Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY.

The Great War was finally over.

They had won.

He breathed a sigh of relief as he flicked the blood off his trusty blade: Crocea Mors. It sang, cutting through the air with its ever-keen edge. He collapsed his shield and hung it on his belt, sheathing his blade into it. Taking off his helmet, he pushed a stray lock of golden blond hair out of his face, surveying his surroundings with a morose expression.

"Aureus." A sagely voice called. He recognized it quickly, turning on a dime and genuflecting instantaneously.

"My liege." His Majesty, King Ozymandias of Vale, stood as stoic and stalwart as ever, even neglecting the minor damage to his armor and cloak. Though his eyes were on the ground, Aureus knew his king was smiling at him.

"Rise, Aureus. I would have you stand as my equal while we converse."

Doing as he was told, he rose to his full height, towering over his liege by a full head. It was unbecoming to stare down at royalty, but it was as his king wanted.

"You fought splendidly." Ozymandias began. "But that is to be expected of the captain of my royal guard. Thank you for watching my back." He mentally scoffed: His Majesty had barely needed any intervention from him, having been a one-man army with his powerful Semblance. "I see that look in your eye, Aureus. Though I am quite a capable combatant, your tactical prowess and fighting aptitude was instrumental in today's battle. I couldn't have done it without you."

"If I may speak frankly, Your Majesty, you could have."

The King shook his head. "No, I could not. Not without losing much more than I was willing to part with. You underestimate yourself."

"If that is what Your Majesty believes."

He chuckled, then gestured for Aureus to follow him. They stepped over mounds of dead bodies, both of allies and enemies, as they walked back to their camp. All around him, Valean and Vacuan soldiers cheered and kneeled as they walked past.

"The War has taken a great toll on us," Ozymandias started. "Much of the world has been stripped of able-bodied defenders. We will need to replenish our numbers if we are to stand against the eventual tide of Grimm this war has wrought."

"Conscription will only exacerbate the issue." Aureus argued. Forcing their people to take up arms against their will would lead to a multitude of negative emotions to fuel the Grimm.

"Of course, which is why I am not suggesting that. I had something more… long-term, in mind."

"What is it that you suggest?"

"I am planning on establishing dedicated facilities across Remnant that will educate and train the newer generation to fight the Grimm. These facilities, no, these Academies will be the keystone to safeguarding our future."

A sour look crossed Aureus's face. "I do not like the thought of children combating the Grimm."

"Only the most talented individuals will be admitted into the Academies. Those who show no promise in the arts of warfare will be quickly expelled for their own safety. By the time they graduate, they will be fully fledged hunters of Grimm."

"Even so…"

"We must prepare them, Aureus. We will not be able to shelter them from the harshness of this world forever."

They made it back to the command tent. Inside was a table with a map of Remnant etched out. Ozymandias pointed to Vale's capital city of the same name. "I would have our first Academy built here, at the heart of our kingdom. We shall lead by example, becoming a beacon of hope for all to aspire for." He smiled. "Beacon… I quite like that, actually. Beacon Academy."

Aureus quirked a brow. "And you believe that both Mantle and Mistral would build such… Academies at our behest?"

"I would have it done so as a condition of peace, along with abolishing their own barbaric solution to stemming the tide of Grimm."

"You will need people to lead such Academies, my liege. Do you already have a list of suitable candidates?"

"But of course! In fact, I'm speaking to one of them right now."

"I beg your pardon? Aureus asked, blinking owlishly at his king.

Ozymandias returned a serious gaze. "I would have you become the first Headmaster of Beacon Academy." He said plainly. "You are one of my closest confidants, Aureus. You are a skilled leader and mentor: All of the royal guard sing your praises each and every time I meet them. I know I can trust you to lead the next generation against our ageless war with the Grimm."

"Your Majesty, I…" He was speechless.

"I know it is sudden," the King of Vale continued, "But I can trust no one else to teach and nurture our future guardians. I need you, Aureus. Now, more than ever."

Aureus did not want the position. He did not want to be responsible for even more lives than he had now. He did not want to fail them. He did not want to fail his king and country.

