Chapter 3: A Daily School Life.

I slowly toss and turn, trying to get comfortable in my sleeping arrangements but to no avail, I could not manage to squeeze in five more minutes. Having enough of it, I get off from the wooden floor and sit on top of an empty bed. "Huh, when did I get there?" I asked myself, guess sleeping on the floor of alleyways does that to a guy.

I break in my morning stretches before heading into the bathroom with my school clothing. Seeing as I go to school now, I must do this tedious thing of putting it on. I will not understand or plan to bother at understanding I mean, clothes are clothes!

Leaving the bathroom along with my daily morning rant, I see the others are slowly waking up as well and decided to lay back down on the empty bed. That's when Seven noticed me first "Up and ready? I imagined you being the last one up." I gave a small shrug, at the best of my ability, he probably didn't even see it. "Sleeping on the floor does that to you, hard to be comfortable most of the time." That's when the small child spoke up "So one of our teammates is a homeless guy?" I could hear her snickering across the room.

I got up from my bed and forced my tone to be in a surprising way. "Oh my, I didn't know we have a middle schooler as a teammate!" I could hear Seven hide his laugher while Erina seemed annoyed at the whole thing. Pandora quickly got up and walked over to me in an intimidating way, though it wasn't at all effective when I had to look down. "Hmm, did you grow an extra inch?" Let's just say that wasn't exactly my best next move as Pandora started chasing me around the small, cramped room.

As Pandora tackled me and started punching my back, Erina pulled her off and Seven helped me up. "I swear you two, it's too early to be fighting." Erina says as she pulls Pandora to the bathroom. "Got to agree with Erina, it's barely eight in the morning right now." I shrug again before taking a seat on the table next to the door. "Hey, the child started it. Besides, at least everyone's up and ready for classes." Seven looked surprised at me saying that. "Again, I did not imagine you being the student type!" I tilt my head and crossed my arms. "Well, of course I am. I never went to school so it's pretty exciting to see what I missed for most my life."

Seven starts laughing hard before wiping a tear coming down his face. "Ha Ha, what's so funny?" He takes another minute before standing back up straight again. "Oh boy, you don't know the worst of it. I almost feel sorry for what's about to happen." Before I could get him to explain what he means, Pandora and Erina come out the bathroom in their uniforms. They take Seven's place as he enters the bathroom, along with them being confused on why they heard Seven laughing. "What happened here? I didn't even know Seven could laugh that hard." Erina asked in a puzzled tone, I wave it off as I answered back. "All I did was mention how I'm ready to start classes and was ready to see what I missed." Pandora was now on the floor laughing while Erina smiled to me. "I think that's wonderful to hear. A Hunter or Huntresses must always be ready to study new things and understand any meaning they might have." Her tone was somewhat struggling as she tried to speak louder over Pandora's laugh. That's when Pandora got up with tears in her eyes "Or fall asleep through the whole thing! I mean, who takes classes seriously?" Erina looked somewhat conflicted but kept her mouth silent.

Seven opened the door with dread on his face. He messes with the neck collar, trying to stretch it out but couldn't shake the tight feeling I'm guessing. "Man, you two make this look comfortable." He addresses it to Erina and Pandora. Pandora shrugs while Erina spoke up. "We've had uniforms like this since childhood. We're no strangers to wearing formalities like this, even if Pandora wants to jump out of it." Pandora snickers as she rubs her nose. "Gotta do what's necessary and that include wearing these funny skirts and dress shirts."

I get off from the table and moved my arms around. I could see what Seven and Pandora mean, feels restricting but...oddly cozy, I couldn't explain the feeling. Anyways, I quickly dismissed it and joined in the topic. "It isn't so bad, sure, it has some not-so-redeeming qualities but it's only for classes." Erina perked right up and continued my point. "As Kiano said! As team leader of EKPS, I ask that you bear with the outfits until classes are over!" The three of us look at each other before shrugging. "S-Sorry, still trying to fit into the role of being a leader." Pandora gives Erina a smile while I wave my hand to dismiss it. "You'll get used to it. It's like practicing with a weapon, you'll break into it with practice."

