The New Teacher

Chapter 1

Why Me?

What does Ozpin want with me? I sighed to myself, standing in front of Beacon, somewhere I haven't been in years except for quick check in's. I sighed once again, shoving my hands in the pockets of my black coat. It was opening day, another new year.

Jeez, how do Ozpin and Glenda do this every year?

As I was staring outside the school (lost in thought), a kid bumped into me. Well, a teenager. I frowned, but they let out a quick 'sorry', running off.

I really wasn't used to being around others, I worked more on the field than anything else. Where I wish I was now, if only Ozpin didn't call me back. I walked up the steps, bypassing a bunch of kids of different ages, Faunus and human. I walked upward on the stairs until I heard ticking and snorted, knocking sharply on the door in front of me.

The door opened a moment later and Glenda Goodwitch with all of her stern glory stood in front of me. She was in a professional slim pants and shirt, her blond hair done in a tight bun. It made me smile, Glenda didn't change. She said as she looked at me and my travel worn clothes. "Riley Gray. You're here."

I smirked at her. "Unfortunately, I am. How are you?"

Glenda replied. "Well enough. Professor Ozpin is waiting for you."

Glenda moved aside and I walked inside, seeing Ozpin sitting calmly at his desk, a empty chair opposite him. I sat into it, leaning back. His cane was resting by his desk, but close within arms reach. That was an Hunter's instinct. I felt my sword dig into my back slightly as I leaned back in the chair, which made me sit up.

Ozpin smiled at me, taking a sip of coffee. "Riley, it's nice seeing you again."

I scowled, feeling my right foot and leg jiggling. "Wish I could say the same."

I heard a sigh from Glenda and chuckled to myself. Same ole Glenda.

Ozpin sent down his coffee, leaning forward and stapling his hands in front of him. "I have a job for you."

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought I had one. If I'm needed, where's Qrow and Jamie? Or my teammate Jack?" He was my teammate from when I went to Beacon Academy and it's been a long time since I've seen him.

Qrow merely smiled. "As you know, General Ironwood is running the military, Qrow is on an assignment in the field and Jack Monroe as of now still cannot be found."

I scowled at that, running a hand through my hair. "Still? Alrighty then, what is it?"

"I want you to be a teacher here."

I stared at him for a moment, more dumbfounded than anything else. I then laughed. Then stared at his earnest face and laughed some more. I clutched my side and grinned at him. "Oz, you can't be serious?"

Glenda said. "I knew she wouldn't take this seriously."

I swiveled my head and turned to look at her stern face and Ozpin's kind smile. He said. "But I am."

The smile disappeared from my face and I shook my head at him. "No, I won't do it."

"Riley, I need you here. I have everyone spread out for a reason, but I don't need you that far away. You'll do better at the school. Here."

I snorted, I didn't want to come back here. "Really? What would you have me teach? Port and Oobleck cover battle and history."

He raised an eyebrow, moving his hands and taking a sip of coffee. "Fighting. Weapon's Skill. Self Defense."

I groaned, leaning back in my chair and ignoring the sword poking my back. "Ozzy, don't do this to me."

If anything, his smile widened. "It's not best to be on the field all the time, having no interaction with anyone."

I replied in a deadpanned tone. "I interact with Grimm. With have very pleasant conversations."

He chuckled in amusement, knowing I was going to do it. I sort of hated that he knew that. I made a face, annoyed. I tried once more. "Come on, I'm in my early 30's. Wouldn't it be best for me to be a teacher in-I don't know-when I'm older. Like my 50's or 60's?"

I could feel Glenda's annoyance from behind me at my words. I grinned. It was almost too easy.

She came forward. "Do you know how many young people are teachers?"

I replied back easily. "Not many. In all seriousness, fine. I'll tramatize students."

Ozpin stood with another one of his smiles, grabbing his cane and coffee mug. "Shall we?"

I didn't get up, crinkling my nose. "Where?"

Glenda opened the door. "To the introduction of the new year, of course."

