CHAPTER 10
IT BEGINS
The 6 years old Robbie happily run toward the park where he usually play in the evening. As he ran, all that he could think of right now is to show his friend of his newly unlocked Aura.
Once he reached the park that are walled by a large, thicked hedge, he looked around to find the person of interest. That's when he saw the said person. Short black hair, a pair of animal ears of a canine origin, wearing a red shirt and a pair of brown short. The child Faunus, appears to be standing next to a tree, unaware of Robbie who slowly closing in, grinning.
With the child Faunus only a step away, Robbie quickly tapped the child's shoulder. This caused the young Faunus to let out a short, girlish scream.
The young Faunus, revealed to be a girl, fell on her bottom, looking startled. Amber eyes met red eyes as she faced Robbie who was laughing at her reaction, she slowly frowned at him.
"That wasn't funny." Said the girl with her teeth gritted as she picked herself up.
Robbie ceased laughing. "Yes it was." The Faunus left him, irritated. "Oh come on, Annie. It's just a little joke. No harm done." He chased after her. "Annie, wait!"
The girl, Annie continued to walk away as she ignore Robbie. She suddenly stop when Robbie grabbed her hand. "What do you want?!" She snapped.
Robbie let go of her hand, smiling sheepishly. "What, I can't hang out with my friend?"
Annie narrowed her eyes as she glared at him. "We. Are not. Friend."
"What? Why?" Robbie whined.
"Because I don't want to. Now leave me alone!" Annie then ran off, leaving Robbie confused.
He just don't understand. Why did she hate him? Are they not friends? They go to the same kindergarten, play on the same park, and even live in the same neighborhood. So why would she treated him like that?
This isn't the first time she was, unfriendly with him. Before she would usually ignore him. But now this is the first time she have shown so much anger. Why would she be angry with him?
Is because of the prank?
Is it because he's a boy?
Or is it because he doesn't have a pair of wolf ears like her?...
Any further thought of that in Robbie's mind ceased when he heard Annie shouting beyond the hedge surrounding the park
"OOOW! STOP! LET ME GO!"
"ANNIE!" Robbie quickly run toward her, hoping that he would be in time. Hoping that he has the opportunity to set things right with her.
"Oh no you don't! You're not getting off that easy, freak!"
Another voice, shouting in anger. Robbie didn't recognize it. Judging from the voice, this person, a male, sounds older. Not adult-like older. Possibly just a few years older than him.
Once Robbie passed the entrance of the park, exiting, he turned right to see Annie is struggling to get her left arm free as it being held by a boy a few years older than Annie or Robbie. The said boy who is causing pain to the girl isn't alone as he is accompanied by 3 other boys, possibly around his age.
Judging by the way the older boy treating Annie, Robbie immediately realize that he's hurting her. Not to mention that the boys appears to enjoy the sight of Annie in pain.
Seeing Annie in pain seems to make his blood boil. He wouldn't stand for it. With his fists clenched, he ragefully walk toward the bullies.
"Let her go!" Yelled Robbie after he stopped a few feet in front of the bullies.
The boy who is gripping on Annie's look at Robbie in a sneering manner. "Why? You friend with this freak?" The other boys laughed at their leader's words.
"Let her go, NOW!" Robbie growled, unable to hold back his anger, unaware that his Aura is flaring from his hands.
One of the boys approached Robbie with a taunting look on his face. "Aww, we made the widdle boy angry. What's he gonna do, cry-"
He never got to finish his words when a fist met his jaw with an impact powerful enough for him to be thrown back several feet away from everyone else.
The bullies looked at their downed friend and then back to Robbie, whose arms is apparently seems to be engulfed in flames. The one who is holding Annie slackening his grip on her but the hold remains. He has a look of a shock mixed with fear. Meanwhile the other bullies, the other 2 who is standing next to the 'leader' slowly back away, looking just as scared if not more.
Rage has consumed Robbie's mind, wanting nothing more than to make those bullies pay for their action. His anger has completely taken over him to the point where he is unaware of the fire surrounding his body…
…
Robbie woke up, sweating. As he lifted his body, he noticed that he' no longer on his bed. Instead, he's on the floor next to the bed he was on, blanket being pulled down with him.
Ignoring of what just happened, he quickly rose to his feet and and quietly rushed out of the room and head toward the male shower room. Taking one of the shower, he then removed every article of his clothes. He let the cold water out, wetting his body as he sit down, bringing his knee to his chest.
Just calm down. It's, just a dream. Of my memory. That should have been forgotten… Dammit!
Despite how cold the shower is, Robbie didn't even shiver. If anything, the shower seems to help him.
"Don't let it push you, let it drive you. Don't let it push you, let it drive you. Don't let it push you, let it drive you." He repeated the sentence like a mantra.
This doesn't make sense. Those memories, it shouldn't have been in my head. Unless…
He got up before turning the shower off. Drying his body, he then put his clothes back on and returned to his team's room. Instead of going back to sleep, he sits on top of his bed with his legs crossed. He tapped his dial to check the time.
Six forty-two. Enough time to meet with her. Hope she's not mad at me…
Making sure that his teammates is asleep, he proceed to his next act: meditation. He took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. With that, his vision are filled with nothing but a black void. He continues his breathing, keeping his mind calm and clear. As time goes by, the void of his vision suddenly filled with a bright blue light. The light shone upon him, revealing a space of black void with blue light of an unknown origin lighting the area.
Great to be back.
Robbie smiled as he got up. Just when he got to his feet, his vision suddenly flashes with a green light, replacing the blue light only for less than a second.
Okay, what was that? Huh, nevermind. Where is she?...
"Cikgu Nilam!" Cried Robbie, calling out to someone. "Cikgu!" He cried again.
"Here." A new voice replied to him. Robbie turned to the direction of the voice to find a woman sitting down with her legs crossed, eyes closed. "Welcome back, Tiong." Said the woman.
Yep, she's mad.
