(Yang's POV)
So here me and my friends from Signal are, waiting for the opening ceremony to start. I heard a few footsteps behind me. I turned around and saw Ruby, Vomit Boy, and Chihiro with her friends. There was also someone else I never saw with them. Eh, whatever. "Ruby! Chihiro! Over here! I saved a few spots!" Ruby and the others with her said goodbye to Vomit Boy, at least that's what I think they did, and started coming over towards my way. When they arrived, they looked a bit chipper. "How's your first day going, little sister?" "You mean since you ditched me and I exploded?" Okay, maybe Ruby wasn't as chipper as the others. "Yikes. Meltdown already?" "No, I literally exploded a hole in front of the school… There was a fire and I think some ice." Yeah, that seemed a bit off to be a solid story. "…Are you being sarcastic?" "Actually, I can vouch for her. I did witness the events first-hand." This was the new guy who showed up with Ruby, Chihiro, and her friends. I think their names were Stella and Leichter, as Chihiro called them. Anyway, the new guy seemed pretty stern, but was friendly toward Chihiro and her friends. I guess he must be another friend of theirs. "Thank you, Roderick!" So Roderick's his name, huh? Well, the more people who saw it, the more believable it gets I guess. Ruby kept going… "I tripped over some crabby girl's luggage! And then she yelled at me! And then I sneezed…" All-the-while Ruby was telling me what 'happened' I noticed someone behind her. She was giving her a cold stare from behind. Ruby hasn't noticed her yet. "And then I exploded! And then she yelled again…" It looked like Chihiro and her friends noticed the girl though. It was painfully obvious that the four of them were trying very hard to stifle their laughter. To be fail, I was too. Except, I was better at not showing it. Mostly because I was genuinely concerned for Ruby. "And I felt really, really bad! And I just wanted her to stop yelling at me!" "You!" Ruby immediately jumped into my arms. That was startling. "Oh God, it's happening again!" Again? What did she mean by… it's starting to all come together now. "You're lucky we weren't blown off the side of the cliff!" Wow. I guess all that stuff really did happen. "Oh my God, you really exploded." "It was an accident!" "I mean, I did say that she did. Maybe take someone else's word for it next time?" Roderick was no longer struggling not to chuckle. I don't know if it was advice or sarcasm based on me not knowing who he is very well. I'll just assume it's both for now. The girl seemed to notice him though. "Ugh, you too?! We'll talk later!" Seems Roderick had some trouble with the girl too. I'll have to ask him about it if I get the chance. "As for you!" The 'crabby girl' turned promptly to face Ruby again and shoved a pamphlet of paper in her face. "Dust for Dummies," huh? Oh god, Ruby didn't learn about Dust yet since she got into Beacon 2 years earlier than the others here. That would explain it. "What's this?" Guess Ruby is still confused on the subject. "The Schnee Dust Company is not responsible for any injuries or damages sustained while operating a Schnee Dust Company product." Okay, this 'Schnee' girl is just going on and on and on about something about Dust. It's starting to get annoying real fast. Heck, even Chihiro, Roderick, and the other two are giving her jumbled looks. Oh god, it's still going. "Although not mandatory, the Schnee Family highly encourages their customers to read and familiarize themselves with this easy-to-follow guide to Dust application and practice in the field." Okay, now I just look over at Chihiro's group and noticed their expressions. Chihiro's eyes dramatically widened, Stella's eyebrows were very raised, Roderick's jaw hap dropped a mile, and Leichter looked bored… Wait, what is he doing? Is he, walking up to her? "You really want to start making things up to me?" Seems as if the 'Schnee' girl is really persistent about the whole debacle I wasn't able to witness for myself. "Absolutely?" Ruby's poor head was probably still dazed after the long-winded speech the "Schnee' girl gave. Leichter was still approaching her. Now I looked at the rest of his friends and they were motioning him to stay out of it. Too bad he didn't look their way. "Read this and don't ever speak to me again." Leichter just approached the girl and cleared his throat to speak. "Listen, 'Schnee' was it? Whatever. As much as I admire your professionalism, aren't you being a bit too harsh?" Man, his voice sounded tired. And dreary. "Oh great. Who are you? I saw you with Montague. I don't recognize you from Atlas though." Atlas, huh? Being fair, most of the time, atlas was known for being a bit stuck-up. I guess it makes sense now. Oh dear, it looks like Leichter's going to… Actually, what is he going to do?
