10: Forces Converge; Welcome to Beacon
Beacon Academy - Ozpin's Office - Late Evening
The elevator's soft chime seemed unusually ominous as it delivered its passengers to the top of Beacon Tower. Professor Ozpin's office, normally a place of quiet contemplation and administrative duties, had been transformed into an impromptu war room. The large windows that usually offered a panoramic view of Vale now seemed to frame potential threats rather than scenic beauty.
Glynda Goodwitch stood near the central holographic display, her tablet in hand as she reviewed security protocols with characteristic precision. Her usual composed demeanor carried an edge of tension that spoke to the gravity of their gathering.
"The perimeter sensors have detected seventeen separate intrusion attempts in the past month alone," she reported, her voice crisp and professional. "While none have been successful, the frequency is... concerning."
Ozpin sat behind his desk, his hands folded as he listened with the patient attention of someone who had weathered many storms. His coffee cup sat untouched beside him, steam curling upward in lazy spirals that seemed to mirror his contemplative mood.
"And our guests?" he inquired, his gaze shifting to the four figures seated across from Glynda.
Derek Dragonblade rose from his chair with the fluid grace of a master warrior, his bearing immediately marking him as someone accustomed to command. Despite his relatively youthful appearance, there was an ancient wisdom in his emerald eyes that spoke of battles fought and won across multiple lifetimes. As the Black Dragon Lord Faunus, he commanded respect that went beyond mere political authority, dark scales occasionally visible along his forearms catching the light like polished obsidian.
"The Sanctuary Council has authorized full cooperation with Beacon's security measures," Derek said, his voice carrying the weight of absolute authority. "Our children's presence here represents more than just educational exchange – it's a symbol of the alliance we've built."
Beside him, Katsura Dragonblade nodded in agreement, her crimson hair flowing like liquid fire down her shoulders. As the Crimson Maiden and Crimson Dragon Queen Faunus, she possessed a serene strength that complemented her husband's more direct approach, her own dragon heritage evident in the way flame seemed to dance just beneath her skin. "However," she added, her tone carrying a note of concern, "we've received troubling intelligence from our network of informants."
Reynar Tokyoheim, the Lacrima Dragon Lord Faunus, leaned forward in his chair. His crystalline blue eyes, reflecting the same ethereal quality as his son Shoryu's, held a sharpness that spoke to years of tactical planning and strategic thinking. Small crystal formations along his temples caught the light, marking his unique draconic heritage. "The White Fang's recent activities aren't random. There's a coordination to their operations that suggests outside influence."
"More concerning," added Yin Lan Tokyoheim, the Blue Dragon Queen Faunus, her sapphire-scaled hands folded gracefully in her lap, "are the reports from our seers. The spiritual barriers that have protected the four kingdoms for generations are showing signs of strain."
Glynda's stylus paused over her tablet. "Strain how, exactly?"
Derek and Reynar exchanged a meaningful glance before Derek answered. "Ancient seals that have held certain... entities... in check are beginning to weaken. We're not entirely sure of the cause, but the timing coincides with increased Grimm activity and these coordinated attacks."
Ozpin finally reached for his coffee, taking a slow sip as he processed this information. "And you believe this is connected to the Vytal Festival?"
"We'd be fools not to consider the possibility," Katsura replied. "The Festival brings together the strongest huntsmen and huntresses from all four kingdoms. It would be the perfect opportunity for someone with malicious intent to strike when our defenses are focused elsewhere."
Reynar pulled out a crystalline device that projected a three-dimensional map of Vale and its surroundings. Red dots marked various locations throughout the kingdom, with several concentrated around key infrastructure points.
"Our intelligence network has identified these locations as potential targets," he explained. "Dust refineries, CCT relay stations, and..." he paused, highlighting a point dangerously close to Beacon itself, "several sites that appear to be connected to ley lines of spiritual energy."
"Ley lines?" Glynda questioned, her academic curiosity overriding her immediate security concerns.
Yin Lan stood, moving to the map with graceful precision. "Lines of natural energy that flow through Remnant like a circulatory system. Most people can't perceive them, but they're crucial to maintaining the balance between the physical and spiritual realms."
"And if someone were to disrupt these lines?" Ozpin asked, though his tone suggested he already suspected the answer.
"It would weaken the barriers between worlds," Derek said grimly. "Allowing things that should remain hidden to emerge into our reality."
