This was a terrible idea.
It was a recurring thought that kept popping up in Ruby's head while she stood centerstage for all to see. Professor Port had given her time to redress and arm herself with Rose Thorn to begin her demonstration of a 'True Huntress'. Frankly, had it not been her, it would've been her partner Weiss.
Speaking of her partner, a quick glance to the side allowed Ruby to see how her entire team was faring. Based on her observation, the majority of them were very supportive; Yang was yelling and cheering her on while Blake, although silent, held a small flag with the name "Go Team RWBY" written on its side. The only odd one out was, yet again, Weiss.
Unlike the others, Weiss had a neutral expression plastered on her face. To any other person, she was just observing the demonstration that was about to unfold. However, having learned criminal psychology, Ruby saw otherwise. While Weiss may look indifferent towards the situation, Ruby knew that she was absolutely livid at what happened. Not many would notice how rigid her posture had become, or how tight the grip of her pen was.
A loud cough would interrupt any further thought as the class's attention turns to Professor Port, who was now holding a blunderbuss/axe hybrid. With all eyes now on him, the prideful teacher cleared his throat before speaking aloud for all to hear.
"Alright! With our huntress-in-training now set, let the fight...begin!"
With a swift swing on the lock, the Boarbatusk broke out and immediately charged towards Ruby, who was doing the same.
Their fight had begun.
Using the grimm's own momentum against it, Ruby vaulted over the grimm once it was of closer distance. Seeing its target move, the Boarbatusk attempted to make a u-turn, only for it to slip and slide across the room.
Having landed back on her feet, Ruby turned and threw a couple of controlled explosive pellets, flashing and disorienting the grimm. But, this also caused the Boarbatusk to thrash around in its daze, leaving no easy opening to exploit.
"Outstanding move!" Professor Port cheered from the sidelines. "But will our huntress-in-training take advantage of this situation!?"
The class dismissed Professor Port. They were more focused on the fight rather than the commentary. Many amongst the crowd would follow the battle with either anticipation or excitement, but Weiss on the other hand watched with separate emotions in mind.
Back with the fight, Ruby quickly thought of other ways to take the Boarbatusk down. Close quarters was off the table as its erratic movements would only end with either her getting injured or tossed aside. Most items on hand wouldn't be able to do much damage to its armored plates. Rose Thorn's tips, however, might be able to pierce through its armor. One way to find out though.
Ruby then hurled her weapon towards the dazed grimm. Unfortunately, it may not have been hard enough as the Boarbatusk parried the projectile off its head and straight into the front of the Professor's desk.
"Hoho! Now what will you do without your weapon?!"
The class could do nothing, but watch as the Boarbatusk finally regained its senses and continued its pursuit of Ruby. They watched as the girl slip and dodge away from the monster's charges. Majority of students were at the edge of their seats in uneasiness. Weiss was, once again, dissimilar in comparison, but not in a way one may think.
Indeed, the heiress felt uneasy at the moment, but only because she realized what exactly her team leader was doing. While many would think that Ruby was only reacting to its attacks, only few realized that she was purposely repositioning not only herself but also the moving Boarbatusk. And less than a handful of them would notice its chipped forehead caused by Rose Thorn.
It wasn't too long before the animal grimm and the huntress-in-training were once again opposite from one another. Unlike the start, the Boarbatusk looked more irritated and resentful in contrast to Ruby's calm and collected comportment. What baffled the class even more was that she then taunted the monster to charge at her once more.
In retaliation, the grimm scraped its foreleg against the classroom floor before charging straight towards its target. Unlike before, it seemed to have gained more speed and was using all of its strength for this one final ram.
Yet, it felt no impact with its target.
In the very last second, the huntress-in-training backflipped herself onto the desk behind her...and led the Boarbatusk straight into the end of Rose Thorn.
Having no time to slow down or even change course, the grimm then skewered itself straight through Ruby's weapon, ending its life and the entire battle. While the Boarbatusk dissipated, Ruby unstuck her weapon as the class clapped alongside Professor Port.