(Leichter's POV)
She met Roderick, huh? I hope they didn't get off on the wrong foot. Maybe they did. Who am I to know? Anyway, I feel like this 'Schnee' girl needs release some tension in the near future. "Hey, why don't you put all this business where it should be right now, the past. Maybe, get to know each other better before jumping to conclusions?" I hope this works. "I guess we could try that." The girl in red seemed to like the idea. "Hello, Weiss! I'm Ruby!" Hm, some names. Now we're getting somewhere. "Want to hang out? We can go shopping for school supplies!" Good start, good start. "Yeah, and we can paint our nails, and try on clothes, and talk about cute boys, like tall, blonde, and scraggly over there!" Weiss pointed to Jaune. Chihiro told us of his… incident. Roderick told us about his personality and his weapons a little. He turned his head toward Weiss in confusion. I saw a look on his face that said; "Is she talking about me?" Anyway, doesn't look like Weiss is ready to let bygones be bygones yet. "Ow wow, really?" It also doesn't look like Ruby is able to pick up on sarcasm. Weiss was not amused. "NO." Alright, guess I should be a little bit more involved in this. "Hey Weiss, maybe later, meet me on the balcony? I'd like to speak a few words with you, if I can." "Hm, fine. At least you look and talk a bit more refined. Your tone needs work, though." At least we're getting somewhere.
We heard mic feedback a little while later and heard a man clear his throat. This was Professor Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy. "I'll keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge. To hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you and all I see is wasted energy in need of purpose, direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school ill prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." Ozpin left the microphone. Taking his place was world-renowned Huntress; Glynda Goodwitch. "You will gather in the ballroom tonight. Tomorrow your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed!" Ballroom, huh? That makes meeting with Weiss a bit easier. Doesn't change the fact that Ozpin's speech was a bit… underwhelming. Though, he's not wrong. "I'm a natural blonde you know." Jaune just came up to Weiss just to spout that random fact. Well, my train of thought got stopped. Probably for the best though. Don't want to overwork my cranium before we even start yet. I reunited with my friends from Vacuo shortly. They seemed a bit shocked that I stood up to her, then asked her to meet me somewhere. I ignored their looks and went to the ballroom. The others promptly followed, of course. Once we got there, we found ourselves split again. But we didn't mind it as much. We all knew we were close in proximity.
