Disclaimer – I do not own either Blazblue or RWBY. They are owned by Arc Systems and Roosterteeth respectively.
"Speaking"
"Thoughts/Flashback"
Aura/Semblance/Drive/Etc
"Izanami Mental Speaking"
Chapter 4 – An Altered Reality
"Saya," Ozpin began sternly. The team-forming ceremony for the successful initiates to Beacon had been completely not too long ago. She had found it funny that the only three students she had interacted with the day prior were now on a team together. She mused that she should've found the black-haired girl and spoken to her the previous day to make the whole coincidence complete. Oh, well.
She shook her head rapidly to remind herself to stay focus. Ozpin seemed serious about this. She had to keep her seriousness, too. Ozpin was sitting in his chair behind his desk in his office. Glynda was standing behind him and Saya herself was sitting in the chair in front of him. It was very reminiscent of their first meeting in this office.
"I want you to explain the world as you know it," Ozpin explained his instructions clearly and without room for misinterpretation. "Not what you've learned since meeting me or Glynda, but the world as you remember it."
Saya nodded in understanding albeit with a hint of anxiety over the thought of what she was going to do, "I-I will do my best, headmaster."
"And Saya. . ." Ozpin started.
"Y-yes, sir?"
"I want you to explain everything," his words left no room for argument. By this point, they had both accepted that how Saya knew the world and how they knew the world were two entirely different things. Until a reasonable explanation could be brought to light, they decided to treat the story she was about to tell has completely factual. She had earned that much from them. Slowly, Saya nodded again, took a deep breath, and began.
"It's probably best to start a century ago as, how I remember it, that's when everything changed. I don't really know what caused it or anything like that but during that time something appeared in the world: the Black Beast."
"The Black Beast?" Glynda asked.
"A gigantic, eight-headed monster made of pure seithr. Normal weapons couldn't harm it. Weapons powerful enough to raise cities to the ground couldn't stop it. By itself, the Black Beast wiped out more than eighty percent of the world's population."
The eyes of both professors widened at that. Such a powerful monster existed? It seemed too unreal even to them. Ozpin's tone changed to curious when he spoke again, "If the Black Beast was so powerful then how was it stopped?"
"I don't know the full details of it," Saya admitted. "But it is known that Six Heroes arose to face the Black Beast. One of their number, the Great Sage Nine, crafted several, powerful weapons and created a new force called Ars Magus to face the monster."
"And this Ars Magus is?" Ozpin asked.
"Um. . ." Saya started, trying to think of the best way to describe it. "I guess you could call it a fusion between sorcery and science powered by seithr."
The moment the word 'sorcery' was brought into the equation, the entire tone of the conversation changed for the two professors. For that one word made an instant connection in their mind.
"Sorcery? As in magic?" the two professors thought. Neither voiced or even showed their surprise though. However, both were definitely more intently listening to her now. It seemed so far-fetched. History wasn't matching up. But what they had found beneath the Emerald Forest more than gave them enough reason to believe what she was saying. Despite the inconsistencies, she was the only expert they had on this matter, and right now they needed every bit of information they could get. Especially after that revelation. "This Great Sage managed to fuse magic and science? Powering it with the very substance that made up their foe?"
Saya nodded in confirmation, "Nine was said to have been one of the greatest magicians in world history. And the reason other weapons were so ineffective was that, as the sister who raised me said, the Black Beast is a creature that exists outside of reason. Therefore, the only thing that could harm it was things like sorcery and Ars Magus."
"A creature that exists outside of reason. . ." Ozpin repeated that phrase again in his mind. Somehow, that description was so disconcerting to him. Probably had something to do with the unnatural implications of it. A creature that couldn't be fought in any conventional sense nor could be bested by familiar means was certainly something to worry over. It was an unknown element: the worst enemy for anyone in leadership.
But something else caught his ear in that story. The Great Sage Nine, one of the greatest magicians in world history, fused magic and science using seithr. The substance they now how access to via the Cauldron that was pretty much in their backyard. A more perfect opportunity could hardly be imagined.
Not long ago, unknown assailants had attacked the Fall Maiden, Amber, and had someone stolen some of her powers. This left her in essentially a coma. Since the Fall Maidens powers were magical in nature, they weren't certain how any of their technological equipment would affect Amber when the inevitable conclusion came to pass that transferring her powers to someone else would be the lesser of two evils. But if what Saya was saying was true, that this Great Sage was capable of using seithr as a means to fuse magic and science together, then perhaps there was yet still hope.
His aide was thinking very much along the same lines. She felt terrible watching Amber sleeping comatose inside what was essentially her sarcophagus. Everyone knew that was pretty much what it was no matter how much they denied that reality to themselves. This was the first good news she'd heard to this grim tale for a long while. It brought her the least bit of hopefulness back into her.
It was the best news they had heard in a while and Ozpin made mental note to himself to grill Saya later for as much information on Ars Magus as possible before capitalizing on this new tool they now had at their disposal.
