Lumina rose at dawn as she always had.

Though already wide awake she strolled into the bathroom to wash her face as became routine, though an errant glance into the mirror revealed something aesthetically pleasing look back. Her cheeks filled out, bones no longer as pronounced. Her hair was merely disheveled from sleep, no longer greasy or wild. Ever since Kali took scissors to it and gave advise on how to treat her mane, Lumina took care to brush it in the mornings. Her wings shone with new luster.

Thanks to proper nutrition, her ribs no longer showed. Her chest grew somewhat, though she appreciated it remaining close to modest. Physical activity Ghira insisted on had toned her stomach, arms, and legs; in retrospect, she appreciated being made not to rely on her Semblance so much. The bright sunlight tanned Lumina's skin as well, although her benefactors were quite surprised. She told them that the sun's rays would never hurt her, yet they were still confounded by the absence of burns.

All in all, Lumina was pleased with what she saw; at the same time she could not help but wonder how such an inferior shell had grown so much on her. Yet the crux of the matter was that it did and so she accepted it.

The thought drew a faint smile onto her lips; Menagerie was everything she had been told and more.

After some time spent on her morning ablutions while bathing in the light filtering through the windows, she strode back to her room in her undergarments. Kali had picked out a number of comfortable clothes for her to wear; shorts in plain white, as always her favourite colour. Unfortunately for her preference in tops, her caretaker still refused to let Lumina go bare. She originally accepted clothes out of habit in Mistral; human standards of decency remained odd to her, even after Kali sat her down to explain. Nonetheless, she conformed to them with a silver bustiere, tailoured to hug her waist and leave the back open for her wings. Two suspenders ran from the cups over her shoulders to keep everything in place.

Once she stepped outside to bask in the light some more, her thoughts returned to the past months. It had been absolute bliss compared to before. Lumina was happy, surprisingly enough. So happy that she forgot herself for a time. She made not a single step toward regaining divinity despite the improvements to her mortal shell.

It rankled. Somehow, simply existing failed to leave its mark even though she knew her memory rested within those around her and Selina far off. Yet that was not enough even with the faint echoes from others that heard of her joining the choir. She could not simply wait to ascend once more. Her everpresent Dream was weak, barely remaining in existence.

She needed a following, a reputation, and a legacy. The more people knew of her, the more her dormant nature could awaken. She needed time to grow from a pupa back into the moth she always was.

These thoughts persisted throughout the customary sunbathing. She still mulled it over during breakfast, to the point the Belladonnas took notice.

"Is something bothering you?" Ghira finally ventured. He seemed honestly curious, as he always did.

Lumina considered how to phrase her thoughts and feelings for a moment. "I want to become famous," she settled on. "Specifically world famous. I want every single being on Remnant to know my name. But I wonder how tenable that is and how to go about it."

Her ambitious declaration certainly surprised them. Kali leaned forward curiously. "That is... surprising? You never struck me as the type to want fame and glory."

"I care little for glory, merely for renown. Positive or negative are of no regard."

Ghira chuckled at that. "Well, it's all good as long as you don't become an infamous villain." Nobody else laughed and he turned a bit more serious. "As long as you remind yourself how difficult and taxing fame can be."

Lumina nodded; she was well aware... and surprisingly disinclined to play the villain, even if infamy was likely easier to attain.

"How long have you been thinking about this?" Kali chimed into her sudden introspection

"All my life, in one way or another." It felt odd to admit now of all times, but she did it anyway. "I need this."

Her serious tone convinced both of them easily. Ghira nodded thoughtfully and Kali clasped Lumina's hand. "I see. In that case, I am with you every step of the way." This surprised Lumina, though Kali just smiled. "Did you expect anything else?"

Lumina had no words. She certainly learned of their limitless support for anyone and everyone, but the fact this included her remained humbling. They saw not a goddess to revere and yet they immediately lent an ear and their knowledge or connections without prompting.

Ghira took a sip from his coffee while considering the situation. After putting down the mug, he broke the renewed silence: "You have several options for how to become a celebrity. Politics is one, the arts are another, and combat is a third." Lumina hung on his lips as he explained. "Becoming a national leader will give you the fame you want, but the path there is long and grueling. Not to mention your nature is rather straight-forward, which most politicians are not."

He had a point there, though Lumina still did not understand why politics had to be so convoluted. Regardless, she did see one particular opportunity to grasp: "I could try subverting the White Fang and put them back to the original order of operations?"

It would not be easy and she must defeat Sienna Khan to do so, but turning them into her cult may be a good start. Unfortunately, Ghira shook his head.

