A/N: I'm taking part in a few 10 hour, 10k blitz challenges this august. The rules are simple. Write as much as you can in 10 hours, aiming for 10k if you're lucky. Then, without changing anything too drastically, you post it somewhere, or give it to your friends. It's merely a practice of creativity, allowing unpolished ideas stand on their own merit, rather than anything else.

This is the result.

Either way, this was a fun project. There's another 10 hour blitz run during the weekend, so if this story is something you want to see continued, please let me know. I'm uploading in parts, because this actually became very long, very quickly.

Summary: It's okay to wake from a dream. It's okay when things don't go as planned. It's okay to falter, to shout, to cry, and to laugh. To live every day to the fullest, until those days become merely a memory, sinking into the souls of those who will never be forgotten. At the end of the day, its only history repeating. The same old story on a different day. That's what makes it a story worth being told.

Blitz day 1, chunk 1

Same Ole Story

If anyone told Yang that she was going to be taking her graduation exam for Beacon academy at the age of eighteen, she would have thought them entirely crazy. Her mission was simple. Kill a Grimm on her own. Not just any Grimm though, a Nevermore. The giant bird beast just so happened to rear its ugly head late one evening. This was her chance, but it was harder to do than it looked. Yang was still only a first year student at Beacon, besides. Still, she was an adult, and could take the finishing exam whenever she wanted.

Whether or not she would manage to succeed was still a question, and one that frustrated her as she chased her target on her bike, trying to keep up with it.

"Son of a Grimm!"

"Do you forfeit your exam?"

"What?! No way, I've just gotten warmed up."

"I see…then you may proceed."

"Gladly."

"I do hope that you have some sort of plan, Xiao Long."

"Yeah…yeah, I've got one."

There were good ideas, and there were bad ideas. Then, there were ideas that fell into neither of those two categories. Now, knowing this, as the woman in question did, one might assume that she would have gone fleeing away from the havoc taking place in the city.

A sane and normal person might have.

She wasn't a normal person though. Rather, she wasn't a civilian. She was something above that, greater than that. She was chasing the Nevermore right through the carnage. With a maniacal glee, she rushed off, ripping through the asphalt on her bike as if it was second nature.

Then again, for her, it was.

Leaning into the tight turns of the highway, Yang Xiao Long let her mind sweep her away. The road, like a lover, carried her through twists and turns, speedbumps and potholes. She embraced all of it, dodging the hail of feathers as they aimed directly for her. The large bird overhead cawing with deadly intent scared away the passersby.

Whatever brought it here, to this safe city, was none of Yang's concern. Where it fell on the other hand, was a huge concern. She couldn't let it crash into any of the buildings. Having been engaged in combat with the creature for longest stretch of time, her semblance was beginning to flicker out.

For as powerful as she was, the Nevermore would always have the upper hand. All Grimm of flight were difficult for her to take down by herself. She didn't have Ruby's speed, so cornering it wasn't an option. Without Weiss to help her, trapping it wouldn't happen either. She didn't have Blake's ability to fling herself from rooftop to rooftop. She didn't have her team there at all, either. Counting on them remained out of the question.

This was a fight of Yang's specialty. Endurance, and endurance alone.

Yang grinned as another barrage of feathers missed her, and the bird, known for poor eyesight veered off into the deep forest. Right where Yang wanted it. Away from the city, and away from innocent bystanders. Speeding faster, she kicked her bike into the fastest gear it could muster, the engine sounding a deep battle cry as it roared to life.

From up above, a huntress followed in pursuit, but she wouldn't be aiding this battle. She was merely an observer. Out of the corner of her eye, Yang spotted Glynda Goodwitch, fully prepared to incinerate the Nevermore within a mere moment if she needed to.

An assignment was an assignment though, and one Yang endeavored to take alone.

If she could do this by herself, she could graduate from Beacon early. She could become a full-fledged huntress. Her grin widened at the thought. She wanted her graduation so bad that she could taste it. Victory proven by hard work, determination, and raw skill.

Skill Ruby herself flaunted in order to attend Beacon. Skill that Yang now wanted to prove, to rise up as the academy's youngest graduate to date.

With the bird already wounded, Yang knew she could do it. Speeding into the forest at breakneck speeds, she flung herself off of her bike and fired herself deep into the trees. She knew she needed more bullets. Just a few more, and a couple well timed jumps. Finally, she was able to grab onto the large bird, clutching a talon with a vice-like grip.

