Ruby's POV
I woke up slowly to find myself back in Team RWBY's room. I probably passed out at the sleepover. So stupid. What happened? All I remember is we gossip, played spin the bottle, I kissed Cinder and-... Oh man, I ruined last night! I pushed Cinder away and now she's probably mad at me! Why are you so stupid, Ruby?! You screwed up this ti-.
"Morning, Ruby." I heard from behind me. I turned around to see Cinder, smiling warmly at me. "Cinder. Good morning." I replied. "H-How long have you been here?" "Well, ever since last night, I guess." She answered then looked around the room. "Where are the others?" I asked. "They're off downstairs. Something going on today? Because they were moving awfully quick." She stated. "Oh, yeah!" I beamed. "Today we are assigned missions. Kinda like a exam! And I've been looking forward to it!" Cinder chuckled at my reaction. "Well, you should get going, darling!" She said. I nodded, got up and threw on my clothes. I turned back to Cinder who was blushing. Crap! I forgot that she was still here "I'm sorry!" I yelled out. "It's okay, Ruby. We're girls!" She responded.
Suddenly, we both heard something coming towards the door. Sounded like footsteps but at a quicker pace. Before I could take a guess, it busted through the door. "Zwei!" I shouted, jumping in the air. It was Zwei, the family dog! He jumped on me and started to lick my face. Cinder just stared at us, surprised and a little scared. "W-What is that?!" She questioned out loud. "It's Zwei, my dog." I answered. "If you want you can pet him. Don't worry, he doesn't bite." Cinder slowly reached her hand out to Zwei, which made him whimper. Was Cinder scary? I don't think so. He's probably surprised about seeing a new face. Cinder finally pet Zwei and he found her touch smoothing. She turned to me and whispered, "He's. Kinda cute." "I know." I whispered back.
She stopped petting Zwei when he got sleepy and walked towards me. I wonder what she would do this time. She opened her arms, getting closer to me. Was she ready to kiss me again? Darn! My breath is probably bad or my position! I'm totally not ready. Maybe it's just a hug. That's it. But instead of all the things I thought it would be, she reached for my hood and put it on me. How could I forget to wear my hood! "Thank you... Are you going to the ceremony too?" I asked and she nodded. "It's about to start." "Can we go together?" I said. She nodded again then held me close to her with one arm on my shoulder. We both walked out of the room and to our destination.
When we got to the ceremony, all the schools were split into four groups. In a instant, I saw my team and Vale. I was about to run to them until I looked at Cinder. "You coming, Cinder?" I questioned. "No," She answered. "Sadly, my team wasn't put into the system. So we can't get a mission. Sorry." I lowered my head slowly from what she said. It sucks that her team can't have a battle. It REALLY sucked that she wasn't going to be on missions like me! Or even with me! Well, I can't get so mad about it. "You should get to your group. Don't worry, I'll be here after, okay?" She continued. "Okay!" I replied. Cinder then kissed my cheek, making me blush. "I'll see you later." She said and walked away. I couldn't stop blushing after that, but I was able to get to the team.
"Quiet!" Ms. Goodwitch yelled out to us. "Quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin." After, Mr. Ozpin turned the mic and got ready to say what was on his mind. "Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something many could not stand for. 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 not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. 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 the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. 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 may work within 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." After the announcement, he walked away.
We all turned to one another, thinking of what to pick. "This is perfect! All we have to do is shadow and huntsmen in the southeast!" I cheered. "Yeah," Yang agreed. "We'll follow them around by day and give them a slip by night!" "Let's check search and destroy." Weiss commanded. When we got to the board, we found the right mission. But, when I signed us in, we couldn't enter. "Wonderful." Weiss said sarcastically. "Any other ideas?" "We mail ourselves there!" I answered Blake. Mr. Ozpin walked towards to see what we were doing. "Well, that's one option," He stated. "Unfortunately, we determined that the concentration of Grimm was too extreme for first-year students. It seems that particular region is rather popular. In fact, I have the sneaking suspicion that you four will make your way there no matter which job you choose." The group looked at me angrily as I scratched my head, nervous a little.
"I'm still curious how you all found yourself at the docks last semester. I'm interested to know how you really learned about a hideout in the southeast. And I certainly wonder why witnesses reported seeing robots and rose petals in a dance club some time ago." He continued. "I doubt I'll ever find the exact answers I'm looking for. So how about this: instead of waiting for you all to break the rules, why don't we just bend them?" After he said that, Mr. Ozpin messed with his tablet thingy and made us register into the mission. "We won't let you down, thank you professor." I assured.
"Do not thank me for this. Teamwork and persistence have carried you far. But you must understand, the things that await you beyond the protection of the Kingdom will not care. Stay close to your Huntsman at all times, and do exactly as he says. He will be leading you on this mission, and he can have you sent back to Beacon, if he finds your skills to be unsatisfactory. Good luck." He said and walked away. Before me and the team could walk away, I saw Cinder. She threw me a thumbs up and I did the same. Finally, we moved out to Quadrant five.
"I know this is going to be tough, guys. But we can do it!" I assured them. While walking, Team CFVY walked pass us. Blake jumped up a little then walked towards Velvet quickly. I could hear the whole conversation since they were just in front of me. "Velvet!" She called. "Oh. Hi, Blake." She replied. "... Blake?" "Yes?" She responded. "Blake, my mission is going to take a week to complete. There's going to be. So many Grimm. And... I'm scared." Velvet revealed. "Don't worry. If anything happens you can retreat and withdraw the mission, right?" Blake asked. Velvet shook her head slowly and continued, "I know. I'm really scared. I don't want to die." "Don't worry. You won't, I promise." She whispered to her then turned back to us. "I.. I gotta go. I'll see you later?" She asked more then assured. "I don't know, Blake. G-Goodbye." Velvet responded. After, she kissed Blake's cheek then walked away. Blake whimpered and slowly walked back to us.
"Don't worry, Blake. She'll survive and we'll survive! As long as we have the huntsmen!" I cheered. But when the huntsmen finally appeared, my jaw dropped from disappointment. "Why hello, girls! Who's ready to fight for their lives?" The huntsmen asked. He was so old and nerdy. I feel stupid now! I wish I just hid in the school and kick back with Cinder. But... Oh well,
here I go...
