Vale was beautiful in the late summer. The crisp breeze rustled the trees and spread the scent of grass through the air. The city had been hustling and bustling for the past hour and the locals had been very helpful to the pass transfer of student from other Kingdoms. These students had traversed over hostile terrain to attend the prestigious Beacon Academy. People of all height and ages crowded in the central plaza of Vale, the local student had their families spending time with them whilst transfers stood with their friends or alone. A boy sat by himself reading a book whilst a girl and her friend were practicing backflips. A boy with red hair hugged his little sister, a massive claymore strung over his back. A female faunas stood by a tree, rummaging in her bag. Ram's horn protruding from the roof of her skull, curing around with the tinge of white bone. Everyone was loud, attempting to talk over one another as they said goodbye.
The airship began its descent into the plaza. Everyone moving out of they way as to not get crushed by the supreme mass of metal and turbines. Final hugs were exchanged and kisses between parent and child finished as the recruits bundled into the air driven device. The mass of twenty-eight teenagers entered the transport and the door closed behind them. With a mighty roar, the device left solid ground and took off into the air. With that the holograms began. "Hello, my name is Glynda Goodwitch and I will be one of your Professors at Beacon. You are among the privileged few to have been accepted to attend our prestigious academy and train under our nurturing supervision for the next four years." Some boys laughed in the corner, apparently one of them had told a sick joke. No one else however seemed to find this funny. "We look forward to teaching you and again welcome to Beacon."
The sight was amazing as the group descended over the Emerald forest towards Beacon. The school resided on the edge of a cliff face, both tactical and intelligent positioning. The airship began it's final two minutes as people began whispering around rumors of Grimm that stalk the forest hunting the very children that enter and them never returning. A bunch of girls shivered as the stories flew past them except for one whom cracked her knuckles revealing strength and courage as strong as titanium.
The walk inside wasn't much; people again were talking as they proceeded down the stone path towards the educational structure. An older school girl pulled out a broadsword and began showing it to her friend, a giant red crystal embedded into the hilt. With ease she swirled it around in both hands creating deadly arcs, the blades emitting faint trails of red flames. Her friend clapped before pulling out his own short sword that, with the flick of his wrist, morphed into a pistol form. With aim he shot at one of the red flags decorating the path over the water. Mist erupted from the gun as the flag began to crystalize, covering in a thick layer of ice. The girls laughed before they both sheathed their weapons and walked away for the area.
"Hey! Wait up!" A boy turned around to see a girl running at full speed from the airship. She wore a silver combat skirt with a matching shirt with a red design. Her black fully closed shoes clipping on the paving stones. What stood out the most wasn't her gauntlets that she wore over her wrists but her Faunus wolf ears and tail that flowed behind her wake. Silver like her human hair but with red specks on the tips of her ears and tail.
"For goodness sake, hurry up Sylvia!" The girl put on the extra speed grinding to a halt in front of her homeschool friend.
"The path is so long…" she groaned, stretching her back, her tail stiffening before relaxing with her body. "You'd think they would drop us off closer to the main complex." The boy looked from her, back to the castle and back to her.
"Anyway, how have you been?" She reached into her pocket pulling out her mobile phone.
"Great actually, I got back from my trip to Mistral last week." She pulled up some photos revealing her in a red and white-stripped swimsuit with her sister, a girl who stood slightly taller than her with the same animal characteristics. They both smiled at the camera as if they were laughing at a comedian's joke.
"I forgot Mistral is near the water's edge…" She nodded,
"Yeah. One side that this like massive cliff and the other has these nice sandy beaches…" She was so focused on her reliving her vacation that she didn't realize her friend had kept moving until a minute later. Again, she bolted after her friend.
"WAIT UP KRIMSON! YOU NUISANCE!"
The entrance hall was enormous, it was big enough to fit an army and about ten cars and still have room for double that amount. Argent, swirled around in the center, glancing around the entire hall. From everyone, no one knew him. He'd transferred into Vale at the end of last year and no one had gotten to know him. At least he'd be able to make a new face for himself here in Beacon. He turned and immediately got bumped in the shoulder. Upon turning he found himself face to face with a faunas girl.
"Sorry, I'm trying to follow a friend," she stuttered trying to look over his shoulder. "He has crimson hair, a mean attitude, caring personality…"
"Woah, Woah…" Argent stuck out his hand cutting off her description.
"First, how can a guy be mean and caring at the same time? Secondly, are you the only girl?" The girl her eyes in shock and began staring into the crowd comprised of boys.
"WHAT?" All the boys around them turned to stare at the wolf Faunus's outburst. Confirming the new girl's suspicions. She was a lone girl in the sea of a supposed sixteen male students.
"My name's Argent Chevalier.." Before she could shake his exposed hand a boy pushed past the sea of students and into their conversation.
"God, Sylvia. I loose you for five seconds and you're already distracted…" Both he and the Sylvia both looked at him before speaking at the same time.
"You're the frien-orst!"Krimson clutched his head with both hands confused at the mergence of their words.
A loud coughing interrupted the entire assembly of to-be-warriors. Professor Ozpin stood on stage, Glynda by his side. The entire room immediately went silent. Not a single breath could be heard. "Thank you," Ozpin stood behind a microphone, his green eyes filled with appreciation for the new bunch of trainees. "Welcome to Beacon. I'll try to keep this short as tomorrow you will begin your first set of training. Being a huntsman or woman is a important job. You have chosen your life to defend those who remain unable and devote your life to the protection of those who are innocent. For now realize that here we will help you unlock your full potential but realize this isn't a one-way street. It requires you to also dedicate yourself to studies and practice whilst also maintaining your relationships with teammates and fellow students. I look forward to seeing your progress." The entire audience burst into polite applause. Glynda stepped in as Ozpin walked off stage and out of the hall.
"Tonight you will be sleeping here. Your bags are just outside the eastern door along with sleeping mats for you to lie on. Sleep nice and early, we will see you up tomorrow at seven am." With that students began bunking down for the night, leaving in drones to get changed in their respective bathrooms outside the western door. The girls, being only two, got in and out in a nick of time. Together they all bunked down, eager to get the night over and done with and see what tomorrow brings.
Argent had collected his bag and walked to a spot nearby the eastern door. A boy had taken a little too much room and would limit his sleeping space. The boy was hunched over a piece of paper with a pen in hand, neatly writing letters on the parchment, an unsealed envelope rested nearby. With a polite nature, Argent asked, "Hey, do you mind moving slightly?" The boy looked up at him and notice Argent's long sleeve pajama shirt with long tracksuit pants. Immediately Argent felt self conscious as the boy's eyes appeared from underneath a flattened mess of blue hair to look at his bat ears, prodded up from underneath his hair.
