A/N: Hello again all my favorite people! (Honestly, anyone on this page, even by accident, counts as someone I like.) Sincere Apologies for the late update. I am afraid I was a victim of chance. My internet failed to work, and my ISP could not resolve it without a dispatch. So I have been unable to edit and post this until just today. Hopefully such a thing does not happen again.

Before I continue our long first day of Beacon, I wanted to get a few things out of the way.

Two people sent me a PM asking about the pairings and romance in this story.

As of yet, the only pairings that I have set in stone, are Blake with Jaune, and Ruby with Weiss. No other pairings have been decided. As I stated WAY back near the beginning, you all can send me your recommendations. I just ask that you give at least a brief description of why. It is also NOT limited to just a pairing, one of the only PMs I got requesting pairings… put all of SSSN as a single polygamous family… I am not going to do that BTW, but I am just saying, you can ask whatever you want of me. I have literally no issue with whatever you suggest, but I do have to explain that this is my story, and I will have the final vote on what will happen. Also, I actually prefer reviews over PMs, but I accept both.

Second part of that same question, DO NOT EXPECT ROMANCE ANYTIME SOON. Seriously, don't. EVERY SINGLE ONE of the characters in this story, has their own issues, their own darkness if you want to call it that, that they need to get over before relationships take any kind of priority in their minds. It is why I wrote that final bit with Ruby in the last chapter. She understands it won't be easy, it won't be fast. To be honest, it is why I didn't bother with the Romance tag in the story, until all the girls and boys start settling down and getting used to everything and everyone around them, romance won't take much of a spot in their minds.

So for those of you expecting WxR and BxJ within the next few chapters… it isn't happening. This isn't a dedicated romance story. This is a story of the life of Kuroi Mato in the world of Remnant. Life can be exciting. Life can be boring. There will be romance around Mato, maybe even she herself will partake in some. Who knows? (I do, but I am not going to spoil that. XD)

EDIT: Sorry, with the rush of posting this due to the delay brought upon from my lack of internet, I also missed a few grammar issues that I have rectified, as well as a special mention to Kaiser(Guest) for his/her review.

I am glad you feel that the chapter came out well, and that there is someone else who feels that Yang was the least likable member of RWBY. For those Yang lovers out there, don't worry, I don't intend to bash Yang just to bash her, but character development is needed for her(BADLY), and such things aren't made of Rainbows and Unicorns. She is probably going to dragged down that path kicking and screaming every step of the way.

As for Blake, that will actually be much nicer in this story than cannon thankfully. Part of the reason for that is her pairing with Jaune. The other is the fact that Mato, Neo and Ruby already know of her Faunus nature. Most importantly, she isn't in a team with Weiss. She is instead in a team with Jaune, Nora and Ren... It makes a BIG difference in how she would react if the scenario had played out like it did in cannon (Which it won't anyway). EDIT END

That said:

Just sit back, and Enjoy the chapters as they come!

Beacon - Cafeteria

April 3nd, 2014 - Early Afternoon

"I still can't believe this is happening."

"What? The celebration?"

"Partially yes. The other part is how you and I are here gathering carts full of food… for a bunch of children who wish to celebrate OUR success… at our cost."

"First of all Mato, we lost in the voting. Second, we are the team leaders, so it is sorta our responsibility to care for our team's needs."

"If that is true, then why is Jaune not here with us? His team is also apparently indulging in celebrating for our success in getting such a 'swanky' room. What does that even mean by the way?"

Ruby just giggled, "Fine fine, let us just get the food and get back so we don't miss out on the celebrations."

Mato shook her head, "Another thing. We are celebrating the fact that I singlehandedly beat up almost all the first years with only two hits to myself. Are you all masochists?"

Another giggle from our red-themed reaper, "For the record, I didn't fight you, so I clearly don't count. Second, based on that one girl from PLAD and Yang's semblances, you might not be far off for some of them. Seriously though, they just want to hang out, get to know each other. And your room is way too big, so Yang might try to break a few things or prank you all."

Mato sighed as she started placing the asked for dishes into the cart, "I was worried about that, good thing I asked Neo to keep an eye on Yang- Hey, what was it that Blake had asked for again?"

"The tuna sandwich, that girl likes tuna a lot. Had the same thing for lunch. Also, Neo? Really? Do you want to possibly start a brawl in your room?"

