For Mom, Thank you for your love and support all these years.
WHAT IS UP GUYS!? Sorry for being completely in the dark for so long, but this has been a big project of mine for quite a while now. I am very excited to finally be posting!
Enjoy,
JonesyUSA
The Fall Project
Part 1: From Ashes
Obligations
Ozpin glared at the gruff man standing across from his desk. The man's dark hair had streaks of gray, and his red eyes stared straight back at Ozpin. The dusty old crow crossed his arms and groaned, "Are you gonna make a decision or not?"
The Headmaster leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers together. "Qrow, let me get this straight... You expect me to harbor a runaway, Atlas Military 'super soldier' gone wrong? In a school?! The answer is no. I will not endanger my students for some... problem child!" Ozpin waved a hand in his frustration. "Who told you about him?"
Qrow shook his head and frowned, "I can't tell you who, Oz. I have informants all over Remnant, and they need to be kept secret. Even from you."
Ozpin lifted his scroll, reading the boy's file for the fifth time that day. "I can't accept the risk."
Qrow growled, irritated, "You're not listening to me. He needs Beacon. So far as I've seen, he can barely sneeze without blowing something up!"
"That's exactly what I'm talking about! If he goes on a rampage and-"
Qrow slammed a hand down on the desk, "What if she gets a hold of him? Who would stop her then, while she has one of the post powerful military projects in history on a leash?!" He sighed and pulled a small metal canteen from his pocket. He paused for a moment to take a few gulps, then set the drink on the table. "Although I wouldn't condone Jimmy's methods, he may have actually created something that could end all of this... We don't have an option."
Ozpin's eyes narrowed, "So far, he hasn't even shown the skills necessary to enroll in Beacon!"
Qrow rolled his eyes, "You read the file, he is definitely good enough. Even without using his semblance." Qrow scratched the stubble on his chin as he turned around to look down into the training room below.
The two Huntsman resided in a small observation room that overlooked an expansive training room, one of the many such buildings in Beacon Academy. The corners of the room were kept dark to prevent distractions, while the gray metal combat floor was lit by a multitude of spotlights hanging high above.
At the center of the room was a giant mechanical set of armor, wielding an equally massive sword. The behemoth was in constant motion, slashing and punching at a black cloaked figure. Each time the blade come close to hitting it's mark, the figure dove, jumped, or dodged out of danger.
Qrow frowned at the boy's timid performance, "He's just goofing off. I imagine he's bored and trying to entertain himself." He leaned forward and pressed a button at the base of a microphone on Ozpin's desk, "Hey, Nova!"
The young man dodged to the right as a giant metal boot slammed the ground. He jumped up on the machine's leg and pushed off, granting himself a safe distance. He stood straight up, shoulders squared with his opponent.
"I brought you here to show off, but all you've done is embarrass me! Show us something even I haven't seen before."
The boy glanced up at the observation window for a moment. He returned his focus to his adversary, then reached both hands under his cloak. He pulled two identical swords from his back, and clasped the two weapons together. A small cylinder sprouted from the hilt of each sword, and held the blades a few centimeters apart. One hilt detached from its blade and turned 180 degrees, forming a makeshift rifle stock with the crossguard.
Once the transformation was complete, the weapon resembled a rifle, but had two parallel blades in place of a barrel. The cylinder rotated around the two blades, and began to glow bright orange as it gained speed.
Nova shouldered the weapon as the giant charged. He fired in rapid succession, each trigger pull unleashing a beam of focused energy that flash-melted through several inches of heavy plate armor.
The giant lunged forward, aiming for the boy's heart. The boy jumped and the sword embedded itself into the metal floor. He landed on the flat of the blade and pumped four more shots into its chest before back-flipping off as it was yanked from the ground.
Even while mid-air, the weapon barked over and over again, continuing to riddle the chest plate with beams of energy that pierced through the thick armor. Every attack was deftly avoided, and followed up with several shots into the armor's chest.
Ozpin continued to analyze the boy's performance, and while he was extremely agile, there were dozens of opportunities he could have taken to end the fight. "He keeps shooting the chest piece, why doesn't he just finish it?"