"Sure." The boy picked up his equipment and moved it over to allow him to sit down. Laying down his bed roll, Argent pulled out a book from his grey bag and began reading, lying down on his mat with his bag acting as a pillow.
"Nice night?"
The boy stretched out, his joints clicking as the bubbles around his bone popped. "I guess so… I was kind of expecting someone." He turned the page of his book before responding,
"A friend or girlfriend?"
"Neither, may I ask where you are from? I can't recognize your accent." Argent lifted his gaze from the book and smiled at the boy, his eyes milky white and bland yet full of life.
"I'm from Mistral, the kingdom to the east. I'm Argent by the way," he extended his hand offering to shake. The boy took it firmly. He noticed Argent's hands were soft, like silk definitely not the hands of any warrior he knew. "Anyway," began Argent, closing the book and stuffing back in his bag. "Night." With that he turned on his side and closed his eyes. He heard the boy fold up his letter, placed it in the envelope and stuffed it neatly in his bag before lying on his side to sleep too.
Four hours later...
Azure, rubbed his eyes. He'd hear him. The transfer student, Argent was leaving in the middle of the night. He had stood up and walked towards the southern door. With ease, he'd lifted the latch and gently pushed it open. Not a single creak and ran through the opening, closing the door behind him. No one else had been stirred. Azure, being the curious person he was, attempted to follow him. Right foot then left foot. Avoid that boy's face, avoid the fox girl's silvery hair and step carefully on the wooden floor. Through the entire ordeal, Azure thought he'd wake at least two people. Instead no one stirred. With the same ease, he snuck out the door that his new friend had left.
The night air was cooling, his arm had felt as if it were on fire. Argent walked towards the fountain and lifted up his right sleeve and dunked his arm into the fountain. Immediately the burning sensation washed away with the fountain's water. He looked down at his veins to notice there was no difference. A section of his veins were deathly black looking like freshly made obsidian. Realizing he could hear footsteps he pulled his sleeve back down and turned around. Azure stood about a meter away, his dark blue hair merging with the darkness turning dark navy, almost invisible. A set of metallic gloves exposed his fingertips but the metal was reflecting moonlight causing them to shine in the darkness.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" Azure approached him, his movements slower than normal walking.
"Nah, just concerned about you." Argent smiled, at least people here were better than Mistral. Maybe it's just because we were all training and that the possibility of team mates. "You okay? I saw you dunking your arm in the fountain…" Argent swallowed, wonder how much he saw. "It isn't a wishing fountain, you won't find any coins."
Argent's heart immediately returned to normal, his breathing however was still a little hasty. "Azure, I know it sudden but can we have a fight?"
Azure's face turned from concern to confusion. "Why?"
Argent looked out into the night's sky, the shattered moon providing the darkness's light. "I recently have decided to live every day to the fullest. We don't know when we'll die. So… I want to do this now before I kick a bucket." Azure looked at Argent, the boy's eyes were sad and worried yet his composure was faking happiness and tranquility. It reminded Azure when he use to tell his 4 year old little sister stories at night when she was scared of the darkness. No matter how many stories he'd tell her she never truly got over the darkness till she faced it. Azure would help him. He'd not let another person face another challenge alone terrified, especially not a friend.
"Sure Argent."
They tromped over to the nearby arena. It was a significantly spacious area, about the size of two small houses. It was completely empty except for two circles on either side, designed as starting circles for opponents. Azure looked at Argent and began an explanation.
"We have ten minutes, the first to surrender looses otherwise it's a draw." Unknown to them, they hadn't escaped unnoticed. Ozpin and Glynda stood ontop a nearby tower, watching them through a display on a tablet device and binoculars.
Argent nodded, "I'm fine with that, do you want this side or the other?" Azure began walking towards the other side.
"I'm almost already there!" He shouted across the five meter gap from his circle to Argent, so resided in the other. From there, they took it in turns to countdown.
"Five!"
"Four!"
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!" Shouted Argent as he pulled a small metallic rod from his pocket. Twirling it in his hands, it elongated into a staff comprised with an orb on top. With that he bolted forward spinning the staff in his right hand to build up momentum. Azure focused his gaze but remained stationary in his circle. Immediately his sight changed. Instead of color the whole world turned shades of grey expect for himself and his opponent. They both glowed bright blue, with specks of red on Argent's knees and elbows. With that he flicked his wrists, his gloves bulged doubling in size. The metal expanding past his fingertips and protecting them from the night's cold bite. Raising the gloves into an X shape he blocked Argent's first strike. The quarterstaff collided with the gloves, knocking him back but unscathed. Realizing his opportunity, Argent, pulled out from his pocket a red orb and with a quick guesture paced it in his staff's orb. Immediately it turned blood red. Azure watched as his opponent began twirling the staff like a windmill it in front of his body. The red tip flaring as flames began forming in a circle by the orb. What was most frightening was that his friend's eyes had changed color. They were no longer milky white but blood red, the color of flames.
Azure rolled to the left as a beam of flames erupted from the circle. He swallowed, he would have been fried crispy if he'd been any slower. Argent pulled out another pellet and place it in the staff again. Both his eyes and the orb morphed in to a pale blue, the color of freshly fallen snow. If he wanted to play with ice, decided Azure, so would he. Argent clenched his both fist and flung them outward, two bolts of ice jolted through the night's air. Two pale white crystals evident in the palms of each glove. Argent, slammed his staffs into the ground raising a defensive pillar of ice in front of him, blocking the bolts of subzero temperature. With another swish, the floor turned to ice around him and the pillar crumbled into shards that flung themselves at Azure. With a leap, he dodged most of the shards and rested nearby. Using he staff as a vault, Argent leapt at Azure. Azure saw him coming, pulling his fist back; he extended it forward aiming at his exposed glowing red stomach. His aura added additional force to the blow and Argent coughed, as he flew back onto his ice circle and slid across winded. Azure, ran forward using the ice to skate haphazardly across. He reached down to land a blow to his right arm. Although Argent's aura protected him, the ice released from the gauntlet, began expanding. Freezing his arm and staff to the floor.