The room fell silent as the implications settled over them. Outside the windows, Vale's lights twinkled peacefully, unaware of the discussions taking place high above.
"There's something else," Katsura said finally, her voice heavy with reluctance. "Our daughter Mist has been experiencing... visions. Glimpses of possible futures. They're fragmentary and often symbolic, but they all share common elements."
"Which are?" Glynda prompted.
"Darkness rising from within our supposed allies. A tower falling. And..." she hesitated, glancing at Ozpin with obvious concern, "silver eyes standing against an ancient evil."
Ozpin's grip on his coffee cup tightened almost imperceptibly. "Miss Rose."
"We believe so," Reynar confirmed. "Though the visions are never entirely clear. What we do know is that the convergence of so many powerful individuals – our children, your students, the visiting teams for the Festival – has accelerated whatever timeline our enemies are working with."
Derek stood and walked to the windows, looking out over the kingdom spread below them. "We've survived wars, political upheavals, and countless Grimm incursions. But this feels different. More personal."
"Because it is personal," Yin Lan said softly. "Whatever is coming has been specifically designed to target not just our kingdoms, but our families. Our children."
Glynda's tablet chimed with an incoming message. She glanced at it, and her expression tightened. "Speaking of our children, it appears they've been conducting their own coordination exercises. The energy readings from the training grounds this afternoon were... significant."
"They're forming bonds," Katsura observed with a mixture of pride and worry. "Stronger than we anticipated."
"That could be our greatest asset," Ozpin mused, "or our greatest vulnerability."
Reynar returned to his seat, the holographic map dissolving as he deactivated the device. "Which is why we need to accelerate our own preparations. The Festival is still months away, but if these disturbances continue to escalate..."
"We may not have months," Derek finished. "The question is: do we tell them what we suspect?"
The room fell silent again as each adult grappled with the weight of that decision. Below them, their children were likely sleeping peacefully, unaware that the adults they trusted were wrestling with choices that could determine not just their futures, but their survival.
"Some of it," Ozpin said finally. "They deserve to know enough to protect themselves. But the full scope..." He shook his head. "That burden shouldn't fall on their shoulders. Not yet."
"Agreed," Glynda said, making notes on her tablet. "I'll coordinate with the Sanctuary security teams to establish enhanced protocols. Discrete ones."
"And we'll continue monitoring the spiritual disturbances," Yin Lan added. "If the barriers weaken further, we'll need to consider more drastic measures."
As the meeting began to wind down, each participant lost in their own thoughts about the challenges ahead, none of them noticed the slight flicker in the office's lighting system. For just a moment, the electrical grid had been touched by something that shouldn't have been able to reach it from such a distance.
In the depths of the kingdom, ancient forces were stirring, and not all of their attention was focused on dramatic confrontations or grand schemes. Sometimes, the most dangerous enemy was the one that could listen to your most private conversations and plan accordingly.
The war for Remnant's future had indeed begun, and the first battle would be fought not with weapons or Dust, but with information, trust, and the courage to make impossible choices in the face of an uncertain tomorrow.
Later That Same Evening - Ozpin's Office
The camera's perspective shifted through the clouds surrounding Beacon Academy, passing by the imposing and unnerving silhouette of a massive Atlesian flagship as it descended toward a designated landing pad. The ship's angular design and weapon arrays gave it an intimidating presence that seemed at odds with the peaceful academic atmosphere of the school. Two Bullheads flew past in formation, their military precision a stark contrast to the usual civilian air traffic.
As the camera slowly lowered, it revealed ant-like swarms of people moving along the pathways around Beacon's grounds - students, faculty, and now Atlas military personnel creating a bustling scene of organized chaos. The perspective gradually shifted to the top of Beacon Tower, veiled behind wisps of clouds, where the warm light from Ozpin's office windows cut through the evening mist.
Inside the office, Glynda stood near the massive windows, her tablet momentarily forgotten as she watched the Atlas fleet's arrival with obvious displeasure.
"Ironwood certainly loves bringing his work wherever he travels," she observed, her tone carrying barely concealed irritation.
Ozpin remained seated at his desk, his coffee cup in hand as he followed her gaze. "Well, running an academy and a military makes him a busy man." The camera switched to an over-the-shoulder perspective from Ozpin's position as three more Bullheads flew in formation past the windows. "But yes, those are a bit of an eyesore."
