The New Teacher

by pizzafan123

Riley Gray was a simple Huntress. She barely interacted with people, sometimes through her Scroll with updates on what was going on in the field, but that was about it. When her boss Ozpin calls her to Beacon Academy, she knew it had to be bad news. She hasn't been to Beacon in years and she wanted it to stay that way. Too bad Ozpin doesn't see it that way. (Season 1)

2. Day 2

RWBY

Chapter 2

The New Teacher

Teaching

I just saw Volume 4 Episode 1 and it was amazing. They all are great and it's interesting to see what they're doing with the four of them. No spoilers here. It's my late Halloween present I guess. Instead of having fun for the holiday, get to go to college classes, yay.

I sat on my bed, my Scroll in my lap. I opened my scroll and looked through the files on my students. God, that felt weird to say. Even if I browsed through them all, I looked at my first class students more closely for reasons I didn't want to think about. I wish Qrow would have told me about his nieces. I've been around all of them for years, Qrow, Ozpin, James Ironwood, Glenda and the list goes on.

He knew I'd be shocked. I could have seen the two of them while they were growing up, but chose not to. I saw them when they were little, but they wouldn't remember me.

Ruby Rose was sent here earlier after Ozpin saw something in her, she reminded me a lot of Summer, that was for sure. She used a scythe, which I knew Qrow taught her about.

Her sister Yang Xiao Long was strong and hard headed, something she no doubt got from Taiyang. Her weapon were exploding gauntlets on her wrists and hands, something I could tell fit her personality.

Jaune Arc, the blond-haired boy had a simple sword and shield and scores that just said he passed. I frowned at his light file, it only telling personal information, nothing about skills, strengths, weakness, nothing I learn from.

I evaluated the rest of them the best I could, then again I knew a person wasn't their file. I tossed my Scroll away, getting ready to go to sleep.

I yawned, turning in to go to sleep.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

I walked to my classroom with my sword at my back. I had a backpack with me, with stuff that I would need. I saw kids outside my door. I checked the time on my watch and saw that I was 10 minutes late. I walked quicker, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, crowded hallway."

Ruby chimed. "That's okay, Professor Gray!"

I winced slightly at the name, that was going to take time getting used to. I unlocked the door and walked in, going to my desk as all the kids walked in and went to their seats, talking to each other. I leaned against the desk, going through the attendance quicker than yesterday. I faced the class, leaning on my desk. I crossed my arms over my chest. "So as a Hunter or Huntress, weapon care is important. You can't have your gun jam or your blade become rusted and dull. You need to be prepared to take care of your weapons."

I looked at them all, gauging their reactions to what I was saying. Ruby was looking interested as was Nora. Everyone else just looked to be listening. "You have guns, blades, axes, shields, scythes and many more. You will learn to care for them properly."

I stood up and removed the sword from my back. "This is my weapon, without it, I wouldn't be able to fight Grimm, not like I can anyway. It has different modes to it, but it's well cared for."

It was also a gun, but I'm not sharing that. I know they're only 17-year-old kids (except for the 15-year-old), but I was a bit paranoid with certain things. I asked. "Can I have someone show me their weapon?"

I put mine away and saw the students sent each other nervous looks. I rolled my eyes upward. "I'm not going to take it apart or steal it."

Nora waved her hand back and forth cheerfully. "Me! Pick me."

I nodded. "Come forward then. Do you have your weapon?"

She jumped over her desk and handed it to me by the handle, grinning broadly. I handled it with care, running my hands over it. I nodded briskly. "Thanks. Can you stand a little to the side?"

She gave me a salute. "Yes, siree!"

I snorted. "Looking at this I'd to say it's a grenade launcher type weapon that turns into something else."

Nora nodded happily. "A hammer!"

I opened it and watched as it turned into a hammer. I quirked my lips into a smile as I looked it over. "Well crafted, though you need to clean your Dust container regularly, if this much Dust collects over time, it could lock your weapon. The weight is right too, that's good. Long to close range weapon."

It would be wise for her not to fight someone she can't get close to unless she able to get far and attack that way. I handed it back and she skipped back to her desk after thanking me. I frowned at the students, who stared at me in awe. I asked. "What teacher did you have before me?"

Pyhrra raised her hand." Professor Port, Professor Gray."

I grinned, smothering my laugh. Peter Port might've seen the war and how horrible being a Hunter was, but the way he was sometimes was too much for most. I remember that much when I used to stay in Vale regularly. "That's alright."

Half of the class sent me weird looks, though that Weiss girl was looking at me in disbelief. I clapped my hands. "Every day, I want to see either one or two of your weapons. Check on how your keeping it and all that."

Jaune paled and Weiss looked indignant. She raised a hand. "Excuse me, Professor, my weapon has been checked by professionals."

I smiled at bit. "I still want to look, it required. Is that alright with you all?"

