A/N: Hey guys, welcome to JustThoseGuys first ever fanfic! This is an idea we've been bouncing around for a couple months now and me and my best friend finally decided to go through with it. I try to make everything as smooth as possible so you guys have the best possible experience. Be sure to favorite, follow, refer, and review! I greatly appreciate you guy's time, and any thing you guys notice that could help improve your reading experience is valued, be it ideas for the story, comments on writing style, or even if it's just something you like or dislike. I will also be accepting some OC's for a limited time. So, without further ado, here is chapter one of Mentors and Mishaps!
Disclaimer: This is the only time I ever will say this. I do not own RWBY, all rights belong to Rooster Teeth, and God bless Monty Oum.
Chapter 1: Not So Humble Beginnings
Thorben Sage
A cool breeze blew through my hair as I took in the scene of the forest beneath me. Even though standing on a launch pad at the end of a cliff was not the way I figured my initiation at Beacon would begin, somehow I'm not surprised. The stories my older brother used to tell me about this place while he was still alive had me slightly more prepared than the rest of my classmates, but it is still a shock to be told your entrance exam involves being launched at roughly 100 miles an hour into a Grimm infested forest, all to find a stupid chess piece. Funny how Beranger never mentioned that one.
I glanced over at Professor Ozpin, who had just taken his place in front of us. "Today, each of you will be given partners. It is vital to select someone you can work well with. That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after you land will be your partner for the next four years." To my left is my close friend Axel Beltz, who gave me a snarl and a thumbs up at Ozpin's recent declaration. "Students," the professor continued, "good luck in the forest below. I do not need to warn you any further about the dangers that lurk within the forest. I hope you all return in one piece."
With that, the launch pads began to click and whirr, catapulting students one by one off into the emerald boughs. Two spots down to my right, a girl with light violet hair braided down her back raised her hand. "U-uh, Professor Ozpin sir?"
The professor raised an eyebrow, "Yes Amethyst?"
"A-are you sure there, um, isn't a better way to, maybe, get us into the forest?" She asked with a nervous smile.
Professor Ozpin replied with an ever stoic expression, "I'm fairly certain there are more efficient ways to go about this." By this time, two more students had launched, and Axel was wearing his trademark maniacal grin. "However," continued Ozpin, "there are, by far, none quite so entertaining." The look of sheer horror on Amethyst face was enough to send Axel into a fit of hysterical laughter as he launched into the miles of trees. I took a deep breath and readied my mind and body as I felt the plate beneath me shift, and I fired off deep into the shaded undergrowth of the Emerald Forest.
I slid my weapon, Asbjorn, off my back and settled it comfortably onto my left arm. It was a large shield, large enough to shield most of my 6'5", 275 pound frame with ease. It was shaped in the form of an upside down triangle, and had long swirling emerald trim engraved into an ivory surface that circled around a golden center emboss. When necessary, my shield can split into two connected halves that can function as a bow. With Asbjorn at the ready I strolled through the forest at a leisurely pace. I was in my natural habitat; the hunter of the forest; the great prowling bear. It felt good to be walking between the trees. It reminded me of the woods just outside of my home that I used to roam during my free hours. The smell of nature flooded my nostrils, and I took a moment to take it all in. My peaceful reminiscence was rudely interrupted by the arrival of a familiar black-haired jackass. He took a moment to dust off his black-plated combat pants, and to readjust the blades strapped to his thighs. His twin swords, Infernos Ceifeira, or as he affectionately referred to them, his cutty-stabby thingies, were tied snugly around his thin legs. The sword on his right thigh was a dark red color, and always seemed to smolder. The sword on his left was complete black and seemed to swallow all light. Both swords were designed in the same way, with the blade edge outline, and the center of the blade was a hole.
He looked up, and we locked gazes for a moment. Mine was one of utter exasperation, his glinting with dangerous excitement that I had become all too familiar with. Finally, I gave in and grinned at him. "Fancy meeting you here. Now that we're partners, I'm guessing you wanna go show off and kill stuff, huh? The usual?" Axel drew his twin blades, and joined them at the hilts to form a formidable double-bladed sword. He regarded me for a moment, "You know it, partner!" His grin grew even wider when a roar sounded not far off. "C'mon teddy," he sneered as he begin to race towards the sounds, "we're gonna miss the action if you can't keep up!"