Derek and Katsura exchanged meaningful glances from their positions near the conference area, while Reynar and Yin Lan observed the military display with the tactical assessment of experienced leaders.
"This level of military presence suggests Ironwood believes the threats we've discussed are more imminent than we initially calculated," Derek said quietly, his dragon-enhanced senses picking up the subtle tension in the room.
A chirping beep sounded repeatedly from Ozpin's desk, interrupting their observations. Ozpin turned to see a holographic message displaying "Access Requested" hovering above his desktop interface.
"Come in," Ozpin called out, setting down his coffee as he rose from his chair.
The doors slid open with their characteristic soft hiss to reveal General James Ironwood, his imposing figure silhouetted against the corridor's lighting. His presence immediately commanded attention, the weight of Atlas military authority evident in every measured step.
"Ozpin!" Ironwood greeted cordially as he entered the office.
Ozpin stood at attention, a gesture of respect that acknowledged their shared history and responsibilities. "Hello, General."
"Please, drop the formalities," Ironwood said as both men approached each other, extending his hand in greeting. "It's been too long." As they shook hands, his attention turned to Glynda, who had approached from her position by the windows. "And Glynda! It has certainly been too long since we last met."
"Oh, James!" Glynda responded with a personable wave, her professional demeanor briefly warming before she dropped all pleasantries with characteristic bluntness. "I'll be outside."
As she walked away, her departure creating a subtle shift in the room's dynamics, the dragon faunus leaders remained diplomatically silent, understanding that this conversation required a degree of privacy.
"Well, she hasn't changed a bit," Ironwood observed with dry amusement, watching Glynda's retreating form.
"I should introduce you," Ozpin said, gesturing toward the four remaining figures. "General, these are the leaders of the Sanctuary Alliance - Derek and Katsura Dragonblade, and Reynar and Yin Lan Tokyoheim. Their children are among our exchange students."
Ironwood's expression shifted to one of professional interest as he took in the dragon faunus leaders, his tactical mind immediately assessing their significance. "The Sanctuary Alliance. Your reputation precedes you. It's an honor."
Derek stepped forward with a respectful nod. "General Ironwood. We've heard much about Atlas's technological innovations."
"Perhaps we should postpone our strategic discussion," Katsura suggested diplomatically, sensing the need for the two old friends to speak privately first.
"Actually," Ironwood said, his tone becoming more serious, "what I have to discuss concerns all of our interests."
Ozpin moved toward his desk, picking up a kettle and a fresh mug. "So, what in the world has brought you all the way down from Atlas?" He poured carefully as he spoke, the familiar ritual helping to maintain the illusion of casual conversation. "Headmasters don't typically travel with their students for the Vytal Festival."
He turned and offered the cup to Ironwood, who accepted it with a subtle clink of ceramic.
"Well, you know how much I love Vale this time of year," Ironwood replied, producing a flask from his inside coat pocket and adding its contents to his mug. "Besides, with you hosting, I thought that this might be a good opportunity for us to catch up."
Ozpin walked around to his desk, kettle and a new mug in hand, settling into his chair before pouring himself some coffee. "I can certainly appreciate the quality time between friends, however, a small fleet outside my window has me concerned."
"Well, concern is what brought them here."
"I understand that travel between kingdoms has become increasingly difficult," Ozpin acknowledged, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Oz, you and I both know why I brought those men."
Ozpin set down his mug with deliberate care, his expression becoming more serious. "We are in a time of peace. Shows of power like this are just going to give off the wrong impression."
The sound of Ironwood setting down his own mug could be heard off-screen as tension began to build in the room.
"But if what Qrow said is true..." Ironwood began.
"If what Qrow said is true, then we will handle it tactfully," Ozpin interrupted, holding up an index finger for emphasis. "It's the Vytal Festival. A time to celebrate unity and peace. So I suggest that you not scare people by transporting hundreds of soldiers halfway across the continent."
"I'm just being cautious."
"As am I. Which is why we will continue to train the best Huntsmen and Huntresses we can."
Ironwood turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the suddenly quiet office. He stopped near the door and looked back at Ozpin, his question carrying the weight of hard-earned military experience.
"Believe me, I am. But ask yourself this: Do you honestly believe your children can win a war?"
The question hung in the air like a physical presence as Ironwood continued toward the exit. The dragon faunus leaders remained silent, each of them understanding the terrible implications of what had just been discussed.
