Beacon Academy: Auburn Dawns,
I can't believe it. My mother walked into this very hall 25 years ago. Her first day at beacon. I remember the stories. I remember being told how met three of the greatest friends she would ever have. They became her teammates... No Sisters in arms. Ruby Rose and her sister Yang Xiao Long, my mother Weiss Schnee, and Blake Belladonna. Together they became the most renowned team to ever come out of Beacon. They were legendary. Heck on the steps to this very Academy they put an end to the worst war seen in the century. Over the years the Grimm killed and the war fought had a price. Ruby lost her eye and now can barely stand or walk, a large portion of her body now covered in scars. Yang's body also covered with scars but she lost a husband as well, Blake other that loosing her left arm at the elbow she fared well, But there were some who never came home. I learned about my mothers death only days before I was to turn five. Mom's sacrifice not only saved her teammates but ended up saving Beacon Academy and stopping the war. I don't know the details, Aunt Yang refuses to talk about it. I stood in this very hall on my fifth birthday for my mothers memorial. Thousands came to pay their respects. Not only was my mother a hero. But she cleaned up the sordid history of the Schnee Dust company as well. She was an Icon of equality to the Faunus. When the memorial was over My aunt Winter took over the company and I went to Aunt Yang's house.
But I'm here now. I've worked and bled for this. So few students this year. I guess since Mistral fell to the Grimm and Atlas cutting itself off from the rest of the world, less students end up here.
"Auburn is that you?"
"Huh?... "
A petite middle aged woman with long black hair Limps over to me, supporting her weight using a massive Scythe. One silver eye and a rose embroidered sash covering what use to be her right eye. She lost it trying to save my mom. She wears long sleeves and a long black dress now to hide the scars. So different from the Pictures Aunt Yang shows me. But then again you don't go 20 plus years as a huntress with out some battle scars. even to this day in her condition she's top rank.
"Aunt Ruby... Um hi.. It's been a long time." I never know what to say to her. I mean I'm actually here on her request. But I've never been good with talking to her.
"Please Auburn During Academy business call me Head Mistress Rose."
"I'm sorry ma'am."
"You don't have to be that formal. It's just rules. We can have dinner or something after tomorrow."
Funny this is the most she has said to me in years. I know she doesn't hate me but even now I can see tears starting to flow just from her saying that little to me.
Just like My aunt I was skipped ahead two years. Nothing as flashy as how she did it I just worked till I bled then worked some more. Guess all the hard work paid off. Yang's twins were two years ahead of me. But they were really the only ones I knew so I didn't want to get left behind. Yin Xiao Long, and Ruby Xiao Long, how these two can be Siblings I'll never know. Yin is about as subtle as a crashing air carrier, and Ruby about as calm and precise as a surgeon. She has spent so much time patching up Yin she should have a Masters in medicine. Both have the amazing blond hair from their Aunt Yang and both have almost the same hair style How Yin makes it look Masculine I'll never know.
I started wearing my hair short thanks to Yin he thought it would be funny to give me a haircut one night so it's been a short Pixie cut the same color as moms, a lovely snow white ever since. Aunt Yang was so mad at him for that her eyes went all red and I thought he was gonna get it good. Luckily she is pretty good about not going crazy but man can she be scary. Ruby got her moms eyes too not the color they normally are but that crazy berserker red kind it's really where she got the name from. Aunt Ruby didn't seem to mind though.
More Student made the climb. I remember stories of an air transport that use to bring the accepted student in. But When Aunt Ruby Became Head Mistress she decided that all student's needed a final test. "The Climb", climbing from the base of the cliff straight up to the academy. I think she had another idea though. The Climb forces each and every new student to pass the Weiss Memorial Statue before the enter the Grand Hall. I made it in record time. Yin and Ruby came about middle of the pack. Luckily I travel light. Didn't even bring a weapon with me. Aunt Yang told me to Leave mine at home.
Seems like more students are rushing in. the lights dim and Aunt Ruby uses Crescent Rose to help her across the stage.
"Welcome To Beacon Academy. I am your Head Mistress Ruby Rose. I see that everyone that attempted to get here succeeded. That is a first. I want you to all take at look me. This is what being a Huntsman or Huntswoman is." She motions to the Small seated crowd on the stage, "We all have our scars. We all have seen horrors that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. I personally have lost friends, team mates, and family. There is no story book ending. This academy owes its very existence to someone who died protecting it and all of it's students. You all walked past her memorial, Her own daughter sits in this very room, she knows this loss, she knows pain, she hasn't even become a huntress yet and she already shows the scars. Auburn Schnee Please come up to the stage."
