It took a conscious effort on Ozpin's part not to sigh.  To be certain, change was a part of life, and flexibility was part of dealing with the changes it threw one's way.  That the student body would be this much in flux, however, managed to upset the headmaster.  And this time, the circumstance was far more worrying than a transfer to another school, as with team JRVR, or a recall for reasons of 'family business' as had been used for Aurellius and Marcus.  Overnight, three students had disappeared.  For some time now, a steady tension had lay beneath the surface of everyday life, touchable only faintly by Ozpin, his friends, and his professors, though there nonetheless.  Now, however, it seemed as if whatever force lay in opposition to Beacon had made its first move.  The pieces had been set a week ago; now, the game had begun.  The lives of students could, however, lend themselves only to a most cruel game.  Come Friday, team JSSC would be on its way to find and rescue Priscilla, Daniel, and Grayson.  Until then, the gathering of information would be key.

None of this mattered at the moment, however.  New students, previously without allies to call their own, were right here now in Ozpin's office, and he turned away from contemplating the view from his window to greet them.  He studied their faces, internalizing their features as well as names.  [i]Delta Snow.[/i]  Brown eyes closely regarded the pale blue.  [i]Grane Blauer.[/i]  He scrutinized the unique look on his face.  With these two, that would make three down, counting Miss Beryl Harkan, who he'd spoken to earlier.  Soon to arrive would be the senior Sterling, back from his extended voyage, to join his teammates Jasmine and Sarina and to meet Claire for the first time.  The student body would be in full strength—though immediately after thinking this, Ozpin chided himself for even beginning to consider his pupils as an army.  Ironwood, though a friend, had yet to convince him to employ him that the students should do anything save evacuate in case of some kind of invasion.  [b]”Welcome to Beacon, then.  Grab your scrolls and then seek out Robert Fallson, your team leader.  I expect from you two every ounce of dedication and effort, if not more, than from the students who began their year here.  You have until lunch to visit the team's classes, socialize, and relax, but afterward...”[/b] he shook is head, trying to ignore an annoying music coming from somewhere outside the room.  [b]”...it will be time to begin.”[/b]

[center]Outside the school[/center]

It wasn't long before the source of the noise made itself apparent.  Behind the campus of Beacon was a hill, and cresting it now came the point from which the cacophony originated.  Shambling down the slope came a boy, who looked to be about fourteen, with shaggy sand-blonde hair that reached his shoulders, frayed and dirty clothing, and a look of exhaustion on his face.  The very air around him trembled, seemingly vibrating at ultra-complex frequencies to create sounds from nowhere; it did not take a sharp mind to guess that the making of soundwaves was this young man's semblance.  Even so, it looked to be an obscenely powerful one.  Now that the boy could see people facing him, he visibly scrunched himself up in order to deaden the tooth-rattling music.  In an instant, there was dead silence save for the ringing of ears.

The boy walked closer.  Professor Fullbuster rushed to his side to lend him his shoulder and keep him from falling over.  When the strange and ominous newcomer drew close to the group, three new features could be seen.  First, his sclera were not white, but black, framing disconcerting white irises.  Second, his mouth was seemingly [i]stitched shut[/i], which perhaps explained his emaciation.  Third, tattooed down the bridge of his nose in bold black print was the word: [b]EMBODIMENT[/b].  Before anything else could be seen, there came a single melodic and ethereal whisper in the air, [i]"help me"[/i] before the last of the boy's strength faded from him and he collapsed in the professor's arms.

Fullbuster motioned for another student to assist him with carrying the newcomer.  "We must get him to the clinic immediately.  I need one more of you to help open doors on the way.  Someone else needs to run and find the headmaster, he oughta be in his office right now.  Go, quick!"