Robbie forced a smile as he walked toward the woman, acting as innocent as possible. "Hi cikgu. How are you?" He greeted her sheepishly. The woman opened her eyes, glaring at him.
Definitely mad.
Her face devoid of any form of emotions, yet her eyes are seething with rage. She stands up, bare-feet, reaching on the same height as Robbie. Her clothes are entirely white; a long sleeved shirt and a pair of trouser. The blue light gave her black eyes, her short black hair and her fair skin a bluish tint, as well as to her clothes. She appears to be in her late 30s, judging from the faint line on her forehead. She walk toward Robbie, still glaring at him. "We have so much to discuss." She stop on her track just half a step before him. "But first…"
It all happened so fast. Faster than the blink of an eye, Robbie in on his knees, clutching his stomach in pain. The pain, caused by a punch from the woman was swift. "URGH!" Robbie let out a groan due to the pain.
Scratch that. She's not mad. She's pissed!
"You're damn right I'm pissed! What were you thinking?!" She yelled at his, her face now show how furious she is. "Were you planning to die? Taking on a Goliath like that?"
Robbie slowly get on to his feet as the pain subsided. "Well, to be fair, that is the first I faced a Goliath unprepared. I had to improvised." He defended.
"You nearly drained the aura!" She interjected.
"I never said it was a good improvisation." He grinned at his statement.
She massaged her forehead with her right hand out of frustration. "Dear Oum. How did you grow up to be this snarky?"
"Well, you are in my head for a very long time. Nine years, if I remember correctly?" She was about to say something before Robbie interrupts her. "Look. Before you say anything else, let me remind you this. We had this conversation before. A lot actually. What makes you think that this will be any different?"
She gave a sorrowful look at him. "Do you know how painful it is to watch you hurting yourself?..."
Robbie snorted at that. "Ha! You?! Worried about me getting hurt?" He throw a mocking look at her. "You have any idea how much pain you've caused me since the day you took me in as your student?"
"That was part of the training." She hastily replied.
"You kicked me to the ground over and over again telling me to get up!" He yelled.
"Your endurance was remarkable." She stoically stated.
"I was seven!"
"You survived, didn't you?"
"You broke three ribs!"
"..." There was a pregnant pause before the woman said anything. "I admit I was being overboard. But it was because I was blind back then. Until you opened my eyes." She held his shoulders in a caring manner. "You've showed me things that I've lost sight of. I don't want the same thing happen to you."
Robbie sighed heavily. "Fine."
Funny thing really. Never took you as someone who actually care.
She frowned at him. "You do realize that I can hear your every thought?"
...And?
"Ugh. Forget it. Let's not waste anymore of your time. Like I've said, there's much to discuss."
Robbie lightly nodded. "Sure…"
Cikgu.
She narrowed her eyes, not amused with Robbie. "Please stop calling me that. I'm not your teacher. Not anymore."
Robbie dismissed it with a short and quick wave. "Whatever…"
Miss Nur Nilam Sari.
Nilam gave him a quick slap to his forehead. "So, what do you want to talk about first? Your dream? Your parents? Miss Rose? Your partner? The blonde girl? The pink haired girl? Or that maid?"
That's a LOT to talk about.
Nilam sighed. "Can you please talk like a normal person?"
"Hey! This is my mind!" Robbie retorted.
I talk however I want! Anyway, let's start with my dream because that's why I'm here for.
"Couldn't let me have a normal conversation now could you, Tiong?" She pinched the bridge of her nose out of frustrated. It's almost as if she's couldn't handle this situation. "Very well then. Your dreams, what about it?"
Robbie's expression turned sour. "You know what they are. They're not just dreams. They're memories."
Memories that shouldn't have returned.
"Unless you want it to." Said Nilam.
Wha-
"No! It can't be. Why would I want those memories to come back? It doesn't make sense. Those memories, they're the reason I-"
"Think about it." Nilam interrupted. "Ever since this Miss Rose told you the truth about your parents and your REAL parents, that's all you've been thinking of. You barely could remember this aunt Sandy of yours, if that's her real name. Why do you think those memories decided reappear after you have made a great effort to forget about them?"
Robbie froze, right where he stood from the realization. Those memories, it was locked away. It was meant to, for a reason. He believed that it will hold him back. Preventing him from acting at full capacity. It's been a very long time since he utilized his skill without his past dragging him down. Locking those memories was not an easy task. He had help. Help from those who are bit too far for him to reach right now. Now that those memories are slowly reappearing, he'll be weak. He'll be slow. He'll be doubtful. He'll be-
*slap*
A slap on Robbie's cheek snapped him out of his thought. Nilam went down to his eye level. "Calm down Tiong." Nilam sternly told him. "What happened to the boy who killed his first Grimm when he was twelve?" She rhetorically asked him. "What happened to the boy who became the youngest Algojo?" She added. "Don't tell me that the boy have gotten soft just because of some childhood trauma?"
Robbie grumbled, feeling insulted. "Shut up." He muttered, just loud enough for Nilam to hear.
"You're not the only one having that dream, you know." Robbie looked back at her curiously. "I am a part of you."
So, what does that mean?
"It means that you're not alone."
Robbie smiled faintly. "I guess you're right."
Nilam clasped her hand together. "Good. Now that's out of the way, let's move on to the next topic."
"Which one?" Robbie got up to his feet. Nilam followed his action.
"You tell me."
In that case…
"J.J.. Let's talk about J.J.." Said Robbie. "Back in the Initiation. You felt it, didn't you?"
Nilam crossed her arms. "I was dormant, most of the time. But yes, I did sense something from your partner's Aura. Along with some other things."
"... Aaand?..."
Nilam hesitated, but answered him anyway. "... I sensed a big and powerful Aura. Limitless, never-ending, infinite. Unlike anything I've seen before"
"Then you know what this means, don-"
"Tiong, stop." Nilam cut him off. "I know where you're going with this. And I don't agree with you. I don't believe that this will help you with your Aura problem. Our Aura problem."
"You don't know that." Robbie glared at her defiantly.
