Clockwork Spectrum

Volume I

Chapter 4: Clicking Together

The view that showed the Emerald Forest – the area in which Initiation would soon be held in the next two minute – was breathtaking. It was a sea of green, spreading out as far as the eye could see with proud mountains far in the background. Around Oscar were the many students, including Teams RWBY and JNPR.

Normally, being next to Ruby would have made him happy…if not for the fact that he was standing atop a platform, like everyone else. Oh, and did he mention that Ozpin has a tiny, barely noticeable sly smile on his face? Yeah, not helping matters. What made it all the more worse was the fact that the platforms were also attached to springs that would send them flying ten feet high into the air. Oscar has had the pleasure of experiencing this before in his time.

He understood that day why Ren always made sure to keep an eye on Nora and her more eccentric habits. Who in the hell carries around Gravity Dust that potent?! More importantly, who would use it to throw someone into the air?!

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

Oscar grimaced, fondling the old and worn-out wood of his cane. He was more than aware of what awaited him down there. Grimm infested the area, and when their numbers became too great, teachers from the academies would go out and thin the number. The reason why they didn't completely wipe out the Grimm was because they would serve as training dummies for the students. It was a risky gamble, but there were a variety of safety plans involved if things went south.

Honestly speaking, Oscar wasn't sure where he stood right now. He was still a simple farm hand right now. In the original timeline (god it felt so weird saying that. It was the truth, technically, but it honestly he felt like he was reciting something from one of Ruby's comic books!) he wasn't on the same level as Team RWBY or Qrow, but he was capable enough to hold his own. His Aura was unlocked, so that was a plus. And provided his bond with Ozpin still lingered, he assumed he still had access to most of the old man's abilities.

Of course, that's being hopeful. He had never made an attempt to discover what he could accomplish right now. Instead, he had run off like a damned fool and hadn't thought things through. Now he was paying the price by Ozpin having him go through Initiation.

I'm not a student, dammit. You even said you were making me your assistant, so what the hell, Oz?

Sighing, he shook his head. No use crying over spilled milk now. He'd just have to grin and bear it.

"Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams." Glynda said, face impassive yet imposing. Oscar noted how she wold throw a glance his way, no doubt still suspicious of him. "Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates." There was a dramatic pause there before a glare was reflected in her glasses as she adjusted them. "Today."

He heard Ruby give a low whine, clearly disheartened.

"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon." Ozpin continued after taking a sip of his coffee. "So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well."

Oscar already had four people in mind when he heard those words: a blonde brawler, a black Faunus, a white heiress, and a red reaper. Even if he were to have amnesia and remember everything as a mere dream of sorts, the image of Team RWBY would be forever burned into his brain. Exemplary, powerful, and more importantly, they all trusted one another without fail. They were certainly the best warriors Remnant could ever hope to offer. Even if they had died back in his own time, they still defeated Salem.

That alone spoke volumes.

"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."

Like that, Ruby's world broke apart like glass. "WHAT?!" Oscar cringed, tapping his ears to see if they were still functioning properly. Even at 15, Ruby already had an impressive set of lungs. Of course, her sentiments were shared. Everyone clearly looked uneasy about the whole idea of partnering with someone purely by chance. It required careful planning and being keen of your surroundings. That said, Oscar couldn't help but wonder if the man was perhaps taking things a bit too far here. Why the haphazard of a method?

"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path...or you will die."

Oscar rolled his eyes. Gee, sir. Way to be cheerful.

"You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will reguard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"

From there, Oscar tuned everything out. He took a deep breath, letting his Aura become in sync. Ren had taught him this technique before. Think of Aura like a heartbeat. Beating at a series of intervals, calm and steady and in a successful, yet rapid pace. A green light shimmered around him faintly as he tried to match his heartbeat to the mental image of his Aura. He never got used to this feeling; it was like a thin film of ice-cold water had soaked his skin. A shiver ran down his spine with pleasant delight before he let his body become tense.

The cane clicked, retracting the stick. He placed it on his belt and fell into a stance. By now, everyone was being thrown into the air. First came Blake Belladonna. Then a guy with a mohawk. Following them was Ren and Nora. The next was a guy with a mace. Yang looked at Ruby and him, giving them a wink before slipping on a pair of aviators. Then the pad sprung, sending her flying.

True to form, the brawler was letting out a whoop. Ruby shook her head before readying herself as well. Oscar gulped down the nervousness in his body before he lost his nerve. He gave a quick look at Ozpin.

Old codgar was grinning as he mouthed, Good luck.

The pad was triggered. He was thrown straight into the air, wind blowing into his face and his body flailing.

Suddenly, he had a flashback of when he last trusted Nora and being thrown into the air.

"GOD DAAAAAAMMIIIIIIIIIT!"

As the students were launched into the air, Ozpin watched his future incarnation fly, limbs flailing. He had to admit, the sight was rather hilarious to see for a multitude of reasons. Of course, Oscar was hardly the only one he was interested in. A few applicants in the air were of equal interest. Primarily Ruby Rose.

