Since the realisation of my appearance, and it's similarities to literal monsters, I have taken to wearing a mask. A simple thing, painted dull green with slits for vision so that my eyes are concealed. Alongside the dark emerald cloak that I was given, my traits are fully hidden. It's comforting.

Today, Jackl's taking me to Signal academy.We where currently sat on a boat heading to Vale proper. "So... What do you learn at Signal?"

"oh, ya learn a bunch a stuff. Like how to fight, and you about aura. Plus boring stuff, but that doesn't really matter."

"Aura?"

It was then I realised he wasn't there anymore. It took until we got to Vale for me to find him again.

We arrived at Signal, it was a relatively large building. But not as large as others. There where students milling about, and others talking amongst themselves.

"Hey Jackl, who's the kid?"

"Yang this is Onyx, Onyx this is Yang" The now named blond laughed. "Ok, Onyx, nice to meecha!" she extended her arm. I shook it, and felt her grip tighten she stared at my hand, more likely my skin. "Wow! Your paler than Ruby! I didn't think that was possible!" yay for doing the impossible I guess.

Soon my hand was free from the girl and she was talking with Jackl. They didn't seem to be discussing anything important. Sadly I didn't have time to listen to there conversation as someone called out, "Excuse me, would you be the boy Mr Hyde mentioned?" the teacher was a taller gentleman, frighteningly so. His crimson eyes sparkling, though his voice and mannerisms calm. He gave off the energy of a ticking time bomb, ready and willing to detonate.

"As I'm sure he mentioned." He gave a wink at that, "I will be testing whether or not you will be able to attend signal. Even at such a late time in the year!" he gestured towards the primary school building. "This way if you please."

Instead of testing my knowledge as he already understood I was lacking in that department, he was testing my skill in combat. By having me fight one of his top students.

Yang charged forwards, a punch aimed square in the centre of my face. I ducked under and swung, she didn't even try to avoid my attack as a golden feild absorbed my attack. She pummeled me, at least twelve separate attacks chained together in quick succession. I only managed to block six of them and even those delt significant damage.

Suddenly Yang stopped throwing punches. "Do you... Have your aura unlocked?" the question rang out in the training hall. Thankfully only two other people where present, the teacher who was testing me and another there to act as a witness. They were both silent. "I... asked Jackl what that was on the way here but he got destracted and didn't tell me, is it important?"

There was silence for several seconds. The two teachers began talking amongst themselves, soon turning to Yang and I, giving there verdict, "You fail. Not only do you not have your aura unlocked, but your technique is sloppy and one would easily assume you have had no training whatsoever. This simply cannot do." he took a breath to continue, "Which is why we have decided you will not be attending signal with Jackl. Instead you will take a year appropriate to your age." turning to the other teacher he asked, "I believe Qrow has spare room for another student correct?"

Qrow was annoyed, he already had enough on his plate and they where giving him another student. One he would have to teach from ground zero, he hoped the kid had talent. Otherwise, school will be a long and drawn out process for them.

After a few hours the kid arrived at his classroom. They where dressed similarly to Ruby, though with an added mask. Perhaps a faunus, it wasn't uncommon for them to hide certain traits that way. Signal, unlike beacon, didn't have a uniform.

"Right, kiddos. Today where gonna be doing some sparring." he took a swig of his flask, sadly he was only allowed mild liquor while teaching, but it was still better than nothing. "Ruby, your taking care of the newbie." with that Qrow led them to a training field and watched.

Specifically he watched the 'newbie'. The boy was better than he expected, even facing Ruby. Then, just as the aforementioned girls scythe came crashing down did Qrow remember, he forgot to unlock Onyx's aura.

Ruby was battering him. Launching blow after blow, what would have simply been hearing down his aura instead leaving bruses and cuts. Ruby's final attack, a vertical slash downwards, thankfully landed just short as Onyx managed to dodge. Qrow sighed, he was worried for a moment he would have to step in.

Then the boys mask cracked, and broke. Splitting almost perfectly down the middle, revealing his face. His face...

Qrow quickly stepped between the two and the test of the students, "Well be right back, there's been an injury." and pulled them aside. Onyx quickly pulling his hood over his face.

I can feel my heart beating through my chest. The look of pure hatred in his eyes sends shivers down my spine.

As soon as we where out of earshot he pinned me against a tree with his sword. "Why did she send you!?" she? Who's he talking about. "Uncle Qrow, what's going on?" He sighed, "Listen, I'll explain later, just keep an eye on this... Thing. I need to get in contact with someone."

She did as instructed, though with the Sword embedded in my clothing I couldn't really do much before she could evecerate me. "Erm..." she looked up, my question died in my throat at her expression. She was just as confused as me.

Silence, for several minuets until Qrow returned. He took his weapon and held it's tip to my throat. "Where heading inside, as much as I disagree, there's someone who wants to talk to you. Ruby, you can return to class, well talk later. And don't tell anyone what happened, understood?" she gave a hesitant nod, and we departed.

One hour later

I sat, alone. The room was dark, with one lamp above the desk in front of me, an empty chair the other side of it. The only other light in the room a single green dot from a camera.

The door opened, Qrow guarding the entrance. Preventing anyone from coming in, and more importantly me from escaping, though I have no idea why that's nessesary.

However, it was not Qrow entering, instead a man wearing a dark suit, the only other colour a dull green. He sat opposite me, his emerald eyes pearcing right through me.

"Hello." I said nothing. "Well then, would you mind telling me what your doing at this school?"

"I'm here to train, and learn about the world."

"Hmm, and tell me. What do you know of this world?"

"Erm..." the question made me pause, was he believing me? That made no sense. "The world is called Remnant?" he gave a subtle nod and I continued, "There are... three kingdoms, each fighting for survival against monsters called grimm." he leaned back, smiling. "

You got part of that incorrect." did I? his smile grew wider before he lightly chuckled. "The kingdoms are Vacuo, Mistral, Atlas and Vale." he looked into my eyes, pausing for a few moments "I believe you." that quickly?

"I can tell your telling the truth, that or you're a very impressive liar. Though my intuition says otherwise. Still, your aperarance is rather... Concerning." I agree. Its why I wore my hood and mask. "Tell me, why do you want to become a huntsman? That is, one who hunts the creatures of grimm."

"Honestly, I haven't really thought about it. It just kind of... Happened, like this is what I'm supposed to be doing." The man nodded. "So, you feel like this is the right path?" the question sparked something within me, and I spoke before I even realised it.

"Yes!"