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)

5. Many Talks and Conversations

The New Teacher

Chapter 5

Many Talks and Conversations

I tried my best to make all my classes, I didn't want to make Ozpin annoyed or angry with me. Which is bad because it's a hard thing to do. The one thing I saw when I was in class that I have to admit caused me to feel pride was that Jaune was not being bullied anymore.

I have a feeling he was the one that stopped it, considering Cardin stayed away from him instead of waiting to ambush him when no one was around. I didn't know if it my talk that helped things, but either way, I was proud of him for standing up for himself.

Yeah, I'm ignoring that feeling. I'm really ending up like a teacher. It's almost scary how I can transition from a huntress to a teacher this easily. As for class, I'm teaching them more barehanded fighting. Also, I'm getting around to looking at all their weapons. I have to say with all my classes, some of these weapons are impressing me. Mostly the upper kids, who upgraded and increased their weapons.

When I go through the weapons I don't show everything, they'd want to keep them secret.

Anyway, I was in class now, all the kids watching me. I leaned against the desk and crossed my arms over my chest. I looked over all of them. Most of them were attentive when they looked at me. They were one of the upper classes, all 18 years old. Seems Ruby was the only 'prodigy' this time around.

I said, voice loud enough where they could all hear me, but not screaming. "As you know from your other teachers, the Vytal Festival is coming up. Actually if I'm correct, students from Vacuo are coming. I guess I supposed to tell you to behave and all that, but I'm not. Most of you know how to behave and for the ones that don't…" I shrugged with a smile, which got slight laughs from a couple of kids.

I continued. "What I mean to say is since the tournament is coming up, I'm going to speed up a little and worth on your mindset while in battle along with your training."

The bell rang and I waved my hand. "Now, you can go."

They all left the classroom. I yawned tiredly. For some reason, I didn't get much sleep last night. I leaned back in my chair. Luckily it was a half day, so I had the rest of the day to myself and the weekend was here, so I didn't have to teach until Monday.

It's been about a month since I went on that hunting adventure.

My Scroll pinged and I lazily set my feet on my desk, reaching for the square. I opened and saw Qrow. I raised an eyebrow, but opened it. I saw some trees behind him, a long-worn dirt path on his right and a stream on his left. I felt my lips form into a pout. He must be out in the field, done with his part time teaching. Sure, I didn't mind teaching that much, but I missed being out there.

I spent the extra time in Beacon I had, where I normally would've been out in the field fighting. I couldn't sit around in one place, that was one thing that wasn't improving. He smirked at my face. "Jealous?"

I glared in annoyance. "I hate you."

His smirk just widened. "No, you don't. Still teaching?"

I leaned back in my chair more, balancing the Scroll in my hands. "Yeah, find anything interesting?"

His brows were furrowed in thought. "Hunting down some of hers."

My eyes widened at what he was implying. I asked. "Why'd you call? You don't usually do social calls."

His face changed into a more serious light, a look I doubt his two nieces ever saw. "I know you know what I'm talking about. Watch out in Beacon. Oz is right about you being there, since you are in the know."

I remember all too vivid how I was in the know. "Alright, Qrow. Watch yourself out there."

He nodded, smirking again. "Yeah, you too. See ya."

I nodded back. "Yeah, bye." I swiped the Scroll, cutting off the connection. I let out a groan, tossing the Scroll on the desk.

Speaking to Qrow made me think about things from the past.

It's been a couple of weeks since I met Raven, Summer, Qrow and Taiyang. I've been busy with the difference in schoolwork from the lower academies. Also with the different types of looks I've been getting from kids from the ages of 17-21. The 20 and 21 year old didn't care much except for a select few, but the 17 and 18 year old's were a different story. They didn't like that a 13-year-old girl was at the same level as them.

Though the other four didn't care at all, which was a good thing. I was in the library studying the components with Dust. I had another piece of paper with me, writing notes on the important stuff.

"Studying hard?"

I jumped as I was concentrating hard. I wanted to, I was here on ability by doing good. My head snapped up and I locked eyes with red eyes, with wild black hair around her head. "Raven?"

She sat down at the table across from me, pulling out a thick book and setting it in front of her. "It's loud in my dorm with Summer and Tai, my brother not making it better. Need some type of peace and quiet."

I nodded my head. "Makes sense."

She went to reading and I didn't bother her. I could tell she liked the quiet when she could get it. I prided myself in reading people. We didn't really make any noise except for the flipping of pages and the scratching of my pencil on paper.

About 15 minutes later, when I was putting down the Dust textbook and switching with Weapon Care, I heard a loud voice. "Ray, why'd you leave me?"