Qrow simply shrugged, "I don't know, just watch."
The armor began to sputter and stumble as steam and smoke rose from the great machine. The boy stood a short distance away, and stared at the giant. The weapon lowered as he cocked his head to the side, seeming to inspect the damage he had dealt. Suddenly he snapped the weapon up and fired two more times into the giant's chest, then sprinted forward and split his weapon into the twin blades.
With a powerful leap, he soared towards the head, and twisted in the air as a massive hand tried to grab him. One blade hooked into the eye of the helmet, stabilizing him as he landed on the giant's shoulder. He sheathed his right weapon and thrust his hand into the dark interior of the armor as a golden aura formed around his shadowy frame. A torrent of flames exploded from his hand, incinerating the machine's inner mechanisms and billowing wildly from every crack and crease of the armor's shell. He hopped off the shoulder, and the metal behemoth fell on its back with a hollow clang.
Ozpin's eyes widened as he saw the chest plate. The bullet holes fired into the machine's chest made a clear symbol of a bird. One wing curved upwards above the bird's head, while the other curved down below it's feet. Flames licked the scorched edges of the symbol, giving it the fiery appearance of a Phoenix. He glanced at Qrow, who was admiring the wreckage with an amused smile, "I didn't know he was that good of a shot."
The boy looked up at the window, but his hood shadowed his face from view. He flourished his blade in a salute to the two Huntsmen, then turned around to admire his handiwork... just as the suit of armor collapsed and began to melt into a pool of molten metal. "Sorry! I didn't mean to do that..."
Qrow's voice boomed over the speakers "Just take a chill pill and get up here, kid." The boy sheathed his weapon and casually strolled to the elevator to the observation window. Qrow gave Oz a cocky grin, "See, I told you he can fight. So are you gonna let him in yet, or what?"
"Do you realize how risky this is? I've already accepted Ruby into the school, are you certain that you want him to be here?"
The rugged man sighed, then nodded, "I understand, and I wish we could do something else with this situation but like I said, we don't have a choice."
"Then I just want to know something before I make my final decision." Ozpin spun his chair to his right as the elevator door opened. The boy took a few silent steps forward. Now that the boy was much closer, Ozpin took a moment to inspect his appearance.
He wore a jet-black cloak that blended with the shadows and shrouded his head with a hood. The cloak was tied at his neck by a small amulet that shared the same symbol that the boy carved in to the machine minutes before. Thick black leather armor covered most of his body, lined with a multitude of straps, pouches, and containers. The armor was well kept; it looked fairly new and presented minimal wear and tear.
Nova's hands rose to his head, pulling back his hood. A faded white mask covered his face, the thin eye slits softly glowed amber. "Hello, Professor. General Ironwood sends his regards." There was a muffled cackle of static as he spoke, giving his voice a rugged sound.
"Nova Chrysus, a pleasure to meet you," Ozpin grunted, then gestured across his desk, "Take a seat, please." The boy complied without hesitation.
The two simply sat and stared at each other. An eternity seemed to pass before Ozpin finally spoke, "What do you remember before Atlas?"
Nova remained silent, his expressions and thoughts unreadable behind the smooth surface of his mask. Just when Ozpin thought he would say nothing, he took a breath, "Nothing. I woke up in a hospital bed surrounded by doctors and armed guards. They kept telling me a terrorist named Cinder killed my family. I guess I should've been upset, but I can't even remember them."
"Hmm," Ozpin stroked his chin, deep in thought. "Why do you want to become a Huntsman?"
Nova leaned forward in his chair. "For the past two years I have been given assignments for the Atlas military. As sad as it is to say, killing is the only thing I'm good at," he shrugged "I want to do the right thing with my skills, and killing monsters rather than people seems to be the best choice."
Ozpin nodded, then challenged him further "I hear you have a problem with your semblance."
He nodded "That would be another reason for me to be here. That is, if you can teach me to control it."
Ozpin frowned, "We can give you the knowledge, but you must put it into practice."
"I'm sure I'll have plenty of time on my hands."
