren."

It was a harder choice, but Ren would give her a challenge, but would know enough to hold back when she couldn't handle it where serious injury is caused. Ren had a lot of control.

They all spread out and I walked around them. "Try not to kill anyone, I do…not have the time for extra paperwork."

A couple chuckles from my words and I said. "Ok…attack."

Ruby and Jaune spent time giving out hesitant attacks and hits, some landing and some not. The problem was Ruby had no power, but was very agile. Jaune was clumsy, but he did have some strength. I truly didn't understand how Ruby had no upper strength. She had a scythe that she lugged around.

Anyway, Yang and Nora were all over the place, attacking each other and giving hard hits back. I wanted them to fight, test their strength on someone who could take it. It gives them a taste at what they got.

Cardin went for heavy punches, rarely kicks, showing pour skill when to retract, leaving himself wide open. Shawn was good a dodging, but lacked in sure attacks. He was stiff and hesitated a lot, allowing Cardin to give more attacks.

Blake and Phyrra was for being opposites. Phyrra was almost a prodigy in her own right. But Blake was sneaky. With skill to almost glide on her feet, this was without her semblance being at work. Pyrrha was equal balanced in everything. Blake would keep her on her feet.

Lastly, Weiss and Ren. Her attacks are sure, but dainty. She used blocks and trip ups to help her. Ren used martial arts to fight.

By the time, the bell rang (with me giving some advice), some of the fights were over. Ruby beat Jaune (by tripping him, causing him to fall flat on his face). Ren beat Weiss (by disarming her and making her none to happy). Nora and Yang tied (as I expected). Cardin managed to hit Shawn in the back of the head as he hesitated too long. Blake managed to keep on fighting Pyrrha causing another stand still.

I clapped. "Great, you all did pretty good. Class is over."

I waved a hand, leaving the room.

When I got back in my classroom, I realized that was the last class of the day. A message pinged on my Scroll.

Curious, I picked it up. I was from General Ironwood, or Jaime. Rolling my eyes at whatever it could be, I pressed it.

Riley,

I'm doing a presentation by the tower. Come by and watch, I'll show you about how helpful my soldiers and troops can be.

General James Ironwood.

I sighed, looking at the message. I wrote a message saying 'maybe' and sat down with a sigh of frustration. I should ignore him, but I remembered Ozpin telling me to play nice and maybe I could convince him to send most of them home.

I snorted at the thought. He's as pigheaded as they come.

Knowing I already decided, I minimized my Scroll and left the room, locking the door.

I headed out, toward downtown Vale.

/ / /

It's been a while since I left Beacon Academy. The streets were more crowded than usual. I didn't know if that was Ironwood's doing or something else.

I headed toward the crowd, feeling annoyed when I saw it. Ironwood wasn't here, but his hollow gram was. I really wish he wouldn't waste my time. I heard the loudspeaker that sounded like Ironwood.

"The Ak130 has been a standard security model of Remnant for several years. And they have done a fine job, wouldn't you agree? Wouldn't you agree?"

I walked forward and moved past some people. I heard grumbling and but did what I usually did, pretended I didn't hear it. I saw two metal large boxes and three robotic soldiers in front of each one. Ones I was familiar with seeing. As of now, they were bowing at the waist.

"But, the Kingdom of Atlas is a kingdom of innovation. And fine, that's just not good enough, is it?"

I quirked at eyebrow as the front of each box was lifted and three robots were in each box. From what I could tell, they were more technologically advanced. Other than that…

"Presenting; the Atlesian Knight."

They kicked over the old ones and people clapped. I snorted and just kept my arms crossed over my chest, unimpressed.

"Smarter, sleeker and admittedly, a little less scary. These models will be active later this year, but they won't be alone. Now, the Atlesian Military has always supported the idea of removing men from the dangers of the battlefield. However, there are still many situations undoubtedly require a human touch. So, our kingdom's greatest's minds, in cooperation with the Schnee Dust Company, are proud to introduce the Atlesian Paladin!"

My eyebrow raised higher at the grandstanding. In his place was a giant robot at about 8 feet tall. It was on two legs and had multiple guns attached to it. I sighed. It better not be here. That's a totally wartime weapon with a lot of fire power. We didn't need these things to be marching around in front of people.

More clapping surrounded me. I heard Ironwood's voice. "Now, we can't have them here for you today. But these mechanized machines will be seen defending the borders of our kingdom within the year!"

More clapping and the thing ended. I sighed loudly. I heard a shout that sounded like Ruby's. My head darted up and I thought I saw the tail end of a red cape, but didn't hear anything else. I thought about chasing after whatever it was, but I walked off anyway. It didn't seem to serious, and they had to be able to handle themselves somewhat. I couldn't help, but worry a little as I left the area. I mean, she was a first year, what kind of trouble could she get in? I thought back to Ironwood. He sent me he on my time off, the least he could do was actually meet me, no matter how much he annoyed me in the first place.

