(A/N): Hello to all, I'm Kanashiiro if you hadn't already known. Thank you for taking the time to read the third chapter of my first story. Twisted Grimm. I know that there is little to know about Sora as of now. And I don't want to leave him as a complete mystery that rarely says anything more than a single word. So for this chapter, a bit more will be revealed about Sora. Like what he did as soon as he arrived at Vale and a small blast from the past explaining what he has went through in order to become to person he is now. He'll begin to say more once he begins to open up to his friends and all. More is to come once the characters have gone through initiation and teamed up.
With that said, the third chapter of Twisted Grimm will commence.
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. Besides a copy of the DVD.
Twisted Grimm, Chapter three: Landing strategy
(Morning, Beacon Academy locker room)
"Hahahaha-hahaha!" Cardin's laughter echoed in the locker rooms. He wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye with a single finger. Before he could stumble off his feet, he braced himself onto a nearby wall. Little sounds of incoherent words barely made it out of his mouth as he tried to speak. Pounding his fist against the wall, cracking it a bit unintentionally. Just before he thought it was all over when he began to let out coughs, a quick reminder of what went on a minute ago made some fresh new laughs to emit from the armored boy.
Sora gave his friend pats on the back to ensure that he wouldn't die of laughter. Though he had to admit, it was pretty funny. So it might be too late to save Cardin at the rate he's going at.
When Cardin's laughing spree died down just enough for him to form his speech into words in between chuckles, he returned to Sora's side to walk with him properly. As a friend. "Did you see the look on that guy's face? It was like he's seen a Twisted Grimm or something!" Cardin smacked his knee from the hilarity, regaining more laughs than before.
They came upon an unsuspecting huntsman-in-training who was just minding his own business, preparing himself for initiation by retrieving his weapons from his locker. When Cardin and Sora turned the corner to see this person, they noticed no one was around to see. Cardin immediately went into predator mode, and that boy who was minding his business is the prey. Sora's armored friend made his way to the loner and began to act very comforting and nice to him. The lonely male being a little suspicious from the sudden concern but dropped his guard. With an observant eye that Cardin has, he pushed the loner into his own open locker and slammed it shut. The male now in captivity thrashed about helplessly in his small confinement, switching between threats and pleas. However, his screams fell on deaf ears as there was no one around to hear him. No one who would care that is. Cardin was too busy motioning Sora to duct tape the locker door shut to make sure it doesn't open as easily. Sora complied and really started to make sure the captive wasn't going anywhere any time soon. He looked at what he's done as if it were a masterpiece in a museum. After all, his friends told him to do it. And friends never wrong each other and do fun stuff together. Cardin began to laugh hysterically afterwards.
Which brings them to right now. Sora tried to not make it look like he was holding in his laughter. The two continued walking, Cardin still having the giggles along the way. They both came to a stop when Cardin gestured him to halt. "Anyway, my locker is over here somewhere. Yours is probably down the hallway, third to the right from here." Cardin stated before taking a few steps back. He's leaving so soon, just after they met again. "I'll catch ya later, man. We'll most likely see each other during initiation." And there he goes, turning his back to Sora as he walked away from him to collect his stuff from his locker.
Sora wanted to stay with Cardin, even if it was for just a bit longer. But that would be very childish of him for someone of his age. So he tucked his tail in between his legs and let it be for now. He'll have all the time to hang out with Cardin after initiation. Who knows, they might be set on the same team together.
Just like Cardin said, his locker was down the hallway and the third right. He would also have to thank Weiss' butlers for carrying his stuff along with them because there was absolutely nothing in his locker when he opened it! Nothing! There was nothing inside his locker. None of his herbal medicine or vitamins. The interior of the locker might as well be as clean as whistle. None of it! Nada! Zip! Zippo!
Sora opened and closed the locker multiple times. Hoping that this is all a bad dream that he can't wake up from. He began to think that it'd be best to just slam the locker door onto his head, as that would be a more fitting fate than to go through initiation without his stuff. It just had to be an illusion. Without his stuff, he might as well go through initiation stark naked.
He sighed in defeat. No reason to get worked up over something that he can't change. He'll just have to wait for inevitable death to come to him. Sora slammed his locker shut. It didn't make him feel any better that it broke. Dragging his feet to the nearest cliff he can throw himself off of, with an imaginary rain cloud just above his head.
Until that rain cloud of his turned out be a thunderstorm in the illusion. Sora felt it, an evil presence. As a huntsman-in-training, it is his duty to rid the world of all evil. So be it, he must trace the origin of this malice as quickly as possible.
Luckily for him, it was only a hop-skip-jump away. Although what he found to be the source wasn't exactly what he had expected it to be. An asymmetric white ponytail with royal white clothing. This caused Sora to raise his eyebrow in confusion. Here he thought it was going to be a Grimm. However, a Grimm within the school sounds ridiculous. Someone would have already called dibs on it.
Nonetheless, Sora was happy to know that another friend wasn't too far from him. Weiss. She was talking to a girl with a ponytail as well. Must be a fad these days. Contrasting for Weiss, this girl has red hair that was tied up into a regular ponytail that reached her waist and vivid green eyes. She is quite tall and muscular compared to the girls he's met in his life. Her top layer consisted of two layers. The top layer of clothing was light brown, strapless leather armor securely tied on her back. The bottom layer was a low bronze V-neck. She also wore brown sleeves upon both arms and a red miniskirt. Along the skirt is a red ankle length drapery and a brown belt with a small circular bronze plate and dark brown pouch behind her. For accessories, she wears a bronze circlet headpiece with small, teardrop shaped emeralds that hang from her circlet o thin chains around each ear. She also sports a large bronze gorget around her neck with a small emerald embedded into it. It really made the color in her eyes come out. She wore bronze greaves that start below mid-thigh and end at her brown boots that reach the mid-calf. For the final piece of armor, she wore a single bronze bracer on her left arm. Almost like a Spartan. She looks more than ready to take the heads off of Grimm.
It may have been more than a coincidence as Sora bumped into a blonde knight, Jaune. Catching them both off guard. This didn't stop Jaune from acting smoothly, as he tried to play it off by supporting his weight onto a locker. It must have been his intention to get Weiss' attention, as it did, cutting in between her and the armored girl she was talking with. Sora blinked a few times to return to his normal composure. "You know what else is great~? Me, Jaune Arc. Nice to meet you." As suave as ever. Sora couldn't help but give his friend a thumbs up, wishing he could be that smooth with the ladies. Although it went unnoticed by Jaune, being too concentrated on the heiress.
