And we're finally at the start of the actual show! Again any helpful feedback would be wonderful. But also feel free to ask questions regarding anything related to the story or characters. I try and include the answer to those in the next chapter. But until next time!

Note: I do not own either RWBY or Fairy Tail. Those are owned by Rooster Teeth and Hiro Mashima ( and FUNimation). Please support the official release.

Note two: Bolded text indicates telepathic dialogue between Mavis and Zeref, usually. Italic text indicates a flashback.


Ruby flipped through the latest edition of the Weapons Magazine towards the back of the dust store. She huffed in disappointment; there was nothing particularly interesting in this month's release. With a hint of frustration, she tossed the magazine back onto the shelf.

She hummed to the tune of her headphones as she reached for another magazine. Then another hand reached for the same magazine she had her sights on.

Ruby turned to the other customer, who quickly retracted her hand. This stranger sported wavy blonde hair, cleverly tied up in two long pigtails. Her white blouse, accented with black undertones around her chest and midsection, was intriguing.

Like Ruby, she also wore a skirt, though the mystery girl also had black leggings underneath them. But what captured Ruby's attention were the strangers' emerald green eyes. They felt familiar, comforting even.

"No, you take it," Ruby slipped off her headphones, handing the magazine she'd been after to the mystery girl.

"...Thanks," she seemed reluctant to take it. "What's your name?"

"I'm Ruby Rose," She extended a hand smile on her face. "What's yours?" The stranger stared at her for a little longer. "Is something wrong?"

"No," that seemed to break the stranger out of her reverie. "You just looked familiar, that's all. Call me Mavis."

"Hey you two, put your hands where I can see them!" someone behind them ordered.

Ruby swiftly turned to confront the speaker. "Who are you guys?" she asked. This man didn't seem like the kind of guy to stop by a dust shop, this late at night.

The man sounded exasperated as he demanded, "I said, put your hands in the air!"

"Are you robbing me?" Ruby cocked her head, observing the similarly dressed men filling multiple containers with dust.

"Yes!" The mugger waved his machete around. "What part of that do you not understand–"

Ruby tackled the man, sending them both flying out of the dust shop, breaking its windows. Upon regaining her footing, Ruby swiftly turned, Crescent Rose gleaming in her hand, ready to face the remaining muggers. She was surprised to see two of them sprawled on the ground, both twitching with electricity.

Mavis stood in the store, a bow now in her hand. An empty dust shell lay at her feet.

"Some help they were," A bowler hat-wearing burglar muttered. He pointed to the last henchman with the cane in his hand. "You, deal with blondie. I'll handle Red over here."

"You're not going anywhere," Ruby twirled her massive scythe, holding it by her side.

The stranger picked up his cane, aiming it at Ruby. "Well, Red," he began, a sinister grin forming on his face, "I'd say this has been an eventful evening, but it's time we part ways." An ominous orange glow radiated from the cane's barrel. Ruby closed her eyes, activating her semblance, and dashed upward in a trail of rose petals. A powerful gust blasted the orange-haired gangster from behind, causing his shot to go wide and into the nearby car.

It exploded, causing burning shrapnel to reflect off Ruby's aura, causing the girl to wince as each piece glanced off.

Landing on the ground, Ruby quickly stood, trying to locate where the bowler hat-wearing thief disappeared.

"He's going up that building!" Mavis yelled as she ran past Ruby. Sure enough, he was quickly ascending the fire escape of the nearby apartment building.

Focusing her semblance again, Ruby sped toward the base of the ladder, leaping from rung to rung. She reached the top, slightly out of breath, before collapsing her scythe into sniper rifle mode. "Don't move."

"Oh, I think I will," The man quickly shot another round at her, forcing Ruby to shoot and roll behind an AC unit. How was she going to do this? I mean, it was exciting–like, who at signal could say she went toe to toe with a mobster? But at the same time, how was she going to defeat him? Crescent Rose's cold metal steadied the huntress-in-training.