He did not want to fail his family.

"I…"

{ I }

Jaune Arc stared out the window of the bullhead with a tense expression. Unlike his fellow students, he did not awe at the vast cityscape of Vale below them, nor did he gaze out to appreciate the beautiful red canopy of Forever Fall in the distance. He did not gawp at the prestigious Beacon Academy that had slowly entered view. He hadn't even spared a passing glance at the buxom blonde that had turned heads as she passed as she stood to his left. No, his mind was focused solely on one thing.

'Don't puke, don't puke, don't puke, don't puke, don't puke, don't puke, don't puke, don't puke.' he chanted in his head. Sweat beaded on his brow as he channeled all his willpower to keep the bile in his throat down. He closed his eyes, breathing in and out deeply through his nose.

"Are you okay?" Jaune heard from his left. He opened his eyes, then turned to meet the voice. The blonde girl with lilac eyes was looking in his direction, but it was obvious that she was not the one who spoke.

"Ehe, um, down here?" He turned his gaze downwards, locking with big silver eyes. Their owner was a petite girl with an almost gothic Lolita themed outfit. She had dark crimson hair that bordered on black. Her hooded cloak was a striking and vibrant red. "Is everything all right?"

Jaune blinked, suddenly at a loss for words. "O-Oh, um, yeah. Just feeling a bit queasy is all. Air sickness, you know?"

He noticed her take a small step back. He couldn't blame her. "A-Ah, I see. I-I think we're almost there, so just hang on a bit longer, okay?"

The girl seemed a bit shy, but she stepped out of her comfort zone to check up on him. The least he could do was muster up a small smile. "Thanks for the concern. I appreciate it." He held out his hand. "My name is Jaune. Nice to meet you."

She seemed taken aback for a moment, in the 'oh-my-god-I-actually-have-to-interact-with-people' kinda way. After the brief moment of panic, she took his hand and shook it. "H-Hi. I'm Ruby. A-And no problem!"

The blonde sauntered over with a wide grin on her face. She reached behind the smaller girl and pulled her hood over her eyes. "See Rubes? I told you making friends was gonna be easy."

"Yang!" Ruby whined, quickly flipping back her head and swiveling to face the taller girl. "Stop teasing me in front of strangers!"

"Aw, but where's the fun in that? It's one of the best perks of being an older sister!"

'They're sisters?' Jaune thought in surprise. 'I… guess if you really look closely, they have the same nose. Are they from different parents, maybe?'

His mind suddenly remembered Ruby's earlier comment about strangers. A memory spouted from his lips before he could stop himself. "You know, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet."

Lilac eyes suddenly turned on him, sparkling with mischievousness. They scanned him up and down, then lit up with a glint of curiosity. He buckled slightly under their gaze. "A-At least, that's what my mom always says."

"Is that so?" Yang said with a perpetual grin. "Jaune, was it? My name's Yang. I'm this adorkable cutie's big sister."

"A pleasure." He said, extending his hand for another handshake. Unlike Ruby's awkward attempt, Yang's was firm and full of confidence.

"Oh, I'm sure it is. You like anything you see?" The blonde bombshell teased. He noticed her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, hyper-focused on where his gaze fell. His mouth was in motion before he could think about his answer.

"You're very beautiful." The answer surprised the both of them: Yang, because the boy's answer was so earnest; and Jaune, because his brain had just registered what he said.

Yang leaned back into a more relaxed posture. "Why, thank you! You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Tall, Blond, and Handsome."

Jaune flustered at the compliment, causing Yang's grin to widen predatorily. A chill ran down his back, recognizing that same look on his own sister's face. "T-Thanks." He stuttered. "U-Uhm, so, are you girls from around here?"

"Patch, actually." Yang replied. "It's a little island not too far from here. How about you?"

"Arcaesia. A little ways to the north." Jaune said.

"Did they always grow them so tall in the north?" She asked. "I mean, I've heard the old fairy tales of giants, but Oum, I didn't think they'd be real!"

