I'm not quite caught up yet, but I don't want to leave my readers with nothing. So here's the next chapter. You'll get more next Thursday at the latest, barring unforeseen interruptions.
Their initiation had been successful, as if there was any doubt. And now they were enduring a kind of entrance ceremony where they were given their teams and one member among these teams would be made team leader. Ruby wondered if her leader would be Weiss or Blake. The possibility of it being Yang never crossed her mind in a serious manner.
"Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Pyrhha Nikos, and Lie Ren."
She watched the four people they fought with earlier take the stage, and she was finally able to put names to faces. Those names and faces were labeled clearly on the large screens above the stage. As Professor Ozpin gave a short speech, the portraits shifted and all the lettering save given initials faded away. The picture arranged itself as J-N-P-R.
"-Team 'Juniper'. Led by, Jaune Arc."
"Wow," Ruby said aloud, "Maybe you have a chance after all, sis."
"Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long." Ozpin called next.
"I guess we'll find out!" Yang teased.
The four names girls made their way onto the stage where they stood across from the headmaster. "The four of you obtained the White Knight pieces. From this day forward you shall work together as team 'Ruby'." Their portraits and lettering on the big screen shifted for them as it had for JNPR, arranging itself R-W-B-Y. "Led by, Ruby Rose."
"...What!?" Ruby was as shocked as Weiss, if not more so.
As they were the last team to be formed, Ozpin gave one last speech before dismissing the students for the night. Ruby turned to her team with a, "I'll be right back," before running after the headmaster. She found him walking toward his office with Professor Goodwitch in tow. "Professor? Professor Ozpin?"
Ozpin turned around, seemingly happy to address the new leader. "Ah, Ms. Rose. Congratulations are in order."
"Congratulations?" Ruby shook her head. "Professor, I can't be team leader."
"Why not?" Ozpin shrugged, feigning ignorance. "You displayed courage, humility, an understanding of your limits, the will to pass those limits, and a level head in a dangerous situation in the Emerald Forest today. Many of our greatest figures in history could only wish to possess all these traits. Who else could I have picked?"
"Weiss?" Ruby suggested, "Sure, she still has a thing or two to learn about dealing with people, but what better place to learn those lessons than trying to be in charge of my sister? She would really benefit. Experience could make her a great leader. In time."
"What purpose would there be in assigning someone who still lacks leadership qualities over a readily available option who is a much clearer choice?" Ozpin argued.
"Because I'm not 'readily available'!" Ruby reminded him, "I told you I won't be here forever! Making me leader will only make it unfair to my team when I have to leave."
Ozpin stood tall, looking the young redhead dead in the eye. "And when are you leaving?"
"I… I..." Ruby's gaze faltered. "I don't know. B-but that doesn't change anything!"
"Except it does," Ozpin countered. "As far as I am aware, you may very well be here all four years. And, well, I would be remiss to not take advantage of the presence of such a skilled student as yourself."
Ruby sighed heavily. "You're not changing your mind, are you?"
Ozpin answered with a soft smile. "I assure I have no intentions of being an antagonist, Ms. Rose. I am merely acting on the options as I am aware of them. I only ask that you take your leadership duties seriously for as long as you have them."
Ruby crossed her arms and walked away without another word.
Glynda would not silent about her thoughts on the interaction. "Professor Ozpin, you wouldn't happen to be placing responsibility on that young lady's shoulders in the hopes it will force her to remain here should her teacher return?"
"I did not say anything to Ms. Rose that was not the truth, Glynda," Ozpin answered.
"But was it the whole truth, Ozpin?" Glynda pressed. The headmaster remained silent. "If Ms. Rose is truly magical, I agree we must learn what we can. But that doesn't mean I approve of your methods."
"And you think I do?" Ozpin confessed. "Our organization exists to protect the world from the threat a rouge maiden can pose. And while Ms. Rose is no maiden, her abilities are no less dangerous. We must strive to understand them."
"I highly doubt Ms. Rose is a threat," Glynda scowled.
"If I believed she were, she would not be freely walking the halls of my academy," Ozpin assured.
"Then perhaps honesty will lead to cooperation?" Glynda theorized.
"If she wished to be honest, her and her family wouldn't avoid questions about her nature," Ozpin explained, "and there's our own secrets to consider. We keep them for a reason."
"Then perhaps she does too," Glynda pointed out.
"And so we shall continue this dance," Ozpin nodded.
Glynda understood. She didn't like it, but she understood.
Weiss was still frustrated when she woke up the next morning. She understood Ruby was good, the girl was invited by Ozpin himself after all. But Weiss had spent years training specifically for a leadership role. Weiss had spent years studying what made a leader great. Weiss should have been named leader of their team.
And the worst part? Ruby didn't even seem to appreciate the honor! The first thing she did was try and step down! And why didn't Ozpin let her? Didn't that fact alone prove she wasn't leadership material? And where is she now!?
When Weiss opened her eyes, the first thing she looked for was her 'leader'. She noted Blake was awake and dressed, Yang was still asleep, and Ruby's bed wasn't just empty, it was neatly made. It didn't sound like anyone was in the attached bathroom either. The heiress scowled.
