For Monty Oum,
June 22 1981 - February 1 2015
You will not be forgotten...
Chapter 7
Before The Rite
Headmaster's Office, Beacon Academy, 09:42 am
Enrollment Day.
'Silence'. The perfect word to describe the current situation in the Headmaster's office. This seems to be an odd situation considering how special today is. Some, if not most, would have expect the office to be anything, but 'silence' are definitely not what they would have think of.
The Headmaster calmly sits behind his desk as he look through all the paperwork that was sent to him. A hologram notification appears on his desk, noting him of a guest. He sets all the paperwork aside before he answers the guest.
"Come in."
The door opens, revealing the Arc spouse. Jaune Arc, appears in the same beige suit and the white shirt with the exception of a black tie, a simple square framed glasses and a hair not as neat looking as it did back at the Schnee's penthouse. Pyrrha Arc, in contrast is wearing a black blazer with a matching skirt that goes right above her knee. Her metal headpiece remains, as with her ponytail, making her appearance more recognizable.
"Jaune, Pyrrha. Good morning to you two. I trust that both of you a doing great today?" The headmaster asked. Jaune is the first to answer.
"Morning, professor. Yeah, we're doing great."
"Good morning. And how are you today, professor Ozpin?" Asked Pyrrha.
The Headmaster, professor Ozpin, smiles as he got up before he answers her. "I'm doing just fine, thank you." He looks exactly like how he did 10 years ago. The same silver hair, the brown eyes, even the same clothing and accessories; glasses, cane. Things that are different about him is that he has a tired look on his eyes, and when standing, he appears to be slightly hunching. He slowly walks towards the spouse. "I take it that everything is in order?" He asked.
"Yes, professor." Said Pyrrha. "We're almost done with the preparation for the Initiation tomorrow."
"I see. And how about Agnes?" The Headmaster inquires. Once again Pyrrha answers him.
"She's on her way to the courtyard to welcome the First years." Ozpin appears to be worried upon hearing that.
"Oh dear. I hope that she would go easy on them"
Jaune let out a giggle. "I don't remember professor Goodwitch waiting for us when we first arrive. Seeing Agnes doing this is funny and weird." Ozpin raised his eyebrow, curious at Jaune's statement.
"Oh? Care to enlighten me, Jaune?"
Jaune scratched the back of his neck as chuckle died out. "Well, it's funny because of how eager she is. And it's weird because right now she looks like professor Goodwitch in a teenage form."
Ozpin have become even more curious. "When you say 'in a teenage form', you mean-"
This time Pyrrha is the one to reveal. "The same shirt, the skirt, the same cape, and the same hairstyle."
"Yeah. Even the same wand." Jaune added.
"Riding crop, actually." Pyrrha corrected him.
"Wait, really?" Jaune let out a short but strong laugh. He quickly quieten down. "Sorry."
Ozpin merely chuckled at Jaune's reaction. "No need to apologize, Jaune. Anyway, the reason I call both of you here is because I want to inform you of our new teaching staff. She'll be taking over professor Vashti's course." Both Jaune and Pyrrha gave a curious look.
"A new teacher? Who is she?" Asked Pyrrha. Ozpin takes a file from his desk and hands it toward the spouse. Jaune took it and open it for him and his wife to see. Their eyes widen as they finds out the identity of the new teacher. Ozpin cuts them off before they could say anything.
"She'll be joining us the next morning. Another thing," Ozpin clear his throat before he continues. "Jaune, effective immediately, I am officially appoint you as an acting Headmaster of this academy." Jaune is very shocked upon Ozpin's declaration. To a point where the file on his hand slips from his grip. Pyrrha manages to catch the file from hitting the floor.
"WHAT?!" was the first thing Jaune could say as he tries to make sense of what he just heard. "I don't- Where are you going?"
"Calm down, Jaune." Said Ozpin. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm still the Headmaster. The responsibility of the headmaster are still mine to shoulder. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make a frequent appearances before the students. Which is why I need you to take that role in my place."
Jaune contemplates after hearing everything that Ozpin has told him. "So, I'm a Headmaster in name only?"
"Jaune, I understand if you think that it seems as if I'm using you for my own benefit. But understand this; that is not my intention." Stated Ozpin.
"No, no! It's just that, why me? Why not Doctor Oobleck? He's more experienced than I am."
"Jaune." Ozpin's tone was calm yet filled with some kind of a strength, earning Jaune's full attention. "The reason I chose you is because I believe that you are much easier for the students to relate and reach out to. Your experience as a student and a team leader are also the deciding factor that leads me to this conclusion."
"I see." Said Jaune.
"That, and because I doubt most students will be able to keep up with Bart."
"Point taken." Jaune sighed, looking nervous. "So, I guess I'll be waiting for the First years at the amphitheater?" Ozpin simply smiles at him. Pyrrha placed her hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner.
"Don't worry, Jaune. You'll do great." Said Pyrrha, smiling at him. Her smile puts him at ease.
"Oh. And one more thing" Ozpin added.
…
"Robert Lockhood, right? Remember me?"
No, not you again.
Robbie forced a smile as he wave at the blonde. "Hi, Helena Wayne?" The blonde pouted, slightly offended that Robbie have forgotten her name. She was unaware that Robbie intentionally got her name wrong.
"Helen. Lance." The blonde announced. She then lie her back on the wall, standing next to Robbie. "So, whatchu doing?" She asked.
Oh, just teaching sheep how to count humans.
"Just, reading. Manual for my weapon." Robbie reveal the nature of of his reading material, hoping that the blonde won't pester him about it. The blonde however seems surprised.
"Manual? You didn't make your own weapon?"
Robbie sighed. He puts the manual away into his pocket. "No. Not this one, at least." He pointed at the weapon on his back. "I lost my old weapon. My, uh, sister-"
Dammit!
"-made me a new one." Robbie mentally cringed at his own statement.
"Oh." The blonde scans the the pair of blade on Robbie's back, followed by the 2 quiver on his thigh. "A pair of blade that combine into a bow and two quivers full of bolts, which I'm guessing can be extended to form a full length arrow. Wow. Your sister must be one heck of a weaponsmith." She was genuinely amazed at Robbie's arsenal.
"You have no idea." Robbie deadpanned.
"So, Rob."
'Rob'? Getting a bit friendly, aren't you?