For now, he continued to listen intently to what she had to say, "They did manage to defeat the Black Beast, but at a terrible cost. When the Beast was destroyed the seithr of its body spread throughout the world, almost like a worldwide flood of seithr. As I told Professor Goodwitch down at the Cauldron, seithr in high concentrations is deadly. So, even in death, the Black Beast still managed to make most of the planet uninhabitable. At least anything at a low elevation."
"Another reason to gain a much information as possible before we delve into using this 'seithr'," Ozpin again noted to himself. Information like this was critical. They didn't need to make any errors.
Glynda's thoughts were not on that idea, however. She saw more the tragedy of the situation. The idea of despite gaining victory over such darkness, its power still covered the world. Was this their own fate? Would something similar happen with them if and when they ever defeated the Grimm? If and when they ever defeated Salem?
What a terrible thought.
"After what essentially was the fall of nations, a new power took over: the Novus Orbis Librarium. It was an absolute monarchy that controlled all information on Ars Magus. Only through them could you learn to utilize it and have access to it. They started creating Cauldrons to power their cities. And everything went downhill from there."
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely," Ozpin muttered, more to himself than anything.
Saya nodded in confirmation.
None of them said a word for some time until the headmaster finally decided to speak up again, "Well, today has certainly been another enlightening day for all of us. Saya, I'm not sure what's going on. Your tale doesn't match at all with the recorded history of Remnant. However, due to what you showed us yesterday and the discovery made today I am certainly inclined to believe you. I'm not certain what is going on, but we will figure this out. I promise you that."
Saya smiled gentle, feeling relieved.
"You should go and relax now, Saya," the female professor spoke up. "Your first official day acting as my assistant is tomorrow. I have a combat class with the second-years at nine-thirty. Would it be alright if you met me up here tomorrow an hour beforehand?"
"Sure," Saya said, standing up. She bowed respectfully. "Thank you, professors. I will see you tomorrow."
With that, Saya floated off to the elevator and left.
Glynda and Ozpin stared at the elevator through which she had left. Minutes passed by in utter silence; their minds still comprehending the information given to them mere moments ago. The anomaly that was Saya, perhaps the greatest mystery Ozpin had ever had the opportunity to solve, had given him more pause and food for thought than anything else. Even the revelation of Amber's condition hadn't done such a number on his brain than the information presented to him now.
None of this added up. What was real and what was an illusion? The lines seemed to be becoming more and more blurred as time went on. The contradictions to their knowledge of history gave Ozpin a headache. It couldn't be possible for both to be true. . . could it?
Ozpin turned to his aide, "So, what do you think, Glynda?"
"I cannot deny the existence of seithr or of these 'Cauldrons'," came her reply. "I've seen them myself, after all. But I have a hard time disbelieving her story either. There is nothing in it for her to lie and telling such a fantastic story for no reason when there is every reason and chance we would never believe it seems very unlikely."
"Agreed. We must take into account that we are likely dealing with something beyond anything we've ever faced before. Even Salem. After all, if everything that's been said up to this point is true, then Saya is the living vessel for the Goddess of Death. The ramifications of even the smallest misstep with her could be truly monumental. . . and irreversible."
"I must admit. The story did seem very far-fetched to me," Glynda replied somberly. "I played along because of the clearly-immense trauma the poor girl had been through. But today's events have only confirmed to me that what she says has some great basis in truth. From now on, I recommend we really should treat everything she says as factual. We have no reason to doubt her anymore."
"Indeed," with that said, the female aide began to walking past the desk towards the elevator. That was when the headmaster's voice spoke up again, drawing her attention back to him. "Glynda. . . do you think after what Miss Saya said we could use this seithr to help with Amber?"
Glynda was silent for a moment, choosing her words carefully, before she answered him, "I don't know. According to Saya, the one who harnessed its power was someone who was immensely skilled in magic, likely far more than even we are skilled in the use of Aura. Who's to say we can do what the Great Sage did."
"But if we don't try we may never know. . ."
Glynda sighed, "If we do decide to try it, Ozpin, we need to take every single precaution we can. If comparisons can be made, we are essentially trying to study Grimm."
"I understand that Glynda," he said, turning his chair around to face the glass, clock-face window. "But I don't want to not consider it a potential option."
Glynda took a deep breath, "I understand, Headmaster. Have a good day."
Saya sat on her bed in the room she had woken up in that morning, still the same as it was then. She made a note to redecorate her room at a later date. She was pretty sure she didn't need four beds after all. She winced, "Why do I get the feeling I just jinxed myself by thinking that. . .?"
Still, having nothing better to do, Saya began getting ready for the evening. Professor Goodwitch had supplied her with some bare essentials to last until the weekend when get their first opportunity to spend a day in Vale itself getting everything Saya needed. So, for now, all she had to utilize was a white shirt to sleep in, a toothbrush, some toothpaste, soap for the shower, a towel, and a hairdryer. She was fine with it. She was certain she could last the week with this.
