Chapter 3. The Shining Beacon & Perspective Heroes

A/N: So, I loved the feedback from chapter 2, especially from my good friend, TheDemonicSaint, who has been a big help in directing me on how to make this story more original. Thanks a lot. Anyway, this is now the last bit of episodes 1, and episodes 2-3. This also includes a little insight into Oscar's daily routine, so enjoy.

Also, this is all for entertainment. I do not own the characters or the show RWBY. But Rosegarden forever!

…

Ruby couldn't help pondering what was transpiring now as she stared out the window of the ship taking them to Beacon Academy. It all seemed to happen so fast and it felt more she was a spectator than someone who was personally experiencing it all. The fight, being saved by some mysterious stranger, being allowed to attend the school two years early, the last conversation she had with her dad. And now she was here, her sister beside her, dreading her first day.

It wasn't as though Ruby was unaware how impressive it was to wield the weapon she had, or that this was an opportunity that was generally offered to the best and the brightest. It was just… she herself never wanted to be in that category. She didn't want to be the "bees' knees", like she had told Yang. She just wanted to be a regular girl, training with her classmates to become what she had always dreamed of being: a huntress.

And now that she had the chance, she wasn't sure if she was ready for it. After all, she was headed to the big league and she wasn't sure if she was truly ready for it, but she would do her best. After all, the headmaster of the most prestigious school in Beacon thought she was good enough to be there early. She may as well trust in that, and just work to show why his decision was justified.

…

Having nightmares was a regular thing for Oscar. It wasn't as though his imagination of the things that lurked in shadows were too extreme, but more that he had seen and experienced enough to know the real world was full of scary things. So rather than waking up screaming or paralyzed with fear, he roused calmly, impassively forcing the image of his current night terror to the forefront of his thoughts so it wouldn't affect him should he have the same dream at a later night.

Once he could focus more on what was happening outside his head, he found himself staring up at the dark, high ceiling he was accustomed to seeing when he woke up from sleep. He slowly sat up, stretching his arms as high as he could. His bed was a four-poster frame with a soft mattress, and his pajamas were a black T-shirt and gray sweatpants that fit him perfectly.

Taking a quick glance at the clock he had been appointed since the first day he had stayed in the room, he could see it was only five in the morning. Plenty of time to get ready before Ozpin came for him.

Moving from his sleeping area, the young man ambled across the underground area, moving through the mostly dark space with practiced ease. As was per usual of his morning routine, he first washed his face to clear his slightly sleep-blurred eyes before brushing his teeth and relieving himself. Afterwards, he would bathe himself and ensure his area was clean before moving on through his morning lineup.

Dressing in his white and brown training clothes (a gift from his aunt he aspired to use as much as he could), he began his workout. Choosing to keep it brief considering what that particular day was, Oscar settled for doing a short staff work and then moving on to an hour of strengthening exercises. Didn't want to get sloppy.

After he worked up quite a bit of sweat and his muscles were aching, Oscar took a moment to enter the main area. Amber was always there, always looking to be in pain even as she gracefully slept. Ironwood had told him what happened to her, how she had gotten hurt and why she was forced into her current stasis. There had been a big negative reaction when Ozpin and the others had found out, but he had been grateful for the harsh candor. It made his resolve all the more unmovable, made it so he would never forget what he was aiming to be.

Forcibly walking away to take another shower, the almost-teen was soon dressed in the black shirt and blue jeans he found in his closet, and took the time to study the area of the underground vault before headed toward the elevator.

Today was the day. That was all he could think as the shaft went upward. Another group of perspective huntsmen were going to be here, learning and working themselves to the bone to get to become professional monster hunters and killers. He had gotten used to that prospect years ago, knowing of them and yet knowing they would not and never would know about him.

And he was fine with being a secret. He truly was. It was all for the sake of precaution. After all, how was Ozpin going to explain a thirteen year old, with no recorded prior education or status, suddenly attending the most prestigious school in Vale?

No. It was better he stay as far away from the students as possible. With that train of thought concluded, Oscar exited the elevator into the headmaster's big office. Moving swiftly around the vacant desk, the young man made a beeline to the window, where he could see just about everything in town. It had been his favorite vantage point before he had started sneaking out. And on Beacon's first day of schooling, it would be the only time he would have a chance to see the other students until the end of the terms.

