Today is the first day of summer, the new season finally arriving. It has been almost four months since they started the academy life, and finally Ruby can bask in the heat of summer!

With heat of summer Atlas means "about as hot as an average March day on Patch". While Mantle has is slightly better due to lower elevation (temperatures closer to April on Patch), it's still not warm enough to go out in only a single layer of clothing. Ruby now understands why Atlesians always joke that summer is the nicest day of the year.

"I wish I were in Shade right now…" Ruby, currently dressed in her Atlesian uniform (adorned with her cape, of course!), is sitting in one of Atlas' lunch halls with the rest of her team.

"Trust me, you don't want that." One member of the other teams sitting at the table, Tidus of team Carrot, feels the need to point out that Ruby's wish is a poorly thought out one. "Vacuo is a horrible place to be at this time of year."

Tidus' partner Otto is interested in this tidbit as well, knowing that Tidus is another of those students who came to this academy from outside the continent of Solitas. "But isn't your home kingdom nice and hot right now?"

"In June? Vacuo isn't hot in June. Try scorching. Or blazing. It's hot enough that after five minutes outside you'll start to pant like a dog." As Tidus says that his eyes widen slightly for a moment, realizing what he just said. "No offense to you, Otto."

"None taken." Otto replies calmly, not worried about such accidental mistakes made by his partner. Continuing on from what his partner said Otto takes a guess towards Tidus' reasoning for leaving Vacuo. "Does that mean you went to Atlas because you wanted to go to someplace colder?"

While that isn't untrue, it doesn't even come close to the true cause of why he chose Atlas: "The reason I abhor Shade academy is that's it's an absolute chaos. There is no rule, no order, no regulations; They don't even have a proper uniform, for crying out loud!"

"Well, heh, I don't think that ours is that great, y'know." Ruby still finds her uniform to be rather ugly. The drab whites, blacks and greys are rather monotonous, and the only one who can properly rock a beret on her team is Ciel. At least the Academy-issued pajamas are comfy, they are even better than her own!

"What are you talking about?" Upon hearing this Tidus describes how wondrous and fantastic the Atlesian uniform is. Then again, when your standard combat outfit is pretty much an armored and red-shaded version of the Atlas uniform you have obviously no problems wearing these Atlesian clothes.

It takes quite a while for Tidus to finish. Scratch that, it takes pretty much forever. Otto politely gestures for his companion to maybe stop talking about this subject.

When Tidus realizes he has gone a bit too far about clothes he returns to explaining why Atlas is his preferred choice of academy. "But as I was saying, Atlas has a well-ordered system with clear-defined rules to ensure that those Vacuan shenanigans don't happen. I first thought about Beacon as well, but I'm glad I chose Atlas. I've heard stories about massive food fights, first year students who hunt dangerous criminals or bikers who think that rooftops make proper motorcycle roads. No, it's clear that Beacon has nothing that can beat Atlas!"

"Oh really?" A new voice joins in, walking up with a dinner tray in hand. Talking with the trio is Gaia Greene, one of the members of Regal. All four members of that team stood in the food queue to get their lunch, which is why they've arrived so late compared to the other two teams they get along with. It's also connected to the point that Gaia wants to bring up: "At least Beacon has the meals included in their program."

Gaia takes a seat next to the trio to join in on their discussion, while the rest of Regal join with the other conversations at the table. Ruby agrees with what Gaia said, though does see an advantage of this system: "Well, cooking is a valuable skill to learn. I mean, just look at what I made." Scorpio's resident chef shows off her meal to her companions: Self-made glazed strawberry bread and a BLT sandwich, supported by an apple and a store-bought milk carton. It is varied and healthy, proof of how far she's gotten with her cooking skills. At this point Ruby is pretty sure that she's the best chef of her family.

"At least you guys have someone who can cook." Gaia complains, "Regal's lunches are bought at the cafeteria, and dinner is either takeaway or something premade." Her store-bought sandwich is proof of that fact, as the members of Regal can always be found in the queues.

"Anyone can make dishes with some practice and work, but my lunches are pretty good if I say so myself!" Ruby has the right to be a bit prideful of her work. Gaia and Otto agree, but Tidus doesn't:

"Why are you all so difficult?" Tidus would like to point out to the others that lunch can be simple too. Just look at his own: "Two slices of bread with a slice of cheese in-between. Made in a minute, eaten in about five. Nice and simple, and just as effective as all your fancy stuff."

Gaia and Ruby aren't sure if they're supposed to be disgusted or feel pity for their friend. Gaia leans more towards disgust, while Ruby goes for pity: "Ehm, Tidus? Is everything going well in Carrot? Does your team have any monetary problems?"

Tidus chokes on his food as he hears that question, coughing a bit before swallowing it back down. "N-No!" He shouts out a tad too loud, "Why would you think that? I don't care about fancy lunches, that's all! We may obviously not be as rich as a team with a Schnee and a Soleil in it, but we're not poor!"

Tidus denial sounds a bit too angry and forced that the two girls put doubt on it, but Otto is there to back up his partner:

"Don't worry, miss Ruby. We may not have as much money as you girls in Scorpio, but we get by."

And Otto also calls out on the relative riches of Scorpio. Ruby gets where the OT pair of Carrot comes from: The members of team Scorpio are kind of rich for a student team. They're mostly composed from those with upper-class upbringings, or else are financed by someone with an upper-class upbringing. Ruby didn't just go from Signal to Mantle, she also traded in the geek clique for the rich kid posse.

"Ahum." Tidus loudly coughs, stopping this conversation that has gone on for way too long in his opinion. "Back on topic, I believe that regarding the temperature both Vacuo and Atlas have good and bad seasons. If my choice of study location were purely based on the temperature I would study here from May until September, and the rest of the year I would go back to Vacuo."

"Then you should've gone to Beacon while you had the chance." Ruby replies and realizes that she's not the only person doing so. Gaia said the exact same thing at the exact same moment. The two girls look at each other for a moment before they perform a high five in celebration. Gaia continues with explaining why Beacon is, at least temperature-wise, exactly what Tidus is looking for. Ruby on the other hand cares more about a different fact:

"O yeah, you're from Vale as well." Ruby says, recalling that her friend is a Valite as well. Carrot, Regal and Scorpio all share the trait that one of their members is not from the kingdom of Atlas. For Carrot it is Tidus, Scorpios has Ruby and Regal has Gaia. This does raise another question to which Ruby doesn't know the answer: "Then why are you not studying in Beacon?"

Gaia's answer is quick: "And spend another five years back at home? No thank you."

Home? While Ruby would call Vale her home, the distance between Patch and Beacon is large enough that she wouldn't call Beacon home. Perhaps it's different for Gaia, so Ruby asks for her friend to clarify. Gaia sees no reason not to:

"Beacon is home if you've lived your whole life on the campus there. My mom's been a teacher at Beacon since I remember, so that means that I've been living my entire life in one of the teacher's homes on the campus. Heck, preparatory school at Pharos was further away from home than Beacon. I wanted something new, something not Beacon."

It's understandable. All three who listened to Gaia's story understand why she wants to leave home. Though in that case there's probably something Gaia dislikes, as Otto notes:

"Then how do you feel about the upcoming Vytal Festival?"

"Ugh, don't remind me." Gaia says dejectedly as she hangs her head down in worry, "I wish I never took stealth class." At least one person is not looking forward to a meeting with her mother.

Ruby is more focused on the festival. It's date that is inching closer and closer. There's less than two weeks left until the summer holiday, and after that they will already be back in Vale for the festival. Man, time sure flied here in Atlas. But on that note…

"Anyone have any idea which teams are going to be selected to participate in the Vytal tournament?"

Ironwood will probably announce the participants somewhere in the next two weeks. The tension is already hanging in the air, as several teams seem to now put in their best efforts to hopefully sway their teachers. Ruby hopes that Scorpio will be chosen, though she doesn't know how to improve her own chances.

"Eh, if Ironwood's smart he's probably going to send his experienced third- and fourth-years into the fray." Gaia says without hope, not expecting much from the headmaster. "I don't think that there's going to be more than one or two teams from the first two years."

Where Gaia is pessimistic, Otto is much more optimistic. "No, Atlas usually spreads its chances more evenly. They send four teams from the two senior years to compete for the championship and four teams from the junior years to give them some experience. Ironwood then sends those four junior teams to the next Vytal tournament as well, hoping that their experience makes the difference."

"That makes sense." Tidus agrees with his partner as well, even though he's unfamiliar with the Atlesian system. "The team you expect to win is your best team, maybe your second or third team if something happens to your best. Why send out numbers four to eight if you can improve the teams you want to be your best teams in two years?"

Gaia understands where her friends are coming from but sees another problem with that idea: "But the tournament always changes a bit depending on where it is. Does that mean that Ironwood would select the first and second years based on the current or the upcoming tournament?"

Gaia brings up a good point. If there's one thing that the academies can't agree on than it's the Vytal tournament. Or rather, it's how each of the four academies has a different idea on how to run it. While each academy follows the basic ruleset of 32 teams participating in a knock-out tournament, there are differences between the number of students participating in each round depending on who is the host:

Beacon, which promotes individual huntsman skill, seeks to enter the individual stage as quickly as possible with a 4-2-1-1-1 setup; Atlas is the complete opposite with its focus on combined efforts. Tournaments in Atlas only have the finals as an individual match: 4-4-4-2-1; Haven, led by headmaster Lionheart, tends to safely take the middle ground between these two academies and goes for a 4-4-2-1-1 setup; And then there's Shade, who just don't give a crap about the what the others do: 4-3-2-4-1.