He chuckled. She was exaggerating just a bit, but Jaune did stand much taller than average at a staggering 6'5". It was no wonder he didn't see Ruby at first.

"Everyone in my family has always been kinda tall." He explained. "It's in the genes, I guess."

"The genes, or the jeans?" She said, flicking her gaze down with a wiggle of her eyebrows. When he could only muster a sputter, she cackled and punched his arm playfully. He noticed her glance at Ruby, who had been rather quiet. "Looks like you have someone to share the Yang treatment with, Rubes."

Ruby returned a small glare before looking at him. "I'm sorry about her. I don't know why she's like this."

"You mean funny, hot, and badass?" Yang chimed in.

"I mean embarrassing and annoying!" She growled.

Jaune couldn't help but laugh heartedly. "I totally get it. I've had to go through the same thing seven times over."

Both girls did a double take. "I'm sorry, but did you just say 'seven?'"

He smiled nostalgically. "Yep. Seven sisters."

Ruby looked at him in awe. "How did you survive?" She asked. "I can't imagine growing up with seven Yangs."

"Well, it's more like two Yangs and five Rubys." He clarified. "I've been on both sides of it.

"Monty Oum, your mom's a fucking trooper. Guess it really is in the jeans if she's got knocked up EIGHT times!"

Jaune sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, well, I guess I'm happy they still have their spark?" Gods forbid he's heard them trying for a ninth.

The bullhead's intercom blared to life. "Attention passengers, the airship will be touching down in T minus five minutes."

"We're almost there." Ruby whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

"You seem excited." Jaune noted.

"Of course! Being a Huntress has been a dream for me, ever since I was a little kid. To finally learn to become one... It doesn't feel real."

"A whole two years early at that." Yang added with a proud smile. "Ruby has some serious talent. Headmaster Ozpin personally scouted her, you know!"

"Yang!" Ruby whined. "Normal knees, remember?!"

"Wow, two years early?" Jaune said with surprise. "That's impressive. And to be personally scouted by the headmaster too…"

"It was nothing…" Ruby said shyly. Her eyes darted around for anything to change the subject. Failing that, she reached behind her and unfolded her weapon–a large, intimidating scythe– startling Jaune and a few of the other nearby passengers. "So, um, I've got this thing!"

"That… is a very large scythe." And looked very heavy too. This little girl could wield such a weapon so effortlessly?

Ruby nodded, then shifted the weapon into a new form. "It's also a customizable, high impact sniper rifle."

Utilizing his vast knowledge of firearms, Jaune totally understood what 'rifle' meant. "Ah, it's also a gun! That's very cool!"

"I know, right?" Ruby gushed, cradling the weapon in her arms like one would a newborn. Jaune saw Yang smile at her fondly. "I made her myself at Signal. Her name's Crescent Rose!"

"You forged that?!" Jaune's jaw fell in awe.

"Yup!" She confirmed proudly. "Everyone at Signal forges their own weapons."

"That's right," Yang affirmed, her bracelets mecha-shifting into a pair of yellow gauntlets. "These puppies here are Ember Celica."

"They're also close-range, 12-gauge, pump-action shotguns!" Ruby chimed in.

"I'm sure they pack quite the punch." Jaune punned. He saw Yang pause for a moment before an ear-splitting grin formed across her face as she chuckled mirthfully.

"Oh, I like you~."

"What about you, Jaune?" Ruby asked.

"Ah, right." Jaune unsheathed the sword at his hip. Crocea Mors sang as it left its scabbard, just as sharp as the day it was forged generations ago. "This is Crocea Mors. It's been used by my forefathers since the Great War."

"Oooh…" Ruby awed. It was a bastard sword, capable of being wielded both one and two handed. The golden cross guard hooked upwards at both ends, allowing it to more effectively catch an opponent's weapon. The blade itself was a nearly blinding silver, polished so finely that one could easily see their reflection.

"Nice sword." Yang said, noting the craftsmanship but not nearly as entranced as Ruby was. "You got anything else?"