Slowly, she began to undress, even removing the gold hairpiece that had kept her hair up in a ponytail, and made her way over to the bathroom attached to her room. She stopped for a moment to stare at her reflection in the mirror and for the first time she got to truly see what that made man had turned her into.
Her purple hair flowed straight down her back reaching all the way to the back of her knees. Two, long lengths of the regal hair fell from the sides of her face reaching down the front of her body to the front of her knees. Red, ringed eyes stared back at her from the reflection and, despite giving her best effort to show emotion through them, they only showed off a lifeless presence. It was a terrible reminder of who she now 'shared' her body with.
Her eyes traveled downward to see what else had changed about her to which she remembered that the last time she had actually seen her own reflection was when she was only a little girl. Now, over a decade later, she could now see the effects that age had had on her form. No longer did she have the body of her childhood; now in its stead was that of a woman. She may not have had the full figure of one – her chest being very much on the petite side – but she certainly wasn't a child anymore.
Still, one thing was the pretty much the same: the birthmark she shared with her brothers that was right under her collarbone. Although it was now a pale-purplish color as opposed to the black it had been.
Yet another disconnect to a time she so dearly missed.
She crossed her arms over her chest and tucking her hands under her arms as a shiver went down her spine at the unnerving reality still sweeping over her. She guessed her mind was still trying to unravel everything that had happened and was only slowly catching up. As she traced her fingers over the sides of her torso, she came upon yet another anomaly: two, circular lines embedded into the flesh under her arms. The first line, more oval in shape, was right below her armpit reaching to the middle of her ribcage. The second was tiny and implanted towards to top.
She knew instinctively what they were and again shuddered in silent horror at what had been done to her.
"Does it ever end?" the girl-turned-doll thought bitterly, tears threatening to be released from the floodgates of her eyes. As if to harshly answer her question, as her eyes continued to travel down her body when she noticed yet another area where her new 'doll' parts were now present. From the front of her hip bones back around the lower part of her rear were two lines in her skin that formed an eye-shape. At the points of the eye were two, small circles.
A cold chill ran through her knowing exactly what would have had to happen for those parts to get there. Was no part of her safe from that man? She should be the very least grateful that he seemed to have only an interest in experimentation. The dread of him having a more physical interest in her was terrible but, thankfully, that had not come to pass.
She turned around to glance behind her. The red-eyed vessel's morbid curiosity getting the better of her. And that is when she saw what was on her back. Her back had been tattooed in the same pale purple that her birthmark now was. At her tailbone was what looked like a copy of said birthmark only it was upside down and the dot was hollow instead of a full circle.
Above that was another, far larger tattoo. The bottom of the design was the same as her birthmark except it was many times bigger with elongated prongs that went out so far as to stop just before the curve to the side of her torso. Two, extra spikes flanked the bottom point diagonally facing away from it and not being connected to the prong-shaped etching on her skin. The dot was still in the same place, albeit much bigger, but above that, placed between her shoulder blades, was the digital imprint of the number 'zero'. It two was flanked on either side by outwardly-bent, pointed lines that formed a pseudo-horned shape.
Was this the symbol of Izanami or the symbol of her being the goddess's vessel. She didn't know nor did she desire to know. It didn't matter anyway. What mattered was that the mark was there and would never be removed.
With this newfound knowledge of her physical appearance, Saya solemnly moved into the shower and spent a good bit of time under the hot water embraced by the steam that came forth from liquid running down her form. She was thinking; trying to clear her head of the jumbled mess it currently was. Bad news seemed to be her constant companion, but she had to remain strong. Izanami retaking control now likely meant that the residents of Beacon would die, and she refused to let that happen.
After her shower, she dried herself off before dawning the white shirt to act as a pair of pajamas. The shirt was pretty big on her but only reached just below the fold of her rear. There was also the logistical problem of not having any spare garments to wear for the day, so she didn't want to wear what she would be inevitably be wearing for the rest of the week. It would be awkward, but it's not like she shared the room with anyone.
"Besides it not like my current undergarments covered up much anyway," Saya thought in annoyance. Why the emotionless Goddess of Death would need something so skimpy she had no idea and frankly didn't want to know. "Ignorance is definitely bliss."
The sky was growing dark by this time as night finally descended over Remnant. She smiled nostalgically to herself as she thought back to happier days in an attempt to rid herself of the cynical and pessimistic thoughts that were currently dominating her mind. When was the last time she got to enjoy the grace of the moon? Ragna was always the one who watched the moon with her as Jin as some major distaste for the celestial object in the sky.
It was so peaceful really. Observing the great, glowing orb in the sky with countless, twinkling lights crowning the black sky overhead. While she would miss enjoying moon-watching with Ragna, she could at least look now and think back on happier times.