I felt my lips twitch up at the look of pure annoyance on her face as Taiyang came over, grinning widely, his lilac eyes shining in amusement. He knew he was annoying her and he enjoyed it. He got shushed and he made a face at them. He turned back to the table and grinned wider. "Look, Riley's here too!"

I waved slightly, hunching my shoulders and going red as people started to stare. The team of Summer, Taiyang, Raven and Qrow were pretty popular for the antics they got into. From what I heard anyway. In the end, they were kicked out and suspending from the library for week. I was amused until I was included in this punishment.

I was indignant. "I didn't do anything!"

This librarian cared none and I was kicked out too. I glared furiously at Taiyang as he was berated by Raven, getting smacked in the head a couple of times for good measure. I threw my hands up in the air, too angry to be shy or quiet about my actions. "How am I supposed to study and write the three essays due at the end of the week! This is all your fault!"

He stared at me surprised, and a guilty look flashed on his face. "Listen, how about this, Summer and even Qrow can help you!"

Before I could protest, he grabbed my hand and pulled me somewhere. Raven followed quietly.

In the end, Summer was more than happy to help me, grinning happily and warmly at me. Qrow acted reluctant, but he did.

I was happy to get good grades on all of them, but also realized something else, I was really becoming friends with them and it was all Taiyang's fault, but I didn't see myself minding one bit. I liked them all.

I smiled as I shook myself out of the memory, wincing at the painful twinge in my chest when I thought of Summer. Summer Rose was such a great person. She was a happy, kind individual, but also fierce and strong. The world was worse without her. I felt for Ruby, having to be without such a great person.

I shook my head again, if I wanted to stay sober at the moment (which I did), it was best if I didn't think like that. My Scroll rang again and I sighed in annoyance, picking it up. I swear if it was Taiyang…

My eyebrows darted upward, it was Ozpin. Why didn't he just come in here? I swiped the screen with a laid back smile. "Hey, Ozpin. Is there something you need?"

I know I didn't do anything wrong this time. He nodded. "I would like to speak to you in my office."

I smirked in amusement. "The Headmaster's office? Am I in trouble?"

That got me a hearty chuckle from him. "No, Riley. Though I do know for sure you don't want to miss this."

I narrowed my eyes at his wording. He always seemed to speak in puzzles unless he was annoyed or knew you wouldn't get the point when he was talking to you and when he needed an answer from you at that point. I knew he wouldn't elaborate so I rolled my eyes. "Yes, sir. Give me 10 minutes."

"See you then, Riley."

I hung up, putting my Scroll in my bag and zipping it up, pulling the strap on my shoulder. I walked toward his office, bypassing and nodding to kids I recognized as my students.

Suddenly as I turned the corner, I was bumped into harshly. I stiffened on reflex and my right darted behind me to my sword and my left steadied what was in front of me, stopping it from falling.

"Professor!"

I relaxed at the young 15 year old call. I saw it was Yang that was bumping into me. I let go, happy they didn't see my slip. You may put me in a office, but my field training will never leave me.

Yang grinned widely at me. "Thanks Teach!"

I smiled back. "No problem. Why're you running all over the place? And Where's Blake? Needed some peace and quiet?"

Blake reminded me of Raven sometimes, more than her own daughter did at times. Suddenly their faces soured, Ruby looked like someone hurt her, Weiss looked pissed off and Yang looked put out and determined. Ruby muttered dejectedly. "Yeah…that's it."

I raised an eyebrow and realized I was running out of time. I shrugged. "Okay." It couldn't be too bad, she wasn't dead. And if it was too bad, someone would have found out. "You don't have to tell me. If you need to…talk, than come to me, I guess. See you."

I felt my right hand twitch, to rub the back of my neck which I did when I was awkward or nervous. I did mean it, but that didn't make it feel any less awkward. It was worth it with the bright grin, brighter and warmer than usual that Yang gave me. She may have her mother's face, but that was her father's smile and then something else that was just her. Weiss' face softened and she nodded, barely smiling. Ruby was looking at me surprised. Her eyes were shining and I froze, staring at her. Please don't tell me she was going to cry!

Yang nudged her and Ruby smiled softly, eyes bright with no tears though (I was thankful). "Thank you, Professor."

Yang grinned again. "Yeah, thanks Teach."

Weiss nodded her head, not saying anything. Knowing her as I did these past months, I saw the gratitude there. Ruby's smile made me freeze. It was Summer's. I waited for them to say something, when they didn't, I walked around them and continued to Ozpin's office. How does Taiyang and Qrow look at her when she smiles like that and not feel like crying.