With an annoyed look, Weiss crossed her arms. She caught a glimpse of Sora from the corner of her eyes and only gave him an irritated side glance. Sora backed off a bit, it was such an icy stare. 'Just what I needed. A pair of idiots'. Weiss thought as she rolled her eyes. "You two again?" She spoke bitterly. Causing Sora's heart to drop a little. He thought his 'friend' would be delighted to see him. He's even planning out a list of things to talk about with her.
"Nice to meet you, Jaune!" The taller girl cuts in quickly and excitedly. At least someone is being friendly. Although, Sora couldn't help but feel a little invisible. Jaune is flirting too much with Weiss. Weiss is trying to ignore both Sora and Jaune. Now the new girl seems eager to meet Jaune. He felt left out. He has to do something for them to notice him. But what?
"Yeahyeah."Jaune pushed the taller girl away, getting himself closer to Weiss in the process. Even though he was a bit too close for her comfort. Well, one of them is being nice. Sora decided to stick beside the new girl, at least she'll give him the time and day. "So Weiss, couldn't help but overhear your fondness over me the other day~" Jaune flexed a muscle that wasn't ever there to allure Weiss, which didn't seem look like it's working all that well. She facepalmed in response. Sora mentally cheered Jaune on either way as he realized this was the girl that Jaune mentioned before departing yesterday.
Weiss couldn't believe that this goofball was openly flirting with her without any shame or dignity. "Oh, you got to be kidding me!" Weiss deadpanned. She'd honestly rather deal with a silent Sora than a flirty Jaune.
Jaune gestured to Weiss with his hands to ease up, continuing to work his magic. "Don't worry. No need to be embarrassed." He assured her in a comfortable manner. He crossed his arms and bounced on the tips of his toes to signify his enthusiasm, but still keep that cool personality of his. "So! Been hearing rumors about teeaaams~ I was thinking you and me would make a good one. What do you say?" Jaune pressed on, not really taking the hint that Weiss would rather be on teams with a Grimm. He got in closer within her personal bubble, though she only strayed her gaze away from him completely.
Sora held up a single finger and took a short breath, deciding to share the information about teams he overheard from students in the cafeteria. "Actually, I think the teams are comprised of four students each. So-" Sora deflated, he was beaten to the punch by the red hair girl beside him. Even though she was only trying to inform them of the most accurate assumption, it was more of an outburst to draw Jaune's attention away from Weiss. As it was getting all their attention. That moment of speech was all she needed to bring him to her.
"-You don't say?" Jaune interrupted nonchalantly after giving Weiss departing glance. He quickly moved onto the red hair girl, seeing as she might be more of the easy picking. A more friendly companion. This allowed Weiss to regain her comfort zone, except now Jaune is putting the moves on Weiss' future planned teammate. And she is not going to just let that happen. The way Sora saw it, Weiss was jealous.
"Well hot stuff, play your cards right and you maybe you could join up with the winning team." Jaune's little offer and compliment made the armored smile bashfully. Sora would also like the join the winning team. They look like they could actually make a pretty good team. Sora could see it.
Out from nowhere, Weiss might as well have been a ghost that appeared in between Jaune and her friend. She separated their close interaction by pushing them further away from each other. "Jaune, is it?" Weiss questioned. Jaune nodded in clarification. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?" She asked that question to Jaune like it was a brain dead easy answer. Now that Weiss is making such a big deal about it, it made Sora curious on who this armored girl might be. She might be even more famous than Weiss.
Sora shook his head in response, only now being brought back into the conversation. "Not in the slightest, snow angel~" Wow. Still flirting while being utterly clueless. Especially in front of the girl that he also flirted with. Dude is a straight up player.
Weiss motioned her hand to the armored girl behind her. "This is Pyrrha." She announced with a high sense of formality. She must really be something if it's an honor for an heiress to have the pleasure of introducing someone else. Sora always thinks that introductions should be left for the name of the owner. Although this one wasn't too bothered by it. She must be kinder than she looks. Time to make another friend.
"Hello again!" The one named Pyrrha waved politely with the same amount of enthusiasm as the last time. Sora silently waved back. Waiting for his turn to introduce himself.
"Pyrrha graduated top of her class at Sanctum." Weiss informed the clueless boys before her. Sora has heard of Sanctum before. It was a training school, much like Signal academy. Except that Sanctum was in Mistral That's about it. Other than that, he doesn't see how being a top graduate could be that impressive. He's never gone to combat school before, so he wouldn't know.
Jaune shrugged and was quick to reply. "Never heard of it."
Sora's response was pretty might the same thing, except he tilted his head and remained silent as always. Although an imaginary question mark floating above his head would be a nice touch to really bring out his ignorance.
This caused Weiss to scoff at their stupidity. "She's won the Mistral Region tournament. Four years in a row. A new record." She continued to spoon feed them information that hadn't already known. Their brains refused to accept it, making it go over their heads like it didn't matter. Despite their cluelessness, Pyrrha wasn't one bit offended that they knew nothing about her. She stood there, smiling. Letting Weiss do all the talking for her. It was only now that Sora was able to get a very good look at her. He had to admit, she is very pretty. Jaune and Weiss really know how to pick them.
"The what?" Jaune blurted out with an equal amount of confusion as Sora. Both boys now having their heads tilted.
Weiss literally cringed at what level of stupid they could not come back from. She couldn't bring them back from on low they are, even if she taught Sora and Jaune all that she knew. She wondered how these two are even able to dress themselves alone. Now she's had enough. It's one thing to get under her skin and get her angry. But if there is one thing she can't handle well, it's a pair of idiots. And here they are.
Now fed up and at her boiling point, Weiss flailed her arms around in irritation. Sora, Pyrrha, and Jaune all had to take a step back in order to avoid being harmed from her wrath. They got an heiress to lose her temper, this wouldn't be the first time Sora has seen this. It proved to be just as amusing. "She's on the front of every Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes box!" Weiss uttered angrily. She really had to dumb it down to what a child would even know.
At last, Weiss was able to get through to them. Well, one of them. "That's you?!" Jaune gasped deeply. The realization must have really hit him hard to point where it left him breathless. Isn't that something that is more associated with love? Pyrrha blushed lightly and looked at the floor, glad that Jaune recognized her. "They only do that for star athletes and cartoon characters!" Some part of Jaune's childhood must be coming back from memory lane. His excitement could not make his smile any wider as it was a mixture of joy from meeting a celebrity in the flesh and recollection. She must have been a real role model for Jaune when he was younger.
