RWUBY
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Naruto x Harem
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Story Start
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Roughly two days after Yang Xiao Long and Ruby Rose departed Patch, Blake Belladonna walked up the massive stone steps to Beacon Academy, heart hammering in her chest. She had taken a public airship from an anonymous Vale port, hood drawn over her Faunus features for most of the trip. Even though she had left the White Fang behind and, for the time being, her old life she was still on edge. As far as the rest of Remnant was concerned, her name was just "Blake," a transfer student from some distant part of Vale.
The first sight of Beacon's entrance made her breath catch: an ornate metal gate formed a half-circle overhead, bearing the Academy's crossed-axes emblem. The gate was wide open, throngs of students arriving in steady waves, shoulders weighed with suitcases or duffel bags crammed with gear.
Blake's outfit was practical yet faintly elegant: a sleeveless black vest that buttoned across her midsection, with gold trim at the hems and a thin black ribbon in place of a collar. Beneath that she wore fitted white pants tucked into short, combat-ready boots.
Over everything lay a long sleeveless coat in midnight purple, open at the front. Her black bow perched atop her head, though she could still feel her cat ears flicking in agitation underneath it. A new place, a new life.
She turned to glance at the enormous courtyard behind her, bustling with new arrivals. Her golden eyes darted warily over the crowd. No sign of Adam. Of the White Fang. Nobody who might recognize her. She exhaled with relief. Then, she squared her shoulders and marched through the gates into Beacon's sunlit grounds.
At the same time, Weiss Schnee stepped down from a stylish silver transport shuttle bearing the Schnee Dust Company's snowflake insignia. Where other students wore casual clothes or training gear, Weiss was dressed in crisp semi-formal attire: a short white jacket with silver filigree patterns at the cuffs and collar, layered over a sky-blue, knee-length skirt. Trim and pressed, the jacket boasted the Schnee family crest on the left breast. She carried herself upright, chin lifted, pale-blue eyes scanning her surroundings with a mix of curiosity and carefully masked apprehension.
Despite her calm façade, Weiss felt a pang of nerves twist in her stomach. This was it, the start of her new path, far from Atlas and free from Jacques' controlling gaze. A swirl of emotions coursed through her: excitement, relief, and the old frustration that whenever she walked among strangers, they whispered behind her back:
'Is that Weiss Schnee? The heiress?'
'I heard she sings like an angel…'
'Schnee Dust Company… bet she's loaded.'
Weiss fished a scroll out of her jacket pocket, double-checking her orientation schedule. Ten minutes until Headmaster Ozpin's welcome speech at the amphitheater. Perfect. She brushed a stray lock of ivory hair from her forehead and took a deep breath.
'You've faced worse than a first day, Weiss. Just keep your poise.'
She heeled her small luggage case along the stone path. A few steps later, something bumped into her from behind someone's trunk on wheels, unceremoniously scuffing her immaculate skirt.
"Ow! Watch where you're going!" Weiss snapped, turning sharply.
"Ah! S-sorry! Sorry!" responded Ruby Rose, clad in a black top with red trim, a voluminous red hooded cloak draped over her shoulders, and a pleated skirt over thigh-high stockings. Her black hair tinted red at the tips, and wide silver eyes flashed with immediate remorse. Beside her, a large red suitcase had toppled to the ground, and a folded mechanical scythe Crescent Rose, presumably was strapped on top of it.
Weiss's lips thinned. "You can't just—" She paused, noticing the anxious look on Ruby's face. The younger girl was clearly mortified by the mishap. Weiss sighed and forced her temper down; this wasn't Atlas, no need to act like Father. "Never mind," she said, more quietly. "Let's just, be careful in these crowds."
Ruby visibly brightened. "Right! Sorry again." She scooped up her suitcase, then offered a quick bow. "I'm Ruby, by the way. Ruby Rose! This place is huge, huh?"
Weiss kept her tone cool. "Weiss Schnee." A flicker of recognition passed over Ruby's face, that last name was famous. Ugh, the typical reaction, Weiss thought. She stiffened automatically.
But Ruby only gave a small, polite smile. "Nice to meet you. I guess we'd better get to the amphitheater." She cast a worried glance at the time on her scroll. "Orientation's soon."
"Right." Weiss hesitated, eyeing Ruby from top to bottom. The girl was shorter than her, wore scuffed combat boots, looked a bit… messy. But there was sincerity in that silver gaze. "Just...walk in front this time. So you don't run me over again," Weiss added dryly.
Ruby giggled, the tension broken. "Okay!"
The two fell into step, weaving through the courtyard's throng.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiao Long had arrived earlier and decided to wait near the amphitheater steps. She sported her signature outfit: a short, light-brown leather jacket with golden accents, black shorts, and tall combat boots with orange laces. A golden sun emblem was stitched on the left side of her jacket, matching the bright glow of her cascading blond hair. She exuded confidence from every pore, hands on her hips, scanning the crowd for her little sister.
Ruby's never on time…
Yang's lilac eyes caught a glimpse of Ruby's bright red hood in the distance, accompanied by a white-haired girl. Yang's grin spread across her face, but she noticed the tension in Ruby's posture and the exasperation in the other girl's expression. "Huh," she murmured. "Looks like Rubes has already made a friend. Or an enemy?" She couldn't quite read the vibe.
She decided to wave them over. Ruby brightened and dragged Weiss with her, introducing them quickly. Yang's eyes flicked to Weiss's snowflake emblem.
"Yoo, Weiss Schnee. Heard about you," Yang said in a cheerful tone. "Guess you're going to Beacon, too."
Weiss gave a polite half-nod, measuring Yang's carefree posture. "Yes. And you must be…?"
"Yang Xiao Long. Ruby's older sister." Yang winked. "Don't worry, I'm not nearly as clumsy as she is."
"Hey!" Ruby pouted. "I only crashed into you once."
Their banter drew a small upward tug from Weiss's lips, though she tried to hide it. They certainly had an easy chemistry—like a family that actually, genuinely liked each other. 'Unlike mine.' She dismissed the thought, focusing on the present.
