"As you know, teams shall be formed today. From here on, you will work as a unit against the forces that oppose humanity." The headmistress of Shade strolled down the line of freshman students, each with a different look of anxiety and excitement. She turned from them to look into the chasm they faced. "At the end of this gorge is an old ruin of Vacuo, a temple built to heroes of old whose legacy you continue. Inside, there are keys you must retrieve with the first person you meet inside the gorge. This person is now your partner. The key you retrieve will determine your placement when you bring it back here to me. Any questions?"
Marble Mesa readied herself, mentally taking stock of her equipment. Her claymore Breaker was a comfortable weight on her back, twin pistols secured on each thigh. Beside her, Marley shook himself, pure white fur almost reflecting the harsh desert sun. His own short sword was attached to a black vest kept tight on his chest. He gave a happy bark and Marble grinned widely.
Obsidian Grayle peered through the slits of his mask, stylized as a bird, glancing over the land before turning to his brother Onyx. Onyx was stretching out, the chains covering his baggy pants and sleeveless shirt jingling with every movement. Obsidian's overcoat thankfully regulated heat so he was not cooking, and kept his twin blades out of sight in his sleeves, opposed by the giant axe Labrys on Onyx's back. Onyx nodded to him, a premeditated plan playing in their heads.
Jett Steele focused on just about everything else besides the task ahead of him. Being jittery was a trait of his, and he wasn't about to start being chatty with the stern headmistress there. His loose jeans held his back up Dust cartridges, and he ran his hands over the tight black button up before adjusting the long purple and black scarf around his neck. For comfort he grabbed the handle of his ring blade, taking it off the holder on his back and held it next to him. He had gotten some looks for what people had called an 'oversized hula hoop', but today was the day he would show them.
"Very well," the headmistress walked to one end of the line and nodded. You may face our enemy, the creatures of Grimm, along the way. Do not hesitate to draw your weapons. I would rather not lose prospective hunters today." The staff at her side was raised in one hand and she gave a surprising small smile. "Begin." The staff struck the ground and the students were launched into the air towards the canyon.