Of Sleep Overs and Chess Pieces

Getting into Vale was simple considering I had proper identification profiles made for the four of us. It was necessary for travel in between kingdoms, that way not anyone could just simply walk in and cause trouble. Not that we'd cause trouble intentionally. If anything, we'd be on our best behavior. Otherwise, Ciel and Leo would be in a corner, sitting on their hands for a very very long time. More Ciel than Leo, but you never know with those.

Just at a glance, you'd think Leo is docile and almost harmless. Boy how much I'd laugh if someone actually thought that. Despite how well-mannered he is, he has his devious side time to time. Ironically, it goes hand in hand with Ciel's always active deviance. She's a prankster that one… And whenever you'd try to catch her, it would be like trying to chase the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Actually, that's not too far off. She practically does disappear before you even have a chance to realize what happened. Would that make her more of a Schrödinger cat then? Hmmmm… Questions that need answering…

Vale looked like your average city really. Tall buildings, shops at around every corner you turned, people walking the streets, and of course...traffic. It wasn't so bad...but it wasn't entirely good either. We still had about an hour to go until we needed to be at Beacon. That, and I had to take a special route that lead towards Beacon as instructed from an email from Ozpin. He also gave me the access privelages to enter inside. Just scan and go.

"So what's the deal when we get there? Are we just gonna be thrown straight into the swimming pool and be told 'Swim!', or do we get to chill out for the day?" asked Ciel.

"I do think we'll be resting for the day after the opening ceremony. It'll allow us time to explore the local faculties around campus before intiation to at least have some sense of familiarity." responded Leo.

"Considering we'll only be arriving within twenty to thirty minutes until the opening ceremony, we won't have time to do so beforehand. It'd be rude if we were late and missed everything Headmaster Ozpin had to say."

"You know, I could just pause time and unfreeze you guys so we can explore the school in intervals." Ciel added as she placed both hands behind the back of her head and elated back into the car seat.

"Nah, too much effort on your part. We'll do it the right way after the opening ceremony and take a good look at things. Besides, if we do it your way we'd have to rush since you can keep time paused for a minute total at a time before resuming it." I told Ciel as the light finally turned green.

"Yeah… I guess we'll do it the normal way."

Our vehicle moved ahead and I activated the turn signal to change lanes, that way I could move ahead of the car in front of me since I needed to make a right turn soon. When I did make that right turn, I saw it there resting in the distance.

Beacon Academy. One of the best schools in Remnant that trains top Huntsmen and Huntresses. It was...different from what I originally expected. Usually, one wouldn't be able to see it in all of its glory from where we were. But my eyes were special and could see very far, the same for Inuba and my siblings.

It didn't have the appearance of a school like you'd expect. In fact, it resembled a massive spanning castle more or less. It's most prominent feature was the massive tower seemingly at the center of the castle-like academy.

"Woahho! Dude! We get to go to school in a freaking castle! This is awesome!" screamed Ciel standing up slightly, despite being bound by the seatbelt.

The hardtop was already down, so she was able to stand and take in the sight more.

"Very impressive architecture…" said Leo, almost ready to stand up as well as we got closer.

Eventually, we reached a viewing area, seeing how Beacon stood on massive cliff side that overlooked all of Vale and even beyond. We saw a rest area with viewing telescopes nearby, as well as a massive body of water that spanned for miles on end, separating Vale from the cliff side Beacon was perched on.

"Woah… Okay, awesome looking castle for a school, and a totally freaking neat view!" said Ciel.

I took quick look around to see that entrance Ozpin was talking about. It should be just about… There.

I drove further down the street and soon took another right and drove up a pathway that lead towards the furthest left. For about five minutes, we drove down a dimly lit tunnel until we reached a massive closed door.

"Well...poop. Now what?" asked Ciel.

"Now we reenact keyboard cat." I told her as I shifted the gear into "park" and leaned over towards a console on my left.

"Uh, what?"

"Brother has the access code for this door."

"Oh! So that's why-! Keyboard cat and… Got it."

The code was short and simple, and possibly had some relation to Ozpin due to the spelling and numbers involved. Interesting…

The holographic display I inputed the code in flashed white a few times before deactivating, the doors quickly opening to allows to continue our path towards Beacon.