At that moment, she had it. Rapid fire, the rata-ta-ta-ta of gunfire bursting into the gut of the large creature. The spiral downwards was the only thing between her and her claim. The bounty would be hers, and the crash landing proved this.

With great effort, she pushed the carcass off of her, watching as it began to dissipate into the dark shroud of nothingness.

"Sloppily done. Poor execution, it was abysmal by far." A woman's voice chided. Glynda bringing up the rear, having seen the display. "Aside from being reckless, you missed several opportunities to gain the upper hand. If the Nevermore had seen fit to cause damage to the city, it could have."

Yang rolled her eyes at this, but before she could rebuke the teacher cut her off.

"In spite of this, I have never seen a huntress so capable at such a young age." Glynda would have never allowed Yang to prove her worth if she doubted the girl for an instant, but, a first year student graduating before the end of the year was unheard off. "Yang Xiao Long, you pass."

"So, does that mean I get to graduate?" Yang asked hopefully.

"Graduate yes…be sanctioned as an independent huntress?" Glynda shook her head. "You have a few years of bounties to obtain before any world leader would allow that."

"I can't take a team, not where I'm going." Yang protested with a sigh. "Trust me, I would if I could, but I'm not able to do that."

"Yang, the reason why teams are comprised of four members is because there are very few alive who can do battle against Grimm alone." Glynda's voice softened then, becoming a bit distant. "Traveling in groups is the way of it. Two, four, six, sometimes eight, or even sixteen. A mere Nevermore is only one threat of many."

"I understand that, but Grimm aren't the issue here."

"Then what is the issue?"

"I…uh…" Yang sighed. She was sore, she was tired, and she didn't want a teacher half-way up her ass. All she wanted to do was take a long shower. Then, after hot water pelted her, she'd hit the sack. Let everything else wait till morning. She did what she set out to do, and her victory was well earned. It was only the start of a long road, that road could begin when the sun decided to rise. "Look, it's complicated, okay?"

"Complicated…" Glynda cocked her head to the side, just the slightest bit. "Yes, I do believe it is that."

"Then how about we don't worry about any of that for right now." Yang said as she crinkled her nose. "I reek of Grimm…and dirt…and…" She took a longer whiff of whatever that smell was. Cheeks tinged pink when she remembered that she'd almost blown herself sky high. A fuel station she bypassed. "Erm, gasoline."

"Indeed." Glynda sighed.

"Oops."

The elder sighed, only a speckle of fondness showing through her agitation. She fully expected this of the girl. Her uncle was a terror too at Yang's age…and even worse as an adult. "Well, that would be why bounties pay so highly. To ensure that any costs from damages can be mitigated from your paycheck. However, since this was an exam facilitated by the school, Beacon will fully cover the costs of any repairs. Once the proper paperwork has been completed, of course."

"Well, good, that settles that then." Yang smirked, thinking she would have to do even more odd jobs to settle her mounting debt.

"It does not settle other matters though. You will report to Ozpin first thing in the morning. He will explain the details of your newly acquired position in full." Glynda went on to say as she once more surveyed the area. Yes, it was a mess, but, she was also quite sure that Yang deserved to graduate early. Even if she didn't entirely trust the young girl to go off slaying Grimm on her own just yet.

...
Same Ole Story
…

The slog back to Beacon was a long one.

She drove her bike through the city at a much slower pace. Yang, often accused of being a speed demon, often rode for leisure as well. Much slower, much more at peace. It allowed her to zone out, feeling the bike beneath her. She lived for the feeling of a rush, but after that rush was over, there was nothing better than basking in the aftermath of a job well done.

"I'm glad it went well." Blake said over the transmission, finally breathing a sigh of relief. "You really had us worried. We saw the gas fire from the dorm."

"Not to worry Blakey." Yang laughed. "Come on, you had to know I'd make it out of that just fine. Actually, I think it was my semblance that caused it."

"Why am I not surprised?" Weiss chimed in, peeking over Blake's shoulder. "Yang, that's completely irresponsible. People could have really gotten hurt."

"Even more would have gotten hurt if I hadn't." Yang protested, realizing how true both statements were. She should have killed it more quickly. She should have taken it down before it reached the city walls. "It was headed for the residential districts, I couldn't let it get that far."