"Bravo! It appears we are indeed in the presence of a true Huntress-in-training". The Professor acclaimed before turning towards the rest of the class. "Unfortunately, that was all the time we'll have for today. Remember to go over the assigned readings. Class dismissed!"
With that, everybody picked up their belongings and left for their next class. Before leaving to get changed back into uniform, Ruby glanced towards where her team was supposed to be, but only saw 2 out of 3 members still standing there.
10 minutes had passed since the end of Professor Port's class. Team RWBY was lucky enough to have a free period until their afternoon class. In the meantime, the BY members of the team decided to wait for their team leader outside of the changing area. While waiting, Blake took the opportunity to get answers from another source.
"Hey Yang," Blake started, causing Yang to turn her attention to her partner. "I don't mean to sound impersonal, but…can we address what happened yesterday?"
Yang sighed and slumped on the wall. "Guess that there's no hiding it now. I honestly hoped you guys wouldn't have to see that, especially her night terrors."
That caught Blake off guard. "So this wasn't the first time this happened?"
"No," The blonde shook her head. "It's happened so much that dad and I can already tell when an attack or terror comes."
"How long has this been going on?"
"Ever since we were little kids actually. Although, the attacks didn't start until later. Every time she visited home from Atlas, Ruby always had trouble sleeping without night terrors. So much so that they often kept her up. We never found out about it until Dad woke up one night to get a glass of water and found little Ruby eating leftovers on the kitchen counter."
Yang, along with Blake, chuckled at the tale before she continued.
"Things changed when Ruby came back from Atlas a couple months ago. Since then, her night terrors got worse. As in WAY worse. It was also the time when her attacks started."
Yang stopped herself for a second at the recollection. She frowned at the memories and gripped the helm of her skirt.
"If it's too much, you don't have to keep going." Blake said, her voice laced with sympathy.
Once more, Yang shook her head. "No, it's fine. I have to clear the air if we're all gonna stay with each other for the next 4 years." She said before she continued on with her story.
"The first couple weeks had been frightening for us. At first, Ruby was almost unresponsive to anything around her. When she finally did become more active, she'd jump at any sudden noise and even have attacks to anything extremely loud. We learned that the hard way during movie night."
"The nights were even worse. Dad and I were constantly woken up by Ruby thrashing and screaming in her sleep. 'Gotten to the point where we all had to sleep in the same room to make it easier."
"I…I'm sorry that happened," said Blake. "It must've been hard for you and your family to deal with."
Yang had simply waved her off. "It's fine. With the exception of yesterday, Ruby almost never has any attacks or night terrors these days." At the least, not ones that are as intense and severe. She muttered the latter under her breath.
Blake reflected on the words her partner had said. While she herself didn't have any sort of sibling, she knew the feeling of fear over someone you dearly care for. Just hearing the story made Blake wish to see her own family again someday. Although, there was still something bothering her.
Night terrors of this degree are often caused by mental conditions, long term heavy stress, or even traumatic experiences. Blake knew that because she too had experienced severe night terrors before her time in Beacon. Unless there's some mental condition Yang hasn't told her about, what exactly has Ruby experienced that would end up traumatizing her?
While Blake pondered at the thought, Yang decided to check on the person of interest. "What's taking her so long? And she complains that I take my sweet time?"
The blonde then entered the changing area to berate her sister for making them wait longer than they should. Just as fast as she went in, Yang walked out with nothing but a look of worry on her face. Enough so to even catch her partner's attention.
"What's wrong?"
"Ruby's not in there."
Lunch time had finally begun at Beacon Academy. Both teachers and students have the opportunity to take a break and relish the relaxation they have for the next hour. It's at this time where most would spend their time satisfying their own hunger at the cafeteria or a private lounge. However, for Professor/Headmaster Ozpin, something caught his eye on his way to the teachers lounge. More specifically, the top of one of the academy's roofs.
It was for that reason alone why the headmaster found himself standing on one of Beacon's vantage points, alongside a very familiar first year student in red.