We soon found ourselves driving down a path that had been carved out from the center of the left cliffside that lead up towards Beacon Academy. The path zig-zagged up the central cliff face and continued upwards through an interconnecting tunnel, and when we got out of the tunnel, the four of us could see the docks at the bottom, which branched off into the water of the massive lake Beacon was positioned above. When we looked further, we could see air-docks up on the cliff itself closer to the school, which was where we were heading.

Not all that bad… Fifteen minutes to get from Vale to Beacon and vice versa by car? I can deal with that.

"It seems as though we have about thirty minutes until the opening ceremony." said Inuba as she looked at the clock on the central holographic console.

"Looks like it…" I replied.

"What shall we do with our belongings?"

Good question…

"We should just take the bag with our clothes. We can leave the rest in the car until after initiation. Which is also when we get our rooms."

"I see…"

"What? Was there something else you wanted to bring in with you now from our stuff?"

"Oh, n-no… It's not important right now…"

I couldn't help but feel like it was. A problem Inuba has is that she has a tendency to think that she's a bother at times when really, she never is. She just needs to be more forward and assertive about her feelings, needs, and wants.

"You know, if there is something you want to get from our stuff, you can go get it once we park. It really isn't a problem."

"But...we'd be wasting time and-"

"Relax. Get whatever it is you need once we stop. It won't be any trouble at all."

"A-Are you sure? I mean…"

"It's fine, Inuba." I reaffirmed.

"You know Foxy, you should be more forward about your wants and desires…" said Ciel as she leaned in towards Inuba.

I know right?! I just thought exactly that!

But for my long time partner, Ciel's words held some sort of other connotation than what I knew of considering her face was bright red. And that I could feel my younger sister's wide grin.

"I agree. 'Things' would be MUCH easier if you were forward about what it is you want and desire. There's nothing wrong with it." said Leo.

See? Even Leo agrees.

"Master, I… The truth is...well…"

"Ah, hold that thought. We're here."

I heard everyone let out an exasperated sigh, save Inuba who let out a silent groan of despair.

Must've been important… Well, we just reached the docking area. And guards were approaching us. Kinda needed to talk to them first so they'd let us through.

"What's your business here?" Asked me the guard as he approached our car.

"Uh, we're newly arriving Beacon initiates. We were instructed by professor Ozpin to head in through this way."

That's all I told him after I brought up the holographic display of my HoloScroll before flipping it towards the guard. He checked the credentials provided to me and gave us a nod.

"Alright then. We've prepared a storage unit to place your vehicle in when not in use. It has a fair amount of spacing inside, so you can also bring in tools and purchase other necessities to set it up even further for however long you stay here. Head down left this way and take the first right you see. Once you park inside, there'll be an elevator taking you to the school entrance near where the Main Avenue ends. After that, head inside the auditorium for the opening ceremony. You've got twenty minutes, so I suggest you move quickly."

"Right. Uh, thank you...Steve." I said checking his name tag.

I gave him a small wave before driving off towards the left leg me instructed me to. Apparently some students were walking by the area, likely to check out the place before the opening ceremony. Unsurprisingly, almost all of them gave awed stares at the four of us driving up.

"Hehehehehehe… They're all jelly of our totally sweet ride…"

"You mean my sweet ride, right?" I corrected Ciel.

"But you said-!"

"I know, I was just messing with you."

Even I got some deviance inside me.

After traveling down this pathway as others admired our "sweet ride", I took the first right I saw and continued driving down until I saw a storage unit door, which automatically opened when I approached. Thankfully it started opening when I was still a bit far away, since it allowed me to drive right in without having to stop. As soon as I was sure I pulled in all the way, I put the car in "park" and shut off the engine.

"Alright! Let's get this show on the road!" said Ciel unbuckling her seatbelt and hopping out.

"Yes, lets." said Leo getting out of his seat as well, Inuba and I doing the same a second later.

Ciel quickly pressed both hands atop the left hood door as it quickly popped open, revealing our clothes bags inside. She grabbed them all and tossed our respective bags to one another before closing the hood door.

"You guys go on ahead, we'll join you in a second."

"But brother, we only have fifteen minutes. We should-"

"I know that. Don't worry. Besides, it'll be easier to find you guys since you'll be there already. So go on, we'll catch up."

"Why-?"

Leo was smacked across his back by Ciel.

"Dude, are you brain dead or something?" whispered Ciel as she slightly nodded her head towards us.