"Professor Goodwitch should have stopped the exam then." Weiss protested once more. "You were two city blocks away from a dust store, Yang. A dust store!"

"Yeah, I know, okay?" Yang sighed with a shake of her head. "Not my finest show, but she didn't stop me."

Blake nodded to her partner, a proud little smirk on her face. Her bow twitched. "She didn't have to stop you. You made the right call." Blake firmly believed that, even if she was worried about the damages that resulted from it. "Look, I know from here it looked bad, but you were there, in the thick of it…Weiss was just really worried."

"We were all worried." Weiss shot back. "I wasn't the one about to jump out of the window to go help."

"Would you shut up!?" Blake bristled, half whispering, half yelling. "It's basic instinct to help out a comrade."

"Ruby had to hold her back…" Weiss explained.

"Speaking of, where did she get off to?" Yang took a sharp turn, and then entered the garage, parking her bike where it belonged.

Blake was the one to explain. Her words holding concern and humor, both emotions weaving into the tale, one that wouldn't be soon forgotten. "Nora had to hold Ruby back after they saw you go into the forest…and after that, when we lost sight of both of you on the camera feeds. Ren and Pyrrha both stepped in to keep Nora and Ruby from leaving."

Yang barked a laugh. That sounded like her sister alright. "Well, you can tell them that I'll be up to the room soon. I need to go to the medical bay and get some injections for my aura depletion. After that, I'm gonna shower. I'll bunk up after that."

"Sounds good, Yang." Weiss said, this time, calmer. The wordless congratulations would be as far as Weiss would go…but that was all Yang would every truly need. That proud little smile, that was good enough.

The blonde did exactly that, going to the always open clinic on site in order to get herself into working order. After that, a long, hot shower soothed the ache in her arms, shoulders, and lower back. Finally, all that done, she bypassed a vending machine to grab a snack, thus ending her usual routine for the night. Oddly, she wasn't sleepy. She was restless, and some part of her didn't want to face down Ruby.

Not just yet.

Not because her little sister wouldn't be proud of her. Far from it. Ruby would be excited. Singing Yang's praises all over campus the next day. No, what made her restless was something else. The aftermath.

Yang was used to leaving Ruby behind. Being two years older meant that Yang had to make some sacrifices over the years. It wasn't an option. The first time happened when Yang began schooling at the age of four, leaving her toddler of a sister home with their father. She still remembered the crocodile tears she came home to. Every day for two long, aggravating years, until Ruby cried when Yang left.

Finally, Ruby also attended school for the first time, and the tears stopped.

It happened again, at age fourteen, when Yang first attended Signal, leaving Ruby behind once more. Yang had to live on campus, as was expected of all attending students. This time, Ruby handled the distance better, being old enough to understand. It helped that their home in Patch wasn't too far away from the school at all, so Ruby could visit often. That their father and uncle both taught there made the school a common place for both of them.

The halls were like a second home.

When Ruby also attended the campus, the sisters saw each other often. Even so, being two full grades ahead meant that Yang had missions to go on. There were times she had to prioritize her team over her little sister. It was just the way things worked. That was the easiest separation, because when Yang left, Ruby studied under Qrow.

Yang was feeling guilty, because here she was, about to leave her baby sister behind again.

"Oh…wow, sorry, didn't expect to see you up here tonight…" Jaune said, laughing as he scratched the back of his head. "Do you…uhh…do you train up here too?"

"Nope." Yang said as she continued to watch the nighttime sky. "I was just thinking, that's all."

"Oh." The boy, lost for words, kicked the ground underfoot. "Didn't peg you as the type."

"Maybe I didn't want you to." Yang smirked. "Though, to be fair, that's what Pyrrha is for."

The woman in question cleared her throat, having just arrived a moment before. "What am I for, exactly?" She asked, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Pegging?"

"You don't want to know." Jaune murmured embarrassedly, as he gave Yang a dark look. "And I didn't mean it like that…"

"Nope, I did." Yang told him with a laugh. "Really, though, Jaune, get on it. All you really got to do is ask."

"Ew…" He muttered, shaking his head as the unflappable blond smacked him on the back as she walked by.

"Yang, wait!" Pyrrha called after her. "Did you manage to pass your exam?"

