Co-Written with Demons Anarchy of Pride. The creator of many fantastic masterpieces such as: Fire Emblem: Eternity Unto Reformation, Code Geass: Lelouch of the R-eset, The Crow: DxD, Highschool, DxD: Shatter Destiny, RWBY's Reaper, Code Geass: The Miraculous Birthday, Fractured Reality, Code Geass: Suzaku of the Counterattack, Devil Survivor: Destiny Rewind, and some of his new projects, such as Lagrange 111: You Are (Not) Alone, Tokyo Ghoul: A Flowered Colored Darker Than Black, and Persona 4: The Unseen Truth.

I highly recommend you check them all out.

This little project has been in our minds for quite a while now, and we are finally getting it out!

With Volume 3 of RWBY In action, the hype is stronger than ever! RWBY is LIFE! Thank you, the Great Monty Oum, for granting us this masterpiece!

A tribute to Monty Oum. A magnificent animator, a brilliant creator, and a good person. He will not be forgotten….He will NEVER be forgotten.

His work inspired many aspiring animators and graphic designers across the nation. He was their role model, the one person they strived to be like.

"I believe that the human spirit is indomitable. If you endeavor to achieve, it will happen given enough resolve. It may not be immediate, and often your greater dreams is something you will not achieve within your own lifetime. The effort you put forth to anything transcends yourself, for there is no futility even in death." -Monty Oum.

Monty Oum….may your soul rest in peace…

XXXXXXXXXX

Prologue: A New Chapter

It was done.

The fractured Dimensions were all erased.

The Miasma was held back

The Soul Purification Continues.

Humanity has passed Origin's Trial.

The Wish of the pact between Humanity and Origin had been granted, albeit at a cost. The life of one man was sacrificed to save the one most precious to him. He died so that she would live. He became the millionth catalyst to save her existence.

He sacrificed himself to ensure that she and his friends had a future.

The man, Ludger Will Kresnik, had no regrets. He left them all with a smile on his face.
And yet...

"I know that look, Origin."

Within a confined domain, filled with what looked like dark smoke, were two figures. The first was indistinguishable, the lines at the top of the head making it appear to have hair, but the eyes were missing, though it possessed a mouth. Its body was human shaped, about half as tall as the second, who was more defining. He had pale gray skin, brilliant golden eyes, and white hair, two appendages appearing to look like ears of some sort. His body was white and gray mostly, but at his elbows were elongated blades, and lacked feet.

"What's the matter?" the second being, Chronos, asked his friend. "Were you... unsatisfied with the results of the Trial?"

"No, it isn't that." Origin shook his head. "My thoughts are in regards to Ludger Will Kresnik and Julius Will Kresnik."

"Those two...?" Chronos was genuinely surprised. Why was Origin focused on the two brothers of the Kresnik bloodline? They were already dead and had granted Humanity the chance they desired. Their demise is what allowed the race to be deemed worthy of saving.

"Yes." The Great Spirit nodded. "They are two humans who sacrificed so much just to save those precious to them."

"And why exactly are you worried about those two?" he asked curiously, wanting to know why his friend was focused on those two people in particular.

"Because..." Origin said as he took two glowing white cogs into his hand. "They're continuing to resonate."

"So?" the Great Spirit of Time scoffed. "Souls here resonate when their lives have reached fulfillment. The seeker reached enlightenment when he was able to forge a bridge for his younger sibling, and the boy reached enlightenment when he saved the girl's life."

"True, but this a different form of resonance." the white being informed his companion, allowing Chronos to get a better look at it. "Do you see?"

Chronos didn't at first, but upon closer inspection, he did. Curiously, red and black sparks were forming around it, dancing wildly around the cogs. "What?" he said, completely baffled. "But, this resonance is... It cannot be."

But it was. The resonance these cogs were showing...almost signified that they were still alive.

"...I can't believe this." the Spirit muttered, dragging his hand down his face. "How the hell is this possible?"

"It just is, Chronos."

"It doesn't make sense, Origin." The Deity of Time stated. "Those two have already fulfilled their roles."

"Maybe in this world, yes. But in another...is an entirely different story."

"Another... Oh, for the love of..." Chronos groaned. "What is it with Kresniks with other worlds? Honestly!"

"You are just upset because this has happened before in the dimension with the three factions." Origin piped up.