Pyrrha smiled bashfully. Jaune could practically imagine her on the front of the cereal box right now in all its glory. "Yeah, it was pretty cool. Sadly, the cereal isn't very good for you." Pyrrha admitted.
Unfortunately for Sora, he was clueless on who Pyrrha is. Not getting much of a reaction out of him. It's not his fault. His father would never let him eat such sugary food. Even cereal was prohibited as his father kept reminding him that cereal does not hold the nutrients that a warrior shall need in battle. Therefore, all of it was garbage. Sora didn't have much of a childhood. It made him a little envious that Jaune had processed the information given to him. So he sighed.
Weiss facepalmed. One out of two, yet she made it as clear as day for both of them. "I'll just let you be an idiot." There goes that bitter tone of her's again. Sora frowned. "So after hearing all of this, do you really think you're in the position to ask her to be on your team?" Weiss added, her words mentally hurting Jaune. Pyrrha on the other hand, looked at both boys sympathetically. Her gaze a little more fixated on Sora at the moment, looking at him curiously.
By this point, Jaune and Sora had physically deflated. Losing all sense of confidence they had left. Jaune dropped his hands to his side and looked at the floor. "I guess not...sorry." Jaune apologized from deep sorrow. True or not, Weiss went too far. Jaune looked like he had really been effected and only saw himself as a loser. Sora would have comforted his blonde friend, but he was not able to bear to even look at anyone at this point, too embarrassed to do so.
Luckily Pyrrha was quick to step up to the plate to cheer up a downcast Jaune and ashamed Sora. She placed her hand on Jaune's shoulder in a comforting way. "Actually Jaune, I think you'd make a great leader." Pyrrha saw something inside Jaune that no one else noticed. Everyone other than Sora. She turned her attention to Sora, who hesitantly looked back at her, still with her hand on Jaune's shoulder. "I haven't met anyone who hasn't recognized me from anywhere, so it might be nice to have a friend who doesn't." Pyrrha was brilliant in every way. Perfect wouldn't be over exaggerating her capabilities.
Sora and Jaune were now blushing and smiling like fools. A fast recovery from their glum. "Oh, stop it you! You're making me blush." Jaune said, rubbing the back of his head in unison with Sora.
"Seriously, please stop it." Weiss cut in. "This kind of behavior should not be encouraged." She scolded them. Isn't she just lovely? Her attempts to belittle Sora and Jaune no longer affected them, they were too confident from Pyrrha's more-than-kind words. Despite this, Sora still wants Weiss to be someone he can call a friend.
With some newly found confidence, Jaune was quick to hop right back to his usual self. He took a big step toward Weiss, once again invading her personal space. "Sounds like Pyrrha is on-board for team Jaune." Sora too. "Spots are filling up quick. Now I'm not suppose to do this but...maybe I could pull some strings. Find a place for you. What do you say~?" Jaune continued to offer a position, getting closer and closer to Weiss. Until he was literally mere inches away from her face.
Much to the heiress discomfort, she defended herself by taking bigger steps back. "Alright, that's a bit too close!" She was creeped out by Jaune's aggressiveness. Weiss was used to getting hit on by the nearest boy, but she's never faced one who has nothing to lose. It's usually the sons of large company owners that try to put the moves on her or her father rearranges potential husbands for her for stronger connections between business. Jaune was something else. "Pyrrha, a little help please." Weiss squeaked. Looking over to Pyrrha, with a plead in her eyes.
Pyrrha drew her weapon out of instinct from helping others all the time, which happened to be a javelin with a red and yellow color scheme. Sora's eyes widen. She wasn't about to hurt Jaune, was she? Sora was about to step in to defend his friend, but everything went so fast. Jaune's eyes widen as well, as he only had a split second to look at the weapon thrown with expert precision toward him. Jaune yelped when the javelin hooked onto his hood. He went with it. Sending flying until he was pinned against the wall that the javelin had stuck itself into. He crashed onto the wall as a result. He felt that one. Weiss watched the blonde knight disappear from her sight without a care in the world. Pyrrha held her hand up apologetically and gave the now trapped Jaune a sorry look. "I'm sorry!" Unhappy with the way she handled that situation, though it was the only way to diffuse as she saw it.
Sora went over to where Jaune was. The javelin held him up just a bit above the floor. Sora pulled the javelin from out the wall to free Jaune. The blonde knight fell on his butt and just sat there. Maybe he needs a good slapping or some water to splash in his face.
"Would all first year students please report to Beacon cliff for initiation. Again, all first year students report to Beacon cliff immediately." From an intercom that is spread throughout the school to ensure there wouldn't be a single place where a student wouldn't hear any sort of announcement, Glynda Goodwitch's voice no doubt. Sora's eyes narrowed with a sudden sense of determination. So the time has come. His only wish now is to make sure he ends up on a team where he can easily make friends. Students closed their lockers, one after the other. Ready or not, geared up or death wish. They began to make their way outside toward Beacon cliff.
Weiss passed a fallen Jaune without so much as a passing glance. Pyrrha, being a peach so sweet compared to the sour lemon that Weiss is, stopped in front of Jaune to at least give him a proper farewell. "It was nice meeting you." She said, walking towards Sora, who was carefully inspecting her weapon for no exact reason. Just curious.
"Likewise." Jaune replied weakly. The air must have really been knocked out of him.
The javelin that Sora holds seemed to have been pulled out his grasp, returning to its owner. Oddly enough, she didn't as so much as touch when Sora let go. Weird. Sora raised a brow when Pyrrha stopped in front of him while she put her weapon away. She held her hands behind her back in the most professional way, she obviously had something to say to him.
There was a long silence between the two. Sora was okay with it, but not Pyrrha. She felt awkward because she wasn't used to it. So she decided it's a good time to ask than any other time. "Your name wouldn't happen to be Sora Yulesc, would it?" She questioned curiously, pointing at him with a finger.
Another person who happened to know him, yet he knows nothing about the other person. Memories, don't fail him now. He's never been so popular before, and now a celebrity knows about him. It's like he was born to remain ignorant. That isn't entirely wrong. Blame his father.
Sora nodded. "Yes." Sora confirmed.
(Almost noon, near Beacon cliffs)
Along the way to Beacon cliff like they were told to do so. Pyrrha and Sora, walking side by side, lively conversing with the other. Pyrrha doing most of the talking, of course. She only started to get to know Sora, his speech only consisted of short sentences and subtle gestures. As if he wasn't making the attempt to keep the conversation alive, that's the way Pyrrha saw it. She felt a little disappointed that she couldn't get through to him like she was hoping to. This the start of a new friendship, so it shouldn't be rushed.
