"So tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first? The flag bearers, or the scouts?"

It honestly couldn't have been worse. This was rock bottom, even for Ruben. Sure, the detentions were not bad. Teachers were just annoyed or simply felt a certain talk would be good enough. The police station was unsettling, but not nerve racking. His father was used to Ruben and Yin's high-jinks enough to expect a weekly call. In fact, he was nervous when they didn't call.

It was odd to not hear Ruben got into a fight or that Yin 'accidentally' flipped over a bus while trying to pet a scared cat. Both of which happened. Twice.

This, however, was a completely different level altogether.

Something beyond Ruben. Maybe even beyond Yin, if he was instead the one sitting in the chair.

He sat in Ozpin's personal office, Ozpin's office. His idol's personal workplace. The cogs and gears that rotated above him reminded him of a bell tower. The intricate mechanisms clicking and turning was a sight to behold. It was breathtaking. The whole feel was clockworky, like in one of Blair's novels. It was complex, it was continuously clicking away above him.

Then there was the company he kept. And lovely company they were.

Ironwood on his left and Goodwitch on his right. That's right. Both of them. Together. At the same time.

One was a person of considerable rank. Who's battle prowess was to be feared yet respected. Who's stare conflicted Ruben's feelings. Would they foresee harm or compassion? Pain or empathy? A person who's mere presence presented a level of seriousness that he's not well accustomed to. A level of punishment that Ruben may not be able to walk away from whole.

The other was a General or something. Ruben didn't pay much mind. Didn't listen. Except he realized two things when he stood in the room with these three individuals. They were distinct. They were obvious.

First thing. Ironwood was loud.

"They were here, Ozpin!" The room shook with every note of his booming voice. It was strong. Powerful. Full of vigor and sensibility of war. He knew what the odds were, and the danger they were in. Ruben heard it. Ruben felt it. "They were here and we weren't ready."

"Let's all just-" Ozpin mumbled softly, hands intertwined as he pressed his elbows against the tabletop. It was a long night. From escorting Ruben from the tower to his personal office was exhausting. Ruben's sides were bruised, jacket was singed with a possible concussion.

Luckily, his nose was fine. Unbroken. Unharmed. That was a plus.

To the fact they were attacked. By some unknown assailant who probably was working with Roman. Or The White Fang. Or any number of the petty gangs that infected the cities.

"Calm down, James." Glynda was leaning against the desktop, her hip against the oak wood as her hand pressed against the temple. Her golden locks were a mess, her fingertips were slowly circling her throbbing headache.

Surely, the worst had happened. She kept taking continual glances at Ruben throughout the entire 'discussion', which at this point was basically an argument. He had almost bit off more than he could chew and it sickened her. The idea that someone that dangerous was so close to home, and so easily took out Ruben.

Glynda didn't like how that thought ended. "Let's not lose our heads. Let's just-"

Second thing Ruben learned was about Miss Goodwitch, actually. Glynda had no patience for Ironwood. Or his booming voice.

"Excuse me?" Ruben piped in, raising two fingers up to gather all the attention in the room. The three focusing in on him. "Are you done with me? Because I have to say, feel free to argue and shout at each other. It doesn't concern me. What does concern me is today. It's Shadowing Day. And I would like to pretend to make a game plan with my teammates before I have to explain that we can't on account of our previous offenses."

"What are you talking about?" Glynda asked, raising a brow as she turned her eyes from James to Ruben. Ruben glanced at Glynda, the image of her dancing and laughing still fresh in his mind. Making him smile a bit.

"The fact that I was off on my own, in pursuit of a seemingly dangerous individual. There's that. Then the damage in the room. Then the Mech battle I know Ozpin knows I was involved in." Ruben's eyes shot to Ozpin. Who's lips were curling into a smug smirk. A almost amused sort of lip curl. "Then there's Yin's little fun-"

"This young man has more audacity and willingness to fight than most soldiers! Maybe even a few Hunters." Ironwood chuckled, rubbing his cheek. His eyes glancing over the young man, bewildered by the fact Ruben admitted to doing such heroic deeds. "Huntsmen are born from this form of of commitment. He's not too far from the tree he fell from. You're living up to your name, Mr. Rose."

"Thorn." Ruben groaned, his eyes burning and his teeth barring. He felt his hands ball into fists against his knees. "It's Thorn. And I wish to be excused." He turned to Ozpin, letting out a bellow of air from his nostrils. "Sir."

"Just one last thing," Glynda took a step forward, laying a hand on Ruben's shoulder. Her gentle grasp soothing him. Calming him. "Did that...thief-"

"Terrorist."

