Leon and Isaac return to their teams dorm as Leon tries to think of a way to cheer up his team mate.

Leon: And that's the 10th time you beat me.

Isaac: What is the point to all of this?

Leon: Hey Coonie, I've been meaning to ask. Why did you fall for Blake in the first place?

Isaac: Funny you should mention that.

Isaac stands up, opens his book bag, and fishes out an old picture. The picture features a family of racoon faunus, the mother was sitting in a small bed, she was thin, had dark hair, and was cradling a baby in her arms, the father had dark brown hair, and was wearing a long sleeve shirt with a green sweater vest, and there was a little boy wearing a simple dress shirt hugging the mother's arm.

Leon: C-Coonie, is this, your family?

Isaac: It is, this photo was taken moments before my parents were murdered, my brother Gareth always told me our mom was a dark and mysterious lady who often spent most of her time ether reading or being the village's secret purveyor of information.

Leon had no idea what to say, but after a long silence.

Leon: Dang, your mah's a coonie version of Blake? That is creepy dude.

Nina: *enters* Hey bros, why don't you come back, you're missing out on *sees the picture* Isaac, are those your folks?

Isaac: Yes.

Nina: *looks at the picture* Man Isaac, you're the spitting image of your dad!

Isaac: Enough of that, what's this thing you're trying to tell us about?

Nina whispers something in Isaac's ear.

Isaac: Jaune did what?

Nina continues whispering.

Isaac: No way.

Leon: Ok, you got me, I'm curious. What'd he do?

Isaac: If Nina is to be believed, the Jaune is walking around in a dress.

Leon: No way, we gotta see that!

Leon grabs Isaac and quickly drags Isaac back to the dance, once the got there, finding Jaune was an easy matter.

Isaac: *approches Jaune* why Jaune, did Cardin do this to you?

Jaune: No, I lost a bet I made with Pyrrha.

Leon: And what were the credentials of this bet?

Jaune: I said if she doesn't get a date, then I'Id wear a dress.

Isaac: You serious, Pyrrha didn't find a date!?

Jaune: I didn't believe it either.

Leon: Dude, she had to have set you up. No way that actually happened. She rigged this against you, 100%.

Isaac: Woah, woah hold on, watch this.

Isaac snaps his finger, and a puff of wind pushes the skirt of Jaunes dress up, Isaac then falls on the floor, laughing uncontrollably.

Leon: Dude! That's awesome! You're just as sadistic as I am!

Jaune: Not cool man!

Isaac: No, it was totally cool *goes back to laughing*

Leon: What? Didn't like the breeze? I woulda guessed you could use it, that dress looks stuffy!

Isaac: *finally gets ahold of himself and stands up* I-I need a drink. *walks away*

Leon: *chuckles and waits for Isaac to get out of earshot* Thanks for taking one for the team there, I think Coonie really needed a good laugh.

Jaune: Why, what's wrong with him?

Leon: Got shut down hard, chick didn't even realize she was doing it either. Eh, can't blame her, no homo but Sun's abs are ridiculous. I've tried, that's hard to do.

Jaune: Ouch, tell him I'm sorry for me.

Leon: When he remembers it happened I'll let him know you're looking out for him, I'm gonna try and keep him laughing, the longer he's happy the less I gotta deal with rain clouds over my bunk.

Over at the snack bar.

Isaac: *Finishes the glass of water he has* ahh, that hit the spot.

Isaac goes to get a refill, but he finds Sun there.

Isaac: Oh, it's you.

Sun: What are you talking about?

Isaac: Don't play innocent with me, you know what I'm talking about.

Sun: Listen, whatever you think I did, it wasn't my fault.

Isaac: Did her team put you up to it?

Sun: What?

Isaac: Did Blake's team put you up to this or not?

Sun: Yes, they did.

Isaac: Then I won't hold you accountable for the actions of someone else.

Sun: Thanks Isaac, so *holds out his hand* truce?

Isaac: *grabs Sun's hand* Truce.

In another part of the school, Kayla had left the dance due to receiving a message that she had a visitor asking for her. The message said that the visitor would meet her in Ozpin's office, specifying to wear "applicable" attire. The elevator door opens and Kayla enters.

Ozpin: *looks at her* Ah, Kayla, good you've arrived.

Kayla: Who is this visitor you told me about?

Ozpin: Jarrod if you would.

One of the chairs spins around to face Kayla, sitting in the chair is a middle aged man with pale blond hair, clad in a white gold trimmed robe the features a round emblem, the emblem is a shining sun in the top right corner, below that is a red leaf, to the left of that is a snowflake, and above that is a flower petal.

Kayla: F-father?! What an unexpected surprise.

Jarrod: *stands up* stand up straight, eyes front, chest out, chin up, what in blazes has this school taught you, have you forgotten all of your training?!

Kayla: *snaps to attention* y-yes sir!