"Game over, Argent." Argent instead of admitting defeat began trying to riff his arm out of the icy restraint without success. Azure placed one hand on his shoulder, "Give up. You've lost…"
Argent sighed, the moonlight fading behind a cloud plunging the field in semi-darkness. "Thanks anyway." Azure, slammed his fist into the ice and it shattered into mist, leaving no trace except for the ice circle still covering part of the arena.
"Those two are already friends and aware of each others abilities. I do hope they become teammates." Glynda noted, looking out through her binoculars. Ozpin, stared at the hologram display from the nearby tablet, showing the boys lying down on the ice and regaining their breath. Glynda walked next to Ozpin, her face a look of regret. "I don't know about Argent. We know what happened to him and the fact remains he could cause instability here." She looked to her left to see Ozpin just staring out over the edge of the building, over the campus he'd help to construct.
"Glynda, I do hope you aren't judging his fighting capabilities." She started at the headmaster in shock.
"Of course not… but when it happens I don't want the entire year to crumble."
Ozpin watched as the boys got up and headed back to their room before both teachers returned to their offices.
Even before six o'clock people dashed around frantically, attempting to pack up gear and get changed. The girls were in their bathroom. A girl was brushing her long pink hair straight removing knocks from last night's uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. Sylvia on the other hand was applying a light coat of foundation. Nothing fancy, just a basic coat but it still did nothing to cover the bags under her eyes, she propped them uncomfortably.
"Here," commented Carmine passing a green tube to her. She turned it around in her fingers, the title read 'Caffeine Lift'.
"What's this?" Asked Sylvia, twisting off the top to reveal a roller similar to those used on deodorant.
"It's a caffeine lift, apply to sleepy skin to remove bags in five minutes." She looked to her left to see her friend apply mascara, the makeup turning her lashes two shades darker.
She began rolling onto the skin, it tingled slightly but nothing struck her as odd. She passed it back to her friend with a muttered, "thanks,"
Carmine smiled. "Don't mention it, we girls have to stick together." She turned on the spot, her eyes widening as if had a premonition. Sylvia wanted to tell her she'd messed her mascara but she grabbed her shoulders and began gently shaking her out of excitement. "We should totally be on the same team! We're the only girls after all."
Sylvia smiled back at her, which was difficult when being shook like a maraca. "Sure, if we are lucky…" Carmine let go and Sylvia fought the urge of her body to keep shaking. She'd kind of hoped that she'd team with Krimson but then again, a girl wouldn't be bad. She could discuss more with Carmine than she could with Krimson.
They left the bathroom, adorned in armor and make up. Sylvia was amazed, her bags had actually vanished, Carmine offered it to her claiming she had many more. She gladly accepted throwing it into her bag. The hall was a buzz of energy. People were talking and running planning teams and organizing their equipment. Carmine laughed at a group of boys swinging their weapons around. When Sylvia inquired as to why she replied, "they're showing off. It's typical of boys to do so to impress girls but here people respect strength. The better the weapon the more respect. Isn't that ridiculous?" Syliva had to admit the boys looked stupid, flashing their weapons before they're even needed. A boy swung a two katana's his black hair becoming a blurb as his whole body moved with lightning speed, demonstrating his ability. The entire group clapped, cheering their fellow student on. Sylvia said goodbye to her friend and ran around trying to find Krimson. She found him in discussion with two boys, a bat faunas with messy brown hair and a human with dark blue hair, the color of a stormy sky. They all wore partial armor. Bat boy wore a pair of ripped jeans and a grey long sleeve shirt. This was protected by shoulder armor constructed from a silver metallic compound, a small metallic tube was attached to his hip by a holster. He also had a miniature bag hung over his shoulder probably containing additional equipment. His friend, the brown haired boy, wore a jacket of the same blue as his hair with black jeans and combat boots. White colored armor was attached to his hips, protecting his femoral arteries, smart move. He had metallic glove like devices holstered at his side, a sheen of white evident in the palm. Her childhood friend, in her mind, looked the most mature. He'd hung his claymore behind his back and wore white and red armor over his entire chest, he'd worn black tracksuits incase it got cold.
"Hey Sylvia," she blushed slightly as he addressed her. "Guys, this is my best childhood friend, Sylvia." The boys both extended their hands, shaking hers politely. They both were kind and gentle and enjoyed some small talk. She learnt that the bat faunas and his friend were called Argent and Azure, respectively. She'd learnt that Argent had transferred from Mistral, the kingdom from the east whilst Azure had been at Signal Academy like they had but had spent most time in the library or practicing rather than socializing.
"So Argent, any friends here from Mistral?"
The boy glanced around having another glance around the hall, "I think someone transferred as well but we haven't seen each other yet." The boy turned back to the group, "What do you think will the initiation arena will be?"
Krimson scratched his head evidently confused. "I doubt we'll get the Emerald Forest or the nearby ocean as they were used for the last two years." Before another person could talk a voice rang through the hall. It was immediately recognized as Professor Goodwitch's.
"All student's please exit via the eastern door and head out for the cliffs near the entrance of Beacon. Breakfast will be supplied and addition information regarding initiation." With that the group broke up and everyone made their way for breakfast.
Breakfast was grand. Heated plates supplied scrambled eggs, baked beans, sausages and hash browns plus there were stacks of toast. Everyone had a plate piled with food. Argent had collect only beans, eggs and toast. Being a vegetarian had its limits and eggs were a very controversial topic. Eggs in his opinion were unborn chicken so he didn't actually kill an animal. Other vegetarians argued with him but he stuck with his gut, literally. Not knowing anyone was really helping his antisocial behavior. Everyone here was open and willing to cooperate. Azure was also really helpful, the disease spreading through his arm wasn't slowly, even now it itched and stung but it was nothing compared to the pain he'd felt last night. The feeling of red-hot needles digging into his fleshy arm, burning and stabbing away vigorously. He shuddered, not wanting to remember. By instinct he munched on a slice of toast, pulled a book out of his satchel and began reading.
It was a story of personal conflict. A man had been born with two souls. Each one was fighting for dominance and thus caused his life to deteriorate. Argent read it to remind him, that even though his life may be bad, his life was better than others even if he didn't know it. At least he didn't have another persona telling him to break up with his wife and to kill his family. Then again he didn't have a wife so he didn't know how that would work. "I hope you all had a restful night," everyone turned to see Ozpin with a plate of food in his left hand and a mug of coffee in another. Glynda held only a mug of slightly lighter colored coffee and her riding crock in the other. "You are now about to start initiation, although we are near the cliff you will not be entering the forest. Instead you will be exploring the caves beneath Beacon." Whispers started going around. Talk of darkness and Grimm immediately dominated the conversation. "Please be quiet," she continued taking a sip from her mug. "You will follow us to the starting location."
