Cover Art: Aristeo Storm

Chapter 42

It was honestly comical how awkward the night was for a lot of the other kids. In all fairness, a lot of them hadn't come here with a strong friendship group like they had, and Qrow knew they were all nervous about the morning. The news of an initiation had been shared in the speech at last, confirming for all that they weren't into Beacon just yet. That, combined with so many people crammed in one space, meant a lot of very worried people who wanted to distract themselves by making friends.

Qrow hadn't had to deal with it either time. Here and now, he knew everyone he cared about, while back in the past he and Raven had stuck together and blanked everyone, assuming the other students were weaklings that wouldn't be able to stand up to them. He knew Ruby had struggled herself, though she'd come out of it all with a bunch of friends, as most of the people here would. It was very rare to have a complete loner, and if they made it into Beacon then they'd be pushed onto a team and make friends that way.

The life of a huntsman wasn't one where you could really be a lone wolf. Some tried, of course, but they often ended up dying. Even if you were skilled, you needed at least two people so that one could kill Grimm and the other could protect civilians. If you tried to get by on your own, you'd only fail someone.

"I've never slept with so many people around me," said Willow, laying out a large, fluffy, and overly expensive sleeping bed beside his. He couldn't call it a sleeping bag or roll because it literally came in separate parts, including a thin mattress and a sizable duvet. "This is so very exciting!"

"Never had a sleepover at a friend's house before?"

"Of course, but I was always afforded a guestroom by their families. And while my father took me camping once, we had our own lodge."

"That's not camping, then."

"It is! We still had to cook our own food on an open fire." Willow paused, then added, "Well, our personal chef did."

"Wow. Must have been rough."

"It was. The lack of spices— Wait, you're teasing me!" Willow picked up her pillow and struck him with it. "I may not have had the most varied upbringing but I can still recognise mockery, Qrow Branwen! And I am a huntress, so watch yourself!"

"I'd watch yourself if you're going to act all spoilt." Summer appeared on his other side, laying out her much more normal sleeping bag there. "This isn't Atlas anymore, you're not anything special here."

"If you think my name and money is what makes me special, Rose, then you've another thing coming. I'm here at sixteen for one, achieving what it took you a whole extra year to pull off. I think that says something."

"Only that you have expensive tutors!"

"Even the best tutor can't teach an unwilling student. I worked hard for my success."

"You—"

"Enough!" Raven stepped over Summer's bed and pushed the girl away, going so far as to shove her sleeping bag away and lay her own down between Qrow and Summer. "And I'm sleeping here. The shitty blonde is sleeping on the other side."

"I am?" Taiyang asked.

"Yes. That way I can keep Qrow between you and me at all times."

Willow complained as her bed was kicked away for Taiyang to make room, but she didn't complain very hard when Raven glared at her. She and Summer just sulked at having their spots moved instead, even if Qrow could only laugh. It wasn't every day he was used as a human shield.

Taiyang wasn't the only person trying to catch a girl's eye, either. There were quite a lot of guys showing off and introducing themselves, and more than a few looking jealously at Qrow as well, as if the fact he was in a friendship circle with four girls was something to be jealous of. No one even tried to approach Summer, Raven, Willow or Gretchen. He didn't know if it was some warped idea of the bro-code or just a case of guys being too nervous to approach a large group, but it was ridiculous either way.

I wonder if I can recognise any of them, he thought, rolling over onto his front while Taiyang tried to flirt with Raven over his back, and Raven did her best to fall asleep.

There were well over a hundred people in the hall, more than half of whom would be going home in disappointment come the morning. Those, he didn't expect to recognise, but he tried to pick out those among them that would succeed. One or two faces were familiar, but he'd never been close to people outside the team. Taiyang and Summer were the ones who liked making friends with random people.

He was fairly sure the rabbit-eared girl was Scarlatina – he couldn't remember her first name, but her daughter, Velvet, had studied at Signal before moving onto Beacon. It'd been a big commute for her from Vale to Patch every day, but Signal was the closest combat school for younger kids. Velvet had been a nice girl – shy, but very competent. Enough so that Jimmy Irondick had sponsored and provided her weapon, the odd camera that worked alongside her Semblance.

Can't remember much about her mom but the fact she's a thing in the future suggests she'll pass tomorrow and survive even longer. That's good.

Come to think of it, there hadn't been many actual deaths in his year. Gretchen died thanks to Salem, but things had otherwise been quiet for Team STRQ. Mountain Glenn was the obvious outlier, but first years hadn't seen action – there'd been deaths among the older students, but none in his year group. And there definitely hadn't been anyone who died in initiation. For all that Ozpin warned of it every year, Qrow didn't think he'd ever heard of an actual death.