What the!? I wasn't expecting to have a circus made of my life on the first day. So I reluctantly make my way to the stage. So many huntsman and huntress on stage and they all have their heads down, In the front row of them An empty Chair that The Head Mistress used, then another empty chair with a white ribbon tied to it, Mom's place with the elite, they kept her spot to this day. Next Aunt Blake, Been a while since I've seen her. She left the team to turn the White Fang around. It's been a long road but They are fairly respected now. Then Aunt Yang the woman who took me in and mothered me. I wasn't expecting to see her here today.
"Auburn Schnee, I know you're most likely not enjoying being up here but I do have a point to all this. Boys and girls being a hunter or huntress takes sacrifice, Auburn learned this very early on. And it is with my deepest regret that I tell you all. I led her mother. This young woman has every reason to hate me and I would completely understand if she does. Auburn I am so deeply sorry. Your mother gave her life so that Beacon and it's students would live on. "
"Um... Thank you." I've never heard these words from her before. I can see that despite the steady voice and the emotionless look on her face I see the tears falling. This it hurting her more than any wound the Grimm have given.
"Auburn you have done what only one other person in the history of Beacon has been able to do. Through hard work and discipline you have skipped not one but two years of study. This is no easy task to gain entrance to Beacon. In recognition of this achievement I give to you, your mothers Weapon, Myrtenaster. I did the repairs myself so it should work perfectly."
"I... Ummm..."All I could do was cry. I broke down on stage in front of everyone. Collapsing to my knees I held Myrtenaster. and cried. I've never cried this much ever. My aunts surrounded me and they cried. I guess it was long overdue. After a few minutes I approached the podium.
"Head Mistress Ruby, I can't hate you. I've never hated you. This is the most wonderful thing you could have done for me. I will be worthy of my mothers weapon."
I had to look horrible, but that didn't seem to be an issue. Suddenly The room exploded with applause. Everyone was cheering. I took Myrtenaster from the stage and walked back to my seat. Aunt Yang and Aunt Ruby still hugging on stage. I guess she need to get it out too. The ceremonies came to a close shortly and we actually had a few students leave. I guess seeing the toll of being a Hunstman or Huntswoman got to them. But I already have scars and I'll earn more.
As per tradition all new students slept in the hall. I on the other hand went out to my mothers Memorial and cried myself to sleep.
"Excuse me miss, You really need to wake up.", his voice concerned.
"...Wha..."
"Miss, are you OK?"
"Um... Yea gimme a sec"
Man that stone is hard. I really didn't mean to sleep out here. Been the closest I've felt to mom in a long time. Now being waking up like this. Ah man this sucks.
"Miss why would you have slept... Oh I'm so sorry Auburn it's been quite a while."
"It's Auburn? What would she be doing out her Jaune?", another voice chimed in.
By this time I at least made it to a somewhat standing position.
"Pyrrha, It looks like she's been out here crying."
"I'm so sorry to hear that Auburn. It's was quite emotional. " as she rushes to hug me and almost misses.
"I'm OK, just had a lot to take in last night."
"Are you sure? If you ever need anything I..."
"Pyrrah.. She really needs to get changed, fed and geared up for the challenge"
"Oh, yes I'm so sorry. I will talk with you later. Can't wait to have you in class."
"Thanks Professors," , Wow what time is it. Guess it's a quick run to the Lockers to clean up for me.
Professor Arc and Professor Arc. Not something I thought I would see today. They make quite the team. Him loosing a good portion of the leg and arm on his left side and she loosing her eyesight. They both wear their scars like badges of honor. Even now they work perfectly as a team. Aunt Yang use to tell me that was how her and her husband were. Jaune coddles her a bit too much but she doesn't mind. Even with her her learning to use her Polarity semblance to somewhat sense things around her it's far from perfect. I ended up signing up for her Blind combat class more out of curiosity than anything. I've heard up close she is still as formidable as ever. Juane however took a more educative roll. When new species of Grimm started popping up all over Remnant they were there to document. his class is mandatory.