Together the group of student strolled after their professors for their first task. Argent placed the marker on page 231 and placed it back in satchel before grabbing another slice of toast for the road.
Sylvia looked over the edge; there were lots of holes in this field. Enough for everyone.
Ozpin stood in the centre and addressed everyone. "You will each drop down a hole and enter the caves. You will be supplied with a torch and an anti-Grimm flare gun. It only has one shot so use it wisely. The flare will last for twenty minutes, anyone nearby is encouraged to help. No professor will be lending a hand. Relics are hidden at the center of the tunnels, underneath the school. Find one and return with your team mate to the surface." The word, team, sparked another bout of whispers. With a shudder she tucked her flashlight into her right pocket and flare gun in her left. Her gauntlets would still allow her to still hold the flashlight but she could help but feel sorry for those with two-handed weapons. "Your teams will follow the same rules as last year. Except it will be the first person you shine your flashlight on or make eye contact with. Go!" She swallowed, activated her gauntlets, their metal encompassing her fingers and she jumped in.
It was dark and moist. It felt disgusting, like a monster cave… oh wait, it was a Grimm infested cave. Same difference. What did she expect? Truthfully honest, she expected the professors to choose the forest however thanks to her Faunus heritage she could see in the dark, so no need of a flashlight and giving away her position. She ran down one pathway, then down another. Turn right, turn left, leap over a chasm and into a T-junction. A step wards bound right and down the path. A loud, "HEY!" called through the air but she didn't recognize it. With additional strength, she bolted away from the sound, returning back to T-junction. The air was becoming warmer and slicker. Perspiration was also building up on her skin, sticking her clothes to her body. That's when she met him. It was the boy with blue hair, Azure. She went to approach him but remember Krimson and their idea to be a team. She began to turn but not before he laid his light on her.
"Sylvia! My god… am I glad to see you!" He bolted towards her and grabbed her hand. He was sweaty too. She could smell him, a mix between body odor and mint. Not a good mix. She reached for her flare gun, just to make sure it was still there and felt the reassurance of cold metal. "What now?" she asked looking down the corridor she'd just come from and towards the T-junction, seeing no other people.
Azure, flashed his light down his side, showing no one either. "Any idea where the center is?" The pair stood next to each other, he was significantly taller at least by half a meter. "I'm guessing you don't need a flashlight to see, huh?"
She looked at her newly found teammate and smiled; maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. "No, I don't."
The duo walked down the watered pathway, the air becoming thick with liquid. Azure, held a flashlight with his right hand, his left was covered in a gauntlet like hers but his had an ice dust crystal embedded into the palm. "So you're an ice specialist?"
Her teammate didn't even turn around but responded with, "Kind of, I recognize the advantage of it use in battle, not as a weapon but in a practical sense." Sylvia was about talk when she heard it. Without warning her teammate, she leapt into the air and over his body, her gauntlets forming over her fists and she brought them straight down in front of Azure. Claws extended from the glove and dug them into the monsters face. The Grimm screamed in agony and began to finish digging out of the floor. It's body reminiscent of a mole if it had been on steroids and growth hormones of half its life. The smell was disgusting, like meat was left to rot for weeks in a broken fridge. The smell made Azure want to gag but he choked it down. The Grimm began attempting to tug the final parts of its body out of the earth.
"What is that?"
Azure, attempted to recall. A Grimm, mole-like, probably bad eyesight, spines on its back and rat-like teeth. To his own amazement, he actually remember what it was called, "It's a Darkbrute, avoid its teeth. Also no more talking, it's blind." As if listening, the Darkbrute leapt from his hole and at him. With ease he rolled away and began quietly creeping away back down the way they had planned. Sylvia stood frozen as the monster began to turn slowly towards Azure. Even if he was trying to be silent, he was still too loud. She needed to make some noise but what? With an idea in mind, she reached down to a rock on the floor that had been unearthed by the Darkbrute. With great aim, she chucked it down the corridor they had arrived. It landed with a satisfying thud. With a monstrous howl of victory it bounded away from them, desperate to capture and eat a non-existent creature.
"Thanks for that," stuttered Azure. She turned back to see him with a cut down the side of his face and the gun in his hands, his pointer on the trigger, His whole body was shaking in fear at what happened.
Sylvia walked up to him and hugged his chest as that was all she could reach, "No, it was thanks to your knowledge of sound." She felt his hands rest on her head and back, he was gentle and soft. She heard a clunk from behind before,
"Sylvia?" Her heart dropped five meters, she turned around to see Krimson, his flashlight on the floor. He stood there, exhausted, haggled breathing with his claymore in hand.
She pulled her self out of Azure's arms, immediately shocked at what he might be thinking. "No, Krimson, it's not what you think." Azure immediately backed her up.
"It's nothing, we just had an encounter. Trust me there was nothing special." If that were true why did her heart just drop another five meters? One thing was for certain, she didn't want to loose two friends.
"I'm sorry Krimson, I already teamed but we haven't got any relationship other than being team mates. I hope we can still be friends." Her childhood friend looked at her to him the back.
"I was actually here to tell you I already have a teammate," with that another boy approached them. He held two katanas comprised of a dark black composite alloy. He was roughly the same height as her but seemed more organized. His jet hair was cut in a military-like style. His grey hoodie wasn't zipped up revealing a dark green tank top. This contoured against his blue combat pants and black combat boots. He didn't talk but kept glancing down the tunnel they had arrived, obviously more worried about the task at hand than the squabble the two were having. "He doesn't speak much but he gets the job done." The boy looked at Krimson before pointing down the tunnel. Picking his torch up from the ground, Krimson shone it down to reveal a dark shape down the far end. "Move now, talk later," he commanded as he and his silent teammate walked past Azure & Sylvia. Sylvia looked at her teammate, who in turn nodded at her. Following her childhood friend, the four ventured further down the tunnel system.