I laughed to myself, standing up. I went inside my inner jacket pocket that I've made and pulled out a small silver flask. I unscrewed the lid and took a swallow. I sighed slightly at the burning taste down my throat. By now, I was used to to it. I capped it and put it back in it's place. It was just normal hard liquor.

Glenda was giving me a deadpanned look when she saw it. "Really? You too?"

I walked past her, smiling a little bitterly. "What? It has a good taste." Also, I didn't drink like Qrow. Just like when I felt like I needed it. Yeah, I know it wasn't the best way, but it worked.

I didn't get a reply we walked toward the main room where I could hear children talking, yelling, and laughing. It made me grimace. It's been so long...

I shook my head, hating where my mind was going and Ozpin at the same time. I glared at the back of his head. I had a feeling he knew what I was doing, I could just picture that amused smile on his face. We walked inside the cafeteria and Ozpin walked over to the decently sized stage. I leaned against the wall (away from everyone else) by my shoulders, waving Glenda off with a smile as she gave me a hard stare. I didn't want to stand by the teachers. I was used to being on my own and I just learned I was going to be a teacher less than a half an hour ago.

Her stare turned even harder and my smile turned into a smirk, making her scowl and go into a deep glare, but she moved on to Ozpin. Glenda always seemed to be at shadow. More so, his right hand.

I looked around at the human and Faunus children. It reminded me of back when I was here. I looked around at the grinning kids. I shook my head slightly, all they were going to be were child soldiers. Sure there's hope, there is no fight without hope. Plus, it's how humanity can fight the Grimm.

I looked up at the stage when I heard Ozpin speak. "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 looked amongst you and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose and direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this. Your time at this school will prove that knowledge at this school will only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step."

Ozpin walked away from the microphone and I chuckled, looking in amusement at the children around me. Half of then seemed to listen to Ozpin in disbelief. It made me grin. Glenda walked in Ozpin's place. "You will gather in the ballroom tonight, tomorrow your initiation begins. Be ready, your dismissed."

I turned on the heel of my boot, walking out of the room without saying anything else.

"Riley Gray? Is that you?"

I looked up at my name and the words which were very fast paced. I smiled as I looked over at the thin man with circle glasses and wild green hair. I grinned. "Professor Bartholomew Oobleck?"

He straightened up. "It's actually doctor now."

I blinked, raising an eyebrow and scratching the back of my head. "Huh, sorry. I haven't been around in a while, my bad."

He gave me a quick jerk of his head, drinking more coffee. I smiled. Most teachers here seem to drink coffee. I said. "I'm going to be a teacher here."

"The staff was told. Pleased to be working with you." With a laugh, I shook his hand (which was also fast and quick) and continued on back to Ozpin's office.

After sitting back down and having Ozpin tell me where my classroom was and where I would be sleeping, it was almost night time. There were dorm rooms for staff just as there was some for students as well.

It was strange walking past the halls and remembering my time here at Beacon. My team...

I gave myself a hard shake of the head. That was a place I didn't need to go. Glenda told me where they were having initiation and I decided to watch them from afar. I wanted to get a good read on some of the students I would be teaching, especially the new ones that would be coming in. First Years were always interesting to see, we certainly were.

I swiped my card key toward the door, locking it behind me. The walls were blue and it had a door on the far end which I guessed was my bathroom. I tossed my bag onto the plain bed with a folded blanket and white sheet, two plain pillows on the far end. It made me cringe, Ozpin already knew I would agree.

That sly bastard.

The room was like a small apartment. It even had a small kitchen/dining room. The bed was in the far corner with a simple wooden dressed on the right and a table on the left. In the middle of the room was a wooden chair and the small kitchen was off to the right, almost near the bathroom. I tossed my coat on a chair, taking off the bandana from around my neck. I took off my boots and changed into sleep pants and a shirt.

I set my scroll to a couple of hours before intiation. To get ready for the new and strange day. With that, I went to sleep.