Flashback
"Brother!" a child's voice echoed throughout the church building. A young boy whose age was roughly around a decade in length swiftly turned his head towards the child-like, feminine voice calling for him.
The boy had blonde, spiky hair and green eyes and was wearing a white shirt and black shorts. His eyes widened as a speeding bullet of pale pink and blonde suddenly crashed into him and latched onto his torso.
"Brother!" the blur's voice came again, cheerful and full of life.
The boy smiled as he looked down. Hugging him, with face in his chest, was his little sister. She, too, had blonde with green eyes. The pink from the blur had been the pink dress that she wore. Her youthful appearance was that of a girl a few years junior to the boy himself.
"Yes, Saya?" he spoke gently with the hint of affection and protectiveness only an older brother could show.
"Brother! Come watch the moon with me!" she said with an excited tone, pulling her way and tugging her brother's arm as to say 'come on!'.
"Saya," said a young woman dressed in the garbs of a nun as she came walking around the corner. "It's late. You need to get ready for bed."
Before the little girl could protest the denial, however, the older brother spoke up, "Please, Sister? We won't be out long. We'll just watch the sky for a few minutes before getting to bed."
The Sister sighed, "Ragna. . . Oh, fine, I guess. . ."
"Yay!" came Saya's cheer as she turned towards a second boy standing not too far away, "Jin! You want to join us?"
Jin was another blonde-haired, green-eyed who was only about a year or so older than Saya. Unlike Ragna and more like Saya, his hair came straight down though it was cut short. The middle sibling 'hmphed' and looked away, choosing not to speak.
"Jin!" Saya whined, trying to get an answer out of him. She felt a hand on top of her head and turned to see his smiling older brother comfortingly rubbing his hand on her scalp. "It's okay, Saya, if Jin doesn't want to join us he doesn't have to. Now come on, before the Sister changes her mind."
Saya nodded, "Okay, brother."
Saya made up her mind. She made her way over to the curtain at the window in her room and pulled it open. . .
. . . and immediately stopped dead cold.
Before her was not the full moon as she was used to seeing it, but rather naught but the shattered remnants of what was once something great and beautiful. The simplicity and peacefulness brought by that which orbited above in the night sky bringing light unto the darkest parts of time was not but a figment of its former glory hanging by threads in the dark sky overhead. Only broken memories of the visage Saya once knew and adored remained.
"But that's. . ." Saya thought, afraid to voice those words even in her own mind so overcome with shock was she at this new truth thrust upon her with such little notice. ". . .it just. . . i-it can't. . .be. . .be real. . .it can't be real. . .it just can't! It can't!"
Flashback
Saya and her brother laid flat side-by-side in the grass staring up at the moon and stars above. The sounds of the silent serenity of the landscape echoed all around them in a tender breeze of soothing air that caressed them and made them feel at peace. The great, celestial mirror in the sky above reflected the light of the sun down to them in a dim glow and ordered the twinkling lights, so grand yet so far away, to do the same so as to watch protectively over the two siblings; shielding from the darkness of the world around them like the mighty Aegis of ancient world.
A sigh escape from the girl's lips – a sigh of total relaxation – as she scooted closer to her brother, seeking a higher plane of this feeling by being at her elder brother's side. The heat radiating from his form as she cuddled into him lulled her and her eyes became heavy.
She didn't know if 'God' really existed, but she had the child-born faith to believe in Him and so silently prayed in her head that she could enjoy moments like this forever. That no matter what she could think back to these times and find comfort in what once was. To find peace and solace in the familial love between brother and sister. In the comfort of that which only an older brother could give to his little sister.
With a quiet, soft voice, she spoke to him, no doubt or hesitation was present within it, "I love you, brother."
As her eyes closed in her state of inner peace, she faintly heard her brother's strong, comforting response, "I love you, too, Saya. I will always be there for you. . . no matter what. . ."
And with that, with a smile on her face, she fell gracefully into the realm of dreams.
Tears welled up in her eyes as her world crumbled further and further into dust around her. In her state of mind, her levitation gave out and she collapsed to the ground in a heap. The tremors in her body would cease and she shook terribly. Her mind was faltering. She had broken down once or twice since appearing here but this was the final nail in the coffin. Her uncertainty and the fear of the unknown overwhelmed her.
It was as if anything happy, anything worth remembering from her old life, was now set up to torment her. To remind her how lost and alone she truly was. She wasn't sure how much more she could handle.
Tentatively, she rose from the ground and made her way to her bed. Today had been another rollercoaster of emotions.
She needed sleep. . .
Saya was restless that night. The culmination of all her knowledge of how the world should be and what it was now conflicted in a mental war inside her head. She didn't know what was real and what wasn't. How was the moon broken? What happened to history? What happened to the world at large?
"One day and you are already in such a state," came a taunting voice echoing around her. "You should have just let me stay in control. Look how pitiful you how now."