"You told me that you didn't go to any school for training Hunters. Where'd you learn how to be one?" She asked.
"Home-schooled." He answered, without hesitation. Technically speaking, he is telling the truth. His 'father' taught him the art of archery, while his 'mother' trained him the basic close quarters combat.
"Really?! Man, your parents must be one heck of Hunters." She exclaimed.
"Right. Parents." Robbie tries to suppress a frown.
"Helen!" A voice calling out the blonde's name caught her and Robbie's attention. Looking for the person, the both saw a girl waving at the blonde.
The girl has a blue eyes and long red hair, flowing freely. She wears a deep black shirt and a matching skin tight pants. A brown leather belt with brass accent wraps around her waist. She sports a pair of brass gauntlet, matching the brass on her belt. One particular detail on the gauntlet that caught Robbie's attention the most is 3 triangular fins on each side. Another thing that caught Robbie's eyes is her black headband. The headband has a pair of horn, curved back, appears at the top of the girl's ear. A purple scarf wrapping around her neck with 2 ends sticking out and a pair of brown knee high boots with a matching brass buckles and pieces completes her look.
"Becca!" The blonde, Helen, waved back at the red haired girl. The red haired girl slowly runs toward Helen and Robbie. As the girl got closer, she and Helen pulled each other into a hug.
"Oh, I miss you so much!" The red haired girl yelled.
"It's only been a week, you know." Helen retorted, snickering. They both let go of each other. Before the red haired girl could say anything, Helen cuts her off to introduce her to Robbie. "Becca, this is Robert Lockhood." She hold out her hand, gesturing it to Robbie. She then gestured her other hand to her red haired friend, exchanging the introduction. "Rob, this is Rebecca Gordon. She's my friend and partner back in Signal."
"Hey." Rebecca waved at her. "You can call me Becca." Robbie waved back at her without saying anything. "So, where you're from, Robert?" She asked.
"Vacuo."
"Oh. So you're from Pillar Academy then? Why didn't you go to Dome?"
Social interaction, thy name is evil.
"Actually, I was home-schooled." Robbie corrected her.
Rebecca was fascinated at that revelation. "Oh. So, how did you get into Beacon?"
Robbie run his finger through his hair. "My, uh, sister-"
AAAARGH!
"-knows someone who work at Beacon." He said through a gritted teeth. He felt like slamming his head to a wall repeatedly.
Rebecca turns to Helen, smirking. "So, Helen. It's been a week and you've got yourself a boyfriend already? I'm crushed."
Helen quickly jabbed her palm into Rebecca's shoulder. "Haha, you brought me to tears." She deadpanned. "We've met two days ago at Commercial District. He was carrying a weapon inside a metal suitcase on his back. I thought he's a senior at Beacon, so I talk to him, hoping that he knows something about the Initiation."
Rebecca raised her eyebrow, looking suspicious at her friend. "Really?" She sang.
"Alright, that's it! Come here, you!" Helen repeatedly pokes Rebecca on the ribs in a playful manner. Rebecca simply laughed at her antic.
As the girls fool around, Robbie looks around in the passenger bay, not wanting to be associated with the 2 Huntress-in-training. He then caught the sight of a girl at the opposite end of where he is. The said girl is looking out the window, not paying attention to her surrounding. Robbie couldn't tell how the girl looks like since she's showing her back to him. He noticed that she's wearing a white short sleeve kosode and a matching hakama worn over it with a black obi holding it by her waist. Her arms appears to be wrapped with white bandages all the way above her elbow to her hand with her fingers left untouched, though Robbie doubt it was due to injuries. He also noticed that she's wearing a straw slippers, exposing her white tabi socks. For some reason, this girl grab his curiosity. Without a second thought, he left the corner he's waiting on, leaving behind his to female companion, bringing himself closer to the white clad girl. As he got closer, he noticed that the girl's shoulder length black hair are styled in a bob cut. Another thing about this girl is that she's shorter than anyone within the passenger bay. In fact, she barely reaches up to Robbie's chest.
Robbie is in a deep thought as he got closer. He is certain that he doesn't know who this girl is. Yet, for some reason, he has this sense of familiarity. This sense becomes stronger and stronger as he got closer.
You. I don't know who you are. But I feel like I do.
He stops as he stands right behind the girl. He cleared his throat, trying to gain her attention. The girl turns to him. "Hey….." he greeted her, but his greeting died out into a silence as he scans her feature. She is pale white, several strands of hair hanging between her light gray eyes.
"Greetings." She bowed as she greeted him. Robbie's eyes widen the moment he hears her voice. This girl before him, he knows who she is despite how vastly different her appearance is the last time they've met. And that sense of familiarity? It is the same feeling that he had when he met her 3 days ago.
"Shirayuki?!" Robbie exclaimed. The girl blushed, her eyes widen after Robbie guessed her name.
"How?" She demanded.
"Your Aura." He explained.
"My Aura?"
"Yeah. I recognized the presence of your Aura at the dinner three night ago. I felt the same presence when I saw you."
Shirayuki placed her hand on her chin as if she's in a deep thought. "I see." Robbie stands next to her, looking out the window. She follow suit. They both silently gaze at the view for quite a while until Robbie breaks the silence.
"So, you look different today. Like, really different." He stated. "Mind telling me?"
Shirayuki sighed. "On that dinner I was simply dressed for the occasion."
"But your hair looks different!" He interjected.
She pinches the bridge of her nose. "I was wearing a wig."
He raise his eyebrow. "Was that really necessary?" He asked. She didn't answer, though he wasn't expecting one to begin with. "I remember you being taller." He continues. She turns her face away, hiding her blushes.
"I was, wearing a geta."
"Oh. You mean those blocky slipper made of wood? But I didn't hear any noises when you walk."
She turns to him, scowling. She didn't even bother hiding her blushes. " I use some Dust on it! Will you please stop asking me about that?!" She immediately covers her face.
Doesn't like people talking about her height. Noted.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to-OMPFH!" His apology was interrupted when he felt a weight on his shoulder. He turns his head to see Helen was leaning on him.
"Where were you? Thought you've lost." She asked.
Didn't realized we were friendly enough for you to worry about me.
"Just talking to my," Robbie pauses as he turns to Shirayuki "friend."
"Hi!""Hey there!" Rebecca and Helen greeted Shirayuki respectively as they waved at her.