I sighed tiredly, throwing on dark blue pants tucked into black boots along with a blue button, the trusty bandana tied around my neck and my old black jacket. I saw it one day and wore it ever since. With another sigh, I took the long walk to where initiation would be held. I silently climbed into a tree and crouched, watching them. My right arm was around the trunk to keep my balance.

Glenda and Ozpin had to know I was here, well in the least, Ozpin did. I saw a group of them in front of me, coming up. Some of them looked excited and the others looked nervous or worried. I could only see their backs, not their faces. They were directed on a little platform for each of them and Ozpin had his famous cup of coffee with him. clad in black and green, his glasses perched on his nose. Glenda was wearing to what I took as her uniform. Black tight like pants, a vest and white shirt.

Ozpin spoke. "For years, you have trained to become warriors. And today your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."

Glenda spoke up. "Now I'm sure plenty of you have heard rumors about the assignments of teams. Each of you will be given teammates today."

I bit my lip to hold in my snickering when I heard one of the smaller students whine.

Someone's a loner.

Ozpin said. "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time at Beacon. So, it is in your best interest to be paired with someone whom you can work well with."

Another whine came from the same girl and I noticed she had a red cape, was around 5 foot, maybe a little less and had black hair that looked a little lighter. I smirked and thought to myself. Wait for it. If Ozpin is the same as before...

"That being said, the first one you make eye contact with will be your partner for the next four years."

I grinned wider at the little one's reactions. This was more fun than I thought it would be. I still want to be out on the field though. I heard the redheaded girl chatter to the boy with black hair with a pink stripe. I was curious to see if he dyed it.

Ozpin told them. "After you partnered up, make way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path or you will die. You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation. But our instructers will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pain must choose one, and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropiately. Are there any questions?"

The blond boy with light armor and blue jeans raised his hand hesitantly, speaking in a nervous tone. "Uh, sir-"

Ozpin said. "Good! Now, take your positions."

"Uh, sir? I've got-um-a question."

I watched as they launched the kids one by one in the air.

"So, this landing strategy thing-uh- w-what is it" You're dropping us off or something?"

Ozpin replied, almost smiling. "No, you will be falling."

I grinned at his words. Good ole Oz.

The blond was getting more nervous. "Oh, I see. So, like, did you hand oiut parachutes for us?"

Ozpin said simpily. "No, you will be using your own strategy."

"Uh-yeah!" He was the last one to be launched.

I finally let out my laugh, hoping down from my tree and taking a swig from my flask. "Well, that kid is certainly something."

Glenda frowned at me, turning away from where the kids flew and turning to me. "Did you have to watch in the tree? You could've stood here with us."

I chuckled some more. "Yeah, I wanted to see what I have to deal with. One is a kid that's a loner, the other is a hyperactive girl and the other's a nervous wreck, almost cowardly."

Ozpin frowned slightly at me, his mug actually away from his face. "That's a little harsh."

I shook my head, sending him a displeased look. "None of them would last on the field."

Glenda spoke. "That's why their here to train, you know this."

I scoffed in disbelief. "They're brats."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "You were once at their age."

I eyed the forest, where I knew the kids would be. "I was."

Ozpin told me. "Just give them a chance. The benefit of the doubt if you will."

I nodded. "Fine, I'll start tomorrow. See ya around."

Glenda said sharply. "Your leaving?"

I nodded, walking down the hill. "I just wanted to see them. I did and I'm going now. Give me my students files tomorrow."

I didn't want them now, I liked to give myself a challenge on who'd I'd get. I had to find some sort of excitement.

I then walked into my dorm, already feeling antsy. At this time, I would be killing Grimm by now. I took off my jacket, dropping it on the chair, the flask on the table. I opened the fridge and was surprised to see food in there. Not much, but a carton of eggs, cheese, butter, some meat products and sauces. Looking around the kitchen showed me a loaf of bread, flour and some utencils. Enough for one person. I noticed a note attached to the bread. I grabbed it and read:

'Riley, I figured you'd be hungry, so I got you the bare items until you can go shopping

Ozpin'

I snorted in amusement, the guy watches out for all of us. I couldn't help, but smile as I tossed the note out and made myself a sandwich.