"That was NOT supposed to happen, and you know it!" the Great Spirit of Time argued. "Their purposes should have been fulfilled, and yet somehow, they still managed to exist, and in that world of all places!"

"Heehee..."

"W-what are you laughing about?"

"C was right, Chronos." Origin giggled in his hand. "You're becoming more and more human by the day."

"Tch!" Chronos turned away in frustration. Now C was talking about him like this too? Why did this have to happen?! All because those two kept on reviving in different worlds. Not just the one with the Red Dragon Emperor, but also in the world that possesses the power of Geass.

"Relax, Chronos, it's a good thing."

"And pray tell, how?" he growled. "Anyway... where did they end up this time?"

Origin held up the spinning gears. The Great Spirit of Time leaned in, analyzing them carefully before his eyes widened.

"...of all the rotten luck..."

"Well, you could say that..." Origin mused with a neutral frown. "...They will definitely have their work cut out for them in this world. After all, not just humans will be tested for their worth, but an equal race as well..."

"In a world filled with those soulless creatures no less..."

"...you know, Origin," Chronos remarked. "When we made the Trial, it was meant to see if humans were capable of truly anything but selfish beings... but this?" he gestured to the gears that resonated with the newfound world. "This is cruel... even for us"

"Yes, but we were not like we were now." Origin said with sadness.

"I know...but even I think it is unsettling." The Great Spirit of Time frowned. "We gave two races...who generally hold nothing but envy, discrimination, and spite towards one another, the chance to be tested as to who will survive as the better."

"In a way, we were no better than Charles zi Britannia."

"I rather not be reminded of that bastard. It was because of him that you and C were nearly..." Chronos couldn't bring himself to finish. Just remembering it was painful enough...

"I know, Chronos." Origin nodded his head. "At any rate, this is most curious... how is it that Ludger and Julius exist in not one, but two worlds now?"

"Your guess is as good as mine..." Chronos shook his head. "Having them in the other world is enough of a headache as it is."

"Especially because of the children there?"

"Don't remind me... Please."

Origin giggled again, and then turned her attention back to the gears. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you will accomplish again... Ludger."

XXXXXXXXXX

"...whoa." was all the teen could say as he watched the world pass by him on the bulkhead, his face close to the glass. The world seemed so distant from here, flowing past several familiar places, a few of which he remembered fondly. "I wonder if this is Julius felt when he was on this?"

"...maybe..." A melodious voice said softly next to him.

The teen turned around, smiling as he nodded back. It was a young girl dressed in a light pink cardigan with a black turtleneck underneath, complete with a frilled light brown skirt and a pair of black pants underneath. At her hands were a pair of leather gloves, which were handling the parasol in her grasp. Her hair was unique, very much like her eyes, being a mix of brown, pink, and white.

"Hard to believe we're really here..." the teen said in excitement. "And after so many long days of training... We're finally on our way of becoming Huntsmen!"

"Easy there, Ludger." the girl placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. "Nice view, though."

"Definitely."

The teen nodded in eagerness. He was a tall man, taller than the girl next to him by at least a head. He had short, messy white hair that dropped a bit past his eyes with the bangs on the right side of his face were dyed black. He wore a dark blue buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Around his neck was an orange tie with a yellow cross pattern and metal cross fastened over the knot. His black slacks were held up but light brown suspenders that seemed to criss-cross up the sides of his torso. Strapped around his left thigh was a scroll case. On his right wrist was a black watch. His eyes were a bright green with a gold ring around the pupil.

"Hey, Neo... what do you think we'll see at Beacon?" the boy asked, grinning. "Just thinking about it is making me excited."

"Glad you are." Neo rolled her eyes before pointing to one of the other students. "Him? Not so much."

The teen turned to where she was pointing...and felt sorry for the guy. The guy in question had just vomited on the floor of the airship. He looked like he was not going to be recovering anytime soon...

"...I feel sorry for the guy. Motion sickness is a pretty common issue."

"Gets worse." Neo deadpanned. "Puked on her."

The teen again pointed her parasol, this time to a girl dressed in a elegant white dress with a red interior, possessing uncanny snow-white hair and equally gleaming eyes. Her face was contorted with anger, as the front of her dress was stained with green.

"...and she is?"

Neo sighed. "...Read the newspaper, Ludger." she told him. "...Snow-white is a Schnee."