Argent didn't know what a Darkbrute was but if he did he wouldn't have been so loud. Taking advantage of the moisture filled air, he'd slammed his staff down creating ice a meter thick blocking off the creature's access to him. But now, he had to backtrack. He'd hated the dark ever since getting lost in the forests of Mistral and being overwhelmed by Grimm. He dashed down one corridor then another. His staff alit with a red glow providing better light than his lost flashlight. He hadn't inherited the night vision trait from his family and as such had to use the torch until he'd lost it on the other side of his ice barrier. Go left, left again, over a stream and past another four-way junction. If the tunnels were so large as to fit under Beacon, he could be looking at at least another two hours running. He had to stop and think before making another move. Looking over his arsenal and rummaging through his satchel he made a quick inventory stock. One book, not much use unless you want a fire. A pen and pencil, no time for note making. A muesli bar, that wasn't put back but instead munched on, a waterproof bag filled with dust pellets, both throwable and infusible. His quarterstaff, Grimm repelling flare but otherwise not much. The muesli bar was all right he guessed; it had been over a week ago when he'd last filled this bag so it was a little stale. The apricot pieces were a nice change from this morning's hurried breakfast. The final item was a mini-medkit, no cuts or bruises rendered it useless. Then his brain clicked, he opened his bag and opened the side pocket. Inside was a compass and miniature medkit. Bingo! Pulling out the compass, the needle pointed towards an area that wasn't marked as north on the edge. Obviously the needle was being attracted to a manmade structure comprised of metal. With that in mind he walked off in the rough direction of the needle.
It was basically a straight route. After hitting a dead end it was backtrack until reaching another intersection. It was basically guess you were going the right way by the hunch of a compass. However it seemed to be working. The path was becoming steeper, much steeper. It stead of walking, he was constantly backpedaling against the pull of gravity. Staring at his compass, just to make sure he was on course was dangerous, immediately his right root got caught on something, probably a root or stone and began tumbling head over foot. Argent tried calling out only to inhale a mouthful of dirt and stone. Chocking and rolling downhill at incredible speeds was hurting his chest, knocking the wind out of him. If he wasn't going to die from impact, it might just be suffocation. With a last attempt, Argent lifted his small metal cylinder and expanded his quarterstaff to pull length, its tips digging into the sides of the tunnel, halting his fall. Grasping onto the bar with relief, he coughed up packed dirt from his lungs, the taste of metal in his mouth. Placing both feet on the ground, they immediately slipped again. No way would he be able to walk down. Curiously he dangled from one arm and held up the compass with his right arm. The needle was going crazy and at this moment he could not figure it out. Placing it back into his pocket, Argent regrasped his weapon with both hands. Seeing no alternative he shouted,
"Help! Can anyone hear me? Hello!?" Not a single reply, except a grumble. The sounds of grinding teeth, his heart felt as if it fell down the slope. Another Grimm was coming and it didn't sound friendly. Argent probably thought it was the one from before, the one that had been stuck behind the wall of ice. Not wanting to meet it again, he took another stupid risk. "Someone better help me!" With that he retracted his staff and restarted his collapse down the tunnel into the darkness.
The second time wasn't as painful. It was probably due to this trip being shorter, within a few seconds the tunnel ended and Argent was flung into an open cave-like room. With a loud thud he crashed on the grassy floor. Wait… grass? Pulling himself to his feet he glanced around the room. Torches hung at two meter intervals around the circular room, providing light and heat to the already moist underground climate. The enormous dome shaped room was a miniature paradise. Trees grew here and a stream crisscrossed through, water leaking through the ceiling. In the center of the sunken room was a stone pedestal covered in engravings. Cuts had been made with a sharp object and filled in with paint. The entire stone had been covered with drawings leaving eight circles scattered around it's edge. Some were empty but others retained chess pieces. Only a black bishop, white rook and two black queens remained. Argent began counting and concluded that out of the sixteen who entered four teams of two had already collected their pieces/relics and left. BANG! Looking out to his left he saw a tunnel emitting a harsh red light accompanied by a girl's shouts and pleas for help. Without a moment's hesitation Argent left the area and bolted for the glowing tunnel, the anti-Grimm flare a warning that he understood, the girl was warning to Grimm to stay back but from her cries it probably wasn't listening.
Sylvia felt sick. She'd never been in this kind of predicament before. Together she, Azure, Krimson and a boy who didn't talk continued walking down the empty tunnel. The boy kept watch behind them whilst everyone focused on the front.
Azure, looked at his watch, "Guys it's been over an hour do we have any idea where we are going?"
The silent boy, suddenly started talked starling Azure and Sylvia. "I noticed before falling the general direction towards the school. I've not strayed from a beeline except when I met dead ends." Everyone stopped to stare whilst he kept walking not acknowledging their shock. "Please keep up, we don't want to stop here." Krimson ran to catch up whilst Sylvia and her teammate hung back. She could feel the unrest in the air, she could hear Azure's rapid breathing and uneasy gait. She felt completely helpless. Sudenly the ground rocked as a flash of orange light zipped through the tunnels. Sylvia listened trying to hear something but then their two allies ahead shouted out. She and Azure ran after them. Suddenly she felt the ground tip beneath her. She had only time to think, oh god before she began to fall. Immediately a hand grasped her wrist and yanked her arm. She felt pain surge through her arm, as if someone was ripping it out of it's socket. She stifled her scream to a whine as she was flung backwards onto level ground.
Azure stood nearby his face covered in sweat before flashing his light over the edge of a hole in the ground. "Guys? Are you okay?"
They waited… nothing. Sylvia shouted her hands starting to itch, "KRIMSON?! YOU BETTER ANSWER ME!" Another five minutes pasted, but to Sylvia it felt like minutes. Her heart was in her throat threatening to cut off her breathing, she'd known him since forever and with haste she pulled out her flare gun. Squeezing the trigger, she fired it down the hole. Immediately a vibrant red ball of dust erupted from the barrel floating down with a whizzing sound, illuminating the darkness. It was deep at least five meters but there was her friend, lying on the floor of another tunnel next to his teammate. The silent boy's left arm was bent at a wrong angle.
"Yes Mum!" Called Krimson from the new pathway. For the second time today, her heart calmed back to a walking pace. Rearming her claw gauntlets, she extended her primary weapon, it's claws and with the grace of a ballerina dropped from wall to wall of the tunnel, the claws digging in to control her fall. Landing on the ground she looked down the two pathways that were now available to them. They were both empty, thank goodness.
"Azure, it's safe!" Her teammate looked around the drop.
"I can't get down without causing falling debris, you'll have to move everyone."
