The screen is black with strange lights like fireflies moving around with a voice that echoes.
?: Ivan, Ivan, IVAN!
Suddenly, Ivan quickly shoots out of bed, sweating and breathing heavily. He takes a deep breath and exhales as tears form in his eyes. He then wipes his eyes, puts on his gear, and leaves the inn. As he starts adjusting his gauntlets, someone bumps into him, and they fall to the ground. He looks to see a Faunus wearing a Beacon Acadamy uniform as he offers his hand.
Ivan: Are you alright little one?
The Faunus looks up at Ivan and hesitates to take his hand.
Ivan: Don't worry. I won't hurt you.
The Faunus takes his hand as he is lifted back onto his feet.
Faunus: Thank you, sir.
?: Azure!
They both look to see three other students in uniform running toward them out of breath. One was a female Peregrine Faunus, and the other two looked like both dog Faunus twins.
Ivan: You three alright.
Peregrine Faunus: Yeah, we're good. Just that I'm not much of a runner.
Azure: Sorry Diane.
Ivan: Is this your team kid?
Azure: Oh, yes. This is Diane Peregrine, my partner. And these are the twins, Ron and Ian Pine.
Diane: It's a pleasure to meet you, mister...
Ivan: Saxe, Ivan Saxe. But you can just call me Ivan.
Ron: Come on guys. We need to get there before they get busy.
Ian: Dude, we were the ones falling behind before, remember?
Ivan: What's the hurry?
Diane: We heard about this new food cart that is selling Parfaits.
Ivan: Parfaits?
Ian: It's basically yogurt with fruit. But you can always choose what you want in it.
Ivan: And this is a new place that just opened?
Ron: It opened a few days ago. It's been lifting my spirits nowadays.
Ivan: Oh, why is that?
Diane: He's been scared to come to the city since he heard about these robberies.
Ron pouted at the comment.
Ron: I'm scared? What about the time when you-
Ron is cut off when his brother covers his mouth with his hand.
Ian: Now's not the time to dwell on the past.
Ivan gave a slight chuckle and nodded.
Ivan: That is very good advice, young man. Even if you are all still students at Beacon, you just displayed wise words to an old Huntsman like me.
Diane: If you don't mind me asking Sir Ivan?
Ivan: Just Ivan but yes, go ahead.
Diane: How is it, being a Huntsman? You look like you've seen every corner of Remnant and yet you also strike me as a man that believes there is still more out there to discover.
Ivan was surprised at how wise these kids were, but he was also curious about the question that he himself had trouble answering, as he then remembered the words of an old colleague of his.
Ivan: Honestly, even after me and my team graduated, we still had a lot to learn. Don't think for a second that graduating means you're done. Every day out in the world is a week in Beacon. Azure, you and your team will go far, but only if you keep learning. Never stop moving forward.
The scene cuts to a large room surrounded by giant-sized gears that move in perfect sync. The sound of a clock ticking echoes around the room, and a man with silver hair is seen sitting at a desk while examining his scroll. This man is Professor Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy. As Ozpin takes a sip from his mug, the sound of his elevator doors opens to reveal the headmistress, Glynda Goodwitch.
Glynda: You wanted to speak with me, Professor?
Ozpin sets down his mug and begins to move his finger on the screen of his scroll.
Ozpin: Yes, thank you for coming Glynda. Please have a seat.
Glynda sits in one of the chairs placed in front of Ozpin's desk and adjusts her glasses.
Ozpin: As you are well aware, the recent events in the Forever Fall Forest have been getting worse.
Glynda: If you are referring to the Ursai Major that attacked Cardin Winchester, I'll have you know that Mr. Arc performed exceptional work in dispatching the Grimm.
Ozpin: Yes, I'm well aware of Mr. Arc's progress in the past few days, but that's not the issue.
Glynda raised her eyebrow at what she had just heard.
Ozpin: While Mr. Arc defeated the Grimm, that apparently wasn't the only one.
Ozpin pulls up a photo of what looks to be a King Taijitu Grimm, but it seems different from any other one that Glynda has seen. From the photo, it looks as if it has four heads in total.
Glynda: Could this be a new variant of the King Taijitu?