Jaune grabbed the sheath off his belt, expanding it into a sizable kite shield with the Arc family crest emblazoned on its face. "The scabbard can transform into a shield and vice versa, so when I'm not using it, I can shrink it down for easy storage."

The 'Shielth', as his family affectionately called it, was actually one of the first mecha-shift weapons ever created; and was considered fairly advanced for its time.

"Sword and board, huh?" Yang said with a raised brow. "A bit old school, but hey, if it works, don't fix it."

"Well, I like it." Ruby said with a bit more enthusiasm. "Not many people can appreciate the classics nowadays."

The intercom sounded once more. "Attention passengers, we have arrived at our destination. Make sure you have all your personal belongings before exiting the airship. Welcome to Beacon Academy."

{ II }

The three of them stepped out of the airship, taking in the sight of the academy grounds. Well, Yang and Ruby were. Jaune was busy blessing Oum that he was back on solid ground.

"Wow…" Both said, starstruck at the sight of the prestigious academy.

"The view from Vale's nothing on this!" Said Yang.

"Oooh, sis! Look! That guy has a collapsible staff!" Ruby geeked out, eyes shining with amazement, practically floating on cloud nine. "Oh, and she's got a fire sword!"

Yang brought her back down to Remnant with a gentle hand on her shoulders. "Woah there, little sis! Calm down!"

"Ruby really likes weapons, huh?" Jaune noted.

"Hehe, yeah." Ruby replied sheepishly. "But, I mean, just look at them! Don't you think they're so cool? They're more than just weapons, they're an extension of ourselves! A part of us!"

"I suppose so."

"Ruby's a bit of a dork when it comes to weapons." Yang explained. "Even when her own puts everything else to shame."

"Crescent Rose is the absolute best!" Ruby agreed. "But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate everything else!"

"Hey Yang, over here!" A girl called from the right.

"Hey!" Yang waved back. She turned to Jaune and Ruby. "I'm gonna Yang out a bit with my friends. I'll see you guys later!"

With that, the blonde brawler zipped over to join her friends, leaving Jaune and Ruby in the dust. Ruby seemed a bit sad to be left behind, but perked up and flashed Jaune a big smile.

"Guess it's just you and me now, huh?'

Jaune smiled back. "Guess so!"

"Do you know your way around?" She asked. "I don't even know where we're supposed to be going."

He laughed. "Yeah, I've been here once before. I think we're supposed to head to the auditor-oh!"

Something bumped into his back. He craned his head, seeing a luggage cart filled with white suitcases. They all had snowflake patterns on them, causing his eyes to widen.

"My apologies, I had only looked away for a moment and my luggage-" A pale girl with white hair in an equally white outfit strode up, grabbing the cart and looking up to meet him. Ice blue eyes widened in shock. "J-Jaune!?"

"Weiss?" He returned, equally as surprised. His lips spread into a large grin. "Weiss!" He picked the petite girl off the ground nigh-effortlessly and swung her in a circle, causing her to squeal in surprise.

"Put me down you dolt!" Despite her harsh words, she was laughing cheerfully with a bright smile on her face.

After a few more rotations, Jaune placed Weiss back on the ground, crouching low to engulf her in a hug. "Oum, it's been years!"

"A year." Weiss corrected him. "You were there for my final concert, remember?"

He facepalmed. "Ah, of course! How could I forget?"

Ruby stood on the sidelines; confusion clear on her features. "Jaune?"

"Oh, right," Jaune released Weiss from his embrace, turning slightly to face his new friend. "Ruby, this is my childhood friend Weiss. Weiss, this is Ruby. We just met not long ago."

Weiss rolled her eyes at the blond. She fell into a practiced curtsy. "My full name is Weiss Schnee, heiress of the Schnee Dust Company. I'm sure you've heard of it."

"Schnee Dust…" Ruby murmured. She palmed one of her Dust cartridges, vaguely remembering the name.

"I still can't believe you're here, Weiss!" Jaune exclaimed. "I thought you were going to Atlas?"

