Here we are at Chapter 5. Let the schooling begin at Beacon. To be clear, Dehya and Candace's weapons are their signature weapons from the game, while Nilou's weapon is Xiphos' Moonlight because the appearance fits her design better in my opinion and you guys already know Ei's weapon. Just wanted to point that out. I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 5. Enjoy.
Chapter 5: First Day
The early morning sun sneaks its way through the curtains of one dorm room at Beacon Academy. The sun's rays hit the face of a sleeping Ei, stirring her awake. Her eyes flutter open as she yawns and sits up. She looks around and finds her new teammates still asleep. Checking the time, she finds it's a little early, but she might as well get ready now. They have their first day of classes today. Ei takes a quick shower and gets changed into the school uniform. She puts her hair into its long braid and leaves the pin in her hair. Instead of her usual stockings, she wears a pair of black ones that came with the uniform. Ei takes a moment to inspect herself in the mirror.
"Hmm, they're more comfortable than I thought," Ei realizes.
Walking out of the bathroom, she finds the others waking up, "Good morning, everyone,"
"Morning, Ei. You're up early," Nilou notes, still half-asleep.
"I'm used to it. Come one, we have classes soon. If we're quick enough, we might be able to grab a quick breakfast from the cafeteria before our first class," Ei says.
"Good idea. I'm hungry already," Dehya agrees.
They quickly freshen up and get into their uniforms. Dehya has on stockings like Ei, while Candace and Nilou went for the knee-high socks. Nilou left her headdress off but kept her hair in the twin tails while Candace kept her headdress on. It's during this that Dehya notice something.
"Hey, Nilou, what happened to your horns?" Dehya asks.
"Oh, sorry about that. They're just part of my headdress. I know it can be confusing sometimes. I hope that doesn't bother you, Dehya," Nilou explains.
"No, I guess not. I just thought they wear real. But, then again, you didn't exactly smell like a Faunus," Dehya replies.
"Are you saying that I smell? Did I use enough body wash in the shower?" Nilou pouts.
Candace giggles, "She didn't mean that. Well, if anyone gives you any trouble, just come to us. We'll deal with them,"
With that settled, the four head to the cafeteria, finding it mildly empty.
"Guess some people don't wake up early in the morning," Nilou notes.
"Well, just makes things easier for us," Dehya notes.
They are able to get in and out of the food line relatively quickly with some simple breakfast items in hand. After having a nice morning meal, they head off to their first class, which is Grimm Studies with Professor Port.
"Hmm, Grimm Studies. I'm curious to see what kind of lessons will be learning here," Ei wonders.
"Probably everything they've learned about grimm, or something like that," Dehya notes.
...
"...This... is not what I was expecting," Dehya groans.
In their class, Professor Port seems more focused on telling stories of his youth than explaining important facts about different species of grimm. And he's been going at it for a while. Some of the other classmates have already zoned out by this point.
"The beast thought it had me cornered, but even without my trusty axe, I had a plan..." Port goes on.
"Um, should we ask him about the class lesson?" Nilou whispers.
"That might be a bad idea," Candace whispers back.
Ei glances around the room, finding Teams RWBY and JNPR also in the class. And they are in similar states: wondering what this guy is talking about because it isn't grimm studies.
"...And that's how I killed an Ursa after trapping it in a pit fall trap. Anyway, the morale of the story is that a huntsman or huntress must always be resourceful. Now then," he moves aside a curtain and shows a large cage behind it, with a Boarbatusk banging away inside. "The best teacher is actual experience in my mind. So, who would like to test themselves against this beast?"
Before anyone else, Dehya raises her hand, "I'll do it,"
"Ah, Miss Dehya. Excellent. Then come down and face your opponent," Port says.
Dehya takes a few minutes to get into her gear and cracks her knuckles. Everyone watches with anticipation. Port swings his axe down on the lock, cutting it off and freeing the grimm. The Boarbatusk breaks out and quickly charges at Dehya. Dehya just stands there and waits for it to get close. Some of the students get worried, but when the grimm gets closes, Dehya throws a hard right uppercut under its nose, sending it up into the air. As the grimm falls back down, Dehya readies her blade. With a single swing of her greatsword, she slices the grimm in half. The two pieces dissipate into smoke around her.
"Well, that was a letdown," Dehya sighs.