They joined the swarm of first-years entering a grand amphitheater. A raised stage loomed at the front, white banners with green trim hanging on either side. Hundreds of folding chairs fanned out, many already occupied by new students. Massive windows let in streams of Vale's midday sun. The buzz of chatter electrified the air.
Weiss spied a few older students, presumably second or third years, helping direct foot traffic. One was a tall boy with messy blond hair, the "hmm, not from around here?" type, carrying a battered family sword and shield trying to talk to an uninterested brunette with bright turquoise highlights. Another corner had what looked like an entire small group of Faunus, tails and ears in plain view, openly discussing schedules.
Blake Belladonna, now hidden among the throng, kept her head down. She wore her hood up, but the bright lighting made her bow silhouette quite visible. She slipped behind a marble pillar near the side, scanning for a seat that would keep her inconspicuous.
'Focus, Blake. This is about forging your future. Don't get paranoid. But… so many people…'
She spotted an open seat a few rows from the front, away from most clusters. With a final deep breath, she claimed it, placing her small suitcase at her feet and adjusting the black bow on her head to ensure her Faunus ears remained hidden.
Moments later, the amphitheater lights dimmed. A hush fell. Two figures took the stage. One was a tall man with silver hair in an unruly side-swept style, wearing dark-green pants, dress shoes, and a black, long-tailed suit jacket over a green vest. A mug of coffee sat in his left hand slightly incongruous with his otherwise formal attire. This was Professor Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy. Beside him stood a strict-looking woman with pale-blonde hair tied in a tight bun, sporting thin rectangular glasses and a sharp, purple-trimmed cloak over her businesslike attire. Professor Glynda Goodwitch, famously known for her mastery of Telekinesis Semblance.
Ozpin tapped the microphone, prompting an echo across the hall. "Welcome, new students, to Beacon Academy. For the next four years, you will train to become defenders of peace—Huntsmen and Huntresses. But remember, Huntsmen are not merely warriors. You are protectors. We stand against Grimm, yes, but also against hatred, bigotry, and the ignorance that breeds conflict."
His voice was soft yet resonant, carrying over the silent crowd. "You each have come here with your own dreams, your own burdens. Some of you come from families with famous legacies—" a quick, nearly imperceptible glance slid in Weiss's direction— "while others are the first in their line to pursue this path. Regardless of your background, you share a common goal: to safeguard the people of Remnant. I ask that you keep this goal in mind throughout your time here, and beyond. To those who dream of glory, I caution you: greatness is not found in the spotlight alone but in unwavering compassion. Beacon will push you—physically, mentally, morally. Embrace that challenge."
He paused, sipping from his coffee. His gray eyes seemed to sweep across the hall, lingering momentarily on Ruby, on Weiss, on Blake, on Yang—as though recognizing potential. Then he handed the microphone to Glynda.
She cleared her throat, adjusting her glasses. "As first-years, you will undergo orientation seminars and an initiation test: the Emerald Forest Exam. Consider it both your official acceptance trial and your first lesson in real Huntsman tactics. Failure is possible. Passing will require cunning, skill, and cooperation. Tonight, you will sleep in the ballroom. Tomorrow morning, report to the cliff at 0900 sharp. Dismissed."
Thunderous chatter resumed as Ozpin and Glynda departed. Some students groaned— "we're sleeping on the floor?" Others whispered excitedly about the "exam." The promise of immediate practical testing made hearts pound.
"An exam on the first day? That's insane!" Ruby complained, hooking her arm through Yang's as they exited. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but still."
Yang shrugged, her lilac eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "I'm pumped! Bring it on. Doesn't that sound fun?"
Weiss, following at a slight distance, gave Yang an incredulous look. "Fun? We have no idea what it entails. For all we know, we'll be dropped in the middle of a Grimm-infested swamp with a wooden stick."
"Hey, sign me up." Yang's grin widened. "When life gives you swamps, you…punch swamp monsters."
Ruby snorted. "That was a terrible pun, sis."
A short way behind them, a slender figure in black-and-purple slipped into the same corridor, listening quietly. Blake. The chatter about the exam intrigued her, but she didn't want to approach them. Not yet. She recognized the name "Weiss Schnee" from the White Fang's old manifestos. Daughter of the SDC. Tension flickered in her chest. Perhaps she should keep her distance?
But fate had other plans.
They all ended up converging outside the great marble columns leading to Beacon's front courtyard. A large gaggle of students milled about in confusion—some scanning campus maps, some searching for the cafeteria or the dorm building. The four found themselves momentarily stuck in a tight group.
"Um, hi," Ruby said, noticing Blake's hood and the quiet air about her. "You're a first-year too?"
Blake's amber gaze flicked up, surprised to be addressed. For a split second, she thought to just nod and slip away. Instead, she forced a polite smile, adjusting her bow. "Yes. I'm new. Name's Blake."
Weiss's eyes took in Blake's understated attire: the black vest, the purple coat. Something about her was… mysterious. "Weiss Schnee," she offered. "We were just heading to the student ballroom for the night. Do you know the way?"
"…No," Blake admitted. She felt a sudden swirl of conflicting emotions. Weiss Schnee, her father's Dust empire and her ex-group's greatest enemy. But nothing about Weiss's posture read as malicious. Cautious, sure, but not hateful. Blake reminded herself: This is a new start. Don't assume the worst.
Yang shot them both a friendly grin. "Come with us! We'll figure it out. The more, the merrier, right?"
Blake nodded once, grateful for the easy acceptance. She half expected Weiss to protest. Instead, the white-haired heiress just shrugged, turning on her heel, leading the way across campus. Interesting… Blake thought.
Their path took them through a glass-walled walkway that connected Beacon's academic wing to a large, open hall that functioned as a multi-purpose ballroom. Normally used for dances or ceremonies, it was now repurposed with sleeping bags, cots, and a line of crates filled with pillows and blankets. Hundreds of first-year students milled around, claiming spots or forming small clusters of new acquaintances.
They found four adjacent cots in a less-crowded corner. As they dropped their luggage, Yang stretched elaborately. "Whew! Long day, huh, Rubes?"