"You and violence, I take it you're dating?" Seven asked in his annoying playful tone. I rolled my eyes before continuing. "As I was saying, don't worry about it. Just do what you feel is right." Erina gives me a nod before she made one last message. "Thank you Kiano, that goes for you guys too. I'll like any feedback if things don't seem...right as he said." I don't think she fully understood me but it's a start to something I guess.

Erina pulls out a small notepad as she steps away from the group. "Now, classes will start shortly. It'll be best if we head there now so we won't be caught by a crowd of late comers or such." She turned back to us and put the notepad back in her uniform blazer. "Okay, sounds like a plan. Time to show you what the school life is like Kiano!" Seven tried to hide his laugher as he spoke as well did Pandora. Oh boy...

Class was not exactly as I expected, it was so much more! I mean, the teacher wasn't exactly the fun part, it was the free sleep I can get! Man, Pandora was definitely onto something when she mentioned it. Speaking of which, me and Pandora were napping together while Seven and Erina took our notes for us. I felt bad, only slightly however as the teacher kept talking about his past mainly, he couldn't get enough of his glory days or something. It wasn't until I heard...Weiss I think her name was...explode in front of us that woke me and Pandora up.

"Ugh...S-Seven, what's going on?" I tried whispering to him, adjusting to the bright light setting was daunting to say the least. He sighs before explaining the mess in front of us "Professor Port asked the class who thinks they have Hunter/Huntresses blood in them...I think." His uncertainty was definitely concerning to say the least! These are my notes he's writing down! Erina chimes in the situation fully to us "Weiss raised her hand and is now preparing in her combat attire. She'll be fighting a Grimm in front of the class." Then on cue, Weiss enters the room in her combat skirt.

"This will be fun to watch! I wonder what Grimm it is!" Pandora jumped out of her seat excited. I lean back and yawned as I watch the events unfold. I'll give Weiss credit, she's definitely capable...on a basic fighting level! She was like a lost child in a store during the fight, the boarbatusk was giving her a run for sure. There was definitely something going on however as I saw Weiss give Ruby a hard glare filled with daggers. Perhaps a sort of infighting in the team though that's got nothing to do with me.

Class for the day was over and I felt exhausted even with all that sleep time I got. We entered our dorm room and I fell flat on top of my bed. "School is soooooo boring!" I heard Seven and Pandora agree with me while Erina dropped a book on my back. I let out a grunt before letting the book fall as I turned "Thanks for the notes though, I owe you one!" I added in a cheery tone to please Erina but seems I missed the mark on that.

Soon the days turn into a few weeks after that. Over that time, we gotten somewhat comfortable with each other. I also learn to never mess with Pandora on certain days as Seven warned me but let's be honest here, I never did listen to warnings.

Moving on, we had my favorite class of the week: Combat Class! Which was taught by the wonderful Glynda, who I got to admit, was definitely a scary professor. Her cold tone as she made remarks on your fighting style definitely hurt, at least to those who lost the practice matches.

We were reaching almost to the end of class when she started asking for two people to partake in a quick match that was in a duel setting. From the many...unraised hands in the crowd, she picked me out of all people, not that I was complaining. I made my way to her as she picked another student who was Cardin Winchester. As he made his way up, I stretched out my body fully before jumping around to let the blood get going.

I was planning on taking things easy but this is Cardin Winchester, the main school bully. From what I heard from Team Rwby and Team JNPR, he's Class A material in being an asshole and I felt like I should knock him around here. We were given our weapons, which I had to make from scratch by the way. It wasn't much in complexity as it was my preferred sword style with it being a shotgun when the blade comes off from its handle. Cardin's wasn't much either besides being a mace but doesn't mean I should overlook it.