Ozpin: Unclear for now.
Glynda: We can put the school in lockdown while the teachers and I can hunt down this beast.
Ozpin: Actually, I was going to first ask you if your Special Operative would be able to handle this discreetly.
Glynda knew exactly who he was talking about and sighed.
Glynda: Unfortunately no. After I had him clear up the Emerald Forest before the students arrived he's been out of contact for a while. He finds it strange how many Grimm are in the forest, so he is currently surveying the borders of the city of Vale to understand better where the Grimm are coming from.
Ozpin: Well then, good thing I have a backup plan.
Glynda: And what is this "backup" plan?
Ozpin swipes his finger on his scroll as a large projection of his screen is displayed between the two of them.
Ozpin: Luckily for us, there are some Huntsman that recently finished three different bounties all at once. The first one up is Ivan Saxe. Graduate from Beacon Academy tends to work alone after the tragic loss of his team seven years ago but from these reports that are coming in, he worked with two others while dealing with the Grimm while they were protecting a little girl.
Glynda: Have you spoken to him about what happened to his team?
Ozpin: No, and I think it would be best not to bring that up.
Glynda: Of course.
Ozpin: Next we have Sky Altair. Graduate from Haven Academy. Very good in a fight and says he has a very laid-back attitude. His Semblance tends to work on its own whether he wants to or not.
Glynda: What is he doing in Vale?
Ozpin: You can ask him that question when he and the others arrive. Now the next one I've saved for last, this one is someone you know. Ms. Bleu Falls.
At the mention of her name, Glynda's stern demeanor melted into a smile.
Glynda: Bleu. She's come so far since her days as a student here.
Ozpin opened Bleu's file, revealing the image of a young woman with striking features and determined eyes.
Ozpin: Indeed. Bleu has always been a talented Huntress, one who shows great promise. Her skills have only grown since she left Beacon. She's taken on some difficult missions and handled them with grace and precision.
Glynda looked at the file fondly.
Glynda: I'm proud of her. We've always had a close bond, and I've watched her overcome so much. She's a strong young woman, both in body and spirit.
Ozpin: (nods) Bleu is certainly one of our brightest. Her presence on this mission could make all the difference. Given her capabilities and the rapport she has with those she works alongside, I believe she would be an invaluable asset.
Glynda took a moment to reflect on the files laid out before them.
Glynda: These are all exceptional individuals, Headmaster. Each with their own strengths—and their own burdens. But if anyone can see them through this mission, it's them.
Ozpin leaned forward, closing the files and placing them back on his desk.
Ozpin: I agree. This mission will be difficult, but I have faith in these Huntsmen and Huntresses. They've faced great challenges before, and they've come out stronger for it.
Glynda gave a small, resolute nod.
Glynda: Then let's prepare them. The sooner we brief them, the better.
Ozpin met her gaze, his eyes full of the wisdom and experience that came with years of leadership.
Ozpin: Indeed. Let's give them the support they need to succeed.
With that, the two of them stood, ready to set their plan into motion.
Glynda: (Looks at Bleu's photo) When will they arrive?
Ozpin: Soon.
Down at the courtyard of Beacon Academy, Ivan is seen walking to Beacon Tower until...
Bleu: Ivan!
Ivan turns to see Bleu running to his as she waves her hand at him causing him to smile.
Ivan: Well look who it is. How've you been Ms. Falls?
Bleu: I've been well. How about you?
Ivan: Good.
They both fall silent until Bleu decides to speak.
Bleu: So, what are you doing back at Beacon? Are you a part-time teacher as well as a Huntsman?
Ivan bursts out laughing until he sees Bleu's expression.
Ivan: Oh wait you're serious, let me laugh even harder. HaHaHaHa!
Bleu rolls her eyes as she punches Ivan's arm.
Ivan: Ow, okay, okay. No, I'm not a teacher. Professor Ozpin sent for me.
Bleu: You too huh?
Ivan: Let me guess, he called you too?
Sky: He called the three of us.
The two look to see Sky descending to the ground. Gusts of wind can be felt as Sky flaps his wings during his landing.
Ivan: This outta be good.
Bleu: Well, then let's not keep the Professor waiting.