Ruby nodded, rummaging in her trunk for a set of pajamas: black shorts and a dark-red tank top with a scythe emblem. Weiss, meanwhile, neatly unpacked a small vanity set, hairbrush, mirror, a few vials of special dust-based cosmetics from Atlas.
Blake gingerly placed a pair of well-worn novels on her cot, including a thick anthology of Remnant fairy tales. She gave the others a shy nod, then folded her coat and set it aside, revealing toned arms and the black vest she wore beneath.
Weiss noticed the corners of the novel. "Fairy tales?" she asked, half curious, half aloof.
Blake turned, blinking. "Stories about the origins of Dust, the old King of Vale, fables about Silver-Eyed Warriors. Just… personal interest."
An uneasy tension hovered. Weiss recognized those old stories well. She coughed softly. "Right. Well, good for you. Reading is… good."
Yang arched a brow, amused by Weiss's awkward attempt at small talk. "You big on reading, too, Weiss?"
"My father insisted on me studying all sorts of texts—economics, classical literature, law. But I guess you could say I read for knowledge, not… for whimsy." She shrugged, fiddling with the metal clasp on her suitcase. "Though I appreciate a well-constructed plot."
Blake frowned faintly. "Fairy tales are more than whimsy. They reflect people's hopes like how old legends about heroic Huntsmen shape how we see ourselves."
Weiss returned that frown, crossing her arms. "Well, sure, but only to a point. Real Huntsmen aren't as squeaky clean as the storybooks. People are messy. Fairy tales gloss over that."
Ruby and Yang exchanged a glance, sensing friction. This discussion felt vaguely personal, though they weren't sure why.
Blake set her jaw. "I'm aware. But ignoring the ideals in those stories means ignoring potential lessons. We can't dismiss them simply because the real world is 'messy.'"
Weiss's eyes narrowed. "You speak as if you've had direct experience with so-called 'messy reality.' But we all have, in one way or another. The question is whether we cling to illusions or acknowledge facts."
Ruby laughed nervously, stepping between them. "Okay, whoa, slow down. We literally just met. Let's not start a philosophical debate over bedtime reading."
A beat of silence stretched. Blake looked away, exhaling. Weiss smoothed her hair, trying to recompose. The tension was real, but not exactly explosive. Just… friction, from differences in background. Still, it left a slight chill in the air.
Then, a loud voice echoed from the center of the room: Cardin Winchester, a tall, broad-shouldered boy with short auburn hair. He wore a standard black-and-gold Beacon uniform jacket even though it was after hours. He was guffawing with a small posse. "Oh, come on, did you see that poor kitty over there? She practically jumped when I said hi." He snickered, not even bothering to lower his voice.
Blake froze at the word "kitty." Was he… mocking a Faunus girl? A sharp pang twisted in her gut. She half-turned to see Cardin's group. They had cornered a shy Faunus with long, folded rabbit ears. The poor girl was clearly uncomfortable but not fighting back, just hugging her pillow.
Yang's fists clenched. "Hey, that jerk—"
Weiss inhaled sharply. Part of her wanted to speak out, but old instincts, memories of her father's cold admonitions and made her hesitate. Ruby looked outraged, but also uncertain. They were brand new here, after all.
What would Naruto do…?
A fleeting thought flashed for each of them, though none spoke it aloud. They had no idea that the others shared that memory. Instead, they collectively bristled.
Cardin's voice rang out: "Yo, Rabbit Ears, do your ears twitch when you're scared? Because they sure are flicking right now."
That was enough. Blake took a step forward, fists balled. But Yang was faster. She stomped across the room, glaring fiercely.
"Back off," Yang snapped, voice low. "You want to pick a fight, pick on someone your own size."
Cardin turned, unimpressed. "Who are you, exactly?"
"Yang Xiao Long." She cracked her knuckles, Ember Celica gauntlets partially extended—though still in their folded state. "And you're about to get introduced to my fists if you don't leave her alone."
A tense hush fell in the immediate vicinity. Ruby hovered behind Yang, eyes darting anxiously. "Yang, we just got here. Don't get in trouble—"
"Yeah, big talk for day one," Cardin said, scowling. His flunkies, three other guys with similarly cocky grins moved behind him. "You don't even know who I am, do you?"
Yang smirked. "I don't care. Bully a Faunus again, I'll personally see you outside."
Cardin's lip curled. He looked at the rabbit-eared girl trembling by the cot. Then, with a dismissive shrug, he gestured for his crew to stand down. "Whatever. Not worth it. I'm sure I'll see you in the exam tomorrow. Then we'll find out who's worth what."
With that, he marched off, leaving an uneasy ripple of conversations behind him. The Faunus girl mumbled a quiet thanks to Yang, then scurried off to rejoin her friend.
Weiss exhaled, tension draining. She glanced at Blake, expecting maybe relief or something. But Blake's face was unreadable, golden eyes fixed on Cardin's retreating form. She recognized that sort of bullying intimately. This is only day one, and we already have that…
Weiss forced a careful nod. "You did the right thing, Yang. People like that, someone needs to stand up to them."
Yang shrugged, a bit sheepishly. "Yeah, well, can't stand bullies."
Blake's voice was quiet: "Thank you." She realized she meant it, though she'd wanted to intervene herself.
Ruby sighed. "I guess we should be careful though. We don't want to get kicked out for brawling on day one."
"Beacon doesn't want bullies either," Yang grunted. "Anyway, let's try to get some rest. Big day tomorrow."
Slowly, the students settled into makeshift bedding. Lights dimmed. That night, none of them slept particularly well—excitement, nerves, and thoughts of the exam swirling in their heads. And for four particular first-years, memories of a certain blond boy lingered in the edges of their consciousness, though each believed they alone carried that recollection.
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Morning broke with the shrill ring of overhead speakers. By sunrise, the ballroom was a storm of activity—students hastily folding blankets, jostling through lines for the communal showers, rummaging for fresh clothes. Ruby found herself pinned in a queue behind half the student body, half asleep. Next to her, Yang rubbed her eyes.