"Piece of cake." Yang said, recalling her fight with the Nevermore. It wasn't easy by far, and in fact, being alone had actually scared her a little bit at first. Downing it had boosted her confidence. She was ready to be a full-fledged huntress. She knew it now.

"Congratulations!" Pyrrha and Jaune both said, each of them giving Yang a quick but happy hug.

"Ya know," Yang began, "As he went down, I was gunna give him a nasty look, but he already had one."

Pyrrha smiled, in spite of the corny one-liner. "I'm glad. You had everyone worried you know."

"Had to end the day the same way I start it, you know." Yang smiled, this time genuinely.

"With a Yang." Pyrrha said softly. "We know."

"Now don't go getting all mushy…I'll station myself out of Beacon if I can help it. I can receive missions in the area, but I'm not a student anymore soo…" Yang shrugged. "Look, can you guys just do me a huge favor? Keep an eye on Ruby for me. I know she's got Blake and Weiss. I can trust them to do a good job, but even so…she's my baby sister."

"It's not even a question." Jaune said. "She was the first friend I made here…"

"You have our word." Pyrrha agreed. "But what about you, what will you do?"

Yang took a breath. There was only one thing she really wanted to do. One thing she had to do. "I'm not sure yet." She lied. "I've got to talk to Ozpin tomorrow. I'm sure he'll get me sorted out. I'll catch you around, but for now, I'm gonna sack out."

"I see." Pyrrha nodded. "Well, alright then…"

"Hey Yang?" Jaune murmured, causing lilac eyes to look at him. "Stay safe."

She nodded her head. "I will." Another lie. One she was so used to saying, she almost believed it as truth.

…
Same Ole Story
…

It wasn't until the next morning, when the moon began to fade, that Yang and Ruby finally had a talk.

Her younger sister was ecstatic, of course…as Yang expected. However, equally as expected, the other shoe dropped. So with it, went Ruby's good mood. Never let it be said that Ruby didn't idolize Yang. She well and truly did, often times forgetting her own merits in awe of Yang's own. It was a lack of confidence of Ruby's part, something she was slowly learning to break free of, but she hadn't quite managed it yet.

Then again, Yang suspected that as long as she remained on the same team with her sister, Ruby would never truly distinguish herself.

It was fine to be a team leader, or the little sister…it was also fine to be the young prodigy that everyone towered over, both in age, and maturity. However, even if it was fine to be all of those things, it didn't afford Ruby to be herself. She couldn't just be 'Ruby Rose', the girl, the person…something that the younger girl had expressed she wanted. To just be normal.

It was another good reason why Yang had worked hard to break away from the protective shell that team RWBY provided. So that Ruby could grow. Become her own person.

However, that didn't make Ruby accept it any easier. "So that means you're going to leave again…"

"Yep!" Yang said, keeping her sunny disposition. "Going to talk to Ozpin, sort things out. I dunno what'll happen until I do. I'm going to miss being a student though. Can't be a kid forever though, that's for sure."

"But you just whizzed through two and a half years of schooling." Ruby muttered.

"So what? You did the same thing, 'cause here you are, in Beacon." Yang smirked. "Look, I might be a fully-fledged huntress now, but I'm not…err…" Yang shrugged, her fingers tapping idly on the table they sat at. "I'm just a greenhorn. I can't take on any of the really dangerous bounties yet, and I'm sure they'll pair me with someone experienced. It's no biggie."

"…if you say so…"

"You worried?" Yang asked.

"How am I supposed to be a good team leader now?" Ruby asked, so used to having her older sister to back her up. Ruby gave the commands, but her confidence in doing so came in large part from Yang. Her older sister supported her decisions, come of them what may. "Four has just become three, and the rules say that teams can't reform unless two teams completely disband."

"Or if you get an exchange student." Yang told her.

"Yang...that's the problem."

Yang nodded, but didn't let Ruby's worries stop her. "Listen, if you ever get freaked out, just ask Blake. She's got more experience than I do, and she knows her way around a battle field. She'll know what to do, and besides, I'm just a call away."

"Yeah…okay…"

Yang gave Ruby the biggest hug she could. Lifting her up off the ground and twirling around. She was reluctant to set Ruby back down again. Then with a sigh, she put her hands on Ruby's shoulders. "I've gotta go. I'll be by to grab my stuff later…but you'll probably be in class when I do….you call me when you need me, got it?" Yang asked her, giving her a tiny shake. "And even if you don't…you're my sister, and nothing will ever change that."