"What are you-? Oh. I see. Very well, we'll see you shortly then." he said giving us a wave before he entered inside the elevator doors.

What was that about?

"Right, so you wanted to get something else?"

"Master, maybe we should just go. There's only fifteen minutes left and-

"Nonsense! This'll take like a minute, so it's no problem."

"But-"

"I know it's important to you, whatever it is. So really, it isn't a big deal to spend some time trying to get it. So…" I said opening the right hood door, "get whatever it is you need. We're in no rush."

Inuba looked back and forth in between me and the hood door a few times until she finally walked forward and began sifting through the "pocket-dimenison chest" we put all of our other belongings in. I heard a quick rustling of a bag and took a quick glance to see that she quickly shoved something in her clothes bag before closing the chest. See? I was right. Swift as the wind.

"Got it?"

"Y-Yes…" she said clutching the bag tightly to her chest.

It wasn't my business to ask, but I was a bit curious considering she didn't want me to see whatever it was she grabbed out of the bag. But again, not my place to ask. Must be a personal item…

We walked inside the elevator doors that opened for us and stepped inside, the doors shutting behind us immediately afterwards as we began our ascent. Then, the worst thing imaginable happened…

"Oh god… They have elevator music? Really?"

I heard Inuba giggling beside me.

"Oh, so you think it's funny that we're in Hell for less than a minute?"

Again she giggled, only more audibly this time.

"I think we both know Hell isn't simply elevator music, Master."

"Yeah, you're right about that I suppose…"

We both laughed afterwards, mainly because we have been to Hell once and we knew what was there. Hell is just a term Humans coined. The actual name is the Dark World, a place where all Entities of the Dark reside in. Their home. Nice in some places, other times, not so nice.

The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened up. We both saw countless students filing in towards the central building on our right, all of them eager and ready to begin their first year at Beacon. Although it did seem there were some returning students in the mix…

"Well...ready to get started, partner?"

"Always, Master."


(Leonard POV)

Why are there so many people in one place? And why do people have to stare at us so much? Is it that uncommon to have white hair? Actually, yes it is now that I think about it…

"Oh my god… Look at him! He's so cute!"

What?

"I know!"

"How old do you think he is?"

"Old enough…"

Despite the suggestive theme behind the last girl's comment, I was slightly flattered. Things would be going better though if the masses of them weren't constantly staring at me… I could tell thought that on the other hand, Ciel was definitely enjoying the attention, both male and female.

"She's so pretty..!"

"And thin!"

"Look at her legs! They look amazing!"

"Hehehehehe… First day and everyone's liking what they see… Alright..!" said Ciel.

"Clearly it's because of your shining personality."

"Hey! Are you making fun of me?"

"No, I was actually being serious for once. You seem...very approachable because you have this shine to you."

"Oh. Well alright I'm okay with that."

"Are you really that vain enough to seek the attention of people through looks alone?"

"What? No! Whenever I do something, it's usually for fun and only fun. Like now for instance. I mean, yeah, it's kinda cool to get complimented for my looks and all, but it's not all that important to me."

"Well well, a humble side of you I rarely see." I replied with a coy smile.

"Shut up." she said punching me in the shoulder. "You'd think big brother and Foxy would've caught up by now…"

"I agree. What could they be doing that's taking so long?"

I felt Ciel smack my shoulder to grab my attention and turned to see her making rather suggestive signs with her hand, particularly with her right index finger entering and exiting a loop she made with her left index finger and thumb.

"Could you be anymore suggestive?"

She paused for a moment and smirked at me, as if she had accepted a challenge. She pressed together the other fingers of her right hand and began moving them back and forth. Despite how suggestive it was, I couldn't help but smirk slightly.

"That's not funny." I said trying to be as serious as possible.

"Yeah it is! You're laughing too!" she said laughing.

"Good lord…" I managed to say as Ciel broke out laughing.

"But you know, it isn't entirely out of the question. The two of them? All alone in a secluded space? I'm telling you, one of these days she's gonna pounce him and 'claim him', and he's going to be so dumbfounded. Besides, she might have to. I mean, have you seen all the babes walking around? Holy cow!"

"I will admit, there are some rather...well endowed females walking around and about…"

"Females? Really dude?"

"What? Is it so wrong to try and speak properly?"