"I hope they never have to," Ozpin replied quietly, his words carrying both determination and deep uncertainty.
As the doors closed behind Ironwood, the office fell into contemplative silence. Outside, the Atlas fleet maintained its imposing presence, a stark reminder that the time for purely diplomatic solutions might be rapidly approaching its end.
Derek was the first to break the silence. "The general's concerns align with our intelligence reports. Perhaps it's time to consider that our children's training will need to accelerate beyond what we initially planned."
"The question," Yin Lan added thoughtfully, "is whether we're preparing them to be huntsmen and huntresses, or soldiers."
Ozpin stared out at the fleet through his windows, his reflection ghostlike against the glass. "In the coming days, I fear the distinction may prove meaningless."
Beacon Academy Library - The Next Day
The afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of Beacon's library, casting long rectangles of golden light across the study tables. What had started as a quiet study session had evolved into something far more entertaining, as Team RWBY had claimed one of the larger tables for an epic game of Remnant: The Game.
The dragon and balrog faunus had initially settled at a nearby table with their own studies, but the increasingly animated gameplay had drawn their attention. Now they sat in a loose semicircle around Team RWBY's table, some pretending to read while others openly watched the strategic battle unfold.
Ruby sat hunched over the game board, her silver eyes intense with concentration as she contemplated her next move. "Hmmmmm.... All right... All right!" She suddenly pointed dramatically at Yang. "Yang Xiao Long, prepare your kingdom for battle!"
Yang thrust her elbow down as she balled her fist with theatrical flair. "Bring it on!"
"I deploy the Atlesian Air Fleet!" Ruby slapped her card down on the table with authority, causing Yang to feign a look of shock. "Looks like I get to fly right over your Ursai and attack your walls directly!" She made airplane and bombing noises while forming a bird with her hands.
"You fiend!" Yang cried out in mock indignance, pointing accusingly at her sister.
Koga watched the exchange with obvious amusement, his emerald eyes bright with interest. "Their tactical thinking is... creative," he murmured to Max, who was trying to maintain the pretense of studying.
Ruby ducked down at one end of the table as the camera zoomed across to show the detailed board with its intricate player pieces. "And since Atlas is part of Mantle, my repair time is only one turn!" She peeked her head up, giving a look of surprise as Yang's arrogant laughter echoed through the library.
"Pretty sneaky, sis, but you just activated my trap card!" Yang raised a card triumphantly, showing it to everyone watching.
"Whaaat?!" Ruby's voice carried such genuine distress that Mist couldn't help but giggle.
"Giant Nevermore!" Yang slammed the card down with dramatic force. "If I roll a seven or higher, fatal feathers will slice your fleet in two!"
"But if you roll a six or lower, the Nevermore will turn on your own forces!" Ruby pointed at Yang with desperate hope.
"That's just a chance I'm willing to take," Yang declared boldly.
The two sisters glared at each other across the board with such intensity that Hon'oh whispered to Yukikaze, "They take this more seriously than some actual battles I've seen."
Yang's triumphant shout echoed through the library, causing several other students to look up from their studies in annoyance.
At Team JNPR's nearby table, Ren and Pyrrha were attempting to study while Nora slept peacefully, a snot bubble inflating and deflating with each breath.
"Nooooo!!! My fearless soldiers!" Ruby's anguished cry filled the air.
"Eh, most of them were probably androids," Yang replied with casual dismissal.
"Goodbye my friends, you will be avenged," Ruby said solemnly.
"Not until I draw my rewards! Which are double this round thanks to the Mistral Trade Route!"
"Bah!"
"Oh. Have pancakes," Nora mumbled in her sleep, causing Toshiro to raise an eyebrow at the non-sequitur.
"Oh, and what's this? The Smugglers of Wind Path?"
At Team JNPR's table, Pyrrha noticed Jaune reading a comic book instead of studying and cleared her throat disapprovingly. She confiscated the comic and traded it for a textbook with maternal patience.
"Bah! Bah, I say!" Ruby continued her protests.
"I say, it looks like I'm taking two cards in my hand!"
A Nevermore game piece suddenly flew through the air, sailing over Jaune's shoulder. Another piece bounced directly off his head, causing him to look around in confusion while the dragon faunus tried to hide their amusement.
Ruby collapsed dramatically on the table with a theatrical groan. "Nooo!"