"Impressive. Most impressive. It would seem we have a true huntress in the making before us," Port says. Just then, the bell rings. "Ah, well, guess that's that for now. Be sure to cover the assigned readings for tomorrow's lesson. Class dismissed,"
With that, the students begin exiting the classroom to head off to their next course.
"What's our next course?" Nilou asks.
"Well, Candace and I have History of Remnant later, but you two have a bit of a free study period before your next class. So, how about we meet up at lunch?" Ei suggests.
"Sounds like a plan. Come on, Nilou," Dehya says and the other two head off to their next class.
As they make their way to their next class, they come across an unusual scene.
"Weiss, please, tell me what's wrong so I can try and fix it," Ruby is seen pleading to an angry-looking Weiss.
"What's wrong is that, somehow, a child became the leader of my team and not me. Do you have any idea how embarrassing that it. I've studied and trained for years to get here, and you managed to get in just by stopping some robbery. I did not come half-way across the world just to end up as second-best. If anyone should be the leader of our team, then it should be me. Ozpin made a mistake picking you over me," Weiss berates the poor girl before walking away, leaving a disheartened Ruby behind.
"That could've gone better," Candace notes. Just then, her golden eye glows for a moment. "Hey, Ei, why don't you try and cheer Ruby up. I'll deal with the ice queen,"
"Are you sure? I don't know if I have the skills needed to cheer someone up like this," Ei replies.
"Just be yourself. Trust me," Candace pats her shoulder before walking off to find Weiss.
Ei sighs before walking up to Ruby, "Are you okay, Ruby?"
"I... not really. I guess you saw all of that?" Ruby asks sadly.
"Not all of it, but enough to get an idea of what's going on," Ei shakes her head.
"Weiss doesn't think I should be the leader of Team RWBY. I thought she wanted us to do this together, but... maybe I heard her wrong. Maybe I wasn't paying attention at all," Ruby bemoans.
Ei thinks for a moment, "Come with me," and escorts Ruby to another location.
...
Ei takes Ruby to a garden with a large fountain nearby and has her explain every detail about what happened more clearly.
"So, Weiss was upset that she wasn't picked to be the team leader and then said you weren't acting like a leader and that made her furious," Ei recounts.
"Yeah. Do you think she's right? That I shouldn't be the team leader?" Ruby asks, hunched over in sadness.
"Hmm... Do you think you were acting like a leader or not?" Ei asks.
"I... guess I wasn't. I mean, I've never been a leader on a team before. Not even for stuff at Signal," Ruby shrugs her shoulders.
"Ruby... There's a story from my home. A woman who became the leader for a whole city. Her people looked to her for guidance and protection. She made promises to them and worked her hardest to live up to those promises... But, somewhere down the line, they had forgotten what truly matters. In trying to achieve what she thought was best for her people, she had forgotten to ask what her people thought was best. She turned her gaze away from them, became disconnected. Because deep down, that woman was afraid. She... had lost someone dear to her. And so, she isolated herself from everyone else, to avoid feeling that pain again. But, then, a brave warrior helped open her eyes to the truth. She reconnected with her people and finally broke free from that fear. And worked to truly help her people and become the leader she was always meant to be," Ei explains.
"Wow. I've never heard that story before. My mom and Yang used to read bedtime stories to me all the time when I was a kid," Ruby says.
"It's a story primarily told back in my home. The point is being a leader isn't just a badge of honor, or a title, Ruby. It's a burden, and one that is not so easily carried. And now, you and I are leaders of our teams. They will look to us for guidance, for strength, and for other things. That is why we must strive to be at our best and show them that placing their trust in us is the right choice to make," Ei says.
Ruby thinks on her words, "Do you... think I could be a good leader like that?"
"I don't know. That will be up to you. But, if this helps, I think when Ozpin chose you to be the leader of Team RWBY, he made the right choice," Ei says. "No doubt the old man chose her for a good reason."
Ruby smiles at her words of encouragement, "Then I guess I'd better stop fooling around. Thanks, Ei. I really appreciate it,"
"Of course. We're friends, aren't we," Ei smiles back.
Unbeknownst to the two, Ozpin was standing in the shadows, listening with a smile on his face.
...
Meanwhile, Candace finds Weiss staring out on a balcony at the sun.