"Uh, kinda. Dude, you aren't some old man. Get with the times already!"

"Yes, the times being 'dank memes', cat videos and the such… I'm really impressed with the thought processes with the majority of people of our age. Truly."

"You're just jealous that you aren't funny."

"I am funny. I just don't do it always."

"Well you should try. You're already shy enough around new people."

"W-Well…"

"What? You didn't think I wouldn't notice you freaking out a bit? Relax already! Lighten up! You'll be fine. I bet you anything that soon enough, droves of chicks will be approaching you, wanting your love and your d-"

"That's quite enough. I think I can figure out the rest for myself."

Five or six at a time? Yes, please, come my way. Twenty or more? Please no.

"Can you really not talk to girls?"

"I can talk to girls Ciel. I'd rather not be crowded by them however."

"But if you think about it, being crowded by them is like the ultimate pillow."

"Right, because I need such a thing to happen to me."

"I'm telling you, it'll happen one day. Either they'll start chasing you and/or big brother, or they'll start fan clubs."

"You can't be serious! Girls actually do such things?!"

"Yeah man. Almost all the time. There's fan clubs of all kinds."

I can't believe what I'm hearing…

"In all seriousness, they could be doing it right now." affirmed Ciel.

"Doing what?" I asked.

"Are you kidding me? What did we just talk about?"

Oh… Oh.

"Oh!"

"You get it now?"

"Ciel-"

"What? There's like a fifty-fifty chance it's true."

She's not wrong. They could be having intercourse at the moment given how...passionate ms. Kitsukami is about our older brother. There have been instances, both where we've seen and what we've heard of, where she was very close to 'pouncing' him. In all honesty, she should just get it over with and do so. It's not like brother would resist her advances if she was THAT direct with him. I really do think brother shares the same feelings for her. Although...I wonder why he hasn't made advances towards her… Could it be something I'm not seeing? Brother does have a problem of thinking too much at times...

"You aren't wrong Ciel. It could be a possibility. However, I don't think it's the case this time."

"Why not?"

"Think about it. Ms. Kitsukami is extremely passionate about our brother. And it's highly likely that he too feels the same. Do you really think five minute would be enough for them?"

Ciel looked at me as if she were shocked beyond belief, like she never expected me to say something of the sort. Then she began laughing again.

"Oh man, this is why I like you as a brother Leo! You just manage to say something awesome when least expected."

"Um, thank you?"

"Don't mention it. Now, where are we supposed to go?"

"That way." I said pointing directly ahead of us.

"Cool. So, what do you-?"

Ciel's voice had drowned out as I focused my attention to my right. I saw something. More specifically, someone. Whoever they were, they had gone around the main entrance towards the back. I wonder why…

Next thing I knew, I found myself walking towards the direction of the stranger who went the same way. I didn't know why I did so, only that my feet carried me to the stranger. I don't think Ciel noticed I had left.

How odd… I can barely sense their Aura Signature. No matter how hard someone attempts to try and hide their Aura Signature, I can always detect them and the full measure of their Aura. However in this persons case...this isn't all of their Aura. This person is actually able to significantly hide a majority of their presence from me… How intriguing…

I kept following the faint presence, keeping my footsteps as quiet as possible. Whoever this person was, they could potentially be dangerous. I should at least investigate to make sure. After all, I am a new student here. It's my responsibility to try and ensure there isn't a trespasser lurking around the campus.

I slowly peeked my head around the corner to find...no one?

What on earth..?

I stepped out from my hiding place and quickly looked around.

I don't believe it… They actually slipped out of my Aura Sensing!

"Who are you?" spoke the soft voice of a girl.

I felt a blade touch the right side of my neck. Just by touch alone I could fell a small cut, and a tingling sensation from the wound. Poison? No...electricity. Given the strength, and factoring in my insensitivity to pain like my brother and Ciel, it must be lightning. Slight curve to the weapon… Scimitar? No, a katana. She's fast then.

"A slightly concerned student. I only managed to catch a glimpse of someone walking this way and grew...curious."

"Curiosity tends to get one in very troublesome situations." she replied.

"I agree. However…"

I pressed by right hand against the blade on my neck and held it in place, slowly turning around to face whoever she was.

"There are those who specialize in avoiding trouble. Or simply those that care not for the consequences."