She hesitated for a moment, a small grimace on her features. "There was a… a change of plans. I felt it prudent to broaden the scope of my education. Beacon seemed like the better choice in the end. Besides," She smiled once more as she met his gaze. "I wanted to surprise you."

"You really did!" He laughed, but then stopped suddenly as he noticed a faint scar crossing over her left eye. He gingerly brought a hand up to cup her cheek. "Weiss, your eye…"

The Heiress flushed, eyes darting to the side. "A training accident. My father wanted to test my combat capabilities before allowing me to pursue this career. I was careless."

"I'm just glad you didn't lose it." He muttered, brushing a thumb near the bottom of it. Weiss's blush increased further under his intense gaze.

"J-Jaune, please. Stop staring so much." She whispered.

Her words broke him out of his trance, making him recoil back slightly. "R-Right, sorry."

There was a moment of awkward silence between them, broken only when Ruby spoke up. "Jaune, um, where did you say we were supposed to go?"

Jaune, thankful for the escape, replied, "The, um, the auditorium. I think they're holding a welcoming speech there."

"I still need to get my luggage sorted." Weiss said, pulling away from him. "I'll meet you there in a few moments."

"Okay," he said with a nod. "Catch you in a bit, Snow Angel." Pointedly ignoring Weiss's squawk of indignation at the pet name, he turned to Ruby and gestured for her to follow.

"You two seem close." Ruby commented once they were a fair distance away.

"We are." Jaune said with a smile. "We've known each other nearly our entire lives. We were crib mates for a time as well."

"But I thought you said she was from Atlas?"

"She is. My dad and her mom are good friends, so we would visit each other's estates annually."

"Estates?" She balked at the fancy term.

"My family comes from old money," he explained. "My forefathers were kinda important and earned a lot during their lifetime. It's nothing too fancy, just a big house with a bigger yard."

Maybe he was understating it, but he was mostly telling the truth. His family was living a relatively modest lifestyle, especially in comparison to Weiss's. Really, who needed so many maids and butlers for such a small family?

They came upon a statue as they walked through the central plaza. It depicted two hunters, a male and a female, standing atop a rock outcropping with a beowolf below. Jaune paused before it, eyes filled with resolution.

He stood before the statue of Argentum Arc, his great-grandfather and one of Remnant's first Huntsmen.

Looking down towards the statue's base, he noticed a plaque and read from it. "Strive for the dawn, for it is the hope of tomorrow. ~ Argentum Arc."

"Jaune?" Ruby said, confused as to why they stopped.

"Sorry," he apologized, eyes still locked onto Argentum's stone visage. "Just… caught my interest."

Ruby moved to stand next to him, her eyes also scanning the statue. "That guy's sword... Isn't it the same as yours?"

He nodded. "That's my great-grandfather, Argentum. He was one of the first Huntsmen to graduate from Beacon."

Her silver eyes shimmered with awe. "Wow… What'd he do to get a statue like this?"

"He and the huntress up there held off a Grimm Invasion for three whole days just by themselves."

She whistled, clearly impressed. She looked at him with a teasing smile. "Guess you have your work cut out for you, huh?"

A small, hollow laugh escaped him. "Yeah. Yeah, I do."

{ III }

They arrived at the auditorium a few minutes later. Yang spotted them as they walked in and waved them down. "Ruby! Over here! I saved you a spot!"

Looking over, there seemed to be only enough room for Ruby to stand. The petite redhead looked between both blondes with a panicked expression, unsure if she wanted to leave her new friend by his lonesome. He chuckled, waving her off. "I'll be fine. I'd probably be blocking the view of a few people from there anyways."

"O-Oh, all right then." Ruby said, making her way towards her sister and waving him goodbye. "I'll see you after the ceremony!"

Jaune sighed, scanning his surroundings for a spot to stand. He didn't spot Weiss anywhere either. "Now where am I gonna find another nice, quirky girl to talk to?" He muttered jokingly under his breath.

"Excuse me." He heard from behind, then felt a tap on his shoulder.