Sure, there were the odd accidental deaths in the Emerald Forest later in the year, and sparring accidents and sickness and even disease, but "initiation" was too public, too monitored, and there were always teachers keeping an eye on the kids, which meant any injured hopefuls could be quickly dragged out of combat.

So, Scarlatina is one but who else? There must be some. Man, since when has my memory been this bad!?

So many faces were just nothing, just not ringing any bells. Whether that was because he didn't remember them or because he was used to older faces, he wasn't sure, but it was a little sad to think he had so few memories of a time he called the best of his life. Guess that's part of growing up and getting old. They always do say your memories go first.

Taiyang poked his back. "Scouting the competition?"

"More like trying to see if I recognise anyone," he replied. "Given up on my sister?"

"Never." Raven grumbled something rude from the other side of Qrow. "I just know when to bide my time. Hey, how do you reckon they'll set up teams? Think we'll get to pick?"

No.

"Maybe." Qrow shrugged, trying to act like he believed it. "Or maybe it'll depend on how we do. No prizes for guessing who you're looking to partner with."

"Eheh. Guess not."

"Fuck off," Raven groaned, pulling the pillow over her head. "Seriously. Qrow, you're my partner."

Qrow hummed. He technically had been in the past and wouldn't mind it again. It didn't really matter how the exact partnerships ended up, as long as Team STRQ was together. Given he was much stronger and more competent now, and that Ozpin was a manipulative coot at times, Qrow wouldn't be surprised if he ended up labelled team leader. He didn't want it, but it'd make sense from Ozpin's point of view. Good luck on them coming up with a good team name beginning with a Q, though.

"Picking a team might be more awkward than people think," said Summer, from across Raven's body. "I mean, there are six of us here and only four on a team. Which two are going to be left out?"

"Taiyang," said Raven.

"That's one person."

"Taiyang and not me."

"I don't mind if it's me," Gretchen said – and while she probably meant that in the sense that she understood she wasn't as deep into their friendship circle as they were, it came out like she was saying she wouldn't mind being abandoned with Taiyang.

"Oh, I bet you wouldn't..."

"Not like that!" she hissed, blushing bright red. "I just mean... you four have been planning to be a team since before you even met me. I don't mind being on another team as long as we can stay friends."

"And we can!" Willow said. "So, you and Rose can be on another team."

Summer smiled. "Nope."

"But—"

"Nope. Team Signal Solidarity. We live and die together."

"Taiyang isn't from Signal."

"He's related by future marria—ow!" Qrow scooted back from Raven, rubbing his arm where she'd pinched him. "Ow, Taiyang, protect me. Raven is being mean."

"Want to switch places?"

"Ye—"

Raven growled and dragged Qrow back, cuddling him in a way his sister never had. "No," she snapped. "Qrow stays."

"Aw, that's sweet." said Willow.

"You realise he's her human shield," Summer pointed out.

"Oh, I realise, but it's still cute. I wish I had a sibling. A cute little sister and a protective big brother."

Talk of how the team would be structured was sidelined, though Qrow felt it was mostly because it was too awkward to decide on rather than because anyone forgot about it. Obviously, Team STRQ was going to be the team, however the letters were scrambled, but it'd been easier to think that before he befriended Willow and Gretchen. Inevitable or not, it felt like they were being abandoned.

That's not the case, though. They'll get their own team and we'll be best friends – sister teams like RWBY and JNPR were. Honestly, it'll be good to have someone else's dorm to bunk at whenever Tai and Ray are getting frisky.

Or when Tai and Ray were fighting.

Both events tended to be loud, passionate, and hazardous to be in the vicinity of, albeit for very different reasons.

Either way, tomorrow would just be a case of making sure that happened.

/-/

Beacon's breakfasts were always hearty, and the various students ate in their pyjamas before being directed to the changing rooms to put on their outfits and collect their weapons. There were still some last-minute negotiations being made between various teens still assuming they could pick their own teams and trying to make friends. One or two even tried to introduce themselves to him, but he gave off polite excuses about needing to get back to his friends and they took the hint.

Most of them, anyway.

"Oh, excuse me!" The boy that backed out his locker and bumped into Qrow twirled and apologised profusely. He was a thin and wiry lad wearing a blood-red jacket and bright white pants. Far bolder colours than Qrow was used to seeing. The jacket was buttoned up his front with six gleaming, brass buttons. "I'm afraid I didn't see you there, likely because I lack eyes in the back of my head! Hahaha!"

The laughter was very clearly and intentionally enunciated as ha-ha-ha, three sharp and obnoxiously loud blasts of the word "ha" that had people around them glancing over. Qrow couldn't tell if the boy was mocking him or just trying to sound confident to calm his own nerves, but he didn't look a bad sort.