Qrow's raspy voice interjected before awkward silence could fill the room again. "Well it's been nice chatting Oz, but as you know, I have some work to do." He stepped into the elevator and turned around, a crooked smile on his face, "You're gonna like it here, kid." The doors slid shut, and the room was left in silence.
Ozpin interlaced his fingers, and spoke with a serious tone, "I will help you. However, if you endanger my students, I will be forced to take the appropriate actions."
Nova stood, extending his hand as he offered a handshake "I won't let you down."
Ozpin returned the handshake "Good luck, Nova."
Nova was many things, but he was not oblivious. Even as he took his first few steps from the airship, he could feel the stares and dirty looks from students and Hunters alike. The people that approached him were mostly the extroverts, but occasionally some 'goody-two-shoes' would try to include the 'weird kid.'
Either way, no matter who was talking to him, they would always ask the same damn question; "Why are you wearing a mask?" At first he would simply tell them it isn't their business, but eventually just settled with staring at them until they left. There was less talking that way, and he was perfectly fine with that.
He thought there were a few interesting individuals; A girl with snow white hair and light-blue eyes, obviously the Schnee heiress. She had just stormed away from a raven-haired girl who looked a little too young to be attending Beacon, then immediately directed her frustration at him. It was comical to hear her flustered complaints about how 'concealing your appearance with headgear is against the rules.' He laughed at that, which of course enraged her even further.
After that he met the twins, the most energetic people he'd seen thus far. They were completely identical, with brown hair and dark green eyes. The only visual difference was their choice of weapons. One had a two-handed greatsword sheathed on his back while the other kept a thin saber clipped to his belt and wore some kind of Dust gauntlet.
The dynamic duo were arguing over who called 'dibs' on a dangerously attractive young woman with long, wild blonde hair. The fight was starting to grow more intense until said blonde strolled up to them and smacked their heads together. She smiled wide as the twins rubbed their heads, then slammed her fists together. Her hair ignited into golden flames and her eyes changed from lilac to fiery red. "Now, which one of you called dibs? I want to know who's face I'm breaking first!" They immediately stammered out their accusations toward each other, and she laughed as they started yet another heated debate.
The interaction between the three made Nova chuckle. He took a quick glance at her from the boots up, noting her choice of clothing. Brown knee-length boots, mismatched socks, black shorts, pouch, and a pleated half-skirt that lengthened behind her right leg. Holding all the attachments together was a brown belt with the symbol of a burning golden heart. Black, fingerless gloves on her hands, and a pair of strange looking bracelets-possibly her weapons.
She wore a tight fitting brown vest with a yellow undershirt that showed off her... assets... a little too well, and her neck was wrapped in an orange scarf. She had a pointed chin, and luscious pink lips that were locked in a harsh frown, then a small nose that turned up at the end. Her eyes were an intense, fiery red, and her thin eyebrows were furrowed as she glared angrily back at him.
Crap.
He relaxed his arms and slightly bent his knees; judging by the blonde's temperament, he may have to fight his way out of this one. Then again, if she hadn't hit him yet then maybe he could actually talk his way out of it.
She grit her teeth before finally speaking to him, "Are you done gawking?"
A smirk grew on his lips, he may actually enjoy a good fight. "That depends, am I not allowed to appreciate a beautiful young woman when I see her?" He spoke with a hint of taunting sarcasm, though his mask may have distorted his tone.
She rolled her eyes, but he did catch the slight smirk at the edges of her lips. "You're playing with fire, loverboy."
He chuckled, "I don't burn easily." If only she knew.
Her smirk grew into a wide grin, "Is that a challenge?"
His heart pounded in excitement. He would love to fight. All this hiding from Ironwood had made him very stressed, and what better way to relieve stress than battling it out of your system? But… he made Ozpin a promise. The fight would have to wait. "How about a rain check? Fighting on our first day may get us thrown out."
The blonde beauty blinked a few times, her eyes changing from red to a shade of bright lilacs. "Sounds fair. Where are you from?"
He paused. It was supposed to be a secret. He was a secret. Then again, he wasn't someone's puppet anymore. "The snowy 'wonderland' known as Atlas." His voice was thick with sarcasm.