"That is unlikely at best," he cautioned her. "As fond as I may be of Sienna's wit, she is also fiercely loyal to her cause and her lot. An outsider will not be able to take over as easily as you may think, Faunus or not." He hesitated then, clearly worried. "That aside, I would prefer if you didn't. The Fang grows more fanatical with every year. I fear they are too far gone to return to what they once were."

Lumina nodded; she since accepted his wisdom in matters of Remnant. As much as she hated having her ideas criticised, she knew less than them. Ghira frowned softly, returning to the list he gave: "Next is the arts. An author, artist, or actress are all possible paths to fame. But competition here is fierce and few emerge on top. You are quite radiant, so actress may work out for you. But it requires acting, which you are bad at." He had a point there, Lumina could admit that without hesitation.

"And, as much as it pains me to say, there is fame through combat. Specifically as a Huntress. I don't like that this is the path best suited to your current skills, but anything else would be a lie. You are strong and bear a semblance well-suited to all kinds of battle. It is also the most dangerous path, considering your life will be in danger more often than not."

Once again she was surprised. Even now it never occurred to her that killing the creatures of Grimm could make her famous. It was something everyone did after all.

"It is that easy?" she could not help but ask, making Ghira chuckle for some reason.

"None of these are easy, but hunting may be easiest for you. Still also the most dangerous. You would need to make a lasting impression and work harder than all the living legends out there. You heard of Qrow Branwen?" he asked and got a nod. "He is one of them, one of the best of his generation. We know about him even here despite the fact he came to Menagerie exactly once."

"And Selina kept swooning," Kali added with a soft giggle. Ghira cracked a smile as well.

"I doubt he even noticed. Surprisingly abrasive, too. But a good man."

Lumina mulled over what she heard while they reminisced. With her deep in thought, it fell to Ghira to deliver the final nudge: "If you want we can see about the application tests for one of the schools? Considering everything, you may be able to make Beacon like Selina."

Lumina nodded to that. "I will consider it. May I read up on the subject for now?"

"Of course."

She excused herself to use the computer since installed in her room once they were done eating. The internet may just be one of her favourite inventions; access to an incredible amount of human knowledge, all at her fingertips with the press of a button. Though crude compared to the essence of Dreams with which she herself communicated, it was a marvel regardless. An engineered one at that instead of innate.

Lumina studied up on the subject of hunters and read accounts of the most famous names. A toothy grin began to form as minutes turned to hours; this was exactly what she needed to become known as. A protector, a guardian, that which The Radiance always was.

Moreover, there was something Ghira did not mention. She brought it up during breakfast the next morning: "I was thinking I could take the examination for the license directly?"

Her rumination befuddled the Belladonnas.

"You're not even fifteen yet," Kali reasoned, much to her annoyance. Age meant nothing to her. At the same time, she reminded herself, protecting one's young was an ingrained instinct in many species. Kali remained unaware of her thoughts and carried on: "Graduating hunters are aged between twenty and twenty-two. I have faith in your abilities, but this gap may be too large."

"She is right," Ghira added, obviously taking his wife's side. At the same time he clearly saw the fervour burning in Lumina's eyes. "But you already made up your mind, didn't you?"

She nodded wordlessly, meeting his gaze for a long moment. Ghira was struck once more by how vibrant her eyes could be, then he nodded back. "Very well. I need to check when the next license exam is."

"Beacon holds them in May, ten days from now," she informed him. "Applications are still open for three days."

Kali huffed, mostly exasperated but also fond. "And Beacon no less. You really don't do things by half." She cracked a smirk right after. "Alright. With how much work you have been doing since Selina left, we can definitely waive the fees for this."

Lumina nodded. At the same time she was reminded of her boisterous companion's absence. Patrolling with just Ilia felt odd after she got used to Selina's presence. Neither of them spoke much. Even though Selina called at least once a week, her absence was felt.

"That aside," Kali purred with an intent look, "we need to enhance your outfit a bit. It's serviceable and practical, but a prospective Huntress needs to look dashing."

Her remark left Lumina confused; she did not read anything about that. Ghira thankfully jumped in to explain: "Hunters are expected to dress well, even over-the-top, so that everyone can recognise them at a glance. People around the world draw hope, comfort, and a feeling of safety from their presence after all."

"I see." And she did, it made sense. Nonetheless, Lumina threw Kali a flat look. "And I accept. But what I have now will remain as a baseline."

Kali just chuckled. "That is alright," she agreed. "I already have something in mind."