So he made sure to get up a little while before the ships were meant to come so he would be there to see the first student who arrived, down to the last. People watching was another one of his favorite things to do, after living so long in selective isolation.

"Oscar?" He flinched on the spot, turning around swiftly once he recognized who was calling his name. Sure enough, Glynda Goodwitch stood behind him, disapproving smile only slightly softened. He had managed to avoid her yesterday, when her ire had been quite high as the anxiety had taken over, but now that she had time to relax and process, Oscar could see she was no longer prep to scream angrily.

"Good morning, Glynda." He greeted, turning back just as the faint sight of the ships up in the sky could be seen. Soon they would land and deposit the future huntsmen.

A deep sigh was heard behind him before she entered his line of vision, stopping inches from the window, just as he had. "Oscar, I hope you understand why I was so angry yesterday." She started, voice monotone as she tracked the incoming ships with her bespectacled eyes. Not looking away from the scene in front of him, Oscar nodded solemnly. A blonde kid was barfing into a trash can. Guess flying isn't for everyone.

"But, I shouldn't be criticizing you for helping to save someone. Or for wanting to see Beacon and the world around you for yourself. So just... be careful, please. That's all I ask. Just like all these students are to become the future protectors of Remnant," she gestured to the landed ships and all the individuals steadily making their way inside the school, "so will you. Remember that the next time you take a risk."

Bowing his head at the rebuke, Oscar nodded again. After emitting a small huff from her mouth, Glynda marched herself away. The boy watched her retreating back until she disappeared down the elevator. When he finally focused at the incoming students, he almost did a double take when he saw her. The girl he had saved the evening before. What was she doing here?! She hadn't looked that much older than him when he had observed her.

Although, it did explain the inquisitions Ozpin had made last night. The barely concealed smirk he flaunted as the poor Pine struggled not to say something embarrassing as the headmaster asked him of what he thought of her. Ruby Rose, he had said her name was.

Currently, Ruby was on the ground, talking with a white-haired girl hunched over her. The body posture suggested Ruby to be disoriented and the mystery girl to be annoyed. Oscar watched as the girl started sprinkling bits of fire dust in the air, hitting Ruby in the face just as she was standing. It came as no surprise to the boy when an explosion filled their general space, mainly affecting the annoyed, white-haired girl.

Oscar couldn't stop himself from laughing at that one, even as the girl looked more annoyed and Ruby looked remorseful and sheepish. She tapped her pointer fingers together as the white student continued reprimanding her.

"Fascinating, isn't it?" Here, Oscar jumped in shock as yet another unexpected voice was heard. This one, he knew even before he turned around. And there he was, Ozpin, signature smile and cup of hot cocoa in his hand. The man walked to stand beside him at the window, observing the same scene he had been. Now a black-haired girl wearing a bow was joining the verbal conflict.

"Here we are, observing the future students, and their they are, arguing over minimal matters. Could you imagine that they could save our lives one day? Or that they could be the very thing that tips the scale in our favor in this fight against the Grimm?" Ozpin took a moment to sip his drink, then turn to give him a warm smile. "It's exciting to see what each new addition will bring to the world. Isn't it, Oscar?"

The young boy nodded, turning back to see the two unknown girls were gone and Ruby was being helped up from the floor by the puking blond. Speaking of Ruby...

"I didn't realize she was a future student."

"She wasn't," Ozpin answered simply with another sip of his chocolate. "But her performance was quite impressive and I felt she was more than ready to attend this school."

"You didn't tell me she would be coming after all that."

"Because it's quite enjoyable to watch you flounder when you're asked about sensitive things. Beside, being surprised probably brought out that humorous deer-in-headlights look you get." Laughing at the slight irritation on the boy's face, Ozpin placed a hand on Oscar's shoulder. "Besides, she didn't see anything too incriminating last night. And, even if she had, she wouldn't spill it to me, so I'm sure you have nothing to worry about in that regard."

That did put Oscar at ease, just a bit, since that had been one of the things he was anxious. Ozpin knew when to be serious, the young man had seen that firsthand, so he must be truly certain things were fine. Now the young Pine just had to be wary of Ozpin asking him more questions about Ruby.

"And on that note..," Oscar left his thoughts as Ozpin finished his beverage and grabbed his cane. "I actually have another surprise. You're coming downstairs to the auditorium with me today."