Saya's eyes sprung open and she yet again found herself in a place she didn't want to be: the darkness of her own mind. Her doppelganger was standing across from her except in fully Imperator garb while she was still missing half the outfit. Izanami was smiling an empty smile as soulless, red eyes gleamed into her. Her face seemed to show delight in her suffering but those eyes spoke of nothing but emptiness.
"I-Izanami. . ." Saya spoke, trying to sound confident but the fear in her voice still overcame such an attempt.
Izanami chuckled darkly, "I must admit you are quite resilient. But even the strongest will fail over time."
Saya mustered up everything she had to give the death goddess a hollow glare putting every bit of venom into it as she could muster. She began to shake fiercely. Izanami closed her eyes in satisfaction, "Go ahead. Enjoy your freedom. I am nothing if not patient."
Saya's look lost all meaning as it faded into one of morbid curiosity. Was Izanami going to let her stay in control? Somehow that thought unsettled her more than Izanami trying to forcefully retake control.
"After all, the longer you stay in control. . ." Izanami said as she floated towards Saya, coming so close that Saya's forehead touched the gold crown upon Izanami's head. Her eyes opened revealing their insidious gleam in a grand display of victory. ". . . the more efficiently I can break you. . ."
The ding of the elevator alerted Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch to someone entering the office. The former looked up from the scroll he was looking at, "Ah, Saya, I hope you—are you, alright?"
Saya looked like she hadn't slept well. A lot seemed to be on her mind when she calmly floated towards them.
"Saya," Glynda spoke up. "Is everything alright."
Saya averted her gaze briefly before speaking, "Izanami. . ."
Those words said everything that needed to be said. As they went to speak on the matter, Saya raised her hands, "Please no. . . I don't want to hold on the subject of her for right now. . . please. . ."
Against their better judgment, they relented.
"Now then, as you are aware, I am the combat instructor for Beacon," Glynda stated. Saya nodded in confirmation. "So, I'm going to run through your duties and responsibilities as my assistant during the course of the school year. For the first week or so, you are going to observe me monitoring fights between students and to judge their skills, tactics, and techniques during these fights. I will show you what we're looking for overtime so that eventually you can monitor fights alone just in case I'm needed elsewhere."
Saya nodded as she took mental notes the entire time.
"Eventually, you will help me grade student performances, enforce rules, and run minor errands for me. As I mentioned at initiation, I will consider disobeying you as disobeying me."
"Are you sure all this is fine considering I have no formal education nor was I ever trained as a huntress?" Saya asked. She really was thankful for all this, but she couldn't help but feel she was not qualified for this job. She couldn't even imagine students respecting her if they knew that.
"Well, for one it's not like you are actually teaching anything," Ozpin remarked matter-of-factly. Saya chuckled nervously at that statement. "And you actually are a subject matter expert. An expert in something no one in this school is."
The red-eyed girl blinked, "I am?"
Ozpin nodded, "Seithr."
"Oh," nothing else needed to be said. While she certainly wasn't an 'expert' on the subject, she was the only person who knew anything about seithr around here as well as likely the only person who could manipulate it. And with a Cauldron so close by they'd need any bit of expertise they could get.
Ozpin then handed Saya a closed scroll from across the table, "This is your scroll, Saya, as I understand you don't have one. Mine, Glynda's, and all the other professors' numbers are already saved onto it."
"Thank you, sir," Saya smiled.
"Come along then, we should start heading towards your 'classroom' to get you situated before class starts," Ozpin said.
Saya smiled as they made their way out of the office.
They had just left the elevator and were currently walking down the halls of the schools. Students passed by giving them greetings as they hurried to their classes. They walked in sort of a triangular fashion with Ozpin leading the way and his aid and Saya following closely behind. Hoping to learn more about her little assistant, the female professor asked, "So you mentioned having brothers?"
Saya nodded, "Yeah, Ragna and Jin. Ragna's the oldest. I'm the youngest."
"So, what are they like?"
"Well, Ragna is very protective. He isn't the brightest but he is certainly the most loyal and a determination none can match. If there was one person in the whole world I could count on without hesitation it would be him," Saya rambled on, obviously thrilled to describe her wonderful brother to her boss.
"And Jin?"
The assistant went quiet for a moment before speaking, "I. . . don't have the best relationship with Jin. . ."
"Oh."
"After an. . . incident, my body became frail and sickly," Saya said sorrowfully. "Ragna pretty much forced himself to take care of me constantly as that's just who he is. . . Jin didn't like that. He got really jealous and started to hate me. It made his mind an easy target for Terumi when he. . . you know. . . "
Saya didn't clarify what she was referring to, but it wasn't necessary. Both professors remembered their initial conversation with the girl when she revealed herself to them. Who she was. . . what she'd been through, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be."
There was another awkward silence before Saya spoke again, "Would you know any way I could get copies of these clothes so I don't just have one pair?"