It was then when I actually examined her that I was...mesmerized…

She wore tight, black high-heeled kneehigh boots that went slightly over the top of her knees, and black thigh-high stockings that reached just slightly above her thighs. In addition, she wore a tight black dress with a small chest window to her rather...ample chest. The hem of her dress sat directly above her stockings. Her dress also had tight sleeves that reached just above her elbows and spanned out into wide cuffs. She also wore white gloves that had black palm and finger fabric instead of white, like the majority of the her gloves.

I noticed that she stood as tall as I did, 5'9, but that was due to the four inch her heeled boots gave her, making her actual height 5'5.

The fabric of her dress covered her shoulders and reached upwards to cover only the base of her neck. She had chin length ash colored hair, almost grey, that was parted towards the left side of her face, almost like my brother. Those strands of hair that were parted to the left would have covered her left eye slightly if wasn't for the black hair clip keeping those strands up. Lastly, and probably the most interesting part of her apparel was the grey blindfold she wore with no free flowing strands. Was she blind? Or maybe…

"And you're the type who tends to avoid trouble? Or isn't concerned with consequences?" she asked me.

"Very rarely do I disregard consequences. But yes, I usually do tend to avoid trouble unless necessary."

Her weapon of choice apparently was a katana with a black colored blade that spanned four feet and was slightly curved. The oval shaped guard was colored white, as was the handle. At the butt of the handle was a short black ribbon of sorts, at least a foot long. It was a fine weapon.

I could feel her blade trying to dig deeper into my skin, and could still feel the small current of lighting coursing through said blade.

"There's no data on you whatsoever despite running a facial recognition. I'll ask you again, identify yourself."

I was right. Given that she just mentioned facial recognition, I know now that the blindfold wasn't simply a blindfold. It was a tactical HUD visor. If I'm not mistaken, there's been articles of certain military powers around Remnant donning blindfold visors as of late. Perfect against unsuspecting foes who don't realize data isn't being gathered on them.

"I am Leonard. An arriving first year student by invitation of Headmaster Ozpin himself. I arrived here with my older brother, my older sister, and my older brother's close friend. I really don't mean you any harm. I was simply...curious. I'd let go of your sword, but I'm afraid that I'm not sure you'd try to attack me again."

Not that it'd be a problem really. Dying isn't a simple matter concerning myself, my brother, and Ciel.

"Leonard… I suggest that you avoid sneaking up on others in the future. They may not be as lenient as I have been."

"Of course, but if you were lenient, you wouldn't have drawn your sword in the first place." I said letting go of her katana.

She lowered her weapon to her side, and with a small burst of white Aura that cloaked her entire blade, it vanished.

"Become too lenient and others will presume to take advantage of you again."

"True in some instances, but not all of them." I replied.

"You seem to be fairly optimistic."

"A fair amount." I said crossing my arms, "Are you a first year student as well?"

"What else would I be if not a first year student?" she responded with her soft, cool voice.

"I haven't the slightest idea. Though I assume you aren't the average student."

"I've made the same assumption in your case. The fact you stopped my blade with one hand while intense electrical currents ran through it… You are an anomaly to me…"

So I was right. It was currents of lightning running through her weapon. She seems to be the observational type as well. Just as she is examining me...I too am examining her…

N-Not in that sense..! I will admit, she is a fairly interesting individual.

Correction...immensely interesting…

"The opening ceremony begins in three minutes. I suggest you find your siblings and friend." spoke the girl as she turned around and began walking away.

"Did you come here by yourself?" I asked.

She stopped, turning her head back to me slightly.

"I did."

"Well… I hope find team members you will get along with really well, ms.?"

"Bailey. Bailey Lianna. You never mentioned your last name."

"Unfortunately, as far I know, I have no last name. I am simply Leonard."

It was hard to read any expression of hers without looking into her eyes. But I could tell by watching the corners of her soft lips that was expressing some form of sadness.

How kind of you ms. Lianna…

"Until next time, simply Leonard." she said before walking off.

I couldn't help grin like a fool at the moment after I heard that.

Oh yes. The opening ceremony. That seems importante for the most part.

I quickly walked back the way I came and followed the remaining students inside. Finding Ciel was not difficult, I still had a trace on her Aura Signature. Given the fact she was still talking, it seems as though she didn't notice I disappeared. At all.