I decided I could get a drink or two before I left. I checked the time on my Scroll. It was almost five thirty. Not too early.

I decided to head to a side bar on the street that I knew. A couple of turns and I opened the doors to Crow's Bar.

It was more amusing and ironic that Qrow showed me this bar. I walked inside and saw someone at the end of the bar and the bartender, but that was it. I sat in the middle of the bar, tapping my fingers on the wooden bar. I ordered scotch when the bartender came over.

I took out my Scroll and opened it, looking it through school records. I kept my grades both on paper and on this. A habit I picked up with my travels.

I took a generous sip, I coughed slightly, but the stuff went down smoothly.

The doors opened, but I payed it no mind, though my right hand did go toward my weapon. Though all that happened was that the person from the corner left.

I looked up any information from my contacts in Remnant. It had information from Salem and any of her people down the ladder. Though my informants didn't know that was what it was for. They just thought they were future bounties. Some I used to do to make money.

By the time, I was on my second glass, the door opened and I was finished with both student reports and almost done with informants. I read something about finding one of Salem's men, but I would have to confirm it. I was looking for one particular person…

"Riley."

I looked up and turned around. It was the General himself. I took my glass and raised it in a mockery of a toast. "General Jamie."

He rolled his eyes. "Do you have to act like such a child?"

I smirked. "Just for you."

I turned back around in my seat, closing my Scroll and sticking it in my coat pocket. He sat down next to me. "I'll have what she is."

He raised an eyebrow, looking around. "Crow's bar?"

I grinned a little. "Qrow showed it to me. How'd you find me?"

He smirked a little. "My men did, I had them scout the bar. And Qrow? I should've guessed."

I took a drink and shrugged, ending the small talk, giving his arm a poke. "I'm surprised you're not a hologram."

He sent me a dirty look. "Oh, please. That way, we don't have to worry about threats. I wasn't sure if you'd come, Riley."

I shrugged, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. "I was curious."

The bartender came with Jamie's drink and he took a sip right away.

He chuckled quietly. "I'm sure you were. So…"

I quirked an eyebrow at him. "Paladin?"

"It's a formidable weapon, even you can see that."

I scoffed. "Sure is. Better not have it parading the streets."

"Of course not, it's a weapon."

"A lot of money."

"Used for a worthwhile cause. A war is coming."

I frowned, sighing slightly. I seemed to do a lot of that lately. "I know." I took a deep drink, finishing the glass. I didn't put it down, but stared at it.

"Then you see why it necessary."

I nodded. "All I'm saying is not to build unnecessary fear."

Ironwood scoffed. "I know that. You seem to forget I'm not a general for nothing. I do know strategy."

The bartender came over. "Will you want another one, miss?"

I put the glass down. "Yeah."

Ironwood's real hand covered the glass top. "You have enough?"

I rolled my eyes, moving his hand away. "No, I'm on my own time. Just because I'm the youngest to attend Beacon, doesn't mean I'm not an adult." I nodded at the bartender. "Top me off. Thanks."

I was feeling a little warm from the two previous glasses, but I could handle another one. This conversation warranted another drink. A moment later (considering we were his only costumers), my drink was back. To make my point, I took a sip.

Jamie said. "Riley Gray. Enters Beacon at 13 and leaves at 17. Leaves when most enter."

The bartender looked over at me in surprise and I groaned, feeling my ears and face redden. "Do you have to be so loud?"

"It's only you, me and the bartender."

"It sounds like I'm bragging."

"I'm speaking, not you. And it is something to brag about, I have to say. I'm surprised you don't."

I took another drink. "Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it."

It was quiet for a moment, our sips, the ticking of the clock and the bartender cleaning the bar on the other end being the only sounds. "You regret it?"

"No for one second." That answer was quick and without thought.

He chuckled. "I had a feeling you'd say that."

I finished my drink, checking the time. I stood in my slightly over tipsy state.

I reached for my wallet, pulling out the correct len when the bartender told me the bill. "Night Jamie."

He stood, holding out his hand. "You do know my name isn't Jamie?"

I grinned widely at him. "I do."

"I hope we can be allies in this."

I shook his, saying after I let go. "I don't believe in political bullshit. If I agree with what you're saying, I'll say it. If I don't…well, you know you'll know. But, I do know we're fighting on the same side."

With that, I left the bar and Ironwood didn't say anything back.

I stumbled a little, but made it back on the Bullhead back to Beacon Academy, not feeling like today was a complete waste.