Later on in the day, I recieved a ding from my Scroll and lazily grabbed it, noticing it was from Qrow. I accepted it and that smirk was the first thing I saw before his red eyes zeroed in on me. I snorted. "Qrow, what do you want?"

I noticed he was in some sort of building. I cocked my head to the side slightly. "And secondly, where are you?"

He rolled his eyes. "In Signal, you know I spend most of my time here teaching."

I smirked. "Looks like I'm just as unfortanate as you are then."

He raised an eyebrow, before his smirk grew wider. "Really? Where?"

I sighed. "Beacon."

He scoffed, drinking from his flask. "How'd you agree to that?" Qrow knew me too well.

I sighed again, annoyed. "Ozpin."

He laughed a bit, grinning. "I should've guessed."

I looked at him sullenly. "Shut up."

He let out another laugh. "Fine."

I asked, curious. "How's your little protege?"

His eyebrows disappeared in his hairline. "You mean you don't know?"

I frowned. "What?"

He smirked wider than before, his teeth bared into another grin, eyes shinning in amusement. "Nah, you'll find out."

There was a yell from behind him and he stiffed, rolling his eyes, annoyance replacing the amusement on his face. I snickering as he let out a curse. He glared. "Just wait until you have to deal with it."

I stared, sullen as I remembered my new job. A crash sounded and he swore a bit more. "Dammit! Hey, I'll talk to you later."

I grinned back at him. "Have fun."

He glared at me, let out another curse and cut the connection. The thing that bothered me was two things. I didn't want to do this and I didn't want to be a shitty teacher. These kids needed a good teacher and a roll model, I was neither of those things.

I got up early in the morning, showered and dressed in a gray button down this time with black pants tucked into my boots, my bandana around my neck along with my favorite black jacket that I were everywhere. I walked to my classroom and opened it with a swipe of my Scroll. I didn't have anything to prepare, but I figured I'd wing it.

I looked down at my Scroll as students came in, talking as I heard chairs scrape against the ground. I leaned against the back of the chair. Soon it was quiet and I felt myself being stared at.

I pulled up the attendance. I moved away from my chair and stood in front of the class. "Okay, I'll call you guys and then we'll start."

I shifted slightly to the right. I didn't look at them, but stared at my Scroll. I read the first name. "Jaune Arc?"

"Oh, uh...here!"

My eyes flickered up and saw that nervous blond haired kid with violet eyes. He flinched at my look. I was surprised he passed, but thought that maybe he had a little something. "Shawn Archer?"

A boy with brown hair and grey eyes with a medium build grinned at me, giving a wave. "Here."

I nodded, checking his name off too. I read the next one. "Blake Belladona?"

I heard a female, but low voice say. "Here." I looked up to see a girl with black hair and golden eyes with a big black bow in her hair. I quirked an eyebrow, something about her was strange. I went down the list calling names.

I looked at the next name. "Ren Lie."

"Here." A low and calm voice greeted me. I looked to see a boy with black hair with a pink stripe and bright pink eyes. I wondered if it was real once more. But it wouldn't be teacher-like if I did.

I read the next one. "Yang Xiao Long?" My eyes widened in shock and I looked up to see the girl when she said she was 'here'. It looked like a perfect mix of Taiyang and Raven. She had his coloring, but Raven's face. The grin was also Taiyang's, but her own at the same time. I just nodded at the girl with long wild blond hair and light purple eyes.

I called. "Pyrrha Nikos."

A high voice called. "Here!"

I looked up to see a girl with green eyes and red hair. I called next a couple of other names.

The next name stopped short. "Ruby...Rose." I raised my eyes in surprise at the red/black haired girl with silver eyes...those silver eyes that were so much like Summer's.