"...Oh..OH..." Ludger's eyes widened for two reasons. The first finally recognizing the girl as the heiress to the Schnee Dust Corporation, as well as a renowned singer. The other is that he realized how much trouble the blonde boy was in now...

"...so," Ludger turned to Neo. "How high are the chances he's gonna get his ass kicked?"

"...meh. Sixty percent."

A resounding smack was heard a second later, followed by high pitched cries of pain.

Neo smirked, being right.

"Owch." the silver-haired teen winced. "That... had to hurt."

Neo gave a shrug before she turned around and cursed. "...crap."

"What? What's wrong?"

"Xiao Long. Twelve o'clock." she said as she whirled around. "Later."

"Eh? Wait, Neo, where are you-?" Too late. She quickly sped walked past the massive crowd of students, thereby leaving her lost. Ludger stared at where she left before scratching the back of his neck. "Good grief, what am I going to do with that girl? ...wait, did she just say?"

"LUDGES!"

"Huh? What the-OOF!"

Ludger felt the air leave his lungs from the heavy bear hug. But immediately, the white haired teen recognized who it was. He recognizes this voice and incredible strength anywhere. As his senses reoriented themselves, he saw a grinning face with long, blonde hair.

"Y-Yang...?!"

Sure enough, it was Yang Xiao Long. She was a buxom beauty with long, flowing golden hair and cold, steely blue eyes with a tight fitting brown jacket with a yellow undershirt underneath it, complete with black shorts. At her wrists were yellow bracers.

"How ya been...?! Better yet, why didn't you tell me you were enrolling in Beacon too?!" SHe grinned broadly as Ludger was slowly being crushed by the death hug.

"U-um... Yang... C-can't... breathe...!"

"Y-Yang! You're crushing him!"

Ludger's ears perked up upon recognizing a new voice. But that couldn't be...she was two years too young for Beacon...

But sure enough, said newcomer approached the duo, her face laced in concern for Ludger's well-being, knowing full well of the blonde's strength.

"R-Ruby...?"

The girl behind Yang was two years younger than them, bearing black hair with a red tint. Her attire was mostly because, sans for the red cape that fluttered behind her, as well as the monstrosity that sat at her hip.

"H-hey, Ludger..." Ruby smiled weakly at him as Yang finally let him go. The silver-haired teen gasped for air, his lungs expanding painfully. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah... Sheesh, little wonder you can't find a boyfriend, Yang. They'd run the second they either messed up your hair or get in one of your bear hugs!"

"Aw, come on!" the blonde grinned. "You know you love me!"

"Well...you are one of my best friends...so how could I not?" Ludger said as he gulped more air.

"What about me...?" Ruby pouted, not feeling the love.

"I said ONE of my best friends. You are one of my best friends too, Ruby..."

The girl grinned before Yang smacked him in the shoulder playfully. "Anyway, you should have told us you were gonna be joining Beacon!" she said, smiling. "I mean, come on! How could you not tell us?"

"Oh, you mean like you not telling me that Ruby's here too?" he asked back, raising an eyebrow. "Yang, she's two years younger than us. She should-"

"-be back at Signal, I know." Ruby sighed, scratching the back of her head. "But, ya see... I kinda..."

"Did something awesome." Yang grinned. "Okay, so listen to this!"

"Yang!"

"What? Come on, it's Ludger!"

"But-!"

"No buts!" Yang interrupted her. "Besides...I think our friend has a right to know how awesome you were the other night!"

"Huh? Other night?" The silver haired teen raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, get a load of this!" the blonde said excitedly while the girl in question had a large blush on her cheeks. "The other night, while my sister was out, she's in this dust store that's getting robbed right? they try to mugger, she kicks the crap out of them! The boss gets away, but she got to look good! AND in front of a real-live Huntress!"

"Yeah," Ruby grumbled. "One who's as cranky as Zwei when he hasn't eaten."

"...let me get this straight," Ludger said, his face emotionless. "Ruby was in the middle of a robbery... and she went and kicked their butts?"

"Thugs of one Roman Torchwick." Yang finished with a grin.

Ludger stared at Ruby for a second. Two, then three. Four seconds passed.

Then he smiled.

"And you said you couldn't make it early!"