The trio enters the elevator as they ascend to the headmaster's office while cheery music plays in the elevator. Moments later the doors open as they enter Professor Ozpin's office to see him and the headmistress, Glynda Goodwitch.
Bleu: Glynda!
Bleu's eyes widen as she rushes to Goodwitch nearly knocking her onto the floor with a tight hug. Goodwitch returns the hug as she smiles to see Bleu after so many years.
Glynda: Hello dear. How are you?
Bleu: I'm doing good.
Glynda: And your father?
Bleu: He's doing ok.
Glynda: That's good to hear.
Ozpin clears his throat before he grabs his mug from his desk.
Ozpin: Thank you all for coming.
Sky: What is this about Professor?
Ozpin: Well, Mr. Altair, it seems that I have called specifically you three to deal with a very important problem.
Ozpin pulls up the photo of the Grimm sighted in the Forever Fall Forest and hands it to Ivan.
Ozpin: What do you think Mr. Saxe?
Ivan examines the photo as he focuses his eyes on the Grimm itself. Ozpin knew that Ivan studied all types of Grimm during his four years at Beacon, and even after he graduated, he still kept studying the Grimm from other Kingdoms such as Mistral, Atlas, and Vacuo.
Ivan: Where was this?
Glynda: It was sighted in the Forever Fall Forest.
Ozpin: What can you tell us?
Ivan: Well, it looks like a King Taijitu-class Grimm, but this one is different from any other I've seen. But I might have a theory.
Goodwitch: What do you see?
Ivan: I think this could be the result of a possession-type Grimm.
Bleu: Possession?
Ivan: Yes, you see, most of the Grimm have their own unique traits and abilities, but others, like a Shade, a Chill, or a Geist, need to possess something to help them hunt. Shades possess dead things like animals or trees while the Geist is known to create a colossal-sized body made up of anything it can find. This could be a new type of possession type Grimm. One that can possess its own kind.
Sky peeks at the photo.
Sky: And judging by how many heads this thing has, this new variant most likely has multiple appendages.
Ivan: A spider perhaps?
Bleu: Please no. I hate Spiders.
Sky: We'll need to get a closer look to determine the Grimm's true form.
Ozpin: When you're ready, board the airship at the landing pad. It will take you to the Forever Forest.
As the trio heads for the Bullhead, Bleu looks back at Beacon Tower and starts to wonder why Ozpin called her, Ivan, and Sky specifically for this mission.
Ivan: Hey Bleu, you comin' or what?
Bleu turns to see Ivan and Sky already on board and finally joins them. As they approach the forest Bleu decides to speak her mind.
Bleu: Don't you guys think it's strange?
Ivan: What's strange?
Before Bleu could continue, she is cut off by Sky.
Sky: She's wondering why Ozpin called the three of us when he could've had anyone else at his disposal.
Bleu: Are you sure your Semblance isn't mind-reading?
Sky: (Chuckles) Sadly, no, but I second your question. It is rather strange that we met only once about a week ago and are now on a mission together.
Ivan: Now that you mention it-
Pilot: We coming up on the drop point.
The trio looks out the side to see areas of the forest destroyed by the Grimm's path.
Sky: This Grimm needs to be stopped before it decides to attack the city.
Ivan: Agreed. Can you land us near the beast?
Pilot: I'll drop you as close as I can, and I'll keep my distance from afar so in case the Grimm decides to head to the city, I'll give the order for them to start evacuating in the shelters.
Sky: If that happens I'll call Ozpin to send more Huntsman.
They spot the Grimm only ten miles from the city of Vale as Ivan jumps out of the Bullhead with his arms aimed at it and starts shooting at it. The Grimm raises its four heads as it hisses at Ivan. Ivan knows his bullets will not hurt the Grimm, but he needs to get its attention so it will stop its path toward Vale. The Grimm starts to pursue Ivan as he turns to run away.
Flashback five minutes
Ivan: Alright, so our mission is to kill this Grimm before it causes any more harm.
Ivan, Bleu, and Sky were bent down to the floor of the Bullhead as they had three bullet rounds representing them, a black dust crystal representing the Grimm, a scroll for the city, and a piece of cloth laid out in front of them to represent the old ruins.