Sylvia grasped the boy shoulder on his uninjured side and gently pulled dragging him away from the above opening. Once she had dragged him from harms way and Krimson, who'd only earned minor bruising, had walked away Azure jumped down the hole. Extending his gloves, he shot bolts of ice, creating essentially a slide at the end cushioning and slowing the fall. He slid next to Sylvia and the ice immediately melted into steam. Together they looked at the boy's arm whilst Sylvia passed Krimson her flashlight. Whilst he remained on lookout, she and Azure attempted to help with his arm. Right now they were debating whether they bound it or left it.
Azure, recommend leaving it, as they weren't medical professionals. "Why, it means he won't be able to fight and who knows how many hands are need to get out?"
"We can't properly pop a joint back, have you had training?"
"No but…"
"No, stop." He raised a hand cutting her off. "Sylvia, we don't want to make it worse."
Suddenly the sound of cracking bones was accompanied by a shout of pain. Both of them jumped as they looked at the boy. His right arm was grasping his left, the joint back in place. A look of extreme pain on his face but nothing expect a singular outburst.
"You all bicker to much, focus on what we have to do." Sylvia had had enough of this guys. She rose to her feet and looked him in the eye.
"Maybe if we had your name, we could actually help you," he smiled and looked at her. If she could see herself, she would also agree she's a natural leader.
"Asai Mizu, Mistral transfer." The girls eyes widened.
"Your from the same kingdom as Argent?" He nodded, getting up and gently twirling his arm, a look of discomfort in his eyes. With that he drew a katana and twisted it in his undamaged hand. Immediately the blade retracted slightly and protecting covering emerged as handle extended crosshairs.
"Come on let's move." With that he began moving down the tunnel, the group of three following closely behind.
They walked into the center of the tunnel system, it was burning. Tree's had flames on all branches as the crimson heat spread from branch to branch. The remains of a Darkbrute was burning next to a lake, its contents nearly empty. If there had been grass it was now ashes. The stone podium was untouched and residing ontop were a black bishop piece and white rook.
"Sylvia!" She didn't even need Azure's shout. She leapt into the air, teeth biting bare air as she landed on the Darkbrute's back. Her claws digging into it's flesh as its blood poured from the wound, filling the air with the smell of a decaying dumpster. Holding the Grimm's body with her legs she lifted her claws again and brought them down this time they glowed with a blue hue. Ice fused the wound closed and dug into the Grimm circulatory system. With a kick, she leapt off the monster as it charged for a wall, slamming itself against it whilst Sylvia landed on the scorched earth. Krimson ran forward, his claymore in hand. Building up speed as he propelled himself forward. Before the Darkbrute could even turn around, he swiped at its underbelly. Another wound opened this time but glowed with fire. Backing flipping, Krimson landed on his feet and focused on the world around him. Fire raged in the trees and in patches of scattered ground. The Grimm turned to him, the sound of his armour, clinking as he raised his sword to directly point at the monster. Azure, grabbed aimed his gauntlet and unleashed a bolt of ice from the pedestal from the creature's right. Freezing it's legs in place. The monstrous beast howled as it attempted to pull its self free. Krimson, ignored them. Any time they could buy was good in his books. All around them fires began to fizzle out as if having water was being applied whilst his sword began to glow. No its wasn't glowing but starting to burn. The metal was literally on fire as if the metal was fuel. Opening his eyes, Krison dashed foreward again faster than any normal human and plunged it into the neck of the Grimm. It howled as it burst into slams. Its skin began to bubble and char from the immense heat. Krimson pulled out his sword and began rolled out of the way as the monster began it's final attack. Azure, couldn't see anything. Even his semblance couldn't see an opening past the fire. The entire scene was gray except for his allies' blue and red spotted bodies but the monster was pure blue. No opening was effective. Sylvia ran to Asai who was standing at the podium.
"Choose one and let's get out of here." Not even thinking, she grabbed the white rook and ran to Azure, who was attempting to hit the Darkbrute with his ice blasts but they melted even before hitting, so he'd resorted to building walls attempting to slow down the monsters as he chased Krimson. Suddenly she heard another whizzing sound as flare zipped past her head. Immediately, the Grimm stopped attacking and ran. It turned on the spot and ran for the corner, attempting to flee from the flare.
"Let's go guys!" Shouted Asai and together, the four of them ran into a tunnel residing on the opposite side.
"Hello?" Argent cried, running past tunnels, as the screams grew louder.
"Over here!" The sound of a Grimm's cry echoed through the tunnel followed by a massive slamming sound. The walls shook and the tunnel started shaking dust, the normal kind not the energy propellant kind. The glow was fading now, he walked up to the nearby T junction only for a girl to fly into his body, knocking the window out of him and pinning him to the floor. Argent opened his eyes to find the girl on top of him, her face and ram's horns rested on him. Her lips were incredibly close. She opened her eyes and immediately turned blushed bright red, leaping off him and flinging herself against the slimy wall western wall. A massive sword at her side, scrapping against the wall. Argent could feel his face, it was burning too. Before they could talk, another growl alerted their attention to the tunnel. It was approaching, faster. The Grimm that had been stalking her.
"Quick, follow me!" Argent bolted back to the center, the girl following quickly after him. "I'm going to slow it down, what ever happens keep going straight! You'll reach the center… I'll see you there!" With that he dug his heels into the ground, the girl running past him muttering thanks. The Grimm was head bound this way. No way could they actually outrun it in it's home territory. Reaching into his satchel, he pulled out the dust pellets. Four fire left and three ice and one wind. Grasping all three ice, he zipped the back closed and dumped it back into his satchel. The pellets were like powdery play-doo. The Grimm was getting closer, it was less than ten meters, Argent waited. Stock still. His whole body feeling like it was shaking. He wondered if his soul was rattling inside his heart. Five meters, Argent flung the pellets for the ground at his feet and dove backwards. The instant the pellets collided the ground, spikes of ice crisscrossed from the ground, fusing a temporary ice barrier similar to the one he'd created near the start. No bothering to waste a percious second, he bolted back to the objective whilst the ice cracked as the Grimm slammed into it.
"My god, are you okay?" The girl sat beneath a tree, it leaves providing luscious shade. A cut ran under her chin, to the start of the neck.
"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Argent, sitting next to her a pulling out his miniature medical kit from his satchel. "Do you mind?" The girl blushed slightly, her face going crimson again. She lifted her head to expose her neck, showing the wound completely in the light. It wasn't deep enough to be life threatening; however some Grimm quills were embedded that would need to be removed. Pulling out tweezers and an antibacterial spray Argent began healing the wound. "So, what's you name?"