If it comes down to selecting teams for Beacon's style Ruby is certain that Scorpio will enter. Of the first years no student can defeat Penny in single combat. However, will their team still be chosen if Ironwood seeks a team with higher focus on teamwork instead? Ruby genuinely want to kno-

Ruby's scroll makes a *ping* sound, just like that of everyone else around the table. In fact, the sound can be heard from pretty much every student here. Ruby takes out her scroll, checking the headline of the e-mail she just received:

[Notice: Student Meeting 18:00 C200.]

Huh. Ruby did not expect to receive this. A quick round of questioning confirms that everyone else at the table got the same e-mail.

"Students of all years." Further confirming the notice is Ironwood's voice chiming through the speakers of the cafeteria, interrupting everyone. "When your afternoon classes are finished you are required to attend a student meeting in room C200. Attendance is mandatory. Further details can be found in the e-mail send to your student mail."

Silence returns to the cafeteria, but Ruby can't help but grin at hearing this news: Ironwood's announcement can only mean one thing: The participating teams are known!

The grimm studies lesson Ruby had in the midday is over before Ruby knows it, her focus being on the upcoming announcement. With the lesson over team Scorpio goes to C200, which is already quite packed. Students from all years are gathered here, each year seated in its own section. Team Scorpio finds a spot in the south-east section, seated in-between Carrot and Regal. About five minutes after their seating the lights dim, as Ironwood walks up the elevated podium at the front of the room. After tapping his mic twice to ensure it works the general starts talking:

"Students." Ironwood speaks in his usual stoic tone, ensuring that all students are listening. With everybody but him silent he can now make his announcement: "As you know this year the fortieth Vytal Festival will be held in Vale. Like every festival Atlas Academy has the right to let eight of our student teams participate in the upcoming Vytal Tournament. The names of these participants will be announced today."

So today is the day of truth. Ruby is nervous, uncertain if her team will enter. She looks around her, and most of the teams she knows are tense. Some teams look bored, but they're mostly less skilled teams who know that they won't enter the tournament. Everyone who thinks that they might have a chance is anxious about whether their name will be called. Ironwood at least pretends that he doesn't see it, as he starts to list off the participants of the tournament:

"The following teams will participate in the Vytal tournament: First team of the fourth-year students: team Grape, led by Greta Hexenpfahl." A girl could be heard cheering from the fourth-year section, probably a member of Grape. The cheer was quickly silenced, as Ironwood continues with naming the teams: "Second team of the fourth years: team Luna, led by Lucian Blanc."

Two down, six left to go. If this keeps up it's going to be mostly the older students who participate, just like Gaia said. However, the next announcement comes as a surprise: "First team of the third-year students: Team Funky, led by Flynt Coal."

Third years? Wait a second, does that mean that there's only two fourth-year teams going to the tournament? Ruby almost can't believe this, as it seems that Gaia was wrong. When the fourth team to be called is Simin Megistus' team Silver, another third-year team, Ruby is certain that Ironwood is going down the years. In fact, the fifth team to be named gives Ruby even more hope:

"First team of the second-year students: Team Jack, led Jack Spades." Second years already? There are still three spots left, and at this rate all those three are going to first- and second year teams. Otto was right, and that means that Scorpio has a massive chance! Ruby clenches her fists, hoping to hear Ironwood call out those relieving words. Too bad for Ruby, but it won't be his next line: "Second team of the second-year students: Team Jade, led by Jacqueline Ivory."

That means that there's only two spots left. Carrot, Regal and Scorpio. At least one of those teams won't be participating in the upcoming tournament.

"First team of the first-year students:" Yes! First-years! Here it comes, the words that will relieve all of Scorpio's anxiety. Come on, Ironwood, say it! "Team Regal, led by Robin Bates."

Eh? That's not Scorpio. While Ruby is happy for her friends from Regal, this just drastically decreased her own chances to participate. Ruby looks at Otto, who looks back at her. Both realize that only one of them will fight in the tournament… at best. As much as Ruby hates to say it, she prefers to fight rather than cheer for Otto.

"And finally, the second team of the first years, as well as the last team to participate for Atlas: Team Scorpio, led by Weiss Schnee."

"Yes!" Ruby thinks happily, not realizing that she just said that out loud. The glare she's getting from her partner is enough to let her realize that fact. Ruby quietly sinks into her seat, trying to make herself as small as possible and hope that everyone will forget her outburst. It does seem to work, or at least nobody cares enough about the small interruption as Ironwood quickly silences the room once more to continue his speech.

The rest of the speech is mostly rules and regulations for the upcoming festival. When will the teams leave for Beacon; what can the teams expect regarding housing and other rule differences; what kind of misdemeanor will lead to disqualification of a team, both before and during the tournament; How the students who participate will leave a few weeks earlier to get accustomed to Beacon. Yeah, it's a whole bunch of extra information that for the most part doesn't stick in Ruby's mind. She's still in bliss that Scorpio is selected for the tournament.

After some more context filler that Ruby doesn't care about the announcement is over. Everyone is permitted to leave, so Scorpio returns to their dorm. When they are inside Ruby can't hold it back anymore:

"Yahoo!" Ruby lets out a celebratory shout, finally able to unleash her euphoria. "We're going fight in the tournament! We're going out there to take names, kick butt and claim total victory!"

"Ruby," Weiss says in annoyance at Ruby's lack of realism, "we're first years. Nobody's expecting anything from us. While it's nice that we are allowed to participate, we will have performed far above expectations if we win the first round."

Perhaps what Weiss says is correct, but that doesn't make it right. Ruby will object to such logic with all her might! "Then wouldn't it be all the better if we do win? Just because we're new doesn't mean we can't perform well."

Ruby wants to go all out at the tournament, something that Penny can get behind as well: "I know the capabilities of each team to Atlas for the Vytal Tournament. I believe we stand a better chance than most of the other teams."

That's just what Ruby needed to hear. "See? It's like Penny says. We just got to try hard and do our best."

That is something everyone can agree with. The whole team is satisfied with that answer. A smile finds its way on the members of Scorpio.

Well, almost all members of Scorpio. The only one who does not look happy is Ciel. In fact, she hasn't said a word thus far, looking absent-minded with a slight scowl on her face. Ruby notices it as well, not understanding the discrepancy between Ciel's emotions and the good news they received. Why would she be so down over participating in the Vytal tournament? Everyone would want to participat-ah.

No, it's the opposite. Ruby understands why Ciel isn't happy precisely because everyone wants to participate. She walks over to Ciel, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Hey Ciel, I know it's sad that Otto won't participate in the tournament, but we can't do anything about that. So, let's win so that he can be proud of his sister."

"I…" Ciel is unsure what to say. A second or two she mulls her thoughts, before letting out a sigh. "Yes, Ruby. I'll do my best."

Ciel gives Ruby a small smile, though it looks a bit forced. Well, it's understandable to Ruby if you can't put your emotions behind you in just a moment. Let's not focus on that and turn back to positive matters. "Anyway, I think we should celebrate our qualification! Who's with me?"

It stays silent in the room, even Penny looks unsure whether that is a good idea. It's Weiss who spells out the problem with that idea:

"Ruby, do I have to remind you that some of us still have a test tomorrow. Amongst them, you."

"Oh yeah…" That's right, there is still a test for SERE tomorrow. While it isn't a test that requires much theoretical learning, it's a huge boon if you make it while properly rested. "We really can't celebrate, not even a little bit?"

"As the motto goes," Penny remarks, "'Vytal will hold'. I think that your priority should be the upcoming test."

"Aww…" Ruby sulks unhappily. If even Penny sides against her in this matter, then it is obvious that they have the logically sound idea. Ruby is put her idea to rest, that dream not happenin-

"However," Weiss interrupts with new hope, "we don't have anything important to do in the upcoming weekend. I suppose that we can hold a small celebration then. I suppose I know some people who can turn it into a party befitting of Scorpio."

That immediately perks Ruby, hugging her partner because of how happy she is. "Oh Weiss, that's amazing! What can I do to repay you?"

"For starters, to stop hugging me and start cooking for dinner." Weiss responds flatly. "I don't know about you, but some of us are starting to work up an appetite."

"Ah!" Ruby stops hugging Weiss, awkwardly scratching the back of her head. The rest of the team seems ot agrees with Weiss, also looking expectantly at Ruby. "Eheheh… I-uhm, I guess I'll start cooking dinner now." And with that Ruby dashes off into the kitchen.

The rest of the evening was uneventful. After dinner there was about an hour of free time, before the red-white pair goes to bed. The other pair stays up for a while, Ciel wanting do some self-study and Penny doing, well, whatever an android does when humans sleep.

After an uneventful night Tuesday arrives like normal. Team Scorpio gets ready for another day of school. Ciel and Penny are dressed in the school uniform, while the SR part of Scorpio is dressed for combat. This is because their test for SERE isn't just some random theoretical exam. No, this one will be done outdoors, a practical that will test Ruby's skills to the limit! It is none other than the shelter craft exam!

The rules are simple. The students who follow SERE are dropped in the Snowbound Forest (which despite its name doesn't have any snow bound to it in June), and given three hours to create a shelter in which they can survive the night. Afterwards professors Iron and Katt-Grumm will evaluate the craftsmanship of the shelter and grade you on it. It's an uncomplicated but challenging exam, exactly as Ruby likes it.

Two hours and fifty-five minutes into the exam and Ruby overlooks the results of her work: Standing in front of her is a simple A-frame shelter made out of wood she cut in the forest and tied with supple vines. Forest debris is piles against the sides of the shelter to insulate it, and Ruby even had the time to create an elevation for herself to sleep on! The only complaint she has is that it's a rather tight creation: While Ruby can squeeze herself inside the shelter is too short to let someone like Yang comfortably lie inside it. For once Ruby is glad that she's on the short side, as even with her speed semblance there is only so much building material you can utilize in three hours.