/ / /

After my shower, I shrugged on a blue button-down shirt and jeans, my jacket and bandana around my neck like usual. I was meeting Ozpin again and was currently walking to his office before I had to teach classes. I lightly knocked on the door.

Ozpin's voice was clear. "Enter."

I turned the handle, letting the door shut behind me. Surprisingly, Glenda wasn't in the room. I walked in more, seeing Ozpin standing with his cup of coffee and looking out the large window showing the majority of the campus. "You wanted to see me, Oz?"

"Yes I did."

I walked closer until I was standing by his side, looking out. I frowned a little as I saw one of Ironwood's ships flying overhead. Ozpin looked up. "I heard you were in town, Riley."

I nodded, sending him a strange look. "Yeah, I saw Jamie's little speech and actually met him in a bar. "

Ozpin looked over at me. "So, you didn't hear what happened?"

I sighed. "Can you stop being so cryptic?"

That got a chuckle and a smile out of him. "If that's what you wish. There was a fight down in Vale with one of the Paladin."

I jolted in surprise. I then started swearing, angrily and almost growly in tone. "Are you kidding me?! Was the thief caught?"

An eyebrow raise was given to me from Oz. "No, they got away. It wasn't James' doing. It was stolen. But, it's interesting who had gotten in a fight with it."

I frowned at his look of amusement. "Who was it?"

"Possibly some students of yours."

I stiffened in surprise and then went over who it might be in my head. But since he was telling me, I already knew. I closed my eyes with a sigh. "I should've guessed. Between my team and Team STRQ, it's almost expected."

Ozpin chuckled. "I wouldn't think of it like that, Riley. The new generation has shown themselves. What do you think?"

I snorted, turning on my heel to leave. "What they do on their free time has nothing to do with me. Anything else, Ozpin?"

I heard another light-hearted chuckle. "Nothing that comes to mind. Have a good day."

I smirked a little. "Yeah, you too."

From all the years he's lived, more than I can count, not much fazed him.

I walked back into my class to see I was late and the kids were waiting outside. My gaze went to Team RWBY. They all looked jittery, none more so than Ruby and Yang. Though none of them met my eyes when I looked at them. I sighed to myself, filling my head with my own team's actions in the past.

I moved between the students and unlocked the door with a swipe of my Scroll, moving aside so they could pile in and walking to my desk, leaning against the front. I quickly took attendance without calling out names since I knew them.

I said once they sat down. "Professor Goodwitch is going to have a fighting type tournament with you, tomorrow with other students from different schools. You will be fighting with students, but there are multiple situations possible. So, use what you know and…" I smiled a little, remembering my own Vytal Festivals in my school years. "…show them why Beacon's the better academy."

Some of the kids cheered, while others exchanged smirks. I tossed my Scroll on my desk and walked forward. "Now, on with my actual lesson…"

/ / / /

I was laying on my bed, trying to decide if I would watch the little tournament or not.

My Scroll beeped and I lazily reached over, clicking the answer to whoever it was.

"Heya, Riley!"

I smiled automatically. "Hey, Tai. What's up?"

Taiyang grinned at me, his lilac eyes filled with amusement and his bright blond hair on end. I could tell he was in a kitchen, the table in front of him and the refrigerator as proof. "Nothing much, how's Beacon been for you?"

I felt a slight grimace, but hid it. There was a reason Tai chose to teach at Signal. He liked it better than what me and Qrow did, or what I used to do. Then again, he probably did it for Ruby and Yang. I shook my head. "Nothing much, Beacon is Beacon."

Taiyang's eyebrow darted upward. "I know that face. What happened?"

I scowled deeper than before, sputtering a little. "How do you-nevermind! Nothing."

He grinned at me. "You know you can't hide anything from me. C'mon, what happened?" His face turned a little serious, looking concerned. "Did something bad happen?"

I shook my head in the negative a little. "No…well, not as of now."

He made a look at me like, 'go on'. I rolled my eyes, explaining the whole thing with Ironwood.

He was quiet as I explained and if my hands flailed or if I talked a little faster or louder, he didn't mention it, just waited for me to finish.

He was quiet as I finished up. A moment later he said. "Well, that's something. Anything else going on?"

I scowled at him again. "That's all?"

He shrugged. "Sure, the general has his own reasons, but I trust Ozpin."

I nodded in agreement. "So do I. But this doesn't make it easier."

Tai nodded back. "I know, just keep being aware as you usually do."

I snorted. "I'm not a kid, Tai. I'm alive, aren't I?"

I asked. "If that's all…"

He nodded, giving me a grin. "Yeah, I'll talk to you later. See ya Riley."

I waved a hand. "Bye, Taiyang."