After running all the way to the lockers I hear someone yelling, "Hey!... HEY!, YOU...". Spinning around there she is a young Faunus running After me. She is obviously some sort of Insect Faunus, They still have a hard time most of the Mammal Faunus have an easier time blending in. She got the Eyes though, Those Black insect like eyes housed in a very cute face. Dressed in a black and yellow combat Skirt. She's a bit taller than myself. She looks in a panic.
"YEAH! You stopped! I'm um... Lost"
"OK, I'm on my way to get changed, but what are you looking for?"
"Well I'm looking for the cafeteria."
"Heading there next give me a few minutes to change and I'll Walk with you"
"YOU WILL!", in her excitement she lets out a little buzzing noise.
"Yea no problem. By the way, I'm Auburn"
"Oh yea names, Me I'm Leonia, I saw you at the opening Ceremony."
"Yea doing that kind of stuff really not my cup of tea."
"I couldn't do that. You at least look normal going up there."
Another trait of the insect Faunus, insecurity. Sadly she doesn't seem to notice that quite a few guys have already noticed her. She didn't really stop talking the entire time I changed or walking over to the cafeteria, or even all through the line, she really piled on the sweets though. About the only quite moment we had was while she was eating even then every once and a while she would let out a little happy buzz.
The cafeteria seemed so empty, the current state of the world really has affected Beacon. This place use to be packed at least three times a day. Now half the chairs are empty.
Yin and Ruby decided to move closer to me.
"Hey Aub, Who's the hot Faunus with ya?", Man Yin really has some class... But is he blushing a bit?
"Oh Hi Yin, This is Leonia, She's first year like us"
"Well Duh, Aub. Cafeteria is only open to the New blood right now. Upper class men are already in classes."
"Wait! You think I'm Hot?" Leonia burst into the conversation.
Yin Being caught off guard turned red again, "Umm. Yea A little."
"Don't worry about him he always plans out the first thing he says then crashes and burns trying to keep up appearances, It's sad but That's my Baby Brother."
"Ruby Five minutes! That's how much older you are than me. Five Blasted Minutes!"
"Um... Are you two going to be like this the entire time we're are here?"
Both of them look straight at me and at the same time and a resound, "YES!" comes from them.
"Leonia, I'd like you to meet my cousins, Ruby and Yin, They are pretty much harmless but they love to argue."
Leona had her head in her hands trying to hide the fact she had turned bright red, No one had ever told her that she was hot before.
Finally I can actually eat... Then the Announcement, in Aunt Ruby's Stern voice. "All First Year Students are to report to Beacon Cliff Immediately."
"Are you kidding! I didn't even get Breakfast Yet!"
Student's all around me start sprinting out the Cafeteria, Yin and Ruby just behind me. Leonia Dragging me by the Hand in a full sprint, wow she's actually faster than me. It's like a flood of students all swarming the cliff. We had barely enough time to grab our gear before we got here. Waiting on us were Professor Jaune Arc, Head Mistress Rose.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I am Professor Arc. Today we will be assigning Teams. You all recognize this cliff considering you all climbed it yesterday. Well guess what now you get to go out into the Emerald Forest. And Bring back a few things for us. The person next to you will be your partner in this little errand."
Leonia gave a little buzz next to me. I could hear Yin and Ruby start bickering already. I gave Leonia a quick look and all she did was nod. Is this the same girl that was spazzing out trying to find the cafeteria she looks so focused right now.
"The Forest of Death is there. In this forest is a temple there are objects we need. Each team grabs one and returns to this spot with it. Do not make the same mistake I made in your position the temple is not in a dank cave." Professor Arc looked as if he was trying to keep a stern look about him but actually blushed with this warning.
The students laughed at this. Then The Head Mistress Chimed in, "I highly suggest you all take this more seriously. This little task is just as dangerous as any other mission you will face. There are Grimm out there. Play around and you will die." Wow she sounds so different that what Aunt Yang told me about her. She sounded so playful and carefree. She seems so hard now.
Everybody got quiet really quick, I could here Yin getting ready. Leonia was buzzing a low buzz. I'm pretty sure Stealth is not going to be her strong point if this keeps happening. Then the popping starts. Ruby's bad little habit when she gets serious. Another reason I hate gum.