Some looked disbelieving, other excited and interesting with the rest looking like they didn't care. I told me. "I'm not going to mock you for your weapon or insult you, I want to look at it."

I few more looked more appeased at that. I nodded my head. "Good, now for the second part of the class."

That caught their interest, it made me smirk. "Now, let's say your weapon isn't cared for or you misplace it in a fight. It can happen." I said to the looks that showed annoyance. "You need to learn to defend yourself, hand to hand."

As I looked over all of them in their file, I could tell some could handle themselves one on one and others not so much. I looked at the time, I had an hour left until the class was over. "So come with me."

Without another word, I turned on my heel and walked toward the door, hearing several complaints. No said to me, but I knew where they were aimed at. I made me laugh under my breath. No matter the time, teenagers don't change. I walked out, waited for them all to leave and then locked the door. Shawn asked. "What now?"

I smirked. "Now, you follow me."

I took a right, walked down the hall, made a left and then walked up some stairs to the third floor. I heard sighs of annoyance behind me.

I heard. "Hey, Prof. Where we goin'?"

I felt my lips twitch into a smile. She was a lot like Taiyang in that regard. "We're almost there, hold on."

I ended up at a door and unlocked it, pushing it open and moving out of the way once I got inside. They walked in and I waited until they were all in muttering to themselves before flicking the lights on. I had to admit, I had a small likening for the dramatics. I blame Qrow and Taiyang along with others I kept in my company before.

The students looked surprised as they looked around. There were mats, a couple of punching bags scattering around and exercise equipment to work on. Plus, a lot of open space to use. There was a clock on each wall.

I moved in front of them and held my arms out in front of me. "We will come in here…3 times a week. Once for the second half on Monday, all day Wednesday and Friday. Weapon based instruction in the first half on Monday and all day Tuesday and Thursday."

I could see the disgruntled look on their faces even if they didn't say anything. I did my best to hide my grin. This could be fun. Students are interesting. "So can I have a demonstration?"

They all looked at each other. I had an idea and called out. "Jaune Arc."

His eyes widened and he jerked back. "Huh? What!? Me!?"

I nodded, I wanted to see what he was made of. I heard a couple of snickers. I just smiled. I wasn't doing this to pick on him, I just wanted to see if I could pull a skill out of him.

He walked over and the other kids gathered in a circle. They looked interested. I heard Ruby call out. "Go Jaune!"

I swung my arms slightly. "Just show me what you have. Don't hold back or worry that I'm a girl."

I gave a cheerful grin, something that shocked the students. I waited for him to attack me. "C'mon then."

He hesitated and attacked and I step sided to the right. He flailed past me. I heard a couple of laughs. I bit my lip. I didn't do this to make a mockery of him. I sighed, but I knew I had to continue this.

I faced him and stayed as he went to attack me, but blocked him, sweeping his feet out from under him. He groaned and laid there.

I faced the class. "So, I'll teach you to learn to defend yourself. Anyone one want to go next?"

I would love these classes; I knew I would. I could already feel my heart beat pumping slightly harder. Yang walked forward, with a wide and daring grin. Blake Belladona, the quiet dark one that reminded me a little of Raven said lowly. "Yang, don't."

Weiss sent her a glare and I noticed Ruby sent her a worried look, the others taking on an interested expression. I held out a hand behind me, pulling Jaune to his feet. "Thank for you that. Helpful. I know what to work on."

I saw Nora grinning and figured she was some type of adrenaline junky. Ren Lie had a passive expression on his face and I caught Shawn Archer grinning, eyes shining in excitement. Weiss Shnee was disapproving as she probably figured I was barbaric or something. I knew her type.

Yang bound forward in front of me. "I'm ready, Teach."

I chuckled out loud, smiling back. "That's good to know. I want you to attack me first."

I flicked up eyes to the class. "Just watch and observe. Don't worry, I won't seriously hurt any of you. I could get in trouble."

There was a couple of laughs at that. I checked my watch. I had about 20 minutes.

I relaxed my shoulders and lifted my hands slightly. I knew she'd be more to handle than Jaune was. She gave out a battle cry, going to punch me. I did the same with her that I did with Jaune, but she just followed up with another punch. I smirked and moved my right arm, grabbing her arm with the momentum she had and vaulting her over my shoulder, turning my heel to face her in the next second. My breathing was a little bit elevated, but I could see hers had sped up a lot more.

I raised an eyebrow at her and she came forward again and I blocked, managed a light kick toward her abdomen. She grunted as she stumbled back. I frowned for a moment, did I hurt her? Her head came up and she made eye contact with me, her eyes blazing. She was determined now. I continued to block and sometimes attack her, waiting for her to give up. I didn't feel like knocking her out.

