Jaune: Mr. Puk?! Really?

Ruby: Hey, sorry about that. It was the first thing that came to mind. Anyway, it was mainly my sister's idea.

Jaune: Don't blame your sister. That's too easy and kind of a cheap way out. Trust me, I know something about that.

The girl next to me was named Ruby Rose. She was also starting her education to become a hunter, with one significant difference—she was two years younger than me.

Jaune: You're lucky I don't get offended so easily.

Ruby: Yeah, that's one of your many advantages, isn't it?

Jaune: Of course, right after being good-looking, articulate, intelligent, resourceful, and obviously humble.

We both burst out laughing. Ruby seemed like a nice girl to me maybe because she was the first person I could talk to normally since I started my journey as a hunter.

But I couldn't forget how incredible she was. She'd begun studying at Beacon two years early after being personally invited by Headmaster Ozpin himself—because she'd taken down a criminal group all on her own. Just... wow.

Ruby: Hey, Jaune.

Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

Jaune: Yes?

Ruby: Will you show it to me again?

Jaune: Again? Wouldn't this be the third time?

Ruby: Pretty please?

Jaune: Ehh... Sure, no problem.

I handed her my weapon, this time without the shield. She seemed particularly interested in the sword.

She ran her fingers along the blade, swung it a few times, and then did something that left me speechless.

She started spinning the sword with one hand—and the movement only got faster and faster. I couldn't help but watch her hand, her fingers, and her wrist; everything moved so fluidly, like she'd done this a thousand times.

Jaune: Nice trick. Too bad it's not very practical.

I immediately regretted my words. Dad always told me: If you don't have anything nice or wise to say, it's better to stay quiet.

Ruby turned to me, her expression playful.

Ruby: You're right. But think about it this way: you walk into battle spinning the sword like this, head held high. Suddenly, you stop, point your weapon at the enemy, and declare: "Today, you meet your destiny!" Cool, right?

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I had to admit, if a warrior a fully armored knight with a booming voice performed that scene, it would make an impression. But Ruby's cheerful delivery made it more... comical. Still, remembering Dad's lessons, I responded tactfully.

Jaune: Well... you're right in a way.

Ruby: Of course I am!

Her smile was infectious, and I felt a small sense of satisfaction seeing her so excited.

Ruby: Oh, Jaune, I'm sorry.

Jaune: For what?

Ruby: Where are my manners? Here.

She reached for her weapon, intending to hand it to me.

Jaune: No, Ruby, no need.

Ruby: Are you sure?

Jaune: Yes, yes, no problem at all.

Ruby's weapon, Crescent Rose, was a scythe that doubled as a sniper rifle an unheard-of combination. When she first showed it to me, I almost dropped it trying to switch between its forms. Luckily, I managed to hold on, but barely. I had no idea how this small girl could wield such a weapon so effortlessly.

I'll have to add more sets to my workouts, I thought. And maybe a few extra kilometers per week.

I'd been training hard for the past six months after receiving news of my acceptance to Beacon. But clearly, there was still a long way to go.

Ruby made a few impressive combos with Crescent Rose before returning it to me.

Ruby: Jaune, do you have any classmates here?

Jaune: From my class?

Ruby: You know, any friends who also got into Beacon? I was planning to come here with some of mine, but they've got two more years to go. So now I'm wondering if it's the same for you.

I couldn't tell her the truth that I went to a regular public school, that my only "training" lasted six months, and that I probably shouldn't even be here.

Jaune: Well... I kind of learned and trained more at home.

Ruby: Oh, right! You mentioned your great-grandfather was in the military. Your family probably has a long history of service, huh? No wonder you've got firsthand knowledge.

I hated lying, but at that moment, I didn't have much of a choice.

Jaune: Yep, that's exactly it.

Ruby: Same here, sort of. My uncle trained me.

Jaune: Really?

Ruby blushed slightly before continuing.

Ruby: You see, I wasn't the best student until my Uncle Qrow took me under his wing. Even my weapon is modeled after his. Only...

She hesitated, and the pause stretched longer and longer. It surprised me Ruby had been so talkative and enthusiastic until now.

Jaune: Yes, Ruby?

Suddenly, she blurted out her words in a rush:

Ruby: Mine's a better version! His weapon's just a sword that turns into a scythe, which is cool, but isn't a sniper rifle and scythe combo so much better?

I had to take a step back as she surged forward, speaking in one breath.

Collecting myself, I replied thoughtfully.

Jaune: Hmm, interesting point. Both the sword and scythe are melee weapons, but the scythe has better range and versatility, depending on the handle and blade. Still, they're both front-line weapons. Firearms, especially sniper rifles, allow for better battlefield control hough finding the right shooting position can be tricky.

I paused, then added:

Jaune: That said, you mentioned mobility is your strong point, right?

Ruby: Um... yes. My semblance gives me great speed and mobility.

Jaune: In that case, I'd say you're right. Your weapon combo is better. It's even fair to call it an improved version of your uncle's weapon.

Ruby stared at me for a moment before shouting triumphantly:

Ruby: I KNEW IT!

We continued walking together, but suddenly Ruby asked a surprising question.

Ruby: Where are we going, anyway?

I froze.

Jaune: I thought you knew.

Ruby: I've been following you this whole time.

I could've sworn we'd been walking side by side, but I decided to let it slide. Looking around, I spotted someone I was eighty percent sure I'd seen on the ship earlier. Grabbing Ruby's hand, I said:

Jaune: This way.

Ruby: Definitely?

I really hope I'm not leading us astray.

Jaune: Definitely.