STRQ: Next Generation

Chapter 2: Ruby

As I walked back inside my dorm, my teammates turned to me.

"Is everything okay? I heard you talking to someone earlier," Yang said.

I smiled. "Yeah, I'm okay. I just happened to run into another team. Team CMSN. They're from Heaven academy. But they're deciding to stay here in our dorms instead of the separate ones for students from other kingdoms."

Blake looked up from the book she was reading. "That's... a little weird, don't you think?"

"I agree. I think we should talk with Ozpin about this," Weiss replied.

I scratched my head. "Maybe Ozpin allowed them to stay here?"

Yang put her hand on her hip. "Yeah. Maybe. Still seems a bit strange. I'd keep an eye on team CMSN."

Blake nodded and said, "That sounds like a good idea. But I'm sure they're harmless."

I didn't say anything as I laid down on my button bunk. I noticed one of Cinder's eyes looked... a bit off when  we first met. I don't know what it was. But it didn't feel... natural.

"Ruby? Are you okay? You've been laying down for a few hours now," I heard Weiss say, "we're going to miss our Grimm biology class."

I immediately sat up. "I'm sorry! It didn't feel that long to me. We should hurry. I'll see you in class!"

"Wait!" I heard Weiss say as i used my semblance to rush to class.

I arrived just in time. With Weiss coming in a bit after. She sat down next to me and glared.

"You could've slowed down for me," she snapped.

"Sorry about that. I'll be sure to be a bit slower next time."

Before Weiss could reply, Professor Port walked up to the front of the class.

"Good morning students!" he said. "Today we're having a special training exercise. But first, I'll need a volunteer. Does anyone feel up to this challenge?"

I quickly raised my hand. "I am, Professor!"

Professor Port smiled and gestured me to come to him. As I was walking up to him, I saw a Grimm in a cage. It as an Boarbatusks.

"Now Ruby, I'm going to test you with your fighting skills. This Grimm here is a bit weak compared to others. Would you like to take up this challenge?"

Smiling, I replied, "Of course."

He quickly unlock the cage and the Grimm immediately charged towards me. I dodged its head butt quickly and got my weapon ready. I wasn't going to lose against a weak Grimm...

I sent a strong kick to its side, sending it tumbling. I noted that it's underbelly didn't have any armor on it. Now was my chance...

Before the Grimm could get back up to his feet, I used my sniper rifle to shoot at its underside. It was hit near the center. Everyone watched as it disintegrated into nothing.

Professor Port looked impressed.
"Excellent work, Ruby! You figured out the Grimm's weak spot easily! I'm sure some of the students here could learn a little something from you. You can return to your seat."

I walked over to my seat. Weiss gave me s snide look.

"Show off," she scoffed.

"What did I do? I just took out that Grimm. It wasn't even that strong," I told her.

She didn't say anything else to me as Professor Port began his lecture.
It seemed to last forever, but eventually, class ended and me and Weiss returned to our dorm. Yang was waiting for us.

"Well? How did Grimm Biology go?" she asked.

"Pretty good actually," I said. "I defeated a—"

Before I could finish my sentence, Weiss cut in.
"She was obviously showing off."

Yang glared at her. "How do you know? She's a good fighter. You should see how she handles the Grimm near our house in Patch."

Weiss huffed and went to lay down. I sighed as I sat on my bed. Yang say next to me and took my hand.

"Don't worry too much about it, sis. Weiss will get over it eventually."

"Easy for you to say. She doesn't seem to like me much..."

I heard Weiss sigh. "I don't hate you. I hate show offs."

Yang shot one final glare at her before her scroll vibrated. She took it out of her pocket and looked at it before placing it near her ear.

"Hey Blake," she said. "I'll be in class in a few minutes. I got caught up with some stuff. See you soon."

She put her phone back into her pocket and stood up to grab her text book.

"Sorry to leave so soon. I have class."

I smiled. "I'll see you when you get back."

Yang smiled back at me as she left out the door. I turned to Weiss and saw that she had fallen asleep.

"A nap does sound nice," I said, laying back down and closing my eyes. I eventually found myself in complete darkness...

...

I found myself in an arena, looking strait into Cinder's eyes. She smiled at me.

"This should be fun," I heard her say.

Then I saw a nunchuck flying straight for my face.

...

I was soon awake again. My teammates were looking down at me with concerned faces.

"Ruby!" Yang cried. "Are you okay?"

We heard you scream soon after we returned from class," Blake said, "is everything okay?"

I nodded, still a bit shaky. "Yeah... probably just a nightmare. How long was I asleep?"

"A little while. You missed lunch," Weiss replied.

"Aww man," I groaned. "I guess I'll have to eat some snacks then."

The day went on as usual until it was dark out. As we were getting ready for bed, Weiss looked over towards me.

"What was that nightmare about anyway?"

I looked towards the ground.
"I'd rather not talk about it."

I quietly climbed into my bunk and laid there. Wondering if that was really a dream. It felt so real... After pondering about it for a bit, I soon found myself in a deep slumber once again.