"Maybe. But why take the risk? It might be a waste of time too."
Robbie scoffed. "You do realize that I've been taking a lot of risks, everywhere I go after I left Semerah Padi? I doubt that this one is life threatening."
"ROBERT! ROBERT! ROBERT!"
A loud, feminine voice, echoed throughout the void, calling out to Robbie.
"What the hell is that?" Asked Robbie as he scan around the void.
"Someone's trying to wake you up." Nilam answered him.
"What?! No! I'm not-" Robbie suddenly flew to the back as if being flung.
…
Robbie slowly open his eyes to a normal lighting. There he is, back to where he was; sitting on his bed where his team's room is. This time however, there is Hilda in front of him, holding on to his shoulders.
"Thank goodness." Hilda smiled after a relieved sigh. "I thought that you're not going to wake up. I don't think sleeping like that will do your body any good."
Robbie let out a weak growl. "That's because I wasn't sleeping."
"Eh?" Hilda pulled her hands away.
"I was meditating, you BOOB."
"I'm sorry! I thought you were sleeping." Hilda put her hands together in an apologizing manner.
"What kind of a person would sleep in this position?" Robbie snarled, motioning his hands to show his body's current posture.
Hilda slowly back away from him awkwardly. "Uhh… Why don't you go back to your meditation?..."
"With you around? As if." Robbie scathed. He then got off from his bed, getting his towel and toiletries, and walk toward the door to exit the room.
"... I'm sorry…"
Robbie stopped just as he's about to reach the doorknob. He heard what Hilda said, despite how quiet it was. And he knew that she meant it.
Unlike her friend.
Dammit…
He then open the door, leave without looking back.
…
Beacon Dining Hall, 08:32 am
Breakfast is thankfully somewhat peaceful for Shirayuki considering the amount of people that are present. With Hilda sitting on her left side, she proceeds to enjoys every bite from her sandwiches. Halfway through her meals however, she then noticed her partner looking gloomy, playing around with her food with fork. "What is wrong?" She asked.
Hilda slowly set the fork down and faced her partner. "Yuki, be honest. Am I a bad person?"
"I, do not, understand. Is this," She paused, thinking of the real meaning behind the question. "- related to Robert-san?" Hilda nodded.
"I thought that he was sleeping. I didn't know that he was meditating. I never see anyone meditating before. I wasn't trying to ruin his meditation. I was just -"
"Hilda." Shirayuki hold her partner's hand. "Calm yourself. Everything will be fine. I will talk to him." She smiled reassuringly. Though that doesn't seem to end Hilda's gloomy look.
"Thanks, but I don't think it matters now." Hilda then resume playing with her food.
Shirayuki return back to her breakfast. Shortly later, J.J. and Robbie joined them. With a tray of food in their hand, the boys of SPHR sit next to each other, opposite of the girls of SPHR. J.J. set his tray right in front of Hilda's tray, followed by Robbie who is facing Shirayuki.
"Good morning, ladies." J.J. joyfully greeted Hilda and Shirayuki.
"Hey." Robbie added to the greeting without even batting an eye to his teammates as he look around with a very intent look.
"Good morning." Shirayuki returned the greeting. "Both of you are late." She added.
J.J. scratched the back of his head, smiling awkwardly. "Sorry about that. Had to make sure I have enough for my breakfast."
Hearing that, Shirayuki turned her attention to J.J.'s tray. Comparing to what she have on her tray, J.J.'s is ridiculously filled with 5 times the amount of food. "I am well aware that men have a very large appetite. But yours, is….." She trailed off, not sure of what word to use.
"I know." Said J.J.. "But look." He then flexed his left arm, showing off the muscle hidden under the sleeve of his tight-fitting uniform. "This right here don't just grow big from exercise and training alone."
Understood by what J.J. meant, she then shift her attention to Robbie. Who, for some reason, still looking around, looking very focused. As if he was expecting something. Or someone. Before she could ask, team RHYN has arrived and joined them. The RHY are in their uniform just like the rest of the student in the dining hall. The same can be said for Natsumi, though the major difference is that she's wearing a male uniform.
"Hey guys!"
"Yo!"
Rebecca and Helen greeted the SPHR respectively. Helen took a seat next to J.J. with Rebecca joining her side. Yvonne sit next to Hilda followed by Natsumi who the next seat.
"So… You guys are early." Said Rebecca.
"Not really." J.J. replied. "Everyone else was up already here before us."
Helen smiled. "Yeah. Then again, you guys are- What is that?"
Robbie, who was still looking around even after team RHYN's arrival, immediately stop when Helen was pointing at him accusingly, casting him a look of disbelieve. His teammates and the rest of RHYN started looking at him, confused. "What?"
"That." Helen continue pointing at him.
Realized that Helen is pointing at the top of his chest, he then look down to see nothing out of the ordinary.
What is she talking abou- Wait, this?
Robbie grabbed the knot of his tie. "This? Is a tie?" He answered sarcastically.
Helen grinned mockingly. "No, that's not a tie." She then point at J.J.'s tie. "This is a tie." She pointed back at Robbie's tie. "That's a messy knot."
With Helen statement, everyone else begin comparing between J.J.'s tie with Robbie's. Sure enough, there is a very significant differences between the 2. To put it simply, J.J.'s tie has a very proper look and form, while Robbie's is very disproportionate.
Robbie's tie is half the length of J.J.'s. And the knot looks too tight, making it smaller than normal.
Rebecca let out a weak giggle. The rest then join in, sans Hilda and Yvonne.
"Shut up!" Robbie looked away from them, red cheeked. "It's the second time I put this thing on."
Helen raised an eyebrow, curious. "When's the first time? You know what, don't answer that. Get up." She got up from her seat and went to Robbie. "Get up!" She tapped his shoulder, urging him.
Robbie hesitantly stand up, facing her. "What?"
Both of Helen's hand reached his tie. "Just hold still." She then loosened up the knot of his tie and slowly unraveling it.