The screen above us showed our faces along with a green bar below it, meaning how much aura we have. I slowly lift my sword up and took a battle stance while Cardin took his, we only stared at each other until we heard Glynda say "Go!" before Cardin made a dash for me. It felt like watching a Ursa charging full speed at its prey, I could only dash from the sides to avoid a wild swing that crashed onto the ground.

I step away to gain more room while Cardin pulls his weapon from the ground it stuck itself in. As Cardin frees the weapon, he charges again once more but I was ready to counteract this time. He lifted his mace once again, I lowered my sword below him and flicked my wrist upwards. Our weapons met between us with a spark, my blade meeting the metal pole below the spiked ball.

Hearing the crowd gasp got me excited even more. Now I was really getting into the match, I showed this by kicking Cardin's stomach to push him away and following up with a huge diagonal slash across his armored chest. I could hear Cardin losing his patience and this was supported by him swing his mace around aggressively. I jump back each time one came close and continued to do so until my back hit the wall where the screen was hanging from.

Cardin laughed like a predator howling as it's prey tries to escape a tight corner. Though, I wasn't a prey in my eyes, I smiled as I quickly pulled the rag off my eye.

Cardin was now smashed against the wall while I land back on the ground. Just as I did, I thrust my sword forward, striking the wall close to his face. The reason I did was that his aura reached the red when I looked up at the screen, which meant I won the match.

"Students as you can see, Mr.Winchester's aura has stopped into the red. In a tournament style duel, this will indicate that Cardin is no longer fit for battle and the officials may call the match." I pull my sword from the wall and slide it onto my back. I made my way to the front of the stage to join Glynda as she continued talking. "Remember everyone! The Vytal Festival is only a few months away. It won't be long before students from the other Kingdoms start arriving in Vale so keep practicing! Those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale!"

It wasn't long after that when we ended up at lunch time. Our group got mixed in with Rwby and Jnpr but I wasn't complaining since the girl named Nora was giving us an amazing story! Me and Yang were at the edge of our seats but everyone was ignoring her, guess they don't know true art in story telling...

Anyways! The mood was brought down when Pyrrha, another member of Jnpr, brought up his bullying issue from Cardin. "Guys, I'm fine, seriously." He brings up a thumps up and forces a weak laugh to us but our attention was taken when someone's laugher was heard behind us, this laugher however was from Cardin himself. We quickly glance over to see him and his team bullying a faunus girl.

As they continued talking and reminiscing Jaune's bullied life by Cardin, I noticed Erina still watching Cardin bully the poor girl. I gently tap on the back of her left hand to get her attention which worked after mashing her hand like a button. "Erina, you seem...pissed." My worried tone goes through her as she continued watching them "Pissed doesn't begin to describe it." Her tone was harsh, nothing like Glynda's cold tone from before. No, Erina's tone feels like it could burn right through you.

Our small conversation was broken when Nora stood up and said to break Cardin's legs. Erina quickly stood up as I saw Cardin pull on the girl's bunny ears and only said one small thing before storming her way to Cardin "I'll burn him to ashes!"

(Erina's Perspective.)

Seeing that...Monster pull on her ears was the last straw for me! To see this type of abuse is more than enough for me and what I strive to achieve for our world! I grabbed Cardin's hands and forced them off the girl's ears.

"Are you okay? Please, I'll like it if you sit at our table. The girl with the white hair will check over you." I point to my friend and she nodded before walking over to the others. That was when Cardin pulled on my arm and forced me closer. "Cardin, if you don't let go of my arm, I'll be forced to retaliate and I'm not afraid to do more than a broken hand."

This placed some fear among him and his lackeys but he still had his hand around my arm. I could feel my emotions running wild inside me and I was losing control each second that went by until someone's hand violently grabbed Cardin's wrist.

(Back to Kiano's Perspective.)

"If you don't let go of my leader's arm, I'll make sure I do more than what I did in that duel match. I can promise you and everyone here that!" My cold, dark tone along with tightening my hand around his wrist got the message across as he let go of Erina's arm.