"Quite the view isn't it," Candace says, getting the heiress' attention.
"Oh, Candace... I'm not in the mood for more insults and mockery from you, thank you very much," Weiss turns her head away.
"Oh, I wouldn't waste my time with something like that, princess. Be honest, when I said those things, you weren't angry because of what I said. You were angry because I wasn't far off the mark," Candace says.
Weiss wants to retort, but the words stop in her throat, "I... will not deign to comment on that,"
"So, now what's got you so angry? Is being leader really that important to you?" Candace asks.
Weiss gives her a side-long glare, "I have trained to become a huntress for most of my life. I have studied and prepared, and I have proven my excellence at the initiation. I can't see why they would choose Ruby over me when she didn't earn her position," Weiss says.
"So, they should've chosen you for, what? Because of your last name? Do you think everyone will bend to your will because of your family name? Especially in another kingdom besides Atlas? Because of who your daddy is?" Candace retorts.
"What? No! That's not what I meant!" Weiss argues.
"Then why are you acting like a spoiled brat who always relied on her daddy's money to get everything she wanted?" Candace calmly retorts.
"That's not even close to being true," Weiss retorts, but Candace just gives her a scrutinizing look. "Well... not entirely true,"
"Weiss, just be honest for once. Why are you really here? If you wanted to be a huntress, then why not apply to Atlas Academy? At least there, you'll be around people you normally would socialize with," Candace asks.
"That's precisely the problem. I came here... to get away from all of that. I wanted to be as far away from my father as possible," Weiss admits.
"And yet, I see him standing right before me," Candace notes.
"Huh?" Weiss doesn't quite get it.
"Tell me, the way you acted. Yelling at Ruby, talking down at her. Making her insignificant; is that how your father treats people in his life? How he treats you?" Candace asks.
"He... well... I...," Weiss sags her shoulders. "Yes, he's always like that,"
"And yet, you want to be away from him. But can you actually accomplish that if you act just like him?" Candace continues her questioning.
"But, I don't want to be anything like...Oh... I am being like him," it finally dawns on Weiss.
"Weiss, let me ask you again: why did you come here to Beacon?" Candace asks.
"I wanted... I wanted to restore my family name. My grandfather brought honor and glory to our family, and my father is destroying it with his greed. My family has been torn apart because of him. Because he doesn't care about anyone but himself. My father did not start our family legacy and I refuse to let him be the end of it," Weiss says.
"Then perhaps you can start on that goal right now. Ozpin didn't pick you to be team leader. And then you threw a temper tantrum about it. You really think that will make him change his mind?" Candace asks, making Weiss frown. "Exactly. So forget about trying to be the best leader, or the best huntress. Just focus on being the best you. The best Weiss Schnee. And learn to believe and rely on others as well. Ozpin chose Ruby. I like to believe he did so for a reason. Maybe you should figure that out for yourself. And if she stumbles along the road of being a leader, then help her out. That's what being on a team is all about, Weiss. Relying on one another, trusting one another, helping each other. It's the same way for me and my home of Aaru Village. We don't have the protection the kingdom's have. We rely on our fellow villagers to protect our home, and each other," Candace says.
"All my life, I was basically taught that I couldn't rely on anyone. Just myself. I don't know if I can do what you're asking," Weiss admits.
"Well, you never know unless you try," Candace shrugs her shoulders.
Weiss grunts, "And here I thought you hated me,"
"Well, it's more like I don't like your family's company. I definitely don't like your father, just like you don't like him. Aside from your grandfather, whom I only know through second-hand knowledge, I can't say I have a high opinion of your family. Dehya is even worse. She doesn't like rich snobs who could be using their money and resources to help people, but instead only use it to line their pockets with even more money. She also doesn't like people who act all high and mighty who think they're above everyone else. Does that sound familiar?" Candace says.
"That sounds... vaguely familiar," Weiss glances away in shame.
"But, she is a good person, despite her rough exterior. She cares about those she calls friend and will fight to her last breath to defend them. I've known her for a long time and can say this with certainty. So, maybe you could work on getting her to like you more, and supporting Ruby as her partner too," Candace says.
"I suppose... I could try that," Weiss sighs.
Candace nods, "Good. Well, I'd better get going. We still have classes later today," and she turns to leave.