Dammit woman! That took half an hour!
In just a few seconds, Robbie's tie have been undone. "What are you doing?" Robbie refrained himself from screaming as he asked Helen.
"Hold still." Helen ordered, still not letting go of his tie. Not taking her eyes off from it, she then start tying it. She continues to do so until the tie began to have look close to an actual, properly fixed necktie.
"You know how to fix a tie?" Asked Robbie.
Helen nodded, still not taking her eyes off. "Been doing it for my dad every morning before he go to work."
You did?
"...And your mum?"
Helen paused. There was a very brief scowl shown on her face before it changed to a neutral look. "...She left." She then resumed her work on the tie.
"Sorry." Robbie looked away, feeling conflicted.
"It's okay. Aaaand done." Helen smiled, proud of her work. She then go back to her seat.
"Thanks." Robbie thanked her as he sit down. While eating his breakfast, he looked around again, feeling agitated. "Guys." He called out to his companion. He swallowed his food before asking. "I don't want to sound paranoid, but why do I keep getting a feeling that everyone around us want to kill me?"
With that, everyone stop with their current action. They're being silent and not making any eye contact. There was a murmur from Hilda, but Robbie couldn't make out a word from it. Until Natsumi began narrowing her eyes at Shirayuki, Hilda, and J.J.. "You guys didn't tell him?"
This oughta be good…
"Tell me what?"
"Remember back in the Initiation when the Goliath chased us?" Rebecca asked him.
"You mean when he nearly got us killed by the Goliath?" Yvonne snapped, clearly irritated.
Robbie didn't pay Yvonne's fury any heed. "Yeah. Why?" He asked Rebecca.
"You remember what it did before it chased us?"
Let's see… I was taking a piss, Goliath inside a lake, was pissed at me, I fired Ice arrows, it chased me, I ran back to the temple where every- Wait a minute-
"The temple. The relics. Is that it?" Robbie asked. Rebecca, along with her partner, Natsumi, and the S and P of SPHR confirmed with a nod. "So basically, everyone else wants to kill me because I made the Goliath destroy the temple, burying the rest of the relics, making it harder for them to finish the Initiation. Right?"
"Yeah, pretty much." Said Helen.
Robbie sighed, feeling relieved. "Thank Oum. I thought they were pissed because they're jealous of me killing the Goliath."
"Hey! We helped!" Natsumi interjected.
Robbie bowed at Natsumi's direction. "And I'm eternally grateful for your assist."
Natsumi was about to make a retort, but she didn't get a chance to do so when Yvonne slammed her fist to the table hard, causing nearly everyone around to flinched.
"You think that was funny?!" Yvonne yelled at Robbie, enraged. "We risked our lives fighting that Grimm! My partner almost got killed!" She motioned her hand at Natsumi. "So was my friend!" She motioned her other hand to Hilda. "And everyone else! One or two of us would have been dead all because you cheated!"
Cheated?
Robbie is now clearly confused. In what way he could have cheated in the Initiation to give him an advantage? It's not like the Initiation has a 1st place winner. "What are you talking about? 'Cheated' how?"
"Don't try to act dumb! You knew how the Initiation is going to be!"
Robbie scoffed, unfazed by her accusation. "Yeah. So did everyone else before it started. What, you didn't pay attention to what Professor Arc said?"
Yvonne gritted her teeth. "Oh, I remember alright. I also remember that he never told us how the team selection will be made."
"Okay. So I knew about that. How is that me cheating?" Robbie made an emphasis on the word 'cheating'.
Yvonne placed her hand at Hilda's shoulder. "Hilda Volsun A.K.A The Unstoppable Force. Three time champion of Mistral Regional Tournament. Sanctum's top of the graduate, first place. Five sponsorship from big corporate. Any team that she's in will be considered the strongest." At that statement, Robbie then knew what she meant.
WHAT?!
Robbie glared at Yvonne. "You think that I want to be with her?" He pointed at Hilda without breaking the eye contact with Yvonne. "After all the trouble she caused to me? This morning?" Hilda shrunk at Robbie's word. "Yesterday? And the day before? Especially the day before?"
Yvonne convinced that Robbie is telling the truth. However, there's still something that bothers her. "Then why did you choose the same relic?"
"I didn't. He did." Robbie pointed his thumb to his partner. Yvonne was flabbergasted at his answer. Before she could say anything, Robbie added. "The only reason I agreed with him is because I was not in a mood for any argument." He took a cup of drink from his tray and emptied it down his throat. Putting the empty cup on his tray, he then picked the said tray up. "I only told four people. And they're sitting with you right now." Said Robbie before he leaves.
…
Beacon Armory, 08:52 am
Despite the name, the armory of Beacon Academy does not contain any weapon of sort. It does however contains various tools and machine for the construction or maintenance of weapons. All of which is placed to side. At the center, there are 2 rows of large square tables, 5 tables on each rows. Each table have 4 stool. With a large desk and a blackboard, the armory seems to looks more like a normal classroom than an armory. As the matter of fact, the armory is a classroom, serve to teach the student of Beacon 1 subject in particular; Armory. This subject is specialize in the study of weapons. It teaches the Hunter-in-training everything there is need to know about weapon.
And this will be the first class that the 1st Year going to attend on their first official schooling day at Beacon.
Robbie is the first of his team to reach the armory. 2 of the tables are already filled, presumably a full team. He chose to sit at the far back of the class, away from the blackboard in front. This means that team SPHR will be sitting on the left side in the back of the armory, aka the classroom.
The moment he sit down, his Aura sense immediately picking up sudden spikes from everyone in the room.
Still mad at me huh. Whatever. Not the first time I pissed off this many people.
Aura sense. One of the most convenient skill that Robbie have in his skill-sets. Probably too convenient. From the name alone, its capability does seem simple and straightforward. However, nothing that Robbie have learned is simple and straightforward. In other words, Aura sense does more more than allowing a person to sense Aura.