"So you're Sora Yulesc? The 'Unstoppable Rookie' that managed to enroll in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in Vale the year he joined? That was you?" Pyrrha calmly asked, doing well to hide the inner fangirl she is. As an athlete, she couldn't help but browse around at other competitions that she could learn from. UFC was one of them, it also became one of her favorites. It wasn't like boxing where there is padded gloves to help cushion the blow and prevent broken bones. It was straight up bare knuckle brawls with such little protection. Actually, the only protection is to avoid getting hit. Just the raw action and powerful blows really sparked her excitement. She wouldn't mind to give it a go one day.
Being called the Unstoppable Rookie was news to Sora. He didn't think he made such a name for himself, nor did he think he was that well known. When he arrived to Vale all on his own, he realized he didn't have much lien to make through an entire month. So he did what any responsible individual would do, he looked for a job. Sadly, he was turned down or proven to be inefficient in everything he does. The month was over before he knew it, now he had nothing. Sora only wished he could have planned on further ahead.
Sora could still remember that day, crystal clear. A 'new recruits' sign on a small gym. It all started with that. The trainers needed someone to sponsor their gym if they were to gain publicity. So, they met Sora. Everything he was bad at, all those times of being reminded how worthless he is. It made him feel like there was nothing else in the world other than what he does best. They gave him a sort of purpose that he was loyal to. If there is anything he is good at, it's fighting. It made him feel alive. Though he proved he's more than capable of handling himself. The dozens of sandbags they needed to replace would all be worth it when he steps into the ring one day. All those mountain training sessions with his father really started to pay, he saw the results of what he's worked so hard in all his life. A spirit of martial arts. Nothing could stop him.
Another awkward silence came between Sora and Pyrrha after he nodded lightly. He was too wrapped up in his thoughts to say something. He didn't notice that they were almost to their destination, Beacon cliffs. The sun high above their heads like a ray of hope. Pyrrha was hesitant to speak, she didn't want to pry too deeply than she needed to. Her curiosity got the best of her as the anticipation started to kill her on the inside. "So, why did you quit all of sudden?" She blurted out hastily, a bit embarrassed that she asked such a personal question. She had to know. Sora became her favorite fighter on first sight, since he is something she can really relate to.
Sora turned his head to Pyrrha, slightly startled by her question. He didn't know how he was supposed to answer that. There was more than one reason for it, though he didn't know which one she'd rather hear. So he went with a universal answer, he shrugged. Pyrrha didn't like that, her frown said it all. "I mean, from what how much you were going by and how well you were doing in the championship...I don't see why not you would want to continue your career as a fighter." She pressed on. Pushing his buttons unintentionally. Sora felt uncomfortable around Pyrrha now. Now all he wanted to do was make to Beacon Cliff, ASAP. Anything to save questions for later. Otherwise, it would really start to bother him during initiation.
It was true, though the reward money was nothing to laugh at. He would have been able to settle in an apartment for a few months without worrying if he'll have enough. One of them, fat stacks as they say. He took the fighters down one by one. Rising to the top slowly but surely. Obviously his opponents were good and they managed to get some hits on him. Sora was harder, better, faster, and stronger. Every person he fought was too stubborn in their skills to forfeit, even though they were outmatched by Sora's relentless strikes and impenetrable defense. Before he knew it, he was in the finals. Up against the best. Sora only hoped that his final opponent would live up to his expectation and show exactly why it was them two that made it to the top. He wanted it to be the fight of his life, to make him feel so alive. If only 'he' didn't show up...
"Was it because of what Roman Torchwick did?" Pyrrha asked quietly. Almost inaudible. She remembers watching it. The championships was on live television. The only thing better than watching it live, is to get to get tickets to see it in person. Sadly, tickets were sold out in the first hour. So she was only able to see it in the comfort of her home. Pyrrha wished she could have been there in person. Not only to be up close to the action and see every angle of it, but she wanted to be there in order to help. She felt so helpless that day. All she could have done was watch the horror unveil. Criminal or not, Roman Torchwick went too far with what he did that day.
The atmosphere was heavy. It was no longer awkward, but deathly. But there was a killer's intention emitting from Sora. His aura, nearly leaking out from him from a collection of unstable emotions that were directed to Roman Torchwick. Pyrrha immediately reading the atmosphere. Clearly she has gone too far with her curiosity, as it has got the best of her and may have brought something back from the grave that should have stayed down. She placed a hand on his tense shoulder as some form of apology indication. "I'm sorry. It's not any of my business to pry like that. You obviously have your good reasons. Like how you want to become a huntsman to protect people and keep the world safe." Her ashamed tone said it enough, she sincerely, genuinely was sorry.
Except Sora wasn't having none of that. He didn't want her pity. It was demeaning. She thinks he can't handle her words without her knowing that she meant no ill intention about them. He would have laughed hysterically at her comfort if he didn't already know how to keep to himself. He was stronger than that. Much, much stronger. There was no one way he was going to let something as petty as emotions control his actions. Sora shrugged off her hand, deepening the shame into Pyrrha. "No, you're right." He stated bitterly. Not taking his eyes off anywhere else other than right in front of him.
They were approaching Beacon Cliffs. He could see the small group of students. About fourteen of them, each on a square metal plating underneath their feet. Along with a Professor Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch standing on the grass in front of the students. Ozpin checked his watch when he spotted the last two students approaching their destination. 'Better late than never, I suppose.' Ozpin thought. Taking a healthy sip from his signature coffee mug.
The sooner he took his spot, the sooner he can vent out his vengeful mood through ending some Grimm's soulless lives. Although he was misdirecting his temper toward Pyrrha. It wasn't her. And he knew that. It had to do with Roman. As it all started to come back to him. His real reason for attending to Beacon, or rather, agreeing to attend. He's been lying to himself this whole time. Acting with a sense of justice that he really did want to protect people and save the world, maybe fight a few Twisted Grimm while he's at it. It was all smokes and mirrors for the real story behind it. Deep down, he wasn't here to do that. He came to Beacon for his own selfish wishes.
Sora walked faster than Pyrrha, leaving her behind to catch up. "Roman Torchwick." With that dreadful name is how he started, surprising Pyrrha when she finally caught up with Sora. How venom seemed to have poured out of those words the way he said each syllable. Like he can truly taste it, and from the way it treated him, it was the most revolting thing ever. "He is the reason." Sora confessed, Pyrrha stopped in her tracks in awe. He didn't bother waiting for her. She watched Sora's back get smaller and smaller from the distance between them grew with each of his steps.