"Well, Weiss, it's your turn," Yang announced, turning to their teammate.
Weiss stared at the board with obvious bewilderment. "I have... absolutely no idea what's going on."
Yang slid up beside her, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. "Look, it's easy! You're playing as Vacuo which means that all Vacuo-based cards come with a bonus."
"That sounds dumb," Weiss replied flatly.
Shoryu snorted with laughter at her blunt assessment, earning a sharp look from Weiss.
Yang began rifling through Weiss' cards enthusiastically. "See, you've got Sandstorm, Desert Scavenge... Oh, oh!" She pulled up a card to show Weiss. "Resourceful Raider! See, now you can take Ruby's discarded Air Fleet—"
"Nooo!" Ruby cried out in renewed anguish.
"—and put it in your hand!"
"Okay," Weiss said uncertainly.
"And since Vacuo warriors have an endurance against Natural-based hazards, you can use Sandstorm to disable my ground forces and simultaneously infiltrate my kingdom!" Yang pointed a finger at Weiss with mock severity. "Just know that I will not forget this declaration of war."
"And that means...?" Weiss asked hesitantly.
"You're just three moves away from conquering Remnant!" Ruby announced.
Weiss stood suddenly, and a thunder clap seemed to accompany her overjoyed psychotic laughter. "Y-yes! Fear the almighty power of my forces! Cower as they pillage your homes and weep as they take your children from your very arms!"
The watching dragon faunus exchanged startled glances at this unexpected display of bloodthirsty enthusiasm from the usually composed heiress.
"Trap card..." Yang's arm appeared holding another card.
"Huh?" Weiss's manic expression faltered.
Yang shuffled the pieces on the board, and Weiss' pieces disappeared in a puff of smoke. "Your armies have been destroyed."
Weiss slumped in her chair and began crying dramatically. "I hate this game of emotions we play!"
Ruby hopped into Weiss' lap with sisterly comfort. "Stay strong, Weiss! We'll make it through this together!"
"Shut up!" Weiss hugged Ruby tightly while still protesting. "Don't touch me!"
Yang put her arms up behind her head with satisfied casualness. "Alright Blake, you're up!"
Blake, who had been staring out the window with obvious distraction, startled slightly. "Oh, um, sorry, what am I doing?"
"You're playing as Vale, trying to conquer the Kingdoms of Remnant!"
"Right," Blake said, though her attention was clearly elsewhere.
"Hey! Can I play?" Jaune approached the table hopefully.
"Sorry Jaune, we've already got 4 people," Ruby apologized.
"Besides, this game requires a certain level of tactical cunning that I seriously doubt that you possess," Weiss added with characteristic bluntness.
"Uhh, you attacked your own naval fleet 2 turns ago," Yang pointed out, causing Weiss to make an annoyed sound.
"Bring it on, Ice Queen! I'll have you know that I have been told that I am a natural born leader!" Jaune declared boldly.
"By who? Your mother?" Weiss asked skeptically.
"A-and Pyrrha!" Jaune gestured toward his partner.
"Hello again!" Pyrrha waved cheerfully from their table.
Jaune folded his hands together in a begging gesture. "Come on, let me play your hand for a turn!"
"I'm not trusting you with the good citizens of Vacuo!" Weiss protested.
"Why not? You've trusted me with way more important stuff before. I mean, you told us all that Blake is secretly a Fa-"
Pyrrha darted over with remarkable speed and slapped a hand over Jaune's mouth before he could finish. "Fun-loving person, whom we all admire and respect," she covered smoothly while Jaune laughed nervously behind her palm.
Everyone looked nervously at Blake, who appeared obviously annoyed that her secret had nearly been revealed. The dragon faunus, already aware of Blake's heritage, exchanged meaningful glances but remained diplomatically silent.
"Right. That. Ladies, enjoy your battle," Jaune said with an awkward bow as Pyrrha walked away, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"'Sup losers," Sun's voice called out from across the library as he appeared holding his fingers in a peace sign.
"Hey Sun!" Ruby greeted enthusiastically.
Neptune appeared beside him, looking somewhat out of place in the academic setting.
"Ruby, Yang, Blake... Ice Queen," Sun said casually.
"Why does everyone keep calling me that?" Weiss demanded in exasperation.
"I never got a chance to formally introduce you to my old friend," Sun continued, ignoring her protest.