"H-hey!" the girl blushed harder. "T-the only reason I'm even here at Beacon is because Ozpin actually had a talk with the board at Signal. It's bad enough Uncle Qrow was teasing me about it, much less Yang!"

"It's not teasing, it's praising." the brawler said. "Come on, Ruby! Do you know how many kids at Signal actually skip ahead a year?!"

"Yeah! You are one of the rare few that actually accomplished this!" Ludger added. "Ozpin must've been really impressed by what you did."

"But...It just feels so surreal. I still can't believe I'm even here..."

"Well start believing. Because the truth of the matter is that the Headmaster saw that you had what it takes to be a huntress!"

"Damn right!" Yang took her sister and hoisted her up, pulling her into a bear hug. "Oooo! I'm so excited! My baby sister's gonna be in Beacon with us!"

Ludger chuckled as he watched the two sisters interact before turning back to the excellent view. "We're finally here..." he breathed. "We're actually at Beacon..."

Finally...a new chapter was beginning for them. They had graduated from Signal Academy, and were accepted to one of the finest Academies in Remnant...Ludger was feeling both anxiety and excitement, but his eagerness outweighed his case of nerves.

"By the way..." Yang spoke up, breaking him out of his musings. "When I saw you earlier, I thought there was another person next to you before leaving..."

"Oh, that was Neo." Ludger replied before he frowned. "She left in a hurry though, for some reason."

Suddenly, Yang developed a large grin across her face. "Oho, so ice cream's here too?"

"Why do you keep calling her that?" Ruby asked. "Is it because her full name's Neapolitan?"

"maybe~"

The male sighed. "I swear, Yang..."

"Well, if you excuse me, I'm gonna get a scoop of ice cream." she winked at the two. "tootles~"

With that, she left the duo in search for a petite huntress in training. Ludger and Ruby immediately felt sorry for the Ice Cream lover when Yang got her hands on her.

"...How long do you think till Yang catches up to her?"

Ruby was about to reply when they heard Yang call out "Hey Neo!" with a scuffle following afterward.

"...That long."

Ludger sighed. "I should have kept my mouth shut."

"Well, best hope now that she doesn't come back to beat you." Ruby giggled. "Still, it's great to know you and Yang are going to be here! And Neo too!"

"Yeah." he smiled back at her. "And the view's amazing... I can only wonder how Julius felt when he was looking at this."

"Oh yeah... Your brother went to Beacon as well, didn't he?" Ruby remembered.

"That's right. He and his team graduated as one of the best."

"Really?"

"Yep." Ludger chuckled. "Team JNUS (Janus), led by Julius Will Kresnik."

"Wow! What did he think of you and Neo enrolling in Beacon?" The red hooded girl asked in curiosity.

"Well..." The white haired teen trailed off.

XXXXXXXXXX

"...Could you repeat that, Ludger?"

"It's what I said Julius..." Ludger nodded in confirmation. "Neo and I are enrolling in Beacon."

Julius Will Kresnik was a broad man, standing at a nearly imposing height with combed brown hair, a stout face with a terrifying gleam reflected in his glasses that sat on his nose. He was dressed in a pinstripe suit with a buttoned shirt and neck-tie, complete with a white coat and a black glove on his left hand.

The man stared at Ludger for the longest time, glaring right into his eyes before he sighed, pinching his nose. "...can I ask why?"

"It's just...I want to be like you, Julius!" Ludger spoke with conviction. "You are a great huntsman…even the Crown Agent of Spirius! You have taken care of me ever since we were kids…I just want to repay you for your kindness! That is why I want to be a huntsman. Neo feels the same!"

Ever since he was a young boy, Julius had been the one who cared for Ludger. He didn't know who their parents were, so Julius took it upon himself to raise Ludger , and eventually Neo as well. He didn't see Julius only as an older brother, but as a father figure and role model.

The man raised an eyebrow. "...Ludger," he sighed heavily as he stood up from his chair. "I'm not someone you want to exactly be like. Every person has done something wrong in their lives at least once, and for me... well, let's just say the amount of things I've done wrong are beyond imagination."

"B-but..."

"Although, if that's your decision, I won't stop you." Ludger looked up as his brother patted him on the head. "After all, I can't exactly baby you forever. You're already a man now, capable of making your own decisions."