"Uh. Yeah, no worries. There's no harm done."

"It would be a poor sign if my solid back could do you harm, good sir!" the boy said, sticking out his hand. "Peter Port – future hero of House Port and greatest huntsman alive! Hopefully," he added, much quieter. "No, definitely. I will be a grand hero!"

Peter—?

The image of a future Professor Peter Port flashed over the younger version and it was proof, if he needed any, that no amount of trying to figure out his old allies by their youthful faces would work. They looked nothing alike. This Peter was slim, probably no more than eighty kilos, while the future one...? Well, he was a very strong man, but he was more like one of those strongmen who were big in body and soul.

And while both talked loud and bold, future Port meant it, while this boy – for he was still a boy – spoke with a nervous warble.

"Qrow. Qrow Branwen." Qrow took the hand and shook it, more amused than he cared to admit. It looked like Peter was bound to be one of his classmates. He didn't think the future teacher would have won his spot on the staff without a formal education. "Just an ordinary guy looking to become a huntsman, I suppose."

"N—Nonsense!" Peter stammered and shouted at the same time. It looked like he was trying to be loud in the hopes it'd calm his nerves. "No man who wishes to risk his life in adventure and glorious combat can be called ordinary! We must rise above ordinary and serve as examples of heroism!"

"Hah...?"

Peter had always been an odd cookie, but never a bad one. Just... very odd.

"We must inspire!" Peter continued. "For to inspire is to protect!"

"Is it...?"

"I... I think so..." Peter hesitated, then, sudden doubt stretching across his face and making him look very, very young. "I mean, negativity draws Grimm, doesn't it?" he whispered. "So, if people feel courage looking at us then I thought... well... I could be wrong."

"No. No, you're not wrong. Making people feel confident will keep them safer. I guess I'm just feeling nervous today."

He wasn't, but the last thing he wanted was to be the reason Peter lost his nerve and bombed the test. This was a future teacher of Beacon – one of his niece's teachers. It made him wonder if Oobleck was in Beacon somewhere, because Glynda should be a third year by now – or maybe fourth. He couldn't quite remember.

"Yes. Yes, that's it. We must be brave for those who cannot. That is the duty of a huntsman, and one that Peter Peregrine Pontescue Port shall not fail at!" Peter regained his courage and laughed again. Or, he laughed three times. "HA! HA! HAAA!"

More people looked over and scowled at him. It was easy to get singled out as the runt of the litter when people were nervous, and Qrow suspected Peter would have trouble finding himself any willing teammates after this display.

Not that it'd matter. A team would be formed with him in it and he'd do just fine.

"Uh. Yeah. Sure. And in the name of Qrow Branwen, I shall also succeed."

"That's the spirit!" Peter threw an arm around his shoulder and turned them both to the crowded changing room. "BEHOLD!" he roared, making everyone jump and some people cry out and trip over their clothes as they were getting dressed.

Qrow slapped a hand to his forehead.

"Behold, Beacon!" Peter said again. "For I, Peter Peregrine Pontescue Port and my companion Qrow Quirellius Quitus Branwen—"

"That's not my name..."

"—shall shatter this exam upon our backs and carry you all to victory!" Peter then threw his head back and boomed out, "HA! HAAA! HAAAAA!"

"Shut up already!"

"Stop being so loud!"

"Both of you save us the grief and drop out!"

Qrow laughed far more awkwardly as Peter managed to turn the entire changing room against them in an instant. Peter laughed as well, though he was either completely blind as to why they were being hated, or he was doing a great job of pretending he didn't know. "Ah, jealousy rears its ugly, green head. I shall see you on the battlefield, my friend!" Peter slapped his back as hard as he could – which wasn't that hard. "You and I shall slay Grimm in their millions!"

"Ha... ha... yeah..."

Outside, he managed to find his sister, who was looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "What was all that shouting in the men's side? Were you comparing your penises or something?"

"You realise we don't actually do that. Right...?"

"I know." It was clear from the faces of the girls that they had thought they did.

Then again, he and Taiyang had wondered when they were this age whether the women in the changing rooms all showered together and... the less said the better. They'd been young, stupid and hormonal.

"Just some nervous people shouting to make themselves feel better. You never heard of scream therapy?"

"No," said Willow. "What is it?"

"It's where you scream as loud as you can in order to release tension and make yourself feel better."

Raven, ever blunt, tilted her head and then drew a deep breath. Thankfully, Summer and Gretchen were quick to tackle her and slap their hands over her mouth before she could have everyone in Beacon thinking there'd been a murder.

"Please don't put ideas in her head," Summer hissed. "And you of all people don't need scream therapy, Raven. You're not even nervous about today. You know you're going to do just fine."