"Uhh, aren't libraries for reading?" Neptune asked, looking around at the game-focused chaos.
"Thank you!" Ren threw his arms up from his study table in vindicated agreement.
"Pancakes!" Nora popped her head up, still half-asleep.
"Shut up. Don't be a nerd," Sun told Neptune dismissively.
"Geh, geh, geh, geh! 'Intellectual,' okay? Thank you," Neptune corrected with a finger wag. He turned to the group with a charming smile. "I'm Neptune."
"So Neptune, where are you from?" Weiss asked with obvious interest.
"Haven," Neptune replied, approaching Weiss with confident swagger. "And I don't believe I've caught your name, snow angel."
"Um, I'm Weiss," she replied, a slight flush coloring her cheeks.
"Are you kidding me!?" Jaune's outburst of jealousy caused several people to look over in concern.
"Pleasure to meet you," Neptune said smoothly, completely ignoring Jaune's reaction.
The dragon faunus watched this social dynamic with fascination, particularly noting how quickly Neptune had captured Weiss' attention where others had failed.
Sun approached Blake with a casual grin. "I never took you as the board game playing type."
Blake suddenly shoved Sun aside and rose from the table abruptly. "Right, well, I think I'm done playing actually. I'll see you guys later."
As she walked away, the concern in her teammates' eyes was obvious to everyone watching.
"Women," Nora shrugged, having fully awakened to witness Blake's departure.
Koga found himself rising instinctively to follow Blake, his protective instincts activated by her obvious distress. "Perhaps someone should..."
"Give her space," Max advised quietly, though his own expression showed concern. "Whatever's troubling her, she needs to work through it first."
The game of Remnant continued, but the mood had shifted. Everyone present could sense that Blake's troubles ran deeper than simple distraction, and in the back of their minds, each wondered what storms were gathering on Beacon's horizon.
Team RWBY's Dormitory - Later That Evening
The night sky was visible through the dormitory window, stars twinkling peacefully over Beacon Academy. But inside the room, Blake sat on her bed with her knees folded to her chest, lost in troubled memories that played like echoes in her mind.
"Brothers of the White Fang, why are you aiding this scum?"
"The White Fang and I are going in on a joint business venture together."
The sounds of battle filled her memory - slashes, grunts, gunfire, and Roman Torchwick's mocking laughter.
"Well, this has certainly been an eventful evening."
The memory shifted to Professor Ozpin's office, where she had sat across from the headmaster after that first encounter with the White Fang and Roman Torchwick.
"I'm sure that after a night of thwarting attempted robbery, you probably just want to go home and take a nap. But, I was hoping that maybe we could have a chance to talk."
"Of course."
"Wonderful. As you know, in order to enroll at my academy, students must first pass a rigorous entrance exam. Most applicants spend years of preparation training at one of the many combat schools around the world. You are one of the few that did not. And you passed the exam with flying colors."
"I was raised outside the kingdoms. If you can't fight, you can't survive."
"Well, you have most certainly survived, Blake. I admire your drive. And I am proud to run a school that accepts individuals from all walks of life. Rich, poor, Human..." He had paused to sip his coffee before continuing with knowing eyes. "Faunus..."
She had glared at him then, her secret exposed with casual ease.
"Why do you wear that bow, Blake? Why hide who you are?"
"You may be willing to accept the Faunus, Professor Ozpin, but your species is not."
"True, but we are continuing to take strides to lessen the divide."
"With all due respect, you need to start taking some larger strides. Until then, I'd rather avoid any unnecessary attention. I want people to see me for who I am, not what I am."
"And what are you?"
"I don't understand what you're asking."
"How did you know the White Fang would be at the shipyard tonight?"
"I didn't. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time."
"You wouldn't have been the first. But what happened tonight was not an isolated incident. I may be your headmaster, but I am also a Huntsman, and it is my sworn duty to protect this world from the forces that conspire against it. Blake, are you sure there is nothing else you would like to tell me?"
"I'm sure."
"Very well. Thank you for your time, Ms. Belladonna. If you ever need to talk to me. Please, don't hesitate to ask."
The sound of the dormitory door opening interrupted her painful recollections as her teammates entered, their voices carrying the mixed emotions of the evening's social encounters.
"Ugh, we should have never let him play!" Yang was complaining.
"You're just mad cuz' the new guy beat you! See, if you had just attacked when I told you none of this would have happened," Ruby replied cheerfully.