Robbie was trained of mastering this skill to its fullest. With it, he's capable of not only to sense people's Aura, but to also understand the properties and aspects of their Aura. This includes the capacity, the strength, the form, and the condition.
Capacity and strength are defined by a person's physical form or feat, or both. Form are defined by a person's action and posture. Condition are defined by a person's thought, emotions, and will.
Thanks to this skill, he gains many advantages against other people. One of those advantage includes the ability to understand other people's emotion. In a manner of speaking, he knows how everyone is feeling; happy, angry, sad, depressed, afraid, and so on.
This is how he know that everyone in the armory are angry at him. This is how he know that the 1st Years in the dining hall are angry at him. This is how he know that the 1st Year boys in the male shower are angry at him.
Can't be much worse than this.
He tuned his Aura sense off, ignoring the murderous desire toward him. He could hears murmurs from several students, but he could only make out 3 words; 'screw-up', 'cheating', and 'Goliath'.
His partner soon arrived at the armory along with Shirayuki and Hilda, with team RHYN not far behind. Rebecca walk fast toward the table next to the one Robbie occupied. She is then joined with Helen, Yvonne, and to Robbie's surprise, Hilda. J.J. joined up with Shirayuki and Natsumi.
"What are you doing here?" Robbie asked Natsumi. "What's she doing here?" He then asked both his partner and leader.
"I sense conflict between you and my partner." Said Shirayuki. "Until the matter is resolved, I asked for a temporary exchange of a teammate between team Sapphire and team Rhine."
How thoughtful.
"But more importantly Robert-san…" Shirayuki glared dagger at Robbie.
"Yes?"
"Why did you chose a table in the far back?!" I could barely see the blackboard!" She scolded him.
"Sorry. But if it's that big of a deal, you could always sit on top of J.J.'s shoulder and- Nevermind." Robbie stop talking and turned away from Shirayuki after he saw a murderous look on her face. He then turned his attention to Natsumi. "So. What's with the male uniform?"
Natsumi looked away from Robbie, faint blush slowly appears on her face. "I tried my uniform last night. It was fine, but the skirt is a bit too short. So I asked for this instead."
"Eeeeh. Must be tough being this tall huh." Said Robbie, somewhat amazed and concerned.
"Sh- Shut up." The red on Natsumi's face deepened. As they're waiting for the teacher, Natsumi noticed that Robbie haven't took his eyes off from her. "Please stop staring at me." She asked him before turning her face away.
"Sorry." Robbie face the front of the class. Seconds later, Professor Agnes Goodwitch enter the class. Standing next to the desk in front, she scanned the room, looking at every single student right in their eye.
"Good morning everyone." The Headmistress greeted the 1st Years. "Now, before you begin your very first class in Beacon, there is one thing I would like to address first. The teacher for Armory is a new staff member of this academy. Not only this is her first time teaching at Beacon, this is also the first time she is teaching anyone. She is one of the most decorated Huntress to graduated from Beacon, who also happens to be one of the founding members of the Hunter's Guild." Many of the student began clamoring upon hearing that. "As such, I expect that every single one of you to treat her with the equal amount of respect as you did with senior staff."
Founding member, huh. Wonder what she's like…
Robbie focused his Aura sense to the new teacher outside of the armory, wanted to know what she is like. His faced turned white, paled the moment he picked up the new teacher's Aura.
Nonononono. It can't be…
The Headmistress turned to the door of the armory to call out the new teacher. "You may come in now, Miss Rose."
NONONONONONONONONONONO-
Short black hair with red highlight, silver eyes, and a red hood. That's what make Ruby Rose instantly recognizable. Black blazer, white shirt, black pants, and red ribbon on the neck are new.
Standing next to the Headmistress, Ruby smiled to the 1st Years as she meet their eyes. "Good morning everyone!" She cheerfully greeted them. "My name is Ruby Rose! I'm so happy to be here today!" Looking at the back, she then saw paled face, wide-eye Robbie. "Hi Robbie! How are you? Oh, you're in a same team with Shirayuki? Awesome!"
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
…
Beacon Dining Hall, 11:09 am
1st Period Break
"So, Miss Rose. What's your relationship with Rob here?"
Ruby sit with team SPHR and RHYN in the same table, much to Robbie's displeasure. Since then she's been pounded with numerous questions, which she answered diligently.
"Helen, is it? Well, I'm his guardian."
"Guardian?" Helen and Rebecca synchronously asked.
Robbie rested his head on the table, trying to tuned out the conversation next to him.
Whyyyyyyyyyy…..
"Yes, guardian. Though I can't tell you guys the details 'cos I don't think that Robbie would appreciate it." Said Ruby.
Oh now you care?
"You already ruined everything. Why stop there?"
Ruby was taken aback at Robbie's word. "Ruined what?"
Robbie lifted his head and faced Ruby, irritated. "That doesn't matter now. Why didn't you tell me that you're going to be here? At Beacon?!"
"Uuuh… Surprise?" Ruby smiled awkwardly
How the heck did someone like her becomes a Huntress?
Robbie face-palmed. "You're annoying, you know that?"
"I thought of the same thing when I first met her." A new voice caught the attention of Ruby, SPHR and RHYN. Ruby, Robbie, and Shirayuki was very surprised to see Weiss Schnee, accompanied with Penelope. "Greetings." Weiss smiled at the 3. The appearance of Weiss Schnee in the dining hall also have gained the attention of the rest.
"WEISS!" Ruby screamed, overjoyed before she run and hugged her former partner. She then released the hug. "What are you doing here?"
"A private matter to discuss with the Headmaster. But…" Weiss glanced at Robbie and Shirayuki. "Seeing that I'm early, I figured a small detour shouldn't be an issue." She slowly moved toward Shirayuki. "Congratulation. I am very proud of you, Shirayuki. I'm sure my sister will be happier than I am when she hear about this."
Shirayuki bowed. "Thank you, Ojou-sama."
Weiss then turned to Robbie, smiling. "Congratulation Robert."