"Say anything." Glynda shot a look at James, squinting her eyes as Ruben rolled his own. Ruben cracked his neck, glancing away for a moment. He could feel his eye brow twitch at the mere thought of the burglar.

"I told you everything I know. The guy wore a mask. Said nothing. Did something with that glass-"

"Dust embedded clothing." James stated, leaning against the desk with his arms crossed. Head lowered as he breathed out through his nose. Letting loose a soft grunt. "Old form to use it."

"And that they were powerful." Ruben rubbed his left ribs, fingers brushing the bandages wrapped around his abdomen. He let out a groan. "Very powerful."

"Is there anything else?" Glynda asked, bending her knees slightly as she rubbed the fabric of his suit. His ruined suit.

"Whoever that was...was the Queen." Ruben said, seeing James' eyes squint and his arms uncross themselves. Then turning away from Ruben to image the image of that chess piece. Ruben turned back to Glynda, laying a hand on her wrist. Feeling it loosen the grip on his shoulder and simply be held. He caressed her bone with his thumb, shutting his eyes. "In our little Chess Game, she's the Queen."

"Our? What do you-"

"Feel free to go, Ruben." Ozpin interjected, cutting off Glynda as he waved Ruben off. Hands folded under his chin as he glanced between the two powerful persons besides the child. "I am glad you are alright, and I hope you will be ready for your Shadowing. I have to speak to them about some other matters. None of which concern you. Have a good day. Mr. Thorn."

Ruben got up, nodding his head towards Glynda before exiting the room. He heard the sounds of palms hitting the desk top and the harsh mumbles between two different whispers.

He drowned them out as he focused on what really mattered. What was truly important.

He got a letter today. A letter from home.

"I hope-Blah blah blah-Because of the bills I keep getting-blah blah blah-" Yin paced around the room, hands gripping the parchment with his lips rattling off the words with a dry, sense of boredom. Yin's eyes scanning over the sentences as he took the envelope and flipped it upside down.

"Please-Blah blah blah- I'm leaving-Blah Blah Blah-Mrs. Thorn is off on a trip-Blah blah blah-Watch Zwei." Yin glanced at the envelope, giving it a firm shake and watching a blob of black crash against the floor. "There we are."

Blair glanced from his bed, seeing the little blob of black's ears perk. Winter's eyebrow raised at the sight of the lapping pink tongue. Yin smirked, crouching besides the little black and white Corgi.

His stumpy legs matching his cut tail. The big ol' eyes staring directly into Yin's. With a playful bark, Zwei hopped onto his hind legs and pawed at Yin's hands. Craving one of his world famous belly rubs.

"Hey buddy-baby!" Yin babied, grabbing ahold of it's floppy ears and rotating them in circles. Pursing his lips as he made kissing noises to his baby. "I myth you sue much. Yes I did! Yiss I did!" Yin rubbed his thumb against the little dog's cheek, before patting his side and standing up straight. "So, we got a dog."

"We already have a pet." Winter pointed his thumb towards Blair, who's eyes glanced from his novel to Winny. Winter smirked, tongue in cheek. "He already has those big doe eyes, eats dog food, and don't get me started on the shedding-" The spine of the book collided with Winter's cheek. Blair glanced at the dog, giving it a lowly whistle. That started sharp then ended softly.

The corgi laid it's feet out, before slowly easing onto it's side, eyes shutting and gentle snores following. Yin snapped his fingers, the usually energetic pup now worn out and fast asleep.

Yin raised a finger, eyes shooting from the dog to Blair with every wag of the finger. "Pretty...wow. Pretty impressive."

The door opened, Ruben walking in with a roll of his shoulders and a soft yawn. Ruben glanced around the room, before seeing the letter already opened in Yin's hand. The envelope in the other, of course.

"I thought we would open it together." Ruben said, before walking over to his work bench. Ruben noticed Zwei passed out on the floor, soft snores filling the room. "Zwei?"

"Dad's off doing..." Yin glanced at the letter, mumbling softly to himself. "Blah blah blah." He tossed the letter towards Ruben. "Sounds important."

"Definitely." Ruben sat down in his chair, stretching out his legs as he groaned. Those bruised ribs were acting up again. "So, the plan?"

"South Side." Winter said, spinning the hat around his finger. Making sure it was moving fast enough to keep spinning. "That's where we'll find our answers. We talked about it while our leader was on a date with his favorite teacher."

