Various new students at Beacon Academy had lined up along the edge of the ridge above the Emerald Forest. They had weapons out and ready, expressions determined, and minds resolved to complete their objective. Various people were lined up to Jack's left and right.

The girl in red and black carried a huge scythe, about as big as she was, and had a curious grip on it, as if it was a bolt-action rifle. Both she and the scythe were decorated with red paint or accessories, and the girl narrowed her eyes and smirked as she tightened her grip on the scythe.

The girl in white carried herself with dignity, holding her foil over to one side, and glancing disdainfully to the people on either side of her.

The girl in black glanced nervously to either side, but tightened her grip on the gun blade and ribbon she held.

The girl in yellow simply smirked, raising her fists.

The young man in yellow and white swung his sword around, a look of apprehension on his face.

The girl in pink seemed to buzz with energy, hefting a giant hammer.

The girl in red and gold merely took deep breaths with her weapons out, a calm smile on her face.

The young man in green checked over his pistols, but did nothing more.

Then there was Jack. He stood nervously at a pose similar to a soldier's, holding his sonic screwdriver up by his cheek for the world to see.

He didn't see who was on his right, as Ozpin, who had attended the event himself, had started talking.

"For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."

At this, Glynda Goodwitch, who was also present, piped up. "Now, I'm sure you have had rumours of the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion: Each of you will be given teammates. Today."

The girl in red and black started to complain at this, though Jack couldn't hear specifically if there were any word to the complaint.

"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon," Ozpin continued. "So it is in your best interests to be paired with someone with whom you can work well. That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."

Jack could now hear an audible scream of "WHAT?!" from the girl in red. Ozpin continued nonetheless.

"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy anything in your way, or you will die. You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene.

You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path, containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. You will guard that item, as well as your standing, and we will grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"

"Yeah, um, sir?" said the young man in white said.

"Good!" Ozpin said, not noticing the question in the slightest. "Now take your positions!"

"Uh, I have a question, sir," The young man in white said. "This "landing strategy" thing, what is it? You're, um, dropping us off or something?"

"No. You WILL be falling."

"Oh... I see, so did you hand out parachutes for us?"

"No, you will have to decide your own landing strategy."

"Then, what exactly IS a landing strateGY-"

Then, one by one and in rapid succession, the students were launched off without warning, starting with the young man in yellow and white. Jack tried to ready himself, but still failed as he was bodily thrown into the air by the launch pad, screaming.

"AERIAL FAITH PLATES SUUUUUUUUCK!"

Jack fell through the air, plummeting towards the forest. Thinking quickly, he buzzed his sonic screwdriver, and was greeted with a small explosion off to the north.

Jack's last words before landing were:

"SUGARHONEYICEDTEAAAA-!"

Jack spat out the dirt that went into his mouth, and looked around. Just woods, woods, and more woods. Great. He stood up, using his sonic screwdriver to scan for signs of life. A handful of signals appeared from the west and north. Jack twisted a setting ring on the screwdriver, and started to dowse the temple, which the wireless link with the Starclimber aided and said was only a kilometre and a half away. Jack turned to the north to set out-

"Oh, no..."

and looked right into a girl's face.

She wore a dark grey shirt with beige pants, and a blue sash, complimenting Jack's own hoodie. Her hair shone silver, an anachronism compared to her youthful appearance. Her eyes were sky-blue, reflecting the heavens above hidden by the treetops. On an ammo belt slung perpendicular to her sash were various different ammo clips, from ones marked "fire" to "lightning" to "gravity" to "ice" to "standard". She held an assault rifle similar to an AK-47, but with what looked like a lot more foldable and telescoping parts. She huffed at him, and eyed his weaponless hands with contempt.

"Ugh... The person I get partnered with is the one guy who doesn't have a weapon..." The girl sighed. "Well, let's get going," she said as she walked over to one side of the clearing.

"Umm... Sorry to interrupt on your misery, but north is that way." Jack pointed in a direction almost opposite from the way the girl was going. The girl looked back, then compared her direction to the Sun, then stuttered.

"You're right... But how?"

Jack simply smiled and twirled his Sonic Screwdriver. "This handy little RAM spike, flashlight, resonance generator and Sparrow Compass is an ACTUAL compass, too!"

The girl looked confused for a moment before giving in and smiling. "Alright... I can't pretend I don't find you the least bit funny." Her smile then turned slightly demonic. "But if you think for even ONE SECOND of leaving me to the Grimm, I'll be haunting you until you die. And when you die, I'll smack you straight to the seventh circle of Hell."

Jack snickered. "Alright, alright, don't leave you behind, I get it. The only problem is, I have no Aura, no Semblance, and nothing except a Sonic Screwdriver. Can I trust you to not set a Beowolf on me or something?"

"Agreed."

"I have a ship here somewhere, can you help me find it? There'll be weapons, ammo, and a map."

"Sure. As long as we actually survive, I'm all for it."

Jack turned to leave, then turned back. "We never swapped names. I'm Jack."

The girl smiled and hefted her assault rifle. "The name's Leara. Nice to meet you."

The two shook hands, and set off towards the Starclimber.

Hi there!

I've removed the last two chapters of this as my friend, Kintin23, has kindly pointed out that I have lots of continuity errors. So, I'll set out righting them now! Enjoy Jack's experiences in Initiation Day in the meantime! I'll probably spread this out over 2 or 3 chapters.