"Thanks." Robbie plainly thanked her.
With the exception of Ruby, Shirayuki, and Penelope, everyone within the dining hall was fixated at the scene of a young man talking to a woman who happens to be a CEO of one of the biggest and the most powerful company on Remnant.
"Now then. Why don't you introduce us to your partner and team?" Weiss asked to both Robbie and Shirayuki.
Shirayuki nodded at Weiss' request. "Very well. Allow me to introduce you team Sapphire." She leads her to Hilda. "This is my partner, Hilda Volsun. I am sure that you heard of her."
"Miss Volsun." Weiss hold out her hand to Hilda. Hilda shook it. "I'm very honored to meet you."
Hilda blushed. "Thank you Miss Schnee."
"Miss Schnee." Robbie called for Weiss. "This is Joseph. My partner."
"Ma'am" J.J. bowed to Weiss. "My name is Joseph Jacob. Though I'm usually goes by the name J.J.."
Weiss chuckled. "My, what a gentleman. Your kind are really rare this day."
"Hehe. Thank you ma'am."
"But I am curious." Weiss placed her right hand on her chin, examining J.J. as if she's investigating him. "What's a Pluck like you doing here all the way from Atlas?"
"How-"
"I've met your uncle before." Weiss explained. "Kind, heartwarming. Can't never stop talking about his family, even you. Especially you. He even showed me photos."
J.J. laughed awkwardly. "Yeah. Uncle Speed's charming that way."
"Indeed he is." Said Weiss. "It's a shame that he won't accept my offer. I would love to see Iron/Schnee and Lightning Star Foundation work together for a better future. Do you think another visit will change his mind?"
"Uncle Speed is always stubborn, but it's not him you should be worry about, ma'am."
"Ohh?" Weiss perked. "Then who should I be concerned off, if you don't mind?"
"My mum."
"I see. Very well. Thank you Joseph."
"Ojou-sama." Weiss moved toward Shirayuki. "I would like to introduce you to team Rhine. They are friend who I have met back in the Initiation and the day before."
Rebecca stood up, bowing to Weiss. "Miss Schnee! Ma'am!" The rest of team RHYN stood up and bowed too, mimicking their leader's action.
Before Weiss could respond to team RHYN's show of respect, Penelope appeared next to her with a scroll on hand. "Madame, we should move now."
Weiss nodded at her maid's request. "Very well." She turned to Shirayuki. "I have to go now. Take care."
"Likewise." Said Shirayuki after a bow. She move back to the dining table after Weiss left. Before she could sit down, Robbie is tugging her sleeve.
"Can we talk?"
"Yes?"
"In private." Robbie clarified.
They both exited the hall, and stop right in front of the door. Fortunately for Robbie, no one is around. "How much do you know about me?" He asked.
"Pardon?"
He exhaled. "Look. Miss Rose knows a lot about me before she even met me. And this is because Miss Schnee knows a lot about me. So does Mister and Missus Arc. So does Ozpin." He then gripped at Shirayuki's shoulders gently. "So I'm gonna ask you again. How much do you know?"
"I only know of two things." Despite being pressed by Robbie, she managed to calmly answer him. "That you have a complicated family situation. And that you are under the care of Rose-sensei."
"Oh? And what's so complicated about my family situation?" He pressed on.
"I was not told."
Looks like I can trust you after all.
Thanks to Aura sense, Robbie knows that Shirayuki is telling the truth. Her calm and peaceful emotion isn't conflicted with her answer. Knowing that, he let go of her shoulders. "Okay. I believe you. There's one more thing I want to ask though."
"Very well. What is it?"
"The maid, Penelope. Was she a Huntress?"
Shirayuki shook her head. "I do not know. Why?"
"Her Aura. It felt like it's sleeping. Dormant. But I can tell that it's powerful."
"You can sense that?" Shirayuki asked, her tone a that of a slight surprise.
"Yeah, pretty much. Come on." Robbie walked to the door of the dining hall.
"Robert-san." Robbie stopped. He's an inch away from entering the hall when his leader called him. "I need to talk to you about Shirayuki."
Now?...
"Can it wait? I'm kinda need to-"
"I need to talk to you. Right. NOW."
Yes, Supreme Leader.
…
Headmaster's Office, 11:49 am
Sitting close to the front side of Ozpin's desk, Weiss is focusing on one of 3 holo-screen displayed on the desk. She is currently watching a video of Robbie facing a horde of Beowolves and Ursi during the Initiation.
"Remarkable." Weiss commented. She then divert her attention to the next holo-screen playing a video of Robbie obliterating a Goliath using a floating stone pillar charged with Dust. "Is that his semblance?" She asked.
"It's a possibility." Ozpin, who is on his chair, answered. "Though we're not fully certain." He added.
Switching to the last holo-screen, Weiss view the images with malice. "Have you or anyone approach him about this?"
"No." Ozpin took a small sip from the cup in his hand after answering Weiss. She then gave him a questioning look. "Miss Schnee, I doubt I'll convinced you, but rest assured that I have the boy's best interest in mind."
Weiss sighed. "I hope you do. Now onto another matter. I've received report from Chief Belladonna regarding the investigation of the dock. It appears there is another culprit involved. Fortunately for Mister Lockhood, his isolated testimony has confirmed that the Grimm Archer is not involved with the theft of Leonhart Tech's assets."
"Then the boy is innocent."
"He is." Said Weiss. However, she seems to be somewhat irksome. "But that's not what I'm worried about. The investigation revealed that the other culprit is using armed droids. Armed droids!" She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Five years since the ban on droid weaponizing are in effect. People felt safer than they ever did before. Now, someone show up not only with weaponized mechanical puppets, they even have the nerve to steal from the same company that enforced the ban." She then covered her face with her left hand. "I'm worried, professor. I'm worried that this might another-"
"Project Orion." Ozpin finished her statement. "Then we must do everything that we can to prevent it. Is there any way for you to track the stolen assets?"