I started to climb the stairs, hearing the ticking around. My hand went to go inside my coat from where my thoughts were. I grabbed the flask and stared at it. As I walked, I frowned. I didn't drink much, I wasn't even close to being like Qrow in that department.

I did drink when the things got too tough, memories and what not, even if I would never admit it to myself. I didn't drink much on the field. My senses couldn't be as aware as Qrow's while I was intoxicated. But it does help, dulling the things that I want to.

And since I was wasn't fighting…I unscrewed the lid, swallowing a generous amount, the liquid burning my throat pleasantly. I screwed the lid back on, shoving it in the inside pocket of my jacket.

I shook my head a little. I wasn't drunk, barely buzzed. Just a warm pleasant feeling. I didn't need Glenda bothering me because of this. I knew she was with him, she always was. She was like his extra shadow.

I opened the door and waved. "Ozpin. Glenda."

Glenda frowned at me, crossing her arms across her chest. "Your late."

"Sorry, I ran into something. You needed me, Ozpin?"

Ozpin smiled from behind his desk, drinking his coffee. "Yes I did, Riley. Come in."

He had a larger than normal Scroll in his hands.

I walked forward sinking into a chair. Glenda walked behind the desk. Ozpin said. "You might want to come around here."

I raised an eyebrow, shrugging and got up, walking over to his other side. I looked at the blank screen. "Very interesting."

Glenda sighed loudly. "Must you really do that?"

I grinned. "Yep."

I heard another sigh, but she didn't say anything. The screen lightened and my eyebrows almost disappeared in my hairline. "Riley? You're in Beacon?+****************************************"

I smirked widely. "If it isn't Jamie."

He glared at me. "You don't change." His eyes went to Ozpin and Glenda. "I suppose she's here now?"

Glenda nodded. "Yes, James."

It was Ironwood. Or General Ironwood. Ozpin said. "We have important things to discuss based on what we've found."

I frowned at him, losing my amused look. Ironwood nodded seriously. "Yes, so you know there is an attack being planned."

My eyes widened. "What? Where? How long have you known? When?"

Ozpin replied. "Please, calm down Riley. Based on some sources, we found that an attack will come here, in Vale though we are not sure where."

Qrow must already know this, with being out there and all that. Ironwood looked back at me. "I suppose that is why Riley is here?"

Ozpin nodded. "Yes, another reason being with her skill set is needed."

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes, I was right here. Ironwood asked. "Is everything still going according to plan?"

Glenda said. "If everything works, then yes."

Ironwood nodded. "Good. Keep me posted." Ironwood narrowed his eyes at me. "Riley needs to be updated on the situation."

I glared. "I'll be fine, Jamie. I'll see myself to it."

With that, Ironwood clicked off the connection. I walked around the desk and sat down. I spoke. "So, explain."

Ozpin didn't look annoyed, Glenda on the other hand…

Ozpin said. "This is the main reason I wanted you here, things are moving into motion, things we need to prepare for. I believe what is coming is a bigger plan of Salem's."

I stared at him in shock. "Already? She making her move?"

Ozpin nodded solemnly. "We don't know when, but we believe it was faster than before."

I felt my face go white. Salem, oh my god. I put my hand under my chin in thought. "So, it's best I'm here if the attack is coming to Vale. Anyone else in preparation for the attack?"

Glenda was silent as Ozpin went on. "We're working with General Ironwood and Qrow plus many other informants are working with us to gather information on Salem and those on her side she works with."

I leaned forward, realizing what he meant. "So, we don't who's going to attack, but only that there will be one sometime in the short future."

Glenda nodded. "That is exactly it and the problem."

I sighed. "So the best thing for now is to be kept on our toes and watch for anything suspicious."

Ozpin looked about as troubled as I did. "For now, that is all we can do."

I stood up and said. "Alright, is that all?"

Ozpin smiled slightly. "Yes."

I nodded my good bye and left.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / /

A couple of days later when it was night time (I just showered and was ready to go to sleep) my Scroll pinged. I frowned and picked it up. It was from Ozpin. I was thinking about things from the meeting. I needed to be more aware for what was to come.

I opened it and was surprised to see it was not him on the screen by a live feed of something from a dock. My heart got stuck in my throat when I saw Blake Belladona and Ruby Rose fighting. And some other girl with orange hair0 and some blond faunus kid with a tail. I almost had a heart attack. What are my students doing out there?

Wait a minute…is that Roman Torchwick? He was a small time criminal thief who was apparently stealing Dust in Vale. And the White Fang? I whistled as the orange haired girl got rid of most of the air ships and White Fang members in the area.