He turned to see a beautiful girl with vibrant red hair and emerald eyes. She was dressed in what he could only describe as a gladiatrix's outfit, ready to fight at a moment's notice. A bronze circlet held her hair out of her face. She was tall for a girl, coming just up to his nose. A small smile adorned her face as she spoke. "Did you need a spot to stand?"

He returned her smile. "Why, yes. Yes, I do. Are you offering?"

She nodded, gesturing to the back wall to her right. He happily took the spot. It was nice and somewhat secluded, out of the way of what must have been a least a hundred jostling bodies. Plus, he didn't have to worry about blocking anyone's view.

"Thanks," Jaune told the girl, "My name's Jaune. Nice to meet you." He held out his hand, which she shook with a firm, yet gentle grip.

"Nice to meet you as well, Jaune. I'm Pyrrha." She introduced herself. "And it's no problem."

Getting a better look at her, Jaune was amazed by her physical appearance. That is to say, beyond her beauty, Pyrrha seemed to boast a vast athleticism, having a musculature sculpted to perfection. The peak of human physicality and physique, as it were, striking the perfect balance between agility and power.

"You're strong," He unintentionally said aloud. When she looked at him curiously, he fumbled to explain himself. "I-I mean, you seem very prepared. How long have you been training?"

Her slender yet toned shoulders lifted in a shrug. "Oh, I've lost track. For a while now, I'm sure."

There was something about her tone that indicated she was hiding more than she let on, but Jaune let it be for now. "Your outfit is exotic. You're not from Vale, are you?"

"I am not," she confirmed. "I'm from Mistral."

"Wow," he said, surprised. "Why so far away from home?"

Her smile thinned. "Just felt like exploring. See new sights, experience different cultures."

'She's being evasive.' He determined. 'Her past seems to be a touchy subject.'

He… honestly didn't know how to continue the conversation. His mind completely blanked while thinking about what he could talk about without upsetting her.

Thankfully, the Headmaster deigned that moment to begin his speech. The microphone rang its opening hum as the white-haired man cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.

"I'll keep this brief," he began. "You traveled here 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."

A poignant pause loomed over the assembly. Ozpin's brown eyes scanned over the crowd with an unfocused intensity as he continued. "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," For the briefest moment, Jaune felt his gaze lock with the Headmaster's. Was he just imagining it? "But your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It's up to you to take the first step."

He stepped back from the microphone and proceeded to walk off stage right. Ms. Goodwitch stepped forward to take his place. "You will gather in the ballroom tonight. Tomorrow, your initiation begins."

"Be ready," she emphasized. She allowed her words to sink in before finishing. "You are dismissed."

"That was… intense." Jaune said aloud. He heard Pyrrha hum in agreement to his side. He turned to her, a question on his lips. "Did you get the feeling that he was a bit… distracted?"

"Slightly," she replied. "I'm sure he has a lot on his mind, what with all these potential students he must prepare for."

"Right, right…"

"Jaune!" He heard Weiss calling for him from the crowd. He perked up, spotting her white hair approaching him from a mob of dark colors. He excused himself with an apologetic smile, moving to meet her half-way. They caught each other's hands, Weiss's on top of his. "I tried to find you before the speech, but there were just so many people in the way."

"Same here!" He laughed. "Though I'm surprised you had trouble finding me." There was really only one other person here that was as tall as him, after all, but his build was much bulkier. A thought came to mind that made him grin a bit more. "Did you have a bit of trouble looking over an average person's shoulder?"

She harrumphed, pulling her hands back and across her chest in clear irritation. She turned her nose up at him, but did not deny his words, bemusing him further. Weiss's petite stature caused her no small amount of grief, especially when Winter had reached the six-foot mark by her age.

"I was going to offer you a place next to my bedroll," She started, still refusing to look at him. "But on second thought, perhaps a giant oaf like you should sleep amongst strangers instead."

"Aww, Weiss, don't be like that." Jaune kneeled to be eye-level with her, then put on a pleading look. "I'll sleep better knowing I'll wake up next to a familiar face."