"There is, fortunately." Weiss took out her scroll. "One of the scientist involved with the assets sent me a message yesterday. According to him, the micro-safe that's holding the assets has a dormant beacon planted within. On the event that the safe isn't opened with proper authorization within the certain time limit, the beacon will be activated and send signals every twenty-four hours."
"Twenty-four hour?" Ozpin cocked a brow.
"To avoid the thieves from possibly detecting the signal." She clarified. "Once we receive the signal, we'll have the assets' location as well as the thieves'. Unfortunately, the time limit was not specified."
Ozpin nodded affirmatively. "So for now, we wait. But… If this is something similar to Project Orion, then we can't take any risk. If bad comes to worse, then we have to assemble the people who helped taking down Orion."
"Everyone?" Weiss glanced to the direction where Penelope stood.
"Everyone." Ozpin nodded, confirming his previous statement.
"Very well. I'll inform Lowe." Weiss' floatchair carried her away from Ozpin's desk. "It was nice meeting you, professor. Though I wished that was with good news."
...
Amphitheater, 03:04 pm
Arena
In the past, the subject Combat Studies had always took place in the Amphitheater. However, due to the need of providing student a more, fast-paced experiences, a new studying environment is needed. Thanks to the funding by Iron/Schnee, a brand new building was built within Beacon's ground for that purpose; The Arena.
Made with the top-of-the-line techs, the Arena is considered to be one of Beacon's greatest and prized addition in educating the future Huntsman and Huntress. The building is a massive, grey, honeycomb patterned dome in design. The inside of the building resembles that of Amity Colosseum, though down-scaled to certain degree. While the center arena are in same size as Amity, it lacks the biomes function. Instead, the area where the biomes would appear are replaced 4 smaller arenas. The number of seats are also smaller, only 5 rows of seats surrounding the arena, to closely match the maximum number of people occupying Beacon, both the staffs and the students.
But of course, with such grand facility for Combat Studies, an equally grand teacher is needed to better guide the student. Thankfully, such teacher does exist. And her name is Pyrrha Arc.
Teaching the Hunters-in-training in combat has been one of the best thing that Pyrrha Arc could have done in all of her life. Second when compared to being engaged in the combat herself. While she doesn't think that her teaching hold a candle to when compared to the previous professor, she likes to think that she is doing a great job in her own way. Once again, she'll prove her teaching capacity to a new generation of hunters.
"Everyone! Welcome to Combat Studies!" Standing on the center of the arena, she welcomed the 1st Years, who have changed into their personalized Hunter's outfit. All of the 1st Years are seating in one quarter of the arena's seating rather than spreading around. Team SPHR is sitting in one row with team RHYN on the same row. "Now, before we begin, I would like to show you this." She tapped her scroll.
All of the sudden a giant holo-screen appears above the arena facing the 1st Years. From the top of the display, Robbie's mugshot and full name is displayed, followed by Hilda's, J.J.'s, Helen's, Shirayuki's, Rebecca's, Natsumi's, and Yvonne's. The rest of the 1st Years' are followed by in no particular order. What raises everyone's curiosity is the '1st' logo next to Robbie's name, followed '2nd' next to Hilda's name, '3rd' next to J.J.'s, '4th' for Helen, and the rest of the number next to the name displayed.
What the- Ranking? Leaderboard? Why am I first?
"I'm sure that some of you know of this." Said Pyrrha.
No.
"For those who don't, please pay attention." She cleared her throat before beginning her explanation. "This is Beacon Leaderboard for the First Year students. We have one for the Second Year, Third Year, and the Fourth Year students. This Leaderboard ranks you based on your academic achievements, grades, performance, disciplinary output, and attitude. All during your period of time in Beacon. The better you are, the higher you'll be placed on the Leaderboard."
It was at this point that everyone began staring at Robbie, including the SPH and RHYN. "Why's he the first?" Someone asked while pointing at Robbie.
Yeah, what he said.
"This current ranking is based on your performance back in the Initiation." She tapped her scroll several times until the display of the holo-screen changed, showing a video of Robbie taking on a horde of Grimm before J.J. shows up, becoming his partner. "I believe that Mister Lockhood has proven himself worthy of the number one spot." Pyrrha saw Rebecca raised her hand. "Yes, Miss Gordon?"
"How and when do we know if someone is doing well enough to get higher on the rank?"
Pyrrha tapped her scroll again and the holo-screen disappears. "The Leaderboard is updated every week, on Monday. You can use your scroll to check the Leaderboard."
"And what are the benefits of being high on the rank?" Rebecca asked again, without raising her hand.
"Well, there are quite a lot. But you'll find out soon enough. Yes, Mister Lockhood?"
Robbie lowered his hand after Pyrrha noticed him. "Yeah. What's she doing here?" He pointed at Ruby who is sitting next to him.
"Hey!" Ruby yelled.
"Mister Lockhood. I'm sure you are aware that Miss Rose will be teaching you and the rest of the student for the very first time." Stated Pyrrha. "Since she doesn't know the ropes of teaching, she be joining the rest in every class you'll be attending."
Okay, make sense.
"Now then." Pyrrha snapped her scroll closed. "Normally for your first day as a student, you don't really need to do much. But, since we still have more time, I would like to suggest a friendly sparring. Just between two students."
Everyone has a mixed reaction. Some are surprised, others are shocked. Only a few are excited. Rebecca happens to be one of the few.
"Professor! Me! Pick me!" Rebecca is the first to stand up, raise her hand, and shout out her desire. In fact, she is the only one to do so.
Pyrrha admired the enthusiasm of the leader of team RHYN. "Very well then. Come on down, Miss Gordon." At that, Rebecca disappeared from her seat and suddenly reappeared next to the professor.
Teleportation?! Well, good luck to anyone fighting her.