"All things considered I'd have thought you would have liked to have something different instead of those regal clothes," Glynda asked, surprised by the request.
Saya simply shrugged, "I can't say that I don't agree, but. . . as strange as it is for me to say I actually do like these clothes. They're comfortable. Plus, despite what they represent to me, it's really the only connection I have to a world how I once knew it other than the Cauldron."
Glynda nodded, "I'm certain we can figure something out."
"Thank you."
"Think nothing of it."
As they had continued walking, they had passed through a pair of doors to a beautiful courtyard outside. A tall, pillared ring of stone outlined the massive plaza with a lake at its center. Large, stone-tile causeways crossed through the center with a statue residing in the absolute middle. Steel lampposts towered over these causeways to give them light when the light of day was no longer afforded. Stone islands dotted the lake outside these causeways with paths attaching them to the main roads. Trees and benches inhabited these islands.
It was quite a serene sight.
Movement caught her eyes; a sore spot in the vacant landscape before her. Eight people were running full sprint down the causeway from left to right making a break for another entrance into the building she and the professors had just left. Focusing on the running figures, Saya realized who it was. It was Ruby and her team along with the team of that 'landing strategy' boy from the initiation.
"Jaune Arc," she reminded herself. "They seem to be in a hurry."
Glynda looked at her watch, "I do believe their class starts in about a minute."
"Ah, that explains it," Saya answered nodding in satisfaction at the answer. "Great first impression."
"Indeed," Ozpin said as he sips from his coffee mug.
Saya blinked and turned to him, "Wait, where'd you get that coffee mug from?"
Ozpin stopped to glance at the girl before giving a slight smile and wink before returning to his coffee.
"Alright everyone, listen up," Glynda announced from the center of the training arena. As it turned out, the 'auditorium' Saya had been in the first day had actually been what was referred to as an amphitheater which doubled as the training arena for the students at Beacon. When she had first returned to this location, she noticed things she hadn't noticed when it was packed with potential students. This mainly was made up of the backdrop for the 'stage' and the circular balcony encircling the room.
The backdrop was a semi-crescent wall that 'stepped' up to a point with designs etched into it. The balcony had several rows of backless seats complete with a beam-like was acting as a railing for the seats. It was easy to see how it could theoretically, and actually, functioned as both.
Either that or there two rooms that were practically identical and she was just losing her mind.
"This is Saya," Glynda said motioning to the girl beside her. "She is going to be my assistant for this year. She will be helping me monitor fights, grade, and enforce school rules. Treat anything she says as if it came from me. Are we clear?"
The students were seated in the balcony above looking down at the two who were presently center-stage. From what Professor Goodwitch told her, these were all second-year students. They wouldn't be having first-years until later.
They stared at Saya with varying degrees of interest and emotion. Some glanced at her with vast interest listening intently to Glynda's announcement of the purple-haired girl's position. Other barely even paid attention to her. Though those that irritated her and made her feel uncomfortable were the ones who snickered amongst themselves while pointing at her.
"I wish brother was here," Saya thought nervously. She really wasn't used to this kind of attention especially from so many people. It was kind of uncomfortable.
"I do believe that requires an answer, students," Glynda authoritative voice echoed throughout the room impatiently. A resounding 'yes, ma'am' came as a response. The teacher nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now then, welcome students to your second-year combat class. Let's begin."
The class went by swiftly all things considered. Saya had to admit, these students were impressive. She couldn't yet tell the difference between skill levels of first and second year students by observing them fighting though, so she had a hard time discerning them from yesterday's initiates. She imagined it would take some time before she could really tell the difference, but she could definitely imagine these students beating the first-years in a fight despite this.
How the fighting/training system in of itself was pretty interesting. Professor Goodwitch had told her a bit of how it worked before class started. However they managed to do it, they set it up to that they could see a student's level of aura in the form of an energy meter that they displayed on a screen. Aura acted as a defensive barrier for the body – protecting it from attack – so whenever they set matches up to go on until one combatant's aura reached a 'red zone' or too low to safely continue fighting with dangerous weapons and abilities. It was pretty smart in her opinion.
Match after match passed by, Saya learning more and more about combat in Remnant in the process. She had learned a little about that very subject during the initiation but, due to her galivanting off to investigate the pillar she had awoken next to, she hadn't seen enough to get a solid idea of the concept of battle utilizing aura and semblance. Now, she had a far better idea of how it worked. First and foremost, of that was the weaponry.
While not the most impressive weapons she'd heard about – the Nox Nyctores were by far that pinnacle – they were certainly great in their own right. Some of the weapons were outright odd though: a briefcase that could turn into a minigun was not something she would've ever expected anyone to come up with. But then again, it was definitely a 'surprise' moment and she knew something out of left field could win battles if not wars.