Oh Ciel…

"I mean, you agree, right?" she said.

I have no idea of the context of what she was speaking of beforehand, but I will say yes either way.

"Of course."

"Meh… You're still a little bit uptight. Where's Foxy and big brother?"

"Right here."

We both spun around to see our brother and Inuba approaching us from the large crowd of students that filed in behind us.

"Took your sweet time!"

"Well sorry your royal highness..." said my brother.

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me!" said Ciel crossing her arms with a pout.

"You're right. I spoil you enough as is. I should probably stop doing that."

At that moment, Ciel legitimately looked as though her entire being of existence had shattered.

"Relax you little munchkin. I was just messing with you." he said rubbing the top of her head.

Looking towards Inuba, I could see she very well would have enjoyed a head rub as well. She's very fond of those as much as Ciel is.

I stood next to Ciel, who stood next to Inuba, my brother standing on the opposite side of our kitsune friend.

"So...you two get it on?" asked Ciel.

"Get it on..?"

It took Inuba a few moments to understand what Ciel had asked, but as soon as she realized, she blushed furiously and grabbed hold of her white fox tail to keep it from moving about.

Before anyone could say anything else, all eyes turned to the center stage as all the voices fell silent, watching as Headmaster Ozpin walked on stage along with his assistant. The majority of students watched and listened closely as the man began his speech aimed towards all of us first year students.


(Dante POV)

Ozpin gave a rather...interesting speech. Wasted energy without purpose or direction? Very true. In most cases anyway. Still, the vast majority of students here had the potential to succeed. Like that little reaper in red that reminded me of little red riding hood a bit. Small? Yes. Cute? Yes. Deadly? Definitely yes. Apparently she was the one who stopped the robbery a few nights ago. Footage got leaked on to the net, and I have to say, she has a very impressive and interesting style of combat. Never have I seen anyone use a scythe like that. That's because her scythe was also a gun. A high impact sniper rifle to be more precise.

She is one who should not be messed with.

But another thing's been bugging me tonight. After Ozpin finished his speech...something happened. I...can't entirely explain what it was, but… A massive Aura Signature swept through the room with great force and intensity. Apparently I was the only one who felt it. Not even Leo with his superior sensing abilities could feel this presence. The only way I can describe it was like if I was feeling dread. True dread. It's looks as though the four of us aren't the only ones with an immensely powerful and vast Aura Supply. Whoever that crazy Aura Signature belonged to was not a nice person. At least, not entirely. It wasn't entirely full of malice or hate, but it was still there. It was exactly as I said, it was dread.

From what I could see sitting on my left side, everyone was sound asleep inside the auditorium. After we toured around campus and checked out the classrooms, we were all given sleeping bags for our night stay in the auditorium. If we passed initiation, we get our rooms. Those that didn't… Well…

My gaze wandered towards the reaper in red's group that was decently noisy some time ago. They were still noisy since one of them was snoring at the moment…

Did I mention I didn't sleep all too much? Like twenty minutes at best. I think I'm still feeling a bit anxious about that Aura Signature from earlier… You'd expect it would be from initiation, but that was hardly the case. Inuba, Ciel, Leo and myself would handle whatever they could throw at us. I knew we'd make it. So there was nothing to worry about on that end.

Another thing that's been on my mind every night ever since I came to Remnant… How did the moon get shattered the way it did? Granted it looked kinda cool...but it was still a bit worrying. Maybe it's always been like that? I mean...different world and all that compared to Primordial, my World.

Either way, I'm nowhere near wanting to sleep at this point. I might as well-

Huh… I can't move… It's like I'm being restrained or something… Seriously, what the heck?!

I turned my head right as far back as I could and was utterly shocked, partly because Inuba was so close to my face, and mainly because she was the reason I couldn't move. I felt her arms wrapped around mine, and her legs wrapped around my waist, firmly restrained from moving. The only thing I could move at the moment was my legs somewhat as I struggled to get free.

My god, how strong is she?!

Squirming about was not a good idea considering her chest was pressed against my back. Maybe I could slip out? No, not likely..! Am I stuck like this until morning?! Come on...how to get out…

That's it! Her tail that's brushing up against my leg!

I slowly managed to move my right arm back a bit and reached down as low as I could, trying to find Inuba's fox tail. If anything that was the method of my release.

