As Glynda, Ruby, and Arthur entered the police station, the air was thick with the mundane sounds of paperwork shuffling and hushed conversations.
Glynda efficiently guided them through the initial formalities, her presence commanding the attention of the officers on duty.
While Ruby fidgeted slightly, her large silver eyes darting around the room with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, Arthur remained calm, observing his surroundings with a thoughtful expression.
He answered the preliminary questions truthfully, albeit vaguely, about witnessing the robbery and intervening.
He omitted any mention of portals or other dimensions, sticking to a story of being a traveler passing through Vale who couldn't stand idly by in the face of injustice.
Just as a stern-looking officer began to delve deeper into Arthur's origins, the door to the precinct swung open, and a man with silver hair and spectacles entered.
His calm demeanor and air of quiet authority immediately set him apart.
It was Ozpin.
"Glynda," Ozpin said, his voice carrying a gentle yet commanding tone.
"I heard there was a… disturbance involving a a certain criminal… unique individual."
His gaze flickered towards Ruby, a hint of amusement in his eyes, before settling on Arthur with keen interest.
Glynda's posture softened slightly.
"Headmaster. Yes. Miss Rose here,"
She gestured to Ruby,
"Intervened in a robbery, and this young man,"
She indicated Arthur.
"He was there with her."
Ozpin approached Ruby, his gaze thoughtful.
"Miss Rose, your… enthusiasm is commendable. However, as Professor Goodwitch mentioned, such actions can be dangerous. Tell me, what made you act so impulsively?"
Ruby, emboldened by Ozpin's gentle tone, recounted her desire to become a Huntress and her belief in stopping criminals.
Her passion was evident in her voice and the earnestness in her silver eyes.
Ozpin listened intently, a faint smile playing on his lips.
When Ruby finished, he turned his attention to Arthur, his gaze sharp and perceptive.
"And you, Mr. Arthur,"
Ozpin began, his voice laced with curiosity.
"You possess an… unusual aura. Professor Goodwitch's initial assessment suggests a level of control and power that is… beyond that of an average individual, let alone a student. Your fighting style, though brief, was also quite… unorthodox. You mentioned being a traveler. Where do you hail from?"
Arthur met Ozpin's gaze directly, sensing the man's keen intellect. He decided a degree of honesty, carefully tailored, would be the best approach.
"Headmaster Ozpin,"
Arthur replied respectfully.
"Yeah, I'm a traveler, originally from... well, it's a bit of a long story and probably sounds kinda weird around here. I've picked up some skills back home that might seem a little out there. When I saw that girl in trouble, it was just automatic, you know?"
Ozpin regarded Arthur for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
Then, a thoughtful smile spread across his face.
"Intriguing,"
Ozpin mused.
"Miss Rose,"
He turned back to the young scythe-wielder.
"Your skills, while raw, show considerable potential. You possess a rare quality – a genuine desire to help others. Beacon Academy is a place where such potential can be nurtured."
He offered Ruby a proposition. "I would like to offer you a place at Beacon. An early enrollment."
Ruby's eyes widened in disbelief and excitement.
"Really? You mean it?"
Ozpin nodded.
"Indeed. I believe you have the heart of a true Huntress."
Turning back to Arthur, Ozpin's expression became more serious.
"Mister Arthur, your situation is… unique. Your power and control are evident, far surpassing that of even our most experienced students. While our curriculum is designed for developing young Huntsmen and Huntresses, your capabilities suggest a different path."
He paused, his gaze unwavering.
"However, your willingness to intervene and your apparent sense of justice are qualities we value at Beacon. Therefore, I would like to offer you a position as an honorary professor. You would not be bound by the typical student requirements, but your insights and unique perspective could be invaluable to our students. You would have the freedom to pursue your own… travels, but we would welcome your presence and guidance when you are in Vale."
Arthur was surprised by the unexpected offer.
It was a clever way for Ozpin to understand him better while also keeping a potentially powerful individual close.
It also provided a legitimate reason for his presence in this world.
"Headmaster, that's quite an offer. I'm definitely interested. I think I've got some stuff I could bring to the table, and honestly, I'm still figuring things out here, so learning alongside everyone else sounds pretty great."