Ruby nodded. "I know the rules by now."

"Good, cause listen close." Yang said as she let go of her and looked away nervously. For several long years, Yang contemplated what she would say to Ruby. How she would leave her sister by herself to learn about the world. She struggled with it, agenized over it…even felt sick over it…but today, that had to change. "I've got one more rule for you…and that's…" Yang sighed, hard. "I'm going to tell you the same thing dad told me before I came here."

"Really?" Ruby's eye's brightened.

"Yeah, so pay attention." This a breath, the elder sister continued. "He said to forget about the other rules."

"Dad said that?!"

"Yeah, he did…and for good reasons. Reasons I started to understand after I got here." Yang felt the tension now. More than ever before. It was in her chest, in her head…her back, her neck. It was all of the encouragement she wanted to give, and all of the promises she couldn't make. Was this how their dad felt, letting Yang go wandering off on her own? She could only vaguely assume the answer. "Fact is, Ruby, it's about time you did the same thing. Learn for your own, and all."

"So, you mean no more bed times, or having to eat the veggies I don't like?" Ruby asked. "Or what about the one that you and dad told me. You know...about um...staying away from strange boys?"

"Ruby…" Yang found it hard to speak. Her eyes began to sting, and she bit the inside of her cheek. "Those were good rules at Signal. They're probably good ideas to keep in mind here at Beacon too…but…" This was harder than she thought it was going to be. "You're not a little girl anymore. You need to follow what the school says to do, but all of those other little rules…forget about em. Do what you think is best, make mistakes, learn from it." Yang licked her lips, tasting the metal from inside of her mouth. "If you need help, you've got friends. Use em…and I'll come running when it matters, okay?"

Ruby agreed, still nervous and unsure. "I will."

It was the best Yang could hope for. Even still, it was unsettling to say the least. She could only hope that Ruby would remember the rules, keep them in mind, use them when she had to. She half wanted to demand that Ruby should be careful, but stopped herself from saying it out loud. Ruby knew that…knew to be safe…knew to stay out of trouble…and she didn't need her older half-sister to keep nagging her about it anymore.

With a huff of hot air and a curse under her breath, Yang made a beeline for Ozpin's office.

…
Same Ole Story
…

Every would-be hunter or huntress dreamed of this day.

The moment when they were considered to be Grimm slayers of the highest authority. Graduating from an academy was only the first step, the journey a long one. Many students suspected fanfare, medals, praise from their school leadership, and plenty of other things. Yang, however, found the experience to be something less grand. More sinister by nature.

The man sitting at his desk was no longer the gentle spirited headmaster that Yang had come to know. This man, this feeling about him, it was vastly different. There was something in that gaze she knew. Darker, not exactly cynical, but lacking the calm and wise light in his eyes. She then realized, he coddled the students to some degree. He was choosing not to coddle her any further.

After some time, he sipped on his coffee with a look of authority.

"Yang Xiao Long, I've been expecting you." Yet, his words were kind. Neutrality chosen carefully by his many years of experience. Which, Yang noticed, was exactly the point. She was no more a prodigy than he, himself. "I'm sure you've awaited this day with excitement, adventure…I've always heard exceptional things from you. Your record, though questionable, leaves no doubt that you have the skill it takes to be called a huntress."

"That's nice of you to say…" She trailed off, not sure where this was leading.

"I won't beat around the bush." He said then, as he set his cup down. "Your motives also prove to be a challenge. Every person has them, but yours…" He could only smile sadly at her. "I don't claim to understand the specifics, but, there are some things better left unknown."

"So, are you asking…or…"

"Do you wish to tell me?"

"No sir…"

"That's Ozpin to you now."

"Huh?"

He chuckled then. "You can call me by name, Yang. As I will do the same for you." He then stood from his desk, looking out to the wonderful place he called home. The place he desired to protect at all cost. "I've known your family for quite some time, it's only natural I address you with similar familiarity. Now that you are no longer considered a student of the school, it's the right thing to do."

"You mean my uncle…" Yang murmured, unsure how she felt about that. Then again, she knew faculty members of the schools got around. They had to, otherwise there would be no communication.

"Don't forget Tai…and of course Raven as well."