(Stella's POV)
"It's like a big slumber party!" Yang seemed in high spirits. "I couldn't agree more!" So was I. "I don't think Dad would approve of all the boys, though." Ruby, not so much. "I know I do." Yang purred. Man, if Chihiro was here to hear Yang now, things would've been so much better. She had to use the restroom, so she wasn't. The four of us knew of Chihiro's perverted head. Honestly, I'm kind of amazed that nobody questions her about it since it can be blatantly obvious sometimes. Okay, that would be a mood-killer though. Jaune 'Vomit Boy' Arc came in in bunny footie pajamas. Yang noticed too and was immediately snapped back to reality. I could hear her groan of being disturbed. "What's that?" Yang asked Ruby. I didn't even notice, but Ruby was writing on something. "A letter to the gang back at Signal." Isn't that the school Chihiro went to? I assume Yang went there as well since she and Ruby are sis- Hang on a sec. How are they sisters if A.) They look nothing alike, and B.) They have different last names? I'll have to find out later. Hopefully the story isn't too dark. "I promised to tell them all about Beacon and how things are going." Ruby seemed a bit downcast. Maybe it was because of whatever she and Weiss went through on the first few hours in the front of Beacon. Oh yeah, Leichter told us Weiss's name before we divided. "Aww, that's so cuuuuuute!" Yang mewed. She was promptly met with a pillow to the face. "Shut up! I didn't get to take my friends with me to school. It's weird not knowing anyone here." I get where she's coming from. Rody, Chihi, and I all had to move away from Vacuo for work related reasons and we knew nobody where we were. Though, Chihi seems close with Yang, Rody was a little close with Ruby if I saw them correctly. He also told us about a few of the non-bigots at Atlas. There were very few. There was Brick Valter, Flynt Coal, Neon Katt, Eduard Killarney, Melody Mars, and Infra Nett. He didn't talk with them much, but they were the only ones who saw him off when he left Atlas, so I guess they left on good terms. I had no one. Except maybe Kidd, but I only met him for a minute or so. "Well there's Jaune. He's… nice. There's Chihiro and Roderick too! And I'm sure Stella and Leichter will get along with you. See, you've already got a few friends here!" Yang's not wrong about me. Leichter, on the other hand, is pretty hard to socialize with. "I'm pretty sure Weiss counts as a 'negative friend'." Never mind. Ruby seems like a pessimist, like Leichter. I'm sure they'll get along well. If not, at least they can enjoy each other's company due to silence if that's the case. "There's no such thing as 'negative friends'! You just made 3 friends, 2 acquaintances, and an enemy!" And there goes the other pillow Ruby had. "Yang, that didn't help at all…" I had to be a bit of a realist here. I hate seeing people when their down. And no, Leichter doesn't count. He's always so sullen. Which reminds me, I have to ask him why he just up and went to talk with Weiss all of a sudden. That wasn't normal. "Look, it's only been one day. Trust me, you've got friends all around you. You just haven't met them yet."
We laid in silence for a minute. Then we heard the sound of a fire lighting. At first, I thought it was Roderick fiddling around with Rubicante. Then I remembered that he's not one to fiddle around with his weapon. Unlike Leichter. He's always tinkering with his knife, Safer, even when he was a little kid. He always wanted to be a Huntsman and it seems some things didn't change. I still wonder how and why he got so pessimistic in the first place. I'm genuinely concerned. Anyhow, we all turned to see the source of the sound and saw a girl dressed in black with a bow on her head. Why isn't she taking it off? It's the middle of the night. Is there something special about it? While I was busy in my thoughts, Yang pulled Ruby toward her and greeted her in a sing-song way. I got up and walked towards them. "I believe you two may know each other!" I took one look at the black-clad girl's eyes and saw total disinterest. This should be fun. "Aren't you that girl who exploded?" Straight to the point. Rody would like that. "Uhh, yeah! My name's Ruby." She went in to shake her hand. The girl didn't reciprocate the gesture. "But, you can just call me… crater… actually you can just call me Ruby." Crater? I'm not going to ask. "Okay." The girl still seemed uninterested in this current conversation. I heard Yang and Ruby whisper a few things. I guess I should step in this time. "My name is Stella. And what is your name?" I took a chance to turn this around. Maybe get a better reaction out of her. "Blake." Swing and a miss. At least we got her name. "Well, Blake, I'm Yang! Ruby's older sister! …I like your bow!" That came out of nowhere. Did Yang want to ask the same question? "Thanks." That sounded much more positive. We're actually making progress! "It goes great with your… pajamas!" Oh dear. "Right…" And, we're back to square one. Thanks a lot Yang. I might have to knock some common courtesy into you later. No, not yet. I don't want to cause any trouble with my trigger-finger with my weapon Starktronic yet. "Nice night, don't you think?" "Yes. It's lovely." Never mind. Maybe Yang does know her way around a conversation. "Almost