Ruby makes one final check of her surroundings, making sure that she chose a good spot for her shelter:

- Away from predators: Ruby build her shelter on top of a cliffside on the edge of the forest. While the lack of trees in the surroundings might increase the danger of flying grimm, in these parts there is only the nevermore that fits that description. So long as she completely covers her body and doesn't have any nightmares while she's dreaming, she shouldn't be noticed by any grimm.
- Close to water: Check! Ruby can see a river down the cliff, so she has a source of running water nearby.
- Any idea of how to continue travelling: Well, she is on top of a cliff, giving her a good view of the surroundings. It can't get any better than that!

Yeah, Ruby is pretty sure that this is a good shelter. She doesn't see any room for improvement. It's a good thing, as she's about to be judged for it:

The teachers of this course, professors Iron and Grumm-Katt, have arrived at her location. A few of the other students that were dropped in this section are behind them, probably already judged on their own buildings. Now it's time for Ruby's creation to be judged, as that duo is thoroughly examining it.

While the teachers are busy with judging Ruby notices her partner amongst the other students who were already judged. Ruby takes a few steps away from her shelter and towards Weiss, asking how well her partner did:

"82 points." Weiss says with a slight scowl. While it isn't a bad score, considering that the maximum is 100, Weiss feels like she could've done a lot better. "I shouldn't have used that much earth dust. I could've easily gotten a score above ninety."

"Ah." Ruby understands what Weiss is saying. "Don't worry, next time you'll b-"

"Miss Rose." Tiger Iron interrupts, requiring the assistance of the young huntress-in-training. Ruby immediately steps over, asked to perform several tasks. Firstly, she needs to lie inside of her own shelter, to see if she fits inside. Tiger shakes the shelter, and while a bit of the debris falls off it manages to hold.

During the shaking professor Katt-Grumm notices that a part of the shelter just got lifted off the ground. This causes the professor to give a disappointed look. "It's not tied to the ground?"

"Ehm, no?" Ruby replies from inside her shelter. Both professors seem somewhat disappointed by this, as they ask Ruby to get out and explain why she made this choice.

"Hmm…" Ruby thinks a bit, wanting to make sure to give an answer that will not decrease her score. In the end she settles for the original reason she did so. "Well, the cliff is a great vantage point, but there's little vegetation. This shelter is compact, and in case of emergency you can move the shelter to a safer location.

It's a good answer, but not good enough for professor Katt-Grumm. "Then how about the wind blowing it away? Or maybe a wild grimm standing at your doorstep? Is there a single brain cell in that head of yours that thought about that?"

"Well, it's already June." Ruby explains, "the wind doesn't get stronger than a mild breeze. And you don't need to worry too much about large grimm out here in this section of the Snowbound forest, as I learned that this section of the forest is also used for hunting by non-huntsmen. I… I thought it was a good idea." Ruby's explanation gets more and more uncertain the longer she keeps talking, considering Katt-Grumm's grumpy face doesn't stop being grumpy.

Said professor can't believe in Ruby's solution. Perhaps from a scientific standpoint, Ruby may be on to something. However, her cynical side refuses to believe that. "If I had a Lien for every person who thinks they have a good idea that actually turns out to be a good idea, I would be just as poor as I am now. Your idea requires a level of strength in your construction that you should not be able to create in a few hours. In that case… Tiger, do it."

"Affirmative." Professor Iron nods, Grabbing the top of the shelter with his hand before shouting out the name of his next move: "Genesic!" Like a professional shot-putter Tiger spins a few times around his axis, taking the shelter with him before throwing it high in the air. "Sapphire!" But the shelter isn't the only thing going into the air. Assistant professor Iron jumps after shelter, both reaching great heights. "Tiger!" Up in the air the professor grabs the shelter, falling downwards with the shelter in hand. "Buster!" And as they reach the ground the professor slam dunks the shelter on the cliff, literally creating a crater where the shelter once stood.

When the dust clears the two professors gaze upon the remains of Ruby's shelter. It's completely ruined and no longer usable as a shelter, but this doesn't mean that her examiners are unhappy:

"Remarkable!" Professor Tiger is quite impressed with how the shelter withstood the attack. "While the isolating debris has scattered and several of the ribs have broken off, the main A-frame is still intact. I estimate that even the elder grimm in this area won't be able to destroy this shelter in one blow."

"Hoh, not bad indeed." Professor Katt-Grumm agrees as well, the tip of her tail twitching from excitement. "Though not perfect, I haven't seen anything better from the other students. I would say this is worth 92 points."

"Hmm… I personally would give her 94. These are some good knots she's made for the fillings."

"Split the difference?" Both professors agree on Katt-Grumm's idea, grading Ruby with a 93 out of 100 points.

While the teachers are discussing the shelter's resistance Ruby just stands there, slack jawed and her body following the teachers around on reflex. She still can't believe what just happened: Professor Iron threw her shelter fifty feet into the air, and then dunked it into the ground. He dunked a shelter into a cliff, until the cliff was no longer a cliff and the shelter no longer a shelter. What would happen if she got hit by that? She would like not to be pulverized into tiny bits, thank you very much!

"What just happened?" Ruby shouts out, only to get immediately shushed by Weiss. Looking around her she sees that she somehow ended up in professor Schwarzen's combat classes. Wow, how long was she out of it?

Class has luckily not started yet, but the professor does look at her for a few seconds. Ruby shuts up immediately, allowing Schwarzen to begin.

As today is a Tuesday, combat classes are all about teamwork and team formations. Of course, this means that the mock battles of today will be team against team. Ruby can't wait just who they will get as their enemy.

When the time comes for the mock battles the professor calls out the teams one by one. When Scorpio is the first team to be called out for the nineth match Ruby wonders who their opponent will be. Carrot? Jasmine? It can't be Regal, they participated in the fifth match. Ruby intently listens to the professor, who calls out the name of their enemy.

Ruby catches the name of their opponent, and her smile drops immediately in disappointment. Amongst the first years there are very few who can provide a challenge for them: Carrot and Regal are the biggest challenges, each of the three teams sharing the top spot amongst the first years with each team having only a single loss over all practice matches. Besides the top trio the only team that requires full focus from Scorpio is team Jasmine, the bullies being surprisingly tough. But from the fifth spot onwards there's a gargantuan chasm that no team can cross.

Their current opponents are also stuck back on the other side: They're ranked tenth of the thirty first-year teams. While that does make them above-average combatants, Ruby is pretty sure that she can beat all four of them without the help of her teammates. The only thing team Scorpio will learn today is how to perform a massacre.

If they want this to be anything like proper training, then the best bet is to limit the number of fighters Scorpio fields.

"Who of us are going to fight?" Weiss asks to the group if there are any volunteers. Unlike usual there is someone who wants to do this: Ciel raises her hand. With someone volunteering like that the rest of the team leaves the battlefield to her, standing at the edge of the combat area in case something goes wrong.

Ciel takes a quick glance at the enemy team: Two guys and two girls. The girls wield a battle axe-machinegun and a pair of knife-pistols, while the guys wield a katana-rifle and a gauntlets and greaves set. Ciel honestly doesn't remember their names, so let's call them Alice, Carol, Bob, and Dave, respectively.

Professor Schwarzen sounds the gong, indicating that the match is afoot. The other team are surprised when only Ciel charges at the enemy. They are wary of any counter from the remaining three, but they unload their guns at Ciel when they see nothing else occurring. A rifle, two pistols, and a machine gun; it is annoying, but the bullet density is too high for Ciel to come out unscathed. Bullets bounce off her aura, steadily dropping down as she takes the bullets with her body. She reaches melee range by the time she's at half her original aura.

Most of the enemy team stayed clustered together to deliver their barrage. The only exception is the gauntlets & greaves wearing Dave, who got out of the way of his teammates' gunfire. That leaves three opponents as an immediate problem. Ciel throws out three axe chops in a windmill-like fashion at the rifle wielder, who hasn't had the time yet to switch back to his melee weapon. Bob's forced to block the attacks with his rifle, leaving him on the defense.

Now that Ciel is attacking Bob she has her back to Carol. Said woman tries to take advantage of it, but immediately after the axe chops Ciel performs a backwards high kick straight into the unsuspecting Carol's face. From here Ciel segues into a low stance and makes five more strikes at Carol: Two backwards chops at the stomach to make her keel, two palm strikes against the knees to make her topple, and finishing it with a low kick to the falling head to kick her away.

During this time Alice has been making a heavy swing with her battle axe, intending to slam it on Ciel and take out the rest of her aura in one go. Rather than dodging the blow Ciel moves in, taking a bit of damage from the axe handle hitting her shoulder as she slips inside the guard of Alice, their bodies almost pressing against each other. Alice's weapon is large and bulky, not suited to an opponent who's in your face. On the other hand, short range is exactly where Ciel excels. From her still lowered stance Ciel twists her hips quickly and delivers a devastating shoulder blow into Alice's stomach, sending her flying against the classroom's wall. With that Alice has been eliminated from the match by knockout, leaving three enemies standing.

With Alice and thus the primary threat of her machinegun gone Ciel deems the chances of her losing this fight to be close to zero, but she can't relax now. Bob is switching from rifle to katana, a big mistake in Ciel's eyes. Ciel wheels her arms around, both coming from down below and striking Bob straight in his jugular with both hands while he is still switching weapons. The strike was a bit on the slow side for Ciel's taste, but it's strong enough to literally send him flying into the sky, flipping over many times before crashing a few dozen feet away from Ciel.

