I walked among the crowd of students. They parted for me; I saw a few fearful stares as I passed. I was known as a very strict teacher, stricter than Glynda Goodwitch.
Students and fellow teachers, even Glynda herself said I make her look like the friendliest person around. But I turn out strong teams, bonds, units that Ironwood was a bit jealous of. So Ozma allows me to do just about anything. I was a brutal teacher but I knew lines and limits when it can down it. Making the students face that this was not an easy life and had to face the reality of it early to be ready for when it really hits them when they graduate.
I stopped when I saw a young woman with wild blonde hair and lilac eyes, leave with friends, leaving her sister behind. I watched as the young Rose girl spin right into the Schnee's bags. I don't understand why Ozma allowed the child in 2 years early simply for almost stopping Torchwick from getting away. Sure, she had silver eyes but she was still young and much growing up to do before she could use the power behind them.
'Though if I remember right, her mother acted much like a child but was one great warrior. She really shouldn't have died the way she has.' I thought as the young Rose was now talking with Jaune Arc as the Schnee and Belladonna girl left. 'I have to talk to Ozma about him. He had fake transcripts. Hmm…I have to keep my eye on the both of them.' I thought as I walked over to them. "You two. Follow me so as you are not lost," I called out to them. The Arc boy was confused by me which is a bit of a relief for me as I don't like being recognized much by people.
They talked with each other as they followed me to where Ozma was to give a small speech. "Yeah, so back to zero friends," I heard Ruby say to Jaune and I think I heard him say at one point that his name rolls off the tongue and ladies love it. I'll admit it does roll but I love the sound of Calavera, Maria Calavera rolling off my tongue and lips better, just like she did.
Once at the auditorium, I went up to the stage and stood next to Glynda. I felt her gaze on me and I knew that even after all these years, and given up on trying she still didn't like that I didn't dress professedly and I always tell her that what with my class it was better to wear comfort and allows movement. So instead of a suit or skirt I wore jeans, a tshirt and sneakers, sometimes a sweater or overshirt, or a onesie if I felt board that day.
"I'll...keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge-to hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose – direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." He stepped down and I stepped forward, to give my own little speech.
"Friends, family, teammates. Does not matter what title you give yourselves with your team during your time here. All of you well be one thing and that is a well oil machine. Working together in the large network of huntsmen and huntress to bring peace and protection to those who are in need. Under me you will learn that not all things you kill, will be grimm and you be willing to swallow and grow from the guilt and pain to continue on. If this is not for you, leave now and you will not be shamed for doing so if it is against your morals."
Everyone murmured at the implications of possibly killing a person. I can't blame them as bandits are a thing along with the rise of the white fang. Call me naive in my old age but if they stayed the course under miss Belladonna's father or at least been more productive in helping fight to protect then maybe headway would have been made. But then again, I cannot blame them in spite of their current image as the Schnee dust in currently using them as slave labor.
I see some people shift from side to side, debating if they want to leave or stay, nervous if they will or won't be looked down on by others. "Opzin sugar coats it a tad but I won't. People, wither its your enemies, teammates or the civilians you swore to protect will die. You may die, this is a fact. But you all are standing here wish to become the swords and shields for those who cannot protect themselves. Knowing this, stay. But you will not be shamed if you leave for this has nearly broken or has broken many a seasoned huntsmen from its weight. You are doing what's right for not only yourselves but others if you do or don't feel confident," I said out to the crowd of youths that I know Opzin may send out to her.
A few dozen grab what things they had at hand and turned to leave out of the room. I gesture for Bartholomew Oobleck to help sort those who left out so they can retrieve their things to head home. We give it a few more minutes to see who else leaves before Opzin nods and steps back to the mic. "Everyone still here will stay in the gymnasium for the night. For tomorrow will be the first test of skill and team sorting. You all are dismissed," he said before leaving, followed by Glynda then I then Peter Port.