"Ladies." Robbie steps in as he's about introduce each other. "This is Shirayuki Kai." Shirayuki bow at the two.
"Greetings."
"Shirayuki." Robbie continues after Shirayuki greeted them. "This is," He pauses as he look at Rebecca and Helen. "Barbara and Laurel?" Helen quickly jab him on his shoulder.
"Okay, that was on purpose." She glared at him, looking annoyed.
"Could have been." He muttered. Helen quickly brings herself closer to Shirayuki.
"Don't listen to him. He's just grumpy." Said Helen.
What?!
"My name is Helen Lance. And that's my friend Rebecca Gordon." Helen gestured her hand toward Rebecca.
"What do you mean, 'grumpy'? Said Robbie, whispering to Helen. She smirks at him as she's about to whisper her answer.
"I know that you think that I'm annoying from the first day we met. Doesn't make it any less fun for me."
So, that's how you wanna play huh?
"Well, excuse me for being protective of my personal space." He ragefully whispered to her.
Helen ignore Robbie's rant as she continues her conversation with Shirayuki. "So Shirayuki, where're you from?"
"Oriental District of Vacuo." Answered Shirayuki.
"Oh. So you're from Pillar then?"
"Oh. So you're from Pillar then?" Helen asked.
Called it.
Shirayuki maintains her calm demeanor. "Actually, I was personally trained by a Huntress, who took me in."
"Ohh. So, how did you know Rob here?" She asked again, pointing her thumb to Robbie.
Before Shirayuki answer her, she saw Robbie who is now standing behind Helen, shook his head. Shirayuki understood what Robbie tries to convey. "We met 3 days ago. We were acquainted at a resident belong to my Sensei's sister."
Thank you.
Robbie mentally fistpump at Shirayuki's answer. Helen continues to ask Shirayuki about her. Robbie didn't bother trying to 'interfere' with their conversation since Helen didn't ask anything that's related to him. His eyes wanders around until he looks at the holo-screen showing a news related to the robbery at Vale dock.
Oh, crap.
Despite feeling concern of his situation, Robbie continues to watch the news, hoping to find anything informative out of it. In the news, it appears that the press and reporters are interviewing the Chief of Police of VPD. Robbie immediately recognized who the Chief is.
Blake Belladonna. Seems like you're surrounded by amazing friend there, Miss Rose.
In the news, the Chief of Police, Blake appears before the media in her uniform. Robbie notice that she doesn't wear her bow nor did she attempt to hide her Faunus trait. Her cat ears are proudly displayed upon those who are present and the viewers. As Blake busy answering all the questions from the reporters, Robbie's eyes caught a familiar sight. Blake is carrying a symbol on the left side of her chest, like the one carried by Ruby when he first met her. A broken moon, much like Remnant's very own, done in a shiny silver. Robbie was somewhat surprised since he knew what this symbol means.
That symbol. She's a Guild member.
"She's amazing, isn't she?"
Robbie snapped out of his thought when he finds Rebecca standing next to him, watching the news. She watches the news with a great amount of interest and curiosity.
"Sorry, what?" Asked Robbie eloquently. Rebecca turns her attention to Robbie.
"Blake Belladonna. Chief of Police of VPD. She's amazing, wouldn't you agree?"
Robbie scratches the back of his head. "Yeah, I guess?"
Rebecca sighs at Robbie's bluntness. "You really don't know a thing about her, don't you? I guess it can't be helped since you're home-schooled. Listen, Blake Belladonna isn't an ordinary Huntress. She is the first Huntress, and Faunus, to achieve the rank of Chief of Police at a very young age. That alone should tell you just how amazing is she."
Well, when you put it that way...
Robbie ponders at Rebecca's statement regarding Blake Belladonna. As a Faunus, this does seem to be an astounding achievement. Despite achieving equal right about 6 years ago, it doesn't change the fact that there are still discrimination toward Faunus. Thankfully, most human nowaday have become more and more open-minded. A big step toward mutual understanding.
Robbie's eyes are quickly averted to the holo-screen when one of the reporter asked the Chief a question. A question he hoped no one would ever asked.
"Chief Belladonna! Walter Trip of Daily Vale. There have been speculations about the possible involvement of a criminal known as the Grimm Archer. Your thought?" Everyone that were present on the press conference immediately focused on the reporter.
Ugh, double crap.
Blake's expression were neutral, devoid of any emotion as she answered the reporter. "This Grimm Archer is nothing more than a myth that are exploited by criminals to their advantage. The Vale Finest are not allow to be fooled by this fabricated news. When this investigation is over, I will assure you that the real criminal will be brought to justice." As she finishes her answer, she is then bombarded with various questions by other reporters. She ignored it however. "No further questions. Thank you." She then left, her place being replaced by a woman wearing the same uniform as her. She has a short dark brown hair, with a beret of darker brown on top. She wears a pair of sunglasses, hiding her eyes.
The images of news on the holo-screen suddenly disappears, replaced with an image of a blonde woman in glasses wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and black business skirt.
"Hello and welcome to Beacon Academy. My name is Agnes Goodwitch, Headmistress of this school. You are-"
"What a bunch of Grimm-crap." Said Rebecca, interrupting Robbie's attention toward the holo-screen.
"Excuse me?" Robbie raised his eyebrow, confused.
"Don't get me wrong. I think that she's amazing, but does she really expect us to believe that the Grimm Archer is a myth?"
"You think that Grimm Archer is real?" Asked Robbie, feigning ignorance. She glared at him, though it doesn't seem like she's directing her anger at him.
"I know he's real. You have to be an idiot if you think that he's actually a made up person."
You have no idea.
"'He'? How do you know this Grimm Archer is a man?"
Rebecca pulls a scroll out, activating it. "I've been following this guy's trail since last year. There's not much to go through, but it's only because cops have been hiding and denying everything related to Grimm Archer." She shows Robbie her scroll, it screen displaying images of news snippets related to his former alter ego.
That's not the answer I'm looking for, but okaaay?
"Why would they do that?" Robbie didn't want to ask, but everything that she revealed to him have gain his curiosity.
"If I were the cops who can't even catch one guy for three years, it would be embarrassing if that ever got out to the public."
You make excellent point. Beside, those cops aren't much of a problem.
"I see. But this Grimm Archer, or whoever this person is only appears in Vacuo. Why would he or she or it shows up at Vale all of the sudden?" Rebecca raised her eyebrow, looking somewhat skeptical at Robbie's question.