All three enemies that were near Ciel have at least temporarily been dealt with. Just in time, as Dave comes in to seek revenge! He comes in with a flying kick, trying to plant his foot into Ciel's torso. It can be seen coming from a mile, Ciel sidestepping the attack with ease. Instead of letting the guy fly past her and leave herself surrounded Ciel grabs the guy's ankle with her left hand. The guy was not expecting this and expects it even less when Ciel flows inside his guard and bashes with her right shoulder straight into his groin. All male students in the room wince at seeing one of their fellow gender be hurt like that, not wanting to imagine that pain that must cause.

Ciel turns the bash into a palm strike as she hits the guy in the neck, causing him to fly up a few feet in the air. Before he lands on the ground Ciel strikes him four times before using a double palm strike to send him flying into Carol.

A gunshot hitting Ciel in the back forces Ciel to focus her attention on Bob, who has backed up and starts firing shots with his rifle. With the rifle firing only a single shot per turn it's not hard for Ciel to not get hit: Just make sure that you're not aligned with the gun barrel as the enemy fires, and you won't be hit. Bob gets three more shots off, but all of them miss. Instead of trying another shot he turns his weapon back to its katana form, attempting an overhead swing on Ciel. Ciel lowers her stance and performs a chop with her left hand, aimed at Bob's hands. The hit causes Bob's swing to go wide, leaving him wide open to be struck by a kick followed directly into a downward hammer fist. Bob bounces off the ground, and three more punches send him flying up, up and away. While it hurts like hell, he is at least glad that Ciel can't punch him anymore.

However, Ciel won't let him off that easily. Before he's out of range Ciel grabs Bob by his leg, pulling him back into range. He at least has the idea to at least cover his face with his arms, but that just opens him up for a new attack. Ciel whirls around the incoming Bob, using the momentum of her spin to elbow the guy in the back of the head. Bob is still a bit above twenty percent aura, but a high kick puts a swift end to his participation.

"Guah!" As Ciel finishes off Bob a pair of knives find themselves striking at her back. Carol has returned to the fight and plans to take revenge for her two teammates. Her strikes, while not powerful, are relentless and steadily dropping Ciel's aura. It quickly gets bad enough that Ciel is at less than twenty-five percent of her starting total, getting close to dropping out of the fight. While Ciel has managed to turn around and can now see Carol's strikes, the attacks are fast enough that there's no room for a counter. Considering that Carol's teammate is already getting up from earlier damage, Ciel needs an answer now or she will be defeated. But what can she do?

*Bang*

A gunshot comes from behind, Carol staggering backwards as a bullet strikes her in the face. Ciel looks behind her, seeing the barrel of Crescent Rose smoking. It's obvious what caused the interruption. Though it is not how Ciel planned to make a comeback, she will make use of it to strike Carol down. Ciel launches a flurry of kicks at Carol before pushing her out of the arena with a double-handed open palm strike.

The last enemy, Dave, looks over the current situation. The rest of his team is defeated by only one member of the opposing team. There's no denying that Scorpio is miles above his team, worthy to participate in the Vytal Tournament. Victory is impossible, so Dave will at least go out swinging. If he can at least take down Ciel, no, if he at least can finish the fight without getting hit in the groin again, he will consider this at least a personal victory.

Dave enters striking range, taking the initiative with two light jabs. Ciel has no trouble with evading those, before taking half a step back to dodge his low kick. This much was expected for Dave, as the true blow comes now with his straight right!

It's fast, but not fast enough for Ciel. She catches the straight right with her own right hand, ducking under it and rolling across his back to get behind Dave. A strike with the flat of her forearm breaks Dave's balance, as another two strikes smack against Dave's back to drop his aura further.

Dave realizes he's in a pickle, but he refuses to go down like this! He should at least face her like a man, eye to eye! Quickly he turns around, before realizing that that was a bad idea. You see, Ciel's next attack was kick at medium height, meant to strike the hip nerves and bring him down on one knee. Because Dave was halfway done with turning around the strike hit him somewhere more… unfortunate. Much more unfortunate.

With a soft whimper he falls on the ground, clutching his poor lower region that has been assaulted twice today. Even Ciel starts to feel pity for the boy, quickly finishing the match so that he doesn't have to keep suffering.

Professor Schwarzen ends the match, declaring Scorpio as the winner. Ciel walks back to her team, who are glad to see their friend obtain victory. Especially Ruby is happy, this being the first time she's seen Ciel take care of an entire team by herself. Ruby walks up to congratulate her friend, but Ciel prevents her from doing so:

"Ruby, that shot was unnecessary. I could've handled it myself."

"I… sorry?" Ruby doesn't understand why Ciel is acting like this. Sure, Ciel is stoic and introverted, but she isn't usually this unhappy. Did Ruby do something wrong? Ruby tries to get a better answer from Ciel, but she now tells Ruby not to worry about it.

Ruby can't do much with this. Ciel may be acting a bit weird now, but it's nothing major in Ruby's opinion. School doesn't wait for her, so Ruby spends the rest of the day like usual.

The next day school starts with Dust Studies. Each Wednesday morning professor Soong teaches the class about how dust can be utilized, and how it can improve life both for a huntsman and for an ordinary person.

If anything can be said about this teacher then it's that he is probably the person closest to the Atlesian ideal human. Formal, logical, no sense of humor at all, insists that people use his military title ("I am to be addressed as Lieutenant Commander Soong.") and worst of all, he delivers his lessons so dryly that it's a complete borefest. Worst of all, this also reflects in the grades of his classes:

"I have the results of the previous test here. I must say with great disappointment that the students of this year have performed greatly below expectations. I was expecting better from you."

While most of the class saw this coming, some of the students do let out their annoyance with shouts like "Ugh." or "Come on!"

Soong tilt his head in confusion, not understanding the anger of his grumbling students. "But it is simply an observation of fact. These tests are designed in such a way that a class of first year students should get an average grade of sixty-seven percent. You have a combined average of sixty-one."

The lieutenant commander quickly stops this line of conversation as he allows the students the possibility to review their own test. Luckily for Soong Dust Studies is a mandatory course. He can simply hand out the papers per team, calling the leader of each team to come and get the results. Carrot, Jasmine, Regal, a bunch of others… Scorpio gets named as well. Weiss walks to the front of the room, taking the four test sheets belonging to her team. Ruby anxiously awaits her grade, and nervously snatches her own test out of Weiss' hand when she returns. Please, let it be good…

…

78. That's… a lot better than expected, given what Soong said. Ruby lets out a sigh of relief, before turning to her teammates to see what they got. Penny holds up her own test, showing off an aced test with a perfect 100. Weiss, while disappointed that she lost to Penny on her best subject, can't be too unhappy with her 97. Ciel has also scored higher than Ruby, with an 84. Though, considering that she's clenching her sheets so tightly that they're becoming wrinkled makes it seem like Ciel is unhappy with her grade.

Ruby takes another look at her 78, it still feeling weird. None of her old friends at Signal would believe that the biggest nerd of the preparatory combat school is now having the lowest scores amongst her team. Then again, her team is probably the smartest freshmen team in Atlas. A combination of talent and drive nurtured by proper study sessions overseen by a methodical Schnee, it comes as no surprise that all members get superior grades. If the groans and sad faces from the other teams are any indication, then Ruby's grade might beat that of anyone not in her team.

However, that doesn't mean that Ruby shouldn't try to improve her own score. Ruby looks over her own test, trying to see what her mistakes were. 4b is an understandable mistake; 5a and b has a few calculation errors, hence why she only got half points for each; And 7b… oh boy, in hindsight that was a foolish answer. Ruby is glad that the professor can't give out negative points; And 9a… eh? Why is this wrong?

9a is something that needs clarification for Ruby, preferably from someone who got that question right. "Hey Weiss, can I see your answer sheet?" Ruby's partner has no problem with that, having long since seen the error in the one question she had wrong.

Ruby checks her answer with that of Weiss, which makes her doubt her teacher's grading. Ruby calls the lieutenant commander over, who walks up to the young huntress-in-training.

"What is your question, miss Rose?"

"Ah yes, I've got one about 9a, 'Functionality of a lighting system'." Ruby explains how the 'correct' answer requires you to write down that lightning dust causes an electric charge in a long strand of tungsten, which causes it to heat up and glow. However, Ruby wrote down fire dust instead of lightning dust, causing her to receive zero points. "But can't fire dust be used as well to heat up the tungsten?"

"That is true." Lieutenant commander Soong agrees, but still cannot accept Ruby's answer as anything but wrong: "However, fire dust turns out to be impractical for lighting. To keep a light burning continuously on fire dust requires thrice as much fuel as using the same process with lightning dust. Therefore, I marked down your answer as wrong."

"But the question asks only about how the lighting we see works." Ruby retorts "You didn't ask for the most common or efficient method."

"You… are not wrong." Soong must admit his student's creativity, which is deserving of at least some recognition. "While I cannot give full points for this answer, it doesn't deserve the zero points that you received for this question."

Soong takes the answer sheet back and makes a few new scribbles on them before handing it back. Ruby's grade has just been improved, and Ruby can't help but show it off to her team:

A 79.

It's not much, but Ruby smugly accepts that as a victory.

The rest of the day is mostly normal. After Soong's Dust Studies in the morning came professor Shade's history lessons. Today's lessons were about the Winter Battle of Vytal, one of Atlas' greatest victories during the great war.

Valean and Vacuan forces counterattacked the Atlesian soldiers with the hope of retaking Atlas' beachhead to the continent of Sanus. Though the Atlesians were outnumbered almost three to one they managed to hold out for more than a hundred days, Atlesian casualties not even a fourth of that of the enemy. While professor Shade puts the focus of the lesson on the quality of its soldiers and how well they worked together, Ruby's focus mostly going to the legendary sniper that got over 700 confirmed kills during that battle and is still alive today. She also understands where the motto "Vytal will hold" comes from, as during the great war it did indeed hold. As far as it's up to Ruby, it will continue forever.