I relaxed as things were taken care, but I scowled when Roman Torchwick managed to speak away somewhere.

Why did he show me that?

I sighed to myself, sitting back on my bed. I rubbed a hand down my face. Those kids from Team RWBY and JNPR are going to act like Team STRQ and my old team, aren't they? I feel like this is payback or revenge or something for how we acted. At least they're fine. I'm not going to say anything. Obviously this is an out of sight, out of mind thing.

Suddenly, someone popped up on my screen. I felt like throwing my hands up in the air and my Scroll across the room. Can't I ever be left alone?!

I looked to see it was Taiyang. I opened it. He grinned. "Hey!"

I asked. "Do you actually have a life?"

He laughed. "Your funny, how're my girls?"

My eyes widened in surprise. I did learn something fairly quickly in my past about Tai. He was very overprotective over those he cared about and his daughters? Forget it!

I said. "Alright."

He frowned at me. "What happened?"

Could I lie to any of them?!

I scowled at him. "It's nothing, Tai."

He scrunched his nose up in annoyance. "Riley, c'mon…"

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. We'll you know how my team and your team acted in the past?"

He nodded and then his eyes widened in horror. He put a hand over his eyes. "Oh my god…this is so payback for the past!"

I couldn't help, but grin at that. "Yeah, but they're fine."

He looked relieved. I asked. "So, when have you actually been out in the field?"

He looked lost in thought. "You know what, I can't remember."

I replied. "You should make sure your skills don't rust."

He smirked widely, a cocky confident look on his face. He leaned forward a little. "Aw, does little Riley think she can beat me, that's just cute."

I flushed red in anger at him, they always knew how to push my buttons. "I could so! You just sit on your ass! I've been active for a long time."

He grinned at me. "Next time you have a break at that school, come to Patch."

I nodded, grinning back. "I'll do that, I'll take off when the kids have school."

He then turned serious, frowning. "Hey Riley, you do know I could introduce the girls to you."

I smiled, ignoring what he really was saying. "I already do, they are in my classes, moron."

I gave him a warning look and he ignored it. "I mean, introduce you as a family friend or their aunt-"

I demanded forcefully. "No! I won't do it, I told you that when Summer's died!"

He winced at that. "I know, but-"

"I won't Taiyang."

He snapped. "Why not? The girls could have been happier with you around. Raven was gone, disappeared, then Summer died! Qrow wasn't around much for them much until later and I did the best I could. So why not?"

I exploded. "Everyone I care about dies or leaves or something like that. The same people you explained, my team and my family, all gone. I didn't want to see that happen to Ruby and Yang!"

I realized I was breathing heavy without having to move. Taiyang was staring at me shocked. His eyes then hardened. "I didn't know you were taking lessons from Qrow."

I felt my eyebrows furrow deeply over my eyes in confusion. "What…"

He shook his head with a scowl. "You're an idiot. We're family, no matter if we're blood related or not. Even that jerk Qrow would say the same and I know Summer and Raven, even Raven would think that too. Summer always said you were family. I knew you were gonna be my friend the second me and Qrow saved you from 'em bullies. So, get your head out of your ass and listen to me!"

I was the one to stare at him in shock this time. I then ducked my head down, feeling my ears and neck get hot. I muttered. "Thanks…you too."

He then laughed, his tone warmer than before. "As long as you know. Done being stupid?"

I looked up and glared at him. "Shut up! That's rich coming from you."

He just snickered at what I said and my reactions. I really did hate him sometimes.

Taiyang smiled. "Well, I did not call you for this reason. I was actually just wondering how things were going and if wanted to come to Patch."

I nodded. "Alright and like I said, I'll try, I can't fight an actual brawler at your level here."

He waved goodbye and I canceled the connection. I groaned and rubbed my face. That was too heavy. Taiyang was an easy-going guy (which was weird when he was with Raven, a more stoic serious type of person. Sure, she wasn't a robot, but she wasn't the first one to laugh), seeing him get angry like that, it meant what he was yelling about, he really meant. I did feel like that, Team STRQ or what was left of it, that they were family to me. But I just can't be around Ruby and Yang, I didn't want anything to happen to them and I didn't want to be the cause of anything happening to them.

So, because of that, no matter what he said, I had to stay away from them.

/ / / / / / / / / /

The next day I walked toward my first class. I saw Team RWBY and felt relief to see all of them fine, not hurt or injured at all. I smiled as I saw Blake. Looks like they worked out whatever it was that was wrong with them. "You guys ready?"

They all jumped and spun around, surprised to me and my smiling face. Ruby grinned. "Hi Professor."