"What the matter, Weiss?" Blake asked, drawing the heiress's attention.
"Where is our leader?" Weiss asked in return.
Blake raised one eyebrow at her. "Do you need her permission to stand up and start your day?"
"What!? Of course not!" Weiss reeled.
"Then I don't see why her not being here right now is an issue," Blake shrugged and returned to what she was doing before Weiss woke up, putting her books away on their shared bookshelf. "We don't even have class for another hour and a half."
"It doesn't concern you that she's not here to lead us? Not off to the best start is she?" Weiss continued.
"Lead us through what?" Blake pointed out. Weiss didn't have a vocal answer to that. "Wouldn't it concern you more if she was oppressively micromanaging us? I'll save my concerns for if she isn't back before class, but even then I don't need to her to hold my hand and take me to my seat. Do you?"
Yang yawned loudly, turning over to face Blake and Weiss with only one eye open. "Wass you two talkin' 'bout?"
Weiss's frown returned. "Perhaps you can enlighten us on where your sister has vanished to?"
"Suns up, right?" Yang yawned again. "She probably found a quiet corner outside somewhere to run herself through drills."
"...Drills?" Weiss's face was unreadable. "She gets up at sunrise to train?"
"She prefers to do it first thing in the morning. Says it wakes her up for the rest of the day," Yang explained.
Blake stared at the cover of the book in her hands. Is that the truth? Or is it a taught behavior from her secret teacher? I can't ask, or I'll be called out for eavesdropping again…
The door opened and the leader herself entered the dorm room. She noticed everyone was awake. "Oh, good morning!"
"Mornin' sis!" Yang greeted.
"Good morning, Ruby," Blake nodded.
"Were you really training?" Weiss asked.
"Weiss..." Blake shook her head.
Ruby answered regardless, "I wouldn't call it training. Just an hour or two of basic drills. Why?"
Weiss looked away. "No reason. I'm getting in the shower."
"Do I really have to wear this?" Ruby asked, staring solemnly into the full-length mirror Weiss brought with her.
Yang, still stifling yawns, looked over to her litter sister standing stiffly in the black blazer and plaid skirt that made up the Beacon school uniform. "Relax, Ruby, it's not that bad."
Ruby peeked over her shoulder. Blake was engrossed in a book and Weiss was still in the bathroom. "I feel naked..." she whispered.
"Excuse me?" Yang giggled.
"I mean… vulnerable!" Ruby whisper-shouted. "You know my clothes have protective enchantments. This is just… cloth..."
Yang scratched the back of her head. "The jacket and skirt are the important part of the uniform, right? I'm sure you wont get in trouble if you wear your boots and gauntlet. I know it's not perfect, but it's better than nothing?"
"I was going to wear my gauntlet anyway. But you really think they won't mind if I wear my boots?" Ruby looked over to the armored footwear.
"If they do, screw them. Oz practically begged you to come here," Yang shot her sister a smug smile. "I bet you could get away with all sorts of stuff."
"You kinda have a point there," Ruby smiled and went to change her footwear.
Weiss emerged as Ruby was slipping on her broken vambrace. "You're not really wearing that gaudy thing with your uniform?"
"Gaudy?" Ruby asked. "What do you mean?"
"It's awkward and bulky and… broken," Weiss elaborated.
"No, I meant what does the word 'gaudy' mean?" Ruby clarified. "Though… I guess that still answer my question..."
"You cannot be serious..." Weiss lamented under her breath, "This is my leader…?" The heiress cleared her throat and spoke louder, "Beacon allows personality with your daily wear, but only so much."
Ruby looked down at the broken plate. "I've worn this every day for over two years," Ruby explained. "The weight is… comforting. I can't imagine going about my day without it."
Weiss gave the armor piece another visual pass. "Well, if it's so important to you why don't you at least fix it?"
A sad look passed behind Ruby's eyes. "If only I knew how..." She tightened the last fastener and looked at the clock. Eight-thirty. Her eyes flicked over to her sister stepping into the bathroom. "Class is in half an hour, Yang. We should be leaving in about fifteen minutes."
"Yeah, yeah," the blonde seemingly ignored her sister.
"Yang!" Ruby called after her. The bathroom door shut. Sigh.
"You should probably try a firmer hand," Weiss suggested proudly. Can't even get her team in order.
Ruby snickered. "You're welcome to try."
"Very well," Weiss smirked triumphantly and bee-lined for the bathroom.
Ruby caught Blake's attention. "We should probably leave."
"That bad?" Blake asked.
"Trust me," Ruby nodded.
They only made it about ten feet from the dorm before Weiss was literally thrown through the doorway into the hall. "HOW DARE YOU, YOU ABSOLUTE OAF!"
"Wow," Blake stared. "Any advice for dealing with my partner's anger? She is your sister."
"Yeah," Ruby smiled, "don't make her angry."
"That's good advice," Blake nodded. "So how do I not make her angry?"
Ruby thought for a moment. "Don't mess with her hair."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
Blake contemplated. "So showers must be important to her as well. To wash her hair."
"Yup," Ruby nodded again.