The screen blackened, and I threw it down with a sigh. Our conversation was a little bit of a relief. It allowed me to wrap my head around it better.

It also had me remember times with both my team and his at Beacon when I was young.

My back smacked into a wall, the dull pain hit my back and shoulders. The 17-year-old boy in front of me smirked, crossing his arms over his chest cockily. His brown fringe covered his eyes, tan skin pulled over light muscles.

I was wearing the uniform and I pulled at the vest, climbing to my feet with a glare. "Back off, will you?"

He smirked. "Make me, little kid."

I gritted my teeth, feeling pissed and lost at the same time.

"Hey!"

My head snapped up and I paled. It was Yori, his ears perked upward and eyes glaring angrily. It might have been mistakeable, but I could almost hear the undertone of a growl.

The boy turned to him. "What do you want?"

"That's my teammate you're bothering."

"Just teachin' her about her place."

Yori cocked his head to the side. "And what did you do, Riley?"

I avoided eye contact, feeling my face heat up. I muttered. "Score better than him."

"You shouldn't even be here!"

Yori snapped. "That's enough! You're only pissed at her because she seems to be smarter than you. Go away before you regret it."

While they were fighting, I got out of there before either could see me. I heard.

"Riley!? Where'd you go?!"

I ran off before they could look for me, not wanting to see Yori, Jack or May. Or Team STRQ. I didn't want my team to see the bullying. Team STRQ I had no choice, but I already had enough to prove with my team, being 4 years their junior.

Without realizing it, I was in front of a dorm room. To my annoyance, I realized it was Team STRQ's room.

I ran a hand through my hair, sighing angrily to myself and shaking my head. I said to myself. "My problem."

"Riley? Is that you?"

I turned at Summer's voice. Raven was with her, looking bored. I nodded. "Uh-huh. I was just leaving."

Summer gave me a concerned look. "You don't look okay."

I twisted my mouth to the side, shifting from foot to foot. "Well, I am."

It was quiet for a moment, the silence broken by Raven with a sigh. She walked toward me, rolling her eyes.

I stumbled back a step in surprise, but she opened her dorm room, pushing me inside lightly by the back of my neck. I stumbled a little, but didn't fall.

The beds were spread out, Qrow and Tai laying on separate beds, a curtain pushed back and two beds on the other side of the room. Taiyang grinned at me, waving. "Hey, Riles!"

Qrow smirked at me, waving calmer than Taiyang was. Summer and Raven came in the room. Raven going to her bed and picking out a book. Qrow asked. "So, what's up?"

I shoved my hands in my pockets. "I was just…walking by." I stopped myself from blushing, that was a poor excuse.

Summer wrapped an arm around my shoulder, shaking me once. "Riley looked upset."

I tensed for a moment when she touched me. Taiyang looked at me confused, but with no less concern. Qrow narrowed his red eyes, sitting forward. "You still getting picked on?"

Summer let me go, sitting on her bed. But she turned to look at me. "You are?"

Raven stared and Tai sputtered. "W-what!? Why didn't you say anything?"

I shrugged, scowling a little at him. "It was my problem. My team doesn't even know."

Summer sounded surprised. "Oh, they don't? Why not?"

I lost the battle of keeping my face from getting hot. "Well, I can't…I can't have them thinking I can't handle it."

Raven's voice was dry. "But you can't."

I glared at her. "Yes, I can! I don't care what happens or how much I get beat up for being a prodigy, but I will!"

Raven looked at me, a little respect in her gaze. I don't think she had a problem with me, but she was an aloof person right away, that I could easily tell.

Taiyang shook his head. "No, we're your friends. We're not going to let that happen. Plus, you should tell your team."

I shook my head rapidly, leaning against the wall. "No! They need…they need to trust me."

Summer smiled at me. "They will, they're just concerned about you."

I frowned at her, deciding how I could leave without being rude. Qrow smacked Taiyang's arm. "Hey, remember what I told you before." He nodded his head toward me.

I stared at him in disbelief. "I'm right here!"

Summer laughed and Raven out a small chuckle, showing she was paying attention. Qrow sent me a grin. Taiyang himself, grinned wider. "Oh, yeah! I'm gonna spar with you."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Really?"

Taiyang kept grinning. "Yeah, sure. I need a sparing partner. Plus, then you can talk to your team."

I blanched. "Tai- "

"Nope, you need to, so you can trust each other."

I puffed up my cheeks a little. "…Fine."

And that is how I got Taiyang as a sparring partner.

So, there it is. I'll probably put in these flashbacks in my chapters, to show her past at Beacon Academy. I'm hoping this one is longer than Volume 1.

Thank you for my favorites, the follows and reviews.

Guest: Thanks.

Cjknight (Guest): I'm glad you like it.