With so little to do in the church, she had gotten to read quite a bit so learning a lot about the world before the Black Beast was something of a pass time for her when her brothers weren't available to play with. She blissfully recalled happier times. Seeing her brother after he'd been busy only to excitedly tell him all about what she had just learned from old history books. Her brother, while not always understanding what she was talking about, always listened intently. Telling her how interesting it what even though looking back she knew most of it didn't actually interest him at all.
Snapping out of her reminiscing, she returned her attention to the match currently ongoing before her. The two second-years were fighting fiercely. The battle seemed pretty even so far as well. One would go on the offensive, fall back, and act defensively and repeat. And the inverse was true as well. Their auras seemed to be pretty even throughout as well. Neither combatant seemed to have a significant edge over the others.
She could also tell by their expressions that these two didn't like each other one bit as compared to the other fights she had seen, who either had a focus, determined, or gleeful look masking their faces, these two looked absolutely hateful towards each other. It was almost as if they believed that if they stared at each other venomously enough they could wipe the other from existence. She recognized the look very well.
It was almost identical to the one Jin had so often given her until that fateful day.
Finally, however, the unavoidable end finally arrived. One, decisive blow ended the fight with the victor only winning by a few pixels of aura. Professor Goodwitch called out the winner. The rival who lost was clearly furious, "No fair, our aura is virtually at the same place!"
"Maybe," said the other fighter. "You should accept that you lost to me."
It wasn't a suggestion. The winner was telling him what he should do. Saya mentally winced. She could already tell this wasn't going to end well. As the argument began to erupt, however, the teacher silenced them, "Enough. Return to the stands. The class is almost over."
The winner nodded and spoke his respectful acceptance of the order before smugly walking off. The loser, enraged by the act, charged his would-be rival while his back was turned. But before the blow was laid or the Headmaster's aide could intervene, something incredible happened. The winner turned just in time to see his foe's weapon stop dead in its tracks. His assailant stared ahead, his eyes frozen in shock and fear as his body remained still, unable to move. It didn't take long to see why.
The attacker had been trapped in an orb of crimson energy with a runic ring encircling it. Black, spike chains glowing a bloody red color had sprung up from what appeared to be portals which were also encased in rings of runes – two in fact. The spear-tipped chains had stopped just after piercing the bubble.
Everyone looked around for the cause of the phenomena until all eyes fell upon the teacher's assistant, arm held out with a scowl shrouding her face. Even Glynda was shocked by the action. Ozpin had told her what the girl had inadvertently done to him out of a surprised reflex but to see it in action was something else.
The teacher was the first to recover, "Er. . . thank you, Saya."
She then gained her infamous, disciplinarian expression as she stormed up to the now-frightened student as she angrily stated, "Not off to a very good start to the school year, are you? You will be severely punished for this action mark my words! I expect you in detention tonight. There we can further discuss your punishment for this offense."
Seeing her cue, Saya released the student who unceremoniously crashed to the floor below. Class ended only minutes later. The students began to disperse getting ready for their next class of the day. That was when Saya's boss called out to one of them, "Miss Adel, a moment please."
Said student blinked in surprise before she 'shooed' her teammates off as she made her way over to the teacher and her assistant, "Need something, professor?"
Saya recognized the girl from an earlier match. She had been the one with the handbag that became a minigun as she recalled. Her appearance was definitely something though. Dark brown hair with part of it dyed a caramel color and shades to prevent the goddess's vessel from seeing her eye color. Her outfit consisted of long, cocoa-colored shirt with a dark brown waist cincher, dark brown trousers with ribbons on the left side and the drape of a black skirt hanging on her right, dark brown beret, and a brown belt lined with bullets and a brass buckle that was shaped like crosshairs. In addition to this were a pair of black gloves, necklaces, a bracelet with black roses on it, and a pair of dark-brown, high-heeled leather boots with buckles on them.
"Indeed," came the professor's reply. "I take it you are still the fashionista you were last year."
The girl smiled, "Of course, teach. You need suggestions?"
Glynda frowned slightly at the familiarity of her reply but resolved not to say anything about it, "No, but I do need some help with something of that nature."
The named Miss Adel cocked her head, a look of great curiosity marked her features as she smiled, "Sure thing. Whatcha need?"
"Saya," Glynda said, motioning the younger girl to speak. "Tell her about the request you made to earlier."
Catching on, Saya repeated her request on clothing to the second-year before her. She nodded.
"A copy of those clothes of yours? Yeah, that shouldn't be difficult. If you want I can take you into town on Friday. I know a place you can get the copies you need by the end of the weekend."
"That would be very helpful, Miss Adel," Saya said gratefully. "Thank you."
"Call me Coco," she replied holding out her hand. Saya took it willingly.
Glynda smiled, "Actually, I think you all should head out now. I will inform you teachers of this so you won't get in trouble."
Saya blinked in surprise, "Are you sure that's okay, professor?"
"You are quite lacking in basic necessities, Saya. Since Miss Adel is arranging you to get additional clothing, this could also serve as an opportunity to get those necessities that you'll need."