She jumped up. "Here!"

I nodded my head with a jerk, hoping no one noticed my moment of hesitance. I should've read those stupid files and damn Qrow, he knew exactly that she was going to be here. I cleared my head of the past and continued with the list.

I swallowed against the sudden dryness of my mouth and continued. "Weiss Schnee."

I raised an eyebrow. Ah, one of those. Most Schnee's went to Atlas Academy in the military.

"I'm here." I felt my lips twitch in amusement as I looked at the royal looking girl with white hair and blue eyes. Her own narrowed. I was almost done.

I said. "Nora Valkyrie."

A hand shot up in my vision. "And I'm present!"

I felt myself fighting a grin at the girl's excitement, that was the girl from yesterday. She had orange hair and green eyes, an excited grin on her face. I tossed my Scroll behind me, ignoring the young Schnee's grimace.

I clapped my hands loudly (causing all attention to be on me). "It looks like everyone is here, well except for Timothy Wilde, I don't know why'd you miss the first day, but that's not important. Well, we have about an hour or so in here, so let's get started. I'm teaching you weapon's care and fighting."

Some of them looked at me confused and I continued. "I don't just mean fighting with a weapon, but with your own hands."

A hand was raised and I was about to ignore when I remembered I wasn't supposed to do that. I cheerfully called. "Yeah, you."

It was the Jaune kid. "Uh, why do we need to know how to fight if we have a weapon?"

I nodded, moving from the desk and walking to the right of the room. All of their eyes followed me. "Good question, because there will be some points where you don't have your weapon. You never know what will happen in a fight."

A few were nodding along and I said. "But we won't get into that until next class, why don't we introduce ourselves first. Whatever you want to say."

I saw some disappointed expressions, but one of the reasons I was doing this was because I was feeling lazy. I could see one or two might of known this. But, I didn't think I was doing too bad for my first day.

I asked as it was silent. "So...any takers?"

It was silent still and I tried to be as subtle as possible as I looked at the clock mounted on the wall. Nora, the loud girl said, hopping up to her feet. "I'm Nora Valkyrie! I love smashing stuff with my hammer and pancakes!"

I let out an amused laugh, grinning a bit. "Thank you for that, Nora. Anyone else?" The tension was better, but no one was speaking up. I still had time till the class was over, but we couldn't just stare at each other. I sighed internally. These kids suck! I pointed at the Schnee with a smile. "You, say something about yourself."

She sent me a look, trying to hide the dirty one. Not going to work, I know her older sister and father. Maybe not her father so much as her sister, but still. She stiffened her shoulders, a look of pure pride from head to toe. "I'm Weiss Schnee, heir to the Schnee Dust Company."

I raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for that."

I didn't want to pick on her, I was a grown Huntress and she was a 17 year old kid, it wouldn't be right, even for me. In the end, Yang said something (her joy for fighting) and some others, while Ruby sort of fidgited, afraid I was going to call on her. I wouldn't, I wanted to keep away from that bag of worms as much as possible. Yang volunteered herself. The sisters were different, that much I could see.

I glanced at the clock and was relieved to see that ten minutes were left, I was running out of ideas. I clapped my hands together again. "Okay, so for this class you will have it split in two sections, one for Fighting and one for Weapon's Care. Both are important, so make sure to do your best in both. Any questions before you go?"

Pyrrha raised her's. "What's the work to be like?"

I frowned, I had no idea. I shrugged. "Most likely half an' half. Hands on, but at the same time written things to."

The bell rang and people started to leave, talking with themselves.

I sighed in relief, hoping none of them heard me. I fell back into my chair when they all left. I then looked at my schedule before groaning.

I have three other classes after this. Kill me now.

So, the other classes were the same from the first one. Different personalities being the only difference.

When I went into my room and threw my jacket on the floor (not caring at this point), I sort of flopped into bed. I remembered one thing that made me want to slam my head into a wall.

I had classes tomorrow.