Come on..! Where are you?! Aha!

I gently took hold of my partners fox tail and began rubbing it, despite it squirming around quite a bit as Inuba slightly giggled in her sleep. I hope no one else is awake right now...

Her hood on me was finally beginning to loosen up, but there were intervals where her hold became stronger.

And then it happened. Opportunity.

She let go for but a moment, freeing my upper torso. I quickly took my pillow and swapped it in place of me, then quickly, but gently pulled my legs through, freeing me entirely. I quickly stood up and draped the blanket over the bedroll I rested on previously. Apparently she rolled over to my side… I could only sigh before I smiled and began readjusting my black and white plaid pajamas, then readjusted my black sleeveless night-shirt and patted it down.

Everything Dark in my view was now highlighted slightly in grayscale color, where anything and everything with corners and edges glowed a faint white. I liked seeing in the Dark like this. It was...cool.

Well, since I was up, I may as well go to the recreation room. I spotted a pool table inside while we walked around. I love playing pool. Or billiards as some call them. It's a fun and relaxing game. And easy to win money in if people are making bets, especially since I learned a trick to sink all the pool balls in one shot.

As I walked down the halls, I noticed a lack of anyone patrolling the halls. Granted, this school was very secure thanks to the thousand of warriors and would be warriors that already resided within. So I guess there wasn't any need for patrolling really…

Five minutes or so later, I finally found the large double doors that lead to recreation room and pushed them open. I was expecting to play pool by myself, but someone else already sat inside. They sat at a table playing a game of chess with hardlight pieces.

Shiny.

"Ah, mr. Dante, I wasn't expecting you here at this hour."

My left foot you weren't…

Ozpin sat in on the game of chess, finishing a game against an AI controlled opponent. It looked as though he had won.

"And I wasn't expecting you to be here either, professor Ozpin."

"I do tend to be rather restless the night before initiation."

"For good reasons."

"Quite. Now, what may you be doing out of bed at this hour?"

"I don't sleep. Don't need it."

"How curious… Well, considering you're here and wide awake, would you join me for a game or two?" Ozpin said as he waved his hand towards the chess table.

Well, why not? It's not billiards, but hey, chess can be just as fun.

"I have time." I said taking a seat.

The hardlight pieces reset themselves on our respective sides, Ozpin having the white pieces, and me taking the grey colored pieces.

"Have you had time to explore the school today after the opening ceremony?" He asked me as we both took our turns rather quickly.

Going on the attack so soon? Ah, decoy strategy. Not only that, but you're trying to set up traps along the way. You're quite the sneaky person professor…

"We did."

"And? What did you, your siblings and your friend think?"

"I'd say everything looks great. So did everyone else. We all sort of enjoy the ancient yet modern feel it has to it, so it was only natural we'd like everything we see. Other than that, the other buildings and so forth were just as great."

At the rate we were going, this game was going to be over in five minutes or less. I have to hand it to Ozpin, he's pretty good.

"My turn then. How many people usually die during intiation?" I asked as we kept playing.

"None if we're lucky enough."

"And on an unlucky day?"

"One to five."

"Not that bad. Not to sound like a downer or anything, but I was expecting more than just five."

"Has your optimism already vanished?"

"No, just trying to be realistic for a moment or two."

"Are you worried for your siblings and your friend?"

"Not in the slightest. They're really strong and can take care of themselves. So I have nothing to worry about."

"Having strong confidence in your allies is very good mr. Dante. If I didn't know any better, I would say you have the makings of a leader."

"Meh… Not really…"

"You have doubts about your capabilities?"

"I'm just not too keen on the idea of being a leader unless it's absolutely necessary. If there's no one else that can do it, or if it's really needed and no one will step forward, sure, I'll take charge. Other than that, I try to avoid the role. I usually don't see the point of appointing a leader if a group is equal and already well structured. No one is above the other. They're all walking on the same ground. Although, I can also see a problem with that way of thinking as well. Whenever a critically important decision comes into play, who is it up to in order to make the final decision? Who's competent enough to make that decision? And who will shoulder the responsibility and potential consequences that arise form the decisions made? It's a tough job. And I don't envy anyone who has the job of a leader."

Checkmate huh? Looks like your traps paid off a bit. However…

"I can agree with you in most instances. But the fact remains undeniable that a leader is necessary and crucial in leading a group. Or a team. They must not only be powerful, but intelligent as well. They must be the guide of their people and be at the helm of conflict, leading them through to the end."