I decided to just fight until the bell rang. It was good exercise and dare I admit it, it was fun. The bell rang and I stopped. I raised a sharp hand. She stopped, but I noticed the disappointment shining through. "Well, go to your next class. This is going to be like your classes for now on. See you tomorrow."

They all started chattering with each other. I did get some 'bye's' though, with some awed looks making me a bit uncomfortable. Working on the field with bare human contact can do that to a person.

I walked to my class and was ready to repeat what I did today several times over.

/ / / / / / / / /

It was three o'clock when I was done and I was tired of it all. Some accidents happened because children are stupid and they don't know how to listen. So now I was stuck in my classroom instead of getting dinnner filling out paperwork. I grumbled to myself as I filled out my 6th sheet. Dammit, why does this have to be so precise?

I heard a knock on my door and I stopped writing, thankful for the distraction. "Yeah?"

The door opened and I saw Glenda march purposely in my room, Ozpin behind her. I sighed as I recognized that look on her face. It was the 'I'm going to lecture you to death' face. I went back to my paperwork, filling out the time of the second incident, ignoring them. Something I'm sure they both noticed. Ozpin was patient, Glenda Goodwitch, not so much.

"Riley Gray! I can't believe the trouble you caused in just your second day of teaching!"

I snarked. "You're lucky I waited until today. I wanted to throw kids out the window, but I figured that was Oz's territory."

Ozpin merely chuckled at the dig at his initiation. Glenda sent me a harsh glare as I finished the last of the paperwork, putting them in a neat pile. I leaned in my chair and crossed my arms over my chest. She sighed, throwing her arms up. "You have two people in the infirmary from two different classes. One with a broken nose and the other with a sprained ankle and broken wrist."

I sent her a glare of my own. "I know, I'm doing the paperwork for it."

"This isn't a joke!"

"Listen, these injuries are nothing. Part of my teaching is to teach them to fight. Injuries come into play sometimes. It's the way it is."

"Someone could seriously get hurt with your teaching methods."

I stood up, slamming my hands on the desk. "I'm a Hunter, not a teacher! I'm showing them to defend themselves in hard situations. If they get a little hurt, I don't care. I don't teach!"

I was grinding my teeth in anger. Ozpin cut in. "That's alright. I'm sure Riley doing her best, Glenda. Riley, I know you've been on the field for years, but students are different than full grown Huntsmen, more susceptible to injury. Try to be careful with them, more cautious. Accidents will happen, but as time goes on, things will become easier."

I scowled at him, sitting down. "Yes, I suppose so. But I want the truth to why I'm here as a teacher. You could have someone more qualified to be a teacher."

He just looked at me and I looked back with a deadpanned expression. I glanced at Glenda who was looking at Ozpin seriously. He finally spoke. "As you know, there is more out there that's dangerous to us other than the Grimm."

I frowned at him, feeling a worrying twist in my stomach. "Yes, I'm aware."

"Then you should know that I want you here, any Hunter or Huntress that's able to sacrifice their position at this time."

I felt myself pale at what he was referring to. "The Maid…that."

Ozpin gave a solemn nod. "Yes."

I rubbed my forehead deeply with the fingertips of my right hand. "That's…okay, I get it. Fine."

I looked at him with understanding. "Ok, I still don't like it."

Glenda gave a frustrated sigh. "Are you serious?"

I smiled grimly. "Alright, I'll teach, but my way. I understand about why now."

I did, the Maidens, the one trying to get control of it. There was just something you didn't say out loud in a non-secure location.

Glenda scowled. Ozpin said. "Very well, but be more cautious."

I gave a grudging nod of agreement; I might have been slightly harsh. With a couple more parting words, they both left me. I gave a loud groan of frustration.

/ / / / / /

I just came out of the shower, throwing on a sleep shirt and pants. I was just finishing drying my hair with a towel when I saw my Scroll lighting up, showing I had another call. I sighed before sitting on my bed, seeing who it was. I rolled my eyes when I saw who it was.

"Branwen, do you have no life?"

He gave out a sarcastic laugh. "Funny, but no. How's was your day?"

I glared. "I hate teaching."

He laughed. "I knew you would."

I waved my arm. "It's just…kids are so dumb. I mean, they don't have any common sense."

He shook his head. "I'm sure we didn't have any either."

I rolled my eyes. "That's for telling me about your niece."

He snorted, smirking widely. "You knew Yang was going to be there."

I nodded because I did know. "Yeah, but both of them? Plus, Yang is a mix of them. Ruby looked just like Summer."

We both grimaced at the same time. Her name still brought both of us pain. He sighed. "Yeah. I actually called you for a reason. I didn't get to ask you before. You hear anything about Raven?"

I grimaced again, I knew she was stoic, but I was shocked when I found out she left all those years ago. When she left Yang, Taiyang, Summer, Qrow…me. It still hurt a bit. "About that…"

His eyes narrowed and grew sharp. "Riley."