"Wait, Candace!" Weiss stops her and she turns back around. "If I may ask, what made you come and talk to me to clear this all up?"
Candace only smiles and points at her golden eye, "Let's just say this eye of mine sees more than most people would think," and then she leaves.
Weiss turns back to look at the sky with much on her mind.
...
Later that day, classes have officially ended, and students are either heading to their dorms, the cafeteria, or to other spots after a hard day of classes and assignments. In the cafeteria, Team RDCN are having dinner as they go over homework assignments and the day's events.
"You know, I'm not sure you should've tried to cheer Weiss up after she basically bullied Ruby," Dehya notes while eating a meatball sub.
"Maybe, but you trust me, don't you Dehya," Candace asks.
"I trust you, Candace. It's the rich girl that I'm worried about. I hope Ruby will be alright at least," Dehya shrugs her shoulders.
"I'm sure she'll be fine. I have a feeling Ruby is stronger than some give her credit for," Ei says.
"What makes you say that?" Nilou asks, curious.
"Oh, just a feeling I suppose. There must be a reason why Ozpin not only moved her up two years early, but also made her the team leader. I believe he has strong expectations for her, and that he believes she will meet those expectations. She reminds me of someone I met back home a while back," Ei says, thinking back on the traveling warrior that helped open her eyes.
"Oh, were they a huntsman?" Candace asks.
"Something like that," Ei nods, eating her plate of sushi.
"So, we have an assignment coming up for Professor Peach's class. She wanted us to write a report on the CCT system and the benefits it gave to mankind when it was first created. I'm gonna head to the library and find some books on it," Nilou stands up.
"I'll come with you. I want to look at a few things for Professor Port's class," Ei stands with her.
"We'll see you two back at the dorm then," Dehya gives them a quick wave.
Ei and Nilou dispose of their plates and head for the library. Along the way, they bump into Professor Ozpin.
"Ah, pardon me ladies. I was just on my way back to the office," Ozpin greets them.
"It's fine, Professor Ozpin. We were just on our way to the library," Nilou bows her head.
"I see. If I may ask, how have you been adapting to things here at the academy? Especially so far away from home," Ozpin asks.
"I've had no trouble at all. I'm quite eager to learn," Nilou shakes her head.
"And what about you, Ei?" Ozpin looks to the archon.
"I'll admit. Everything is a new experience for me. Even now, there are things I don't understand. I wonder if I can be a good leader to my team and not fail them, or others. But... I won't turn away and isolate myself from the world around me. I know this now," Ei explains.
Ozpin smiles, "I know you will do fine. Besides, youth is a time for gaining experience. Learning more about the world, about each other, and about ourselves. I believe in Team RDCN. But, I've held you both up long enough. Good luck in your studies," and with that, he takes his leave.
"Well, I suppose he has high expectations for us as well," Nilou notes.
"Then we'd best meet or exceed those expectations," Ei agrees and they continue to the library.
They spend some time working on their class assignments while also making some small talk about each other. Since they're teammates now, it would be best to know more about each other. After finishing their work, they head back to their dorm room. Along the way, they encounter a smiling Ruby.
"Hey, Ei, Nilou. Ei, I just wanted to say thanks again for the pep talk. Guess what, Weiss later came by and apologized for what she said earlier. She even said that she'll support me as Team RWBY's leader. Guess I have to live up to her expectations now," Ruby says.
"I'm sure you'll do well, Ruby," Ei replies.
"Heh-heh, thanks. Well, good night. See ya tomorrow!" Ruby waves before walking back to her dorm.
"It seems like she's feeling better now. I'm glad," Nilou says.
"Yes. But just like her, I too have expectations to meet... From many people," Ei says, muttering the last part.
"Well, you have my support all the way, Ei," Nilou smiles.
Ei smiles back, "Thanks, I appreciate it, Nilou,"
The two head back to their dorm and call it a day. The school year has only just begun.
And that's the chapter. The first day at school ends for Ei and her team. They even help out Ruby and Weiss with their issues. I know that I was essentially following the plot of RWBY for the first few chapters, but this is still a non-canon story. The story will begin to change bit-by-bit with the next few chapters and then fully break off from the original storyline. Anyway, Ei and her friends begin their education at Beacon. What challenges besides homework awaits them? Until then, please Read and Review.