The first day was rough in various ways yet all four team members managed to sleep without further incident. Raiden hadn't realized just how exhausted, both mentally and physically, he must've been as he blacked out not long after hitting his pillow.

Stirred awake, his eyes opened groggily expecting to see his mother. Instead, he was met with quiet shock as the piercing glare of his partner met him.

"Get up, you have fifteen minutes to get around for breakfast. Class is half an hour after, we have weapon crafting and upkeep with Professor Mulberry. Don't be late."

Stunned, Raiden nodded quietly as he collected his thoughts. He was actually here in Beacon, a teammate and team, training to be a huntsman! He looked around and saw Lukas and Niel readying themselves as well.

Watching Caelum leave in the same black school uniform lined with gold. Raiden scrambled out of his bed, excited to try his on. With vigor, he threw on his pants, dress shirt, vest, tie, and jacket. As he turned around to inspect himself he saw the rest of his team was already gone.

Deflated somewhat, he turned and saw his reflection in a large mirror on the wall. He turned and admired the craftsmanship of the clothing. It all felt surreal to him. He had seen in the school rules that the dress code was not upheld too strictly. Students were allowed in casual attire if deemed acceptable, combat attire if needed, and the freedom to customize their uniforms or wear accessories.

Looking at himself in the mirror, he felt a little vulnerable without his white and blue hoodie. But that was his combat attire and he didn't have the bravery to stand out so much, especially on his first day.

His eyes lingered a little longer on himself before focusing outward onto the mirror. It was an object that Caelum had brought. It had been collapsed inside the case that held his weapon and surprised him when Caelum opened it to reveal only three things. His weapon, the mirror, and a few articles of clothing.

The mirror unfolded to a rather surprising size, shoulder width, and nearly as tall as Raiden himself, albeit he was a bit on the shorter side. He glanced at his partner's bed and saw there were slightly more belongings than he remembered. A few more articles of clothing and some weapon maintenance gear were tucked underneath his bed.

Where had he pulled those from? He recalled Niel speaking one-sidedly to Lukas before they had left while he was getting dressed. He had voiced how odd it was that such a reserved person had such a large mirror and didn't seem to use it.

"He seemed to be pretending. When he was styling his hair with some basic caretaking, he hardly seemed to be looking at himself or the mirror. His eyes seemed too focused. As if he was looking through it."

Raiden hummed as he brought a hand to his chin. He caught sight of his small digital watch in the mirror and remembered the time. He would miss breakfast at this rate and so took off, forgetting what he had been pondering over.

Breakfast was a surprising feast, a multitude of filling options that left no hunger unattended. He did make the mistake of stuffing himself leaving him bloated and uncomfortable as he approached his first class of the day.

Weapon crafting and upkeep. Professor Mulberry was quick to the point. "You all know what this is and what your weapons do. I will guide you in maintaining and improving them over the next four years. At the end of each week, you will submit a report on your weapon's function, performance, and maintenance. From there I can advise you on improvements. As first years your first class will always be with me so we can ensure your weapons are not dysfunctional."

He curtly asked if there were any questions and without waiting for any hands to rise, he dismissed them all for personal study and free time. Raiden was unsure of what to do at the moment. He was sure to use the class to further his railguns technology but he did not find it an endearing thought to work on the internals in front of so many. This is why as some students filtered out to retrieve their weapons from the nearby locker area, he sat in silence next to Caelum.

An hour and a half later, class ended and they made their way through the halls to their next stop, Plant Sciences with Professor Peach. Niel and Lukas were still somewhat distant and did not accompany them. Raiden hardly noticed as he admired the architecture around him and treaded carefully around the upperclassmen who eyed the new first years with interest. Sticking close to his partner who seemed unintimidated, he breathed a sigh of relief once they reached class.

To his surprise plant sciences were far more practical than he had imagined. Due to his love for technology, Raiden had assumed it would be his worst subject. Contrarily he already knew some of the basics having grown up outside the kingdom's walls. The projected course seemed to be the basics of survival craft, identifying poisonous and edible plants as well as simple medicinal remedies from local flora.