Ozpin's smile widened.
"Excellent. Then it is settled. Miss Rose, welcome to Beacon Academy. Arthur, welcome to our community."
He turned to Glynda.
"Glynda, if you would be so kind as to handle the necessary arrangements?"
Glynda, though initially surprised by Ozpin's unconventional decisions, nodded with professional efficiency.
"Of course, Headmaster."
As Glynda began to sort out the paperwork, Ozpin turned back to Ruby and Arthur, a twinkle in his eye.
"I believe this is the beginning of a rather… interesting chapter for us all."
Ruby, beaming with excitement, looked at Arthur with respect.
"Wow! A professor! That's so cool!"
Arthur offered her a gentle smile.
'It seems this third floor has certainly thrown me into the deep end. But I look forward to seeing what Beacon Academy has to offer.'
He knew this was just the beginning of his exploration of the RWBY world, and having the backing of someone as influential as Ozpin would undoubtedly be beneficial.
The mission to help Ruby had unexpectedly opened a door to a much larger role in this world.
Just as the initial flurry of paperwork began, the precinct door swung open once more, and a young woman with long, golden hair and a warm smile entered. Her lilac eyes immediately locked onto Ruby, and she rushed forward, enveloping her younger sister in a tight hug.
"Ruby! Oh, thank goodness you're alright!"
Yang exclaimed, her voice filled with relief. She pulled back slightly, her gaze sweeping over Ruby, checking for any injuries.
"Professor Glynda told me what happened. You were so brave!"
Ruby beamed under her sister's praise.
"It wasn't just me, Yang! Arthur helped too!"
She gestured towards him, her silver eyes shining with admiration.
Yang turned her attention to Arthur, her smile widening.
"Oh, you must be Arthur! Thank you so much for helping my little sister. She can be a bit… enthusiastic sometimes,"
Yang chuckled, ruffling Ruby's hair playfully.
"It's really good of you to step in like that."
Arthur returned her smile.
"It was the right thing to do. Your sister has a strong sense of justice."
Yang's expression softened with gratitude.
"Well, I really appreciate it. It's not every day a stranger would put themselves in harm's way for someone they don't even know."
She paused, her gaze thoughtful.
"So, Arthur, Professor Glynda mentioned you were just passing through Vale? Do you… have a place to stay?"
Arthur hesitated for a moment. He hadn't given much thought to accommodation beyond the immediate situation.
"Not as of yet," he admitted.
Yang's eyes lit up with an idea.
"Well, until you and Ruby head to Beacon, why don't you stay with us? Our place isn't huge, but we have a spare room. It would be the least we could do to thank you for helping Ruby."
She looked at Ruby, who nodded enthusiastically.
"Right, sis?"
"Yeah! It'll be fun, Arthur!"
Ruby chimed in.
Arthur was touched by their genuine offer.
It would certainly make navigating this new world easier, and having allies would be invaluable.
"That's incredibly generous of you, Yang. I wouldn't want to impose."
"Nonsense!"
Yang waved her hand dismissively.
"It's no trouble at all. Besides," she winked, "it'll give me a chance to hear more about this 'traveling' you do. Sounds pretty interesting!"
Ozpin, who had been observing the exchange with a subtle smile, interjected gently.
"Indeed, Miss Xiao Long's offer is a kind one, Arthur. It would certainly provide a comfortable base for you until the term at Beacon begins."
Arthur considered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. Staying with Ruby and Yang would provide a level of familiarity and support as he adjusted to this new reality.
"In that case, I gratefully accept your offer, Yang. Thank you."
Yang's smile widened, and she clapped her hands together.
"Great! Come on, then! Let's get you settled in. I'm sure Dad will be happy to have another friendly face around."
She looped her arm through Ruby's, then gestured for Arthur to follow.
"It's not exactly a mansion, but it's home."
As they prepared to leave the police station, with Glynda handling the final details, Arthur couldn't help but feel a sense of unexpected connection to these individuals.
What began as a simple act of intervention had quickly spiraled into an invitation into their lives, and a professorship at a prestigious academy.
This new chapter was indeed proving to be quite interesting.