The train ride from Brooklyn to Northwood Heights felt like a lifetime. Anthony Henry Grant sat in the corner, his broad shoulders and tall frame taking up more than his share of space. His eyes, dark and intense, stared out the window, lost in thought as the landscape blurred by. The music blasting through his headphones was a mix of rap and rock, a fitting soundtrack for his turbulent life.

Arriving at the station, Anthony grabbed his worn duffel bag and stepped onto the platform. The town was a stark contrast to the chaotic streets of Brooklyn. It was quieter, almost too quiet. He adjusted his dreadlocks and made his way to the bus stop, his presence turning heads. At 6'5", he was hard to miss.

Henderson Academy High School loomed large and intimidating. The imposing brick buildings, manicured lawns, and students in crisp uniforms made it clear this was a world away from his old school. Anthony took a deep breath, his deep, almost robotic voice echoing in his mind, "Time to fuck shit up, or make it right."

Inside the main hall, he was greeted by the bustling noise of students. He spotted a group of girls with silver eyes and black-into-red hair—twins, he realized—chatting animatedly. Ruby and Summer Rose, he recalled from the student profiles he'd memorized. Nearby, another set of twins with striking blonde hair—Yang and Taiyang—were engaged in a friendly wrestling match. Qrow and Raven Branwen watched, laughing.

Anthony's eyes swept across the hall, taking in the Schnee siblings. Weiss, Winter, Whitley, Willow, and Jacques were standing together, their pale skin and aristocratic air making them stand out. He couldn't help but smirk. "Silver spoon brats," he muttered under his breath.

His gaze moved to the Belladonna siblings—Blake, Kali, and Ghira—each with a hint of mystery in their eyes. Then there was Salem, the rich German girl with an air of chaotic energy, and Ozpin, the sophisticated Brit. The diversity here was staggering.

He pushed through the crowd, not caring who he bumped into. When a scrawny kid with wild eyes—a guy named Tyrian Callows—started to say something, Anthony cut him off with a glare. "Fuck off," he said, his voice low and threatening.

Anthony made his way to the dorms, where he was assigned a room. His roommates were already unpacking. Hazel Rainart, a gentle giant with a lawful aura, and Arthur Watts, a quirky but kind kid.

"Hey," Hazel greeted, extending a hand. "I'm Hazel, and this is Arthur."

Anthony nodded, shaking Hazel's hand firmly. "Anthony. Let's keep things simple."

As he unpacked, Anthony's thoughts drifted to his old life. The orphanage had been hell, but it was there he met Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury. They were more than friends; they were family. He hoped they were doing okay.

Dinner in the cafeteria was an experience. Anthony grabbed a tray and scanned the room, noting the cliques forming already. He spotted Sienna Khan, his ex-girlfriend from New York, sitting with Adam Taurus. Their eyes met, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.

He found an empty table and sat down, ready to eat in peace. But peace was a luxury he rarely afforded. A group of seniors approached, led by Roman Torchwick, a charismatic troublemaker.

"New guy, huh?" Roman smirked. "What's your name?"

Anthony looked up, his dark brown eyes locking onto Roman's. "Anthony. You got a problem?"

Roman chuckled. "Not yet. Just making introductions."

Before things could escalate, Glynda Goodwitch, a straight-A student with a reputation for fairness, intervened. "Leave him alone, Roman."

Roman backed off with a mock salute. "Sure thing, Glynda."

Anthony appreciated the gesture but didn't need saving. He could handle himself. As he ate, he kept an eye on the room. This place was a powder keg, and he knew it wouldn't be long before it blew.

Author's Note: Short story I know. Quick read? Very.