Sky: But we also need to make sure it doesn't make it to the city.
Bleu: How do you stop a Grimm from finding its next meal?
Ivan: Like this. (Places a bullet round a few inches from the dust crystal) We give it the main course.
Present time
As Ivan leaps over logs and dodges the Grimm as it tries to attack him he continues to run further into the forest.
Ivan: (Over comms) Well that definitely worked. He's really pissed at me.
Bleu: (Over Comms) This was your plan.
Ivan: (Over comms) Yep, and I'm already regretting it. Now move to phase two.
Flashback
Ivan: After I get it to start chasing me, I'll lead it to these ruins that are part of the initiation zone. Once we get it there, Bleu will light up the area around it, so it will be trapped at the cliff.
Present time
Ivan arrives at the cliff that drops down to the ruins as the Grimm at the same time arrive with him. Ivan slowly backs up to the edge of the cliff as the Grimm spreads its many heads around every possible path to escape as it corners Ivan until...
Ivan: NOW!
Suddenly the ground behind the Grimm starts to catch fire as Sky flies by, carrying Bleu by her waist as she breathes a trail of fire surrounding the Grimm. The Grimm starts to cower from the flames as it turns to see Ivan with his arms spread and a smirk on his face as he leans back off the cliff. As Ivan falls he is suddenly snatched by Sky as he flies high above the Grimm.
Sky: You are crazy, you know that?
Ivan just chuckles as Sky starts a dive bomb toward the Grimm, releasing him like a plane dropping a bomb. Ivan's eyes glow blue, and his veins begin to glow throughout his body to his fists. Then he punches the Grimm so hard that it stumbles off the cliff and falls into the darkness of the ruins, followed by a loud thud. With the Grimm defeated, Bleu and Sky rejoin Ivan as they look down to see a rise of black smoke, indicating the Grimm has died.
Bleu: That was crazy, but we did it.
Ivan: Yeah we did. Hmm.
Sky: What is it?
Ivan: How bout we talk about it over a cup of tea if that's alright with you?
Bleu: No offense but after breathing fire out of my mouth, my throat hurts. I need something cold.
Bleu clenches her throat as she wheezes from breathing. Ivan feels bad for not considering that her Semblance may be unique, but it takes more than just her Aura when it is used for extreme purposes. He thinks for a moment until...
Ivan: I think I know just the place.
Timeskip
The trio arrives at a store called Chill Of Vale as they walk inside to see all kinds of frozen treats. Ivan orders three parfaits for himself and the others and steps outside to eat at one of the outside tables of the store. Ivan had blueberries and nuts in his parfait while Bleu got strawberries and mango and Sky got blueberry. Bleu's eyes lit up after her first bite of yogurt-covered strawberry.
Bleu: Mmmm, this is so good.
Sky: How did you find out about this place?
Ivan: Ran into a team of third-year Beacon students. They told me this place just opened and it piqued my interest.
Sky: Ok ok, now how about you tell us what was on your mind earlier?
Ivan: I think I figured out why Ozpin put the three of us on a mission together.
Bleu stared at Ivan with confusion.
Bleu: Why?
Ivan: He's a man who lives by a code, or it's just who he is. He founded Beacon to be a place not just for humans, but also for Faunus. I believe he brought us together so we can truly be united.
Sky: Well, that's heartwarming, but you are missing the point that there are only three of us. It is not easy to make a new team with only three members.
Bleu: Then we find more. And we welcome them to the team.
Ivan: Here here!
Sky and Bleu burst out laughing at Ivan.
Ivan: What? What did I say?
Bleu: That's just it, we don't know what you just said. (continues to laugh)
Later that day the trio all left to go to their homes as Ozpin and Glynda looked out the window to view Beacon Academy when all of a sudden the elevator went off to signify that someone is here. The doors open as a pair of black shoes, purple attire, and a bandana covering the bottom half of a Panther Faunus's face.
Glynda: It's good to see you again, Mr. Vane
The Faunus, known as Crimson Vane, uncovers his mouth to reveal his face to Ozpin and Goodwitch.
Vane: Give me the good news.