Weiss, by contrast, had woken early. She'd already showered, changed into her primary Beacon uniform—a sleek, dark-gray jacket with silver accents and a fitted black skirt. Over it, she wore an elegant white short-sleeved bolero to maintain her personal style. Currently, she was brushing her hair out at a corner vanity station, ignoring the odd stares from other girls. She maintained a proud posture, just because they all had to share bathrooms didn't mean she'd sacrifice her grooming standards.
Blake waited for the lines to thin, occupying herself by reading. She wore Beacon's standard uniform as well—though she'd subtly adjusted the jacket, removing the sleeves and layering it with her black vest. She made sure her black bow was secure to hide her cat ears. Today, though, she pinned a small decorative clasp shaped like a stylized lotus flower near her collar—something she'd picked up in Vale, a quiet reminder of her new life.
At 08:30, everyone gathered in a wide, circular classroom ringed with towering windows. Glynda Goodwitch stood at the front, an interactive holographic board behind her. Ozpin was nowhere in sight, presumably handling final arrangements for the Forest Exam. Glynda's posture radiated authority: arms crossed, her purple-trimmed cloak draped elegantly, and a riding crop tucked under one arm.
"Good morning," she began sharply. "Before your initiation exam, the Headmaster insists you have a short crash course on essential Huntsman knowledge. We won't have time to cover everything, but we will address some basics: Aura, Dust application, and Grimm classification—topics that, based on your entrance exams, some of you are woefully under-educated in."
A small ripple of laughter traveled the room, though some students looked offended. Glynda continued, "We'll begin with Aura. As you should know, Aura is the manifestation of one's soul. It provides a protective shield—though it is not invincible. It can be channeled offensively in combination with Dust, or to fuel special abilities known as Semblances. However, Aura usage requires skill. Over-exertion leads to breakage or depletion. A broken Aura means vulnerability—understand?"
She tapped the holographic board. A stylized figure lit up, labeled "AURA," with a ring around it that cracked after repeated hits. Weiss watched intently, mentally noting: 'Yes, yes… Myrtenaster's arsenal ties directly to my Aura usage. Must keep it balanced. 'Meanwhile, Ruby jotted notes in a messy scrawl. She'd used her Aura for basic training, but she wanted to refine it.
Next, Glynda's board switched to images of colored Dust crystals: red for fire, blue for ice, yellow for lightning, green for wind, and so on. "Dust," Glynda said, "comes in many types. Through synergy with your Aura, you can produce elemental effects. We encourage you to experiment carefully. Understand that Dust is not mere 'ammunition'; it's a resource that can expand your combat repertoire. Weiss Schnee, care to add something from your personal experience?" She'd noticed the SDC heiress watching.
Weiss stood, smoothing her uniform jacket. "Dust is refined from crystals mined in multiple regions—Atlas being the largest producer." She paused, conscious that Blake was listening. "Most standard forms are powdered or formed into cartridges for weapon usage. But it can also be woven into fabrics or integrated with mechanical technology, as Atlas does with androids or War Mechs. Proper usage requires careful training to avoid feedback or accidents."
Glynda inclined her head. "Well summarized. Now, an important note: those with specialized Semblances may find different synergy with Dust. For instance, Fire Dust might suit a flame-based Semblance, multiplying its potency. Or you might adapt it for entirely new effects with creativity. Dismissed."
She turned to new slides showing bestiaries of Grimm: Beowolves, Ursai, Boarbatusks, Nevermores. She identified each variant, their typical strengths, and weaknesses. The class listened with various levels of interest—some bored, some enthralled.
Blake found herself leaning forward. She had fought alongside the White Fang, seen real horrors in small villages—like shapeless Beringels rampaging farmland. She knew the textbook dryness couldn't convey the real terror. She wondered if these wide-eyed novices would manage in real fights.
At exactly 08:50, Glynda clicked off the presentation. "That will suffice. Gather what you need. You have ten minutes to report to Beacon Cliff for the exam. Dismissed."
The students erupted into a flurry of movement. Weiss replaced her personal notes in a neat folder, exchanging a brief look with Ruby, who seemed a bit anxious. "Relax," Weiss said, voice clipped but not unkind. "We'll be fine."
Ruby nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah."
Yang slung her Ember Celica gauntlets onto her arms with a grin. "Been itching for a real fight."
Blake quietly strapped her weapon—a katana-like blade called Gambol Shroud (collapsible into a cleaver form with a ribbon-attached pistol scabbard) around her hips. She felt a swirl of tension in her stomach. The exam is probably a team-based trial… or something. We'll see. She inhaled and joined the exodus.
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Beacon Cliff soared above a sprawling sea of green treetops—the Emerald Forest. A stone platform jutted out from the cliff's edge, wide enough for dozens of students to stand in rows. Ozpin waited near the edge, coffee mug in hand, Glynda at his side. Beyond the platform, the forest stretched endlessly, the horizon crowned by distant mountains.
Weiss emerged with Ruby, Yang, and Blake trailing close. She found a free spot, smoothing her uniform skirt, ignoring the slight flutter in her chest. Stay calm, show your best, and pass, she told herself.
Ruby balanced Crescent Rose, which was now fully extended into scythe form—a towering red and black contraption nearly twice her height. Yang flexed her fists, adjusting the triggers on Ember Celica. Blake briefly tested the tension on Gambol Shroud's ribbon, ensuring no snags. All around, other first-years did final weapon checks.
Ozpin stepped forward, placing his mug on a small side table. "Welcome to the Emerald Forest. Today's exam will test your resourcefulness, your skill, and your ability to function under duress. I won't lecture you further—experience is the best teacher."
He motioned to a row of mechanized launching pads embedded in the stone floor, each shaped like a large metal square. The entire front row of students faced these contraptions.
"Each of you will stand on a launchpad," Ozpin explained calmly. "When signaled, the pads will propel you into the forest. Your objective: retrieve a relic from the temple ruins located somewhere in the forest and return it to this cliff. You will not be told where the temple is—it's your job to find it. Grimm populate these woods. Don't die."
A murmur of concern rippled through the crowd. Some students whispered, "They're launching us into the forest?! That's insane!"
Ozpin pressed on: "You will form teams of four by the time you reach the relic. The first person you make eye contact with upon landing will be your partner for the exam. Choose your direction and allies carefully. Good luck." He adjusted his glasses. "We will be observing from here."
