The next two days later, Anthony, David, Mari, Shino, Igor, Kang, Jie, Dae, Felix, and Michael were in Ozpin's office along with Pavel and Bula.

Apparently, after Lieutenant Colonel Bauer got promoted to Colonel. He decided to deploy the twelve Marines as temporary students at Beacon.

Even though most are past their teens/17s.

They're in the office because they have conditions they want to address for their five week stay.

Colonel Bauer stood before the group, his demeanor both authoritative and respectful. "Before we proceed, I understand you have conditions for your stay as temporary students here at Beacon. Let's hear them."

Anthony stepped forward first, representing the group. "Thank you, sir. We have a few requests to ensure our integration goes smoothly and aligns with both our training and Beacon's standards."

He glanced at his fellow Marines, who nodded in agreement, then continued. "Firstly, we'd like to maintain our morning PT routine. It's crucial for us to stay in peak physical condition."

Ozpin nodded thoughtfully. "That seems reasonable. I'll make sure you have access to the training facilities early in the morning."

"Secondly," David added, "we request to keep our weapons and gear secured but accessible. We understand the security concerns, but in case of an emergency, we need to be able to respond effectively."

Glynda, standing nearby, chimed in. "We can arrange for secure storage that only you and authorized personnel can access."

Mari spoke next. "We'd also appreciate having dedicated time for tactical training sessions, possibly integrating with the Huntsman curriculum. It would be beneficial for both sides to learn from each other."

Colonel Bauer looked at Ozpin, who nodded. "I believe that can be arranged. Cross-training could be highly beneficial."

Shino stepped forward. "One more thing: we'd like some flexibility in our schedule for therapy sessions. We've been through a lot, and it's important we maintain our mental health."

Ozpin agreed without hesitation. "Of course. We have therapists available, and I'll ensure they can see you as needed."

Kang, representing a more personal concern, added, "And it might be a bit unusual, but we'd like to keep our communication channels open with our families and friends back home. Regular contact is important for morale."

"Understood," Colonel Bauer said. "We'll make sure you have secure and private communication lines."

Felix, ensuring they covered all bases, asked, "And what about housing? Will we be integrated into the dorms or have separate accommodations?"

Ozpin responded, "You will have your own quarters to respect your need for privacy and to ensure you're comfortable during your stay."

Finally, Jie spoke up. "And if possible, we'd like to assist in any practical missions or training exercises that arise. We're here to learn, but we can also contribute."

Ozpin smiled. "Your expertise will be invaluable. We'll make sure you're involved in meaningful ways."

With all conditions addressed, Colonel Bauer looked at his Marines with pride. "Thank you, Headmaster Ozpin, for your cooperation. We'll make sure this is a mutually beneficial experience."

As the meeting concluded, the group felt a sense of anticipation and readiness for the unique challenges and opportunities their stay at Beacon would bring.

Before the group entered elevator to leave, Bula brought up something that flew even Colonel Bauer's head.

"Before we forget. We want zero cameras in our quarters and free total access to the kitchen cafeteria." Bula addressed.

Ozpin understood the kitchen part. But pretended to be unaware of his hidden cameras all over Beacon.

That is until Bula pulled out her tablet, "I, MARSOC, and other Special forces units hacked into your security system and your hidden cameras that throughout Beacon Academy and Emerald Forest. The only places that don't have cameras are the shower rooms and dorm bathrooms." Bula said showing the proof in the pudding.

Ozpin's eyes widened slightly, the only hint of surprise he allowed himself to show. He glanced at Colonel Bauer, who was just as taken aback.

"I see," Ozpin said slowly, carefully considering his response. "It appears your skills are indeed formidable, Sergeant Bula. We installed those cameras for the security and safety of the students, especially given the recent threats. However, I understand your concerns about privacy."

Colonel Bauer, regaining his composure, added, "It's important that my Marines feel secure in their quarters. We appreciate the need for safety, but we have to ensure our own protocols are respected."

Ozpin nodded. "Very well. I will ensure that all cameras are removed from your quarters. As for access to the kitchen cafeteria, that can be arranged. We trust that you will respect the facilities and the other students."

Bula nodded, satisfied with the response. "Thank you, Headmaster. We appreciate your understanding."