Again the students set off to their next destination, History and Legends with Professor Oobleck. It was certainly unexpected. The hyperactive teacher seemed to lose the class more than once. Even Caelum seemed to have his mind elsewhere despite keeping his eyes on the blurry-paced teacher.

Lunch came as a reprieve for the first years, who stretched their limbs and walked to the cafeteria. Again, Raiden and his partner moved silently but it was of small relief that other teams seemed somewhat distant as well. Raiden only hoped his team would close the gap over time as he was sure the others would.

Unlike breakfast, all students were present for lunch. First through fourth years sat along the long columns of tables and chairs. Despite the mixed seating, it was of note to even he that each year seemed to sit amongst themselves. The first years were primarily in the back left corner, the second years the right, the third years the front left, and fourth years the front right.

Raiden glanced around, taking in the sight of his seniors. They wore the same uniform as him yet they seemed so much more mature. The boys seemed composed and confident even those with more rambunctious personalities. The females had a certain elegance and attractiveness that outshined the first-year girls.

He was surprised to see the number of seniors who deigned to wear their combat attire rather than the school uniform. Perhaps convenience? Or their schedule required such preparation. He could only assume that they had proven themselves and it was a small privilege.

Niel was surprisingly able to drag Lukas to sit with them. Raiden waved them over until a depressing atmosphere took their section of the table. No one was willing to start a conversation or carry it. It seemed he wasn't the only one ill-versed in small talk.

A small commotion erupted further down their table. The seats between them and the cause were empty, providing them with a clear sight. A brunette rabbit faunus was being harassed by four of their peers. Team CRDL if Raiden recalled. His thoughts were disrupted as the leader of the boys tugged on the girl's ear and she yelped in pain.

Raiden was unsure of what to do. He felt indignant for the girl but he didn't wish to stir trouble so early in his school year. He glanced around at others seated nearby. Some others showed distaste and yet a surprising amount showed smirks and grins at the display. What was he supposed to do?

It seemed Niel had found his answer. Slamming his silverware onto the table, the boy had a look of fury in his aegean blue eyes.

"Stop," said Caelum sternly. Niel froze in confusion, half standing.

"What?" he asked, directing his glare at Caelum.

" She wasn't born a faunus this morning. She came over to the first years looking to speak with random students. If she wasn't prepared to defend herself then we have no place to intervene." Caelum explained calmly, tearing a piece of bread.

"You'll just let this stand? Leave it be?" demanded Niel.

The weak suffer when they cower. She is an upperclassman and wants to be a huntress let her find her own strength. Or are you going to save everyone, every hour of every day?"

Raiden watched as a flurry of emotions crossed Niel's face. His first time experiencing the frustration of their leader. The fact that Caelum sat sipping his drink and eating his meal nonchalantly reasonably drew some ire.

"For once, I'll have to agree with him," said Lukas to their surprise. Caelum continued focusing on his meal as Raiden and Niel turned to their companion. "I love women as much as any other guy but the lass didn't get here by luck. If her team ain't gonna help her or she help herself, who are we to?"

Before any argument could be made team CRDL released the girl and she retreated to the second-year tables with stinging eyes. Raiden and Niel felt a tug at their hearts from the sight but as the commotion was over, Raiden turned to his meal as Niel sat down with a sigh. It seemed everyone was having reservations about this team for the moment.

Stealth and security class with Professor Greene was next. Perhaps the most normal teacher he had seen so far, Raiden soon forgot over the issue during lunch as he fretted over the class syllabus. Professor Greene was kind and wore a professional ensemble of a security detail she had personally started from the ground up. But the avid professionalism worried him. Taking after his parents, strict adherence to hierarchy and doctrine was an awkward point for him. Luckily he believed he could pass the stealth portion. If not he had faith that Caelum would excel in these areas.