The man blocked her shot with his cane gun, before returning fire. At that time, Ruby had switched back to scythe form and cut the explosive in half. She wasn't going to fall for the same trick twice.

Suddenly, a loud whirring noise pierced her ears as a bullhead rose to meet the building's height. Ruby used her hand to shield herself from the wind and spotted the thief boarding the craft, a smirk on his face. As the bullhead ascended, he turned back to face Ruby.

"End of the line Red!" He tossed something down at her feet. It shimmered red in the moonlight. Wait…red?! The girl began to take a step back, just as the man raised his cane to fire. Out of nowhere, a black beam, nearly invisible at night, shot through the bullhead, leaving a hole of melted steel in its hull.

"What the–" The assailant pointed his cane behind Ruby, causing her to look back at who fired the laser. The blonde girl from earlier had her right arm held out in front of her, palms open. Her left hand gripped the wrist as if she'd steadied her right arm with it.

Roman grabbed the door to the bullhead before readying another volley.

Ruby discarded her weapon and dived towards Mavis, ready to push her out of harm's way when the bullet exploded against a purple circle. Looking up, Ruby saw their savior, a golden-haired woman in a white dress suit and pants, with a black and purple cape billowing behind her. In her hand sat a wand, pointed directly at the bullhead.

"Tch," The man cursed. "Get out of here!" As the bullhead flew off, it slowly dawned on Ruby that in front of her was…Glynda Goodwitch.

"Oh my god!" She squealed. "Y-your and actual Huntress!"


Mavis sat in the interrogation room, rocking the metal chair back and forth.

"We need to talk about you and getting arrested," Zeref told her.

Mavis stopped rocking. "Hey, there was a robbery and I was distracted."

"Seeing Summer's daughter does not count as a distraction. Did you at least get to use your Semblance this time?"

"Yep," Mavis smiled brightly to herself. "Getting the hang of it now. My recovery between shots still takes too long though. How has your practice been?"

"I've only gotten up to two of them," Zeref answered exasperatedly. " Enough to block an Ursa Major for a couple of minutes, but–"

Mavis was interrupted from Zeref's thoughts by the door suddenly opening. Two familiar faces filed in.

"We have to stop meeting like this Mavis," Oz leaned on his cane.

Glynda shook her head in disappointment. "We don't always have time to come bail you out, young lady."

"Sure," Mavis raised an eyebrow, standing on the interrogation table to gain height over Glynda. "I'm the young one here." Mavis hopped back onto the ground, skipping around the room.

"I can excuse it this time, however," Ozpin conceded.

"Summer's daughter," Mavis figured. "Ruby. She is the spitting image of her mother."

"Indeed," Oz answered. "She'll be attending Beacon with Yang this year."

What did he say? Mavis blinked owlishly. "You let a 15-year-old into Beacon? And you approved of this?"

Glynda gained a steely glare. "Ozpin knows what he is doing. Ruby has the combat ability and potential, if not the temperament quite yet."

Wait…Ozpin did know what he was doing. "You want us to attend the school as students? Is that why you unlocked our Semblances?" He'd been planning this for at least the last few months, the devious bastard.

"Student advisors I think will work," Oz mused. "Unless, of course, you and Zeref want to attend as students–"

"I'm going to ask Zeref, " Mavis put a hand out to stop Oz. "We…need to think about this. Sorry for making you two come out here tonight."

"Oh, I have a feeling I would've come out here regardless," The headmaster sighed. "I can call Zeref–"

"Don't bother," a voice behind him answered. Zeref stepped into the room, glancing up at Ozpin. "Let's go home, Mavis."

"How did you–" Glynda stammered. While Ozpin had told about her and Zeref's immortality, the old man neglected to mention their ability to use magic, which Mavis supposed was to make sure Oz didn't seem even more irresponsible than he appeared to be.