"Let's just get to the starting area," Gretchen said. "I'd like to make it there with my reputation intact, and preferably before one of you sully it so bad no one will accept me on their team."

The group of six soon found themselves waiting in the grassy field by the cliff, oblivious to what was going to happen but all noting the white squares on the floor. They didn't look like launch pads so much as starting spots, and Qrow caught whispered mutterings of a race or a free-for-all fight where everyone would have to start at those points and achieve some objective.

They weren't wrong about that.

"Good morning one and all," said Ozpin, strolling up to them. "I'm afraid the headmaster is indisposed and could not come to greet you all today, but don't let that take away from what will be an important day for you all."

Ozpin was much more energetic and chattier than he would be in a few decades – probably because the stress of Salem's latest machinations was absent for now. He even smiled and gestured with his hands.

"You all heard me discuss our initiation process last night and that is what we're here for today. Know that of the many people here, only forty shall be accepted into Beacon. However, those who fail will not be asked to give up on their dreams. Career advice will be made available for you, and many a huntsman and huntress exists who never studied at an academy. Put such thoughts out your mind for now, however. You will all need to be at your best."

The crowd muttered in sudden fear and panic. Knowing there was a way to fail was one thing – but knowing almost three-quarters of the people here would fail was another. The odds were against them.

"The Emerald Forest lays behind you – a forest filled with Grimm. Your objective is to scout the forest and locate one of these." He raised his hand, holding a red book. It was a stark burgundy and would be quite obvious standing out against the greenery. "Each book will secure the placement of four individuals into Beacon. Should a book be destroyed, those four spaces will be lost."

That was a lie, Qrow was sure. Ozpin always liked a little bit of trickery in his tests. This one was different to how it had been the first time, which ought to have worried him but didn't. It was just as likely Ozpin and the other teachers pulled ideas out a hat, and random chance changed the initiation.

In the first time, initiation had been a case of finding some items and bringing them back, the same as how Ruby and Yang's had been, but the items had been weapons – and they'd been placed in areas guarded by senior huntsmen told to tone down their skills and give a tough but fair fight to the students. Those teachers had been told to be "just too strong" to beat alone, however, with the goal is highlighting those students who were willing and able to form teams and work together.

Ozpin must have not been able to get the huntsmen this time around, or maybe he wanted a better test for Qrow and the others. Oz knew they were coming, and he knew they were best friends already, so the old test would have been a mere formality for them, and Ozpin wanted them to be properly tested.

"You may form teams by choice or happenstance but remember that your team will not graduate without a book. You may gather more than you need – and you may barter them for assistance if you wish. As long as a given group of four has a book, they will succeed. Naturally, there are ten books out there."

Not too dissimilar, then. Sometimes Ozpin put all the things to gather in one place, sometimes he spread them around, and this time they were hidden. It made a lot more sense than what Ruby and Yang got for their test. A first come first served grab a relic test like theirs gave a huge advantage to those who were launched closer or who just got lucky.

A skilled student who cautiously beat every Grimm in his path would arrive to find all the chess pieces gone, while a coward who abandoned their friends to die but made a mad sprint for the ruin would have succeeded and been welcomed into Beacon. At least this test would force some degree of interaction and combat, though Qrow had a suspicion that anyone actively attacking other teams to steal their books would fall foul of an unwritten rule.

Knowing Ozpin, there's a trick here where if you attack another team, you get disqualified. Huntsmen are meant to fight Grimm, not one another, so I'm guessing this is about rising above selfish greed.

Qrow whispered as such to Summer, who passed it on to Raven, who crossed her arms and refused to pass it onto Taiyang, prompting Summer to sigh, walk past her, and whisper it to Taiyang herself. He shared it with Willow and Gretchen. Everyone nodded back. Bartering with another team should be fine but attacking them would be a last resort.

"Any questions?"

"I have one!" Peter said and raised his hand.

"Yes, Mr Port?"

"What shall happen when I return with all ten books?"

Ozpin smiled. "Confident, are we? Perhaps you can use them to start a library."

"Idiot," Raven hissed.

"Nah, I think he's funny," Qrow whispered back. He raised a fist. "Go Peter!"

"Ah, Qrow! I shall allow you to borrow one of my books. Ha! Ha! HA!"

"I shall ask you all to stand on the marked squares on the ground," Ozpin said, with a tiny smirk. He seemed to be looking forward to this part. "On my signal, the initiation shall begin. Good luck to you all and remember your training." His eyes sparkled. "Also, good luck with your landings."

Qrow bent his knees but he was one of the few to do it, and everyone else screamed in fright as their launch pads kicked off and launched them twirling and screaming into the sky. Ozpin watched, chuckled, and sipped on his coffee.

"This should make for an interesting year..."

Next Chapter: 10th August

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