The girl didn't smile as to not move much but whispered, "Carmine Mogenstern." Argent pulled out the first quill and the girl winced slightly but no complaining. "Morgenstern, as in morning star if I'm not mistaken?" The girl gently nodded, her eyes jammed shut and he pulled the second needle-like quill out. Just one more. " I'm a transfer from Mistral, you a transfer or local?" The girl didn't answer as the final quill was being tugged on but it was being stubborn. A miniature tear formed in the girl's eye, Argent stopped. "You okay?"
The girl nodded. "Just do it." She scrunched up the end of her sleeve and stuck it in her mouth biting down as to cope with the pain. Heading her words, Argent, grasped the quill, twisted and yanked it with a quick downwards motion. It flew out the embedded tip revealed to have a serrated edge, designed for digging into soft flesh. Carmine's eyes were damp, her makeshift gag had stopped the sound but was covered in saliva.
Argent, reached into his med kit and stored his tweezers and spray before grabbing a lollipop and bandage. He passed her the lollipop earning a laugh from her as he bandaged her neck.
"Sorry for it taking so long, normally my semblance would heal you near instantly but lately I've not trusted myself." The girl smiled, the lollipop stick sticking out her mouth like a second tongue.
"Hey, you may not use your semblance but your still are a great doctor. Now lets get our relic. She jumped to her feet and began walking calmly towards the pedestal. There was only three pieces left now, one of the queen's had been taken. All that was left were a white rook, a black queen and black bishop. Carmine, picked up the queen and squealed in a girly voice. "YES! I'M QUEEN!" With that she began mocking an air guitar, and began humming a tune. She looked like some wannabe punk rock girl dressed in a black long sleeved shirt and grey skinny jeans. She at least had combat boots and leather armor, making her seem slightly rebellious. Immediately she stopped and stared across the room. The mole-like Grimm was here and he didn't look friendly.
"Carmine, your still weak! Run for the opposite side and I'll distract it." She didn't seem to listen, she unsheatled her sword and swung it for a second, it handle unhidged and moved, a barrel extened as the blade morph into a rifle. With a quick swipe, she reached into her pocket and pulled out an ammo case, it contents filled with red dust capsules. Argent pulled out a red pellet and loaded it into his quarterstaff. Together they leapt backwards into the tree, using them as cover. From there they began unloading round after around. Each time a bullet struck home, it flared like a sparkler before dying out to reveal red burn marks in it's place. "Stop, that won't work," commented Argent looking intently.
"Why?" He pointed towards the Grimm and Carmine followed his gaze, the burns were fading, leaving only a faint scar.
"We need more power!" The Grimm charged in their direction upon hearing Argent's voice. It head butted right into the tree, uprooting it. Carmine leapt for tree whilst Argent leapt over the Grimm and began running away behind it. Carmine watched as it ran into another tree, apparently planning on knocking them all down. Argent reached into his satchel and pulled out his last four pellets; one wind and four fire. His quarterstaff was designed to essentially 'burn' these over time, neglecting their powerful destructive capability into a controlled burn but a suddenly blast might be enough.
"Carmine!" Immediately the Grimm turned around to stare at him. He flung the bag for Carmine. It flew through the air and landed just shy of her tree. "Reload and Fire!" That all the Grimm needed. It charged and collided with him, sending him off his feet and onto his back. Jumping up, Argent raised his staff. His final fire pellet burning unleashing flames from the tip. With that he swung his staff as the Darkbrute tried again. This time he was just barely knocked aside, the flames entering it's nostril and burning it olfactory receptors. The Grimm howled, Argent couldn't see Carmine but he hoped she'd done what he though she'd do. In fact, Carmine immediately thought of the idea as soon as the dust hit the grass. However instead of picking it up, she called upon her Semblance and the bag rose off the floor and zoomed through the air making a beeline for her outstretched hand. Grasping the bag, she opened her magazine case and stuffed her bullets with the pellets of dust supplied by her teammate. The black queen chess piece was now residing in her right pocket along with her empty flare gun.
She reloaded and took aim but Argent was too close, he could be caught in the cross fire. He flipped and dodged each attack but she could tell he wasn't made for close quarter combat. He struck clumsily at the monster, his attacks were only aggravating it. Not even damaging it in the slightest. She'd been in contact with him, maybe. She focused on Argent, and immediately felt a tugging sensation. She clentched her stomach and imagined pulling on that tug. Immediately Argent was pulled off his feet and flung ten meters away and landed in the lake. Carmine pulled the trigger unleashing all five bullet before leaping for the pool. No soon had she jumped, the bullets collided with the beast. They exploded in a vibrant glow of orangey red light. The wind powder accelerated it's spread by fueling it with air. The fire spread across the vegetation. She watched as the fire spread above the water's surface. Argent tugged on her leg motioning to his neck, apparently running out of water. He watched as Carmine swam to the surface. Argent stood up, immediately his head punctured the surface. A lot of the lake's water had been evaporated, to protect them. The entire mini-paradise was on fire, nothing had been safe except the pedestal and it's remaining two pieces. Carmine walked out and check on the Grimm. It lay unmoving, its skin charred black. Now all they could smell was fire. The entire air was thick with smell of smoke and burning vegetation.
"Let's go," instructed Argent, pulling Carmine by the arm for the another pathway untouched by either of them.
The run back was tiring but uneventful. Nothing bothered them. Since they had all this spare time Argent began asking questions about his teammate. He learnt that she'd lived in Vale her whole life and trained to be a huntress. She explained that her whole life had been preparation for her dream of being a warrior. She'd practiced every day and got near top marks in class. Camine's pink hair was bobbing in their induced wind from running, the white ram's horns protruding from her head seeming to illuminate in the darkness. Since Argent had lost his torch and run out of dust, she passed over hers as she didn't need it. Again, he felt it was unfair of genetics to do this to him.
"What about you?" Asked Carmine, leaping over a plant root as she motioned for them to turn left at the coming junction.
"I'm just a transfer from Mistral… needed a fresh start,"
She looked ahead her gaze slightly off before talking, "it must be nice to start again…" They ran in silence for the rest of the run. They stood underneath an opening to the surface, it may not necessarily be theirs but it was a way out. Argent extended his quarterstaff and placed the head on the ground, Carmine jumped on top and Argent pulled up with all his might. Immediately she skyrocketed into the air. With a flip, she used her forward momentum to land in the meadow and near the edge of their entrance hole. Taking the chance, he took out his Grimm repellant flare gun. And took out it's ammo and loaded it into his staff. It glowed a bright pale orange, edging upon yellow confirming his suspicions. It was a fire and wind mix. Drawing a circle on the used the discharge to propelling him out of the whole. With a yelp, Argent zipped out the whole and zoomed past Carmine. He was on a quarterstaff runaway train, until it suddenly ran out. His fell three meters before landing on his rear end. Carmine ran over to him and help him to his feet. She smiled, and Argent smiled back. Then they both laughed stupidly.