(Noon, Beacon cliffs)
Each student now in their own respective metallic tile underneath their feet. Waiting for further instruction about their initiation. Some students busied themselves by double checking their weapon to make sure they are operating correctly and will not fail them in combat when they need it most. That fatal error could cost them their lives. A few others stood with confident patience, although their eagerness might as well be displayed in a transparent box. All in all, everyone was more than ready for their initiation. It's make or break time.
Sora tapped the metal tile underneath him with the tip of his shoe, kind of investigating it without taking it apart. The sound that came from it made it seem like nothing was in it. Like it was hollow of some sort. Although the ringing he felt under his feet also said there was more to it than that. That it served more than just as an alignment to straighten up students. He couldn't tell what was it for as long as he didn't pry it open to see the interior. His best guess was that it was either some kind of contraption or equipment.
The gathering of familiar faces helped Sora cooled down a bit. Cardin, Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Weiss were all there. Of course, Pyrrha too. All his friends. He caught a glimpse of the red younger girl, the voluptuous blonde girl, and the bow raventte. They weren't exactly his friends, as much as he'd wish they were. Sora took his spot in between Weiss and the bow ravenette. He tried conversing with Weiss, but he only got a silencing glare in return. The girl with the bow was too engrossed in a book she has opened in her hand to even acknowledge his existence. This isn't really the time and place to catch up on some reading, but he's not going to tell her not to. That left about five other students that he did not know, so he didn't give as much as a passing glance. In total, there were now sixteen students all assembled for initiation. The players and pieces are in play, now all there is left to do is get through the initiation.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors." Ozpin started, breaking the anticipating silence that all the students before him were comfortable with. They didn't dare speak out of terms in front of their headmaster. "And today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." Ozpn looked each of the sixteen students with godlike eyes, as if judging them correctly with his gaze and choosing their fates. Like he was in control of who lives and who dies. He might as well be.
Sora leaned over to his side just a tad bit to get a good look at the dense acres of forest in front of him. It seemed to stretch on to the farthest corner of Remnant. Just a vast sea of green vegetation as far as the eye can see. Nodding in comprehension. Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch ignored this unusual behavior.
"Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion." Glynda paused, adding some dramatic influence to her words. Sora straightened himself and paid close attention. "Each of you will be given teammates." There goes that dramatic pause for effect again. She might be doing that on purpose. "Today." It was kind of amazing how she could have said that with a straight face.
Today, that is not a lot of time. And for it is such an abrupt announcement from what they cannot back out of, it makes the matters that much more dire. Can they do that? Of course they can. Glynda Goodwitch is Ozpin's right hand, and he owns the school. They have no saying in this. Sora showed no signs of objection. Someone else, however whined lightly in dismay.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with whom you can work well with." Ozpin didn't even have to look at any of the students letting them know that he's talking to all of them. They were all obediently silent. The same whiny voice let out a cute squeak and muttered disapprovingly of their fate.
"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years." Ozpin's slight amusement in his tone did not go unheard. Not the most ideal tactic for team building. It could be similar to throwing a mongoose and a snake in the same cage and expecting them to be friends. But it probably has worked for all these years, despite how ridiculous it sounded. Seeing that this is one of the best schools for hunters-in-training in all of Remnant.
"WHAT?!" Shards of broken dreams could practically be heard along with the same little squeak from before. It was the young red girl who couldn't believe her ears to point where her outburst became verbal. Sora cringed as he could hear her from all the way from where he was standing, which was eight squares to her right. Unlike her, everyone was keeping to themselves. Unfazed by that tactic of how their partners shall be chosen for them. Which isn't really their decision after all, much less balanced by their criteria. They were possibly all thinking the same thing, but expected some sort of surprise from all the rumors that were tossed around.
Sora mentally shrugged, but did hope to make eye contact with Cardin or Jaune out of the circle of friends he made. Nora seemed all aboard for being partners with Ren, so that may be out of the question. Pyrrha just recently hit a nerve with Sora, so it might be a little awkward between for now. Weiss, she's pretty, but lives up to her name in an icy persona. He enjoyed the thought of being paired up with the red young girl. He would really enjoy being paired up with the voluptuous blond. The bow raventte wasn't bad herself, another good potential partner.
"See, I told you." Nora interrupted carelessly to Ren. Apparently Sora missed something during his time away from Ren and Nora. It's surprising that Nora's absurd thoughts might come close to Ozpin's idea for sick kicks. A slight chill went down Sora's spine as he imagined Nora being the approved headmistress of Beacon when Ozpin retires.
Ozpin quickly silenced Nora with a glare that called for it. "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest." His instructions continued. All students took a gander at the forest one final time in unison, taking it all in before they begin. "You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path..." Ozpin paused. Not for dramatic effect, but for the reminder he always has to repeat to students before initiation and missions. His eyes held a tint of sorrow in them. This isn't the first time. "...or you will die." They didn't expect peaches and cream, now did they? It's best to throw the truth in front of their faces, rather than give them a false pep talk.
Regardless of their will to throw their lives away to protect people, that didn't cushion the blow of how Ozpin can just easily say that. It caused a few students to become disturbed. Dying is no joke. While some remained cool, and others whose mental health could be questioned started to smile. "You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation." Ozpin stated as he indicated towards Glynda Goodwitch with his eyes. "But our instructors will not intervene." Ozpin informed them. So if someone is on the verge of death, they'll be left there for dead. Cruel, but they're the ones taking the risk to make it happen.
"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 grade you appropriately." Ozpin finished with his instructions at last. It's almost time. All of sudden, everyone just got tense. "Are there any questions?" Ozpin wanted to get things out of the way before he sent his students to their doom.
Jaune was the fellow to speak for himself. Raising his hand to indicate he indeed has a question. No one else had a question, they just wanted to get this over with. "Yeah um...sir-" Jaune spoke timidly.
"Good! Now, take your positions." Ozpin really wanted to get things out of the way. Whether his ignorance of Jaune was intentional or not, things started to kick off immediately. With Jaune still raising his hand, unprepared for the scene that is about to unfold.
All students began to shift into their own respective posture, ready for what is about to come. Sora didn't exactly know why everyone just stood there, but took a signature fighting stance as told. Feet apart, knees bent, one foot pointed forward while the other pointed to the side. Arms held up in front of him, fists leveled with his shoulders to give a clear few ahead, elbows bent that pointed downward. It looked like any ordinary fighting pose that people use in street fights. But that's why Sora uses it too, because this is the stance that everyone is compatible with. Even martial artists turn to this stance because it is basically universal. Any style is versatile with this stance.