"Which is why Weiss is currently on the ground," Blake concluded.
"But why is she still on the ground?" Ruby wondered.
"I think she's being dramatic?" Blake raised an eyebrow.
"Eh," Ruby shrugged. She called out to the heiress, "See you in class, Weiss!"
"Monsters! Deeeemons... Prowlers of the night! Yes, the creatures of Grimm have many names, but I merely refer to them as prey! Ha-ha!"
Ruby, Weiss, and Blake were seated in the classroom of Professor Peter Port, who was currently giving a grand welcoming speech. Most of the class was already asleep. Weiss was doing her best to dutifully pay attention, but she kept getting distracted. Mainly by Ruby, who was clearly not paying attention. All Weiss had seen all morning was more evidence that Ruby should not have been named leader, and now she wasn't even listening to their teacher?
"Our planet is absolutely teeming with creatures that would love nothing more than to tear you to pieces! And that's where we come in. Huntsmen! Huntresses. Individuals who have sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves! From what, you ask? Why, the very world!"
Yang burst into the room at that very moment, breathing heavily. "Sorry I'm late, Professor!"
Professor Port looked Yang's way. "Ms. Xiao Long, I presume?"
"Uh, yeah?" Yang nodded uneasily.
"I would like to have a word with you after class," Port informed her, "Please find your seat."
"Already?" Groan, "Yes sir..."
Weiss smirked. Maybe she had no authority to punish Yang, but a teacher certainly did. Ruby technically does as well, but she clearly has no intention to.
"As I was saying..." Professor Port continued as Yang sat next to her partner.
Weiss tried to listen, but was soon once again watching Ruby not pay attention. The girl was flipping through pages in her Grimm Studies book without even thinking to listen to the Professor.
"-A true Huntsman must be honorable! A true Huntsmen must be dependable! A true Huntsman must be strategic, well-educated, and wise! So, who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits?"
"I do, sir!"
Weiss's voice next to Ruby brought her head out of the book.
"Well, then, let's find out! Step forward, and face your opponent!" Port gestured to a cage next to him that contained what could only be a live Grimm. Within minutes Weiss was dressed out in her combat gear, her sword at the ready, at the front of the class facing the cage.
"Gooooo Weiss!" Yang shouted.
"Fight well!" Blake cheered.
"Good luck, Weiss!" Ruby offered.
"Ruby, I'm trying to focus!" Weiss scowled at her 'leader'.
Ruby shared a confused look with her other two team mates. They just shrugged.
Port raised his battleaxe. "Let the match… begin!" He brought down the weapon onto the cages lock. The cage fell open to reveal a Grimm that looked like a wild hog with heavy plating and large tusks. A quick glance at the whiteboard told Ruby this was a 'Boartusk'. The Boatusk charged right out of its cage at Weiss. The heiress artfully dodged to one side, slashing at the Grimm as it passed. Ruby could tell the strike was meant to be heavy, but it merely glanced off the creatures thick armor.
"Oh ho! Wasn't expecting that, were you?" Port smiled.
Weiss charged at the Boartusk herself, thrusting her weapon in front of her. Ruby watched intently. It's a risky move, but if she could get her thin blade between the plates… However, the heiress's aim hit the center of the Grimm's mask. Not only did her blade once again bounce off while dealing no damage, it managed to become wedged between in the creature's tusks. Weiss yanked on her weapon to free it but only managed to further lock it in place.
"Something's not right," Ruby noted. "Weiss is better than this. She's not thinking clearly."
"She does seem frustrated," Blake agreed.
Ruby couldn't idly watch anymore. "Let go, Weiss! Before it-"
In the time it took for Weiss to shoot Ruby a dirty look at daring to speak up, the Boartusk jerked its head and tossed the heiress and her weapon to opposite ends of the room.
"Before it throws you..." Ruby finished under her breath.
"Now what will you do without your weapon?" Port himself asked. It almost seemed like the teacher intentionally trying push Weiss's frustration further.
Weiss managed to dodge the Boartusk's follow up and reclaim her weapon. She scrambled to her feet to stare down the beast once again.
Ruby gave the Grimm another visual pat down. "Weiss, there's no armor on it's belly! Attack from underneath!"
"Stop telling me what to do!" Weiss shouted at Ruby with furious eyes.
Ruby reeled back in her seat and frowned. So that's how it is.
The Boartusk leapt, curled into a ball, and started rolling at the heiress at high speed. Weiss managed to use a glyph to block the attack and put the Grimm onto its back. She then summoned a glyph behind her and jumped onto it, using it to spring herself at the beast's stomach and skewer it. The beast fell still and began to dissolve as the heiress caught her breath.
Professor Port began an applause. "Bravo! It appears we are indeed in the presence of a true huntress-in-training!"
Weiss stood proudly and shot Ruby one last dirty look as Professor Port dismissed the class.
"Ugh, I have to stay behind..." Yang moaned.
Ruby's eyes were on the already retreating Weiss. "And I gotta go have a talk with her," she looked to Blake, "wait for Yang?"
"Sure thing," Blake nodded as Ruby stood to follow her partner.