I nodded my head. "Hey, looks like Blake lost her peace and quiet."

Blake frowned in what looked like confusion and Yang nodded quickly. "Yep, you can't have too much of that, need some noise too."

I almost laughed at the blunt lie, but kept the look off my face. "Ah, okay. Time for class."

They followed me as I lead the way to the classroom.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

I ripped off my jacket tiredly, yawning and taking my boots off my feet and tossing them in the corner of the room. Without changing, I shifted under the covers and went to sleep.

About six weeks into school, I didn't do much hanging out with the adults from Team STRQ. We didn't share classes and I had my own things and they had theirs. I was happy for another reason. I was still being bullied and I didn't want them to see it. One, I wanted to handle it myself and it was pathetic, at least to me.

And that something was happening to me now. I leaned against the wall with a scowl. Two 18-year-old were in front of me. One was a boy and one was a girl. They looked alike with similar facial structure, blond hair with different eye colors with the boy having brown and the girl having blue. No matter what I did, I couldn't move. I couldn't defeat them myself, at least not without proper training. I was only 13, they were 18 years old. It was an annoying situation. I hated it. I always hated it when this happened.

The boy smirked. "Why are you here?"

I huffed, glaring up at them. "To learn like you are."

The girl looked angry, he didn't but she did. "Do you know where I was at 13?"

I scowled at her. She snapped. "I was at Signal, where you should be! When did you go to the lower academies?"

I could tell I was walking into something, but I was confused and didn't know what. I didn't know where her sudden hostility toward me came from. I answered her, figuring she'd go away or something. "At 10, from 10 to 13."

Her face reddened and I wondered why. I didn't mock her or anything, I just said it matter of fact. Her brother/cousin looked awkward, his hand hovering over her shoulder.

"Hey, Riley!"

I flushed red at Summer's voice. I did not want to be caught getting picked on. I saw Qrow walked with her, they were in some conversation before they got here. Qrow looked at me, looked at them and narrowed his eyes. I waved a hand slightly. "Hey Summer, Qrow."

The other two in front of me stared at them, but then they walked off after the boy grabbed the girl gently and steered her away as she glared harshly at me. I was still lost at that. Qrow was blunt as they walked over. "Why do you let them pick on you?"

I shoved my hands in my pockets. "I don't let them, they just do. You do know, they're 18 and I'm 13, right?"

Qrow scoffed. "If that's the case, you should've come in four years."

I scowled at him, shaking the strange feeling of betrayal I felt. I shouldn't feel like that.

Summer cried out. "Qrow! Don't be a jerk." She glared at him, before turning to me with a smile. "Don't take what he says to heart. It means he cares-"

He grumbled. "I do not."

Summer continued. "-and you have to stand up to the bullies, if you won't, then they won't stop."

I shrugged. "I just figured they'd leave me alone. That they'd have better things to do."

Qrow snorted. "A lot of people aren't like that, you have to do it yourself. Even if you can't beat the crap out of them, then talk 'em down or something."

Summer chimed in. "And we'll help you until you can!"

I smiled a little. "Thanks. I, uh, gotta go to my team."

Summer gave me another happy grin. Qrow looked thoughtful. "I speak to Tai about helping you out, it's one of the only things he's good at."

Summer smacked him. "Qrow!"

He grinned at her. "What? It's true."

She sighed and I waved to them both as I left.

I later found out that Qrow asked Taiyang to teach me to fight and he's been my sparing partner's ever since. Sure, back when we were together, I did spar with my team, but Tai was the one I went to when we had the most free time.

I groaned at the memory I dreamed of, it must have been because of the whole Jaune/Cardin bullying thing. With a sigh, I turned on my side and went back to sleep, hoping to sleep peacefully for once.

Okay, there it is. I know it's been a while, but between posting other stories and college, I've had a handful. It's been two months, but I have a long chapter, so here.

As for the timeline, if you could catch it with the little hints, Volume/Season 1 is finished. She won't that involved in the storyline until more of Volume's 2, 3 and 4. Most of 1 focused on Team RWBY and JNPR. She's not there for most of that.

As for my reviews and favorites. Thank you.

Xenocanaan: I'm glad you think that about her, I loved making her. I plan on making her an interesting teacher. Happy you liked the chapter.

SagicKnight: Happy you like the chapter, it is a good show. I finished it.

Accelerator Chan: That is what I'm going for. I didn't want to just make a team fanfic. I wanted one on the older group of hunter's/huntresses. As for Salem's group, you'll have to see in the story.

TheKittenDaddy: Thank you for liking it. I know, I love the show. I wrote a fanfic for it.