"Meh, we both know Neo would wipe the floor with Yang before any real damage happens to MDNS's room. Might ruin the party mood, so hopefully Yang won't be stupid enough to do something like that."

"Yeah, sorry about Yang being… well, Yang." Turning to the cafeteria staff, "Hey, can I get a full tub of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream? Thanks! Ok, so this should cover everyone's requests, right?"

"Yup, once we get the ice cream we are golden. We have the various dishes requested for dinner, the sweets, the assorted junk food just in case this goes longer than planned-"

"Was this planned?"

"You know what I meant, don't be a smartass dear. Anyway, now we just need to get the drinks on the way out and we are good to head back and see how much of a mess our three teams have made of our dorm room."

"You do know it is completely unfair though, right? All of us have tiny itty bitty little space to move… you guys have an extra bathroom, entertainment room, study room, kitchen, and personal training room… The only funny thing about it all was watching Weiss tear herself apart, trying to decide to be happy for Winter getting such accommodations or being pissed that Ozpin didn't grant her the same privilege."

Mato snickered, "That was amusing, poor girl is almost transparent when around her younger sister. Which is hilarious when you think about it, because even I can barely read her when she is in her full 'heiress' mode. Speaking of which, what do you think of your team?"

Ruby sighed at this, "I don't know. I mean, yeah they are... I don't know. I love Yang, but I really wish she had been put into another team. Don't get me wrong, as I said, I love that she is here, nearby, but having her on my team is going to make it hard for me to get anywhere myself. And she is going to be that much worse when 'trying to protect me'."

"Ruby dear, I do hope you don't take this the wrong way, but your sister has severe issues."

"Mato, all of us do, Neo more than most, but every single person in your room has issues. Can you believe that Ren and Nora are probably the sanest and most healthy people in our combined teams? I did a bit of research on everyone- Don't give me that look, I know very well you probably got as much of a read on everyone from your ridiculously uncanny ability than I did from my short research last night. Anyway, you already know about Weiss and Winter, I imagine you know Dove is a similar case to myself, at least in attitude and drive. Yang is similar, but unlike Dove and I, she is still stuck on the past, trying to correct what already happened. Pyrrha is as you probably figured out, stressed because of her fame and lack of friends, similar to Weiss, just not as jaded… or prickly… or anything really. Pyrrha is a very sweet girl… who feels like a mother to me…"

"Yeah, even I felt that way from her, and I am older than any five of you put together. She just gives that maternal feeling to those around her. It is part of the reason Neo and I warmed up to her so quickly. The fact that neither of us cared about her fame helped her warm up to us… a bit too quickly if you ask me, which makes me wonder about her mental state, but it should be fine if we expand her friends to the rest of everyone. It also helps she is no longer the 'strongest, invincible woman'."

"Yeah, I have never seen someone happier to have lost a battle. That said, I saw that even you had a bit of trouble with her."

"I did for a moment. Her semblance seems to have some effect on metal. I don't have all the details since I haven't asked her yet, but she pushed away, and diverted a few of my sword swings before I realized what was happening. Afterwards I had to fight a professional, armed gladiator with just my hands and ranged shots from Rock Cannon. No it was not easy. She is just as skilled as Neo with her weapons, and has a LOT more diversity with them than Neo does with her parasol and sword. A semblance that gives her an edge over practically every single hunter and huntress, and a body toned by years of single minded dedication to the art of combat? That girl earned her title the hard way, even if her talent helped her get it sooner, she would have gotten it regardless."

Another giggle came from Ruby as we headed towards the dorms with our food laden carts. "I still remember some of the faces when you pulled out your big friend. So far you have only used Black Blade and Seven Shots, so people just thought you had them on you, even after the demonstration in Grimm studies. But when you summoned a weapon taller than you were, and started blasting parts of the arena to bits, and swinging it around like a cricket bat, people backed off."

Mato rolled her eyes, "You would think tossing Cardin, who is almost twice my height, and four times my weight, would have done that. Strange that Melanie and her team rejected our invitation afterwards though. I mean, I can understand Cardin's feelings, boy looks like he has quite the ego, but why was Melanie and the rest of her team so wary of us?"