"You're mocking me, aren't you?"
"That is a legit question." He retorted, smirking at her. "So, can you explain that?"
Rebecca puts her scroll away. "No." She answered, looking almost discouraged. "Not yet anyway." She muttered.
…
Beacon Academy, Aerial Docking Bay, 09:57 am
The airship carrying Robbie and the rest of of the new students has finally arrived to its destination. Many of them make their way out of the transportation the moment its door are open. Robbie and his new companion move out together to the main avenue. They left him behind as he stop walking to marvel at the sight of the academy.
Wow. Just, wow. This is really something. I guess this is the best thing that's ever happen to-
His thought goes unfinished as someone bumped onto his back. He turns around to see who.
Oh, come on! You again?
He is less than pleased to see the same person that bumped into him at the airship station is behind him. This person, presumably a girl, still kept her(?) hood on, hiding her eyes. Robbie glares at her(?), though she (?) remains silent. She(?) then bends down to pick up her(?) sunglasses. Robbie however beat her(?) to it. Instead of returning it, he keep it in his left hand as he cross him arms.
"This is the second time you ran into me. Not that it's a big deal or anything, but if you think that you could just walk away without saying anything, then I can't be responsible for what's gonna happen next." There was an indefinite silence before he received a reply.
"I'm sorry." A meek and gentle voice is heard from the reply.
So you are a girl. That's one thing cleared. Sunglasses and your face being covered, time to clear that part.
Robbie uncrossed his arms before removing the glove on his right hand with his mouth. Once his right hand is free from the glove, he then hold the sunglasses with the said hand, handing it out to her. The hooded girl snatched the sunglasses from him, unaware that he had transferred a small amount of Aura into it. The amount of Aura he applied are small enough to prevent the eyewear from vibrating, a side-effect when using his semblance.
After the girl puts the eyewear on while keeping her hood, Robbie then activates his semblance. The sunglasses suddenly moves up on her face and toward the hood, forcing the hood back and reveals her face. Her complexion is pale white. She has a cerulean eyes. Her hair is pink, tied and styled in a loose bun.
The girl looked mortified as she made eye contact with Robbie. Robbie, who is slightly uneasy by her reaction simply raised his right hand, waving it at her.
"Uh, hi?" He nonchalantly greeted her as if they've met for the first time.
She took a step back, frantically look around her. She then pulls her hood back, running away from Robbie while ignoring her sunglasses falling on the concrete ground. Robbie could have sworn he heard her crying.
Okay. That was totally a dick move. I hope she's not traumatized or something.
He picks up the sunglasses with the intention of returning it to her should they cross path again. He slowly continues toward the academy's main building as everyone passed him. Reaching halfway towards his destination, he saw all of the 1st years standing in front of a large statue. He then saw Shirayuki and much to his annoyance, Helen and Rebecca, among them. He reluctantly joins them, wondering of the current situation.
"Hey." He called out to the girls.
"Hey." Helen was the only one to reply.
"What's going on? Why's everyone waiting here?" He asked.
"The Headmistress waited for us here." Answered Helen, without batting an eye at him. "Where were you?"
Scared the crap out of someone. Wasn't planned though.
"Just a little sightseeing. What did I miss?"
"Oh, just the welcoming speech." Helen didn't even break her eye contact from whatever she's looking at. Robbie decides to see what it is that have her undivided attention. He saw a woman who Robbie recognized as Agnes Goodwitch standing in front of the Beacon's statue. The same woman who appears on the holo-screen inside the airship he was in. She is giving a speech to the new students before her. Robbie didn't pay attention to everything that she said, not after what he saw next which left him speechless. So much so that he had to do a double, no triple take to make sure that he wasn't hallucinating.
"Why is there a student lying on the ground in front of the Headmistress?" He asked. "That is a student, right?" He added, for confirmation. Rebecca is the one who answers him
"Yeah, a student. Apparently he was flirting with her, not knowing who she is."
Robbie raised his eyebrow, curious. "'Her'? As in the headmistress? Wow. Either he's bold, stupid, or he didn't see her on the holo-screen in the airship before."
Probably the last two.
"My money's on the third one." Said Helen.
"What did she do to him?"
"I don't know. It happened so fast. He was flirting with her, next he's on the ground." Helen told him.
Before he could ask anything else, the Headmistress interrupts him with an order.
"Everyone, please follow me to the amphitheater." Before she leads the 1st years, she directs her attention to Robbie. "Young man, please help this," She looks down at the student who flirted with her. "brute, on his feet." She ordered Robbie.
Just my luck.
"So long, ladies." He waved goodbye at his female companion, heading toward to downed student. "Hey, you wanna get up?" He called out to him.
The young man however didn't answer Robbie. He slowly got up, in pain, before Robbie could say anything else. This guy, standing slightly taller, and muscular than Robbie, looked back at him. He has a blue eyes, and a dark unkempt brown hair, with parts of his bangs shooting outward in spikes. He is wearing a padded navy bodysuit that are military-esque in design with a large red star on the back. The suit covers everything but his head and his arms, exposing his muscular arms. He wears a pair of black fingerless gloves studded at the knuckles and a matching pair of explorer boots, and a belt with numerous pouches hanging on his waist. A red-yellow striped scarf wrapped around his neck, and a long thin headband patterned with a purple-yellow tessellated triangle tied on his forehead.
"You okay?" Robbie asked him. He hold out his to him. "Robert Lockhood."
The buffed teen grab his hand, shaking it. "Joseph Jacob. Vanguard Academy. You can call me J.J."
All the way from Atlas, huh.
"Okay." Robbie nodded as they let go of each other's hand.
"So where you're from?" Asked Joseph.
"Vacuo. Home-schooled." Answered Robbie, hoping that Joseph wouldn't asked if he's from Pillar Academy. "We should get going."
"Right." Joseph acknowledged Robbie's proposal. They both follow the rest of the 1st year as they make their way to the amphitheater.
…
"So, let me get this straight. You're hitting on the Headmistress, with some stupid and corny pick-up line, without knowing who she was?" Robbie asked his new companion, Joseph.
"I did not use any pick-up lines, dammit!" Yelled Joseph.
I'm not convinced.