I shrugged, looking to his left. "Qrow, don't worry about- "

"What do you know?"

I scowled at him. "You're not much older than me. Don't even try to get stern with me."

He was sending me a look and I sighed again. "Fine, first what does Taiyang know about her."

"Nothing much."

I nodded in approval. "Good. I just heard she was around, leaving her dark trail. Is Yang still on the hunt for her like you told me."

He ran a hand down his face. "Yeah. What else?"

I glared, sometimes I hated how he could read me. "I heard…I heard that she was around Minstral. I don't know for sure."

He shrugged. "She could be, I know where she is and then I don't."

I nodded tiredly. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

It was quiet for a moment. "Alright, I need to talk to someone. Talk to you later, Qrow."

He nodded, looking just as tired. "Yeah, you too. See ya, Kiddo."

I felt myself redden. "I'm 29! You hear that, 29 years old!"

He laughed deeply as I cut the connection. I had one other person to call. I dialed the number in my Scroll and pressed call. I waited a moment and then a face pulled up.

The man grinned widely at me. He had messy blond hair and lilac eyes. The background was in a kitchen. "Riley, long time no see."

Taiyang Xiao Long. Another friend from my past.

I gave a smile. "Hey, I just called because I have a question for you."

He raised an eyebrow, smiling back. "You rang me because of a question? I haven't heard from you in months."

I looked away a bit sheepishly. I usually liked to keep my distance. These calls to Qrow and Taiyang were strange for me. I shrugged. "Whatever, well I'm working about Beacon now- "

His eyes widened in disbelief. "You?"

I ignored that. "And I wanted to know something about Yang and Ruby."

He looked interested and worried. "Is everything alright? It's Ruby, is it? I knew she was young, Ozpin let her, but- "

I laughed. "Calm down, their doing fine. Both in my class."

He looked relieved. "Good, good. What is it then?"

I frowned. "How good are they bare fighting?"

His eyes brightened as they usually did when it came to brawling. After all, he was my sparring partner back then. "Yang is great, her weapons are a pair of gauntlets as you know. She learned a lot of the technique from me and her form and power- "

I stopped him with a smirk when I saw the pride radiating from his smile. "Okay, I get it. Now, what about Ruby?"

He would've went on forever if I didn't stop him. He frowned, wilting slightly. "To tell you the truth, none from what I can tell. And she's strong, how else is she supposed to lug that weapon of hers around? She learned that from Qrow of course."

I ignored the tone of annoyance at that and hummed thoughtfully. "I guessed about that. It's going to be hard on her, but I want her to have some sort of self-defense in case she doesn't have her weapon on her."

His look showed gratitude. "Thank you, that'd be something that saves her life."

I shrugged, feeling uncomfortable. "Sure thing. How strong do you think her punches are?"

He grimaced and I slapped a palm to my face. "Don't answer, I'll just see for myself."

He made a sound of relief and I worried for a moment, was she really that bad? I hope not. He said quickly. "Just because she can't fight, doesn't mean she's not good. She crazy good with that scythe. I mean, Qrow taught her a lot."

I nodded immediately. "Oh, I know. Ozpin wouldn't let her come early otherwise."

Though her eyes had something to do with it. The thoughts left a bitter taste in my mouth. I said. "Well, okay. I'm going to go to sleep."

He nodded and then said. "Wait, can you promise me two things?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Depends on what it is?"

He looked me in the eyes seriously. "Watch after my girls, protect Ruby and Yang the best you can."

I smiled a bit. "Was already planning on it. And the second?"

He gave me a look of concern. "Riley, use this as a break. Take care of yourself."

I gave him a look of annoyance. "Taiyang."

He frowned, a rare expression from what I last remember of him. "Please. Since Summer…since what happened, you left and hunted like Qrow, barely having contact with anyone."

I scowled at him. I didn't want to talk about this. "I'm fine, I'm a 29-year-old women. I can take care of myself."

"I know, like I said just take this as a break from all that. Find peace or something like that."

I spoke a little louder. "Taiyang, I'm going to bed. Good night."

He sighed, shaking his head. "Fine, I'll talk to you later. I meant what I said. Night, Riley."

I cut the connection. I groaned and laid back in bed, tossing the Scroll to the side. I laid on my side and got under the blanket, but could not sleep. After 15 minutes of twisting and turning, I got restless and knew what I was going to do next. I got up, dressed as I was, locking the door behind me.

I jogged to the room I took the classes today, dropped my keys on a nearby table and let loose on a punching bag, letting stress and frustration out, with pain radiation from my hands.

About an hour later, I was in bed with purple knuckles and a tired mind, easily falling asleep.

There it is and for the record, Riley isn't going to be the perfect teacher. She knows this, Ozpin knows this and Glenda does too. Riley does things her way, even if it may not be the correct one. I don't see either of them being right or wrong at this point.