"Good, so you can listen to reason. Then make sure you four get the hell out of here before I kick you out personally." Cardin and his gang quickly made their way past us while Erina glared at me. "I had it under control Kiano. You didn't need to interfere!" Great, I had to calm her down now. "I didn't need to but I wanted to. Besides, you were going to roast a guy in front of us and I'm sure nobody wants to smell cooked Cardin, definitely not on the lunch menu and I'm sure it taste horrible!" That made Erina laugh which made me happy.

We made our way back to the table with now a plus one at it. Erina sat next to her, taking my old spot while I decided to stand at the end of the table. "You two sure know how to make a scene." Seven said along with everyone agreeing with him.

I shrug while Erina tried to explain our side but I'm sure they understood why we acted out. I watch as Pandora was caring over the girl and could only imagine the type of pain that Faunus's go through every day.

We were reaching to the end of the day with Dr.Oobleck being our current teacher. It was only me and Erina in this class with some of team Rwby and Team Jnpr. Of course, it was hard to keep up but it didn't help that he was zooming around the class and talking way too fast!

I did manage to understand when he asked the class if they were attacked or discriminated of their faunus origins. Some raised their hands, one of which was the girl from lunch, I believe Velvet was her name from Pandora telling me.

Afterwards, the next question was asking what the turning point was in the war at its third year. Before the class could raise any hands, Erina spoke up first. "The Battle of Fort Castle, it was there where the Faunus's were attacked during the night by General Lagune's army." Everyone was surprised from her accurate outburst.

I kept my ear to Erina and listened in as she answered more questions from the professor. Though, I could see Cardin glaring at the both of us in anger. I don't know what's he thinking but I knew we made an enemy who was ready to get payback soon rather than later.

It was finally reaching the end of the week! The team and me were packing small things for the field trip tomorrow. We would be getting sap from some forest but I was mainly ready to get out of a classroom for once.

I was the first to finish which wasn't even much. Just a extra set of clothing in case I get sap on me. The others shortly finish as well while I rested on my bed. "Kiano, you only packing a jacket and pants?" Seven asked when seeing the very bare minimum of my bag. "We'll only be there for a couple hours. Not much to really bother packing." I get up from my bed as I spoke. "Guess that's all the homeless guy can really do here." Pandora gives a snarky chuckle which has been poking me all these weeks since day one.

Now, I wasn't bothered by it at first. I gave back my own remarks but to think it has lasted this long now. I can only roll my eyes at Pandora before tossing my bag onto the ground. "Then I'll hit up the library here. Bringing some reading material for the journey." I grab the bag and threw it onto my back before heading for the door. "This is news! The homeless guy can-" I shut the door behind me before giving a huge sigh. "That girl is killing me here..." I say under my breath.

(Seven's Perspective)

"Pandora! Why do you antagonize Kiano so much?" She only shrugs in response before Erina steps in. "I understand you and Kiano started off on the wrong foot but it has been weeks! I'm here to say, on record, we are tired of this pointless banter!"

Pandora actually seemed surprised by that. Maybe hearing it come from Erina spooked her, her own best friend after all. "Erina is right. It's pointless and it never even had a reason to-" Pandora stomped her foot to cut me off. "There is a reason to this! I believe Kiano isn't worth being here, at Beacon!"

We were taken back by her justification, saying such a accusation that he doesn't belong is baffling to say the least. "What makes you say that? I'm sure Kiano did-" Erina tried to ease Pandora's point but was only cut by her words. "Don't you remember from day one?! Kiano was brought here and accepted by the HeadMaster without any exams or records of any schooling! The HeadMaster basically picked him up off the street!"

I could feel some of my guilt climb up my throat, that guilt was from when I yelled that information out in the cafeteria. I just didn't know and wished I haven't spoken out like that, maybe Pandora would be easier on Kiano but...