"I'm a fast runner," Zeref vaguely replied, while taking Mavis's hand.

"The fastest man alive," She teased, walking two fingers up his chest. "Especially in bed–"

"Mavis no," he gave her a disappointed and exasperated look. "Besides, we both know you finish first."

"You two can go," Oz ushered them out the door and into the hallway. "Please, don't flirt in front of me–or Glynda."

Mavis turned to see Beacon headmistress utterly red in the face, biting her lower lip. The Fairy Tactician blushed. "Oh, sorry. See you guys then!"

Zeref pulled the pastel blonde into his chest, hand pressed into her lower back. She felt hot and uncomfortable as if his scent was almost intoxicating. Was it just her, but was it getting even hotter? Mavis mewled in irritation.

Now even Oz looked embarrassed. "Go," He and Glynda walked out of the room. The Black Wizard gripped her tighter, even as the world darkened again.

"So, Beacon?" Mavis prompted.

"I don't see the harm," Zeref answered.

"Really?" She had not expected the Black Wizard to be this open to attending school.

"We get to see August that much sooner," he smiled as the darkness abated to reveal their house, "Sorry for doing that earlier. But in all fairness, you did start it."

"Well, I just wanted to mess with Glynda," Mavis attempted to distract herself from her thoughts by stretching on the couch. "You didn't have to take it that far, though. Now I'm...you know." She blushed.

"Well, that's the point," Zeref sighed, "Hopefully, you will remember not to get arrested again."

Mavis grabbed him by the collar and dragged him towards their bedroom. "Oh, I'll remember this," she cackled with a wicked grin.

Zeref, now visibly terrified, pleaded, "Mavis, please, I promise I won't do it again!"

Mavis just laughed and said, "Oh no, you started this—now you have to finish it."

"Nooo—"

And with that, the door closed behind them.


Blake stared intently at the pages of The Man with Two Souls. It was an interesting read, especially since it hit a little too close to home. A man stuck with two souls, two identities. Parts of her still missed the companionship of the White Fang, Illya…and Adam. She wasn't with the group anymore, She might have severed ties with them, but she knew she could never completely escape her past. She was trapped between two worlds, and it weighed heavily on her.

She chose to bury herself in the book, allowing the lively chatter of those around her to serve as a barrier against unwanted interactions.
So of course she could hear two girls approaching her. Blake's bow twitched in anticipation of the inevitable conversation. Flicking her eyes up, she could see a blonde girl and a black-haired girl, with tips dyed red. The blonde one sported a leather jacket that was two sizes too small, a yellow crop top, and spandex shorts with leather frills. The black-haired girl was dressed in a black dress and corset with red frills, complete with a cloak and hood secured by pins at her shoulders, and leggings.

"Hey there, got a minute?" The blonde one asked. "I'm Yang Xiao Long, and this is my adorable sister Ruby."

Gotta play this cool, Blake decided. She returned her attention to the book. "It's Blake."

"Gosh, isn't the weather just great today?" Yang prompted.

That weirded Blake out. Just a little. A tiny part of her found that endearing. "So is this book. Which I will continue to read, as soon as you leave."

"Wow," Yang leaned away and pouted. "Rude."

"Uh, what book are you reading?" Ruby asked tentatively.

"It's an old one," Blake answered. "About a man with two souls."

"It tells the tale of a man struggling with who he is," A male voice cut into the conversation. "Who copes with his multiple personas by mentally separating his competing personalities."

Blake's bow twitched again. She had to get that habit under control. "An accurate description…" She looked up.

A boy, maybe 16 or 17, had walked over, eyes fixed on the cover of her book. He had onyx eyes and black hair that flared out the sides, with a cowlick poking from the top of his head. A white robe rested around his right shoulder, with a black and white long-sleeved shirt underneath.

"Zeref," he answered. "Did you get that at Tuckson's Book Store?"