With that, the group entered the elevator, ready to begin their unique integration into Beacon Academy. The agreement reached, they felt a mixture of anticipation and readiness, each Marine knowing that their time at Beacon would be both challenging and rewarding in ways they couldn't yet foresee.

Three hours later, the twelve marines(Anthony, David, Mari, Shino, Igor, Kang, Jie, Dae, Felix, Michael, Pavel and Bula) were in front of their new dorm room for the next five weeks.

Shino was the first to open the door to see the spacious room with two bathrooms, six bunk beds, a couch, a small kitchen, footlockers, gun lockers, dressers, a medium sized dining table with chairs, four desks, a large bookshelf, and a note from Ozpin on the TV stand.

On the beds were their Beacon uniforms that had a tag on it saying, "Made in Vietnam".

"Better than Beacon knowing our measurements." Felix said as Dae picked up the note and read it.

Dae unfolded the note and began to read aloud:

"To the UNE Marine Contingent,

Welcome to Beacon Academy. As you settle into your new quarters, please know that we have taken great care to ensure your stay is comfortable and conducive to both your training and integration with Beacon's students. Your uniforms have been specially tailored to your measurements to maintain the utmost professionalism and ease of movement during your time here.

Please feel free to use all the amenities provided, and do not hesitate to reach out should you need any additional resources or support. We hope that this unique opportunity will foster camaraderie and mutual understanding between you and the students of Beacon Academy.

Best regards,
Headmaster Ozpin"

The room was silent for a moment as everyone took in the contents of the note. Shino broke the silence first. "Well, at least they didn't skimp on the accommodations."

Anthony nodded, "Yeah, this is better than some of the places we've bunked in before."

David chuckled, "No kidding. And these uniforms—" he picked up his own, inspecting the craftsmanship, "—they really went all out."

Jie smiled, "Let's get settled in. We've got a lot to do and only five weeks to make the most of it."

As they began unpacking and organizing their new space, the atmosphere was a mix of determination and curiosity. Each Marine knew this assignment was unlike any they had experienced before, and they were ready to tackle it head-on. The integration with Beacon students, the unique challenges of a new environment, and the opportunity to learn and grow in ways they hadn't anticipated—all of it lay ahead in the coming weeks.

The next day after a 4AM morning PT routine and shower at 6AM. The marines began putting on their Beacon uniforms.

For boys, the Beacon Academy uniform consisted of black suits lined with gold, accompanied by a blue vest and a white shirt with a red tie. Girls wore a red plaid skirt, stockings of various length, and a brown jacket with a tan vest and white shirt with a red ribbon tied at the collar.

Students were given the freedom to customize their attire, as Ruby also wore her hood with her uniform. The dress code did not seem to be upheld very strictly, as students were often seen in casual attire during classes, assemblies, and field trips. Students tended to avoid wearing their uniforms during combat practice.

Anthony was the first to customize, "Welp. No tie, vest, or shoes for me." He said as he put aside the two items and rolled up the sleeves nice and tight and white/black Nike sneakers.

David, standing next to Anthony, nodded in agreement. "I'm with you, man. This tie feels like a noose." He removed the tie and vest, opting for a more relaxed look with his sleeves rolled up as well. He kept his standard-issue boots on, giving his uniform a unique military flair.

Mari looked at her skirt with distaste. "Nope, not happening." She rummaged through her belongings and pulled out a pair of black tactical pants, quickly swapping them for the skirt. She kept the jacket and shirt but rolled up the sleeves and replaced the ribbon with a small pin she had brought from home.

Shino, ever the pragmatist, made minimal changes. "I guess I'll just skip the tie and the stockings." She kept the skirt but replaced the stockings with knee-high athletic socks and wore her favorite pair of running shoes.

Igor smirked as he looked at his reflection. "I think I'll keep the vest, but the tie has to go." He removed the tie, leaving the vest open over his shirt. His sleeves were rolled up, and he wore a pair of combat boots.

Kang followed suit, removing the vest and tie. "This feels better. More like me." He rolled up his sleeves and opted for a pair of black sneakers.

Felix, ever the minimalist, simply took off the tie and vest, leaving his uniform otherwise untouched. "Simple changes, big difference."