As Blake moved toward the door to leave, Weiss' sharp voice stopped her cold.
"Stop." Weiss pointed at Blake, causing her hand to retract from the doorknob. "Lately you've been quiet, antisocial and moody!"
"Uh, have you met Blake?" Yang interjected with dry humor.
"Which I get is kind of your thing, but you've been doing it more than usual! Which quite frankly, is unacceptable! You made a promise to me, to all of us, that you would let us know if something was wrong!" Weiss performed an elaborate flip through the air as six copies of her emblem materialized around her. "So, Blake Belladonna, what is wrong!?"
Weiss balanced precariously on the back feet of a chair for a moment before quickly putting it away and returning to stand with the others.
Blake felt the weight of their concern and expectation pressing down on her. "I just, I don't understand how everyone can be so calm."
Ruby approached her with genuine worry. "You're still thinking about Torchwick?"
"Torchwick, the White Fang, all of it! Something big is happening and no one is doing anything about it!"
"Ozpin told us not to worry. Between the police and the Huntsmen, I'm sure they can handle it," Yang said reasonably.
"Well I'm not! They don't know the White Fang like I do!"
The admission slipped out before Blake could stop it, revealing more than she had intended.
"Okay, between blowing up nightclubs, stopping thieves, and fighting for freedom, I'm sure the three of you think that you're all ready to go out and apprehend these ne'er-do-wells!" Weiss declared dramatically.
"Uh, who?" Ruby asked, confused by the archaic terminology.
"But let me once again be the voice of reason. We're students! We're not ready to handle this sort of situation!"
"Well yeah, but..." Ruby began hesitantly.
"We're not ready!"
Blake's frustration finally boiled over. "And we may never be ready! Our enemies aren't just going to sit around and wait for graduation day. They're out there, somewhere, planning their next move, and none of us know what it is, but it's coming! Whether we're ready or not!"
The passion in her voice, the desperate urgency, seemed to electrify the room.
Ruby raised her hand with manic enthusiasm, making random gestures as she spoke. "Okay, all in favor of becoming the youngest Huntresses to single-handedly taking down a corrupt organization conspiring against the Kingdom of Vale... say aye."
"Yes! I love it when you're feisty!" Yang pumped her fist enthusiastically and pointed at Blake.
"Well, I suppose it could be fun," Weiss admitted with growing excitement.
"None of you said aye!" Ruby protested.
"Alright then, we're in this together!" Blake declared, feeling a surge of hope for the first time in weeks.
"Let's hatch a plan!" Ruby gestured dramatically.
"Yeah!" Yang made finger guns at Ruby.
Ruby suddenly gasped in realization. "I left my board game at the library!"
"We're doomed," Weiss said, placing her hand to her head in exasperation.
"I'll be right back!" Ruby called out, running from the room and down the hallway.
The sound of collision echoed through the corridor.
"Oo-oof! Oh g-! Sorry. Are you okay?" Ruby's voice carried back to them.
The music seemed to take on an eerie, threatening tone that made Blake's faunus senses prickle with warning.
"I'm fine. Just watch where you're going," came an unfamiliar female voice.
"Oh, right, sorry. Um, I'm Ruby! Are you new?"
"Visiting from Haven, actually."
Through the open doorway, Blake could see Ruby talking to three figures in the hallway - a woman with dark skin and mint-green hair, a man with silver hair, and...
Blake's blood ran cold as she recognized the third figure. Cinder Fall. The woman's amber eyes and distinctive appearance were unmistakable to someone who had once moved in the shadows of criminal organizations.
"Ooh! You're here for the festival! But exchange students have their own dormitory," Ruby said innocently.
"I guess we just got turned around," the silver-haired man replied smoothly.
"Hey, don't worry, it happens all the time. Uh, your building is just east of here."
"Thanks. Maybe we'll see you around," Cinder said, her voice carrying undertones that made Blake shiver.
"Yeah, maybe! Oh, uh, and welcome to Beacon!" Ruby called out cheerfully.
As the three figures walked away, Blake caught a glimpse of Cinder's face in profile. The woman's grin was coldly calculating, and for just a moment, her eyes seemed to glow with malevolent fire.
Ruby started to head back toward her dorm room, but something made her pause in the corridor. Further down the hallway, she noticed an unexpected encounter unfolding - Skye, the Storm Balrog Empress from Sanctuary, had emerged from one of the side corridors and now stood face-to-face with the woman who had introduced herself as being from Haven.