"That is the HeadMaster's decision to make. He saw something in Kiano that we can't as of right now. Pandora, as my best friend, you must be kind towards your teammates." Erina eased herself towards Pandora and was giving her a shoulder hug. Seeing Pandora being comforted was working as she lowered her shoulders and lean on Erina's shoulder. "I...know that. Just, we worked so hard to get here since we were kids. We spent all our time together Erina and sacrificed so much but to see Kiano get special treatment like that pisses me off so much! We worked so hard and all he did was be at the right time and right place!"

Hearing Pandora explain her emotions was understandable. I'm sure Erina and Pandora worked themselves to the bone. They study and trained to be accepted by Beacon while I also sacrifice my own things to get here. I...had lost too much before this but yet, Kiano was just...at the right time and right place as she said. What did the HeadMaster see in Kiano?

(Back to Kiano's Perspective)

Thankfully I paid attention when we were given the tour of Beacon. Otherwise, I would be lost trying to find the library here. It didn't take long to remember the way and soon entered through the doors. I'm always surprised by how big this place is, though I shouldn't be since knowledge is a big thing to hunters and Huntresses.

I didn't know where to start in searching for material. I could be here all night before making a dent in my search! That was until I saw Ozpin by the main desk alone. I shrug my shoulders since I had nothing else to lose and with no leads on where to look.

"HeadMaster Ozpin! I need your help with something." He looks up from his scroll to see me across the table. "Well, this certainly brings back memories. I didn't expect to be sat down with you like this again." He chuckles to his little joke before coughing from my bored look. "Well, what do you need help with? I'll be glad to assist you." He brings his hands together on the table. I hadn't noticed till now but he was on his scroll which explains why it's under his hands now.

"Busy on your scroll? If you're then I'll be-" He brings his hand forth, stopping me to gain my attention. "No, no. Please, I insist on helping my students in any need or question they have." I nod my head before continuing. "I'll keep it short then. I'm looking for reading material for tomorrow's field trip. Anything that'll keep me busy I guess."

Ozpin leans back and seemed to ponder on that. It wasn't a minute later when he got up from the table and checked a section of books behind him. I try to look over his shoulder from behind this table but no luck. It turns back around with a couple of books that he placed in front of me. "These should be sufficient enough. I do hope they are of use for you."

I nod in uncertainty by hearing his words but I couldn't even begin to understand it. I simply place my bag on the table and place the books inside before heading out the library. It hadn't occur to me why the HeadMaster was acting as the librarian until I stepped out. That man is too weird for me, I swear.

(Ozpin's Perspective.)

And here I thought the night would turn out differently. Unfortunate to think that it would be, after all, it would've been different from day one from his arrival.

I couldn't begin to think if something were to be wrong with him. Speaking of which, I haven't heard from him in sometime as well. Too many things were happening behind me and I don't like being held blind in the dark.

(Back to Kiano's Perspective.)

Opening to my team's dorm showed everyone had called it in early for the day. I was about to join them until I heard Jaune around the corner along with Ruby.

I felt bad to eavesdrop on them but I couldn't help it. It was nice to see Ruby try at comforting Jaune in her own way and it seems to work somewhat. I continued on my spying until Ruby went back into her room while I turned from the corner back to my dorm until I hear Jaune's scroll go off.

Again, curiosity is what killed the Grimm they say. I lean back onto the corner to hear the scroll which sounded like Cardin on the other end. Hearing that bastard's voice only meant trouble and that means he has Jaune's neck around his finger if he's ordering him to do things for him.

I heard the mention of wasps before the scroll went quiet. I knew something was planned but I didn't have time to start guessing as Jaune was making his towards me. I quickly turn back to my room and silently closed the door behind me.

A million thoughts were still going through my head about what Cardin was up to. If Jaune is doing things for Cardin then that means he has dirt on him but just what? I can't imagine any dark secret that boy might have. Hell, I doubt he could kill a fly at all!

I rub my forehead along with a quiet sigh before placing my bag on the edge of my bed. I figure I'll sleep on it tonight, at least to get some rest for the field trip so I can stay on guard. That's when I placed my hand on my covered eye. If and a very big if I'm using, I'll have to use it. Hopefully it doesn't have to but the future is a fickle thing.