"Okay. Never mind the pick-up lines, but how can you not know that the woman is the Headmistress? She's on the holo-screen in the airship we're in!" Exclaimed Robbie.
"I wasn't on the airship."
"How'd you got here then?"
"Personal family aircraft." Joseph explained. "I don't trust public transport."
"I see. Still, hitting on a girl, or a woman for that matter, doesn't seem like a good way to start your first day of school." Robbie let out a small, dry laugh.
"For the record, I thought she's a senior. I was just complimenting her look. That's all." Joseph gave a firm look as he stated that.
"Well, try not to make that a habit."
They both finally arrive at the amphitheater. As they go further in, he saw Helen, along with Rebecca and Shirayuki, waving at him.
"Come on. My, friends, are here."
Joseph give Robbie a suspicious look as they walk toward the girls. "You hesitated."
"What?"
"You hesitated when you said 'friends'. What's with that?"
"It's, complicated." Said Robbie as he pinches the bridge of his nose. Joseph shrugged it off. He follows Robbie as he leads him to the 3 Huntress-to-be.
"Glad you could make it." Said Helen. Rebecca jumps on to Helen's left side, leaning on her shoulder.
"Looks like you're getting along pretty well with ladies-man here." Rebecca grinned as she take a good look at Joseph.
"Joseph Jacob. Vanguard Academy. Call me J.J." Joseph introduced himself to the ladies.
"Rebecca Gordon. Signal Academy." Rebecca returned the introduction. Helen follow suits.
"Helen Lance. Signal."
Shirayuki appears before Joseph after Helen introduced herself. "Greetings." She bowed to him. "My name is Shirayuki Kai. I am personally trained by a Huntress." She reveals.
Could have just said home-schooled. Oh well.
"So, ladies man." Rebecca eyed Joseph with a teasing look. "Care to tell us what gave you a courage to hit on the Headmistress?"
"Well, I- uh, it's- uh, it's-" Joseph stuttered as tries to think of a legit reason without making him look like a fool. Unfortunately for him, Robbie decides to intervene.
"He doesn't know who she is." He flatly told them.
Helen and Rebecca simultaneously cried "What?!" while displaying a different emotion; Helen had an amused look while Rebecca is on the verge of laughing. Shirayuki on the other hand simply eyed Joseph with a questioning look.
Joseph give Robbie a brief but rageful glare before he turns to the 3 young ladies to explain himself, much to Robbie's amusement.
Hey, I making this easy for you. You'd make yourself look like idiot if I didn't step in. Well, more of an idiot that you were before.
Joseph is about to say something to cover himself up, but 3 loud tapping noise from speakers hidden within the amphitheater stop him from doing tapping noise caused everyone within amphitheater to look up at the stage. There, a nervous looking blond man appears before them behind a mic stand.
Professor Dork. Didn't think I'd see you so soon.
"Uh, hello, and welcome to Beacon Academy. My name is Jaune Arc, one of the professor here. And as of today, I am the acting Headmaster of this academy."
WHAT?!
Robbie isn't the only one who are shocked by this announcement. All of the 1st years in the room are clamoring upon hearing this news. The clamoring stops when a loud screeching noise made the students to cover their ears. After the screeching stop, a woman appears beside Jaune. Jaune seems relieved at her presence. Robbie who just recovered from the sudden screeching outburst recognize the woman.
Lucky you, Professor Dork. Your wife is here to save the day.
Jaune continues his speech, looking less nervous. "Everyone. First of all, I uh, would like to apologize on the behalf of the Headmaster, Professor Ozpin, who couldn't be here today. He's, a bit busy with personal matters. I hope that all of you would understand."
Oh, we understand, alright. What I don't understand is how or why did you ends up as an acting Headmaster.
"That being said, your admittance to this school is still going as it should be." He clears his throat, hoping to deliver his next part of his speech as intelligible as possible. "Now then. As many of you have already know, Beacon has an outstanding history of training young Huntsmen and Huntresses as the protector of all things that we stand for. And that is exactly why you are here; to become the protector." He paused for a moment as he scans the room, taking a good look at each of the new Hunters-to-be. "But, it won't be an easy task. Tomorrow, all of you will go through an Initiation to see if you have what it takes. After that, the real challenges begin. I wish all the best to each and everyone of you. Thank you." He smiles and lightly bow to the 1st years before he walks away, accompanied by his wife.
Well that was, slightly encouraging.
The Headmistress, Agnes Goodwitch appears on the stage, approaching the mic stand. She lightly tap the mic once before she start speaking through it. "To all of the First Year Students; please wait outside the Amphitheater. I repeat; please wait outside the Amphitheater. Thank you."
Without hesitation, Robbie, along with the new students move toward the exit. But as he takes a step, he felt that he step on something. Looking down, he saw several of his arrows are on the floor.
What?! How did- Uuuurgh…
He kneels down to pick up the arrows, getting left behind by his new comrade. Not that he mind.
"Need a hand?"
He look up to see Mrs. Arc standing next to her with a smile that never seems to leave her face. Before Robbie could say anything, Pyrrha hold out her right hand, covered in black-like mist. All of the arrow immediately flies toward her right hand, packed in a bundle. She give the bundle to him.
"Thanks." He thanked her as he take his arrows and place it back into the hip quiver.
"I'm sorry." Pyrrha told Robbie, with a look of guilt on her face. He look at her in a perplexed manner.
"Er, for what?"
"I was the one who dropped your arrows on the floor." She made herself look sound as apologetic as possible.
"Okaaay. Why?" He asked, sounding a bit demanding.
"I wanted to talk to you in private without drawing the attention of other students."
That's, very thoughtful of you.
Robbie remains perplexed at her word. "Agnes!" She called out to the Headmistress, who is on her way to the 1st Years outside. "I'm borrowing Mister Lockhood here for a while. Professor Ozpin wanted to meet him."
What?!
Agnes simply nodded at Pyrrha before she continues toward the 1st Years. "We shouldn't keep the headmaster waiting. This way." Said Pyrrha as she walks toward another exit. Robbie quickly catches up to her until he's walking by her side.
"So, is this another of your attempt to talk with me in private, or is Professor Ozpin really wanted to meet me?" Robbie deadpanned as he asked her.
Still smiling, she answers him. "Actually, we both wanted to talk to you."
"Okaaay." Out of reflex, Robbie slowly distances himself from her as they continue walking. Pyrrha notices his action simply let out a soft chuckle.