After history lessons were over for the day Scorpio returned to their dorm, where they ate a pasta dish of Ruby's creation. It's up to Penny and Weiss to do the dishes, leaving Ruby with just Ciel in the main room. She's busy gathering some stuff out of the wardrobe, but in Ruby opinion they can both have some fun. Ruby steps towards her teammate, making an offer that she can't refuse. Well, she can, but Ruby really hopes she doesn't!

"So… Ciel, want to play some UDOST?"

Ciel turns to Ruby, looking dispassionate as she corrects a small mistake: "Isn't it UDOCLR now?"

O yeah, there was that update where they introduced a new character. "Yeah, that. Kinda forgot about the name change. But, wanna play?"

Ruby has high expectations, but Ciel dashes them completely: "I don't have time for that now. I'm going to train some more, will be back later."

Ciel takes a bag with her sports equipment, ready to leave the dorm and hit the gym. Ruby on the other hand doesn't like that, noticing that Ciel has been behaving like this for a long time:

"But Ciel, I've seen you do nothing but work since Monday. It's fine to just have fun, you know."

"I know." Ciel replies stoically, "But not now." With that Ciel walks out of the room, leaving Ruby alone. It's clear that Ciel does not want to play, but luckily here comes a new challenger:

"Weiss!" Said person walks out of the kitchen, done with her part of the kitchen work. While it is no Ciel, Weiss will do as well! "Do you want to play some UDOCLR against me?"

"Very well, Ruby." Weiss says with wicked joy, her head clenched in victory. "Fear the almighty power of my executor. Cower as she delivers her 35-hit combo and weep as you lose half your health without being able to do anything about it!" Weiss laughs evilly, the ultimate weapon of attack she spent hours polishing to ensure she won't lose a match of UDOST against someone like Ruby or Ciel.

It is a mighty weapon indeed, though there might be a problem with that. Ruby really doesn't want to rain on Weiss' parade, but there might be a major misconception if she does nothing. "Ehm, Weiss, did you read the patch notes from the latest updates?"

"Do I look like I have the time for that?" Weiss asks in annoyance. The annoyance quickly turns into worry, realizing that Ruby wouldn't ask that question without reason. "Wait, did something happen to my beautiful goddess of death?"

"That character's 4C has reduced recovery. You can no longer combo from that move into a Command Order."

"B-But…" Weiss replies in shock, "That would mean that my beautiful 35-hit combo…"

"Can no longer be done."

The truth breaks through to Weiss, looking sadder than Ruby has ever seen her before. Sadness quickly gives rise to anger, as she storms out of the dorm while ranting about "Dumb patch notes making unnecessary changes" and "what is the point if I can't combo into my summon?".

Ruby looks out of the door, trying to give some consolidation to her partner. "If it makes you feel any better, my favorite got nerved too, you know!"

The lack of reply tells Ruby that no, Weiss does not feel any better knowing that. Ruby goes back inside her dorm, saddened to have nobody to play her game with. If only there was someone to have a legendary battle wit-

"Salutations!"

"Oh. Hey Penny. Done with the cleaning already?"

"Indeed!" Penny proudly proclaims. Quickly that pride diminishes, as she tries to solve Ruby's problem: "I heard you are searching for an opponent in UDOCLR. I am happy to tell you that I am combat ready!"

"Eh…" O no, not the dreaded fighting game monster. Using android precision during a fighting game is cheating!

…

While Ruby would like to say that, she can't get it over her heart to discriminate against Penny like that. "I suppose?"

"Accepted!" Penny shouts out happily, enjoying time to spend on fun activities with her friend. "Come, friend Ruby. Let us play many matches against each other!"

"Yes…" Ruby silently says, mourning her win/loss ratio in advance.

After Ruby suffers an evening of infinite loss Weiss returns to the dorm, having spend her time in the library to "Preparing a crimson sword to replace that unnecessarily nerfed rapier". Or in other words, she spent hours practicing on a new character. To Ruby's dismay, she wasn't interested in playing yet, leaving Ruby to suffer more losses against Penny. It is getting close to midnight when this slaughter ends, about the same time when an exhausted Ciel returns. Someone has been training continuously if you look that drained of energy.

If you're that tired, it's clearly time for bed. And honestly, so is Ruby. Playing this long against Penny made her exhausted as well, and there's still class tomorrow. Everyone goes to bed, some like Ruby and Weiss directly and others like Ciel and Penny with a book. Today was fun, but now it's time to go and face tomorrow. They've got a whole day of class ahead of them.

Another night of sleep later, and Ruby prepares herself for another day of school. First combat class in the morning, and metallurgy studies in the afternoon with Penny while the SC part sticks with economics.

Today Ruby is the first out of bed. Weiss and Ciel are still asleep, and Penny is… honestly, Ruby has no idea. Is she in some kind of standby mode, or do androids dream? If so, do they count electric sheep to fall asleep? Is it something completely different? Ruby would like the answer to that someday. Ruby stretches herself out, heading to the kitchen to start breakfast.

Ruby opens the kitchen door but stops as she hears some noise from behind her. Turning back Ruby sees that Ciel has stepped out of bed as well. Although, Ruby isn't sure if Ciel is still half asleep. There are bags under her eyes, her gait is swaying, and every step looks like it takes Ciel all her ability to make.

Yeah, that can't be right. "Ciel?" Ruby asks with worry. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Of course, Ruby." Ciel replies in mostly her normal tone. "I'm at full health."

Ciel giving such a confirmation would normally be a good sign, were it not for one tiny little thing: "…you're talking to the lamppost, Ciel. I'm over here."

"O-Of course," Ciel answers with surprise as she turns towards Ruby. "I knew that."

"…and now you're talking to the window. Ciel, I don't think that you're fine."

"Nonsense." Ciel replies as she wobbly makes her way to the bathroom. "I can't not be fine." She takes another step to the bathroom, panting as she does so. "I've got to be fine. I've got to… be…" Ciel missteps and collapses on the ground, not making any attempt to cushion her fall.

"Ciel?" Ruby's worry intensifies immensely at seeing her teammate fall. Ruby rushes over, gently shaking her teammate to try and wake her up.

There's no response.

"Ciel!"

The exam period at Beacon is over, and life for Vibrant is going its way once more. Their leader, Yang, is glad that there's no more learning for now. She's at a huntsmen school for crying out loud! She's here to learn how to fight, not fight her learning!

At least Yang passed every exam, albeit the theoretical courses she mostly passed by the skin of her teeth. Professor Oobleck did point out that she would've failed history if she had one more question wrong. No, Yang prefers the hands-on courses any day of the week, like professor Goodwitch' combat training or professor Mulberry's weapon crafting and upkeep.

Then again, there's one theoretical course for which Yang gets some pretty good grades, which is also the same course that she's currently having a lesson in:

"As you can see, class, for the first ten seconds of combat you mainly utilize the phosphates in your body to make quick and sudden movements."

Thumbelina Peach, professor of Biology, is currently explaining to her class about the different energy pathways of the human body and how they affect you. "Your body will start to burn through the glycogen stored in your muscles after that. This will last you for about the next two minutes."

Professor Peach is using a pointer stick to bring everyone's attention to a graph that's been projected on the wall behind her. Though the projector projects low enough that Yang could probably have used her hand, the professor's lack of height means that she sorely needs it. As far as Yang knows the only adult person who could give professor Peach a run for her money in a shortness competition is that henchwoman of Torchwick. Professor Peach doesn't care much about her height, or lack thereof, as she continues to explain today's lesson to the class:

"Thus far your body has been burning through its energy mostly anaerobically. This means that if you want to, you could even do this without breathing. But around the two-minute mark your body will start to switch to burning its energy aerobically, which is why you start to pant from continuous exercise. For the first minutes of aerobic energy conversion you're mostly burning your sugars. For the next twenty-five minutes after that you start to burn your fat as well as your sugars, and if you continuously exercise for even long than that you start to mostly burn fat. In other words, if you seek to lose weight after eating too many sweets you should try to do long bouts of exercise instead of multiple short bouts."

It may seem quite weird that Yang chose biology as part of her courses, but the reason she chose it is quite simple: It was the least bad option available to her. For this time slot there are three courses available to first-year students: Professor Greene's stealth course, math class from professor Bean and of course professor Peach' biology class.

Stealth class is out for obvious reasons. While Yang would like to stick with rest of her team who all chose this course, stealth is not exactly her forte. Scratch that, stealth is pretty much the antithesis of Yang. She's loud and goes in guns ablaze, consequences be damned.

As for the other two courses, it came down to the teacher. While Jack Bean is a good friend of her father and a funny person who is amazing at making people laugh, his skills as a teacher are… less good. Professor Bean tends to mumble and stutter a lot, and honestly would've been better off if he stuck to field work. Hence why Yang prefers to stick with Peach, and it shows. Professor Peach is a great teacher, able to clearly explain her subject material. She never gives too much homework, but what she gives is challenging enough that Yang learns from doing it. A good teacher helps greatly with getting good grades, but there's something else that helps Yang with this grade. Although it's not so much a something as a someone.

"Ehm, professor?" To be more precise, it's Jaune Arc. The only other member of Vibrant and Juniper who joined Yang at Biology and is quite good at it. "Does aura have any effect on this… energy burning?"

"A good question, mister Arc, and one I'm going to explain next."