This time Ruby rolled her eyes, "For such a wizened old lady with an abnormal skill at reading people, you have your moments auntie. Melanie is scared of you and Neo. You both are abnormally strong, accidently separated her from her only family, managed to destroy several of the groups sent after her. Oh, and she knows you absolutely hate racists."

"And?"

"Mato… Melanie was one of the bouncers of a club. And she liked the euphoria of having such power over others. She isn't racist per se, but she enjoyed the advantages over faunus like a racist would. She was technically a cold hearted bitch of a bully before Yang beat her down, and you took her to town with Neo. She is terrified of you finding out what she was like before and being added to your list. And from my research. Cardin IS racist, and has problems with authority. So Melanie is probably trying to beat it out of Cardin before approaching you again. Heck, she is probably still trying to beat it out of herself. I imagine if you weren't around, she would have attempted to set up some kind of goffer system under her here, make her feel powerful and on top of everyone."

"Wow… I.. I never saw that. I always thought it was the separation from Militia that did that to her." Mato shook her head,"Anyway, enough chatter, there is a lot we need to talk about, but for now, I need to ask you for a couple of favors before we reach the room. Dove needs a secondary weapon for his off-hand, and I was hoping you would help us design one for him. I -"

"OooooH! Yes yes yes yes! What do you have in mind? I know he has a one handed sword with a fixed pistol attachment. Looked like it was standard store bought weapon. I didn't ask if it had any other functions. So what should we do for his other weapon. Maybeweshouldgivehimagatlinggunarm! Ormaybeaflamethrowerand-"

"Okay. Ruby, I am going to remove my hand from your mouth in a moment, but I need you to stay silent, and tone down the power output a bit… K?" A nod, "Good. I was thinking about giving him a shield, bladed edges, something like a revolver stake as well, to give him the penetrating power in case he needs it. He is our team medic… which is largely unneeded, nonetheless, his role is their, so I need him to be able to protect himself, and while he is good with his sword, he can use a shield and sword to better effect. This way he also doesn't have to reinvent his fighting style, he is just augmenting it."

"How about tomorrow all three of us sit down? I can probably get something good between the three of us, and finish crafting it within the month."

"That would be perfect. I am going to be putting all of them through hand-to-hand for the next couple of weeks anyway. They are both in good condition, but I need them in great physical condition before I get started on their weapon skills again. Oh, on that note, have you gotten something for your team?"

Ruby starts rubbing the back of her head, "Not really. What with Weiss closing herself to all of us. Barely listening to me thanks to the display I pulled off during initiation, and I think a word from one of our teachers. Yang being Yang. And Pyrrha being so far ahead of those two, that is has made it hard for me to even think about it."

"Good then. I wake my team up at five am every day for the training, tomorrow will be an exception due to tonight's party, but go ahead and tell them about our morning conditioning, see if they want to join us, just give us a ring and we will let them into our room. They can even store materials for their breakfast in our kitchen and pantry. I was hoping Pyrrha would help Dove once he had his shield anyway. This will also give Winter and Weiss more time together, which I imagine will help you in your own quest with her." Ruby had the decency to blush, "And Yang can be continuously put in her place by Neo and myself. At least until she grows up, or gets strong enough to put up a decent fight. You don't all have to come though, our field is a bit smaller than the ones that can be reserved by the school, so just give them the offer, and whomever wants it can come. It won't have any team training either, just spars and personal conditioning anyway, so no loss for individuals to come. I will extend the same offer to JNPR and CRML. Hopefully this will also help our bonds… or in CRML's case, actually let me learn their names in person rather than from Ozpin's settling of the teams."

Ruby nodded her head, "I will tell them, or rather, why don't you just tell them when we get back, tell them all while you pass them their dinner, tell them you talked it out with me, and are extending such an offer. Go the extra mile that I know you would do anyway, tell them you are willing to train anyone who asks for it too during the morning hours."

"Only if you help. Pyrrha's abs are matched only your own after all."

"I swing around a giant scythe weighing over thirty-two kilograms for a living. What? Did you expect me to be as skinny and weak looking as you? We don't all have weird alien bodies like you do."

Mato had the grace to NOT remark on that matter. Especially since they had finally reached the door to her team's dorm room.

Beacon - First Year Dorms - Team MDNS

April 4th, 2014 - Early Morning

As per usual, Mato was the first one awake. Which meant, she was the first one to realize just how bad the party had gotten last night.