"So Robert, how are you holding up?" She asked.
He glared at her suspiciously. "I'm okay, I guess. But that's not what you're gonna ask me, are you?"
"Robert." Her smile fades. "I'm gonna be honest with you. Ruby told me a lot of things about you. I'm not going to pretend that I know how you feel because I can't imagine anyone else going through what it is that you've been through. And all on your own at that. I just want you to know that you're not alone anymore. If you need anything, you are more than welcome to come to me. To us."
Alone, huh.
Robbie continues glaring at her for an indefinite amount of time before he start talking. "How much do you know about me?" He asked.
"Everything that Ruby knows, I assume."
"Even my real parents?"
She look down. Her eyes were sad. "Yes." She replied.
They've reach an elevator. Entering it, Pyrrha pressed a button to the top floor. As the the elevator starts moving, Robbie throws out another question. "You not gonna tell me anything about them if I ask you?"
"Ruby have made me to sworn a secrecy, so no."
Figures.
Robbie sighed after he stops glaring at her. "Can you at least tell me why she doesn't want me to know about them?" He asked.
Pyrrha look at him. Her eyes are still sad. "She thinks that you won't be able to handle the truth."
"What do you think?" He inquires as he made an eye contact with her.
Pyrrha gave him a reassuring look. "I believe that you should let the chips fall where they may."
That sounds, cryptic.
"You're right." Said Robbie. Pyrrha look at him in a questioning manner. "What I've been through, it's not something anyone could imagine." The elevator stop as it reaches the top floor. "But you're also wrong." Pyrrha raised her eyebrow, curious. The elevator door opens. "I wasn't always alone." He walks out, leaving Pyrrha stunned.
…
Ozpin is lost in his thought as he look out through the window of his office. He's back to his senses when a hologram notification pops out on his desk.
"Come in." Said Ozpin, without looking back or changing his position.
The door opens, revealing Pyrrha and Robbie behind her. Pyrrha holds the door as Robbie steps in.
"Thank you, Pyrrha. You may leave." Said Ozpin without even looking back to her. His eyes still fixed to the view outside. Pyrrha closed the door as she leave. Ozpin turns around, looking at his guest. "Please, sit down." He told Robbie, motioning his right hand on to the chair in front of his desk.
Robbie obliged the Headmaster's request. As he take a seat, he notice a plate of cookies and a mug of drink on top of the table.
Cookies? Again? Ughh. I wonder if Miss Rose have something to do with this.
"Robert Longstride Lockhood." Ozpin announced Robbie's name, gaining the boy's undivided attention. The Headmaster walk toward the desk, closing in on the boy. He leans in to look at the boy's face.
What? You gonna say something about my eyes?
"You… have amber eyes." Said Ozpin. His words left Robbie confused..
Okaaay. That's new.
"Uh, thanks?"
Ozpin took his seat, facing the boy. "Please." He motioned his hand to the plate of cookies and the mug, offering it to the boy.
"No, thank you." Robbie decline.
Ozpin brought both his hand on top of the desk, clasping it. "So! Where did you learn how to fight?" He asked. Robbie looked at him suspiciously.
Why do I get the feeling that you've already know.
"My, uncle and aunt taught me."
Ozpin raised his eyebrow upon hearing the boy's answer. "I see. And how old exactly are you when they first taught you?"
Great. This is definitely gonna look good on the record.
"Four." He looked away from Ozpin, avoiding his gaze.
"They taught a four year old how to use a bow and arrow?" He took a sip from a mug in his hand.
Where the heck did that mug come from?
"Why?" Ozpin added.
"Because I asked them to." Robbie sighed before he continues. "My uncle and aunt, who I thought was my real parent, are a Hunters. My uncle was on an active duty while my aunt stays behind, taking care of me. Sometimes, my aunt would join him, leaving me behind with a baby sitter. During that time, I've always wondered what it feel like to be a Hunter. So, I asked my uncle to teach me archery and my aunt to teach me in close combat. By the time I reached seven, I've managed to hold my ground against another Hunter."
"I see. It's just that," Ozpin presses a button on his desk, revealing several holo-screen before Robbie. "I find it hard to believe that your uncle and aunt has actually taught you to do something like this." The holo-screens shows various videos of a security camera featuring Robbie's former alter ego; the Grimm Archer. One of the screen shows the Archer firing an arrow to somewhere offscreen. Another screen shows the Archer flawlessly taking on 7 security guards with a pair of blade. The rest simply show the Archer running around and jumping about avoiding guards on some place unknown. The videos are playing in a loop, repeatedly shown to Robbie.
"Can I ask you something?" Robbie asked. Ozpin nods at his request. "How much do you know about me?"
Ozpin took a quick sip from the mug in hand. "I know just as much as Miss Rose told me. But I have a feeling that there is more to you than that." He took another quick sip.
Robbie leans back on the chair in a relaxed manner, disdainfully looking at the Headmaster. "And you are right. There is more to it than that. You know what happened to my uncle and aunt, right?"
Ozpin sets the mug down. "Yes. I'm sorry for your loss."
"It's okay." He paused for a moment, looking out the window as he stares into the distance.
"It must be difficult for you, being on your own after they've gone." Ozpin said with a sense of sympathy. Robbie simply smirk as if he's about to break into laughter. "Is there something that I've said seems funny?" Ozpin asked, curious and concern of Robbie's reaction. Robbie manage to wipe the smirk off his face.
"No, it's just that you've said the same thing Mrs. Arc said to me before. About me being on my own."
"I don't follow." Said Ozpin.
Robbie straighten himself. "I'm usually not very comfortable with talking about my past, but I will share a little secret." Robbie pulls his chair closer to the desk. Ozpin copied his action. "In those ten years, I wasn't always alone. And I wasn't always in the same place. District, city," he paused as he look at Ozpin straight in the eyes. "kingdom."
Ozpin was quite stunned at the last word came out of Robbie mouth. Now, he has become more curious about the boy, though he doubt that the boy would easily confide with him the information.
"Do you know about my parents? My real parents?" Asked Robbie.
"Yes." Ozpin replied.
Robbie glares at him suspiciously. "Did you also sworn a secrecy to Miss Rose?"
Ozpin cast him a guilty look. "Yes. I'm sorry, Mister Lockhood."
Robbie frowned at Ozpin, disappointed.