Michael, however, decided to keep the full uniform intact. "I don't mind it. Feels kinda sharp." He did, however, swap out the standard shoes for his preferred pair of athletic shoes.

Jie customized her uniform by wearing tactical leggings under the skirt, and instead of the standard shoes, she wore her combat boots. She also replaced the ribbon with a black choker.

Dae decided to swap her skirt for black cargo pants and kept the jacket unbuttoned over a plain white tee. She completed the look with a pair of black sneakers.

Pavel, always the traditionalist, kept his uniform as it was but rolled up his sleeves and replaced the shoes with boots.

Bula, much like the others, took off the tie and vest, opting for a more comfortable and practical look. She paired her uniform with her favorite pair of trainers.

As they finished their adjustments, the group gathered in their dorm's common area, assessing each other's modifications with nods of approval.

"Alright, everyone," Anthony said, clapping his hands together. "Time to face our first day at Beacon. Let's make a good impression."

With that, they made their way out of the dorm, ready to tackle whatever Beacon had in store for them.

As they head to the cafeteria for breakfast. Some students and foreign students gave the twelve looks. Mostly towards their customize attire.

When they made it to the cafeteria more eyes went their way. Mainly at Pavel and Bula as their always in their MARPAT. Now in their Beacon uniform.

The boys stared at Bula blushing as she had a tall, muscular and curvy body that'll probably outrank either Professor Goodwitch or Professor Peach.

They did immediately look away as Pavel her twin brother gave them a death glare. They don't want to poke the Devil Dog and give it a reason to maul them.

As the twelve got their breakfast they looked around for a table available for them.

"Over here!"

They saw the voice of a waving Nora sitting with her team, Team RWBY, and Team CFVY. "Come sit with us!"

Anthony nodded and led the group over to the table. As they approached, Nora made space for them, and the others shuffled around to accommodate the twelve marines. The combined group made for a lively and interesting sight in the cafeteria.

"Morning, everyone," Anthony greeted, setting his tray down. "Mind if we join?"

"Of course not!" Ruby said with a cheerful smile. "We'd love the company."

As they settled in, the conversations started flowing. The marines' presence was a novelty, and the students were curious about their experiences and how they were adjusting to life at Beacon.

"So, how are you guys finding Beacon so far?" Yang asked, taking a bite of her breakfast.

"It's different," Mari admitted. "But in a good way. It's nice to have a change of pace, and the facilities here are top-notch."

Igor nodded in agreement. "Yeah, plus the food is better than MREs any day."

"Tell me about it," Felix added with a chuckle. "I could get used to this."

Nora, ever the enthusiastic one, leaned in. "So, are you guys ready for classes? Any subjects you're looking forward to?"

"We're ready for anything," David said confidently. "But we're definitely curious about the combat classes. We want to see how our training matches up with what you guys do here."

"Combat classes here are intense," Pyrrha said. "But given your background, I'm sure you'll do great."

Blake, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "What about the Vytal Festival? Are you guys planning to participate in any of the events?"

"We haven't decided yet," Jie replied. "But it could be fun to get involved."

As the conversation continued, the marines and students found common ground, sharing stories and getting to know each other better. Despite their different backgrounds, they all shared a common goal of becoming stronger and protecting those they cared about.

As breakfast went on, the cafeteria slowly filled with the usual morning bustle, but at their table, a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect was growing.

Three minutes later, Teams, RWBY, JNPR and CFVY were left jaw-dropped as the twelve marines finished their large meals in three minutes.

Coco lowered her sunglasses at the clean plates that had a big breakfast, "How the hell..?" She muttered.

"Wow... you guys eat fast..." Jaune said.

"Thank our Basic Training. All the branches decided to copy the USAF 3-minute meal thing. Even other nations added that to their Basic Trainings." David said wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Yatsuhashi, Blake and Pyrrha looked at them with amazement.

Velvet shook her head in disbelief. "That's impressive. I don't think I've ever seen anyone eat that fast."

Dae grinned. "It's a survival skill. You never know when you'll get interrupted during a meal in the field."

Igor leaned back, patting his stomach. "Plus, it gives us more time to get ready for whatever the day throws at us."

Ruby, still wide-eyed, nodded. "I guess that makes sense. But wow, I can't imagine eating that quickly all the time."