Blake was taken aback. Not many people frequented Tuckson's Book Store due to Tuckson's catlike traits. "How did you know?"

"My wi–girlfriend often goes," he answered. "She'll sometimes bring me with her. I got that book for him last time we went."

"Hey, Ruby!" Yang pulled Zeref by the arm and dragged him over to Ruby. "Got you a new friend."

The smaller girl looked positively ready to run away. "Y-yang, you don't need to do this."

"Give him a chance," Yang asked. "Please?"

Zeref seemed unbothered by the sister's quarrel. "Ruby huh? A pleasure to meet you."

"Oh!" Ruby looked surprised. "H-hi Zeref."

"You seem…a little young to be going to Beacon," The black-haired boy observed.

Yang ruffled her sister's hair. "My sister here got invited to Beacon by the headmaster himself."

"Yang!" That finally pushed Ruby over the edge, pushing away the blonde. "I-I don't–" She ran off. Blake turned her attention back to her book.

"You shouldn't have done that," The Cat Fanus abesmindently said, turning to the next page.

Yang scoffed. "You have siblings too?" Blake paused at that question. She didn't have any biological ones, but…

"An adoptive one," she settled on. "And that relationship is a two-way street. Well, most relationships are. And you pushed her without asking.."

"Agh," Yang facepalmed. "What am I going to do? I totally messed up."

"Apologize," Zeref's eyes flicker to the airship's window as if recalling a painful memory. "If she loves you…and you're willing to change, then what's there to worry?"

"Thanks, Zeref," Yang's move brightened considerably. "I should go find Ruby now. See you, Blake!" As the blonde disappeared into the crowd of other Beacon students, Blake noticed a subtle change in Zeref's eye color. His once-black eyes now glowed with a slight red tint. Blinking, his eyes returned to their original color.

"I would pick up After Dusk next time you go to Tucksons," Zeref scratched his cheek in embarrassment as if he wasn't used to talking with strangers. "I, uh, personally found it very relevant."

"I can't say I saw that one last time I went," Blake said slowly.

"We–my girlfriend and I gifted him that book yesterday," Zeref fidgeted with the solid band of gold, with a small, black onyx, on his ring finger. "And we, um, picked up some books until we can revisit Vale."

The former White Fang member let a small smile slip through her mask of indifference. Blake would admit to herself that the boy's awkwardness was something uniquely genuine, given how disillusioned she'd become of the world. "I'd like to meet this girlfriend of yours."

"I'm sure she'd love to meet you too," He returned the smile with one of his own before his expression shifted subtly. "I have to go. I'll see you at Beacon, Blake."

"Sure," Her bow twitched again. "Nice meeting you, Zeref."


Ruby maneuvered her way through the throng of people inside the bullhead cabin, a determined look on her face. Amidst the crowd, she sought a haven of solitude, yet the sea of students seemed unending.

In the back of her mind, Ruby knew Yang was just trying to get her to open up, but it was just too overwhelming. Reaching the back of the passenger car, The scythe wielder was a little surprised to find a familiar face, curled up on a seat, reading a book.

"Oh, uh, hi Mavis!" Ruby waved, then realized how close they were and dropped the hand. What was she doing?

Mavis placed the book on her lap and tilted her head. "You can sit down, Ruby." She smiled and patted the seat next to her.

She took a tentative seat next to the blonde. "So you're going to Beacon too?"

"Yeah," Mavis shifted to look outside the bullhead's window. "You okay?"

Ruby almost jumped at the question. "Yeah! Yeah. Totally fine. It's just, my sister's trying to get me to make more friends and–" she pulled up her knees to her chest. "I don't know…I guess I just got scared."

The blonde turned to face Ruby. "You aren't used to this many people, are you?"

Ruby was momentarily caught off guard by the question. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. It's just that my sister wants me to make more friends and..." She drew her knees close to her chest. "I guess I got scared."