Never taking his eyes off the forest. An abrupt sound of working metal and whistle in the wind. Then a screaming student in the distance came into his sight, but was too far to make who it was. From the looks of it, this student has the semblance ability to fly. Evident from the high altitude reached. That was interesting, a flying semblance is a very rare ability. Only a handful of hunters have it. His eyes followed the unidentified student that made a beeline above the forest until becoming a mere dot in his vision. Clearly the most eager out of everyone in the group of students to get started on initiation. Sora was a little lost for words. If Ozpin told them to take their positions, then why is this single student able to head into the forest at will?
Another student came into sight after the sound of working metal, silently flying as well. So two students with a flying semblance. Although it is rare to have such an ability, he supposes there are chances that two students in the same initiation can have the same semblance. Some hunters go their whole life never finding out their semblance. The odds are slim to none, but clearly slim took its course. Another sound of metal at work, he noticed it was more audible than the last one. By then, another student was flying. Silent too. Okay, now it just became ludicrous. No way can there be three students with the same semblance in the same initiation. His previous thought may have been a bit too accepting, but he knows this is where the line in drawn.
Sora looked to his right to see if anyone was as confused as he was. Their still faces, looking at the forest. It said it all. They knew something he didn't. It kind of scared him. More metal works, another flying student. Perhaps they took something he didn't. Maybe it was in the pancakes. He reached over to Weiss to tap her on the shoulder in hopes that she might have the answer for him. She slapped his hand away without taking her eyes off the forest. "Don't bother me, you dolt. I won't have you break my concentration." She shot him down before he can form a single word as she wielded a rapier. It was shiny, and cool. Sora turned away dejectedly.
By the time he turned to his left another student was flying, that makes the fifth one. Though this student stuck out from the rest and appeared to be flying higher and further than the others already airborne. This one in particular was laughing joyously. Sora looked at the bow raventte give him a confident smirk, in a position that made her look like she was about to pounce upon her prey. She gave him a playful wink, which startled him. What is it with girls and winking? Well, at least that wasn't the most hostile response he's got this minute. Sora decided he'd ask her all his questions that he needed answering.
All questions were answered. Sora reached out to her, in that second, she was gone. A dust cloud left behind that quickly dissipated. The metal plate that use to be underneath her feet was standing up on its own, angled that told him everything.
His eyes widen in a mixture of fear and excitement. He turned a sickly pale complexion and he felt his heart drop from terror. Sora has always looked at Ozpin as a respected individual with skills that no one can surpass. But that has shattered through this one single action. His vision of the headmaster of Beacon Academy now changed to a madman that needs immediate mental help. What kind of sick, twisted man does this for his amusement? These students weren't flying, they were launched.
Sora gave a worried glance to Weiss, his eyes pleading for help. Any kind of help. She was not the merciful goddess. Weiss childishly stuck out her tongue at him and pulled her eyelid down a bit with a single finger. Sora didn't appreciate the mock, no matter how cute it was.
And then his feet left the ground.
(Noon, above Emerald Forest)
The sound of passing wind was almost deafening. It blocked out anything that would emit the smallest noise, even if it's right up against his ears. All that could be heard from his perspective was the whistling wind. Practically screaming at him from all sides. A small ringing in both ears disoriented greatly disoriented him. His heart began to race in fear that he might not be able to make out of his one alive. It was the only thing telling him that he's not dead, yet. There might as well be a bass drum pounding within his chest, erupting at each beat. Sora felt like his body was going to fold in on itself. Encountering wind resistance that pushed his limbs close to him, forcing him to be as thin as possible. Either that, or have his limbs broken in awkward angles. He complied in fear that he would feel an intense pain before he inevitably plummets to the hard ground. The fast approaching horizon where the sun has risen from, tree after tree being nothing more than an endless green blur. His clothing rustled violently against his skin, sending tiny whips throughout every inch of his body but did no damage.
The scariest part of it all was that he was no longer in control. It's nothing like when he was on the ground, where he could go wherever he pleased because his feet was firmly on the ground. No, instead he is forced to go in one direction and let gravity pull him down. At the rate he's going, it's not looking good for him. His body rattled fighting against the wind, eventually weighing him down. Every bone in his body told him that he was going to die, that this is it. This is where he dies. Sora swallowed with difficulty. His lungs could no longer able to regulate his breathing. He was scared out of his mind. He didn't want to die.
He began to catch up with one of the students that was launched before him, only because they started to decelerate and began to drop altitude before disappearing into the green foliage. Sora squinted tightly, shielding his eyes as best as he could from particles that threatened to irritate him. Although obscure, he was able to make out the different colored limbs of that student that stuck out from the numerous trees. He'd widen his eyes in surprise if he could. This is survivable! That student is living proof!
They called that something here. Sora contemplated absentmindedly, forgetting where he is due to his thoughts. It's on the tip of his tongue, he could literally just taste the words. But not quite have them roll off his tongue. Like a puzzle, pieces began to form. He thought harder once it almost came to him. As the last piece was set, he snapped his fingers from realization. "Land strategy!" Despite the deafen pitch, those words were as clear as day to him.
Except there was one problem. He's never developed a landing strategy in his life. Not once in his life had he experienced a situation much like this one. His father did give him a small lesson on how to land safely when jumping off of high places, but he never went over being launched at high speeds into a Grimm infested forest and how to survive the fall. His father said something about rolling to slow down, then quickly springing up on the feet once he's slowed down. It wasn't much help at this speed, but it was something. He had to figure out a way to slow himself down before he even thinks about landing.
Watching others spar has always been an educational activity. To learn from other is half the game and how most are inspired to try new things to have the upper hand. It wasn't too different from following his father's instructions on how to punch and kick properly. That it was also learning from others on the way they've been inspired to fight. Sora affirmed with a small nod. He would watch the other students go by and learn from their landing strategies to see if he'd be able to adapt to it somehow or have some sort of idea on how to land.
Sora felt a new found sense of hope. Which quickly turned into panic as he noticed the whistling in his ear slowly but surely became quieter. Curses for wearing weighted gear. If he's going to survive this, he's going to have to think of something quick or be smeared across the green vegetation. Sora forcefully darted his line of sight to anything that would give him a sort of clue on how to land safely. That one student from before, still flying high and faster. That's something Sora could never accomplish. He's no majestic bird. Onto the next student.
