Chapter 2: Homecoming and Leaving Part 1
How is everyone? Yes i'm still alive and so is my bud Dayton McCloud however we both have been missing Inspiration and writers block is a major pain along with just being busy and in my case computer troubles. Anyway here is the long awaited chapter and we both have a pretty good idea of what will happen in the next couple of chapters so they shouldn't be to far behind this one. I want to thank you all for taking the time and reading this chapter and a big thanks to my bud and co author Dayton McCloud if you like this story then check out his story Beacon of Hope. Let us know what you think of the story in the comments and how we can improve the story helpful tips are always welcome and please no flames.
We don't own RWBY just the OC's
Now sit back and enjoy the story
The aircraft touched down just inside the township. Kai, Lance, their fathers, and Ozpin stepped out to see the town. Its great stone walls a marvel to most towns outside of the kingdoms. They stepped through the gates to see somewhat larger buildings than that of other towns as well. The architecture was surprisingly more modern, but with hints of Victorian style as well. People were out and about on their daily routines as they passed through.
"This is a lovely settlement you have here. It's been a quite some time since my last visit," Ozpin said.
"We weren't the first here, but we did what we could outside of the kingdoms," Lance's father said.
"It seems that you've done this town proud, Roland."
They continued through the streets until they reached a more grandiose home. It was much larger than the average home in a slightly more secluded area, with earthy colors, stone work, and a double door grand entrance. They entered through one of the fine satinwood doors, Roland holding it open for them.
"Welcome back home," He said as they entered.
"Welcome back home indeed!" Kai's father said, spreading his arms open.
"Dad, we don't live here. This is the Azure's residence," He said in a dry tone.
"It feels like a second home to me, son," He said with a billowing laugh.
Lance and Roland smiled, along with Ozpin. Kai just shook his head with his face buried in one of his hands.
"You'll always have a home here," Roland said, clasping the two on the shoulder.
"Even Mr. Azure agrees!" Kai's father said with a toothy grin.
Roland removed his hands from the two, continuing forward as he did.
"How about we discuss the future of our sons and what they're to expect upon their arrival to Beacon."
"Of course, Mr. Azure. I'd be happy to enlighten both of your sons and relieve any questions they might have," Ozpin said.
They moved from the large foyer, making their way to a spacious living room, all taking seats in different pieces of furniture that were around a large granite coffee table. The room itself had high ceilings and plenty of windows. The light tan colors of the walls helped to make the place feel homier.
"By the way, Roland, where is your wife and daughter?" Kai's father asked settling into a plush chair.
"Ah, they're out currently. Crystal is out practicing and Ciel is somewhere. I assume out in town or working."
"Both busy as usual it seems."
"They're more alike than Crystal likes to admit," Lance said.
Roland gave a soft chuckle at that.
"They both chase their own tails and work hard, that's for sure."
Lance sat down next to his father on the long couch that sat in front of the coffee table, flanked by other soft chairs of similar material. Kai took one of the seats next to his father. Ozpin sat in one of the chairs opposite of Kai and his father.
"You have a lovely home, Mr. Azure," Ozpin said.
"Roland is fine. No need to be so formal," He said with a smile.
Ozpin smiled his reply, setting his black cane with a silver handle down against the chair.
"I suppose both of you are wondering about Beacon then? I'm sure you've heard much about it from your fathers," Ozpin said, turning his attention to the two youths.
"Oh uh, I heard some. I know it's a very prestigious academy. Every aspiring Hunter dreams of going there and some great Hunters come from Beacon," Lance said.
"We do have a reputation to uphold. As defenders of Remnant from the creatures of Grimm, it's a big responsibility upon Hunters. Beacon's aim is to be prepare them for that reality so that they can bear that weight."
"As deep as always, Oz," Kai's father said.
"Some things never change, Duncan," Ozpin said.
"So what should we expect of the curriculum?" Kaiser asked, shifting forward in his seat, arms crossed resting over his knees to supporting his weight.
"There will of course be combat classes to further enhance your experience with fighting both Grimm and other students. We do not however neglect education. There are standard classes that you should be familiar with since Faranos has a combat school that you both attended. Grimm studies, tactics, history, Dust studies, even such classes to better understand Aura."
Both Lance and Kai had smiles on their faces as Ozpin went on. The prospect of attending such a school was tantalizing.
"Seems like they're actually excited for school," Duncan said with a chortle.
"Yes, well it will be difficult. We may still be a school, but we expect the best. With that said, I have high hopes for you two," Ozpin said with a soft smile.
"We should probably discuss what their first day will be like," Roland said.
Ozpin nodded his head, adjusting his glasses on his face.
"With the next group of first years not joining until a month's time, you have time to prepare. Once that time comes, you will take an airship to the Kingdom of Vale. In Vale you will join your fellow first years on another airship to formally commence orientation and be on your way to Beacon Academy."
Lance and Kaiser sat forward in their seats, stars in their eyes, and excitement evident on their expressions. Lance had a dumbfounded smile on his face, jaw drooped ever so slightly open, while Kaiser looked on with a smirk, his attention never leaving Ozpin.
"Seems like the boys can't wait to pack and leave," Duncan said.
"If that's the case, maybe a head start on packing isn't a bad idea. While it's still fresh in their mind after all," Roland said.
"Then if there are no further questions I believe that this concludes our brief orientation of sorts," Ozpin said.