"I grew up on an island too," Mavis twisted the black ring, with a translucent, yellow gem, on her ring finger. "And alone for a lot of the time too."

"Alone?" Ruby looked up. It was silent in the bullhead. "Did your parents…?"

"Die?" Mavis shrugged. "When I was three, maybe. I don't remember what happened to them."

"My mom's a huntress," Ruby began slowly. Something about Mavis made her feel…at ease. "Or was a huntress. One day, she left for a mission and never came back."

"Is she the reason you're going to Beacon?" The blonde gave an inquisitive glance.

"Well," the Scythe Wielder's face brightened a bit. "My mom used to read me fairy tales before bed, and so many of them were about heroes slaying Grimm, saving the day. I want to be just like them–I want to help people."

Mavis ceased fidgeting with her ring. "Let's be friends," she suggested, leaning in close to Ruby's face, inadvertently startling Ruby, who recoiled and found herself cornered against the compartment's wall.

"Uh, okay!" Ruby panic shouted her response. Her newly made friend burst out laughing.

"Glad to hear it," Mavis extended a hand.

Ruby took it, smiling in return. "So, Mavis, why are you attending Beacon?"

"I'm here to help a friend," She stretched her arms and legs forward. "Oh, Zeref! Over here!"

"Zeref?" Ruby untucked her legs. Hadn't she heard that name from somewhere? Maybe from a book. She was not expecting the same black-haired kid she had met earlier to step into view.

For a brief moment, Zeref's eyes flashed a menacing red, but before Ruby could process it, the moment had passed. "Hello, Ruby." The boy raised his eyebrows.

"Hey Zeref," She gave a meek wave.

"I see you've been acquainted with Mavis," Zeref walked over, taking the seat to Ruby's right, squishing her between her new friends. "You know, your sister is looking for you."

"I know," Ruby felt mopey again. "I just, I don't know. What if she's really angry at me? I just…ran away from her. Without saying anything. Ugh, what am I going to do?"

Mavis looped an arm around Ruby's neck, pulling her close, before flicking the black-haired girl's forehead. "You're family. Talk to her, and it'll be okay."

"How can you be so sure?" The scythe wielder asked.

"Family will always have your back," Mavis grinned. "That's what Zeref taught me."

"Indirectly," he muttered. "In a roundabout way."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short!" Ruby stood. "I-I might not know you very well, but you seem like a good person."

"See?" Mavis looked back at him, a smug grin on her face.

"Your sister is nearby," Zeref said with a blank face. "Go find her."

"Hey, that was kinda ru–" Ruby began before she blinked. When her eyes opened again, the two were gone. What…happened? Her bewilderment grew the more she pondered the situation. Why hadn't anyone else interacted with Mavis? How had they disappeared? And why—

"Ruby!" Yang tackled her from behind. "Oh, I'm so sorry little sis!"
"Kiyah!" Ruby yelped as her older sister lifted her off the ground. "Yang, put me down!"

"Oh," The blonde quickly released Ruby. "Sorry, Ruby. I shouldn't have pushed you that hard."

"No Yang," Ruby spun around and gripped Yang's shoulders. "I, I shouldn't have ran away–not without talking."

"Then I guess we're good," Yang smiled. "We should probably get our things. We'll be at Beacon in a few minutes."

"A few minutes?" Ruby's face was alight in fear. "Oh god, where did I even put my stuff–"
"Sis," Yang stopped her from moving. "You got me, remember?"

"Yeah," The girl relaxed. "I do."


Zeref thumbed the strap of the backpack hanging on his shoulder.

"Why hasn't Ozpin dealt with Torchwick yet?" Mavis groaned. "It's like he wants the man running around stealing the kingdom's dust."

"I think he gave him and Neo asylum," Zeref admitted. "I guess someone offered–or threatened–him or Neo with something a lot bigger."

"So what does he want us to do?" the Fairy Tactician disappointedly sighed.