"Huh?" Coco asked, confused at what the teacher was talking about.
"Other than soap, dental supplies, and a white shirt, you're basically seeing all that I have," Saya said, somewhat sadly. Coco was abashed by the reveal, "What?! We'd better get going! There are some things a girl just can't be without!"
Coco grabbed Saya's hand and began to pull her along when the teacher spoke up again, "Miss Adel. . ."
The second-year stopped, "Yes, professor?"
". . . don't have her trying on clothing for hours. Just get her what she needs and come right back."
Coco's smile grew wider, "Sure thing, teach. Come on, Saya, let's go shopping!"
Glynda mentally smirked as the second-year dragged her poor assistant off. It should be fine. She didn't have another class until after lunch anyway. She doubted that the two would take that long either. While she knew Coco's tendencies when it came to shopping, she trusted Saya could keep her on track. She was still a teacher's aide after all.
She walked off to report to Ozpin and to also inform Miss Adel's teachers she wouldn't be present for the first day due to a request she had made. She wasn't worried about her assistant. If anything were to happen, she knew Miss Adel would keep Saya safe.
So, looking back on the first chapter I realized I had gotten a bit of the description of Izanami's clothing wrong. I'll be sure to go back and fix it sometime in the next week or so, so be aware that's what happened if you see an update with no apparent update.
Anyway, so the ending of this chapter was interesting. It sorta just came to me and it logically made sense to me. In series, Team CFVY went on a mission that went long and they missed a bunch of school. It honestly doesn't seem that far-fetched that missing a few hours would be that big of a deal for a second-year team under these circumstances. Yes, it's for kinda personal reasons, but it wouldn't be the first time Ozpin has stretched the rules a bit due to extenuating circumstances. So I feel it fits.
Honest, it was really odd writing up the scene where Saya finally inspects her reflection in the mirror. The chapter had pretty much been written at that point but I felt it was missing something. The idea just came to me when I went back, but I will say it the odd part I mentioned was trying to write that out without sounding like a total pervert about it. Still probably came across that way, but I guess that was inevitable.
Either way, I hope you all enjoy and please review!
~Omniczar
Response to Reviews
Dread Grim Reaper - I've got to be honest I had not realized that until you mentioned it. . . I especially didn't realize Ruby and Rachel had the same birthday. . . who knew?
Guest - I believe you are imagining it because awesome scene is awesome. As for it actually happening. . . let's see how the story plays out, neh?
Guest - Was it ever stated that hate fuels him? Or it that just an expression you're using. Because if not I feel I missed something really important storywise.
NatsuErzaDragneelSusanoo - Yes I did hear and my favorites are Izanami and Ruby. As for why I did not include the rest of your review in this. . . well, because what you 'asked' me seemed more appropriate to be included in a pm rather than a story review. If you want to hear my opinion on Blazblue Cross Tag Battle, please do so in a pm and not in a review for a story.
Guest - Well, they need to figure out how to use it first. . .and figure to figure out what it even is before that.
Infinite Omega - Well, if that isn't the most self-indulgent signing off ever. Lol. And don't worry, I'm certainly such a scenario will come up sooner or later.
nhoang910 - Maybe.
Azure Legacy - Well if this isn't the mother of all reviews. . .
For question 1, to me it seems far more likely that the side of Ragna she's used to seeing and sees more often than not is the protective, older brother side. At the very least, that's what I always got out of the story of Blazblue. I may be wrong though. For question 2, I swear half my audience are psychics. Moving on. Question 3, that goes way into spoiler territory so I really don't have an answer to that. Question 4, see my answer to your last question. Sorry, but thanks for enjoying my work so far.
Commonwealth1991 - I feel like being compare to 'Still Alive' is a good start for a new fanfiction. Not sure what the author has to say about that though.
I do usually run through the story once with spell check after I'm done to make the story sounds good. I'll probably at some point run through it again to double check. As for the thing with Glynda, yeah, I can definitely see where thought comes from. But I dunno, I grew up in private school with a lot of strict teachers, even ones very reminiscent of how Glynda acts and at the end of the day they were always the teachers I could depend on the most if I had an issue. They always knew when to turn off the stern exterior and act human. I could honestly see her having that as well even if wasn't really portrayed that way in the show.
About your third point, that doesn't seem to me like a good point. What is the point of having a crossover if nothing significant changes. In my mind, if the story continues exactly how it should then what was the point of the crossover to begin with? I always saw fanfiction as a tool for learning and experimentation. Learning how to be a better writer and experimenting with an already-existing story to see how changes could affect it. A fanfiction story, especially a crossover one, that virtually changes nothing doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. If you think character development can't happen if you change events then you are viewing all this wrong.
Touhou is Life - If you check the notable character's list, you should get somewhat of an answer to that inquiry.
Pixelmancer - I can neither confirm nor deny such things are in the future of this text I am inscribing for your reading pleasure.