"Thank you, Julius!" Ludger spoke gratefully. While he was unsure of what his brother had done in his past, he was glad he was letting him go through with this.

"Although..."

"E-eh?"

Julius put both his hands on his shoulders, giving him the most serious look he had ever seen on his face. His lips were set into a thin line, eyes boring into his. Ludger gulped, wondering what he was going to say. Was Julius going to tell him to be careful? Would he warn him about something? P-perhaps some advice...?

"...please, don't make me an uncle just yet!"

"GOD DAMMIT JULIUUUUUUUUUS!"

XXXXXXXXXX

"W-wow..." Ruby muttered, her cheeks painted lightly red. "T-that's... uh..."

"I know..." Ludger sighed in humiliation, hanging his head low. "Please... don't say it."

Ruby couldn't say much in response to that.

Ludger still couldn't believe Julius told him that. He even knew who his brother was referring to...

His eyes trained onto the tricolored haired girl with a parasol who was currently struggling under Yang's death grip.

"Heehee~ Gotcha!"

The captive girl tried to push her away.

"Nope!" Yang grinned back as she continued to drag her. "Yo, Ludges! Look who I found!"

Neo glared at her, and then sent a look at Ludger that screamed: Traitor.

Ludger held up his hands in defense. "Sorry."

Neo merely pouted cutely in his direction, feeling betrayed.

Ludger felt guilty. He really didn't like it when she pulled the puppy dog eyes on him.

"Um, Yang...?" Ruby said, sweat-dropping at the sight. "Why are you dragging Neo around?"

"Because it's fun! She is just so cute and cuddly!" Yang beamed as she rubbed her cheek on Neo's as if she were an adorable pet.

She looked pleadingly at Ludger.

The teen sighed. "Yang, can you please let go of her?"

"Aw...but why...?" she pouted.

"Please?" Ludger begged nicely.

Yang pouted again, and relinquished her hold. Instantly, Neo took refuge behind Ludger and Ruby. Since both teenagers were taller than her, she was completely hidden from view. "...scary woman."

"Yes. Yes she is..." both Ludger and Ruby agreed simultaneously.

Yang pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "Am not!"

"...are too." Neo replied back softly, still behind them.

Just as they were about to get into friendly banter, the glass windows lit up, revealing a woman with stylized blonde hair and round glasses, dressed in a formal dress shirt with a black cape and skirt, complete with leggings and purple heels. In her hands was a wand of some kind. Strangely, Ruby seemed to cringe when she saw her. "Hello, students."

"Who's she supposed to be?" Yang asked.

"My name is Glynda Goodwitch."

"Never mind."

The woman continued to speak, the four listened intently. "You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy! Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future huntsmen and huntresses it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task. Now, it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world."

With her speech finished, the image faded away.

Neo shuddered silently. Ruby could only nod in agreement. That had been her impression as well when they had met the other day.

"H-hey! Look!" one of the students called out. "I can see Beacon!"

The four turned to where the random student was pointing and gazed out the airship window. Far off in the distance, they were able to see a castle-like structure with a bright light glowing at the apex center tower, almost like a beacon.

"...holy crap that's so cool!" Ruby squealed.

"Yeah! Signal doesn't even begin to compare to this!" yang agreed.

Ludger and Neo silently nodded in agreement.

The group could only feel excitement. This was it... a brand new start of things to come. A new chapter in their lives as future Hunters and Huntresses. None of them could wait to get started. The training, they knew, would be long and grueling, but it would better them all.

"Just wait, Julius..." Ludger said, thinking of his elder brother. "I'll catch up to you!"

Neo heard this, and giggled in her hand. Really, he looked up to his brother a bit too much sometimes.

"Hrgh... Urk!"

The four then turned to the right. Ludger and Neo recognized the boy from earlier, the one who vomited on the Schnee heiress. After looking through the window, they assumed he grew nauseous again as he stumbled away from it.

"Aaaaand here comes another round of the barf boy." Yang remarked.

Neo gave her a skeptical look.

"Hey, I name them as I see them." she argued.

"Guh...ugh..." Vomit boy placed a hand over his mouth to try and stop the rising bile.

"Well, don't look now, Yang," Ludger told her as he and Neo stepped back a bit. "But he's coming this way."

"Wait, what?" the blonde turned in questioning.

"Ew! gross! Yang! You got puke on your shoe!" Ruby pointed to her sisters feet.