Having just left the room of flames, the quad team ran down the tunnel and kept. Running it was a dead end. No exit, nothing. Azure kicked the wall in frustration earning him nothing but a sore set of toes. Whilst he hopped around, Sylvia, Krimson and Asai focused on figuring a way out.
"We could dig but that may take too long, we have no idea how far down we are," Sylvia and Asai nodded., that idea would never work. Sylvia looked to Asai, who was watching the long one way tunnel that they'd run down.
"We can't stay here, we have no options except fighting. Lets move." Sylvia agreed. She walked over to Azure, who was slightly limping but otherwise all right. He leaned on her shoulder as they walked behind her childhood friend and newfound friend.
They reached an entrance tunnel. The light streaming down was harsh, presumably midday. They'd been down here for at least four hours. Asai, instead of waiting jumped digging both katana's into wall of the vertical tunnel. Using them like ice picks, he began scaling up the wall, slowly but surely.
"Will you be fine getting up?" Sylvia asked Azure, looking up at the walls.
He nodded, "It's just sore, I'll be fine." With that she reactivated her guantlets and leapt at the wall, claws extended. The claws pierced the wall and leapt off for the opposite side, zig zagging up the walls with wolf-like grace. Using his fists, Azure propelled himself off walls [Like Yang and her fire gloves] clumps of ice appearing in his wake as he flung himself up the walls. Krimson, waited for last and swung his Calymore as it morphed into a long tubed device with what appeared to be a miniature gas tank. Aiming it at the ground, he pulled the trigger. Krimson rode a controlled jet of flames from his flamethrower out of the tunnel and was immediately met by cheers. Sylvia watched at their entire cohort cheered. Professor Ozpin walked forward from the mass of shouting pupils.
"Well done, you are the last to finish. Everyone, please go to the hall. You will be advised on your teams and celebration lunch provided. Followed by dormitory room assignment."
Sylvia hugged Krimson, around the waist since she wasn't as tall.
"We did it!" For a moment she felt him falter but them felt his hand on her head patting her like he'd done at Signal Academy. Unknown to her, Azure was looking a slight bit hurt and refused to look and traipsed after Argent, wanting to inquire about his journey through the caves.
"Aeron Gallows, Carnius Rook, Cesare Macchiavelli and William Brackson. You collected the White Bishop pieces and from now on you will be known as Team Accuracy [Team ACWC]. Your leader is Aeron Gallows." Cheers from the student ensure before Ozpin called the next group. Sylvia didn't think much of them. Nobody she knew was there anyway.
"Asai Mizu, Fulger Gray, Marcato Sound and Krimson Imperious. You collected the Black Bishop pieces and from now on you will be known as Team Malefic [Team MAFK]. Your leader is Marcato Sound." Sylvia cheered for her friend, waving her hands to stand out. Krimson seemed to turn a new shade of red at this odd occurrence.
"Argent Chevalier, Carmine Morgenstern, Jonathan Williams and Melancton Thanos. You collected the Black Queen pieces and from now on you will be known as Team Magic [Team MAJC], lead by Melancton Thanos." Everyone cheered.
"And our final team," Sylvia and Azure walked towards the side of the hall. "Azure Flowers, Rot Fieber, Sylvia Tsume and Tod Jager. You collected the White Rook pieces and from now on you will be known as Team Star [Team STAR]. Your leader is Sylvia Tsume." Sylvia felt immediately crushed, sure she wanted to be a leader but now she wasn't so sure but for now she would enjoy the party.
MAJC walked down the corridor of the dormitory, its team of four isolate by the teams of two already established connections. The party had been tiring and carried onto into the late evening. Nobody talked from exhaustion. They just got changed and climbed into bed. Argent couldn't sleep and left after five minutes, giving the excuse of leaving something in the hall.
Outside it was cold and not as warm from body sweat. Walking to a nearby patch of grass, Argent lay down, his grey long sleeve shirt and tracksuit pants that served as his pajamas insulated him against the cold. The stars were shining above casting a faint glow on the fields. Since when did a change of scenery change ones life. Being here was amazing, no bullies and no abuse. He was finally free to be who he wanted without being tormented. The moon as usual was broken, parts gently drifting off to become meteorites or comets. If luck was on their side it may even become shooting stars. The grass's cold and dampness was just starting to leech through his clothes but it felt amazing. Suddenly a person dropped down next to him.
"Thanks for today." Carmine was wearing a white tank top and short black pants. She lay up, also looking at the stars. "I could have been Grimm food if it wasn't for you." The bandage rippling under her neck as she talked.
"It's fine. I thought I would never find a team mate that was as cool as you. I thought it would be much more difficult." Argent heard her turn onto her side to look at him. He did the same.
"About the first moment I met you. I'm sorry for crashing into you." The tension was thick, Argent doubted a knife would be able to cut it. Heck, he might need a chainsaw.
"It's okay. Your not my type." She seemed confused yet slightly relieved.
"Hey, can we be friends?"
"We already are." Together they looked out at the stars for the next five minutes before both returning to their dorm.
Sylvia knocked on Krimson's team door to be met with Asai topless. He had zero fat but no abs, defined chest… She realized what she was doing and ripped her eyes off his exposed skin and looked at his face.
"Is Krimson here?"
He nodded, "Yeah, sure." He turned around and spoke outloud. "Krimson, you have a visitor." Immediately Asai stepped aside as she saw another familiar face take it's place.
He had a black and red striped shirt with three quarter red silk pants, a toothbrush hanging from his mouth with foam.
"Syl… Whmmre mmu donmg here?" He swallowed the foam from his mouth and down his throat. He tried again, "Sylvia, what are you doing here?"
She steadied her breathing and calmed down her pulse, "I'm just checking up on you. Making sure you're alright."
He looked at her, confused by her actions. "I'm fine and I wish your team luck in the future."
Sylvia bit back bitter tears. "That's it, all because we're on different teams, we can't be friends anymore?"
Krimson now looked even more confused. "Are you all right Sylvia? Hey! Wait!" But it was too late, Sylvia had stalked off back to her dormitory.