Recalling the cafeteria briefly, he wondered if he would receive help at all. Out and in again was a class that Raiden looked forward to. Military strategy taught by Professor Port. As any huntsman knew, their jobs were not just slaying Grimm or security details. They were not always knights in shining armor. Sometimes, and it was rather unfortunate in his opinion, they were called upon in war.

The stout and burly man began his class with this same explanation yet assured the class that there were conventions and stipulations placed after the great war. Though not widely known by those outside of military, political, or historical affairs, huntsman intervention in wars are banned unless a certain country has violated human rights, used huntsman themself, or is deemed a large enough threat by all other signatories.

Raiden slouched slightly in relief. The thought of having to kill another human sent a sharp tingle down his spine. Surely there were criminals, those who would try to harm them for upholding the law, but a soldier? Another huntsman? Or some poor conscript? He couldn't bear such a thought. Raiden glanced at his teammates across the room. Lukas seemed uncaring while Niel nodded in agreement with the laws emplaced.

It was when he looked at his partner that confusion muddled his mind once more. Caelum seemed irate to say the least. Perhaps even contemptuous. It wasn't as if he could ask for clarity from his enigmatic partner either, so class just rolled on.

Finally, came the most anticipated class. Combat instruction, led by Professor Goodwitch. The youngest and perhaps highest ranking teacher at Beacon aside from Ozpin. Some of the boys in class would be too distracted by her appearance if it were not for her strict demeanor. Whenever her riding crop cracked, all but a few students, including Raiden himself stiffened up.

It was those of peculiar personalities that seemed immune to it. Raiden noticed Caelum amongst a few including a redhead in bronze armor and the boy who had picked on the faunus in the cafeteria. He could only assume it had to do with their own experiences and strict training.

The class was arranged in the school amphitheater, now noticeably different from when they had last seen it. The students sat on raised seats, organized by team as Professor Goodwitch spoke to them from an elevated stage. The professor informed them that this area would be for one-on-one duels for selected students as the rest of the class observed. For any larger classes or team training they would utilize the school training grounds.

The professor conveniently used this to explain how their next period would go as well. "This class will technically be two hours long, the first hour will be spars and reflection. The second will be self-directed sparring. You shall be allowed to leave towards the more spacious training grounds in the second hour if need be. Dinner is at six at which you are responsible for the rest of your day. The training grounds shall be open until 10 p.m. Any questions?"

No one dared draw attention to themselves from the curt mistress. "Good then let us begin class. Everyone shall introduce themselves to their teams even if they have done so already. Their home of origin, their abilities, weapons, and aspirations for their tenure here at Beacon. Begin."

It seemed that an ice-breaker would be the start of their combat class but Raiden felt it was needed. As all teams turned inwards to discreetly share their stories Caelum seemed displeased here as well.

The quiet boy's eyes glossed over all the students as they willingly divulged the information demanded. Raiden jumped at the opportunity to bridge the team together but was silenced by a raised hand from Caelum.

"Let me be the first to say, I don't think it wise we share everything unless willing. We'll be exposing a lot of ourselves already with everyone watching us spar. Keep some of your capabilities unknown even to our newfound team."

Raiden cocked his head in confusion at the remark. Lukas crossed his arms but didn't disagree as he leaned back. Niel nodded, humming in agreement. "I see. That would be wise. We are not close acquaintances yet, and some do drop out of the academies. My village has had to fight the odd dropout gone bandit before."

Caelum gave a single nod. "Let's keep it pertinent to each other and no more." He glanced at Raiden. "Especially you. Let's not flaunt that rifle of yours."

Raiden wilted at the remark, wanting to correct him that it was a railgun but failing to withstand the glare aimed at him. With guidelines set and Professor Goodwitch staring intensely at them upon noticing they weren't chatting as animatedly as the other teams, they began.