"Land safely Ladies and Gentlemen." Those were the last words I got to hear as everyone was catapulted into the air. It was kind of a shock Luckily I was expecting it. Yin was tumbling through the air. Ruby with her sword rifles drawn seemed to glide through the air next to him. The other students spread out rather quickly then Leonia just seemed to accelerate at insane speed. The open back of her top revealed what looked like Small Glowing wings against her skin. Is she flying? No Faunus could Fly that I knew of. I can't even keep up with her.
"Shoot Got to try a launch Glyph. I have to stay with her." I've never used Myrtenaster before I tried to design my original weapon after it but it weighed more than this. I got good with mine but the weight difference is so much. Rolling Myrtenaster to the Energy cylinder I waited till I started to descend.
"Now!" The Launch glyph was off I missed. "Damn!"
I have to try again she's getting too far ahead of me. Once again... Perfect I hit the Glyph.
"Woah Crap! Too Fast!", Made it too Powerful I shot past Leonia and came crashing down through the trees. Lucked out with a few Glyphs to deflect me from Impacting anything to hard but still Pretty banged up.
Leonia came floating down next to me as I was standing up. "Are you OK?" She buzzed, " What Happened? How did you shoot past me like that?" and about a hundred other questions.
"Hey give me a minute to answer something?"
"Oh, OK, Sorry, I really get going a mile a minute when I get excited."
"I can tell, Yea I think I'm OK. Just banged up a bit. Let me check mys... Oh crap my arm, I'm bleeding pretty good."
"Oh I got that I'm good with First aid."
Leonia started checking out the gash on my arm. "Oh this isn't good. Your going to need stitches or something to close this wound and I can't do that."
"Great Looks Like I get to go for the painful way again."
So I start fumbling around my belt pouch as I'm pounded with questions From leonia, "Wait! What painful way!? What are you going to do?"
Pulling a vial of dust from my pouch, I shake it gently in front of her, "Fire Dust, Need to stop the bleeding. Hey Do me a favor and cut this off my arm."
Leonia looked sick for a second as she cut the armlet off around the wound, I think this is the first time I've seen her weapons. Revolver Daggers kind of cute looking too. "Um I don't think this is going to be a good Idea that stuff is kind of... Um Boomy."
"I'm not going to detonate it. I'm Going to use my aura to get it to heat up and burn the cut closed. It sucks but I've done it before."
"I can't watch this I think I'm going to be sick."
It takes just a pinch of Fire Dust to get the job done. Now the hard part. Concentrating my Aura on the wound, the fire dust starts to glow and smoke. And the Pain, Screaming in agony as the skin is welded shut by the fire dust. A nasty burn left in its place. I've only had to do this a twice now but it never gets any easier. Even Yin couldn't watch me do this.
"Oh no! Look at that burn. Auburn that's going to be a problem. I can help with that."
"It's fine Leonia, I've had my Aura fail before after a Glyph ended up to powerful."
"No, no, no, no! We need to cover that. Here I have just the thing." , She pushed a small jar of Honey in my face.
"Really honey? I've got a bad burn not toast."
"No honey is great for burns. It prevents infection and covers it well. Here just let me help." She puts a thin coat on the dust burn.
"Hey it's cold. Feels good I guess."
"It's my mom's recipe. She takes honey from our bees back at home and just a tiny amount of Ice dust to help remove the heat from the burn. It will skin over in a few minutes and then we can bandage it."
Wow Ruby didn't even know about this and she's been doing first aid on Yin and me for what seems like forever.
"Here eat this too. We missed Breakfast."
"Huh where did you get that? And what do you me we missed Breakfast, You had that whole stack of cakes. And eating like that how do you not look like a hippo?"
"I always keep a little something with me. Never know when it's going to come in handy. And as for the other I have a Excessively fast metabolism.", She looked a little hurt at my question.
"Didn't mean it to sound that way. Sorry, I was just curious."
Not sure what she gave me but it sure was sweet. Looked like a yellowish candy bar. But it got the job done. We finished patching me up and started walking.
"Hey Leonia, Can you fly?"
"No, It's more of a Gliding slash gravity manipulation thing."
"Oh, Next time could ya try and not get that far ahead I don't think I can do this every day.
"Only if you promise never to do that thing with the fire dust around me ever again. You stink when your burning." We both laughed at this as I limped along working our way toward the temple.
"What about the Wings?"
"The Wings?... Oh Not sure It's kind of like a birthmark. When I use my Gravity Semblance they kind of get glowy."