She blinked a few times, surprised by his sudden change at the mention of Atlas. "Sounds like you hated it."
He nodded, "You could say that."
The girl did her own once-over of Nova, scanning him from head to toe, "You sure do like the color black."
He simply shrugged, "I like to be stealthy, so black it is."
"You hide in the shadows and stab your enemies in the back?" She crossed her arms, disappointed. There was no honor in those who waited until you were defenseless.
"Oh, hell no. I love a good fight, I just want to be able to disappear when I want to."
"I guess that's fair." She shifted her weight onto one leg, but remained silent.
He cleared his throat to interrupt the awkward pause, "Uh, I should get going."
She chuckled, and gave him a crooked grin, "You aren't even going to give me your name? You're not very good at first impressions, are you?"
He laughs in spite of himself, "I guess not. My name is Nova Chrysus." He offered a handshake, which she returned by trying to crush his fingers.
"Yang Xiao Long." She gave him a wink and a quick, two fingered salute, "See you soon." She walked past him, heading for the center of the Academy. Now that was a woman with a fire in her heart.
He turned to follow a crowd of prospect students, then paused as he realized something. Yang, this bold, outgoing, and most likely hotheaded young woman, had been the only person to speak to him without asking about his mask. It may not seem like much, but it was something to note.
As he joined the crowd, he absentmindedly listened to the conversations going on around him. "-can't wait to get started-" "Where will we be sleeping?" "-killed a few Beowolves the other day-" "-heard Torchwick got beat by a little girl!" "-needed to clean Milo after a fight with an Ursa."
Nova froze. The voice he had just heard, as well as the name she had spoken, were far too familiar. Standing several feet behind him was a tall, pale-skinned young woman with long red hair held back in a ponytail. The armor she wore, as well as her natural beauty, made her look like some kind of warrior goddess of victory. A name sprouted in his mind the moment he saw her.
Nikki.
No… only he called her Nikki. Her real name is Pyrrha Nikos.
This was... strange. He has no memory of ever seeing this young woman before in his life, yet he knows exactly who she is. This lit a spark of curiosity in his mind. He wanted to know more. He needed to know more, so he took a chance. "Hello, Pyrrha."
She glanced in his direction, and her brow furrowed as she saw his cloak and mask. Trying not to be rude, she gave him a smile and waved, "Hello."
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but I heard you mention the name 'Milo.' Who is he?"
"My weapon is named Milo," she said with a frown.
"That's an odd name, what made you choose it?"
"I- Um..." She fidgeted, "I'm sorry, but that is a very personal topic for me."
He nodded his head, "I understand, sorry for intruding. I'll let you go about your business."
Her smile returned and her fidgeting stopped, "Thank you for not pressing the matter, Mr..."
"Nova. Just Nova, no 'sir' or 'mister.'"
"A pleasure to meet you, Nova." She said as she turned away.
"Likewise." Nova was disappointed. If he knew who she was, then perhaps they knew each other before he lost his memory. She could be a vital key in recovering what he'd lost.
On the other hand, speaking with her about it could be dangerous. What if they had been enemies? What if she lets slip some information that should be kept a secret? He needed more time to think of his situation, and weigh the potential risks and rewards before pressing her further.
Soon they arrived at what looked to be a small coliseum, currently serving as a theater for the commencement of 1st year students. Inside, Ozpin gave a remarkably cryptic speech, then the students were sent to the locker rooms to store their equipment and prepare for the potentially awkward situation of all initiates sleeping in the same room. What were these teachers thinking? No matter how big of a room you put them in, hormonal teenagers are still hormonal teenagers.
As he sauntered into the ballroom, Nova breathed a sigh of relief. All that was left was to sleep this horror show of a day off and get to the real business tomorrow. He searched the large room until he found the darkest corner he could, lay down on the ground, and covered himself in his cloak. The black material blended perfectly with the shadows and to everyone else, Nova Chrysus was practically invisible.
In the meantime, Ozpin closed the new student's file with an exhausted sigh. Given the boy's history, he worried if he had made the right decision.
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
- Hebrews 13:2-3