One by one, the students lined up on the pads. The mechanisms hissed softly, tension building. A spiky-haired boy named Jaune Arc stepped forward, looking terrified. Next to him, a red-haired girl (Pyrrha Nikos, if Weiss recalled correctly) offered a sympathetic smile.
Ruby gulped, stepping onto a pad. Weiss took the one next to her. Yang and Blake ended up slightly further down the line. They might not end up together, they realized, exchanging quick glances.
Ozpin raised his hand. "Ready…? Launch!"
With a pneumatic roar, the pad under Ruby fired, sending her hurtling through the air in a high arc. She let out a startled squeak but quickly regained composure, flipping Crescent Rose around to slow her descent.
Next to her, Weiss soared with far more dignity—Myrtenaster out, using short Dust bursts to steady herself. She tried to angle toward Ruby but got buffeted by an unexpected crosswind. "Ahh!" she gasped, arms flailing for a second. Focus, Weiss. She fired an ice glyph mid-air, partially stabilizing.
Meanwhile, Yang was launched near the center, cackling with adrenaline. She used Ember Celica blasts to shift her trajectory, scanning for potential landing spots. "Woooo!" soared from her lips. A large clearing beneath a giant oak tree looked good—she angled downward.
Blake was launched last among them, silent but in control. Mid-flight, she extended Gambol Shroud in pistol form, firing downward with the attached ribbon as an improvised grapnel. The recoil jerked her gently away from a tangle of branches, letting her land in a roll on soft grass near the forest edge.
All across the forest canopy, first-year students crashed, soared, or blasted themselves into clearing after clearing. A chaotic symphony of "thumps," branches snapping, and startled exclamations echoed in the green expanse.
Blake crouched behind a fallen log, scanning her surroundings. Dappled sunlight filtered through dense leaves, revealing moss-covered trunks and a hazy humidity in the air. She took stock: no immediate signs of other students. She clutched Gambol Shroud warily. The first person I see is my partner for the exam… Let's hope it's someone… decent. She bit her lip, thinking fleetingly of Naruto—someone like him would be ideal. But Naruto wasn't here.
Branches rustled behind her. She whipped around, eyes narrowed. A small Beowolf pack? She glimpsed black-furred shapes bounding between trees. Three sets of red eyes glowed. No time to run; I have to fight. She pressed her back to the log.
'First test of the day, Blake. Let's do this quietly.'
She inhaled, summoning her Aura into her limbs. The first Beowolf lunged over the log—she sidestepped, pivoting gracefully, and slashed upward with the cleaver form. Dark ichor spattered the forest floor as the Grimm disintegrated. The second rushed from the side. She fired a quick shot from Gambol Shroud's pistol chamber, landing a bullet in its shoulder, then cartwheeled away from a snapping maw. One more slash, and it vanished in black smoke.
The final Beowolf hesitated, growling in a low stance. Blake seized the opening, hooking her ribbon to a low branch, and swung around to slash from behind. The creature dissipated with a final snarl.
Panting softly, Blake scanned for more. Silence. She nodded. So far, so good. She reloaded a single Dust cartridge into the pistol half. Better find that temple. But first, a partner. She forced her feet into motion, heading deeper into the forest.
Farther north, Weiss touched down in a small clearing, stumbling slightly. She quickly brushed off her uniform. "Ugh, humiliating," she muttered. Then she raised Myrtenaster, eyes scanning for movement.
A rustling in the foliage ahead. She braced for a Grimm—only to see a familiar red cloak. Ruby Rose burst out, nearly tripping over a root. "Weiss!"
Weiss's chest loosened with relief. "Oh, it's you. Are you okay?"
Ruby grinned sheepishly, brushing twigs from her hair. "Yup, thanks to my scythe. I saw you in the air for a second. Glad you're safe too." She straightened, glancing around. "So… guess we're partners?"
Weiss pursed her lips. "Seems that way. Ozpin said the first person we make eye contact with. That was you. So… yes." She tried to muster some positivity. "Let's… try to work together. Find the temple quickly, get out."
Ruby's face lit up, though she also looked a bit uncertain. "Sounds good! So, any idea where to go?"
Weiss tapped Myrtenaster's hilt. "I have a standard orientation scroll. Let me check." She pulled out a compact device, flicking through a campus map that ended at the forest's boundary. "No specifics, of course. But we can see where the sun is. The temple might be somewhere in the southwestern quadrant, if the Beacon records are correct."
Ruby nodded. "Cool. Let's do it."
As they moved out, however, tension arose almost immediately. Ruby, with her quick bursts of speed, wanted to dash from vantage point to vantage point. Weiss insisted on a more measured approach, forming small glyphs to quietly check vantage angles. They spent the first ten minutes bickering.
"Could you not sprint off so impulsively?" Weiss hissed when Ruby zoomed ahead to slash a cluster of shrubbery. "You might alert Grimm."
Ruby frowned. "But we gotta cover ground. Speed is good for that!"
"Yes, but stealth is also good. My approach uses controlled glyph leaps." She demonstrated a pale-blue circle beneath her feet, allowing her to step lightly. "We won't barge into an Ursa's den that way."
Ruby pouted, scythe drooping. "I guess you're right. Sorry. I just get excited. This is our exam, after all."
Weiss sighed, forcing calm. "Look, let's try to combine your speed with my precision. Balanced, yes?"
Ruby brightened. "Okay. We can do that."
They continued, slightly more in sync. Still, underlying friction remained. Ruby's freewheeling style and Weiss's methodical technique clashed. More than once, Ruby's loud chatter or quick dash startled some nearby Grimm from cover. They'd take them down with relative ease—Weiss freezing them with an Ice Dust glyph, Ruby delivering a powerful scythe blow—but each confrontation left Weiss more exasperated.
Eventually, after the third small scuffle with Beowolves, Weiss turned on Ruby, voice tight. "Could you slow down, plan your moves? Look what you did—again."
Ruby looked at the disintegrating Grimm corpses. "But we won, didn't we? And it's not like we're in real danger with each other here."