Her cheeks flushed pink, but she refused to budge. "You should have thought about that before making fun of my height."

"Hmm…" He thought for a moment. A flash of red and yellow entered his periphery, and he smiled mischievously. "All right then. I'll just have to find some other bedfellows."

"Hmph, I-" His words hit her, her pouting expression falling to panic. "Wait, what?"

"Heya, Jaune!" Yang waved with a grin. "Sorry 'bout not saving you a spot. I didn't think Ruby would get so sad."

"Yaaaaaaang!" Ruby groaned, beating her fists against the blonde's torso.

"It's fine." He assured them. "Though if you wanna make it up to me, would you mind if I slept next to you girls tonight?"

The girls were flustered a bit by the proposition. "U-Um, well-"

"That won't be necessary." Weiss interrupted, sending him a subtle glare. "You lecherous dolt. Have you no shame in propositioning innocent girls like that?"

Yang, somewhat confused at first, seemed to catch on quickly. "Well, I wouldn't mind~" she said flirtatiously. "Ladykiller here seems like he'd make a pretty good big spoon."

"Y-You!" Weiss stammered, pointing a shaky finger in her direction. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into!"

"Oh, I think I do~" Yang whispered huskily, grabbing onto Jaune's arm and hugging it tightly. He flushed, not expecting the intimate contact. Despite the layers of clothing between them, he could feel everything. "Ooh la la! I didn't expect you to be so muscular, Jaune~!"

Ruby stomped her foot in a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "Yang! Stop being so weird! And let go of Jaune, you're taking the joke too far!"

Rolling her eyes, Yang did as she was asked. "Fiiiiine. It was just getting good, too."

Weiss looked between the three of them, sighed in what he thought was relief, then affixed Jaune with her glare once more. He knew that he'd be getting an earful later.

"So, is this your girlfriend?" Yang asked.

"He wishes/ I wish." The childhood friends said at once. Immediately after, Weiss gave him a scandalized look, her blush unmistakable against her pale white skin. There was an almost hopeful glimmer in her eye, but Jaune was sure it was something else.

"I'm joking, of course." He clarified. "We're just friends. Best friends." He added as an afterthought.

There was just the slightest slump in Weiss's shoulders as she sighed in exasperation. Yang visibly grimaced, but he had no idea why. Was it something he said?

"Sorry for teasing you," Yang apologized. "I couldn't help myself. My name's Yang. Yang Xiao Long." She offered her hand to show there were no hard feelings. Weiss took it after a moment's deliberation.

"Weiss Schnee." She said curtly. "Please don't indulge him in the future. He's insufferable enough as is."

"Noted." Yang replied with a grin. "Though I don't know Xiao Long he can stay away!"

"Ugh," He heard both Weiss and Ruby groan at the bad pun. He chuckled, if only for the reaction it elicited, which was enough for Yang to bow dramatically.

"Thank you, thank you, I'll be here for four years!"

"Oum help me…" Ruby groaned.

"We should get going." Jaune said, standing up. "If we wait too long, all the good spots will be taken."

"About time you noticed." She berated him. "We would have had prime pickings if you didn't insist on getting a reaction out of me!"

"But it's so worth it to see you pout and fluster!"

{ IV }

The four of them managed to secure a spot in a corner of the ballroom. It was somewhat secluded from the majority of the other aspiring applicants, which did wonders for Ruby's anxiety. They had all gotten changed into their sleepwear: Ruby in a tank top and pajama bottoms, Yang the same but with shorts, Weiss in a nightgown, and Jaune-

"Woah there…" Yang whistled appreciatively. When Jaune had returned from the changing room, he did so shirtless in sweatpants. When she felt up his arm earlier, she knew the guy had some amount of muscle there but Oum above, she didn't expect him to look so fine.

He was cut and chiseled to perfection, toned muscles rippling with every movement. The more she looked, the more she was enthralled. Monty, he made all the other guys here look like boys playing at being men.

"Mmbrl…" Ruby choked on her spit. Normally she wouldn't have been interested in looking at guys, but Jaune was her new friend and was nice to her and had abs that you could grate cheese on.

