Budding of a Rose

Welcome to Beacon

Vale International Airport, Vale

A teenaged girl forced her way through the bustling security hall, her brilliant white cloak flowing behind her. She paused momentarily to provide identification to the transportation security officer.

"Excuse me Miss, what are you doing with all those weapons?"

"Don't worry, officer. I'm completely licensed to carry these. One of the perks of being a Cappellana, no?"

"I suppose so. Let's see... You're only seventeen? My, Vacuo is recruiting young. What's your business in Vale, Ms. Rose?" the man asked.

The girl rolled her eyes and sighed, but answered, "To Beacon Academy. The Reggimento has started a transfer program so that we may broaden our skills outside of traditional ways. If I may, I'm late for my escort Signor."

The officer chuckled as he handed her scroll back.

"The Cappellano Reggimento, moving outside of tradition? Never thought I'd see the day. Alas, things have changed lately, what with that Mountain Glenn fiasco. Be safe, Miss."

The girl nodded and grabbed a long, slender case as well as a small bag from the conveyor belt.

"Things have changed indeed," she muttered. From the case she pulled a massive sword and strapped it to her back. The Rose tested the new weight and sighed happily.

"Stupid security, taking my love from me. Argenta Rosa, you will never leave my sight again!"

The Rose ignored the occasional odd look as she weaved through the horde of newcomers that had joined her on the aircraft. She glanced down at her scroll to review her Valean friend's appearance. He was young, presumably the same age as her, but had a frazzled look, with spiked black hair and a scraggly beard that aged him a few years.

"Qrow Branwen, I swear if you stood me up again I'll kill you," she muttered.

"Now, now, is that the way you should treat your escort, Summer?"

The Rose whipped around, almost bumping into a young man that matched the image on her scroll.

"It's Estata, you uncouth Valean."

Qrow raised his hand to his heart, giving a mocking grimace.

"Estata Rosa, you hurt me with your big words. Besides, you'll have to get used to Valese. Kinda what everyone here speaks, ya know? Now, Estata, did you get everything from security? Your weapon? Your clothes?"

Estata, or Summer, scoffed.

"Of course I did. I'm not about to move across Vytal and leave my necessities. That would be irresponsible. Just like you. Now let's go."

Qrow flipped her off but dutifully guided her out of the bustling airport and into a waiting car. Estata glanced inside before glaring at Qrow.

"I thought you were my only escort. Who the hell are these people? Dammit Qrow, what have you dragged me into?" Qrow laughed as he gestured for her to enter the sedan. "Come on Summer, meet the rest of Team QSTR (Quester). You, my lucky friend, have managed to skip the orientation due to your 'Chaplain Training' so you're a tad behind; say hi to Taiyang Xiao-Long and his partner, Raven Branwen."

A tall, slender man with dark brown hair waved at her from the driver's seat while the girl in the the back smiled.

"I'm Raven, Qrow's sister, Tai's partner, and our team's dust user. Good to meet ya, Summer." Raven certainly resembled her namesake, with a mane of dark black hair and piercing red eyes.