Another question of Jaune that shows that he's trying hard to get better in this course. Yang must admit that while Jaune may be bad at combat, he's quite capable when it comes to theoretical courses. Which means that it's entirely possible that in a direct duel between the two leaders Yang would lose. And if that would happen, Vernal would tease her for days. Yeah, that can't happen, so biology is one of the courses for which Yang tries her hardest!

"Now everything I've just said goes for someone without aura." Professor Peach explains what Jaune was asking about, as a new line appear on the graph that the professor is showing. "But aura allows our bodies to compensate for a lack of oxygen. We can consume the energy in glycose anaerobically through our aura, allowing us to extend our physical abilities beyond what our bodies can provide. However, as this consumes both aura and energy quickly it's still important to obtain a solid base strength from training your body and use this technique only when necessary."

Ah, so that's how that process works. Yang prefers her uncle's explanation from back at signal, which had a lot less biological mumbo-jumbo: "If you just need that extra boost, just feel like you're burning your aura as fuel." Though since this is likely to be on any future test, Yang tries her best to summarize this in her notebook.

The lesson goes on and on as professor Peach switches from topic to topic, until after what seems like an excruciatingly long time the school bell finally sounds. With class over it's time to pack up the bags and go to the cafeteria to grab some dinner. Or at least, that's what Yang wants to do. Before she can leave the classroom Jaune grabs her shoulder. Turning towards the other blonde Yang asks her friend what's up.

"Ehm, Yang?" Jaune fidgets around, uncertain how to bring this up. "Can I ask for some… well, advice, from leader to lead-No, from friend to friend?"

"Sure!" Why would Yang refuse a friend in need? Together they walk out of the Biology room and back to the cafeteria, as Jaune explains his problem:

"Okay, Yang? You're quite… active, aren't you?"

"…Yeah?" Yang isn't quite sure what Jaune means with that, but in general she's quite extraverted. What Jaune says next only confuses Yang even more:

"I mean, I've seen you ogle other guys, and you tend to flirt with them, you've got those boy ba-"

"Oh Jaune~," Yang interrupts, a fake smile plastered on her face. "I suggest you think long and hard about how you finish that sentence." Because while it's probably his awkwardness speaking, he's coming pretty close to calling Yang something as degenerative as a slut.

"R-Right!" When Yang starts to get irritated it's probably best to get straight to the point. "What I mean to say is, you are a girl who knows what she wants from a guy asking her out. And… and I need help with asking a girl out."

Oh, is that so? Now that is interesting information! Jaune wants to get a girlfriend, which is kinda cute in its own way. Yang can't help but tease her friend about it.

"Why Jaune, you're that interested in me?" Yang grabs Jaunes arm and purposefully holds a bit too close to her own body. "I do expect you to take great care of me, okay?"

"N-N-No!" Jaune says all flustered. "I-It's not you. I mean, you're a nice girl, and it's not like you're not hot, but, well, ehm…" Jaune can't help but keep inserting his foot into his mouth, being quite inexperienced in these kinds of things. Yang lets out a laugh at her friend's discomfort, but quickly decides that enough is enough as he lets Jaune go:

"Don't worry Jaune, I'm not into you like that either. But no matter who the lucky girl is, I'll help you out." As Yang says that one exception does enter her mind: "Except if you're going for the Bellabooty, she's occupied."

"I'm not after Blake, Yang." Jaune replies calmly. Since he's not flustered over his own reply it's clear that Jaune/Blake isn't a thing here. "Besides, she isn't my type."

With an answer like that Yang can obviously only give one question in return: "Then who is your type, Jauney-boy?"

"…" Jaune refuses to answer that question. Initially. After some continuous prodding from Yang he relents, mumbling it out under his breath: "…ponytails."

"Ponytails?" Yang replies slightly confused. "Your type is ponytails?"

"Yes, ponytails." Jaune replies in annoyance. "I just think that girls who tie up their hair in a ponytail look really hot. I'm just not certain if the girl I like will accept someone like me."

Wait, does this mean that Pyrrha has a chance? In that case Yang need to make sure that Jaune goes for broke! "Just go for it, Jaune. I'm certain that she'll appreciate the gesture."

"Really?" It sounds too easy for Jaune, Yang's claim of how easy it is not boosting his confidence. Yang can see this as well, so she gives him a few more tips:

"But if you want to improve your chances with her, just try to keep in mind when and how you confess." Yang gives a short explanation to Jaune about how he should approach her when she isn't busy and propose in such a way that she would enjoy yet also play on Jaune's strong suits.

Jaune mulls it over, thinking about his possibilities. "Well, my sisters did teach me how to sing and dance. I suppose I can implement that."

"And there you go!" Yang says as she slaps her fellow leader on the back, "You've found your way to success. Now go get her, bunny boy!"

"Yeah!... hey!" Jaune is slightly annoyed at Yang for calling him by that embarrassing nickname, but he can't really be angry. She did do her best to help him with ensuring that he gets his date, after all.

The two leaders go to the cafeteria, where the rest of their teams are awaiting the members coming from biology class. After a rather uneventful dinner team the two team go back to their own dorms, where everything quickly settles into its natural rhythm.

Tonight is "do whatever you want night" here in Vibrant's dorm, with each member of the team doing something for themselves: Blake is reading a book, Ilia is reading a book as well and Vernal is satisfied with watching her partner play some fighting game. On the holographic screen of their room Vernal sees a blonde girl with large fist weapons fighting some guy in his late twenties with a giant scythe. Considering that the former's health bar is three times as small as that of the latter, it's clear that the scythe guy is winning. A good thing in Vernal's eyes, as that's the character that Yang is not playing.

The longer this match goes on the more frustrated Yang gets, much to the amusement of Vernal. With each passing second the chance for Yang's victory decreases, until eventually a whiffed throw results in Yang being punished with a knock-out. With a short but loud scream Yang lets out her frustration at losing for the fourth time in a row.

With the match over Vernal sees this as the perfect opportunity to throw in a barb at Yang: "Got to hand it to this 'DrunkleQrow', he sure knows how to kick your ass."

Instead of giving an angry reply back Yang just accepts it as the truth. "Yep, I'll admit that uncle Qrow is still better than me." Considering that he's the one who got the rest of his family into playing the game, it should come as no surprise that Yang's uncle is the more experienced one. "You think you can do better, Vernal?"

"I'll pass." No need to try something when you know it will fail. "I've never had time for these games, trying to win without experience is pure folly."

At hearing this Yang looks a bit surprised, before looking at Vernal with mock pity. "You poor thing, not having the pleasure of ever playing UDOST before. Looks like it's time to rectify that!"

"How about no?" Vernal says annoyedly, "I don't have the want nor the need to play these childish games with you. Besides, like hell it would be a fair fight against you."

"Oh?" Yang says with a devilish smirk as she holds up her pointer fingers. "Then how about I give myself a handicap? I'll only use these two fingers to beat you."

"There got to be limits to your arrogance, Yang." Vernal says with a shrug before flashing a wicked grin, "You're on!"

Before Yang and Vernal can challenge each other at the game they're interrupted by the sound a guitar. All members of Vibrant look to the source of the sound, which surprisingly seems to come from outside the window. As the person closest to the glass Blake closes her book and opens the window, trying to identify the sound.

Upon opening the window Blake looks outside. first straight ahead, then down, and then to the side. The last one causes her eyes to go wide in surprise as she jumps back, unable to believe what she was just seeing.

The rest of team Vibrant is surprised as well. Did Blake just jump back in surprise? This mystery had Yang's curiosity, but now it has her attention!

The culprit of the musical makes himself visible as he steps from the ledge onto the windowsill: Jaune Arc, with guitar in hand. Upon seeing Jaune Yang is both surprised and a bit impressed. Yang knows that you could potentially climb up the Beacon dorms thanks to the ledges attached to the building, but she didn't expect Jaune to do so single-handedly.

"Ilia~," Jaune starts to sing, as it becomes clear to Yang what her fellow team leader is trying to do. Looking over to her teammate Yang can understand why Jaune is going after the ponytailed Ilia. "Amitola~."

"Yes?" Ilia says cautiously, still not understanding what Jaune is trying to do. Yang shakes her head, feeling a bit of pity that Ilia doesn't understand when a guy is interested in her.

Jaune takes Ilia's answer as a confirmation to continue his ballad. Stringing the snares of his guitar he sings his heart out for Ilia: "Forget Friday's academia~, and join me to the opera~, with afterwards some pi-izza~."

Ilia doesn't react to this confession, looking unsure what to think of it. Jaune on the other hand looks like an eager puppy, awaiting a hopefully positive reply.

Ilia walks up to Jaune, a devilish smile on her face as she suggestively puts a hand on Jaune's chest. A shocked Jaune looks at what is going on in front of him. This is not what he expected at all, exceeding his expectations. Could it be that he's going farther than expected? Jaune makes a big gulp, cautiously liking where this is going. Will Ilia accept his offe-

"No." And with that Ilia not-so-gently pushes Jaune out of the window, solving the issue.

"But why~?" Credit where credit's due, but Jaune deserves some points for keeping on playing while he's falling.

*Crash*

"Ouch~." And apparently as well as after crashing. Someone's really dedicated to this plan.

Yang feels a bit bad for Jaune. Sure, it's easy to understand why Ilia is annoyed; Furthermore, someone with aura shouldn't be seriously hurt from a fall from three high. Still, Ilia's rejection was rather cold. Yang walks up to the window to look how Jaune's doing and is glad to find her friend already patting off leaves and twigs that got stuck to his body after crashing into a bush. Upon seeing Yang Jaune weakly waves, still saddened that his date plan failed. Yang empathizes with him, and offers him some encouraging words:

"Don't give up, Jaune! You'll have better luck next time!"