Weiss's eyes flashed. "It's an exam, yes, but that doesn't mean you should be careless. Huntsmen who rely on luck get their allies killed."
Ruby's face fell. "I'm not relying on luck. I'm just… me. I move fast, I fight best that way. Sorry it's not up to your standard."
A prickle of guilt tugged at Weiss's chest. Too harsh, Schnee. She exhaled slowly, forcing her tone to soften. "Let's just keep going. Maybe we can refine a strategy that uses your speed beneficially but not randomly, okay?"
Ruby nodded, somewhat mollified. "Deal."
Elsewhere, Yang soared over a boulder, using Ember Celica blasts to propel herself mid-jump. "This place is so big!" she murmured, scanning the forest canopy. She paused near a ledge overlooking a ravine. "If I were an ancient temple, where would I hide…?"
A shrill roar echoed from below. Yang peered over the edge to see a canyon with a swirling river at the bottom. Several Ursai prowled the riverbank. "Well, that's not it," Yang muttered, stepping back. "Better keep searching. Gotta find a partner, too."
As she turned, her eyes caught movement in the trees behind her. She braced. "Hello?" She parted the branches. Out stepped… a tall boy with messy blond hair, wearing a simple chestplate over a hoodie—Jaune Arc. He looked sweaty, anxious, and relieved to see a friendly face. "Oh, hi— Yang, right?"
Yang offered a grin. "Yeah. You're… Jaune?"
He exhaled. "Glad I found someone. This forest is insane. Nearly got eaten by a giant scorpion thing. Some girl in orange saved me but ran off—Nora, I think?"
Yang's brow arched. "Scorpion? Must be a Death Stalker. That's serious. You okay?"
"Barely," he said. "But I guess we're… partners?"
Yang shrugged apologetically. "Sorry, buddy. We didn't lock eyes first. I was here before you." She gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "No offense, I'm sure you're a nice guy, but that's not how it works."
Jaune blinked, crestfallen. "Oh, right. Ozpin's rule about the first person we see…"
Yang felt a twinge of guilt. "Look, we can keep each other alive until you find whoever you locked eyes with first, maybe?"
He scratched his head. "I, uh, kinda locked eyes with that Pyrrha girl briefly. But she ran off too quickly. So maybe she's my partner. I need to find her."
Yang nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Let's do that."
They set off together. As they walked, Yang asked about his training. Jaune coughed awkwardly— "Oh, you know, typical stuff…" He avoided details, obviously self-conscious. Yang gleaned that he might not have formal experience. She decided not to press.
Ten minutes later, they parted ways near a fork in the path. Yang needed to keep searching for her own partner—someone she actually locked eyes with. Meanwhile, Jaune insisted on heading left, claiming he saw Pyrrha's red ponytail vanish that way. With a wave of good luck, they separated.
"Now, to find someone I actually saw first," Yang murmured. She realized she'd seen no one else mid-air. So maybe her partner was out there, unseen. She resumed her search, forging deeper into the forest.
Blake advanced cautiously. The forest felt eerily quiet now. Overhanging branches created a patchwork of shade. She saw signs of old architecture—crumbled pillars half-buried in vines. Possibly near the temple?
A flash of red hair caught her eye among the foliage. She tensed, expecting maybe an ambush or a student. She parted a cluster of ferns to find Pyrrha Nikos—the famed Mistral tournament champion, wearing her bronze circlet, red sash, and an armored bustier. She was kneeling over a small spring, refilling a canteen. She glanced up, green eyes shining with friendly warmth.
"Oh! Hello," Pyrrha greeted. "You're…Blake, right?"
Blake nodded stiffly. She'd heard of Pyrrha's renown. "Yes. I guess we're—"
She trailed off. Pyrrha hesitated, standing. "I'm sorry if this is awkward, but I already locked eyes with someone earlier—Jaune. So I think he's my partner."
Blake's shoulders slumped. "Ah, I see. That's all right." Part of her felt relieved; Pyrrha was almost too well-known, too famous. She wasn't sure she wanted that attention. "Have you seen a temple anywhere?"
Pyrrha shook her head. "Not yet. I was about to climb that ridge for a better view." She pointed to a rocky outcrop overshadowing the trees. "Maybe we can help each other for a bit. Then, if we find Jaune, I'll link up with him, and you can find your partner."
Blake nodded, appreciative. "Good plan."
The pair ascended the ridge quietly, with Pyrrha occasionally giving a hand to Blake or vice versa. At the top, they peered across the canopy. About a mile west, they saw a clearing among some ancient stone arches. "That might be it," Pyrrha said. "Ready?"
Blake nodded. They hopped down from boulder to boulder. But halfway, they heard a distant shout— "Pyrrhaaa!" Jaune's voice, somewhere below them.
Pyrrha's face lit up. "Jaune! He's close." She glanced at Blake. "I guess this is where we part ways?"
Blake mustered a small smile. "Seems so. Good luck."
"You too," Pyrrha said warmly. She hopped down the path, calling, "Jaune! Over here!" Her voice faded as she disappeared among the trees.
Blake exhaled. Still no partner… She set her sights on the arches in the distance. If I have to do it alone, so be it. She pressed on.
Eventually, Blake arrived at the clearing. It was indeed a temple—though more like the crumbling remains of an old shrine. Sturdy columns were etched with archaic symbols, partially collapsed. At the center stood a circular dais lined with stone pedestals. On each pedestal sat pairs of small relics shaped like carved chess pieces—white and black. Some rooks, knights, bishops, etc.
Blake paused at the edge, scanning for threats or other students. She noticed a sign of earlier presence: footprints. Possibly some had arrived and already taken pieces. She approached a pedestal hosting a pair of black knight sculptures. Might as well…
But footsteps rustled behind her. She whirled, weapon ready—only to see Yang Xiao Long push through the foliage, bright grin on her face. "Blake?" The grin turned quizzical. "Wait, we see each other now. Are we… partners?"
Blake blinked. "Did we lock eyes…?"
Yang rubbed her neck. "Well, I guess we never saw each other mid-air. But we did see each other in the landing zone or…"
"Not exactly," Blake said. "We parted ways in the ballroom. We never truly made eye contact in the forest until just now. Right?"