Jie chuckled. "You get used to it. And it leaves more time for important things, like training and missions."

The marines' efficient approach to eating was yet another reminder of the different worlds they came from. As the students of Beacon continued their breakfast at a more leisurely pace, the marines used the time to observe and mentally prepare for their first day of classes.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" Shino asked, looking over at Weiss, who had a class schedule in hand.

"We've got Professor Port's class first," Weiss replied. "It's a bit of a lecture, but he tells some interesting stories."

"And then we've got combat training with Professor Goodwitch," Yang added. "That's where you'll get to see what we're made of."

Felix smirked. "Looking forward to it. Let's see how Beacon's finest stack up against us marines."

Pyrrha gave a polite smile. "It'll be an interesting experience for all of us. We're always learning new techniques and ways to improve."

As breakfast wrapped up, the group began to gather their things and prepare to head to their first class of the day. The marines, eager to see how Beacon operated, followed the students out of the cafeteria, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Later~

Combat class was an absolute shitshow.

And the marines didn't use the term lightly.

On the one hand, everyone was more attentive than they had been in a while, not quite knowing how strict USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Cooper would be and how much they could get away with. They were curious, too of what the short 5ft old marine would do. There was an unwritten rule among many that huntsmen students hadn't known until Shino explained it. That rule basically read as: "Thou shalt not respect a teacher unless they kicketh ass". They were fairly sure Shino had paraphrased that, but that was the idea.

Miss Goodwitch had proven herself by not being afraid to levitate people with her Semblance, and by catching a falling building after a food fight. Anyone who had seen that knew not to mess with her. Doctor Oobleck and Professor Port got off by virtue of being teachers in theoretical lessons. They were smarter and knew more than the students, so you had to listen to them. A combat instructor had to be stronger than those he or she taught, however. Otherwise, no one would listen to them.

The wildcard Ryan needed to prove himself to them if he wanted to be respected.

Evidently, he knew that.

"Good afternoon class!" Ryan walked briskly into the room, "I am Master Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Cooper, your combat instructor for today. Let's get the basics out the way, shall we?"

He savagely drew a pulse grenade and threw it down against the floor, throwing out a shockwave that struck many like a truck. Everyone else, too. They were all thrown from their feet – even Pyrrha! – and send skidding onto the ground. Some hit harder, bouncing away, and Ruby, as light as she was, shot off like a shuttlecock to hit the back wall.

It was such a casually devastating display of strength.

And Ryan was grinning wildly.

"You're here to learn to fight Grimm. Alas, we have little choice but to have you practice on one another, but humans are not your enemies. I'll mould you into capable huntsmen and huntresses, but for that I need your full attention. As such, let's get the posturing out the way. Who wants to be sent to the fuckin' infirmary today?"

Yang's hand was the first in the air. Pyrrha was second.

Like a good friend to one and partner to the other, Jaune groaned and raised his. He knew this was a bad idea but couldn't sit by and let them both get their asses kicked. More hands were raised, with about ten people all wanting a crack at him. Ryan chuckled. "So many? Well, far be it for me to let you down. Come on up."

No one moved. "Who, sir?" asked Pyrrha.

"Why, all of you, of course." Ryan looked entirely too happy at the idea. "Ten on one may be unfair odds, but I'll even them as best I can by not drawing my second weapon." He took a graceful stance with his kukri knife, bending his knees and hooking one arm behind his back. The way he balanced made Weiss seem like an amateur. "The match continues until none of you can continue."

"What about if we reduce your aura-I mean your stamina?" asked Yang who quickly corrected.

Ryan chuckled.

If someone were to ask him after what happened, Jaune's response would be to say he was assaulted by the colour Woodland green and Mk III flashbangs. In under ten minutes, he'd developed more hate for that colour than any other. Whatever shit Ryan had, it was a bright one, constantly flashing and exploding before his eyes. It was offensive too, hitting like a truck, but it was the constant flashes that left him with an awful headache. He obviously wasn't the only one because Weiss was on her knees digging her thumbs into her eyelids to massage them, while Cardin was vomiting into a bucket.