Pyrrha opened her scroll again and checked one a certain information. "Miss Rebecca Gordon. Let's see; top graduate of Signal Academy first rank, and a runner-up in Patch Iron Fist Tournament at the age of fifteen." Pyrrha smiled at Rebecca, impressed by her achievement. "Impressive, Miss Gordon. Now the, let's find you an opponent…"
"Actually…" Rebecca cuts in. "I wanna fight him." She pointed at someone among the students. Everyone looked at where she's pointing to see that it is Robbie. "The Number One."
Oh, sonnuva-
BEACON ACADEMY
STUDENT PROFILE
STUDENT ID: R359
BASIC PROFILE:
NAME: GORDON, REBECCA
AGE: 17
RACE: HUMAN
GENDER: FEMALE
CITIZENSHIP: VALE
RESIDENT:
PATCH (CURRENT)
TRAITS:
COMPLEXION: FAIR
HEIGHT: 5'7"
HAIR COLOR: RED
EYE COLOR: BLUE
NOTABILITY:
PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED ACADEMY: SIGNAL
KNOWN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
-Top of the graduate (1st)
REMARKS*:
BEACON ACADEMY
STUDENT PROFILE
STUDENT ID: H086
BASIC PROFILE:
NAME: LANCE, HELEN
AGE: 17
RACE: HUMAN
GENDER: FEMALE
CITIZENSHIP: VALE
RESIDENT:
PATCH (CURRENT)
TRAITS:
COMPLEXION: FAIR
HEIGHT: 5'5"
HAIR COLOR: LIGHT BLONDE
EYE COLOR: BLUE
NOTABILITY:
PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED ACADEMY: SIGNAL
KNOWN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
-Top of the graduate (3rd)
REMARKS*:
BEACON ACADEMY
STUDENT PROFILE
STUDENT ID: Y001
BASIC PROFILE:
NAME: BERTINELLI, YVONNE
AGE: 17
RACE: HUMAN
GENDER: FEMALE
CITIZENSHIP: MISTRAL
RESIDENT:
MISTRAL (CURRENT)
TRAITS:
COMPLEXION: FAIR
HEIGHT: 5'11"
HAIR COLOR: BLACK
EYE COLOR: BLUE
NOTABILITY:
PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED ACADEMY: SANCTUM
KNOWN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
-Top of the graduate (4th)
REMARKS*:
BEACON ACADEMY
STUDENT PROFILE
STUDENT ID: N200
BASIC PROFILE:
NAME: YAMASHIRO, NATSUMI
AGE: 17
RACE: FAUNUS (BLACK WOLF)
GENDER: FEMALE
CITIZENSHIP: MISTRAL
RESIDENT:
MISTRAL (CURRENT)
TRAITS:
COMPLEXION: PALE
HEIGHT: 6'6"
HAIR COLOR: BLACK
EYE COLOR: BLACK
NOTABILITY:
PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED ACADEMY: MASAMUNE SCHOOL OF SWORDSMANSHIP
KNOWN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
-Top of the graduate (7th)
-Master swordsmith (rank: Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho)
REMARKS*:
WARNING! LONG AUTHOR NOTES AHEAD!
Hello everyone. I'm back. It's been a very long time, eh? I won't be explaining myself. I do however have something big to share with you. Trust me, it'll worth your time.
Before that, noticed that I've changed the title of this fanfic? Well the reason is because some else used the same title. To avoid confusion, I've decided to be the bigger man and changed the title.
Now, onto the something big.
So, last December 20th, I was attending a local convention called Comic Fiesta. It's one of the biggest event in Malaysia. There's quite a number of special guests; cosplayers, artists, all the usual. For Comic Fiesta 2015 however, it's very special for me because one of the guest happened to be Kristina Nguyen. If you have to ask who Kristina Nguyen is, then you're not a RWBY fan.
Just kidding, just kidding.
Anyway, Kristina wasn't just there to sign pictures or photos or whatnot. She actually has her own panel regarding her works related to RWBY. She shared all of her works from Volume 1 & 2 post productions and very few from Volume 3 to avoid spoilers. During the panel, attendees are allowed to ask questions related to the show's production. We didn't have to worry for spoilers since she isn't working directly on the story writing. Plus, she hasn't watch any episode from Vol. 3 since she wanted to binge the volume once the final episode finished airing.
Now, most from Volume 1 are drawings of the world of Remnant itself; buildings, environments, you know. She showed architectural drawing of the city of Vale, Beacon, and team RWBY's dorm. Someone was bold enough to her Miss Nguyen this;
"Where's the bathroom?"
Needless to say, all of the attendees laughed, including me. The guys reasoning behind the question is that he is curious. And everyone agreed, including me. I'm sure many of guys are too.
Well, according to Miss Nguyen, the bathroom is separate from the room. Think of it like communal bathrooms in college. So there you have it. 1 mystery solved.
For Volume 2, there's really nothing special. In fact, there's nothing that you guys don't know already. So, let move on to Volume 3
For Volume 3, it's mostly everything that we've already seen before the 1st episode aired. BTW, the whole Amity Colosseum looked like Beyblade is actually intentional. Then again, I'm sure many of you already knew that.
Now, here's the biggest one. Related to Qrow. According to Miss Nguyen, Qrow's hairstyle is based off Sasuke. And speaking of a character from Naruto, Miss Nguyen stated that Qrow's personality is suppose to be that of a drunk, pervy old man type of a character like Jiraiya. She didn't specifically said or mentioned the name Jiraiya, but someone did, and she agreed.
And that's it. Nothing new or special, but I felt like it's worth sharing. Whether you believe me or not, that's up to you.
Now, for something important related to this fanfic. With the release of Volume 3, I've been considering of much of Volume 3 will be canon in this fanfic. Rather than telling everything to you guys, I've decided to let you guys to find out on your own as the story progress. But if you're really curious, the let me tell you this;
NOT A LOT FROM VOLUME 3 WILL MAKE INTO THIS FANFIC. LIKE, 90% OF IT.
Do keep in mind that this fanfic was written before Volume 3 was even announced.
Anyway, that's it from me. Do expect a release of Unauthorized some time this week. Or the week after.
See you guys next time!