Another dead end. Oh joy.
"Mister Lockhood? If I may, I would like to share a secret with you as well." Robbie faced Ozpin with a slight interest. "You may find this hard to believe, but I've made more mistakes than any man, woman, and child on this planet. But I would like to believe that trusting Miss Rose's judgement isn't one of them. And I also like to believe that accepting you here at this academy isn't one of them as well."
Robbie ponder at every of Ozpin's word. After much consideration, he decides that maybe he should wait. He's been lost for 10 years. What's another year or 4 gonna do to him?
"I think I've already take too much of your time, Mister Lockhood. You may go." Robbie noded at Ozpin before he gets up. As he walks toward the door, Ozpin call out to him. "And Mister Lockhood?" Robbie turns around to Ozpin. "If you ever need any help… my door is always open."
"Thanks, professor." He then steps out. To his surprise, Pyrrha was just outside waiting for him.
"Do you know where you need to go?" She asked. Robbie shook his head. "It's okay. I'll guide you."
…
Almost half an hour has gone since Pyrrha helped Robbie looking for the rest of the 1st years and Professor Goodwitch but to no avail. She tried to contact the Headmistress via scroll but she received no reply. In the end, Pyrrha decided to let Robbie wait at the cafeteria.
Well, that happened.
He continues reading the manual of his weapon to kill some time. Several minutes later, a lot of people burst through the cafeteria's entrance. Robbie look at entrance to see all of the 1st Year enters the cafeteria. He then saw a familiar blonde, who in return notice him. The said blonde quickly pulls her red haired friend and a petite girl in white. A tall muscular teen follows her as they join Robbie.
"Hey! Where've you been?" Said Helen as she sit next to Robbie's right. Rebecca joins her at her side while Shirayuki sat opposite Robbie.
"Oh, hey Sarah. Just sightseeing." Replied Robbie in a mocking-ish manner. He received a jab on his shoulder.
"I hate you so much right now."
Robbie grinned at Helen. "I know."
J.J. takes a seat next to Robbie. He then hands him a scroll and something that resembles a watch. "Here."
"What's this?" Asked Robbie.
"Your academy issued scroll," J.J. placed the scroll down. "and your dial." He then placed the watch next to the scroll.
"A, dial?" Robbie is confused upon seeing the strange item. J.J waves his left hand to Robbie, showing the watch thing being around his wrist. Robbie look around to his companion to see that they also have the similar item on their wrist. Robbie pick up his, examining it. This watch has a circular case for its main body with a metal strap. The display of the watch however are blank, showing nothing but pure blackness.
"Put it on. It'll turn on by itself." Said Helen. Robbie did as what she told. As he clasp the strap, securing it, the display suddenly lights up along with 3 light on top of the display. The display shows '100%' and a bright blue bar underneath the shown number.
"OK. It doesn't tell time so it's obviously not a watch. So, what's this dial do?" He asked to no one in particular. Helen answers him.
"It gauges our aura. That '100%' and the full blue bar underneath means that your aura is full. If you get hit or used up your aura, the-"
"The number drops and the bar decreases." Robbie cut her off. " Yeah, got it. Thanks." Robbie continues to examine the dial. "This is, convenient." Said Robbie in a perplexed manner.
Helen sighs. "Tell me about it. You have any idea how annoying it is to keep taking out your scroll just to check your aura, especially during combat?"
Robbie take his academy issued scroll examining it. "Never needed 'em. Where'd you get them, by the way?" He asked J.J.
"Professor Goodwitch gave it to us during the tour. She made me keep one for you."
"Oh. Thanks."
"So everyone," J.J. call out to Robbie's and the girls. "what's your plan for Initiation tomorrow?" He asked.
"Doesn't matter." Said Helen. "As long as I'm partnered with Becca, I'm good."
Robbie scoffs at Helen's statement. "Yeah, good luck with that."
Helen glares as Robbie suspiciously. "Hey Becca. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that Rob here knows something that we don't."
Rebecca catches on. "You know what, you're right."
Crap…..
Helen brings herself closer to Robbie, smirking. "So, you wanna tell us something, Rob?"
Robbie calmly feign ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about." He continue fiddling with his scroll until Helen leans in closer to his face.
Why does this has to happen to me at the first day of school…..
"Ugh, fine. Let's just say that I may know someone who had been a student of this academy."
"Who? Your sister?" Helen inquires.
Ugh, You know what? Forget it.
"Maybe." He quipped.
…
Wearing a gray sleeveless T-shirt and a pair of khaki cargo shorts, Robbie make his from a male restroom to the ballroom where all the 1st Years are sleeping. As he passes a hallway, he sense some sort of a disturbance.
Wait. Two auras, both filled with rage, but one of them seems nervous? It's strong, fast, and it's coming this way? On my back?
Before he could turn to the source of the said disturbance, he was dragged on his back with an unimaginable force. Next thing he knew, he was slammed to a wall on his back in some empty hallway. There, he is confronted by 2 people; 1 of them happens to be the same hooded girl that he met this morning. Next to her, another girl about her height. She has a long black hair, a pair of blue eyes, and a fair complexion. She wears a deep purple shirt underneath a black over coat that hugs her body, and a pair of skintight black pant with a matching purple line on the side. She appears to be wearing the same pair of boots that Rebecca has, only the buckles are in done in gunmetal.
"Oh, hey-" Before Robbie could finish whatever he's about to say, the girl in black took out a katar and points it at his neck. The hooded girl then took out a sword and did the same.
Well, crap.
"Did you tell anyone?" The hooded girl hissed. Her question only made Robbie confused.
"What?"
"Did. You. Tell. Anyone?" She hissed louder. Her voice seems to break, as if she's about to cry.
"No. No. Nope. I didn't. I did not tell anyone."
Please don't kill me.
"Really?" She hissed again, wanting a confirmation.
"Yes. Now please put that away." He pointed at the blade of the sword at his neck.
"Really?" She whined. A tear flows down her face.
Oh, come on.
Robbie sighs. "Yes."
The hooded girl wipes away her tears as she pull her sword away. Her friend however did not. She kept her katar at Robbie's neck as she glares at him murderously.
"Yvonne." The hooded girl called out to her friend. "It's okay. You can let him go." She told her.
"You sure?" The girl in black asked.
"Yes."