"If anything, in my opinion, the one crucial thing needed within a group and a team...is trust. Without it...everything starts to crumble before anything can begin."

I made the final move and leaned back in my chair, letting out a sigh. Quite the cunning Headmaster indeed…

"Looks like its Checkmate Headmaster Ozpin."

He stared at the board for a few moments, possibly trying to figure a way out. It was impossible. I had him completely cornered, unable to make another move unless he desired to loss even more pieces than he already has. He chuckled a bit and smiled as he too leaned back.

"Well played mr. Dante. In all my years of chess, I've never encountered an opponent, a student no less, who has been as round about and cunning as you. You didn't hesitate when you had a chance to take a piece off the board, especially with the risks involved. Well done."

"I've had practice."

"Apparently so… Well then mr. Dante, I'll leave the room to you then. We start tomorrow at ten in the morning."

"Right… See you tomorrow then…"

Ozpin had left his seat, taking his cane and his coffee mug with him. As soon as the doors closed behind him, I looked back to the board full of hardlight pieces and smiled. He could have tried to take me when he had me at checkmate previously. He had an opportunity to trap me and possibly win. It's highly likely he saw the other immediate threats surrounding him and decided to retreat. Afterall, I too laid down my own traps for him. Not only that, but he almost outplayed me. Twice.

I think I'm beginning to like this Headmaster far much more than I originally did. I mean, he was cool and all when we first met, but this game of chess we had was an eye opener of sorts.

I didn't know who exactly Ozpin is, or what he's done, but I can tell he's someone worthy of praise. And someone to take extreme caution of should you be unfortunate enough to be his enemy. He doesn't play around when facing an opponent, not entirely. Behind the tricks and traps he lays is someone of a cunning nature who can outsmart an enemy completely and destroy them before they even had a chance to realize what had just happened.

It's almost intimidating how cunning he is. In all honesty, if he wanted to legitimately deceive someone, he'd be able to keep them in the dark and that would be the end of it. Knowing this, I can't help but wonder if he would try to deceive me and the others in the future. Or...if he's already doing so…

No. I shouldn't be so suspicious of him unless I have a reason to. And honestly, I don't ever think I will have a reason to be wary of him. When we first met, and he asked me about joining Beacon, I could feel as though he was already placing his utmost trust in me. It's only fair that I give him my trust too.

I almost smiled, thinking even he'd be able to outsmart those flying monkeys in The Plane of Angels. He has the potential to do it, that much was certain. Imagining how furious those Angels would be made me smile even more.

A last thing that's been bugging me since earlier today. His speech that he gave to all of us at the opening ceremony… He seemed...strange. Strange as in he seems troubled by something. I wonder if it has something to do with the Grimm… Or maybe something else I don't know about. Either way, he'll say if there's trouble to be concerned about. I'm sure of it.

For now though, the billiards table was calling my name.


They made it. It looks as though someone has caught Leo's eye... Hmmm...

Initiation comes next chapter, as well as an intro to two new characters joining us on our journey. One of them you'll know of if you've read Xera Stark's Rogue Huntsmen. The other, like Bailey, is someone totally new. And hey...you might even see Bailey and this other new character in Veil of the Aether...

Well, with that over, go check out my other story, Hero of Remnant: Veil of the Aether whenever you get the chance!

Also, I highly recommend you all go check out the freaking amazing collab Xera Stark and I are currently working on concerning his story XSRA's Flame. His story overall is absolutely fantastic and is a must read, so I suggest you read from the very start. But, if you're just interested in the awesome collab our two minds put together have created, then mozy on down to chapter 53 of his story for the start. I've said it once and will say it again, you won't want to miss out on this story, and especially this exciting story arc we've created.

Not only that, but check out his other awesome and highly entertaining story Rogue Huntsmen as I mentioned above. It's just pure awesomeness bundled into one story. And trust me, you'll love it.

Questions? Ask them anytime. I will try to answer without spoiling.

Please remember to review, follow and favorite this story if you really enjoyed it and want to continue seeing more of it. And hey, even tell others about this story! Remember that your support is what helps make this story grow even larger and what helps improve it. With that, I bid you all an excellent week/weekend! Bye-bye now!