Jarrod: Now listen carefully for I shall only say this once, as you know the Vital festival shall be held here in Vale, each year the Order of the Maidens chooses a team of champions to represent them in the festival's tournament. This year, I wish for your team to serve as the order's champions.

Kayla: But father, my teammates aren't even in the order.

Jarrod: That doesn't matter, this test in mostly for you. Succeed, and you will earn my trust, fail, and--.

Ozpin: Jarrod, I don't mean to interrupt, but student curfew will begin in 20 minutes.

Jarrod: Very well, now Kayla, inform your team of my decision, and don't fail me.

Kayla: Oh course not father, I won't. *calls the elevator and leaves*

Ozpin: If I may, you seem to be rather strict toward your daughter, why is that?

Jarrod shoots a stern glare at Ozpin.

Kayla returns to her dorm to find the rest of her team waiting for her there.

Kayla: *enters* Hello guys.

Nina: And where have you been?

Kayla: I have to tell you all something, my father has requested we represent the Order of the Maidens in the Vital tournament.

Isaac: First of all, what is the Order of the Maidens?

Kayla: Well, first I must ask if you know the story behind the sisters of the seasons?

Isaac: Yeah yeah, we've known that story for as long as we can read, just cut to the chase.

Kayla: Very well, after the concept of the Maidens was established, so too was the concept of worshiping them established, in short, the Order of the Maidens worships them as gods. Now each year, they choose a team of warriors to represent them in the tournament, now my father, leader of the Order, wants us to serve as the Order's champions this year.

Leon: Cool, I'm down with this.

Isaac: I'll go if Leon goes.

Nina: Then we've decided, this tournament will be ours!

Kayla softly sighs in relief as her team cheers for themselves. The following day, team NIKL and all the other students made their way to the auditorium, eager to start their first mission. The auditorium itself was already crowded with students, While Glynda and Ozpin were standing up on the stage prepared to issue instructions.

Isaac: Man, this is awesome.

Leon: Offley excited for someone who was just laid off.

Isaac: Hey hey, this is our chance to show Remnant what we're made off.

Nina: I'm with you, I've been itching for action beyond sparring since we started here.

Glynda: Quiet, quiet please, Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin.

Ozpin: *steps up to the mic* Today we stand together, united. Mistral, Atlas, Vacuo, Vale, The four kingdoms of Remnant. On this day nearly 80 years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom. But about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which was the destruction of all forms of art and self expression. And as you all are well aware that was something many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself, color it was a way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither would the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity. Through diversity, as I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional huntsman or huntress on a mission, some of you may be taken out of the kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best.

Ozpin leaves the stage and everyone applauds.

Isaac: Ah man that was so boring!

Leon: Connie come on, you don't know the meaning of boring, you guys go get a mission, I need to uh, polish my scroll.

Nina: But you should--.

Leon: I could care less what we do just go.

Leon runs off as his teammates make their way to the mission console, while the rest of team NIKL is debating on their mission choice, Leon sets out ot look of Ozpin.

Ozpin: *see Leon approaching* Ah Mr, Orchid, can you spare a minute of your time?

Leon: What's wrong Ozzy, you seem like you're in a bad mood.

Ozpin: That's what I need to speak to you about, tell me, has your team chosen a mission yet?

Leon: They're at the console right now, why?

Ozpin: Because I have a mission here I want your team to take.

Leon: And what mission is that?

Ozpin hands Leon a few newspapers.

Ozpin: According to local sources, a humanoid grimm has been sighted on the outskirts of Vale, not only that, but I think it's looking for you specifically.

Ozpin points to a certain picture on one of the papers, which shows the words "I search for you Leon" crudely carved into a concrete wall.

Leon: You're kidding...

Ozpin: This is no joke, I've already found a huntsmen who can lead this mission, he's been tracking this grimm for some time now, alert your team of these events and tell them to prepare themselves.

Leon: Of course.

Leon takes off to find his team by one of the consoles, still unable to choose a mission.

Isaac: How about that one?

Nina: You can't be real, that one's lame.

Leon: *Approches* No, guys, I got a mission for us.

Kayla: But you just said you--.

Leon: Never mind that, this is important.

Leon immediately starts leading his team to the helipad.

Isaac: What's wrong Leon? I've never seen you so worked up before.

Leon: This is what's wrong *shows Isaac the newspapers*

Isaac: *Reads a bit* you mean to tell me there's a human looking grimm out there looking for you!?

Leon: Yes, that's exactly what I'm telling you.

Nina: You don't expect us to believe that do you?

???: Believe what you want, but it's all true.

Team NIKL stops in front of a certain huntsman, he had his hazel hair slicked backwards and a pair of shades that conceal his eyes, he wore a set of gray body armor and had a lance strapped to his back.

???: Are you the band of misfits that call themselves team NIKL?

Nina: We are team NIKL, and I'm Nina, the team leader.

Sanctian: I'm Sanctian, and I'll be leading your little grimm hunt. On the carrier now.