Had Lumina not been inside at that moment, she may have recognised the crimson flare across the horizon. None other bar two could perceive it, but of those one had no mind to think, merely recognition. The other exception's eyes fluttered open next to an empty cocoon.

Awareness slowly returned to Ruby Rose. There was no reassuring coo to greet her, no pulsations running through grounds and tents. She lay on the ground and stared up, eyes wide.

Then she surged to her feet, pumping her fist with a pleased "Yes!" on her lips. She won! After a month of dozens of daily battles, she finally defeated the Nightmare King! She went head to head with the avatar of a god and won!

Once her elation faded back to normal levels, Ruby giddily glanced around for what else may have changed. The accordion still sang, though its song was more energetic now. Hearing that, Ruby strolled back and waved at Brumm.

"Hey, I won! What happens next?"

He simply shrugged off her question, though. "Will remain until summoned again. Enjoy." He left a pause to turn her way fully. "Well done."

Ruby beamed up at him and skipped along to give the good news to Divine who already expected her, aware of what happened just like Brumm. "Congratulations," she greeted Ruby. "And to come out as cheerful as you went in. You are certainly something, dearie."

"Thanks!" Still euphoric, Ruby offered her the Charm she received over a month ago. "And here. I'm pretty sure I reached the limit of my Semblance. And with the ritual complete, I figured you probably want that back?"

"Keep it, dearie." Divine giggled to herself and closed Ruby's fingers around the Charm. "It will be a memento if nothing else. Perhaps you can pass it onto another one day."

She reluctantly accepted the offer and took her leave after some more conversation. Ruby did stop to pet the horses again, though. Then she bought herself a packet of cookies and ran home. Rose petals fluttered along the dirt road, merrily splitting into several clusters; they sliced through the occasional Grimm along the way, leaving behind dissolving husks without ever stopping.

Once she reached home and reconsolidated, Ruby quickly checked her Scroll out of habit. Her aura was still above four fifths, yet another reason to celebrate. She waved at her father and uncle, then dashed forward to leap into Taiyang's arms.

"I won!" Ruby cheered while he spun her around. "I won!"

"Hey, congratulations! So now you can finally go back to school?"

The teasing remark put a damper on her cheer. Qrow chuckled at the side while Tai put her down. It was true Ruby skipped most of her classes and homework to spend more time fighting Grimm. She was dangerously behind. With her desire fulfilled, it slowly dawned on Ruby how irresponsible she had been.

"Oh... I'm sorry."

A moment passed before Taiyang sighed and ruffled her hair. "Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of your tenacity. But this is important for your future. You do want to get into Beacon, right? It'll be brutal without the recommendation from Signal."

"Yeah, what he said."

Seeing that even Qrow agreed despite his infrequent encouragements to run off and have fun, Ruby slumped. "I mean, you're right," she agreed, "but I need to be a good fighter, too. Grimm gave me practice in spades, that's got to count for something, right?"

Her despondence impressed neither man. They exchanged fond if exasperated looks, then Qrow stepped up. "Tell you what, squirt," he drawled while drawing his greatsword, Harbinger. "Let's see if you improved."

The challenge gave Ruby pause. For just a moment she seemed to look straight through Qrow, then she wordlessly unfolded Crescent Rose. Tai gave some distance with Zwei sitting attentive by his feet. But instead of starting out the fight, Ruby bowed at the waist with practiced ease. Qrow only arched a brow at that, though his amusement turned into exasperation when she mirrored the gesture. He bowed back while rolling his eyes, which prompted an impish grin.

"Good," Ruby said. "It's only polite."

On the last word she scattered into rose petals. One cluster darted behind Qrow who swung behind him in expectation of hitting a soft body. He only dispersed more petals and his cocky grin disappeared when a boot hit his shoulder. Once again he swung blind, only to hit empty air. "That's how you wanna play it?" he growled. "Fine!"

A pinch of Wind Dust was thrown and activated, turning into a whirlwind. The Dust reaction caught most of Ruby's petals and forced her to reform, but the gale flung her out of Qrow's reach; by the time he followed up, his niece already transitioned into a roll and leapt out of his swing. Harbinger left a metres-deep tear in the soft ground.

While he still pulled back, her momentum carried Crescent Rose's tip right by his face. Qrow heard the sirring of cut air and let go to evade. Ruby twirled around herself and brandished the scythe with a grin. It was wiped away when Qrow lunged for her, grabbed the weapon's handle, and punched her in the face.

But then Ruby's skull gave under his fist, once again dissolving into rose petals. Qrow was caught in a miniature storm of their own as they cut all across him, tearing his clothes and chipping away at his aura.