Oscar blinked at that. "I'm coming to the opening ceremony? Why?" The surprise in his voice was very real. After all, in the past fives years he had started living in the vault, he had never been anywhere in the school when the students were present. He was meant to be a secret, to remain hidden from everyone's knowledge. Why were they foregoing that now?

Ozpin was already heading for the elevator as he answered, sounding very amused. "You'll see when you get there. Don't be too long now." And then he disappeared behind the sliding door. Oscar couldn't shake the feeling he just became the butt of a running joke.

...

Ruby walked into the auditorium with Jaune, feeling slightly better after being on amicable terms with one student here. Although the run in with the Schneed girl along with the bow-wearing one had left her feeling a bit like she wasn't in familiar territory anymore. Standing by Yang had help, only for her to feel low again once she found herself next to the same girl she had exploded on.

However, she found herself distracted from the drama as Professor Ozpin and Ms. Goodwitch made their way onto the stage. A small murmur filled the room of students when a young, brown-skinned boy trailed after the two professors, head down and sticking close to Glynda. He had brown hair that barely reached past his face and he was bowed slightly, hiding just a bit of his face.

Walking to the mic as though nothing was out of the ordinary, Ozpin started delivering his welcoming speech, "I'll keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft and acquire new skills, and when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people."

Ruby couldn't help but look around with eager excitement in her eyes. It seems as though Ozpin had pegged a lot of people with that opening, if the approving nods and smiles were anything to go by.

"But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy. In need of purpose, direction."

Well, that brought everyone in the room down a notch. The turn the monologue was taking was very surprising. Even the mysterious boy next to the teachers stiffened at the abruptness.

"You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step."

That put most of the students at ease, the expressions on their faces becoming more resolute and determined. Ruby felt oddly motivated by it all.

Just as the headmaster was turning to exit, he suddenly spun back to face them, a smile now spreading across his previously somber face. "Oh, and before I forget, a new student will be joining us. Until now, they hadn't been on the roster or attendance, but after a few observations of their skills and a small discussion, my colleague and I have decided to let them attend Beacon, despite their age being younger than standard."

Ruby was blushing, sure he was talking about her. Was he seriously going to introduce her presence like this? Give a play-by-play of her skills. Despite how flattering that sounded, it wasn't what she wanted. At all. She was just wondering if she could discreetly put her hood on and move to the back of the crowd when Ozpin spoke again.

"Students, I introduce you to Oscar Pine." And the professor, yanked the boy from Glynda and had him standing by him, facing them all. All around her, Ruby could hear people mumbling about how young he looked or wondering out loud about what made him so special. Right next to her, Weiss was seething, half-whispering, half-screaming if this was some kind of joke.

But Ruby was too focused ahead to pay attention. Because, staring out at them, were the two multi-colored eyes that had saved her life just last night. And they were very much attached to the surprise student looking at them like a deer in headlights.

...

Ozpin admired Glynda for a lot of reasons. For example, despite how she seemed to huff and grumble over every little thing, she had resilient patience when it mattered. And her poker face was truly astounding.

When Oscar had come down, it hadn't changed. When Ozpin had invited the boy onto the stage with them, it hadn't changed. When he had introduced Oscar as a new, mystery student, it hadn't changed. Well, not as much as it could have. But, when he moved himself and Oscar to the side so she could give her announcement, she had shot him a quick, angry glare, and then her poker face was back, addressing the students as though she was completely unfazed and not surprised by anything. Simply remarkable.

For now, the headmaster made his escape with cane in hand and Oscar in tow, getting into the elevator as quickly as he could. Judging by Oscar's face, the boy was seconds from hyperventilating, so Ozpin was moving to get a nice cup of hot chocolate into his hands before he started panicking.

When they were safely back in his office, he shoved the mug in Oscar's hand. "Drink. Don't speak, don't think, just drink. That'll help."

Although the boy spared him a blank glance, he followed his instructions, taking big sips of the warm beverage. Ozpin internally sighed with relief when he saw some color come back in the boy's face. Perhaps he went a little far in the throwing him in unexpected circumstances bit today. The headmaster would proudly admit he's the type of guy to pull the pin from a grenade and then run, watching safely from a distance as people reacted, so to speak, but he never wanted to go took far. Especially in Oscar's case.