"He wants me to deal with it," The Black Wizard turned to face her. "Gave me a mask." He gave a knowing grin. "But you're welcome to join me, my empress."

The petite girl flushed with color. "Don't call me that out here." She gave a small push. "But I might put you up on that offer."

"How it was always meant to be," Zeref recalled when they had met for a third time–all those years ago. Hadn't asked her to join him there as well?

"Wait," she stopped walking, "If you had taken me back–"

"I would've made you my queen," he let go of her hand. "I…would've." A familiar guilt bubbled to the surface, along with the loneliness and despair he'd felt after his fairy died in his arms. A single tear rolled down his cheek. Zeref couldn't lose control now. Not with so many people.

"Hey," Mavis cupped his cheek, wiping the tear with her thumb. "It was never your fault. And so much has changed in you. I might not have been your queen then, but let me be your equal now."

The pools of death under his skin dissipated. "Thank you Mav–"

A loud explosion cut off his words. The two of them instinctively reach for their weapons, only to spot the source of the explosion.

Ruby and a white-haired girl in a pale blue dress were arguing with each other. Arguing might have a generous term, Zeref decided. It was more like the second girl was screaming at Ruby. Nearby, multiple crates, full of dust, were scattered all over the ground.

"Just like–" Mavis began.

"Her mother," Zeref finished. "Should we…?" He let the question hang in the air.

"Of course," she looked a little insulted that he'd ask such a question. "She's family."

The two quickly jogged towards the two girls, weaving ahead of the many students entering the huntsmen academy.

"...you even listening to me?" The rapier-wielding girl asked.

"Ah.." Ruby closed her eyes, as if ready to sneeze. Without a second thought, Zeref focused, forming an ethereal white sphere around the teenager's head. A jet of fire and smoke blew out of her nose, blasting the barrier he'd put up. The shield dimmed in color, but ultimately held.

"Do you know who this is?" Mavis asked. "I feel like–"

Zeref racked his brain. White hair and ice-blue eyes were all signature traits of a certain group. No–family. "We should know her."

"This is why you should be more careful!" the white-haired girl didn't skip a beat, continuing to berate Ruby. "If someone hadn't put up that shield, you would've blown the both of us back to Atlas!"

Ruby got to her feet, looking down at the ground. "I'm really, really sorry. I didn't mean to–"

"You imbecile," the stranger rolled her eyes. "Aren't you a little young to be attending this school? This isn't some random combat school where you can just joke around!"

"Hey, I said I was sorry princess!" Ruby took a step forward.

"It's heiress actually," Blake butted her way into the conversation. "Weiss Schnee, heir to her father's dust company, the largest in the world."

"Oh," The two immortals mentally slapped themselves.

"Finally, some recognition," Weiss smirked at Ruby. The heiress reminded him a little too much of Ajeel. He could see the same arrogance practically oozing from her mouth, the same temper, and the same pride in their families.

"A company infamous for their abusive labor practices and aggressive business practices," The Fanus corrected.

"Are you really sure she's a Fanus?" Zeref could feel Mavis's uncertainty. "That seems a little premature."

"Just watch Blake's bow any time she feels nervous or flustered," Zeref suggested.

"Tch," Weiss looked positively murderous. "How dare you–"

"Schnee, was it?" Zeref let go of Mavis's hand and stepped into the conversation–figuratively and literally.

"Can't you see I'm trying to have a conversation here?" The heiress whipped her head to face him. "Who are you anyway?"

He reactivated his semblance, restoring the glowing ball around Ruby's head.

"What is–" the silver-eyed girl try to say.

"I'm the person who saved you from being 'blown back to Atlas', as you so put it."

Zeref could positively feel the satisfaction Mavis felt from just watching their conversation. "Are you rubbing off on me?"

"Shut up," Zeref turned his attention back to Weiss.