Yang and Pyrrha had lasted the longest, go figure, but Ryan was a veteran marine with some forty-odd years of experience squashed into the body of a man at his prime. It was ridiculous. Not only did he fight better than they could, but he was fitter to boot. Laughing delightedly at his newfound youth, Ryan caught Pyrrha's sword by the blade with one hand, dragged her in front of him with such precision that he caused Yang's fist to hit Pyrrha's shield on her other arm, then twisted and flipped Pyrrha over his shoulder, disarming her as he went, before sending the shield into Yang's chin like a frisbee.

The class had gotten used to seeing Pyrrha show extreme skill by besting teams four on one, and everyone suspected Glynda could incapacitate the whole class with her Semblance, but that was different. It wasn't the same as seeing one person a couple years older than you manhandle ten people at once, including Pyrrha Nikos.

'He's enjoying this, the bastard.' Jaune groaned and struggled to his feet as Yang was bested in hand-to-hand and sent to the floor by a haymaker. 'This is like one of those bitter old grandads who complain about young people wasting their youth having the power to show us how it's done.'

"Back on your feet, Arc?"

"No."

Ryan blurred forward and slammed a knee into his stomach, launching him into Ren and Ruby, who caught him and laid him down. "Lying is not a good trait, Arc."

"You might as well stay down," said Ren. As if he needed to be told twice. "He's massacring everyone."

"H—How is Nora?" Jaune asked.

Ren pointed.

https://youtu.be/Qn977W9HjWM

"My eyes!" howled Nora, rubbing them against another flash of light from Ryan throwing flashbang of all things into Yang. It hadn't even touched Nora, but the white-hot light had flashed before her eyes as it carried Yang away and blinded Nora. "I can't—" Nora bumped into Cardin, assumed it was Ryan, and tackled him. "I've got him!"

Cardin, still queasy, gulped, spasmed, and then threw up.

Nora screamed like she'd just witnessed a murder.

"He's a monster," said Blake.

"Why aren't you fighting him?" Jaune asked to both Blake and the marines.

Blake coughed, flushed, and said, "I didn't want to steal Yang and Weiss' thunder."

"We're not THAT battle hungry." Mari said.

A likely story. Damn them for being smart enough to read the writing on the wall. Jaune slumped down among the remnants of his team as the battle came to a close. Yang was ignominiously tossed over Ryan's shoulder and into a weapon rack, while Pyrrha failed to survive a hand-to-hand bout and was knocked to the mat. As her consciousness faded, Jaune caught the look of sheer bliss on her face.

Trust Pyrrha to be happy someone had manhandled her as easily as she did others. Though, to be fair, she was probably happy to know she had a lot to learn from her USMC teacher. Pyrrha loved to compete, but she was also about improving herself, and it was hard to do that when spars with the other students were so overwhelmingly in her favour.

"Well, that's a good start to the lesson." Ryan hadn't broken a sweat and was still smiling happily. "Is everyone else happy to accept that I have something to teach you?"

Everyone nodded, eyes wide.

"Does Arc want another go at me?"

Jaune groaned in answer.

"Good! This was a refreshing warm up! Now then, is anyone too injured to train?"

"Um. Sir." Russel raised his hand. "Our team leader is throwing up. And now Nora is throwing up too, and it's making him throw up more. I think they're in a vomit loop."

"Separate them and break the loop, then." Ryan was ruthless. "As for the rest of you, I think it's time we checked up on your stamina. Combat skill is meaningless if you can't endure. We'll be heading outside and you'll all be doing laps of the training fields."

"How many laps?" asked Blake.

"Ah, Belladonna. That depends on you, doesn't it?" Ryan drew out his watch. "There's still an hour of our lesson left, so it's however many laps you can manage in that time."

It was cruelty, pure and simple. Jaune considered himself fit, even if he was nowhere close to monsters like Pyrrha, Nora, Yang, Anthony, David, Igor, Shino, Jie, etc. But even they were shaking and gasping by the time class was over. The marines however, weren't. Constant running, for almost an hour, with no stopping and Ryan jogging at the back threatening anyone he overtook with immediate push-ups, was one of the worst experiences of his life. Poor Ruby had it even worse, because while she could run faster than anyone else, she wasn't designed for long distances, nor for regular push-ups. Yang and he had to drag her between them, one arm in each of theirs and Ruby's feet dragging along the grass.