"If there's any questions now's the time to ask," Roland said.
"You can always ask us about Beacon if nothing crosses your mind now though," Duncan said.
Lance just looked down at his feet, that smile he had never leaving his face.
"Honestly, I'm kind of still in awe. It's a dream come true really and I can't think of any other questions at this time," he said, raising his gaze to Ozpin.
"I'm in the same boat," Kai said.
Ozpin sat up from the chair, grabbing his cane. He placed it in front of him, resting both hands on it.
"Then I suppose my job here is done. Congratulations you two."
Lance and Kai both nodded their response.
"Thank you, Ozpin," Lance said.
"Yes, thank you very much," Kai said as well.
Roland and Duncan looked at Ozpin in mild disappointment.
"You're not leaving already Oz? You just got here," Roland said.
"Yeah, come sit and chat at least a bit longer. The flight back to Beacon isn't a terribly long one from here," Duncan joined.
Ozpin stood, his hand brought up to his chin in contemplation. A few moments pass and he lets out a sigh, placing his cane once again at the side of the chair and sitting down.
"I suppose I can stay for a cup of coffee and a quick chat amongst old friends," Ozpin said with a smile.
"Lance, let's get started packing up," Kai said.
"Good call," Lance said, getting up.
As their fathers talked with Ozpin Kai and Lance headed upstairs to gather up things they'll need at Beacon.
"Why are you coming up here instead of heading home?" Lance asked
"I'm hoping I still have some stuff left over from the last time I stayed here." Kai replied
"You got onto your dad for treating this as if it was his home but you're the one leaving things here?"
"Hey never know when you'll need extra clothes, arrows, and away from home." Kai said shrugging. As Lance walked into his room Kai could've sworn he heard a soft chuckle.
Kai walked into a guest room across the hallway. In the guest bedroom Kai was getting his things gathered up when something white on the dresser against the wall caught his eye. He walked over and saw it was an arrow with a snow white head.
"I forgot about this."
He picked it up twirling it around his fingers debating before sliding it into his quiver and picking up his suitcase and walking out of the room.
Lance was in his room packing a suitcase when Kaiser opened the door wearing his dark green and grey pattern cloak and his quiver of arrows.
"What do you say we spar a little and sharpen our skills? I don't want to face any more chimeras like those without being ready." Kaiser said calmly leaning against the door frame.
"Never know what Beacon's gonna throw at us," Lance said grinning slightly
"Well that too but we also still have that tie to settle."
Lance remembered the last match they had that lasted for nearly five hours which ended with both of them collapsing from exhaustion.
"Alright let's do it." Lance said.
Kaiser gave a satisfied nod before leading the way to the training area.
The training area wasn't very impressive. It was an space on the outskirts of Faranos surrounded by a wooden fence and technically a part of a small park. The training area was more of a closed off recreational area, but ever since the combat school in Faranos opened it has become a popular place among students to spar. On one side stood Lance holding Regalia at his side while Kaiser stood on the other side flicking his wrist turning his weapon Airtimes to a bow.
"I'll give it everything I got. No holding back" Lance said getting in a fighting stance.
"Just don't cry like a baby when I wipe the floor with you." Kaiser replied pulling the hood of his cloak up.
Lance felt a slight familiar chill run up his spine. No matter how many times Lance saw Kaiser pull his hood up it always unnerved him. When his hood came on it was like he was another person. The Kaiser he knew since they were kids would be gone replaced by a stranger in Kai's skin with piercing eyes and an expressionless face.
Kaiser notched an arrow, aimed it at the sky, and let loose. The arrow soared, careening into the sky. Calmly, he notched another arrow, his gaze never leaving Lance's. Tense moments passed, but the arrow soon enough hit the ground between Lance and Kai. As soon as it did, Kai pulled back and released the notched arrow.
Lance blocked the arrow with the flat end of his sword and side stepped a second arrow. He knew in a ranged battle he had no chance of winning. However, close combat wasn't Kaiser's specialty. As Lance got closer he saw Kaiser turning his bow into a sword swinging it in the same motion. Their blades met with a loud clang of metal on metal before they started to slash at one another. Kaiser tried to get some distance, however every time a gap was made, Lance closed it. Their swords met in a cross shape and locked. Kaiser used all his strength to push Lance back a couple of feet. That was all Kaiser needed. In a blink of an eye, Kaiser redirected Lance's force, spun past him, and notched an arrow. He aimed it, the arrow ready to fly but he never let it. Someone behind Lance caught his eye.
"One of the guards coming this way." Kaiser said lowering his bow.
Lance turned to look but only saw a figure running their way. Soon enough he could see the outfit the guards of Faranos wore. Black cloth with pieces of flexible armor sewn into it. Silver accessories adorned the outfit and the Faranos crest of a sword with wings was embroidered on where a pocket would be.
"Your father, he called for you two." The guard said after catching his breath.
"Us?" Lance said, turning to Kai confused.
"He said it was urgent," The guard said.
Lance nodded before turning his attention to Kai.
"It must be serious," Kai said.
"If it is then let's hurry."
I hope you all enjoy the chapter and once more please let us know what you think of the story and a big thanks to my co-author and a huge thanks to all of you that read the story and help us improve as writers and i hope you all are looking forward to the next chapter. Until next time take care and have a good one.