Yang's grin widened. "That's good enough for me. Plus, no one else is around. I guess fate decided, huh?"
Blake hesitated. On the one hand, Yang was brash and loud—somewhat reminiscent of Adam's impulsiveness. On the other, she had a protective streak that was… comforting. "All right. Let's do it."
They approached the relics. Yang picked up a black knight piece, tossing it lightly in her palm. "Huh, I was expecting something bigger. This can't be all, right? We just… take a chess piece and go?"
Blake shrugged. "Seems that way. Let's not jinx it. Let's get back to the cliff."
They turned—just as a monstrous screech tore through the clearing. The sky darkened momentarily. A gigantic avian silhouette swept overhead, stirring dust and debris. A Nevermore—massive, raven-like Grimm with a barbed tail.
"Duck!" Blake yelled, pulling Yang aside as the creature swooped down, raking the ground with extended talons. Chunks of stone pedestal flew in all directions.
At nearly the same moment, from another edge of the clearing burst Ruby and Weiss, drawn by the ruckus. Ruby saw the giant Nevermore attacking. "Oh no!" She vaulted forward, Crescent Rose snapping into scythe form. Weiss followed, brandishing Myrtenaster.
Yang glanced up, delighted to see her sister. "Ruby!"
Ruby's face lit up. "Yang! You're here! And… Blake?"
Blake gave a short nod, mind racing. "We just got the relic. This Nevermore came out of nowhere."
Weiss frowned at the bird. "Well, better take it down. We can do it, right?" She looked to Ruby, who nodded resolutely.
And so they joined forces—Weiss & Ruby on one flank, Yang & Blake on the other. The monstrous raven Grimm circled overhead, screeching. It unleashed a volley of razor-sharp feathers that embedded themselves in the ground like spears.
Ruby dashed forward, sniping the feathers midair with precise rifle shots from Crescent Rose. Weiss formed a glyph to shield them from any that got through. On the opposite side, Blake's eyes glowed faintly with Aura as she launched a shadow clone—an afterimage that took a direct feather barrage—while Yang used Ember Celica blasts to shatter the airborne quills.
The Nevermore dove, wings flared wide. Ruby dashed around to draw its attention while Yang charged straight at its face. The creature shrieked, flapping violently. Yang unleashed a flurry of shotgun-augmented punches at its beak. One blow connected with a thunderous crack, forcing the bird back a few meters, but not enough to finish it.
Weiss pivoted, conjuring an ice glyph under the Nevermore's left wing, freezing part of its plumage, forcing it off-balance. "Blake, now!"
Blake sprang onto a broken column, then leapt at the Nevermore's exposed side, slicing a deep gash along its scaly flank. The Grimm screeched in pain, black sludge dripping onto the dais.
Ruby capitalized, hooking Crescent Rose's blade onto the bird's tail. She fired a shot, using the recoil to yank herself upward, essentially grappling onto the Nevermore's back. She tried to stab downward into its spine, but it bucked violently, dislodging her. She soared off, flipping midair to land near Weiss, who quickly offered a stabilizing glyph.
Yang roared, aura flaring, hair literally sparking with golden embers as her semblance built from the hits she'd taken. "Let's finish this!" She pivoted to Blake. "We gotta ground it."
Blake nodded. "Ruby, Weiss—think you two can keep it from flying off for a second?"
Ruby saluted. "On it!" She zipped around, firing shots to herd the Nevermore's path. Weiss conjured a thick glyph barrier near the forest edge, forcing the creature to turn inward.
Yang hammered the ground with a flaming punch—kicking up a swirl of dust. Blake used that as cover, hooking her ribbon around the Nevermore's foot from behind, anchoring the other end to a fallen column. The Grimm struggled, pinned briefly. "Now!" Blake shouted.
Yang unleashed a massive Ember Celica blast at point-blank into its chest. The combined force cracked its ribs, black ichor spurting. The Nevermore let out a final agonized shriek before its body dissolved into smoky particles, leaving the battered clearing behind.
Silence hung. All four panted, hearts pounding with post-battle adrenaline.
Ruby was first to break into a grin. "That was amazing! We actually did it! We—" She blinked, glancing from Weiss to Blake to Yang. "Wait… are we all…?"
Weiss nodded, letting Myrtenaster lower. "Yes. The pairs formed are obvious: you and I… and them." She looked at the black knight chess piece in Yang's hand. "But it seems we completed the objective together."
Blake exhaled, giving a small smile. "So that means… we should all head back, right?"
Yang snickered. "Yep. We might as well go as one big group."
Ruby brightened further. "That's perfect! I was worried we'd end up with random partners, but it's so cool we got paired with people we already know."
Weiss coughed lightly. "Well, we're not exactly best friends. But we fought well enough as a team, I suppose."
Yang's grin widened. "Awww, lighten up, Princess. We're partners for the next four years. Let's try to get along."
Weiss scowled but gave a half-smile. "Just call me Weiss, please."
Blake silently studied Weiss. There was that flicker of tension about the SDC background, but in the heat of the fight, they'd cooperated seamlessly. Maybe… maybe it would be fine. She nodded in silent acceptance. "All right, let's get to the cliff."
Back at Beacon Cliff, Ozpin and Glynda observed as pairs and quartets emerged from the forest. Some bore relics shaped like rooks, knights, or other chess pieces. Others limped with injuries or had to help fallen classmates. The slow trickle continued until by late afternoon, all had returned.
Yang, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake stepped onto the stone platform, triumphant. They placed their black knight piece among the row of completed sets. Ozpin gave them a small, approving nod.
When all students had assembled, Glynda declared the exam over. She read off the official team assignments:
Team RWBY: Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long. Ruby as team leader.
This announcement drew a wave of applause from onlookers. Yang whooped, Ruby gaped in shock, Weiss's jaw tightened in a mixture of pride and annoyance, and Blake blinked as though uncertain how to react. A swirl of conflicting emotions rose: a Faunus on a team with the Schnee heiress? That would be interesting…
Ruby stammered, "M-me? Leader?"
Ozpin smiled. "Yes, Miss Rose. You have… qualities I admire. I trust you'll lead them well."