He opened his mouth to inquire on the boy's current mental state when the elevator slid open again. The harsh click of heels filled the room, announcing the arrival of only one possible person. Sure enough, Glynda was there, looking very much as though she was literally seconds from strangling him. It seemed only her self-resistance was keeping her in on place.

"Ozpin, what is going in and why didn't you tell me about it?" She asked lowly, face as stiff as ever.

"Glynda-" But she talked over him, sounding mighty peeved. "I've never doubted you had the best strategy or intentions concerning most things, but this... this is too much. We agreed, we keep Oscar a secret, and now you're having secret meetings with Qrow and deciding things and not including me for some reason. What is going on, Ozpin? Why all the snap decisions and omissions?"

The headmaster sighed, seeing the hint of hurt just barely concealed in his friend's face. He could also see Oscar's attention was on him, curiosity in his eyes. "Nothing happened, Glynda, nor was I having conversations with Qrow behind your back. I've been pondering this for a while, since last year actually."

"Why? Why now?" The blonde asked. Ozpin sighed before answering, "It was our talk last night that tipped the scale for me. Oscar is a smart, mature and hardworking individual. But, he is also a child, and deserves to have a life not stuck in clandestine vaults and training for a desolate future. He deserves the chance to be a regular student, to make friends with people around his age and not be forced to be a secret. Don't you think so?"

Glynda gave him a hard stare but didn't argue. Ozpin took a deep breath before he proceeded, "With that being said, I am sorry I didn't tell you my thought process as of late. And Oscar, I'm sorry I put you on the spot the way I did. If you wish to not go through with my decision, I will not be disappointed."

The two teachers stared at the boy in question, who was gazing intently at his mug and refusing to meet their eyes. It was a few moments before he looked up, hesitation in his eyes. "I would... like to give it a try. If that's okay."

Nodding to him, Ozpin turned to face Glynda with a soft smile on his face. "Well, okay then."

...

Even after the little, exhausting attempt of talking to Blake and then trying to placate Weiss yet again, Ruby couldn't stop her brain from thinking. All she could think about were those eyes, the ones that belonged to a boy younger than her who was going to be in her classes. And who had also saved her life and then disappeared, apparently.

The red-haired girl couldn't stop herself from speculating. Was that why Ozpin had asked that weird question? Did he discover Oscar after her? Or was something more going on? The feel she got from the impromptu way the headmaster literally shoved Oscar into the spotlight suggested he was familiar with the boy. So, who was he exactly?

"Hey." Ruby turned to see her blonde sister, head propped up on her hand and staring down at her from her sideways position. "Is something wrong?"

Her little sister sighed in turn. "I just can't stop thinking about the opening ceremony."

"You mean how Ozpin seemed a little off?" Yang questioned.

"No, I mean, yes, but not just that. That boy, Oscar... I've met him before."

"Wait, WHAT?!" Ruby and Yang both started and turned their heads to see Weiss standing over them, obviously eavesdropping up until then. "You know that kid?"

"Well, sort of," Ruby said, amending her previous statement sheepishly. "When I went into town the other day, he saved me just when I was about to get hit by an attack. I only saw his eyes before he just... disappeared suddenly. But he has the same height and built, so I know it was the same boy."

"So, this mystery student was here in Vale before any of us. Well, most of us," the heiress worked out, shooting a speculating look at Ruby. "And I doubt a simple save was what got him into a great a school as Beacon Academy. So... how the heck did someone so young get into this school?!" Weiss screamed, temporarily forgetting they were all meant to be sleeping.

"I don't know... but he must be pretty special to get Ozpin's attention." Yang answered, sounding quite sagely. That silence them as the three girls thought on that.

Who was Oscar Pines? And was he truly as special as they were speculating? How exactly would his presence affect their time at Beacon?

...

So, here it is, the third chapter, just like I promised. Honestly, I was never planning on having Oscar actually attend Beacon, but so many people asked for that, including my brothers, and now this story is going in a whole other direction from what I originally planned. But, I like this new idea, and I even came up with a few good ideas, so no harm done.

Anyway, how did you like this update? Once again, so sorry it took so long, I've been in such a slump lately, and being in the last semester for my Associates Degree isn't helping matters. But, I hope to get back to my other stories soon. Please be patient with me for now, I'm not doing well juggling everything I need and want to do. For now, thank you to all the people who followed/favorited me and my stories. I'm so happy so many people appreciate my work and I hope you enjoy the others to come.