"Ozpin isn't exactly my favorite at the moment." Ruben grumbled, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. Hands flexing as he slowed his breathing. "Alright. We pick to shadow a Hunter/Huntress going south. Sounds easy enough."

"We'll be gone for like a week." Blair glanced at the pup, raising a brow. "Don't these things need food or something?"

"Dad thought of that." Yin turned the envelope upside down, canned food after canned food pouring out of it. Winter raised a brow as he rolled up his sleeves. Cracking his fingers with the curl and tug of his hands.

Blair tightened the scarf around his neck, pulling his hood up and hiding his horns.

Ruben flexed his arms and straightened his jacket.

And it still was pouring out food. The food stood about as tall as Yin, followed by a can opener.

"That's assuring." Ruben walked over to the dog, pressing the toe of his boot against the exposed belly and rubbing ever so softly. The pup's leg going crazy. "Well, better get to the hall before all the missions are taken."

Yin watched his teammates heading out the door, before scooping up the little doggie into his arms.

"My baby." Yin scratched the top of Zwei's head, feeling him nuzzle closer to him. Yin glanced at his backpack, tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. Nodding his head softly. "Yup. It's a great idea."

Yin adjusted the straps on his backpack, walking along side team RWBY to the auditorium. The huge crowds of other students gathering around. Yin placed down the bag, making sure it wouldn't get crushed by the other various luggages.

Ruben glanced over his team, arms crossed as he rotated his neck. This was too many people. Too many voices. He felt this congestion in his chest, his arms shaking. He rotated in circles, making sure to be at least elbow length way from everyone else.

"Quiet!" Glynda's voice was booming. Echoing throughout the building. Ruben heard the crowd become truly silent. He could have heard a pin drop. He'll have to thank Glynda for that later. "Quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin."

She stepped aside, making way for Ozpin to take center stage. Hands behind his back as he looked over the various students.

"Today we stand together, united." Ozpin flashed a smile as his eyes grazed over the vast variety of students. Of teachers. Of future Huntsman and Huntress.

"Mistral." Ruben's eyes glanced over at Mistral. The black and gray. White stockings the ladies wore. The black slacks. Very dark colors. They stood at attention. Eyes forward. Chests out. Backs straight. Disciplined. Honorable.

"Atlas." Winter watched the pale white suited young men turn their eyes towards Ozpin. Arms crossed or swaying at their sides, The egg shell belts of theirs wrapped around their jackets. They looked distinguished. Intelligent.

"Vacuo." Blair couldn't help but feel as if they simply forced to be here. There was no real order to their dress code. The variety of different colors and styles of clothing making it seem these people came just off the street. They looked disorderly. Rowdy. Reckless.

"Vale." Yin smirked, flexing his arms as he exchanged looks from a pretty brunette from Mistral. Blowing her a kiss and a sly wink.

"The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end." Ruben glanced over at Jaune, who's hand tightly gripped his old sword and the other firmly grasped his shield. The old man's gear did surely see some conflict. Surely saw some hardship.

"It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than when borders fell or who traded with who, but the very idea of individualism itself." Ruben's eyes fell as he clutched his hands. Rotated his shoulders and shook out his wrists.

"We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the countless destruction of all forms of art or self-expression. And as you are all aware, that is something many could not stand for." Winter rested a hand on the handle of his revolver, his thumb flicking the hammer as he couldn't help but glance over at Blair. Hood still up and scarf tightly wrapped around his muzzle. The edge of his lip dropping as he lowered his flat cap's brim.

"As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: color. It was their way to demonstrate that they refused to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that was held to this very day." Blair smirked, nodding his head as he wiggled out his arm. That chain of his clashing together as he let out a nice little 'ha'. He kept his eyes on Ozpin, who's words kept Blair's smile warm and alive.

"We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of this world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it." Yin stretched out his arms, wrapping an arm around Ruben's neck and one around Winter's. Pulling them in for a nice bear hug. Ruben's eyes were rolling. Winter's cheeks turning blue. Yin's chuckles were soft but whole hearted.

"As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional Huntsman or Huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days. Others will work the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best."

"What, oh what, should we do?" Ruben mumbled softly to himself, arms crossed as he stood before a mission briefing station. He glanced out the corners of his eyes, the other members of RWBY at a different station on the far ends of the auditorium. Ruben tapped his foot impatiently, growling under his breath. "You've been doing this longer than we have, any advice?"

"You've expressed interested in the south east." Velvet said, arms straight and hands intertwined. Her head was lowered as she kept her eyes on the screen. "That's a higher level than I'm sure they'll-"

"I just..." Ruben let out a sigh. "We have plans. A job we need to do." He looked over at Velvet, lip curling to a smile. "We have to do it."