Team NIKL corporates and the carrier takes off.

Sanctian: *looks sternly at team NIKL* Listen up munchkins, this ain't a fun little trip to the zoo or the candy shop. This is the real deal, and this grimm isn't your average Beowolf, he'll murder you within an inch of your life if you move you semblance wrong even slightly.

Leon: Someone needs a hug.

Sanctian: *stands up and walks towards Leon* What's your name son!?

Isaac: Ah don't mind him, he's always like that.

Sanctian: I didn't ask--.

Pilot: Final destination 1000 meters in closing.

Sanctian: Alright girl scouts, this is it.

The carrier lands and Sanctian dismounts along with team NIKL.

Sanctian: It's gonna be cold today, I hope you scrubs came prepared.

Nina zips up her jacket, Isaac puts his hood on, and Kayla insulates her armor.

Kayla: So how do you suggest we find this grimm? Should we like--.

Sanctian: We're splitting up, we'll cover more ground that way. Racoon boy, you're with armor girl.

Isaac: The name's Isaac.

Sanctian: Whatever, and Nina, you're with, that other guy. Anyway *hands Isaac and Nina a set of horns* sound your horn if you find him, and the rest of us will come running, we'll reconvene here at nightfall, good hunting. *Sanctian takes off by leaping over one of the ruined buildings*

Isaac: Wait that's it he's just gonna run off?

Nina: We'll worry about that later, now think, if we were grimm than where would we be.

Kayla: Do you recall that grimm are drawn to negative emotions?

Isaac: You kidding, this grimm we're looking for has got to be too intelligent to fall for that.

Leon: Hey Coonie, you ever stop and think about how lonely you are?

Isaac: *Looks at Leon* what are you saying?

Leon: Oh nothing, it's just that you totally lost your family before you even had the chance to know them.

Isaac: *gets a little shaky* I-I don't wanna hear it!

Nina: Leon what are you doing?

Leon: Shut up, I'm working on it, and even in school no one likes you, the way Blake shot you down, man that was brutal, and Sun will be laughing it up for the rest of his life!

Isaac falls to his knees and starts sobbing.

Leon: Step too far, but I'm sure this Grim is hungry enough to fall for it. Sorry Coonie.

Sure enough, team NIKL hears a growl from on the the alleyways.

Kayla: Here he comes, get ready. *draws he pike*

But the grimm in the alleyway wasn't human at all, it was just an ursa.

Nina: That doesn't look human.

Leon: Just take it down!

Kayla charges at the ursa and thrusts her pike at it, the ursa rears up and prepares to strike, but Nina hits it in the head with her chain, the ursa stumbles back before falling over, Kayla then jumps up and impales it through the chest, killing it.

Leon: Well, that's over, now I'll make Coonie cry again.

Sanctian suddenly returns.

Sanctian: You girl scouts mind telling me what you were thinking!?

Nina: We thought we could lure that grimm out by making Isaac cry.

Sanctian: Well you lured something *walks over to the still crying Isaac* hey, knock that off!

Isaac: *Stops and stands up* I don't think this is working.

Sanctian: Glad you noticed, let's just bed down for the night.

Isaac: I call first watch!

Sanctian: Very well.

Leon: Coonie, you sure bout that? I'm more than willing.

Isaac: Leon, I'm a faunus, makes me a little more qualified for watching at night.

Nina: He's got a point, after all, faunus can see perfectly in the dark.

Leon: Alright man, it was a hollow gesture any way, I want the sleep.

Team NIKL chooses a secluded warehouse to camp in, Isaac darted his eyes around, looking for danger as his team and guide slept around him. But suddenly, Isaac hears a grinding noise coming from one of the other buildings, so he grabs his blade staff and investigates. The sound lead's Isaac to what looks like an old clothing store, after a few minutes of searching, Isaac finds the source of the sound. The creature was horrifying, it looked like a muscular human, but it's skin was pale, as if it were dead. It's right arm was a beowolf arm, and it had horns like a boarbatusk. Isaac tries to approach slowly and kill it, but he stepped on an old clothes rack, causing it to grind across the old tiled floor.

???: *stops and turns around* Who's there?

Isaac raises his blade staff and prepares for battle.

???: You know Leon, I can sense it, bring him to me, now!

Isaac: You want Leon, You go through me first!

???: You have sealed your fate.

The creature raises it's human arm and a series of crimson tendrils extend from it's fingers. When the tendrils touch Isaac's flesh, he drops his blade staff and screams bloody murder. After a few seconds, Isaac stops screaming and falls unconscious.

???: *starts walking toward Isaac* I will enjoy feasting on your heart.

Just before the creature reaches Isaac, a bolt of lighting flies from the shadows and strikes it.

???: *reels back and regains balance* Who did that!?

A figure lands in front of Isaac's unconscious body, the figure was wearing a short black coat and death stalker mask that concealed his being.

End of chapter 9.