He spotted smaller red dot wield what looked like a customized sniper rifle, firing a few shots ahead of itself that echoed to decelerate before having it mechashift into a large scythe. It was such a large weapon for someone so small, even he was able to make out what it was from a far distance. The red dot hooked itself onto a strong branch and looped it around it before disappearing into the forest floor. Not happening, Sora's against using firearms and doesn't see how he can do that without one. Neat trick with the scythe though. He'd stay amazed at the design of such a weapon if it weren't for the fact that he's still falling. Next.
A familiar green dot was headed straight for a large tree ahead and made contact with it. Circling around the tree multiple times as it descended onto the ground. Simple, easy, except he doesn't know how to do that. This dot must have used some sort of wire or blade to stick themselves onto the tree like that. A thought in process to keep handy. Moving on.
From out of nowhere, a loud yellow figure zoomed past Sora. Slightly swaying him from sheer speed. It sounded like a girl cheering in excitement, followed by loud gunfire behind her that sparked a red hue. Surprisingly, she was catching up with the flying guy and showed no signs of slowing down any time soon. Before he could observe her any longer, she became a yellow dot in the distance. This girl had some serious guts, Sora liked that in a woman. Another potential partner if he could catch up to her. Firearms required, nothing else to see there.
Sora was able to spot Pyrrha before she made her landing. Wielding her weapon is a different form from before and a small circular shield. Her weapon was a sword this time instead of the javelin that had pinned Jaune to the wall earlier. Bearing her shield in front of her as she plummeted through thick trees like it was thin paper. The top part of the trees that were now severed from their lower body fell to the ground with a loud thud. She rolled onto a large branch once she had slowed down enough. There wasn't as much as a scratch on her. That was pretty cool. If a shield is all it takes to perform such a landing strategy, then he'll have to take a page from Pyrrha's book. It seemed efficient and doable. He just wishes that his aura will hold, seeing that he doesn't have a shield.
Then there was Jaune. Flailing and screaming helplessly, desperately trying to reach out for anything that would cease his dizzy inducing flight. Sora wanted to help his blonde friend out more than anything right now. However, they were oceans apart in distance and both in mid air. Changing directions in an aerial state is near impossible without something to push off of. In addition, Sora was decelerating while the blonde knight was going at a mach speed. He could only hope for the best for Jaune that he lands on the softest shrub known to man.
From what Sora almost mistaken as a snowflake, much to his disappointment, was actually none other than Weiss Schnee. A friend, kinda sorta. She activated her semblance, to Sora's discovery that it is glyphs. A rare semblance, much like flying. He doesn't know much about glyphs, but he knew that they were pretty cool. As Weiss demonstrated, she conjured a sizable light blue circular glyph in mid air that absorbed her fall completely when she gracefully landed on it. Taking no time to rest, she pushed off the glyph when it served its purpose and obviously made it down safely on the forest floor. The glyph shrunk until it had faded from existence after its use.
It's official, everyone is just showing off with their landing strategy. All of them.
A sudden snap at his legs broke him out of his amazement. It felt like a thin branch. The green colored ground now visible from a couple of stories below him. Sora couldn't tell whether the ground was intentionally heightening itself to diminish what little time he has left to come up with a landing strategy in order to survive in impending doom. Whatever his landing strategy is, he better come up with it now. Otherwise, this really will be how it all ends.
Mistake number one, he began to panic. His eyes darted everywhere for something to grab so he can finally come to halt. Following Jaune's lead, Sora threw his arms around. Wings would be nice right about now. He kicked his legs, desperately trying to live.
Sora felt himself going into shock when he began to hyperventilate, as he struggled to keep himself conscious. Unfortunately, he succumbed to it and felt himself slipping away. His vision fading into darkness.
(Memory, eight years ago)
"Sora! Remember, you must always remain calm at all times!" His father's words bore itself into Sora's head, until it became what he practically ate, slept, and lived those words. A ten year old Sora sat obediently on the floor with his legs crisscrossed, his hands resting on his legs while he watched and listen intently. Soaking in every word that comes out of his father's mouth, with a strong commanding voice that belonged to no one else but him. It was the voice that belonged to his master that would work Sora to the bone through everything he knows in order to thoroughly teach him. His father doubles as his master. "If you begin to panic and lose your nerves, you've already lost the one thing that every martial artist needs in order to secure their victory."
His father paced back and forth in front of the seated Sora, never taking their eyes off each other for a second. Otherwise, it would be a sign of submission. And his father was nowhere near to letting that happen. He wouldn't be the master martial artist if he couldn't look deep within someone's eyes. Sora on the other hand, felt like he was going to wet himself at any given moment from the sheer intimidation that his father was giving him from a mere stare. But he managed to keep himself in place. This lecture was also an act of training. Everything he did was training. The smallest task, training. Eating breakfast in the morning, also training. "And that, my son, is insight." His father stopped in front of him and turned to face him. His stern gaze piercing Sora's soul like spiritual arrows. He mentally flinched, and his father saw it. His body, however remained unmoving and unwavered perfectly, that alone has reached his father's expectation. But Sora is still in the early developments in his training. So he'd be given a break for this one. Though Sora would have to make up for it in his next training session. That way he can be trained while he's training.
"Once you lose a hold of your insight and give into desperation, you become careless. How can you begin to protect others when you can even protect yourself?" Sora couldn't hold his ground no longer, he broke eye contact with his father and decided to stare at the empty space on the floor in front of him. His father knew that he would hit a weak point on his son with his lecture, but it's never had such an effect on him like this one. Sora was still too soft and weak, if he wanted to prepare him for what he has to encounter one day, he'll have to play the part of both a father and master. "Perception, accuracy, knowledge, and a deep intuitive understanding. You must be able to learn in the middle of battle. Know how your opponent's strikes, steps, and even breathing. Always know their pace before they can even make it." His father sighed, his tone low enough for Sora to dare look him back in the eye again. He is still his son after all, not his student.
Sora's eyes were an irritated red hue, tears he's been holding back all this time on the brim of trailing down his cheeks. Although tears might be a sign of weakness in this situation, they were far from tears that were created from sadness. Sora had a look of determination on his face, one that belonged there and made no signs of the slightest twitch. Abruptly standing up, his father raised a brow to him. He challenged his father by taking a signature fighting stance, his father had showed weakness toward his son by lowering his voice. Being family and all, training together was their way of father-son bonding time. There were times that Sora wanted to call it quits from how cruel the sessions can get, though he knew better than that. It made him happy that he's spending time with his father. And at times, they'd go fishing together or go into town to pick up a treat for the younger Yulesc. Never in his life has he complained or whined to his father to stop. So he's not about to let him ease up on him now.