as lovely as this book…" Oh, a book person. Also like Rody. "… that I will continue to read…" A really dedicated book person. "…as soon as you leave." A persistent book person. "Yeah, this girl's a lost cause." I take it back. Looks like I will have to knock some sense into her after all. I wonder when the soonest possible time I can do that without getting in trouble? "What's it about?" You know it's sad when your YOUNGER sibling has more manners than you. "Huh?" "Your book. Does it have a name?" "Yeah, I'm curious too." Both Ruby and I want to know more about the book. Yang, not so much. "Well… it's about a man with two souls, each fighting for control over his body." That sounds familiar… I think I saw Chihiro's mother read a book like that. The book didn't have a title. Wait, wasn't Chihiro's mother a romantic? Then if that's the same book… I paled a little. I found the exact same book in a Library in Mistral. It's… not for someone as young as Ruby. Good call keeping it vague Blake. In my daze, I missed a bit of the conversation, but listened back in after a while. "As a girl, I wanted to be just like those heroes in the books. Someone who fought for what was right, and who protected people who couldn't protect themselves." Just at the right time, too. Ruby's little speech reminded me of the reason I decided to come here. To help people who needed it most. People like Kidd. I wonder how he's been doing. "That's very ambitious for a child. Unfortunately, the real world isn't the same as a fairy tale." It seems like the weight of the world has gotten to Blake a little. I wonder if Leichter feels the same way. "Well, that's why we're here. To make it better." Spoken like a true Huntress Ruby. I smiled a little. "Ohhhh, I'm so proud of my baby sister!" Yang glomped Ruby. Then picked her up. "Cut it out!" Ruby seemed annoyed. Next thing I know, I see a giant dust could around them. I decided to sit down here. I didn't know where to sleep actually. I thought sleeping with Ruby and Yang would be a good idea. Nope. Maybe some quiet is what I need. I figured Blake would be a bit quieter. "What in the world is going on over here!?" Weiss came over here. I looked her way. It seemed Roderick was peeved at how much noise Yang and Ruby were making. Chihiro looked as if she was looking for something or someone. Probably Yang. And Leichter was looking towards us, with a face that said; 'What in the world is happening?' And true to his word, he was out on the balcony waiting for Weiss. I'm guessing she was on her way there until the two sisters caused a ruckus. "Don't you realize that some of the people here are trying to sleep!?" She turned subtly, just enough to see Ruby and Yang. "Oh, not you again!" Weiss and Yang looked ready to go at it. I'd jump in to try to get them to knock it off, but Ruby beat me to it. "Shh! Guys, she's right! People are trying to sleep!" I buried my head in my pillow. Make this arguing stop. I heard Blade blow out her candelabra. I heard footsteps a while later. They faded out. I guess they all left. I poked my head out and saw Blake, bookless, and ready to hit the hay. I think I'll strike up a quick conversation.
"So, why don't you take the bow off? Won't you feel uncomfortable while you sleep with it on?" I wanted to know a bit more. "…I'd rather not talk about it." Blake seemed a bit disturbed. "I'll respect that." I didn't want to peer more in a sensitive subject. "Thanks." You're welcome. "So, why do you want to be a Huntress?" Everyone has their reasons. What's hers? "I just want to make things right." Between what? "What do you mean?" I was curious. "You wouldn't understand." I think I knew why she'd say that. "Is it about the Faunus?" I heard a small gasp. "I guess that's a yes. In that case, I do understand." Starting to put two and two together. "How?" Her curiosity seems to be quite high. "Well, before I got here, I helped a Faunus kid who was being bullied by someone twice his size and triple his age. I guess I don't like the idea of them being bullied just because they look different than us." I hopes I was getting somewhere with this. "Yeah, I feel the same way." I think I'm starting to know why Blake has that bow on. Just need one more prompt to confirm it. "I think the White Fang is right in wanting equality for Faunus. They're just going about it the wrong way." C'mon, Blake. Give me the answer I need. "Yeah… I agree…" Bingo. She seemed a bit sore on the subject of the Fang. "So, what type of Faunus are you?" Blake's eyes widened. "How did you-" I cut her off. "I could tell by the way you reacted to my story. They are true." I was being honest. "Wow. I guess I never saw you as the observant type." I really don't look like it. I can see why she said that. "Meh, not the first time I heard that. So, what are you?" I just wanted to know. "I have cat ears…" Blake was insistent on being quiet when she said that. "Oh, neat! Just so you know, I don't mind." I really don't mind. In fact, I'm quite fond of Faunus. "Thanks… I guess?" Now to reassure her. I don't want her to be uncomfortable. "I won't tell anyone. I'm a good secret keeper. Don't tell Ruby, but I know what you're reading." Blake blushed a little. "Oh. Thanks." "It's up to you when you decide to tell anyone else. Okay Blake?" "Yeah. Thanks Stella."