Weiss rolled her eyes at their reaction. Gods, were they actually drooling? Have they no sense of self-control? "Jaune, for the love of Oum, put a shirt on."

"But it's so uncomfortable though…" He groaned, stretching his arms over his head and inadvertently flexing his arms and pecs.

She licked her lips, mouth suddenly dry.

Jaune noticed a small book in Ruby's hands. "What have you got there, Ruby?"

"Abs- I mean, my journal!" She hastily corrected herself. Her gaze lowered to it fondly. "I was gonna write a letter to my friends back at Signal. Promised to tell them about Beacon and how things were going."

"Aww, that's so cute!" Yang gushed, then was promptly silenced by a corgi-themed pillow.

"Shut up!" Ruby growled. "I didn't get to take my friends with me to school. It's weird not knowing anyone here!"

"I mean, you know me, right?" Jaune interjected. "And Weiss, too, as a matter of fact."

"See? Plus two friends already. That's a two hundred percent increase!" Yang said cheerfully.

"I wouldn't exactly call us 'friends' per say." Weiss clarified. "More like acquaintances, really."

"That's her way of saying friends." Jaune assured.

"I guess you're right…" Ruby muttered, clutching her pillow close to her chest.

The sound of a match striking aflame caught their attention, drawing their gaze to a black-haired girl in a matching yukata-styled nightwear sat against the wall nearby. A black bow adorned the top of her head. She lit a three-pronged candlestick and set it on a small table next to her, then began to read a book in her lap.

Weiss clicked her tongue in annoyance, causing Jaune to quirk a brow. "Something wrong, Weiss?"

"That girl accosted me earlier after you left." She explained with a frown. "She confronted me about the company's practices, which I have no part in, then proceeded to criticize me for them."

Jaune frowned, staring at the girl disapprovingly. He looked back to Weiss, "What happened afterwards?"

"I left." She replied simply. "Her words were no different from ones I've heard before. I did not indulge her ignorant remarks, though I bet she wished I caused a scene."

"That was very mature of you, Weiss. I'm proud."

"Please," She scoffed. "You're easily more annoying, even if you're not as malicious."

He grinned. "So, I'm the only one able to get a reaction out of you?"

She swatted his arm. "The only one I allow to get a reaction out of me."

"So, yes…?"

"Ugh, why must you be so, so…!"

"Me?" He offered with a wiggle of his brow. A pillow was soon smothering his face as Weiss tackled him to the ground, a snarl on her features.

"Yes!" She growled. "Why I've put up with you for all these years is beyond me!"

Even as she attempted to suffocate him, Jaune's laughter sounded through the pillow. Yang and Ruby looked at them with a mix of amusement and worry. Yang leaned down to whisper to her sister. "See? Beacon accepts all sorts of crazy. If anything, looks like you'll stand out if you're too normal."

That earned a giggle from the younger girl. "Yeah… Yeah, you're right. Guess I didn't need to worry after all."

Yang grinned cheekily. "I told you so!"

She was soon joining her fellow blonde in being smothered to death by an irate petite girl.


AN: So... Hi. For those of you who came from my KuroInu story, I beg your forgiveness for not updating. Interest seemed to be dying and I gradually grew less motivated as a result. The story isn't dead, though it is going to be on a rather long hiatus going forward. Updates henceforth will be sporadic, without promises of consistency.

With the apology out of the way...

I've always been a long time fan of RWBY since season 1. Dropped off after season 4 and have only just recently gotten back into it. Considering the semi-recent controversies with Rooster Teeth, I chose a helluva time to come back XD.

To be completely honest, I'm not sure what my end goal with this story is yet. I've got a game plan for around the end of Season 3, but beyond that is kinda up in the air. Knowing me, it'll be a miracle if I can even get to that point.

This is going to be a Harem story, so if you don't like that, here's your warning now. Get off the train and please don't complain. If you do, I reserve the right to make fun of you to my friends and possibly in the next AN.

Hopefully you guys enjoyed this chapter. Until next time!