"I still believe this is a bad idea." Glynda spoke as he drank from his mug. "Even if he does know Salem, isn't it a risk, having him here?"

The old man smiled wistfully. "Careful, Glynda. You're starting to sound like James."

"I'm simply stating a concern, Oz. We know virtually nothing about that child."

"He's 13-years-old, lives on a farm out on Anima with his aunt, and came here to warn us of potential threats. I believe we know enough."

He could feel his deputy headmistress burning holes into his back. What a heated glare she was giving him. If looks could kill, he'd probably be dead a hundred times over. Still, her worries were not without concern. Were he anyone else, he too would've taken Oscar's warnings with a grain of salt. However, he was not anyone else. If anything, he understood Oscar better than anyone, if he was truly his future reincarnation.

That particular thought was a tough one to swallow. He has had many hosts over the many years...but it still left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth, having apparently chosen a mere child.

'Too young.' Ozpin mourned somberly, taking a sip of his coffee. 'Far, far too young...'

"AaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAGH!"

After a minute or so of flying through the air, Oscar found his face becoming romantically involved with the Emerald Forest's dirt-caked floor. He landed, face-first, and proceeded to bounce forward like a rag doll, rolling through the forest before he unceremoniously slammed into a tree, back printed against the bark.

"...ow."

Groaning, Oscar fell unto his posterior, rubbing his back and face as he got up. The last time he experienced this kind of pain was during a training exorcise that Ozpin had set up. An exorcise that involved explosions, Grimm, and more explosions.

And Nora's hammer. Why? Just...why?

"At least my Aura is working..."

Much to his initial shock, Oscar found himself still capable of utilizing Aura. In vast reserves, no less. It seemed that the results of his and Ozpin's merging had somehow carried over following being thrown back in time. Gods, it still felt weird to say that. He honestly felt like he was in one of his books, but he digressed. While on the way to Vale, he tested himself out to see if he could still use it properly and whatnot. Admittedly, when it came to defense, he was a bit lacking. A flaw that both Ozpin and Ren were kind enough to point out.

He was getting a little better, though, if the fact that his nose wasn't broken was of any indication.

Rubbing his neck, Oscar looked around. The surrounding area looked vacant and showed no signs of movement. Yet. Who knew when the Grimm would start to become active? Not wanting to get caught with his pants down, metaphorically speaking, Oscar removed his cane from his person. A click and the shaft was out in sight, battered and damaged as it was. He didn't know how it came with him along with his improved Aura, but he didn't care much. It was a tool, and a treasure. The latter was probably due to Ozpin, given his past, but they were, and still are, the same person.

Even if he didn't like it.

Okay, I'm here at the Emerald Forest. My first order of business should to get a good view of the area, maybe climb up the biggest tree here and find out where the temple is.

The idea sounded solid, though that was left up to execution. He could also partner with a student, but that wasn't exactly the best option. He needed history to stay the same. At least, for now. He didn't want to risk the whole "Butterfly Effect" thing coming into being. Though, given his luck so far, he doubted that he'd be successful. After all, his presence here changed things. Who's to say history was going to stay the same?

"Then again." Oscar shrugged. "Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. Who knows? Maybe some changes will be good?"

Or, at the very least, he hoped.

Scratching the back of his head, he delved into the Emerald Forest, cane in hand and eyes sharp.

For better or for worse, it was time to change history.

Weiss Schnee wasn't sure how much longer she could deal with this. How could this have happened?

The day had started simple enough. She found Pyrrha Nikos, the three-time Mistral Champion and Sanctum Academy's star graduate, in the locker room and found that she hit it off with her rather well. At least, she assumed. It was simple. If the two were partnered together, they were be the ultimate match-up. How couldn't it have been perfect? The smartest and the strongest? It was the literal definition of power couple!

Did she get partnered with Pyrrha Nikos? Nope! She got saddled with a hyperactive brat that nearly threw them off the side of the cliff on the first day here!

Now, Weiss wasn't usually so judgmental, even if the girl who earned her ire was obviously too young to be here. She had just gotten off her Scroll with Whitley, who 'gave her his best regards.' In reality, it was more like a harsh lecture. Out of the three, he was the brown-noser. She wanted to just ram her weapon right up his arse, proper be damned. She would admit, she might have gone a bit far, but so far, Ruby Rose had yet to impress her.

And she was a bit too hyperactive and pushy. She clearly had no meaning of "Personal Space" or "Priorities." Child or not, they were at Beacon for goodness' sakes! She shouldn't be so concerned about their standing. She should be concerned about finding the whereabouts of the relic.

And thus, leading to her current situation. Ruby had decided to show off her Semblance, increased speed from the look of it, trying to show off her ability and explain that she wouldn't slow her down. A handy power, but she was ultimately wasting precious time. They should be out finding the temple where the relic was located, not fool around.