When the bell rang, everyone dropped(not the twelve marines). Blake curled into a ball and whimpered, and Ren just twitched, face down in the grass. Pyrrha was gasping for air, but somehow still smiling maniacally. He'd never hated her more than he did at that moment.

"Is that it?" Ryan asked, drawing Jaune's hate – and most of the class' – his way. "I can't say I'm overly impressed with the stamina of you people. Back in my day—" He paused, realising that, ostensibly, today was his day. "Well, you'll need to get better. Luckily, I'm more than happy to hold lunchtime classes for those who want to catch up."

"As if anyone will do that to themselves," hissed Yang.

Pyrrha crawled over, smiling widely. "I think our team should sign up."

"I think you should shut up," Ren grumbled into the grass.

"Ah, Nikos. I'll be glad to mark your team down as attending."

"DAMN IT, PYRRHA!" howled Nora. "Hey teach! Team RWBY wants—"

Nora didn't get to finish because Weiss threw herself at the redhead, wrestling her down with surprising strength and locking her hand over Nora's mouth. Blake joined in, fighting her down so she couldn't volunteer them.

"Everyone is welcome to join and improve," said Ryan. "My lessons will be open to all and a great chance to get ahead in the Vytal Festival..." He dangled the bait out, and transfers from the other schools looked conflicted. Agony vs success. Despair vs school honour. "Either way, we'll continue working on your fundamentals in the days coming. I fully intend to have each and every one of you capable of killing a Grimm both with and without your weapons. And yes, that includes you, Rose. When I'm done with you, you'll be able to choke a Grimm with your bare hands."

"COOPER!"

Goodwitch stormed onto the field with her crop slapping against the palm of her hand.

"Ah, Glynda—"

"That's ma'am to you!" she hissed. "I have complaints from Oobleck and Port about students passing out in their lessons. What are you doing out here...?" She trailed off, looking over the devastated class. Someone threw up onto the grass. "Cooper..."

"Just a little physical training, Glynda. Nothing they can't handle. Why, back in my day—"

"My office. Now!"

"But—"

Ryan was swept off his feet and hoisted into the air by her Semblance. His eyes widened and he flailed about, but there was no escape. "You and I are going to have a discussion about how far you can and cannot push the students, Cooper. All of you hit the showers." Glynda looked over them again and winced. "And take a thirty minute recess before your next lessons. Drink some fluids while you're at it."

The class didn't cheer. They just collapsed on the grass.

The twelve marines, unfazed by the grueling session, stood by and watched the aftermath with a mix of amusement and respect for Ryan's harsh training methods. Anthony looked over at his comrades and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, that was something," he said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration for the old marine's intensity.

David chuckled. "Guess the Beacon students weren't ready for the full marine experience."

Shino shrugged. "They'll adapt. They have to if they want to survive out there."

Jie nodded, her gaze sweeping over the exhausted students. "We should probably offer them some tips. They might need it."

As the students began to pick themselves up, the marines approached them. Pyrrha, still smiling despite her exhaustion, looked up at them.

"That... was intense," she said, her breathing heavy.

Mari offered her a hand, helping her to her feet. "You did well. Ryan's methods are brutal, but effective. You'll get used to it."

Jaune groaned from his position on the grass, looking up at Anthony with a pained expression. "Do we have to?"

Anthony smirked. "If you want to improve, yeah. But don't worry, we'll help you guys out."

Ruby, leaning heavily on Yang, managed a small smile. "Thanks. We could definitely use the help."

The marines spent the next thirty minutes giving pointers and sharing their experiences, offering advice on how to handle the intense training sessions. As the students recovered, they began to listen intently, eager to learn from their new comrades.

Blake, still lying on the grass, looked over at Jie. "How do you guys handle it? The intensity, I mean."

Jie smiled. "It's all about conditioning and mental toughness. You push your limits every day until what seemed impossible becomes routine."

Ren, sitting up slowly, nodded in agreement. "Discipline and perseverance. We can do that."

Pyrrha, ever the optimist, clapped her hands together. "Then let's make the most of this opportunity. We have five weeks with some of the best. Let's not waste it."

As the bell rang, signaling the end of their extended recess, the students of Beacon Academy stood a little taller, a little more determined. They had a long way to go, but with the marines' guidance, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.