Even if one were to ignore the various stains and foodstuff littering the room, the garbage lying around, and the blood stains that resulted when Ruby got a bit too close to a few of the weapons in her glee… leading to Weiss ripping Myrtenaster from her hands… and stabbing it into Jaune's posterior.

Things just went down from there, what with Blake attacking Weiss, Yang laughing at Jaune's misfortune, and hurling innuendos at Weiss… Which lead to Winter freezing Yang. Then Yang burst out in flames and tackled Winter into the training room, thankfully, but Nora for whatever reason took that as a cue to pick up Ren, and toss him into Weiss and Blake.

Add in some Neo to the volatile mixture and pretty soon, Pyrrha, Ruby and Mato were working together to save Ren, and force all the crazies to have a conversation with the Sandman.

Jaune lost consciousness when he was initially stabbed, Ren sometime as Weiss and Blake ripped into him, thankfully before Nora jumped in to 'save her man from the fangirls'. Dove spent his time healing everyone.

The conclusion to said party, and how bad it got, lay around her room. Nora was cuddling Ren on the floor as if he was a full body pillow. Winter and Weiss were sharing a bed. Dove had given up his bed to lay Yang on top, while he took the couch in the entertainment room. Pyrrha and Neo shared her bed… which Mato admitted was adorable, since she had rarely spotted such an expression of peace on the mentally scarred sociopath.

Ruby woke up as Mato got out of her bed, forgetting she had shared it with the red themed girl. Blake she found in the kitchen when she went in to start cooking for everyone, lying on top of the kitchen table in the most adorable position, reminiscent of a house cat. Jaune sleeping underneath the table.

'I am pretty sure Dove had set him up in the entertainment room with him… how and when did he get here? Thoughts for later, food calls, and most of them should be waking up within the hour- speak of the devil...ummm I mean Grimm.'

Blake got up slowly, trying to not stretch too much, while trying to make heads or tails of where she was. Recognition dawned quickly, and she leapt of the table quickly.

"Morning Blake. Can I bother you to wake up Jaune, I am going to start cooking breakfast for everyone."

Blake nodded, looking a bit confused, until Mato pointed underneath her impromptu bed for the night. Her slightly widened eyes was an amusing sight to the old lady. Ruby came into the kitchen shortly afterwards, which Mato was glad for. Rising gourmand Mato may be, chef she was not. On the other hand, Jaune strutted some amazing skills in the field of cuisine, which Ruby assisted with. Blake just opened a lot of tuna cans into a salad bowl before she started seasoning it.

The others started drifting into the kitchen in ones and twos, reminiscent of the living dead from the movie that Ruby had dragged them to right before Beacon. It was amusing that Weiss and Winter entered completely clean and refreshed, having apparently used the showers before coming after everyone else.

Several compliments towards Jaune and Ruby for the breakfast, questions detailing the veracity of Mato's claim to come in the morning for use of their training room along with them, and an hour as everyone helped clean up the mess from the night before, and suddenly everyone was heading to their own dorms to finish getting ready for the day's classes. Neo and Mato got in one last hour of exercise before showering and getting ready themselves.

Mato brought up the subject of Dove's new weapon designing with Ruby later in the day, as well as plans that needed to be drawn up for his training with Pyrrha and Jaune for the basics of shield use. As Neo got ahold of them all, transporting them to the hallways for their next class, World History with Doctor Oobleck, Mato couldn't believe that it was merely the second official day of their studies…

'These are going to be some long four years.' Remembering the events that had happened in just the two going onto three days they had been here, Mato was certain that they would be exciting at the very least. 'I am going to have one heck of a story for you when I finish Rock-chan. Maybe I will even get to finally see some expressions of happiness on your face when I see you again… Well, I mean, that come from you. Thanks to you being lazy and giving me a carbon copy of your body, I have seen many of your hidden expressions in the mirror… but you know what I mean… And I caution Ruby against talking too much… I am such a hypocrite in my mind.'

Her teammates looked at her in confusion when Mato suddenly palmed her face and shook it with quite a sigh of exasperation.

A/N: Once again, sorry for the late update on this chapter.

Nothing to say again in regards to this chapter, although I will be revealing the trends in Neo's semblances next chapter.

Till then, please keep reviewing and/or sending me PMs. I enjoy the love!

That includes your thoughts and wishes on pairings for the story down the line.