The girl in black still haven't draw her blade back, her gaze remains on Robbie. "I don't know. I don't like loose ends." She told the hooded girl.
What?!
"Yvonne!" The hooded girl whined. The girl in black, Yvonne, sighs.
"Fine." Yvonne draws her weapon back. She continues to glare at Robbie. "I'm watching you." She muttered.
Robbie pull something out of the pocket of his pants, handing it to the hooded girl. "Here." It is the sunglasses that he hold on to this morning. The hooded girl slowly takes it off Robbie's hand.
"Thanks." She smiles as she thanked him.
"No problem." Robbie scratches the back of his head. "Robert Lockhood." He introduced himself.
"Hi Robert." The hooded girl smiles at him after putting her sunglasses in the pocket of her hoodie. "This is my friend, Yvonne Bertinelli. We graduated from Sanctum."
"Hi." Robbie waved at Yvonne. Yvonne only huffed at him.
The feeling's mutual.
"Sorry for dragging you here, Robert. We'll be on our way now. See you later." The hooded girl waved at him before she walks away.
"Sure. See ya." Robbie waved back at her. Just before she's about to take a step, he calls out to her. "Wait. I didn't catch your name."
*CLANK*
A loud sound originated from the hooded girl's sword falling on the floor echoing through the hallway. She and her friend slowly turns to Robbie. She has a mixed expression of anger, horrified, and confused, while her friend has a simple look of confusion. The hooded girl then walks toward Robbie, grabs him by the collar of his shirt.
"WHAT?!" She yelled at him, shaking him by the collar of his shirt.
"What do you mean 'WHAT?!'? I only asked for your name!" He yelled back at her.
She pulls him closer, face to face by less than an inch. "You really don't know who I am?" She asked in a bawling manner.
"I asked, didn't I?! Now please get off from me!"
The hooded girl appears stunned at Robbie's answer. She lets him go, but then grabs hold of his shoulders as she rest her head on his chest. Her body shakes frantically as she lets out a cry of some sort.
What in the name of Remnant is going in on here?...
Robbie pats the girl on her back, trying to comfort her. His action only earns him another murderous glare from Yvonne.
Oh, don't even start! How the heck is this my fault?!
Robbie sighs as he look down at the girl before him. "Look. I don't know what's going on here. I'm really sorry if I did somethi-" He stops as the girl gets off from his chest, looking rather cheerful. As it turns out, she wasn't crying, but laughing.
"It's okay. You didn't do anything. I just worried over nothing. That's all." She smiles at him reassuringly as she wipes a small tears away. "Hilda Volsun." She holds out her hand to him.
He grabs her hand, shaking it. "Hi. It's nice meeting you, Hilda."
Not.
Yvonne quickly steps in between Robbie and Hilda after they break their handshake. "How can you not know who she is?!" Yvonne yelled at him.
"Should I? We've just met!" Robbie quipped. Yvonne only glares at him in annoyance.
"Have you been living under a rock?" She yelled. "Does 'top graduate of Sanctum' or '3 times champion of Mistral Regional Tournament' mean anything to you?"
"No. Not really." Robbie looked down, not making an eye contact with Yvonne as he answered her.
"Uh, Yvonne?" Hilda called out to her friend. Yvonne however ignores her.
"Honestly?" Yvonne massages her temple. "How is someone as ignorant as you even stand on this very academy? What school are you from before anyway?" She crossed her arms as she ask him.
"I was, home-schooled."
She scoffs at him. "Home-schooled? Then it all makes sense. Clearly, your parents haven't been doing a very good job at providing you an education."
Something inside Robbie seems to crashed. He balled his fists tight.
"YVONNE!" Hilda yelled at her. "That's enough!" She steps in between Yvonne and Robbie. She pat his left shoulder in a comforting manner. "I'm truly sorry about that. Yvonne didn't mean that. I'm sure that your parents are a wonderful teacher."
Robbie sighs. "I doubt it. I mean, I don't even know who they are." He said coldly.
Hilda pulls her hand away. She has a guilty look on her. "I'm sorry. I didn't, I mean tha-"
"I'm going to sleep now. Good night." Robbie walk pass the 2 girls without batting an eye, leaving them in an awkward silence.
Some first day, huh.
BEACON ACADEMY
STUDENT PROFILE
STUDENT ID: R357
BASIC PROFILE:
NAME: LOCKHOOD, ROBERT LONGSTRIDE
AGE: 17
RACE: HUMAN
GENDER: MALE
CITIZENSHIP: ATLAS, VACUO
RESIDENT:
VALE (CURRENT)
VACUO (PREVIOUS)
ATLAS (PREVIOUS)
TRAITS:
COMPLEXION: TANNED
HEIGHT: 6'2"
HAIR COLOR: BROWN
EYE COLOR: AMBER
NOTABILITY:
PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED ACADEMY: None*
KNOWN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: None*
REMARKS*: Recommended by Ruby Rose (Hunter's Guild) and Weiss Schnee (CEO, Iron/Schnee Enterprise).
Hello everyone. The name's Terrorhunt, creator of this fanfic.
First of all, I would like to thank every single one of you who've read this fanfic of mine, regardless whether you've follow/favorite it or not. 6 followers may not be much, but it's still better than nothing. And I hope find this new chapters just as entertaining as the previous.
Second, I would like to apologize to every single one of you if I've left a less than desirable impression to you. You may have noticed that in the past chapters of this fanfic, I have not put a single Author Notes whatsoever. Just to clarify, I'm not being vain or anything. I'm just not sure what to say. This is kinda ironic considering that I have something to say when I've posted this fanfic at AO3. In any case, thank you so much for putting up with my lack interaction.
And finally, some little secrets. To those who've been keeping up with this series, you may or may not have catch on to some of the references, easter eggs, and secrets that I've hidden. Of course It would have been helpful if I made an Author's Note about it at the end of each chapters. But let's be honest, do you guys want to go back to the previous chapters just to read Author's Notes? That being said, I would like to propose an idea for you guys.
I was thinking of posting a second fanfic called SPHR: Unauthorized. It's not much of a fanfic but more of a dump containing notes to the references, easter eggs, secrets, info, and deleted scene or parts of the main fanfic. I'll post it somewhere at the end of this month (no promises though).
Once again, thank you so much to every single one of you. You guys are the best. If you like this series, please leave a review. Honest and constructive reviews are always welcomed.