What struck Ruby as odd was the visible tension between them. For two people who should have been meeting for the first time, there was an electric undercurrent to their interaction that seemed... familiar. Hostile, even.
"Cinder," Skye said, her voice carrying the subtle rumble of distant thunder that Ruby had noticed during their earlier introductions.
"Dear cousin," Cinder replied with a smile that didn't reach her amber eyes. "How... unexpected to see you here."
Ruby's eyes widened. Cousins? But if they were family, why did the air between them seem to crackle with more than just Skye's natural lightning affinity?
"I could say the same," Skye responded, lightning beginning to spark more visibly around her fingertips. "Though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to find you skulking around where you don't belong."
Mercury and Emerald flanked Cinder, their postures subtly shifting into defensive positions, though they tried to maintain the appearance of casual students.
"Skulking is such an ugly word," Cinder said with false sweetness. "I prefer 'exploring educational opportunities.'"
"Is that what we're calling it now?" Skye's storm-touched features hardened, and for a moment, Ruby could swear she saw actual lightning flicker in the Storm Balrog Empress's eyes.
Ruby found herself pressing closer to the wall, instinctively understanding that she was witnessing something far more significant than a simple family disagreement. The power emanating from both women was palpable, and she realized with growing alarm that this wasn't just tension between relatives - this was the meeting of two forces that stood fundamentally opposed to each other.
"You always were too serious, dear Skye," Cinder said, taking a step closer to her cousin. "Perhaps that's why you ended up following such... traditional paths."
"And you always preferred the easy road," Skye countered, her own stance becoming more combative. "Tell me, cousin, does your current... benefactor... know about your family connections? Or are you keeping that as carefully hidden as everything else about your true nature?"
The temperature in the hallway seemed to fluctuate wildly - Cinder's heat meeting Skye's storm energy in a display that made Ruby's silver eyes widen with concern.
"My nature is exactly what it needs to be," Cinder replied, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "The question is, will you interfere with what I came here to accomplish?"
"That depends entirely on what you're planning to accomplish," Skye shot back. "But knowing you as I do, I suspect it's nothing that serves the greater good."
Ruby realized she needed to get back to her teammates and alert them to this development, but she found herself frozen by the intensity of the confrontation. These weren't just two powerful individuals having a disagreement - this was a clash between fundamentally different worldviews, with her school potentially caught in the middle.
"The greater good," Cinder laughed softly, the sound carrying notes of mockery and something darker. "How wonderfully naive you still are, Skye. Some of us have moved beyond such simplistic concepts."
"And some of us still remember what it means to protect rather than destroy," Skye replied, lightning now dancing openly along her arms.
For a moment, Ruby thought they might actually fight right there in Beacon's hallway. But then Cinder stepped back, her expression shifting to one of cold calculation.
"This has been... illuminating," she said. "But I have other matters to attend to. Do give my regards to the rest of your little alliance, won't you?"
As Cinder turned to leave with Mercury and Emerald, she paused and looked directly down the hallway to where Ruby was hidden.
"Oh, and cousin?" Cinder called back without turning around. "Do be careful. Beacon can be such a dangerous place for those who don't know when to mind their own business."
The threat was unmistakable, and Ruby felt a chill run down her spine as she realized that Cinder had known she was there the entire time.
After the three Haven "students" disappeared around the corner, Skye remained standing in the hallway for a long moment, her shoulders tense with barely contained energy. Ruby was about to approach her when the Storm Balrog Empress spoke without turning around.
"Ruby Rose," she said quietly, "you should return to your teammates. And perhaps... mention to Professor Ozpin that old family reunions can sometimes bring unexpected complications."
Ruby swallowed hard, understanding that she had just witnessed something that would change everything. The enemy wasn't just at their gates - they were walking Beacon's halls, and they had connections that ran deeper than anyone had imagined.
Blake pressed herself against the wall, her heart racing. The enemy wasn't coming - they were already here. And Ruby, sweet, innocent Ruby, had just welcomed them with open arms - though perhaps not as innocently as Blake had initially thought.
The war was closer than any of them realized, and the battle lines were far more complex than they could have ever imagined.
To be continued....
Next time Chapter 11: A Minor Hiccup; Calm Before the Storm part 1