Raiden began. "I-I'm Raiden Gorm. I lived in a settlement southwest of Vale, a fourth of the distance to Vacuo. It didn't have a name but was used as a research town for the capabilities of small settlements and so we had a bullhead station as well as-"

The uninterested stare from Lukas and Caelum paired with Niel's polite, obliging expression informed Raiden that he was rambling and to get back on topic. Clearing his throat, he proceeded. "Eh-hem. I don't have much to hide so I'll come clean. I can emit a small electrical field around myself and on occasion discharge it."

Caelum nodded recalling the blue bolt that emitted from his partner in the forest when he was nearly fileted.

"Under advisement from our commander, I'll keep my weapon a secret for now but as you know, it's a halberd-railgun format with a Heads Up Display that connects to my glasses to assist with aiming. As for my goals, I want to be a huntsman who can stand on his own two feet."

There was no standing ovation but Raiden scratched his head embarrassed nonetheless. With his silence, Niel introduced himself.

"I am Niel, from the tribe of Taklashin to the northeast of Vale. We reside at the very north of this continent where the snows of Atlas grace the hills and lead us to be a nomadic people. It is said because my people are spiritual that it is common for us to gain semblances related to nature. I can draw upon the strength of animals. With our new rule of surprises, I shall withhold the details and instead show you all at a later time."

Proudly he announced his weapons. "I wield two trench blades that shift into revolvers. The design is based on our tribe's founder who separated himself from Vale after the great war. The gold and silver blades are each fourteen inches and the revolvers fire a 400. Nitro Express cartridge. As for my goal…"

Niel looked around nervously, leaning in to whisper. "It is to find a wife to bring back to my tribe."

Lukas threw his head back laughing, grabbing a few stares at the outburst. Raiden was impressed, to say the least at his teammate's unusual goal while Caelum raised an eyebrow.

"O-of course my priority is to become a fine warrior but this is also a necessary goal set upon me by my tribe."

Niel faced Caelum, his eyes pleading with him to begin so Lukas would stop wheezing from laughter.

With a reluctant breath, Caelum shifted in place. "Caelum Hyalus. I am from… Atlas" The answer came with hesitation which was luckily ignored as his teammates focused on the exotic location.

"Oh someone from further north than I?" asked Niel.

"Wow, why didn't you attend their academy?" asked Raiden.

Lukas meanwhile, sneered at the name. Caelum read his lips that muttered a single word. "Figures."

Without answering any questions, Caelum continued. "My semblance is unrelated to combat and I use what is essentially a multi-tool. It is primarily a machine gun platform with a roller-delayed blowback design from the Great War. As you've seen the bipod can detach as a backup blade and I usually carry other equipment."

Raiden chuckled at the remark, thinking 'That's putting it lightly.'

"As for my aspirations… well for now my only goal is to graduate. I will see what comes along the way."

"Why such an old MG design?" asked Raiden.

To his surprise, Caelum answered. "It's a family heirloom. Its original form wasn't exactly to my liking of practicality so I made some changes."

"Ah, another man of heritage" hummed Niel as Raiden nodded. All eyes drifted to Lukas who seemed he would rather be anywhere else.

"Lukas Coil. Vale born and bred. My semblance is also unrelated to combat and I use an SMG platform based on a downward recoil inertia block and bolt that fires .45 ACP. It changes into a bat cause bashing things and skulls is a tried and true method. My goal is to be outta here quick as can be."

Caelum glowered at his teammate from the comment. Raiden however, was confused.

"You mean graduate early?"

Lukas scoffed. "You could say that."

Before any further questions were exchanged, Professor Goodwitch announced the end of all conversations. Now spars would begin and class would not end till everyone had dueled at least once.

With everyone testing the waters and the boundaries of class nothing eventful happened as rather dull spars took place. Most ended with aura dropping halfway or time restrictions placed to accommodate all students.

As they were told, dinner came and the students had the remaining time until curfew to do as they wished. Rest, relaxation, further training, or even taking a five-minute bullhead to Vale. The students had many options aside from these. Yet for team CRLN, Niel rested, Raiden relaxed, Caelum trained, and Lukas left for Vale as dinner ended. With the day over, the team seemed even more fragmented with their newfound freedom.

-Chapter End-