——
On the steps of the Vale Police Department, stood two figures waiting; a short red hooded girl, and a professional-looking blonde lady—who held a riding crop.
The hooded girl, who was Ruby, seemed skittish, nervous, and anxious. Her eyes darting around the street, waiting for Altair to pick her up. In contrast, the blonde lady stood perfectly still, quietly observing everything, with the poise and elegance of a noblewoman—the riding crop made her look like a dominatrix though.
"So, I have someone picking me up, but it might take some time. I don't want to waste your time! Ehehehe..."
Ruby's attempt at a graceful exit was met with a steady, unimpressed gaze.
"It's fine." The lady said with a stern, but level voice. "I have plenty of time to look after you until they arrive."
"...Yes, ma'am."
Defeated, Ruby slumped her shoulders, her head hanging low as she mentally prepared for a lifetime of being grounded.
The blonde lady's expression softened, ever so slightly. She turned to face Ruby with a faint, rare smile.
"You shouldn't worry so much. Instead of anxiety, you should feel pride for being accepted into Beacon early."
She then turned back to the street.
"Though you are younger than I would prefer, Professor Ozpin himself vouched for your capabilities. Most students your age still have a few more years of training ahead of them, yet you have been judged to be more skilled than the rest."
"Ugh...Don't mention that." Ruby muttered, fidgeting with her cloak. "I bet it'll be hard to even find someone to talk to there... except for my sister and Altair."
"Well you'll have plenty of chances to make friends in your time attending Beacon, granted that you pass of course."
Ruby glanced at the lady with admiration, a strained smile present on her face. Turning her attention at the shattered moon, she felt strangely at peace.
The fact that she was allowed to take Beacon's entrance exam was surreal, it didn't feel real to her. Of course this was the point of everything she studied for, all the hours she spent on training, and dreaming of one day becoming a Huntress like her mother.
She was nearing it, the completion of her dream, better yet, she might be able to spend her years studying in Beacon with her sister and maybe Altair too. The prospect of making new friends still made her anxious, but it felt like she'll be fine, as long as she's herself, and not mess up, or be weird.
Of course everything still counted on her ability to pass the exam, but it wasn't a bad thing to think about.
"Granted I pass..." She whispered under her breath.
Motivated, Ruby perked up and smiled brightly, as she turned to the lady. "Thank you. Professor Goodwitch. I feel a lot better now."
"You're very welcome." Glynda Goodwitch, returned her smile with one of her own, but it immediately dissipated, turning into a small frown, as she pushed up her glasses. "Still, your actions tonight are very much ill-advised, Ms. Rose. Like I said earlier, you're lucky to only incur a small penalty."
"Ughh. I know." Ruby felt defeated again, as she squatted down, her hands pressed against her face, as her anxieties and fears returned to her mind.
Glynda watched her with a look of mild, quiet amusement.
——