4 days later:

Yang regrets her words. She greatly regrets saying "Don't give up, Jaune! You'll have better luck next time" because he took her words to heart. Yang is looking at another attempt from Jaune to woo Ilia as a result.

This time Jaune tries his luck by saying it with dance. Yeah, this is new. It's the first time Yang has seen what amounts to a confession dance, but in all honesty Jaune's dancing quite well. Then again, kick step kick step body roll is not exactly rocket science.

Jaune's dancing this time takes place in the hallway, having positioned himself in such a way that Ilia can't enter the dorm unless she moves past him. The other members are already in the dorm, having a good view of Jaune's latest attempt. Yang is enjoying the show, Blake looks slightly weirded out and Vernal is busy with recording this dance just in case she has the need to show future Jaune his past embarrassments. Then again, it isn't just Jaune who Vernal feels the need to embarrass:

"You know Yang, I believe you're to blame for Ilia's suffering."

Yang can't deny her involvement, though she can't take full blame. "Hey, this is on him. I just told him he would have better luck next time."

"In other words, you told Jaune to persist in his actions." Blake points out, siding with Vernal on this one. "Well, he persisted."

Yang can't deny that, even if this went way out of hand. "I may have said that, but he clearly took it the wrong way." What Yang was expecting was for Jaune to maybe try again in a week or two to another ponytailed girl, not to do something like this: "This is the first time I've seen someone confess five times to the same girl in five days."

The other two nod at that, also unfamiliar with a guy being this desperate to get his girlfriend. Vernal lets out a snort, as she is clearly enjoying watching Jaune fail miserably. "I didn't expect I would ever see this bag of good and bad confessions failing in such rapid succession."

Blake is astonished, surprised with one part that Vernal said: "You though he had good confessions?"

Vernal thinks it over again, and makes a small rectification: "Okay, yeah. It was mostly bad. I would say Jaune had one good confession, and everything else was terrible."

Yang is shocked as well by what Vernal is saying. "A good confession? Seriously?"

"I'm not kidding." Considering that Vernal is lacking her wicked smile, she probably is telling the truth here. "If someone confessed to me like Jaune did on Tuesday I would at least give that person a chance."

Ah yes, the confession on Tuesday. That event is still fresh in Yang's memory:

Tuesday started off well. Ruby called and told Yang that her team would be participating in the Vytal tournament. Yang is immensely proud of her baby sister, and of course seeks to do so as well. Though Yang isn't that worried about Vibrant's spot, she can't bring home the same good news until the qualifiers that are in more than a month. Beacon sure is using its time as host to pick its candidates at the last possible moment.

No, Yang can't do more about that beyond doing well in classes. So too for today's first lesson, Grimm Studies from professor Port. While the course itself is fun (Port lets you fight grimm, which is awesome!) it has surprisingly hard exams, not helped by Peter's tendency to veer off-course from the subject with his stories.

These problems of Port don't look to be solved anytime soon. Today he explained about the differences between an Ursa and an Ursa Major. Or should have were it not for the lesson quickly turning into a story about how he slew a massive horde of Ursa grimm.

"Now then," Port continues, recognizing that he's almost out of time for today's lesson. "you should now be able to understand what the differences are between an Ursa and an Ursa Major like a true huntsman. Then, let's see which one of you belongs to that category."

A few people try to raise their hands, Yang included, but Peter quickly makes his decision:

"Hmm… miss Amitola, how about you come down to show your skill against my latest hunt?"

Ilia doesn't understand why she was chosen, but reluctantly accepts. Ilia leaves the classroom to dress in her combat outfit while Port brings out the massive cage. Of course, with a member from Vibrant fighting the rest of the team can't sit still.

"You've got the goods, Blake?" Yang's question gets a nod from Blake, who brings up her schoolbag. Out of it she grabs a couple of flags, each inscribed with the letters VYBA in the vibrant colors of the rainbow. Yang still has no idea where and when Blake made those, but they do make cheering for your teammate a lot more fun.

Each member of the team grabs a flag, even Vernal is (albeit somewhat reluctantly) waving them when Ilia reenters the room, dressed for battle. The entirety of Vibrant is cheering on their friend. Especially Blake is enthusiast, waving the flag back and forth as if her life depends on it: "Ilia, fight well!"

Ilia acknowledges the support but puts her focus on the upcoming battle. She draws Lightning Lash, its tip aimed at the cage. Ilia is ready for what's inside, which Port notices:

"Let the match begin!" With a single slash from his weapon Blowhard the door to the cage is opened, from which an Ursa Major bursts forth.

Compared to a normal Ursa this variant has a lot more plating and armor, which is also thicker and harder than normal. Most attacks would be shrugged off, the Ursa Major ignoring them until it can perform a devastating counter. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule: When you're in a state like Yang was back in Forever Fall you have enough power to just break through the armor.

Ilia doesn't have the strength to simply power through. In fact, purely from a strength perspective she is probably the weakest of Vibrant. Ilia's expertise lies more in stealth and nimbleness, able to capitalize on the carelessness of her unwitting opponents to deliver quick takedowns. Against a big lumbering beast like this Ursa Major that won't do her any good.

Ilia therefore takes a plan of action more suited to her: Dodging the heavy attacks from the grimm Ilia uses the blade form of her weapon to take stabs at the weak spots of the Ursa Major. Neck, armpits, elbows, knees. Each hit on itself isn't that strong, each sting only slightly inconveniencing the beast. Even so, it's not ineffective: Each hit makes the grimm more tired, just a little bit with each stab. Stab after stab is delivered, making the situation more and more precarious for the beast. It couldn't hit Ilia in its prime condition, let alone now with several stab wounds. It may be a powerful grimm that's the size of a truck, it's too slow compared to the nimble Ilia.

Two minutes of this cat and mouse game pass, as Ilia systematically hits all the weak spots of the beast. This way of combat is way too slow and methodical for someone as hot-headed as Yang, but she can see how effective it is: The Ursa Major is running on fumes, its attacks slow and imprecise. Ilia on the other hand is still in prime condition, not even hit once by this beast. Yang looks at her scroll, displaying the aura gauge of her teammates: While that of the non-combatants is obviously still at maximum, Ilia is still at 96 percent. Ilia only lost aura when she burnt some for some of the uncanny dodges she made, the only thing that prevents a perfect victory.

Ilia doesn't care about that as she continues to observe the opponent. After a few more stabs Ilia sees that her opponent is no longer in a state to fight. In other words, now is the time to finish this!

Ilia stabs the Ursa Major in the neck once more but doesn't retract her blade. The grimm notices this as well and makes one last-ditch effort to kill Ilia. Both claws are raised up high to bring them down on the enemy, hoping to at least settle for mutual defeat.

Of course, Ilia doesn't plan to give the Ursa Major that satisfaction. Lightning Lash turns into its whip form, as Ilia uses the momentum from the grimm's movement to swing around the beast. Lightning Lash is now completely entangled around the Ursa Major's neck, strangling it. The beast is given no time to react, as Ilia uses the trigger on her weapon to send bursts of electricity around and into the grimm's neck. Being fried by electricity is the limit for the beast. Its eyes turn lifeless and it falls to the ground, dead and utterly defeated.

Thus, the grimm returns to the nothingness. Although, nothingness? Surprisingly enough there's this metal capsule that's been dropped to the floor, seemingly coming from the decaying corpse of the Ursa Major. Ilia is not the only one who noticed it, as Port sees this as well:

"Hmm? Well now, what do we have here? Miss Amitola, perhaps you investigate this mysterious object?"

Ilia does as she is told and goes over to the capsule. As she walks over to the capsule professor Port gives a large wink in team Juniper's direction, out of the faunus' sight. It begins to dawn for Yang that that wink is probably meant for Jaune, which means that that capsule might originate from him

Ilia has by now picked up the capsule and found out that it splits apart into two halves. Inside of it is a folded-up piece of paper. To complete her investigation she unfolds and reads what's written on it. About ten seconds in and Ilia looks annoyed enough that Yang is surprised her skin hasn't turned yellowish green from disgust. She isn't far off from blowing that lid, as her freckles are already taking on that hue.

Ilia does her best to stay calm, tearing the paper in halves before loudly proclaiming her refusal. She stomps out of the classroom, leaving a disappointed Jaune and an amused Port:

"Ohoh, feisty!"

Confession through Ursa Major. Honestly, Yang didn't even know that it is possible to stuff objects inside of a grimm. Though, what still surprises her the most is that Vernal likes this kind of confession. It's weird, and Yang can't help but ask her partner why she would like to receive such a confession. Vernal is more than willing to explain:

"Who wouldn't want such a confession? First you show that you're skilled enough to capture such a grimm. Then you show your knowledge of grimm anatomy and medical skills by stowing away the capsule without impairing the grimm's movement. Then you hunt the beast together with your loved one, showing your teamwork." Vernal can't help but be impressed with the ingenuity of this confession's design, seeing more and more good points in it: "It's like you're saying: 'This capsule proves that I'm a capable person who possesses the skills a partner should have. Therefore, select me as your partner.'"

"And thus, marriage starts." Yang says with a shrug, somewhat understanding where Vernal comes from. It's a bit too much focused on what you can gain rather than true love, but what can be expected from someone taught by a runaway mom?

"It's not worth immediate marriage," Vernal says with a small smile, "but I think that person at least deserves a date to show off."

That intrigues Blake a bit, as she shows a small smile at something that Vernal is implying. "But I believe it was Professor Port who caught the Ursa Major and put it inside the grimm."

"Ohh," Yang says with a grin. "Peter Port and Vernal Branwen does sound like a beautiful couple. So, when's the date?"