Weiss's eyes flicked to Ruby, uncertain. "But—" she started to protest. Then she forced herself to remain silent. It's Ozpin's decision, she told herself. Prove yourself. Don't fight it.
Blake cast an unreadable glance at Ruby. She's enthusiastic, yes, but can she lead?
Yang gave Ruby a playful shoulder bump. "Congrats, sis! This is gonna be so cool!"
Ozpin moved on to read other team names. Soon, the crowd dispersed. Evening light set the stage for a new chapter: these four, joined unexpectedly, were now one team. They'd share a dorm, missions, and destinies at Beacon.
00000000000
Later that night, Team RWBY found themselves in their new dorm—a modest but comfortable room with four beds, two bunked and two single, a wide window overlooking Beacon's courtyard. Ruby staked out the top bunk, while Weiss arranged her trunk in a corner with neat precision. Yang tossed her jacket onto a bed, ignoring Weiss's pointed scowl about clothes on the sheets. Blake quietly claimed the bed nearest the window, setting her books on a small shelf.
They moved around in companionable (if somewhat tense) silence. Eventually, Ruby flopped onto her bunk. "Phew, we made it. Team RWBY. That's us!"
Yang chuckled. "We gotta decorate soon, definitely."
Weiss folded her arms. "Let's just keep it tidy, please. And tomorrow, we have an early orientation and a welcome assembly. We should rest."
A long pause. Then Ruby asked softly, "So… how did you all, um, get into fighting? I mean, it's normal for Huntsmen, but… I'm curious."
Weiss looked away. "I was raised in Atlas. The Schnee family had me learning from a young age. Why do you ask?"
"Just… thought we should know each other better," Ruby said. She turned to Blake, who was flipping through pages of her novel. "What about you, Blake?"
Blake's grip on the book tightened. "I had… a friend once, who taught me to fight. Then I left. That's all." She tried to keep her tone neutral, ignoring the sting of half-truths. "He was a… skilled fighter, always telling me I could do better, push further."
Yang perked up. "He, huh? I had a friend too—a boy who basically taught me the same stuff. We practiced day in and day out. He was a weird, spiky blond goof."
Ruby blinked. "Wait, are you talking about… Naruto? The one who…" She hesitated, realizing she might be revealing too much. She fell silent.
Weiss's gaze snapped up, heart hammering. Naruto? Could it be the same? She tried to keep her voice cool. "You… you knew someone with that name? Because I did. He… left Atlas. Actually, he vanished. He was… my trainer, in a way."
Yang's jaw dropped. "You too?"
Blake's novel slipped from her fingers. She stared wide-eyed. "Naruto… blonde hair, whisker-like marks on his cheeks, big grin?" She felt a swirl of shock. Could it be the same person?
Ruby's eyes glistened. "Yes, that's him. He taught me, back on Patch, how to move with a weapon bigger than me."
Yang's gaze bounced among them. "I thought he was gone. We never did find out where he went. Wait… you're telling me you two knew him as well?"
Weiss's breath caught. "He was in Atlas for awhile. He was essentially my bodyguard and teacher… Then he disappeared. My father was—" She stopped, not wanting to delve into Jacques' controlling nature right now.
Blake swallowed hard. "He… he was my childhood friend. We grew up together." She closed her eyes. "Then he left. Without a word."
Silence stretched, thick with realization. They each had believed their connection to Naruto was personal, unique. Now they discovered it was shared. The swirling confusion, the sense of being abandoned, the wonder if he was still out there—these feelings mirrored in each other's eyes.
Ruby was first to speak: "Wow… So he was part of all our lives. But how…he grew up with us. How could he be your childhood friend and ours?"
"His clone technique." Yang pointed out letting an exhale of exasperation out. "Stupid move is so busted. Didn't think the clones were like…actually clones."
Weiss set Myrtenaster aside, voice subdued. "The fact we all knew him. Maybe it's more than coincidence. Maybe… it's fate we ended up on the same team. He used to say… to keep moving forward, right?"
Yang nodded, recalling his grin. "Yeah, that was his motto. He said we should never stand still, or we'd get left behind."
Blake's chest felt tight. Could he have orchestrated this somehow? Or is it truly chance?
Ruby wiped a tear, half-laughing. "He'd probably be so proud seeing us all here, a team of Huntresses. That would be so him, he would always say he lived to see his precious people happy."
Yang reached over, resting a gentle hand on Ruby's. "We'll do him proud. Right?"
Weiss swallowed. "Yes. We will." She paused, glancing at Blake. "I assume… you hold no grudge that he taught me, a Schnee?"
Blake shook her head slowly, an unspoken tension lifting. "No. I… guess if Naruto saw something in you, maybe you're not so bad. Even if… the Schnee name has a complicated history."
Weiss's eyes glistened. "I appreciate that. And… if I do something ignorant, call me out. I'll try to be better." A soft, genuine vow.
A faint smile flickered on Blake's lips. "Deal."
Ruby exhaled, heart lighter despite the day's chaos. "So we have that in common. We all cared about him. Maybe we'll find him again one day."
Yang nodded firmly. "And if we do, we'll show him how far we've come, side by side."
The four of them shared a moment of unity, each reflecting on the odd, spiky-haired figure who had shaped them. They were strangers in many ways—Faunus and heiress, brash brawler and scythe-wielding prodigy—but this secret bond wove them together.
At last, Weiss cleared her throat. "Shall we… get some rest? We have classes tomorrow, new schedules to figure out. Another day at Beacon begins."
Ruby hopped off the bunk, setting Crescent Rose in a corner rack. "Yeah. But let's promise we keep talking, okay? About… stuff."
Blake closed her book gently. "I promise." She offered a faint smile to Weiss, who nodded in return. Yang flopped onto her bed, stifling a yawn. "Group chat. Tomorrow. Let's do it," the blonde teased. Ruby rolled her eyes but grinned.
Lights dimmed. One by one, they settled into their new beds. The swirl of revelations lingered in the hush of the night. Outside the window, Beacon's lampposts glowed softly, the moon shining overhead—its shattered fragments a silent reminder that Remnant held many mysteries yet to unfold.