"W-what?!"

"Ew! G-get away! Get AWAY!"

As this scene played out, Ludger and Neo quietly sneaked away from the commotion. Meanwhile, the Schnee heiress was in the bathroom, trying her best to remove the bile from her dress.

"I can't believe the nerve of that-that... ingrate!" Weiss Schnee mumbled, managing to scrub off most of the puke. She took a quick whiff before recoiling in disgust. "Ugh, it will take weeks to get this stink out!"

"Then use shampoo! Shampoo is awesome! Shampoo is GREAT!"

"Shampoo doesn't work at all with clothes-wait, what the-?!"

Weiss quickly whirled around, and instantly found her face inches away from another's.

"Hello!" they greeted happily with a large grin. Sadly, their sudden presence caused Weiss to yell, falling flat on her rear.

"H-how did you get behind me?!"

Grinning brightly at her was a young girl with dark blue hair that reached down to her shoulders. She was dressed in a baggy shirt that was obviously several sizes larger than her with the sleeves reaching past her fingertips and the hem going down to her thighs. She also wore tight, small shorts, and a pair of sandals.

"W-who the heck are you?!" Weiss demanded, completely left shocked and vulnerable. How in the world could she have gotten past her? She was sure she was the only one in the washroom!

"Ohayo, Snow Angel~" the girl greeted. "I'm Cielo! Nice to meet'cha~"

"Er... hi?"

Weiss was feeling a bit uneasy around this girl, given her overly energetic and cheerful disposition.

"So...you need a way to wash out the puke from your dress?" She questioned.

"Y-yeah..."

"Then I recommend shampoo!" Cielo suggested, whipping out a bottle of the stuff from her sleeve. 'Where the hell did she get that?!' the heiress questioned in shock. "It's awesome! Gets rid of stink really good!"

"How's shampoo gonna help me?!"

"Just rub in on the stain in your dress and wash it right out! It will get rid of it and make it smell pretty!"

Weiss gawked at the girl. W-was she... this idiotic? She heard of idiocy, hell she was seeing plenty of it around here with these dullards, but... this girl...

There was just... no words...

"...you seriously think shampoo will get rid of the smell?"

"I know so!" Cielo bowed her head before shoving the bottle in her hands. "Anyway, gotta go! See you, Snow Angel~"

"H-hey, wait-"

Too late. The girl bolted right out the door. Weiss blinked, staring at the door before she looked at the bottle.

The label read: BLEACH

"...I can't believe she mistook bleach for shampoo."

XXXXXXXXXX

Nico Bodaveg was not having a good day. It was one thing to being forced to ride inside the Bulkhead with so many people, leaving little room for him to be inside, but it was another thing for him to get into a fight when he bumped into someone.

He tried to apologize, he really did, but the guy, Cardin he thinks his name was... he just wouldn't let it go.

"What?" Cardin sneered in his face, getting into his personal space as he glared down at him, being at least half a head taller. "You think you hot shit because of those tats?"

Nico narrowed his golden eyes, giving of an intense glare. He was only dressed in gray cargo jeans, combats boots, and a red bandanna wrapped around his head. Black, glyph-like tattoos ran all over his body, which were visible due to his lack of a shirt. They were light, heavily contrasting his dark complexion.

"They are not tattoos." he informed the man. "Please, step aside... lest you regret it."

"Oh yeah?" Cardin shoved him back, agitating the teen further. "What are you gonna do about it, pipsqueak?!"

Nico sighed. "...foolish."

"What did you say you little-?!"

Then, in the next second, a resounding 'crack' echoed in the air.

Everyone within the vicinity whipped their heads to the source.

Their eyes grew wide upon seeing what it was, out of both awe and terror.

Nico was holding Cardin's arm... except it was bent at a horrible angle. It was backwards, a position it should have never been in, and slightly twisted around, with the back hand now facing his shoulder.

" GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" The hulking teen howled in absolute agony. It felt as if his arm was on fire, drenched in acid, rubbed in salt, sliced open, sewn together, and ripped apart again from the inside out!

Nico held a calm disposition as he twisted the mangled arm to an even worse angle.

"Gra-GAAAAGH!"

"...will you continue to aggravate me still, Cardin Winchester?" Nico asked him, as if he wasn't twisting Cardin's arm around as if it were a play thing. "Or is further pain required?"

