Grinning to himself, Rowan gazed towards the cliffside hidden behind the buildings of Vale. It had taken tons of hard work, even more hours of training and honing battle skills, and more than a few letters of recommendation from his professors, but he had done it: he was going to Beacon.

"You will remember to write me," Tati said, eying him, "and I want to hear about every last detail, right down to the color of the plumbing in the bathrooms."

"You're so weird," he said hugging her goodbye for the umpteenth time that day.

She tugged his tail playfully and grinned up at him. "Yes, but you still love me."

Rowan nodded.

"We're back," the deep baritone of Richard Hartins bellowed. "Are we all packed up, son?"

"Yes sir."

Tati shifted from Rowan to Olivia, who was returning with her father from the hospital where she had likely showered staff and patients alike with fond farewells.

"I expect to get letters from you too, Livy."

"I'll write every other day, or when I can, but yeah, I'll write you Tati."

"Thanks girl," the mouse whispered, kissing her forehead while standing on her tip toes.

"We have to be going now, Tatianna," Mr. Hartins said sadly, "or Olivia will be late for her meeting."

Rowan shot his friend a mournful look and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"I'll miss you," Tati whispered.

"Me too; take care, Tati." With a final squeeze, he followed his sister into the back of the car and closed the door behind him. The two siblings waved to their mother and friend until they disappeared around the corner.

Beside him, Olivia shifted uneasily in her seat. This meeting she was to attend was with the head of Beacon himself. Apparently, Ms. Goodwitch had told him of Olivia's semblance and how beneficial it could be, and the man had wanted to see her abilities for himself.

Rowan reached over and took his sister's hand, offering her a warm smile. She forced one back at him and leaned her head against his shoulder while he rubbed small circles on her back. Eventually, he felt her head grow heavy and knew she was asleep.

He could only imagine the stress she was putting on herself. Sure, the importance and weight of him entering Beacon sat heavy on his shoulders, but what did she feel? A girl, a few years younger than the average admittance age, with untapped potential and little understanding of her abilities, had been handed a scholarship to one of the most prestigious schools in Remnant and was to meet with one of Vale's most prominent citizens. He let out a loud exhale for her sake and leaned his head against hers.

The landscape passed outside, changing from city to rocky cliffside to the flat green of the plain Beacon rested on.

"Alright kids, we're here." Looking back in his rear-view, Richard checked on his children. Smiling as he turned off the car, he let his two cubs sleep as he unloaded.