"N-No, absolutely not!" Vernal looks with absolute disgust and embarrassment at the thought of going on a date with that old fatty. Maybe she needs to sharpen her rules a little bit: "New requirement: That person must be of student age."

The other members of Vibrant inside the room let out a small laugh at Vernal, before dropping the topic. Now that Yang knows what her partner's best confession was, she also wants to know the opposite: "Then what confession was the worst, Vernal?"

"If I had to call a confession bad, then there was his confession on Wednesday." Vernal recalls it vividly, "That one was… weird."

Team Vibrant was relaxing in their dorm after another day of school. When they hear someone pounding on the door it's obvious to all who it is.

"Hey Ilia, your boyfriend's calling!" Vernal mockingly calls out to Ilia. The faunus lets out a groan and walks up to the door, wanting to get this over with. Upon opening the door Ilia is immediately overwhelmed by music, as a sombrero wearing Jaune is playing his guitar again:

"Ilia, do you want to go with me~? Next Sunday to go watch a new movie~!"

However, this time there's more music then just Jaune's guitar: Behind him stands team Cardinal, each wielding an instrument: Cardin has a pair of maracas, Russel's playing the bass, Dove's playing the violin and Sky's on the trumpet. And each of them is wearing a large sombrero on their head. Each member of team Vibrant stares at the absurdity at the other side of the door, trying to catch a better glimpse of Jaune's Vacuo-styled mariachi band.

"I can promise a good time for us two~!" Yang got to hand it to Jaune's, his song is surprisingly catchy. Also, familiar. Though the name eludes Yang, she's pretty sure that they've adapted a modern song into mariachi style. "It will be great, yes, throu-ough and through~!"

Ilia's response is a slammed door to the face.

"How did he get Cardin of all people to agree to help him?" Yang wonders out loud. Blake on the other hand has a different question:

"I would like to know why he thought that involving Cardinal was a good idea."

"You and me both, Blake."

Vernal on the other hand does have an inkling why Jaune asked Cardinal: "I've had a chance to ask that Lark guy about it. Something about a 'bro code' or so, how real men help one another out."

"That would explain yesterday, yes." Blake muses, realizing that it also clears up what happened on Thursday:

Once more team Vibrant was in their dorm when someone pounds on the door. It comes as no surprise to any of them who that is, as a somewhat angered Ilia stomps towards the door. Instead of opening the door Ilia stands in front of it, stoically calling out to the other person first to make sure that she isn't making a colossal mistake here: "Jaune?"

"Yes?" Jaune's voice resounds from the other side. It's rather hopeful for someone who is probably going to be rejected again. Ilia doesn't want to waste time like yesterday, so she gives her ultimatum to Jaune:

"I'm closing the door the moment you start to sing."

It stays silent for a second or two, before Jaune gives his promise that at least for today he won't sing. Ilia accepts that and opens the door. As she does so Ilia is almost blasted back by the sound of metal that's flowing through the doorway, courtesy of Jaune:

"I shout! Just like that famous band SMOOCH!" Jaune is playing an electric guitar this time, but most unique is the white and black facemask he's wearing. Just like he said, it's exactly like the ones worn by that rock band SMOOCH. Or as it is known to Yang, the Lunatic Jester Brigade. "Why though?! Cause I want to ask you out!"

The rest of Jaune's band consists of the members of Cardinal: Cardin on the drums, Russel and Dove on the bass and violin once more, and Sky has an electric guitar as well. Unlike Jaune they're not crazy enough to wear facemasks in the style of the Lunatic Jester Brigade, but they seem to be having fun just playing in their little band. Jaune continues with his confession in the meantime:

"Ilia! Let's go to the water park! Sunday! Is the day we will depar-"

*SLAM*

Ilia is not having any of that. Without remorse she slams the door in Jaune's face, which causes an abrupt end to the music.

"Oh, come on!" Jaune shouts out in frustration. He thought he was really doing well with this number.

"Well, Jauney-boy, looks like this was another dud for you." Cardin can be heard through the door, and while the quartet of Vibrant can't see him it sounds like he's trying to console Jaune. I tell ya, you should give up on that cold-hearted skank."

"But look on the bright side, Jaune." Dove tries to comfort the leader of Juniper as well. "At least something good came out of this."

"What?" Jaune asks, the despair in his voice audible. Cardianl understands his teammate, and says it out loud for his team:

"Because Four Direction is now in action, baby! Let's go rock the academy, guys!"

The overwhelming cheers from the rest of Cardinal can be heard through the door, the voice of Jaune's whimpering almost overshadowed.

Yep, it's still a weird thing to consider. Vernal is still in disbelief about what the members of CRDL did. "Team Cardinal formed a boyband. Yeah, those guys have gone completely insane."

Yang on the other hand can understand the guys a little more. "What, neither of you two ever wanted to be in a band? I still want to start one with my sister. Anyone of you interested in joining?"

"Well…" Blake says, trying to find the politest way to reject Yang. "I don't how to say this, but you are kind of-"

"We'll call it 'Puns and Roses'!" Yang interrupts, happy with her own idea and seeing no flaws with it. The other two just stare in disbelief at Yang and her terrible idea.

"And that's why that dream will never be realized." Vernal states flatly, not interested in joining.

"…that, yes." Blake considers that name to be just as bad and is a good reason to reject Yang besides her own disinterest in music.

"Man, you guys are no fun."

While Yang would like to continue talking about forming a band, Jaune's confession dance is almost over. He's up to his last move: a pirouette turns into bowing the knee, his right hand outstretched and offering a single rose to Ilia. It's a fitting romantic gesture, but Ilia is still disinterested. She walks away from Jaune and back in the direction of the library. Jaune is left hanging, much to his dismay:

"Oh, come on!" Jaune goes after Ilia, trying to do his best to get a positive reply. The rest of Vibrant watches him follow Ilia, annoyed and impressed by his tenacity. While Jaune isn't doing this out of any sense of malice, it has gone on for far too long. Someone needs to stop him before he further embarrasses himself. The members of Vibrant look amongst themselves, each wondering who is going to do this. Everyone has some reasoning, but it is Vernal who gives the decisive argument:

"She's your partner, Blake, and your long-time friend. I think you should do this."

Blake also wants to do this herself, walking out of Vibrant's dorm. "I'll find and talk to them. Later."

Yang waves off her teammate, who is going after that one-sided romance. With Blake out of sight she closes the door, leaving her alone with Vernal. Now that the two of them are alone it's time to settle old business:

"Now then, want to take me up on my offer of Monday?" Yang says as she wiggles her index fingers. "I promised to only use these two."

"Heh," Vernal snorts, "you're on!"

The VY pair proceed to play against each other at the fighting game, waiting for however long it takes the other pair to resolve their business. After a minute or twenty the door of the dorm opens again, revealing Blake. Just Blake. Yang and Vernal pause their game, putting the focus on what happened with the other pair of Vibrant.

"Hey Blake," Yang asks optimistically, "did you make sure that today was the last of bunny boy's pick-up attempts?"

"Huh?" Blake barely recognizes that there are others in Vibrant's dorm room, looking confused and unsure of herself. "Oh. Yeah. I did."

Yang and Vernal both realize that there's something wrong with Blake. While she is normally mellow and somewhat introverted, being this out of touch with the world around her is downright abnormal. Yang looks at her partner and sees that even Vernal is looking worried. Okay, yeah, if Vernal is looking like that then this just got serious. Yang takes a step forwards, prying further into what happens:

"Blake, did something happen? You look to be out of it."

"Nothing much."

"Nothing much my ass." Vernal replies, agreeing with Yang on this point. "You look like Ilia just got eaten by a Goliath. Now that I say that, where is Ilia?"

Yang would also like that question answered and asks it as well: "Yeah, where is Ilia? Did something important happen? Could you please tell us what's going on?

"I… no." Blake sighs as she lies down on her bed. "This should stay between me and Ilia."

Yang takes a seat on Blake's bed as well, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Hey, are we judgmental? Would we take this problem against you two, Blake?"

"No…"

"Then you should know that we are here to help you." Blake can't read any hostile emotions from her team leader, only worry and concern for her. "Please, trust us."

There's nothing much to say against that. Blake sighs, before disclosing what just happened:

"Ilia… Ilia's in love with me."

And today we learn that Jaune's music won't make Fifty Shades of Yellow canon. Such a pity, such a pity. Now, let's go and keep our archive up to date:

-Increase number of RWBY Chibi references from 18 to 21.
-List of the new OC expies introduced in this chapter:
Team Grape: GRAP, by RoyalPsycho
Team Luna: The LUNAverse, by Lightning-In-My-Hand
Team Jack: Chronicles of Remnant - Team JAQK, by TheTragicNoir
Lieutenant Commander Soong: Lieutenant Commander Data (Star Trek)
Professor Jack Bean: Jack (Jack and the Beanstalk), Mister Bean.

Luine Mercury LWG: Perhaps Adam can get a redemption arc?
To answer that we first need to understand Adam from his fairytale motif: A reverse Beast. A normal person transformed into a monster, but this time it's his love that keeps him stuck in that form. For him to become a person again would mean that he severs his love and focuses once more on his original goals. Redemption might be possible, but it would certainly mean the end of Tauradonna.

W8W: Wouldn't Watts' work on the King Program make him the main lead if the Queen Virus strikes?
While the King Program would obviously be a lead if the Queen Virus were to strike, in canon it was believed that such a strike requires an insider. At the current moment Watts hasn't worked for Atlas in several years, during which their CCT Towers had several upgrades. Even if Ironwood believes that the framework for the virus was based on the King Program, he would be more concerned with whomever the leak is that allows the King Program to work with Atlas' state-of-the-art systems.