I shook my head at his nickname for me, far beyond caring about his, less than stellar social skills. I began to trot after him, wondering just what I had gotten myself into. We burst into a clearing and, much to my chagrin we discovered four Ursas converging upon a familiar purple girl. She was having a hard time fighting them off, and it seemed that they were trying to corner her. I gave a low growl, "This is my territory…" I trailed as Axel and I charged the four Grimm.
Axel launches into the air, spinning and sinking his Infernos Ceifeira into an Ursa's back. He then spun around kicking the other and momentarily stunning it. Meanwhile I charge the Ursa and grab it by the head; I spin and launch it into the air. As it descends at high speed, I jump and raise my shield up to meet it. Upon landing I turn, draw an arrow from the quiver strapped to my thigh, and using the bow feature of my shield, I let loose a shot that flies tears a large hole in the next Ursa's chest. Satisfied by the two successful kills, I turn and watch as Axel charges the final Ursa.
The Ursa had begun chasing the girl in purple that we had seen at the launch, Axel sprints at the Ursa determined to make the kill. Axel drops low and raises his left blade, preparing to slide under it and split open its belly. It seemed to be a fitting final move for the situation. Axel never was one to shy away from showing off. Suddenly, a boy in a vested hoodie bursts from the trees and punches the Ursa, causing Axel to miss. The mystery boy then turns and charges his vest and gauntlets with red dust; he lets loose a barrage of hits. Fire begins shooting out with every punch, each hitting its target with deadly accuracy. The Ursa drops, burnt to a crisp.
I walk up to the girl, who I recognize now as Amethyst, and I give her a quick look over. She's wearing a black beanie over her braided, waist-length violet hair. She has on a simple necklace with three jewels arranged in a triangle at the end of the chain. Her black denim sleeveless jacket covers up a light purple tank top. She had a mid-thigh length black battle skirt that faded to a deep purple, and she wore violet leggings that went all the way down to her black combat boots. The most stunning thing about her was her eyes, a deep violet color, and they hinted at barely contained apprehension.
I stuck my hand out and smiled, "Name's Thor-" The new kid, apparently not thinking straight, came out of nowhere and sucker punched me in the chest. "Oof!" I exclaimed as I staggered back about two steps. It wasn't that it necessarily hurt, that being due to my extremely hardy constitution and general size, but more it being a surprise. I was about to show the boy how to throw a real punch when suddenly two blades appeared at his throat. Now normally I wouldn't be afraid, because most people just use that tactic for intimidation. Knowing Axel, however, I genuinely feared for the man's life. I've seen him try to kill people for less.
The new kid obviously didn't pick up on this, so I had to get Axel to back off before the other boy decided to do anything else idiotic. "Axel, heel boy! Heel!" Axel slowly removed his blades from their position at the boy's neck, all while grumbling, "And the bear is the one to tell me to heel…" I sighed and decided I've had enough crap for one day. I looked at the boy, who was standing in front of Amethyst defensively. So it's gonna be one of those days huh. I thought to myself. Jesus, there's only so much I can put up with.
I cleared my throat and decided to start anew. "Ahem, I believe we got off on the wrong foot…"
"Can I kill this guy and get it over with already?"
"Shut the hell up Axel I'm trying to make friends," I retorted. I raised my hands in gesture of peace. "Anyway, let's start with introductions. My name is Thorben Sage. Former resident of the great kingdom of Atlas, top five graduate of Signal Academy. That douche bag over there is my friend Axel Beltz, formerly of Vale, and the only reason he managed to graduate top ten is because I kept him from getting kicked out."
The strange boy visibly relaxed, and met my gaze. "Name's Rust, Rust Ferrum. Graduated top of my class at Sanctum Academy. I also grew up in Mistral." I took this opportunity to question Rust, "Now that that's out of the way, WHY THE HELL DID YOU PUNCH ME EARLIER?!"