"Why'd you pick me Ozpin?" asked Ruby as she sat on top of the railings by the edge of the roof, looking out at the open city. "Besides the obvious. What excuse did you tell Glynda to convince her to have me as team leader?"
"Would you believe me if I told you it was a consensus?"
"I'd say you're bluffing."
The headmaster chuckled as he took a sip from his coffee before he started to explain.
"Out of the 4 members of your team, Ms Rose, only 2 of them fit the criteria of what makes a good team leader. And the two are easily either you or Ms Schnee. Glynda considered Ms Xiao Long too 'laid back' for the position while Ms Belladonna was far too introverted. At first, it was a split decision between you and Miss Schnee, but that changed once we saw the finale of initiation."
It was here when he saw that Ruby turned to fully face him. Her ears perked as she thoroughly listened.
"While you may not have seen it for yourself, your experience of leading and coordinating a team was evident. You were able to not only quickly formulate a plan through the suggestions of your peers, but also lead not one, but two teams towards the ruins. While your plan to take down the Nevermore was quite hazardous, you were still able to identify and utilize the individual strengths of your team and coordinate as a single unit."
While a small smile did make its way to her mouth, Ruby's eyes still reeked of sorrow. Ozpin then sat alongside her on the rail. He may be a headmaster of a prestiges academy, but it's still his job as a teacher to comfort any student under his watch.
"I'm fully aware of what happened to your previous team, Ms Rose. While I may not be in the position to tell you how to deal with whatever problems you have, please do not allow your past mistakes to negatively affect how you will be for your current team. What has passed is past. Use this as an opportunity to not only learn from them but heal yourself as well"
As Ruby swallowed the advice given to her, Professor Ozpin remained next to her for as long as she needed. He can do without the lunch period for today.
15 minutes left before Lunch period was officially over. While students used this time to continue their relaxation, the teachers were forced to make preparations for their next class. As the headmistress of Beacon Academy and a responsible Professor for Combat class, Glynda Goodwitch had already prepped everything she needed. All she had to do was head towards the training room and wait for her students. However, on her way there, something caught her eye.
Standing there, staring into oblivion, was Weiss Schnee. Glynda remembered her and her team during initiation, most notably their perilous and unorthodox plan and the…incident at the gymnasium. However, unlike during initiation, the heiress looked out of sorts to say the least. She appeared to be shaken and dejected. There wasn't a reason why she SHOULDN'T approach her.
"Ms. Schnee?" Glynda attempted to get her attention, which worked as Weiss jumped a little upon hearing the headmistress.
"Professor Goodwitch!" cried Weiss as she tried to make herself more presentable. "Forgive me for not immediately addressing you, headmistress! Um...how long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to notice that something is troubling you, Ms. Schnee".Glynda responded.
Weiss, at first, remained quiet, yet her body language spoke many different emotions. Her gaze was anywhere but the headmistress' eyes while her hands and feet continued to fidget.
Before Glynda could ask about it, the girl finally built up the courage and started.
"Professor Goodwitch, do you mind if I ask you a...personal...question?" Weiss asked.
Had this been any other situation, Glynda would've dismissed this request as she often tried to keep any line of questioning professional and formal. However, curiosity got the best of her and had her nod in response.
Weiss finally faced her Professor, stared straight into her eyes, and asked. "Based on what you've seen of me, did I deserve to be in Beacon Academy?"
Glynda was taken aback by the question. "Ms. Schnee, last I'd checked, you had only started your first day. What exactly has gotten you to think in such a way?"
"I'm sure you've read about my father's thoughts on Huntsman and Huntress academies," Glynda snorted at the mention of Jacques Schnee. "Then you would probably understand why me being here was such a challenge."
"It took 2 years of training, exceptional grades, and numerous recital concerts to finally convince him to allow me to enter an academy of my choosing. But even after everything I've been through, I knew he had only agreed because he believed that this was simply just a phase. I'm sure he thought that it wouldn't be too long before I crawled right back to him. At first, that only made me even more determined to become a Huntress. But after seeing what the others were capable of..."