The elder Yulesc pridefully smiled at his son, who was growing up right in front of him. Ever since a year ago, Sora's became weaker than he was before that dreadful day. He was never this quiet either, even his father can barely get a word out of him. Sora used to be so full of energy and life, and now it was all taken away from him. Much like the person responsible for all this. Despite that, he's made up for it through vim and vigor. From father to son, no longer was Sora's master standing before, the elder Yulesc embraced his son into his large arms. He stroked the younger Yulesc's head lovingly to soothe him, to show that he absolutely loves his son more than anything. Sora slowly lost his tension and allowed his muscles to relax as he held his father tightly and freely cried into his father's shirt. They shared this moment in silence, enjoying every second of each other's warmth. "Sora Yulesc, my boy." It was the name his mother blessed him with, they both knew it meant something more. Someone who would achieve great things in life and grow strong.
Sora looked up to his father, dry tears still visible on his own cheeks. He was able to see the warm smile only a loved one can provide. He would want nothing more than to remain like this forever if it was possible. His father reached for Sora's face and wiped away the remaining wet trails. Both of them looking at each other with a bright smile that no words could describe for the bond they share.
And then the elder Yulesc winded back his arm behind him and threw his fist against Sora's face with all his might, sending Sora flying through the thick wooden walls.
(Noon, Emerald Forest)
Coming to his sense after experiencing an epiphany calmed Sora's nerves down as he felt the warmth from the recollection. His father's words eased him so easily, even a memory of him came just in time to help him in his time of need. His father is always there to help him, despite not being present. In a way, he's never too far. Everything had to come to natural for him to develop a landing strategy, but it wouldn't hurt to take a page from everyone he watched that performed their tactics on how to land.
Sora made himself as little as possible by curling himself into a ball formation, keeping his legs and arms tucked close in front of him. Branches of all sizes that reached out to slap at him or broke into stacks and giant splinters from the sheer force. His aura was doing a good job at holding, but he didn't know how long his body can endure the punishment. The branches did little to slow him down, but it was something. So he'll take it. This bit he took from watching Pyrrha.
Once his body was about to splat on the ground, Sora instinctively winded back in his arm behind him and swerved in order to face downward to give the ground the biggest Haymaker he could properly deliver. Creating an impressively large crater from the force. He tried to plant himself into the ground in hopes that he'll stay in place, yet his arm was wrenched from the ground as his speed kept going. It made a significant amount of help to come to stop, but he was still going at a speed that was hazardous to his health. Just a bit more and he's in the clear. Weiss had some part in this step.
The ground was once again within his reach. That was all Sora needed in order to proceed to the last step of his landing strategy. He dug his fingers into the ground and clutched at it with all that he can keep a firm grasp on. Sora pulled himself closer to the ground and extended out his foot, burying that into the ground as well to decelerate. The ground ripped beneath him, stray rocks pelted him from all sides. His hold with both his foot and hand nearly coming loose at times, but he grit his teeth and forced himself to endure until it was over. This looked so much easier and less painful the way he imagined it. Sora will have to show his gratitude to Ren for this.
What seemed like an eternity of grinding himself against the ground, Sora finally came to stop. Half of his body embedded in the ground. If someone didn't know any better, he'd look like someone half -assed an attempt to hide a body. For one thing, his head was still above ground, lifelessly tilted to one side. His arm and leg pulsated from strain, beating erratically in pain. Sora couldn't believe that he managed to survive that with the use of his newly found landing strategy. He'd be overjoyed that he made one up with what little time he had, if it wasn't for the fact that it hurt so much. Everything hurt. This would be one landing strategy he hoped that he wouldn't have to use so often.
"Ow." Was all Sora said, as he blinked his troubles away. The only sign he made so far that indicated that his landing strategy didn't backfire and ended up killing him in the process. His aura made short work of his pain. In no time, he could feel his bones reconstructing themselves and wounds beginning to close up. As soon as that was done, he pulled himself from out his dirt bed and stood up on his own two feet without a problem. Sora dusted himself nonchalantly. Stretching his limbs out to ensure each one was functional without placing stress on him. Not a single one. All is good. He survived.
He'll have to thank his friends later on for this one. Weiss, Ren, and Pyrrha. They might not know it, but it was generally them whom had saved his life during his time of need. He hopes that he could probably become partners with one of them, either of them is fine. If not, he prays for them that they make it out alive and find partners that are to their liking. He could be on the same team as them, that much he could look forward to.
Let's not forget his father's words that awakened him from his state of panic. He owes that old man everything for what he's done for him. His father, his master. He's never given up on him, so Sora isn't about to give up on himself for anything. Sora stuck out victorious thumb to the sky, this one is for his father. Gazing up at the vast blue with white fluffy clouds that slowly shifted out of sight. It helped him cope with the distance between him and his father. As long as they are both under the same sky, it means that they aren't all that far from each other. Sora missed his father very much.
It was time to go, he has an initiation to accomplish and a partner to meet. Sora began his journey to the northern end of the forest, just like Ozpin instructed them to. He believes that he'll be able to meet up with someone in that general direction. Kind like killing two birds with one stone, except there are no stones, or birds in that matter. Just potential teammates and relics. Walking through the dense forest, filled with Grimm that wanted nothing more than to tear him limb from limb. Nothing quite like it in the morning.
(A/N): It's a good place to stop for now. Right at the Emerald Forest. I know I might be obscuring things a bit too much right now, but I do promise that it will all be explained in the future chapters. Probably nowhere near this one. It will come in the later chapters though, its all in the time and place. Going through character development and all, it's kind of like that. Can't reveal too much or too quick. I could bet that some of you are wondering where will Sora's position be in all this. Like who's team will he be on and who will his partner be. Well I can assure that he will be partnered up with someone in the next chapter. Can't say who it is though, that's a secret until then. Want you all the enjoy the surprise when it comes.
I believe this chapter exceeded the previous chapter in words, but just by a little. Still, it's a new record! Someone get out the balloons and confetti because its a celebration up in here! Hooray! I apologize for the wait that some of you have gone through for the next chapter. I will do my best to try and updating this story as much as I can. Pinky promise. I'm going through this at a patient rate, slowly but surely reaching the main plotline of the story. Though at the same time giving the first season of the RWBY storyline more background. I think it'll all work out in the end. If not, I'll try wing it until it works and fits. Better that than to do nothing, I always say.
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Once again, thank you for taking the time to read the third chapter of my first story.