"Just be careful." Velvet mumbled, her muzzle blushing as she glanced away from Ruben. Ruben nodded, pivoting his foot and taking a step away.

"I'm alway-" That's when he felt a pull on his sleeve. Tugging him back to stay. To not walk away. Ruben looked back and saw Velvet firmly standing up. Eyes straight and her cheeks just as red as they were. Her eyes were not wide or scared. They were narrowed and firm.

"No." She stated, straightening her back. Trying to make herself seem bigger than she was. "You're not always careful." She glanced at the floor, before stomping her foot. "You will be careful. You will, come back in piece." She shut her eyes for a moment, before letting out a sigh. "Please."

Ruben stood there in a shocked silence. His arms at his sides as he slowly took ahold of her wrist. Carefully and gently, he removed her hand and brushed the back of her hand with his thumb.

"I promise," He smiled, staring into her big eyes as he felt his own gaze soften. "I will come back to you in one piece."

She nodded her head, flashing him a coy smile as she quickly wrapped her arms around him. Feeling his heart thumping hard against his chest before she scurried off to be with her team. Ruben stood in a daze, chuckling softly to himself as he smiled like an idiot. Rubbing his chin and trying to repress his laughter.

"What mission?" Winter's eyes squinted as he heard a pair of boots walking beside him. Considering Blair was with Winter now, and Yin was with the brunette, had to be Ruben. Blair stood besides the machine, hands in his pockets as he glanced over the HUD. "What should we take?"

"I've got experience in Search and Destroy." Blair mumbled, thumbing the large option to his left. "That's something."

"I assume you're good with Recon and Village Security." Winter smirked, eyes squinting over at the Faunus. "Just a thought."

"Quadrant five." Ruben mumbled, with a sick chuckle and sinister Grimm. "We'll be going hunting though."

"Something one of us likes more than the others." Blair grumbled, hands being retracted from his pockets and patting down his jacket. "Better than nothing."

"Then let's go hunting, chaps." Winter smirked as he tapped on the button to secure their job.

He punched in RWBY on the following menu and awaited their assigned teacher's name.

Cue the buzzer and sign reading, 'Mission Unavailable to First Year Students'.

"I don't know what I was expecting." Ruben sighed, hands on the hips. Shaking his head from side to side. "Too convenient for us."

"Is it?" Ozpin walked besides the machine, his scroll in hand as he glanced over the mission. "We've deduced the work load would be extreme for first year students." He glanced over the team as he shrugged. "But, assuming the four of you will never change, you'll simply just go there yourselves. Regardless of the actual mission you choose."

"Surely you underestimate us." Blair retorted, crossing his arms as he glanced over Ozpin. The headmaster smirked as he returned his attention to the scroll.

"On the contrary. Given your...recent history. Let's just say, it's a bit out of the ordinary." Ozpin glanced over the group with a coy smile.

"There is the incident at the docks," Blair's eyes took towards the ceiling.

"The fact the CCT was owned by a member's family," Winter hide under the brim of his hat.

"The idea that someone keeps getting broken noses and ribs every time they step off campus," Ruben groaned, rubbing his side. And the other hand covering his nose.

"And the notion that a dance club was destroyed by a single man with golden hair-"

"Could have been anyone." Yin piped in, springing between Ruben and Winter with his arms crossed. "Whoever did that is a rapscallion. Yet sounds devilishly handsome."

"At any rate," Ozpin punched in some numbers, the mission box glowing an assuring blue. "Let's just say, you're given special treatment on account of your recent acts of heroism and bravery. The least we could offer with what little you ask of us."

"Won't disappoint." Ruben bowed his head, letting out a sigh of relief. "I promise we'll do what we can."

"In the event that you do," Ozpin closed his scroll. "The Huntsman can and will send you home. If your skills prove less and satisfactory. Don't. Mess. Up." Ozpin walked away, tossing up his cane and catching it right under the knob. "Best of luck to you all."

Ruben's hand was pressed against his face. How could this happen?

Winter was crouching, hands pressed against his temples. Why did this happen?

Blair simply was frozen. When was this ever a good idea?

Yin was laughing. He simply couldn't believe it.

"Why, hello you strapping young men!" Oobleck's smile was warm and inviting. His overcoat a dusty brown, the cap on his head sporting a pith helmet and large backpack. The out of control, crazy, nonsensical history teacher was their Huntsman.
"Who's ready to fight for their lives?"