"You fear that you've only made it here out of sheer luck."
Weiss hadn't even given a response, yet Glynda already knew it to be true. The headmistress released a heavy sigh before comforting her student.
"As a Professor and Headmistress, I want you to understand that this is only the first day of your 4 years at the Academy. It's normal to have such feelings and know that you will have more opportunities to individualize yourself from your peers in the future."
The heiress's head initially fell in her own shame, but was guided back to face the Professor once more.
"However, as a Huntress and a fellow alumni of Beacon Academy, allow me to tell you this: Do not let the expectations of others discourage you. Don't compare your own feats from the feats of others because what they are incapable of doing may be something that you yourself can do. I've seen firsthand that you're capable of being a team player and have the potential of being a team leader. Let your time here at Beacon be not only a learning experience, but a new beginning for yourself."
Once she finished, a scroll alarm was quick to shift the Professor's attention. A glance at it caused Glynda to sigh to herself once more.
"I believe we're gonna have to cut this short, Ms. Schnee. I hope you take what I said into heart." said Glynda. Before leaving, she looked directly at Weiss and offered her a smile. "I'm available after class hours if you have any more concerns."
Now, it was only the Schnee Heiress that remained in the empty hallway. Empty enough to allow her to take everything into consideration and come up with a conclusion. She needed to find her team leader.
It hadn't taken long for Yang and Blake to find Ruby, who had been standing by the front of the doors of their next class. After a quick hug and a scolding from Yang, Ruby was able to convince the duo to go on ahead to class while she waited for Weiss outside. But she wouldn't wait too long because Weiss came out from the corner not too soon after.
They were finally face-to-face with one another, and yet neither of the two could properly look at one another. Awkward tension began building as neither said anything until the other started. Finally wanting to address the elephant in the room, both coincidentally started.
"I'm sorry"
"I'm sorry"
Both girls were equally surprised by the other apologizing. Being the quick one, Ruby explained first.
"Look, I'm sorry if I haven't been the ideal team leader recently. My head is still getting used to the position of being team leader and should've considered my own teammates. What I did this morning was only out of concern. I didn't mean any harm and wasn't trying to one-up you. I should've-"
Weiss raised her hand to interrupt the girl before explaining herself.
"No, you shouldn't be the one apologizing. I was the one who was acting out. I've been...going through some personal issues of my own and allowed it to bleed into my performance. But someone today helped me see through my own insecurities and encouraged me to use my time in Beacon as a new beginning. So, that's exactly what I'm going to do".
"You and me both". Ruby responded, getting a laugh out of both of them.
A sudden inflow of students immediately informed the girls that class was about to begin.
Looking towards the heiress, Ruby said. "The rest of the team is already inside waiting for us. How about we get through class first before we start thinking about how our new 'Beacon Life' would start."
Weiss then smiled at Ruby's proposal. Something the ex-vigilante hasn't seen for a while now, but was more than happy to have a glimpse at it once again.
And with that, the pair entered the class and joined their team to fully start their Beacon experience.
Coincidentally, there were no night terrors that plagued Ruby once she slept that night.
"What the hell is this Sionis!?"
"You said you wanted men and firepower, and needed it done discreetly."
"Yeah, 'men', not animals!"
"Think of it as an investment Roman; They scratch your back and you scratch theirs. And besides, spoke to that boss of yours. Seems like you've got a change of plans."
"What? Oh, sonuva-"
*BEEP*
Sorry for the long wait. I have re-edited almost the entire story (Omakes included) by fixing some errors, rewrote some scenes, and even adding more scenes to enhance aspects of the story. Volume 1 of the story is almost about to wrap up so I hope ya'll enjoy this in the mean time. I would like to thank you all for the support, please leave a review or a comment on the story, and I hope you enjoy.
I do not own any of the characters. All characters and names used are owned by either Rooster Teeth and Detective Comics (DC).