"You…" She shouldn't have been surprised, but somehow, that bothered her. "It seems like everyone who matters knew her, expect me."

"You're meddling in a dangerous game." Ozpin finally sighed. "Qrow is worried. For that matter, so am I. Team RWBY is a cause for concern as of late. It seems that they continue to stick their noses into trouble. Though, I'm sure you would know more about that, than I would."

"...Maybe..." She spoke slowly.

"If you say so." He merely shrugged. It was of little recourse to him. Students were meant to learn about the world in their own way. Taking with them the lessons that would shape their futures. He couldn't only guide them, not control them. "In any case, I let you take the exam because I see no reason why you shouldn't be allowed into our little fold. Raven…you ran into her, did you not?"

Yang grew quiet, nodding slowly.

"That is exactly why Qrow worries." Ozpin explained. "Tai as well."

"So…this is just another way for dad to keep an eye on me?"

"Not hardly." Ozpin said mildly. "You are still a huntress now, fully capable of getting yourself killed if you are not careful."

"So, can I just accept missions whenever?"

"If you wish." Ozpin murmured. "Though, I do believe I have a better use for your skills, should you care to hear me out."

Yang raised a slender, blonde eyebrow. This action didn't go on ignored. A step forward, her interests were set alight by curiosity. "I'm listening."

"There are factions most untrustworthy. They're making themselves a little home, right here in this very school." Then he nodded to the outside. "As well as beyond. Raven, among others happen to be suspected. If anything, I'm sure she lingers in the shadows. In order to protect this academy, we need our eyes and ears open."

"And these threats are that bad?" Yang asked, incredulous. "This is a school filled with lethal students, and teachers…and you…"

"Hardly enough of a defense."

"But this school isn't exactly filled with a bunch of scrubs and washouts…it's not a feeder school."

"I'd consider it more deadly here. A target, painted on the backs of all students." He then turned to Yang then, sitting down, gesturing for her to do the same. "What you need to understand, what I'm sure that you do...is that no team is without their sleuth, vagabond, misfit, outcast, or reason to be here. Those reasons, they are not always pure. That can attract negativity…and not always Grimm. Though, one will eventually breed the other."

Blake's reason, her need to hide and grow stronger...it immediately came to mind. She was not the only one, either. "Yeah…okay that makes sense when you put it that way." Even so, it left her at a loss. "What can I do to help with that, though?"

"On your own? Absolutely nothing." Ozpin explained. "You lack the skill one would require to accept this venture alone. Thankfully for you though, Glynda has agreed to take you on. She's been working on this assignment while maintaining her position as a faculty member. Truth be told, it limits her abilities a fair bit. This is purely a surveillance position, I doubt you'll run into any trouble."

"What exactly do you expect me to find?" Yang asked.

"I don't expect you to find anything." Ozpin explained as he removed his glasses to clean them. "I expect you to act first, should any threat to this school decide to strike. Hiding in plain sight is the best way to do that. It's why the teachers here maintain their roles…why the older students don't leave the cities as much…and why, in spite of all of the skill your family possesses, Qrow, Tai, and now yourself remain where that strength is most needed. Bolstering up the defenses of the cities and outlying farmlands comes first."

"Ahh, throw some muscle around." Yang nodded. "Got it…" In fact, that sounded good to her. It would give her an excuse to actually go looking for her mother, among other ventures. "I'm totally in on this."

"There is a condition, mind you."

"Oh?"

"Not a word of this to anyone outside of the fold." Ozpin said carefully. His words gravely serious. "That includes any information your friends may want. Your job, as a huntress, is to protect those incapable of doing so themselves. That includes the students at this school…all of the students at this school. Without resorting to bias, or assumptions. They are students, you are the superior. Do not neglect to uphold that standard."

"Ah, gotcha."

"That includes your sister, and former teammates."

Yang could only feel dizzy at the thought. "Trust me…" She said, full of her own fears about that. "I don't want my little sister anywhere near Raven…even if she is my mom….but, as far as everything else…" Yang wondered if Ozpin really stood a chance of keeping things under wraps. "Let's just say, if I know that team…and I do…they'll find trouble anywhere. They're really good at that."

"As history foretells." Ozpin agreed. "Enough of that for now. I don't know about you, but I'm famished. We should take a meal in the teacher's lounge."