(Leichter's POV)
"Let's make this quick. I want to go to sleep." Weiss seems a little cranky. I wonder if it's because of the kerfuffle that went on indoors. "I just wanted to talk a bit. You know, ease away some of the stress. Believe me, that scar is going to be the least of your problems if you don't learn to relax every once in a while. Now please take a seat." Weiss reluctantly sat on the marble floor of the balcony with me. This is just going to be a small heart-to-heart, so she can get her mind off the bad things that happened to her today. "The stars are beautiful tonight, aren't they?" I gazed upon the Remnant stars I had so enjoyed seeing every night. I always preferred sleeping outside for that very reason. "I suppose so." Weiss still seemed a bit uptight. "If this is the only reason you-" Weiss seemed peeved. I knew she'd say if my reason was the only reason for bringing her here, she was leaving. I stopped her before she could. "Yes, it is. The fact is that if you don't ease up, you aren't going to get a good night's sleep. And then, how do you expect to preform your best during initiation?" Weiss's eyes widened. "I guess I never thought of that. But-" I shook my head. "Easy, Weiss." Weiss sighed. "So, how's Roderick been in Atlas? I assume you two knew each other since you mentioned his name." Weiss shook her head no. "I didn't know him personally. My sister is an Altesian Specialist. She worked with Corporal Montague. I'm guessing Roderick is the Corporal's son." I nodded in agreement. "He is. I'm a bit surprised you know them." Weiss looked a tad bit appalled. "Of course I knew of Corporal Montague. He takes orders directly from General Ironwood, same as my sister. She seems to talk with him a bit. I overheard a conversation they had earlier. Some things about Roderick being his 'pride and joy'." I chuckled a little. We all knew Roderick's father was very proud of what Roderick accomplished. And old Zaffre was never afraid to show it, much to Roderick's chagrin. "Did this help you calm down a little, Weiss?" She nodded. "I suppose. Thanks… I actually never got your name." I smiled a little. "Leichter." She nodded again. "Got it. Good night, Leichter." I waved good-bye. "Good night, Weiss." She got up and left in better spirits. I curled into my sleeping bag and gazed at the night sky as I drifted off to sleep…
Author's Notes
Before you ask, I will not say anything about shipping Team RSCL with Team RWBY. It is up to your interpretation until I make it canon to this story. Although Flynt Coal and Neon Katt are official RWBY characters, their teammates from FNKI have not been revealed. I took a few creative liberties with the friends Roderick left in Atlas, including the few OC's I made for FNKI, being Eduard Killarney and Infra Nett. Just because he left due to his other friends' bigotry doesn't mean he left more respectable friends behind. I forgot to mention this last chapter, but I do not own RWBY or any of it's characters. I only own Team RSCL, Kidd Clementine (from Prologue S), Brick Valter (Name given only), Eduard Killarney (Name given only), Melody Mars (Name given only), and Infra Nett (Name given only). Also, try and see if you can find out Eduard's and Infra's name inspiration. Roderick and Chihiro will talk with Ruby and Yang respectively, just as Stella did with Blake and Leichter did with Weiss. I just decided that this chapter wasn't the time. Those heart-to-hearts will come later in the story. Anyhow, until next time, I'll stay Enigmatic.
-UltimateEnigmatic