"Uh," All of the bluster that the girl had vanished, replaced by a look of humiliation.

"What a coward," Zeref muttered disappointedly. he let his barrier dissipate. "Are you okay Ruby?"

"Y-yeah," The girl wiped the soot off her face. "Sorry for causing so much trouble."

"The Schnee overreacted," Blake stated. "You shouldn't have run into her luggage though."

"I think she got that," Mavis finally decided to let herself into the discussion. "Do you mind going on ahead Ruby? Zeref and I need to talk to Blake about something." Blake's bow twitched again–but much less than before.
"Yeah sure," Ruby seemed a little apprehensive about leaving them but moved a decent distance away regardless.

"Really?" Zeref was both disappointed and amused by Mavis's tactics.

The blonde ignored his comment, immediately getting into Blake's face. "Zeref's told me you like books!" Her eyes twinkled in excitement.

"I do," Blake's bow shifted as she tried to compose herself. "And?"

"I just wanted to ask if you had a favorite genre," Mavis seemed to deflate Blake's lack of reaction. "Ok, I see it now," Mavis admitted.

"I like…" the black-haired girl struggled to find an answer. "Books that deal with identity, I guess."

"Like the Corpse Doctor?" Mavis asked.

Seeing that Blake appeared to be at the end of her rope, Zeref laced his hands through Mavis's pulling the girl away. "Sorry about Mavis–she can get overly excited when she meets a fellow bookworm."

Blake gave a small smile. "I gotta get going. See you around Zeref. You're lucky to have Mavis."


Ozpin took a deep sip from his very worn coffee cup. The constant in almost all of his lives was the bitter taste of the dark, and frankly godlike liquid. Except for his stint as a drunk.

Shaking his head, the headmaster pushed up his glasses and squeezed the handle of his cane. It was just another welcoming speech. The 23rd opening remarks he'd made since becoming headmaster. So what made him so nervous?

"Ozpin?" Glynda brushed his right arm.

"Yes, Glynda?" Oz answered as he took a deep breath. "If it is a question, save for after we've gotten the students situated."

For once in her service as Beacon's Headmistress, Glynda Goodwitch hesitated. "Yes sir," She finally decided.

"And if this is about Zeref and Mavis," Oz brushed her shoulder. "They'll do just fine."

"Are you trying to convince me?" She deftly removed herself from his touch. "Or yourself?"

"Perhaps a bit of both," Ozpin muttered to himself before stepping into the main hall, slipping unnoticed by all the students gathered in the room. Each step towards the microphone seemed louder. Beacon's Headmaster tapped the microphone, causing the surrounding conversations to come to a halt.

"I'll..." Ozpin began, surveying the students before him. There was Pyrrha Nikos with her red hair and armor, Blake Belladonna with her long black hair and distinctive bow, and Ruby Rose with her red cloak with silver eyes. "I'll keep this brief. You've all come here today to receive knowledge, hone your craft, and acquire new skills. When you leave this place, you plan to dedicate yourself to the protection of the innocent. However, all I see in front of me is wasted energy, purposeless, and without direction. You assume knowledge will free you of that." Ozpin paused again, scanning the crowd. He spotted the almost voidlike eyes of Zeref before Mavis's emerald green. Their gaze felt judgemental. "However, knowledge can only take you so far. It is what you take away from that knowledge that will decide your path as a huntress or huntsman.

No matter who you came here as–heiress, champion fighter, vigilante–your time at Beacon will change you. Whether that change is for the better is up to you." Oz took a sharp breath before he stepped away from the mic, allowing Glynda to take the stage.

"Your initiation will begin tomorrow. As for tonight…" As she talked, Ozpin tried to find Zeref and Mavis again, only to discover that they'd disappeared. Beacon's headmaster had half a mind to try and find them, but ultimately decided against it. He would get a chance to talk to them later.

He wanted to get to know his students. After all, this was shaping up to be an exciting year.