Shocked by the heretofore unseen technique, his reserves took a harsh hit as he tried to fend off the assault from all directions. In the end he escaped by turning into a bird and flying away. The crimson torrent gave chase but rapid wingbeats kept her at bay for a precious second. He turned back near Harbinger, grabbing the handle in passing. A mighty swing scattered the dense cluster of petals from which Ruby reformed. She landed on a small stone and tripped, squeaking in surprise; a bullet slammed into her chest just before she could scatter again. The first real hit Qrow landed through the entire fight.

Ruby was thrown back, only to evade the tumble altogether by scattering again. She reappeared on her feet half a metre later, ready to charge again.

Qrow had seen what he needed, though. He lowered Harbinger. "Okay, enough."

While his niece relaxed, he ran a hand over his face. That was more of an actual fight than he expected.

"What's your aura at?"

Ruby rubbed some sweat off her forehead before peeking at her Scroll. "About... seventy percent, roughly? But I was already around eighty when I came back."

He followed her example and opened his own Scroll; his own aura entered the yellow despite having been full. Ruby's Semblance was nasty to fight against. Maybe with wide-area Dust effects, but even that was not a certainty. At the same time overreliance could become an issue, one which he already curbed over the past years. Ruby assessed the situation correctly and relied on her strongest tool to face a superior opponent.

He did not like the implications of this bout. Yet going by the face Taiyang made, as if his brother-in-law bit into a lemon, they both thought the same thing. Qrow sighed, collapsing Harbinger into its storage form before attaching the weapon to his back.

"Yeah, you can drop Signal entirely."

"...what?"

"You heard me. I don't like it, but the main thing you need is combat strength. And whatever happened in these dream fights, you do have that in spades now. Everything else is extra and for when you wanna retire from hunter work for something less lethal." He shrugged at that point, well aware of his niece's befuddlement. Then he put on a reassuring grin. "Heh, I doubt you'll need that when you're already a decent engineer."

Still confused, Ruby turned to Tai next. Her father nodded slowly. "Qrow is right. You can sign up for May's license exam at Beacon and give it a shot." They both knew neither of them liked it, but with this showing, they also knew Ruby would waste six years in combat school. Adding her social awkwardness to that and it may well become a lonely six years, too.

"So... it's really okay?"

Tai huffed at that, smiling mirthlessly. "Of course it isn't. I didn't expect either of my girls to go into the field for years." Ruby began to fidget at that, but he dispersed her nerves by ruffling her hair again. "But it's okay. We're both teachers and hunters, so we can tell when you're ready. Give the exam a shot and if you fail, you just keep going to school. If you pass, well." He did not finish the sentence, but there was no need. Ruby nodded eagerly.

"Oh, this is awesome! I was looking forward to Beacon, but if I get to be a huntress just like this? I can't wait to tell Yang!"

Hearing this, Qrow conceived a sudden and diabolical idea. "How about we don't do that?" he suggested with an impish grin of his own. If he already had to watch his niece go into the world so early, he would at least milk the circumstances for some fun.

Tai clearly caught his meaning, going by his own grin. "Don't tell Yang that her little sister is coming to overtake her?" Quite literally at that, not that either girl knew it yet.

Ruby's mischievous smirk was ever so reminiscent of her mother's. "Done," she agreed, earning herself a clap on the shoulder.

"Atta girl," Qrow praised. "Now get inside and do your homework. We'll carry on like you're keeping with Signal until you pass that exam."

And just like that he drained most of her enthusiasm again. A huffed "Jerk" was all the response Ruby gave, though she dutifully shuffled past them and inside. Zwei shadowed her.

Only Qrow and Taiyang remained outside. Their smiles slowly faded as reality caught up with them.

"I don't like it," Tai reiterated. When Qrow offered his trusted flask, his brother took it without another word.

"Me neither, but she's not going to learn much in school anymore. You saw how she dodged everything."

"Yeah, the only reason she didn't get you on the first swing is that we both know she loves to come from behind." Tai sighed, heading the flask back so Qrow could take a swig himself. "I doubt she will fail and I don't want to stop her from making her dream come true."

Qrow nodded. "Guess all we can do is support her. Ruby's still a bit too honest from what I saw. No feints at all, just skittering around to get in my blind spots."

"Heh. You're right. We can talk to her about that tomorrow. Make her a real menace for Yang to deal with." And they were back to grinning at each other.

Ruby would spend today catching up on some of her schoolwork. But after that they would make absolutely certain she was ready to go into the field, even if it was the last thing they did.