Weiss stood amid a pack of Beowolves. They circled around her, the leader obviously being the Alpha with the numerous ivory spikes and plating amid its backside and torso. Its mask was also heavily armored, along with even sharper claws. Holding her rapier in one hand, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

This was her first time in the field. She needed to be calm. Remembering her training, she fell into a stance.

Shoulders squared, legs spaced, right foot forward slightly, arms at the required angle, and Myrtenaster aimed right at them. The chamber spun, clicking into place with Fire Dust loaded.

Snarls and growls slurred around her, eyeing her like a piece of meat that they would soon devour. The Creatures of Grimm were soul-less. Relying on instinct and impulse. Mindless lot, so they shouldn't be hard to deal with. In fact, Weiss was confident she could eliminate them.

Compared to the Armored Gigas, how hard could it be?

Opening her icy blue orbs, white glyph dancing beneath her, she stepped forward and lunged. The wind whipped across her face as she readied for the strike. One strike, and it would be-

"Got'cha!"

Weiss' eyes widened as Ruby, out of nowhere, came in a flurry of petals and slashed at the Alpha, creating a gash in its chest that seeped black wisps. In panic, her glyph failed and her legs stumbled. Her strike missed completely, nearly hitting Ruby and creating a streak of flames that imploded against a tree, rather than a Grimm.

"You dunce!" Weiss snapped as she regained her footing, glaring at the younger girl heatedly. "You want me to hit you?!"

Ruby said nothing, her mind focused on the Grimm. The tree that succumbed to flame lurched and fell next to her, spooking her and leaving her open. The Alpha swung its claw and struck her across the face, knocking her into the heiress and causing them both to stumble into a pile.

The two quickly shook it off and got back on their feet. "Watch it." Ruby said as she collected herself, exchanging glares with her partner before changing ammunition from her scythe.

Weiss would have retorted, but their situation was rather horrible. The flames were already beginning to spread. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before the smoke in the area got too much.

Fight or flight, as it were.

The answer is obvious. Logic dictated. Our objective is to find the temple, not deal with Grimm.

On the other hand, though, battling the Grimm was apart of the exam as well, wasn't it? Fighting them would certainly improve her score, but she doubted it was actually needed.

She made the decision. Her hand reached for Ruby, intending to pull her away and escape before their abilities were hampered.

The Grimm, however, would not be patient.

A howl came from behind them. Ruby turned and found herself being pinned to the ground, something heavy pressing against her chest. A set of jaws came dangerously close to her face, barred only by her weapon. Disgusting breath and drool splattered everywhere in her face. She wanted to gag.

"Ruby!"

Weiss tried to intervene, but the Grimm had intercepted her. She jumped out of the way when the Alpha set its sights on her, avoiding a strike. Jumping back, she soon found herself being flanked by both sides. The Grimm were glowering at her, slowly converging. They quickly identified Ruby as the major threat between the two of them. Thus, they separated them.

Cursing her own misfortune, Weiss readied herself for a fight.

Ash infiltrated her nostrils, causing her face to scrunch up.

She needed to get Ruby away from her, quickly. At this rate-!

"GET AWAY FROM HER!"

A new voice, distinctly a boy's, entered earshot. Two Grimm were suddenly knocked away, thrown off their feet and knocking into their brethren. A blur shot forward and struck the Beowolf holding Ruby down across the face. A second strike caused it to recoil, and the third had the same effect as the strikes from earlier. It was launched from the Earth and sent flying, hitting the ground harshly.

Weiss blinked. She looked at whoever saved her and her dimwitted partner.

Her jaw met the floor.

He's younger than Ruby! Her inner self shrieked in utter dismay and shock.

It was definitely a boy, that much was obvious. He had messy hair and his clothes suggested he was a farm boy. Grossly under-equipped for Initiation at that. In fact, the only weapon in his hand was a cane that looked suspiciously like the Headmaster's, only severely battered and worn.

The most striking feature, however, were his eyes. Hazel, forest green eyes with hints of orange and yellow around the pupils. Eyes filled with anger.

More surprisingly, however, was his Aura. Normally, Aura only shimmered into existence when one willed it to defend them from the Grimm or oncoming threats like the White Fang or bandits.

His was different. It was manifesting like a wild storm, flowing around him almost unnaturally. It was also causing his hair to flow about slightly, showing the livid fury in his irises.

"You guys..." the boy spoke slowly, twirling his battered cane about. "...are in some dire need of education. Let's start the lesson, shall we?"

The Grimm howled, animosity and anger vividly clear in their growls before they lunged.

To Be Continued

A/N: I would have an excuse for a late update, but...I really don't. Take it as you will.

I don't particularly like how people are complaining how slow Volume 5 has been lately for the last couple of Episodes. To me, the recent episodes have been more like how the majority of Volume 1 leading up to "Black and White" and Volume 2 leading up to the White Fang and Roman causing the Breach and Volume 3 leading to , well, the last half.

Then again, those are just my thoughts.

Here's to me getting the next update as fast as possible, though.