Using all the will he had left, Cardin shot a lethal glare at the shorter teen. Seeing as the man had not learned his lesson yet, Nico twisted the arm once more. The sound of even more bones cracking and breaking filled the interior of the air ship. Any more and his arm will literally pop off.

Cardin cried silently, unable to utter a sound from the extreme pain.

"If you keep this up...this arm may never recover. I am giving you one more chance before I twist your limb off your body."

"Y-yes!" he finally managed to croak. "F-fuck! I-I won't mess with you anymore! F-fucking christ, l-let go of my arm!"

Nico nodded, and finally relinquished his hold, allowing Cardin to stumble away from him, tending his horribly mangled limb. "...well, it appears you have a brain after all, Cardin Winchester." the young man said before he turned around, making his leave for someplace quieter.

Cardin just glared at the retreating teen with absolute hatred while his nursed his twisted arm.

He never felt so humiliated.

That guy was going to pay.

Nico however, already felt the malice stemming from Cardin and sighed in exasperation.

"...I really detest stubborn and close-minded people like him.

"Huh..." a voice commented next to him. "Wouldn't have guessed, from the way you fucked up his arm."

Nico stopped, and looked to his left. Instantly, he narrowed his eyes, practically seeing the well-concealed killing intent that flowed off of his very being.

"...and you are?"

The person before him was a young male around his age. He had dark blue hair that nearly reached his eyes with sapphire eyes that glowed like fire. He was dressed in a light gray t-shirt with dark cargo jeans and combat boots. A dark blue coat with rolled sleeves hung on his frame. His hands were garbed in black, fingerless gloves with metal plates across the back. On those plates held the symbol of two arching lines resembling the outline of arch demon wings stemming off the guard of a sword engulfed in blue flames. Attached to his side was a sheathed sword. The sheath itself was slightly curved and mechanical. Circuit-like veins rand across the body, most of them concentrated on the edges.

An amused smirk was on the boy's face.

"Yo," the newcomer greeted. "Name's Eden. You?"

"...Nico." the dark-skinned boy replied. "Bodaveg, Nico."

"It's nice to meet you, Nico." Eden extended a friendly hand. "I must say...you did a good job putting that guy in his place.

Nico looked at the hand analytically, then back up to Eden, trying to determine his intentions. He was able to sense the bloodlust and killing intent, no matter how much he concealed it.

Although... there was the fact that he was also keeping it under strict lock, as to not actually allow it to be felt freely. Obviously, he was restraining himself.

Hm... what an odd person.

Nico took his hand. "A pleasure."

"Seriously though..." Eden smiled impressed. "...You were able to twist his arm with precise movement and speed that he didn't even realize till it was too late. I applaud you for such magnificent execution."

"Thanks..."

Though he wasn't sure if he felt comfortable being praised by someone who could kill everyone on board, if they didn't possess the required fighting skills. Only a few people here looked as if they could hold their own.

"So, what do you think Beacon will be like? The sword-wielder asked him. "I hear they've got all sorts of people. Even Faunus too."

Nico shrugged his shoulders. "We will simply have to see. We will be landing shortly."

"Cool. Can't wait to see what happens. Who knows? We may even be on the same team?"

"Maybe. But we don't know for certain yet."

"Eh, well, whatever." Eden shrugged before grinning. "This is going to be fun..."

XXXXXXXXXX

Elsewhere, inside Beacon, Ozpin was going over the profiles of all the students, sitting at his desk with his Scroll in one hand, and his coffee mug in the other.

He thumbed through the potential students this year's enrollment. However, his thumb stopped as he came across a particular profile. His eyes bulged. He was shocked to the point of nearly dropping his favorite mug. However, his eyes also held recognition and sadness.

The name of the profile read: Ludger Will Kresnik.

"...I don't believe it."

He set his coffee mug down, his hand making subtle tremors. He immediately recognized the resemblance between Ludger and two people from his past.

A person that he once saw in him.

And a person who he greatly cherished.

His eyes lingered to a face down photograph on the corner of his desk.

Bitterness came across his face as his finger gingerly brushed against it. "...so, even now, we can't truly escape our blood." Ozpin muttered. "Well... this is certainly going to be an interesting year."

-Prologue: END-

Next Time: Welcome to Beacon! (Part I)